Attachment_1_-_Questions_and_Answers.pdf

Questions and Answers

1. Payment terms: Will we be able to bill weekly for prompt pay toward the contract to pay our contractors and other expenses?

Yes, you can bill weekly in arrears.

2. Specific hydrophone requirements: Based on the solicitation, the hydrophones would be the sensor return and not give actual hydrophone data? Record of each shot would be recorded in the gun control system in the gun log only (verification of shot fired). If this is what you are looking for the contractor to provide, you will need to specify 6 hydrophones as sensor return and we would need to know the length of the hydrophone cables to be provided.

You are correct. Hydrophones will not be used to collect pressure data. Rather, the hydrophones will need to be able to record an exact timestamp for the firing of each gun.

A log of firings (both from source controller and hydrophones) will then be provided by technicians to the USGS for further use in data analysis.

Hydrophones, cables, data logging software and logging device will need to be provided by the contract recipients. Estimate length of cables, based on aerial photos, will be approximately 500 feet each. The number of hydrophones and cables must be adequate to accurately log firing times of each gun. For example, if two guns can be fired at the same time, one hydrophone may be capable of accurately logging firing times. (Refer to the Statement of Work – under Equipment to be provided by Contractor/Technician)

3. As far as the compressors, we have the experience and personnel to provide standard maintenance: Setup, Fuel, Oil, and monitoring of the systems, however, because they are not our property, nor USGS property, we cannot put a wrench to these systems. Please clarify this in the contract.

Technicians will be required to setup (e.g. link air from compressors together), fuel, oil, and general monitoring of compressors. However, substantial repairs (e.g. replacing of large parts) will not be required of technicians. Small repairs (e.g. fitting replacement) may be required of technicians if needed to maintain operations.

4. Factor B on page 36 says required experience 3-5 field trials in the last 5 years with water guns....These water guns have been out of production for over 20 years, how stringent will you be with this requirement, as we have vast experience of over 30 years combined and as far as we know, the only experience on these particular water guns.

Please list experience that will sufficiently demonstrate experience operating water guns.

This may, or may not, fall within the last 5 years but must show that technicians are capable of independently operating water guns. For example, if contractor has operated, maintained, modified, constructed, deployed, etc. water guns, those tasks would qualify as experience.

5. As a flat we would include hotel per diem etc.?

All travel expenses shall be included in your firm fixed price, both for the 60 day base term and the daily rate to be applied after the 60 day base term.