127EAV23R0002 Region 3 CERCLA Environmental Services Received 3.22 final.pdf

Questions 127EAV23R0002 Region 3 CERCLA Environmental Services

Continuation Received 3.8.2023

30. On page 15 of the file 127EAV23R0002 2.24.23.pdf, the USFS states, “A map of the Region depicting National Forests and Grasslands is provided herein as Attachment B. Contractors shall demonstrate the ability to fulfill the required tasks with in-house personnel or subcontracted partners.” The file includes Attachment D. However, no other attachments are included. Can the USFS please provide Attachment B and any other attachments (e.g., Attachment A and Attachment B) that may be missing?

RESPONSE: There is no Attachment A or Attachment B. A map is not included in the solicitation;

however, an image of the Southwestern Region is provided below. The Southwestern Region consists of national forests in Arizona and New Mexico, and Grasslands in Oklahoma and Texas. Additional written description is provided in the solicitation.

Section D provided one form and three (3) MS Excel Spreadsheets as attachments to Section D as follows:

SECTION D – ATTACHMENTS

Attachment

Number Description Number of Pages

D.1 2023 1112 Contractor Reference Form 1 D.2 2023 1112 Env Services IDIQ Schedule of Items Equipment.xlsx 1 D.3 2023 1112 Env Services IDIQ Schedule of Items Materials.xlsx 1 D.4 2023 1112 Env Services IDIQ Schedule of Items Personnel.xlsx 5

31. The solicitation contained in the file 127EAV23R0002 2.24.23.pdf has two “types” of fee schedules that appear to require input from the bidder. One type is presented in Section A-1 and the others are provided as three (3) MS Excel Spreadsheets provided as attachments to Section D. In Section E.1.2.B. on page 90 of 93, the USFS states “The price proposal shall follow the format and instructions listed in Section A.1 - Schedule of Items. This may be supplemented by a contractor’s own rate schedule. For evaluation purposes, the following criteria will be considered in determining the offeror who provides the best value to the Government. 1. The labor rate for all categories of labor will be evaluated, although the rates for professional services will be of greater importance.”. Instructions, evaluation criteria, and the requirement for filling out and submitting the schedules provided as MS Excel Spreadsheets in Section D are not included in the solicitation.

Is it the USFS intent to have both of these schedules filled out and submitted as part of the Business Proposal?

RESPONSE: Only the excel formats are required for the Business Proposal. FIRMS can disregard the Section A.1-Schedule of Items to provide rate schedules for Personnel and Equipment.

32. In the Notes to Section A on page 12 of 93 of the file 127EAV23R0002 2.24.23.pdf, the USFS states: “If firms submit a Rate Schedule in lieu of Section B-1, Schedule of Items, the Rate Schedule shall not supersede the Notes for Section B or any provisions or clauses within this solicitation or resulting contract. Firms shall submit a Rate Schedule in of Section B-1, Schedule of Items, If firms submit a Rate Schedule in addition of Section B-1, Schedule of Items, the Rate Schedule shall not supersede the Notes for Section B or any provisions or clauses within this solicitation or resulting contract.” Can the USFS clarify which Rate Schedule(s) are referred to as Section B-1 does not contain Rate Schedules and there are two “types” of Rate Schedules included in the solicitation (Section A-1 and Section D)?

RESPONSE: Only the excel formats in Section D are required for the Business Proposal. FIRMS can disregard the Section A.1-Schedule of Items to provide rate schedules for Personnel and Equipment.

33. Although specific page and line limits have been set for specific portions of the submittals/response there are not global page number restrictions for the submittals (e.g., the Technical Proposal shall not exceed X pages). Considering the language in Section E.1.1 on page 82 of 93 of the file 127EAV23R0002 2.24.23.pdf, does the USFS intend to limit page counts on any or all of the responses/submittals?

RESPONSE: The Government will accept a maximum page limit of 500 pages for each sample report/deliverables in the scenarios. No page limit on the overall Technical Proposal. A folder will be available for FIRM to submit their proposals.

34. In Section E.1.2-A.(3)(d) on page 85 of 93 of file 127EAV23R0002 2.24.23.pdf, the USFS states “Provide the name, experience, and qualifications of other service providers such as laboratories, transporters, and subcontractors.” Can the experience and qualifications of the firms teaming partners be included in the response to the subsequent sections contained in Section E.1.2-A.(4) on page 85?

RESPONSE: Project information should identify experience, qualifications of other service providers, project names completed by the Firm (Prime contractor) and those projects completed by team partners/subcontractors. The proposal should state whether the project was completed by the FIRM (prime) and/or teaming partners. If project was completed by both FIRM and teaming partners, list an approximate percentage of work completed by FIRM and approximate percentage of work completed by teaming partners.

35. Are projects that can the firm include currently in progress with some completed and some ongoing tasks in the response to Section E.1.2-A.(4)(a) on page 85 of 93 of file 127EAV23R0002 2.24.23.pdf, or are the projects to be included in response to this section to be completed?

RESPONSE: FIRMS can include projects currently in progress.

36. Similar to above, can the firm include projects that are currently in progress with some completed and some ongoing tasks in the response to Section E.1.2-A.(4)(b) on pages 85 and 86 of file 127EAV23R0002 2.24.23.pdf, or are the projects to be included in response to this section to be completed?

RESPONSE: Yes, FIRM can include projects that are currently in progress with some completed and some ongoing tasks.

37. In Section E.1.2-A.(4)(c) on page 86 of 93 of file 127EAV23R0002 2.24.23.pdf, the USFS requests that for responses to E.1.2-A.(4)(a) and (b) the firm name, point of contact (POC) name, address and phone number be included. Please clarify the request. Is the USFS requesting the name, POC name, address, and phone number of the firm conducting the work, the client, or the end client/owner?

RESPONSE: The “firm name” is the client/agency name. It is the client/agency contact information for the client/agency who the FIRM performed the work for.

38. Are you able to advise how the Forest Service would like us to present our past performance of a teaming partnership of two companies? For reference, Section 4 of the Technical Proposal instructions states “ Provide past performance of the firm within the last 3 years. From most recent to oldest, include a maximum of up to 25 projects for this requirement; but do not include any projects costing less than $15,000. However, if the last 25 projects are not representative of your firm’s capability – then you may include up to 10 of the 25 projects from any time within the last 3 years.” Is there a certain method you would like us to use to select projects from both firms?

RESPONSE: No certain method to select projects from both firms, however, identify the name of the firm next to the project name.

39. The solicitation instructions indicate that firms are to use A.1: SCHEDULE OF ITEMS to submit pricing; are the Excel pricing sheets attached to this solicitation (2023 1112 Env Services IDIQ Schedule of Items Personnel.xlsx; 2023 1112 Env Services IDIQ Schedule of Items Materials.xlsx;

2023 1112 Env Services IDIQ Schedule of Items Equipment.xlsx) also to be completed and included for our final submittal? The labor, equipment, and materials items differ on A.1. SCHEDULE OF TEMS and the Excel pricing sheets.

RESPONSE: Only the excel formats in Section D are required for the Business Proposal. FIRMS can disregard the Section A.1-Schedule of Items to provide rate schedules for Personnel and Equipment.

40. Does the Prime firm need to be registered in Arizona?

RESPONSE: As stated in the solicitation, “Unless otherwise noted in Section B of this contract, professional registration of key personnel is desirable but not required.

However, the Contractor shall ensure compliance where applicable laws and regulations require work to be carried out under the direction of a State-registered geologist or engineer.

For As-Built Drawings, “Preparation of As-built drawings signed and stamped by State Registered Professional Engineer in the applicable jurisdiction where the project is located.” If the project is in Arizona, the As-Built Drawings must be signed by an Arizona Registered Professional Engineer, which can be a prime firm or subcontractor.

41. Page 85, Section (3) SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS OF KEY PERSONNEL requests the resumes for the “Project Manager and key personnel (Geologist, Engineer)”—please clarify if only the Project Manager, Senior Geologist, and Senior Engineer resumes need to be included or if the Forest Service would like other key personnel resumes, and if so, which labor titles must be included?

RESPONSE: Include only key personnel as defined by the FIRM, however, at a minimum include the Senior Engineer, Senior Geologist, Project Managers, and Program Managers.

42. Will it be acceptable for one person on the team to fulfill more than one labor title/category?

RESPONSE: Yes, it is acceptable.

43. Regarding Page 85, (4) TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE AND PAST PERFORMANCE OF THE FIRM, please clarify: Does this require a list of our firms 25 most recent projects regardless of scope, allowing us to substitute 10 projects of our choosing that are not the most recent but still within the last 3 years with projects representative of our experience?

RESPONSE: Yes, that is correct. For Section 4 (b), the Government will review the following:

“List any three projects completed within the last five years which are most representative of the following work activities outlined in Section B, Statement of work:

• Activity I : Site Assessment/Characterization

• Activity II : Removal Action Support

• Activity III : Removal Action Implementation

• Activity IV : Remedial Action Support

• Activity V : Remedial Action Implementation

• Activity VI : Enforcement Support, Task 1 PRP Investigation

• Activity VII: Other Technical Support and Services, Task 4, Real Property Acquisition and Conveyance Support

These projects may be the same as those listed above in Part A.4.a.”

44. Please confirm the only page limits specified for the submission are page limitations for resumes.

RESPONSE: The Government will accept a maximum page limit of 500 pages for each sample report/deliverables in the scenarios. No page limit on the overall Technical Proposal. A folder will

45. Section E – Provisions, E.1.2 Technical Proposal Instructions, A. Technical Proposal, (4) Technical Experience And Past Performance Of The Firm (b) requires submittal of three projects completed in the last five years. Would a project that is 90% complete qualify as a project completed in the past five years?

RESPONSE: Yes, the Government will accept a project that is 90% complete as a project completed in the past five years.

46. E.1.1 Proposal Format Section E.1.1 Proposal Format details that offerors should "follow page limits," but no page limit or count is specified in the solicitation. Is there a page limit for the two volumes of the proposal?

RESPONSE: The Government will accept a maximum page limit of 500 pages for each sample report/deliverables in the scenarios. No page limit on the overall Technical Proposal. A folder will

47. Activity III - Removal Action Implementation In the Activity III - Removal Action Implementation section the task number skips from Task 3 to Task 5. Is there a Task 4, or is there a typo in the numbering and Post Construction Removal Action Support should be Task 4?

RESPONSE: It is a typo. There are only 4 tasks. The correction is:

Task 4: Post Construction Removal Action Support

48. 452.228-71 Insurance Coverage (NOV 1996) part (d) Due to the unusual nature of the "Aircraft Public and Passenger Liability" insurance requirement, can the contractor submit this expense as part of TO Cost/Price? A similar question was asked in the USFS Region 5 Environmental Site Investigation and Cleanup IDIQ 12970223R0002, and the Government provided the following response: "The Government has considered this. The vast majority of the TOs will not require aircraft/helicopter support. Therefore, the Government has added language in Section B.6 and under the clause to stipulate the expense as part of the TO Cost/price."

RESPONSE: The vast majority of the TOs will not require aircraft/helicopter support. The government asks that contractor’s propose/stipulate the pricing as part of TO cost/price please highlight in pricing.

49. Part I – The Schedule, Section A - Supplies Or Services And Prices/Costs Do the Excel Schedule of Items (Materials, Equipment, and Personnel) files and the Labor and Equipment schedule in the Solicitation (pages 3-10) both need to be submitted? The excel files have additional categories that are not included in the Labor and Equipment schedules. Please provide direction.

50. Contractor Reference Form Please clarify that the Government requires the Reference Questionnaire Package only for the three relevant projects listed in A. Technical Proposal, (4) Technical Experience and Past Performance of The Firm, part b.

RESPONSE: That is correct. The Government does not require Contractor Reference Form for all 25 projects. The requirement is only for the three relevant projects.

51. Contractor Reference Form Please clarify that the Government does not require the Reference Questionnaire Package for all 25 projects listed in A. Technical Proposal, (4) Technical Experience and Past Performance of The Firm, part a.

RESPONSE: That is correct. The Government does not require Contractor Reference Form for all 25 projects. The requirement is only for the three relevant projects.

52. Schedule of Items worksheets Can items not applicable in the Excel Schedule of Items (Materials, Equipment, and Personnel) files be left blank?

RESPONSE: If the FIRM does not have an applicable item, then input “N/A” to notify the Government the FIRM has addressed the item.

53. Section E.1 Instructions to Offerors, third paragraph, alludes to “Service Areas”. Can the USFS clarify what is meant by Service Areas? Are these specific geographic locations that work will be performed, are Service Areas the same as “Activities” (types of environmental services) as described in the RFP. If geographic area(s), are service areas specific USFS units? Or are service areas state-specific? Please further-define service area for purposes of the RFP?

RESPONSE: A “Service Area” is a “national forest”. There are eleven national forests in the Southwestern Region.

54. Section E.1.1 – This section mentions page limits but does not state what they are. What are the page limits for Volume I and Volume II?

RESPONSE: The Government will accept a maximum page limit of 500 pages for each sample report/deliverables in the scenarios. No page limit on the overall Technical Proposal. A folder will

55. Section E.2 Basis of Award – The Solicitation indicates this will be a single award. Please confirm if it is a single or multiple award. If the intention is multiple awards, how many awards will be made? Are multiple awards contemplated for each “Activity”, or is a single award to be made for all RFP Activities?

RESPONSE: Yes, The Government intends to award a multiple award firm fixed-price IDIQ contract, two to four possible offerors. Please see amendment 001.

56. Does the work anticipated include emergency/rapid response and the RCRA compliant disposal of hazardous waste/materials? The excel attachments for pricing of Equipment and Materials tends to suggest the work involves the packaging and disposal of hazardous wastes/materials?

RESPONSE: No, the work does not include emergency/rapid response and the RCRA compliant disposal of hazardous waste/materials. The excel spreadsheet includes the rates for disposal of hazardous waste/materials compliant with RCRA, however, projects will be completed under the Forest Service CERCLA authority.

57. The Solicitation included a Contractor Reference Questionnaire Package as an attachment;

however, no mention of this form is included in the RFP. Instructions on the form indicate the reference questionnaire should be completed for each project. The Solicitation requests up to 25 projects. Please confirm that the USFS requires completed forms to be submitted? How many forms – is one for each project intended? Can existing recent Past Performance Questionnaires, PPIRS, or CPARS ratings be used in lieu of this form?

RESPONSE: FIRM shall submit a Contractor Reference Form for the three of the 25 projects. The Contractor Reference Form (D.1) is included in Section D as follows:

SECTION D – ATTACHMENTS

Attachment

Number Description Number of Pages D.1 2023 1112 Contractor Reference Form 1 D.2 2023 1112 Env Services IDIQ Schedule of Items Equipment.xlsx 1

58. The Solicitation Section A.1 – Schedule of Items includes proposed labor rates and equipment in a table imbedded in the Solicitation. The Solicitation also includes three excel files as attachments that also include Labor, Equipment and Materials. Which forms are to be completed and included in Volume II Price?

59. For past performance projects the Solicitation requests information for each project. This includes Point of Contact information such as “name, address and phone number”. Can we provide e-mail address in lieu of physical/mailing address?

RESPONSE: Yes, the Government will accept an email address in lieu of a physical mailing address.

60. Is past performance restricted to only the prime contractor? Can past performance of subcontractors be provided, and if so, how will that be included in the most recent 25 projects?

RESPONSE: The Government does not require Contractor Reference Form for all 25 projects. The requirement is only for the three relevant projects. Past performance is restricted to prime contractor.

61. Under Section A-2 Response to Sample Site Scenarios (Technical Approach) the first paragraph indicated that we are to provide a Work Plan and Sample Report for each of the three Scenarios.

However, Section A-6 Site Scenarios indicates the Work Plan is only for Scenario 1. Please confirm the Work Plan is only for Scenario 1. The RFP indicates instances where “generic” examples (HSP, SAP, QAPP) may be provided. Can the USFS clarify which plan(s) must be RFP scenario-specific vs plans that have been completed for similar projects and may be submitted to “generically” address the RFP requirement?

RESPONSE: Yes, that is correct. A Work Plan is only required for Scenario 1.

For Scenario 1 only, “note, a representative example of the Sampling and Analysis Plan, Quality Assurance Project Plan, and Health and Safety Plan, will be sufficient for the response to the scenario.”

For Scenario 2 and Scenario 3, “This may be an existing report, that is, one which you have prepared from a previous project.”

62. Given the number of Sample Reports to be submitted with our response the file size of our proposal is likely to be large. Can the USFS provide a drop box or other means for submittal of large files?

RESPONSE: A folder will be available for FIRM to submit their proposals.

63. Section E.1.1 states that offerors are advised to follow page limits and that pages that exceed the maximum page limitation will not be evaluated; however, a page limitation is not provided. What is the maximum page limitation and are resumes and responses to sample site scenarios included or excluded from the page count?

RESPONSE: The Government will accept a maximum page limit of 500 pages for each sample report/deliverables in the scenarios. No page limit on the overall Technical Proposal. A folder will be available for FIRM to submit their proposals.

64. Must all the 25 past performance projects submitted for Section E.1.2(4)(a) and the 3 projects submitted for Section E.1.2(4)(b) of the RFQ be from the prime or may some of the projects be from our subcontractor(s)?

RESPONSE: The Government will accept projects by both prime and subcontractors, however, the Government requires the FIRM distinguish between projects performed by the prime contractor and subcontractors.

65. The last sentence in Section E.1.2(4)(a) is incomplete; it states “For each project, provide the following information (not to exceed 10 lines per project):.” Please state what information is required for each project and clarify whether project identification information (such as the name of the project, client, contract no., etc.) is included in those 10 lines.

RESPONSE: As stated in the solicitation, the following is required for each project, and the 10 lines includes the project, client, contract number, etc). Some of this information can be listed in one line.

• Briefly describe the project.

• Dates of performance

• Indicate whether you were the prime or a subcontractor.

• Award amount of contract.

• Project name, firm name, point of contact name, address and phone number.

• Place an asterisk "*" by any job which is similar to the requirements of this solicitation. (Include specific previous experience in accomplishment of similar activities for Forest Service sites within the Southwestern Region

66. Can a BPA with multiple task order awards be considered a single project for Section E.1.2(4)(b) of the RFQ?

RESPONSE: It appears you have confused past performance with what is required for the technical proposal in E.1.2(4)(b). If this is the case this is acceptable for providing past performance information.

67. Are sample work plans required for all three sample site scenarios listed in Section E.1.2(6) of the RFQ or just for Scenario I?

RESPONSE: A Work Plan is only required for Scenario 1. See the “Deliverables” for each scenario.

68. There are fewer and different personnel and equipment categories listed in Section A.1 – Schedule than in the lists provided in the separate Excel documents, such as “2023 1112 Env Services IDIQ Schedule of Items Equipment.xls”. For example, Section A.1 lists “Engineer;” however, there are categories for Senior Project Engineer/PE, Project Engineer, Assistant Project Engineer, and Staff Engineer—but no “Engineer”— in the Excel sheet. How would you like us to manage these discrepancies?

RESPONSE: Only the excel formats in Section D are required for the Business Proposal. FIRMS can disregard the Section A.1-Schedule of Items to provide rate schedules for Personnel and Equipment.

69. Are we required to have a certified paralegal if our personnel have experience conducting PRP searches?

RESPONSE: The Government recommends a certified paralegal to conduct PRP searches, however, the FIRM may elect to have other experienced personnel perform some of the work under the supervision of a paralegal or other experienced staff with extensive PRP research experience.

70. Activity III Removal Action Implementation has four tasks listed; however, the numbering jumps from Task 3 on page 40 of the pdf to Task 5 on page 41 of the pdf. Please confirm a task is not missing.

71. Part I Section A.1 references Davis-Bacon Act; what General Decision number, State, and construction type will be used for pricing purposes?

RESPONSE: SCA Wage Determination 1995-0221 rev 59

Arizona: Davis-Bacon Act WD # AZ20220037 Heavy; AZ20220018 Heavy; AZ20220017 Heavy; AZ20220016 Heavy; AZ20220015 Heavy

New Mexico: Davis-Bacon Act WD # NM202300042 Heavy; NM202300038 Heavy;

NM202300012 Heavy; NM202300011 Heavy; NM20230009 Heavy

72. Attachment D.1 – 2023 1112 Contractor Reference Form: This form is not clearly referenced in the solicitation. Could the government please clarify its connection to the Technical Proposal?

RESPONSE: The Contractor Reference Form is used to complete the “Past Performance” requirement.

Section D provided one form and three (3) MS Excel Spreadsheets as attachments to Section D as follows:

SECTION D – ATTACHMENTS

Attachment

Number Description Number of Pages D.1 2023 1112 Contractor Reference Form 1 D.2 2023 1112 Env Services IDIQ Schedule of Items Equipment.xlsx 1

73. Can a PPQ or CPARS be substituted for Attachment D.1?

RESPONSE: The contractor reference form is preferred but Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQs) and CPARS are allowable.

74. Attachment D.1 – 2023 1112 Contractor Reference Form: Can the government please indicate which “relevant” projects this form pertains to? Does it pertain to up to 25 projects referenced on Page 85, Section 4, Part A, or just the three “most representative” projects described in Page 85, Section 4, Part B?

RESPONSE: Contractor Reference Form is just required for the three “most representative” projects described in Page 85, Section 4, Part B.

75. Attachment D.1 – 2023 1112 Contractor Reference Form: This unique form is due no later than Mach 23, 2023. Considering that up to 25 of these forms may need to be completed by several different government agencies it is unlikely that responses will all be received on time. Could the government please extend the due date for the receipt of the Reference Questionnaire?

RESPONSE: Contractor Reference Form is required for just the three “most representative” projects described in Page 85, Section 4, Part B. Yes, the Contracting Officer has issued the following in SAM.gov:

Updated Date Offers Due: Apr 05, 2023 04:00 pm MDT

76. Considering the total value of this IDIQ, and the capabilities of a Small Business to respond to an IDIQ solicitation, it is prohibitive to require a level of effort including up to dozens of Project Descriptions and Reference Questionnaire forms, and four Sample Site Scenarios. Would the government please consider substituting the Reference Questionnaires for CPARS or PPQs;

reducing the number of project completion list to up to five relevant projects; and reducing the number of Sample Site Scenarios to the first example, “Prepare Sample Work Plan?”

RESPONSE: Contractor Reference Form is just required for the three “most representative” projects described in Page 85, Section 4, Part B.

For clarification, a Site-specific Work Plan is only required for Scenario 1.

For Scenario 1 only, “note, a representative example of the Sampling and Analysis Plan, Quality Assurance Project Plan, and Health and Safety Plan, will be sufficient for the response to the scenario.”

77. Page 82, Section E.1.1: Page limitations are referenced in the “Proposal Format” section. However, no page limitations are provided in the solicitation. Could the government please clarify the page limitations?

RESPONSE: The Government will accept a maximum page limit of 500 pages for each sample report/deliverables in the scenarios. No page limit on the overall Technical Proposal. A folder will be available for FIRM to submit their proposals.

78. Page 85, A. Technical Proposal, (2) Response to Sample Site Scenarios: This section states that the offeror is “required to submit a Work Plan and a Sample Report for each of the sample sites scenarios outlined in Part A.6” (Referencing 6.A, Sample Site Scenarios). Note that each Scenario only has one deliverable listed: a work plan or a sample report. Please clarify.

RESPONSE: For clarification, a Site-specific Work Plan is only required for Scenario 1. Refer to the “Deliverables” in each scenario. Scenario 1 requires a Work Plan and a Sample Report.

For Scenario 1 only, “note, a representative example of the Sampling and Analysis Plan, Quality Assurance Project Plan, and Health and Safety Plan, will be sufficient for the response to the scenario.”

79. In Section A.1 – Schedule of Items, are we required to include pricing for all of the categories on the price schedule? Some of the items would be better priced or negotiated on specific task orders when more specific information could be given to us to better price the unit rate (i.e. – daily rate for a drill rig, lab rates, etc.). Since we are being evaluated on our rates, we would prefer to not include worst-case scenario rates if at all possible.

RESPONSE: The Government understands the concern, and projects will be performed as Task Orders as described in “Task Order Competition” in the solicitation. However, for the cost proposal, if the FIRM does not have an applicable item, then input “N/A” to notify the Government the FIRM has addressed the item.

80. In Section E – Provisions, E.2 – Technical Proposal Instructions, A – Technical Proposal, (1) – Response to Activities in Section B, the last sentence on page 84 of the final 127EAV23R0002 document includes verbiage on Team Subcontractors. Will qualifications/experience of Team Subcontractors count in the evaluation of Prime Contractor’s proposals?

RESPONSE: Project information should identify experience, qualifications of other service providers, project names completed by the Firm (Prime contractor) and those projects completed by team partners/subcontractors. The proposal should state whether the project was completed by the FIRM (prime) and/or teaming partners. If project was completed by both FIRM and teaming

81. In Section E – Provisions, E.2 – Technical Proposal Instructions, A – Technical Proposal, (2) – Response to Sample Site Scenarios, the general instructions (1st paragraph) tell us to prepare work plans and sample reports for each scenario. However, the actual scenarios themselves instruct us to do this for Scenario #1 only (the deliverables for scenarios #2 and #3 are to provide sample reports only). Please clarify.

RESPONSE: For clarification, a Site-specific Work Plan is only required for Scenario 1. Refer to the “Deliverables” in each scenario. Scenario 1 requires a Work Plan and a Sample Report.

For Scenario 1 only, “note, a representative example of the Sampling and Analysis Plan, Quality Assurance Project Plan, and Health and Safety Plan, will be sufficient for the response to the scenario.”

82. In Section E – Provisions, E.2 – Technical Proposal Instructions, A – Technical Proposal, (2) – Response to Sample Site Scenarios, the general instructions (2nd paragraph) tell us that cost and price data is to be part of the work plan submittal within the Technical proposal submittal.

However, the general instructions for In Section E – Provisions, E.2 – Technical Proposal Instructions (item #1), clearly state that separate technical and cost proposals are required as part of this submittal and that the technical proposal must not contain references to costs. Please clarify.

RESPONSE: In the solicitation, “The technical proposal must not contain reference to cost;

however, resource information (such as data concerning labor hours and categories, materials, subcontracts, etc.) must be contained in the technical proposal so that the contractor's understanding of the statement of work may be evaluated.

In order to assess the understanding of the statement of work to be evaluated, for the Technical Proposal:

“Your technical approach in the sample Work Plans must include, but is not limited to, proposed labor categories and hours, equipment, and travel required to visit the site and gather sampling data. Cost and/or price data shall be submitted as part of the technical approach for the sample Work Plans. For the sample Work Plans, travel and per diem costs will be calculated based on a point of origin as stated by the Offeror.”

83. In Section E – Provisions, E.2 – Technical Proposal Instructions, A – Technical Proposal, (4) – Technical Experience and Past Performance of the Firm, should Team Subcontractor projects be included in the list of last 25 projects completed (item 4a)? Can Team Subcontractor projects be included in the list of 3 projects completed in the last 5 years that are most representative of the work activities outlined in Section B (item 4b)?

RESPONSE: Yes. Project information should identify experience, qualifications of other service providers, project names completed by the Firm (Prime contractor) and those projects completed by team partners/subcontractors. The proposal should state whether the project was completed by the FIRM (prime) and/or teaming partners. If project was completed by both FIRM and teaming

84. In Section E – Provisions, E.2 – Technical Proposal Instructions, A – Technical Proposal, (5) – Geographic Location, will Team Subcontractor offices and key personnel count in fulfilling the requirements of this section?

RESPONSE: It can be a teaming partner however; this shall be listed in the proposal (which Team Subcontractor offices and key personnel).

85. Please confirm that the HASP, FSP, and QAPP referenced as part of the work plan for Sample Site Scenario #1 can be representative examples from other similar projects and are not required to be prepared specifically for this work scenario.

RESPONSE: Yes, that is correct.

86. For Sample Site Scenario #1, the title, the 1st paragraph of the statement of work, and the 2nd paragraph of the description of work references a CERCLA SI. However, other portions of the scenario reference a combined PA/SI (2nd paragraph of statement of work and the deliverables portion of Section 1 – Prepare Sample Work Plan; as well as the deliverables portion of Section 2 – Prepare Sample Report) and an integrated removal/remedial action site assessment (1st paragraph of the description of work in Section 1 – Prepare Sample Work Plan, and the 1st paragraph of Section 2 - Prepare Sample Report). Please clarify the scope of work for this scenario.

RESPONSE: A Work Plan is only required for Scenario 1. For clarification, prepare a Sample Report for a Preliminary Assessment/Site Inspection (PA/SI) and a Work Plan for a PA/SI.

87. For Scenario 1 only, “note, a representative example of the Sampling and Analysis Plan, Quality Assurance Project Plan, and Health and Safety Plan, will be sufficient for the response to the scenario.”

88. For Scenario 2 and Scenario 3, “This may be an existing report, that is, one which you have

89. Please confirm that the proposal deliverables for Site Scenario #1 if for a site specific work plan and cost estimate (with example HASP/FSP/QAPP and Report).

RESPONSE: Yes, that is correct.

90. Please confirm that the proposal deliverables for Site Scenario #2 if for an example PRP Search Report.

RESPONSE: The Government will accept a Table of Contents for the PRP Investigation example report if an example of the entire report cannot be provided.

91. Please confirm that the proposal deliverables for Site Scenario #3 if for an example Phase I ESA Report.

RESPONSE: Yes, that is correct. This may be an existing report, that is, one which you have prepared from a previous project.

92. Based on how some of these questions are answered, would the Forest Service consider giving additional time to complete/submit the proposal?

RESPONSE: Yes, the Contracting Officer has issued the following in SAM.gov:

93. ACTIVITY III REMOVAL ACTION IMPLEMENTATION, PDF Page 41. This section describes the tasks associated with the implementation of a Removal Action. Task 1 Community Relations, Task 2 Removal Action Design, Task 3 Removal Action Implementation, and Task 5 Post Construction Removal Action Support are described in this section; however, there is no Task 4. Please clarify if there are four or five tasks associated with the implementation of a Removal Action for this RFP.

94. TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE AND PAST PERFORMANCE OF THE FIRM, Paragraph a, PDF Page 85.

“Provide past performance of the firm within the last 3 years. From most recent to oldest, include a maximum of up to 25 projects for this requirement; but do not include any projects costing less than $15,000. However, if the last 25 projects are not representative of your firm’s capability – then you may include up to 10 of the 25 projects from any time within the last 3 years. List in chronological order beginning with the most recent job, by date of completion, all projects completed by the offeror, regardless of the service performed. No selective picking - list all projects completed. For each project, provide the following information (Not to exceed 10 lines per project):”.

This section describes the requirements for firms to present their past performance within the last 3 years with up to 25 completed projects in consecutive order; however, the limitation of not allowing the offer of selecting projects that are representative of the type of work required within the RFP is perceived as unnecessary. Recommend revising the requirements of this paragraph to allow offers to selectively choose projects that are applicable to the type of work associated with this RFP.

RESPONSE: The Government is requesting projects that are representative of type of work associated with this RFP, however, the following language is to address those firms who do not have representative type of work associated with this RFP:

“However, if the last 25 projects are not representative of your firm’s capability – then you may include up to 10 of the 25 projects from any time within the last 3 years. List in chronological order beginning with the most recent job, by date of completion, all projects completed by the offeror, regardless of the service performed. No selective picking - list all projects completed.”

95. Proposal Format, PDF Page 82. “Offerors are advised to follow page limits for the excess pages will not be reviewed nor evaluated. The page count for the technical proposal is exclusive of the cover letter, cover page, and table of contents. Paper size shall be 8 ½ x 11-inch except for foldouts used for charts, tables, or diagrams, which may not exceed 11 x 17-inch paper size, using a minimum of 11-point font. No reduction is permitted except for organization charts or other graphic illustrations, or in headers/footers. In those instances where reduction is allowable, Offerors shall ensure that the print is easily readable; no less than 8-point font on graphs and 10-point font on tables. Each page shall have adequate margins on each side (at least one [1] inch) of the page. Header/footer information (which should not include any information to be evaluated) may be included in the 1” margin space. Pages that exceed the maximum page limitation will not be evaluated.” This paragraph indicates that offerors are advised to follow page limits, because excess page limits will not be reviewed. The section titled SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS OF KEY PERSONNEL (PDF Page 85) indicates resumes shall not exceed 3 pages;

however, no page limit was identified for the technical proposal. Is there a page limit for the technical proposal?

RESPONSE: No page limit for the Price/Cost Proposal, however, the Government will accept a maximum page limit of 500 pages for each sample report/deliverables in the scenarios. No page limit on the overall Technical Proposal. A folder will be available for FIRM to submit their proposals.

96. The Final Preliminary Assessment/Site Inspection Report for the Mammoth Mining Company Stamp Mill Site was submitted to USFS in 2016. It is assumed this work was preceded by a USFS-approved PA/SI and/or SI Work Plan. Could USFS provide a copy of the Work Plan as Government Furnished Information to assist with the preparation of the proposal?

RESPONSE: Region 3 does not have a copy or access to the Work Plan or associated documents for Mammoth Mining Company Stamp Mill Site.

97. Page 11 states that “[p]aralegals shall possess the ability to perform PRP research.” Instead of paralegals, would the agency accept personnel with extensive PRP research experience with EPA?

RESPONSE: The Government recommends a certified paralegal to conduct PRP searches, however, the FIRM may elect to have other experienced personnel perform some of the work under the supervision of a paralegal or other experienced staff with extensive PRP research experience.

98. Activity VI Enforcement Support: How many requests for support for Tasks 1-4 were issued under the previous contract?

RESPONSE: Region 3 does not track the number of requests by activities or Tasks so a response to this question is unknown.

99. Activity VI Enforcement Support: Task 2, the 5th bullet point references providing community relations support. In addition to attending community meetings (3rd bullet point), what other community relations support work does the agency typically require?

RESPONSE: Community Relations Support also includes preparation of Fact Sheets, News Releases, and other public written briefings.

100. Activity VI Enforcement Support: Task 3, the 1st bullet point references negotiation meetings, will virtual attendance be acceptable?

RESPONSE: Negotiation meetings are in-person meetings.

101. Are we required to use the “Contractor Reference Form” or can we use CPARS and PPQs?

RESPONSE: The contractor reference form is preferred but Past Performance Questionnaires(PPQs) and CPARS are allowable.

102. Is there an overall page limit for the Technical Proposal?

RESPONSE: No page limit for the Price/Cost Proposal, however, no page limit on the overall Technical Proposal. The Government will accept a maximum page limit of 500 pages for each sample report/deliverables in the scenarios. A folder will be available for FIRM to submit their proposals.

103. Is there an overall page limit for the Price/Cost Proposal?

RESPONSE: No page limit for the Price/Cost Proposal, however, the Government will accept a maximum page limit of 500 pages for each sample report/deliverables in the scenarios. No page limit on the overall Technical Proposal. A folder will be available for FIRM to submit their proposals.

104. Do the 11 x 17 papers count as 1 page?

RESPONSE: Yes.

105. On Page 15 Section B, II, A, i: “A map of the Region depicting National Forests and Grasslands is provided herein as Attachment B.” I did not locate. Could you provide the map, Attachment B?

RESPONSE: There is no Attachment A or Attachment B. A map is not included in the solicitation;

however, an image of the Southwestern Region is provided below. The Southwestern Region consists of national forests in Arizona and New Mexico, and Grasslands in Oklahoma and Texas. Additional written description is provided in the solicitation.

106. On page 86, 4, a: “Technical Experience and Past Performance of the Firm,” it says “For each project, provide the following information (not to exceed 10 lines per project)” however nothing follows. Could you clarify what information you are seeking?

RESPONSE: The information is listed in 4(c):

For each project listed in A.4.a and A.4.b above, provide the following information (Not to exceed 10 lines per project):

• Briefly describe the project.

• Dates of performance

• Indicate whether you were the prime or a subcontractor.

• Award amount of contract.

• Project name, firm name, point of contact name, address and phone number.

• Place an asterisk "*" by any job which is similar to the requirements of this solicitation. (Include specific previous experience in accomplishment of similar activities for Forest Service sites within the Southwestern Region, or for other Federal or state agencies, or private industry firms.)

107. Also on page 85, for past performance- are you seeking the qualifications of only the Prime? Or of the Prime and Subcontractor Team?

RESPONSE: The Government will accept qualifications for both the Prime and Subcontractor Team.

Project information should identify experience, qualifications of other service providers, project names completed by the Firm (Prime contractor) and those projects completed by team partners/subcontractors. The proposal should state whether the project was completed by the FIRM (prime) and/or teaming partners. If project was completed by both FIRM and teaming partners, list an approximate percentage of work completed by FIRM and approximate percentage of work completed by teaming partners.

108. The solicitation was issued on 24 February and says Questions are due by 8 of March and will be answered by 10 of March. On account of the missing paragraph related to “Technical Experiences and Past Performance of the Firm,” would you consider allowing a 2-week extension to the due date?

RESPONSE: Yes, the Contracting Officer has issued the following in SAM.gov:

109. The 3 Microsoft Excel Spreadsheets reference DUNS- should this say UEI?

RESPONSE: Yes please reference UEI #

110. Attachment D.1 2023 1112 Contractor Reference Form. Amendment 0002, dated March 9, 2023, extended the proposal due date to Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at 4:00 PM MT. However, the March 23, 2023, due date for the Contractor Reference Forms was not updated. Please consider extending the due date to April 5.

RESPONSE: Due date for contractor reference form is April 5, 2023 at 4:00 PM MT.

111. 127EAV23R0002 - Question Responses, Region 3 CERCLA Environmental Services, Question 18.

The question was asking about the example Phase I ESA requirements; however, the response provided requirements for the PRP Search report example. Please clarify that a cover page and/or Table of Contents for a Phase I EAS are acceptable for the example submittal.

RESPONSE: A cover page and/or table of contents for a Phase I EAS are acceptable for the example submittal.