Grounds_Industry_Questions_and_Responses_Final.pdf

Q # Industry Question A # Government Response

3.2.4 Tab 4 Sub Factor 3 Management Control Plan - Can the project manager/on-site superintendent and quality control manager/Safety officer be the same person since they are all non-working positions?

1 Project Management and Quality Control are inherently separate functions;

hence, at least two positions are required.

2 1.4.1. When replacing dead plants who is providing the plants, the contractor or the government? 2 See Para. 1.4.1. of the Revised PWS.

3 1.5. Is it required that a boom mower be used on the ditches if the contractor opts to use powered equipment or can they be mowed utilizing weed eaters? 3 See Para. 1.5. of the Revised PWS.

4 1.7.1.4. When filling holes left by removed stumps who provides the top soil for matching existing grade? 4 See Para. 3.3. of the Revised PWS.

5 5 6 6 7 How many acres are there in the POL area? 7 Approximately 8 acres 8 How many linear feet of fencing is around the POL area? 8 Approximately 3,100 LF 9 How many acres are there in the Munitions Storage area? 9 Approximately 50 acres inside the fenced area of Munitions Storage

10 How many linear feet of fencing is around the Munitions Storage area? 10 Approximately 5,800 LF

Per the PWS, 1.1.3.2 Weed Control, states “The Contractor shall control weeds in improved areas.” Does the Contractor take care of turf weeds and crack weeds for the entire 310 acres or for the 4.5 acres? Please clarify.

11 Para. 1.1.3.2. is stated as intended in the Revised PWS.

Concerning PWS 1.1.7, turf fertilization and 1.1.7.1, turf aeration, do we propose our pricing based on 4.5 acres, per Appendix A, or do we propose pricing for 310 acres of Improved grounds? Please clarify.

12 See Para. 1.1.7. inclusive of the Revised PWS.

Per the PWS, 1.2.1.2.2, Perimeter Fence, is the Contractor is responsible for mowing 8 ft. inside the fence or mowing 8 ft. inside and outside the perimeter fence? Please clarify.

Para. 1.2.1.2.2 of the Revised PWS defines as the area as inside CAFB and Shuqualak Auxiliary Field within eight (8) feet of the perimeter fence and all of the fencing around the perimeter of both locations.

14 How much of the Base Perimeter fence borders improved grounds and how much borders semi-improved grounds? 14 Approximately 1,500 LF borders improved while the remaining falls under semi-improved.

Concerning the mowing height requirements, will Bahia seed heads count in the height measurement of Improved grounds or Semi-Improved grounds?

Please clarify, because counting seed heads in the height measurements drastically increases the mowing frequency.

15 See Para. 1.1.1. and Para. 1.2.1. of the Revised PWS.

16 How many cubic yards or tons of mulch per year, for spreading in the Playgrounds, can we anticipate as a workload estimate? 16 The average is 100 cu yds of mulch each year for Playgrounds.

17 How many tons of wood chips per year, for spreading in the planter beds and tree rings, can we anticipate as a workload estimate? 17 The average is 120 cu yds of mulch each year for for planter beads and tree rings.

Per PWS 4.4.6 Green Waste Disposal, for limbs larger than 8” diameter, can the Contractor dispose of them on Base or do they have to be hauled off Base? Please clarify.

18 See Para. 4.4.6.1. of the Revised PWS.

19 How many runway lights and navigational lights are on the CAFB airfield and how many lights are on Shuqualak airfield? 19 Approximately 3,000 at CAFB and none at Shuqualak airfield.

In the Addendum to 52.212-1, please clarify the differences between the “detailed mowing and other grounds maintenance schedule” described under Specific Instructions Tab 2A (Page 120 of 122) and the mowing schedule described under Tab 2C (Page 121 of 122).

20 Tab 2A asks for a schedule including all services detailed in the PWS. Tab 2C asks for a schedule only including mowing.

In section 1.1.1.1 Athletic Areas it states these are seasonal improved areas.

Are these to be maintained as improved areas year round? The quantities indicate they are.

21 See Para. 1.1.1.1. of the Revised PWS.

22 Section 1.1.1.3 POL Area.... What is the acreage for the improved grass inside the fence at the POL Area? 22 Approximately 8 acres

Section 1.1.2 Edge ..... Does the 91,090 LF listed in appendix A include the curbs and Both sides of the sidewalk? For example if a sidewalk is 100 feet long, it takes 2 passes to edge making it 200 linear feet.

23 Yes.

24 Section 1.1.3.1 Chemical Trimming. Is chemical edging permitted on the airfield? In improved grass areas? 24 See Para. 1.1.3. inclusive of the Revised PWS.

25 Section 1.2.1.1.1.6 Wet Areas .. This states wet areas will be mowed with push mower, trimmers, etc. Is there an estimated acreage of these areas? 25 Approximately 55 acres. See Para. 1.2.1.1.1.6. of the Revised PWS.

Appendix A... It is stated that Items 24-28 apply to Shuqualak aux airfield are items 29 - 31 also part of Shuqualak? It also states item 29 applies to the Medical Group..... should this be item 33 ?

26 Thank you for pointing out our discrepancy in numbering Appendix A.

Please see Appendix A of the Revised PWS.

Will there be supplied storage for equipment such as a tractor and field mower, zero turn mower, etc.? at the Shuqualak Air Base? See Para. 3.1.2. of the Revised PWS.

PWS 1.1.1.4. Enhanced areas. States” This area is likely to receive complaints but list no additional requirements” .There is no requirements in Appendix A for “Enhanced areas”. Please clarify if there is additional work included in this requirement?

27 There is not additional work. Enhanced areas may have Planter/Flower beds in the same location. Reference Appendix B of the Revised PWS for maps.

PWS 1.1.1.4. Enhanced areas. States” This area is likely to receive complaints but list no additional requirements” .There are no requirements stated in the PWS for “Enhanced areas”. Please clarify if there is additional work included in this requirement?

28 See Question 27

29 PWS 1.1.3.2. Weed control. Can you provide a list of herbicides approved for Chemical trimming of turf for CAFB? 29 See Para. 4.4.2. of the Revised PWS.

30 PWS 1.1.3.1. Chemical trimming. Can you provide a list of herbicides approved for CAFB? 30 See Question 29

PWS 1.2.1.2.2. Perimeter fence. During the site visit it was noted that some fences had trees laying on them and in other areas there was vegetation growing on fences. Will the Gov’t have the perimeter fences in compliance with the PWS at contract start date?

31 Any fence line that is out of compliance will be the responsibility of the Government to repair before it is turned over to the contractor to cut.

PWS 1.1.7. Fertilization. Are the Athletic fields currently being maintained at this standard? Will the GOV’T provide a copy of the current PH test at time of award?

32 See Para. 1.1.7. of the Revised PWS.

33 PWS appendix A: States item 8. Growing season (1). Please clarify what “growing season (1) stands for? 33 Please see change in Item 8 of Appendix A of the Revised PWS.

34 PWS 1.1.3.2. Noxious Weed Control. Is CAFB currently controlling the noxious weeds to the standards in the solicitation? 34 See Para. 1.1.3.2. of the Revised PWS.

PWS 1.1.6. Leaf removal. States CO will direct the contractor to remove leaves. Is this in addition to the 310 acres 6 times per year in the appendix A?

35 No. See Para. 1.1.6. of the Revised PWS.

36 PWS 1.1.7.1 Aeration. States improved areas shall be aerated. There is no estimated work load stated in the Appendix A for this work. Please clarify? 36 See Item 8 of Appendix A of the Revised PWS.

37 PWS 1.2.1.2.1 Restricted area. Is there a weight limitation for bunkers? 37 None Known.

PWS 1.2.2.1 Edge. States edge semi-improved areas. Appendix A has no stated estimated work load for this item under semi-improved areas. Please Clarify?

38 See Para 1.2.2.1. of the Revised PWS.

Appendix A: item 7. States 310 acres of leaf removal 6 times per season. Is it the GOV’T request for the contractor to price and perform leaf removal on all the improved areas?

39 Yes. See Item 7 of Appendix A of the Revised PWS.

40 Bid item 0012 and out years states” 2 each fertilization”. Appendix A states “1 each fertilizer”. Which is correct? Please clarify. 40 See Item 8 of Appendix A of the Revised PWS.

Item 1.1.1.5. TLQ states Grounds maintenance includes “irrigation”. During the site visit the contracting officer stated that irrigation was not a part of this contract and CAFB had stopped using irrigation. Please clarify.

41 See Para. 1.1.1.5. of the Revised PWS.

Item 1.1.1.5. TLQ states Grounds maintenance includes “tree maintenance”.

Appendix A has no stated work load or estimated quantity noted .Please clarify and give estimated work load for this item.

42 Reference Para. 1.7.1. and Item 18 of Appendix A of the Revised PWS.

Item 1.1.1.5. TLQ states Grounds maintenance includes “animal waste “.Please quantify the number of animals and type of animal for this work load effort.

43 No definite quantity exists.

44 Item 1.1.1.2. Playgrounds states “replenished” material. Please give the type of material to be used. 44 Reference Para. 1.1.1.2. of the Revised PWS.

Item 1.1.1.1. Athletic Areas states “contractor shall establish a separate fertilizer application”. In appendix A item 5 states “13 acres “, however item 8 states” 4.5 acres”. Which is correct? Please clarify.

45 The amounts for items 5 and 8 in Appendix A of the Revised PWS are correct as stated.

46 In the (POL) areas can herbicides be used to keep weeds maintain around piping? 46 See Para. 1.1.1.3. of the Revised PWS.

47 The (TLF’s), are the fenced in back yards to be maintained as part of the improved grounds? 47 See Para. 1.1.1.5. of the Revised PWS.

48 PWS (1.1.7.1.) IS THIS RESERVED? NOT LISTED IN APPENDIX A OR

AS ANY QUANTITY ORDERED? 48 See Item 8 of Appendix A of the Revised PWS.

PWS (1.2.1.2.2) are the identified fence areas, radiological, perimeter fence areas and the areas adjacent to (POL) THE ONLY AREAS OF THE

ENTIRE PERIMETER FENCE TO BE CLEARED AND MAINTAINED

which is listed as 65,000(LF) IN APPENDIX A?

49 The 65,000 LF ONLY refers to the Perimeter Fence around the base.

50 What is the definition of “healthy” as referenced in Part 1 of the Performance Work Statement (PWS) titled “Description of Services”? 50 See revised PWS Appendix D.

51 Per Part 1.1. of the PWS, typically grass clippings are “visible” after mowing. What instance would require removing or mulching grass? 51 See Para. 1.1.1. of the Revised PWS.

52 Define “as needed” in Part 1.1.1.2. titled “Playgrounds” of the PWS. 52 Refer to question 16 and Para. 3.3. of the Revised PWS.

53 As referenced in Part 1.1.1.5. titled “Temporary Living Facilities” of the PWS, can leaves be mulched in lieu of removed? 53 See Para. 1.1.1.5. of the Revised PWS.

54 As reference in Part 1.1.3.2. titled “Weed Control” of the PWS, please provide the “CAFB’s Integrated Pest Management Program.” 54 See "CAFB Pest Management Plan 2015" which is added as Attachment 7 to the SF1449 solicitation document and amendments.

55 Will the contractor be responsible for the costs associated with any soil testing? 55 Refer to Para. 1.1.7. of the Revised PWS.

56 Per Part 1.1.5. titled “Remove Debris/Police Grounds” of the PWS, will Contractor be required to separate debris from solid waste or recycling? 56 Refer to Para. 3.6. of the Revised PWS and Attachment 8 "Contractors

Environmental Guidelines" of the solicitation document and amendments.

Per Part 1.1.5. titled “Remove Debris/Police Grounds” of the PWS, will contractor be provided the procedures associated with the base solid waste and recycling?

57 Refer to Para. 3.6. of the Revised PWS and Attachment 8 "Contractors Environmental Guidelines" of the solicitation document and amendments.

58 Per Part 1.1.10. titled “Prune Shrubs, Hedges and Other Plants” of the PWS, please define “natural, mature height.” 58 Refer to Appendix D of the Revised PWS.

Per Part 1.2.3.1. titled “Airfield Coordination” of the PWS, what is the turnaround time for approval of requested dates/times for performance on the airfield?

59 The majority of the time it is same day turnaround.

60 Per 1.3. titled “Maintain Un-improved Grounds” of the PWS, please define “woody encroachment.” 60 See Appendix D of the Revised PWS.

Per 1.4. titled “Maintain Vegetative Beds, Inert Beds and Related Areas” of the PWS, will the contractor be responsible for the costs associated with repairing or replacing damaged plants and shrubs?

61 See Para. 1.4.1. of the Revised PWS.

62 Per 2.3.1.2. titled “100% Inspection” of the PWS, what type of deficiency would require immediate reperformance service by contractor? 62 See Para 4.2.3 of the QASP and Para. 2.3.1.2. of the Revised PWS.

Per Part 4.4.1.5.4. of the PWS, what type of contractor employees are determined to have a significant impact on the environment? Additionally, what are the requirements for specialized training for such employees?

63 See Para. 4.4.1.5.4. of the Revised PWS.

64 Per Part 4.4.2.1. titled “Herbicide Storage and Mixing” of the PWS, is there any requirements of the storage facility for herbicide storage? 64 Reference Para. 4.4.2 inclusive of the Revised PWS.

65 Per Part 4.4.4.1. titled “Used Oil Collection Program” of the PWS, how often is the refresher training required? 65 See Para. 4.4.4.1. of the Revised PWS.

Back in 1998 to 2006 the Airfield acres were 1902 acres in 2006 to 2011 they were the same, 2011 to 2016 the Airfield acres is 1420 ares, and now this solicitation is 1727 acres. Also the semi grounds are different 1998 to 2006 they were 129 acres, in 2011 to 2016 they were 365 acres, and now this solicitation is back to 128 acres.

Also Shuqualak airfield in 1998 to 2006 was 715 acres same for 2006 to 2011, 2011 to 2016 and in this solicitation you have 463 acres On the site tour bus you the (GOV) stated the maps and acreages were correct, with all the variances’ of the ups and downs in the acreage of the past contracts the acres have a considerable discrepancy.

Please provide some clarification as why there is an up & down between the three different contracts?

As we did the tour out around the Airfield we noticed the there were areas to the back side that had some tree clearing after the 2006 awarded contract to Maintenance Engineers. And the awarded contract in 2011 the acres were reduced by 482 acres, and now in this solicitation the acres have increase up by 307 acres.

Improved grounds the acres in 1998 to 2006 and 2006 to 2011 were 375 acres, during the contractual period, we applied a growth regulator twice annually. And the chemical product we used confirmed that the 375 acres were actual, because of the chemical product used for each application. We utilized the growth regulator applications for 5.5 growing seasons. And the previous contract and this solicitation are at 310 acres.

Please provide clarification as to why there is such a considerable difference in the acreage of improved grounds?

66 Revised PWS includes measurements, data, and information that are accurate to the best knowledge and belief of 14 CES.

PWS 1.7.1.4. Tree removals are risky when vital info is not clearly defined or explained, i.e., when you have a tree that is out in an open field or non-congested area, it become less difficult and less costly to remove. However, if you have a tree that is within an area of congestion or up next to a bldg, the time and cost becomes 2 to 3x greater. Please provide clarification as to where you intend for the contractor to perform tree removal? Base wide is not a clear and clarifying answer (20%, 40%,) in a congested area would provide clarity.

67 The government can not determine which treees will require removal.

PWS 1.7.1.1. You do not have a CLIN in the 1449 to provide a costing for services rendered to accomplish this task. Please provide clarification as how the contractor is to capture their cost in performing this requirement.

68 See Para. 1.7.1.1. of the Revised PWS.

PWS 1.5.1. Ditch lines at the bottom of the ditch where the water flows/runs.

Will the contractor be allowed to utilize an Aquatic herbicide to control/kill unwanted vegetation within the flowing cannel not the ditch banks?

69 See Para. 1.5. of the Revised PWS.

PWS 1.4. & 1.4.1. These sections refers to our question of section 1.1.10.

regarding locations, where you describe 9 services/requirements that can become costly in labor and materials. Provide locations where these beds area? Provide an estimated times the contractor would trim these bushes/shrubs? Provide an amount bark and or mulch needed for re-mulching the beds in Cu Yds annually? Provide the desire depth of the mulch need in the beds?

Refer to Sheet 7 in Appendix B of the Revised PWS. See Items 9 and 15 of Appendix A of the Revised PWS. Refer to responses for questions 16 and 17.

See Para. 1.4.1. of the Revised PWS.

To the North & N.W. end below the runway in 1997/1998, this area was cleared for clearance regulations with severe erosion and washout issues.

Have the erosion and washout issues been corrected?

Revised PWS includes measurements, data, and information that are accurate to the best knowledge and belief of 14 CES. There are currently not any severe erosion or washout issues that are noted.

PWS 1.2.2. You state that the grass clippings are visible and need to be mulched or removed; this is field mowing area and does not make sense to have this requirement for the semi-improved grounds. Please review this and reconsider this requirement as this would be a costly task.

72 Reference Para. 1.2.2. of the Revised PWS.

PWS 1.2.1.1.1.6. In section/paragraph 1.2.1.1.1.4., you stated when an area is too wet/soft, it will be allowed to grow beyond the BASH requirement to prevent damage or hazard from mowing wet. Here you contradict the meaning of the requirement. There are some vast areas that become soft/wet when rain or moisture is prominent, and trying to mow these areas will only create damage, and using smaller mowers when soft or wet will only cause rutting as well. Using 21 inch mowers or weedeaters/hand tools is not even a feasible economical foresight, when an area is larger than 10,000/20,000 sq

ft. You have areas on CAFB that are measured as acres. We encountered these areas while there during a previous contract. We equipped a tractor with flotation tires that allowed us to mow through these wetland areas out on the airfield. This provided the only common sense way economically to maintain these specific areas. As we were told then, those areas had never been mowed prior to us introducing the flotation tires. Please provide clarification to your intent, as to when an area is large on the base, semi areas, or BASH airfield that become unable to mow when too wet/soft?

73 See Para. 1.2.1.1.1.6 of the Revised PWS.

PWS 1.2.1.1.1.4. You state the glide slope indicators are to be completely free of vegetation obstruction to include seed heads at all times. We realize we need to maintain the grass at a certain height to avoid seed heads. Please provide your intended heights for the contractor to cut/maintain and where these units are located and numbers of indicators?

74 See Para. 1.2.1.1.1.3. of the Revised PWS. There are 24 indicators total (4 indicators on each end of the runways).

PWS 1.1.10. This requirement during the site visit was indicated as only being accomplished at high-vis bldg’s or enhanced areas, not base wide. This paragraph does not dictate that the requirement is only for special areas. The Appendix A shows 11,500. What is the quantity for plants for trimming?

What we saw during the site visit around the shrubbery inventory/quantity does not seem to be that high. Please provide clarification as to what and where the contractor is to actually perform this task?

75 This requirement is included under Para. 1.1 of the Revised PWS and therefore needs to be completed on all improved grounds.

You are requiring beds beneath the shrubbery to be kept clean of debris and un-wanted vegetation. Please provide a quantity (square footage) measurement of beds the contractor is to maintain and the locations where this task is to be performed?

76 Refer to Item 15 of Appendix A and Sheet/Map 7 of 16 of Appendix B in the Revised PWS.

77 PWS 1.1.7.1. Please provide a quantity of acreage the contractor will be required to perform aeration? 77 See Item 8 of Appendix A of the Revised PWS.

PWS 1.1.3.3. PW states the contractor is to control noxious and or invasive weeds in the improved grounds on CAFB, but have not provided a measurement/quantity for the contractor to treat/cost. Please provide a measurement of quantity of acres for treatment annually for this requirement.

Also please provide varieties of what noxious or invasive plants the contractor should or would have to eliminate with treatments of an herbicide? **Knowing the plant type/varieties of species is important as each plant may require a specialized chemical for eliminate or control it.**

78 See "CAFB Pest Management Plan 2015" which is added as Attachment 7 to the SF1449 solicitation document and amendments.

79 PWS 1.1.1.4. How many acres of enhanced grounds are to be maintained? 79 Approximately 95 acres are shown on Sheet/Map 8 of Appendix B of the Revised PWS.

PWS 1.1.1.2. You have provided the Sq Ft-age of 42,000 sq ft, but have not provided a depth of replenishment material or type of material required.

Please provide.

80 See Para. 1.1.1.2. of the Revised PWS.

81 On the bid schedule, CLIN 6 reads “As Needed” for Debris Removal and Policing. Isn’t this a requirement that should take place year round? 81 See Item 6 of Appendix A of the Revised PWS.

CLIN 7 for Leaf Removal reads “6 per Year.” There are typically two-three leaf removal times per year. Are you anticipating special events in this?

Please clarify how the Government will issue a Task Order for these items, and how the Government expects the Contractor to bill these and similar CLINS that are “As Needed” or a where Task Orders are issued a few times a year.

82 See Para. 1.1.6. of the Revised PWS.

Per Table 1 of the PWS, is eight (8) hours meant to be the equivalent of one

(1) business day?

Per Table 1 of the PWS, is four (4) hours meant to be the equivalent of half (1/2) of a business day?

Is “days” as referenced throughout the PWS meant to be interpreted as business days?

83 Hours and days are written as intended. See Appendix D of the Revised PWS for further clarification.

84 What is the current contract value for the last one full year performance period? 84 Please submit a FOIA request for annual amounts.

85 What is the current contractor’s company name? 85 86 What was the contract start date of the current contract? 86

87 What is the value of the current contract and the name of the current contractor? 87

88 What is the incumbent’s contract value to include any modifications issued after award back in Oct., 2011? 88

89 What is the method of award for this Solicitation is it a Best-Value, Low Price Technically Acceptable, or just straight low price? 89 Reference FAR Provision 52.212-2 “Evaluation—Commercial Items (OCT

2014)” within SF1449 solicitation document and amendments.

90 Will the sign in sheet for the site visit be posted as an amendment? 90 No.

91 Is it necessary for all offerors to have their HUBZone certification current? 91 Refer to SF1449 solicitation and FAR 19.13 for requirements regarding the HUBZone program.

92 Other than CAC cards is there a longer term entry vehicle like rapid gate that is utilized by contractors or are daily passes the only thing available? 92 Reference AFFARS 5352.242-9000 as referenced within SF1449 solicitation document and amendments.

93 Does the government provide the airfield flight line drivers training and if so what is the cost if any? 93 See Para. 1.2.3.2. of the Revised PWS.

Will there be a pricing spreadsheet created and issued to bid by rather than using the excessive reproduction of the 65+/- accounting pages that are part of the 1449 form to be submitted?

94 Yes. Reference Attachment 6 "Pricing Tool" of the SF1449 solicitation document and amendments.

95 Can you provide a source document for “AT/FP Standards”? 95 Reference AFFARS 5352.242-9000 as referenced within SF1449 solicitation document and amendments.

96 What is the protocol in controlled access areas? 96 Reference AFFARS 5352.242-9000 as referenced within SF1449 solicitation document and amendments.

Per Part 4.6. titled “Hours of Operation” of the PWS, will the contractor be notified of any schedule conflicts that involve Air Force mission requirements?

97 See Para. 4.6. of the Revised PWS.

98 Per Part 4.4.1.5.4. of the PWS, to allow for contractor employee participation, how often does the Government base conduct EMS Training? 98 See Para. 4.4.1.5.4. of the Revised PWS.

99 Per 1.2.3.2. titled “Flightline Driver’s Training” of the PWS, how often does the Government conduct the flightline driver’s training? 99 See Para. 1.2.3.2. of the Revised PWS.

100 Since this is a 5-year contract, and the last one was a 5-year contract, we request that you provide a “Recency” period of 60 months or 5 years. 100

Since the current contract was awarded at $2.9M for 5 years, how do you justify asking for a “Relevancy” in past performance of “projects over $650,000?” We request the $650,000 requirement be $500,000 per year instead.

102 Was any of the intended Scope descoped from contract after initial award? 102

The value of the current contract is $3.3M and the current contractor is Ashley-Marie Group, Inc. The current contract began on 19 December 2011.

Please submit a FOIA request.

103 Did the initial award amount in 2009 adequately cover all of the needs and requirements of the Scope? 103

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