Amendment 01 Response to RFIs.docx

127EAS24Q0020 Mosquito and Caldor Fire Seed Collections Request for Information and Response 02/13/2024

Question:

We see that there are 110 individual collections with each requiring a collection from three or more different sites (> .25 miles apart) and within the PSZ. 4.1.4 says that bulking is correct for the samples of each species within the PSZ so we are assuming 110 collection bags with records showing all 330+ sites. Is this accurate?

Response:

1) We will remove the “3 or more different sites” requirement, given that 330 sites is not practicable to given the scale and complexity of this project. However, contractors are encouraged to collect from more than one site per seed-lot if possible and may need to collect from more than one site to meet weight requirements. The seed-lot definition should be changed to the following:

Seed Lot: the bulked seeds of one species within a provisional seed zone. Seed lots may contain bulked seeds from multiple collection sites for the specified species.

To answer the question directly, seed from each seed-lot should be bulked for a given species, meaning seed from different sites within the same seed lot can be bulked/mixed together. This will result in a total of 110 collection bags. If seeds are collected from multiple sites, records showing all sites should be submitted with the bulked seed bag for that seed lot.

Question:

The specs say that the government is responsible for final cleaning, testing, and weighing of delivered seed but rough field cleaning is to be performed by the contractor up to a 90% purity standard. We are convinced that the 90% standard for many species, especially those to be collected in larger quantities, will require more than field sieves, screens, etc… Can we assume that the collections will be going to our facility for cleaning as we have small machines that can assist and expedite the cleaning in a controlled environment? (90% + is usually clean by our standards) Conversely, are we to assume that the government is expecting hand cleaned seed only, to a quality of 90% purity right out of the field? Last, we assume that the final weights in the specs are inclusive of seed that the government will extract for testing?

Response:

We are removing the “hand screened” requirement. Seeds should be cleaned to the 90% purity standard, but the government will not dictate how this will be completed. Seed may be transported to contractor facilities for cleaning. We do not expect cleaning to take place in the field.

The final weights are inclusive of seeds extracted for testing.

Question:

The specs call out seed to be delivered in stapled paper bags. For most grasses (larger seed) and many forbs, we prefer poly sacs and a sewing gun. Would these be allowed? Even with smaller seeds, we typically use paper or Ziplocs that we place in poly sacs and sew. We can do either, no problem.

Response:

We are removing the “stapled paper bag” requirement and leave transport and storage processes to the discretion of contractors, who we expect will be operating under industry standards.

Question:

Regarding specimen samples, is the government asking for 330+ pair of samples or 110 samples?

Response:

110 mples

Question:

Is it safe to assume that permission to collect the seed has already been granted and will not be a requirement for the project?

Response:

Yes. Because we are paying you to collect seeds, you will not need a permit as long as you are collecting on Eldorado National Forest lands.

Question:

Have the collection locations been identified and do you have a sense for the number, size and quality of the collection areas?

Response:

This is mostly answered in the solicitation. We will provide some information on collection site locations, but this will likely be minimal. The contractor should factor in site scouting for this work. All of the species we selected are commons species, and shouldn’t be hard to find.

Question:

Will the Forest Service be providing botany support on this including assistance with confirmation of species identification, potentially helping to monitor for seed ripeness and helping to facilitate access to collection locations?

Response:

We will be available to help when we can, but the expectation is that the contractor be able to complete 100% of the work on their own. I am hoping to hire two seed interns who will loosely work alongside/support contract activities (ex: scouting to identify potential sites), and it’s possible that they could periodically help with phenology checks (but not a guarantee). We haven’t done any hiring yet and may not be able to fill these positions, so overall the contractor should plan to be completely independent.

Question:

Is it safe to assume that the requirements include cleaning and testing the seeds collected?

Response:

See the RFP for details Question:

Is the order in bulk or PLS pounds.

Response:

Bulk