Special_Notice_Amd_2_Questions_and_Responses_3.pdf

ID or SOLICITATION NO. 140P2124R0018 AMENDMENT NO. (if applicable) SOLICITATION TITLE: Nationwide Coverage, Tree, and Other Related Services PHASE: Market Research (DRAFT ‐ Special Notice), Amendment 2

# Reference/ Location Question/suggestion or feedback Government Response

6 Special Notice Small businesses do not have ASCA under the primary services, professional consultant (ISA, ASCA)?

ASCA has been removed.

7 Special Notice Are all services required? Maybe this should be broken up?

In accordance with the draft information, the primary services are required. The primary services are: arborist (certified, ISA), felling, professional consultant (ISA), pruning, emergency removal services, and scheduled hazardous removal services.”

"[An offeror does] not need to provide 100% of the services [listed in the proposal template]; however, the government requires 100% of the services and will base selection and the number of awards selections on best value to achieve the goal of Nationwide coverage." (See Part E, E.2.2.2) See other information throughout the solicitation, to include the Evaluation criteria.

Special Notice

Does the government intend to conduct independent cost examination of intended services to be provided and disclose the study analysis?

The historical data analyzed is not by the service types but by NAICS. It is based on the primary NAICS (561730) with manual elimination of some contracts (i.e. mowing, snow removal, etc.). (NOTE: Other NAICS codes have been used for some of the service types and will not be included in the data.)The results of the data analysis remains combined by the NAICS and not by service type. The overall capacity (maximum threshold) is based on this data. Consider using https://www.usaspending.gov/ to gather data to support a business decision and potential return on investment. (Parameters to use:

Start Searching Awards, Fiscal Years: FY 2019‐ FY 2023, Agency: National Park Service, North American Industry Classification System (NAICS): 561730)

27 Part E, E.1.10 How difficult will it be to turn the excel document to a pdf?

This might be difficult especially considering margins and page size limits in E.1.6.2 It is not difficult. Either export or print. (How guide is attached)

29 Part E, E.2.1.2 Can you define this and give examples: official with the authority to contractually bind the offeror's company

It is listed in FAR 4.102. Business should know which employees can bind the company per the Organization By Laws. "4.102 Contractor’s signature. Link:

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part‐4#FAR_4_102

This document attempts to capture significant questions that may be pertinent. Offeror are advised to read official solicitations in their entirety.

If one was to subcontract [with...] another company, would they have to be [listed on] the IDIQ?

A company must considered the solicitation requirement, including clauses to best position themselves for an award. The offeror must ensure compliance with the solicitation and it related clause. See Part E, E.2.3.1.2 which states, "The offeror shall identify the proposed team, including all subcontractors it may utilize under this ID/IQ contract, to include business size and socioeconomic designation (if any). The submitted charts and tables shall convey to the government who and how the proposed work will be carried out successfully (as described and proposed) by key personnel, subcontractor, partners, number of employees, others, etc..." See other information throughout the solicitation, to include the Evaluation criteria.

We can provide much of this information in a more clear and concise manner. For example, instead of listing each piece of equipment and location, we can tell you how much equipment we have by type and the service areas to show you our service & capacity. Similar for price list as well.

The templates have multiple purposes. They expedite the review and award. It also keep all parties on equal footing. Please use the templates to demonstrate your company's capability and resources. The government has added an option for an offer to provide a clarifying statement of no more than a page. See the released solicitation for more information.

69 Draft E.1 Proposal Template

Price List‐ We’re trying to understand limits and the 50 miles requirement. With some heavy equipment we want to understand the impact of mobilization and de‐mobilization cost that need to be included

The reference is "No more than 4 acres, for Parks with 50 miles of Company address."

It is an example of a possible assumption. (Keep in mind that the assumption was made by a non‐expert.) Phase 3 is where offerors will propose a fixed price for items on a price list. Fixed prices do not change. The assumptions are used to understand when additional cost may apply when ordering the service.

The equipment list is difficult to provide because so much information is based on mobilization for nationwide service.

This is very easy for a competitor to fabricate at a disadvantage to Davey.

Fabricated information would eliminate an offeror from the competition.

Whistleblowing is fully supported. Also, it is important for the government to receive quality and competitive services. The information requested gives the government confidence on whether this would be achieved by an offeror or not. The equipment list has been simplified to help address the amount of information that would be submitted by a company proposing nationwide. The government also understands that distance increases price and that pricing must be fully burdened. This is the reason for the opportunity to provide assumptions and parameters.

A small business subcontracting plan is reasonable to request. However, you should ask for a plan, not the actual participants (part II of proposal) as this is a very complicated process for a Large business to secure for nationwide scope.

(There are very few companies that we can reasonably reach out to prior to award.)

Everyone is on equal footing and should provide their approach to this requirement, which may include being a third party staffing company. The government has added an option for an offer to provide a clarifying statement of no more than a page. See the released solicitation for more information.

It is too early in the process to ask for an equipment list by state for primary and secondary subcontractors for the entire country.

More information is needed. Offeror has option to propose nationally or on specific areas. It would be a significant amount of information to provide this information national. Be assured that all parties are on equal footing. Keep in mind that FAR 9.104‐ 3 says, "[A prospective contract must have (a) Ability to obtain resources. Except to the extent that a prospective contractor has sufficient resources or proposes to perform the contract by subcontracting, the contracting officer shall require acceptable evidence of the prospective contractor’s ability to obtain required resources (see 9.104‐ 1(a), (e), and (f)). Acceptable evidence normally consists of a commitment or explicit arrangement, that will be in existence at the time of contract award, to rent, purchase, or otherwise acquire the needed facilities, equipment, other resources, or personnel.

Consideration of a prime contractor’s compliance with limitations on subcontracting shall take into account the time period covered by the contract base period or quantities plus option periods or quantities, if such options are considered when evaluating offers for award." Be SURE to explain your company's approach in its proposal.

Proposed travel cost, with approval, is appreciated. But it is difficult to provide pricing without knowing this.

Travel would be specified at the task order level. The task order level would provide the location and period of performance.

Part E, Pg. 7

Clause E.2.1.8, Is this necessary? Seems invasive. Will it be required just for IDIQ proposal or every Task Order issued to awardees?

It is only required for award of the ID/IQ. A financial letter is required to comply with FAR Part 9, 9.104‐1, which says, "To be determined responsible, a prospective contractor must‐ (a) Have adequate financial resources to perform the contract, or the ability to obtain them. (Also see 9.104‐1(a), (e), and (f)) It may be revised to a letter of "good standing."

The following are the nationwide services needed. Are there services that should be combined or considered for removal from the “draft” solicitation due to (1) it is implied as included based industry practices or because it is a subtask of another listed service; (2) other reason (please specify above). See below concerning combined services.

61 Trimming and Historic Tree maintenance should be combined. A well‐planned maintenance program will place necessary trimming on a schedule, The government did not combine, there are other specific aspects of Historic Tree maintenance in addition to trimming that the offeror could have experience in. The offeror can select both service types, if needed.

Soil Management/Remediation Preparation can be combined with planting services.

The government did not combine, there may be cases where soil management is needed without planting. The offeror can select both service types, if needed.

Tree condition assessment is a part of the standard Tree Risk Assessment report and can all be combined with Inventory and Mapping.

The government did not combine, Tree Risk Assessment can be completed as part of an inventory or stand alone and not all inventories include full risk assessment.

52‐222‐42 Qualification of an ISA Certified Arborist is essential; it is my understanding that the NAA (National Arborist Association) no longer exists and is now part of the ISA; This spreadsheet lists the equipment operator as ‘ATS Certified.’ ATS Certification requirements are not necessary for the arboricultural industry. Also of critical importance, ATS is only in Wisconsin.

1. Delete NAA requirement.

2. Delete ATS requirement.

E. 1 Draft Proposal Template XL Spreadsheet Tab:

Qualifications‐52.222‐42 (continuation)

� g y g g y y , Arborist certification required. Very few Climbers are Certified Arborists.

� 2. Genl. Labor Categories and Quals: Delete the following from the description: Experience performing integrated Pest Management and recommending amendments based on soil testing.

� 3. Min. Years of Experience: 3 Years �4. Required License/Certifications: Delete requirements for ISA Certified Arborist and NAA certifications.

Skilled Labor � 5. Labor Category: Add to this title “Landscape Skilled Labor” Equipment Operator:

� 6. Min. Education: High School or Equivalent � 7. Genl. Labor Categories and Quals: ATS‐Certified or Equivalent Skilled Laborer � 8. Labor Category: Add to this title: “Grounds Person Skilled Labor” � 9. Genl. Labor Categories and Quals: Use description: Under supervision of the Crew Leader, performs a variety of tasks including ground tree trimming, felling, bucking, chipping, clean up, rigging ropes and lines. Must be proficient in knot tying and the use of ground rigging devices.

Additional Labor Categories to ADD:

� 10. Forester or Biologist: Design and conduct portions of research and restoration projects. Recommend resource management actions based on field observations. Develop

See the revised Qualifications document for the changes. Not attached.

PWS, Scope, B.1.5 gg needed list, please add definitions to Land Clearing, including need for erosion control measures, drainage, hydroseeding, etc.. Services Needed‐‐

(1) Tree Removal: Safe and efficient removal of trees, whether due to disease, storm damage, or other reasons.

(2) Tree Pruning/Trimming: Trimming and shaping trees for health, and safety.

(3) Tree Planting: Planting new trees to promote reforestation or improve landscaping.

(4) Tree Condition and Risk Assessment: Evaluating the health of trees, diagnosing diseases or issues (including structural defects, soil, erosion, etc.), and recommending appropriate treatments. Evaluating the risk trees may pose and recommending appropriate treatments.

(5) Tree Disease and Pest Control: Management and treatment of tree diseases and infestations by pests.

(6) Emergency Tree Services: Responding to storm damage or fallen trees, often on an urgent basis.

(7) Arborist Services: Certified arborists may provide specialized expertise in tree care and management.

(8) Land Clearing.

(9) Stump Grinding/Removal: Removing tree stumps to prevent regrowth and create a more usable landscape.

(10) Mulching: Spreading mulch around trees to conserve moisture and improve soil health.

(11) Tree Inventory and GIS Mapping: Documenting and mapping trees for urban planning or conservation purposes.

(12) Tree Protection/Preservation Planning: providing

(8)Deleted "Land Clearing" to eliminate confusion with the construction term.

(2) Tree Pruning (removed the word trimming)

(6) Emergency Tree Services: Immediate response to storm damage or fallen trees.

(11) Tree Inventory and GIS/GNSS Mapping: Documenting and mapping trees for urban planning or conservation purposes.

Enclosure

How to Guide ‐ MS Excel to Adobe PDF

Two Ways to convert a MS Excel Workbook to an Adobe

PDF

Try out other by searching the Internet. Page 1 of 4

#1st Way

- File

- Print

- Printer > Adobe PDF [or select other compa ble format(s)]

- Se ngs > Print En re Workbook

- File Name [NOTE: Rename file] > Save

May need to CLICK on the printer at the bo om of the computer (i.e., taskbar).

Try out other by searching the Internet. Page 2 of 4

#2nd Way

- File

- Export

- Create PDF/XPS Document > Create a PDF/XPS Document

- File Name [NOTE: Rename file] > Op ons

- Check “x” for “Open file a er publishing”

- Page Range: All > Publish What: En re workbook > OK

- Publish

Try out other by searching the Internet. Page 3 of 4

TIP: Be sure to note where the file will be located.

X

Try out other by searching the Internet. Page 4 of 4

The file will appear in the loca on selected