30 - Questins and Answers - 2025 JBC Grounds Mx.pdf

2025 JBC Grounds Mx – Questions & Answers

Duplicate questions were omitted.

Question 01: Are contractors expected to cover two separate bases, specifically one encompassing 908 acres and the other 600 acres?

Answer 01: The contract requirement covers all of Joint Base Charleston (JBC) which includes Charleston Air Base, Naval Weapons Station, and all areas identified in Appendix B. For acreage clarification see Table 1 at the bottom of this Q&A.

Question 02: Will the Government allow the employment of H2B visa workers?

Answer 02: H2B visa workers are allowed, assuming they meet all JBC access requirements IAW requirements stated in PWS 4.7.

Question 03: Can you confirm whether the fuel tanks located on the base are owned by the contractor?

Answer 03: The fuel tanks located at the contractor laydown yards are contractor rented/owned.

Question 04: Could you clarify if this contract is a total small business set-aside?

Answer 04: Yes. The contract is a 100% total small business set-aside.

Question 05: How frequently must the munitions areas be maintained or cleared?

Answer 05: The eventual contract will be performance-based, frequencies are determined by the contractor as needed to meet contract requirements.

Question 06: Is there a designated location on-site for debris disposal, such as a military facility dump area?

Answer 06: A 40-yard dumpster is provided by the government at the laydown yard at the Air Force Base and the Naval Weapons Station for disposal of debris generated by recurring services. For unpriced non-recurring services, disposal cost shall be built into the contractor's quote.

Question 07: Based on the Air Base Map, East/West Annex Map, South Annex Map, North Annex Map, Short Stay Map and the Old Navy Yard Map, is there a possibility to have a break down in acres base on:

a) Improved Grounds

b) Semi-Improved Grounds

c) Un-Improved Grounds

Answer 07: For acreage clarification see Table 1 at the end of this Q&A.

Question 08: Out of the 108 acres of shrub pruning, hedge pruning and other pruning, does the government have an idea of how many shrubs, hedges are there present?

Answer 08: The government does not have a count of shrubs and hedges. Maps provided in the appendices, marked with a checkered box to annotate the specific location of the 108 acres containing shrubs and hedges. The government did perform an assessment of the 108 acres, and it was determined that approximately 13% of the acreage contained shrubs, hedges and groundcover.

Question 09: Are there designated dates/times the airfield can be cut?

Answer 09: All areas outside of the Controlled Movement Area (CMA) can be maintained anytime.

Areas within the CMA require prior coordination with the government and shall be established post award. See PWS 1.7 and Appendix A BASH.

Question 10: Clarification: Will the contract have any maintenance responsibilities at the golf course?

Answer 10: No.

Question 11: Does "reserved" on the PWS sheet indicate a task order/non-base contract work?

Answer 11: “Reserved” indicates a service that is not included in the contract requirement.

Question 12: Is the contractor responsible for maintenance of the Transmission Lines on base?

Answer 12: The contractor is not responsible for transmission line tree trimming on a recurring basis, only for maintenance of grounds where transmission lines traverse. Emergency tree trimming shall be on a case-by-case basis.

Question 13: Is the contractor responsible for housing area's inside of privacy fencing? Is that area resident responsibility?

Answer 13: No, property behind a privacy fence shall be the resident’s responsibility.

Question 14: Housing areas: What is the full responsibility of the contractor when it comes to the housing areas? Common grounds, front yards? Tree and debris removal?

Answer 14: The contractor shall not be required to perform within designated housing areas.

Question 15: Can the contractor keep 500-gallon fuel tanks on site for equipment in both lay down yards?

Answer 15: Yes; however, must follow all local, state and federal regulations IAW PWS 4.3.

Question 16: Does this contract require a Category 7A pesticide license?

Answer 16: Pest control program is determined by the contractor; if a contractor’s choice of pesticide requires a license, the contractor shall be licensed IAW all local, state and federal regulations. Refer to PWS 1.1.5, 4.3, and 4.4.

Question 17: Pricing Sheet: Is the formula in cell "H35" (CLIN 0002 Total) correct? It is currently summing up all amounts in its table and amounts from the previous table (including the CLIN 0001 total)?

Answer 17: Formulas reviewed and corrected. Please use revision 1 with your proposal submission.

Question 18: What limitations or regulations are there with remote control or autonomous equipment in munitions and BASH areas?

Answer 18: At this time, no remote or autonomous equipment are in use or have been approved for performance within these areas. Use of remote of autonomous equipment shall require contractor submission and government approval of remote or autonomous equipment. Required approvals are not feasible within the solicitation and evaluation times for this requirement. The government may consider contractor request for use of such equipment after contract award.

Question 19: Appendix A in the PWS does not list estimates for all descriptions. Is it possible to distribute all the workload amounts?

Answer 19: As a performance based requirement, the government relies upon experience of contractors to adequately estimate workload not included in Appendix A, to develop their proposal.

Question 20: Does the government find the performance and appearance of the grounds maintenance contract acceptable at this time?

Answer 20: The Government will not provide current contractor performance information.

Question 21: What are the maintenance expectations for the railroad beds in the West/East Weapons Stations Annex?

Answer 21: Assuming “railroad beds” is referring to the ballast (rock area under and beside the tracks), this area is not the contractor’s responsibility to maintain. See Appendix B for defined areas of responsibility.

Question 22: Wage Determination 2015-4427 Revision 26 was released on 05/07/2024, is there an updated Wage Determination the Government would like the Contractor to use when pricing the labor costs?

Answer 22: Yes. Use Wage Determination 2015-4427, Rev 27, Dated 7/22/2024; will be amended to the solicitation. Also, effective January 1, 2025, Executive Order 14026 minimum wage rate paid to workers performing work on or in connection with covered contracts will increase to $17.75 per hour. Offerors are advised to incorporate wage rates from Wage Determination 2015-4427, Rev 27, Dated 7/22/2024 and Executive Order 14026 in their proposal.

Question 23: Is the Contractor to bid this solicitation as if the grounds were currently in compliance?

Answer 23: Yes.

Question 24: PWS Appendix A – Grounds Description/Workload Estimates. Can the Government provide a breakdown of improved, semi-improved, unimproved, edging, fertilization, and elimination of vegetation quantities that are located on the Airbase and those quantities that are located on the Naval Weapons Station?

Answer 24: For acreage clarification see Table 1 at the end of this Q&A.

Question 25: PWS Appendix A – Grounds Description/Workload Estimates. Can the Government provide the specific types of mulch and sand they require for Playground Mulch and Sand Replacement?

Answer 25: This is a non-reoccurring service which will be established on a case-by-case basis per PWS 1.1.7 and 1.1.13.

Question 26: PWS Appendix A – Grounds Description/Workload Estimates. In the MSA Section, there are 372.6 acres listed across improved/semi-improved for the Air Base and the NWS. Of these 372.6 acres, how many are Earth Covered Mounds vs. flat acres?

Answer 26: It is estimated that 75 acres are Earth Covered Mounds, flat acres are not specified.

For acreage clarification see Table 1 at the end of this Q&A.

Question 27: PWS Section 1.1.1 Mow. This section refers to the height of grass requirement. What is the dominant grass species?

Answer 27: There are several species of grass within JB CHS. No particular species is considered dominant. The government does not prefer one species over another.

Question 28: PWS Section 1.1.5.1 Turf Weed Control. Is it the goal of the Weed Control Program to eliminate the weeds listed in Appendix C from the 908 acres of Improved Grounds turf? In other words, is the Contractor to adapt a program of pre-emergent, post-emergent, and growth regulation to promote one dominant species of grass? If so, what is the goal species? Currently, the turf is a mixture of several different species, both grass and weeds, if we were to implement a program across all 908 acres, there could be vast areas of dead/brown vegetation which could be unsightly for extended periods of time.

Answer 28: The governments’ objective is to have a clean and professional appearance. The government relies on the expertise of the contractor to determine what species would be most effective to produce that result. Appendix C is supplied to demonstrate an example of the types of weeds that exist.

Question 29: PWS Section 1.1.10.1 Fertilization. Do the 460 fertilization acres currently present with a dominant grass species? The concern is, fertilizing turf that is currently mixed species of grass and weeds will cause the unwanted weedy vegetation to thrive.

Answer 29: The expectation is for the contractor to have an effective weed control program, combined with a fertilization program to minimize unwanted growth.

Question 30: PWS 1.6.1 Security and Perimeter Fence Line. Can the Government provide the approximate acreage for the fence lines that are to be cleared 10 feet inside and outside?

Answer 30: The government estimates 72.6 miles of fence-line requiring maintenance 10 feet within and 10 feet without. The government estimates 13.44 miles of fence-line requiring maintenance 10 feet within. Offerors are required to compute acreage(s).

Question 31: Can the Contractor utilize RTV type vehicles to move freely around the Airbase?

Answer 31: Yes.

Question 32: Can the Contractor stage equipment in an area we are currently servicing overnight or are we required to return all equipment to our designated lay down areas each day?

Answer 32: This will be considered/approved by the COR on a case-by-case basis, it will be allowed if the overnight area in question does not impact mission or cause a security violation.

Question 33: Can the Contractor store fuel on base?

Answer 33: Yes, in the approved laydown yards, however the contractor must follow all local, state and federal regulations as per the PWS.

Question 34: Regarding grass height specifications, will seed heads be excluded from this requirement?

For instance, Bahia Grass (Paspalum notatum) tends to produce seed heads rapidly after mowing. While certain herbicide applications can help reduce seed head production, they require time to take effect.

Answer 34: Refer to PWS 1.1.1 – Communication with CO/CS/COR regarding application and projected resolution should be accomplished to avoid documented deficiencies resulting from specific grass types.

Question 35: Regarding rights-of-way or fence lines that are inaccessible to equipment, such as a SkyTrim, due to swampy conditions, what are the expectations for maintenance in these areas if even pedestrian access is nearly impossible?

Answer 35: Refer to PWS chapter 1.6.1.1. “Exempt (inaccessible) areas are not captured on maps, nor are they included in total acreages.”

Question 36: In parking areas where vehicles are frequently parked over curbs and onto grassy areas, such as NNPTC and NPTU, what are the expectations for maintenance? While we can use string trimmers and blowers to clear vehicles, some grass debris may be unavoidable.

Answer 36: The contractor will have 24/7 access to JBC. Coordination with COR or Facility Managers to allow unobstructed performance is encouraged. Contractors are asked to keep applicable areas free of debris to the maximum extent practicable.

Question 37: Does the North Side lay down facility at the end of Pomflant Rd have wired internet accessibility or will it require a "hotspot"?

Answer 37: No internet is available at this location.

Question 38: When is the projected contract start date?

Answer 38: Period of Performance start date 01 Mar 2025

Question 39: How much lead time will the contractor prior to start of the contract?

Answer 39: The government intends to provide a Minimum of 30 days.

Question 40: Are the Buildings that were located in each of the government provided lay down areas owned by the Government?

Answer 40: The only building provided is at B377 and is owned by the government, see PWS chapter 3.1 and 3.2.

Question 41: Reference is made to paragraph 1.5 Remove Debris/Police Grounds of the PWS, will the contractor be responsible for clean-up after a storm has caused damage? Will storm damage be paid separately?

Answer41: Storm damage resulting in excessive debris from a named storm will fall under PWS chapter 1.9, and not considered in scope of the recurring services.

Question 42: Reference is made to paragraphs in the PWS 1.13 Special Requirements, 1.13.1 Trees, 1.13.1.1; Tree Care, 1.13.1.2 Tree Standards, 1.13.1.3. Emergency Spot Pruning/Trimming, 1/13/1/4 Tree and Stump Removal, 1.13.1.5 Emergency Tree and Stump Removal and CLIN of the Pricing Spreadsheet

XXX2, XXX3, XXX4, XXX5, XXX6.

a) These are the only references to tree maintenance in the solicitation that we can find. Are these the only requirements for tree maintenance?

Answer 42(a): Yes.

b) What is the maximum height of Tree pruning, the description for in the Pricing Spreadsheet XXX2 20ft or less, no lift?

Answer 42(b): There is not maximum height for tree pruning; however, 20ft is the maximum the government is requesting to be pre-priced.

c) Who is responsible for tree pruning when the height of the tree exceeds 20ft?

Answer 42(c): Tree trimming for both under and over 20ft are included in the contract requirement as a non-reoccurring service. The pricing sheet only asks for the price for under 20ft trimming, over 20ft trimming the government would request a quote per PWS per 1.13.

Question 43: Reference is made to paragraph 1.6 Fenceline Maintenance and 1.1.6 Security and Perimeter Fence line in the PWS, is there a vertical clearance height over the fence lines that need to be maintained?

Answer 43: No

Question 44: Can you please provide a breakdown of the acreages by Base?

Answer 44: For acreage clarification see Table 1 at the end of this Q&A.

Question 45: CLIN 0001 Maintain Improved Grounds (IG), Growing Season PWS, there are 2 CLINS for the same Service, under the PWS comments the second one has 1.1.13 as an additional comment; in the PWS Paragraph is Prune Shrubs, Hedges, and Other Plants, the instruction notes state Exclude “prune shrubs, hedges, and other plants” (PWS 1.1.13) Price 800 of the 908 IG acres. Are we to exclude a price for shrub pruning of 800 acres of shrubs, hedges, and other plants from CLIN and in the other CLIN include the price of pruning 108 acres of shrubs, hedges, and other plants from the other CLIN?

Answer 45: The government advises offerors of the 908 improved ground acres, only 108 acres require pruning shrubs, hedges, and ground cover. Of the 108 acres only 13% is considered to contain shrubs, hedges, and ground cover. Offerors should not include the price to perform pruning of shrubs, hedges, and ground cover in the price sheet items identified as “no pruning”.

Question 46: Which of the CLINs for Improved Grounds will the Government utilize for evaluation of proposals?

Answer 46: All areas in the pricing sheet are part of the Total Evaluated Price (TEP).

Question 47: Can the experience of a subcontractors count as the experience of a prime contractor?

Answer 47: Yes, however, past performance regarding predecessor companies, key personnel who have relevant experience, or subcontractors that will perform major or critical aspects of the requirement will not be rated as highly as past performance information for the principal offeror.

Question 48: Is the housing area considered part of the contract?

Answer 48: The contractor is not responsible to maintain housing areas as per the appendices.

Question 49: Are we required to list all subcontractors who will assist the prime contractor with the project?

Answer 49: No as this contract does not include a subcontracting plan

Question 50: Who was the last contractor for this contract and the value amount of the contract?

Answer 50: Roberts Treescaping, LLC was awarded a $10,551,098.49 Fixed Price Indefinite Delivery/Requirements base plus 4 years in options.

Question 51: On Dorchester Road, where the housing area is highlighted in blue. Is landscaping required across the street from Dorchester Road housing area?

Answer 51: The government is unsure of the specific area in question. Offerors are advise the legend in the appendices and maps identify areas that are covered. Areas not identified as covered are not part of this requirement.

Question 52: Is the Short stay and Sullivan's Island a part of the Naval contract?

Answer 52: Short Stay is included in the contract requirement. Sullivans Island is not included.

Question 53: What are the expectations of fire breaks around the bunkers?

Answer 53: 50 ft around bunkers is to be maintained at semi-improved standard; however, fire break tilling is performed by the government.

Question 54: What are the expectations for ditches on AFSB?

Answer 54: Refer to PWS chapter 1.11 and appendix B.

Question 55: What is the current level of satisfaction with contract execution?

Answer 55: The Government will not provide current contractor performance information.

Question 56: Is the use of turf and plant growth regulators allowed on airfield and base?

Answer 56: Yes, IAW PWS 1.5/1.7.3.

Question 57: What is the SOP for access and mowing of the airfield?

Answer 57: Refer to PWS 1.7.

Question 58: Are there handover procedures for areas under construction?

Answer 58: Areas that are currently under construction and the responsibility of the construction contractor have been included in the total acreage. When construction is complete those areas will be turned over to the grounds mx contractor within standard.

Question 59: Can a subcontractor utilize a subcontractor?

Answer 59: Yes, however the prime contractor will be liable for any and all work performed by a subcontractor at any tier/level.

Question 60: Can a breakdown of acreage be provided for the improved, semi-improved and unimproved areas?

Answer 60: For acreage clarification see Table 1 at the end of this Q&A

Question 61: Is there a way to gain access to visit Short Stay Recreation Area?

Answer 61: The site visit completed 7-8 Nov was the only approved site visit, additional access will not be supported.

Question 62: Is there a way to regain access to JBC work areas in order to review labor budget and finalize pricing?

Answer 62: Unfortunately, we cannot support additional site visits.

Question 63: What are expectations along the 90 miles of fence?

Answer 63: Refer to PWS 1.6

Question 64: Can site visit route maps be provided?

Answer 64: Yes. Maps will be attached to the RFP Amendment incorporating this Q&A.

Question 65: If an employee is granted access to the installation, can they also access the airfield?

Answer 65: Yes, however, will be subject to PWS 1.7.

Question 66: Will a technical proposal be required?

Answer 66: No, the evaluation will be past performance and price, with past performance more important than price.

Table 1