C01_Attachment 5_ 12FPC126Q0010 Questions and Answers.pdf

12FPC126Q0010 Questions and Answers

Q1.) the performance work statement references native grass seeding equipment, including warm season grass drills, proper calibration, seed placement, and successful stand establishment.

natural north llc understands the importance of meeting nrcs requirements for seedbed preparation, seed mix selection, seeding rates, documentation, and establishment success.

would the government allow drone/aerial seeding for applicable task orders if the contractor:

1. follows all applicable nrcs guidelines and COR direction;

2. uses only nrcs-approved seed mixes;

3. seeds at an increased rate, such as 1.5 times the standard rate, when necessary to improve establishment success for aerial application;

4. provides gps-generated maps documenting acres seeded;

5. provides before, during, and after photo documentation;

6. provides seed tags, invoices, and required seed documentation;

7. coordinates timing and method with the COR before installation; and

8. remains responsible for successful stand establishment during the required establishment period?

If drone/aerial seeding is not generally acceptable, would the government consider it on a site-specific basis with prior written COR approval where site conditions, access constraints, timing, or efficiency make aerial seeding a practical restoration method?

a. Aerial and Drone seeding is not allowable under this contract.

Q2.) To clarify, it appears that a trip to “pick rocks” will be billed as a mechanical pass. If so, how is that billed in acres? If that’s not the case, then the contractor would be expected to make a separate trip to the site with loader equipment to remove rocks as tillage equipment doesn’t generally have a loader?

a. That is not the case. a trip to “pick rocks” is not a separate mechanical pass in and of itself and the government is not requiring “a trip to pick rocks”. rather, “picking rocks” (as necessary) is a standard farming/seedbed prep practice. see PWS section c.5.1.7.1.1 task A4 Paragraph A. which states in part, “ensure the seedbed is free of any rocks or debris on or near the soil surface may inhibit good seed drill contact and seed placement and/or damage seeding and seedbed preparation equipment.” The government is not dictating the methods and means the vendor uses to ensure that equipment is not damaged and full treatment and seeding occurs beyond what is stated in the PWS.

Q3.) Is it expected the contractor to remove the rocks from site, pile or bury?

12FPC126Q0010 Questions and Answers

a. No. Effectuate tillage and seeding such that equipment is not damaged and all areas are treated and seeded as identified unless otherwise directed by the COR.

Q4.) The question about historical acreage was directed more toward a yearly total across South Dakota. Are there generally 1,000 acres per year being restored or closer to 5,000? ultimately, trying to figure out how many additional employees will be needed to fulfill the necessary obligations?

a. Anticipated acreage magnitude of total annual work is 1000 acres or less. The government will reserve the right to execute a larger amount in the format of a separately priced Task Order. Each Task Order will contain the acreage for each project.

Q5.) Due to the scale of the project (statewide) it is crucial for us to be able to subcontract work where needed to meet certain seasonal deadlines. What percentage of work is allowed to be subcontracted through conservation districts and other private vendors?

a. Please see RFQ clause “52.219-14 for limitations on subcontracting” for limitations on subcontracting to meet seasonal deadlines. You can find the clause verbiage at acquisitions.gov.

Q6.) Can you provide a list of projects, including locations and conservation plans for each site?

a. No list of projects is currently available as task orders will be selected and funded based on Congressionally allocated funding and USDA prioritization of fund utilization.

Q7.) How can we protect ourselves from inflation/material costs in our bid?

a. Your offer should reflect the anticipated cost/price to include inflation year after year.

Q8.) How do we navigate seed prices and availability based on standardized restoration mixes?

i.e. if a certain species is unavailable or becomes cost prohibitive?

a. The pricing will be IAW the attachments. See PWS section c.5.1.7.1.1 task a3 concerning species availability and substitutions.

Q9.) Is there any incumbent/recompete or is this a brand-new project? If yes, could you please provide us with their award number or even if the customer bought similar services in the past?

b. There is currently no incumbent contractor.