0001 Questions Answers WNC.docx

Questions & Answers Willamette National Cemetery Grounds Maintenance 03/04/2024

1. QUESTION: The only mowing required for this project is just the 9 acres that are to be pushed mowed, which are indicated on the map. Is this correct? If so, who is responsible for mowing the rest of the cemetery?

ANSWER: The requirement is for push-mowing in the highlighted areas and sections of the cemetery which are approximately 9 acres. The remaining acreage will be mowed by the cemetery grounds crew using our mechanized wheeled mowers.

2. QUESTION: The map shows a lot of white space. Doesn't all the area need to be "mowed"? Can you confirm the blue "MOW" areas are simply the "push mowing or walk-behind mowing" areas? Also, can you confirm all the other areas still need to be mowed and in those non-blue and non-green areas riding mowers less than 1,000 pounds are authorized? Can you confirm all grassy areas are to be mowed?

ANSWER: The request is for push-mowing in the highlighted areas and sections of the cemetery which are approximately 9 acres. The remaining acreage will be mowed by the cemetery grounds crew using our riding mowers.

3. QUESTION: The PWS mentions removal of clippings on the edging flat marker line, but I haven't seen that requirement elsewhere. Can this be as simple as blowing them off for clean appearance?

ANSWER: Removal of clippings from the markers can be completed by blowing them off the marker.

4. QUESTION: Do all grass clippings need to be bagged and hauled away or is side discharge/mulching acceptable at all?

ANSWER: The requirement is for clean walkways, curbs, concrete bases, and roads of grass clippings and leaves after mowing, edging, and trimming. The vendor may choose to side discharge/mulch or bag during mowing. Regardless of approach, area is to be free of grass clippings which are to be disposed of offsite. The vendor may change their approach seasonally, such as side-discharge/mulch in the wet spring season while bagging during the dry summer/fall season.

5. QUESTION: Does edging flat markers refer to edging headstones, or is the headstone maintenance covered by another contract?

ANSWER: This cemetery is a flat marker-only cemetery. There are no upright headstones.

6. QUESTION: Could you clarify the period of performance for this contract? Is it base + 4 option years ending in 2029 or is it base + 2 option years ending in 2027?

ANSWER: This is a three-year contract. This is being solicited as a Base + 2 options from 04/01/24 – 03/31/27.

7. QUESTION: Sample Grounds Management Plan template request.

ANSWER: See attached excel document.

8. QUESTION: How many sq feet of mowing needs to be done? For push mowing and for Ride Mowing?

ANSWER: Approximately 9 acres of push mowing only. Converted to square feet that is 392,040 sq. ft. (Per the SOW, contractor is responsible for verifying all measurements)

9. QUESTION: What are the linear feet required for edging?

ANSWER: There are 11.4 miles of cemetery road. Multiplied by 2 for each side of the road and we’re looking at 22.8 miles. 22.8 x 5280 = 120,384 ft. (approximated). There are approximately 116,500 flat marker and each measure 1’x2’. We do not have measurements for the linear length of the tree rings, flower beds or walkways.