Questions and Answers 2-25.pdf

Tree Removal Service ~ Questions & Answers

Scope and Volume

1. Is there an estimated number of trees anticipated for the base year and option year, or historical usage data that can be shared. 25 trees per contract year

2. Is there an existing tree inventory, site map, or prior assessment identifying tree locations and approximate diameters. Yes

3. Will tree removals be issued on an as needed basis, or is there a planned schedule of work. There is a planned schedule for tree removal – Emergency call will be on a as needed basis

4. Are emergency or urgent removals anticipated, and if so, are response time requirements defined. Yes

Period of Performance and Scheduling

5. What is the anticipated start date for the base year. April 1st

6. Is work permitted year round, including winter months, and how are weather related delays handled. Yes work is permitted all year – weather related delays will be handled case by case

7. Are there restricted work hours, blackout dates, or coordination requirements due to patient care or facility operations. Use VA working hours unless emergency.

Tree and Site Conditions

8. Can the VA provide an approximate distribution of tree diameters within the 6 inch to 50 inch range. No

9. Are any trees located near buildings, utilities, roadways, or sensitive infrastructure that would require cranes or specialty equipment. No

10. Will the VA perform utility locates, or is the contractor responsible for all locates prior to work. No, contactor to perform locates

Mulching and Debris Handling

11. Is mulch required to be returned to the VA for all work, or only when chipping is performed off site. For all work

12. Is mulch coloring required for every job or only when directed by the GEMS Manager.

Every job

13. Is there a preferred default mulch color, black or brown. Brown

14. Is there a designated on site location for mulch delivery and debris staging. Yes

Documentation and Deliverables

15. What level of weight documentation is required for chipped material and hauled debris.

Weight of tree removed, weight of mulch produced, weight of debris.

16. Are before and after photographs required for each individual tree or per work area.

Yes, per work area.

17. Is there a standard inspection or closeout checklist used by the COR. No

Tree Removal Service ~ Questions & Answers

Access, Safety, and Coordination

18. Will crew badging or escorts be required, and if so, what is the expected lead time. No

19. Are traffic control plans required for work near internal roadways or public access areas. Dependent on area, yes.

20. Are there noise or vibration restrictions during normal operating hours. No

Contract and Pricing Clarifications

21. Can the VA confirm expectations regarding compliance with VAAR 852.219 75 for services under this requirement. Yes

22. Are stump grinding, mulch coloring, and haul off expected to be included within unit pricing, or addressed as separate line items. Unit, all inclusive.

24. How many trees are designated for removal, expected for base year and option year I?

25 trees per contract year

25. Are the trees marked on campus to inspect for pricing purposes? Yes

26. Are there any designated trees for removal near buildings or structures? No

27. Is part of the services for this contract an “on call” basis, emergency storm damage clean-up? Yes

28. Will some areas require construction mats to protect ground conditions? No

29. What are the specifications on mulch (screened-size-grindings? Medium to Coarse, ½” to 3”.

30. (10)Can we move all tree material to a designated spot on campus and chip all material together? Yes

31. Will tree removal take place in Winter Months or just Summer? Tree removal will take place during April – October. Emergency removal will take place throughout the year.

32. Are designated trees in locations to directly fell or are some trees in locations that will need to be cut methodically from top down using cabling to control the drop of material? Depends on location, some may need cut down methodically.

33. It states in the SOW (page 5 of 16) to be capable of removing trees between 6” and 50”. It states that downed trees will be removed and chipped with mulch. Are tree limbs just mulched, not the tree, depending on size? All should be mulched.

34. Do stump grindings need to be disposed of off site, or will these be stored at a designated location at the VA? Designated location at VA