Grounds Questions Answers 2026.docx

1. Please provide detailed proposal submission instructions, including required proposal volumes, formatting requirements, page limitations, and submission method. Proposals shall be sent to carlius.bankhead@us.af.mil or willie.common.1@us.af.mil along with a technical synopsis/approach. There are no formatting requirements or page limitations.

2. Please clarify the specific criteria the Government will use to determine “Technical Acceptability.” The Government will review technical synopsis/ approach to determine Technical Acceptability. The technical synopsis/approach must not be copy from the PWS.

3. Please confirm whether past performance will be evaluated as part of the award decision. Past performance will only be evaluated if there is a tie in proposals.

4. Please clarify whether the Government intends to utilize an LPTA methodology or a best-value tradeoff approach. LPTA methodology will be used.

5. Please confirm whether offerors are required to submit staffing plans, quality control plans, or equipment lists as part of their proposals. YES, will be needed for the Technical Evaluations

6. Please clarify whether all equipment required for performance shall be contractor-furnished. Refer to PWS for what is and what is not furnished.

7. Please provide any available historical workload data or estimated annual workload quantities associated with recurring grounds maintenance services. Please review pages 27-29 of the PWS.

8. Please confirm whether the Mission Essential Contractor Services Plan referenced in the solicitation should be submitted as a standalone attachment. It should.

9. Please advise whether any solicitation amendments or additional attachments are anticipated. None at this time.

10. Unable to locate the Appendix B area map referenced in PWS. Where can I find this? Please fill out CUI document on SAM.gov and request access to the maps upon sending signed CUI document to the POC.

11. Will the base provide an on-site log book for daily sign-in/out? No

12. Are there any required weekly or monthly reports beyond the monthly invoice, or is the on-site log book + COR inspections generally sufficient when performance meets or exceeds standards? Required reports are mentioned in the PWS.

13. Performance Frequency vs. Height Standards: PWS paragraph 1.0 states that performance is based on results rather than frequency and that frequency is at the Contractor's discretion. However, PWS 1.1.1 and 1.2.1.1.3 establish strict height thresholds (e.g., 2–4 inches for improved grounds and 7–14 inches for airfield/BASH areas). To support accurate fixed-pricing and avoid unbalanced bids, can the Government provide historical data on the average number of mowing cycles per month required to maintain these standards during the peak growing season (March–October)? It is up to the Contractor to determine the frequency in order to stay within the set standards of the PWS.

14. Government-Furnished Property (GFP) Logistics: PWS 3.3 identifies that the Government will provide mulch, topsoil, and wood chips. Please clarify if the Contractor is responsible for the loading and transportation of these materials from a central Government storage yard to the various work sites across CAFB and Shuqualak Auxiliary Airfield, or if these materials will be delivered to the specific work areas by the Government. Contractors responsibility to move.

15. Tree and Stump Removal CLINs: CLINs 0017 and 0018 specify quantities of "20 Each" for medium and small tree/stump removals. PWS 1.7.1.4 describes the categories for removal but notes that this work is only performed upon COR direction. Are the quantities listed in the CLINs intended to be a guaranteed minimum, or are they estimated ceilings for the base year to be utilized on an "as-needed" basis? There is no guaranteed number. It can range anywhere from 0-20 per year per CLIN.

16. Airfield Communication Equipment: PWS 1.3.3 requires the Contractor to provide VHF type communication equipment with a minimum five-mile range and private line capability. To ensure equipment compatibility and accurately account for procurement costs, can the Government provide the specific transceiver frequency and any required encryption or signaling protocols necessary for compatibility with the Airfield Tower and Management? Frequency is restricted therefore will not be issued until after award.

17. Flightline Driver Training Labor Costs: PWS 1.3.2 states that the Government will provide flightline driver training at no cost to the Contractor. Can the Government provide the estimated duration (in hours) of this training and the frequency of required refresher courses? This information is necessary to properly calculate labor hour burdens for personnel requiring airfield access. Flightline training is on average a 2-4 hour course. Annual refresher should take no more than 1 hour to complete.

18. If there is an incumbent, could you please share the Purchase Order number and the total value associated with their contract? FA302222C0004, $3,465,000.

19. Are there any changes in the previous scope to new one? All scopes required are listed in the PWS.

20. Are there any post-award submittals that we should be aware of? If so, could you please provide the relevant information? Any post award submittals will warrant a modification agreed upon between the government and contractor.

21. The Solicititation section, Supplies or Services & Prices or Costs (sheet 3 of 43) does not match the appendix A - Grounds Workload Estimates. We will need much more information to accurately price this solicitation. Will a specific format be issued for pricing and will a precise list of items required for submission be issued? The format used on the solicitation is the correct format for pricing. It is broken down between growing season and non-growing season.

22. The evaluation section (FAR 52.212-2) lists “Pricing” and “Technical Acceptability” as evaluation factors but does not specify their relative importance or whether this is a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) or Best Value award. Can the government clarify the award methodology? Lowest Price Technically Acceptable is the award methodology.

23. Is a written Quality Control Plan required at the time of initial offer submission, or only after contract award? It’s required at initial offer.

24. Is the Mission-Essential Contractor Services Plan (per DFARS 252.237-7024) required with the initial offer, or is it a post-award deliverable? It’s required at initial offer.

25. Who is the current incumbent contractor, and will the government facilitate a transition period prior to the October 1, 2026 performance start date? Ashley – Marie Group, Inc . The government plans to start working the transitional paperwork shortly after award.

26. What is the estimated timeline for processing base access credentials and vehicle passes for new contractor personnel? Given the October 1 start date, early coordination appears critical. The government plans to start working the transitional paperwork shortly after award.

27. Is the government-provided facility (Building 370, approximately 1,920 SF) available for contractor use immediately upon contract award, or only upon performance start? There will be a transition period between the current contractor and the incoming contractor that will be coordinated by the COR. The winning bidder will not take over the building until the contract start date.

28. The PWS identifies clearing 3 feet above the top of the perimeter fence at Columbus AFB as a “new requirement.” Can the government provide the total linear footage of the perimeter fence at Columbus AFB so offerors can accurately price this new scope item? See Appendix A of the PWS

29. For the Shuqualak Auxiliary Field, what is the access procedure for contractor personnel and equipment? Is a separate security clearance or escort required beyond the standard base identification credential process? Contractor will be issued a key to the gate and employees will sign in/out at the logbook placed inside the Fire Department located at Shuqualak. There is no additional clearance needed.

30. For CLINs 0016–0018 (Tree Pruning and Tree/Stump Removal), are these priced on a firm fixed per-unit basis as listed in the schedule, or are they estimated quantities only? They should be estimates only.

31. The PWS §1.2.1.1.2 requires all equipment to be removed from the airfield at the end of each day. Is there a designated staging area on the airfield perimeter for equipment storage during the workday? Yes, there are areas along Perimeter where equipment maybe left outside of the BASH area during the workday

32. What is the approximate current headcount of personnel deployed on this contract by the incumbent, if known? Not Availble

33. Does the government have a preferred or approved herbicide list currently in use at Columbus AFB that a new contractor should be aware of prior to developing their QCP? PWS 4.4.2

34. What type of radios are required to communicate with the tower? The specifications state we must have. PWS 1.3.3

35. Shaqualak site, is it much easier to come and go at the Shaqualak site? Any specific clearance specs to get on and off? See question 29

36. The PWS references maintenance of planter and flower beds. Is the Contractor expected to provide and install seasonal flowers, annuals, or replacement plantings, or is the requirement limited to maintenance of existing vegetation and beds? PWS 1.5.1

37. Should the Contractor include the furnishing and replacement of mulch and/or pine straw as part of routine maintenance? If so, is there an expected replacement frequency or standard for replenishment throughout the year? PWS 3.3

38. Are there any specific appearance standards, landscape plans, or installation requirements for flower beds that the Contractor should include in pricing? PWS .5, 1.5.1, 3.3

39. The PWS references herbicide use and certified applicators. Should offerors include anticipated herbicide application costs within their pricing, or will herbicide applications be authorized and directed by the COR on an as-needed basis? PWS 4.4.2

40. For improved grounds, planter beds, fence lines, and drainage areas, is mechanical weed control expected as the primary method, or does the Government anticipate routine use of approved herbicides? The government anticipates routine use of approved herbicides on approved areas. PWS 1.1.3.1, 1.1.4, 1.1.4.1

41. Are there any anticipated areas within the drainage ditch system that require specialized equipment beyond standard boom mowing operations due to access limitations, steep slopes, or erosion concerns? PWS 1.6 There are a few steep areas and that is the reason for a boom mower.

42. For estimated tree pruning and tree/stump removal quantities, are the quantities provided in Appendix A intended solely for pricing purposes, or do they represent anticipated annual workload estimates? They are anticipated annual workloads but used on an “AS-NEEDED” basis.

43. Please clarify what areas PWS 1.1.4 refers to. Turf, Plant Beds, Sidewalks, Parking Lots or Roads? It is giving you insite into the areas that may use herbicides in place of weed eating if you so choose. Contractor is not responsible for crack grass.

44. Will there be Government Furnished gas and diesel tanks available and what capacity are they? The government does not furnish fuel tanks.

45. Can we please get a copy of the latest soil test report? It is up to each contractor to get their own soil test report.

46. Will it be possible to work weekends on the BASH areas? It is expected in certain cases within close proximity to the runways. PWS 1.3, 1.3.1

47. What is US Lawn's role on this current contract. They have no role.

48. We are unable to download the maps on SAM. Please refer to question 10.

49. Will it be permitted to work weekends on the BASH areas? Yes

50. Can we continue airfield mowing when there is aircraft movement if we are cutting outside of the CMA zones. Yes

51. Are TLFs to be maintained on a specific schedule and are we guaranteed; a) access and b) children and pets are caged? TLFs are to be maintained to Impoved Standards. PWS 1..1.5 Contact the COR for any issues related to Children/Pets.

52. Will growth (vines etc) in fence-lines be compliant at contract start? Yes

53. Are the bunkers in the munitions area in compliance, both in growth height and with no erosion issues? They are in compliance

54. Are there radios available from Airfield Management for contractor use? PWS 1.3.3

55. Are there roll offs available for leaf and tree/shrub pruning waste? PWS 4.4.6.1 and 4.4.6.1.

56. We are not seeing any workload data for special events or special cuts. Can we assume that any areas to be visited by DVs are not required to be mowed or trimmed before their next scheduled maintenance if they are in height and standard compliance? CORRECT PWS 1.1.1.4

57. Are there any areas requiring an escort to gain access? What is the typical wait time for the escort to arrive ? Is the contractor permitted to resume other areas of the work schedule if a specified escort arrival wait time is exceeded? Entry Access letters are done to cover restricted areas. Yes and the COR will coordinate with the facility manager to reduce any wait times the contractor may experience.

58. How is Shuqualak AAFB accessed? Is an escort required? Who at the location are contractor operators to communicate with and how? See question 29

59. How often are the bases affected by severe weather and have required the implementation of the Continuation of Essential Services Plan? The COR will give instructions on when ther is severe weather.

60. We frequently use a "four tens" work schedule on our projects, enabling us to come in, if necessary, on Fridays to catch up when, for example, rain has stopped mowing operations at any time Mon - Thu. Will this be permissible? PWS.4.6

61. Please confirm that these are the only documents required in our submission:

Cover Page Table of Contents SF1449 (Signed) SF30(s) (Signed) Supplies or Services & Prices or Costs (Pricing) Offerors Rep's and Cert's Continuation of Essential Services Plan (DFAR 252.237-7024) The government will evaluation technical synopsis/approach and pricing.

62. When do you anticipate an award being made and will there be a transition period for mobilizing our equipment and hiring? As soon as packages can be evaluated and YES there will be a transition period.

63. Will there be a staging area with loading dock and ramp ahead of the incumbent's last day of performance? YES

64. Appendix A lists 350 AC of improved grounds but the PWS states frequency is at the Contractor's discretion. What is the minimum acceptable mowing frequency during the growing season for improved grounds — specifically the cantonment areas, parade grounds, and areas visible at pilot graduations? Whatever it takes to keep the designated areas within the specs of the PWS.

65. The BASH semi-improved area at CAFB is listed as 1,381 AC. Are all 1,381 AC mowed under CLIN 0008/0009 (Airfield semi-improved), or is a portion priced under the non-airfield semi-improved CLINs 0006/0007? Please clarify the exact acreage under each CLIN. Semi-Improved is a separate CLIN from BASH. Acreage is broken out in Appendix A of the PWS.

66. The PWS states the contractor is responsible for the 'initial clearing of 3 feet above the top of the Perimeter Fence (Columbus only)' as a new requirement. Is the initial clearing a one-time cost included in the base year price, or is it a separately funded pre-award task? What is the current condition of the fence vegetation? The current contractor along with CE is working to have the fence in spec by the Oct 1 award date.

67. The POL (Petroleum-Oil-Lubricants) area is described as requiring increased use of hand-held equipment and is a controlled access area. How do contractors obtain access — is a separate security clearance or escort required, and what is the estimated acreage of the POL yard? The COR along with the Project Manager will develop an EAL so that contract employees will not need an escort.

68. Shuqualak Auxiliary Airfield has 445 AC of semi-improved/BASH area and a separate runway with 2 RCSs. Will contractor employees need a separate flightline driver's credential and POV pass issued by Shuqualak Airfield Management, or does the CAFB credential cover both locations? What advance notice is required to schedule mowing days at Shuqualak? CAFB credentials cover both areas. The contractor will have a key to access the gate at Shuqualak and are welcome to cut during duty hours.

69. CLIN 0016 prices 150 tree prunings per year. Does this represent the government's estimated annual volume based on historical data, or is it a maximum not-to-exceed? If the actual number of safety-required prunings exceeds 150 in a given year, how is that handled — modification or within scope? It is based on a not to exceed. If more prunings are needed then a modification will be done.

70. Appendix A lists 23,865 SF of flower, rock beds, and related areas. The PWS states the government will provide 'any other plants if required' but the contractor replaces plants it damages. Are the 23,865 SF areas currently mulched and planted, or are some bare/inert beds? What is the current plant inventory condition? The beds are currently being maintained and the beds to have established plants. There are some sporadic bare spots where dead plants have been removed.

71. Solicitation Evaluation Factors for Award are identified as Pricing and Technical Acceptability, however there are no Sections L or M providing specifics. Other than the written plan describing how the contractor will continue to perform the essential contractor services identified on page 42 of 43, there is no other submittal direction. Therefore, can the Government please provide specifics on the proposal requirements. Please see the answers to 1,2 and 61.

72. PWS 4.4.2 requires COR approval before each herbicide application, and herbicide mixing may be performed at the Entomology Shop (Building 1120). Will the Entomology Shop be reliably available to contractors during normal duty hours throughout the contract? Is there a queue or scheduling process for mixing access? Yes, they will be available. No but if any issues arise with scheduling just notify the COR.

73. CLIN 0012 prices 2 fertilization events per year for the 4.5 AC of Athletic Fields. Does the government provide fertilizer, or is fertilizer contractor-furnished? The PWS states government provides 'mulch, topsoil, and wood chips' (PWS 3.3) but does not list fertilizer. The contractor is responsible for the fertilizer.

74. PWS 4.6 defines normal hours as 6:30 AM to 4:15 PM, Mon–Fri. However, BASH mowing at Shuqualak must coordinate with Shuqualak flight operations. What are the typical flight operation hours at Shuqualak, and does mowing at Shuqualak require scheduling outside of normal CAFB duty hours? Flying hours vary but the contractor will be allowed to cut during normal duty hours. If AF mission conflicts with the contractors schedule the COR will work to reschedule the work.

75. The PWS requires surface drainage ditches be maintained using boom mowers on vertical banks and weed eaters around obstacles, with herbicide restricted to horizontal/riprap areas. Appendix A shows 37 AC (CAFB) and 14 AC (Shuqualak) ditches. Are these 37 and 14 AC measurements of the ditch basin area only, or do they include the surrounding bank slopes? The requirements include the slopes and basin.

76. Are there any surface ditches along the airfield? If so, how many linear feet in total? Ditch measurements/locations are listed on maps and in Appendix A of the PWS.

77. Our company has encountered tree trimming requirements on other Government contracts that specify only emergency tree trimming. Does the Air Force have any enforceable regulations that forbid or limit tree trimming? Refer to PWS for all tree related standards.

78. Does the Government consider the current Performance Work Statement to be substantially similar to the previous incumbent contract (FA302222C0004), or does it represent a materially expanded requirement? If materially expanded, please identify the principal areas of expansion. The current PWS is substantially similar with a few variations.

79. Were any current PWS requirements previously performed under another contract, task order, Base Operations Support (BOS/BOSC) contract, Civil Engineering contract, or another installation support vehicle? If so, please identify the applicable contract number(s). Yes, FA302222C0004

80. Was any portion of the BASH program previously performed under a separate contract or contract line item? If so, please provide the applicable contract or solicitation number. No.

81. During performance of the incumbent contract or its predecessor, were any Requests for Equitable Adjustment (REAs), contract modifications, or change orders associated with workload or operational requirements not adequately represented in the original contract? Examples may include BASH operations, irrigation, fertilization, pesticide application, tree trimming and removal, wide-area mowing, drainage maintenance, perimeter vegetation management, or storm and debris response. If so, have those work elements been incorporated into the current PWS? None

82. Does the Government maintain historical production data, labor-hour estimates, workload analyses, staffing assumptions, or other acquisition planning data that were used in developing the Independent Government Estimate (IGE)? If so, can that information be released to all offerors? Please review the wage determinations 2015-5157 revisions

83. Are there any flight-line, airfield, or secure-area access restrictions, escort requirements, work-hour limitations, or mission-related operational constraints that could materially impact contractor productivity or scheduling? Entry access letters are done for secure access. Flightline hours/emergencies could effect schedules.

84. Because this is a performance-based contract, are there any minimum service frequencies, response times, or operational expectations beyond those expressly stated in the PWS that offerors should consider when developing their technical approach and pricing? None beyond what is stated.

85. The PWS references herbicide applications and certified applicators. For routine weed control in flower beds, landscaped areas, fence lines, and similar locations, may offerors utilize commercially available weed-control products in accordance with applicable regulations and Government approval requirements, or is the Government specifically requiring herbicide applications performed by a certified applicator for all weed-control activities? Civilian Contractors must have a commercial certification to spray on a federal facility.

86. Can the Government clarify the anticipated frequency for shrub and hedge trimming and pruning throughout the year? If maintenance is to be performed on an as-needed basis, are there any specific appearance standards or performance expectations offerors should consider when developing pricing? PWS 1.1.10

87. Are there any known areas within Columbus AFB or Shuqualak Auxiliary Airfield where access restrictions, security requirements, mission operations, or scheduling constraints may significantly impact contractor operations or equipment usage? Please see answer 29

88. For the tree pruning and tree/stump removal quantities identified in Appendix A, are the estimated quantities provided for pricing purposes only, or do they represent the anticipated annual workload? Anticipated annual workload.

89. For planter beds and flower beds, can the Government provide additional guidance regarding the desired maintenance standard? Specifically:

a. Is the Contractor responsible for furnishing replacement flowers, shrubs, plants, mulch, pine straw, or other landscape materials, or will plant material be Government furnished? PWS 1.5.1, 3.3

b. Does the Government have a preferred weed-control method for flower beds and landscaped areas, such as approved herbicide applications, landscape fabric/felt, weed barriers, mulch, pine straw, or other methods? Primarily mulch, weed barriers and herbicide applications.

c. Are there specific appearance standards, landscaping requirements, or beautification expectations for flower beds throughout the year? PWS 1.5 and 1.5.1

d. Can the Government provide the total number, square footage, or other quantity information for planter beds, flower beds, and landscaped areas requiring maintenance to assist offerors in developing accurate pricing? Appendix A of the PWS

e. If mulch is required, does the Government have a preferred mulch type or color (e.g., natural, brown, black, red, etc.)? PWS 3.3

f. Does the Government prefer mulch, pine straw, or another ground-cover material for flower beds and landscaped areas? Mulch

90. For drainage ditches, are there any locations that require specialized equipment due to steep slopes, access limitations, erosion concerns, wet ground conditions, or other unique site conditions that offerors should consider when developing pricing? PWS 1.6

91. Can the Government confirm whether the acreage figures provided in Appendix A represent all acreage to be maintained under the contract, or if there are additional maintenance areas reflected on the maps that are not included in Appendix A? Appendix A covers all areas

92. Can the Government provide the total acreage for all grounds maintenance areas at Columbus AFB and Shuqualak Auxiliary Airfield by category, including Improved Areas, Semi-Improved Areas, BASH Areas, Unimproved Areas, Surface Drainage Ditches, Athletic Fields, and Flower/Vegetative Beds? Appendix A of the PWS

93. Who is the current incumbent? Ashley Marie Group

94. What is the current contract number and the total value of the base in all option years? FA302222C0004, $3,465,000.

95. The files for all grounds maps that were published with Amendment 001 can't be downloaded or opened for some reason. Could this be corrected? Please complete the Contractor CUI training and email the signed MFR Contract Training Acknowledgement to the POC for access. See first paragraph of SAM.gov solicitation description for more information.

96. Is there any other addendum to the instructions to offerors other than the 52.212-1 that is referenced on page 42 of the solicitation? No.

97. Can the factors that are evaluated for technical acceptability be expanded upon based on some clear instructions as to what is to be included in the technical part of the proposal? Please review the answers to 1,2 and 61.

98. PWS 1.1.1.5 - Will the contractor have an area to dump all debris and limbs on base or do these items have to be carried off base? PWS 4.4.6 The government provides a place.

99. PWS 1.1.7: Can the government give specific rates and ratios and types of fertilizers that they expect to be used for the athletic fields? Appendix A of the PWS

100. PWS 1.2.1.2.2: Can a map be given of the new requirement area for the initial cleaning of the fence or the linear feet of this requirement? Refer to the Perimeter Fence map and Appendix A

101. PWS 1.5.1: Can a government please give specific requirements for mulch applications? For example is the expectation of the contract to mulch these areas once a year? 1x per year

102. PWS 1.5.1 is the square footage of the areas that are to be mulched. The 23,865 of the flowers, rock beds, and related areas that are in Appendix A, if not, can the government please give the square footage of the beds that are expected to be mulched? Appendix A is the measurement

103. For the work at Shuqualak Auxiliary Airfield, is a security clearance required for the personnel performing grounds maintenance, or may standard mowing crews be used with base access arrangements? Please see answer 29

104. The PWS references airfield operations near the BASH areas. Please clarify what radio communication equipment is required for coordinating with the control tower during grounds maintenance on or near the airfield, and whether that equipment is contractor-furnished or government-furnished. PWS 1.3.3