RA Tree Removal QA 8 Sep 23.pdf

RA TREE AND BUSH REMOVAL SOLICITATION

FA254323R0013

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

8 SEPTEMBER 2023

Does the DOD require Journeyman for Skilled trades?

- not for this project

Is prevailing wage required? If so what is the wage?

- See 11000 occupation code under attached Wage Determinations for Arapahoe County, Colorado

Are the trees being removed for future plans of construction? If the result of the trees being removed is for the purpose of something being constructed, then prevailing wage would need to be determined under the Davis Bacon Act.

- No.

What is the average wait time at the RA gate going to be? Can it be expedited?

- estimate 30-60 minutes; depends on number of members attempting access through the gate. PM will work that out with RA upon award, temporary badges will be issued to streamline access.

Since this is an RA area and a fixed price contract: If the crew shows up at 8 am and they are not allowed to start work till 11 am, Will we be reimbursed for the 3 hours of lost work?

- No, however the PM will ensure that access is streamlined. Upon award, the PM will provide to the contractor documents needed to gain access and work with the RA to make process smooth.

Are escorts being provided by Buckley SFB? If so, is there any cost to the contractor for these escorts?

- The contractor will provide escorts

If escorts are provided, will there be enough for multiple crews to work in several areas at once?

If escorts are provided, will there be enough so that if one contractor employee needs to leave the work site to use the restroom or exit the facility, the entire crew will not need to stop work to follow 1 escort?

Is there any safety orientation that is required? If so approximately how many hours is it per person?

- No

It is understandable that contractors are not permitted to carry their cell phones while in the RA, however it does raise the question of access to medical response in the event of an emergency. If a worker was to get injured on-site how would his/her co-workers contact EMS? Is the escort allowed to carry a cell phone in case of an emergency?

- Per the Base Defense Operations Center (BDOC), the facilities in the RA are unlocked Monday-Friday. If a medical emergency happens, it’s recommended that an individual run into a facility, alert someone of the emergency and they can call BDOC at 847-9252. BDOC will dispatch their closest officer to provide assistance immediately while they dispatch additional emergency response to the scene.

I saw a portable restroom outside the security area entrance are we allowed to use it?

- No, that belongs to the contractors working on a different project

Can a port'o'let be brought into the RA site, either a standalone or a trailer mounted unit?

- Yes, the unit will be inspected prior to entering the RA and can be left on site for the duration of the project

What clearances are required for delivery/pick up of dumpsters?

- Dumpsters need to be left outside of the RA because trash service vehicles cannot enter the RA to dump them. Members driving the trash service vehicle need to be able to gain access to Buckley Space Force Base per SOW Para 1.6

Is an FCL required for contract performance or will Cleared Personnel be sufficient?

- Unsure of what an “FCL” is.

What is the expected timeline for Dig Permit Form 103 approval?

- The expected timeline for a dig permit is 10 business days

Who will pull locates for stump grinding?

- the contractor is responsible

Stump Grinding is expected to be how deep?

- Please see PWS Para 1.7

Are stumps ground to grade level or just 2" below [surface] level?

- See PWS Para 1.7

There is a row of 8 Pine trees on the backside of the area that planter beds built around them. The height of the beds is approximately 18” to 24” above ground level. For stump grinding will it be the responsibility of the tree workers to remove the retaining wall blocks so the grinder can access the stumps?

- No, the planters boxes/retaining walls don’t need to be removed. Please reference PWS Para 1.7

Will the stumps surrounded by planters need to be ground 2” below the grade of the planters’ box or 2” below the grade of asphalt?

- Ground to 2” below the grade of planters box/retaining wall. Please see PWS Para 1.7

SOW Para 1.7 Says: cut and grind ALL 93 trees and 20 bushes specified inside the RA ONLY. Does this mean grind bush stumps?

- Yes, please see PWS Para 1.7

After the stumps have been ground will we be required to restore the area to the condition of the surrounding area, ie. import topsoil, reseed, and blanket for trees in fields or install weed barrier fabric and new rock for trees in rock beds?

- No

PWS Para 1.7 – What surrounding vegetation is a concern? I was under the impression that all vegetation is to be removed.

- All trees and bushes inside the RA, in accordance with the updated SOW.

Will all trees and bushes be marked?

- No, however a distinction is not necessary as all trees and bushes will be removed. See updated SOW.

Does all debris from stump grinding need to be removed?

- Yes and is the contractor’s responsibility per the SOW

Can roll off dumpsters be placed inside facility near work sites while the contract is being performed?

- Dumpsters need to be left outside of the RA because trash service vehicles cannot enter the RA to dump them

Are we able to leave our equipment onsite until job is completed?

- Yes, the equipment/machinery will be inspected prior to entering the RA and will need to be stored where it won’t interfere with Security Forces patrolling of the RA

Will the workers be issued a temporary badge to gain access through the main gate that will be good for the proposed timeline of the project?

- Upon award, contractor will be on an EAL that will allow them access to the base through the duration of the contract.

If a truck must leave the site to unload chip “mulched tree debris” do all the workers have to travel with that truck, or can some stay behind to continue working?

- As long as an escort is present, workers may continue working

If a truck must leave the site to unload chip “mulched tree debris” does the worker or workers have to go through the process of obtaining the RA badge each time they leave and return. This is pertinent because throughout the course of the project the trucks will need to be unloaded dozens of times, and the continual badging process could affect production.

- Badges must be returned each time the members leave the RA.

PWS Para 1.1 – What certifications are required for removal performance?

- The Contractor and their team will need to be able to access the Buckley Space Force Base on a regular basis during the project duration. This will suffice for certifications for removal performance

PWS Para 1.13 – Can you provide the BMPs?

- BPMs are not provided by the government as they are best practices. Contractor should provide best management practices (BMPs) for site sediment erosion control as described in PWS para 1.13.

PWS Para 2.1 – Is gasoline or stump poison considered hazardous material?

- Yes

It is possible that some of the species being removed will shoot out water sprouts once removed and ground down 2”. Poisoning these species would be recommended before grinding occurs to ensure they don’t sprout back.

- Poison will not be used

Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Has someone inspected the trees?

- Please reference PWS Para 2.2

PWS Para 2.2 – Hypothetically, if the government misses a nest or a roost and the tree workers miss it as well, why would the tree workers be held responsible financially and or legally and not the subject matter expert belonging to the government. Can you please explain?

- It is the responsibility of the contractor to verify information before acting.

The PWS states, in 1.2, "The last day to complete all work is 31 October 2023". The solicitation, on page 7, list 120 calendar days from award for completion of performance.

Please clarify which is correct.

- See updated SOW that reflects 120 days from award.

Does this project give points to Veteran or Minority-owned companies?

- This requirement does not give preference to veteran or minority owned companies over other small businesses.

When is the start date?

- Dependent on the vendor and when they can begin work; as long as it’s completed by the time established in the SOW.

When is the completion date?

- Please see updated SOW.

What are the hours we can work?

- Please see SOW.