QA _Grounds Maintenance Snow Removal Services_SIR_08-06-2026.docx
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- Ground Maintenance and Snow Removal Services
- Solicitation number
- 692M15-26-R-00008
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This file is a Questions and Answers (Q&A) document addressing 24 inquiries from potential offerors regarding Solicitation 692M15-26-R-00008 for Ground Maintenance and Snow Removal Services at the Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration Technical Center. The Q&A clarifies critical contract requirements and resolves conflicts between the Statement of Work (SOW), pricing schedule, and technical exhibits. Key clarifications include: brush cutting requirements apply only during growing season (April 1–October 31) with maximum 10-inch height; historical tree removals average 30 trees annually for trees ≤5 inches diameter at breast height; contractor must mitigate ice hazards and notify the government; Building 313 salt storage capacity is 200 tons (not 13,000 tons as initially stated); offerors must supply all deicing materials including potassium acetate for restricted areas; snow fence requirement is 2,362 linear feet per Exhibit D; the corporate experience minimum contract value requirement was reduced from $5 million to $3 million, with prime contractors required to independently meet this threshold; and subcontractor experience cannot substitute for the prime contractor's corporate experience requirement. The Q&A establishes that pricing CLINs include all labor, equipment, and materials within monthly firm-fixed prices for service calls under $2,500; snow readiness activates upon National Weather Service forecasts predicting adverse winter conditions; payment commences only upon official NWS snowfall notification and government transmission; the contract term is five years with overlapping phase-in and phase-out periods; and the contractor has no displacement or right-of-first-refusal obligations to incumbent employees. Site conditions include approximately 17 inches annual snowfall distributed across 4–6 measurable events, with frequent refreezing in shaded areas and wind-driven drifting in open areas.
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692M15-26-R-00008
| 08/06/2026 | |
| Ground Maintenance & Snow Removal Services |
SIR Questions and Answers
SOW Questions
| No. |
| Question |
Section/Para.
| Question |
| Answer |
| 1 |
| 8.12.2.1 (Pg.28) |
| Is the North Branch of Absecon Creek a year-round requirement and must the brush be less than 10 inches? |
| No this is not a year-round requirement. The brush cutting requirement is in effect during the growing season only (April 1 through October 31). Yes, the brush cutting must not exceed 10 inches in height. |
| 2 |
| 8.12.3.2 (Pg. 31) |
| Contractors are required to remove trees equal to or less than 5” diameter at breast height (4.5 ft. from ground) whether alive or dead, standing, leaning, or fallen. Can the government provide contractors historical data as to how many trees of such size have been removed annually? |
Historically, grounds maintenance contracts have limited tree removals to a maximum of 30 trees per year.
| 3 |
| 8.12.2.7 (Pg.29) |
Contractors are required to abate weeds and vegetation from pavement cracks. What is the timeframe for the COMS contractor to seal pavement cracks once such cracks are visible and is the COMS contractor currently maintaining such pavement cracks?
"COMS" is not defined or included in the Scope of Work (SOW) for this contract. Offerors should refer to Section 8.12.2.7 (Edging and Vegetation Control), Paragraph 2, which states:
"In conjunction with the performance of edging, all vegetation must be removed from expansion joints and cracks in all paved surfaces in the parcel being edged. The Contractor is responsible for removing all vegetation from road and pavement cracks in addition to all unwanted weeds and vegetation from any ground water recharge islands located in parking lots."
| 4 |
| 8.13.1.3 (Pg. 33) |
| Contractors are required to perform due diligence to monitor walkways and building entrances to mitigate hazards due to ice. Once a contractor identifies a hazard due to ice, shall the contractor take action to mitigate such hazard, or shall the contractor notify the government of such hazard and mitigate upon request from the government? |
| Offeror must mitigate the hazard and inform the government of the risk and the actions taken. |
| 5 |
| SOW 5.1.1., 5.1.2 and 8.13.3.5 |
| The minimum-equipment table appears to repeat entries for 60-inch and 72-inch Z-riders. The SOW requires contractor-furnished equipment and winter staging at Building 307, but it does not clearly state whether equivalent equipment may replace listed equipment, or which equipment must remain dedicated to WJHTC. Please provide a corrected minimum-equipment list confirming the exact required quantity of each mower size. Please also confirm whether equipment with equal or greater production capability-including alternative mower sizes, multifunction equipment, rental or subcontractor-provided equipment and autonomous mowing equipment maybe used and identify which equipment must remain dedicated to or staged at WJHTC. |
| The requirement specifies a total of two (2) 60-inch Z-Riders and two (2) 72-inch Z-Riders. Please refer to the revised statement of work (SOW) for the updated equipment schedule. |
Offeror’s may use equivalent equipment in lieu of the items specified in the Minimum Equipment table, provided it meets or exceeds the required production capability. This applies to both manual and autonomous machinery.
The staging of all contractor-furnished equipment (ground maintenance and snow removal machinery) is entirely at the discretion of the Offeror.
| 6 |
| 5.2.1, 8.13.1.2 and 8.13.4.1 and 8.13.4.3; Snow Fixed Pricing rows 38-45; Technical Exhibit D treatment maps; SOW pp. 17-18 and 32-37 |
| The SOW describes Building 313 as “13,000-ton” bulk sand/salt shed and makes the contractor responsible for maintaining snow and ice material inventory. The SOW requires potassium acetate on AOA surfaces, while the pricing schedule does not include a clearly identified potassium-acetate/Cryotech line. The documents also do not state a sodium chloride to sand ratio or fully assign residual material cleanup. Please confirm: (a) the actual usable capacity of Building 313 and whether the stated “13,000-ton” capacity is correct; (b) whether offerors must supply all treated sand, untreated sand, sodium chloride, calcium chloride, brine and potassium acetate/Cryotech; (c) whether potassium acetate/Cryotech must be included in the applicable event prices or will be separately compensated; (d) where abrasive or treated sand is mandatory and whether a sodium-chloride to sand ratio applies; and (e) responsibility for exterior residual material cleanup and material tracked inside occupied buildings. |
A. The storage capacity for Building 313 is 200 tons. Please refer to the revised statement of work (SOW) for Section 5.2.1, item 3, (Building 313).
B. Offerors are responsible for supplying all of the treated sand, untreated sand, sodium chloride, calcium chloride, brine and potassium acetate/Cryotech.
C. Please refer to revised Section J, Attachment B-001(CLIN Pricing Schedule) for the specific line regarding potassium acetate/ Cryotech application.
D. The sodium chloride to sand ratio is at the discretion of the offeror, except for the AOA area, where potassium acetate/Cryotech is the only acceptable deicer/treatment allowed.
E. Not applicable for exterior surfaces.
| 7 |
| 8.13.3.3; Technical Exhibit D cover; SOW p. 34 |
| The SOW identifies approximately 3,000 linear yards of snow fence, while Technical Exhibit D identifies 2,362 linear feet. The two written quantities differ by 6,638 linear feet. Please confirm the snow-fence quantity that offerors must include in their pricing and resolve the conflict between approximately 3,000 linear yards in the SOW and 2,362 linear feet in Technical Exhibit D. |
| The minimum snow fencing requirement is approximately 2,362 linear feet. The snow fence location is identified on Exhibit D. Please see the revised SOW Section 8.13.3.3. |
SIR Questions
| No. |
| Reference |
Section/Para.
| Question |
| Answer |
| 8 |
| Section L.9.2.1 Factor 1: Corporate Experience |
| The solicitation states that Corporate Experience: We will need 2 to 4 relevant past contract examples covering both grounds maintenance and snow removal. Each example must be at least $5M, performed within the last 5 years, and at least one must show performance as a prime contractor. |
Our firm has relevant and recent past performance experience performing similar grounds maintenance and snow removal services; however, our contract examples are in the $3 million to $4 million range rather than meeting the $5 million threshold.
Could you please clarify whether offerors with relevant and recent experience below the $5 million threshold may still submit a proposal and be considered for award? Or would failure to meet the $5 million contract value requirement render an offeror ineligible or non-compliant?
The SIR requirement for Corporate Experience has been amended to lower the minimum contract value from $5 million to $3 million. Offerors submitting relevant past contract examples must be a minimum of $3 million, performed within the last 5 years, will be considered compliant with this requirement and eligible for award. Please see revised SIR Section L.9.2.1, Factor 1: Corporate Experience.
| 9 |
| Section L.9.2.1 Factor 1: Corporate Experience |
| If the prime contractor elects to subcontract a portion of the work, may the prime contractor utilize the subcontractor's past performance and corporate experience references to satisfy the Corporate Experience requirements, including the $5 million contract value threshold? If so, are there any limitations on the extent to which subcontractor experience may be considered during evaluation? |
Under Section L.9.2.1 Factor 1 (Corporate Experience), the Offeror (the Prime Contractor) must independently satisfy one corporate experience requirement with its own corporate experience as a prime contractor.
While the SIR allows the Offeror to include proposed subcontractors' experience to demonstrate capability across specific scope elements (e.g., grounds maintenance or snow removal), subcontractor experience cannot be substituted for, or used to satisfy, the Prime Contractor's primary Corporate Experience requirements, to meet the mandatory $3 million contract value threshold.
| 10 |
| Section J-B-001 CLIN Pricing Schedule; Snow Fixed Pricing row 1 |
| The pricing includes Snow Readiness Services as per-event item with one estimated event, but it does not define the included work, activation trigger, required duration or whether standby without measurable precipitation or treatment is billable. Please define the work included under the Snow Readiness Services and identify what creates a separately billable readiness event. Is this line payable when personnel and equipment are placed on standby but measurable precipitation or treatment does not occur? |
| Please refer to 8.13.3.1 Snow/Ice Removal Plan in the SOW. |
Trigger for Activation:
Upon publication of a National Weather Service (NWS) forecast predicting snow, freezing rain, sleet, or other adverse winter conditions projected anticipated to require winter weather management within the Contract Area, the Contractor shall immediately execute all required Snow Readiness Services.
Scope of Snow Readiness Services:
Snow Readiness Services encompass all seasonal preparations and standby activities required to guarantee immediate operational deployment. The Contractor’s obligations include, but are not limited to:
· Equipment & Hardware: Pre-season inspection, servicing, testing, fueling, staging, and ongoing preventive maintenance of all fleet assets; installation and uninstallation of plows, spreaders, and specialized gear.
· Materials & Logistics: Sourcing, stocking, maintaining, and managing inventory levels for deicing agents, sand, salt, brine, and related supplies.
· Operations & Staffing: Developing response plans, mapping dispatch routes, establishing communication protocols, and maintaining on-call staffing schedules.
· Monitoring & Administration: Maintain monitoring of weather forecasts.
Payment processing will commence upon official notification of total snow accumulation from the National Weather Service and the formal transmission of these totals from the Government to the awardee.
| 11 |
| Snow Fixed Pricing general and AEA/FAM/TSL/K-9/USCG event lines; SOW 10, including 10.3 and 10.7; Technical D and I; SOW pp. 38-39 |
| The pricing workbook lists a general WJHTC event and separate tenant event lines for AEA, FAM, TSL, K-9 and USCG. SOW 10.3 identifies Eastern Service Area as ESA rather than AEA, and SOW 10.7 addresses NJANG services without a clearly identified pricing line. The site walkthrough explained roads and priorities, but written pricing and responsibility conflicts remain. Please confirm: (a) whether the general WJHTC event price are separately billable and cumulative during one storm; (b) whether “AEA” in the pricing workbook is intended to mean the Eastern Service Area (ESA) identified in SOW 10.3; (c) where NJANG services under SOW 10.7 will be priced and authorized; and (d) which written map or exhibit controls any remaining FAA, SJTA, NJANG and tenant responsibility boundaries not resolved during the site walkthrough. |
| A. Please refer to the revised Section J, Attachment B-001 (CLIN Pricing Schedule). |
B. Please refer to the revised Section J, Attachment B-001 (CLIN Pricing Schedule).
C. New Jersey Air National Guard (NJANG) services will be ordered on an as-needed basis and negotiated between the government and the awardee.
D. All areas of responsibility are designated on Exhibit D. Any areas not specifically identified on Exhibit D are not applicable (N/A).
| 12 |
| Snow Fixed Pricing rows 2-37; SOW 8.13.2.1 and 8.13.4.1-8.13.4.4; SOW pp. 33 and 35-37 |
| The early pricing rows use single-prime symbols while late rows use double-prime/inch symbols. The bid does not explain how continuous storm crossing accumulation bands is paid, identify the controlling accumulation source or fully address compensation for drifting refreeze or callbacks after the four-hour post-event period. Please confirm (a) that every precipitation-depth band is measured in inches; (b) whether only the final accumulation band is payable for one continuous storm or whether multiple event lines apply; (c) who determines official accumulation, event completion and crew release; and (d) how drifting, thaw/refreeze treatment or callbacks requested after the four-hour post-event period will be compensated. |
| See revised Section J B-001 CLIN Pricing Schedule. |
A. Yes, every depth band is measured in inches B. The final accumulation band is payable upon receiving official snowfall notification from the National Weather Service (NWS) after the snow event ends. The NWS determines official snowfall accumulations for the Atlantic City Airport and WJHTC campus. The government will direct the operational stand-down. Crew release is at the Offeror’s discretion once the mandatory four-hour post event period has ended and the Offeror has notified the government that all areas are clear. Any callbacks requested after the four-hour post event period will be handled as individual service calls. Please refer to SOW section 8.11 for additional details.
| 13 |
| ERSS CLIN Summary instructions 2 and 5; Snow Pricing rows 1-45; ERSS Summary rows 60-66 |
| The Snow Fixed Pricing tab supplies estimated quantities for evaluation. The ERSS instructions describe the snow CLIN amounts as NTE ceilings while also stating that the Government will use the offeror’s estimate to determine the ceilings at award. Rows 38-45 separately price material applications and spot services without explaining how the quantities are measured, authorized or combined with event prices. Please confirm: (a) how the Government will calculate the evaluated snow price and initial NTE ceilings; (b) whether the prefilled estimated quantities are used only for evaluation or also for award; (c) when Snow Fixed Pricing rows 38-45 are separately payable in addition to, or instead of, and event price; and (d) how PER APPLICATION and PER HOUR units will be measured and authorized, including whether the hourly prices include the deicing material quantity. |
A. Due to variable seasonal weather conditions, evaluated snow prices will be evaluated by the offeror’s proposed pricing against historical usage metrics over the last 5 years. The NTE ceiling will be based on historical annual spend averages for the WJHTC and Tenants. Please see revised SIR Section M.3.4 Price.
B. The prefilled estimated quantities will be used for evaluation and award.
C. The Snow Fixed Pricing rows 40-45 are payable per event. Rows 38 and 39 are Tenant storm precipitation CLINs.
D. Pricing is billed per application and hour units including the deicing material used. The contractor determines at its discretion the necessary amount of deicing material; Authorization for commencing deicing procedures will be directed by the Government.
| 14 |
| SOW 8.11.3; ERSS CLIN Summary – Grounds Maintenance Projects, Materials & Equipment NTE Lines; SOW p. 26; ERSS Summary rows 10, 21, 32, 43 and 54 |
| The SOW anticipates approximately 150 service calls annually, states that calls above the estimate are normal performance at no additional cost and requires proposal for work over $2,500. The pricing schedule separately provides a $2,000 annual materials and equipment NTE line. Please clarify: (a) whether the $2,500 threshold is measured by the total labor, equipment and material cost of each individual request; (b) which labor, equipment and materials below $2,500 must be included in the monthly firm-fixed price; (c) whether approved work above $2,500 is separately funded; and (d) how the $2,000 annual Grounds Maintenance Projects- Materials & Equipment NTE line relates to the $2,500 threshold. |
| All labor, equipment, and materials must be included in the monthly firm-fixed price CLINs for WJHTC and Tenants. Additionally, the NTE column for material and equipment on the Pricing summary has been removed. Please see the revised SOW Section 8.11.3 and the revised Section J, Attachment B-001 (CLIN Pricing Schedule). |
| 15 |
| SOW 8.11.3 and 8.12.3.1; Section J_B001 pricing workbook; SOW pp. 26 and 31 |
| The SOW assigns fallen or partially fallen trees of any size and standing trees five inches DBH or smaller to the contractor. It requires unit pricing by diameter range for larger standing trees but does not provide the diameter ranges or a pricing field. Severe pruning is listed as a service-call example without a clear pricing method for specialty labor and equipment. Please confirm: (a) whether labor, hauling, stump removal, specialty equipment and site restoration for fallen or partially fallen trees of any size and standing trees five inches DBH or smaller are included in the monthly firm fixed price unless the individual request exceeds $2,500 (b) the required diameter ranges and exact pricing-schedule location for standing trees larger than five inches DBH; and (c) how severe pruning, hazardous-limb removal and work requiring climbers, bucket trucks, cranes or traffic control will be authorized and paid. |
Confirmed. Labor, hauling, stump removal, specialty equipment, and site restoration for fallen or partially fallen trees of any size, as well as standing trees five inches DBH or smaller, must be included in the monthly firm-fixed price CLINs for WJHTC and tenants. Please see the revised SOW Section 8.12.3.2.
Additionally, the NTE column for material and equipment on the Pricing summary has been removed. Please see the revised Section J, Attachment B-001 (CLIN Pricing Schedule).
Severe pruning has been Removed from the Statement of Work (SOW). Please refer to the revised SOW Section 8.11.3.
| 16 |
| SOW 8.11.3, 8.12.3.3 and 8.12.4.3; ERS CLIN Summary materials and equipment NTE lines; SOW pp. 26 and 31-32 |
| The SOW lists sprinkler-system maintenance as a service-call example, requires maintenance and repair of FAA-owned sprinkler systems and separately requires startup and winterization. It does not clearly allocate repair labor, replacement parts, excavation and equipment costs among the monthly price, service-call threshold and annual NTE line. Please clarify how labor, replacement parts, excavation and equipment for sprinkler-system repairs will be compensated. Are these costs included in the monthly firm-fixed price up to the service-call threshold, paid through the annual materials and equipment NTE line or separately authorized when the total repair exceeds $2,500? |
| Refer to SOW Section 8.12.3.3. The Offeror shall include associated costs within the Firm Fixed Price Ground Maintenance Services CLINs for WJHTC and Tenants. |
| 17 |
| B.1 and AMS Clause 3.2.4-16; SOW 2 and 2.1; ERSS CLIN Summary; Main SIR pp. 3 and 22 SOW p. 5 |
| The main SIR describes a five-year contract, while the SOW describes a potential five years and two months including one-month phase in and phase out options. The pricing workbook provides contract years 1-5 but no separate transition pricing input and the task order ordering period dates are incomplete. Please confirm the total potential period of performance and explain how the one-month phase in and one-month phase option will be priced, funded and evaluated. Please clarify whether phase-out is an additional month or overlaps the final month of contract year 5 and provide the beginning and ending dates of the task-order ordering period. |
| The total period of performance is five years. Phase-in and phase-out transition periods will overlap at the start and conclusion of the contract. |
| 18 |
| Technical Exhibit L- CBA; Main SIR AMS Clauses 3.6.2-32, 3.14-2 and 3.14-4; SOW 2.1, 3.1.1-3.1-4, 3.2, 8.9 and 8.12.5; Main SIR pp. 40 and 60-63; SOW pp. 5-9, 24 and 32 |
| The bid applies the predecessor CBA’s economic terms and identifies four key personnel positions: Project Manager, Quality Control Manager, Landscape Architect/Horticulturist and Commercial Herbicide/Pesticide Operator. It also addresses seasonal snow subcontractors, subcontractors, reporting, security processing, badges and escorted access, but does not fully define workforce use restrictions, minimum staffing, the required pesticide-license category or incumbent employee obligations. Please confirm: (a) where seasonal employees, part-time employees and subcontracted personnel may be used when all applicable wage and fringe requirements are satisfied; (b) whether any minimum staffing levels apply beyond the four identified key personnel positions; (c) the exact New Jersey License or certification category and required availability for the Commercial Herbicide/Pesticide Operator; (d) the processing time, contractor-paid fees, badging requirements and escort rules for seasonal and subcontracted personnel; and (e ) whether the successful contractor has any non-displacement, right of first refusal, offer of employment, seniority retention of other successor contractor obligations involving incumbent employees. |
| A. The Offeror, at its discretion, may employ seasonal staff, part-time workers, and subcontractor personnel. |
B. Beyond the four designated key personnel positions, all staffing levels are at the Offeror’s discretion. The Offeror is responsible for proposing staffing levels that fully meet all the performance standards and requirements outlined in the solicitation.
C. Commercial pesticide license from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP)
D. Security processing timelines depend on employee suitability review and background investigations. The government will provide escorts during the processing period. Standard escort rules apply equally to new hires, seasonal staff, and subcontractor personnel. The badging cost will be paid by the Government.
E. No. The awardee has no non-displacement, right of first refusal, offer of employment, or seniority retention obligations regarding incumbent employees. The contractor is not required to make job offers to the predecessor contract’s staff and may staff entirely at its discretion.
| 19 |
| Snow Removal Plan |
| Number of Severity of snow and ice events by Season? |
| The site averages approximately 17 inches of total annual snowfall, generally distributed across 4 to 6 measurable events. Individual snowfalls typically average 3 to 4 inches, though coastal storms can occasionally produce heavier accumulations between 6 and 12 inches. |
| 20 |
| Snow Removal Plan |
| Approximate snowfall accumulation for each event? |
| See responses to question 19. |
| 21 |
| Snow Removal Plan |
| Historical quantities and types of salt, ice melt, brine, or other deicing materials used? |
| The government does not have historical data regarding prior salt, ice melt, brine, or other deicing materials usage. |
| 22 |
| Snow Removal Plan |
| Typical treatment frequency and application areas? |
| The offeror shall clear and treat all paved surfaces as required by prevailing temperature and precipitation conditions. |
| 23 |
| Snow Removal Plan |
| Any previous material shortages, refreezing issues, or recurring operational challenges? |
| There have been no previous material shortages. Offerors should plan for site-specific environmental conditions at the WJHTC campus, specifically frequent refreezing in shaded areas and snow drifting caused by high winds in open areas. |
| 24 |
| Snow Removal Plan |
| Available on-site storage capacity for salt and deicing materials? |
| Bulk salt may be stored on-site in the 200-ton designated salt barn. Additional solid deicing materials may also be stored on-site if they are palletized and covered; however, all solid deicers (excluding the bulk salt in the salt barn) must be removed from the site at the end of the snow season. |
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .