Response_260_acres_Hand_Cut_Palomar_Fuelbreak_and_Sunshine_Community_Defense_Project.pdf

260 acres Hand Cut Palomar Fuelbreak and Sunshine Community Defense Project

AG-9AB5-S-17-0060

May 11, 2017 Site Visit, 1000 AM Meeting Location: Oak Grove Fire Station (0945-1020)

Forest Service Representatives: Andrew Weinhart, COR; Dana Barre, Inspector

Questions asked by prospective contractors and answers given by Forest Service (FS) during site visit are as follows:

Q: The Period of Performance and the estimated start date create two different time lines, one is approximately five months and the latter is four months. What should we base our production on?

A: Prospective Contractors should use the November 1st date when planning for this project, if the fire hazard was unseasonably low or personnel were available for administration earlier in the season, an earlier start date may be negotiated with contractor. The Forest Service has determined a three month window is adequate to complete this project, therefore an estimated start date of November 1st allows contractors sufficient time to complete contractual obligations by February 28th under the most favorable atmospheric and environmental conditions.

Q: Are there any T&E species that may affect work time lines?

A: No, the period of performance has already taken into account limited operating periods for migratory birds. See C.5 Restrictions on Work, for all restrictions, biological or physical, i.e. Plant protections, stream protections, etc. for the project area and individual units.

Q: For Items 1 and 2, is piling required on all acres or just a subset of the acres?

A: See C.8.2-1.5 on page 47 of the solicitation. Piling is only required when trees greater than 6 inches in DBH exceed 25 percent of the acre or area, such as a drainage. These areas are limited in scope, typically residing near drainages.

Q: How will access into the sunshine unit be granted? During the site visit we entered through a private community, will Forest Service make arrangements or is it up to the contractor?

A: The Forest Service will arrange access through the Stone Ridge Community post award when dates of work are firmed up during the pre-operations meeting.