Solicitation_140FS124Q0112_Questions_0001.pdf

Solicitation 140FS124Q0112

Invasive Weed Control

OFFEROR QUESTIONS AND U.S. FISH & WILDIFE RESPONSES

• QUESTION: The Period of Performance is specified as 07/15/2024 to 12/14/2024 on the SF-

18. Is the contractor only required to provide one treatment of the project area within this timeframe (assuming the first treatment meets all performance objectives). If so, would USFWS direct the treatment to be initiated in Fall?

• FWS RESPONSE: Treatments should occur as soon as Notice to Proceed from Contracting Officer.

• QUESTION: Or if multiple treatments of the project area are required during the POP, please specify the quantity of treatments in an amendment to the solicitation. Quotes will vary significantly based on the quantity of treatments the contractor performs.

• FWS RESPONSE: Treatments must be monitored to ensure efficacy. One-month post-treatment, contractor will check for regrowth of perennial plants (e.g., fountain grass), and re-treat if necessary.

• QUESTION: Does USFWS have an off-site water source that would be available for the Contractor’s use?

• FWS RESPONSE: No water source available; contractor would need to apply for hydrant connection with Otay Water District or make other arrangements. Nearest hydrant location is not known but across SR 94 and a bit west, OWD has a lift station and is a potentially a water source.

• QUESTION: Contractor is not permitted to apply herbicide within 25 FT of waterways or near known cultural resource sites. Is a map that shows the location of these features available? They are not shown in the Figure 1. Map included in the PWS.

• FWS RESPONSE: There are no known cultural sites or wetlands within 25 feet of the treatment area. However, there may be wetlands (seasonal drainage to Steele Canyon Creek - the tree line that parallels SR 94) within 25 feet of potential staging area so care should be taken during herbicide mixing/prep/clean up in this area. We can remove this constraint or just let bidders know the conditions. Let me know if you want us to remove or edit this in PWS.

• QUESTION: Are Shapefiles or a KMZ file of the project boundary available?

• FWS RESPONSE: See Attached files.

• QUESTION: Will this be the first invasive weed treatment since the fire in Nov 23? Or were weed treatments previously completed by others?

• FWS RESPONSE: This will be the first invasive treatment post-fire.

• QUESTION: The access road from highway 94 has been significantly damaged by runoff. It doesn’t look accessible for 4x4 pickups, UTV/ATV, etc. Will the road be repaired by USFWS before the contract starts?

• FWS RESPONSE: If they mean the access road within the project footprint, then no. The road within the project bounds is going through a separate solicitation and will be repaired when that is awarded through contracting. Direct access from State route 94 is possible for all vehicles mentioned.

• QUESTION: Crimson fountaingrass has developed mature seed heads and occurs in significant numbers throughout the site. Performance requirements page 10 of the PWS require “The Contractor shall apply control treatments prior to seed-set. Any mature seed heads shall be collected and bagged for disposal.” Does this specification apply to seed heads that developed before the contract POP started? Would it acceptable for contractor to just apply herbicide to these plants?

• FWS RESONSE: We would like all seed heads present when contractor begins work to be bagged and disposed of at an approved off-site facility. All other remaining invasive weed material is eligible to be sprayed with herbicide.