Questions_dtd_Answered_5_13_2022_0008.pdf

Q & A

Solicitation No. 140F0422R0006

Amendment No. 8

Question 1:

Has USFWS considered the potential for undesirable species invasion, the risk of degradation and erosion, and the timeline for subsidence to occur, along with the cost implications to fix the as mentioned potential issues years later when deciding to delay the Back Barrier Marsh Cell plantings? As an alternative to delaying the planting, have you considered adapting the species composition for restoring the higher elevation features, based on current elevation profiles, which would consequently provide immediate benefits to terrestrial and avian species. Over time the higher features will slowly adapt to changing settling while providing biodiversity, dissipate storm energy, and protect surrounding project features.

The performance objectives and standards that are expected of the contractor are stated in the Revised Performance Work Statement (PWS) dated 05/05/2022 and incorporated in Solicitation No. 140F0422R0006 and Amendments. Responses to this solicitation shall comply with instructions and PWS carried forth in the Solicitation and subsequent Amendments. The Government, under this Solicitation No.

140F0422R0006, is not seeking alternative solutions to what is required in the PWS.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has considered the costs and benefits of delaying the back-barrier marsh planting when the solicitation was amended.

Question 2:

Is there an opportunity for respondents to provide USFWS with alternate planting plans that factor in cost, availability, survivability, and long-term resiliency of the site? Our ecological expertise would allow us to propose solutions that will save USFWS money, prevent delays, and establish greater and longer-term site resiliency and we’d be willing to put that plan together and provide USFWS with technical and economic justification for the alternate planting plan.

The performance objectives and standards that are expected of the contractor are stated in the Revised Performance Work Statement (PWS) dated 05/05/2022 and incorporated in Solicitation No. 140F0422R0006. Responses to this solicitation shall comply with instructions and PWS carried forth in the Solicitation and subsequent Amendments. The Government, under this Solicitation No. 140F0422R0006, is not seeking alternative solutions to what is required in the PWS.

Question 3:

Would the awarded prime contract holder need to keep a bond open until a discission is made regarding the optional scope of work?

In accordance with FAR Part 28.103-1, generally agencies shall not require performance and payment bonds for other than construction contracts. Solicitation No.

140F0422R0006 is a Service Contract. No performance or payment bonds are required under this Solicitation.

Question 4:

What are the current elevations of concern in comparison to the desired target elevation?

Current elevation in the marsh platform is approximately +3.0ft NAVD88. The desired target elevation is approximately +1.7ft NAVD88. Based on settlement curves from similar barrier-island restorations, approximately 1 to 2 years of additional settlement is required, though that timeline is dependent on-site conditions.