Q and A File.pdf

RFQ 19MX53-21-Q-0003 for Gardening Services

SBU - CONTRACTING AND ACQUISITIONS

Q&A

Q1. Is there is a contractor that fulfilled the same or similar efforts?

A1. Yes, there is a contractor that fulfilled similar efforts.

Q2. If yes, could you please provide the incumbent contract ID and the Contractor's name for the effort?

A2. S-MX530-16-C-0002 with Schiavoni Jardineria, S.A. de C.V.

Q3. Could you please tell me if this is a new requirement, or if there is a current or previous contractor who has performed similar services?

A3. Please refer to Q1.

Q4. If available, can you please send along the incumbent contract or task order number?

A4. Please refer to Q2.

Q5. Ref: Block 20, page 12 1.15. From October to January leaf removal is requested only once a week although those are the seasons when there are more leaves falling. It is requested also that the cleaning of domes is included. Will it be necessary to remove the leaves more often than once a week?

A5. No, once a week as stated in the RFQ.

Q6. Will some type of support or hooks be implemented by the Embassy so that the polycarbonate domes may be safely stepped on without the risk of falling down or breaking them?

A6. According to the site visit, there is only one location with skylights. However, these are reachable by using a 12-ft step ladder and a pressure washer with stick extensor. Therefore, it will not be necessary to step on the tempered glass.

Q7. Ref: Block 20, page 16 1.18.3. How will the water be supplied to irrigate the strip of land located across the street at Paseo de la Reforma?

A7. The awarded contractor will be responsible to make any arrangements and negotiations with Alcaldia authorities to include any necessary permits and requests in order to obtain mutual benefits.

Q8. Ref: Block 20, page 17 1-22. Can you specify how many large indoor planters and tabletop planters are there at the Chancery?

A8. No tabletop planters are included in this contract. The estimated number of large planters is 100 pieces.

Q9. Ref: Section 2, pages 80 (55) FAR 52.229.12 and page 84 2.4 FAR 52.229.12. Are we entitled for exemption of the imposition tax of 2% and/or shall we have to present

IRS form W14 to get fully exemption of the imposition tax on certain foreign procurement?

A9. W-14 form is required for all Mexican companies in order to request a waiver of the 2% Tax.

Q10. Ref: Page 106, 3.9, 52.237.1 Site Visit. There is a conflict regarding the dates scheduled for the sites visit.

A10. Question is unclear.

Q11. Ref: Pages 120 to 139 paragraph (b) 1 & 2, paragraphs (c) to (v) and FAR

52.229.11 (a) to (g). We already have complied, update and confirmed our company’s

Annual Representations and Certifications at SAM and NCIS. Shall we fill again paragraphs (c) to (v) and FAR 2.229.11 (a) to (g)?

A11. Please refer to first paragraph of FAR clause 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items (Jan 2021).

Q12. In case we propose an irrigation system to reach meters where there is no water, will the quote be paid separately or would it be included in the economic proposal?

A12. Prices must be all-inclusive no additional charges or services will be paid separately. Therefore, your economic proposal must include everything that is required to properly provide the services requested in the RFQ.

Q13. What is the maximum height considered for tree pruning?

A13. 12 ft.

Q14. Can the staff be transferred to another property or must they be permanent?

A14. This is part of your proposal. Please define your work plan accordingly.

Q15. In locations where there is no designated area for storing of tools and personal belongings, how will safekeeping work?

A15. All properties will have a designated space for this purpose. The contractor is responsible for supplying a cabinet or a locker according to the designated space.

Q16. Is there a work plan that you would like us to work on and improve based on our experience?

A16. There is no model work plan. Each offeror is responsible for providing a work plan based on RFQ requirements and its expertise and experience for each property.

Q17. Can current staff be rehired?

A17. There is no specific restriction to rehire current staff. This is an individual decision that must be handled internally by the contractor and its personnel.

Q18. Do you have any restrictions or special requirements regarding the staff?

A18. 18 years old as a minimum with no maximum limit. All personnel will be screened on criminal records.

Q19. Reference: SAFETY PLAN SECTION I, 16. Tree trimming and removal. Page 53.

Regarding the facilities needs about trees, and considering the safety requirements in this section, we consider that the contractor should comply with the local regulations as stated in the environmental rule NADF-001-RNAT-2015. With this in mind, the company should have within its staff a certified Woodland Ruler (Dictaminador de arbolado) and Certified Tree Trimmers. This certification backs the personnel training, experience, and ability to perform the execution of pruning, demolition, transplantation, and restitution of trees in Mexico City. Do we need to include in Volume II, 3.1.2.2

Experience and Ability to Perform, at least one license of Certified Woodland Ruler and at least two licensed of Certified Tree Trimmers?

A19. Proposals must include any licenses and permits required to comply with the requirements stated in the RFQ, as well as any document to proof the contractor’s experience and ability to perform.

Q20. Reference: SAFETY PLAN SECTION I, 11. Requirements for Chemical Substance

Management. Page 51. “If the contracted task requires the use of chemicals, the contractor must comply with the specifications required by local law or U.S standards for storage, handling and transportation” Do we need to provide a copy of a federal license provided by the local authority (COFEPRIS, Secretaría de Salud, etc.) for sanitary license, for pest control service in urban areas, applying pesticides only in urban areas, domestic and/or garden use?

A20. Only U.S standards (A-POSHO) will be applicable to approve products in all

USG areas.

Q21. Reference: SECTION 1 THE SCHEDULE, 1.27 Personnel Security. Page 20. What is the protocol in the event of a personnel absence due to health/person issue?

A21. The contractor is responsible for making any arrangements and covering services during long personnel absence. A notice in writing must be submitted to the

COR in order to determine whether a security clearance is required or only a temporary permit to access the facilities will be granted.

Q22. Reference: SECTION 1 THE SCHEDULE, 1.12.4 Technical Guidance. Page 12. Can an Agronomist or a Biologist perform the functions of the trained horticulturist?

A22. A professional with local certification (Cedula profesional) and

Grounds/Agronomy/Biology as a background is required.

Q23. From page 106 specified as ADDENDUM TO SOLICITATION PROVISIONS FAR

AND DOSAR PROVISIONS NOT PRESCRIBED IN PART 12, we have the following doubt:

From pages 111 (Representations and Certifications), should our company sign or mark with company stamp each of the pages that we fully acknowledge and accept its contents? We (our company) understands we have to fill in and mark the boxes when applicable, but when full pages go unmarked, should we anyways sign each page?

A23. Signature and stamp is not required.

Q24. Regarding our company and Mexico as the country where we would offer our services, should we aknowledge all provisions even some are for the US? For example: In page

118, Service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern, Small business concern, and Small business disadvantaged concern, all these provisions are uncommon in

Mexico. We shall just aknowledge without any comment, right?

A24. Since this is a contract with the U.S. Government all clauses are from U.S. laws, are applicable throughout the solicitation and will be applicable upon contract award.

Additionally, please note that all references to Service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern, Small business concern, and Small business disadvantaged concern companies apply only to companies incorporated in the U.S.

Q25. I understand in some locations, the supervisor presence is necessary at the Embassy´s

Chancery in Reforma, who should speak fluent English. Does the registered supervisor registered at 1.12.1 (Supervision) the person who has to visit the Chancery every time we give maintenance to the Chancery? Or could any other staff previously registered who speaks fluent English be the visiting supervisor?

A25. The supervisor whose name and contact information is stated under 1.12.1 must be the designated representative for on-site supervision of workforce at all times. This supervisor cannot be replaced during the first 90 days except as stated under 1.12.1.2.

Communication with the COR will be the key for the successful execution of the contract.