C7_Amendment0001_QandA.pdf

Grounds Maintenance at Bldg. 977 Campbell Industrial Park

1. QUESTION: Clarification on Performance Standards for "Weed Removal": Section 3.2 of the SOW requires the contractor to "remove all weeds". To ensure an accurate labor estimate, could the Government clarify if this requires complete root extraction (hand-pulling) or if mechanical weed-whacking to ground level is acceptable, particularly given that the use of herbicides is strictly prohibited?

ANSWER: Mechanical weed-whacking to ground level is acceptable.

2. QUESTION: Historical Landmark Restrictions: The SOW identifies the work site as part of the Barbers Point Light historical landmark. Are there specific restrictions on the types of mechanical equipment (e.g., heavy brush mowers vs. hand-held equipment) permitted in proximity to historical structures to preserve the site's "historical integrity”?

ANSWER: There are no restrictions on the type of mechanical equipment that may be used in the execution of this work. See also related question #9.

3. QUESTION: Disposal of Green Waste: Section 3.8 requires the contractor to dispose of all waste off Government property. Does the Government have a designated local green waste facility recommendation, or are there any restrictions on transporting kiawe or Koa haole debris off-site due to local invasive species protocols?

ANSWER: The Government does not have a designated local green waste facility recommendation. Contractor will follow all federal, state, and local regulations, including obtaining any required permits for transport and disposal of green waste issued by the City & County of Honolulu.

4. QUESTION: Escort Coordination and Site Access: Section 3.10 requires an authorized government escort for entry. Given the strict requirement for the contractor to be off the property by 15:30, will the Government guarantee escort availability starting at the 07:00 "normal working hours" start time to avoid performance delays?

ANSWER: Yes, Government escort is guaranteed starting at 0700 and will be one of several on-site employees.

5. QUESTION: Clarification on "Incidental Engineering": Section 3.1 states the contractor shall furnish "incidental engineering". Could the Government please define the expected scope of these services as they relate to a firm-fixed-price grounds maintenance contract?

ANSWER: Excluding the safety deliverables identified in Question #7, the Government clarifies that the reference to “incidental engineering” in Section 3.1 does not require the submission of any formal deliverables (e.g., engineering plans, procedural documents, or policy manuals) to the Government. Rather, the provision establishes that the contractor retains sole responsibility for developing and utilizing any internal plans, policies, and procedures necessary to safely execute the contract requirements and ensure strict compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

6. QUESTION: Personnel Citizenship Verification: The solicitation requires "satisfactory proof of U.S. citizenship" for site admission. Will the Government clarify the specific documentation required (e.g., original passport, birth certificate) and the timeline for submitting these documents to the Technical POC prior to the first scheduled visit in February?

ANSWER: Please do not send PII via email. The Technical POC (christine.a.waters2.civ@us.navy.mil) will request docs through secure drop box (“DOD SAFE”) seven (7) days prior to the first scheduled visit. Satisfactory proof of U.S. citizenship includes one of the following for each employee to be working at the site:

Valid U.S. passport

U.S. birth certificate

Certificate of Naturalization issued by USCIS

Certificate of Citizenship issued by USCIS

Consular Report of Birth Abroad

7. QUESTION: Safety Program Deliverables: The Safety Requirements for Contractors document lists several deliverables, including a "comprehensive written safety program" and "workplace hazard assessment". Are these documents required to be submitted with the initial quote, or are they only required from the awardee prior to the start of work?

ANSWER: Safety submittals (e.g., copy of company’s written safety program and job/workplace hazard assessment) are only required from the awardee at least ten (10) working days prior to the start of work.

8. QUESTION: We understand that before being able to maintain the work area, the first “servicing” of the area may be more extensive than the follow on maintenance to get the site up to par. Would the Government be amenable to allow for staging of a green bin storage container for waste on site for the first initial clearing oft the east and west perimeter fencelines for an extended period of time (up to 2 months), vice clearing and disposing of the debris at the end of the each work day?

ANSWER: Yes, NUWC Hawaii can accommodate a large roll-off bin for green waste for approximately 2 months, inside the compound fenceline by the back gate.

9. QUESTION: Would the Government allow the contractor to store a sit-down/ride-on lawnmower onsite for the duration of the contract? If the duration of the contract does not work, would the Government allow for the lawnmower to remain on site for the first initial clearing to get the site up to par?

ANSWER: NUWC Hawaii can accommodate sit-down lawnmower inside the compound fenceline for the initial clearing (approximately 2 months). There is no existing overhead cover on site. The mower will need a portable fire extinguisher (PFE) equivalent to or better than a 1-2 lb 5-B:C or 2-A rated PFE. We ask that a readily available spill kit be stored with the mower, and if any refueling is done on site, a spill-proof gasoline container and drip pan are used.