Amendment 3.docx

SAP

State of South Carolina

Invitation for Bid

Amendment 3

Solicitation:

Date Issued:

Procurement Officer:

Phone:

E-Mail Address:

Mailing Address:

5400022320 2/15/2022

KAYLA MIDDLETON

803-737-2609 kmiddleton@mmo.sc.gov SFAA, Div. of Procurement Services 1201 Main Street, Suite 600 Columbia SC 29201

DESCRIPTION: Tree, Brush, Stump Removal

USING GOVERNMENTAL UNIT: South Carolina Education Television Network (SCETV)

SUBMIT YOUR OFFER ON-LINE AT THE FOLLOWING URL: http://www.procurement.sc.gov

SUBMIT OFFER BY (Opening Date/Time): 3/9/2022 11:00:00 (See "Deadline For Submission Of Offer" provision)

QUESTIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY: 2/4/2022 5:00 PM (See "Questions From Offerors" provision)

NUMBER OF COPIES TO BE SUBMITTED: One (1) Online Submission

CONFERENCE TYPE: Pre-bid Conference

DATE & TIME: 2/1/2022 3:00 PM

If you’d like to attend email the Procurement Officer for instructions no later then 1/31/2022 by 5:00 PM (As appropriate, see "Conferences - Pre-Bid/Proposal" & "Site Visit" provisions) LOCATION: Online via Microsoft Teams

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 thirty (30) calendar days after the Opening Date. (See "Signing Your Offer" provision.)

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. Do not use the name of a branch office or a division of a larger entity if the branch or division is not a separate legal entity, i.e., a separate corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, etc.

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)

COVER PAGE - ON-LINE ONLY (MAR. 2015)

SAP

SAP

PAGE TWO

(Return Page Two with Your Offer) HOME OFFICE ADDRESS (Address for offeror's home office / principal place of business)

NOTICE ADDRESS (Address to which all procurement and contract related notices should be sent.) (See "Notice" clause)

_________________________________________________ Area Code - Number - Extension Facsimile

_________________________________________________ E-mail Address

PAYMENT ADDRESS (Address to which payments will be sent.) (See "Payment" clause)

____Payment Address same as Home Office Address ____Payment Address same as Notice Address (check only one) ORDER ADDRESS (Address to which purchase orders will be sent) (See "Purchase Orders and "Contract Documents" clauses)

____Order Address same as Home Office Address ____Order Address same as Notice Address (check only one)

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS

Offerors acknowledges receipt of amendments by indicating amendment number and its date of issue. (See "Amendments to Solicitation" Provision)

DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

(See "Discount for Prompt Payment" clause)

PREFERENCES - A NOTICE TO VENDORS (SEP. 2009): On June 16, 2009, the South Carolina General Assembly rewrote the law governing preferences available to in-state vendors, vendors using in-state subcontractors, and vendors selling in-state or US end products. This law appears in Section 11-35-1524 of the South Carolina Code of Laws. A summary of the new preferences is available at www.procurement.sc.gov/preferences. ALL THE PREFERENCES MUST BE CLAIMED AND ARE APPLIED BY LINE ITEM, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER AWARD IS MADE BY ITEM OR LOT. VENDORS ARE CAUTIONED TO CAREFULLY REVIEW THE STATUTE BEFORE CLAIMING ANY PREFERENCES. THE REQUIREMENTS TO QUALIFY HAVE CHANGED. IF YOU REQUEST A PREFERENCE, YOU ARE CERTIFYING THAT YOUR OFFER QUALIFIES FOR THE PREFERENCE YOU'VE CLAIMED. IMPROPERLY REQUESTING A PREFERENCE CAN HAVE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES. [11-35-1524(E)(4)&(6)]

PREFERENCES - ADDRESS AND PHONE OF IN-STATE OFFICE: Please provide the address and phone number for your in-state office in the space provided below. An in-state office is necessary to claim either the Resident Vendor Preference (11-35-1524(C)(1)(i)&(ii)) or the Resident Contractor Preference (11-35-1524(C)(1)(iii)). Accordingly, you must provide this information to qualify for the preference. An in-state office is not required, but can be beneficial, if you are claiming the Resident Subcontractor Preference (11-35-1524(D)).

__ In-State Office Address same as Home Office Address ___In-State Office Address same as Notice Address (check only one)

PAGE TWO (SEP 2009)

End of PAGE TWO

QUESTIONS 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 following questions were received pursuant to the original date and time specified on the front of the solicitation:

1. Is there a list of priorities for the sites that need to be cleaned up first?

Agency Response: For the sites that we own 100% of the property we do not have a priority list. We are asking that the vendor provide us a list of sites in the order they will work at. For sites that we do not own 100% of the property we need to work with the property owners for any scheduling conflicts that might arise, i.e., school days, etc.

2. How will the contractor be paid? (i.e per site, per lot, draw, etc…) Agency Response: Per Lot

3. Are the insurance requirements for this solicitation any more so than the standard? I’ve heard that there is a $3 million limit.

Agency Response: Yes, the insurance requirements for this solicitation is 4 million. Refer to section VII. Terms and Conditions – B. Special, Contractor’s Liability Insurance – General (Modified) #1.

4. Is the barn in Gresham needing to be demolished?

Agency Response: No, we do not own the barn that is SC Forestry’s building.

5. Does the boat in Sumter need to be disposed of?

Agency Response: If that boat is on our property that we are clearing, then yes. SCETV has not assessed if that is on our property.

6. How many years of growth are there at each site?

Agency Response: The actual years of growth are not known; however, it has been at least five (5) years.

7. Can we schedule an inspection of the job at completion before we move to the next location?

Agency Response: If your plan is to go site by site, SCETV will schedule an inspection.

8. If two different properties owners are on either side of the tower site and one is ok to clear, but the other is not, will the property be clearly marked to show where the work should be completed?

Agency Response: The plan is for SCETV to work with the Contractor to clearly mark and gather clearances needed. SCETV has proactively reached out to adjacent property owners. Once the Contractor is awarded, will work with the winner(s) to identify everything.

9. If a landowner first does not allow the property to be cleared and we complete the job at a reduced rate, but the landowner changes their mind afterward, will we have an opportunity to rebid the job?

Agency Response: Your bid shall include the cost to clear what has been requested. If changes need to be made to the scope of work, they will be addressed with a change order process.

10. If a tree is split between the 75’ boundary, partially on private property should we remove it, or leave it?

Agency Response: If the tree is on SCETV property or SCETV property line, it is tree that will be cleared as part of the Contract.

11. If there are any large tree trunks that cannot be mulched, would it be acceptable to neatly place them at the edge of the property, out of the service area?

Agency Response: The bid specifications ask for the trees to be mulched or removed. If by not removing the trunk it will significantly change your costs to the project, please indicate that immediately, but no later than ten (10) days after the posting on this amendment. SCETV might put out an amendment based on the response.

12. For safety purposes, can we block the trailhead at the Johnson Lake Rd. State Park entrance in both directions during our working hours?

Agency Response: We will need to work with State Parks and Recreation to make that happen. It is expected that they will want to block off the area for safety.

13. For safety purposes, during working hours, would it be possible to block one lane of traffic on Campus Blvd. (USC) Agency Response: We would need to work with USC Upstate. It is expected that if it is necessary, they would also want to do that for safety purposes.

14. Could we access the jobsite thru the grass at Campus Blvd. and park on or near the sidewalk beside the road, or in the right lane within the blocked off area. (If that is permitted) Otherwise, could we drive our equipment thru the facility roadways to access the lower entrance? If this is the only acceptable procedure, where could we park our vehicles?

Agency Response: We would need to work with USC Upstate campus security. We will ask to block off parking spaces during the work being done.

15. If any questions about the job arise once on site who is our point of contact?

Agency Response: Mark Jahnke mjahnke@scetv.org 803-737-3486

16. How far in advance would we need to notify ETV of our projected start date for each site?

Agency Response: Part of the bid is for you to provide a projected start date for each site. You shall provide that as part of your response. Refer to Section IV. Information for Offerors to Submit--General

17. Would an extension to the contract be allowable in extenuating circumstances?

Agency Response: Yes, however an extension would be subject to the Chief Procurement Officer’s approval.

18. Do any sites take precedence over others?

Agency Response: For the sites that we own 100% of the property we do not have a priority list. We are asking that the vendor provide us a list of sites in the order they will work at. For sites that we do not own 100% of the property we need to work with the property owners for any scheduling conflicts that might arise, i.e., school days, etc.

19. For safety purposes, can school site work be completed on weekends?

Agency Response: This will be coordinated with schools after the Contractor has been awarded. Safety is top priority for all of us.

20. At locations with private fencing to navigate, who will be responsible for removal/reinstallation of the fence? If we are responsible for removal/reinstallation of the fence will ETV obtain the permission to do so?

Agency Response: The Contractor is responsible. SCETV will work with the Contractor and the fence owner to obtain permission.

21. What documentation will be provided to us to show the permission granted by the landowners to enter private property to perform contracted work?

Agency Response: It will be an email or a signed letter from the landowner.

22. In Gresham, can the trees in the wet area be cut and let left in the forest with other trees that have fallen.

Agency Response: We shall follow the bid specifications as requested. The idea is to keep that area clean for easy maintenance.

23. In Gresham, will we be responsible for removing or mulching the stumps that have already been pulled up or can we push them in the woods.

Agency Response: They shall be removed or mulched as requested in the bid specifications.

24. In Aynor, should we include in our bid to install an 8’ or longer culvert pipe in the ditch going across the roadway to access one of the guide wires behind the building? If so, what size would be preferred. (Currently no place to access the back guide wires with a mower) Agency Response: If the terrain requires a culvert pipe to be installed to do the work (cutting the trees) it shall be included in the price.

25. Are we able to set up site visits after the pre-bid meeting. There will probably be questions around the scope of work, and we will need those questions answered before we give an estimate.

Agency Response: No, all site visits ended on 1/31/2022. Vendors were advised to send all questions in regarding this solicitation by 2/4/2022.

26. For the 6 Lots, is there already a set schedule for the these (for example, Lot 1 needs to be cut first, following by Lot x, and so on)?

Agency Response: For the sites that we own 100% of the property we do not have a priority list. We are asking that the vendor provide us a list of sites in the order they will work at. For sites that we do not own 100% of the property we need to work with the property owners for any scheduling conflicts that might arise, i.e., school days, etc.

27. Are the bid tabs available for the last time you bid this work?

Agency Response: There has not been a bid to do this work.

28. On the 3 million insurance can we get this insurance if we are low bidder or will we need the prior to the bid? I have 2 million coverage right now but it’s not a problem getting 3 million. This is the only job I’d have that would need it.

Agency Response: Yes, if awarded a contract you must have this insurance by that time. The insurance requirements for this solicitation is 4 million. Refer to section VII. Terms and Conditions – B. Special, Contractor’s Liability Insurance – General (Modified) #1.

29. The trees on the property line at Pocket rd site in Darlington. I was wanting to make sure that if the tree is half on and half off the line if we will need to take these out? There are some very big pines trees here that could make the cost go way higher than if we didn’t cut them?

Agency Response: If the trees are on SCETV property or property line they shall be cut and cleared out.

30. There is some hills of dirt at a few of the sites and would there be a change order for this dirt to be spread and graded so that it can be maintained by the grass cutters?

Agency Response: There would be no change order. If you find a hill after cutting a tree area it shall be leveled out.

31. The Aynor location had a big ditch within the 75’ of guide wire and it would need a pipe for access to the other side of ditch for tree cutting and also for the grass cutting behind us? Would this be something that needs to be in bid or will be do a change order when we get out there working?

Agency Response: See question #24 for the answer

32. Do we need to provide traffic control in our bid for locations like Carlisle that have a very close proximity to active roadways when we are clearing?

Agency Response: Anything that is necessary to do the work that has been requested of you shall be included in your costs.

33. With sites like Green pond, Cottageville, and Gresham that all have standing water, is it our responsibility to regrade the site after all clearing has been completed and large ruts have occurred?

Agency Response: Solicitation requires the Contractor to grade property back to the condition it was found. If the Contractor makes large ruts the Contractor shall grade the rut that was made.

34. In Aynor, do we need to provide/ clear an access road on the other side of the large ditch to clear the remainder of the 75ft from guy wire?

Agency Response: See question #32 for the answer

35. In Little Mtn, with large boulders scattered throughout the site, should we plan on moving them to access the danger trees growing into the guy wires?

Agency Response: If you need to move the boulders to be able to do the work requested then it shall be included in your costs.

36. USC Upstate seemed to only have access through the main campus gate which was tight even for a pickup truck. Is there another road we can use to get to the site or do we need to walk the equipment all the way from the main road?

Agency Response: That gate is the only access point to the site.

37. In York, what is the expectation of cleaning the adjacent parking lot once completed and also do we need to re-sod any surrounding areas that are disturbed?

Agency Response: Any mess that is created shall be cleaned up and land returned to the state they were in.

38. Is it the expectation that we hire tree services for locations like Swansea and Orangeburg to remove the danger trees that are growing in and around guy wires?

Agency Response: The bidder shall include any services required for you to do the work that has been requested. If you are subcontracting any work out, then it must be disclosed.

39. What is the expectation of removing limbs and brush that are in and around fences like in Charleston?

Agency Response: The area shall be cleared.

40. Are we responsible for taking down and replacing fence at Wallace School Rd?

Agency Response: If you need a fence to be taken down and replaced for you to do your work it shall be included in your cost.

41. Parrish Mtn was extremely tough even with a pick-up truck to reach the site. Should we plan on unloading equipment at the bottom and walking all the way up?

Agency Response: You should plan on unloading equipment where you need to so you can get the work done. SCETV has vendors who can make the turns with trailers.

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