Questions and Answers for Grounds - 2-5-2021.docx

Questions and Answers for Solicitation FA4600-21-Q-0009 – Grounds Maintenance at Offutt AFB, NE Q1: Do we have to apply pesticides in BASH during construction?

A1: Everything within the fenced in construction areas will not be maintained under this contract. However, there will be areas of the BASH that still need to be treated.

Q2: Are most of the grasses weeds?

A2: In a lot of places, yes.

Q3: Would contractor have to apply pesticides to weeds?

A3: Herbicides are to be applied in BASH and Improved areas only.

Q4: What is Crack grass?

A4: All roads, parking lots, sidewalks, paved areas that may have cracks that weeds or grass can grow in.

Q5: Is there any irrigation?

A5: Currently, there is no irrigation requiring maintenance. Irrigation may be installed around B1000. Once the installation is complete, the irrigation system maintenance may be modified into this contract.

Q6: Does the bag worm treatment include trees?

A6: Yes.

Q7: How do we handle Emerald Ash Borer?

A7: Removal with the exception of approximately 20 trees.

Q8: Will there be a location to dump mulch?

A8: Yes, but it may not be very close to where the mulch needs to be applied.

Q9: What is the primary complaint with parade grounds?

A9: Any current contract complaints cannot be disclosed. However, the following are areas to be found most noticeable: Uniform height (scalping), tight lines (direction of mowing), and leaves in the fall. Generals and Admirals live on the parade grounds so the area is high visibility.

Q10: Can you drive across the running track at the parade grounds?

A10: See PWS paragraph 1.3.5

Q11: Can you get an account with POL?

A11: No. You can go to the commercial gas station on base to fill up trucks but not equipment.

Q12: Are contractor’s able to store fuel?

A12: Only vehicle mounted fuel tanks that are DOT, EPA and OSHA compliant.

Q13: Is there snow removal?

A13: No.

Q14: Will it be required to cut down any trees during mowing season?

A14: It is possible, although the bulk of tree trimming and removal may be reserved by the government for after growing season and before the first snow. Emergency tree removal may be required any time of the year.

Q15: Are the leaves hauled away or is there a place to put them?

A15: Leaves may be mulched if the mulching can remove all evidence of the leaves. Otherwise the leaves are to be placed in dumpsters provided by the Government. PWS Paragraph 1.8.1

Q16: How many limestone blocks are there?

A16: There are approximately 21,738 linear feet of block (this accounts for going around all four sides of every block).

Q17: Is there a certain time that you need to do the trimming?

A17: See PWS Paragraph 6.6 Q18: Can a tractor run across the bridge into BASH across from Ft. Crook?

A18: Yes, There is a railroad track that may be difficult for some PTO driven equipment to cross. It is very tight with trees.

Q19: Will the drainage ditches be mowed?

A19: Ditches must be kept in standard.

Q20: Do we edge all of the sidewalks?

A20: See PWS Paragraph 1.3.2, 1.3.13, 1.3.14, 1.3.15

Q21: Does the BASH require a special airfield driver’s license.

A21: Yes, getting license will be coordinated with COR See Para. 1.5.5

Q22: What level clearance do you need for the PL BASH area?

A22: T1 Favorable clearance. See PWS change, para 11.1.

Q23: Can a contractor escort other personnel into the BASH area.

A23: Yes.

Q24: Are there any areas that require an escort?

A24: Only the BASH area before a badge is received.

Q25: How much area do you get to store equipment?

A25: Approximately 5,600 square feet.

Q26: How do you get gas on base?

A26: With a vehicle mounted tank for equipment. Or you can go to the gas stations on the base.

Q27: How long will the runway be under construction?

A27: At this time, the runway will be under construction for the entirety of the base year and option year one. However, this could change based on unforeseen events.

Q28: How do I price the pesticide and herbicide when the runway is under construction?

A28: The BASH area outside of the construction zone will need to be maintained during construction. The BASH area will not be greater than 110 acres during the base year and the first option year during construction. Option year two the BASH area will return to the full size approximate from PWS Appendix B of 424.68 acres.

Q29: Are there areas to dump leaves and weeds?

A29: Leaves may be mulched if the mulching can remove all evidence of the leaves. Otherwise the leaves are to be placed in dumpsters provided by the Government. PWS Paragraph 1.8.1

Q30: How often do the dumpsters get emptied?

A30: As needed, contractor to inform COR of need.

Q31: Is maintaining the grass under the trees mandatory?

A31: Yes.

Q32: Is chemical spraying the fence line permitted?

A32: See PWS Paragraph 1.2

Q28: After the cutting season, besides picking up leaves and trees, will the contractor be expected to have a crew during the non cutting season to take care of any situation that might come up?

A28: Only for tree and leaf removal that typically happens before the first snow. Emergency tree removal may be any time of year.

Q29: PWS states that the spraying equipment will need a GPS. Who will monitor the GPS or will logs be expected to be kept?

A29: The GPS will be monitored on the pesticide application report. Refer to PWS paragraph 1.3.7.2

Q30: Who will be responsible for cleaning the street curbs?

A30: Contractor will clean up excessive debris caused by mowing.

Q31: In section 1.8.5.1 of the PWS, it states “The Contractor shall complete an emergency spot pruning/trimming within one (2) hours from the work order issuance”. Can the government confirm the timeframe the contractor has to complete emergency spot pruning/trimming?

A31. The 2 hours is from the issuance of the work order, the work order could take a day to get processed through the Government prior to issuance. The contractor and COR will survey the work to determine the amount of time it will take before work order issuance.

Q32: It was discussed on the site visit that the airfield will be shut down for 18 months starting this spring for renovation. Can the government confirm this is accurate? If the airfield will be shut down for 18 months, can the government confirm if the contractor will be required to service the airfield while it is shut down to include herbicide and insecticide? Should the contractor provide pricing for all CLINs related to the airfield during this time and if not, can the government provide the exact dates of shutdown? In an effort to ensure fair pricing for all offerors, would the government consider mandatory pricing of these CLINs with the assumption that the offeror will be providing services and then a modification post award for any shut down of this CLIN. Alternately, the exact timeframe of Airfield shutdown should be provided so that each offeror can provide accurate pricing.

A32: The runway will be under construction for the entirety of the base year and option year one. The BASH area outside of the construction zone will need to be maintained during construction. The BASH area will not be greater than 110 acres during the base year and the first option year during construction. It is anticipated that for option year two the BASH area will return to the full size approximate from PWS Appendix B of 424.68 acres.

Q33: Is there a page limit for the proposal Part II Technical Capabilities Summary?

A33: No.

Q34: Reference is made to paragraph 1.3.10 Schedule of Applications (PWS), where it states “Upon notification, the contractor has a two (2) week timeframe to begin application. Once the application has started, of Improved, Semi-Improved and Un-Improved shall be completed within twenty-one (21) days from notification. The airfield application shall be completed within five (5) days. Exceptions are weather, at the convenience of the Government, or at the discretion of the COR.”

If we have a partial day where the weather permits application, i.e. one or two hours, will the Government allow an extension to the time frame for applications?

A34: Reasonable accommodations may be made if necessary and due diligence has been made to complete the project in a timely manner.

Q35: In the Bio Retention Ponds at Building 1000, is the filter fabric or similar materials?

A35: Geo Textiles are present.

Q36: Reference is made to paragraph 1.5.4 Airfield Coordination (PWS), the last sentence of the paragraph states The Contractor shall remove all Foreign Object Damage (FOD), debris, and grass clipping after mowing or trimming from all taxiways, runways, aircraft parking apron and all other paved areas.

Does the Government want the contractor to remove all FOD from all of the airfield hard surfaces even though the contractor is only working in one area of the airfield? I.E. contractor is mowing and trimming around aircraft parking area is the contractor responsible to remove the FOD on the runway?

A36: The Contractor is responsible for cleaning up FOD created by the Contractor.

Q37: Even though we will make every effort to not generate FOD, how often during the day is the contractor responsible for removing FOD?

A37: Upon completion of work in the area. Also, at end of the work day if work is going to continue the next day. Also upon request of airfield management if FOD from the Contractor is discovered. See PWS paragraph 1.5.4

Q38: Reference is made to paragraph 1.5.7 L-Shaped/Wet Areas. Will the Government allow the growth of the Cattails to be maintained below the water surface?

A38: Complete removal of the cattails is allowed. Maintaining the cattails under the water’s surface is allowed. See PWS 1.5.7.

Q39: Who is the incumbent contractor?

A39: ALLSERV, INC., 307 Lexington Ave., Chapin, SC 29036

Q40: What is the current annual contract price?

A40: The total contract value is $5.7M for 5.5 years.

Q41: Reference is made to paragraph 1.8.6 Special Events/Special Cuts (PWS). Can Special Events/Special Cuts occur on Semi-Improved Grounds or other grounds that are not improved? How many acres will the Special Events/Special Cuts impact per event?

A41: The special cuts will be B500, B1000, and parade grounds. Historically 4-6 per season.

Q42: What are the areas and their square footage that are anticipated to be under construction during the term of this contract?

A42: Approx. 331 acres will be under construction, all within the BASH area. The BASH area without construction is approx. 424 acres, with construction it will be approx. 110 acres.

Q43: Is edging expected to be done with every mowing cycle? Appendix B gives the unit for edging as “SY” could we get this unit in “LFT”?

A43: Appendix B has a typo it is in liner feet. The edging needs to be kept in standard which is no grass hanging over the sidewalk.

Q44: How many headstones are in the cemetery? What is the size of the grave sites?

A44: Approx. 800. Standard military burial sites.

Q45: Are the dumpsters and removal services to be provided by the government?

A45: 3 yard waste dumpsters will be provided by the government. One by the base chapel, one by the airfield tower and weather wing, one at the recycle center.

Q46: Who is the current incumbent?

A46: See question 39.

Q47: What was the previous contract value?

A47: See question 40.

Q48: What is the name of the company carrying out the Project?

A48: See Q39.

Q49: What is the current contract amount?

A49: See Q40.

Q50: How many employees are currently doing the project?

A50: Unknown.

Q51: Attachment 1- PWS Grounds MX-15 JAN. 1.3.6 - PAGE 08 “The Contractor shall police identified areas to maintain a neat and professional appearance at all times.” Is the Frequency for this task supposed to be Monday to Friday at all times? Please explain what “all time” means for this task.

A51: At the time mowing occurs in the area.

Q52: Please confirm the approximate SQF for CLIN 0013 Insect Control (1 each)?

A52: Insect control is the BASH 110 acres for the base year and the first option year, then 424 acres after the airfield reopens.

Q53: CLIN 0013 is named as Insect Control; Shall we assume that “Insect Control” is the same as PWS: 1.3.7 Pest Control?

A53: Yes, other than the pest control done on an as needed basis for CLIN’s 004, 005, 009 done when pests are above damage threshold determined in contractors IPM.

Q54: The following tasks are under PWS “1.3 Improved Grounds.”

Pest Control, Weed Control, Crack Grass Bld 500 BLDG 500, BLDG 185 AND KENNEY GATE– VEGETATIVE AND INERT BEDS

1.3.14 USSTRATCOM (BLDG 1000) – BIO RETENTION PONDS, AND ORNAMENTAL GRASS AREAS AND BEDS

PARADE GROUNDS AND STATIC AIRCRAFT DISPLAYS

Are these items considered as part of the total Improved Grounds cost, or should they be considered as separated items and costs? For example:

CLIN 003 - Crack Grass CLIN 0004 - B500 & B185 and Kenney Gate Vegetative & Non-Vegetative Beds CLIN 0005 - B1000 Vegetative & Non-Vegetative Beds & Bio ponds CLIN 0013 – Insect Control A54: Each of those items listed are separate CLIN’s.

Q55: What is the total area in Acres that should be considered for CLIN 0015 Special Events / Special Cuts?

A55: The special cuts will be B500, B1000, and parade grounds. Historically 4-6 per season.

Q56: Are the drainage ditches made of concrete or are they covered in grass?

A56: Drainage ditches are all vegetative.

Q57: What is the Total area in Acres that should be considered for CLIN 0004 “B500 & B185 and Kenney Gate Vegetative & Non-Vegetative Beds”? Appendix B Item 3 “Maintain vegetative beds, inert beds, rock beds and related areas” establish 4.71 acres but do not specify how much of this area is for CLIN 0004. Please advise.

A57: 2.17 acres.

Q58: What is the Total area in Acres that should be considered for CLIN 0005 “B1000 “Vegetative & Non-Vegetative Beds & Bioponds”? Appendix B Item 3 “Maintain vegetative beds, inert beds, rock beds and related areas” establish 4.71 acres but do not specify how many of this area is for CLIN 0005. Please advise.

A58: 4.71 acres.

Q59: Could you confirm in which CLIN Numbers we should include Pest Control Cost?

A59: 0011 for improved grounds, 0012, 0013 for the BASH, 003 for Crack Grass, 004, 005, 009 as needed during bed maintenance not specifically pesticide application.

Q60: Who is responsible for mowing the strip/bank between the perimeter fence and Fort Crook Rd S?

A60: The Contractor, See Map.

Q61: Parade Grounds and Static Aircraft Displays. How many shrubs and plants require pruning?

A61: There are very few if any shrubs in the area there are mainly herbaceous perennials.

Q62: Parade Grounds and Static Aircraft Displays. What is the square feet of the beds requiring maintenance?

A62: 1 Acre approximately.

Q63: B500, B185 and Kenney Gate. How many shrubs and plants require pruning?

A63: The number is unknown, but it appears that least half of the bed area is covered in shrubbery.

Q64: B500, B185 and Kenney Gate. What is the square feet of the beds requiring maintenance?

A64: Approx. 2.17 acres

Q65: B1000. How many shrubs and plants require pruning?

A65: Total plants 46,645 Deciduous Trees 313, Conifers 5, Understory trees 152, Large shrubs 175, Evergreen shrubs 132, small shrubs 1237, Perennials 3754, ornamental grasses 724. These numbers are from an original plan that could have evolved over time.

Q66: B1000. What is the square feet of the beds requiring maintenance?

A66: Approx. 4.32 acres.

Q67: B1000. What is the quantity / sizes of the Bioponds to be maintained?

A67: Included in above 4.32 acres. See map for additional details.

Q68: What is the acreage of the wetland areas?

A68: Unknown.

Q69: What size trees are we pricing for Tree and Stump Removal?

A69: Average size is a 40-50 foot tree. A lot of them will be weed trees that are smaller. One or two could be 70’ plus.

Q70: What size trees are we pricing for Emergency Tree Pruning and Trimming?

A 70: See A69.

Q71: What size trees are we pricing for Emergency Tree and Stump Removal?

A71: See A69.

Q72: How often does Offutt AFB flood?

A72: The ditches can flood often. The Flood that occurred in 2019 was a 500 year flood.

Q73: With regards to flooding, at what point do Essential Services for BASH mowing cease for grounds maintenance?

A73: The planes taking off/landing is the primary mission. There shall be zero mission failures, so while the airfield is in operation, BASH maintenance does not cease.

Q74: What circumstances define an emergency whereby Essential Services are required?

A74: Refer to DFARS 252.237-7023.

Q75: Appendix B. How much of the workload is currently not being maintained due to construction.

A75: All of the work load is being completed. Other than the already specified BASH area.

Q76: Appendix B. Will the workload published increase or decrease over the course of the new contract? If so, can we see the numbers by contract years?

A76: Other than the BASH will most likely all stay the same. If there is a change in the requirement a contract modification may be accomplished at the Contracting Officer’s discretion.

Q77: Offerors are required to submit a current and clear color copy (front and back) of a Nebraska Pesticide Applicator License with appropriate categories to perform all of the requirements in the PWS 1.3.7.3 Q: If we plan to subcontract this service out, will the copy of company’s license meet the requirement?

A77: The pesticide applicators license is given to an individual. We would need a copy of the individual’s license to meet the requirement.

Q78: Understanding this is a performance-based contract, can the government provide historical annual quantities of mowing services for the Improved, Semi-Improved, and BASH Grounds during the seven-month growing season?

A78: Improved 3.5 times per month. The rest is 1 -1.5 times per month. On average, depending on season, the spring is cut more often than summer. Irrigation is not presently installed, but may be installed on B1000 in the future.

Q79: The PWS mentions headstone trimming and maintaining the base cemetery. Can the government provide the acreage and headstone count? Are there any flat markers? Additionally, which CLIN should these services be included under?

A79: The cemetery is approximately 3 acres. There are approximately 800 headstones. Most headstones are vertically mounted, it is unknown if there are flat markers. The cemetery area is included in the improved grounds CLIN.

Q80: What is the square footage of B500, B185, and Kenney Gate landscape beds?

A80: 2.17 acres.

Q81: What is the square footage of USSTRATCOM (B1000) bio-retention ponds and ornamental grass and bed areas?

A81: 4.32 acres.

Q82: What is the square footage of the Parade Grounds and Static Aircraft Display landscape beds?

A82: Approximately 1 acre.

Q83: Is a portion of the 1,482 CY of mulch that is a part of CLIN 0020 used in these areas or is additional mulch needed?

A83: That should be all the mulch needed. If more is needed a contract modification will need to be completed.

Q84: The quantity of item #17-20 (Appendix B) and #16-19 (CLIN) do not match. Which reference should be used for pricing?

A84: Price as you see fit while following the structure in the CLINs. Appendix B is information that the Government provided using historical data.

Q85: Appendix B states the quantity of edging is 98,673 SY. Should this be in linear feet?

A85: Yes. Appendix B has been corrected to reflect linear feet.

Q86: What are the square feet or acreage of the wetland areas?

A86: There are an unknown amount of wetlands, but no more than 10 surface acres total. Most of the wetlands dry up at some point in the growing season. The wetland in the corner of the base next to the airfield and across the street from the base lake does not dry up.

Q87: What are the square feet or acreage of the PL area?

A87: 19.36 acres.

Q88: How many acres are typically cut in the three special cuts? Can the government provide more detail on these requirements?

A88: That would just be bringing a specific area to the lowest height standard even if the area was not out of standard yet. Typically, the grass around B500 and B1000 and parade grounds Possibly 3 to 6 times per season.

Q89: 1.8.2 of the PWS states that the contractor is responsible for removing all debris from tree pruning and removal operations. However, section 5.5 of the PWS states that the contractor may use base dumpsters and the recycling center for yard/tree waste? Can the government confirm which is correct?

A89: PWS paragraph 1.8.2 is edited. The Government provides two 3-yard waste dumpsters.

Q90: What type of mulch is used?

A90: Hardwood, not dyed. See PWS 1.3.13 updates.

Q91: Given the timeline of the question submittals and turn around for answers. Can you please confirm if the due date for proposals will be extended past 2/15/2021?

A91: The due date for proposals will not be extended.

Q92: We will be bidding as a Joint Venture to ensure that our partner’s past performance will be considered as that of the principal offeror given the offeror is a joint entity. Can the government confirm that this is indeed how it will be evaluated?

A92: Refer to Attachment 2, FAR 52.212-2 for guidance.

All measurements given are approximate, estimated through a mapping system. All areas must be verified by contractor.