FNWZ 25-0137 Landing Zone Tree Removal_Contractor Questions.pdf

LANDING ZONE TREE REMOVAL SERVICES

DYESS AFB, TEXAS

RFQ FA4661-25-Q-0185 // QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Question 1. Will this contract start in the spring of 2026 due to grass seed 24hr placement after soil prep mandate? Seeds are supposed to be placed 24hrs after soil prep according to the solicitation. Grass seeds germinate in 60 degree soil temp. Once the contract is awarded the temperature will be in decline and the grass will not grow/germinate during winter months.

Answer: If the seed manufacturer’s recommendation is different than the timeframe of the contract. The period of performance/seeding operation can be modified/extended to ensure optimal seed growth. 7 CONS to confirm schedule modification

Question 2. Vegetation Removal and Regrowth. The SOW states: “Contractor shall remove in their entirety all woody vegetation, root material capable of re-sprouting and non-woody vegetation to include cactus species and loose prickly pear pads”. Please confirm that the intent is full removal of vegetation and root material to prevent regrowth in the cleared areas. Additionally, should we plan for reseeding of disturbed areas beyond what is described in Section 2b (Top Gun Buffalo Grass seeding), or is the expectation strictly removal and prevention of regrowth?

Answer: The intent is to remove all vegetation that is capable of damaging mowing equipment (wooded material, cactus, etc.) Root removal is not required. Only disturbed areas will need to be reseeded.

Question 3. Use of Lasers and Non-Ionizing Devices. The SOW states: “Contractors contemplating the use of devices containing radioactive materials (i.e., soil moisture/density probes) or non-ionizing radiation producing equipment (radio frequency radiation emitters or lasers) while performing work on this contract must obtain written authorization/permit from the Dyess AFB Radiation Safety Officer”. Please confirm whether the restriction applies only to higher-powered radiation-producing devices (e.g., survey lasers, emitters), and whether standard construction lasers such as handheld or mounted laser levels are permissible without a separate permit. We want to ensure we understand which types of lasers fall under this restriction.

Answer: Specification applies to equipment containing radioactive material. Upon award, the contractor can support proposed equipment for Government review to ensure specification compliance.

Question 4. Munitions Storage Areas (MSA). The SOW references “equipment disposition in the Munitions Storage Area (MSA) during and after work hours, etc.”. Can you confirm whether there are any identified MSA or explosives clear zones within or adjacent to the designated work areas for this project that the contractor should avoid?

Answer: No MSA or explosive clear zones within the work area.

Question 5. FAR/DFARS References in Proposal Package. The SOW notes: “For most conditions FAR 52.236-13 Accident Prevention … DFARS 252.236-7005 Airfield Safety Precautions … should automatically be included by reference by Contracting in the General Provisions of applicable airfield construction contracts”. Please confirm whether DFARS 252.236-7005 will be automatically included by reference in the awarded contract. If you require it addressed within our proposal submission, would you like it compiled with the rest of the reps/certs, or placed in a separate section of the proposal package?

Answer: Clauses mentioned are construction specific and are not included in this solicitation.

Question 6. In the scope of work it states to 'clear and grub', it also mentions that 'stumps can be grinded to ground level'. We just would like clarification on whether you want stumps and root balls to be dug up or if grinding to ground level is acceptable?

Answer: Stumps may be grinded to ground level to allow for mowing operations. Trees should be cut within 1 foot of the ground and then stumps grinded.

Question 7. In the scope of work it mentions that all debris is to be hauled off. Can woody vegetation be mulched and spread out on site?

Answer: Stumps may be grinded to ground level. The remaining tree (above 1 foot sump) must be hauled off.

Question 8. Do you have, or could you provide some photos of the trees/vegetation in the project area?

Answer: Photos attached.

Option 1 Area – Tree/Vegetation thickness shown is representative of both base bid and option 1 areas.

Question 9. Is any possible way to stack and burn brush piles instead of hauling off all materials. Stacking and burning brush piles is extremely cost effective considering haul off will be charged by tonnage and trip. Assuming yall have your own fire department on base I would highly recommend trying to coordinate with them as some form of burn control/training. There are several things we can do to make burning a possibility. Some of the large areas that will be a complete removal will leave bare ground which is perfect as far as containment. We can also dig a burn pit at some other location on the premises and haul all material to burn site. Regardless, burning will be the most cost effective way of removing all materials.

Second option I would recommend before haul off is mulching, we can mulch everything after it is grubbed and we can spread mulch evenly throughout cleared zone.

Erosion control, I assume the north and south canals are the only sites regarding erosion control? Is there any preference to which form of erosion control is used?

Reseeding, reseeding can only be accomplished at locations that are full cleared and seed will have contact with the soil. Is there a required grass seed or can a native mix be used to reseed with?

Answer: Burning is not allowed. Mulching can be completed but mulch needs to be hauled offsite. Erosion control is covered in the attached environmental specifications. Erosion control shall follow all federal, state, and city regulations. Seeding specifications are attached in the contract documents. The seed mix is listed.

Question 10. What is the government's end goal with this project? Is it simply to reclaim the target areas so that they can be mowed and easily visible?

Answer: Yes.

Question 11. The solicitation states (2.a,b,c,d) "Contractor shall remove in their entirety all woody vegetation, root material capable of resprouting and non woody vegetation to include cactus species and loose prickly pear pads. Cut trees to ground level and grind down the remaining stumps to existing ground level." These two sentences conflict. Do you want all root material capable of resprouting removed OR trees cut to ground level and stumps ground to existing ground level?

Answer: Trees are to be removed from site and stumps ground to existing ground level.

Question 12. The solicitation states (2.e) "Contractor shall remove all non-vegetative debris (including rocks, concrete, etc) to allow for mowing operations. Some existing concrete structures will remain, i.e. foundations, utility structures. Structures to be field verified." Can you clarify what concrete structures are to be removed with approximate locations and photos?

Answer: Rocks, concrete, etc. that are “loose” and/or a non-structure shall be removed.

Question 13. Is the government aware of any underground utilities present at any of the proposed work sites?

Answer: A dig permit will be required before operation begin. All known utilities will be marked.

Question 14. Can you clarify the requirements relating to top soil? Is the requirement that existing topsoil be stripped and modified to "Maximum particle size for new topsoil is, 3/4 inch, with maximum 3 percent retained on 1/4 inch screen."? Or is this requirement only relevant for topsoil imported to the site or stripped?

Answer: Any topsoil used shall follow specifications. All debris that could cause damage to mowing operations shall be removed from topsoil.

Question 15. Section 32 92 19 2.1.2 specifies planting dates as May 15 - June 30. These dates seem to fall outside of the proposed period of performance. Is it the government's plan to make the award in April with the stated period of performance? Or should seed be planted outside of the provided planting dates?

Answer: See answer to question #1.

Question 16. Is the contractor responsible for establishment of the turf stand per 32 92 19

1.2.1 or only seeding?

Answer: Seeding

Question 17. What is the government's Quality Assurance process throughout this project?

Answer: The Government will have a Project Management Inspector onsite daily to ensure compliance with the SoW.

Question 18. In Option 2, it appears there are several old foundations. Based on paragraph “e” under item 2 of the SOW, should we assume those remain in place?

Answer: Yes.

Question 19. Can all trees be grubbed rather than stump grinding to existing ground level?

Answer: Yes.

Question 20. Does surface vegetation (grass and non-woody weeds) remain in place?

Answer: Yes. As long as the material does not damage mowing equipment.

Question 21. In the SOW, paragraph 1 references additional items not included in paragraph 2 (e.g., cultivating, re-grading, compacting, backfilling). Could you please clarify how these apply?

Answer: The SoW states operations that could be included as a method of construction for the solicitation.

Question 22. Would it be permissible to set up an exit gate on FM 707 for hauling materials off site?

Answer: This can be discussed during pre-construction meeting with 7 Security Forces Squadron.

Question 23. The SOW states all material wooded and non wooded to be removed, could we coordinate a controlled burn or does it all need to be hauled off base?

Answer: Burning is not allowed.

Question 24. The SOW states all options require 6” of topsoil and seed. Are you wanting us to break up the current clay and rock 6” in depth and remove and replace with topsoil? Or would it be to til up the ground and add topsoil soil as needed?

Answer: Topsoil is only require in disturbed areas and mention eroded areas. (this included contractor deep ruts, larges holes for vegetation removal, etc.)

Question 25. For equipment movement and haul-away trucks would we have to coordinate all movement with ATC?

Answer: Yes.

Question 26. Does the open fields require a storm drainage prevention plan or just the two ditches?

Answer: Attached environmental specifications provide guidance on storm drainage prevention plan.

Question 27. What is the timeline you are expecting for completion of this project?

Answer: Sow provided Period of Performance for Base Bid and Options.

Question 28. Does removal of root material include stumps from previous tree removal that I observed with regrowth. If so, what is the number of stumps and average diameter?

Answer: Any existing stumps above ground level shall be ground to ground level. 15-20 trees are expected but number is not exact.

Question 29. Does removal of all vegetative material include removal of existing mulch.

Answer: Existing mulch is not expected onsite. If some is found, then it can remain.

Question 30. Herbicide is mentioned in the clearing and grubbing section. Is this a requirement to use to prevent re-growth of Mesquite?

Answer: No.

Question 31. At what point is the buffalo grass considered “established”

Answer: Manufactor should provide establishment period.

Question 32. Will the completion requirements and start date of project flow with the required planting dates per seed supplier.

Answer: Contract schedule can be modified to comply with seeding operations.

Question 33. For safety and logistic concerns will the west gate on the west side of the runway be available for access to the highway for our dump trucks hauling off material.

Answer: Use of gate will be discussed at pre-construction meeting with 7 Security Forces.

Question 34. Regarding option two; the current satellite imagery shows remnants of concrete structures and foundations. Will this be required to be removed? If so, what is the surface area square feet, and how deep are the footings?

Answer: Existing concrete foundation are to remain.

Question 35. In regards to water; will the water be available? What is the gallon per minute flow and where is the water source located in relationship to the work areas.

Answer: A fire hydrant will be available. Location will be determined at the pre-construction meeting. There are no hydrants located on the west side of the airfield. Gallons per minute are unknown.

Question 36. Regarding the 730 to 430 work time; Is this the time we can actually commence work. Or is this the time we have to enter an exit the airstrip gate.

Answer: Hours are operating hours. The contractor may propose alternate hours during pre-construction meeting.

Question 37. Please identify or explain the staging area: can equipment be left in the work areas or do you have a mandatory area outside the airstrip gate that must be used daily. If so, where is it located and how far away from the airstrip gate?

Answer: Staging area will be located onsite. Equipment may be left within the designated area. Staging area to be discussed during pre-construction meeting.

Question 38. Is mechanical grubbing/root plowing of trees,roots and woody vegetation, brush raking, and vegetation removal an acceptable alternative to-clearing, stump grinding, and vegetation removal?

Answer: Yes.

Question 39. Will onsite soil screening or vegetation processing equipment be allowed in the work area?

Answer: Yes. Staging area will be provided.

Question 40. Do the periods of performance take place concurrently or consecutively with respect to each work area and the overall time period?

Answer: Consecutively. A phasing plan will be discussed at pre-construction meeting after award.

Question 41. Are the MS4202-5 orange safety airport barriers with red blinking lights expected to completely surround a work area or just placed between work area and flight line?

Answer: Barricades are only required around staging area.

Question 42. Do all work areas fall in the security zone needing orange airport barriers?

Answer: Barricades are only required around staging area.

Question 43. Are the MS4202-5 orange safety barriers with red blinking lights required around all sites from the start of work or just if equipment is actively working in that area?

Answer: Barricades are only required around staging area.

Question 44. Does the grading plan for Base Bid, Option1, Option 2, and Option 3 consist mainly of backfilling divots from grubbing and general smoothing after vegetation removal, prior to cultivating and planting; and specific excessive erosion areas (such as indicated in option 3), or does it require more extensive widespread land levelling?

Answer: Yes. Widespread land leveling is not required.

Question 45. Is on-site topsoil best left in place, backfilled, smoothed, cultivated, and planted after vegetation removal, or does it need to be entirely stripped, stockpiled, screened and redistributed prior to planting?

Answer: On-site top soil can be reused. Any large debris that could damage mowing equipment should be removed.

Question 46. For Option 2, what does "approx. 15-20 trees remain" mean? Are these trees to be removed as part of the woody vegetation, or must they be preserved/protected?

Answer: Trees are to be removed. Area has been previously cleared but 15-20 trees remain.

Question 47. How many water hydrants are available for use? Where are they located?

Answer: A water hydrant will be available. Location will be determined at pre-construction meeting. No hydrants are located on west side of airfield.

Question 48. Is water from hydrants expected to be freely used for irrigation and seeding(if hydroseeding)?

Answer: Irrigation is not required due to size of project area.

Question 49. Is there an estimated time (days) that soil is expected to be irrigated and kept wet after seeding?

Answer: Irrigation is not required due to size of project area.

Question 50. Is mechanical sowing of seed an acceptable alternative to hydroseeding where terrain is mostly flat?

Answer: Yes.

Question 51. Is broadcast fertilizer application satisfactory (if allowed to mechanically sow seed)?

Answer: Yes.

Question 52. In the case that TOP Gun Buffalo grass is not available (short supply) to meet the seeding requirements; can the seeding rate be adjusted or grass species altered with approval?

Answer: If the specified seed mix is not available. The contractor may submit documation stating the mix is not available and submit a proposed mix for Government approval.

Question 53. When/if hydroseeding performed, is mulch expected to be used in the planting medium in all cases or just on erosion prone embankments (such as Option 3)?

Answer: All erosion control devices shall follow federal, state, and city regulations. All areas acceptable to erosion should have erosion control devices.

Question 54. Does the water and aquatic vegetation in the bottom of the south diversion ditch (Option 3) need to be removed or left alone?

Answer: Any vegetation that is not capable of being mowed shall be removed.

Question 55. Are there specific debris piles or rubble that need to be removed not mentioned in the Statement of Work or at Site Visit?

Answer: Concrete blocks have been seen around the sites. Any concrete/large rocks shall be removed.

Question 56. Can we use a mulcher/ if so does the debris need to hauled off or can we leave it since it’s biodegradable?

Answer: A mulcher can be used to mulch trees but debris must be hauled off.

Question 57. Are there existing vegetation maps, drawings, or environmental reports available?

Answer: All available maps have been provided in the solicitation.

Question 58. Are contaminated soils or hazardous materials present that require special handling?

Answer: No known contaminated soils known.

Question 59. Could you provide grading or geotechnical information to help with backfill and compaction specs?

Answer: No information available for area.

Question 60. Is a base-wide environmental permit required? Any endangered species or preservation concerns?

Answer: Attached environmental specifications provide guidance on environmental permits.

Question 61. Can you clarify how to differentiate “vegetative” vs. “non-vegetative” debris?

Answer: Vegetative is organic plants/material. Non-vegetative includes concrete, rock, etc.

Question 62. Is there a designated on-base dump, or do we need to haul off-site?

Answer: Material must be hauled off-site.

Question 63. Does the government cover disposal costs or must include them in the bid?

Answer: The Government does not cover disposal costs.

Question 64. Are there specs for stump grinding depth or diameter limitations?

Answer: Stumps must be ground to ground level to allow for mowing operations.

Question 65. Is herbicide treatment required post-removal to prevent regrowth (similar to previous courtyard jobs)?

Answer: No.

Question 66. Is the backfill material (e.g., topsoil, clean fill) to be supplied or provided by you?

Answer: Contractor can use existing topsoil onsite but must supply their own if needed. If existing topsoil is used, it must follow all specification requirements.

Question 67. Are there specific compaction standards or machinery requirements?

Answer: All requirement are listed within the specifications.

Question 68. What seed mixture, coverage rates, or erosion control measures are specified?

Answer: Contract Specifications cover all items.

Question 69. Is irrigation needed after seeding, or is watering entirely the contractor’s responsibility?

Answer: Irrigation is not required due to size of project area.

Question 70. Are there specific base access procedures or safety/clearance protocols beyond the site visit? What about vehicle passes, escorts, and restricted-area access?

Answer: All information will be discussed during pre-construction meeting.

Question 71. What are the work-hour restrictions on the airfield? Are weekend or nighttime work options available?

Answer: Work times are provided in scope of work. Weekend and/or nighttime work requires Government approval.

Question 72. Is a formal Quality Control Plan required? Any existing standards or examples?

Answer: Specifications do not require Quality Control Plan.

Question 73. Are progress inspections or close-out reports required? How often?

Answer: Yes. Progress reports shall be submitted at completion of each phase (base bid , options). A final walk through will be scheduled at the completion of the project.

Question 74. Are there known underground utilities in the work zone? Any excavation restrictions?

Answer: A dig permit will be required for the work areas. All known utilities will be marked at that time.

Question 75. What utilities or base services are available near the job site?

Answer: No utilities are available near the job site. If utilities are needed, location can be discussed at pre-construction meeting after award.

Question 76. Are there penalties for schedule delays, or incentives for early completion?

Answer: IAW FAR 52.212-4 “The Contractor shall be liable for default unless nonperformance is caused by an occurrence beyond the reasonable control of the Contractor and without its fault or negligence …”. Additionally it is anticipated for the government to award FFP with no incentive for early completion.

Question 77. Are there base-specific wage determinations or labor classifications to follow?

Answer: Wage determination is attached to solicitation. Based upon county – Not specific to Dyess AFB.

Question 78. What form does the pricing schedule (Attachment B) take? Lump sum, unit pricing, etc.?

Answer: Lump Sum

Question 79. What is the process if additional work beyond the SOW arises? Change orders?

Cost adjustments?

Answer: The contractor shall notify the contractor immediately if something should arise.

Question 80. Are there any planned base construction or operations near this zone that might interfere?

Answer: Area is not currently planned for additional construction. The airfield will remain active during the entire contract duration.

Question 81. Can a mulcher be used to grind up the smaller brush as well as smaller limbs from the bigger trees?

Answer: No.

Question 82. Can a chemical treatment be used in place of stump grinding for smaller brush?

Answer: No.

Question 83. The SOW states "remove and properly dispose of off Dyess AFB existing miscellaneous minor concrete (or other construction material) structures within the indicated clearing/grubbing area". Does this include removing the concrete foundations in Option 2 area?

Answer: Foundations are to remain.

Question 84. Will the contractor be allow to mulch the smaller tree?

Answer: No.

Question 85. Is there a restriction on the type of equipment that we can use on the grounds?

Answer: No.

Question 86. Can we duel hat the QC/Safety and Superintendent?

Answer: Yes.

Question 87. Are all workers required to be US citizens?

Answer: Contractor shall verify with the Dyess Visitor Control Center for base access.

Question 88. Will the base bid and options be awarded to a single contractor or multiple contractors?

Answer: Single Contractor

Question 89. What are the estimated quantities for concrete and asphalt removal? Also, are the structures visible in the satellite images, such as the runway and pad, part of this project?

Answer: No, the runway, pad, and foundation are not within the project scope.

Question 90. Within the period of performance for this project, will the base bid and options be exercised all at once, or will they be exercised individually?

Answer: Phasing plan to be discussed during pre-construction meeting.

Question 91. To reclaim material through a screen deck, hauling out undesired material, and replacing it with new material after screening, will there be any issues with 20+ end dumps driving daily through the base and over a small portion of the runway (assuming all proper paperwork is completed)?

Answer: No. Trucks will use Tye Gate and operate on the north and south diversion ditches. Traffic on runway is not allowed. The use of the gate on 707 will be discussed at the per-construction meeting

Question 92. My understanding is that we are to remove 6” of dirt, screen it, then replace it and haul out the trash material. The SOW states that trees need to be cut and stumps ground to grade, but would there be an issue with fully grubbing the trees, including roots, instead of grinding and mulching, then hauling out all vegetation, including large mesquite roots?

Answer: The Sow requires tree to be removed and stumps to be ground to ground level at a minimum. Grubbing is acceptable if the contractor prefers that method.

Question 93. If a contractor is awarded all four jobs, can each job begin immediately after completion of the previous one, or must all jobs be completed concurrently within the stated performance period?

Answer: A phasing plan will be discussed upon award.

Question 94. I understand the work hours are 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., but to clarify—are contractors allowed to be on the job site at that time (with equipment shut down), or does the requirement mean all personnel and equipment must be in and out of the gate by 4:30 p.m.

Answer: Hours are operating hours. The contractor may propose alternate hours during pre-construction meeting.

Question 95. Are there any known utilities located within the areas of the base bid, Option #1, or Option #2?”

Answer: A dig permit will be required for the work areas. All known utilities will be marked at that time.

Question 96. Is there a designated on-site area for staging equipment and materials? If so, please provide location details, access requirements, and any restrictions regarding size, duration of use, or security.

Answer: Onsite staging area will be provided near work sites. The exact location and size will be coordinated during pre-construction meeting

Question 97. Please confirm if dirt roads in the surrounding areas need to be maintained and preserved during operations. If so, what is the frequency and scope of maintenance (e.g., grading, resurfacing, erosion control)?

Answer: If damaged, the north and south perimeter roads shall be returned to pre-construction condition. Photos/survey will be completed prior to mobilization

Question 98. What is the approx. current depth of water in the ditches? Does this change seasonally, particularly during the season of the solicitation?

Answer: Water depth typically is very shallow/dry.

Question 99. Are the existing ditches a combination of natural formations, concrete slab channels, and culverts? Please is there a breakdown of the approximate lengths or areas covered by each type (natural, slab, culvert).

Answer: North diversion ditch bottom is lined with concrete with the slope being natural grade. South diversion ditch is natural grade. Solicitation drawings and/or google maps can be used to determine approx.. lengths.

Question 100. What is the estimated ratio of acreage between dense vegetation (e.g., trees, heavy brush) and lighter shrubbery/grassland? Will we have access to the methodology or data source that was used to establish this ratio (e.g., aerial survey, GIS mapping, on-site inspection)?

Answer: Base Bid and Option 1 locations are considered to be dense vegetation. Option 2 and 3 would be considered lighter shrubbery/grasslands with some larger trees

Question 101. Are we allowed to mulch the trees where they stand, or is removal/transportation required?

Answer: Trees shall be removed and stump ground to ground level (max of 1 foot of stump grinding)

Question 102. Are there specific environmental or compliance restrictions regarding mulching or disposal?

Answer: Please see attached environmental specifications.

Question 103. Is there a designated staging area where we can safely keep equipment overnight? If so, what security measures or access restrictions are in place? If not, is there a daily contingency for how we transport our equipment on and off base?

Answer: Yes. A staging area will be provided.

Question 104. The SOW currently requires all vegetative and non-vegetative debris to be hauled off base. Would the Government consider permitting on-base disposal methods, such as:

Controlled burning of brush piles, coordinated with the Dyess AFB Fire Department as a potential training exercise or burn-control operation. Containment could be achieved in cleared areas or in a designated burn pit location.

On-site mulching and redistribution of material across cleared zones, which could reduce erosion and eliminate hauling requirements. Both approaches may provide significant cost efficiencies compared to off-base haul-off, which will be charged by tonnage and number of trips.

Answer: Burning is not allowed. Mulching is allowed but mulch must be hauled offsite.

Question 105. Please confirm if the erosion control requirements apply only to the north and south canal areas, or if there are additional zones. Also, is there a preferred method of erosion control (e.g., riprap, matting, silt fence), or will equivalent industry-standard solutions be acceptable?

Answer: Erosion control is required at all sites if federal, state, and city regulations apply.

All methods and types shall follow specifications and regulations.

Question 106. The SOW specifies reseeding of disturbed areas. Since reseeding requires full clearing and soil contact, can the Government clarify:

Is there a required seed type (e.g., Buffalo Grass / Top Gun variety) that must be used, or will a native mix be acceptable provided it meets state and base standards?

Will the Government provide seed specifications, or should contractors propose suitable alternatives?

Answer: Specification section 32 92 19 provides the seed type.

Question 107. Is it an accurate statement that the difference in shading and red line is distinguishing between the base bid and option 2? Just making sure that line is accurate and being properly understood on my end. See attached screenshot for the line in question.

Answer: Yes. The two different hatches show base bid and option 2. The red line you see is the approx. edge of the tree line.