Questions_and_Answers_0001.pdf

Questions and Answers

1. The PWS references the use of chainsaws for manual cutting. Would BLM permit professional forestry clearing saws equipped with circular saw blades for smaller-diameter Rocky Mountain juniper, provided all stump-height, cutting, and lop-and-scatter specifications are met? Conventional chainsaws would be used for material exceeding the clearing saw's safe cutting capacity.

A: Yes, industrial forestry weed eater style/brush saws or chainsaws are allowed as they are both considered manual work, any type of tools or handheld manual work is allowed.

2. Are offerors required to quote and be capable of performing all three project areas, or may BLM make separate awards by CLIN for North Buffalo Creek, North Windmill Creek, and Buck Draw?

A: The BLM intends to award a single contract resulting from this announcement encompassing all three areas. No separate awards will be made.

3. Does BLM have any estimated tree density, average trees per acre, average tree size/diameter, or other inventory information for each of the three treatment areas that could assist contractors in estimating production?

A: No, BLM does not have any site-specific tree or vegetation data.

4. Are there any minimum crew-size or minimum daily/weekly production requirements, or may the contractor determine crew size and work schedule as long as the project requirements and August 15, 2027 completion date are met?

A: No. The contractor is solely responsible for defining their approach to production to ensure satisfactory project completion to PWS specs within period of performance.

5. Does BLM require a contractor supervisor or foreman to be physically present with the crew at all times while work is being performed, or may a qualified crew lead supervise daily field operations with the contractor's project manager conducting periodic onsite inspections and coordinating with BLM?

A: Operations and day-to-day production is up to awardee and at their discretion within period of performance. On site you must have at least one fluent English-speaking employee to communicate with government contract administrators

6. Are UTVs permitted within the treatment units for crew transportation, fuel, tools, safety equipment, and project support where terrain and resource conditions allow?

A: Yes. The PWS specifically outlines UTV/ATVS are recommended due to the soils, and work should be when dry or frozen only.

7. Does BLM have an estimated average Rocky Mountain juniper density, stems per acre, or any cruise/sample data for the North Buffalo Creek, North Windmill Creek, and Buck Draw treatment units? The

PWS requires cutting and scattering all Rocky Mountain juniper, all sizes, so any available density information would be very helpful for estimating labor and production.

A: The BLM does not have stand or tree data on these conifer encroached areas. It is highly recommended that potential bidders attend site visit prior to building bids.

8. Please confirm the correct acreage for North Buffalo Creek. The combined synopsis and unit map show 1,566 acres, while the detailed unit table in the PWS shows 1,556 acres.

A: The correct acreage is 1,566 for North Buffalo Creek.

9. Will each CLIN/project area be inspected, accepted, and eligible for invoicing separately upon completion, or will payment be withheld until all three project areas are complete?

A: Each area will be inspected, accepted, and eligible for invoicing separately upon completion.

10. For the requirement to provide two similar projects completed within the past five years, can the relevant experience of a proposed subcontractor or similarly situated small business be used to satisfy that requirement, or must the experience be that of the prime contractor?

A: Past experience submitted must be of the company submitting the offer, performing either as the prime contractor or as a subcontractor on previous contracts. The Government will also consider relevant past experience of key personnel gained while working for other employers, provided you clearly identify it as such.

All experience must be from within the last five years.

11. Would BLM accept relevant project experience performed by proposed key personnel and field leadership while employed by other organizations, provided the quote clearly identifies the individual, their role and responsibilities, project scope, dates, and the organization under which the work was performed?

A: Yes