Attachment_J.2_Pre_Proposal_Inquiry_log_(PPI_10-24).pdf

Attachment J.2 Pre Proposal Inquiry Log

Page Section Para.

Is a subcontractor allowed to represent the offeror for tasks associated with wetland delineation? Is a subcontractor allowed to represent the offeror in any other capacity?

Yes, the Offeror may use subcontracting experience for wetland type. No an Offeror may not use a subcontractor to represent the offeror in any other capacity. See Ammendment 1 for highlighted changes. 1

47, 51, 52, Note 1 Definitions

(2)Tab 1,(i)(2) Tab 2

Is there flexibility in the scope of this contract to include supporting environmental studies that may be needed in preparation for some of the specific work types outlined in this attachment?

No, the need for supporting environmental studies have either been addressed because they already exist, or supporting surveys, analysis and reporting will be separately accomplished via other SLINS. 1 J.C-2

The second sentence references parties joined by a “Partnership.” Partnership is not defined in the Definitions section on page 51 of 57. Does Partnership refer to prime/sub teaming agreement partnership? If not, would you please define the term

No, Partnership is a legal agreement between two companies acting as the prime contractor. See FAR 9.601(1)

1 52 Tab 2, Factor 2, Experience 2 (b)(3)(i)

Can you please provide the historical pricing per line item from the previous contract?

This is a new requirement and there is no historical data for a contract with this size, scope, and complexity.

Eelgrass quadrat sampling: Will the Government identified transects be within close proximity to each other so that mobilization between transects will be minimal?

Yes, eelgrass transects are spaced 60 feet apart making mobilization between transects minimal.

J.B-1_SLIN

Table SLIN worksheet Tab

SLIN A-150-

AA Row 24

Amend No.PPI #

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE REFERENCE

Will the use of a boat-towed underwater video camera interfaced with a GPS receiver to map eelgrass in the study area, that can provide an image with sufficient quality to estimate percent cover satisfy the Requirement, or will divers be required to follow up in the eelgrass bed to make the visual estimate?

We are interested in obtaining quantifiable and usable information. How it is obtained is the contractors option. However, if turbidity was too high to permit effective video imaging then it is possible that divers could become a viable alternative. 1 Page

J.F-1 Deliverables

Table

C.2.6.2 Eelgrass Mapping

Can the Government confirm flagged & GPS’ed wetland boundaries are documented on the ground at the same level of detail as a delineation (i.e., wetland boundaries flagged on the ground in a manner that marked points are visible from each point forward and backwards in a manner that is easily locatable 1 year after marking)?

For the purposes of this contract, wetland boundaries are flagged on the ground at the same level of detail for both Potential Wetland Assessments and the more formal delineations. However to clarify, wetland flagging is considered adequate if intervisible (forward and back) between wetland ribbons and they are tied (typically at or above eye height) to existing perennial vegetation such as trees etc. where available. If no suitable vegetation is available to tie flagging then wire flags in the ground are acceptable.

Additionally, the GPS locations for wetland mapping can be done using a recreational grade GPS particularly where field data collected can be anchored to a nearby feature that is easily locatable on imagery.

For example, the corner of a building is GPS’d and then the azimuth and distance to the corner are taken from a GPS’d point on the wetland boundary. In this manner the final placement of the polygon shape can be adjusted spatially in GIS to improve accuracy and in-part address the lack of capability to perform differential correction as is associated with a mapping grade (albeit slower) GPS. The issue here is that it is sometimes not possible to get mapping grade GPS readings under the dense tree canopy.

J.B-1_SLIN

Table SLIN worksheet Tab

SLIN A-160-

AA Row 28

Will the contractor be expected to model and map tidal extent and depth across a landscape? If so, what is the size of the area to be modeled and mapped, and will elevation data be provided for the area to be modeled and mapped? If not, could you please provide more detail on this deliverable?

The size of the landscape to be mapped will not exceed 2 acres. No modelling is identified. Elevation data will be provided, or contracted via a separate SLIN.

1 1 J.F-1

Deliverables Table

C.2.1.1 Hydrologic

Data Collection and Analysis

Can the Government provide the short “Potential Wetland Assessment” form OR an approximate time/number of pages to complete by qualified wetland scientist?

The wetland form is front and back and takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete once experienced with the form.

J.B-1_SLIN

Table SLIN worksheet Tab

SLIN A-160-

AA Row 29

Can you confirm that elevation accuracy for Basin Topographic Surveys must be to the nearest 1/100th of a foot (or 3 mm)? Most survey-grade real-time kinematic GPS units are rated for 15 – 20 mm vertical accuracy. If the elevation accuracy is 1/100th of a foot, will NAVFAC provide the contractor with the appropriate equipment for meeting this standard?

One-tenth of a foot will be acceptable.

2 3 J.C-2 Work to be performed

C.2.4.1 Basin Topographic survey

Can you confirm that determination of National Vegetation Classification System (NVCS) plant association will be determined during the analysis period only and not under another task during the Data Collection period?

Typically determination of plant association is completed while in the field, so I want to make sure I understand this task correctly.

To minimize field time we analyze the vegetation data collected and photos when included to do the NVCS.

As a result, we do not require NVCS to be determined in the field. If the contractor has been tasked to do collection and analysis then it is their option to determine NVCS in the field if desired. We do not require it.

2 15 J.C-2 Work to be performed

C.2.8.9 Forest Inventory

Data Analysis

Can you provide an electronic copy of the Vegetation Survey Handbook for NAVFAC NW? This will be necessary to ensure SLIN cost estimates are accurate and methodology for data collection & analysis are understood.

The vegetation survey handbook is 24 megabytes and does not stand alone without explanation. Instead of providing it, the data collection sheet attached should help to add clarity about what is collected. Analysis is pretty well described in the contract language. The format of the data collection sheet is currently evolving to improve ease of recording but the data is the same.

Please note that, fuel loading estimates are completed in the office during the analysis phase. The fuel loading information is based on comparison with US Forest Service photo series forest fuel summaries and does not involve a detailed analysis. This data collection and analysis is not like a formal inventory that the US Forest Service does. Instead, it is a comparatively simple and general representation of stand conditions that enables Navy personnel to focus and prioritize habitat management projects, respond to data calls, assess general habitat conditions, approximate forest stand volume and perform comparative stand analyses at the large scale.

SeeAttachment J.3 Vegetation Survey Data Sheet.

2 11 J.C-2 Work to be performed

C.2.8.8 Forest Inventory

Data Collection

Can you confirm that all data collected under Forest Inventory Data Collection, will require GPS with +/- 3-foot accuracy? Currently, this is clearly specified for per acre spec items, but not for per plot spec items.

Mapping grade GPS’s are typically accurate within 3 feet. It is desired to have mapping grade GPS accuracy.

However, the reality of getting locked in readings under a dense canopy with a mapping grade GPS is variable at best. Consequently, we would accept GPS readings to recreational GPS standards if necessary to get a reasonable representation of location without expending excessive time on a plot. The most accurate readings obtained with 2 minutes of waiting would be accepted.

2 13 J.C-2 Work to be performed

C.2.8.8 Forest Inventory

Data Collection

Are water levels to be reported as relative depth, or converted to elevation (e.g. NAVD88) or tidal datum (e.g.

MLLW)? What is the performance standard for elevation accuracy when surveying in the water level logger?

Water levels are to be reported as relative depth, corrected for barometric pressure. Performance standard is to the nearest tenth of an inch (standard for Hobo water level logger). 2 1

J.F-1 Deliverables

Table

C.2.1.1 Hydrologic

Data Collection and Analysis

Will a barometric pressure logger also need to be purchased by the contractor in order to barometrically correct water depth data or will NAVFAC provide local barometric pressure data collected at 5 minute sampling intervals in order for the contractor to make the corrections?

A barometric pressure logger will already be in place on site.

2 1 J.C-2 Work to be performed

C.2.1.1 Hydrologic

Data Collection and Analysis & C.2.1.2

Hydrological Instrument Installation

Do water level loggers need to be installed at depths where they will not go dry during low tide or will dry periods be acceptable because the performance objective is to document and analyze the extent, duration, depth and frequency of tidal inundation (i.e.

high tide)? If water level loggers must be able to record depths at the lowest tides without going dry, they would need to be installed off a buoy line with an anchor, or along an existing piling post so that they could be in deep enough water, while also being accessible from a boat.

Dry periods are acceptable.

2 1 J.C-2 Work to be performed

C.2.1.2 Hydrological Instrument Installation

Salinity will vary greatly depending on tide, season and weather patterns. Could you clarify the objectives for the this measurement and the tide and season when measurements should be made?

The objective for this measurement is to determine the extent of tidal influence and the salinity ranges present in an estuarine environment. Measurements should be taken at high tide in late summer or early fall.

2 2 J.C-2 Work to be performed

C.2.2.1 Salinity

Monitoring and Analysis

What materials should the contractor use for the permanent salinity data location markers? Will markers need to be visible at all tide heights (e.g. buoy)?

6 foot barb wire fence posts or similar would work.

2 2 J.C-2 Work to be performed

C.2.2.2 Salinity

Sample Point Installation

How will fish presence be documented?

It is not listed in the Deliverables table.

Observation of fish, (estimated, number, approximate size and species if discernable) during stream survey is documented in notes during data collection and typically is included in the report. 2 2

J.F-1 Deliverables

Table

C.2.5.1 Stream Survey

What is the Performance Standard for centerline slope change? Are there any particular methods and/or equipment the contractor should use for this measurement (e.g. Rosgen stream classification)?

Clinometers and level rods or comparable will suffice.

Performance standard is to the nearest 1%. Data is used to determine if there are areas of significant change. Data is analyzed within the context of Rosgen stream classification.

2 4 J.C-2 Work to be performed

C.2.5.1 Stream Survey

Could you provide more detail on “points of direction change,” such as the degree of direction change required to warrant a new data collection point?

Are there a maximum number of stream data collection points per a 400-foot stream survey, or a minimum distance between points?

20 degrees or more of direction change warrants a data collection point. In the absence of a change of direction data collection points are spaced approximately 50 feet apart.

2 4 J.C-2 Work to be performed

C.2.5.1 Stream Survey

Can you confirm whether the following SLIN (Spec. Items) will require GIS map development under Forest Inventory Data Analysis or Report:

Snags, DWD?

Snags and DWD are represented in table form and not in GIS map form.

2 4&6

J.B-1_SLIN

Table SLIN worksheet Tab

SLIN's

A-170-BA,

A-170-BB,

A-170-BR,

A-170-Bs

Rows 59-60 & 76-77

Can you clarify the definition of “plant layer” and how this is different from habitat zone? Does plant layer refer to forb/shrub/tree or something else?

Plant layer refers to herbaceous understory (forb and grasses)/shrubs/trees. Habitat zone refers to emergent wetland/shrub scrub wetland/upland, etc. 2 4

J.F-1 Deliverables

Table

C.2.8.3 Seral Survey Data

Analysis

Seral Survey Data Analysis: There is an inconsistency between the spatial (GIS) data tasks under work to be performed (4 items) and the Deliverables document (7 items). Additional tasks listed under Deliverables Table include: 1) map spatially representing dominant species by plant layer, for each plot, habitat zone and the entire designated area, 2) map representing native species diversity by plant layer for each plot and for each habitat zone, 3) map representing overall condition and vigor of plants by plot, by habitat zone and for the entire designated area in general.

Seral Survey Data Analysis includes all 8 items on the deliverables table under C.2.8.3, including all 7 spatial analysis tasks.

2 4 J.F-1

Deliverables Table

C.2.8.3 Seral Survey Data

Analysis

Sheet1