B09_Solicitation_Amendments_Amd3_Attachment3_Answers_to_Contractor_Questions_0003.pdf

Solicitation Questions Certified Weed-Free Alfalfa Hay Solicitation 140P8525Q0010

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

1. Would a CQC (Certificate of Quarantine Compliance) be acceptable in place of a Certified weed-free requirement?

Yes. California Department of Food & Ag weed-free certification (validated by form 66-079 Certificate of Quarantine Compliance) is acceptable. However, NAISMA certified hay (validated by purple/yellow twine) is preferred.

If the contractor has CDFA 66-079 proof, they are an approved California source. If the hay is NAISMA certified, then we will need to verify it's coming from an approved Nevada or California source. Those are the only two states we accept NAISMA-certified weed-free hay from.

If the hay is delivered with purple/yellow twine and proof of California or Nevada source, it will be accepted. If the twine is a di erent color, the contractor must provide the 66-079 form no later than 2 weeks after delivery. After that time, the contractor will need to immediately come pick up the hay delivery and remove it.

2. Can you confirm whether partial deliveries beyond the 50-ton minimum are acceptable (e.g. 60 tons vs. 100 tons)?

Yes.

3. Are there any specific unloading hours or restrictions at Ash Mountain Corral we should be aware of?

Call first before arriving to make sure NPS representative is available. Contact number will be provided upon award. Preferred window is 6:30am – 3pm for Ash Mountain deliveries.

4. Can you confirm whether both IPC and NAISMA certifications are equally acceptable, or is one preferred?

Both are acceptable. NAISMA is preferred.

5. Will certification documents be reviewed at the time of delivery, or must they be submitted in advance for pre-approval?

Certification documents will be reviewed at time of delivery. Deliveries without documentation will be refused.

6. Are digital copies of certification documents acceptable, or do you require hard copies with delivery?

Hard copies are required upon delivery.

7. What are the exact quality standards for hay (e.g., moisture content, age, etc.), beyond weed-free certification?

Hay should not be first cutting, nor should it be wet. Individual bales shall not exceed 150 pounds. Hay should be fine stemmed, clean, free from mold, dirt, and litter. Must be stackable (no round bales).

8. Can the vendor submit invoices after each delivery/load, or is payment only issued after all 200 tons have been delivered and certified?

Invoices can be submitted after each delivery.

9. Will each delivery be considered a separate, payable milestone upon acceptance and certification?

See answer to question 8.

10. Is there any performance-based holdback or retainage, or will each approved invoice be paid in full?

Once invoice is received by NPS via IPP, the NPS on site o icial will need to approve that all goods were received as stated in the contract or the contractor must correct any issues before payment can proceed.

11. Are there any restrictions or reporting requirements regarding subcontractors we plan to use for delivery or stacking?

There are no reporting requirements for a potential sub-contractor. However, as the prime contractor, you must ensure all requirements are completed and communicated clearly to the sub-contractor.

12. If we use a subcontractor, will their certification documents need to be submitted separately?

Weed-Free certification needs to be provided at time of delivery to the National Park Service (NPS) receiving o icial on site.

13. What is the anticipated award date for this solicitation?

Tentative award date for this solicitation is 2-4 weeks after the solicitation closes.

14. Will we be invoicing through WAWF or IPP?

Invoicing will be via IPP at www.ipp.gov.