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 March 8, 2019 award date was an expected award date when the synopsis was posted. The date has since been delayed.

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 been delayed.

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.

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 proposal 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- Correct. Please ensure you thoroughly address all points in DFARS Clause 252.237-7023.

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.

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.

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.

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 follow the instructions as they appear in Atch 4 – Past Performance Questionnaire.

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

A- No, the government will attach the applicable WD to the contract.

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 WD. However, please note that Good Friday is not a federal holiday and McConnell AFB conducts normal operations on this day.

Q13- How many employees are on base?

A- The Government will not disclose that 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 DFAR clause in your plan.

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. Although, be sure to fill out anything not covered in SAM on the SF 1449.

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

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

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

A- Items 22, 23, & 24 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 Q21- Does the contractor have to be in contact with the tower at all times?

A- Vehicles are required to be in contact with the tower under certain circumstances, such as crossing 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 will be provided at time of award.

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

A- Yes.

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

A- See PWS section 1.7.

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 a fuel storage area on the GFP site for the contractors.

Q31- Are sidewalks apart of the contract?

A- Yes, but only for building specified in the PWS.

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.

Q33- Is the running track rubberized?

A- Yes, the running track is rubberized.

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

A- No, the airfield snow removal is handled by the military.

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.

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 Air field 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).

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.

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

A- G2V Enterprises, Inc., $2,408,730.74 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- No. Parking lots are not included. Please refer to PWS para. 1.1 and 1.1.8 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.

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.

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 were available at the pre-quotation conference. Due to security concerns the maps are not available until the contract has been awarded.

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?

A- Maps will be available 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- Weekend work is permissible for Grounds Maintenance (mowing etc.) with coordination though COR and approval. For snow removal contractor will have access to the airfield when the snow needs to be removed.

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.

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

A- The contractor is responsible.

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

A- The contractor is responsible.

Q64- 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 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.

Q65- 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.