Responses to Questions FA8201-08-R-0031.doc

INTERESTED PARTY QUESTIONS AND GOVERNMENT ANSWERS IN RESPONSE TO SOLICITATION FA8201-08-R-0031

GROUNDS SOLICITATION

FA8201-08-R-0031

Q&A RESPONSES

23 July 2008

1. Question - Should the financial data be in a separate volume within volume II?

Answer – Financial data shall be submitted as part of Volume II and should be separately tabs. This has been changed in issued amendment 0002 under Section L, 2. Volume II (c). The only financial data that is required is listed under this section and will be used to determine contractor responsibility IAW FAR part 9.

2. Q - What is the correct due date for proposals?

A – The correct due date is 11 Aug 2008 no later than 4:00 pm local time. See block 8 of the amendment and Section L.

3. Q - What was the yearly price of the current contractor’s contract?

A – The total amount of the current contract as well as last year’s funded amount can be found on FBO under Requested Information document.

4. Q – What are the differences between the current contract and this new contract for bid?

A – All changes have been included in the current Performance Work Statement (PWS) which is an attachment to this solicitation. Only information contained in the current PWS should be used to develop a proposal.

5. Q - What are the number of employees needed during the summer (Apr-Oct) and the winter (Nov-Mar) months?

A – The contemplated contract is a Performance Based Contract, therefore the government only monitors the performance of the contractor and not the actual numbers of personnel required to accomplish the job. Contractors are to propose based upon the numbers they feel are necessary to fulfill the government’s requirement.

6. Q - In addition to the composting and fertilizer certification requirement, is there a general grounds maintenance certification that winner of this contract is required to have?

A – At this time there are no specific certifications that are required, other than for the fertilizer. HAFB does not require the composting operator to have a specific certification; however, they must be able to comply with all aspects of the PWS.

7. Q - Who is the incumbent contractor?

A – See the Requested Information document on FBO.

8. Q - What is the current contract Small Business set-aside?

A – See Block 10 of the solicitation

9. Q - In which Option Year is the incumbent performing?

A – The fourth and final year.

10. Q - Is the PWS that the incumbent is currently performing the same as the PWS for this solicitation?

A – The only PWS that is relevant to this solicitation is the one currently posted as an attachment to this solicitation.

11. Q - What is the total value and period of performance of the contract being performed by the incumbent?

A – See the Requested Information document on FBO.

12. Q - The workload data lists ‘Little Mountain’ as 55 acres. What type of maintenance is carried out at this location?

A - The 55 Acres consists of rolling hills and a small area of grass at the gate. There is also an irrigation system which must be maintained, there are also 2 pine trees in the improved area along with 4 shrubs.

13. Q - Could we get a breakout of the semi-improved acreage and unimproved acreage?

A – This has already been broken out; see the Pricing Schedule B – Attachment 6

14. Q - What is the predominant grass species in the improved and enhanced areas?

A - The prominent grass on base is Kentucky blue grass.

15. Q - Are we to provide a price for CLIN 2, Materials?

A – CLIN 0002 is included as part of Schedule B, and is material in support of CLIN 0001. CLIN 0002 will be used if additional material costs (allowable indirect costs) become necessary and will only be reimbursed after prior approval from the ACO. A line item price for CLIN 0002 is not necessary.

16. Q - What materials will the Government reimburse the contractor for? If all, will that include fuels?

A – The government will reimburse for materials failure due to normal use and which have been properly maintained. Neither fuel nor oil will be a reimbursable material.

17. Q - Are we to provide a price for CLIN 3, Over and Above?

A – No. CLIN 0003 will be used as necessary for over and above work that may become necessary over the life of the contract. CLIN 0003 will be used for specific requirements that will be awarded by Task Orders. One such example of a TO against the Over and Above line item would be task associated with an airshow.

18. Q - Are we to complete the SF 1449 pricing schedule or the Schedule B on Attachment 6?

A – Yes, Schedule B shall be filled out with item breakout. This will be used when evaluating pricing. The SF 1449 shall be filled out with the total price for each CLIN (to include option years) and a total price.

19. Q - Will radios for airfield communications be GFE?

A – Yes, radios will be supplied and they have been included under the GFE listed under 5352.245-9001. This list is the only equipment that will be provided.

20. Q - How does the Air Force plan on dealing with delays in ordering Radios that are beyond the contractor's control?

A – See the answer to question 19.

21. Q - Tree pruning – will this be on an ‘as needed’ basis, and if so, determined by whom?

A – The contractor will inspect for problem areas where the trees are near high power lines. The contractor will also keep limbs from blocking signs and proper height over roads and sidewalks.

22. Q - Are we to price Special Events and Emergencies into CLIN 1, or will this be separately reimbursed upon completion of a Task Order?

A – See the answer to question 17. All new or one time requirements will be awarded as task orders from CLIN 0003. There is no need to price unknown special events or emergencies at this time.

23. Q - PWS 1.2 – Is soil salinity a known problem in the enhanced and improved grounds?

A – At this time, HAFB does not have salinity problems.

24. Q - PWS 1.4.2 – How many annual plants are planted each year?

A – See the answer to question 51.

25. Q - PWS 1.5 – Who is responsible for the inspection, maintenance and repair of backflows and mains isolation valves?

A – The Government utilities shop is responsible for start up in the spring and certifying for the year.

26. Q - How many manually operated irrigation systems are there and what size acreage do they serve?

A – There are approximately 13 manually operated irrigation systems that cover approximately 1 acre.

27. Q - PWS 1.5 - Is there set date when irrigation systems have to be winterized by?

A – The 15th of October every year.

28. Q - PWS 1.5 – Is the Maxicom fully functional? What percentage of the automated irrigation system is controlled via Maxicom?

A – At present the maxi com system is not working, and consequently zero percent is controlled.

29. Q - PWS 1.5.1 – Who will fund the installation of irrigation systems?

A – If it is a new landscape the government will be responsible for funding the irrigation system.

30. Q - PWS 1.5.1 – What is the definition of “Installation of Irrigation Systems?” Is this a single zone or an entire multi acre system?

A – This is an entire multi-acre system.

31. Q - PWS 1.6 – It was observed that the product being cured at the compost facility was not a proper blend of the desirable components. What volume of grass clippings are delivered weekly to the area? What volume of horse manure is delivered weekly?

A – All components are stored in different areas so the blend can be adjusted as needed.

32. Q - PWS 1.6 – If the contractor does not have the correct components for compost production, what system will be in place for the disposal of stockpiled materials that are outgrowing the site’s storage area?

A – If all of compost is not used and the components becomes a problem the excess will be hauled off at the Contractors expense to proper dumping grounds. See the answer to question 53.

33. What State of Utah classification type is the composting facility?

A – The composting type according to the State of Utah is Biological.

34. Q - PWS 1.7 – What are the size limits (length and diameter of limbs) for the delivery of wood products to be ground up? We observed several piles of pallets – are the dumping of these permissible?

A – The government will take unserviceable pallets and other wood products to be chipped. The chipper has a limit of 6 to 8 inch width; all other large products must be removed from base.

35. Q - PWS 1.7 – If the base has construction or other projects that include the removal of trees, will this be the grounds contractors responsibility to process or the contractor performing the tree removal?

A – No, tree removal would be incorporated in the construction contracts. The contractor is only responsible for requirements listed in the PWS and Performance Plan.

36. Q - PWS 1.7 – What is the age, condition and how many hours does the tub grinder have? Are there any pending repairs?

A – Due to the different contractors and lack of history on the equipment we are having a sight visit so all concerned can inspect equipment and judge accordingly.

37. Q - PWS 1.7 – Will the stock pile area be clear at contract start?

A – The stockpile area will be cleaned up and all foreign debris removed.

38. Q - PWS 1.8 – Are we correct in understanding that snow will be removed from sidewalks, steps and other hard surfaces that are within 75 feet of any building by building monitors / managers?

A – PWS, para 1.8 clearly states which sidewalks are the responsibility of the Grounds Contractor. These are "special" high visible areas which needs attention in the order Priority listed. Main Walkways as those in which are not the responsibility of the Facility Manager and/or located in areas not conducive/applicable.

39. Q – PWS Appendix B – Please explain what may be privatized within the grounds contract and when that may be expected. Is the base to be downsized or under the BRAC schedule?

A – Appendix B is only listed as a minimum amount of required service. As of now there is no project requirement decrease; and as previously stated this is the minimum level of service.

40. Q - Can we expect an extension to the RFP date of July 23?

A – Yes, currently the RFP has been extended to 11 Aug 08, receipt NLT 4:00 pm mountain time.

41. Q - Amendment 0001 shows that we may now submit 3 pages per contract that we use to illustrate past performance. Can we utilize both sides of each sheet? Are the index and cover letter pages part of the 3 page count?

A – Proposals may include 3 pages (single sided only) with the index and cover letter not counting towards the 3 pages of past performance details.

42. Q – Is there a requirement to price PWS Item 1.6 Composting Operations, as we see no reference to it on Attachment 6, Schedule B?

A – Composting Operations has been added as a line item on Schedule B under CLIN 0001. Proposals should include pricing on Schedule B for every option year.

43. Q - Is a full-time quality control inspector required by contract (one that is solely dedicated to inspecting and is not allowed to perform any type of management or productive labor activities)?

A – The contractor should posture their labor force so that they may self-inspect their performance and enforce the standards in the PWS and performance plan. The government inspects the QA inspection/surveillance sheets every day to ensure previous items are fixed and the area is cleaned up IAW the PWS and Performance Plan. The government also relies on the contractor’s QA to take care of new items and inspect areas to ensure compliance with the PWS and Performance Plan.

44. Q - During the site visit, a verbal statement was made regarding the requirement for an individual trained and certified in composting. We are unable to find this written specification in the SOW. Please advise whether composting certification is required.

A – The contractor is required to be able to comply with all aspects of the PWS section 1.6.6. At this time there is not a specific certification required for composting.

45. Q - Section 1, Description of Services Performance Work Statement - Para 1.5.2: Water Conversation: Please clarify. I interpret this as the automatic systems will be off and the night person will manually open values to water during 1 May through 15 Oct to conserve water, is this correct?

A - Correct. The contractor will observe the systems when they are actually running to give the government the best idea of coverage to ensure conservation and preservation of the grounds.

46. Q - Attachment 6, Schedule B: The format to provide costing looking at your schedule is not established to provide a total cost per service. This would never match the total cost for the ordering period based on the quantity shown. We can show the total cost of each item but it would not match the quantity to Unit of Issue as some tasks are daily, weekly or monthly.

A – The unit price listed in Schedule B should be for the entire year. The government is not concerned with the frequency of performance, just that performance is IAW the PWS and Performance Plan. The price should be based upon the contractor’s proposed cost for maintaining the line item for the basic year and then each subsequent option year.

47. Appendix A Item 10 - Prune Trees indicates an estimated quantity of 4000 each as the estimated workload. Does this mean the contractor should anticipate pruning approximately 1,333 annually on a three year cycle?

A - It is a 5 year contract so with 4000 units expect to trim 800 per year

48. Q - The Solicitation CLIN 0002 states Material in support of Line Item 0001 above. Local Purchase parts to be reimbursed by the Government including allowable indirect costs in accordance with FAR 52.216-7. To be authorized prior to purchase by the ACO. Can you please elaborate as to examples of what is and what isn't included? For instance Fuel and other consumable supplies?

A – CLIN 0001 is for the basic service and “the contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, tools, supervision, and other items including supplies, chemicals, necessary equipment and services necessary…” PWS 1.0 – Scope of Wok. An example of material that would be negotiated and awarded with a task order on CLIN 0002 is (this list is in no way inclusive) ice melt, fertilizer, replacement of dead trees or shrubs (as long as the death is not due to the contractor’s actions/lack of action). Fuel and oil would not be covered under the material CLIN 0002 and should be included as incidental to service provided in CLIN 0001.

49. Q - 1.2.3 Mow Semi-Improved Grounds- States there is approximately 3870 acres of semi-improved grounds. Appendix A has 2823.4 acres of semi-improved grounds (include Unimproved grounds) and 1089.8 acres of airfield grounds. How many acres of semi-improved are there?

A – Semi-improved consists of Little Mountain, Semi-Improved grounds and the Airfield. The total under the Schedule B is 3,968 acres. The PWS states approximately 3870. Fill in Schedule B with the appropriate pricing.

50. Q - 1.4.2 Trimming/Pruning-states contractor will prune on a 3 to 5 year pruning cycle. Does that mean the estimated 4000 in appendix A should be prune over the course o the 3 to 5 year cycle, not 4000 per year?

A - Approximately 800 a year or as directed in the PWS 1.4.

51. Q - 1.4.2 Maintain Bedding and Planted Areas-States that contractor will plant seasonal flowers to present a full and colorful appearance at all times. Approximately how many flowers are planted per year?

A - There were approximately 56 flats of 12 plants consisting of some daisies, desert grasses and pansies.

52. Q - 1.5 Maintain Irrigation System- How many irrigation systems are there to maintain?

A - There is only one irrigations system for the entire base.

53. Q - 1.7.1 Perform Wood Chipping and Hauling- States the contractor shall haul all foreign materials to an approved off-base facility. How many miles away from the base is the approved off-base facility?

A – The approved off-base facility currently used is the Davis County dump, which is approximately 3 miles away from Hill AFB.

54. Q - 1.2.6 regarding airfield operations- Due to the wide variety of radios and associated cost could you please provide the current brand and model being used?

A – See the answer to question 19.

55. Q – 1.0 Scope of Work: The contractor shall provide a cost for two levels of service: CLIN 0001 Does not ask for us to provide a cost for both A & B levels of service. What price should be put in to CLIN 0001?

A – CLIN 0001 should be priced in accordance with A. Standard as outlined in Appendix A.

56. Q - 1.6 Composting Operations- Should this be included in the pricing for item 0001? If so the schedule B that is required to be filled out does not have the composting separated out. Where should the pricing for this be placed on the schedule B?

A – See the answer to question 42.

57. Q - 1.7 Wood Chipping/Hauling- should this be included in the pricing for item 0001? If so the schedule B that is required to be filled out does not have the composting separated out. Where should the pricing for this be placed on the schedule B?

A – Schedule B has been amended to include this pricing category.

58. Q - 1.52 Water Conservation- approximately how many times during May 1st-Oct. 15 does the contractor need to provide this service. How many acres?

A – The water conservation levels depend upon the water year and regulations imposed by the State of Utah.

59. Q - 1.1.4 Irrigation- How many acres/locations are outside of the irrigated areas that will need to be watered?

A - There are 55 acres at Little Mountain which are considered semi-improved. There is a 400 sq ft area of grass and a small irrigation system which is automated by a preset clock.

60. Q - 4.12.2 Local files Check- Will the contractor be responsible to conduct employee back ground checks prior to employment or will this be conducted by the pass and ID offices on base when a new hire is applying for badge?

A - The Contractor is responsible for their employees at all times. In order to receive a base access badge a series of background checks will be accomplished by Security Forces. Any employee who does not pass the background check will not be admitted on base. Employee badging will be discussed further in the pre-performance conference after time of award.

61. Q - In the estimated quantities fertilized and add soil amendments are over 500 acres. What other areas are included in this number other the improved and enhanced areas?

A - There are some priority buildings that may require amendments. When the government does the 3 soil tests to see what amendment are needed it adjusts the areas of attention, if it has a low PH or a high reading in another area. HAFB does not have a large difference in soils.

62. Q - Will the mulch in the mulched areas be provided by the contractor or is the mulch and or wood chips generated in the wood chipping area be used?

A - The contractor will generate their own mulch in the chipping yard. This mulch will be used in the mulched areas around base.

63. Q - How many areas of turn need to be mowed, aerated, fertilized and herbicide treatment?

A – Please refer to PWS Section 1.2.0, 1.2.0.1, 1.2.0.2 and 1.2.0.3

64. Q - Reference: RFP, Pages 39-40, Government Furnished Property (table)

a) The table references a pesticide sprayer can the Government identify the type of equipment provided by name, age, and relative condition?

b) Is there an Equipment Condition Report on the provided for all equipment?

A – All GFE will be available at the next site visit.

65. Q - References: PWS 1.5.2 - What areas need to be manually watered at night? Is there any truck tank watering? If so, is the equipment provided?

A - The term “manual watering” only means the contractor will set the clock manually, no hand watering is required.

66. Q - Under what conditions would the contractor be required to replace trees, sod, bushes, and flowers.

A – As stated in the PWS, anything lost on or during the contract period (due to not following proper plant care) is the contractor’s responsibility. The contractor will be fully responsible to replace with the same or similar plant.

67. Q - How would the contractor purchase these items or would they be a cost reimbursable? If they die on the contractors watch, the cost would be the Contractors responsibility.

A – See the answer to question 66.

68. Q - If a CR, will there be a CLIN to cover these or will it be accomplished by a contract modification at the time?

A – See the answer to question 66.

69. Q - Does the Government expect the contractor to include replacement items in its pricing?

A – Replacement plants that are required due to no fault (negligence) of the contractor or additional required plants will be awarded with separate task orders against either CLIN 0002 or 0003 depending on the circumstances.

70. Q - Does the Government prefer pricing snow removal per season, per hour, per push, per inch, or per bag of ice melt?

A – Pricing should be per year. Bids may be based on past years’ average snow fall.

71. Q - How can the offeror address a lump sum cost on a FFP contract without knowing exactly how much snow removal will be required in the future?

A – It is the offeror’s responsibility to structure its prices and be able to perform all RFP requirements. Whether that is through review of past years’ average snow fall/accumulation or other means of determining its price in regard to snow removal is the offeror’s determination.

72. Q - Is there a fixed POL point for contractor use available on base? If not, can a mobile one be established (tank trailer, etc)? Is POL available to the contractor at government rates?

A – POL is entirely the responsibility of the contractor and will not be considered as a cost reimbursable material under CLIN 0002.

73. Q - With past performance being the most critical factor in the solicitation process, would the government consider adding a technical volume, or, at the least, extend the past performance page limitation to no more than three (3) pages per contract?

A – In accordance with the evaluation criteria stated in Section M 2. Evaluation Factors for Award, the two evaluation factors that will be used to evaluate proposals are Past Performance and Price, with Past Performance being significantly more important to Price. The page limit was increased with Amendment 0001. Also see the answer to question 108.

74. Q - Exactly what quality standards will be used to determine acceptable performance during the POP for this new contract?

A - The standards are set forth in the PWS and the Performance Plan. These two documents state the acceptable performance quality standards that will be enforced in the new contract.

75. Q - Total Evaluated Price-How will CLIN’s 0003 & 0004 be evaluated as part of the TEP? For CLIN 0003, will the 1500 hours be multiplied by a contractor’s burdened rate? For CLIN 0004 is contractor to propose a monthly amount which will be multiplied by 6.5 months?

A – Only CLINs 0001 and 0004 will be evaluated as part of the total proposal price. CLIN’s 0002 and 0003 will be negotiated with each individual task order. For CLIN 0004, yes the contractor should propose a monthly rate for night watering.

76. Q - What square footage can the base (excluding NAF) watering system cover at one time?

A - That would vary due to the number of stations and the number of heads and volumes at said locations. Consequently some areas make it possible to complete a zone in just a few hours, and others with a lot of stations will of course take longer.

77. Q - What type of supplies, labor, and material does HAFB consider covering under clause 52-216.2? What indexes are being considered?

A – It is the contractor’s responsibility to maintain and repair any and all necessary equipment during the period of performance of this contract. 52.216-2 -- Economic Price Adjustment -- Standard Supplies – only covers the cost reimbursable items in CLIN 0002, which will not be bided on in this proposal. This clause will only be applied when material will be reimbursed IAW the guidelines set forth in the PWS.

78. Q - Would the Government consider the PWS element considering snow removal be changed to a cost per snow removal event, with event being defined as a one-time pass on the 364,000 square foot sidewalk area.

A – No.

79. Q - Are performance-based payments being considered per 52.232-32 at any time during the performance of this contract?

A – No.

80. Q - What materials (and amounts) under CLIN 0002 and 52.216-7 have been purchased under the current contract?

A - CLIN 0002 will be awarded as necessary by individual task orders. There is no need to fill in an amount on the 1449 for CLIN 0002 or 0003.

81. Q - Since the AF will not replace the GFE listed on pages 39-40/67 on the RFP, can the prospective bidders examine, operate this equipment to assess longevity?

A - Yes they will be made available for inspection at the 28 July 08 site visit.

82. Q - Can stock list prices of this equipment be supplied?

A – No, we cannot provide this information. See the answer to the above question.

83. Q - Past Performance: The evaluation of past performance looks at magnitude of effort?

a) Will magnitude look primarily at square footage of specific SOW elements?

b) Are there any other factors the AF will use to evaluate magnitude?

c) What specific factors/information will be looked at to determine complexity?

A – The definition of “magnitude” is size, scope and complexity. Methods used to evaluate size, scope and complexity are: acreage, dollar value and a complexity level that mirrors or is very similar to the required services stated in the current PWS. As stated in Section M (c) Past performance will be given a confidence rating base upon its relevancy and recency. The definitions of these words can be found in Section M (c).

84. Q - Under what circumstances could a competitor other than the incumbent receive a highly relevant rating on performance outside HAFB?

A – Past performance need not have been performed at Hill AFB to be considered highly relevant. Past Performance will be assigned a confidence rating in accordance with the evaluation factors for award under Section M. A very relevant rating means “present/past performance effort involved essentially the same magnitude of effort and complexities this solicitation requires.” Magnitude has previously been discussed in the answer to question 83. Complexity will be judged as performance that mirrors or has similar elements to the required services stated in the current PWS. Any contractor found to have no past performance will be given a confidence rating of “neutral/unknown.” IAW the evaluation criteria, this will not automatically disqualify an offeror, but is a factor considered in the Price Performance Trade-Off (PPT) technique as described in the addendum for FAR 52.212-2.

85. Q - To ensure an equitable solicitation process, would the Government consider the inclusion of a technical volume of 25 pages and make the past performance volume and the technical volume equally important?

A – No technical proposals will be evaluated, see the answer to question 108. The evaluation criteria that will be used can be found under Section M.

86. Q - To get an idea of the magnitude of plating-please provide your best estimates of the following:

A – The following are estimated:

Number of trees replaced in last 5 years:

Due to lack of water/drought:

A - 50 shrubs and trees

Due to disease:

A - 20 Identified by Environmental

Due to trimming or contractor actions:

A - 50 trees and shrubs that the Contractor must pay for because they were alive and healthy at the start of the contract. These would all be considered on an individual basis.

Number of new trees planted in new locations:

A - 50 Number of shrubs replaced in last 5 years:

Due to lack of water/drought:

A - 56 Due to disease:

A - 95 Due to trimming or contractor actions:

A - 34 Number of new shrubs plants in new locations:

A - 185 Number of plants replaced in last 5 years:

Due to lack of water/drought:

A - 85 Due to disease:

A - 43 Due to trimming or contractor actions:

A - 10 Number of new plants planted in new locations:

A - 138

87. Q - What has been the normal frequency for edging over the last 5 years?

A - Refer to PWS 1.1.3 Trim, the trimming is to be done before they move on to the next building, also the area must be cleaned up and blown or swept off of all sidewalks and gutters.

88. Q - Is the contractor responsible for hauling and dumping fees for litter gathered from air show etc?

A - Yes, however these fees do not need to be calculated at this time, once an event of this magnitude has been identified the government will give the contractor specific details in the form of a PWS for the event. The contractor will then submit a proposal for the additional work. Following negotiations Contracting will issue a task order for the services to be rendered IAW CLIN 0003 – Over and Above.

89. Q - Per PWS 1.2.4 how many airfield light fixtures will need close circle mowing?

A - Between the main runway and all approaches there are approximately 1600 individual fixtures.

90. Q - To better understand the work effort to be performed can you provide an estimate for items 9 thru 10c on schedule B?

A – See answer to the answers to questions 47 and 50 and for historical workload see Appendix A, at this time no other information is available.

91. Q - In Driving through certain base area, noticed numerous brown/dead areas of lawn. Can contractors inspect these areas to determine if these are due to faulty watering system or contractor neglect?

A – There could be a variety of reasons for this. HAFB continually takes core samples and has them analyzed to see if there are problems other than lack of water, at this time, no contamination have been identified.

92. Q - Is Contractor responsible for moving and disposing of composted material remaining on site for more than 2 years.

A – Yes

93. Q - Can the records for material received over the POP of the current contract be made available to assess workload content for this effort?

A – Material covered under CLIN 0002 is cost reimbursable and will be separately awarded with task orders as the need arises. The contractor is not required to propose these prices.

94. Q - Can a list of approved off-base facilities be provided?

A – One approved site has been identified in the answer to question 53. It would be the responsibility of the contractor to conduct market research for any additional sites.

95. Q - Can you provide a list of “customers” that would have inputs to the Service Summary?

A - We do not have a list because these complaints are handled on a case by case basis. All complaints will be validated prior to taking adverse action.

96. Q - To understand the number/volatility of these types of changes-how many changes have been issued in last 5 years?

A – There have been approximately 29 modifications.

97. Q - What is the significance of the “available” gallon sizes listed under various listed trees?

A - This would be determined by the age, and type of bush or tree

98. Q - What is the approximate number of truckloads/tons of debris hauled during.

An Air Show

Distinguished visitor visit

A – These events have too many variables to give a good estimate. All Over and Above requirements will be negotiated prior to issuing a task order and at this time contractors do not need to price CLIN 0003.

99. Q - Can you define what a “sample item” Consists of?

A - Sampling could consist of visual observation(s) or physical sample items (i.e. pH level, plugs, etc) as addressed in the Performance Plan.

100. Q - What was the incumbent’s total price proposal for the previous five-year contract

(2003-2008)?

A – The original award amount was $967,420.00. The current contract amount can be found on FBO under the Requested Information document.

101. Q - May tractors or large mowers be left overnight in the mowing areas?

A - No, all equipment must be removed and the area cleaned every day.

102. Q - Ref. paragraph 1.1.4. Irrigation- How many acres have automatic sprinklers?

A - All are on clocks and irrigation systems.

103. Q - Ref. Paragraph 1.1.4. During the site visit we noticed there were lawn areas that were under sprinkler systems that were not getting complete coverage. Will the irrigation systems be repaired prior to issuance of the contract?

A - All systems will be operating and should only need normal maintenance.

104. Q - Are there maps available for areas of snow removal?

A – No, but a detailed list is provided in the PWS under section 1.8.

105. Q - Is there a weight limitation for mowing of the magazines?

A - The weight limit for equipment on bunker is 500 lbs. It is up to the contractor as to how they maintain the MUNS area (what equipment they use), however the total weight cannot exceed 500 lbs.

106. Q - Are the days/times when the airfield has no aircraft flying?

A - There are no specific no fly days, however the inactive runway may be mowed while aircraft are operating on the opposite runway. The schedule must be coordinated with the QAP and the airfield operation tower.

107. Q - When mowing the airfield, radios are required to maintain communication with tower/air ops. Is one (1) radio sufficient while mowing or is there a requirement for more than one radio when two or more mowers are present?

A - All mowing operators on the flight line must have a radio to communicate with tower.

108. Q - Without a technical volume, how can an offeror address their approach and solution to improve the quality of grounds at HAFB?

A – IAW IG5315.101-1 – Performance Price Tradeoff (PPT) proposals will be evaluated according to the evaluation criteria included in Section M. After concluding a risk assessment, it was determined that a technical evaluation is not necessary and that requesting examples of relevant and recent past performance along with PPQs would provide the government the best way to verify a contractor’s previous experience and ability to perform this type of service as well as evaluate proposals. Therefore, past performance has been given sufficient evaluation weight to ensure that it is meaningfully considered throughout the source selection process and will be a valid discriminator among the proposals received.

109. Q - How can the offeror demonstrate the capability, experience and qualifications of their quality officer when no resume is required and there is no technical volume?

A – See the answer to question 108.

110. Q - How is the offeror to demonstrate the requirements of the PWS, specifically for a program/project manager with 4 years of experience without a technical volume?

A – Each offeror must demonstrate that it meets all RFP and PWS requirements, in accordance with Section L and other RFP instructions, to include submissions of PPQs. The specific nature of how an offeror does that should be determined by the offeror.

111. Q - How does the Government account for the abundances of grass and weeds in or near the flight line that exceeded the acceptable standard?

A – All proposals shall be based upon the current PWS and not the current level of service. These are the standards they will be held accountable for under the contract.

112. Q - Does the Government require a licensing or certification?

A – Please see the answers to questions 6 and 44.

113. Q - What is required for training and certification?

A – It is the contractor’s responsibility to ensure they have the proper certifications and training to be in compliance with the PWS.

114. Q - Will the Government reimburse travel costs for training in Wyoming.

A – No, See answer to questions 113.

115. Q - Can the Government provide a ROM of the number of snow removal days for the past 5 years, or the total man-hours expended on snow removal in order to accurately price this aspect of the RFP?

A – How the current contractor removes snow is not tracked by this office. See the 1.8 in the PWS and SS #6 for the acceptable standards.

116. Q - Will the Government provide, by year, the total number of OAA hours actually used.

A – As shown in the Solicitation, CLIN 0003 does not need to be priced with proposals. The over and above will be separately negotiated with each requirement and prior to awarding a task order.

117. Q - Can the Government provide the number of current employees performing the Grounds Maintenance contract at Hill?

A – In accordance with the Trade Secrets Act and the Freedom of Information Act, this information is considered proprietary and the Government is not allowed to disclose the information without prior approval of the incumbent contractor.

118. Q - The incumbent, by virtue of their position for the last five years has been able to accumulate necessary equipment over time thus reducing the initial outlay of capital investment. How will the Government address this apparent inequity in pricing?

A – As with every new contract there may be significant start-up costs for a contractor that is not in the grounds maintenance business. The government will not tell the contractor how to price their proposal, only what service is required. The incumbent contractor has no more an advantage than any other contractor who is currently in the grounds maintenance business and owns and operates their own equipment.

119. Q - Will the Government offer a methodology to fairly gauge pricing inconsistencies in order to achieve a fair and equitable assessment of an offerors price?

A - Pricing will be evaluated in accordance with Section M of the RFP.

120. Q - The Government identified that all fill in clauses will be a part of Volume II. On page 56 of the RFP, the Government says to fill in blanks when appropriate in any sections of the proposal. Exactly what clauses does the Government expect to see as part of the proposal and where in Volume II would they go?

A – All clauses that require fill-ins are part of the 1449 which is part of Volume II.

121. Q - Please clarify the number of copies required in addition to the originals.

A – Each proposal shall have one (1) original and two (2) copies.