Attachment 5 - Questions and Answers CAO 27 Mar 24.pdf

FA466124R0001 Questions and Answers CAO 12 March 2024

1. Who is the incumbent contractor?

Franco Vasquez Joint Venture

2. What is the Contract Number?

FA466119CA006

3. What is the award price information?

$6,118,010.00

4. Where in the solicitation can we find the SCA Wage Determination.

The SCA Wage determination is not required to be posted with the solicitation.

The SCA Wage determination can be found on SAM.gov

5. Please confirm which due date we are working to? The two SF1449s posted have different due dates for submittals.

The most recent amendment current as of 26 February 2024 has the correct due date for submittals. It is 08 April 2024 12:00PM CST.

6. What is the SCA WD reference we need to use?

Service Contract Act WD # 2015-5211

7. Is the current contract subject to a CBA and if so, the renewal requirements subject to this solicitation?

No.

8. With regards to the Pruner and Laborer rates of pay shown in SCA WD 2015-5211 Revision 26: Are we to pay Pruners and Laborers the higher rate of $17.20 per hour or the lower rates listed against those titles? Assuming we can use the non-enforcement of the higher rate in Texas, are we still required to pay the Health and Welfare at the $4.57 rate due to the SCA requirement for Paid Sick Leave?

If the contract is entered into or on after 30 January 2022, or the contract is renewed or extended (e.g., an option is exercised) on or after 30 January 2022, Executive Order 14026 generally applies to the contract. The contractor must pay all covered workers at least $17.20 per hour (or the applicable wage rate listed on this wage determination if it is higher) for all hours spent performing on the contract in 2024. Since the contractor will be doing work on a federal facility, then Executive Order 14026 should be followed, which would include paying Health and Welfare.

9. How many shrubs are there that require pruning per year?

There is no official count of the number of shrubs over the 6,117 acres that encompass Dyess AFB.

10. In which CLIN are we to price Shrub Pruning?

CLIN 0011 Prune Shrubs and Hedges

11. The ammunition bunkers appear to have no vegetation growing on them? How often do these require mowing, if any?

The contractor shall maintain grass within 5 feet from munition igloo/bunker/magazine vent stacks to improved grounds standard of 2 to 4 inches in height. Herbicide shall not be applied to minimize ground erosion.

Additionally, areas within 50 feet of designated Potential Explosive Sites (PES) shall be maintained between 2 and 4 inches in height to minimize fire hazards.

All adjacent concrete areas shall be trimmed and/or edged to maintain improved grounds standards.

12. Are the fuel tanks at the contractor staging GFE?

The fuel tanks are not Government Furnished. The Contractor shall be responsible for providing their own fuel tanks.

13. We notice that the quantities of months of performance in the Option to Extend Services for the Non-Growing Season CLINs are unbalanced compared to the Base and Option Years: CLIN 3 – From 3 months to 6 months; CLIN 7 – From 2 months to 6 months;

CLIN 13 – From 3 months to 6 months; CLIN 15 – From 3 months to 6 months; CLIN 16

– from 1 month to 6 months. Please clarify how many months of Non-Growing Season that we need to price.

This is because if Dyess AFB needs to use the Clause 52.217-8 to extend services, it will be for no more than six months. In the solicitation it states that the clause will be priced as the last option year divided by two.

14. With reference to the answer given to Q8: We understand Executive Order 14026 but the note identified with three asterisks (***) immediately after the Occupation Codes and Rates listings make the following statement: “The minimum wage requirements of Executive Order 14026 also are not currently being enforced as to any contract or subcontract to which the states of Texas, Louisiana or Mississippi, including their agencies, are party.” We need to know if that statement exempts the Occupation Codes of Pruner and Laborer from being paid the $17.20 wage rate or if we can use the lower rates listed against these Occupations?

This question needs to be asked and answered by a Small Business Association Representative. All contractors are to contact their representatives.

15. If $17.20 is determined to be the wage rate to be paid to Pruners and Laborers and it is later determined that we should use the lower rate, how are we to be reimbursed for the overpayment?

Recommend pricing at the lower rate and if you need to increase wages, you can request an equitable adjustment at the appropriate time.

16. In response to Q10: It states to provide pricing for shrub pruning in CLIN 0011 – Prune Shrubs and Hedges. We are not seeing a CLIN 0011 in either of the solicitation pricing documents.

A new CLIN structure has been created. Please reference the new CLIN structure and BID Schedule. When submitting pricing please use the most up to date BID schedule.

17. If the option to extend services by 6 months is exercised, we assume that will be after the Period of Performance for Option Year 4 has concluded. That date would be 15 May 2029. Six months would take the 6 months extension to 15 November 2029. What is the purpose of providing extension period pricing for Non-Growing Season months if the contract extension of 6 months does not go into the Non-Growing Season?

IAW attachment 3 page 5 section (b) “The Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total pricefor all options to the total price for the basic requirement and 50% of the last option period toevaluate the option to extend services per FAR 52.217-8.”

This is an unfunded option that could be exercised at a later date.

18. With reference to FAR Clause 52.217-8 we are not seeing that extension period option prices “will be priced as the last option year divided by two.”

W attachment 3 page 5 section (b) “The Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total pricefor all op ons to the total price for the basic requirement and 50% of the last op on period toevaluate the op on to extend services per FAR 52.217- 8.”

19. We don’t understand why dividing by two the Option Year 4 pricing and applying that to the Growing Season extension period unit prices would be a fair requirement if the same amount of work and level of service needs to be provided. The same question for Non- Growing Season pricing for the extension period.

This option period is an option provided to the Government in cases of unforeseen circumstances and the Government does not anticipate using this option, however, for this option to be available to the Government it must be pre-priced. To fulfill this requirement we elect to have the pricing reflected as stated in the solicitation.

20. FAR Clauses 52.217-7, 52.217-8, and 52.217-9 mentions the number “30.” What is the “30”?

The unit is for 30 days.

21. FAR Clause 52.217-9(c) states that “The total duration of this contract, including the exercise of any options under this clause, shall not exceed 5_(years).” If the option to exercise the 6 months extension is used would this not need to read 5.5 (years)?

No. This would not read 5.5 (years). FAR Clause 52.217-9(c) is separate from 52.217-8. 52.217-8, This option period is an option provided to the Government in cases of unforeseen circumstances and the Government does not anticipate using this option, however, for this option to be available to the Government it must be pre-priced.

22. Who is the current contractor, and what is the current (most recent) annual contract price?

Please see Question 1 and Question 3 for the applicable answers.

23. Can the government issue a new Appendix B? The maps will not open properly using

Adobe Acrobat, and only one page can be viewed.

A map will be provided along with this returned document.

24. Can the government provide the historical or estimated annual quantity of service for the following areas? Understanding that the weather pattern changes vegetation growth habits, understanding the general annual quantities of service is key to providing an accurate price:

Improved Grounds Mowing – Growing Season – 18 Cuts Estimated Improved Grounds Edging – Growing Season – 9 Cuts Estimated

Improved Grounds Mowing – Non-Growing Season – 18 Cuts Estimated Improved Grounds Edging – Non-Growing Season – 9 Cuts Estimated Leaf Removal – As Needed Semi-Improved Grounds Mowing – Growing Season – 18 Cuts Estimated Semi-Improved Ground Mowing – Non-Growing Season – 9 Cuts Estimated Airfield Mowing – Growing Season – 18 Cuts Estimated Airfield Mowing – Non-Growing Season - 9 Cuts Estimated Vegetation Beds – As Needed

25. Are the areas identified in PWS Section 1.1.5 and 1.1.5.1 for the Munitions Storage Area and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Range included in the 462.21 acres of Improved Grounds?

The Munitions Storage Areas are semi-improved grounds. As stated in Section

1.2.4 areas within 50-feet EOD Range shall be maintained between 2 and 4 inches. The interior of the detonation pit shall be maintained free of vegetation.

26. Can the Government confirm if the medical group is included in this contract? Some of the total measurements in Appendix A appear to include the Medical Group, but others do not. For example, the Improved Grounds total of 462.21 appears only to include the Base areas of 462.21, not the 7.9 acres of the Medical Group. However, the Improved Grounds Edging Total of 761,577.20 LF comprises 741,317.10 LF of Base Edging and 20,240/1 LF of Medical Group Edging. The Leaf Removal Total of 5 acres includes 4 acres of Base and 1 acre of Medical Group. However, the Debris/Police Grounds total of

232.50 acres does not include the 3.9 acres of the Medical Group.

The Medical Group has their own landscaping contract for their areas marked on the map.

27. Can the Government confirm there is 761,577.20 LF of edging, equating to over 144 miles?

Currently 144 miles is confirmed but is subject to change based on Dyess Air Force Base requirements.

28. Can the Government confirm if the “2” on the Bid Schedule refers to two services or if multiple services are needed in the two months of service?

Multiple services may be required within the 2-month period.

29. Appendix A shows the acreage for the Semi-Improved Grounds GS as 236 and the NGS as 237. Additionally, the map shows the semi-improved grounds as 223.20 acres. Is it accurate that there is one additional acre in the non-growing season, or is that a typo? Can the Government confirm the total acreage of semi-improved grounds?

It is a typo. 237 is the total acreage.

30. Is the Golf Course included in this contract?

No, the Golf Course is not included on the contract.

31. Appendix A shows the total acres for Vegetation Beds, Inert & Rock Beds, and Related Areas as 26.5. Can the Government confirm that the 33.975 Square Feet of Medical Group Vegetation Beds, Inert & Rock Beds, and Related Areas are not included in this total? Should they be included in the total, making the total acres 27.28?

No, they should not be included.

32. Can the Government confirm that this section of the PWS is only for controlling weeds and vegetation growing from expansion joints, cracks in pavement, sidewalks, curbs and parking lots? If this is true, what are the acreage requirements? Are there other requirements, such as controlling growing weeds in the turfgrass areas?

The first sentence of Section 1.1.4 states, “Control weeds in improved grounds.” This would include all improved grounds acreage, not just expansion joints or cracks, etc. Those are covered under Section 1.1.2 EDGE.

33. During the site visit, it was stated that we are “not responsible for penetrations in the asphalt.” Can the Government clarify what this means?

If there is a crack in the middle of a parking lot the contract would not be responsible for that vegetation.

34. Can the Government confirm that pruning shrubs, hedges, and other plants are included in the contract? Section 1.1.12 suggest they are included in the improved grounds.

However, they are not listed on the bid schedule or in Appendix A. Can the Government please confirm the total quantity and frequency of the included shrubs, hedges, and other plants in the contract? Can a general estimate be provided since this count is not readily available?

Pruning is included in the contract. A general estimate can be provided.

35. Can the Government confirm that artificial turf is included in this contract? There is language in Section 1.1.14 that suggests it is included in the improved grounds. However, it is not listed on the bid schedule or in Appendix A. Can the Government confirm the total acreage and frequency if artificial turf maintenance is included?

The areas around the artificial turf field are covered under the contract. The turf field is currently not under the contract.

36. The Air Force BASH protocol typically calls for vegetation to be maintained between 7” and 14”; however, PWS Section 1.3.1 states between 8” and 11”. Can the Government confirm the 8-11” threshold, which would require weekly airfield mowing at times? Can the Government provide the typical annual quantity of service for the Airfield during the Growing and Non-Growing Seasons?

The 7” to 14” threshold is the most accurate information. The quantity of service is as needed per threshold.

37. Is the additional area across FM 707 included in the 236 acres of semi-improved grounds listed in Appendix A?

That is Unapproved grounds meaning the area would only be mowed once a year.

38. Are the acreage requirements under PWS 1.2.3 to maintain 8 feet total on both sides of the perimeter fence already included in the 236 acres of Semi-Improved Grounds?

Yes.

39. Can the Government confirm whether this contract should include surface drainage ditches? The quantity and unit are blank in Appendix A, and the ditches are not marked on Appendix B’s map. However, section 1.6 discusses ditch maintenance. If ditches are included in the contract, can the Government confirm which CLIN to price ditch maintenance under, the average width and depth, and provide the historical quantity of the ditches being cleared?

If the ditch is marked in improved grounds areas, then they will be serviced as improved grounds. If the ditch falls in a semi-improved grounds area then it will be mowed as semi-improved.

40. Can the Government confirm the total acreage of vegetative beds, inert and rock beds, and related areas? The map shows 22.84 BASE decorative beds and 0.78 MDG decorative beds, while Appendix A states 26.5 acres.

22.84 is the correct acreage.

41. PWS section 1.5 states that maintenance activities include mulching. Can the Government confirm the area that requires mulch and the desired mulch? Additionally, how often does new mulch need to be installed, and at what depth?

Any items marked MDG are maintained by the 7th Medical Squadron.

42. Can the Government confirm the total acreage of unimproved grounds? The map states 1,458.44 acres (second to bottom on legend), and Appendix A states 26.5 acres.

On Appendix A, Line Item 26 states 335 acres.

43. Are fertilizing and liming included in this contract? The only reference is in Appendix B.

If yes, can the Government provide a PWS description of the service, the CLIN to price this service under, and the total area and historical service data.

PWS Line 1.1.9.1 Fertilization is reserved as it is not required currently under this contract.

44. PWS Section 1.8.1, 1.8.1.1, 1.8.1.2, 1.8.1.3, 1.8.2, 1.8.3, and 1.8.5 state requirements for

Tree Pruning, Emergency and Special Events, Xeriscaping, and Planting Trees, Shrubs and Vegetative Beds. However, there are no CLINs for these requirements on the bid schedule. Can the Government confirm that these are not requirements for which the contractor should provide a price? If yes, can the Government provide measurable data such as the annual quantity of tree prunings, size of trees to be pruned, number of special events and work description, square footage or acreage of xeriscaping, and number and description of trees and shrubs to be planted?

CLINS 0020 – 0031 covers all tree cutting and pruning. An updated CLIN structure showing those items will be posted in an amendment.

45. For tree waste related PWS Section 1.8, is there an area on base for disposing of tree debris?

No. There is no area on base for disposing of tree debris. That will be the responsibility of the contractor.

46. It is stated in the Instructions and Evaluation of Offerors that nothing is required from the offeror for past performance and the Government will pull Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) data from the last three years for each offeror.

Our proposal will be submitted as a teaming agreement between two companies with substantial experience in the commercial sector and on federal grounds maintenance contracts as a joint venture participant and subcontractor. These past performance experiences are similar in size and scope to Dyess AFB. By only reviewing CPARS data as part of the review of the offeror’s past performance, this is unfairly limiting and is not in line with FAR 15.305(a)(2)(iii). The FAR clause states: “The evaluation should consider past performance information regarding predecessor companies, key personnel who have relevant experience, or subcontractors that will perform major or critical aspects of the requirement when such information is relevant to the instant acquisitions.” Can offerors include a capabilities statement, past performance for review, and the CPARS available for our team as part of our proposal submission?

There is nothing stopping an offeror from providing any capability statements, however, the evaluation of past performance will be in accordance with the solicitation.

Page 7 “NOTE 1: In the case of an offeror without any past performance (CPARS ratings) or for whom information on past performance is not available, the offeror shall be determined to have neutral Confidence rating.”

47. Does the Government believe this requirement to be similar to the incumbent contract or increased Scope?

The Government believes this requirement to be slightly decreased compared to the incumbent contract.

48. Does the incumbent award of $6,118,010.00 include the 6-month option?

The incumbent award does not include the 6-month option.

49. On the Attachment 4, for the Option to extend period the quantities are not all half of option period 4. Can the Government please provide clarification on this?

52.217-8 Can be used for a maximum of 6 months so quantities may very. Pricing for the 52.217-8 Option To Extend Services clause will be IAW attachment 3 page 5 section (b) “The Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement and 50% of the last option period to evaluate the option to extend services per FAR 52.217-8.”

50. Would the Government consider revising the NAICS code for past performance to cover NAICS 561210 as this is a combined-services as well as NAICS 561730.

No.

51. The Offeror’s proposal shall also address each of the following subfactors under Factor 1 & 3 in detail. Subfactor requirements for section 1 is in the solicitation but section 3 subfactor is missing? Or is it the action plan for peak grow season?

Currently awaiting answer from customer.

52. Will the government confirm just attachment 4 is required for the price file, or does the contractor also need to fill out the PDF pages in the solicitation?

Attachment 4 is required. Page 1 of PDF/SF 1449 must filled out, but the contractor may elect to only fill out the pricing for the proposal on the Bid Schedule/ attachment 4.