Q_and_A.docx

Q and A – Hole-In-Donut Project (Everglades)

Q1. 1. In the Q&A posted via Addendum 2, it states that the bid bond required will be 100% of $ 3,500,000.00. However, in Standard Form 24, Instruction# 3 states that the bond may express a penal sum as the percentage of the bid price and have a maximum dollar limitation. Can you please clarify?

A1. In accordance to FAR Clause 52.228-1(c) Bid Guarantee: “The amount of the bid guarantee shall be 20 percent of the bid price or $3,000,000, whichever is less.” Section L (D)(3) of the solicitation which references the bid bond is changed to comply with FAR guidelines, a 20% bid bond for a $3,500,000 project is required for this solicitation.

Q2. Are 11x17 pages allowed in the submittal? If so, do they count as 1 page?

A2. Only drawings and the project schedule that directly correspond to the narrative can be on 11x17 size paper. All other data, documentations, and summary/narratives for the entire proposal must be submitted on standard 8 ½ x 11 size paper.

Q3. 3. Section M Sub factor 1 requires reference projects “more than 700,000 CY”. Are any of the anticipated Task Orders to exceed 700,000 CY?

A3. Yes, the Government anticipates that requirements for future task orders will require more than 700,000 Cubic Yards.

Q4. Are there permits required for this project (required by the contractors to pull in order to do the work)?

A4. See Amendment 0002 for clarification Q5. Please clarify that the multi-year bid schedule in the solicitation documents is to be submitted as part of D. Volume II Business and Price Proposal, Paragraph 4 and the Task Order Bid Schedule will be submitted with F. Volume IV Proposal Package for Task Order 0001, paragraph 1. Is this the correct understanding?

A5. Yes, this assumption / understanding is correct.

Q6. Regarding sub-factor 1, it is unrealistic to expect an 8A firm, whose capacity is in line with 8A certification requirements, to have completed a single project that includes both 200 acres in size and contained 700,000 CY of material. Will the NPS consider relaxing this requirement so to allow firms to include projects in sub-factor 1 that demonstrate experience working on a site over 200 acres and/or working with over 700,000 CY of material.

A6. The Government has relaxed this requirement in Amendment 0003 of this solicitation, the requirement is now reduced to 100 acres and 70,000 cubic yards.

Q7. There is a concern that the limitations of the “Previous Experience” in Volume I – Technical Proposal, are restrictive in nature and may limit competition regarding the Hole in the Doughnut Project. Addendum #2 identifies contractors who have worked under this exact scope of work since 1997 to present. The 3-year limitation on representative projects possibly gives the incumbents an advantage not enjoyed by other respondents the incumbent contractors have the requisite experience on the very site(s) being proposed. To level the playing field, we request the previous project experience requirements be extended to 10 years as the 3 year limitation restricts competition and possibly suggests an unfair advantage in favor of the incumbent contractors.

A7. Amendment 0003 has relaxed this requirement, see answer to Question 6. In addition, the Government is allowing experience that has been performed within the past 10 years.

Q8. Pages 137-138, Section M, part C. Evaluation Factor III – Past Performance (10%). The last sentence states: “In the case of an offeror without a record or relevant past performance or for whom information on past performance is not available, the offeror will be evaluated neither favorably nor unfavorably.”

Can National Park Services (NPS) go into more detail as to how this will affect the 10% score on Past Performance? How will this be used to evaluate and compare against other contractors who do provide such information. Will this create a potential that an offeror who supplies a past performance questionnaire that is deemed irrelevant run the risk of being scored more unfavorably than an offeror who supplies no past performance material?

A8. This particular requirement – Past Performance as it relates to the 10% scoring. All contractors start with 5%. If a contractor does not have any past performance then they will receive the neutral rating of 5%. Positive past performance will allow the contractor to be rated higher than 5%, adversely; negative past performance will allow the contractor to be rated lower than 5%.

Q9. With respect to the fact that the final day for submission of questions is January 14, 2016. We understand from the site visit that the NPS will answer questions on the 15th. This allows only 7 days for bidders to review prior to the bid date (Jan 22nd). We ask for an extension to appropriately review and address the final Q&A responses in order to develop a cost effective bid submission.

A9. The Government will not extend the proposal due date for this solicitation. Any delay would drastically affect the requirement for Task Order 0001 which would in turn provide further delays to the entire process.

Q10. Volume IV Proposal Package for Task Order 0001: Section L Page 129 of 139, states 4 requirements for submission; Bid Schedule, 5 page Technical Approach, Detailed Project Schedule, and Operating plan.

Section M page 138 of 139 D. Evaluation Factor IV – Task Order 0001, instructs proposers to follow the requirements of L and further details the evaluation of the 5 page Technical Approach and Bid Schedule. Can the NPS please discuss how the Section L 3. Detailed Schedule and the Section L 4. Operating Plan will be evaluated?

A10. The requirement for Section L3 – Schedule is to assist the Government in determining if the contractor is capable of providing a realistic and viable schedule to perform the work outlined in Task Orders; further proving technical capabilities.

The requirement for Section L4 - Operating Plan is to assist the Government in determining if the contractor fully understands and is capable of performing the work required in Task Orders all while following the contractor's proposed schedule (L3); again to further prove technical capabilities.

Q11. The specifications in the solicitation requires us to identify a Project Manager, Superintendent, and Foreman. Must we use three different people for each of these position titles? For example having one qualified individual as both the Superintendent and the Foreman would be a beneficial cost savings to NPS.

A11. Due to the Superintendent and Foreman being on site at all times, it is acceptable to propose one person for both positions. However; the Government is not in the habit of dictating a contractor’s site management approach. Bottom line, the Government wants to know your organizational structure and who the on-site POC is and potential alternates along with the information needed showing their qualifications.

Q12. Based on Amendment 2, Q&A, Question 7, the first task order must be completed between March and May. Roughly a 90 calendar day period. Can NPS comment on their anticipated NOA, and how this will affect the March starting date.

A12. The Government anticipates a Notice of Award in mid-February timeframe. The Government also understands that sometimes certain things happen that are beyond the control of the contractor and the Government and the Government will be flexible in regards to 90 calendars day period of Task Order 0001. However; Contractors shall submit their proposal, operating plan, and schedule for Task Order 0001 assuming a start date of March 01, 2016 and ending May 31, 2016.

Q13. If using a courier service for delivery of our proposal, at what time on the morning of January 22, 2016 will a NPS DSC-CS representative be available to sign and accept delivery of a proposal? Should the box containing the various volumes be marked or identified in any particular way?

A13. The delivery date and time of the solicitation is within normal business hours of NPS-DSC. For delivery purposes on January 22, 2016 NPS DSC-CS personnel will be available as early as 6:30am (MT) through the proposal due time of 12:00pm (MT).

As far as marking the box, please follow the instructions in the solicitation (Section L.A.6).

Q14. Project Amendment 2, Questions and Answers, Question 20 states that a pollution prevention plan is required. Does that mean silt fence is required? It’s our understanding that it’s not been a requirement in the past.

A14. Silt fences in the pollution prevention plan will be required for the southern border of the job site, and around the mound. The Government will be open to alternative approaches if the Contractor proposes any sort of other alternative to silt fences.

Q15. Section F, Volume IV asks for Bid Schedule, Technical Approach, Project Schedule and an Operating Plan. In the Task Order SOW asks for the Technical Approach and Project Schedule to be included in the operating plan. Is this correct or should these be submitted in separate sections. Also does the 5 page limit apply to on the work approach or is the entire Operating Plan be limited to 5 pages?

A15. The 5 page narrative is in addition to the Operating Plan. As for the location of the schedule and technical approach that is included within the Operating Plan, if a contractor wants to separate them into different sections and reference them within their Operating Plan the Government will accept this approach as well.

Q16. What is the approximate depth of the agriculture water wells?

A16. The well depth is unknown at this time. The wells are covers by pepper plants and cannot be assessed.

Q17. Can you please confirm if there is an amendment acknowledgement requirement for Amendment 2 that was posted on FBO. If there is, can a form be provided?

A17. The acknowledgement of amendments is located on the solicitation Form 1442, blocks 19 – 20c.

Q18. Solicitation Page 138, C. Evaluation Factor III - Past Performance states, "Complete Section I and II of each form to provide applicable information for each contract." Similar instruction is given on the PPQ Form; however, no instructions are given regarding the completion of the PPQs. Please clarify if customers should submit completed PPQs directly to the government (if so, where and to whom), or if completed PPQs are to be included in the proposal.

A18. The PPQ instructions are located on the third line from the top of the PPQ Form. - (Complete Sections I and II and submit with the Technical Proposal).

Q19. Amendment 1, Q&A, Q6 requested that the government provide forms, "Experience and Past Performance (Form 2)" and "Subcontractor Reference (Form 5)." Only the "Subcontractor Reference (Form 5)" was provided in the amendment. Request that the Government provide "Experience and Past Performance (Form 2)" A19. The “Experience and Past Performance” form was posted to FBO website on Amendment 0003.

Q20. Solicitation Page 128, E. Volume III - Past Performance states, "The offeror shall provide a copy of the form entitled "Past Performance Questionnaire" that is attached to the solicitation, for construction projects of the same scope and complexity as the contemplated contract." Please clarify if PPQs should be completed for the 5 projects listed under Volume I, Previous Experience, or if PPQs may be submitted for other similar projects (if so, how many PPQs may be submitted).

A20. The Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQ) are for the “up to 5 projects” that are given as the past experience referenced under Volume I. Submit 1 PPQ for each past experience project you are submitting.

Q21. The criteria established in the Solicitation for Past Performance is considered arbitrarily restrictive and appears to be prejudicial toward the incumbent. While we recognize the scope of the project as stated and that the work has to be accomplished concurrently, projects of this scope and magnitude are a fairly rare occurrence given the current environmental regulations and density of development in South Florida. Request that the criteria be modified to demonstrate a capability to successfully manage and execute large site work projects in the last ten years and add a Factor for providing a project schedule and a work plan to demonstrate the knowledge, experience, and equipment to accomplish the project within the allotted duration.

A21. As of Amendment 0003 of solicitation P16PS00219 (HID Land Clearing), the minimum requirements for experience is reduced to the following Criteria:

Provide up to five (5) references clearly demonstrating all past experience with management and coordination of projects successfully performed with the past 10 years where each project as the following characteristics:

i. Are more than 100 acres in scale.

ii. Require the loading, hauling and grading of more than 80,000 cubic yards of soil

iii. The coordination of multiple types of equipment, activities, and personnel.

Q22. Will the NPS be awarding 1 Task Order to 1 Contractor, once per year? Or 1 task order to multiple contractors once per year. How does the NPS plan on dividing the work and awarding multiple contractors work within the same year?

A22. The Government anticipates that there will be 1 Task Order per year issued against this IDIQ. Each year the task order will be competed.

Q23. Will the offeror be required to provide night-time security for their work zone?

A23. The Contractor is responsible for the security of their equipment.

Q24. What day-time security measures/ requirements will be in place for employees coming in and out of the park on a daily basis? Will they require/ be provided badges or vehicle tags to allow them access to the park without incurring the park fee.

A24. For the duration of the task order, trucks with company names, individuals with that have “company provided” evidence of employment, etc will suffice to allow the individuals into the park without cost. There are no specific security measures.

Q25. How will NPS approach the staging area location as future Task Orders become available. The distance from the work zones from the staging area could potentially be quite large as we move into 2018 and 2019. Will NPS entertain the possibility of moving the staging area on future task orders?

A25. As the SOW suggests the contractor awarded the task order can request alternative staging areas but this must be approved by the CO. In addition, all proceeding Task Orders will have their own separate requirements for staging due to their relative locations. These will be addressed once the Request for Proposals for those Task Orders are issued.

Q26. Can we obtain water for dust control from the canals and other bodies of water within the Park. If not can NPS recommend and offsite water source previously used by past/current contractors?

A26. No, Contractors shall not take water from the canals or other bodies of water. NPS does not have a recommendation for where to get the water. However, as the soil in the project area is removed from above the limestone rock, agricultural wells will be exposed. Some of these wells may be usable as a source of water.

Q27. Some Task Orders are placed 5 years out, due to the growth rate of the Brazilian Peppers, there is a concern that the vegetative overgrowth may exceed the 30 foot max elevation on the disposal mounds. How does NPS want us to approach this possibility? Will NPS extend the footprint of the disposal mound to accommodate this possibility?

A27. The NPS will not extend the footprints of the mound. The Contractor is required to build the mounds to the requirements found in the SOW.

Q28. There is conflict in the solicitation as to the applicable NAICS Code and Size standard (see page 1 of Solicitation and page 117 of the Solicitation). Please resolve the conflict and indicate the appropriate NAICS Code and size standard for the Solicitation.

A28. Solicitation provision 52.204-8(a)(1) & (2) are corrected as follows: