Questions_and_Answers_-_Pinhook_Bog_0002.pdf

Solicitation #: P6426Q0093

Amendment #: P0002

Pinhook Bog Revegetation – INDU

Questions and Answers listed below:

QUESTIONS:

Question # Question Answer/Response

1. What are the coordinates or PIN for the seven excavation areas? We'd like to visit the site and review the existing conditions. I believe these are within a wetland—can you confirm?

NPS was available for site visit on July 13, 2026. GIS information will be provided after contract award. See Figures 1-1, 1-2, and 2. Please avoid access to Excavation Area A within the State right of way off the Indiana Toll Road. Individuals without a access permit will be cited and removed by Toll Road security. Yes.

The revegetation area is within a wetland and the borrow area is higher in elevation and is dry.

2. What are the coordinates or PIN for the borrow site? We'd also like to review that location. My understanding is this is a dry area—is that correct?

July 13. GIS information will be provided after contract award. See Figures 1-1, 1-2, and 2. Please avoid access to Excavation Area A within the State right of way off the Indiana Toll Road. Individuals without a access permit will be cited and removed by Toll Road security. Yes.

The revegetation area is within a wetland and the borrow area is higher in elevation and is dry.

3. The documents mention a possible alternate for an additional two acres. Can you provide the coordinates or PIN for that area as well so we can evaluate it?

July 13. GIS information will be provided after contract award.

4. My understanding is that soil will be excavated from the restoration areas and then backfilled with suitable material. Can you confirm that this is correct?

Yes, Borrow source material used for backfill activities is subsoil (B horizon).

5. The specifications indicate the restoration areas will require watering. Based on what we've seen, it doesn't appear there is adequate access for a watering truck to provide sufficient irrigation throughout the first full growing season. Is that accurate? If so, will permanent or temporary access be available once construction is complete?

All temporary access routes will remain upon completion of excavation/hauling activities. NPS will not allow the construction of additional access routes (temporary roads) for revegetation. Currently, there is adequate access for a watering truck.

6. The specifications reference treating invasive shrubs within the project area. We interpret that as site preparation and initial herbaceous/invasive clearing.

However, we do not see any ongoing stewardship or maintenance requirements after the plant installation. Is that correct?

No. Treatment of invasive plants/shrubs applies to the project site during the performance period which includes maintenance period.

7. The specifications also reference a one full growing season warranty. If ongoing stewardship is not included in the restoration scope, who will be responsible for maintaining the restoration areas during the warranty period?

Contractor is responsible for maintaining the restoration area during the performance period including the warranty period.

8. Can the National Park Service provide the anticipated quantities for trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, and seed, or confirm whether the spacing examples provided in the Statement of Work represent the required installation densities?

No. See Appendix A. NPS has provided two examples of revegetation (plants/shrubs) densities.

Contractor will calculate and provide quantities in proposal.

9. What minimum plant sizes are required for each plant type (trees, shrubs, plugs, bare root, or container stock)?

The NPS does not have a minimum size requirement.

10. Are substitutions within the approved species list permitted if locally sourced material is unavailable?

Maybe. The NPS will review requests for substitutions. Native plants, shrubs, and trees are locally available.

11. What geographic source is considered acceptable for local ecotype seed and plant material (e.g., Indiana Dunes region, state of Indiana, or another defined collection radius)?

Indiana Dunes. Contractors are encouraged to conduct a site visit prior to submission of proposal.

12. Can the NPS provide the required seed mix composition, target species percentages, and Pure Live Seed (PLS) application rates?

Not. NPS will evaluate each proposal and submittals upon receipt.

Contractor’s are encouraged to conduct a site visit prior to submission of proposal.

13. Is the contractor expected to develop the final seed mix, or will a government-approved seed mix be provided?

Contractor.

14. Is drill seeding, broadcast seeding, handseeding, or another installation method preferred?

No preference. Contractor will use method to install plant material installation that will not impact Bog.

15. What are the expected watering frequency and performance requirements during the one-year establishment period?

Watering frequency will be dependent on plant material needs for establishment.

16. Will a water source be available on-site, or should the contractor assume all water must be transported to the project?

No. A water source is not available at this location. Contractor must provide all water needed for this project.

17. Which invasive shrub species are anticipated to require treatment?

All non-native shrub species.

Contractors are encouraged to conduct a site visit prior to submission of proposal.

18. What treatment methods are acceptable (hand removal, cut-stump herbicide, foliar herbicide, basal bark, etc.)?

Acceptable treatment method is one that will not impact the bog resource.

19. Do we need to haul tree/shrubs off site?

Maybe. NPS encourages each Contractor to conduct a site visit prior to submission of proposal.

20. Are there any herbicide restrictions beyond applicable National Park Service requirements?

No.

21. What equipment is permitted within the project area (ATVs, UTVs, compact tractors, tracked skid steers, etc.)?

Equipment that will not impact the bog. Contractors are encouraged to conduct a site visit prior to the submission of the proposal. NPS will evaluate each proposal and review equipment proposed to achieve this requirement.

22. Is there a designated staging area for equipment, materials, and deliveries?

Yes. The NPS will identify a staging area after contract award.

23. Are there seasonal access restrictions or environmental conditions that may limit site access during construction?

Yes. Project site will not be accessible during the winter months.

24. Will the contractor have unrestricted access during normal working hours, or are there coordination requirements with park staff?

No. Terms and conditions will be discussed after contract award.

25. Does the required 80% survival standard apply collectively across all vegetation or separately to trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plantings?

Separately. NPS is looking for a successful outcome at this location.

26. How will the required native vegetation cover percentage be measured and documented during acceptance?

NPS COR will review Contractor’s submittals and conduct a site walk to verify the accuracy of submittals.

27. What is the process for determining acceptance if survival thresholds are not achieved by the initial inspection?

NPS COR will review Contractor’s submittals and efforts to re-establish a healthy plant community.

28. Does the National Park Service have a preferred installation window (Fall 2026 versus Spring 2027), or may the contractor propose the installation schedule?

Yes. NPS anticipates installation schedule to include the Fall 2026, Spring 2027, and Summer 2027.

Installation schedule that prevents the introduction of invasive/noxious weeds is important at this location.

29. Are there any seasonal restrictions related to protected wildlife, visitor use, or resource protection that should be considered when scheduling the work?

Yes. Unable to access project site during winter months.

30. If the optional acreage is exercised, will it be awarded concurrently with the base project or under a separate notice to proceed?

Concurrently

31. Has a recent site assessment or existing vegetation inventory been completed that can be shared with bidders?

Yes. See Appendix A. Contractor is encouraged to conduct a site visit prior to the submission of proposal.

32. Are geotechnical information, soil analyses, or hydrology reports available for the project area?

Yes. Regional U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in Geochemical and Mineralogical Maps, with Interpretation, for Soils of the Conterminous United States

(https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20175118).

33. What reporting frequency is expected during installation and the one-year maintenance period?

Progress reports are generally submitted on a monthly basis or as requested by the Contracting Officer.

34. Are progress meetings or regular coordination meetings with National Park Service staff anticipated?

Yes.

35. Will progress photo documentation have specific format or reporting requirements?

No. May include with monthly progress reports or as a stand alone.

36. Are there any known utility conflicts, archaeological resources, or environmentally sensitive areas within the project limits that require additional precautions?

No. Excavation activities include utility locate and archeological monitoring.

37. The Statement of Work requires the contractor to provide a warranty through October 31, 2028, while routine maintenance appears to be limited to one growing season.

Who will be responsible for site maintenance after the contractor's maintenance period ends and prior to warranty expiration?

Contractor will be responsible for the success of this requirement and must plan accordingly.

38. Will the National Park Service (or another party) assume responsibility for routine maintenance—including watering, invasive species management, mowing (if applicable), and protection from wildlife damage— following completion of the contractor's maintenance period?

Contractor will be responsible for the success of this requirement and must plan accordingly.

39. Will the contractor remain responsible for plant replacement if plant mortality results from factors outside of the contractor's control after the 1 year maintenance period, including but not limited to drought, flooding, wildlife browse, vandalism, or lack of ongoing maintenance?

Yes. Contractor will be responsible for the success of this requirement and must plan accordingly.

40. Can the National Park Service clarify the warranty inspection schedule and the criteria that will be used to determine whether plant replacement is required during the warranty period?

Yes. COR visual inspections are conducted during the growing season.

Replacement is required when plant material life falls below 80%.

41. Is the contractor expected to perform periodic inspections during the warranty period after the initial maintenance period has concluded?

Yes. Contractor will be responsible for periodic inspections and monitoring during the performance period to evaluate establishment of plant material.

https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20175118