Attachment 10 - FA441724Q0043 QandA 15 March 2024 v1.pdf

FA441724Q0043 Grounds Ques�ons & Answers

1. Q: I want to inquire if you could provide informa�on on the incumbent that was previously awarded, if previously awarded, for this contract. Specifically, we are interested in the company's name, the solicita�on number, and the contract amount if this informa�on is publicly available.

A: Contractor: VetPride Services, Inc. Solicita�on #: FA441719QA012. Performance started 14 March 2020. Original contract award amount: $3,853,844.00. Period of performance at award was 14 March 2020 through 13 March 2024.

2. Q: How is payment for the contract handled? (A�er comple�on of contract, a�er award of contract, a percentage of the contract award price upfront with payments of the remaining balance through the contract �me, or is it progress payments)

A: Payment will be made u�lizing Performance Based Payments under FAR 52.232-32 which is included in the solicita�on. FAR 52.232-32 (b) states the following: Contractor request for performance-based payment. The Contractor may submit requests for payment of performance-based payments not more frequently than monthly, in a form and manner acceptable to the Contrac�ng Officer. Unless otherwise authorized by the Contrac�ng Officer, all performance-based payments in any period for which payment is being requested shall be included in a single request, appropriately itemized and totaled.

3. Q: Are there any restric�ons in the payment amount of the contract to subcontractors who are not SDVOSB cer�fied? If so, what are the percentages?

A: FAR 52.219-14, Limita�ons on Subcontrac�ng (Devia�on 2021-O0008) has been included in the solicita�on. Services (except construc�on), it will not pay more than 50 percent of the amount paid by the Government for contract performance, excluding certain other direct costs and certain work performed outside the United States (see paragraph (e)(1)(i)), to subcontractors that are not similarly situated en��es.

4. Q: Is there an op�on in bidding for contract financing?

A: Contract financing is not provided under this solicita�on. Payment will be made u�lizing Performance Based Payments under FAR 52.232-32 which is included in the solicita�on.

5. Q: Is past/current performance experience in the field required?

A: Past performance informa�on is required and requested in FAR 52.212-1, Part III, “Past Performance Informa�on Submission”. The specific evalua�on criteria for the required past performance is provided in FAR 52.212-2, “Past Performance Evalua�on”.

6. Topic: Past Performance Reference: Instruc�ons to Offerors, Page 73 RFP

Q: The instruc�ons state that only contracts completed as the prime contractor can be submited. This is limi�ng and not in line with FAR 15.305(a)(2)(iii), which states: “The evalua�on should take into account past performance informa�on regarding predecessor companies, key personnel who have relevant experience, or subcontractors that will perform major or cri�cal aspects of the requirement when such informa�on is relevant to the instant acquisi�on.” Can the government please revise this language to allow major subcontractor’s past performance to be considered?

A: In accordance with FAR 52.212-1, If a teaming arrangement/Joint Venture is contemplated, provide complete informa�on as to the arrangement, including up to five (5) recent and relevant past/present performance informa�on on previous arrangements with same partner or as this en�ty (CAGE). If this is a first �me joint effort, each party to the arrangement must submit separate past performance informa�on. Subcontractor past performance may only be disclosed for use by the prime contractor if a leter of consent to release past performance informa�on to the prime is completed by the subcontractor and included with the past performance.

7. Q: Can the past performance of a key subcontractor be used in the proposal in lieu of past performance of the prime?

A: In accordance with FAR 52.212-1, If a teaming arrangement/Joint Venture is contemplated, provide complete informa�on as to the arrangement, including up to five (5) recent and relevant past/present performance informa�on on previous arrangements with same partner or as this en�ty (CAGE). If this is a first �me joint effort, each party to the arrangement must submit separate past performance informa�on. Subcontractor past performance may only be disclosed for use by the prime contractor if a leter of consent to release past performance informa�on to the prime is completed by the subcontractor and included with the past performance.

8. Topic: Evalua�on Factors for Award Reference: Solicita�on

Q: The evalua�on factors for award sec�ons 1 and 2 contradict each other. Sec�on 1 states that Technical and Past Performance are more important than Price, whereas Sec�ons 2 and 4 suggest this is a Lowest-Priced Technically Acceptable evalua�on. Which is correct?

A: The contract award decision will be based upon the criteria established in FAR 52.212-2, Evalua�on Factors for Award. Price, Technical and past performance will be evaluated based upon the criteria as stated in the “Synopsis of Evalua�on”.

9. Topic: Font Reference: RFP Page 71

Q: Can charts be 10-point font?

A: Charts can be 10-point font.

10. Topic: Page Limits

Reference: RFP Page 71

Q: Are cover leters, table of contents, and capability matrix included in page count?

A: Cover leter, table of contents will not count toward the page count. Capability matrix will be counted towards page count.

11. Q: Is there an equipment limita�on? (I.e. limited to what sort of equipment can be used such as tractors and shredders)

A: No, but specialized equipment is required for some of the unimproved grounds, i.e. Swamp Master.

12. Q: Is the equipment required to be removed between opera�ons and is there an area on the base to store the equipment?

A: Yes, but there are storage areas for airfield equipment. Pictures of the storage loca�on are provided for reference.

13. Q: What are hours of opera�on?

A: Between 0600 – 1800. Hours of Opera�on are stated in the PWS paragraph 4.6.

14. Q: Is there a place on base to dispose of lawn clippings and yard waste?

A: The government supplies a dumpster at the ground’s laydown yard.

15. Q: On the Appendix B aerial map, it shows 184 acres on semi-improved ground in addi�on to the 147 acres of improved grounds and 184 acres of unimproved grounds. Are we also bidding to work the semi-improved grounds or is that separate from this solicita�on?

A: Improved grounds, CLIN *0002 (PWS 1.1), Semi-improved grounds, CLIN *0006, and unimproved grounds, CLIN *0009 require a quote for the base year and all op�on years. In addi�on, performance is required based upon the criteria established in the performance work statement.

16. Topic: Mowing Frequency Reference: PWS Sec�on 1 and 1.1

Q: Historically, how many �mes are the improved grounds mowed between March 15th and December 15th?

A: Historical average of 48 �mes. Number of �mes may vary depending on the weather patern for each year.

17. Topic: Mowing Frequency Reference: PWS Sec�on 1.2.1

Q: Historically, how many �mes are the semi-improved grounds mowed annually?

A: Historical average of 18 �mes. Number of �mes may vary depending on the weather patern for each year.

18. Topic: Mowing Frequency Reference: PWS Sec�on 1.3.1

Q: Historically, how many �mes are the BASH / Airfield grounds mowed annually?

A: Historical average of 18. Number of �mes may vary depending on the weather patern for each year.

19. Topic: Leaf Removal Reference: PWS, Appendix A, pg. 22 Q: Can the government confirm the unit for leaf removal? Is it 25 acres? The quan�ty in Appendix A is 25, with the unit as needed and the frequency 0-6 �mes. Sec�on 1.1.7 states leaf removal should occur in the improved grounds which is 147 acres.

A: Leaf removal will be conducted on as needed basis and only requested in accordance with Paragraph 1.1.7 in the PWS. Quote for leaf removal will be requested at the �me of required service based upon the criteria established in paragraph 1.8.4 (special cuts). Area of request will not be determined un�l the request is submited to the contractor for a quote for services. CLIN 0004, 1004, 2004, 3004 and 4004 has been deleted and leaf removal will only be requested through the “Special Cuts” procedures CLIN 0013

20. Topic: Leaf Removal Reference: PWS, Appendix A, pg. 22 Q: The language for the leaf removal is confusing and contradictory. CLIN 0004 is for leaf removal, but it states in the PWS, “The contractor shall upon no�fica�on by the CO or COR through the issuance of a work order, provide a quote to perform leaf removal. The quote from the contractor will be evaluated based upon the criteria established in paragraph 1.8.4 (special cuts). The contractor shall remove leaves in areas of improved grounds to maintain a neat and professional appearance.” Should the offeror include a price for CLIN 0004 in their submission?

A: Leaf removal will be conducted on as needed basis and only requested in accordance with Paragraph 1.1.7 in the PWS. Quote for leaf removal will be requested at the �me of required service based upon the criteria established in paragraph 1.8.4 (special cuts). Area of request will not be determined un�l the request is submited to the contractor for a quote for services CLIN 0004, 1004, 2004, 3004 and 4004 has been deleted and leaf removal will only be requested through the “Special Cuts” procedures CLIN 0013

21. Topic: Edging Reference: PWS, Appendix A, pg. 22 and 1.1.2 Q: Can the government confirm that edging should occur concurrently with each mowing service?

A: Yes. Supplemental informa�on has been added to the PWS paragraph 1.2.3.

22. Topic: Weed Control REF: PWS 1.1.4, Appendix A, pg. 22 Q: Can the government confirm that this sec�on of the PWS is only for controlling weeds and vegeta�on growing from expansion joints, cracks in pavement, sidewalks, curbs, and parking lots, as outlined in Appendix A? Are there other requirements, such as controlling growing weeds in the turfgrass areas?

A: There is currently no requirement to control growing weeds in turfgrass areas.

23. Irriga�on Maintenance

REF: PWS 1.1.6.1

Q: Can the government confirm the total acreage the contractor is required to manually irrigate under 1.1.6.1?

A: There is no requirement to manually irrigate. Irriga�on opera�on is conducted using the automated irriga�on system.

24. Irriga�on Maintenance

REF: PWS 1.1.6.2

Q: Can the government confirm that the contractor is not responsible for any repairs to the irriga�on system, and if a repair is necessary, will a quote be requested? PWS Sec�on 1.1.6.2 states: “The contractor shall upon no�fica�on by the CO or COR through the issuance of a work order, provide a quote to perform irriga�on system maintenance. The quote from the contractor will be evaluated based upon the criteria established in paragraph 1.8.4 (special cuts).

Maintenance includes but is not limited to draining and charging systems, replacing damaged or broken control devices and sprinkler heads, and repair of ruptured pipes. Maintain equipment and systems to be efficient and in good opera�onal working order. Replacement of pumps, controllers, clocks/�mers, or backflow preven�on devices is not included in rou�ne maintenance of irriga�on systems. The irriga�on system to be maintained and related workload data is iden�fied in Appendix A and B.” Therefore, what is the CLIN 0003 price for?

A: The contractor is responsible for all repairs to the irriga�on system resul�ng from damage to the system by contractor personnel while performing grounds maintenance services.

Faulty/inopera�ve irriga�on system components iden�fied by the government or contractor (not damaged during service) will be repaired based upon the criteria established in the PWS paragraph 1.8.4.

25. Drainage Ditches

REF: PWS 1.6.2

Q: The government has provided the total linear feet of drainage ditches. However, can the government provide the average width and depth of the drainage ditches so the offeror can ensure the proper equipment is procured for maintenance? This informa�on will also impact produc�vity rates and total labor required.

A: Average width and depth is not currently available. Most ditches are maintained with approved spray and weed eaters.

26. Q: What is the annual quan�ty of ditch services performed per year?

A: Ditches are maintained both monthly and quarterly based upon weather paterns and growth season.

27. Q: Addi�onally, the price schedule shows 12 months of services; however, Appendix A of the PWS shows nine months. Which is correct?

A: Those services requiring pricing for 12 months are iden�fied in the solicita�on such as CLIN 0005, Prune Shrub, Hedges and other Plants – 12 months. Those services requiring 9 months of service are iden�fied in the solicita�on such as CLIN 0006, Maintain Semi-improved grounds, Growing season, - 9 months.

28. Topic: Tree Pruning REF: PWS Appendix A and Price Schedule

Q: Are the 2,700 trees an annual total, or are 2,700 trees required to be pruned monthly?

A: This is an annual es�mated total of trees requiring pruning.

29. Topic: Tree Pruning

Q: Are contractors expected to prune trees over 15’?

A: Yes, if they are touching a facility and Palm trees are over 15’.

30. Topic: Special Cuts

Q: Can the government confirm that Appendix A consists of 5 acres each month, or what does the 5 EA encompass in terms of quan�ty of measurement? PWS Sec�on 1.8.4 states, “Provide unit pricing for Special Cuts within 72 hours of the issuance of the request for quota�on.”

Therefore, how should the contractor supply a price for CLIN 0013?

A: Special cuts is as needed, and contractor will submit a quote for special cuts when requested.

5 each is an es�mated number of requests per year and not a quan�ty measure of dimension.

The contractor will evaluate the request from the government and provide pricing based upon the requested service.

31. Topic: Restroom REF: PWS Sec�on 3 Q: Is there a restroom at Building 90008?

A: A restroom is available in the facility.

32. Topic: Unimproved area Ref: PWS Sec�on 1.4 Q: During the site visit, we were not able to clearly see the unimproved at the Northend of the runway where we were told there is a dock/walkway that extends out from the BASH area into the Unimproved area. It was noted that there are lights located in the water with catails and weeds surrounding them in the Unimproved area. As these are Airfield Lights, are they to be maintained in accordance with BASH standards?

A: This area is required to be maintained. Pictures of the lights in the unimproved area have been provided for reference.

33. Topic: Unimproved area

Q: Since the bus was not able to take us to the Northend of the runway, it was stated that perhaps pictures of the unimproved/wetlands could be provided. We would like to request that, if at all possible, would you please provide pictures of the area so that we can properly prepare our proposal?

A: Pictures have been provided for details on the specified area

34. Topic: Unimproved area

Q: During the site visit, it was discussed that the Unimproved area at the Northend of the Runway is obviously Wetlands and not accessible by a tractor as they noted standing water throughout the en�re Unimproved area. Is this area to be treated as Wetlands requiring specialized mowing equipment capable of mowing under the 2 PSI threshold?

A: Yes. Specialized equipment is required for some of the unimproved grounds, i.e. Swamp Master.

35. Topic: BASH Ref: PWS Sec�on 1.3 Q: Throughout the BASH area, we no�ced numerous areas of Wetlands. Are these areas to maintained at the BASH standard at all �mes? As these areas are marked as Wetlands on the maps, are they to be maintained with specialized low PSI equipment designed to work in Wetlands?

A: These areas are to be maintained at the BASH standard at all �mes. Currently they are being maintained with aqua�c spray and weed eaters. Each separate service area is iden�fied and color coded on the provided map.

36. Topic: BASH Ref: PWS Sec�on 1.3 Q: In looking under 1.3 Maintain Bird Air Strike Hazard Area/BASH, 1.3.1 states “…grass, weeds, and vegeta�on shall be maintained between 10-14 inches during the month of August. At no �me will the grass be shorter than 10 inches during the month of August through October.” No where in this sec�on does it reference a maximum height that the area is allowed to reach. Is there a maximum tolerance in these months?

A: PWS has been updated to reference of required heights in more detail.

37. Topic: Prune Shrub, Hedges, and other plants Ref: PWS Sec�on 1.1.11 Q: In looking at the PWS, under 1.1.11 Prune Shrubs, Hedges and Other Plants, it is not clear as to the loca�on of the shrubs. During the site visit, it was stated all shrubs on the base are to be maintained under these standards. If this is the intent, it appears that the count in Appendix A Item 6, Prune Shrubs and Other Plants with a quan�ty of 4,130 appears extremely low. Please confirm if it is the intent to have all shrubs on base maintained under this standard and what the es�mated workload would be?

A: There was an error in number of shrubs and PWS has been updated with the corrected total.

38. Topic: Maintain Vegeta�ve beds, inert beds, rock beds and related areas Ref: PWS Sec�on 1.5 Q: At the Main/Front gate, there are several large bed areas. In looking at the Appendix B Area Map/Site Plan, it appears that these areas are “pink” indica�ng “to be serviced”. On this same map it lists “Contractor Flower Beds” with Building numbers. This gate area does not appear to be called out on the list. Is it to be serviced? This appears to be true of numerous other areas throughout the installa�on, where they are not called out by building number. Are they to be serviced as well?

A: There is not a facility number available for some flower beds, but all flower beds are highlighted as vegeta�ve bed on the provided map shall be maintained.

39. Topic: Unimproved area

Q: In looking at 1.4 Unimproved Grounds, it has as the only requirement to Mow the area. Is the intent to have this area trimmed and edged when this area is serviced?

A: Any area with facili�es, sidewalks or driveways shall be trimmed and edged. The PWS has been updated to reflect the edging requirement.

40. Topic: Maintain Semi-improved grounds Ref: PWS Sec�on 1.2 Q: In looking at 1.2 Maintain Semi Improved Grounds, it has the requirement of Mowing under

1.2.1 and Trimming under 1.2.2. There are numerous sidewalks and curbs running through these areas. Are these areas to be edged during servicing?

A: Any area with facili�es, sidewalks or driveways shall be trimmed and edged. The PWS has been updated to reflect the edging requirement.

41. Topic: Descrip�on of services Ref: PWS Sec�on 1 Q: The contract states that the growing season begins on March 15. Is it the intent of the government to have the en�re installa�on in standard by March 15 or begin service on Mach 15?

A: The area must be brought within growing season standards by March 15

42. Topic: Irriga�on

Q: How many sprinkler zones are there? Where are the Loca�ons of the control panels?

A: 46 sprinkler zones. Specific loca�on of sprinkler heads and control panels are provided on page 25 of the PWS. Sprinkler heads and control panels are color coded for iden�fica�on purposes.

43. Q: How many wells are controlling the irriga�on systems that we are responsible for maintaining?

A: There are no wells.

44. Q: What size are the wells men�oned above?

A: No wells

45. Q: How many irriga�on controllers/�mers that irrigate the areas that we are responsible for maintaining?

A: Specific loca�on of sprinkler heads and control panels are provided on page 25 of the PWS.

Sprinkler heads and control panels are color coded for iden�fica�on purposes.

46. Q: What brand are the controllers? Rain bird? Hunter?

A: A current inventory of the types of controllers is not available.

47. Q: Will each controller be capable of suppor�ng a LIMR atachment which allows an irriga�on controller remote to connect to and operate zones without having to manual change zones on �mer?

A: No remote op�on is currently available. Current system is controlled by a panel.

48. Topic: Acreages Q: The acreages displayed for the Improved Grounds is 147 acres. Does this reflect the total acreage for one service?

A: Yes, the total service area is required to be maintained in accordance with the specifica�ons in the PWS.

49. Q: The acreages displayed for the Semi-Improved Grounds is 187 acres. Does this reflect the total acreage for one service?

50. Q: The acreages displayed for the BASH is 389 acres. Does this reflect the total acreage for one service?

51. Q: The LF displayed for Surface Drainage Ditch Maintenance is 101,342 LF. Does this reflect the total LF for one service?

52. Q: The SF displayed for Flower Beds is 203,336. Does this reflect the total SF for one service?

53. Q: Would there be any schedules provided for facili�es in the scope of work that require addi�onal no�ce or security? Ex. Air field

A: Only secure facili�es are located within the AMMO area. Scheduling will be coordinated with the facility as required.

54. Q: Are we to provide a go by schedule of maintenance for each highlighted sec�on of the drawing? or an overall schedule to be approved?

A: Contractors must provide their schedule in accordance with the PWS sec�on 4.15 through

4.15.3. All schedules and poten�al changes must be coordinated based upon the criteria established in the PWS.

55. Q: If inclement weather impacts or changes the schedule, would weekend work be available to compensate?

A: Yes. Weekend work will be authorized as required for performance. No increased compensa�on will be nego�ated due to weather impacts.

56. Q: Can you define "Growing season" as men�oned in the SOW Packet.

A: Growing season is defined as March 15 – Dec 15 as specified in the PWS sec�on 1.

57. Q: A lay-down area was men�oned during the site visit, would a temporary structure be suitable for placement to store equipment /trailers & and material for the project? Ex. portable / collapsible tent or Conn ex.

A: No temporary structures are currently authorized.

58. Q: In this lay down area, would fuel storage be allowed?

A: Yes, fuel storage is allowed

59. Q: Is there any work to be completed on the wet land? it’s not specified in the drawing, if so is there a map showing these specific delinea�ons with the work to be completed or any precau�ons to take or make note of if so?

A: Un-improved grounds include some wetland areas and equipment u�lized must maintain a 2 psi footprint. Specialized equipment may be required for some of the unimproved grounds, i.e.

Swamp Master.

60. Q: It is stated on pg. 5 of Atachment 1 that “If a plant should die or become unhealthy due to damage, the Contractor will be responsible for replacing the damaged plant with a plant of same size and type.”. Does this only include if the contractor is responsible for the damage, or would this cover all damage outside of the contractor’s control as well?

A: Replacement is only if the plant is damaged by contractor.

61. Q: Are there specific quan��es or frequencies of pre and post emergent chemical applica�ons for weed control in turf and bed areas required? Please provide/state the desired/required quan��es of these services on an annual basis.

A: No specific quan�ty or frequency request. Services must be performed, and areas maintained in accordance with the PWS.

62. Q: Can the total number of irriga�on controllers and individual irriga�on zones that will be required to be maintained be provided? There is only one map provided (pg. 25 of Atachment

1) showing irriga�on. Is this all the irriga�on that is to be maintained on the en�re property?

A: There are 46 zones. Specific loca�on of sprinkler heads and control panels are provided on page 25 of the PWS. Sprinkler heads and control panels are color coded for iden�fica�on purposes.

63. Q: It is stated on pg. 7 of Atachment 1 that “…replacing damaged or broken control devices and sprinkler heads, and repair of ruptured pipes.” is to be included in the maintenance of irriga�on systems. Can you provide an allowance of hours and material cost that each bidder should include to cover these repairs? This is an unquan�fiable amount based on unforeseen circumstances so pricing this scope will be difficult to accurately reflect.

A: Maintenance will be performed and quoted according to the PWS paragraph 1.1.6.2.

Irriga�on system parts that require maintenance will be iden�fied by the contractor or the government and will be requested as needed.

64. Q: Can specific instruc�ons and informa�on be provided for the BASH plan to minimize seeds and flowers be provided to all bidders?

A: BASH plan is listed in PWS Sec�on 1.3.1.

65. Q: How many fer�lizer applica�ons are required per year for bed and turf areas for the Improved, Semi-Improved, Un-Improved Grounds areas?

A: None.

66. Q: Can specific instruc�ons and informa�on be provided regarding the approved aqua�c spray chemicals that will be acceptable for drainage ditches?

A: Any aqua�c spray approved on DOD file lis�ng.

67. Q: Can specific licenses that are required be stated to all bidders? Since chemical applica�ons are required, specific hor�cultural licenses will be required to apply them. Please provide a cumula�ve list of what is required.

A: Only a state spray license is required.

68. Q: Are there costs associated with the iden�fica�on badges that will be required? If so, what is the cost, per employee?

A: All badging requirements/iden�fica�on requirements required by the PWS paragraph 4.8 are the responsibility of the contractor. Costs will not be reimbursed by the government.

69. Q: Can a higher resolu�on map of the Drainage Ditches be provided? The current map only indicates ditches via a thin yellow line and the areas iden�fied are so small on the provided map that it is difficult to discern where all the drainage ditches are.

A: A different version of the map has been provided, however, it is the only other version currently available.

70. Q: Can addi�onal mapping for the areas as shown on Appendix B be provided to show each loca�on on a smaller scale area? Like the Drainage Ditches, the map covers such a large area that the color-coded areas on this map are hard to dis�nguish accurately for the flowerbed areas specifically.

A: A different version of the map has been provided, however, it is the only other version currently available.

71. Q: Are there any costs associated with u�lizing the facili�es on loca�on by the contractor? If so, please explain. I.e., rent, insurance, etc.

A: No costs are passed on to the contractor for the use of facili�es. Insurance is required in accordance with FAR 52.228-5.

72. Q: What areas will require hand watering by the contractor? What are the frequencies that this hand watering is to be provided at?

A: Hand watering is not required.

73. Q: Are there any chargebacks for debris removal? In other words, will Hurlburt Field bill the contractor for haul off if we u�lize provided dumpsters?

A: No charge to the contractor for use of government provided dumpsters.

74. Q: Regarding palm pruning, is the total palm count included in the 2,700-quan�ty provided on the Es�mated Workload Data (Annually) sheet? Can you please provide a specific count just for the palm trees? It appears that the palm trees have not been pruned in quite some �me.

A: The palm trees are included in the 2,700 quan�ty. There is no current data available to provide a specific number of palm trees on Hurlburt Field.

75. Q: Please confirm that the site condi�ons will be brought to maintainable standard, per specifica�ons provided, prior to the commencement of this contract.

A: Base will be within specifica�ons prior to the commencement of the next contract.