B08_Attachment_0007_Questions_and_Answers_140P5126Q0007_CHAT_GM__0001.pdf

Amendment 0001; RFQ # 140P5126Q0007

Provide Grounds Maintenance - Landscaping Services

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Solicitation #140P5126Q0007

Questions and Answers

Question 1. Is there a current incumbent performing this service? May we be provided with the contract number or total contract award amount?

Answer: This is a new requirement with no incumbent.

Question 2. Are services only needed at the Chattahoochee River Environmental Education Center (CREEC) site? Or all 13 sites on the Mowing list?

Answer: Per the Statement of Work, service is required at all thirteen (13) sites.

Question 3. Contract Performance Period

The Statement of Work references a contract duration of April 14, 2024 – October 31, 2025, which appears to correspond with a previous contract period.

Could the Government please confirm the intended performance period for this solicitation, including any base and option periods, so contractors can accurately estimate the number of service cycles required?

Answer: The period of performance for the services will be April 14, 2026, through October 31, 2026.

Question 4. Price Schedule Structure

The SOW references distinct line items and firm-fixed prices for each area with payment based on each occurrence of work. However, the provided price schedule appears to show a single lump-sum

CLIN.

Could you confirm whether pricing should be submitted:

as a single lump-sum seasonal price, or broken out by site and/or per-occurrence service pricing?

Answer: Please provide lump sum as well as monthly cost/price per the revised price schedule (Attachment 0008).

Question 5. Site Acreage / Maintained Turf Area

Could the Government provide estimated mowable acreage or maintained turf square footage for each listed location, or confirm whether contractors are expected to determine acreage independently during the site visit?

Answer: Exact acreage is not available for the sites.

Question 6. Mow Plan Site Details

Are boundary maps, diagrams, or GIS references available for each site in the mow plan to clarify mowing limits and exclusion areas?

Answer: Maps are not available; the limits are described in the statement of work.

Question 7. Abbotts Bridge Frequency (7–10 Days)

For pricing purposes, should contractors assume a fixed number of service visits during the season (for example weekly), or will the COR determine the frequency within the 7–10-day window depending on turf growth conditions?

Answer: Frequency is listed in the statement of work.

Question 8. Seasonal Frequency Adjustments

Are the mowing frequencies listed in the mow plan intended to remain fixed throughout the contract, or may the COR increase mowing frequency during peak turf growth periods?

Answer: The mowing cycle is listed in the statement of work.

Question 9. Maintained Turf vs Natural Areas

Could the Government clarify whether all areas listed in the mow plan represent maintained turf areas, or if any locations include naturalized terrain, steep slopes, trail shoulders, or environmentally sensitive zones that may require manual trimming or specialized equipment?

Answer: Turf vs Natural Areas are described in the statement of work.

Question 10. Debris and Litter Disposal:

Should all debris and litter removed during service be hauled off-site by the contractor, or are designated disposal areas or dumpsters available at any of the park locations?

Answer: Contractor is responsible for the removal of this trash to prevent shredding and further visual degradation of the grounds. This litter must be removed, bagged, and disposed of by the contractor.

Question 11. Visitor Safety / Traffic Control Requirements:

Are there any location-specific requirements related to traffic control, visitor signage, cones, or restricted mowing hours at sites with high visitor traffic?

Answer: No, only that work will be performed during daylight hours in a safe manner.

Question 12. Access and Equipment Staging:

Are there designated staging areas for equipment or trailers at the various sites, and are there any gate access procedures contractors should be aware of?

Answer: The is no designated staging area. Any area within a locked gate will have a combination lock that the contractor will have access too.

Question 13. Weather Delays and Weekend Work:

In the event of weather delays that create scheduling backlogs, what is the typical process for obtaining written approval for weekend work to maintain the required service frequency?

Answer: Working around inclement weather is acceptable but any work not completed must be coordinated with the OCR to be completed as soon as possible.

Question 14. Inspection and Acceptance Process:

Could you confirm the expected process for notifying the COR when services are completed at each location and the typical timeline for inspection and acceptance prior to invoicing?

Answer: When all work is started and completed at the end of a mowing cycle the contractor will need to notify the COR by email.

Question 15. Public Events or Site Restrictions:

Are there any recurring public events, festivals, or seasonal visitor activities at these locations that contractors should account for when planning mowing operations?

Answer: If there is an event planned, the park/COR will notify the contractor.

Question 16. Past Performance Requirements:

For the past performance submission, will similar multi-site landscaping or grounds maintenance contracts of comparable scope and complexity be considered acceptable references?

Answer: Yes, similar multi-site landscaping or grounds maintenance contracts of comparable scope and complexity will be considered acceptable, as long as they are within the past five years.

Question 17. On pages 2 and 6 of the main solicitation documents, the "Work Description" table lists 13 specific sites requiring mowing and trimming services. However, upon reviewing Attachment 0002 (Mow Plan), there are 17 distinct areas listed.

Could you please clarify the following regarding this discrepancy?

• Unlisted Sites: The Mow Plan includes two sites not mentioned in the SOW table: Sandy Point and McGinnis Ferry. Are these officially part of the scope for this contract? If so, could you please provide their addresses and required mowing frequencies?

Answer: Only the sites listed in the Scope of Work. McGinnis is listed in the SOW.

• Cochran Shoals Clarification: The Mow Plan lists Columns, Jogging Trail, and Interstate as separate areas. Could you clarify if these three areas collectively make up the single "Cochran Shoals" site listed in the SOW, or if they are entirely separate locations?

Answer: No - The jogging trail is Cochran Shoals

• Pricing Structure: Per the SOW instructions to provide "distinct line items and firm fixed prices for each area," should our pricing submission on Attachment 0003 (Price Schedule) reflect the 13 overall sites listed in the SOW, or should we break our pricing out into the 17 specific line items listed in the Mow Plan?

Answer: The SOW locations.

• Can you please provide the Total Area coverage where Grounds Maintenance is required?

Answer: That information is unavailable. The contractor is encouraged to perform a site visit to verify information.

Question 18. In reviewing Sam.Gov. I saw posting 140P5126Q0007.

It shows the term dates to start April 2025- just want to make sure that it isn’t expired and that should reflect April 2026.

Answer: The period of performance for the services will be April 14, 2026, through October 31, 2026.

Question 19. Site Routing Expectations:

May contractors schedule service across multiple days within the allowed service window, or is the expectation that all locations be serviced during the same operational day?

Answer: The contractor can determine what days they will work. Multiple days to cover the work is acceptable.

Question 20. Are all sites accessible 24/7 during the 6:00 am–8:00 pm window, or are there any gated areas?

Answer: All sites are accessible during normal working hours with no gates.

Question 21. The SOW requires the contractor to remove, bag, and dispose of trash. Can the contractor use existing NPS dumpsters located within the park, or must all trash be hauled off-site to a private commercial disposal facility?

Answer: NPS trash cans/dumpsters are acceptable.

Question 22. The SOW specifies very exact mowing heights (e.g., 2”, 2.5”, 3”). What is the acceptable tolerance (e.g., +/- 0.5 inch) given the varying terrain of 15 different sites?

Answer: Overall height of site. Variance due to terrain is acceptable.

Question 23. The SOW says string trimming must "match the level" of regular mowing. Are there specific requirements for chemical edging (herbicides) around signposts or guardrails to reduce manual labor, or is this strictly a mechanical trimming contract?

Answer: No herbicides allowed.

Question 24. The 40-foot "shutdown zone" for visitors is a significant safety requirement. In high-traffic areas like Johnson Ferry or Island Ford, frequent shutdowns could significantly impact labor hours. Has the NPS conducted a "Visitor Density" study or provided data on peak hours to help contractors estimate the time lost to these safety shutdowns?

Answer: Not applicable to this project.

Question 25. The RFQ states payment is based on each "occurrence." If a site requires multiple days to complete one full cycle due to its size, is that considered one "occurrence" or is billing handled by the day?

Answer: An entire site must be completed before payment can be requested.

Question 26. Section 11 of the SF-18 only shows one CLIN (00010). However, the SOW says the proposal must contain "distinct line items for each area." Should we provide a separate Price Schedule (Attachment 0003) with a price per cycle for each of the 13+ specific sites?

Answer: See response to question number four (4).

Question 27. Regarding solicitation 140P5126Q0007, the SOW states payment is based on each 'occurrence,' while the standard clauses suggest monthly invoicing. Can you confirm if we should submit one consolidated monthly invoice via the IPP system for all verified site visits completed during that month?"

Answer: Invoices will be submitted on recurring monthly basis (First month will be prorated)

Question 28. On pages 2 and 6 of the main solicitation documents, the "Work Description" table lists 13 specific sites requiring mowing and trimming services. However, upon reviewing Attachment 0002 (Mow Plan), there are 17 distinct areas listed.

Could you please clarify the following regarding this discrepancy?

Unlisted Sites: The Mow Plan includes two sites not mentioned in the SOW table: Sandy Point and McGinnis Ferry. Are these officially part of the scope for this contract? If so, could you please provide their addresses and required mowing frequencies?

Cochran Shoals Clarification: The Mow Plan lists Columns, Jogging Trail, and Interstate as separate areas. Could you clarify if these three areas collectively make up the single "Cochran

Shoals" site listed in the SOW, or if they are entirely separate locations?

Pricing Structure: Per the SOW instructions to provide "distinct line items and firm fixed prices for each area," should our pricing submission on Attachment 0003 (Price Schedule) reflect the 13 overall sites listed in the SOW, or should we break our pricing out into the 17 specific line items listed in the Mow Plan?

Can you please provide the Total Area coverage where Grounds Maintenance is required?

Answer: The contract covers the SOW sites only. The mow plan was included to assist with information.

Question 29. Please confirm the exact start and end dates (Month/Day/Year) for the Period of Performance, as our pricing depends on the specific number of months and service occurrences required for the season."

Answer: Listed in SOW.

Question 30. Regarding solicitation 140P5126Q0007, the SF-18 only lists a single line item (CLIN 00010). However, the SOW requires services at 13+ distinct sites with varying frequencies. Could you please provide an itemized pricing schedule—or confirm if we may submit an alternate schedule—that allows for a breakdown of the unit price (per visit) and total price for each specific site to ensure our bid is accurate and transparent?

Answer: See response to question number four (4).

Question 31. Mowing Frequency & Triggers: The SOW mentions a "maintenance schedule" and "cyclical mowing." Is the requirement for a fixed weekly or bi-weekly service, or is the frequency triggered by a specific grass height (e.g., mow when grass reaches 6” down to 3”)?

Answer: Information listed in SOW/mow plan.

Question 32. Total Acreage Breakdown: Can the government provide the estimated acreage for each of the 15 developed areas? This is essential for calculating fuel consumption and labor hours accurately.

Answer: No. Contractors are encouraged to perform site visits.

Question 33. Height of Cut (HOC): Does the National Park Service (NPS) have a mandated minimum or maximum height of cut for different types of turf (e.g., high-visibility lodge areas

vs. open fields)?

Answer: Information listed in SOW/mow plan.

Question 34. Debris Removal Requirements: The SOW states debris must be "removed, bagged, and disposed of." Is there a designated on-site composting or disposal area within the park, or must all organic debris (grass clippings/leaves/brush) be hauled to an off-site commercial facility?

Answer: Information listed in SOW.

Question 35. Incidental Brush Removal: The SOW mentions removing "limbs and other fallen brush." Is there a diameter or length limit for what constitutes "contractor-removable brush" versus "Park Service maintenance removal" (e.g., limbs over 4 inches in diameter)?

Answer: Information listed in SOW/mow plan.

Question 36. Herbicide Usage: Is the use of herbicides (e.g., Glyphosate) permitted for "chemical edging" around signposts, fence lines, and BFRs (Big Flat Rocks) to reduce manual string trimming labor, or is this a mechanical-only contract?

Answer: No.

Question 37. Equipment Restrictions: Are there weight or size restrictions for mowers at historical sites (e.g., Allenbrook or Island Ford Lodge) or sensitive areas like the "pond dam" to prevent soil compaction or turf damage?

Answer: No.

Question 38. Sandy Point Helicopter LZ: The Mow Plan states "do not expand" the helicopter landing zone. Can the government provide the exact dimensions or a map marking the current boundary of the LZ?

Answer: Information listed in SOW/mow plan.

Question 39. Rottenwood Creek Trail: Given the high volume of pedestrian and cyclist traffic on this paved trail, are there specific "Blackout Hours" or weekend restrictions where mowing and blowing operations are prohibited?

Answer: Information listed in SOW/mow plan.

Question 40. Island Ford Pond Dam: Does the dam area require specialized slope-mowing equipment (e.g., remote mowers or specialized walk-behinds) for safety compliance?

Answer: Information listed in SOW/mow plan.

Question 41. Island Ford Maintenance Yard: Does the "maintenance office side and back yard" require the contractor to coordinate access with staff, or is the fenced area accessible during standard operating hours?

Answer: Information listed in SOW/mow plan.

Question 42. BFRs (Big Flat Rocks): The Mow Plan mentions trimming around "BFR's" at multiple sites. Are these rocks to be trimmed to the ground level, or is a specific buffer zone requested?

Answer: Information listed in SOW/mow plan.

Question 43. Access & Keys: Many sites are gated. Will the successful contractor be issued master keys/gate codes, or will they need to coordinate with the COR for daily access to each of the 15 sites?

Answer: Sites are not gated.

Question 44. Staging & Storage: Will the contractor be permitted to stage equipment or store a trailer on-site (e.g., at the Island Ford Maintenance Yard) for the duration of the contract, or must all equipment be mobilized and demobilized daily?

Answer: Contractor is not allowed to stage equipment.

Question 45. Water Access: Will the contractor have access to on-site water for cleaning equipment or utility purposes?

Answer: No.

Question 46. Security Clearances: Do contractor employees require a formal background check (PIV/HSPD-12) to work in the park, or is a standard company-vetted crew sufficient for these public-facing areas?

Answer: No.

Question 47. Definition of "Occurrence": Payment is based on "each occurrence." Does the government define an "occurrence" as a single visit to one site, or must all 15 sites be completed to trigger a single payment occurrence?

Answer: In order to receive payment, each site must be completed on each cycle listed in SOW/mow plan.

Question 48. Schedule Adjustments for Weather: In the event of sustained rain or saturated ground conditions, what is the protocol for "make-up days"? Does the government allow weekend work to stay on the Mow Plan schedule?

Answer: No. Next available non-weekend day to perform work.

Question 49. Communication Protocol: The SOW requires notification to the COR before and after each service. Is there a preferred digital portal or mobile app for these notifications, or is email/phone the standard?

Answer: Either method is acceptable, but email communications are preferred.

Question 50. Contract Overlap: Is this a new requirement, or was there a previous incumbent?

If there was an incumbent, what was the previous annual contract value?

If there's an Incumbent has there been any significant "Change in Scope" between the incumbent's award "Scope" and this 2026 solicitation "Scope"?

Answer: No, there is no incumbent for this requirement.

Question 51. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Does the NPS require any specific safety apparel beyond standard OSHA requirements (e.g., high-visibility vests with "Contractor" labeling)?

Answer: Information listed in SOW/mow plan.

Question 52. Uniforming: Are there specific requirements for contractor uniforms to ensure they are easily distinguishable from NPS Rangers or staff?

Answer: Information listed in SOW/mow plan.

Question 53. Wildlife Hazards: Are there specific safety protocols the contractor must follow regarding local wildlife (e.g., Canada Geese management or snake protocols) while performing maintenance near the river?

Answer: No.