19RB1020R0001 Questions and Answers January 17, 2020.pdf

U.S. Embassy Belgrade, Serbia Solicitation 19RB1020R0001

Grounds keeping services Questions & Answers

As of January 17, 2020

1. Question: (C.6. PRUNING) Since the trimming and pruning is a demanding work and the Embassy garden is quite big with different plants, is difficult to determine the price if we don't have a plan. We need a thorough plan and plant trimming shape.

Answer: All requirements regarding the trimming and pruning are stated in section C.6 of the solicitation.

2. Question: (J.4 EXHIBIT C GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY (GFP)) Who covers the costs for the fuel and the repair of the machines provided by the Embassy (Forklift and Machine 414)?

Answer: The Outdoor Walk Behind Floor Sweeper (Green Machine 414) was removed via issuance of Amendment One from solicitation Section J.4 EXHIBIT C GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY (GFP). The Government will cover all costs regarding the maintenance and fuel for the forklift. The Contractor will be liable for any damage or mishandling of this equipment.

3. Question: (C.4 MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISION) Can worker team be divided into two groups? For example 4 workers from 07:00 to 15:00 and another two workers from 09:00 to 17:00. In that case, can the supervisor be present for 8 hours or two supervisors are necessary?

Answer: The Contractor can organize works in shifts, only one supervisor is required.

4. Question: (C.8. RECYCLED MATERIALS) Is the recycling of lawn and tree debris obligated and do you have determined area for compost disposal or not?

Answer: The recycling of lawn and tree debris is not mandatory but it is recommended. If Contractor choose not to recycle lawn and tree debris he will have to organize disposal from the site without the use of City garbage containers.

5. Question: (J.4 EXHIBIT C GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY (GFP)) What happens if the Embassy does not provide pesticides on time or does not provide at all and who shall be responsible for the delay?

Answer: Delays to any GFP are the responsibility of the government and the contracting officer will notify the contractor accordingly.

6. Question: Since Outdoor Walk Behind Floor Sweeper Tennant (Green Machine 414) is removed from the J.4 Exhibit C list of Government Furnished Property, what happens with the section C.14.1? Does the contractor have to provide the machine?

Answer: Section C.14.1 in the solicitation remains unchanged. Issued Amendment One revised paragraph J.4, Exhibit C. The government will provide the forklift.

7. Question: Is this contract open to the work being performed by subcontractors provided they meet the requirements stated in the contract?

Answer: There is no prohibition for the contractor to subcontract the work except for temporary additional services (paragraph C.15).

8. Question: Is there any room or space for storing equipment, tools, machine fuel, etc?

Answer: Yes, there is a dedicated room in the Support Annex building.

9. Question: Is it necessary for all 6 gardeners and supervisor to be present all 5 working days ?

For example, in rainy days we usually just could clean the debris and nothing else.

Answer: Yes, it is necessary since there are other duties beside the gardening which are required by this contract.

10. Question: “C.6.4. At no additional cost to the Government, the Contractor shall replace any tree, bush or shrub that is killed or rendered unusable for its intended “. Does it mean that we have to do it even someone else, for example, crashed and damaged the tree accidentally by moving his car on property ? Of course, the tree has to be replaced, but will it be our cost?

Answer: If someone else crashed and damaged the tree accidentally by moving his car on property the Contractor will not be responsible to replace tree, bush or shrub in such cases.

11. Question: Whether the consumed material is specifically invoiced or should be covered by the offer (machine fuel, fertilizers, chemicals, mulch, sand and peat for turf dressing etc.)?

Answer: Any consumed material stated in the J.3 Exabit B “Contractor furnished materials” should be covered by the offer, all other materials will be provided by the Embassy.

12. Question: How about the works which are also “must do” but didn’t mentioned. For example:

rolling the grass (1- 2 per year), turf aeration (1 per year at least), vert cutting etc. Should it be covered by offer or should it be invoiced in addition to the purchase order?

Answer: All necessary works required to maintain gardening and landscape of the Embassy are part of this contract. There shall be no additional costs regarding the regular gardening and landscaping maintenance.