B09_-_Amendment_0001_-_Questions_and_Answers_0002.pdf

Solicitation 140P2124R0010 – Amendment 0001

RFP

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS REGARDING:

SOLICITATION/REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS NO. 120P2124R0010

Amendment 0001

Big Thicket National Preserve – Big Sandy Creek Unit Forest Mastication

(AMENDMENT 0001)

QUESTIONS RECEIVED AS OF 01/19/2024:

1. Question: “Is the size of all machines deployed required to be at least 200 HP or can we use other smaller machines in addition to a 200 HP machine?”

ANSWER: Based on experience with work in this area and the materials involved, masticators with less than 200 HP have been prone to mechanical issues that led to constant break downs, which led to jobs taking longer. That is Per Section D.4.2 (4) “Forestry masticators used must have a minimum capacity of 200 HP” available for use to handle the areas that have thicker and more dense materials.

This language has been added to updated SOW in B08 – BITH-RFQ-Amendment 0001in Section D.4.2

Per this amendment 0001 – Section D.4.2 (4) has been changed to read as follows: “The Contractor must have at least one (1) forestry masticator with a minimum capacity of 200 HP. The Contractor may supplement additional equipment that has less HP as needed at their discretion.”

The Government will not take responsibility for any equipment that is damaged in performance of the work under this requirement, which includes equipment above 200 HP as well. Section D.40 has additional language added for clarification about equipment.

The contractor is also notified that delays because of broken equipment, especially if contractor elects to utilize under sized equipment are at the risk of the contractor and may not be considered a reason for a time extension if required. Contractors should ensure equipment that is to be used in performance of this requirement is fully operational and properly maintained.

2. Question: “Can the NPS post more copies of maps showing topography and tree density?

ANSWER: Yes – See additional attachments included with Amendment 0001:

Amend 1 – Attachment 1 – Vegetation Height Map

Amend 1 – Attachment 2 – Topographic Relief

3. Question: “Can NPS Post a KMZ file and georeferenced PDF so they can viewed in Google Earth and Avenza?”

ANSWER: Yes – See additional attachments included with Amendment 0001:

Amend 1 – Attachment 3 – Project Area.kmz

Amend 1 – Attachment 4 – Instructions for Viewing Google Earth Map Files

4. Question: “Is there a restriction on what order the project sites are masticated?”

ANSWER: No – so long as All the required work is completed by October 1, 2024.

5. Question: “Is there the ability to extend the performance period due to inclement weather delays?”

ANSWER: Yes – pursuant to FAR 52.212-4 – Contract Terms and Conditions – Commercial Products and Commercial Services – (f) Excusable delays.

The contractor is required to communicate with the Contracting Officers Representative (COR) and Contracting Officer about any delays.

6. Question: “Is there a restriction on the size or height of stumps left behind after clearing?”

ANSWER: All stumps shall be cut parallel to ground surface, and stump shall not exceed a height of 12 inches above bare ground on the downhill side. Stumps may occasionally exceed the height of 12 inches when necessary for safe and efficient conduct of tree removal, but must be coordinated with COR in writing, identifying locations and reasons why. Any existing stumps that exceed the height of 12 inches above bare ground on the downhill side must be cut accordingly.

This language has been added to updated SOW in B08 – BITH-RFQ-Amendment 0001in Section D.4.2

7. Question: “Can we use a drone with camera to evaluate the interior of the project sites?”

ANSWER: Yes/No – No - Drones cannot be launched from within NPS Boundaries. Yes – Drones can be flown into NPS Boundaries from OUTSIDE NPS boundaries. If contractors elect to use drones, they must be launched and controlled from outside the NPS boundaries. Contractors are responsible for knowing all federal, state and local regulations and guidelines for operation of drones.

The Following language as been added to Section D.7 in B08-BITH-RFQ-Amendment 0001

Drones/Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) o Shall NOT be setup, launched and recovered from INSIDE NPS Boundaries.

o Can be flown INSIDE NPS Boundaries only if they launched and operated from

OUTSIDE NPS Boundaries (i.e. road that borders NPS property that is not an NPS road). Any addition coordination for use and or access to non-NPA areas is the responsibility of the Contractor.

o Contractors are responsible for knowing ALL Federal, State and Local laws, regulations and guidelines for the operation of drones/UAVs.

o If the contractor elects to use drone/UAV in performance of the contract, the contractor assumes all risk, liabilities, and responsibilities for such operations.

o The NPS shall not be responsible for lost, damaged, stolen or destroyed drones or related equipment.

o The Contractor is responsible for all fines, liabilities, penalties, etc. for illegal or improper operation of a drone/UAV per any Federal, State or Local law, regulation, rule, etc.

o Any damage to private or Government property as a result of drone/UAV use shall be the responsibility of the contractor.

o The Government at may require all drone/UAV activities to cease at any time for any reason.

8. Question: “What is the payment schedule?”

ANSWER: The payment terms are 30 days per prompt payment Act and are paid in accordance with FAR 52.232-33 – Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-System for Award (included in FAR 52.212.5).

The contractor may submit progress payments for work that has been completed (i.e. units) as they go or summit one lump sum payment when all work is complete. All payments are subject to prior inspection and approval.

9. Question: “Can you clarify the required specs for the mulching end products? What dimension of much chips is required? What percentage of debris must be chipped within required dimensions?”

ANSWER: Refer to Section D.4.2 of the SOW –

Per Section D.4.2 (1) of the SOW - 90% or more of shrubs and trees up to 10 inches in trunk diameter shall be mulched/masticated with the designated project areas.

Additional clarification for Amendment 0001

Tree trunks (boles) must not be left intact.

At 75% of the resulting mulch and debris must not exceed 8 inches in depth and chip pieces must not exceed 36 inches in length and must be 6 inches of less in total diameter.

This language has been added to updated SOW in B08 – BITH-RFQ-Amendment 0001in Section D.4.2

10. Question: “Are previously dead trees (snags) required to be mulched?”

ANSWER: No, if left standing, if the come down during operations, or need to be removed for safety reason, or it is easier to take them down to access areas, then yes they would be required to be mulched as stated above in the response to question 9 above.

This language has been added to updated SOW in B08 – BITH-RFQ-Amendment 0001 in Section D.4.2

All Changes in SOW are noted in Red Text.

The Amendment also corrects a type under E.2.9 – Required Documents for Quote Submission, where it inadvertently said Complete Provisions 52.204-26, instead of 52.204-24. The title was correct, just not the number, and the correct provision is included in the solicitation.

The SCA Wage Determinations have also been updated with Rev 63, which were updated on 6/30/2023, but not available till after solicitation was issued. This particular wage determination is a waiver from Department of Labor for USDA-Forest Service and applies to all Forestry related activity and is only available through Forest Service and not through SAM.gov.