Amendment 2 - Questions and Answers.pdf

Questions and Answers – FA302026Q0012

Cattle Egret Habitat Removal

1) Does the person applying herbicide to the stumps need to have a Commercial Pesticide Applicator License issued from the State of Texas?

Answer: Contractor is responsible for knowing and following all federal, state, and local regulations pertaining to the application of herbicide. It is the government’s understanding that the contractor must possess a valid Commercial Applicators License, under the proper category, issued by the Texas Department of Agriculture. Consequently, the government will request proof of TDA licensing from the applicator, unless the contractor can otherwise present written concurrence from the TDA inspector. Contractor is advised to send a copy of the applicators license to CONS in advance. The phone number to TDA is (877) 542 -2474.

2) In the statement of work under general requirements it states, “Contractor shall complete felling of all trees by 1 April 2026”. Will this be extended as the response date for the bid is not until 20 March 2026? If this date is not extended, how many days before the April 1 deadline will the contract be awarded?

Answer: Contractor is strongly encouraged to have trees felled by 1 April to avoid complications and delays that could arise from new bird nests being established. The projected contract award date is 26 Mar 26.

3) During the site visit, it was mentioned that one of the areas near the base may not be cut due to the property owner not granting access. Can you please clarify this?

Answer: Please see the illustration below, property B will not be cut, the property owner refused access. Only areas A and C need the service.

4) Will we have access to all sites to perform work?

Answer: Site B has been removed, you will have access to site A and C.

5) During the site visit, it was mentioned that on the first two properties A & B, we are only required to perform work from the fence line inwards. Could you please clarify this?

Answer: Contractor will not be requested to remove trees that are outside the property fence boundary, nor tree trunks that have engulfed fencing on property A. Site B has been removed

6) In section A, B and C are we to remove trees and limbs growing and or intertwined in the fence line?

Answer: Refencing property A, contractor will only remove trees that have a root-collar within property boundaries and not engulfing the fence. Referencing property C, the identified area of fencing will be completely removed and replaced, which will include the removal of all trees that engulf the fence, or would otherwise impede the professional installation of new t-posts and fencing material.

7) Under Section D fence removal and replacement:

• a. Please provide the designated location of the fence line to be replaced.

Answer: Fence removal/replacement will only occur on Property C and will only run adjacent to Wellington Lane.

• b. Is the approximate length of the fenceline to be replaced, 200 Feet on the full job?

Answer: The government has re-evaluated condition of the existing fence, which will now require 320 feet of fencing to be removed and rebuilt. 320 feet is the total amount of fencing to be completed and will only occur on Property C. Contractor should recall from the site visit (and plan for), that most of this fencing is engulfed by both dead and live trees, which will require removal.

8) Will the government consider changing the not to exceed stump height of 2” above the soil grade, to 4” above the soil grade, as 2” is virtually impossible with a chainsaw.

Answer: No. Two-inches (or lower) is the desired height of cut stumps. However, latitude will be granted to the contractor, when a two-inch cut for a specific tree or trees is deemed impractical by the contractor and agreed upon by the government.

9) In looking at the bid schedule, we have the following question: In the total box at the bottom, what Items should be included? It seems the some of the same work is included under the Base Item and Optional Item IE item 0001 Base Item – Habitat Removal at Property A – Chip and Spread and Item 0002 Optional Item – Habitat Removal at Property A – Off-site Hauling and Disposal. These two items has us cutting down the trees and applying herbicide the only difference is whether the chips are spread on the property or taken off-site hauling and disposal. As we are pricing the cutting and herbicide under both CLIN this would be a duplication of price and the total.

Answer: Government is requesting separate prices for on-site mulching and spreading vs. on-site mulching that is subsequently and legally disposed of off-site.

10) Will mechanically mulching of the entire areas and all vegetation be authorized? If so should we include raking and hauling of the mulch spoils or can we leave them onsite to decompose naturally?

Answer: Mechanical mulching (i.e., assuming mulching heads/forestry mulchers?) shall NOT substitute the use of hydraulic shears, hydraulic saws, or chainsaws to fell trees. However, mulching heads/forestry mulchers may be used to mulch debris, provided that at least three weeks have passed since the cut stump’s initial treatment of herbicide. Government is requesting separate prices for on-site mulching and spreading vs. on-site mulching that is subsequently and legally disposed off-site.

11) Are there any special requirements for the posts on building of fence or are standard T posts acceptable?

Answer: Standard T-posts in-kind to existing fence. Please use red posts to match existing T-posts. T-posts are to be spaced at 10-foot intervals.

12) Is standard field fence acceptable to use, 9-gauge top/bottom wire and 12-gauge cross wires?

Answer: No. Please follow material specifications of SOW.

13) Will all areas be clearly identified or marked prior to commencement of work?

Answer: Yes

14) Will herbicide treatment be required on all stumps regardless of size?

Answer: Yes, except for trees that are 100% dead.

15) Is herbicide treatment necessary for dead vegetation or trees scheduled for removal?

Answer: All live and dormant tree stumps shall be immediately treated with herbicide upon cutting of the stump. Dead or actively decomposing stumps will not require treatment.

16) For the locations within town, will the city impose specific start and stop times?

Additionally, are crews permitted to work on weekends?

Answer: City quiet hours are from 9pm to 7am, work must be performed outside these hours.

Please see Wichita Falls, Tx, Code of Ordinances, Chapter 46, Article II Noise for questions regarding noise. https://ecode360.com/39232335

17) Is there a preferred dump site or local landfill for the "haul off" bid option?

Answer: Government does not have a preferred site. There are public landfills in Wichita Falls and Iowa Park, Texas. Contractor is advised to contact those landfills for more information.

18) Are alternatives to chainsaws or skid steer-mounted hydraulic saws permitted, such as a skid steer-mounted mulching head?

https://ecode360.com/39232335

Answer: Mulching heads/forestry mulchers shall NOT substitute the use of hydraulic shears, hydraulic saws, or chainsaws for felling of trees. However, mulching heads/forestry mulchers may be used to mulch debris, provided that at least three weeks have passed since the cut stumps initial treatment of herbicide.

19) Are any Traffic Control Plans (TCPs) necessary at either location since crews will be working within/near designated roadways?

Answer: The speed limit on the road is 30 MPH, TX.DOT standards state that at minimum road work ahead signs must be placed to warn drivers.

20) The pictures taken by the Government (Environmental Section). Will they be provided and labeled as part the solicitation?

Answer: No.

21) Attachment 1 - Cattle Egret Habitat Removal_SOW.pdf, Page #1, 1. General Requirement, 3rd paragraph, 3rd sentence… Contractor shall also be responsible for the onsite mulching, or off-site legal disposal of all woody debris associated with the project.

• a. Does the Government prefer onsite mulching, or off-site legal disposal of all woody debris associated with the project?

Answer: Government prefers off-site disposal, but is requesting separate prices for on-site mulching and spreading vs. on-site mulching that is subsequent and legally disposed of off-site.

• b. Can this be a technical evaluation factor, that will be approved during the evaluation?

Answer: The Government is requesting separate prices for on-site mulching and spreading vs. off-site legal disposal, this service will not be an evaluation factor, contractors will be evaluated based off the language located within the Combo.

“(a) The Government intends to award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible vendor whose quote conforming to the solicitation represents the best value to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate quotes, in no particular order of importance:

TECHNICAL CAPABILITY TO MEET THE GOVERNMENT'S REQUIREMENT

PRICE

PAST PERFORMANCE

SITE VISIT (attendance is mandatory)”

21) Attachment 1 - Cattle Egret Habitat Removal_SOW.pdf, Page #1, 1. General Requirement, 4th paragraph, final sentence: All locations will be inspected for nesting activity by USDA-Wildlife Services, prior to any work. To effectively execute this contract, contractor shall complete felling of all trees by 1 April 2026. Quotes are due by March 20, 2026, at 10 am central time.

• a. Does that mean that the intent is that the contract will be awarded the week of March 23, 2026, and work begin immediately?

Answer: The Government intends to award the contract and begin work immediately to ensure delays do not occur with nesting.

• b. Or is Attachment: Cattle Egret Habitat Removal Combo Page 1, Requirement Information, Description, (BASH) Program to be performed within 30 days. For example, if the contract is awarded March 24, 2026. The completion date would have to be April 25, 2026. Is that a correct assumption?

Answer: Yes, the Government is on a strict timeline due to the migratory birds nesting in the location.

• c. Also, Quotes shall be good for 90 days. Does that mean the contract award could be plus 90 days from March 20, 2026, and 30 days to complete?

Answer: It is the Governments’ intent that the contract will start immediately after award, the 90 day period is a formality.

22) Attachment 1 - Cattle Egret Habitat Removal_SOW.pdf, Page # 1 & 2 in B. Herbicide:

Garlon 4 Ultra Herbicide (EPA Reg No. 62719-527) shall be the only herbicide authorized for this project.

• a. In regard to applying Herbicide. SPCS Certified Applicator Licensing - Does the business have to have a certified commercial applicator, certified noncommercial applicator, responsible certified applicator, or no license?

Answer: Answered above.

• b. If a license must be provided, will this be a technical evaluation factor added to Attachment: Cattle Egret Habitat Removal Combo, Instructions to Offerors and Evaluation Criteria?

Answer: This evaluation factor is implied by the following language within the Combo.

“(a) The Government intends to award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible vendor whose quote conforming to the solicitation represents the best value to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate quotes, in no particular order of importance:

TECHNICAL CAPABILITY TO MEET THE GOVERNMENT'S REQUIREMENT

PRICE

PAST PERFORMANCE

SITE VISIT (attendance is mandatory)”

23) Attachment 1 - Cattle Egret Habitat Removal_SOW.pdf, Page # 2 in C. Disposal of Woody Debris: All trunks, limbs, and branches within the project area shall be mulched on-site by the contractor. Mulch shall either be evenly dispersed throughout the project area or transferred off-site for legal disposal. The method chosen will be submitted in writing for approval from the project manager before disposal.

• a. The above statement could be two different costs, time, and energy expended.

Which one does the Project Manager want?

Answer: Answered above.

• b. Will this be a technical evaluation factor added to Attachment: Cattle Egret Habitat Removal Combo, Instructions to Offerors and Evaluation Criteria?

Answer: Answered above.

24) Attachment 1 - Cattle Egret Habitat Removal_SOW.pdf, Page # 3. E. Quality Contral and Payment: d. Failure to repair ruts or property damages inflicted by contractor* A joint pre-work site inspection with photo/video documentation shall be performed to establish a baseline condition.

• a. What day is this intended to be on after award?

Answer: The Government will award the contract then will give a notice to proceed date.

25) Will each site be done, one at a time? Or can the awardee perform all three sites at one time?

Answer: The initial felling of trees will be completed one property at a time. This allows sufficient time for the government to ensure cut stumps are immediately treated with herbicide.

Once trees have been felled and stumps treated with herbicide, the contractor may work as many properties as desired, at once.

26) Attachment 1 - Cattle Egret Habitat Removal_SOW.pdf, Page # 6, Property C. The Yellow Lines depicted are different than what was stated at the site visit. At the site visit it was stated that the Location is across the road of 2180 Wellington Lane, Wichita Falls, TX.

The points are as follows: Yellow Fire Hydrant 33.943331, -98.575195. Fence Post 33.942540, -98.575162. The question is, will the boundaries be marked at each property site?

Answer: Yes, the boundary of each project site will be marked, and a government representative will be available to help with any questions concerning this matter.

27) Will the Government provide grid points or latitude/longitude points of the boundaries of Attachment 1 - Cattle Egret Habitat Removal_SOW.pdf, Page # 5 Property A, B, and Page 6, Property C?

Answer: The boundary of each project site will be marked, and a government representative will be available to help with any questions concerning this matter.

28) This question has multiple questions but is in regard to not receiving approval by the property owner. As of 3/6/2026 the property owner did not receive approval at this time.

Attachment Cattle+Egret+Habitat+Removal+Combo, Page 1 and 2, CLIN 0003 and CLIN 0004. Which is also shown in Attachment 1 - Cattle Egret Habitat Removal_SOW.pdf, Page # 5 Property B.

• a. Will CLIN 0003 and CLIN 0004 become Option CLINS?

• b. Can these two option CLINs have an expiration date of September 30, 2026?

• c. Will these two option CLINs be priced at the time of solicitation?

• d. Or will these two option CLINs remain as 3 & 4, priced, but could be not exercised options at the time of award?

• e. Or these two CLINs will be removed or terminated for convenience in accordance to FAR Clause 52.212-4 (l) Termination for the Government’s convenience?

Answer: CLIN 0003 and CLIN 0004, Site B, will be removed from the solicitation in an amendment, and replaced with Site C instead.

29) Will the Government provide their Independent Government Estimate, removing financial/accounting data?

Answer: The Independent Government Cost Estimate is considered confidential procurement information and is not releasable.

30) Review of the Provision(s) and Clause(s), no FAR Clauses in regard to Bonds/Insurances. Are there any specific Bonds/Insurance needed? Or does this fall within FAR Clause 52.212-4(q) Other compliances. The Contractor shall comply with all applicable Federal, State and local laws, executive orders, rules and regulations applicable to its performance under this contract?

Answer: FAR clause 52.228-5 Insurance-Work on a Government Installation has been added to Attachment 2 - Provisions and Clauses at the discretion of the Contracting Officer. See www.acquisition.gov for full text.

31) Are daily reports required by the Government for each workday performed under this contract?

Answer: From a BASH perspective, there is no need, as we will be onsite daily.

32) What is the authorized daily work schedule for the contractor?

• Start and end times

• Weekend or holiday restrictions

• Any quiet-hour limitations

Answer: Please follow Wichita Falls, TX, Code of Ordinances Article II Noise, https://ecode360.com/39232335, regarding question 32.

33) What Wage Determination is the Government using for this solicitation? Please confirm the WD number, revision date, and applicable labor categories.

Answer: There is not a Wage Determination for this requirement.

https://ecode360.com/39232335

34) Is there a tax exemption form associated with this project, or will the Government provide documentation confirming tax exempt status for materials, services, or equipment used under this contract?

Answer: There is no tax exemption form associated with this project in accordance with FAR

29.303. See www.acquisition.gov for full text

35) As of now, I do not see an amendment, per conversation at the site visit, changing the project requirements. Do we still count on bidding the 3 sections, including the part that was believed will be deleted from SOW?

Answer: Only area A and C require the service, see illustration.

36) Will all downed material be required to be chipped and/or removed from the project site? I noticed on both sites there was a significant amount of dead and down material such as large logs, etc.

Answer: Yes.

37) Were acreage measurements taken using a map measuring software? As I entered the project site, Google Earth maps to determine the following acreage: 1.06 acre at property C, 0.26 acres on property A and totaling approximately 2 acres. It would be worth noting to other contractors that it’s closer to 2 acres, not 1, so that we can equally know that it's closer to 2 acres- unless we are deviating from the map and reducing it to approximately 1 acre.

Answer: Site B has been removed. Maps in SOW illustrate the general outline of project sites.

Both properties included in the site visit were measured on the ground via handheld GPS.

Property C measured 0.50 acres, while Property A measured 0.3 acres.