Amendment_1_(answers_to_submitted_questions).DOCX

1. Clarification on 2.0 question #7, what is the expectation for this requirement.

A: #7 speaks to “recommended future recycling operation expansions and opportunities for best materials management practices.” Specifically, we are interested in vendor feedback on options to increase recycling/waste diversion rates at incidents and on opportunities observed while on incidents to improve current recycling practices. This supports our adaptive management framework.

2. Paragraph two page 2, will we have more time to respond to incidents that are out of our region or does the 24-hr. response time stay the same.

A: The 24-hour response time is intended to apply universally regardless of the distance between vendor and the incident. In general, a greater than 24-hour response time does not make sense for emergency response services of this nature, when incidents lengths are variable. Also, it does not make sense to pay for daily rates for multiple days of travel, and the government receives little benefit in return. If a vendor cannot make this response time they should not propose in GACCs/areas when the requirement can’t be met or they could establish a business presence in that GACC/area to support the timeframe.

In unique circumstances, leeway up to a 36-hour response time may be granted. This decision would be at the discretion of the Ordering Official. A longer than 36-hour response time will not be considered.

3. Will we be operating under an E number or S number, is it acceptable to utilize a rental fleet as part of our operations.

A: Most likely it will be an S#, but it may vary from incident to incident. It really doesn’t matter in the end, since it will be one (1) resource order number for the entire recycling operation. You may use vehicles that are rented by your company, as we are not hiring the individual vehicles. Vendors will not have access to the existing National Emergency Rental Vehicle BPA (or similar). We are hiring the complete package of recycling services for the incident.

4. Will the contract be renewed every year like a viper contract or will the prices be set for three years? Why is it stated that the bid price will be good for 90 days?

A: Per the pre-solicitation, the anticipated award(s) will have a base period of 12 months, with two 12 month option years. Initial Prices will be set for the entire 3-year contract period.

All pricing listed in responses to the Request for Quote are good for 90 days, allowing time for contract administration and award.

5. Due to the limited amount of recycling centers accepting glass are we required to collect glass if there is no recycling center that will accept it?

A: Glass will be required to be removed from the incident. If it is not accepted at recycling centers it will be the responsibility of the vendor to properly dispose of it. A discussion with incident personnel will need to occur, and any materials that are not recycled must be reported from recycled content in the reporting system and metrics. We do not anticipate large quantities of glass on incidents; however, there may be some (hence, why it is part of the requirement).

6. If we choose to opt out of composting this year can we add the service next year or will it be locked in for three years.

A: You will need to address the composting line item on the solicitation to be considered for the award. Prices will be for the 3-year period. As an optional item, it will be at the government’s discretion whether we request this additional service. We understand that this is new to incidents. It will not be required on all incidents, and disposal locations will vary. Prior to ordering this requirement, the feasibility will be determined by the government.

7. Under the national kitchen contract the caterer is responsible for breaking down cardboard boxes and transporting them to assigned drop off area, will that still be happening?

A: This BPA does not change the national kitchen requirements. Any questions/concerns related to the kitchen contracts should be addressed directly to that specific Contracting Officer.

Per the National Mobile Food Service Contract, the following is required:

· “All disposable products shall comply with bio-preferred requirements or shall be made of bio-based materials capable of withstanding a minimum temperature of 160° F. www.biopreferred.gov

· Garbage cans with bio-based or bio-preferred liners for the MFSU; to include all peripheral food handling, preparation areas and dining area.

· Separation and rinsing of kitchen recyclable materials by type (i.e., glass in one container, plastic in another, aluminum in still another, etc.), when the Government is recycling on an Incident.”

8. Page 8 last paragraph, if a dumpster is placed at a spike camp are we then responsible for backhaul of recyclables, and is that what the mileage reimbursement is for?

A: Yes. If the Government is not backhauling material, the vendor will be required to backhaul recyclable materials from spike camps. As spike camps are included with the daily headcount, which this agreements prices/payments are based on, management and coordination of those materials will be the responsibility of the vendor. The mileage is paid to compensate for the additional vehicle wear and tear to service distant locations (e.g., helibase, spike camps). It does not include any other “on incident” travel, or removal of the recyclable material from the incident (as these costs shall be covered under the agreement base daily rates).

9. Is there a standard evaluation form that I need to send to people who have evaluated us in the past? Should they directly email, and to whom?

A: Yes. See page 30 of the FBO attached document entitled “Incident Recycling BPA Scope of Work”, under section B.3(e)a. Evaluators may use the format provided in the aforementioned section or provide a response that includes the information found in the format provided. Evaluators must respond directly to the following email address: Lydia.Moore-Ward@usda.gov