36C24819Q0796-0003001.docx

36C24819Q0796 Grounds/Landscaping Services Q&A

5. PROJECT NUMBER (if applicable)

CODE

7. ADMINISTERED BY

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER

CODE

6. ISSUED BY

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NUMBER

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

9B. DATED

PAGE OF PAGES

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED

BPA NO.

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

FACILITY CODE

CODE

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

E. IMPORTANT:

is extended,

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning __________ copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY is not extended.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

(REV. 11/2016)

is required to sign this document and return ___________ copies to the issuing office.

is not, A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

15C. DATE SIGNED

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER

Contractor

16C. DATE SIGNED

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

STANDARD FORM 30

PREVIOUS EDITION NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.243 (Type or print) (Type or print) (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

(Number, street, county, State and ZIP Code) (If other than Item 6) (Specify type of modification and authority) (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.)

(If required)

(SEE ITEM 11)

(SEE ITEM 13)

(X)

CHECK

ONE

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS,

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

07-02-2019

None 36C248 Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Procurement Office East

1601 SW Archer Rd.

Gainesville FL 32608

36C248 Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Procurement Office East

1601 SW Archer Rd.

Gainesville FL 32608 To all Offerors/Bidders

36C24819Q0796 06-11-2019

X

X

9 July 2019 at 11:00am EST

The purpose of this amendment is to extend the response due date and provide the Governments response to questions received from industry.

1. The response date is hereby extended to 9 July 2019 at 11:00am EST.

2. Please note: all questions/requests for information have already been received.

3. See questions and answers starting on page two (2).

1. For clarity are all quotes to be emailed directly to the Contracting Officer?

Yes.

2. Is the Fisher house included as well?

Please see the Performance Work Statement (PWS) for this and many of the other questions following. Yes, and the Walk of Courage (WOC) as well located directly in front of the Fisher House (FH).

3. Can you please provide the current company that's providing the service, the old solicitation number and the amount awarded for the last option year? Who is the incumbent? What is the value of the contract?

Not applicable.

4. Will attendees be able to visit the public areas of the site after the site visit?

It is up to the contractor to visit the site at their discretion. A formal site visit has already been done.

5. Is it the intent of this solicitation to provide a total grounds maintenance solution for the VA campus?

Yes, please read the PWS.

6. During the site visit the grounds maintenance shop was shown by the parking garage. The area for use was coned off. Is there any area inside the shop for use? If so, how big? What kind of use? Emergency repair maintenance? Store equipment?

The Government will not provide any real property or Government furnished equipment. Across from the Liberty Garage there will be a specified parking area during performance.

7. Is there an eye wash station or drench shower on site for use or will the contractor need to provide portable eye wash or drench facilities?

No. The Government will not furnish any Government property to the contractor.

8. Is the laydown area to be cleared daily or will overnight use (leaving a quarter full dump trailer on-site for instance) in the area be permitted?

Laydown area should be cleared daily.

9. During the site visit the extent of maintenance services was described as extending to the sidewalks. The County of Alachua enforces a new fertilizer ban through the Alachua County Water Quality Standards and Management Practices Code from July through February starting 01OCT19, and the penalties could become troublesome for the VA and/or the contractor (pesticide/herbicide application and irrigation may be troublesome as well). Due to the nature of the new fertilizer ban please provide to what extent the fertilizer, herbicide, irrigation and/or other ground maintenance services should be extended to, in the following areas:

According to the Alachua County GIS map, the State of Florida Kermit-Sigmon bike trail is approx. 15 feet from the fence line of the VA grounds, is it the intent of this solicitation to provide maintenance to the lot line or to the trail way? Otherwise, what is the extent of the services on the 16th St., side of campus in regard to:

Grass should be maintained where the street meets the sidewalk.

According to the Alachua County GIS map, the extent of the property extends into the roadway of SW 16th St., is it the intent of this solicitation to provide services to the fence line, sidewalk or lot line? Otherwise, what is the extent of the services on the 16th St., side of campus in regard to; Again, just maintain turfgrass areas owned by the VA- on the other side of fence to the sidewalk.

Provide service to where sidewalk meets the road, the contractor shall provide cutting, edging, weed eating, and power blowing.

According to the Alachua County GIS map, the extent of the property on the SW 16th Ave. is approx. 1 foot from the sidewalk (at the fence line), is the extent of services to the fence line, sidewalk or extend such to the roadway? Otherwise, what is the extent of the services on the 16th St., side of campus in regard to;

Provide service to where sidewalk meets the road, the contractor shall provide cutting, edging, weed eating, and power blowing.

According to the Alachua County GIS map, apparently the State of Florida owns a sliver of land +/- .6 acres on the SW 16th Ave. side of campus, is such inclusive of this contract since the land is within the fence line of the VA campus?? Otherwise, what is the extent of the services on the 16th St., side of campus in regard to;

Yes, this is the fenced area located at the corner of 16th Ave. and 16th ST. The contractor shall provide cutting, edging, weed eating, and power blowing.

1: Fertilizer? None.

2: Pesticides? None.

3: Herbicides? None.

4: Irrigation? None.

10. What is the size of the property? The campus appears to be 41.42 acres not inclusive of the +/- .6 acres described above, correct? What is the total square footage of area required to be serviced? Are the areas around the retention ponds in need of services?

284,000.00 sq ft. Retention ponds included.

11. During the site visit, an area of campus will have an administration building built thereon and the area is not inclusive of services within the scope of this solicitation. Can a copy of the footprint or map outline of the area be provided which is not included in the scope of work?

No. This area is not considered within scope of the solicitation.

12. Some areas of the VA campus have ponding water. See attachment A. Matters concerning drainage are not within the scope of this solicitation, correct?

Yes.

13. During the site visit the property was identified as being property of the US government and not necessarily subject to local and state regulations. However, consideration is to be given to local and state regulations/laws. Is there any attention the contractor must consider in regard to this solicitation?

Follow all applicable, City, County, State and federal laws as it pertains to this contract.

14. Are any areas deemed to be natural habitats and not within the scope of performance?

No.

15. Is the designated competent person required to be on-site during all performance? Will an OSHA 30 supervisor be required to be on-site during all performance?

See PWS. The contractor is responsible for managing their employees; the Government will not manage contractor employees. The contractor must have the ten (10) hour OSHA certified course. Should the contractor require their supervisor to be on site to manage their employees then yes a competent person is required.

16. Will personnel be required to go through Independence, OH badging? If so, PIV or Non-PIV requirement? Are flash badges issued in lieu of Independence badging? Will contractor provided badges and/or clothing suffice?

Yes, see PWS.

17. Are weekly, monthly, quarterly or yearly certified payrolls required for submission in the administration of this contract?

No.

18. Please verify blocks of SF 1449 B2 item 0001 to mean 1st year performance requirement, 1001 to mean 2nd year performance requirement, 2001 to mean 3rd year performance requirement, 3001 to mean 4th year performance requirement, 4001 to mean 5th year performance requirement.

Yes- at the Governments discretion Options are exercised yearly.

19. The backside of the CLC has a box garden which seems to be administered by the patients, what accommodations need to be given to the box garden?

None. Maintained by the Government.

20. Are any other areas of the grounds maintained or administered by others?

The scope of the contract is to maintain the entire campus.

21. Other than bats and possibly Gopher Tortoises, has any other protected or endangered species been identified on the VA campus?

No.

22. If gopher tortoise burrows are located on the VA campus, what does the VA want done with the protected gopher tortoise burrows? Remove Gopher Tortoises per FWC regulation or deem habitat?

No. If ever noticed the contractor shall contact the grounds shop supervisor.

23. Does the scope of this project include pressure washing of sidewalks and concrete curbs as inclusive of the “ground’s maintenance” scope? If so, on what time basis should such be done, annually?

No.

24. Does the scope of this project include collection of trash weekly from parking lots, parking garages and sidewalks?

No.

25. EO 13760 is designated in the solicitation, uniforms are required pursuant to the solicitation, can the uniform allowance in the Wage determination be paid as per diem or should such be included as “wage”?

It is the responsibility of the contractor to obtain information from the Department of Labor. The Government does not manage any contractor employees.

26. The wage determination allows for ten paid holiday days per year, according 29 CFR 4.173, can change of days of holidays be an election internally communicated by the contractor with the worker, or does such need to be presented to the Contracting Officer for approval?

It is the responsibility of the contractor to obtain information from the Department of Labor. The Government does not manage any contractor employees.

27. The Health and Welfare fringe is required to be paid at the rate of $4.18/hr. according to EO 13706 application to all workers/employees, employed as the result of this contract (not just on-site work), correct?

It is the responsibility of the contractor to obtain information from the Department of Labor.

28. Please denote a wage determination for irrigation installer, an irrigation installer/technician who does not perform on drinking water or sanitary systems typically does not require the same wages as a plumber 23810.

It is the responsibility of the contractor to obtain information from the Department of Labor.

29. Regarding work schedule, is it the intent to have pesticide spraying done outside normal work hours as a matter of course in the scope of this contract?

No.

30. OSHA standards require contractors to provide fire extinguishers in the work area, among first aid kits. The nature of the work will require eye wash stations, epi-pens, drench showers, OSHA approved fuel containers, burn aids, hearing protection, spill kits, barricades, pesticide usage signage, LOTO apperatures and additional PPE, at a minimum. Other than drench showers and eye wash stations (as they are usually building fixtures), the contractor will need to provide their employees with PPE, first aid kits, etc.., per OSHA standards, correct?

Yes.

31. The provisions of the solicitation regarding “pruning”, “pulling by hand” and “mechanical means” can be costly and labor-some. Will an initial period to abate foreign plants and weeds be given the contractor through good practice and use of herbicides, post-emergents and pre-emergents, if so, how long will such period last from contract award?

Please refer the performance statement. Only FH/WOC plant beds are covered under the terms of this contract. There should be no abatement period- as the FH/WOC plant beds are maintained year around to a high maintenance standard.

32. During the site visit it was noticed certain areas of the campus are overgrown, see attachment B. Is it the intent to have the overgrowth areas addressed by a certain date? If so, how long will such period last from contract award?

Grounds staff maintains these turfgrass areas until contract awarded. Awarded contractor shall maintain this area, as well as all campus areas per the 42 site visits per year.

33. Do the retention ponds require any algaecide or other treatment, aquatic care, or other performance required within the scope of this contract?

NO. Grounds takes care of this.

34. The retaining wall beside the Fisher house has mildew/algae/or fungus on the sides thereof, is anything considered within the scope of this contract regarding such?

No. Wall not inclusive in contract.

35. Does the VA require independent fertilizer analysis or regiment for each species of plants? If so, should blooming/flowering herbaceous plants and/or shrubbery receive a regiment that produces bloom or growth?

Apply fertilizer per plant/turfgrass requirements: Turfgrass will receive a complete fertilizer; Nitrogen, phosphate (low number) and potassium. All plants will receive plant fertilizer. Apply fertilizer to the campus turfgrass/plant beds. Apply fertilizer to the turfgrass/plant beds at FH/WOC per the PWS. All applications of any and all items shall be performed per any and all governing doctrine/federal/state/local/industry or otherwise.

36. Should pesticide service include perimeter of the buildings? If so, on what time basis?

No.

37. Do palm/sago species require magnesium sulfate? If so, on a yearly basis?

No.

38. Should Spanish moss be abated through herbicide or is it the desire of the VA to encourage moss growth for aesthetics? Moss generally should be abated for trees other than oaks as such may diminish the healthy growth potential of sycamores, crepe myrtles, etc., Should moss be abated for species other than oaks? Moss can also invite red bugs, chiggers and ticks into the environment and may be desired to be eliminated in its entirety.

No.

39. Should surface air-spading be performed or deep root decompaction and/or subterranean fertilizers be utilized for old growth (15” base diameter) oak trees?

No.

40. To what extent is lime used on the existing vegetation? Any restrictions on use of lime?

Not applicable (N/A).

41. Are there any limitation on using pre-emergents or post-emergents on turfgrass?

Follow the labeling- it’s the law.

42. Will pre-emergents or post-emergents be required within the scope of the solicitation even though not noted in the solicitation?

At the contractor’s discretion. See the PWS. The intent of the contract is for the contractor to keep the area free of any per Governing doctrine.

43. To what extent will trash and/or vegetation refuse be able to be reused or deposited on site? Will the contractor be able to place trash and/or vegetation refuse dumpsters on site?

Never. All contractor generated trash/vegetation must be taken off site and deposited in a sanctioned landfill.

44. Can mini pine bark mulch be utilized every other year to encourage healthy shrub growth, or does the VA prefer only large pine bark mulch?

At the discretion of the contractor. Only FH/WOC will receive mulch/ pine straw as per contract. Not applicable to the rest of the campus. The FH/WOC are high visible areas. They require a more thorough approach to grounds maintenance. See PWS.

45. Many of the beds contain red mulch, only pine bark and pinestraw is listed within the solicitation. Should such be removed from the landscape beds and removed from the site or should such be relocated to areas as designated until eventually remediated?

Only the FH/WOC receive mulch/pine straw. The rest of the campus not applicable.

46. The solicitation documents show 75 yards of pine bark mulch, and 25 yards of baled pine straw, the site requires dramatically more (possibly 450 yards of pine bark mulch the first year to bring the mulch to standard to serve its purpose (and more than the solicitation cites during the remaining years of the project for the mulch to serve its purpose). Is this a limitation on mulching, a compliance standard for contract administration or does the scope require enough mulch to be provided to properly administer the intent of the contract? If the contract intent is to provide enough mulch for the mulch to serve its desired purpose, will such be a 4” mulch depth requirement? 100 yards of mulch covers approximately ½ acre of mulch bed, the mulch beds on campus total approximately 3 ½ acres.

Go by the PWS. As an average, 75/25 has been working. Some areas may require more mulch than others. 75 is what it averages out to- per the PWS.

47. What areas of the site require pine bark as opposed to pine straw?

Refer to the PWS. FH/WOC.

48. Should mulching be done in November or December to provide the best winterization of the plants?

Contractor discretion.

49. Many of the landscape beds on site are rock based. Some thoroughly infiltrated with acorns, debris, trash etc..,. Some areas are thinly based and do not serve the purpose of having a rock bed. Should the rock beds be maintained within the scope of this solicitation? Should rock be added, or moved to more desirable locations? Should acorns be removed from rock beds through mechanical means?

No. PWS.

50. The pruning of trees on campus as designated by the solicitation may be unsafe or undesirable for the tree or conditions. Should each species and area be pruned according to solicitation or for the conditions at the direction of the government?

Yes. FH/WOC only.

51. Should crepe myrtles be trimmed for flush or height annually?

Contractor’s discretion- as long as the beatification is well maintained.

52. Should sabal palms trees be de-booted? If so, should de-booting be shy 2 foot from growth region? De-booting prevents planthopper and weevil destruction.

Per contractor discretion- as long as the beatification is well maintained.

53. Should fallen boots on sabal palms, see attachment A, be removed in lieu of de-booting as described above?

It is the responsibility of the contractor to maintain a high level of plant aesthetics at FH/WOC. Contractor discretion.

54. Booting to remain on Washingtonian palms, correct?

Yes.

55. Hurricane cutting of palms is often interpreted as removing all green fronds from palms. The hurricane cut mentioned in the solicitation may deplete the palms on site if interpreted in this manner from potassium and cause death of the palm, should the hurricane cut be limited to prevent potassium depletion, or should potassium be added to the fertilizer regiment? If limited, is 5 to 7 fronds remaining acceptable?

Yes.

56. All work on palms requiring personnel to go above 6’ to work on the palms will require use of an aerial lift correct?

No. But proper safety measures must be employed.

57. The current irrigation system is insufficient to provide overlapping coverage, thus decreasing the efficiency of water usage, should the irrigation be modified to provide overlapping coverage?

Only the irrigation at FH/WOC are covered under the terms of the PWS.

58. It appears from the site visit the current irrigation system sprays on sidewalks, creating a slip and fall hazard, should the system be modified to provide coverage that prevents slip and fall hazards?

Yes- at FH/WOC if applicable. Not the rest of the campus however the contractor shall let the Government know of any other areas creating possible hazards.

59. Are as-builts of the irrigation system available? If so, can they be attached as an amendment to the solicitation?

No.

60. Is the irrigation system campus wide or divided in areas?

Only the FH/WOC irrigation is covered per the PWS.

61. Do anti-siphon valves or backflow preventers currently exist on site?

Yes.

62. Irrigation systems typically do not require a licensed plumber; however a plumber is required up to the point of installation of the backflow preventer or on systems with reclaimed water per the NSPC (or other industry standard), however the VA may require a plumber. Does the VA require a plumber within the scope of this contract beyond the backflow preventer?

The contractor shall notify the Government of any possible needs thereto. If the above criteria applies- such as back flow preventers being installed, reclaimed water, a licensed plumber will be contacted by the Government.

63. Do the backflow preventers require testing/certification on a semi-annual basis? If so, is such considered to be within the scope of work?

Yes, periodic testing is performed by the Government. No- not within scope.

64. Does the above ground piping require insulation during the winter, if so, is such within the scope of this contract?

No, not within scope.

65. What is the system pressure of the irrigation system, pipe size, flow rate?

Information will be furnished upon request to the contract awardee.

66. Does the irrigation system have a system wide controller? Are field controllers allowed to modify and provide proper coverage?

Yes. Yes at the contractors discretion.

67. Should concrete donuts be placed around pop-up sprinkler irrigation heads in St. Augustine turfgrass areas?

No.

68. Are any irrigation controllers located on the interior of buildings?

No.

69. Are bubblers permitted in plant beds and for trees?

Yes.

70. Does the current irrigation system comply with the requirements of VA Master Spec, Section 32 84 00? If not, should the system be brought into compliance with the section?

It complies.

71. Water distribution of the irrigation system may require the installation of additional piping underneath roadways, and/or sidewalks. Are sleeves for future use available for use underneath roadways? Is water jetting underneath the sidewalks acceptable? Is mechanical drilling/boring underneath roadways for sleeves required in parking areas or will irrigation distribution require digging and replacement of the roadways or structures? Are the above questions outside the scope of this solicitation?

Yes but out of scope of the solicitation as none of the above applies.

72. Will drip irrigation be acceptable in beds to allow efficient use of water? Should drip irrigation for shrubbery be installed as part of this project?

No.

73. Does the current irrigation system use reclaimed water? Is the irrigation system derived from domestic or non-potable water? Is the water treated?

No.

74. It appears many of the existing irrigation heads, nozzles, rotors and pop-ups utilized do not comply with the Buy American Act, should such be brought into compliance?

Does not apply.

75. Is “as needed” shrubbery replacement within the scope of this project? If so, does the scope include unhealthy looking plants or plants that are in fact deadwood?

Only if contractor is responsible for plant death.

76. Do the current plantings on-site comply with the requirements of VA Master Spec, Section 32 90 00? Do plants within the scope of this project require compliance with the spec?

N/A.

77. Will certification of shrubbery be required? If so, will certification from a FNGLA nursery suffice?

N/A.

78. Are providing plants for the annual’s beds within the scope of this contract? If within the scope of the contract, please designate areas designated as annual beds.

No.

79. Is soil testing is required within the scope of this contract? If so, to what extent and time intervals?

No.

80. Are current soil surveys available? If so, can such be amended to the solicitation?

No.

81. Should all sodding be done utilizing a sod cutter to remove old or damaged areas, and then rolled pursuant to good practice?

As per contractor discretion if applicable. Sod is not covered under the terms of this contract- only if damage caused by the contractor.

82. On the annual aeration of the turfgrass should dethatching be performed contemporaneously? Dethatching St. Augustine has benefits, dethatching Bahia, not necessarily beneficial.

Only at the FH/WOC. ST. Augustine only.

83. Does the annual aeration of the turfgrass require penetration to deeper than a 3” depth? If so, what depth?

84. Much of the facility has turfgrass areas which have a mixture of grasses in addition to Bahia or St. Augustine, should the entire VA campus have St. Augustine or Bahia only? If not, should a variety of grass be exclusive to a certain area?

N/A.

85. During the site visit St. Augustine Floratam variety was noted as installed on the east side of the campus. Is Bitterblue, Floratam, or Classic of the St. Augustine varieties required pursuant to the Scope of work? Classic St. Augustine is cold tolerant and grows better in shady areas than Floratam. Bitterblue St. Augustine is cold tolerant and grows in shady areas; however, is more susceptible to disease, weeds and chinch bugs than floratam. Will the government designate areas between varieties?

N/A.

86. Bahia for turfgrass areas should typically spell out Argentine Bahia. Is Argentine Bahia required?

N/A.

87. During the site visit, it appeared the intent is to place St. Augustine grass in areas without foot traffic or park benches and Bahia in foot traffic areas, correct? If not, can a detail or map be provided of areas which require St. Augustine as opposed to Bahia? If so, how long after contract award will areas be required to be brought into compliance?

N/A.

88. Is seeding of Bahia allowed during an initial period of the contract to reduce cost to the contractor (and hence the government)? If so, how long after contract award will the contractor have to establish the Bahia?

N/A.

89. Will sprigging of St. Augustine be allowed? Sprigging is generally done with the Bitterblue variety of St. Augustine as its runners reach farthest the fastest. Such may not be desired as the Bitterblue variety is more susceptible to bugs, disease and weed infestation.

N/A.

90. Will the equipment utilized by the contractor require Buy American Act compliance?

91. Will plants provided by the contractor certified from an FNGLA nursery as (grown in Florida) provide enough compliance with the Buy American Act?

N/A.

92. . Is mosquito control considered to be included within the scope of this solicitation?

No. Read the PWS- does not mention mosquito control.

93. 95. Under the Wage Determination 15-4537, do part time (less than 10/wk.) workers have to be given vacation and all 10 federal holidays paid? Or does such only apply to full time workers?

Contact the Department of Labor.

94. Is maintenance of the trees inclusive within the scope of this solicitation? Does trimming of trees (above 12 feet) require a certified arborist evaluation or recommendation?

Only the Fisher house and Walk of Courage are covered, not the rest of the campus.

95. Do dead trees require removal or replacement within the scope of this solicitation?

Please see attachment C.

No. Read the PWS.

96. Do tree stumps require removal or grinding within the scope of this solicitation? Please see attachment D.

No-please see above.

97. Are the planters on the grounds of the VA within the scope of this contract? If so, what is the requirement for watering the plants within the planters as they are not attached to irrigation?

No.

98. What guarantee for insecticides will comply with VA expectations? The solicitation requires 3 applications of year for insecticides on turfgrass areas and twice a year for shrubbery. Industry practice generally requires 4 applications a year to safeguard against insects to industry standards.

Go by the PWS. 3 for turfgrass, 2 for shrubs. FH/WOC require more applications per year.

99. Quality and cost of fungicides depend on what is sought to be treated. Is the fungicides purpose to prevent leaf spot only, or should the fungicides be of a mixture to treat root rot, brown patch, downy mildew, and blights as well? Otherwise asked, is it the intent of the solicitation to prevent all fungi related problems, or primarily leaf spot?

Treat with fungicides as needed.

100.Is it within the scope of the solicitation to treat for weeds in the turfgrass areas? If treatment is required for either grassy weeds, broadleaf weeds, or both?

Yes. Treat all weed types.

101.Are there any pending repairs to the irrigation system? Is the irrigation system currently, fully operable? The condition of the irrigation system below the surface is hard to determine, will subsurface repairs be considered on a case-by case basis?

FH/WOC irrigation fully operational. The rest of the campus is not covered under the terms of this contract.

102.Are any areas of the VA campus considered buffer zones?

N/A.

103. The natural area on the southwest side (outside the VA property, (apparently owned by the State of Florida) of campus, has trees fallen onto the VA fencing, and invasive plants encroaching on the VA grounds. Is the removal of fallen trees off the fence and encroaching upon VA grounds within the scope of the solicitation?

No.

104. Will watering in of new plants and sod allow use of VA hosebibs?

Yes, water will always be available.

105. Will remote controllers be provided or allowed to enable system checks on the irrigation system in the field?

Yes, at the FH/WOC.

106. 4.3 States that fertilizers / Insecticides will be applied to turf areas 3 times per year. 4.10 States that fertilizers and insecticides will be applied 6 times per year. Which of these are correct?

Please read the performance work statement. The Fisher House/Walk of Courage require a higher degree of service. They are clearly separated in the PWS.

107.What are the specifications of the fertilizers to be used and rates? For example, is a 50% release fertilizer to be used at a rate of 1.5 lbs. of nitrogen per 1000 sq. ft.?

Per contractor’s discretion as long as campus is kept beautified.

108.Condition. What are the expectations of initial repairs?

None needed. If something breaks on the irrigation system due to contractor negligence they will be responsible for it. it is not covered under the terms of this contract.

109.Who is the current incumbent?

N/A.

110.What is the previous contract price and was the any differences in the SOW?

N/A.

Attachment A:

Attachment B:

Attachment C:

Attachment D:

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