Questions___Answers_0001.pdf

Indiana Dunes National Park

RFQ #140P6422Q0016

Questions & Answers Question #1 - Will there be a task order dollar minimum, and if so, what will that minimum be? For example, since we are mobilizing from [REDACTED], it is not feasible to mobilize for a $1,000 tree removal, .etc.

Answer: There will not be a task order minimum. The Park may request service (to begin within 24 hours of call-out as per the Statement of Work) at any time and for any amount of work necessary. As such, the feasibility of being able to provide this service should be considered by the vendor and any mobilization costs should be incorporated into your pricing.

Question #2 - The SOW references emergency call response requirements, yet the price schedule does not incorporate emergency call pricing. Do you anticipate modifying the price schedule to reflect this?

Answer: As per section 8.0 Schedule Section C - "Work must begin within 24 hours of call-out."

For practical purposes, there is no difference between “standard” service and “emergency” service – any service being requested will be initiated by a call from the Park and is expected to begin within 24 hours of call-out.

Question #3 - The SOW requires a Board Certified Master Arborist to be on site during arboriculture production. Would the government expert consider modifying this requirement to allow an experienced ISA Certified Arborist to be onsite during arboriculture production. A BCMA arborist will be significantly more costly for the government than an ISA Certified Arborist.

Answer: An ISA Certified Arborist should be sufficient for this contract, the Statement of Work has been modified to reflect the change (see updated Statement of Work attached to Amendment).

Question #4 - The price schedule references an aerial truck for all pricing line items. Can the government expert please confirm that an aerial truck can reach all locations that the contractor will be required to operate in?

Answer: The expected cost for tree removal will be based on the tree size as shown in the price schedule. An aerial lift truck can reach the majority of the areas in the park, but there is no way to include all the different scenarios in this contract. If a unique situation arises, the contractor will have to discuss different cost scenarios with the CO so that it can be reviewed and approved before being performed.

Question #5 - In similar contracts that we have bid on there is usually a more in-depth pricing schedule that gives options for tree removal based on diameter, stump grinding based on diameter, and tree pruning. The pricing schedule link attached to this solicitation only has options for “clearing and grubbing, tree removal congested area, 8 inches diameter, aerial lift truck” then the same description for 12 inch, 18 inch, 24 inch, 36 inch, 48 inch trees. How will pricing be listed for the pruning work that is described to be done in the statement of work, also, from the statement of work it sounds like there are trees that will have stumps that remain that are cut 2 inches above grade treated with herbicide while other stumps may need ground out. Will there be a pricing difference for these two options?

Answer: A new row has been added in the Price Schedule for Stump Removal. Please see the new attachment entitled “Price Schedule – UPDATED.”

Question #6 – The SOW states that stumps may need to be removed/ground. This line item is not in the pricing schedule. Does the customer intend to modify the pricing schedule to include this line item?

Answer: A new row has been added in the Price Schedule for Stump Removal. Please see the new attachment entitled “Price Schedule – UPDATED.”

Question #7 – The SOW includes tree pruning however there is no line item for pruning in the pricing schedule. Does the customer intend to modify the pricing schedule to include this line item?

Answer: A new row has been added in the Price Schedule for pruning areas. Please see the new attachment entitled “Price Schedule – UPDATED.”