A11_QAmemo12970224R0017_22Apr2024.pdf

UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE

PROCUREMENT & PROPERTY SERVICES

SPECIALIZED PROJECT OPERATIONS CENTER – SOUTHWEST REGION

22 April 2024

MEMORANDUM FOR RFP 12970224R0017

FROM USFS PPS SPOC SW

SUBJECT: RFP 12970224R0017 Questions & Answers

1. Question: “I would like to set up a site visit. Also wondering if this set-aside opportunity can be awarded to Santa Fe County Contractor.”

Answer: “Site visits are not scheduled on an individual basis. Information about the site visit for this project is included in the RFP documents. A list of Local Area Set-aside Counties is also included in the SAM.gov posting and the RFP documents.”

2. Question: “Can only companies from [the list of Local Area Set-aside counties] stated in the RFP bid on this project, or is it open to all small businesses?”

Answer: “Only Small Business within the Local Area Set-aside are eligible to compete for award in response to this solicitation.”

3. Question: “Can you please e-mail me a PDF of the RFP?”

Answer: “If you are experiencing technical difficulties with SAM.gov, I recommend contacting the Federal Service Desk SAM.gov | Contact to resolve. The RFP material is posted to SAM.gov and is equally accessible to all SAM-registered vendors. This approach, as opposed to sending the RFP directly to vendors, is for the purpose of fair and transparent competition in accordance with our policies and procedures.

I am not aware of a widespread issue accessing the RFP material; however, if a widespread accessibility issue affecting the RFP is detected, adjustments to the SAM.gov posting will be made accordingly.”

4. Question: “Instead of every 10th line post full length treated wood, can we use 2 7/8” pipe IAW our spec?”

Answer: “Fencing design and materials must comply with the specifications outlined in the Statement of Work (SOW). Page 3 of the SOW reads, ‘Every 10th line post shall be full-length treated wood, 8' length with a minimum 6" diameter, set 30” into the ground. * Contractor may choose to use steel for every 10th line post. The steel used at the minimum be 2 3/8” outside diameter and pipe capped on top.’”

5. Question: “For bracing, can we use [an] H-brace design?”

Answer: “Fencing design and materials must comply with the specifications outlined in the Statement of Work (SOW).”

https://sam.gov/content/about/contact

6. Question: “For horizontal and corner brace posts, can we use [a] leg brace design that requires no concrete and is longer lasting?”

7. Question: “Instead of wood or wire stays, can we use plastic superstays?”

8. Question: “For the set-aside, do the companies need to be headquartered in one of those counties? Or just have a regional office in the area?”

Answer: “Local Area Set-aside eligibility is verified based on the vendor’s physical (headquartered) location associated with the vendor’s UEI, as represented in their SAM.gov registration. If that physical address, associated with the vendor’s UEI in SAM.gov, is outside of the Set-aside area, the CO may determine it is ineligible for award consideration. A CO may determine a firm eligible for award consideration under a major disaster or emergency if that firm can demonstrate that it does business primarily in the Local Set-aside area.”

9. Question: “Are there any plans you can send to me for review?”

Answer: “The full solicitation is posted to SAM.gov (project ID: 12970224R0017) and includes all technical directions and specifications related to the project.”

10. Question: “Our company is not local but our subcontractor is. Does this make us eligible or ineligible under the Local Area Set-aside?”

Answer: “Set-aside eligibility is based on the Prime Contractor not the Subcontractor.”

11. Question: “Why are some counties included in the Local Area Set-aside and others are not?”

Answer: “Presidential Declaration of a Major Disaster for the State of New Mexico FEMA-4652-DR is the authority under which competition for related projects may be limited to a Local Area Set-aside, in accordance with FAR 26.202-1 and FAR 6.208. FEMA-4652-DR defines the geographic area (counties) affected by the Major Disaster and eligible for inclusion in any related Local Area Set-asides. All eligible counties under FEMA-4652-DR have been included in the Local Area Set-aside to maximize opportunities for local small businesses to the greatest practicable extent.”

12. Question: “Can [the Government] clarify material removal procedures?”

Answer: “All material needs to be removed from the existing fence line. Wood material only may be placed and left on Forest Service land. Sequence of fence removal (at once or in segments) may be discussed between the Government and Awardee at a Pre-construction Meeting.”

13. Question: “Can [the Government] clarify what equipment will/wont be allowed on site?”

Answer: “ATV, UTV, and/or small tracked vehicles (i.e. Bobcats) may be used to carry in materials, auger holes, string wire, and pound in T-Posts where access will not endanger operator(s) on steep slopes.”

14. Question: “Will camping be allowed?”

Answer: “In accordance with the solicitation, camp sites and durations will be approved by the Government on a case-by-case basis. Camping not approved by the Government in advance is not permitted.”

15. Question: “Will the new fence go where the old fence line was?”

Answer: “The new fence line will be staked/marked in advance of new fence construction.”

16. Question: “Can [the Government] clarify hazard tree removal procedures?”

Answer: “The Contractor shall limit Tree-felling to National Forest land only. No work of any kind shall be performed on private land. Hazard trees located on National Forest land that fall into private land when felled by the contractor shall be pulled from private land.”

17. Question: “Approximately what percentage of the Rio de la Casa allotment fence line is accessible by

UTV/ATV?”

Answer: “The Government estimates approximately 60% is accessible by UTV/ATV. The Government recommends the use of livestock to access the remaining project site inaccessible by

UTV/ATV.”

18. Question: “Can [the Contractor] start work in the middle and work progressively outward?”

Answer: “The Contractor may begin at any point along the fence line, as long as work is accomplished in a continuous, progressive manner, from the beginning point to the ending point(s).

This will also be discussed between the Government and the Awardee at a Pre-Construction Meeting.”

19. Question: “What are the procedures for water crossings?”

Answer: “Reference procedures in the Solicitation Statement of Work. Contractor shall not be allowed to build culverts, etc.”

20. Question: “During performance, are trespassing cattle the responsibility of the Contractor?”

Answer: “No. Managing trespassing cattle is not included in the project’s scope of work.”

21. Question: “Are bid bonds required?”

Answer: “Yes. Bid Bonds are due at the time of Proposal.”

22. Question: “How should [the Contractor] treat live trees w/in the fence corridor?”

Answer: “If the live tree is impeding work, the Contractor is allowed to clear it. If the Contractor can safely work around the live tree, it should be left in place.”

23. Question: “Is there a road maintenance schedule that could affect [the Contractor’s] performance of the fencing project?”

Answer: “Hazard tree removal will be in progress along the access roadways. This work is not expected to substantively affect the Contractor’s ability to perform work on the fencing project.”

24. Question: “If a shorter period of performance is proposed, will this be evaluated more favorably?”

Answer: “A shorter Period of Performance, as a standalone factor, will not be evaluated more favorably than a Period of Performance that meets the schedule requirements outlined in the Solicitation; however, a shorter Period of Performance may positively affect Evaluation Criteria outlined in the Solicitation, such as Price.”

25. Question: “Do H-Braces need to be welded or bolted?”

Answer: “Either approach is acceptable.”

MATTHEW L KILLIAN

Contract Specialist

USFS PPS SPOC SW