Amendment No A00002_ 951700-26-R-0016 Landscaping Services-Final.pdf

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:

(a) By completing items 8 and 15, and returning 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 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.

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not is required to sign this document and return copies to the issuing office.

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER 3. EFFECTIVE DATE 4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUISITION NUMBER 5. PROJECT NUMBER (If applicable)

7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6) CODE

STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 11/2016)

Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

FACILITY CODE

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers0 is extended. is not extended.

copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted;

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

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

CHECK ONE A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER

NUMBER IN ITEM 10A.

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation data, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

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

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

15C. DATE SIGNED

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

16C. DATE SIGNED

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

PAGE OF PAGES

6. ISSUED BY CODE

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (Number, street, county, State and ZIP Code) (X)

CODE

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

(Signature of person authorized to sign)

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

Previous edition unusable

A00002

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required)

Natalie Ellis

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

This solicitation has been amended to incorporate the following change(s):

a.) PART A-To provide the Response to Questions. See attached.

b.) PART B-To provide the Revised Solicitation Document. See Changes marked in RED.

c.) Include Holiday Schedule to, Section 2.2 of Statement of Work (SOW)-Page 9: Schedules d.) Delete Section 3.9: Indoor Plant Maintenance (SOW, Page 12) e.) Delete Section 9.8: Defense Base Act (DBA) Insurance; (SOW, Page 17 )AND Delete clause FAR 52.228-5 Insurance- Work on Government Installation f.) Remove , Section 11.2: Indoor Plants(SOW, Page 18) g.) Delete Section 3: Addendum I -Page 44, h.) Revise Section 5.1.3: Quote Submission Due Date-Page 5 i.) Revise Section 5.1.3: Compliance Checklist - Page 5 j.) Revise Section 6.0: Evaluation Factors for Award; Factor I - Technical Acceptability I -Page 62, Revise Section 6.0: Evaluation Factors for Award; Factor 2 - Past Performance-Page 6

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.

United States Agency for Global Media Office Of Contracts 330 Independence Avenue SW Cohen Building, Room 4360 Washington, DC 20237

See Item 6

T3345-26-IQ-00044

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

951700-26-R-0016

1 91

See Box 16c

9B. DATED (SEE

X Via A00001

08/30/2026

RESPONSE TO QUESTIONS LANDSCAPING SERVICES, KUWAIT

SOLICITATION NO. 951700-26-R-0016

No. Document / Page / Citation

Question

1 Solicitation 951700-26-R-0016 (07/31/2026), Page 1, SF-1449 Block 8;

and Page 58, Section 5.1.3

The solicitation states two different proposal due dates and three different times. SF-1449 Block 8 states "08/28/2026 08:00 ET." Section

5.1.3 states "Proposals are due no later than 12:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) on Monday, August 31, 2026, 08:00 AM (ET)," which itself states two times within a single sentence. Please confirm the single controlling proposal due date and time, and please issue that confirmation by formal amendment.

ANSWER 1: The proposal submission date was extended in Amendment A00001.

Proposals are now due no later than 8:00 AM (ET) on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.

2 Page 58, Section 5, "TECHNICAL AND

BUSINESS

PROPOSAL

INSTRUCTIONS"

The solicitation states "The below table shows the page limits to which Offerors' submissions must adhere," but the table that follows lists only section headings (Cover Letter; Section 1 - Discussion and Understanding; Section 2 - Technical Approach; Section 3 - Personnel Qualifications; Assumptions, Conditions, or Exceptions) with no page limits assigned. Please provide the page limit for each listed element or confirm that no page limits apply.

ANSWER 2: Changes to include page limits has been included. See attached.

3 Page 57, Section

5.1, "SITE VISIT

INSTRUCTIONS"

The site visit was held Sunday, August 16, 2026, with attendee registration closing at 11:00 AM Kuwait time on Thursday, August 13, 2026. Because the solicitation states that Offerors are "urged and expected to inspect the site," and because the PWS does not provide the quantities identified in Section B below, will the Government (a) schedule a second site visit, and/or (b) release the site visit attendance record, the questions raised and answered during the visit, and site photographs or an annotated site plan to all prospective Offerors?

ANSWER 3: The Government does not intend to conduct a second site visit. The site visit conducted on August 16, 2026, provided Offerors an opportunity to inspect the site and assess existing conditions relevant to performance. As stated in the PWS, the dimensions and quantities provided are approximate, and Offerors are responsible for verifying actual site conditions during the site survey. No additional site visit, site photographs, or annotated site plan will be provided. The solicitation and its attachments contain the information necessary for preparation of proposals.

4 Page 59, Section 5, '7 Business Proposal'

Section 5 states that the Business Proposal shall be a separate volume from the Technical Proposal, and Offerors will comply. Please confirm

(a) the maximum total email and attachment size the USAGM mail gateway will accept, and (b) whether the Government will acknowledge receipt of a proposal, or whether Offerors should request a delivery or read receipt.

No. Document / Page / Citation

Question

ANSWER 4: It is in the best interest for the Offeror to submit their proposal with a read receipt. The Government, however, will also submit an acknowledgement reply upon receipt of proposal.

No. Document / Page / Citation

Question

5 PWS Page 12, Section 3.10; and Attachment I - Grounds Layout (04/16/2026)

Attachment I is plotted to scale, and scaling the ditch and berm band against the two labeled site dimensions of 182 M and 195.2 M yields a band of approximately 754 linear meters by approximately 6.2 meters, or approximately 4,500 square meters. Two figures cannot be obtained from a plan view at any resolution, and both drive the cost of sand removal and haulage. Please provide: (a) the depth of the asphalt-lined ditch; (b) the width of the ditch invert, being the floor from which sand and debris must actually be removed, as distinct from the adjacent berm; and (c) confirmation that the scaled figures above are correct.

Attachment I draws the band as five to six parallel, undimensioned and unlabeled lines, so an Offeror cannot identify which represents the berm crest, the top of slope, or the invert. A dimensioned cross-section would resolve all three points.

ANSWER 5: The drawing in Attachment I is not to scale. The dimensions provided are approximate and are intended to indicate the general dimensions of the facility. Offerors should not scale the drawing to determine the quantities or dimensions of the berm and ditch areas. Offerors were provided an opportunity to conduct a site visit and should use the site visit, along with the solicitation documents, to verify existing site conditions and develop their bids accordingly.

6 PWS Page 12, Section 3.10.4

Section 3.10.4 requires ditch and berm cleaning "at a frequency sufficient to prevent accumulation and as directed by the COR," with no defined frequency. Given seasonal sand and dust loading at this location, please provide the historical cleaning frequency performed under the current or predecessor contract (cycles per year), and the typical volume of sand removed per cycle, so that Offerors can price equipment, haulage, and disposal on a common basis.

ANSWER 6: The Government does not have historical data for cleaning frequency.

7 PWS Page 10, Sections 3.2.1 and 3.2.5

The planted areas shown on Attachment I are dimensioned and can be scaled, but the PWS states no plant counts. Please provide the number of trees by species, and in particular the number of date palms and their approximate height range. Date palm frond removal and seasonal date cutting at height determine whether an aerial work platform or a certified climbing crew must be priced into the fixed monthly rate, and that cannot be inferred from a plan area.

No. Document / Page / Citation

Question

ANSWER 7: Contractor is responsible for determining this requirement.

8 PWS Page 12, Section 3.9

Section 3.9 requires maintenance of all indoor plants in offices, control rooms, lobbies, corridors and other interior spaces designated by the COR, but states no quantity. Please provide a Bill of Quantities or planting schedule for all INTERNAL plant material, stating: (a) the number of plants by type and size; (b) the buildings and rooms in which they are located; and (c) whether the planters or containers themselves form part of the Contractor maintenance and replacement obligation under Section 3.9.4.

ANSWER 8: Indoor Plants are not a requirement for this PWS.

9 PWS Page 7, Section 1.2; PWS Page 10, Section 3.2.6; and PWS Page 12, Section 3.9.4

The solicitation does not use the words flower, annual or bedding plant. Section 1.2 refers to maintenance of "garden areas" and Section

3.2.1 to "ornamental plants," while Sections 3.2.6 and 3.9.4 require replacement of plant material only where the loss is attributable to Contractor negligence. Offerors have therefore priced on the basis that the supply and planting of seasonal flowering annuals and bedding plants is NOT within the scope of this contract. Please confirm that this reading is correct. If seasonal planting IS required, please state the number of plants or the total bed area in square meters, the number of rotations per contract year, the locations, and whether the cost falls within the firm-fixed monthly price for CLIN X001 or against the Major Repair and Replacement Work CLIN.

ANSWER 9: The SOW does not establish a separate requirement for the routine supply and installation of seasonal flowering annuals or bedding plants. The Contractor shall maintain existing garden areas, ornamental plants, and other landscaped areas in accordance with the requirements of the SOW. Any replacement of vegetation required due to Contractor negligence, improper practices, or failure to comply with contract requirements shall be provided at no additional cost to the Government, as specified in Section 3.2.6.

10 PWS Page 11, Sections 3.5.1- 3.5.9; and PWS Page 11, Section 3.5.10

Please provide the following irrigation system data: (a) total number of sprinkler heads; (b) number of irrigation zones and control valves; (c) controller make, model, and age; (d) whether an as-built irrigation plan is available; and (e) the actual number of sprinkler heads replaced in each of the last two contract years. Section 3.5.10 caps replacement at six (6) heads per contract year at no additional cost; without historical replacement data, Offerors cannot price this risk consistently.

ANSWER 10: The Government does not have an as built drawing available, or the information regarding sprinkler head replacement history. The PWS requires only up to 6 sprinkler head replacements per year. The Irrigation system is approximately 5 years old.

11 PWS Page 7, Section 1.2; PWS Page 11, Section

Section 3.7.1 applies the weed-free obligation to the entire inner facility boundary, of which only approximately 22,000 square feet of the approximately 390,000 square feet is lawn. Attachment I shades lawn

No. Document / Page / Citation

Question

3.7.1; and PWS Page 12, Section 3.7.4 and tree or landscaped areas but does not distinguish the remaining surfaces. Please state the approximate area of gravel, stone and decorative white-stone surfaces, which Section 3.7.4 additionally requires to be kept free of dust and debris and to have displaced stones leveled and redistributed, and identify any area inside the perimeter that does not require maintenance under this contract.

ANSWER 11: Weed removal is required throughout the entire inner facility boundary, as specified in Section 3.7.1.

12 PWS Page 11, Sections 3.7.1 and 3.7.2; and PWS Page 12, Section 3.7.5

Section 3.7.1 requires that all areas within the inner facility boundary be "free from weeds at all times," and Section 3.7.2 extends weed removal to asphalt, concrete, joints, and cracks. Please confirm whether the Government will approve a pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicide program (which Section 3.7.5 makes subject to COR approval), or whether the Government requires mechanical removal only. This materially affects labor pricing.

ANSWER 12: Contractor may use either method subject to COR approval.

No. Document / Page / Citation

Question

13 Attachment II - Price Schedule (07/28/2026), Page 1;

and Solicitation Page

Attachment II states "For additional pricing and payment conditions, refer to the Pricing Note." No document, section, or attachment titled "Pricing Note" appears anywhere in the solicitation package. Please provide the Pricing Note, or confirm that the reference is to be deleted.

ANSWER 13: Disregard. There are no pricing notes.

14 Page 44, Section 3.1, "Addendum I: FAR 52.212-4(g) - Contract Products and Commercial Services (Invoices)"

Addendum I appears to have been carried over from an unrelated transportation or driver-services solicitation. It addresses "Stand-By Services," dispatch of "Stand-By drivers," billing "based on mileage/operating costs per kilometer," "waiting time (in 15-minute increments)," and a trip "to transport USAGM employees to the NAIA airport." None of these terms corresponds to any CLIN, PWS requirement, or service under this landscaping solicitation, and NAIA is not in Kuwait. Please confirm that Addendum I is deleted in its entirety and issue the correct invoicing terms and conditions applicable to this requirement by amendment.

ANSWER 14: Addendum I has been deleted in its entirety. Please see FAR 52.212-4(g) for invoice instructions.

No. Document / Page / Citation

Question

15 Page 44, Section 3.1, Addendum I, "VALUE

ADDED TAX"

Addendum I states that VAT is not applicable to this contract and shall not be included in the CLIN rates or invoices, and Offerors have priced accordingly.

The stated basis is that "the U.S. Embassy has a tax exemption certificate from the host government," but the contracting activity is USAGM, not the U.S. Embassy. Please confirm that USAGM will furnish the Contractor a tax exemption certificate or equivalent documentation valid for this contract, so that host-country tax is not levied on the Contractor in the course of performance.

ANSWER 15: Need Program Response. The USAGM does not have a VAT exemption;

however, the Government of Kuwait does not charge VAT. All other Taxes are the responsibility of the Contractor.

16 Page 44, Section 3.1, Addendum I, "FOREIGN FIRMS";

and Attachment II, Attachment II states "Prices shall be submitted in U.S. Dollars (USD)."

Addendum I states that a firm not meeting the definition of a U.S. firm "shall submit its prices and receive payment in local currency." A Kuwait-registered Offeror cannot comply with both. Please confirm which governs. If prices are to be submitted in Kuwaiti Dinar, please state the exchange rate source and date to be used for evaluation.

ANSWER 16: Prices shall be submitted in U.S. Dollar (USD) – Addendum I has been deleted in its entirety.

17 Page 33, FAR 52.217- 8, Option to Extend Services (Nov 1999)

The fill-in specifying the period within which the Contracting Officer may exercise this option is blank; please complete it. Please also confirm that any extension of services under this clause would be priced pro rata from the monthly rate of the then-current contract period, no CLIN or price line being provided for the extension period.

ANSWER 17: The fill-ins will be completed on the contract award document, not the solicitation. There is no 6-month extension CLIN, if exercised, pricing will be negotiated with the awardee at that time.

18 Page 33, FAR 52.217- 9; and PWS Page 19, Section 13.2

Two of the three fill-ins in this clause are blank: the period within which the Contracting Officer may exercise the option, and the number of days of preliminary written notice. Please complete both. The third fill-in, total contract duration, appears to be answered by PWS Section 13.2, which tabulates one base year and four option years ending September 29, 2031;

please confirm that this is correct and that no extension beyond FAR 52.217- 8 is contemplated.

ANSWER 18: Fill-ins for this clause will be completed on the contract award document. --- If all options are extended, the contract award is estimated to end 29 September 2031. An extension beyond September 29, 2031 shall be determined by the Government.

No. Document / Page / Citation

Question

19 PWS Page 14, Section 7.4; PWS Page 19, Section 13.2; and Page 19, FAR 52.232-19

PWS Section 7.4 states that Government security checks may take approximately 25 days, and Section 8.2 prohibits deploying any personnel without prior authorization, against a stated performance start of September 30, 2026 - which is also the final day of Federal Fiscal Year 2026, with FAR 52.232- 19 incorporated. Please confirm: (a) the anticipated award date and anticipated date of the Notice to Proceed; (b) whether personnel vetting packages may be submitted immediately upon award rather than awaiting the Notice to Proceed;

(c) whether the Government will accept a phased start with reduced staffing while vetting completes, without assessing a performance deficiency; and (d) whether funding for the base period is currently available or is contingent on FY2027 appropriations.

ANSWER 19: (a) Anticipated award date is before or on 30 September 2026.

(b) Yes, as soon as an award is made

(c) No, we will allow temporary access while vetting takes place.

(d) FY26 Funding would be appropriated at time of contract award.

20 PWS Page 8, Section 2.2

Working hours are 0700 to 1530, Sunday through Thursday, "except for U.S. and local holidays." Please provide the list of U.S. Government holidays and Kuwait local holidays to be observed under this contract, so that all Offerors price the same number of productive days per year.

ANSWER 20:

U.S. Mission Kuwait

New Year’s Day U.S. / Kuwait Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. / The Prophet’s Ascension Day* U.S. / Kuwait Washington’s Birthday U.S.

Kuwait National Day Kuwait Kuwait Liberation Day Kuwait Eid Al-Fitr* Kuwait Memorial Day U.S.

Waqfat Arafat Day Kuwait Eid Al-Adha* Kuwait Islamic New Year* Kuwait Juneteenth National U.S.

Independence Day U.S.

The Prophet’s Birthday* Kuwait Labor Day U.S.

Columbus Day U.S.

Veterans Day U.S.

Thanksgiving Day

Holiday List has also been added to PWS Section 2.2.

U.S.

21 General -incumbent information

Please identify the incumbent contractor, the current contract number, the current annual contract value, and the current contract expiration date. Please also confirm whether the Government expects or requires the successful Offeror to offer employment to incumbent personnel, and whether incumbent personnel already hold facility access approvals that would transfer.

No. Document / Page / Citation

Question

ANSWER 21: The Government is not providing incumbent contract information as part of this solicitation. Offerors are expected to develop their proposals and pricing based on the requirements contained in the solicitation and PWS.

There is no requirement in the solicitation for the successful Offeror to retain or offer employment to incumbent personnel. All contractor personnel assigned to the contract will be subject to the Government's personnel security and access approval requirements. Prior access or approval does not automatically transfer to the successful Offeror or its personnel.

22 PWS Page 17, Section 9.8; and Page 19, Section 2 clause list

PWS Section 9.8 requires Defense Base Act insurance and states that its cost is to be included within the firm-fixed price. Please confirm whether DBA coverage is required for Kuwaiti local nationals and third-country nationals as well as for U.S. citizens, as this determines the premium base and therefore the monthly rate. Please also confirm that FAR 52.228-3 will be incorporated by amendment, that clause not appearing in the Section 2 clause list, which contains only FAR 52.228-5.

ANSWER 22: Section 9.8 – Defense Base Act (DBA Insurance) has since been deleted. Also, FAR 52.228-5 clause has been deleted, and FAR 52.228-3 will not be included.

E. Evaluation Criteria and Internal Inconsistencies

No. Document / Page / Citation

Question

23 Pages 60-61, Section 6, Factors 1 and 3;

and PWS Page 18, Section 11.2

Section 6 and the QASP contain several apparent carryovers from other requirements, which Offerors have read as typographical and have answered against the landscaping scope actually specified. Please confirm each: (a) Factor 1 requires "The offeror's Management Plan for Janitorial Services" and a safety plan meeting OSHA requirements "for Janitorial services," addressing "special fall protection safety, and electrical power generator" - no janitorial or generator work appears in the PWS; (b) Factor 1 cites "Section L" and "Section C, Statement of Work" and Factor 3 cites "Section B," none of which exist in this SF-1449 Part 12 solicitation, and which Offerors have read as Section 5, the PWS, and the Section 1 Continuation Sheet with Attachment II respectively; and (c) the Performance Requirements Summary cites Weeding at 3.6 (which is Fertilizer), Irrigation at 3.9 (Indoor Plants) and Indoor Plants at 3.8 (Pest and Disease Control). A corrected Section 6 and Performance Requirements Summary would remove any ambiguity as to what is evaluated and surveilled.

ANSWER 23: The Government acknowledges that certain references in Section 6 and the Performance Requirements Summary were inadvertently carried over from another requirement.

No. Document / Page / Citation

Question

The reference to “Janitorial Services” in Factor 1 is incorrect. The requirement is for Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance Services, and Offerors shall address their Management Plan, Technical Approach, and Safety Plan based on the requirements of the PWS.

The references to “Section L,” “Section C,” and “Section B” are also incorrect cross-references and are hereby clarified by the revised solicitation documents.

The Government is issuing a revised PWS concurrently with this Q&A to correct the applicable scope, section references, and numbering. The revised PWS shall supersede the corresponding provisions of the previously issued PWS. Offerors shall use the revised PWS when preparing their proposals.

24 PWS Page 13, Sections 4.2 and 4.4;

and PWS Page 18, Section 11.2

Two points on the performance regime. First, Section 4.2 requires "No visible weed growth" and the Performance Requirements Summary sets weeding at "100% compliance required," while the same table allows the separate Standard Services objective "no more than 3 minor deficiencies per inspection." Please confirm that weeding is scored as its own objective at 100%, and state what consequence attaches to a failed inspection.

Second, Section 4.4 requires routine deficiencies to be corrected "within 24 to 48 hours"; please clarify whether the applicable period is 24 or 48 hours, and whether it runs in calendar hours or in contract working hours given the Sunday to Thursday, 0700 to 1530 schedule.

ANSWER 24: The Government clarifies that the weeding performance requirement is a separate performance objective and is subject to the performance standard specified in the revised Performance Requirements Summary.

Failure to meet an applicable performance standard will be treated as a performance deficiency and addressed in accordance with the contract's performance and corrective-action provisions.

With respect to correction of routine deficiencies, the applicable timeframe is within 24 to 48 hours, depending on the nature and circumstances of the deficiency, as determined by the COR. The timeframe will be communicated by the COR based on the specific deficiency and required corrective action.

The Government is issuing a revised PWS and Performance Requirements Summary concurrently with this Q&A. Offerors shall refer to the revised documents for the applicable section numbers and performance references.

25 Page 60, Section 6, "EVALUATION

FACTOR FOR

AWARD"

The solicitation states that "All evaluation factors other than price when combined are significantly more important than price" but does not state the relative importance of Factor 1 (Technical Acceptability) as compared to Factor 2 (Past Performance). Please state whether Factor 1 and Factor 2 are of equal importance, or whether one is more important than the other.

ANSWER 25: Factor 1 and Factor 2 are of equal importance.

No. Document / Page / Citation

Question

26 Page 59, Section 5, "COMPLIANCE

CHECKLIST," Item 1; and Page 61, Section 6, Factor 2

Please clarify the following in relation to Factor 2: (a) the maximum number of past performance references an Offeror may submit; (b) whether the Government will issue past performance questionnaires directly to the references, or whether Offeror-provided reference information is sufficient;

(c) whether past performance of proposed subcontractors, or of a parent or affiliate company, may be submitted and will be evaluated; and (d) the recency period the Government will apply, given that Factor 2 states "Only recent experience will be evaluated" without defining "recent," while the Compliance Checklist requires references going back five (5) years.

ANSWER 26: (a) Offerors should submit three (3) maximum no. of Past Performance references.

(b) The Past Performance Questionnaire is attached.

(c) All work performed will be evaluated.

(d) Recent is defined as within 5 years.

F. Government-Furnished Items, Site Conditions, and Operations

No. Document / Page / Citation

Question

27 PWS Page 13, Section 6.1

The Government will provide water and electricity. Please state the source and quality of the irrigation water - potable, brackish, or treated sewage effluent - and its approximate salinity if known. This governs the salinity management regime, the fertilizer program and the species tolerance of any replacement planting, and cannot be inferred from the solicitation. Please also confirm the number and location of hose bibs or irrigation points of connection available to the Contractor.

ANSWER 27: Water is Potable. The Government does not know how many hose bibs are available.

28 PWS Pages 13-14, Section 6.2

The Government will provide a designated portion of a shared unconditioned storage container. Please provide the approximate dimensions or volume of the allocated space, and confirm whether storage of gasoline or diesel for mowers, trimmers, and small equipment is permitted on site, noting that Section 6.2 prohibits storage of hazardous materials without prior COR approval.

ANSWER 28: Storage areas were viewed during the Site visit. Contractor is responsible for determining size of the storage areas. Small amounts of gas and diesel will be allowed onsite.

29 PWS Page 10, Section 3.3.4

PWS Sections 1.2 and 3.3.4 place collection, transport and disposal of bulk waste on the Contractor, and Offerors have priced all tipping and disposal fees accordingly. Please state the number, size and pickup frequency of the Government dumpsters available for routine light debris, and confirm whether the Government will identify approved off-site disposal locations or whether the Contractor must arrange its own permitted disposal.

No. Document / Page / Citation

Question

ANSWER 29: The Government will provide designated facility dumpsters for routine daily landscaping waste, such as grass clippings, small trimmings, and light debris. Large or bulk waste, including tree branches, logs, heavy vegetation, and major debris, shall not be disposed of in the facility dumpsters. The Contractor shall collect, transport, and dispose of such waste at approved off-site disposal locations in accordance with applicable local regulations.

30 PWS Page 15, Section 8.4; and PWS Page 8, Section 2.2

Please confirm: (a) whether Contractor vehicles, mowers, and equipment may remain on site overnight and over weekends, or must be removed daily;

(b) any restrictions on vehicle type or size permitted through the facility gate;

and (c) the typical time required for personnel and vehicle screening at entry, which affects productive hours within the 0700-1530 window.

ANSWER 30: Contractor vehicles cannot remain on site past working hours. Screening takes approximately 10-20minutes. Mowers and hand tools may remain onsite in the storage area.

31 PWS Page 19, Section 13.1; and PWS Page 19, Section 12

The place of performance is a high-frequency transmitting station. Please confirm whether any of the maintained areas, including the perimeter ditch and berm, fall within radio frequency hazard zones or antenna field areas that require transmitter shutdown, Government escort, RF safety awareness training, or restricted working hours. If so, please identify those areas on Attachment I and state the anticipated access windows, as this materially affects crew scheduling and productivity.

ANSWER 31: Maintained Areas are not within HF hazard areas.

32 PWS Page 13, Section 5.2; and Page 20, FAR 52.237-3

A Transition Plan is required within 15 days after award, and FAR 52.237-3, Continuity of Services, is incorporated. Please confirm whether the Government contemplates a phase-in period overlapping the incumbent contractor, and if so its expected duration and whether the incoming Contractor is expected to perform any services during that overlap at no additional cost.

ANSWER 32: There is no Transition Phase, therefore, no transition plan is required.

33 PWS Page 9, Section 3.1

Section 3.1 requires lawn areas to be maintained at a uniform height between 4 and 6 centimeters "at all times." Please identify the existing turf species, and confirm whether the Government requires that height band to be maintained year-round including during summer dormancy and peak heat, when cutting to that height may stress the turf.

ANSWER 33: The Government does not have the specific turf species identified. The Contractor shall maintain the lawn areas at a uniform grass height of 4 to 6 centimeters as specified in Section 3.1

34 PWS Section 3.2.5 & Attachment I

PWS Section 3.2.5 requires regular trimming, maintenance, safety pruning, and date cutting/harvesting for date palm trees and general trees. Could the Government provide an approximate count, height profile, and species breakdown of the mature trees and date palms currently present on site to allow accurate estimation of specialized pruning equipment and labor?

Question

ANSWER 34: The Government does not have that information. Contractor is responsible for determining that information during the site visit.

35 PWS Section 3.9 (Indoor Plant Maintenance

Section 3.9 specifies the maintenance and replacement of indoor plants across offices, control rooms, lobbies, and corridors. Please provide an inventory detailing the approximate quantity, container sizes, and types/species of indoor plants currently situated in the station buildings.

ANSWER 35: Section 3.9 the maintenance of indoor plants has been removed from the PWS. See attached.

36 PWS Section 3.10 & Attachment I

Attachment I illustrates a perimeter berm and ditch along the exterior boundary (with dimensions ~182 m × 195.2 m). Could the Government provide cross-sectional dimensions (depth, bottom width, and slope) of the asphalt-lined ditch? Furthermore, is historical data available regarding the typical volume of windblown sand cleared annually after seasonal sandstorms?

ANSWER 36: Historical data is not available.

37 PWS Section 3.4, 3.5, and 6.1

The Government to confirm whether irrigation water is furnished by the Government and at no cost to the Contractor. Could the Government confirm:

Whether the irrigation network is automated via a central controller or manually operated via section valves?

1. The source and quality of irrigation water (potable line, brackish well, or TSE/treated sewage effluent)?

2. Whether the station utilizes a dedicated irrigation booster pump station that falls under the Contractor's maintenance purview?

ANSWER 37: The water is provided at no charge and is potable. Technical specifications of the irrigation system are not available.

38 PWS Section 3.3.4 & Section 3.10.5

PWS 3.3.4 allows daily lawn clippings in facility dumpsters but requires bulk waste, tree branches, and heavy debris to be hauled off-site. Will the sand desilted from the perimeter ditch/berm be required to be hauled completely off-site to a Kuwait Municipality landfill, or is there an approved on-site disposal/spreading area outside the perimeter fence?

ANSWER 38: Sand must be removed from the Site.

39 PWS Section 6.2 (Storage Space) & Section 12.0

PWS 6.2 states the Government will provide access to an unconditioned shared container for tools and materials, with prior COR approval required for hazardous materials. Does this container have electrical power connections for battery charging of cordless landscaping equipment? Is fuel storage permitted on-site inside an approved flammable safety cabinet?

ANSWER 39: Battery charging may be performed using the available electrical power at the existing B&G Building. Limited fuel storage for daily operational requirements is permitted; however, bulk fuel storage is not permitted. The Contractor shall be responsible for the safe storage, handling, and use of fuel and other hazardous materials.

Question

40 PWS Section 1.2, Section 3.1 vs.

Attachment File Name

The Compliance Checklist directs offerors to submit the price proposal from the Continuation Sheet and "Attachment I," but Attachment I is the Grounds Layout while Attachment II is the Price Schedule, and the Business Proposal instructions correctly cite Attachment II. Ask the Government to confirm which attachment governs the price submission.

ANSWER 40: The price submission document is on Attachment II.

Correction has been made to the solicitation PWS section 3.1.

41 PWS Section 7.4 & Section 13.2

PWS 7.4 notes that Government background checks on personnel take approximately 25 days. In the event of administrative delays in badge approvals past the scheduled Period of Performance start date (September 30, 2026) , will the Notice to Proceed (NTP) / billing commencement date be adjusted accordingly without penalty to the Contractor?

ANSWER 41: The PWS requires Government approval before contractor personnel may be deployed to the site and notes that security checks may take approximately 25 days; however, the actual processing time may vary.

Performance shall commence upon issuance of the Notice to Proceed (NTP).

The Government will coordinate personnel access requirements as necessary. Any circumstances affecting the commencement of performance will be addressed by the Contracting Officer in accordance with the terms of the contract. Offerors should plan accordingly and submit required personnel information in a timely manner.

42 Proposal deadline contradiction. The amendment states proposals are due "no later than 12:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) on Monday, August 31, 2026, 08:00 AM (ET)." That sentence gives two different times, and the RFP states that late submissions will not be considered. Ask the Government to confirm in writing the controlling date and time for proposal submission. Reference the Proposal Submission paragraph in Section 5.1.3.

ANSWER 42: Duplicate Question: The proposal submission date was extended in Amendment A00001. Proposals are now due no later than 8:00 AM (ET) on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.

43 Missing page limits. Section 5 states that a table "shows the page limits to which Offerors' submissions must adhere" and lists the sections, but the limit values do not appear in the document. The Government reserves the right to disregard pages that exceed the limits. Ask the Government to reissue the table with the page limit for each section: Cover Letter, Discussion and Understanding of the Project and Work, Technical Approach, Personnel Qualifications and Relevant Staff Experience, and Assumptions, Conditions, or Exceptions. Reference the Technical and Business Proposal Instructions in Section 5.

ANSWER 43: Page numbers has been added. See Solicitation, Section 5 attached.

44 Wrong scope in the evaluation factors. Factor 1 requires a "Management Plan for Janitorial Services," a safety plan meeting OSHA requirements "for

Question

Janitorial services," and work elements drawn from "Section C, Statement of Work." This is a landscaping solicitation and contains no Section C. Factor 1 also refers to criteria "as defined in Section L," which does not appear in the solicitation. Ask the Government to confirm these are carryover references from another requirement and to identify the governing sections and the correct scope for the Management Plan and Safety Plan. Reference Section 6.0, Factor 1. This one matters because Factor 1 is where technical acceptability is scored, and non-price factors combined are significantly more important than price.

ANSWER 44: The Government acknowledges that the references to “Janitorial Services,” “Section C, Statement of Work,” and “Section L” in Factor 1 are inadvertent drafting errors.

The requirement is for Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance Services.

Offerors shall prepare their Management Plan, Safety Plan, and Technical Approach based on the revised PWS and applicable proposal instructions.

A revised PWS is being issued concurrently with this Q&A. The revised PWS and associated solicitation changes shall supersede the corresponding provisions previously issued.

45 Operational capabilities of existing utilities

The operational status of the existing pumps, motors, and pipelines has not been confirmed. Will the new contractor be required to ensure these systems are in working order, or will they require complete overhaul or maintenance after the contract begins?

ANSWER 45: Irrigation system will be fully functional at start of contract.

46 Proposal due date. SF-1449 Block 8 states August 28, 2026, at 08:00 ET.

Section 5.1.3 states August 31, 2026, and, within a single sentence, gives both 12:00 PM ET and 08:00 AM ET.

ANSWER 46: Duplicate. The proposal submission date was extended in Amendment A00001. Proposals are now due no later than 8:00 AM (ET) on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.

47 The Pricing Note. Attachment II directs Offerors to it for additional pricing and payment conditions. We can find no document, section, or annex of that name anywhere in the package.

ANSWER 47: “For additional pricing and payment conditions, refer to the Pricing Note.”

Has been deleted from Attachment II – Price Schedule. Revised Attachment II

– Price Schedule, is attached.

48 Addendum I, at Section 3.1, page 44. This invoicing addendum governs stand-by drivers, billing by mileage per kilometer, dispatch waiting time in 15-minute increments, and transport to "the NAIA airport." None of this corresponds to any CLIN or PWS requirement in this solicitation. We would be grateful for the invoicing terms that do apply.

Question

ANSWER 48: Addendum I has been deleted in its entirety. Disregard.

49 Page limits. Section 5 states that a table of page limits governs the submission; the table that follows lists five section headings with no limits assigned to any of them.

ANSWER 49: Page limits has been applied. See Section 5 on the Solicitation, attached.

50 Please confirm is there any new Irrigitation system is included our scope or only maintenance in our scope of work?

ANSWER 50: The irrigation system maintenance is within scope.

51 Please confirm main water connections is included or not?

ANSWER 51: Unable to answer this question as it’s too vague. Potable water is provided for landscape purposes

52 Please confirm the Lawn area (Hardscape) have lor of ditches and stones need to clear or only vegetation is our scope of work?

ANSWER 52: Unable to answer the question as we don’t understand what is being asked.

53 Please clarify clear confirmation about Pumps and all equipment maintenance.

ANSWER 53: Unable to provide an answer to this question as it’s too vague. Pumps are not included in this PWS

54 Underground pipes and valves are not included in our scope of work. Please clarify?

ANSWER 54: Confirmed. Underground pipes and pumps are not included in the scope.

55 Client will provide us for materials storage location?

ANSWER 55: Yes, as specified in the PWS and Site Visit.

57 Need to repair or maintenance of Pathways (Kerb stone , Pavers , concrete walk way or any Paint finishes etc ..)

ANSWER 57: Repairs to the concrete or stone walkways are not in scope

58 Mandatory to keep our personal everyday at site?

ANSWER 58: 1.2 Standard Services. The Contractor shall provide sufficient qualified personnel and resources to accomplish all required services. Contractor personnel shall be present on-site only for the performance of contractual duties.

59 Berm Asphalt cracks and patching need to repair?

No. Document / Page / Citation

Question

ANSWER 59: No, not in scope

60 As per Proposal submission page no.58 of 63, section 5.1.3, please clarify proposal will submit before 12pm or 8.00am. Please confirm?

ANSWER 60: Proposal due date has been extended through 9 Sept. 2026 at 8:00AM (ET).

Duplicate.

61 Please clarify supply of fertilizer is in contractor scope, if it is our scope please provide specification of Fertilizer?

ANSWER 61: The supply and use of fertilizer is within scope. It’s up to the contractor with COR concurrence as to what type of fertilizer is used. Must conform with Local Kuwait Enviromental laws.

62 3.1.5, 3.2.2, 3.4.2, 3.8.3, and 3.10.6

Please confirm whether any Contractor design, engineering drawings, shop drawings, or irrigation design is required in addition to the Grounds Maintenance Plan.

ANSWER 62: Not required.

63 Scope 1.1 Please confirm the exact total area of the external perimeter ditch and berm requiring maintenance.

ANSWER 63: The Government does not have that information. Should be determined at the site visit by the contractor.

64 3.1.5 Please confirm the expected number of lawn maintenance cycles per month or year.

ANSWER 64: Determined by the Contractor.

65 3.2.5 Please confirm the number and approximate height of date palm trees.

ANSWER 65: The Government does not have that information. Should be determined by the contractor during the site visit.

66 3.4 Please confirm the required watering frequency for lawns and landscaped areas & Please confirm whether irrigation water electricity and other utilities are provided by Government at no cost.

ANSWER 66: Determined by the Contractor. Water for irrigation is provided by the Government.

67 3.5 Please provide the irrigation system drawings and equipment schedule.

ANSWER 67: The Government does not have that information. Drawings were not provided at the time of the irrigation systems installation .

68 3.5.10 Please confirm whether the sprinkler-head replacement is six units per contract year.

ANSWER 68: Yes. The Contractor shall provide and replace up to six (6) sprinkler heads per contract year as part of the routine services. Any sprinkler-head replacement exceeding six (6) units per contract year shall be considered

Question major replacement work and shall be handled under the applicable Major Repair and Replacement line item. The Contractor shall submit a quotation for such additional work for Government review and approval prior to proceeding.

69 3.8 Please confirm the required pest and disease treatment frequency.

ANSWER 69: Determined by the Contractor.

70 3.9 Please confirm the locations and number of buildings containing indoor plants & number of indoor plants requiring maintenance. Required for manpower and scheduling

ANSWER 70: Indoor Plant requirement removed from the PWS.

71 3.10.2 Please provide the latest approved drawings/details for the perimeter ditch and berm drainage system, including ditch layout, dimensions, slopes, elevations, and drainage discharge points, to allow the Contractor to properly assess the scope.

ANSWER 71: Drawings are not available. Assessment

72 3.10.4 Cleaning only when accumulation of sand, weeds, vegetation, or debris is observed and/or when directed by the COR.

Please provide the required minimum frequency so that the Contractor can properly establish the manpower, equipment, and maintenance requirements in the approved Grounds Maintenance Plan and accurately determine the associated cost and level of effort.

ANSWER 72: Requirement determined by the Contractor IAW the PWS Section 3.9

73 General Please confirm whether any additional civil, electrical, or mechanical maintenance works are required within the berm and ditch areas or elsewhere within the project site, beyond the works specifically identified in the Contract Documents.

ANSWER 73: Please refer to the PWS.Civil, electrical or mechanical maintenance is not in scope

74 General Please confirm if the bid submission deadline can be extended to allow additional time for review of the Contract Documents, clarification of outstanding items, and preparation of the final bid proposal.

ANSWER 74: The Proposal Submission date remains unchanged.

75 5.1.3 Please confirm the page limit for technical proposal

ANSWER 75: See Section 5 of the attached solicitation.

76 5.1.3 In Page 59 under technical approach, item 5 it is stating to provide the proposed Program Manager, whereas in Page 60 under technical acceptability it is stating Project Manager. Kindly confirm if supervisor/ project manager is enough and program manager is not required.

Question

ANSWER 76: Program Manager is not required. The Contractor shall provide the required Project Manager/Supervisor as specified in the SOW.

77 5.1.3 Past performance- In page59 of 63 and 61 of 63; ;How many projects are required to be submitted, and is there any minimum contract amount for each project?

ANSWER 77: Maximum of 3 clients.

78 5.1.3 Please clearly identify what is to be submitted under technical proposal as A, B, and C mentioned in Page 58 of 63 do not cover all required items that need to be submitted in technical proposal.

ANSWER 78: For CON to Answer. The A, B, and C designations on page 59 identify the three principal sections of the Technical Proposal:

A. Discussion and Understanding of the Project and Work B. Technical Approach – Methods and Techniques C. Personnel Qualifications and Relevant Staff Experience The Technical Proposal must address the requirements specified under each section and the applicable technical requirements identified in the Compliance Checklist and Section 6. The complete proposal package must also include the other required submissions identified in the solicitation, including past performance, price proposal, SAM registration, and the signed SF-1449 and amendments.

79 5.1.3 In Page 60 of 63- the offeror a Management Plan for Janitorial services is mentioned, it seems that it is a copy paste from other RFQ. Kindly revise

ANSWER 79: The reference to “Management Plan for Janitorial Services” is an inadvertent drafting error. The requirement is for a Management Plan for Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance Services.

The Government is issuing a revised PWS concurrently with this Q&A.

Offerors shall prepare their proposals in accordance with the revised PWS and solicitation instructions.

80 3.2.5 Provide a landscape plan with the names of plants and numbers of each sort so we can calculate the fertilizer amounts required

ANSWER 80: For the Contractor to determine IAW the PWS section 2.5 Ground Maintenance Plan

81 General Please provide existing soil test results and water tests results.

ANSWER 81: The Government has not conducted soil or water tests.

82 3.10.2 Please provide a plan with detailed drawing for the perimeter drainage system

ANSWER 82: The Government does not have that information.

Question

83 General Please provide a contour map of the area

ANSWER 83: The Government does not have that information.

84 3.5 What is the brand of the irrigation system that is already installed and need maintaining? Is it a drip irrigation system?

ANSWER 84: Rainbird Irrigation system, hybrid drip and sprinkler

85 General Regarding the pump room, please advise the following details:

Pump capacity and head.Type of pumps required.Number of pumps required.Whether the pumps are VFD-controlled or automatic (Auto) controlled.

ANSWER 85: The…