WCDAS Landscaping Services QA.pdf

WCDAS Landscaping Services

Questions and Answers

1. Section 3.1.1 requires 20 cuttings; however, under mow it states, “Maintain grass height between 3- and 5-inches. Maintaining a height of 3- and 5- inches could require more cuttings annually. Does NOAA intend to revise the SOW to allow flexibility for the number of cuttings per year?

A: Naturally, it is preferred the grass is maintained closer to the lower height, but there may be areas within the grounds where that may not be feasible.

We will consider the recommendations and expertise of the contractor to recommend an alternative appropriate height.

NOAA has many years of historical data regarding the number of cuttings that have traditionally been required. Based on this information, twenty (20) cuts per year should be more than sufficient, but we can consider the issue when/if the situation warrants it.

2. Where does brush cutting exist on the property?

A: Some brush will be encountered during the routine perimeter cutting.

Additionally, after turning into the entrance to WCDAS, while heading toward the main gate there will be a simple barrier gate that typically remains open. Immediately, after passing that gate, there is a section of brush and shrubbery that over time grows out into the lanes of travel. This growth could take 6 months (or more) to accumulate to the extent of occasionally needing trimming.

3. What does the following statement mean? “This acquisition is a total small business set-aside. The associated NAICS code is 561730 with a small business size standard of $8.5M.”

A: This statement means that the acquisition is set aside for small businesses and NOAA intends on awarding this acquisition to a small business. A size standard, which is usually stated in number of employees or average annual receipts, represents the largest size that a business (including its subsidiaries and affiliates) may be to remain classified as a small business for SBA and federal contracting programs. Therefore, in this case the maximum average annual receipts a company can have, to be considered a small business, is $8.5M.

4. Was there a previous contract for this acquisition:

A: Yes, there was a previous contract for this acquisition that has since expired.

5. Approximately how long should the work take per visit?

A: The length of time the visit will take will be dependent on the amount of personnel completing the cut. In the past, it has been done in about four hours.

6. What is the total amount of surface area for the areas requiring services under this requirement?

A: Our best estimate is that the area to be serviced is approximately 14 acres.

7. Will there be any other factors considered besides pricing on this contract (e.g. technical capabilities, past performance)?

A: Per the instructions in the solicitation, a technical narrative is required.