127EAV27Q0001 QandA.pdf

127EAV27Q0001 – GPR Survey Questions and Answers

1) May a small-business prime contractor utilize a qualified geophysical surveying subcontractor to perform the technical fieldwork and reporting while the prime manages contract administration, quality oversight, and deliverable coordination?

a. The use of subcontractors is acceptable given that they are sufficiently qualified.

Subcontractors would need to be identified in the solicitation response so that each response can be evaluated equivalently.

2) Are there specific limitations on subcontracting applicable to this solicitation?

a. The use of subcontractors is acceptable given that they are sufficiently qualified.

Subcontractors would need to be identified in the solicitation response so that each response can be evaluated equivalently.

3) May the prime contractor rely on the technical qualifications and past performance of its proposed subcontractor to meet the evaluation requirements?

a. The use of subcontractors is acceptable given that they are sufficiently qualified.

Subcontractors would need to be identified in the solicitation response so that each response can be evaluated equivalently. The technical qualifications and past performance of the prime contractor will also be evaluated as part of the source selection process.

4) Is there an estimated budget or government cost range available for the base requirement and optional survey locations?

a. No

5) Does the government anticipate permitting progress invoicing upon acceptance of completed project milestones?

a. Invoicing as the project progresses is anticipated, given that the Contractor is able to document or show that the work being invoiced has been completed. This is described in further detail in Section 6 of the SOW.

6) Section 2 of the SOW says confidential maps may be provided upon request. What is the approved process for an interested bidder to get the site and road-access information needed to price the Flagstaff base unit and both options before quotes are due? Please let us know what access approval or safeguards are required.

We are asking for the approved bidder-access process, not public release of archaeological locations. This is a clarification request, not a bid or order.

a. Maps of the exact project locations will not be provided at this time. Rough locations can be provided to show the road access. All locations will require travel on paved roads, gravel roads, and dirt roads that require 4-wheel-drive and moderate- to high-clearance vehicles.

7) Can USFS staff confirm what kind of archaeological features are expected for this project? What is the size of those features and what is their composition? We need to confirm that 1 meter transect spacing would be sufficient to identify these features.

a. The GPR survey is expected to locate areas of previous excavation (e.g. pits, trenches) that have been refilled that are several meters in length and a couple of meters in depth. Section 3 of the SOW states that transect spacing should be no more than 1 meter apart. The Contractor may utilize narrower transect spacing based on their technical knowledge and experience.

8) What is the relationship between GPR investigations and archaeological site? Is the GPR being used to identify archaeological features? Or is the GPR being used to identify other

“subsurface disturbances and anomalies” within the boundaries of an archaeological site or sensitivity zone.

a. The GPR investigations would be used to identify areas of previous excavation.

9) The SOW mentions brush and grass. Would NSA staff be allowed to clear or cut vegetation in the survey areas? Could the USFS do this vegetation clearing in order to save field time?

a. Shorter (<2 feet in height) vegetation could be cut using hand tools or hand-carried small equipment (e.g. hand saw, string trimmer). Larger (>2 feet in height) vegetation should be left in place. The Contractor would be responsible for any vegetation cutting as they have the technical expertise to identify which vegetation would require cutting to minimize negative effects to the survey equipment or survey results.

10) Could the USFS send maps and any available photos of the planned survey areas?

a. Maps and photos of the planned survey area will not be provided until after contract award. Rough locations can be provided to show the road access. All locations will require travel on paved roads, gravel roads, and dirt roads that require 4-wheel-drive and high clearance vehicles. Generally all areas are relatively flat slopes (approximately 0-5 degrees); have patches of grass, forbs, and small brush (<2 feet in height), with occasional trees; and are easily accessible (<820 feet) off a Forest Service road.

11) Has site files research been conducted in the area? Would archaeological or historical context research be expected?

a. An archaeological or historical context is not required as part of the contract deliverables. It is anticipated that the report deliverable will be focused on details relevant to the GPR survey itself, including a description of the project; survey methods including equipment used and staff qualification; survey results data analysis; interpretation, characterization, and discussion of anomalies; maps and photos; and recommendations. The report would not require a discussion of the cultural resources or archaeological context, beyond what would be provided by the Coconino NF for insertion into the report project description.

12) What is the documentation and treatment of surface artifacts in the area that will be examined by GPR?

a. There should be little to no surface artifacts present at any of the proposed project locations due to past work in these areas. Any artifacts that are present should be left in place and not collected. Minor incidental displacement or disturbance as a result of the GPR survey is anticipated.