B09_QA_0002.docx

140P3026Q0037 — Questions and Answers

1. Since the September 17 site visit occurs after the original question deadline, may quoters submit brief written questions arising directly from the site visit before the September 18 quotation deadline?

Answer: Yes. Quoters may submit brief written questions arising directly from the September 17 site visit before the September 18 quotation deadline. The Government will answer a late question only if the Contracting Officer determines that the answer benefits all prospective quoters and time permits issuance of an amendment. Oral statements do not amend the solicitation. The quotation deadline remains unchanged unless revised by written amendment.

2. Please confirm that the contractual performance period is September 28, 2026 through March 31, 2027, as stated in Amendment 0001, notwithstanding the September 30, 2026 “Deliver By” date on the original SF18.

Answer: Confirmed. The contractual performance period is intended to be September 28, 2026 through March 31, 2027. Amendment 0001 supersedes the September 30, 2026 “Deliver By” date shown on the original SF18.

3. May a quoter rely on the qualifications, ISA credential, resources, and relevant past performance of a committed subcontractor/team member to demonstrate technical acceptability, with the prime remaining fully responsible for performance?

Answer: Yes. The Government will consider the qualifications, ISA credential, resources, and relevant past performance of a proposed subcontractor or team member to the extent that the entity and its personnel are committed to performing the corresponding work under this requirement. The quotation must identify the entity, its proposed role, the personnel and resources it will provide, and which entity performed each cited past-performance project. The prime contractor must remain eligible for award as a small business and remains fully responsible for performance of every contract requirement.

4. The solicitation’s FAR 52.222-42 table identifies Tree Climber 08340, while WD 2015-4281 does not appear to list that classification. Should personnel performing Tree Climber duties be handled through the SF-1444 conformance process?

Answer: Yes, if the employee’s actual duties correspond to Tree Climber 08340 and are not performed by another classification listed in WD 2015-4281. Worker classification depends on the duties performed. The FAR 52.222-42 table is informational and does not establish the contractor’s required wage rate.

The contractor must initiate the conformance procedure before an unlisted classification performs contract work and submit SF-1444 to the Contracting Officer no later than 30 days after the employee begins that work. The Department of Labor determines the conformed wage and fringe-benefit rate, which applies from the employee’s first day of work in the classification. See FAR 52.222-41(c)(2).

5. For HT-06, could you please identify the applicable utility owner and advise whether any de-energization, utility clearance/escort, or utility-provider fees are anticipated, including whether such fees would be the contractor’s responsibility?

Answer: The applicable electric utility is Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC). The Government has not identified any required de-energization, utility clearance or escort, or utility-provider fee. Quoters shall not include utility-provider fees in their quotations.

The contractor is not authorized to contact NOVEC, request utility services, or incur utility-provider fees on the Government’s behalf. If the contractor determines that safe performance at HT-06 or any other work location requires interaction with or action by the utility company, the contractor shall not begin—or shall immediately stop—work at that affected location. The contractor shall protect the area, notify the COR and Contracting Officer, and await written direction from the Contracting Officer. Work at unaffected locations shall continue unless the Contracting Officer directs otherwise.

This answer does not change the requirement to use line-clearance-qualified arborists and comply with the applicable electrical-safety requirements.