Attach 9_Questions and Answers - FA4690-21-R-0007.doc

1. Reference: PWS Appendix A

Question: What is the linear footage of edging under Improved Grounds mowing, edging, and trimming?

Answer: 229,250 linear footage

2. Reference: PWS Appendix A

Questions: Are the Irrigation Drip and Lawn quantities of 15 and 21 the total number of systems, zones, or acres? What are the total quantities of drip irrigation and rotary heads?

Answer: Please see Appendix C

3. Reference: PWS Appendix A

Questions: What is the acreage for the annual (June) application of weed control under CLIN 0002AG-4002AG Pest Control (Weed Control)? Appendix A references acreage for Improved Grounds, Semi-Improved Grounds, Unimproved Grounds, and Hard Surfaces. The PWS indicates one June turf weed control application of Improved, Semi, and Unimproved to 2,882 acres and 1,060 acres of hard surfaces; is this correct?

Answer: Improved, Semi-Improved, and Unimproved = 2882

Airfield= 367 acres

Hard Surfaces= 1060 acres

BASH=759 acres

Hospital=6 acres included in CLIN 0015

4. Reference: PWS Appendix A

Questions: What is the total acreage of weed control included in CLINs 0003AC-4003AC Maintain Airfield (Includes Weed Control)? Would this be one June application of 759 acres?

Answer: 002AG is in addition to 003AC weed control

5. Reference: PWS Appendix A

Question: How many shrubs, hedges, and other plants to be pruned under CLIN 0002AJ-4002AJ?

Answer: Approximately 700

6. Reference: PWS Appendix A

Question: The estimated workload for Improved Grounds, Semi-Improved Grounds, and Airfield are all the same at 28 estimated annual services. The height threshold however is different for all three with Improved Grounds at 2-4” (irrigated) and 2-5”(non-irrigated), Semi-Improved at 4-10”, and Airfield at 7-14”. Accordingly, the estimated number of services for Semi and Airfield would be about 14. As a performance-based contract, accurate workload information is crucial towards detailing an accurate price. Can you please comment on and clarify the estimated frequencies based on historical trends?

Answer: This is an estimate and would constantly change due to rain amounts for the season. The performance standard is making sure Improved Grounds at 2-4” (irrigated) and 2-5” (non-irrigated), Semi-Improved at 4-10”, and Airfield at 7- 14”. There is no historical data to base an estimated frequency on, because the performance is based on height standards.

7. Reference: PWS Appendix A

Question: Can you please confirm that CLIN 0004-4004 involves servicing 2,508 acres under – Unimproved Grounds?

Answer: 2508 acres includes BASH (367 acres) and Unimproved (2141 acres)

8. Reference: Solicitation Schedule B and Attach 4 - Bid Schedule Comment: CLINs 0008-4008 states: “Tree Maintenance (PWS 1.7.1) This CLIN is not separately priced; the requirement of this CLIN applies to all subsequent Sub-CLINs (0008AA-0008AB) to be accomplished by separate delivery order.” There are however no CLINs 0008AA-4008AA in the Solicitation Schedule B Tables or Attach 4 Excel. Please advise.

Answer: CLIN 0008AA-5008AA are reserved. Due to a mandated CLIN structure, the CLINs/SubCLINs needed to be numbered the way they are and our contract writing system does not allow reserved CLINs to be entered in the solicitation/contract. Emergency tree pruning under 0008AB-5008AB only needs to be priced.

9. Reference: Solicitation Schedule B and Attach 4 - Bid Schedule Question: CLINs 0009-4009 states: “Tree & Stump Removal (PWS 1.7.1-1.7.1.5) This CLIN is not separately priced; the requirement of this CLIN applies to all subsequent Sub-CLINs (0009AA-0009AG) to be accomplished by separate delivery order.” There are however no CLINs AA, AB, AC, AD, or AG present in the Solicitation Schedule B Tables or Attach 4 Excel. Please advise.

Answer: The missing SubCLINs (AA, AB, AC, AD, AG) are reserved. Due to a mandated CLIN structure, the CLINs/SubCLINs needed to be numbered the way they are and our contract writing system does not allow reserved CLINs to be entered in the solicitation/contract.

10. Reference: PWS Appendix A

Question: What is the square footage of DFAC Snow and Ice Removal under CLIN 0012AJ-4012? Does this CLIN have the same workload estimate as other snow-ice tasks of four times per month for six months?

Answer: The Contractor shall ensure areas are free of snow accumulation, piles, or drifts by removing all snow and ice from sidewalks, steps, landings, and entrance ramps. Dining facility will be kept clear of accumulations of 1 inch of snow or within 1 hour after snowfall stops (whichever occurs first) between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. (21 hrs. per day) Monday thru Sunday. This may require multiple snow/ice removals each day. Workload will be dependent on snow accumulation and maybe more than 4 times per month, in any of the areas identified in the PWS. Will need to obtain DFAC sq ft.

11. Reference: CLIN 0013-4013 - Snow Removal Single Day

Question: Does this CLIN include DFAC and the Medical Clinic?

Answer: This is all areas identified in Appendix B (Snow maps)

12. Reference: PWS Section 1.1.4.2 - Maintenance of Irrigation System

Comment: Suggest the reference to CLIN 0012 should be CLIN 0014.

Answer: CLIN 0012 is DFAC snow removal and CLIN 0014 is special requirements. No relations to maintenance of irrigation system.

13. Reference: PWS Section 1.6.1

Question: Can you confirm that plowing roads and parking lots is not included in this contract and only sidewalks, steps, and landings require snow and ice removal services?

Answer: Roads and parking lots are done by Civil Engineering at Ellsworth, AFB.

14. Reference: PWS Section 1.7.3 - Prune Shrubs, Hedges, and Other Plants

Question: The reference states work shall be completed in May and October, however, the associated CLIN on the Bid Schedule states work shall be completed annually in August. Please clarify.

Answer: August will be removed from the bid schedule. The contract states:

Service work order will be issued in May and Oct. The contractor will have two months to complete all work.

15. Reference: PWS 1.7.5.2 - Aquatic Invasive Species

Question: The reference states 4.6 acres in the semi-improved and unimproved areas need to be maintained. There is not a CLIN for Aquatic Invasive Species in the Price Schedule or in the Estimated Workload Table. Should this be included as a CLIN in the Price Schedule?

Answer: Please add under 002AG

16. Reference: PWS 1.7.8 - Aeration

Question: Under which CLIN should this service be included?

Answer: Aeration is only completed on irrigated improved and improved non- irrigated grounds once a year in the fall to maintain a green and healthy lawn during the growing season. CLIN 0002AA

17. Reference: PWS 4.2.4 Herbicide, Integrated Pest Management Information System

Question: Can the government release a copy of the Integrated Pest Management Information System approved list?

Answer: Yes, it will be added.

18. Reference: PWS 4.3 - Background

Question: In the PWS, in section 4.3, the snow removal requirement is approximately 192,000 Sq Ft. throughout the base however this total does not match the bid schedule or Appendix A for the entire base, DFAC, and the Medical Clinic. Can you please clarify?

Answer: CORRECTION TO PWS The snow removal requirement is approximately 250,000 square feet throughout the entire base, to include DFAC and Medical Clinic.

19. Reference: RFP Attach 7 - Instructions; Para 1.4 Table and Para 1.6.

Question: The instructions are open to interpretation. Do you require both a filled-in Schedule B (Solicitation pages 3-20) and a completed Attach 4, or only Attach 4?

Answer: Only the bid schedule (Attach 4) is required to be completed for pricing.

20. Reference: RFP Attach 7, Vol II, Para (a), last line; and PPQ, Para (a), lines 9-10

Question: The first reference states: “Past performance information regarding predecessor companies will not be accepted.” The second reference states: “The evaluation of past performance information will take into account past performance information regarding predecessor companies...” Which statement is correct?

Answer: Past performance information regarding predecessor companies WILL be accepted.

21. Reference: RFP Attach 7, PPQ, Para (b); Attach 5, PPIS

Comment: The reference paragraph addresses teaming arrangements and “If this is a first time joint effort, each party to the arrangement must provide a list of past and present relevant contracts.”

Questions: Are you asking for a completed Attachment 5 for each party to the teaming arrangement? The Attachment 5 fill-in details are well suited for a Table; will you accept such a graphic that follows the Attachment 5, 1. (a) - (i); 2. (a) - (i); etc., format?

Answer: Yes, each party to a teaming arrangement must have a completed PPIS (Attachment 5) if this is a first time joint effort. You can include a table in addition if you would like, but the fill-ins in the attachment must be completed.

22. Reference: RFP Attach 7, PPQ, Para (a); Attach, PPQ

Question: Tied to the previous question, do you require PPQs for no more than five relevant contracts for each party to the teaming arrangement (e.g. up to 10 or even 15)? Or, does the no more than five PPQs apply in total? If in total, what is the accepted apportionment between the Prime and any “subcontractors that will perform major or critical aspects of the requirement” (e.g. at least two for the Prime and up to three for teammates, no more than five total)?

Answer: No more than 5 per party. If there are multiple parties, you can submit up to 5 for each. (Ex. A Prime and 1 sub = 10 total PPQs, but no more than 5 for each)

23. Reference: RFP Attach 6, Para 3 - PPQ

Comment: Please confirm the “NLT 13 June 2021” is a typo and should be 13 July 2021.

Answer: Yes, the date should be 13 July 2021.

24. Reference: RFP Attach 7, Para 1.4 Table and Para 1.6 - Volumes II and III Page Limits

Question: Will any of the following be considered part of the page-count/limitation: a Volume Cover Page, Cover Letter, Table of Contents/Figures, Compliance/Reference Matrix, or Glossary/Abbreviations?

Answer: No, the above mentioned reference pages will not count toward the page limitation.

25. Reference: RFP Attach 6, PPQ, Section 1, Paragraph J, Description of work performed

Question: The Attachment 6 form only offers 2-lines for the description of work. Can you please confirm it is acceptable to insert several paragraphs to describe the scope, complexity and contract requirements, and with the added lines, it is acceptable to renumber the ‘6 of 7’ pages to ‘7 of 7 pages’ as appropriate?

Answer: Yes, you may insert additional paragraphs and renumber if necessary.

26. Who is the incumbent grounds contractor and what is the contract value of the incumbent’s contract?

Answer: Turf Care USA, Inc. ($6,816,33.64)

27. Reference: The total acreage quantity of Improved grounds is stated as 43 acres, you have a breakdown of Drip irrigation @ 15 acres, Lawn irrigation @ 21 acres. That leaves 8 acres of improved grounds that are not irrigated or do you have a total of 79 acres of improved grounds.

Question: Please provide clarification as to the breakdown of total acreage for improved grounds the contractor will be maintaining?

Answer: The museum is 7 acres of improved irrigated. The map provided at this time, shows it as improved non-irrigated.

28. Reference: You have in the Appendix A, Hospital grounds mowing and trimming, the PWS does not have any description or requirements regarding hospital grounds.

Question: Are the 6 acres of hospital grounds improved requirements, and are they a part of the 43/79 acres, is the 6 acres additional improved? Please provide clarification of hospitals grounds requirements, improved or what, policing, irrigated, fertilization, leaf removal, weed control, lawn renovation, etc?

Answer: Maintain Grounds services for the Medical Clinic area at Ellsworth AFB in accordance with the Performance Work Statement outlined in paragraphs 1.1, 1.6, 1.7 and sections 2, 3, 4. (Growing Season 6 Acres: May -October, April ) (Snow Removal Season 17,440 sq ft: November -April).

29. Question: The Map does not identify any areas of irrigated grounds or lawns on Ellsworth AFB, please provide maps that shows all the related locations of area/bldgs.?

Answer: The map legend does show the irrigated grounds or lawns on Ellsworth, AFB as a light brown.

30. Reference: Maintenance and repairs of irrigation systems you state that repairs are not to be included in contract line-item for any maintenance SEE (CLIN 0012). The solicitation shows costing line-items starting on page 3 the CLINs for cost of supplies and services, and on the Excel bid sheet file CLIN 0012 shows that it is Snow and Ice Removal (PWS 1.6.2) November – April.

Question: Please provide clarification as to where the contractor is to provide costing for as stated in paragraph 1.1.4.2? Also, we assume the costing inserted in 0002AC is for operational and managements of the systems to meet the PWS requirements please confirm?

Answer: 1). Correction, the correct CLIN is CLIN 0014. 2). Yes, this is operational and management part, parts and labor will come out of CLIN 0014.

31. Reference: Appendix C shows you have 25 system drip and lawn irrigation systems, all these systems will require winterization, in paragraph 1.1.4.2 you state backflow are not included in maintenance and repair.

Question(s): Please provide clarification if back flows are be included in winterization requirement? If so, how many back flows are there to be included in winterization?

Answer: Ellsworth, AFB CE will be responsible for backflows (maintenance and repair).

32. Question: Do all irrigation systems have hookup/adapter in-place for hooking up a n air compressor for blowing out the requirement winterization of each system?

Answer: Yes

33. Question: You have 5 system with more than 12 zones, do any locations systems have more than 1 clock/controller?

Answer: No

34. Question: Please provide clarification as to any repairs to irrigation system components, that are not cause by contractor operational functions are the base/government financial responsibility and will reimburse the contractor for time and materials?

Answer: Yes, government will reimburse the contractor for time and material, if it is proven that it was the governments fault.

35. Question: Please provide a map of irrigated facilities/locations so the contractor can determine a schedule, a travel pattern, for efficiency and costing?

Answer: Government will provide.

36. Reference: Paragraph 1.1.5 policing of debris states the contractor is to perform general litter patrol in improved irrigated and non-irrigated grounds which by our understanding is 43 acres.

Question: Please provide clarification that the contractor is only to perform policing requirements within the areas designated in section/paragraph 1.1.5?

Answer: Per Hospital CLIN 0015, 6 additional acres are included.

37. Reference: (Questions 37-42) Weed control 1.1.8 on the bid schedule CLIN 0002AG reference’s section/paragraph 1.7.5.2 which is Aquatic Invasive Species. As 1.1.8 of the PWS we assume this section/paragraph is pertaining to Improved grounds only. Also 1.7.4 show the contractor is to perform weed control service in four different categories’/areas, Improved, Semi-Improved, Un-Improved and Non-turf areas, with total vegetation control. The bid schedules only indicate or shows the three sections/areas to be accomplished 1 time service in June. In reviewing all the associated information, this it can be interrupted in a way that seems to be misleading information. We only want to assure it is understood clearly and correctly so we and other contractor can provide you with a Fair and Accurate proposal. Why, is given the geographical region Ellsworth is located, noxious, invasive plants even in the Aquatic areas most likely the plant life would not be growing or established for an application of weed control as yet. And non-turf areas would kind the be somewhat in the same category, but unless you use/apply a ground sterilant season long control will not be achievable or maintained this requirement in just a single application in June. A contact herbicide such as glyphosate does not provide a residual affect such as a sterilant would or per-emergent/post-emergent products will.

Question: Please provide clarification as to how you would like the contractor to provide pricing/costing in the three different areas for four separate services?

Answer: Price per acre

38. Question: Is control of Noxious, Invasive species, for Semi/Un-Improved and Aquatic areas accomplished by issuance of a work order? (If so should this be priced/costed at a per acres cost or by the a total cost of the total acreages as shown on Appendix A of each area listed.)

Answer: Price per acre

39. Question: Please provide clarification for a time line when you would require the contractor to apply weed control for noxious/invasive plants to include Aquatic areas?

Answer: 1.7.5.3 Aquatic prior to start of the spring & fall waterfowl migration

40. Question: Please clarify if there are areas the contractor will or will not have to maintain Aquatic services in improved grounds areas?

Answer: Will not, please see 1.7.5.2 and 1.7.5.3

41. Question: If a ground sterilant is required for control of (crack-grass/un-wanted) vegetation for non-turf areas please provide a list of approved products/chemical sterilant that the contractor will be allowed to use? (As there are a number of products that we can use for this service, but many or all may-not be allowed for use on the AFB)

Answer: Please see 1.7.4 Contractor’s/Sub-Contractor/applicators must register on Integrated Pest Management Information System (IPMIS) Web Appendix F. IPMIS list approved herbicides for use on Ellsworth AFB.

42. Question: If a sterilant is not used please provide a frequency applications you/Government would intend for the contractor to apply treatments/applications of vegetation control to the non-turf areas?

Answer: Will speak to pest management about obtaining a list of approved herbicides.

43. Reference: Section/paragraph 1.1.9 show a seed mix of percentages of 6 different seed varieties, section/paragraph 1.7.6 show a totally different seed mix of 4 different varieties.

Question: Please provide clarification of what seed mixture the contractor is required to use for lawn renovation?

Answer:

The follow seed mix is to be used for renovation / restoration3.2 lbs - Western Wheatgrass, 1.2 lbs - Green Needlegrass, 1.2 lbs - Sideoats Grama, 2.2 lbs - Buffalograss, 0.2 lbs - Blue Grama

44. Reference: Section/paragraph 1.7.8 is aeration requirement for Improved grounds which does not have a costing CLIN for the contractor to provide you with a cost of the required service, as does Irrigation services, Leaf removal service, and Fertilization.

Question: Please provide clarification as to how you would insert/apply costing of this required service as you have only one bid schedule line item for two completely different areas and different seed mixtures?

Answer: Aeration has been corrected on bid schedule.

45. Reference: The total acreage of Semi-Improved grounds is 331 acres, when you combine two area Semi-Imp and Restricted Semi-Imp. This section/paragraph 1.7.4 references which indicates non-turf areas to be maintained as well. Weed control in Appendix A show weed control as a 1-time annual service/application for semi-improved grounds, as do the two pricing and excel bid schedules. Appendix A shows weed control for hard surface areas 1060 acres for all vegetation (crack-grass/un-wanted vegetation) as a 1-time service annually as well.

Question: Please provide clarification as to how you would require the contractor to insert/apply costing in one CLIN for multiple areas of required workload services that are weed control for lawns, hard surface, aquatic, and noxious/invasive species? (FYI noxious and Invasive does not have any described requirement in the PWS such as weed control or aquatic species which have a description of requirement!)

Answer: 0002AG Price per total acres.

46. Reference: You have three sections/paragraphs in the PWS that provide descriptions of required tasking for Snow and Ice removal. You have several facilities described in sections/paragraphs 1.6.1 and 1.6.2, you do not have any mention or direction for the Hospital. In the Appendix A you have Snow/Ice removal listed with a quantity of 17,440 Sq Ft. On CLINs 0007 as 6 months, 0012 marked as DFAC as 6 months, and 0015 as 1 lot. What you have provided is not clear, clin 7 & 12 at 6 months clin 15 as 1 lot on the bid/costing sheets.

Question: Please provide a Map that shows all locations and areas the contractor will be required to perform Snow and Ice Removal?

Answer: Snow and Ice removal maps will be provided.

47. Question: Please provide clarification of a description on requirements as to what will be expected for snow and ice removal that will be accomplished for the Hospital area?

Answer: Please see CLIN 0015, it references section 1.6

48. Reference: Section/Paragraph 1.7 is special requirements service, it states shall only be accomplished through issuance of a work order by COR. So as it clearly states by work order only, so by this statement you can assume that all sections/paragraphs in all sections 1.7 thru 1.7.8 are only accomplished by issuance of a work order by the COR.

Question: Please provide clarification as to how many or all sections/paragraphs are only accomplished by work order?

Answer: Everything under section 1.7 will be need a work order.

49. Reference: Section/paragraph 1.7.1 is the start of tree requirements 1.7.1.1 describes tree care that the contractor is to identify a number of care issues/requirements and do we report them, we assume to the COR. It also states we are to perform certain task; we do not see any line item or annual quantity for performance in costing of this service requirement. Which gives you information and assumed understanding that you want tree trimming is to be perform when requested or needed that is not an emergency type request. The Appendix A and the bid schedule does not provide an annual quantity, a place to insert costing for standard tree trimming requirement. Section 4.3 background indicates that the contractor is to support tree work requirements, it provides a quantity of 500 trees of various sizes.

Question: Please provide clarification as to how the contractor to move forward without a clear description and understanding as to what the Governments needs are?

Answer: Tree quantity need to be removed from section 4.3. Only an emergent removal needed at this time.

50. Question: Please provide clarification on section/paragraph 1.7.1 & 1.7.1.1 requirements, on concerns of annual quantity, size of tree, and costing line-item absences?

Answer: Left this in the PWS, but not utilizing at this time.

51. Reference: In 1.7.1.1 you state that guy wires, cables, straps, and stakes are to be removed when they can remain vertical normally (after three years growing season). The guy wiring for an extended period of time is not a common or normal practice. Install guy wires and staking to support a tree to stay vertical is normally recommended not to exceed more than 1 year after installation. Is also only recommended when a plant is to top heavy, that staking when not needed/required can, slow down root growth as they become dependent on the stabilization support; such as Guy Wires/Staking. We have researched several standards and web sites to confirm our belief that staking is needed put not for an excessive amount of time.

Question: We are not wanting to be conflictive on this matter we just want to do the right thing for the plant/tree, please confirm that the three-year staking is the correct practice, and will benefit the plant/tree?

Answer: The word “normal” was added due to past practice. This is outside my scope and knowledge base.

52. Reference: Section/paragraph 1.7.1.3 you are requiring tree and stump removal, you have identified four separate sizes; Large, Medium, Small, and saplings. The costing/pricing schedule only has two line-item, Large and Medium Emergency requests for inserting a cost per each tree size. For normal request/WO tree and stump removal, you do not have a line-item for costing of the four sizes you have identified in this section/paragraph, listed in your bid/pricing schedules.

Question: For clarification, please provide direction/guidance on how you would like the contractor to price/cost these four sizes regarding this requested service requirement?

Answer: PWS is referencing all services, but not all are needed at this time.

53. Reference: Section/paragraph 1.7.4 indicated that the contractor is to perform pruning/trimming of shrubs, hedges, and other plants that are within Improved grounds. This requirement states that a work order will be issued twice a year in May and October and that the contractor has months to complete the work as described with in the section/paragraph. This indicates that you would require the contractor to perform service pruning/trimming twice a year of 700 plants, shrubs, and hedges, the bid schedules only show this service to be costed/priced for 1 month of the year!

Question: Please provide clarification/direction on how the contractor should move forward in costing this requirement?

Answer: The first year of performance starts in November and ends 30 September (October is not in that timeframe). The only performance for the base period would take place in May 2022. The following option years include both May and October.

54. Reference: Section 1.7.8 aeration as this is in section 1.7 will this service be accomplished as performance base or work order issuance (IDIQ) type work.

Question: Please provide clarification as to aeration requirement is to be accomplished by work order issuance or performance base workload?

Answer: This reference has been added to CLIN 0002AA.

55. Question: Please provide clarification as to how you would require the contractor to insert/apply pricing/costing for this service?

Answer: This reference has been added to CLIN 0002AA.

56. Reference: Section/paragraph 4.2.4.1 reference storage and mixing requirements regulations, DoDM 4150.05 and AFI 32-1053. AFI 32-1053 just references you to go to DoDM 4150.07, which provide additional regulation for information, storage, mixing and disposal. None of the information in the PWS or any of the referenced regulation actually states that storage and mixing is allowed on Ellsworth AFB.

Question: Will the contractor be allowed to store and mix the herbicide products needed for weed control requirements stated within this PWS? If storage and mixing is allowed on base, where is the storage facility located, and where will mixing be allowed/performed?

Answer: Storage and mixing allowed on government provided facility located on Ellsworth, AFB.

57. Question: CLIN x002AJ Prune Shrubs has a workload data of 1 Month as needed. CLIN x014 also requests pricing for Shrub Trimming 700 Each. Which CLIN are we pricing?

Answer: Prune shrubs is only improved grounds and shrub trimming is everything outside of that.

58. Reference:

In Appendix A the Estimated Workload is 28 mows for:

· Improved

· Semi-improved

· Airfield

In the 2013 PWS these areas were shown as:

Improved, 18 mows

Semi-improved, 14 mows

Airfield, 14 mows

Question: What has changed at Ellsworth AFB that has increased the mows in the 2021 workload?

Answer: This is an estimated amount. Performance is based on height standards, not estimated workload. Due to unforeseen weather conditions, the workload has changed from year to year.

59. Question: CLIN x008 description mentions Sub CLIN x008AA, but we are not seeing this in the Bid Schedule.

Answer: 008AA is a reserved section

60. Question: CLIN 5013. Is 10 Each the correct quantity for October, when in previous years the quantity is 10 Each for 6 months?

Answer: 10 single snow removal days for May and October. These are 2 months outside of the snow removal CLIN 0007, CLIN 0012, and CLIN 0015 time frames.

61. Question: Are Airfield radios Government furnished?

Answer: Yes

62. Reference: PWS 1.1.4.3 Winterize. It is standard practice to winterize irrigation systems by mid-October in this part of the US. However, on Sheet 2 of the Bid Schedule we are being asked to price this in the Base Year which starts on Nov 1. The average low temperatures in November are below freezing and range between 18°F (-7.8°C) to 27°F (-2.8°C) and systems need to be winterized well before these conditions.

Question: Will irrigation systems be winterized before Nov 1 by the incumbent contractor? If irrigation systems are not winterized in Oct 2021, who will be responsible for the repair costs come spring start up? These costs could amount to every component in the system being freeze damaged and needing replacement. Additionally, such a large repair requirement would require an entire irrigation crew, which is not priced in our proposal, only an irrigation systems maintenance person is included in our proposal.

Answer: Yes, they will be winterized prior to November 1st, 2021. This has been removed off of the base year on the bid schedule.