Amendment #2.docx

State of South Carolina

Invitation for Bid Amendment # 2 Solicitation:

Date Issued:

Procurement Officer:

Phone:

E-Mail Address:

Mailing Address:

5400030116 9/3/26 Andy Bowman, CPPB 803-734-3933 BowmanA@dnr.sc.gov SC Department of Natural Resources Attn: Procurement Services 260D Epting Lane West Columbia SC 29172

DESCRIPTION : MECHANICAL AQUATIC VEGETATION SHREDDING-Bonneau SC

USING GOVERNMENTAL UNIT: SC Department of Natural Resources Admin

The Term "Offer" Means Your "Bid" or "Proposal". Your offer must be submitted in a sealed package. Solicitation Number & Opening Date must appear on package exterior. See "Submitting Your Paper Offer or Modification" provision.

SUBMIT YOUR SEALED OFFER TO EITHER OF THE FOLLOWING ADDRESSES:

MAILING ADDRESS:

SC Department of Natural Resources Attn: Procurement Services 260D Epting Lane West Columbia SC 29172

PHYSICAL ADDRESS:

SC Department of Natural Resources Attn: Procurement Services 260D Epting Lane West Columbia SC 29172

SUBMIT OFFER BY (Opening Date/Time): 9/16/2026 10:00 am e.s.t. (See "Deadline For Submission Of Offer" provision)

QUESTIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY: 9/2/2026 1 pm E.S.T. (See "Questions From Offerors" provision)

NUMBER OF COPIES TO BE SUBMITTED: **** Please submit online thru the Sceis portal, FEDX, UPS, or USPS to the physical address, or drop off in person at the physical address. No emails or faxed responses will be accepted.

CONFERENCE TYPE: CONFERENCE TYPE: N/A

(As appropriate, see "Conferences - Pre-Bid/Proposal" & "Site Visit" provisions)

LOCATION: N/A

You must submit a signed copy of this form with Your Offer. By signing, You agree to be bound by the terms of the Solicitation. You agree to hold Your Offer open for a minimum of ninety (90) calendar days after the Opening Date

NAME OF OFFEROR

(full legal name of business submitting the offer) Any award issued will be issued to, and the contract will be formed with, the entity identified as the Offeror. The entity named as the offeror must be a single and distinct legal entity.

AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE

(Person must be authorized to submit binding offer to contract on behalf of Offeror.)

DATE SIGNED

TITLE

(business title of person signing above)

STATE VENDOR NO.

(Register to Obtain S.C. Vendor No. at www.procurement.sc.gov )

PRINTED NAME

(printed name of person signing above)

STATE OF INCORPORATION

(If you are a corporation, identify the state of incorporation.)

OFFEROR'S TYPE OF ENTITY: (Check one) (See "Signing Your Offer" provision.)

___ Sole Proprietorship ___ Partnership ___ Other_____________________________ ___ Corporate entity (not tax-exempt) ___ Corporation (tax-exempt) ___ Government entity (federal, state, or local)

SQUESTIONS FROM OFFERORS - AMENDMENT (JUN 2017)

THE SOLICITATION IS AMENDED AS PROVIDED HEREIN. INFORMATION OR CHANGES RESULTING FROM QUESTIONS WILL BE SHOWN IN A QUESTION-AND-ANSWER FORMAT. ALL QUESTIONS RECEIVED HAVE BEEN REPRINTED BELOW. THE “STATE’S RESPONSE” SHOULD BE READ WITHOUT REFERENCE TO THE QUESTIONS. THE QUESTIONS ARE INCLUDED SOLELY TO PROVIDE A CROSS-REFERENCE TO THE POTENTIAL OFFEROR THAT SUBMITTED THE QUESTION. QUESTIONS DO NOT FORM A PART OF THE CONTRACT; THE “STATE’S RESPONSE” DOES. ANY RESTATEMENT OF PART OR ALL OF AN EXISTING PROVISION OF THE SOLICITATION IN AN ANSWER DOES NOT MODIFY THE ORIGINAL PROVISION EXCEPT AS FOLLOWS: UNDERLINED TEXT IS ADDED TO THE ORIGINAL PROVISON. STRICKEN TEXT IS DELETED. [02-2A097-1] THE SOLICITATION IS AMENDED AS PROVIDED HEREIN. INFORMATION OR CHANGES RESULTING FROM QUESTIONS WILL BE SHOWN IN A QUESTION-AND-ANSWER FORMAT. ALL QUESTIONS RECEIVED HAVE BEEN REPRINTED BELOW. THE “STATE’S RESPONSE” SHOULD BE READ WITHOUT REFERENCE TO THE QUESTIONS. THE QUESTIONS ARE INCLUDED SOLELY TO PROVIDE A CROSS-REFERENCE TO THE POTENTIAL OFFEROR THAT SUBMITTED THE QUESTION. QUESTIONS DO NOT FORM A PART OF THE CONTRACT; THE “STATE’S RESPONSE” DOES. ANY RESTATEMENT OF PART OR ALL OF AN EXISTING PROVISION OF THE SOLICITATION IN AN ANSWER DOES NOT MODIFY THE ORIGINAL PROVISION

Vendor Questions and Answers:

1. The attachment list identifies "Spray map Bonneau Ferry 2026 approx 1339 ac." Will DNR issue a map that delineates the specific work areas within Quarterman Lake and Rice Hope Lake to which this solicitation applies?

Answer: This belongs with a different project; contractors interested in the aquatic veg shredding project can ignore this.

2. Does DNR have bathymetric or water depth data for either lake?

Answer: No, we don’t have this data. Field visit is encouraged to measure depths as needed.

3. Are the lakes managed impoundments with water control structures? If so, is DNR able to draw down or otherwise manipulate water levels during the contract period to support the work, and would the contractor be permitted to request such adjustments?

Answer: No. While we do have water control structures, we do not plan on drawing down to facilitate this project, as we need to hold as much water as possible leading into waterfowl season.

4. Can DNR identify known submerged obstructions, stumps, standing timber, or tree islands within the work areas?

Answer: No. Field visit is encouraged so contractors can assess obstacles within work areas.

5. Has DNR identified specific on-shore locations where shredded and harvested biomass is to be deposited, or is the contractor to select deposition areas subject to DNR approval? Answer: Contractor is to work with DNR manager to determine agreeable deposition areas.

6. Are the anticipated deposition and shore clearing areas classified as uplands or as jurisdictional wetlands?

Answer: Material will be deposited on uplands only.

7. The Licenses and Permits clause places responsibility for obtaining all required permits on the contractor. Has DNR obtained, or will DNR obtain, any authorizations for shoreline clearing and on-shore biomass deposition associated with this work? If not, will DNR identify the permits it considers applicable?

Answer: No wetlands permits will be required for this project (Quarterman Reserve and Rice Hope Lake), which only involves removal of floating vegetative mats and deposition onto upland sites.

8. Section III states that work will be performed on an "as needed" basis and that activities "may include, but are not limited to" those listed, while the Pricing paragraph directs a lump sum price for complete removal of all floating vegetative mats. Will DNR confirm that the lump sum price is based on the complete removal expectation stated in the Pricing paragraph, and clarify what is contemplated by "as needed"?

Answer: Lump sum price is indeed based on the complete removal expectation. “As needed” means that the floating mats that we require to be removed are scattered across the work areas…we don’t know exactly how many, or their acreage. The expectation is that they are all removed, leaving open water conditions across the areas with no remaining floating mats of vegetation. Site visit to inspect ahead of time is highly recommended.

9. What standard will DNR apply at final inspection to determine that the expectation of "open water across the surfaces of the two reservoirs" has been met? Will acceptance be based on a measurable criterion such as percent surface coverage remaining?

Answer: 100% removal of floating mats within the boundaries of the work areas is the expectation.

10. If a lake is completed and documented by GPS track log, and vegetation subsequently regrows prior to the final inspection, will that regrowth be considered a defect requiring correction at the contractor's expense, or will acceptance be evaluated based on conditions at the time of completion for that lake?

Answer: Once a lake has been cleared of vegetative mats to DNR’s satisfaction (100% open water within the work area), that area will be considered complete and any regrowth will not be considered a defect requiring correction.

11. Given the difficulty of quantifying biomass acknowledged in the Pricing paragraph, will DNR consider a per acre unit price as an alternate or supplemental basis of award? Answer: No

12. Part IV states that work must be completed prior to November 20, 2026 and/or after February 10, 2027. The Completion Date paragraph states that work should occur before approximately November 15, 2026. Which date governs?

Answer: The work is to be completed between the PO issue date and June 15, 2027 EXCLUDING black-out period between November 20, 2026 and February 10, 2027. The idea is to not be working on this project during that black-out period when we’re trying to minimize disturbance to wintering waterfowl and our hunts.

13. The Completion Date paragraph states that lottery hunts on Side B "will prevent spraying on Wed-Sat starting in October." This solicitation is for mechanical removal rather than herbicide application. Does this restriction apply to mechanical operations, and if so, does it begin in October 2026 and run through the end of the hunting season?

Answer: This belongs with a different project; contractors interested in aquatic veg shredding project can ignore this.

14. The Maximum Contract Period lists a start date of July 18, 2026, which precedes the September 16, 2026 opening date and the September 17, 2026 award date. Will DNR amend this date?

Answer: Yes, that was a typo and the correct dates will be on the award

15. Given the estimated contract end date of June 15, 2027, may a contractor plan to perform a portion of the work in the February 10, 2027 through June 15, 2027 window under the same lump sum price?

Answer: Yes, all the work must be completed prior to June 15, 2027 and outside the black-out period (see #12). Work may occur before or after the black-out period, or both. All under the same single lump sum price.

16. Section III identifies five equipment categories: heavy duty shredding equipment, aquatic vegetation harvester, operator and airboat, marsh excavator, and barge boat equipped with rotovator. Must an offeror demonstrate availability of all five categories to be considered responsive, or only those categories required by the offeror's proposed approach to satisfactorily complete the scope of work?

Answer: Demonstration of possession of all categories of equipment is required.

17. Regarding the requirement that power sources produce a minimum of 240 horsepower at the blades, will DNR accept a manufacturer's engine rating, or does DNR require documentation of horsepower delivered at the cutting head?

Answer: A manufacturer’s engine rating is acceptable IF this refers to the engine rating of a hydraulically driven rotating head where the power source (engine) is part of the implement. Shaft-driven “cookie cutter” type machines where the power is transferred to the cutter via a shaft are not acceptable.

18. Section IV requires photographs and a list of all equipment. Will DNR accept equipment that is leased, rented, or provided by an identified subcontractor, provided availability is documented?

Answer: No. Equipment must be owned by contractor.

19. The Table of Contents lists "SECTION VIIC. TERMS AND CONDITIONS - C. DPH'S SPECIAL CLAUSES," but that section does not appear in the body of the solicitation. Will DNR issue those clauses by amendment?

Answer: Please disregard that reference. That section is not applicable to this solicitation

20. Section IV lists "Contractors License if applicable" and states that all subcontractors must hold an SC LLR GC license. Does DNR require the prime contractor to hold a South Carolina LLR general contractor's license for this work? If so, which classification and subclassification apply?

Answer: No GC license required, this is a service not a construction project.

21. Regarding site access prior to bid, will DNR provide the name and contact information for the Bonneau Ferry area manager, along with any procedures or restrictions applicable to contractor access for pre-bid inspection?

Answer: Site manager is Tom Harkins harkinst@dnr.sc.gov (843) 870-0492 Site visit can be arranged with Tom. Please note----Tom is not to be asked questions he will provide accesss only –all questions should have been already addressed during the question period which ended 9/2/26 1pm

22. In the IFB, on pages 14/15, you list equipment needed for the job. Is that the required equipment, or is it a suggestion? Certain items do not fit in this type of job application and some are manufacturer/brand specific.

Answer: As stated, the equipment must meet the required minimum HP and other specs but doesn’t need to be brand specific.

23. On page 15, Barge Boat, item B, are you asking for the bottom to be disturbed? If so, to what depth below the surface? And will the SCDNR Biologist approve this before it is done?

Answer: Bottom disturbance should be minimal as the mats are floating, but some grubbing may be needed to free mats from the bottom

24. Do you know the average depth of the ponds?

Answer: We do not know the depth of the ponds. Estimated depth is less than 8 feet on average for Rice Hope and less than 6 feet on average for Quarterman.

25. Considering the vegetation's density, is the preferred final outcome to have a vegetation-free surface, and do the fallen trees and bushes also need to be removed?

Answer: Objective is to remove floating mats and any plants growing on them. Trees and shrubs that have fallen into the lake from shore do not need removal.

All other terms and conditions remain unchanged