B09_140P4524Q00710001__Questions_and_Answers_0001.docx

140P4524Q0071: FIIS – Deer Reduction Submitted Questions and Answers

Question: How many persons can you bring at a time? I see it mentions 350 hours and then mentions that being 87.5 hours per person for four people. Does that mean it has to be four people?

Answer: Max 6. You can do it with less than 4 but not sure how productive you’ll be.

Question: Is there a by name limit to who can be involved in the operations? For instance, does it always have to be same people that come or does it matter?

Answer: Yes, this matters. The individuals involved in the operation need to be consistent and be there throughout the project. The operation is too complex to cycle different people in and it’s a safety issue as well. We need to know who’s out every day and we are comfortable with at our site.

Question: When is invoicing done? Will there be an initial payment upon award or is the first payment after 30 days? Just trying to determine upfront costs prior to first payment.

Answer: Final invoice will be in March.

Question: What if you don’t hit quota, by end of delivery date (31MAR2025)? I do not foresee that being a problem but just want to be aware of the consequences.

Answer: We re-evaluate for next year. This isn’t a cut and dry operation. We hope to hit our quota but if we don’t it’s either because the contractor wasn’t productive (not the case with the organization we’ve worked with the last 5-6 years) or it’s a product of the effort working.

Question: Last question is, is there a set schedule that we need to be there or is it as we determine it/coordinate it with NPS as long as we hit our quota?

Answer: Not a set schedule and there is a lot of coordination between contractor and NPS.

Question: what type of processing does the contractor have to pay for? All ground or steaks roasts and ground?

Answer: All of the processing. From carcass to food pantry

Question: Can the contractor store equipment at their facilities daily?

Answer: Limited storage, portion of a garage

Question: Can we use drones to locate deer? It’s possible but there are strict guidelines for drone use.

Answer: Here are the requirements for drone usage requests

1. The purpose of the mission or project.

2. Designated locations, dates, and times of use for the UAS. • Requests may cover more than one mission over a period of time if the impacts and risks of the operation can be properly evaluated at the time of the request.

3. Confirmation that the operation complies with current: • DOI and NPS policies regarding UAS operations (applies to NPS or other DOI pilots). • FAA policy regarding UAS operations (applies to outside agency/entity cooperator operations).

4. Confirmation that the operation will not interfere with the visitor experience, interpretive programs, or concession or other park operations.

5. Procedures for data management and processing.

6. Why the use of a UAS is appropriate and consistent with the Organic Act and NPS authorities related to the protection of park resources and values, and visitor enjoyment.

7. Confirmation of compliance with relevant laws and regulations including the Wilderness Act, ESA, NHPA, MMPA, ARPA, PSRPA, MBTA.

8. Potential for controversy.

9. Compliance with NEPA, by one of the following: a. Citing a categorical exclusion. b. Explaining that use of the UAS was necessary to control the immediate impacts of an emergency under 43 CFR 46.150. c. Referring to an EA/EIS that has been prepared. d. Contacts at the park or program for further questions.

In addition there are required documents:

· Copy of FAA 14 CFR Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and FAA d FAA Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (as applicable)

· For UAS operations under NPS operational control a completed and signed PASP with a risk analysis (RM 60 appendix 3)

· For UAS operations NOT under NPS operational control a completed safety brief or operation plan acknowledged by the applicable park

· Copy of scientific research and collecting permit, if applicable

· Minimum Requirements Analysis – required for all NPS actions within wilderness or areas managed as wilderness that may impact wilderness character and values.

· Aviation enhancement application, (RM-60, Appendix 5) if applicable.

Question: is there a preferred processing plant that you would use?

Answer: We prefer local on Long Island

Question: can we use pistols or automatic hand guns?

Answer: No

Question: what is your ideal time to start?

Answer: Planning starts in September. Most the operation occurs from late-January early February.

Question: does the park service have a cooler to store multiple deer in or are we going to have to make daily trips to the processing facility?

Answer: No

Question: Will the NPS be providing the corn that will be used as potential bait for this contract? Since the program has been running for a few years are the local butchers that already familiar with the program. If so, could you provide a list of contacts of those local butchers for pricing inquiry? Is there lodging available on site?

Answer: Corn is provided by the NPS. The prices run from $75-$100 per deer. Lodging is possible but not guaranteed, it’s first come first serve.

Question: How is this going to bid out? A whole lump sum or per deer dispatched?

Answer: At the end of period of performance – there will be a lump sum payment.