JBLE GROUNDS Solicitation QA 13 DEC 2023.pdf

Defend The Base | Support The Fight | Take Care of Airmen, Soldiers, & Their Families

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

HEADQUARTERS 633D AIR BASE WING

JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS VA

13 December 2023

SUBJECT: Government’s Response to Received Questions

REFERENCE: Solicitation Number FA480024R0004

1. 52.212-1 – Instructions to Offerors

3. Submission of Proposals

3.1 The original proposal and copies as specified in this document’s hall be sent to the issuing office listed in Block 9 of Standard Form SF 1449, etc.

5. Proposal Preparation Instructions:

5.4 Electronic Copies. Electronic copies shall be submitted for each volume via email no later than the time and date listed in block 8 of the SF 1449.

Please clarify if the submission is mail in or electronic via email.

Government Response: Offerors shall submit proposal electronically, via email. The solicitation has been amended to reflect electronic submission only.

2. 5.2 A volume is not required for past performance as the past performance information will be pulled from CPARS/FAPIIS. Past performance information available through other Government sources will be used as required. How does the government plan to secure past performance information? Are we allowed to incorporate selected references into the technical volume with contract and/or contact information?

Government Response: The Government may access any available information for past performance (CPARS, other Government entities, etc.). Offeror may provide references in the Technical Volume as applicable to demonstrate performance capability.

3. Who is the incumbent contractor?

Government Response: Byrd Enterprises Unlimited Incorporated is the incumbent contractor.

4. What is the incumbent Contract Number?

Government Response: FA480020F0019

5. What is the price for the incumbent contract?

Government Response: The total awarded price of FA480020F0019 is $9,282,876.25

6. Has the incumbent contractor received any non-performance or Unsatisfactory Performance letters of concern?

Government Response: The Government will not be disclosing past performance history on the incumbent Contractor.

7. Does the new solicitation evaluation criteria include condition of equipment at start of contract?

Government Response: See 52.212-2, Technical Subfactor B: Technical Approach, Aspect 2.

8. Can Past Performance include the experience of Key Personnel?

Government Response: Key Personnel is evaluated as part of the Technical Volume to ensure Offeror understands the staffing needs required to manage the performance requirements.

9. Request past performance include the past performance of Seven years of similar size and scope of work.

Government Response: 52.212-2, Evaluation Factors for Award, remain unchanged.

10. Will Gators and RTVs be allowed to operate on the roadways of Langley and Fort Eustis? Will operators be required to have a driver’s license?

Government Response: Yes, the contractor will be able to utilize Gators and RTVs. To operate on the roadway a valid driver’s license is required.

11. 1.1.1 Maintain Improved Grounds: The contractor shall maintain grass height between 2 and 4 inches.

Improved grounds are defined as grassy/vegetative matter areas that shall not exceed 4 inches in height.

Grass and vegetation include but is not limited to seed heads, flowers, (i.e., buttercups, onion weeds, dandelions, clover, etc.) and other types of grass and weeds. These areas are open areas interspersed with but not limited to buildings, roads, parking lots, trees, fences, cracked grass and other obstacles, etc.

Is definition of 2 and 4 inches an overall appearance or can one area determine compliance with the height requirements? Can Dandelions or seed heads render the area out of compliance with height requirements? What if we have scheduled a Mow and started the Mow will we be considered out of compliance?

Government Response: Improved ground areas should be maintained at 2”-4” in accordance with the PWS to present a neat and orderly appearance. Dandelions, seed heads, and other types of grass in excess of 2”-4” can be considered out of compliance; however, the Government will work with the Contractor on a case-by-case basis for non-compliance attributable to (weather delay, Government delay, etc.).

12. Wet areas subject to rutting must be avoided for equipment until conditions permit equipment use, so these areas could be out of compliance for a period until weather conditions change to permit mowing.

Is this a correct interpretation of the government comments on the site visit?

Government Response: During periods of inclement weather impacting compliance, the area will not be considered a defect unless the areas are not brought back into compliance per the Contractor’s contingency plan.

13. Will established mowing boundaries observed on the site visit be the same for the new Contractor?

Ditches observed in some cases the contractor had mowed one side but left the opposite side (backed up to the Golf Course).

Government Response: All areas identified on the maps as improved, semi-improved, airfield and unimproved shall be maintained per the standards of the PWS. The Contractor does not maintain the golf course areas but will maintain the ditch lines and the highlighted areas identified on the maps along the roadways.

14. Please define Tidal Ponds, ditches as opposed to other ponds ditches? Site Visit Gov said Tidal areas we are not responsible for cutting the bottom of these ponds, ditches? Please clarify.

Government Response: The Contractor shall maintain all ditch lines identified on the maps and per PWS para 1.6. and 1.1.8. The Contractor is not responsible for cutting the bottom of the ponds.

15. Is policing debris defined as prior to mowing an area or is policing debris required when instructed by the COR?

Government Response: Debris/litter patrol shall be accomplished when the area is being serviced by mowers/trimmers.

16. 1.3.10. Airfield Fence Line (Eustis): This fence line did not appear to be maintained to the standards of the solicitation. (FE). Will the new contractor be reimbursed to bring the fence line up to standard?

(FE).

Government Response: Contractor shall only maintain the fence lines within the highlighted areas on the FE Maps PWS Appendix A.1. There will be no reimbursements for brining areas into compliance.

17. 1.5. Maintain Vegetative Beds, Inert Beds, Rock Beds and related areas: These areas did not appear to be maintained per the new solicitation, is this an accurate observation? Will the new contractor be reimbursed for bringing these areas into compliance?

Government Response: The facilities currently identified in Appendix A.8 & A.9 are the only facilities that receive bed maintenance. There will be no reimbursements for brining areas into compliance.

18. Maintaining beds to a 2” depth all year round does not appear to being done currently. This seems to be a possible ongoing problem because of the faulty design and flooding that will remove Mulch regularly. How can we work together to make this a practical requirement without being a cost burden to either party?

Government Response: Bed maintenance is only conducted during growing season. The Government and contractor may develop a solution to prevent removal of mulch (if required).

19. 1.7.4 Off Season Vegetative Beds, Inert Beds, Rock Beds and related Areas. Question: “Off season bed maintenance does not preclude the contractor from performing their normal scheduled maintenance.” Does this paragraph intention to convey the contractor is to continue maintaining these areas on growing season schedule? This seems counter to the earlier sentence instructions. Please define “and related areas”? This seems to allow Gov to open interpretation and expand these services without limit?

Government Response: The Contractor shall bid a plug number of 1 Lot at $30,000 for CLINs X014 and X028. These special requirements are quoted on a as needed basis upon request from the COR.

20. Question: Disposal of Debris and Leaves, Clippings are permitted at the Base Recycle Center or

Mulching?

Government Response: Langley AFB provides a roll off dumpster at the grounds site. Fort Eustis allows disposal at the refuse/recycling yard.

21. 1.7.5 Storm Debris Cleanup: What is defined as Storm debris? Is this according to National Weather

Bureau, or the base command?

Government Response: Section 1.7.5 of the PWS states “Storm Debris cleanups are identified as abnormal accumulation of debris after a severe storm i.e., derechos, hurricanes, tornadoes, named tropical storms, severe thunderstorms.”

22. 1.7.5 Storm Debris Cleanup: Line 7-8: “ Storm Debris Cleanup requirements do not preclude the contractor from performing their normal scheduled maintenance.”. This seems like a NO Win Situation for the contractor. Personnel would need to be reallocated to the emergency clean up as a priority and yet the contractor will be liable for non or poor performance for the normal schedule. This seems contrary to basic principles of fairness and reasonable expectation. I think the contractor deserves more equitable instruction and interpretation for this important issue.

Government Response: Storm Debris clean-up is considered a special requirement and will be quoted upon request from the COR. The special requirements CLIN is funded by the Government and does not require a bid from the Contractor. These special requirements are quoted on a as needed basis upon request from the COR.

23. Clin 0014 LAFB Special Requirements (Refer to PWS para 1.7 through 1.10) Pricing Firm Fixed Price.

12 Months. Is this to include Storm Damage, Hurricane Damage? This seems to require the contractor to estimate for Natural Disaster Damage and man hours? This could result in overpricing or underpricing. This moves the total burden and liability to the contractor when it should be equitable to the contractor and the government. A loaded manhour rate and estimated manhours would be more practical.

Government Response: Storm Debris clean-up is considered a special requirement and will be quoted upon request from the COR. The special requirements CLIN is funded by the Government and does not require a bid from the contractor. These special requirements are quoted on a as needed basis upon request from the COR.

24. How Many SF of Mulching Beds and How Many SF or acreage of Hard surfaces require crack Grass control?

Government Response: Refer PWS Appendix B “Estimated Workloads”.

25. Herbicides: Could you clarify the process for obtaining written consent for the use of selective herbicides, especially in areas like shrub beds, fences, and building walls?

Government Response: The Contractor will fill out the AF Form 3952 to have specific hazardous materials or pesticides approved by JBLE’s Environmental Flight. The Contractor can fill out the form and the COR will submit it for approval. If the hazardous material or pesticides are approved, then the Contractor is allowed to utilize it on JBLE. Refer to PWS para 4.4.4.

26. Maintenance of Railroad Ballast Areas: For Fort Eustis, what are the specific requirements for maintaining vegetation in the railroad ballast areas? Are there any safety protocols or equipment required for this task?

Government Response: The rocks/ballast area is maintained by a separate railroad contractor. The actual grass along the edge of the rocks shall be maintained to not overgrow into the rocks/ballast.

27. Seasonal Considerations: Are there any additional maintenance requirements or changes in procedures during the non-growing season (November through February) compared to the growing season (March through October)?

Government Response: No.

28. How exactly will the COR and CO evaluate performance? Understanding the specific criteria for evaluation will help in meeting or exceeding the expected standards.

Government Response: The Government will evaluate performance against the requirements detailed in the Performance Work Statement (PWS) and service summary.

29. 4.4 Environmental Requirements: Can you provide more detailed guidance on the approval process for hazardous materials and pesticides, including the use of AF Form 3952?

Government Response: The Contractor can fill out the form to have specific hazardous materials or pesticides approved by the JBLE Environmental Flight. The Contractor can fill out the form and the COR will submit it for approval. If the hazardous material or pesticides are approved, then the Contractor is allowed to utilize it at JBLE.

30. What are the specific spill control requirements, and what constitutes a worst-case spill in terms of volume and hazard level?

Government Response: Spill control requirements and hazards are determined by JBLE’s Environmental Flight. They periodically inspect sites to ensure the contractors across the installation are complying. The Contractor is required to follow all environmental state/federal laws pertaining to environmental spills/compliance.

31. 4.4.3 Pesticides: How should we submit the list of proposed chemicals and intended uses, and what are the criteria for approval of pesticides not on the base approved list?

Government Response: The contractor can fill out the AF Form 3952 to have specific hazardous materials or pesticides approved by JBLE’s Environmental Flight. The contractor can fill out the form and the COR will submit it for approval. If the hazardous material or pesticides are approved, then the contractor is allowed to utilize it on JBLE. Refer to PWS para 4.4.4.

32. What are the specific requirements for surveillance and monitoring before pesticide application, and what personal protective equipment is required?

Government Response: The PPE requirement should be determined by OSHA. The Government requires the Contractor to be certified in pesticide application. The Government’s Environmental Flight randomly inspects Contractors across JBLE to ensure environmental compliance for pesticide applications.

33. 4.4.4 Pest Management Requirements at Fort Eustis: Could you clarify the process for submitting the weekly schedule for pesticide applications and the requirements for VDACS Pesticide Applicator Certificates?

Government Response: DD Form 1532 shall be filled by the pesticide applicator. DD Form 1532 will be provided to the COR by the 10th day after the end of each month. The VDAC certificate is a requirement for the Contractor to obtain, maintain, and provide upon award of the contract. DD Form 1532 will be provided as a separate attachment with this questionnaire.

34. What are the guidelines for proper marking of pesticide application equipment and the procedures for providing pesticide application data?

Government Response: Application data shall be provided monthly using DD Form 1532. Proper pesticide application is determined by the certified applicator. The Government requires the Contractor to be certified in pesticide application.

35. General Compliance with Environmental Standards: How do we ensure compliance with Federal

Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard?

Are there any additional environmental considerations or restrictions specific to Joint Base Langley- Eustis that the contractor should be aware of?

Government Response: Read the guidelines provided by those agencies and follow the standards. If any additional environmental concerns are required, a modification to the contract will occur.

36. 4.4.4 Chemical Approval: What is the specific process for submitting the list of chemicals to the 733 CES/633 CES Environmental Element (IPMC) and what criteria are used for approval?

Government Response: The Contractor will fill out the AF Form 3952 to have specific hazardous materials or pesticides approved by JBLE’s Environmental Flight. The Contractor can fill out the form and the COR will submit it for approval. If the hazardous material or pesticides are approved, then the Contractor is allowed to utilize it on JBLE. Refer to PWS para 4.4.4.

37. 4.4.5 Pesticide Storage and Mixing: Could you provide more details on the requirements for off-base pesticide storage and mixing operations?

Government Response: All pesticides shall be mixed off the JBLE installation.

38. Permits, Licenses, and Certifications: What are the specific permits, licenses, and certifications required, and how do we obtain and maintain them?

Government Response: It’s the responsibility of the Contractor to obtain pesticide permits, licenses and certifications. Airfield driving permits can be obtained through JBLE’s base Airfield Management upon contract award.

39. 4.10 Hours of Operation: Are there any exceptions to the normal duty hours for grounds maintenance services, and how should we handle conflicts with Air Force mission requirements?

Government Response: The paragraph has been revised for 4.10.

40. Item 0015 – LAFB GSA Access Fee .05% of total contract and FE-GSA Access Fee .05% of total contract.

a. What is the GSA Access Fee?

Government Response: GSA fee (Contract Access fee) that is currently fixed .75%. This fee is not a negotiable element between the contractor and ordering agency. CAF shall be applied to the total price for contractor performance as billed to the Government.

b. When we invoice for this fee what are we to do with the funds received?

Government Response: The Contract Access Fee (CAF) reimburses the Contractor for fee of utilizing the GSA vehicle.

c. Is there any fees above the .05% that the contractor would have to pay out to GSA.

Government Response: The current GSA fee is 0.75%.

d. As we are invoicing for this fee every month, is this fee paid by the contractor to??? Monthly or yearly?

Government Response: Contractor is to invoice GSA fee monthly.

e. If this fee is paid yearly, is it paid at the start of the Base Year and all option, or at the end after we have collected all 12 months.

Government Response: See response to question 32 d.

f. What is involved with the contractor being registered to pay the FEE?

Government Response: The CAF is a cost of utilizing the GSA contract vehicle. The Contractor is required to pay it but is reimbursed by the Government.

41. Item 3. Government Furnished Property and Service of the PWS - 3.1.2 states …”at Fort Eustis, an office space will be provided at building 3307 with approximately 2,500 square feet of exterior space”.

a. Is there a restroom in building 3307 for our use?

Government Response: Yes.

b. Approximately what is the square footage of the office space provided for our use?

Government Response: The office space is approximately 400 square feet.

c. If possible, could you please provide pictures or a sketch of this area?

Government Response: A site visit can be scheduled individually upon request.

42. During the site visit conference, there was a discussion held regarding the possibility that some of the

Item requirements were listed a second time in the base year. Please look at 0031 – 0034 as this requirement is identical to 0001 – 0004. I was asked if I could please point this out in a question? Could you please verify that the government would like us to price these items twice in the base year?

Government Response: LAFB CLINS are sequenced 0001-0015 and Fort Eustis’ CLINS are sequenced 0016- 0030. See updated CLINs in amended solicitation.

43. We are unable edit, add text or convert the Supplies or Services & Prices or Costs to Excel or Word, starting on Page 3 of 121 of the solicitation. We have tried by using all three of our Adobe Acrobat programs.

Government Response: The Offeror shall complete Schedule B for pricing. If you are unable to complete the Schedule B in the solicitation document, one may create an excel document identical to Schedule B for submission.

44. CLINS 0001, 0031, 0032 and 0033 indicate that you are requiring pricing for "LAFB Improved

Grounds, Growing Season" four times.

Government Response: Solicitation has been updated to only include CLIN 0001. CLINS 0031, 0032 have been updated as Phase in CLINS. 0033, 0034 were inadvertently duplicated.

45. CLINS 0027 and 0034 indicate you are requiring pricing for "LE Maintain Surface Drainage Ditches" two times.

Government Response: Solicitation has been updated to only include CLIN 0027. CLIN 0034 was inadvertently duplicated.

46. Apart from the two very small areas at LAFB and FE, are there any additional areas at both locations that we can use for equipment storage?

Government Response: No. Para 3.1.2 has been updated to provide the correct square footage at both installations.

47. Can we locate fuel tanks at LAFB and FE?

Government Response: Fuel tanks can be located on site at JBLE. They will require monthly inspections per Environmental Flight requirements.

48. Can we mix pesticides on base at both LAFB and FE?

Government Response: No. This is conducted off the installation. Refer to PWS para 4.4.5.

49. How many munitions igloos and bunkers can we expect to mow and trim at each location?

Government Response: Fort Eustis has seven (7). Langley AFB has five (5).

50. Will we be permitted to mow on weekends, including BASH areas?

Government Response: The hours of operation have been updated. Please refer to PWS para 4.10.

51. How are we to price PWS 1.7 - 1.10 "Special Requirements" as 1 Lot if only a part of the services listed in the PWS were to be required?

Government Response: The Contractor shall bid a plug number of 1 Lot at $30,000 for CLINs X014 and X028. These special requirements are quoted on a as needed basis upon request from the COR.

52. Please confirm that there is no requirement for snow and ice removal on this contract

(FA4800R240004).

Government Response: Snow and ice removal is not in the PWS.

53. CLIN x004. "LAFB - Receive Improved Grounds Leaf Removal". Can we assume that leaves are collected by another entity and delivered to the grounds Contractor for disposal? Or clarify what is meant by "Receive".

Government Response: Leaf removal is conducted 6 times per year upon Government request to the ground’s Contractor. Langley AFB provides a roll off container for disposal and Fort Eustis leaf removal can be disposed the refuse/recycling yard.

54. CLIN x006 and CLIN x021. "Maintain Improved Grounds Pest/Weed Control (Pavements, Driveways, etc)". What is included in the "etc"? Also what quantities are the "etc"?

Government Response: Any parking lot that falls within the improved grounds areas highlighted on the maps, refer to PWS Appendix A.1 and A.4. Estimated workloads are identified in PWS Appendix B “Vegetation Control”.

55. CLIN x0015 and x031. Why are bidders being asked to pay what would be considered an overhead cost payable by the Government. We have never seen this before in solicitations.

Government Response: GSA fee is a required access fee reimbursed to the Offeror.

56. PWS 4.2, 4.2.1 and 4.2.2. Where are we to place the costs associated with these requirements?

Government Response: Schedule B is updated to include CLIN for pricing.

57. On day one of the contract will we be able to have the COR accompany us at both locations to carry out an inspection to record any damage or abnormal conditions? If we are to rectify any findings how are we to bill for this?

Government Response: Yes, the COR will be available to assist the Contractor in getting familiarized with the installation. Any damaged areas that need to be rectified can be identified to the COR.

58. Can a Site Manager also serve as the QCI for this requirement?

Government Response: Yes.

59. Will there be an extension of the bid due date for this requirement? Can you also provide me with the incumbent's information (i.e., company name, contract number and award amount)?

Government Response: The Government is not extending the solicitation. Please refer to questions 1-7

60. Reference: Contractor Lay Down Area. Question: Can the contractor bring storage containers (e.g., Conex boxes) on base to keep at the lay down area for storage of equipment and supplies?

Government Response: Yes, Contractor may bring in storage containers for any equipment and supplies.

61. Reference: PWS Section 3.6 Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Question: To clarify, the contractor is permitted to use the base’s containers to dispose of trash including general solid waste and yard/tree debris waste so the contractor is not required to provide their own dumpsters or other means of disposing of waste?

Government Response: The Contractor will be allowed to dispose of general solid waste and yard/tree debris in the appropriate Government waste containers which will be identified by the COR upon award.

62. Reference: PWS Section 1, Paragraph 3. – “Evaluation results will be based on COR Surveillance.”

Question: Is there a specific surveillance schedule that the COR will follow? Understanding that even with a set schedule, there may always be random surveillance possible.

Government Response: Surveillance will be conducted in accordance with Section 2 of the PWS and the Service Summary.

63. Reference: PWS Section 1, Paragraph 4. “The growing season at JBLE is considered to be March through October and Non-Growing season is November through February” Question: Will contract requirements still need to be adhered to during the “non-growing season?”

Government Response: Standards will still need to be upheld during the non-growing season of the contract for the non-growing season CLINS.

64. Reference: PWS Section 1, Paragraph 4: “If a plant should die or become unhealthy due to the contractor’s operations, the contractor will be responsible for replacing the damaged plant of the same size and type”. Question: Can there be more specifics shared on this statement as to what could be considered a contractors operation that would damage or make a plant unhealthy. As well as more specifics on what is considered an unhealthy plant and how the health of the plant will be judged.

Natural selection and the life cycle of plants, they can and will die for no apparent reason except for going through the plant’s natural life cycle.

Government Response: The Contractor will assume responsibility for replacements solely in cases where the demise of a plant results from Contractor operations, such as mowing over, using herbicides that cause harm, or excessively trimming a plant, shrub, or hedge. Should a plant perish due to natural causes, the Government will handle the replacement.

65. Reference: PWS Section 1.1.1 Paragraph 1 “Contractor shall not spray selective herbicide on islands”.

Question: No weed control is allowed on the islands even if the weed control is designed to only eliminate broadleaf weeds, but preserve healthy grass and vegetation?

Government Response: The Government acknowledges the redundancy of this sentence and will revise it in the PWS. All islands simply need to maintain a well-manicured, neat, and professional appearance.

Previous contractors inadvertently killed island grass by opting to use herbicides instead of mowing.

66. Reference: PWS Section 1.1.1 Paragraph 4 “Use of approved Growth Regulators to help maintain grass and vegetation matter height”. Question: Is there a list of approved Growth Regulators available to be shared, before bid is due?

Government Response: The current list of approved pesticides at JBLE will be provided in a separate attachment.

67. Reference: PWS Section 1.1.2 Paragraph 1 “Debris shall not be swept/blown into the newly cut edge”.

Question: Does the debris need to be picked up and removed?

Government Response: Grass clippings and debris within the newly cut edge shall be removed.

68. Reference: PWS Section 1.1.5. Paragraph 1 “In the event the contractor encounters large tree limbs, large, deceased animals/birds the COR shall make a determination on the course of action”. Question:

Will the course of action determined by the COR come at the expense of the contractor?

Government Response: No, removal of large tree limbs and deceased animals/birds is at the expense of the Government for removal.

69. Reference: PWS Section 1.1.5. Paragraph 1 “The contractor should perform general litter patrol in areas…” Question: Is there a schedule frequency of the litter patrol? Do areas need to be policed/patrolled on a daily basis or only when the areas are being serviced by mowers and trimmers?

Government Response: Debris/litter patrol shall only be accomplished when the area is being serviced by mowers/trimmers.

70. Reference: PWS Section 1.1.6. Question: What is the schedule frequency of leaf removal? Or the threshold of amount leaves fallen to where they need to be removed again?

Government Response: Leaf removal is conducted six (6) times per year upon CORs request.

71. Reference: PWS Section 1.1.9. Question: What is the turf variety that is desired for the TRADOC area called out in this section?

Government Response: The TRADOC paragraph and TRADOC CLIN structure will be removed from the PWS and bid schedule.

72. Reference: PWS Section 1.3.9. and 1.3.10. Question: Do the fences need to be trash free at all times?

Is there a specific schedule frequency?

Government Response: Debris/litter patrol shall be accomplished when the area is being serviced by mowers/trimmers.

73. Reference: PWS Section 1.5. Question: Should all trees be maintained or only ornamental trees?

Government Response: Only ornamental trees around the facilities within the pruning/vegetative beds listed in Appendix A.8 & A.9.

74. Reference: In FAR 52.212-4 (a) it states that unsatisfactory CO inspections of some PO’s should be remedied with-in 4 hours, or an acceptable time frame approved by the COR and some within 24 hours.

In the section 2.2.1 Customer complaint it says that contractors should acknowledge the complaint within 24 hours, re-perform immediately but return it to the COR within 5 calendar days of receipt.

Question: Can clarification on the requirements be provided?

Government Response: The Government agrees that this paragraph needs to be revised. The contractor shall re-perform any customer complaint per the service summary (SS). The contractor must respond to the customer complaint form within 5 calendar days on how the situation was resolved.

75. During base inspection drive through on 12/4/23, it was stated that the JBLE Grounds Contract did not require Quality Control Inspectors. Section 4.6.6. states that there is a requirement of a Quality Control Inspector. Can clarification be provided on necessary on-site Quality Control Inspectors?

Government Response: The Quality Control Inspector (QCI) does not need to be a dedicated position (i.e. can be a combined role); however, the individual needs to be a qualified QCI for grounds maintenance service. The Contractor is responsible for conducting Quality Assurance/Quality control to ensure full compliance with the PWS.

76. Can H2B Visa holders gain access to JEBLE grounds?

Government Response: Access to a DBIDS (Defense Biometric Identification System) is available to individuals holding a valid United States green card or a US employment authorization card accompanied by their DHS social security card. Individuals with a standard visa are ineligible to obtain a DBIDS credential.

77. Any equipment restrictions (Size, weight) or pre-determined safety requirements for bunker/mag group mowing?

Government Response: The equipment utilized, and safety protocols required are at the discretion of the Contractor. It is the Contractor's responsibility to ensure that maintenance is upheld within a depth limit of 24 inches and to exercise caution around lightning protection systems.

78. 20-year background check, is these 20 years of no felonies only? Can background requirements for personnel be specified?

Government Response: The denial criteria for JBLE will be provided in a separate attachment.

79. Reference: PWS Section 1.1.1. Question: What is the species of the seed heads referenced in this section? Is the contractor responsible to maintain seed heads within the 2 – 4-inch height requirement?

Government Response: Species information is not available. Seed heads will be kept within the required height range of 2 to 4 inches.

80. Reference: PWS Section 1.1.5 “In the event the contractor encounters large (greater than 4 inches in diameter or greater than 6ft in length) tree limbs, large, deceased animals or multiple animals/birds the COR shall make a determination on the course of action.” Question: Is the contractor responsible for disposing of small, deceased animals? If so, can the Government clarify which animals are considered small vs. large?

Government Response: The Contractor is not tasked with the removal of large tree limbs or deceased animals/birds. The Contractor can identify these obstacles to the COR to ensure prompt removal by the Government from the Contractor's designated area of responsibility.

81. Reference: PWS Section 1.1.4 “Applicators shall possess a category 6 certification for right of way spraying, category 3A for ornamental/pest control spraying and 3B, turf pest control.” Question: Does this statement mean that the Contractor applicator is to possess a license with all 3 categories or just one of those categories dependent upon what is being sprayed?

Government Response: The paragraph states the contractor shall possess certifications for all three.

82. Reference: Key Personnel. Question: Is the Contractor required to name Project Managers and Site Managers in their technical proposal or after award?

Government Response: Technical proposal will be evaluated in accordance with 52.212-2, Technical Subfactor A: Personnel. Names may be provided after contract award.