Questions for AG-7604-S-12-0020.docx

Clarification Questions USDA Forest Service National Tower IDIQ

AG-7604-S-12-0020

Question 1: Page 40 of the solicitation indicates a 25 page limit for the Mission Capability Volume I. The chart on page 41 indicates a 50 page limit for the Mission Capability Volume I. Please confirm the actual page limits for this volume.

· The Page Limitation will be 25 Pages and will be reflected in the RFP.

Question 2: Page 16 (section H-2 part c) of the solicitation, indicates “(c) Task Order Price Summary Preparation. The entity shall use the instructions at Attachment 4 in Section J, Cost Proposal Instructions, for preparing the cost portion of the proposal.” Will the government be providing Attachment 4, Cost proposal instructions?

· This is incorrect and will be taken out of Section H-2 part (c). The only pricing that is being asked for is the price per site indicated on each CLIN.

Question 3: Will the prices provided on CLINs 0001 through 0004 be used as the cost basis for orders placed by the Forest Service, or will the contractor be afforded the opportunity to price each task order independently of the prices provided within this solicitation response?

· CLINS 0001 through 0004 are indicating what CLINS will be on the base IDIQ. The contractors awarded the base IDIQ will be given fair opportunity on each task order.

Question 4: Since Davis Bacon wages, material, travel costs, and locations are different for each forest service tower location, and since the seed task order only requires geo-technical investigations to be performed, will the forest service provide a location for contractors bidding this project to reference for each of the remaining CLINs 0002 through 0004 in order to make sure contractors are bidding the same work for a fair and equitable price exercise?

· Contractors who have been awarded the base IDIQ will be given the same information for pricing out CLINS 0002 and 0004 at the task order level.

Question 5: How many past performance questionnaires are required to be completed by our contracting officers of other projects?

· Page 45 titled Volume 1: Technical Proposal Factor 4: Provide three (3) total Past Performance summaries.

Question 6: Will past performance questionnaires for contracts completed by our teaming partner or subcontractors be acceptable? In other words, are past performance questionnaires only supposed to be provided by the prime 8(a) contractor?

· Sub past performance is acceptable. The USDA Forest Service also wants to know if their subs have a good performance record.

Question 7: Will CCASS reports be accepted in place of a past performance questionnaires?

· The Contractor MUST submit the Past Performance Summaries and indicated in on Page 45.

Question 8: If CCASS reports are accepted in the place of past performance questionnaires, will they count against page limit off the proposal?

· Past Performance summaries will not count against your total page count for the proposal.

Question 9: Referring to section L – 2, this section identifies the font size for the proposal. Can you provide clarification on the font size for graphics, artwork and/or tables?

· Please follow the directions in L-2 Proposal Format.

Question 10: Referring to section L - 3, are the section numbers for Safety Plan and Management Proposal correctly number? They appear to be reversed.

· This has been corrected to reflect Safety Plan and #2 and Management Proposal as #3.

Question 11: Referring to sections L – 5 and L – 6, the following proposal instructions are included in section L – 5:

… The Entity must include the Volumes, Sections, and Chapters described above using the precise labeling schema described. Entities may add Sections and Chapters if deemed appropriate but the numbering schema defined herein shall not be changed. Failure to comply with this requirement may eliminate an Entities proposal from consideration.

These instruction are clear and concise; however, the detailed numbering schema defined in section L – 6 changes from sub-factor labels for Factor 1: Technical, then no number headings for Factor 2: Safety Plan, then numbered headings for Section 3: Management, etc.

We kindly request clarification on what type of specific numbering schema is desired for the various sections within the Volume 1.

· Changes have been made to Sections L-3 and L-6 to ensure consistency.

Question 12: Referring to section L – 6, this section contains several tables with more detailed instructions on the proposal content. These tables do not provide any detailed information about Chapter 3 - Task Order 0001. Please provide detailed instructions on the proposal content for Chapter 3 – Task Order 0001.

· This is independent of the Task Order 0001. You MUST complete what is asked of you in L-6. Please ensure you read Section H for Task Order Instructions.

Question 13: Item L-2 Proposal Organization Instructions, Page Limitations Paragraph on Page 40 States the following: “(25 page limitation for the Mission Capability; no page limitation for the Price Volume)”; however, in Section L-3, the header for Volume I reflect 50 page limitation. Could you please clarify what the page limitation is?

· Please refer to Question 1.

Question 14: Are all of the tower sites listed in Task Order 0001 accessible to a heavy, two-wheel-drive, truck-mounted drill rig? Or will a drill rig mounted on an all-terrain vehicle be needed to access any of these locations?

· Yes, each site is accessible by two-wheel-drive, truck-mounted drill rig.

Question 15: Can we plan on combining mobilizations for any of these towers (for example drilling borings for both sites in Idaho County or Davy Crockett National Forest during the same mobilization), or do we need to assume a separate mobilization for each respective site?

· As long as the contractor meets the required due dates for the Geotechnical Investigations. Please refer to Question 83.

Question 16: The list of required information for the Geotechnical Investigation is lengthy and contains items typically not requested in standard investigations for tower projects. Are all listed items required at all sites?

· Not all sites require Geotechnical Investigations. Any site less than 50ft in height and considered a valley site will not require a Geotechnical Investigation. All other sites will require a full investigation. The type of site will be identified in the proposal.

Question 17: Regarding the close date for questions, the RFP states that questions will be accepted until Saturday, August 4, 2012. Could we please get the date extended for questions to Tuesday, August 7th or Wednesday, August 8th?

· This has been addressed in Amendment 0001.

Question 18: Regarding the fixed pricing requested on page 3 of Section B, ITEM 003 and Item 004, these relate to tower construction and demolition. Could we get a sample site to provide a qualitative number or a more detailed scope of work including the exact tower height, antenna/dish loading, foundation type, etc?

· This will be completed at the Task Order Level and documentation will be provided at that time.

Question 19: Reference Solicitation Sections L – 2 and L – 3: These sections identify two different page count limits for Volume 1. Please clarify the page count limit for Volume 1.

· Please refer to Question 1.

Question 20: Reference Solicitation Section L-6. Please provide more detailed instructions on the full requirements for Chapter 3 - Task Order 0001.

· The only pricing required on Task Order 0001 is for Geotechnical Investigations at each site. Please refer to Section H of the RFP.

Question 21: Are there specific instructions regarding the pricing for the government-provided Task Order 0001?

· Please refer to Section H of the RFP.

Question 22: Reference Solicitation Section L-5. The RFP mentions strict compliance with the provided numbering schema. In following through the table in L-6, the numbering schema appears to change. Please provide clarification on the desired numbering schema.

· The schema is the same in L-5 and L-6 and had not changed.

Question 23: Reference Section L-3. Please verify the numbering schema for these sections.

· The numbering schema is clearly identified in L-3.

Question 24: Are there specific proposal instructions regarding the font size for tables and/or graphics/artwork?

· Please refer to L-2 of the RFP. The same requirement applies to the entire proposal.

Question 25: In reference to solicitation AG-7604-S-12-0020, Part IV, Section L-2, paragraph titled Page Limitations, the indication is that the page limit for Mission Capability is 25. Section L-3 of Part IV indicates that the volume 1 shall be organized as described below, with (50 page limit) identified in the requested format darkened heading. Please clarify if the Volume 1: Mission statement is to be limited to 25 pages or 50 pages; excluding the exempted documents specifically listed in page limitations.

· Changes have been made and the correct page count will be 25 pages.

Question 26: In reference to Part IV, Section L-3, required proposal organizational chart, I believe there is a typo for the safety and management Sections. Please clarify that section 2 is safety and section 3 is Management Proposal.

· This has been corrected in the RFP to reflect the correct numbering.

Question 27: The sample task order appears to only require pricing for Geotechnical Investigations. Please confirm what industry is supposed to price for each of the identified CLINs in the sample task order.

· Correct, please refer to the RFP for Geotechnical Investigations, Section H of the RFP and Task Order 0001 for further information.

Question 28: Should all bidders follow specific pricing instructions when preparing the pricing for the government provided Task Order 0001? If so, please clarify.

· Please refer to Section H for any additional information.

Question 29: What is the maximum page count for Volume 1? There is a reference to 25 pages in one section and then another reference to 50 pages.

· This has been corrected in the RFP and the total page count is 25 pages.

Question 30: 3.2 Section L – 6 provides specific instruction about the required contents for Volume 1; however, there are no specific instructions for the following: Chapter 3 - Task Order 0001.

· Please refer to Section H for any additional information. Section H refers to all Task Orders.

Question 31: 3.3 Referring to sections L – 3 and L – 6, the numbering schema appears to be not consistent or contains typos. On page 41 L-3; The Safety Plan is listed as Section 3 but follows Section Question: Do you want the Safety Plan to be Section 2 or Section 3?

· This has been corrected in the RFP to reflect the correct numbering.

Question 32: We are assuming that the Sample Task Order will want pricing for more than just geotechnical investigation. If this assumption is correct, can you please provided the following information: Antenna loading – antenna model # if bidders are supplying the antenna or just dimension if bidders are to just design for the antenna w/ elevations for sample Task Order 0001 sub CLINS 0001 1 though 7

· No, the USDA Forest Service is only looking for pricing for Geotechnical Investigations for Task Order 0001.

Question 33: Please provide Wage rates for sample Task Order 0001 w/ sub CLINS 0001- 1though7.

· Davis Bacon Wage Rates attached under Amendment 0003 in FBO.

Question 34: Would you clarify how you would like the proposal submitted- electronic, hard copy and how many copies of each volume?

· Please refer to L-4 Proposal Organization Instructions in the RFP.

Question 35: The competition requirements seem ambiguous between Fed Biz Ops’ description and the solicitation. Can this procurement be competed by small businesses other than 8(a)’s.

· Throughout the document it talks about 8(a) competitive. Only a 8(a) contractor may submit proposals for this requirement.

Question 36: The solicitation states on page 40, Page Limitations, that there is a 25-page limit for the Mission Capability Proposal. Page 41, L-3 Volume 1: Mission Capability, states a 50-page limit. Can the government clarify which statement is correct and what the page limit will be for Volume 1?

· This has been changed in the RFP and reflected a maximum of 25 pages.

Question 37: Can the government clarify which labor tables (and what categories) this is referring to?

· This has been deleted since there is no labor tables associated with the base IDIQ. This will be taken care of at the Task Order Level.

Question 38: Section B does not provide specific site details; will the government be providing additional site specific information to allow the bidders to quote accordingly? Site specifics: Latitude/Longitude, tower height, tower loading, site compound details, site accessibility, soil conditions, etc.

· As stated in Section H of the RFP this will be done at the Task Order level.

Question 39: If the government does not intend to provide site specifics for Section B; are the bidders to base our price on assumptions (i.e. 120’ tower with a specified type of antenna & qty., standard soil conditions, access roads for heavy equipment, demolition based on 120’ SST, and a generic location) and outline those in Volume 2, Chapter #2?

· As stated in Question 38 this will be completed at the Task Order Level.

Question 40: Does the Forest Service have a standard tower loading requirement? If so, will the government provide this information?

· The load requirements will be a site specific and based on the NTIA 222G standards. Each tower will need to be engineered by the contractor based on tower height and antenna needs provided by the government. This will be completed at the Task Order Level.

Question 41: Section C, 8.0 Tower Specifications, Copper Ground Bar; an internal Master Ground Bus is referenced and stated that is needs to meet R-56 standards. Does this also include the need to modify the interior grounding to meet R-56 standards?

· No, each tower is considered complete when terminated into a polyphaser.

Question 42: Section C, 9.0 Demolition; will the government require any antennas, lines or appurtenances be saved, inventoried and handed over to the government POC?

· No Question 43: Section B, Supplies or Services and Prices, Item 0001; will the government be providing site specifics (Lat/Longs) for bidding purposes?

· Please refer to Question 38 for response.

Question 44: Section B, Supplies or Services and Prices, Item 0002; will the government be providing additional specifications on:

0. Tower Height

0. Tower loading

0. Site location

0. Site layout (to include detail on existing shelter/radio facility)

0. Site accessibility for heavy equipment (crane, backhoe, etc.)

· Please refer to Question 38 for response.

Question 45: Section B, Supplies or Services and Prices, Item 0002; will the government be providing a basis for bidders to design the tower foundations such as normal soil conditions?

· Please refer to Question 38 for response Question 46: Section B, Demolition, Item 0004; will the government be providing site specific information on the tower and other required demolitions to allow bidders to price out accordingly?

· Please refer to Question 38 for response.

Question 47: It is understood that Performance and Payment bonds will be a requirement under this IDIQ and that the cost for the premiums must be accounted for in our mobilization or G&A fees. For the purpose of the proposal effort under Volume 2: Price Proposal; will the bidders need to secure Performance and Payment bonds based on our Volume 2: Price Proposal?

· Please refer to the RFP for further information.

Question 48: Part 1 – The Schedule‐ states the following: A schedule of Items will be provided for each Task Order issued against Contract(s) awarded under this Solicitation excluding Geotechnical Investigations provided below. Does this mean that no costs are required for PE Drawings, Tower Construction or Demolition at this point of the solicitation? We assume that these costs will be provided as the Task Orders are defined?

· Correct

Question 49: 8.0 Tower Specifications – states the following: “Tower shall have Solid Core or Angle Iron legs,” No mention of coatings or paint is provided in the specifications, do we assume that the tower is not coated or will you define the coating at some later time.

· All towers are to be dipped galvanized. This change has been made in 8.0 pages 7.

Question 50: Your Solicitation states that 3 Firms will be awarded the IDIQ contract; you further state that “USDA Forest Service may award separate task orders by site for Geotechnical Investigations or the construction of communication towers as it presents the Best Value to the government. Do you anticipate selecting the companies with consideration to the base location of the firm, in other words, do you anticipate picking a company from the west, Midwest and south. Or will you make selections based on qualifications regardless of geographic location?

· Dependent on which proposal is best value to the Government. Geographic location has no bearing on awards at the Base IDIQ or the Task Order Levels.

Question 51: You’ve provided a Statement of Work titled “Task Order 0001, Geotechnical Investigations.” Are you looking for us to provide costs to perform these services as a part of this solicitation? Do we provide this as a separate item or should it be included as a part of the 25 page limit of the proposal?

· This is Task Order 0001. Please refer to Section H and Section L.

Question 52: RFP p. 2, SF 1442 Please indicate the volume and section for inclusion of SF 1442.

· Please refer to Section L of the RFP for further clarification.

Question 53: RFP p. 3, B-1 Schedule of Items; p.42, L-4, Volume 2: Price Proposal Reference - Pricing and Labor Tables What specific labor category information is required for completion of Schedule B-1? How is this information to be utilized?

· This requirement has been deleted from the RFP.

Question 54: RFP p. 3, B-1 Schedule of Items; p.42, L-4, Volume 2: Price Proposal: Task Order No. 0001 Will the Government provide a sample task under each CLIN that includes the entire scope of work and activity to include: site assessments, geotechnical evaluation, environmental assessment and compliance, permitting, deconstruction, removal of potentially hazardous waste, foundation construction materials and supplies, other pertinent information which may provide a more competitive price, etc.?

· There will be no sample tasks for the other CLINS. Price competition will be completed at the Task Order Level for all awarded contracts under the IDIQ.

Question 55: RFP p. 3, B-1 Schedule of Items What is the baseline for evaluation and what will be the basis of award? How will the cost be evaluated?

· Please refer to Sections L and M of the RFP. Please refer to Section H for the Task Order Level.

Question 56: RFP p. 3, B-1 Schedule of Items Without additional information, how do we address varying site conditions at each tower site: road accessibility to the tower, condition and size of tower site, utility conflicts, location of various water bodies, potential erosional impacts, etc.?

· That will be addressed that the Task Order Level.

Question 57: 3, B-1 Schedule of Items What steps have been taken to assess/report potential hazardous materials at each site?

· Local personnel will identify and mitigate any hazards prior to tower proposal. Any continuing hazards will be identified on the proposal.

Question 58: RFP p. 3, B-1 Schedule of Items Will the Government provide tower specifications (i.e. height, etc.) which can be incorporated into the pricing?

· Task Orders sent to all contractors awarded IDIQ will include tower height, number and type of antennas.

Question 58: RFP p. 5, 2.0 Background How many towers in total does the Government anticipate renovating/replacing over the life of the contract?

· The Government is not sure. That is why this requirement is an IDIQ.

Question 59: RFP p. 21, FAR Clause 52.219-11 Please confirm this solicitation is competitive 8(a) small business set aside.

· Yes, the requirement is a competitive 8(a) small business set aside.

Question 60: RFP p. 33, FAR Representations and Certifications Do we include our response to FAR 52.204-8 in the Price Proposal and if so, under what section?

· Please refer to Section II Contract Clauses Page 21 for further information.

Question 61: RFP p. 36, Agriculture Acquisition Regulation Do we include our response to this section in the Price Proposal and if so, under what section?

· If your company is a Corporation it must be submitted. If your company is not a Corporation than you need not to submit. You may attach as an attachment.

Question 62: RFP p. 40, L-2 Proposal Organization/Proposal Format Please confirm that electronic proposal submission can be Microsoft Word 2003 software or later version or converted to Adobe Acrobat PDF format. PDF format provides for ease of submittal and readability by the Government as SF Form 1442 requires a signature.

· Please refer to Section L-2 for requirements for Proposal Format.

Question 63: RFP p 41, Volume I (50 page limit) Please confirm the page limit of Volume I; page limits of 25 pages and 50 pages are stated in the RFP.

· This has been changed to 25 pages and has been changed in the RFP.

Question 64: RFP p. 41, Safety Plan labeled Section 3 Please confirm that the Safety Plan is Section 2 of Volume 1.

· This has been changed and reflected in the RFP.

Question 65: RFP. p.41, Safety Plan and the Quality Control Plan be included as appendices and not included in the page count for Volume 1? Most established companies already have these plans as separate documents and if included as such, will exceed the size requirements of Volume 1.

· Submission of Safety Plan and Quality Control Plan will not be counted in the 25 page count. Please include them as presented in the numbering schema.

Question 66: RFP p. 48, Section M Basis for Award The RFP states “The anticipated program ceiling for all awarded contracts is $11,000,000 each over a five-year period. The total value of all task orders issued under all awarded contracts as a result of this effort should not exceed $11,000,000.00 for the duration of the contract ordering period.” Please clarify if the contract ordering period is for the base and each option year for a total value of $55,000,000 over the life of the contract.

· The total contract ceiling value is $11,000,000.00 over the course of 5 years.

Question 67: SOW Task Order 0001 Please explain how the Task Order 0001 is relevant to the entire scope of the project. While Geotechnical Investigations are critical elements of tower installations, they represent only a small portion of the entire scope of work. Will Task Order 0002 be issued to address the PE Drawings, Tower Construction and Demolition?

· Task Order 0001 will be the only Task Awarded at this time. Task Order 0002 will follow shortly after Task Order 0001 is completed.

Question 68: The Section C SOW provides general work scope and Task Order 0001 SOW Geotechnical Investigations provides specifics for pricing seven (7) sites relevant to CLIN 0001. Is the solicitation requesting a rollup value for the Section B price or the price of a generic site Geotechnical Investigation based on ‘common’ site information provided in Task Order 0001 SOW?

· There will be no pricing for CLIN 0001 for basis of evaluation for the BASIC IDIQ. Please concentrate only on Task Order 0001 for pricing.

Question 69: The Section C SOW only provides general work scope for CLIN 0002- PE Drawings and Task Order 0001 SOW Geotechnical Investigations only provides specifics for pricing seven (7) sites relevant to CLIN 0001. What is the basis for quantitative cost assumptions for the pricing requested in Section B for CLIN 0002?

· There will be no pricing for CLIN 0002 for basis of evaluation for the BASIC IDIQ. Please concentrate only on Task Order 0001 for pricing.

Question 70: The Section C SOW only provides general work scope for CLIN 0003- Tower Construction and Task Order 0001 SOW Geotechnical Investigations only provides specifics for pricing seven (7) sites relevant to CLIN 0001. What is the basis for quantitative cost assumptions for the pricing requested in Section B for CLIN 0003?

· There will be no pricing for CLIN 0003 for basis of evaluation for the BASIC IDIQ. Please concentrate only on Task Order 0001 for pricing.

Question 71: The Section C SOW only provides general work scope for CLIN 0004- Demolition and Task Order 0001 SOW Geotechnical Investigations only provides specifics for pricing seven (7) sites relevant to CLIN 0001. What is the basis for quantitative cost assumptions for the pricing requested in Section B for CLIN 0004?

· There will be no pricing for CLIN 0004 for basis of evaluation for the BASIC IDIQ. Please concentrate only on Task Order 0001 for pricing.

Question 72: What is the basis of estimate in terms of tower height, tower type, foundation type, waveguide ladder, number of antennae on the tower, antennae height above ground level, type of antennae mounts, size and quantity of cables, size and type of building housing the communications equipment to be used for pricing CLINs 0002, 0003 and 0004 in Section B?

· Please refer to Section H of the RFP. This will be handled at the Task Order Level and will indicate at that time.

Question 73: Is the use of a smaller font in figures, tables, schedules, illustrations, etc, permitted provided it remains legible? If so, please indicate what size is acceptable.

· Please Refer to Section L of the RFP. The format will be the same throughout the proposal.

Question 74: Paragraph L-2 refers to a page limit of 25 pages, Paragraph L-3 indicates Volume 1 has a page limit of 50 pages, please clarify which page count is correct.

· This has been identified and corrected in the RFP. A 25 page limit will be strictly enforced.

Question 75: Is it possible to provide a full Draft USDA Forest Service Tower IDIA Safety Plan as an attachment and not have it count against the page count? The assumption will be the instructions will be covered by a discussion in the Capability proposal, but call out for reference to the attachment.

· The RFP stated that the Contractor must supply there Safety Plan. Also, note that the Safety Plan no longer is counted in the 25 page max.

Question 76: Is it possible to provide a full Draft USDA Forest Service Tower IDIA Quality Control Plan as an attachment and not have it count against the page count? The assumption will be the instructions will be covered by a discussion in the Capability proposal, but call out for reference to the attachment.

· The RFP stated that the Contractor must supply there Quality Control Plan. Also, note that the Quality Control Plan no longer is counted in the 25 page max.

Question 77: Please confirm the coordinates provided for the seven (7) sub-CLIN’s are associated with new raw land tower sites and not collocated with an existing tower/shelter site.

· Yes, the sites do have current towers located at them.

Question 78: Can the sites be reached with standard 2WD vehicle? If not, please describe the current access way conditions.

· This is site specific information that will be included at the Task Order Level.

Question 79: What is the distance from the closest major city for each of the listed sites?

· That is the responsibility of the Contractor to gain that information. We have given you the Longitude and Latitude for each site on Task Order 0001.

Question 80: Do any specialty resources have to be present during a Geotechnical Boring? Such as, Historian, Botanist, Geologist, and/or Archeologist?

· This is a site specific action. Local contact will coordinate any additional personnel as well as access.

Question 81: The depth of core samples will vary depending on foundation type, depth or limited by water table and/or bedrock. Is it correct to assume for the basis of estimate that the nominal core depth should be 30 ft?

· For the basis of an estimate 30ft can be used but the actual depth will be site specific.

Question 82: How many boring locations are required per site? A three (3) legged self-supporting tower typically requires three (3) bores for a tower site location.

· This will be site specific based on the face of the tower, and will be identified in the individual tower task order.

Question 83: Is FAR 52.211-10 stating that the entire geotechnical investigation and report required to be complete not later than 14 calendar days from time after notice to proceed? Or is the total task not later than value 5 calendar days to mobilize plus 14 calendar days to complete tasks. Please not the industry standard for performing a geotechnical investigation through final release of reports is four (4) weeks. A timeline shorter than four (4) weeks commonly raises the lowest offer price due to lab turn around, PE review and final report generation.

· Geotechnical Investigations must be completed within 14 of the issuance of the Notice to Proceed.

Question 84: Is it correct to assume for the basis of estimate that the applicable “site type” from Motorola R56 for all Forestry Service sites is “Type B – Standard Duty” as defined in Motorola R56, Paragraph 4.7?

· Yes, Standards and Guidelines for Communications Sites

Question 85: In the event of a conflict in grounding requirements between the RFP and reference specifications, is it correct to assume that Motorola R56 will take precedence?

· Yes

Question 86: Please confirm that the statement in the referenced paragraph should read …if the initial fall of potential results exceed 25 ohms-m or 25 ohms-m…

· Yes

Question 87: Is there a potential for utility or grid power at existing or new Forestry Service sites? If so, will an R56 approved clamp-on meter be an acceptable substitute for the fall of potential ground system performance test for measuring resistance to ground?

· Clamp- on meter testing is an acceptable measurement in the cases of commercial power.

Question 88: Per ANSI/TIA-222G, Annex A, Paragraph A2.2, the default tower structural classification is Class II. Since a specific requirement regarding tower classification defers to the 222-G standard, is it correct to assume for basis of estimate that tower classification is Class II for all Forestry Service tower structures?

· For the purpose of an estimate Class II can be used, but this will be a site specific designation that will be identified on the initial proposal.

Question 89: What county should be used as basis for tower loading?

· ANSI/TIA – 222G identifies the tower loading for all of our sites. The county and location will be identified for each site at the Task Order Level.

Question 90: Although compliance is acknowledged in the IDIQ proposal, is it correct to assume that access to the site is available for the basis of estimate and access road requirements will be priced accordingly at the time of proposal preparation for specific Task Orders following an IDIQ award?

· This will be addressed at the Task Order Level.

Question 91: Ref. sub-bullet 4: Where is the tower loading defined and does it include a margin for tower loading expansion and/or safety factor?

· The tower loading is to be engineered by the contractor and will need to include expansion of two additional antennas.

Question 92: Is there a nominal tower and site footprint that should be used as a basis of estimate for site design? Like the site is 25 feet by 25 feet…

· No. this will be site specific.

Question 93: Please confirm the tower design loading of two (2) waveguide lines (should additional lines be considered in design for expansion).

· This will be site specific. Each design should include the expansion up to two additional antennas.

Question 94: The Tower Specification section does not refer to a tower foundation, is the design and supply of the tower foundation included in the scope of work for the tower?

· Yes

Question 95: The Tower Specification section does not refer to a shelter, is the design and supply of a site shelter included in the scope of work for a site receiving a new tower or is it assumed that a new tower is being collocated at an existing tower location that already has a shelter?

· The scope of the work will only include towers. Some sites will have existing shelters and some will be new installs.

Question 96: Is there additional details related to the anti-climb protection required by the Forestry Service? For example, does the site fence satisfy this requirement, will terminating the climbing ladder and safety climb 10 feet above ground level satisfy this requirement, or is there a specific anti-climb product in mind for this feature?

· Climbing ladder must reach the ground level. A ladder cover must be installed to cover the first 10 feet of the ladder or all the sides on smaller towers.

Question 97: For the basis of estimate, what is the nominal length and size of the Ice Bridge?

· For the basis of estimate 10 ft of Ice Bridge will suffice.

Question 98: “Travel only available late spring thru late fall” – what solutions for access are there for remaining seasons? Is the contractor supposed to assume no work can be performed from late fall through spring?

· Any site that has seasonal travel restrictions will be identified by the government.

Question 99: Grounding the antenna to the tower is not required by R56, is the reference meant to state the cable/line or the antenna itself?

· The RF line (not the antenna) will be shield grounded to the tower or a tower mounted busbar.

Question 100: In order to properly price antenna stand-off mounts, what is the size of the antennae that will be mounted?

· This is site specific and will be identified at the Task Order Level.

Question 101: Are there any concerns for Hazardous Materials (such as Lead), RF Emissions, and NEPA or EA hazards?

· Each site will be evaluated and any hazards will be identified at the Task Order Level.

Question 102: Does the fence identified in this paragraph refer to a temporary construction barrier/fence? If the new tower is collocated on an existing tower site, and the site is fenced, is the temporary construction fence still required? If the new tower is not collocated on an existing site, is a permanent fence in the scope of work for the new tower? What are the fence size requirements?

· Site specific. Most sites will not require a fence and will be addressed at the Task Order Level.

Question 103: Is exothermic welding for grounding system installation exempt from this requirement?

· Exothermic grounding will be used on ALL grounding connections

Question 104: Although not specifically stated, is it correct to assume that sub-paragraph (b) implies a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) is required for site construction activities that require soil disturbance (i.e. road work, grounding, tower installation) ?

· This will be “Site Specific” Some NEPA will require and some will not and will be identified at the Task Order Level.

Question 105: As seen in recently submitted proposals to the U.S. Government, is the ORCA transition to SAM going to impact the offeror’s annual representative and certifications that are electronically submitted?

· Please ensure that all documents are correct and accurate when proposal is aqqsubmitted. The Government will ensure we check SAMS and if there is a system issue we will contract each contractor.

Question 106: Is the number of pages for resumes limited to two (2) pages per resume selected or two (2) pages total for all resumes submitted?

· 2 Pages per resume.

Question 107: Can you please confirm award of specific task orders per Section H-2 will be awarded for Lowest Overall Cost vs. the IDIQ proposal to be awarded for best value per Section M-3?

· Please read the entire RFP for that information.

Question 108: Are the Geotechnical investigations at all seven (7) sites to be started simultaneously within 5 calendar days from NTP?

· Yes

Question 109: The Mission Capability Proposal is limited on the page count. Included in that proposal and the page count is the offers Safety Plan. A complete and concise safety plan can be many pages and will cause us to eliminate pertinent information that may lead to a lower evaluation than we were to use the complete safety plan. Will the government consider excluding the safety plan from the Mission Capability Proposal page count?

· The Government has excluded the Safety Plan from the page count. This is reflected in the RFP in Section L.

Question 110: Proposal format specifies Times New Roman 12-point Font in text. Does this include the section headers and sub-headers?

· Please refer to Section L-2 Proposal Format for clarification.

Question 111: The list of required information for the Geotechnical Investigation asks for “Topographic information for the site”. Please provide additional descriptive detail for the extent of topographic information desired.

· This will be a “general” description of the site…ie. Slope, elevation, an overall condition of the site pertaining to the suitability of constructing a tower on the site.

Question 112: Regarding the geo-tech reports, do they need to be stamped and signed by a PE that is registered to the state in which the report comes from?

· The site will be stamped by the Soil Engineering Company, the PE will come during the tower design to be sure that the tower specs meet the criteria of the soils report.

Question 113: Please confirm that only CLIN 0001 should be completed for the Pricing Proposal response in Volume 2, Chapter 3 and that Items 0002, 0003, and 0004 will be completed for individual task order responses.

· Please refer to Section H, L and M for further clarification.

Question 114: Regarding CLIN 1 Geotechnical, the RFP states that the Government may award this as a separate task or possibly contract. If awarded separately, pursuant to SBA CFR 13 and FAR requirements, what percentage of the services must be performed by the 8(a) concern?

· The 8(a) Prime contractor is required to do 15% of the work completed.

Question 115: Please confirm that Davis-Bacon wages apply only to field staff and not to management staff.

· Please refer to the Department of Labor website at www.dol.gov for further clarification.

Question 116: Please confirm that the statement “The amount of the payment protection shall be 100 percent of the contract price” means that the payment protection must be 100 percent of each task order issued to a contractor.

· Please refer to the RFP for further clarification.

Question 117: Is the contractor expected to provide radio frequency (RF) engineering of the antennas, including path analysis, frequency analysis, licensing, etc.?

· This will not be required by the contractor.

Question 118: May we use a font smaller than 12-point for graphics and charts as long as they are readable?

· Please refer to Section L-2 of the RFP Proposal Format. This requirement will be strictly enforced.

Question 119: Should we assume that Task Order 0001 may be issued as the first Task Order under this contract? Does the Government require that the sub-CLIN pricing be attached to Volume 2, Chapter 3?

· Task Order 0001 will be the First Task awarded under this requirement. Please refer to Section L for further information on Pricing.

Question 120: Will there be a prevailing wage requirement for this project.

· Davis Bacon Wage Rates will attached in Amendment 0003 for Task Order 0001.

Question 121: Are there any working hour or days restrictions/limitations?

· This will depend on each site. This will be mitigated by the CIO Program Office working with the Forest.

Question 122: Will crews have full access to the sites or will a require Forestry Service Representative have to be on site with crew at all times.

· The contractor will should have full access to the site. In some cases a USDA Forest Service representative might have to let you in and out of certain areas.

Question 123: Are there any known hazardous materials (i.e. lead paint, asbestos & etc.)?

· This will be identified and mitigated by the USDA Forest Service.

Question 124: Will hazardous material testing be required before demo work if testing hasn’t already been performed?

· This will be identified and mitigated by the USDA Forest Service.

Question 125: Will demo materials become GC property and be disposed of any particular manner?

· Yes. The GC will be responsible for disposing of all material unless otherwise stated at the Task Order Level. Recycling is preferred if available but not required.

Question 126: What are the antenna loadings for the antennas to be installed?

· Antenna information will be provided at the Task Order Level. Please note that everything must comply with ANSI EIA/TIA 222G.

Question 127: What will the antenna elevations be at the top of all towers or what will the antenna elevations be?

· This will be identified at the Task Order Level.

Question 128: Will the Government furnish the antenna(s) or will the Contractor have to supply the antenna(s)?

· The antennas will be Government Furnished Property.

Question 129: If we have to supply the antenna(s), can you provide a brand name and part number(s)?

· Contractors will not be providing antennas for towers.

Question 130: Will this project require installing any buildings and complete tower site compounds including new fence, site gravel and upgrade existing utilities?

· No, this contract is for towers only. If a site requires additional work it will be completed locally by the National Forest.

Question 131: Can we get the full list of all 1800 tower locations with coordinates to allow us to look at satellite photos of all the sites? This would allow us to get a better idea of site conditions (i.e. length of access roads that may have to be improved or installed and removed).

· No, Towers will be identified at the Task Order level.

Question 131: How will the government decide how many awards they will make- range says 1-3?

· Please refer to Section M - 1 of the RFP.

Question 132: What is the expected date of award- docs read to begin work 5days from award?

· Please refer to the RFP and Task Order 0001 for clarification.

Question 133: Are there any limitations on the 8a prime concerning size?

· This will need to be addressed with your local SBA Office.

Question 134: Is this a new requirement or is there an incumbent contract?

· There is currently an incumbent contractor.

Question 135: May a subcontractor present Personal Past Performance for similar projects both Government and Commercial (i.e., Wireless Carriers and or work performed for Tower Owners?)

· Please refer to Section L-7 Past Performance Summaries in the RFP for further clarification.

Question 136: What is the highest estimate per task order and will the bonding be incurred per task order. Quals indicated a total bonding capacity of 2M?

· Bonding will be required for all Task Orders awarded. As stated in the RFP the highest task order could be $11,000,000.00.

Question 137: Are all subs required to bond or only the prime?

· It is the requirement of the prime contractor to ensure that the Task Order have proper bonding before the Government makes award.

Question 138: B-2 states all bonding to be included in Mobilization or Overhead costs, should we assume that number for each site in task order 0001 or in aggregate?

· The contractor will be required to have bonding for ALL Task Orders.

Question 139: We are unclear on how to price this project. Is the CLIN item pricing in Section B requesting firm fixed price for all sites under the contract? In the first paragraph in this section the government states “A Schedule of Items will be provided for each Task Order issued against Contract(s) awarded under this Solicitation excluding GeoTechnical Investigations provided below. Remainder of the prices will be requested competitively in accordance with Ordering Process in Section H.” In section H, the government outlines the Task Order Process – per Section H, if sites are to be bid as individual task orders, what is the government requesting for pricing under Section B? Please provide further clarification on what is expected in the pricing under Section B.

· Please ensure you read the entire RFP. Task Order 0001 will be the only pricing submitted under this Basic IDIQ. Section B is notifying the Contractor what pricing will be included at the Task Order Level.

Question 140: Will the government require full engineering construction drawings for each site under the contract, or only tower/foundation designs and electrical plans?

· Each site will require its own specific drawings.

Question 141: Confirm that there will not be any working platform on the towers anticipated with this work order bid request.

· No platforms are anticipated.

Question 142: If platforms are anticipated we will need loading demands.

· N/A

Question 143: Confirm responsible party to make final connections of coax cable runs to radio station or other modular devices.

· Vendor will only be responsible for terminating the RF line into a grounded polyphaser. The local contact will be responsible for connecting the equipment.

Question 144: Confirm that required lighting on tower by Local Unit, will be provided at no cost to contractor other than FAA obstruction lighting as dictated by the FAA.

· If any lighting other than FAA obstruction lighting is required the cost will be to the governments.

Question 145: If available need better description of the Anti-Climb device anticipated and need the distance from the ground to top of the device.

· This will be identified at the task order level on a site by site basis, some technicians like the climbing ladder all the way to the ground and some like it to start at the 10 foot level.

Question 146: Under Task Order 0001 is the government requesting pricing for geotechnical services only? If so, where in the solicitation is the government requesting pricing for the other services to exhibit our pricing on the other facets of the project for these sites? Please provide further clarification on what is expected in the pricing under Task Order 0001.

· Correct, the Government is only looking for Geotechnical Investigations for Task Order 0001. Please review Task Order 0001 for pricing information and Section H of the Basic IDIQ.

Question 147: If under Task Order 0001 we are to bid all services in the scope of work, in order to provide a Complete Bid Price for each location the contractor will need to know:

a. Antenna requirements other than those noted in the MotorolaR-56 design and the two coax runs of ½” lines.

· Task Order 0001 is strictly for Geotechnical Investigations.

b. Any other special loading requirements for each site anticipated in the Task Order 0001.

· Task Order 0001 is strictly for Geotechnical Investigations.

Question 148: I cannot confirm some of the tower locations based on the coordinates and plotting them in Google Earth. I have attached my Google Earth Site Mapping, along with the table from the Tasking Order. We need to ask if they can confirm the tower sites or possibly the ALT coordinates I found a tower at, which may be the correct locations. (my notes are in red below)

The 2 (CLIN 1,2)Texas sites have no land features that suggest a tower at their coordinates.

CLIN 3 I found an ALT tower but it is 2 miles from their point

CLIN 4 and CLIN 5 were easily confirmed

CLIN 6 and CLIN 7 I found possible ALT locations of their tower but need them confirmed.

· The GPS Coordinates Datum that are used for the Forest Service are NAD84, The coordinates that are provided come from the local technician, The contractor will need to contact the Local Tech. to schedule the day that they will be on the site for the exact placement of the tower.

Question 149: What are the existing tower heights of the tower to be scheduled for removal?

· That will be addressed at the Task Order Level.

Question 150: Since the tower scheduled for removal are over 30 years old, what are the heights of existing towers, Is Lead Paint Testing ,Abatement, Material Disposal processes to be performed or included as an optional T&M per site rates. Or is the Demolition item a TBD item after new towers are constructed.

· Those towers will be identified at the Task Order Level. All Hazardous material will be mitigated by that time. Please note that this IDIQ is Firm-Fixed Price and T&M will not be part of this requirement.

Question 151: I did not see an antenna list for each site, is the USDA-FS providing new antennas, how many, and type.

· This will be accomplished at the Task Order Level for Tower Construction. Task Order 0001 is strictly for Geotechnical Investigations.