ANSWERED QUESTIONS- TERMITE AND PEST CONTROL SERVICES.docx

ANSWERED QUESTIONS FOR SOLICITATION # 36C24724Q0392

TERMITE AND PEST CONTROL MAINTENANCE

1. There is a bond requirement per the SOW, are there specifications on the bond i.e., type, amount etc.? A termite bond is simply a verification (letter or certificate) to show that our structures has/have been professionally inspected. We will accept this in any form (email, formal letter, certificate, etc..) for maintaining in our files.

2. Will there be a site visit scheduled or is it up to the contractor to schedule with the COR? March 12th 10-2pm

1. Is this a new Requirement? No

1. Who is the Incumbent? Precise Management, LLC, order# 36C24721C0091 in the amount of $470,625.00

1. What is the approximate square footage of office spaces vs food and retail spaces? The estimated square footage Is listed in section A.3 and attached document

1. Emergency services – how many emergency services were conducted in the last year and what were they for? 18 total (5 for ants in patient rooms, 1 – racoon above ceiling in patient bldg, 12 bed bugs)

1. Vacant Space Services – on average how many services were provided for vacancies over the last year? a. Is this the average of what can be expected? 4 - Having much older buildings it is expected that pest such as roaches and rodents will be noted

1. Trapping – in the last year how many trapping jobs have been performed in the last year and is this the average of what we can expect? a. What animals were being trapped? b. Are there any current trapping programs in place? 2 trappings of racoons. This is the average per year. No trappings currently in progress.

1. Termite Management – are there any current termite areas that are being monitored? Not at this time.

1. Can the government clarify how many vertebrates request services in the past 24 months? 185 vertebrates cited and treated.

1. Has any part of the Statement of Work (SOW) changed in this solicitation compared to the last awarded contract? If so, what changed or was added? The need for a Termite Bond, bait/monitor system for maintenance was added.

1. Has the government issued any CURE or Notice of Correction for pest control services over the past 24 months at this location? Not that I’m aware of.

1. What is the number of bed bug service requests at Tuscaloosa VAMC over the past 24 months? 30 (12 were emergency services after hours, 18 were treated during normal business hours).

1. Can the government clarify how many emergency service requests there have been in the past 24 months? 18 total (5 for ants in patient rooms, 1 – racoon above ceiling in patient bldg., 12 bed bugs)

1. Will the government accept similar type termite bait stations that are EPA approved and registered in the State of Alabama in lieu of use of Sentricon Bait Stations? Yes, as long at its EPA approved and registered.

1. What is the number of termite service requests at Tuscaloosa VAMC over the past 24 months? 1

1. What are the regular service days for Tuscaloosa VAMC? Mondays (field all reports of pests that have come in since the previous Monday, complete the Preventative Maintenance, follow up on needed issues from the previous week, conduct special treatments, etc..)

1. Is there an approved product list, to use in case of an issue? I know it is IPM. I want to make sure we have our ducks in a row, if and when needed. No, no existing approved product list. Note: Contractor will be required to provide name, amount used and the time each pesticide is used, on our inhouse Pest Log.

1. Is this primarily for outside? Assuming the question is related to termite bond….Termite Sentricon System is outside, if termites are identified it is possible, they will need to enter the building/s to inspect and treat.

1. For the Large Fly Program. Is this for sustaining any fly lights inside buildings? We had to remove the lights due to the bulbs containing mercury.

1. If Fly lights are not attached will this be a requirement? Not necessarily, although treatment would be warranted if we had an infestation of large flies.

1. Are there existing Termite bait stations? Yes, the previous contractor (DC Scientific/Stark) never returned to collect them, although they reported having done so. They’ve not been monitored since that contract was terminated. The companies we obtained quotes from would be replacing the existing system with a new system.

1. Is there any termite activity that is required to be addressed? If so, what building numbers and linear footage? Not at this time.

1. Are there any current buildings with termite bait stations installed? If so, what are the building numbers and linear footage? Yes, the previous contractor (DC Scientific/Stark) never returned to collect them. They’ve not been monitored since that contract was terminated. The companies we obtained quotes from would be replacing the existing system with a new system. All buildings currently have termite bait The linear footage is attached.

1. We usually treat facilities such as yours with a product called Sterifab which dissolves after treatment. Our Technicians are highly trained in the habits, treatment, and identification of all pest. Would it be acceptable without the canine or Hydronic Heat Treatment Tent? We prefer heat treatment. See also answer to other question answered previously.

1. Would the government please advise how many heat tents are required and for what building(s)? Will offerors be responsible for maintence/up keep of hent tents? We have the heat tents on site. Our Safety Office and Engineering maintain these. They are located in our Mental Health Inpatient building, Building 137. One on the 2nd floor and one on the 4th floor. For the contractor to treat for bed bugs , a heat system must be provided by them, when there is an infestation.

1. Would the government please advise if offerors are permitted to subcontract some or all of the required pest control categories? Subcontracting is up to the vendor, but the contract will be with the awarded contractor and that’s who will be held accountable

1. Would the government please advise if the Bed Bug K-9 is required to have training credentials? We will need to know if the canine has been trained.

1. Would the government please advise if the "statement of work" (SOW) has increased? If so, how? The need for a Termite Bond, bait/monitor system for maintenance was added.

1. Would the government please advise if any buildings have had previous Termite damage and are any buildings currently under contract? The facility is not under contract at this time and have not been for more than a year. The most recent termites were treated and our Engineering Service covered the damage.

1. Would the government please advise what days of the week routine services are to be performed or would this be determined subsequent award with EMS chief/COR? Mondays (field all reports of pests that have come in since the previous Monday, complete the Preventative Maintenance, follow up on needed issues from the previous week, conduct special treatments, etc..)

1. Per the SOW (see pg. 7, B. 6) it may be required to spray/treat in excess of 3 feet from the structure. If spraying in excess of 3 feet is required, then an "Ornamental and Turf Pest Control" (OTPS-Supervisor) certification is required per the Alabama Dept. of Agriculture and Industries as such sprayings/treatments would be "Grounds/Landscape applications not "Structural pest control". Engineering Service maintains the contract for landscape, ant eradication. Perimeter is to be treated under the Pest Control contract with Environmental Management Service.

1. Per pg. 8 section C item 6 "Electronic Web Reporting" is required. Would the government please explain or define Electronic Web Reporting and specific requirements? Send reports via email

1. Would the government please provide the total linear feet for each building? This is required for Termite pricing and/or inspections (see pg. 5 A. 3)? See attachment

1. Would the government consider any other industry standard Termite baiting system other than Sentricon? Yes, as long at its EPA approved and registered.

1. Please confirm the number of bait stations that are needed for the sentricon system? I cannot confirm this at this time. Some bait stations were removed by the previous contractor. Other remained.

1. Please confirm the number of large fly lights needed. – No fly lights.

1. Please confirm area that needs to be treated for snakes. Is this just around exterior perimeter of buildings? Yes, exterior perimeter

1. Sentricon systems should be serviced quarterly- yet price is as a yearly cost. Want to confirm desired service frequency as annually will not be effective. We’ll need an annual cost, service can be completed as required.

1. Bid specifies that heat treatment for eradication of bed bugs is required. In the Pest industry, most companies have moved away from heat treatment, and are using either pesticide or vapor treatments. Would these methods of elimination be acceptable in replacing the above statement? We prefer heat treatment. Other forms of treatment may be acceptable if proven effective.

It was also noticed that line item 0011 was left off the initial solicitation. It has been added and a revised solicitation uploaded.