Grounds_Solicitation_Questions.docx

Grounds Maintenance Services

FA4621-19-Q-A007

Q1- The award date is being shown as on or about March 8, 2019, but the proposal due date is March 14, 2019.

A- The 8 March 2019 award date was an expected award date when the synopsis was posted. The date has since been changed with the issuance of the solicitation. According to the solicitation the quotes are due 14 March 2019. Please see block 8, page 1 of the solicitation. Additionally, please note an amendment to the solicitation will be posted further extending the due date for quotes to 18 Mar 2019.

Q2- The Site Visit is shown as on March 5, 2019 with the award being shown three days later.

A- The March 8, 2019 award date was an expected award date when the synopsis was posted. The date has since changed.

Q3- The contract start date is shown as April 1, 2019, twelve days after receipt of proposals. Will the start date be pushed back?

A- No; however, there will be an amendment to the solicitation which will in part, specify a phase-in period of 3 weeks from the award date.

Q4- In paragraph six of the FBO notice dated February 22, 2019 it states "No response to this announcement is required". Are we to prepare and submit a response by means of our proposal?

A- The FBO notice posted on February 22, 2019 was the requirement synopsis. The solicitation has since been posted with quotation instructions.

Q5- Part 1 Technical Evaluation as we understand, is limited to just providing a description of how we will staff the project during periods when staffing issues with the regular crew may impact delivery of services, such as local recruiting problems, widespread pandemic illness, strike action etc.?

A- The technical evaluation is limited to the mission essential plan. The Mission-Essential Contractor Services Plan must meet the requirements established in DFARS Provision 252.237-7024, Notice of Continuation of Essential Contractor Services.

Q6- Will the Government please provide the maps referenced in PWS at Appendix B-1 through B-11?

A- Due to OPSEC concerns, the government cannot provide the maps electronically. The maps will be made available physically at the pre-proposal/site visit or by appointment as outlined in the PWS, page 31, which was included as part of the solicitation (Attachment 1).

Q7- All snow removal services are coded as Firm Fixed Price. This could be costly to the government if there is no snow in any of the contract years. Would the government consider a change in snow removal services to a “Requirements” line item?

A- After consideration the Government has determined that the line item will remain Firm-Fixed Price, as the contractor will still be required to purchase and have on hand all equipment and materials needed to perform this service, regardless if it is needed.

Q8- Instructions to Offerors mentions submission of price sheets at Attachment 1. Price Sheets are in attachment 2. Are there other price sheets that should have been in Attachment 1, PWS?

A- No, this was a typo. The only price list is attachment 2, and that is the only pricing information that needs to be submitted. An amendment will be issued correcting this in the instructions.

Q9- If price sheets are emailed as per instructions on page 48, will pages 3-5 of the solicitation, Contract Forms, have to be completed and submitted?

A- No, the SF 1449 Contract Form CLIN pricing does not need to be completed. The government will fill these in on the actual contract once an award winner is determined. Please refer to the note within the price list.

Q10- Page 47, para (c) (i)- (ix). These items appear to be the same as those to be submitted by reference contractors in Atch 4, Past Performance. Is the bidder supposed to submit the information found on the referenced page or is it submitted directly to the contract evaluator per instructions in Atch 4?

A- Please submit a list of references with the information listed on Page 47, para (c) (i)- (ix) of the solicitation. Additionally, please submit the questionnaires to the listed references in accordance with the instructions on page 47 para (b).

Q11- Is there a requirement to submit the WD as part of the bidder’s proposal?

A- No.

Q12- The WD stipulates 11 paid holidays, including Good Friday, however; the PWS, page 23, para 4.7 does not have Good Friday listed as a paid holiday. Which document presides?

A- Contractors are required to comply with the Wage Determination. The base does not close as this is not a federal holiday; however, contractors must comply with the WD and recognize Good Friday as a paid holiday.

Q13- How many employees are on base?

A- The Government will not disclose that information, since it is protected/confidential/proprietary information.

Q14- Is there bonding?

A- No.

Q15- Does the contractor need to include anything other than snow and ice removal in the mission essential plan?

A- Mission essential services are limited to snow and ice removal; however, please address ALL of the criteria included in the DFARS provision 252.237-7024 in your plan. The mission essential team shall evaluate the technical quotations on a pass/fail basis.

Q16- Is the incumbent contractor currently in the 6 month extension period?

A- Yes.

Q17- Does the contractor need to fill out the reps & certs on the SF 1449 and SAM?

A- Reps & certs can be filled out either on the SF 1449 or SAM. They do not need to be filled out on both. Please, be sure to carefully follow the specific instructions in the addenda to 52.212-1 OFFEROR PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS which is located on page 46 of the solicitation.

Q18- Does the base close down or recognize Good Friday?

A- The base does not close: however, contractors must comply with the Wage Determination and recognize Good Friday as a paid holiday.

Q19- Are the pre-determined price list line items included in the bid?

A- Items 8 (for CLIN X002), 22, 23, & 24 (for CLIN X001) have been established as not to exceed line items and contain a price limit set by the Government. Vendors should NOT price these items as they are already priced. The price list will automatically include these amounts in the quote.

Q20- Does the Air Force provide free flight line driver certification for free?

A- Yes, please refer to PWS Section 1.3.5.

Q21- Does the contractor have to be in contact with the tower at all times?

A- The contractor shall maintain constant two-way radio contact with the control tower and Airfield Management when operating near runways, overruns, and taxiways. The contractor shall maintain contact with the control tower when operating on or within 150 feet of the runway.

Q22- How does the base do special events?

A- Special events are covered in PWS section 1.8.2.

Q23- Are the missile sites in the containment area?

A- This info is contained in the maps that were provided for viewing at the pre-quotation conference. In addition to the pre-quotation conference and according to Appendix B Note of the PWS (page 31 of PWS), if prospective firms would like to view maps, they can view them at 22 CES/CEOSS (22d Civil Engineering Squadron) or 22 CONS (22d Contracting Squadron) upon request and by appointment.

Q24- Is the tree removal included in the price list?

A- Only emergency tree removal is required; non-emergency tree removal is not included in scope (Price List line item 19, 20, and 21 under CLIN X001, and 5, 6, and 7 under CLIN X002. PWS section 1.8.1.5.

Q25- Will the contractor still get paid for snow and ice removal all year?

A- See PWS section 1.7 and applicable price list items. Please note that snow and ice removal occurs Nov-Mar and these services are Firm-Fixed-Price.

Q26- Are there low spots around the ditches?

A- Yes.

Q27- How many airfield lights are knocked over?

A- Airfield lights are occasionally damaged. This has been a rare occurrence.

Q28- Is there a place on base for vegetation waste?

A- Yes, see PWS 3.6.

Q29- Do you have a “DV” cut?

A- No, there is no particular cut different from the DV route approved cutting height discussed in the PWS.

Q30- Can the contractor buy diesel or fuel on base?

A- No. The individual getting fuel must be military affiliated. There is an area on the GFP site for the contractors to store fuel tanks that are provided by the contractor. The Government does not provide the fuel storage tanks.

Q31- Are sidewalks apart of the contract?

A- Yes, sidewalks must be edged to include removal of vegetation from expansion joints/cracks, see PWS section 1.1.2.

Q32- Is the pedestrian bridge apart of the snow and ice removal?

A- Yes, the pedestrian walk bridge connecting base housing to the rest of base is part of the snow and ice removal mission essential plan. See PWS section 1.7.1.3.

Q33- Is the running track rubberized?

A- Yes, the running track is rubberized.

Q34- Does the contractor do snow removal on the airfield?

A- Most of the airfield snow removal is handled by the military. The areas of responsibility between the Government and contractor are articulated in the maps that were provided for viewing at the conference. In addition to the pre-quotation conference and according to Appendix B Note of the PWS (page 31 of PWS), if prospective firms would like to view maps, they can view them at 22 CES/CEOSS (22d Civil Engineering Squadron) or 22 CONS (22d Contracting Squadron) upon request and by appointment.

Q35- Is there a ceiling price on the contract?

A- No. This is a combination Firm Fixed Price and Requirements acquisition.

Q36- The ordering period is currently 1 Apr 19 – 31 Mar 2024. Will this change based off of date of award if made after 1 April?

A- The revised ordering period will be revised if awarded after 1 Apr 19. Please note that we anticipate awarding before 1 Apr 19.

Q37- Will Mission Essential Services be for Snow and Ice removal only or will other services be required?

A- Mission Essential Services are limited to snow and ice removal. Please refer to PWS section 4.9.1.

Q38- Is there a format or specific information that is required to be in the Mission Essential Services Plan?

A- There is not a specific format. However there is specific criteria that must be addressed. The Mission-Essential Contractor Services Plan must meet the requirements established in DFARS Provision 252.237-7024, Notice of Continuation of Essential Contractor Services.

Q39- According to Page 7, Section 1.1.6.1, the Contractor is prohibited from connecting to any hydrant. In the event the irrigation system is not functioning, how should the contractor get water?

A- According to PWS section 1.1.6.2 the contractor is responsible for maintenance of the irrigation system and should maintain equipment and systems to be efficient and in good working order. Outside water should not be needed.

Q40- According to Page 10, 1.2.3, the contractor is required to trim 6 feet on the outside of the fence line and 6 feet above the fence line as well. Will the fence line be in compliance at the award of the new contract?

A- The fence line has been maintained in accordance with the current standards and was completed during the last option year of the current contract.

Q41- Page 11, Section 1.3.5 – Flight-line drivers must have a color vision test and flight line training. Is there a specific agency required to be used for the color vision test? Is the flightline training provided by the base free? If not, what is the cost per person?

A- The flight line training is conducted though Airfield management on McConnell AFB. There is no cost associated with it; however, it does take substantial amount of time to complete this training. As for the color vision testing, this can be accomplished at any medical treatment facility.

Q42- Page 12, Section 1.6.1 – Riparian Buffer Zones – What is the linear feet of riparian zone that needs to be mowed?

A- The Riparian buffer zone areas are 3 meters of un-mowed, native grasses or wetland plants on either side of any stream, creek, or ditch on McConnell AFB. However, some streams and ditches are excluded from the buffer zone and will need to be mowed in accordance with the PWS. These areas are included in the estimated workload data (Appendix A) and the maps.

Q43- It appears that Line Items 20-22 on Appendix A are equal to CLIN 0009. Lines 20-22 only add up to 145.52 acres but CLIN 0009 states an acreage of 175.73. Is there an additional line item that should be included in this CLIN? Or should the acreage be changed to match?

A- There is a minor typo in the price list item 0009. The correct acreage is 145.52 acres. There is not an additional line item that should be included in items 20-22. This will be addressed in the upcoming amendment to the solicitation.

Q44- Who is the incumbent on the current contract and what was the award price?

A- G2V Enterprises, Inc., Base year: $738,582.00, Option Year One: $764,861.00, Option Year Two: $764,861.00, Option Year Three: $764,861.00, Option Year Four: $764,861.00. Total award price: $3,798,026.00. Please note the scope of this requirement is not the same as the current contract.

Q45- Was snow removal included in the last contract?

A- Yes.

Q46- Is there a size limit or quantity for storm debris that the contractor is required to pick up? Example, if there is a strong storm or tornado, is the contractor required to pick up large limbs or trees?

A- This would be negotiated on a case by case basis. Please review PWS para. 1.8.2 Q47- Is debris/litter pick up required on all improved grass areas as well as the fence line? Are parking areas included in this requirement?

A- Please refer to PWS para. 1.1 and 1.1.7. To clarify further, the contractor will be expected to remove debris such as grass clippings, from the parking lot when it is a result of mowing edging and trimming. The contractor is not required to remove preexisting debris from the parking lots.

Q48- The Line item #4 has a quantity of 1,583 acres of weed control. What areas are included in this quantity?

A- These areas are base-wide and at the missile sites, please refer to PWS Section 1.1.4.

Q49- Are the weeds in all grass areas in compliance with the base requirements at this time?

A- Yes.

Q50- Since Debris Removal and Grounds Policing is only required during Growing season, will internal assets be used for debris removal during non-growing season?

A- Refer to PWS 1.1.7 which states the contractor is only responsible during the growing season.

Q51- What work does the government anticipate being conducted for maintaining grounds in each area during the non-growing season?

A- This is a performance based contract. The government expects for the standards outlined in the PWS to be met and priced accordingly.

Q52- Will there be any overlap with the incumbent for phase-in?

A- No.

Q53- Where can we access the following maps and site plans?

A- The maps will be made available physically at the pre-proposal/site visit or by appointment as outlined in the PWS, page 31, which was included as part of the solicitation (Attachment 1). Maps will distributed to the awardee at the time of award.

Q54- What are the approved materials for snow and ice pretreatment and application during operations?

A- The contractor can submit/recommend a material for review on the pre-treatment. During operations we are using a 50/50 sand/salt mixture for the roads (everything base side). Inside the fenced flight line areas we use a FAA approved ice melt called Jet way, but the contractor can submit other products as well.

Q55- Are GFE fuel tanks available?

A- No.

Q56- PWS 1.7 states that chemicals and materials are reimbursable. Is this also the case for chemicals and materials used for PWS 1.7.2 Ice Control?

A- Yes.

Q57- PWS 1.7.1 shows the time frame for having snow and ice accumulations removed from Priority 1, 2 and 3 areas. Is this for the entire priority areas or just the snow accrual points within the priority areas?

A- This if for the entire priority area.

Q58- PWS 1.7.1 states there is an Appendix B identifying the snow accrual points. Where can we find this document?

B- The maps will be made available physically at the pre-proposal/site visit or by appointment as outlined in the PWS, page 31, which was included as part of the solicitation (Attachment 1). Maps will distributed to the awardee at the time of award.

Q59- Is there a covered storage building (sand barn) for materials storage?

A- There is a covered storage area.

Q60- Will weekend work be permissible on the airfield / flightline.

A- Please refer to PWS section 4.6 for hours of operation information.

Q61- What is the acreage for the Drainage Ditches maintenance? We see linear feet at 62,068. However, we do not know how wide the ditches are.

A- The drainage ditches vary in width. See maps.

Q62- Who is responsible for weed control on sidewalks, roads and parking lots?

A- The contractor is responsible. Refer to PWS section 1.1.4.

Q63- Who is responsible for weed control on taxiways and runways?

A- The contractor is responsible. Refer to PWS section 1.1.4.

Q64- Is April 1, 2019 still the start date for the new contract and is there a transition period?

A- April 1, 2019 is the start date. There will be a phase-in/transition period outlined in an amendment to the solicitation.