Grounds_Mx_Q&A_1.pdf

Questions and Answers Solicitation FA4819-18-R-6002

Grounds Maintenance Services – Tyndall AFB

1. How does the government define a functional area for the purpose of the staffing plan?

Comment: The government has requested the number of hours for each functional area

Reference: Solicitation Pg 54, Spec Item 3.3.3.1 – Staffing Plan, para “A”

Addendum 52.212-2 para 3.3.3.1(a) has been amended to remove functional areas.

2. Will the government please identify what SUBCLIN offerors are to assign costs to for these tasks?

Reference: Performance Work Statement, spec items, 1.8.5 – EOD Range and 1.8.6 – Ballfields

Improved Grounds, SubCLIN AA

3. Will the government please provide workload data on the following items:

AD – Leaf Removal – 90 acres (50% of Improved)

AE – Fertilization – 181 acres (Improved Grounds only, on an as needed basis)

AF – Lawn Renovation – 10,000 SF (Maximum amount per year)

AG – Prune shrubs and hedges – 10,000 LF (Maximum amount per year)

PWS Appendix A has been updated

Reference: Performance Work Statement, Appendix A – Workload Totals

4. You have not provided a CLIN for costing any of these four services identified in question #3, please clarify your intentions?

The four items listed in Question #3 are identified on the Bid Schedule and are identified as SUBCLINS AD, AE, AF and AG.

5. Will the government please define the unit of measure for which a “Lot” represents, i.e. Acre, Ea?

The following SubCLINs have been identified and updated as a pre-priced Not To Exceed (NTE) CLIN and the unit of measures are listed below. Addendum 52.212-1 and 52.212-2 have been amended to reflect these changes.

AF Lawn Renovation - Square Feet AS Special Cuts – Acres AT Planting Trees, Shrubs and Vegetative Beds - Each

Reference: Bid Schedule, sub-CLINs AF Lawn Renovation, AS – Special Cuts and AT – Planting Trees, shrubs and vegetative beds

6. Is the square-footage for the cemeteries included in the workload data reflected under appendix A for semi-improved grounds?

PWS Appendix A has been updated to include this information

Reference: Performance Work Statement, Appendix D – Cemeteries

7. Can the government provide historical annual frequencies of service for the following CLINS? I realize this is a performance based contract however, this historical data should be relevant to this solicitation. By not providing this information, it seems to give an unfair advantage to the incumbent contractor.

a. Maintain Improved Grounds (IG) Growing Season (April - September) - 48 cuts per 6 months

b. Maintain Improved Grounds Non-Growing Season - 24 cuts per 6 months

c. IG Remove Debris/ Police Grounds - Daily

d. IG Prune Shrubs and Hedges - 2 times per year

e. Maintain Semi-Improved Grounds - Growing Season - 12 cuts per 6 months

f. Maintain Semi-Improves Grounds - Non-Growing Season - 6 cuts per 6 months

g. Maintain Airfield BASH - Growing Season - 24 cuts per 6 months

h. Maintain Airfield BASH - Non-Growing Season - 12 cuts per 6 months

i. Maintain Unimproved Grounds - PWS para 1.4 once per year

j. Maintain Vegetative, Inert Beds, Rock Beds, and Related Areas - 12 times per year

k. Maintain Surface Drainage Ditches - New requirement, no historical data available

8. The Government cites several maps under Appendix B of the PWS. Can the Government please provide referenced maps?

Appendix B maps have been uploaded to FBO.gov

9. Could the government please provide a quantity for CLIN AE, fertilization, per application?

This acreage is missing from the estimated workload on the PWS.

Appendix A updated. 181 acres of Improved Grounds on an as needed basis.

10. Could the government please provide a quantity for CLIN AD, leaf removal. This acreage is missing from the estimated workload on the PWS.

Appendix A updated. 90 acres (50% of Improved Grounds)

11. Could the government provide a quantity for CLIN AF, Lawn renovation? This acreage or square footage is missing from the estimated workload on the PWS.

Appendix A updated. 10,000 SF on an as needed basis, this SubCLIN will be a Not To Exceed (NTE)

CLIN.

12. Could the government provide a quantity for CLIN AG, Prune Shrubs and Hedges? This quantity is missing from the estimated workload on the PWS.

Appendix A updated. 10,000 LF (Maximum amount per year)

13. Could the government provide a quantity for CLIN AT, Planting Trees, Shrubs, and Vegetative Beds?

Appendix A updated. 100 each (maximum per year) this SubCLIN will be a Not To Exceed (NTE) CLIN.

14. Could the government provide a quantity for CLIN AM, Maintain Vegetative, Inert Beds, Rock Beds, and Related Areas? This acreage or square footage is missing from the estimated workload on the PWS.

Appendix A updated. 20,000 LF (Maximum amount per year)

15. Could the government provide a quantity for CLIN AS, Special Cuts?

Appendix A updated. 392 acres, this SubCLIN will be a Not To Exceed (NTE) CLIN.

16. Irrigation maintenance is a requirement within the PWS, however there is no CLIN referencing irrigation maintenance. Could the government provide clarification? Can the government provide a quantity or supporting data (acreage, zones, headcount, etc.) if this is a requirement?

PWS updated. No maintenance required, just operation of irrigation systems to keep grass healthy

17. Pest Control (Herbicide) is a requirement within the PWS, however there is no CLIN referencing Pest Control. Could the government provide clarification? Can the government provide a quantity?

Pest Control (Herbicide) will not be required under this contract. The PWS and Bid Schedule has been amended to reflect this change

18. According to CLIN's AP through AR, the total quantity for emergency tree and stump removals equals 120, however per the PWS there should be 135. Which is the correct quantity?

120, Appendix A updated accordingly

19. Shrub Removal/Replacement is a requirement within the PWS, however there is no CLIN referencing Shrub Removal/Replacement. Could the government provide clarification?

This is included in Appendix A. CLIN AG

20. What is the average width and depth of the surface drainage ditches?

Average is around 20’W X 6’D

21. The government provided a Wage Determination and a Collective Bargaining Agreement?

Which is applicable to this solicitation?

The Collective Bargaining Agreement is applicable to this solicitation.

22. The PWS states: "If a plant should die or become unhealthy due to damage, the Contractor will be responsible for replacing the damaged plant with a plant of same size and type. Plant replacement shall occur within 15 days after identification or notification" Can the government confirm that this is only for damage caused by the contractor?

PWS updated. Contractor will replace plants/shrubs or bushes if they die from natural causes.

23. The PWS states: "All fence lines shall be trimmed to prevent vegetation growth in the fence, including removal of vegetation growing up the links of the fence". Can the government please provide linear feet of fence in each area of the base: Improved, Semi-Improved, BASH?

No value added to differentiate fence lines between Improved, Semi-improved etc. If the fence is in an Improved area, maintain at the Improved standard. Perimeter fencing not in an Improved, Semi-improved area (such as a fence that runs through a forest area) shall be maintained IAW PWS para 1.2.3.

24. The PWS references Weed Control in turf in section 1.1.4 however there is no CLIN that matches this service. Can the government provide clarity on this to include acreage for each area on base requiring this service and perhaps an additional line item if needed?

Weed Control (PWS para 1.1.4) will not be required under this contract. The PWS and Bid Schedule has been amended to reflect this change

25. The PWS references aeration in section 1.1.8.2 however there is no CLIN that matches this service. Can the government provide clarity on this to include acreage for each area on base requiring this service and perhaps an additional line item if needed?

Aeration is for Improved Grounds only; SubCLIN AE

26. Is the 12-foot strip of perimeter fence line maintenance included in the acreage for semi-improved grounds?

It is a separate item in Appendix A

27. The PWS section 1.8.1.1 discusses tree care - "The contractor shall brace, cable, guy (to keep tree vertical), and deep water all damaged trees after identification. The contractor shall remove all guy wires, cables, straps, and stakes when the trees remain vertical (normally, after one growing season). The contractor shall adjust wires, cables, and straps as required, to prevent girdling."

There is no corresponding line item for these services. Can the government provide detail on which line item this pertains to and an estimated quantity of service?

This shall be considered part of “Planting Trees, Shrubs and Vegetative Beds”

28. What is the dominant grass species in the improved grounds, semi-improved grounds, and airfield?

Bermuda

29. What is the grass height standard for drainage ditches in the improved grounds, semi-improved grounds, and airfield?

PWS updated. All ditches shall be maintained between 6-14 inches

30. Is broadleaf and invasive weed control currently being conducted in the airfield?

No

31. May offerors submit contracts performed as a subcontractor?

Example: An offeror is performing complete recent/relevant grounds maintenance as a subcontractor under a larger Base Operations Support prime contract.

Yes offerors may submit contracts performed as a subcontractor, please see 52.212-1(1.10.5.8) in the solicitation.

Reference: Solicitation Section 1.10.1 "...where offerors performed as the prime contractor that demonstrate..."

32. It appears that the Excel Bid Schedule (all tabs) published on FBO has been protected by the author. Could we please get an unprotected version to enable us to transfer into our estimating system?

The Excel Bid Schedule has intentionally been protected with only the unit price unlocked for editing.

Offeror’s need only enter unit prices.

33. Who is or was the Incumbent contractor of the Grounds Maintenance contract on Tyndall, and what was the grounds contract value?

Alutiiq 3SG, LLC

34. Will the contractor be allowed to have approved bulk fuel storage tanks and containment on base at one of government provided facilities?

Yes but there are Environmental and Fire Department requirements that will have to be adhered to.

35. Will the awarded contractor be required to enter the base thru the commercial gate when entering the base with company owned equipment?

Initially, yes. Once established, Tyndall AFB Plan 31-101 allows long term contractors to traverse through gates without using the commercial gate.

36. No PDF file provided for viewing of the required services within the PWS, Please provide a PDF file for download to a computer for us/contractors to view the assigned areas?

Appendix B maps have been uploaded to FBO.gov

APPENDIX B –AREA MAPS OR SITE PLANS

• Grounds maintenance maps are PDF files and are designed to view via computer enabling the user to zoom in for accuracy. Improved, Semi-improved and Un-Improved Grounds (with BASH areas) (6 PDF files)

Edging & Trimming (6 PDF files) Areas Requiring Irrigation and Areas with Irrigation Systems (Reserved) Areas Requiring Leaf Removal (2 PDF files) Vegetative Beds, Inert Beds, and Related Areas (Contact the COR) Surface Drainage Ditches (2 PDF files)

37. As there is NO Map. Provide clarification as beyond the 20 feet away from every building, regarding the mowing requirements as to improved or semi-improved standards?

Within 20 feet of every building, on Tyndall AFB will be considered Improved Grounds. The rest of the improved grounds are identified in Appendix A and B.

Buildings located within the Semi-Improved areas will have the 20 foot radius maintained as Improved.

38. Removal of vegetation from expansion joints, Please clarify as what is your intent/meaning “of other hard surfaces”?

Reference: Edging shall include removal of vegetation from expansion joints and cracks in sidewalks, driveways, curbs and other hard surfaces

Items such as concrete pads, street light pole bases, etc.

39. Control weeds in improved grounds through execution of a weed control program appropriate for the area to maintain a professional appearance. Restore grounds made barren where weeds are removed to the level of care of the surrounding area (i.e. semi-improved, improved, etc.). Civil Engineer Asset Management Flight must approve all herbicides prior to use. All herbicides and pesticides used must be on the installation-approved inventory list and applied by certified personnel.

a. Please provide workload quantity of acreage for weed control along with a Map of the areas requiring this service?

Weed Control is not required under this solicitation and resultant contract. See question 24. The PWS and Bid Schedule have been updated to reflect these changes.

b. Please provide clarification regarding the Attachment A ITEM 6 (herbicide) you have it as reserved, is this the same as weed control requirement stated above?

Herbicide is not required under this solicitation and resultant contract. The PWS and Bid Schedule have been updated to reflect these changes.

c. Will the contractor be allowed to Store and Mix any herbicide chemical on Base for the term of this contract?

Any hazardous material storage is required be coordinated with Tyndall AFB’s Environmental office in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies.

40. All other Irrigation requirements are as RESERVED, Please clarify as to why you have

1.1.5.1 inserted as an irrigation requirement for operation of irrigation systems?

Maintenance of irrigation systems is not applicable to this solicitation, PWS has been updated. Only operation of irrigation systems is included for this solicitation and resultant contract.

Reference: 1.1.5 IRRIGATION-RESERVED

1.1.5.2 MAINTENANCE OF IRRIGATION SYSTEMS-RESERVED 1.1.5.3 WINTERIZATION OF

IRRIGATION SYSTEMS-RESERVED

OPERATION OF IRRIGATION SYSTEMS:

The contractor shall irrigate improved grounds to maintain the health of the turf ensuring no ponding of water, excessive runoff, etc. This includes lawns, plants, flowers, landscaped areas, and all areas requiring manual watering (see Appendix A and B). Contractor shall position hoses, etc., for manual watering and then remove/store hoses, etc., between watering to ensure neat, clean appearance of areas. The Contractor is prohibited from connecting to any hydrant within the boundaries of the installation. Contractor shall practice water conservation measures whenever possible and shall position all watering systems to avoid overspray onto pavements, sidewalks, roadways, etc. Watering shall be performed during nighttime hours. If daytime watering is necessary, Contractor shall notify the CO or COR of the reason for daytime watering, and the duration daytime watering will be in progress. Irrigation responsibilities also include setup, monitoring, adjusting, etc., of irrigation system computer, clocks/timers, controllers, pumps, etc.

Contractor shall be responsible for day-to-day operation of the base-wide automated irrigation system.

41. You have 181 acre listed as Improved grounds in Attachment A, Please provide a map for viewing of the assigned 90 acres for policing ground?

This is not an easy one to explain. AFCOLS only allows 50% of Improved Grounds to be policed. I can’t dictate which 90 acres to police because if you have debris in another area, it won’t get picked up.

Reference: The contractor shall perform general litter patrol in areas of improved grounds identified in Appendix A and B. Remove and dispose of natural debris, (tree limbs, dry brush, rodent habitats, etc.), and man-made debris. Police areas to maintain a neat and professional appearance.

42. Leaf Removal – Fertilization – Aeration – Lawn Renovation

The contractor shall remove leaves in areas of improved grounds to maintain a neat and professional appearance. Leaf removal must be completed within 5 work days upon issue of the work order by the CO or COR. Leafs must be disposed in accordance with the base solid waste management plan.

The contractor shall have a pH adjustment and fertilizer application program. The contractor shall perform a laboratory test of the soil in improved grounds and apply fertilizer and lime using procedures appropriate for the soil conditions found, type of grass, and season. Apply fertilizer and other soil amendments to bring soil condition to that suitable for the vegetation being treated. This work will be issued as a work order by the CO or COR.

The contractor shall aerate lawns on improved grounds once per year during the month that best suited for the grounds and type of grass. Aeration shall be performed with a core aerator to remove soil plugs at a minimum of 4 inches deep and 2-3 inches apart. Plugs will be left on the lawn to disintegrate.

The contractor shall renovate lawns in improved grounds as identified by the CO or COR. This work will be issued via a separate work order. Renovate deteriorated lawn area to match surrounding areas.

Lawn areas damaged via operation of contractor’s equipment shall be repaired by the contractor at no cost to the government.

a. The four services listed above are not listed in the Attachment A and DO NOT have any estimated workload quantity, Please provide a quantity for each required service?

PWS Appendix A has been updated.

b. You have not provided a CLIN for costing any of these four service please clarify your intentions?

The four items above are identified on the Bid Schedule and are identified as SubClins AD, AE, AF and AG.

43. The Attachment A does not provide an estimated workload quantity please provide an annual quantity that the contractor is to perform for this service?

PWS Appendix A has been updated.

Reference: The contractor shall prune/trim shrubs and other plants to maintain their natural growth characteristics to enhance the beauty and health of the plant. Hedges shall be maintained to their natural mature height and shape. Shrubs, plants, hedges, and ground cover/vines shall be pruned/trimmed 3 inches away from buildings, fences, curbing, sidewalks, and other fixed obstacles. All ground cover and plants shall be kept within the bed borders. All plants around landscape and ground lights shall be pruned/trimmed to allow light usage for its intended purpose. Shrubs and hedges located on street corners, curb easements, etc. shall be pruned/trimmed to keep from obstructing view of oncoming traffic. Areas beneath shrubs and hedges shall be kept free (clean) of all grass, weeds, vegetation, and debris.

44. Cemeteries will be maintained at the semi-improved level and are identified in appendix G.

a. Appendix G identifies 7 cemeteries with locations, Clarify as if these 7 locations are all on base or off base?

Marshall, Marywood and Massalina are located within the fenced areas, the rest are located on Tyndall property but outside the fenced area.

b. Are all the cemeteries’ reasonably accessible? If not please explain why and what make difficult to access?

Yes they are all reasonably accessible.

c. If off base provide mileage/distance and direction the contractor will have to travel?

The furthest one is approximately 13 miles from the building that will house your equipment.

d. Provide a Quantity/acreage for each listed cemetery?

PWS Appendix A has been updated.

45. Please clarify as to who and how the training is to be provided for the AF Form 483 (flight-line driver’s license)?

Reference: All employees working on airfield grounds shall be required to have an AF Form 483, Certificate of Competency (flight-line driver’s license) with them at all times

Our squadron, 325 Civil Engineer Squadron, will provide the training. The 325 FW Airfield Operations will administer the initial test and the annual renewal tests.

46. The government will provide all communication equipment required for this contract. The government shall provide the transceiver frequency to the contractor. The contractor shall be responsible for any changes to radio types that the base makes in the course of this contract, i.e.

frequency changes.

a. Attachment H show the government is to be providing (4) Two Way Hand Held radios, Clarify as what these four radios are intending for?

Communications with the Airfield Control Tower when the mowers are on the airfield.

b. If the (4) radios are intended for the flight-line use way would be the contractors responsibility for making any changes to types of radio or frequency?

This statement has been removed from the PWS. Contact the COR for any questions or issues you have with the government provided radios.

47. The contractor shall maintain vegetative beds, inert beds, rock beds, and related areas as identified in Appendix A and B to present a neat and professional appearance. Maintenance activities may include but are not limited to fertilizing, watering, weeding, mulching, and repairing or replacing of damaged plants and shrubs. When replacing plants, shrubs, and performing repairs, conform to good Xeriscaping practices for the area. USAF standard is “maintain beds to be weed free, not to exceed 2 times a month”. Only low maintenance, indigenous flowering plants shall be acceptable candidates for planting. Flowerbeds are authorized at installation main entrances and installation headquarters (I.E. wing HQ. numbered AF and MAJCOM HQ). All other beds are locally funded.

a. No Map or Quantity has been provided, For clarification the contractor needs to know info for both items, Please provide a workload quantity for the contractor that they are required to service?

PWS Appendix A has been updated.

b. Also provide a Map so the contractor can analyze and create a clear understanding of the assigned areas and travel to each location for the required services stated within the

PWS?

We do not have these items identified. Quantity is now included in Appendix.

48. The contractor shall brace, cable, guy (to keep tree vertical), and deep water all damaged trees after identification. The contractor shall remove all guy wires, cables, straps, and stakes when the trees remain vertical (normally, after one growing season). The contractor shall adjust wires, cables, and straps as required, to prevent girdling.

a. Attachment A does not provide a quantity, Please provide a workload quantity so the contractor can have a clear understanding for costing this service?

This shall be considered part of “Planting Trees, Shrubs and Vegetative Beds”

b. Also provide a costing CLIN for the requirement?

SubCLIN has already been provided AT Planting Trees, Shrubs and Vegetative Beds, this will be a NTE.

49. Clarify as to just how many emergency tree trims will be accomplished annually?

Ref: PWS Appendix A – No more than 800 Emergency tree trimmings per year

Reference: The contractor shall complete an emergency spot pruning/trimming within one (1) workday from the work order date. Typically, emergency spot pruning/trimming includes removal of dead and/or broken limbs or removal of limbs for required clearances.

The contractor shall identify trees that pose public safety hazards or threats to structures/buildings. These hazards include minimum safety clearances, which are: 14 feet over streets, 12 feet over driveways, 8 feet over walk areas, 4 feet over buildings, and 1 foot from buildings.

Topping and de-horning are not permitted. Trimming or pruning of trees that touch or hang over energized utility poles or power lines is the responsibility of the contractor. Minimum clearance from primary lines (over 600 volts) shall be 8 feet. Minimum clearance from secondary lines (under 600 volts, i.e. electric service drops, telephone, and cable TV) shall be 4 feet.

(An issue with this requirement is unless you provide an accurate actual annual quantity that will be accomplished each fiscal year the contractor will have to provide specialized costly equipment and or sub it out to a Local tree Company from within the localized area and because of the one day time constraints sub may not be able to respond as quickly as one day)

50. When trees are involved with main High Voltage power-lines, they are normally the responsibility the electrical company/provider that is servicing that line.

Again specialized equipment is required and along with certified/trained personnel to work with the parameters’ of high voltage lines, please provide clarification regarding your intentions?

Specialized equipment will drive the cost of the proposal higher than needed if clarity is not provided.

This solicitation is not responsible for trees located in and around high voltage lines.

51. Upon notification of an emergency, the contract manager shall respond within one (1) hour to meet with the CO or COR and initiate emergency services. Upon receiving direction by the contracting officer representative (COR), contractor personnel shall begin emergency work within two (2) hours. Oral work orders for emergency services to minimize damages or mitigate hazardous conditions will be followed up with a written work order.

Depending on location of a tree removal can become an issue when removing it, special equipment again maybe needed, and the time constraints will become an issue if the contractor has sub-contract this work or bring in (rented) the specialized equipment if it is not within their inventory.

a. Clarification as actual annual quantity is needed to determine to provide right equipment needed so it can included as a part of this proposal?

Ref: PWS Appendix A – No more than 120 emergency tree and/or stump removals per year.

b. Please provide what your actual usage intent is for each fiscal year?

See prior question.

52. The contractor shall upon notification by the CO or COR through the issuance of a work order, perform special cuts. Special Cuts are identified on the grounds maintenance maps and appendix G. as shown in Appendix. Special cuts may require mowing, trimming, edging, brush hog, roller chop, gyrotrac or any means necessary. This shall include grass cutting, scrub brush removal or tree removal.

a. The stated requirements for special cuts ambiguous, clarity is needed for cuts which is the meaning cutting of grass as need under special events or needs; what is roller chop, what is gyrotrac, and what is meant by other means clarify?

The PWS has been re-worded for clarity. Special Cuts will be mowing grass. "Roller Chop, Gyrotrac and other means necessary" was meant for the airfield clear zones. Clear Zones have their own workload data and are no longer part of special cuts. These words have been removed from the PWS as well.

b. You did not provide an annual quantity, Please provide an annual workload quantity of events and along with a size acreage or number removals, roller chop, gyrotrac, and other means?

This item has been re-worded in the PWS for clarity. Special cuts will only be cutting grass. Special cuts are identified in Appendix A as 392 acres. They are also identified on the maps.

53. Ballfields shall be maintained to the Improved Grounds level in accordance with the most recent versions of the following rulebooks: (1) Amateur Softball Association (ASA) Rulebook; (2) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Men’s Soccer Rulebook; and/or (3) Official National Intramural Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) National Collegiate Rulebook

a. You have provided 3 rulebook titles here what are your intentions for the contractor to do here with maintaining the ball fields provide a clear and defined clarification regarding your intent for the contractor requirements of performance?

PWS updated. Use the most recent version of the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) Rulebook.

b. Are you wanting the contractor to mow the grounds to these standards, or are you indicating the contractor is to do all and every requirement to make and maintain the fields operational and usable for playing ball?

PWS updated. Contractor will mow and trim grass, fertilize, operate irrigation systems and replenish dirt on the infield.

54. The contractor shall upon notification by the CO or COR through the issuance of a work order, perform planting of trees, shrubs, and vegetative beds to include but not limited to:

removal and disposal of trees, shrubs, or vegetative beds being replaced; and performance of maintenance after planting to include watering, pruning, and insect and disease prevention to promote survivability. Only low maintenance, indigenous shrubs/trees shall be acceptable candidates for planting.

a. Clarify with a list of quantity, variety types, frequency of the actual action of planting anything, & of plant est qty all that will be required in each action?

PWS Appendix A updated. Situations vary to be exact. Coordinate with the COR when the work order is issued for specifics.

b. Clarify what a quantity of removals needed, along with size of bed that will be removed, along with the replaced or installation of beds?

Appendix A updated

c. Clarify as how the contractor is to provide the government with a costing for all the above items listed above?

These pricing for these requirements will be negotiated between the government and contractor on an as needed (work order) basis to ensuring a fair and reasonable price for otherwise unknown quantities at the time of award.

55. You have three different facilities list for contractor to stage, is there adequate paring at each facilities for employees and company vehicles & Equipment?

Yes

56. Can the Government provide a seniority list for current employees?

No

57. Reference is made to CLIN 0001AD Leaf Removal for the base year and for the option years.

What is the unit of measure that the requirement is going to be ordered? (e.g.: square feet, acres, square yards etc.)

Acres

58. Reference is made to CLIN 0001AE Fertilization for the base year and for the option years.

What is the unit of measure that the requirement is going to be ordered? (e.g.: square feet, acres, square yards etc.)

Acres

59. Reference is made to CLIN 0001AF Lawn Renovation for the base year and for the option years. What is the unit of measure that the requirement is going to be ordered? (e.g.: square feet, acres, square yards etc.)

Square feet

60. Reference is made to CLIN 0001AS Special Cuts for the base year and for the option years.

What is the unit of measure that the requirement is going to be ordered? (e.g.: square feet, acres, square yards etc.)

Acres

61. Reference is made to CLIN 0001AS Special Cuts for the base year and for the option years.

Since it appears that this service can be either cutting Improved turf, Semi-Improved grounds and the Clear Zones, can the Government break this CLIN into three SUBCLINS?

Clear zones have been separated from special cuts. Special cuts shall follow Semi-improved standards.

62. Reference is made to CLIN 0001AT Planting Trees, shrubs, and vegetative beds for the base year and for the option years. What is the unit of measure that the requirement is going to be ordered? (e.g.: square feet, acres, square yards etc.)

Each, this will be a pre-priced NTE SubCLIN.

63. Reference is made to CLIN 0001AT Planting Trees, shrubs, and vegetative beds for the base year and for the option years. Since it appears that this service can be either planting Trees, Plants/Shrubs, or Vegetation, can the Government break this CLIN into three SUBCLINS?

At this time no these items cannot be broken up into SubCLINs due to this being an AFCOLS requirement

64. Reference is made to the PWS paragraph 1.1.5.1 Operation of Irrigation Systems. This section states ”the contractor shall irrigate all improved grounds to maintain the health of the turf ensuring no ponding of water, excessive runoff, etc.”

a. How many sprinkler systems are there?

19. Appendix F has been updated with locations of irrigation systems. If there is an area within the Improved Grounds area that needs watering but does not have an irrigation system, then hand watering shall be utilized.

b. How many acres require hand irrigation?

181 acres of Improved Grounds. This is only on an “as needed” basis. This area gets plenty of rain.

c. What is the condition of the irrigation system?

Fully functional

65. Reference is made to the PWS paragraph 1.3.3 Airfield Clear Zones. During the site visit we were told that the AF Form 813, Environmental Impact Analysis had already been filed for the Airfield Clear Zones. Our questions are as follows:

a. What method and equipment were submitted on the AF Form 813?

Methods and equipment are different for each area. The 813 currently under review is for the west end of the main runway asking to use a roller chopper.

b. Were several AF Form 813s completed for the various clear zones?

Yes

c. What is the frequency that the clear zones have been order/services?

They have not been maintained on a regular basis but we anticipate an annual cut.

66. Reference is made to the PWS paragraph 1.8.6 Ballfields. This paragraph states “Ball fields shall be maintained in accordance with the most recent versions of the following rulebooks: (1) Amateur Softball Association (ASA) Rulebook; (2) NCAA National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Men’s Soccer Rulebook; and/or Official National Intramural Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) National Collegiate Rulebook.” Our questions are the following:

a. Are we required to line the fields? No

b. Are we required to drag the fields? No

c. Are we required to level the fields? No

d. Are we to re-seed or sod the fields? Yes, if and when needed.

e. What are the approximate dates/seasons of the various sports at Tyndall AFB? Usually in the spring

67. Will the contractor be able to store fuel at the Government provided facilities?

Yes

68. Reference is made to the Union Agreement section 9.2, are we required to have a Chief Steward and two Shop Stewards?

The Union Agreement section 9.5, discusses notification to the company. The Union shall notify the Project Manager and furnish a complete list in writing containing the names of the Chief Steward and Shop Stewards.

69. Do you have the grounds map on in a PDF file?

Yes. Uploaded to FBO.gov under the solicitation ID. A printed version will also be given at time of award.

70. Am I correct in the understanding that all employees are given $5.85/hour per hour worked for health and welfare benefits. Full time employees receive 40 hours of benefits each week whether they work 40 hours or not, part-time employees can receive up to 40 hours, depending on how much they actually work, but it is calculated hour for hour worked?

Reference: Per section 15.1 of the CBA, "Employees covered under this collective bargaining agreement will receive health and welfare benefit monies at the benefit amounts per hour paid for 40 hours each week, except that regular part time employees shall receive health and welfare benefit monies at the benefit amounts per hour up to 40 hours for all hours paid."

Refer the Collective Agreement Agreement or contact the labor union for clarification.

71. Reference: Performance Work Statement Appendix H – Government Furnished Equipment Statement: In solicitation number FA3002-10-R-0059, and Contract Award FA3002-12-C-0022 several pieces of equipment were identified as Government Furnished Property (GFP) used for grounds maintenance. See Table 1 Except for the Loader, Bobcat, the equipment was stated as being “Government provided, government owned, service provider maintained, government replaced, if approved.”

FA3002-12-C-0022 shall not be referenced for this solicitation.

a. Has the equipment identified been replaced?

Not recently

b. Will offerors be able to purchase the equipment from the Government?

Not directly. Any Government equipment has to be disposed of using the DRMO system.

c. Will the identified equipment and/or replacement be available for use by successful offeror?

Refer to solicitation FA4819-18-R-6002 appendix H for Government Furnished Equipment (GFE).

d. Are there any other pieces of equipment currently in use by the incumbent not identified as available for the successful offeror?

No. Refer to solicitation FA4819-18-R-6002 appendix H for GFE

72. May offerors receive a copy of the base solid waste management plan to understand the disposal requirements?

Tyndall has a yard waste disposal area that is available for the contractor to dispose of leaves, pine cones, trees, shrubs, branches, etc to.

Reference: Performance Work Statement 1.1.7 Leaf Removal

73. May offerors receive the PDF files listed under Appendix B?

Yes, uploaded to FBO.gov

Reference: Appendix B – Area Maps or Site Plans

Statement: “Grounds maintenance maps are PDF files and are designed to view via computer enabling the user to zoom in for accuracy.”

74. Are successful offerors responsible for operating the irrigation system or other contractors?

Successful offeror will be responsible to operate irrigation systems identified in Appendix F. (Appendix B has been updated showing locations of irrigation systems)

Reference: Performance Work Statement 1.1.5.1 Operation of Irrigation Systems

Statements: Section 1.1.5 is reserved.

Section 1.1.5.1 instructs offerors to irrigate improved grounds while the main section (1.1.5) is reserved.

Appendix A and B identify irrigation as “reserved”.

75. Are successful offerors responsible for maintaining cemeteries on the base? If so, how many acres of semi-improved grounds are cemeteries?

Yes. The cemeteries identified in Appendix G are located on Tyndall property. 6.65 acres. Appendix A has been updated (Item 11)

Reference: Performance Work Statement 1.1.12 Cemeteries – reserved Reference: 1.2.4 “Cemeteries will be maintained at the semi-improved level and are identified in Appendix G.”

Reference: 1.2 Maintain semi-improved grounds – “Semi-improved grounds are identified in Appendix A and B.”

Reference: Appendix G – Lists of cemeteries

76. Is the PWS in solicitation FA4819-18-R-6002 similar in scope of work as current contract number FA3002-12-C-0022?

Similar, yes. Exactly the same, no.

Reference: Grounds Maintenance -Performance Work Statement (PWS) – 11 Oct 2017 Question:

77. Is weed control required to be priced into the offeror’s proposal at this time? If so, will the government please identify the acreage that offerors are to service under this requirement?

Weed control has been removed from the PWS and Bid Schedule.

Reference: PWS, spec item 1.1.4 Weed Control and PWS Appendix A Comment: The spec item 1.1.4 is not “Reserved” however the workload data for weed control in Appendix A states that it is “Reserved”

78. Will the government please provide workload data for the portion of the perimeter fence line that requires service under spec item 1.2.3

Any perimeter fence line not located within Improved or Semi-Improved areas.

Reference: PWS, spec item 1.2.3 Perimeter fence line

Comment: the spec item references Appendix A for workload data related to the perimeter fence line however there is no workload data provided in Appendix A for the fence line.

Appendix A has been updated

79. Will the government please upload the maps as specified in Appendix B on FBO.gov?

Appendix B maps will be uploaded to FBO.

Reference: Appendix B

80. What weight is the roller chopper to be provided and what connection is utilized?

I do not have any specifications on it nor can I find the information on line. It’s a Marden SHL 1042 with a drop pin type connection. It is fillable with a liquid to add weight.

Reference: PWS, Appendix H

Comment: The government has indicated that a roller chopper will be made available for contractor use.

81. Will the government please provide the area of rock beds to be maintained.

The Grounds PWS is a template that I had to use and I was not allowed to remove, add or change paragraphs. I have not identified specific areas with rock beds. To accommodate this requirement (per the template) I included up to 20,000 SF of Vegetative, Inert or Rock beds in case it’s needed.

Reference: PWS, 1.5 Maintain Vegetative Beds, Inert Beds, Rock Beds and Related areas

82. Will costs associated with any abnormal requirement associated with the results of the Environmental Impact Statement be covered under IDIQ, as this is rather open-ended and could result in significant unforeseen costs to the contract?

The contractor will be compensated fairly and reasonably for any costs incurred to fulfill abnormal requirements stemming from the results of an Environmental Impact Statement.

83. Will the contract be responsible for software associated with the IWIMS or TRIRIGA maintenance scheduling systems?

No

84. Appendix G and Section 1.2.4 mention 8 cemeteries. What are the requirements in these areas around the grave stones, etc. and is the acreage included in the semi-improved workload data?

Trimming is required around the grave stones. Acreage has been included in the Semi-Improved data.

Appendix A has been updated.

85. Appendix B – the site maps do not appear to be included with the current solicitation. Will the government please provide?

Appendix B maps were uploaded to FBO.gov on 14 November 2017

86. Section 1.1.5.1 says that manual watering areas are listed in App. A & B; however, they do not appear to be listed. Can the government clarify what areas/quantities will require manual watering?

Only Improved areas are to be manually watered only if needed.

87. Appendix A says that the acreage provided is the “annual” work load data. Is this the estimated acreage to be maintained throughout the year or the actual total acres mowed per year?

If this is true workload data and not just existing acreage, the acres mowed per year seems far too low for the height requirements specified and the size of the facility. Can the government please clarify?

The workload data depicts the size of the area in acres. For instance, the size of the Improved Grounds area is 181 acres. We do not provide data as far as how many times per year you need to cut the 181 acres to maintain the height.

88. Section 1.6 says that surface drainage ditches will be maintained by work order but monthly maintenance pricing appears to be included in the bid schedule. Please clarify.

PWS has been changed. I removed the work order requirement. Drainage ditches shall be maintained on a regular basis IAW PWS paragraph 1.6

89. Section 1.5 says “maintain” vegetative, inert, and rock beds. Will replacement of bulk materials be included in the FFP or will replacement be paid for as needed through IDIQ work orders?

Replacement of bulk materials shall be included in the FFP.

90. What size are the “Special Cut” areas as described in 1.8.4? This information is necessary to accurately price the “1 LOT” as identified on the bid schedule.

Special Cuts are 392 acres and only mowing will be required.

91. Section 1.10.6 appears to force contractors to rely upon the government POCs and their ability/willingness to follow your bidding instructions for submission of a qualified proposal. A contractor should only be held responsible for requesting PPQs and should not be penalized for a lack of follow-through by other government personnel. This is the entire reason for development of the CPARs/PPIRs system and many government POCs refuse to fill out PPQs siting the CPARs database. To avoid the increased possibility of a protest, will the government consider accepting CPARs, recent completed PPQs from the offeror, or just delivery to the POC?

The Government does not rely solely on the Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQ). CPARS/PPIRs is also checked for past performance. The PPQs are utilized as an additional tool to evaluate past performance and should be sent from the agency to the POCs listed in the Solicitation. Contractor’s will not be penalized for failure to submit Past Performance Questionnaires.

92. Can you please clarify whether or not we should provide a letter from our financial institution and/or just the top section of Section 4 that is to be completed by the contractor

Offerors shall provide a letter from their financial institution with their proposal.

Reference: Page 46 of the solicitation section 1.6.2.2. says "Proof of Financial Responsibility”. The Offeror shall include Proof of Financial Responsibility (letter from the Offeror’s bank on the bank letterhead) as acceptable evidence to the CO that the Offeror has sufficient financial resources to cover startup expenses for this acquisition IAW FAR 9.104-3(a). See Attachment 4 as an example template. "

Attachment 4 says not to have the bottom portion filled out by our financial institution because if your firm is selected as the potential awardee this form will be sent to your banking institution for competition.

93. I would like to confirm that the above language does not include the lay off period. During lay off time, employees will not receive the 40 hours Health and Welfare, correct?

Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) are setup between the company and the Union. The Government only facilitates the information contained in the CBA. Clarification in regards to information contained in the CBA should be addressed with the Union.

Reference: Per section 15.1 of the CBA, "Employees covered under this collective bargaining agreement will receive health and welfare benefit monies at the benefit amounts per hour paid for 40 hours each week, except that regular part time employees shall receive health and welfare benefit monies at the benefit amounts per hour up to 40 hours for all hours paid."

94. Per the solicitation instructions, under Volume IV, Section 1.10.3, we are permitted to submit past performance information from previous Joint Ventures with the same partner. Is this in addition to past performance information for up to three contracts per party?

Per Addendum 52.212-1 para 1.10.1 and 1.10.3, Past performance information submitted in excess of the first three contracts submitted will not be evaluated unless the joint venture/team arrangement identified in paragraph 1.10.3 is being proposed. In this instance, no more than three PPIs for each party of the joint venture/team arrangement will be evaluated.