B26_SQA_QUESTIONS_and_ANSWERS_Final_0001.pdf

RFQ 140D0425Q0112 Canyon Tree Appraisal Services Question & Answer (Q&A)

QUESTION ANSWER

we are not a lumber company however we do offer cutting and wood chipping and clean up bruch cutting etc would you have any need for this or are ya just mainly looking for some one to harvest the timber

This is a requirement for Appraisal Services. The requirement will not require any vegetation removal operations.

On page 8 of the RFP it states that a timber cruise is required. On page 9 it states that either a check cruise is required.

Does that mean there is an existing inventory and cruise, and that what is needed now is a check cruise in support of an adjusted inventory?

For clarification, the subject has merchantable timber, but no inventory or timber cruise is provided. There is no known existing inventory or cruise. It is expected the appraiser will provide a timber cruise of the inventory and eventual valuation.

The subcontracted, local specialists I intend to utilize for my team have provided me a range of costs for their services, with a specific point value cost as yet to be determined. I understand they and their contributions need to be identified; however, does my submission require I itemize the specific fee intende to be paid to each specialist?

No itemization is required. This is a Firm Fixed Price Purchase Order. The only pricing required is the Total Order price to complete all work specified in the RFQ.

A firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract is an agreement to a price that is not subject to any adjustment on the basis of the contractor's cost experience in performing the contract.

My interpretation is awards shall be made after the 15 day inactive period, which appears to be no sooner than February 1, 2025, after which the successfull bidder shall be notified of the award. Is there any chance the award will/can be made sooner than 2/1/25? I am trying to be as clear as poossible as to when the apppraisal delivery clock starts.

The Contracting Team is unable to identify the exact award date for this requirement. The goal is to make an award in January.

“The appraiser must submit an example of the methodology used in determining the contributory value of the timber relating to the overall value of the property.”

Per the above, I appreciate if you would please specifically clarify what you are asking for: i.e., Is the request for submission of "an example of the methodology used in determining the contributory value of the timber relating to overall property value" to be interpreted as you would like a sample timber valuation showing an example of the timber valuation methodology the intended timber cruiser/appraiser to be relied on be submitted - or are you looking for the timber valuation methodology to be employed, and if so, does this example need to be an excerpt from a prior appraisal performed by the submitter - or are you simply seeking a narrative response to the intended methodology expected to be employed in the appraisal?

In other words, please provide a redacted sample of your work that demonstrates your experience in complying with the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisition (UASFLA), specifically the Unit Rule. This sample could be a single page or more detailed, illustrating how you adhere to the standards.

For instance, you could outline your methodology in a "Scope of Work" section without including the actual valuation approach. Alternatively, you might present a template that you use when valuing timberland in accordance with UASFLA guidelines.

Refer to the relevant sections of the UASFLA Unit Rule, including 1.10.1, 4.2.2, 4.8.1, and 4.8.4, for guidance on what to include. It is not necessary to submit an entire valuation section unless you prefer to do so. The emphasis is on demonstrating your understanding of the federal valuation process rather than the volume of material provided.

If our analysis reveals that the Larger Parcel goes beyond the 460 acres to include the 1200 total acres will a revision to our bid be permitted?

In general, simply determining the size of the larger parcel is not adequate justification for altering the contract fee amount. The total ownership size is provided to help bidders assess the potential scope of work required to produce a credible appraisal. This information enables bidders to better estimate the effort and resources necessary for the appraisal, but it does not, on its own, warrant a change in the agreed-upon fee. The total firm fixed price should reflect the complexity and requirements of the appraisal assignment rather than just the size of the property being appraised.

Are timber conclusions required for individual tax parcels or is the 460 acres in total sufficient?

The selected appraiser will be responsible for determining whether a single larger parcel exists or if there are multiple larger parcels. This assessment must include an evaluation of how timber contributes to one or more of these larger parcels, considering factors such as the style and manner in which the timber is integrated into the overall property.

I’d like to submit a bid on this one but I’m not sure if I use a platform to use to bid it. I presume it’s www.sam.gov per the RFQ but just want to confirm that all I have to do is create an account then submit via www.sam.gov.

A quote provider must have an active account in SAM to submit a Quote. You can check your status at SAM.gov. If you are having difficulty, please contact the helpdesk (https://sam.gov/help).

Please follow the instructions found in RFQ Section 4 to submit a Quote.

My understanding is that we will need to cruise and value all 1400 acres. Is this correct?

If I understand the question correctly, the size of the larger parcel is not pre-determined for this assignment. It will require a highest and best use analysis to determine the appropriate size and characteristics of the larger parcel.

Will you be looking for a value by parcel?

The selected appraiser is responsible for analyzing and supporting with evidence either multiple larger parcels or a single larger parcel and whether it extends beyond the boundaries of the subject property requested to be appraised.

Could we cruise the part that is not being sold at a lower cruise intensity? This would put it outside the stated cruising results sampling error listed in the proposal. This would help keep the cost down.

No, because a lower cruise intensity likely results in reduced credibility. The question assumes that the entire ownership must be appraised, which is not necessarily the case. It is important to note that the area of the larger parcel(s) is not pre-determined for this assignment. The appraiser is responsible for ensuring the credibility of the timber valuation, which will be evaluated during the review process based on factors such as adequacy, accuracy, appropriateness, and reasonableness. The appraiser must provide a thorough and justifiable analysis to support their conclusions.

Do we have to cruise it to Bureau scale or can we do what we normally do and match the products to the mills where the wood will be delivered? i.e. there are

This is a good question, the request is that the appraiser utilize a typical or recognized timber valuation process that is commonly performed by peers in the marketplace. If the methodology the appraiser normally employs aligns with what no peeler mills in the area, but there are export facilities.

is standard practice among their peers, that is acceptable, provided that the results are credible. The focus should be on ensuring that the valuation process meets industry standards and yields reliable outcomes.

The RFP states that there is access to the property.

The road that is listed runs parallel to the parks service property. Can we get a map of driveable access roads in the property? If we can't I'm going to assume that we can not drive on the property and we will have to walk into every unit to cruise it.

The information available is stated in the statement of work and the accompanying exhibits. There are a few service roads on the subject, but conditions are unknown.

Do you want future cashflows to be calculated or just a value for the merchantable timber that is currently on the properties?

The property rights to be appraised are outlined in the statement of work and are intended to reflect a request for a typical valuation. The determination of the highest and best use, as well as the identification of larger parcel(s), should guide the valuation process.

RFP said a pre-work meeting is required. Would I need to be present and if so, where would you likely hold it?

The selected appraiser(s) is required to participate in the pre-appraisal meeting.

Participation from other individuals, such as consultants and realty specialists, is considered optional; however, I will strongly request that realty specialists and consultants attend the meeting due to the property type and complexity of the assignment. Invitations will be sent to these individuals once the meeting is scheduled. Currently, I anticipate that the pre-appraisal meeting will take place via a Teams conference call.

The RFP said they are allowing up to 240 day turnaround time but in other places they say their preference is an appraisal delivered within 90 days to a max of 135 days. Could we get some clarification on the appraisal due date?

This question will be answered in a follow-on amendment.