Q&A.docx

FA2823-18-Q-4052, AMENDMENT 1

Boundary Line Fence Clearing Service Questions and Answers

1. Does there have to be a formal storm protection plan?

a. Paragraph 1.2.4 of the SOW states ‘If the total ground disturbance exceeds 1 acre during vegetation clearing, storm water permitting is required in accordance with FL Administrative Code 62-621.300.” The locations in which would require ground disturbance do not exceed 1 acre each therefore this will not be required.

2. Has this project been completed before?

a. No, this is the first time this requirement is being completed.

3. How old is the fence?

a. Majority is 10 years old.

4. Does herbicide need to be sprayed after clearing is completed?

a. Yes, this is listed under paragraph 1.1 of the SOW.

5. What is the distance between the housing and the fence on the east side of the base?

a. Minimum of 70 feet

6. Will there be any interference with the runway or the airport?

a. No, access to the locations highlighted in Appendix A of the SOW will not interfere with the runway or the airport.

7. Will flight line training be required?

a. No, access to the flight line will not be required.

8. Will CE leave markers for the contractors to designate which portions of the fence will need to be cut?

a. The required areas for clearing are indicated on the provided map. See Appendix A in SOW.

9. How much of the fence line has fabric?

a. Fabric is not a part of the fence line, the fence is chain link around the perimeter. No actual privacy fabric attached.

10. Will bonds be required?

a. No.

11. What is the period of performance?

a. The period of performance is 120 days.

12. Does Eglin have a preference on what sections they would like to be completed first?

a. No, Eglin does not have a preference of location for the contractor to start.

13. Are the contractors allowed to work in multiple sites at the same time and use multiple machines?

a. Yes, the contractor can work simultaneously in all sites if desired.

14. Will the clearing operation be shut down by the base for any reason?

a. Paragraph 1.8.11 of the SOW states that inclement weather can cause limited access to the base which may prohibit the contractor from performing on this contract. Also, section 1.2.1 states that vendors will need to be provided with existing Section 7 ESA consultation (Cantonment Areas EA Biological Assessment). 96 CEG/CEIEA (Eglin Natural Resources Office [NRO]) would be within their right to require suspension of work if re-initiation of consultation with USFWS is required under Section 7 of ESA related to Okaloosa darter habitat. Re-initiation would be required if vendor is found to deviate from conservations measures stated within SOW or existing Cantonment Areas EA Biological Assessment.

15. Is Kudzo found in the area?

a. No.

16. Does the base have a preferred herbicide?

a. Yes, Glyphosate (RoundUp) is the only authorized herbicide for use on this contract.

17. Has the government established an independent government estimate, and can you share it with the contractors?

a. Yes, the government has established an independent estimate. This estimate cannot be shared with the interested parties.

18. Will the SCA wage determination be included in the resultant contract

a. Yes, please see the solicitation for clause 52.222-41 located on page 29.

19. Are only U.S. citizens able to work on this requirement?

a. No, any individual who is legally allowed to work in the United States and is subject to federal labor standards.

20. Does the Government have any existing woodpecker and tortoise surveys on file for the work areas?

a. No. All required surveys will be requested by the Government through Jackson Guard.

21. Can the contractor use chainsaws on the trees that have fallen on the fence?

a. Yes, the contractor may use whatever method they believe to be most effective to remove the fallen trees from the fence line. The contractor is not responsible for repairing any damages to the fence caused by the fallen trees.

22. Is a dig permit required?

a. No, excavation is not necessary for this requirement.

23. Does the fence need to be 100% clean?

a. Yes, the fence must have all overgrowth removed.

24. Who will be doing the quality assurance on this requirement?

a. A government representative from civil engineering will be the QA for this requirement.

25. If a tree is questionably within the 12 foot boundary of the fence on either side should the contractor plan on removing it or leaving it where it stands?

a. The contractor should remove all trees within 12 feet as specified in paragraph 1.1 of the SOW.

26. Will there be a progress report schedule?

a. No, a progress report schedule will not be factored into this requirement. However, it is important to point of the different contract line item numbers that have been associated with this requirement.

27. Do the environmental surveys need to be completed by the contractor or the government?

a. The surveys will be completed by the government.

28. If a tree should be left in place but the contractor damages it should it be left in place damaged or should it be cut down?

a. Due to safety reasons the tree should be taken down in this instance.

29. Who is responsible for making sure the running paths are closed prior to the start of work?

a. The government. The contractor shall contact Mr. Rodney Ouimette prior to starting work on the east side of the base to allow him the opportunity to coordinate with Force Support Services to ensure the running trail will be closed and all potential runners will be aware of the work being conducted in the area.

30. When removing trees can the contractor blow and scatter the mulch in place?

a. Yes, this is the preferred method.

31. When encroachment my local residence is evident is the contractor still required to clear 12 feet on both sides of the fence line?

a. Yes, the government will ensure these situations are handled and will not interfere with the completion of this contract.

32. Does the government own more than 12 feet of land from the fence line in the residential backed areas?

a. Yes.

33. If the contractor were to go outside of 12 feet from the fence in residential areas (using 14-16 feet from the fence line) to turn around would this be acceptable?

a. Yes. East side government owns 70 feet minimum, west side 39 feet.

34. Will the contractor be required to carry spill kits, fire suppression kits, and first aid kits?

a. Yes, please refer to section 1.8.10 of the SOW.

35. If the contractor cuts down a tree and they choose to not turn it into wood chips do they need to haul them out of the area?

a. No, they can be cut down and pushed upland outside of the 12 foot clearing boundary.

36. During certain phases of the work can the contractor stage a trailer on site to store equipment?

a. Yes.

37. Are the contractors required to work around the utility poles and communication boxes?

a. Yes, all utility items should be cleaned up around the base.

38. How wide are the gates that allow access to different points of entry along the fence line?

a. The gates are approximately 8 feet wide.

39. Is a start time of 0600 allowable?

a. Yes, see section 1.8 of the SOW for hours.

40. Can the contractor perform from sun up to sun down?

a. No, the hours under this requirement are from 0600 – 1530. Please see section 1.8 of the SOW.

41. If the government chooses to deviate from the SOW in regard to trees within 12 feet of the fence line what size, species, and how many feet can the contractor deviate?

a. The government will not deviate from the SOW. All trees within 12 feet of the fence line will need to be cleared.

42. In the residential area, if there is a public outcry because of the removal of so many trees will the government allow a deviation from the SOW?

a. No, all trees must be removed.

43. Will the government ask for certified pay roll?

a. No, the government will not verify certified pay roll. However the contractor shall comply with the records section of FAR clause 52.222-41(i).

44. Will another site visit be offered for this requirement?

a. No, this will be the only site visit for this requirement. See page 3 of the solicitation, section titled “Notice of Site Visit.”

45. How much emphasis will be placed on the contractor’s technical proposal?

a. This requirement will be evaluated solely on the contractor’s price.

46. Will there be a 300 Ft cordon for any trees that are cited as having the red-cockaded woodpecker?

a. No. The contractor will just leave the red-cockaded woodpecker trees in place.

47. Items that are not able to be cleared with a piece of equipment, such as a big piece of concrete, what should the contractor do with it?

a. The contractor should move it outside of the 12 foot clearing area and leave it there.

48. Does Eglin AFB Natural Resources (Jackson Guard) or any other entity have recent (last 10 years) surveys of Gopher Tortoise burrows or suitable habitat on Eglin AFB and can we have access to that information?

a. Eglin NRO alone will conduct area-wide surveys via coordination with vendor regardless of known burrow statuses; therefore, Eglin NRO will not provide access to historical gopher tortoise information. Eglin NRO alone will re-locate any tortoises from burrows found in the action area.

49. Does Jackson Guard or any other entity have recent (last 10 years) surveys of red-cockaded woodpecker nest trees or suitable habitat for Eglin AFB and can we have access to that information?

a. No recent surveys of that area but habitat is poor.

50. Does Jackson Guard or any other entity have recent (last 10 years) surveys of active bald eagle nests for Eglin AFB and can we have access to that information?

a. No, no comprehensive survey has been done but we do know where some active eagle nests are located and will provide that data to the awardee.

51. What sort of arrangements need to be made with Jackson Guard before conducting the tortoise and woodpecker surveys? Would this be coordinated thru Contracting or thru Rodney or Curtis or thru some other entity?

a. Tortoise and red-cockaded woodpecker surveys are underway as of 14 August 2018. The contractor will not need to conduct these surveys.

52. Will someone be available to open gates for access to both sides of the fence during the tortoise and woodpecker surveys? Or will the Contractor be given keys to accommodate the conduct of such activities?

a. Access is not required. Both of these surveys will be requested by the government and provided to the awardee prior to performance in affected areas.

53. Does Eglin AFB currently have a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regarding gopher tortoise and/or red-cockaded woodpecker management and can we have access to that information?

a. Eglin NRO management of these species is explained in our Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan, which can be made available upon request.

54. If a tortoise burrow is found in the project area and the burrow requires further investigation what are the accepted methods to prove the burrow is empty?

a. In the event the contractor finds a tortoise burrow they shall contact the government environmental representative. Eglin NRO alone will re-locate any tortoises from burrows found in the action area.

55. If tortoise trapping and relocation are required, are there preapproved locations on Eglin AFB where the tortoises can be relocated?

a. Eglin NRO alone will re-locate any tortoises from burrows found in the action area. The contractor will not need this information for this requirement as they will not be responsible for trapping or relocation of any tortoises.

56. Does Jackson Guard or any other entity have recent (last 10 years) tree or stand surveys for Eglin AFB and can we have access to that information?

a. Jackson Guard does not maintain a forest inventory for the areas to be treated under this project, therefore tree or stand surveys are unavailable.

57. If a tree with a wood pecker cavity is found, how should it be treated?

a. Please notify Kathy Gault, contact information will be provided to awardee at time of award, and someone will check the status of the tree. Do not remove any suspected woodpecker cavity trees.

58. What is the required buffer zone around a wood pecker cavity tree?

a. It is 200 feet during the nesting season which is April through July. During the non-breeding season there is no buffer for this type of activity as long as you don’t damage the tree itself.

59. Does Eglin AFB currently have a memorandum of agreement (MOA) or similar documents with US Fish and Wildlife regarding Okaloosa Darter stream management and can we have access to that information?

a. Refer to SOW paragraph 1.2.1. Eglin has consultations in place with concurrence from USFWS under Section 7 of ESA regarding this type of proposed action. Conservation measures found within such consultations must be complied with (see #14 response). These can be made available.

60. Are there any specific Stormwater Best Management Practices that are required near Okaloosa Darter streams?

a. Refer to SOW paragraph 1.2.4. Yes. These measures are/will be explained either in Eglin NRO’s comments on the AF Form 813 for this proposed action or in relevant Section 7 consultations. These can be made available.

61. Can forestry mowing be used to allow access to areas of dense vegetation during the tortoise and wood pecker surveys?

a. No “site prep” will be needed nor requested for Eglin NRO to conduct protected species surveys.

62. What arrangements can be made for office trailer and storage boxes and overnight leaving of heavy equipment? Who should be contacted to coordinate such things?

a. Mr. Rodney Ouimette CE Service Contracts, contact information will be provided to awardee at time of award.

63. What are the restrictions on working hours? Is there a maximum of allowable working hours per week? Are working days limited to Monday-Friday or will Saturday work be permitted? If the answer is no, will extra days be added to the Period of Performance to accommodate for stormy weather days, hurricane days, and days that base access may be restricted due to Security concerns?

a. Refer to SOW paragraph 1.5

64. Who would long term access to Eglin AFB for the duration of this project needed to be coordinated through? Will this be a onetime effort or are weekly renewals required?

a. This will be a one-time effort. Base access will be coordinated through the contracting office. Submission of memorandum and affidavits need to be emailed to Ms. Tianna Seaman at tianna.seaman@us.af.mil

65. How many man hours or days will be lost for waiting required for the necessary access to Eglin AFB?

a. The Government does not track contractor time lost due to base access. If the contractor believes this to be of concern, they should propose accordingly.

66. Will contractors be required to remove all mature trees within the work limits? If not, what size designations and/or species will not be removed by contractors?

a. Refer to question 25

67. Will forestry equipment that poses hazard due to flying debris be permitted for operation within the residential work areas?

a. The contractor shall consider public safety while performing services.

68. How does the government plan to ensure that the awarded contractor pays all employees working on the project in accordance with the wage determination?

a. This contract will be subject to FAR clause 52.222-41 “Service Contract Labor Standards” under this clause the contracting office is not required to verify certified labor hours.