ID07180024_Amend_001_Q&As_08282018.pdf

ID07180024 Invasive Species at Melrose AFR, NM

Amendment 001

Government Response to Industry Questions

28 Aug 2018

Industry Question 1: Under Section 4.2 in the PWS, the solicitation states that there are 26,440 acres of mesquite to be treated and 29,000 acres of Cholla to be treated. The total acres in Table

1 come to a total of 33,280 acres. We understand that both species inhabit the mixed treatable areas. Can you confirm how many acres will be treated?

Government Response: These are approximate acreage measurements and understand not all will be treated under the current contract. There is considerable area of overlap. The contractor shall treat 16,640 of the 26,440 acres of mesquite and 16,640 of the 29,000 acres of cholla will be treated. (See PWS Section 4.2)

Industry Question 2a: Under Section 4.2 in the PWS, the solicitation states that the treatment plan be formulated with the objective of achieving a mortality rate for target species 70% or greater, as determined by the following spring after bud break. According to Corteva, "DOW

AgroSciences”, the 30 year average in New Mexico for mesquite root kill is 65%. This is determined after spring bud break two years after application. Who will assess the requested kill of 70% or greater?

Government Response: The POC to assess the requested kill of 70% or greater is the

Contracting Officer Representative (COR).

Industry Question 2b: To achieve the Corteva average root kills the target species must be in the proper condition prior to application. Will GSA have the target species inspected prior to application to achieve the proper kill or will this be up to the contractor?

Government Response: The COR will be the POC to inspect the target species prior to herbicide application activities.

Industry Question 2c: If the target species is not in favorable condition will GSA allow the contractor to treat the target species the following year?

Government Response: Yes. The PWS has been revised to add treatment of mesquite as an optional task to Option Year 1 and Option Year 2.

RFP ID07180024

Industry Question 2d: If the target species is not in favorable condition the following year will those acres be removed from the option year of the contract?

Government Response: No. This requirement is Firm Fixed Price type award and will not be modified.

Industry Question 3a: Under Section 4.2.1 in the PWS, the solicitation states aerial spraying is restricted to weekend application. Is this for both mesquite and cholla application?

Government Response: Yes.

Industry Question 3b: Will the contractor be limited to a certain number of weekends to complete the project?

Government Response: The contractor will choose the weekends where the conditions are optimal. Per PWS Section 3.0, the contractor shall submit a Treatment Plan that indicates the proposed timing of application that meets the performance objectives in this PWS.

Industry Question 3c: Will the contractor be able to move equipment on range on

Friday afternoons?

Government Response: The equipment can be moved onto the range prior to the treatment day.

The range closes at 1600 on weekdays.

Industry Question 3d: Will ground based equipment be allowed to remain at the airstrip during the week days?

Government Response: Yes, however equipment must be removed from the flight line and locked.

Industry Question 4: Under Section 5.6 in the PWS, the solicitation states that contractor support operations are between 07:00 and 03:00. Will the contractor be able to start aerial application prior to 07:00 am or continue application after 03:00 pm local time? The most favorable conditions are found at first light prior to sunrise and usually degrade rapidly after 9:00-10:00 am.

Government Response: Air Force personnel will ensure contractors are able to operate during the most favorable conditions on scheduled spray days.

RFP ID07180024

Industry Question 5: Will preference be given to contractors that can complete the application in less time?

Government Response: The Government will select the offer that presents a solution that includes a formulation and application method that produces the best kill rate at the best value and lowest price to the Government.

Industry Question 6: There are herbicides labeled for the target species that provide an acceptable kill. Other herbicides can be added to this formula in accordance with the label that increase the effectiveness of the application but also increase the price. Will multiple pricing sheets be accepted to reflect these formulas and allow the GSA to select between the prices based on value?

Government Response: The Government will select the proposal that presents a solution that includes a formulation and application method that produces the best kill rate at the best value and lowest price to the Government.