QnA Doc - FA875126Q0907.pdf

FA875126Q0907

Questions and Answers

Question: Is there any incumbent/recompete or this is a brand-new project? If yes, could you please provide us with their award number or even if the customer bought similar services in the past.

Answer: This is a recompete. Current contract FA875126P0002 was awarded for $2,496,600.00 for 5 years including the 6-month option. It didn’t work out due to their technical approach and inability to handle subcontractors.

Question: Could you provide the grounds maintenance acreage and paved surface/walkway acreage for the DFAS site specifically? The two site drawing exhibits provided (Attachments 2 and 3) cover the RRS main site only.

Answer: The site drawings attached to the solicitation are for both properties. One is for Snow and the other Grounds maintenance. You can assume a 50/50 split for the sites.

Question: What is the required or expected mowing/service visit frequency for improved grounds during the growing season? The PWS does not state a specific frequency.

Answer: See paragraph 1.1.1. Mow, the grass shall be maintained between 2 and 4 inches. The frequency is your determination to maintain a manicured appearance.

Question: What size class (trunk diameter) is anticipated for the trees subject to removal each year (up to 6 at RRS, up to 2 at DFAS)?

Answer: Typically, trees are not removed, but if they vary in size, no more than 12 inches in diameter. You can get a better idea of the diameter by attending the Site Visit on Tuesday, 22

September 2026 at 10am EST.

Question: The price schedule references three different Performance Work Statement dates across its option-year CLIN descriptions (23 April 2026, 23 July 2026, and 22 July 2025), while the solicitation states the governing PWS is dated 10 September 2026. Can you confirm the price schedule's CLIN language is outdated boilerplate and the 10 September 2026 PWS controls?

Answer: Please disregard those dates and refer to PWS that is posted and dated 10 September

2026.

Question: The price schedule includes an "Additional Snow Removal, possible future expansion" line item at a quantity of "1 SF" with no unit price in every contract period. Can you clarify what this line item represents and how offerors should price it?

Answer: The “Additional Snow Removal” line is included here if we have an expansion during the 5-year contract period so that the pricing is included in your initial proposal and we’re not reaching out for pricing later on. Offerors should price it as what you would charge per SF so the

Government knows how much snow removal will cost if an expansion is done within the 5-year contract period.

Question: For the CMMC Level 1 requirement under DFARS 252.204-7025: does this obligation apply to subcontractors performing the physical grounds/snow work, or only to the prime's own information systems? Given the PWS is marked CUI, please clarify what information a subcontractor would be expected to handle that triggers this requirement.

Answer: CMMC Level 1 does not apply to the subcontractors.

Question: Is there a bonding or insurance minimum specified for this contract?

Answer: No bonding or insurance minimum for this contract. As a business owner, it’s always a good business decision to be bonded and insured, as you probably already know.

Question: Whether a prime offeror that did not attend the September 22 site visit may submit a responsive quote, and whether a proposed subcontractor may attend on the prime's behalf.

Answer: Yes, you may submit a proposal and yes a sub may attend on your behalf. They must ID who they are representing.

Question: The attendance-registration cutoff and DBIDS requirements, including how the 48-hour pre-enrollment period applies to the September 22 visit.

Answer: Don’t see a question here. Have attendee get DBIDS in ASAP and we will push security to process it.

Question: Whether site-visit questions, answers and any additional scope information will be made available to all offerors.

Answer: Yes, via Q&A posting to sam.gov

Question: Which documents were changed in the September 17 update and which current

PWS/pricing-schedule versions should be used.

Answer: Only doc updated was Attachment 4.

Question: How the stated self-performance evaluation preference applies to a prime using local subcontractors, including any required prime-performed tasks. We understand the notice allows relevant subcontractor past performance and requires written consent to be named.

Answer: Previous prime failed badly at using local subs. Therefore, technical approach has been added as an evaluation factor to try and ensure we get a competent prime who understands the local environment.

Question: Whether pesticide/herbicide credentials are required for the specified work and when insurance evidence must be supplied.

Answer: Yes, NY State certified. Present only if awarded contract.

Question: The timing and evidence required for any CMMC Level 1 requirement.

Answer: As requested, CMMC UID must be provided with proposal submission.

Question: CUI and cybersecurity. Attachment No 1 (PWS dated 10 Sept 2026) is marked CUI on every page, and the solicitation includes DFARS 252.204-7012 and 252.240-7997, while

252.204-7025 sets the required level at CMMC Level 1. Please confirm that the contractor will not process, store or transmit CUI in performance of this contract, and that CMMC Level 1 is the only cybersecurity status required at award. If a NIST SP 800-171 assessment score in SPRS is required before award, please say so.

Answer: Per Air Force cybersecurity guidance, any contract document is considered CUI and therefore requires a minimum CMMC of Level 1 self-certified. Please provide CMMC UID with proposal.

Question: DFAS areas. The price schedule splits every CLIN between DFAS and RRS, but both maps are titled "RRS Main Site" and neither identifies any DFAS area. Is DFAS the building shown as "B1" on the maps? How are the 36.77 acres to mow, the 34.25 acres of pavement to plow and the 8.31 acres of walkway divided between the DFAS and RRS line items? Is the B101 area shown in the upper map inset included in those totals?

Answer: The basic intent is to split your proposal amount for plowing, cleanup, grass cutting, and other similar CLINs evenly between the AF and DFAS.

Question: Months of performance. The grounds CLINs and the snow CLINs are each 6 months.

Which months does each cover? If snow or ice occurs outside the six snow months, is the contractor required to respond, and under which CLIN is that paid?

Answer: Generally speaking snow is from Nov-April with grounds May-Oct. It is split this way for invoicing purposes. Yes, if there is snow in late Oct or early May you are expected to respond accordingly as the period of performance for all CLINs will be 1 Nov to 31 Oct of following year.

Question: "Additional Snow Removal, possible future expansion." This line on each page of the price schedule has no CLIN number and a quantity of 1 SF. Is it a unit price per square foot, and per what period, a season, a month or an event? Will it be included in the total evaluated price?

Answer: It would be for the month. No, it will not be included in the evaluated price.

Question: Ice melt. PWS 1.6.1 states that for DFAS Building 1 "Ice melting compound will be government furnished," while the rest of the same paragraph has the contractor supplying the snow and ice mitigation mixture and permits a temporary salt barn. Please confirm whether government-furnished ice melt applies only to DFAS Building 1 or site-wide, and whether the contractor supplies all material for the remaining paved and walkway areas.

Anwer: Per the PWS paragraph, this is specific just to DFAS (building 1) and only applies to the areas immediately outside of their entrances.

Question: Vehicles near the buildings. PWS 4.4.6 and the solicitation both state that no vehicles other than mowers are permitted within 25 meters (80 feet) of the facilities, yet the contractor must clear roads, parking lots and walkways inside that distance. Does this restriction apply to snow removal equipment such as plow trucks, loaders, skid steers and walk-behind machines? If it does, what equipment may be used inside the 25 meter zone?

Answer: No, this does not apply to actively moving snow removal equipment.

Question: Workforce eligibility. PWS 4.4.2 states that an individual who is not a US citizen will not be allowed within the complex, then describes the documentation a Green Card holder must present, then states that no foreign national workers are allowed at AFRL/RI. Please confirm whether lawful permanent residents may work on site under this contract.

Answer: Yes, lawful permanent residents are authorized assuming their background check comes back clear.

Question: Evaluation. The evaluation paragraph states that if the lowest priced offeror's past performance "received an acceptable evaluation," that offer represents the best value and the evaluation stops there. The following paragraph states that the evaluation stops only if the lowest priced offer is technically acceptable and rated Substantial Confidence. Please confirm which standard applies.

Answer: Ideally the Govt is looking for an offeror whose past performance is rated Substantial.

Question: Site visit. May a proposed subcontractor's representative attend the 22 September site visit on the offeror's behalf, in addition to or instead of the offeror's own representative?

Answer: Sub may attend on behalf of (must ID who they represent) or in addition to the prime.

Question: In Attachment No. 1 – PWS, Page 7, Section 1.7.4 – Weed Control (Selective and

Non-Selective), the PWS states that pesticide application submittals must include the license/certifications of the contractor and applicator(s). Could you please confirm whether this requirement can be satisfied through a qualified and properly licensed subcontractor performing the pesticide/herbicide applications, or whether the prime contractor is also required to hold the applicable license/certification?

Answer: Yes, you may use a qualified and properly licensed subcontractor for this requirement.

Question: Each performance period includes “Additional Snow Removal, possible future expansion – 1 SF,” but this item does not have a CLIN number. Should offerors enter a unit price for this item, and will a corrected price schedule assign it a CLIN?

Answer: The “Additional Snow Removal” line is to be priced per SF. It will be CLINs 5022 –

5025.

Question: On the six-month extension page, CLIN 5001 references PWS ULDF 25-0523 dated

September 10, 2025. Should this reference September 10, 2026?

Answer: Yes, please reference PWS dated September 10, 2026.

Question: The DFAS Spring Cleanup line references PWS section 1.6, while the RRS Spring

Cleanup line references section 1.1.6. Please confirm the correct PWS reference and scope for

DFAS spring cleanup.

Answer: Spring Cleanup is addressed in the last paragraph of 1.6.1., Basic Services and includes both RF and DFAS.

Question: Past Performance: The solicitation states that recent/relevant contracts may demonstrate the ability of the offeror and/or subcontractor. Please confirm that contractor may submit relevant past performance from an identified first-tier/major subcontractor and that such experience will be evaluated under the Past Performance factor.

Answer: The past performance must be relevant to the prime contractor. It is your determination whether a subcontractor is competent to complete the tasks on your behalf. The contract is between the Government and you as the prime contractor.

Question: No Prime History: If the prime offeror does not have its own recent/relevant grounds-maintenance or snow-removal contracts but submits relevant subcontractor experience, will the prime receive neutral treatment for its own lack of history rather than an adverse rating?

Answer: See answer above.

Question: Self-Performance: The evaluation language indicates that the Government may consider an offeror’s ability to self-perform more favorably than a highly subcontracted approach. Please confirm that an offeror using a qualified major subcontractor may still be rated technically acceptable, assuming all solicitation requirements and applicable limitations on subcontracting are satisfied.

Answer: See answer to question above.

Question: Please advise whether there is a formal deadline for submitting solicitation questions.

Answer: No formal deadline at this time for submitting questions, however, you should submit questions well before proposal deadline at 12 noon EST on 06 October 2026.

Question: FAR 52.219-14 is not in the clause list. Does it, or equivalent limitations-on-subcontracting language, apply? Please provide the complete clause list, including 52.212-5.

Answer: RFO 52.219-14 is not included in the clauses; however, 52.219-6, Notice of Total Small

Business Aside is and that can include any small business type. With the re-write of the FAR to

RFO, 52.212-5 has been removed.

Question: PWS 4.4.2 admits U.S. citizens and green-card holders but also states "no foreign national workers" at "AFRL/RI." Please reconcile. Does any task require unescorted access to controlled or restricted areas (the Contractor Access clause contains an unfilled bracket)?

Answer: All work completed is outside of the facility and contractors or subcontractors are not permitted inside facilities.

Question: The maps are titled "RRS Main Site" (36.77 acres to mow; 34.25 acres of pavement;

8.31 acres of walkway). Do these totals include DFAS? If not, please provide DFAS areas.

Answer: Yes, these are the accurate totals for the entire site.

Question: CLINs 0002-0005 ("6 MO"): Which six months apply, and what is the minimum mowing frequency? For tree pruning (CLINs 0016/0017), is there a tree inventory (count, size classes), and in which month(s) is pruning performed?

Answer: For the 6-month mowing frequency, that is determined by you to maintain a manicured appearance. The months are typically May – Oct; however, it is dependent upon the weather here in Upstate New York. Tree pruning shall be completed to maintain a manicured appearance.

Question: PWS 1.7.4: How many selective weed control applications are expected (CLIN: 1 EA;

PWS: "as required")? How often is pavement-crack weed control required, and under which

CLIN? Is the 10-business-day pesticide submittal required per application or per season?

Answer: Weed control is usually completed twice a year. Pavement crack weed control is to be completed to maintain a manicured appearance. The 10 business day pesticide submittal is required before each application.

Question: Please confirm the contract type. For tree/stump removal (2 EA DFAS, 6 EA RRS) and additional policing (20 HR DFAS, 40 HR RRS), are quantities estimates, maximums, or guarantees, with payment only for units ordered? What response time applies? PWS 1.7.3 names

AFRL/RF only; does it apply to DFAS (CLIN 0020)?

Answer: Contract type is Firm Fixed Price. You will be paid per tree/stump removal. This applies to both sites.

Question: What are the "hours the site is manned" that trigger the 1-hour response? Is DFAS

Building 1 service required on Sundays and holidays? Does the 0530/0700 completion deadline apply to all mapped areas or only Priority 1?

Answer: Please see paragraph 1.6.1. Basic Services. The entire site must be maintained and hours apply to entire site.

Question: Is Government-furnished ice melt limited to DFAS Building 1 entrances? If so, what quantity and delivery/storage requirements apply? What is the process for approving an equal to

Morgo Snowplow?

Answer: Yes, government furnished ice melt is only for DFAS. The quantity and delivery is your determination. We will allow for a temporary storage shed to be placed onsite. Product submittal to COR for their approval.

Question: Please confirm that WD 2015-4165 Rev. 34 governs and supersedes the "information only" rate table, and whether the $5.42 (EO 13706) or $5.92 health and welfare rate applies.

Answer: $5.42 applies here.

Question: Is the technical factor rated or pass/fail? Does "acceptable" mean "Substantial

Confidence"? Is the process lowest-price-first or a best-value tradeoff?

Answer: See PWS at RFO 52.212-2, Evaluation for detailed response.

Question: The PWS no longer allows straight salt and now requires a mixture that performs to -20°F and contains no sand. Please confirm: (a) whether treated or prewetted rock salt (e.g., salt treated with magnesium chloride or calcium chloride) meets this requirement; (b) whether liquid anti-icing (brine) pre-treatment is permitted; (c) whether any products are prohibited near concrete, turf, landscaping, or the vehicle barriers.

Answer: Liquid Brine (sodium chloride based) is preferred when air temperatures are above approximately 15–20°F, as it is the most environmentally friendly option and least damaging to paved surfaces, concrete, and vegetation.

When temperatures drop below 15°F, a pre-wetted sodium chloride mixture (rock salt lightly treated with magnesium chloride or calcium chloride) must be used to meet the PWS performance requirement of -20°F. Over-application must be avoided in all cases to minimize damage to infrastructure and landscaping. The contractor remains responsible for any damage to

Government property (concrete, asphalt, vehicle barriers, landscaping, or turf) caused by the chosen materials.

Question: The DFAS Building 1 paragraph states that surfaces are to be salted and that ice melting compound will be Government furnished. Please confirm whether

Government-furnished ice melt applies only to the Building 1 entranceways, steps, and ramps, or to all DFAS walkways and pavement. Please also provide the estimated quantity furnished per season and where it will be stored and issued.

Answer: Government furnished ice melt is ONLY for Building 1 (DFAS).

Question: The PWS requires Building 1 to be cleared by 6:00 AM, again by 11:00

AM and 3:30 PM, and on Saturdays by 6:00 AM. Please confirm: (a) whether these timed passes apply only to Building 1 or to all DFAS sidewalks and entrances; (b)

DFAS normal working hours, and whether Sunday or holiday service is required at

DFAS; and (c) whether Building 1 is included in the DFAS share (45%) of the snow removal areas shown on the snow map.

Answer: a. This is for ONLY Building 1 (DFAS); b. yes, Sunday and holiday services are required; c. Irrelevant, DFAS is providing.

Question: The PWS now requires pathways to be cleared edge to edge (previously a

3-foot path), while the DFAS Building 1 paragraph sets a 4-foot minimum for walkways on docks, parking lots, and grass areas. Please confirm which standard applies to each area, and whether edge-to-edge clearing applies to every sidewalk shown on the snow map at both RRS and DFAS.

Answer: All sidewalks are the same standard of full width.

Question: In 2025 the Government confirmed that no on-site office is required, that equipment and containers may be stored on site with Security siting approval, and that four 110V outlets off the Building 19 transformer are available (no potable water). Please confirm this remains in effect. For the temporary salt barn on the west side of Building 19, please also confirm any size limits and whether a foundation, anchoring, or barriers are required.

Answer: That is still relevant. The temporary salt barn on the west side of Building 19 must be fully covered (roofed) and placed on an impermeable liner or pad designed to prevent leachate or runoff from entering soil, groundwater, or the stormwater system. The floor must consist of a properly constructed impermeable surface. Existing asphalt in the area does not meet this requirement. Berming or secondary containment must be installed around any nearby culverts, ditches, or drainage features in the loading/storage area to prevent stormwater from entering the pad or contaminated runoff from leaving the area.The structure must fully prevent exposure to precipitation and minimize wind-blown loss of material. All spilled material during loading, unloading, or handling shall be cleaned up dry (sweeping or vacuuming). Hosing down the area is prohibited. Note: Failure to properly contain the material or prevent runoff into soil, groundwater, or the stormwater system may result in corrective action and/or costs charged to the contractor.

Question: The solicitation states serviceable square footage is a key consideration in determining relevancy. Please provide the square footage or acreage the Government considers relevant, and confirm whether separate grounds maintenance and snow removal contracts may be combined to demonstrate relevance.

Answer: Past performance should be roughly the same size of our site or larger. We can accept separate past performance for grounds and snow by the same contractor.