Contractor Questions with Government Responses.pdf

Contractor Questions:

1. The extraction of 3,100 stumps will result in a considerable amount of dirt being removed with the stumps. This may produce a bowl effect in the work area.

Additionally, SOW states that a final grading be done to the work area. If the work area is below grade due to removal of dirt via tree stump extraction, would fill dirt be required to bring the area back to grade?

Soil not required as part of quote. If the stumps are shaken and dropped a couple of times and the holes grubbed and packed back, the raking in several directions should move enough soil to fill most holes.

2. To what standard should be followed for the tree transplantation, e.g. ISA/ANSI A300 procedure? Is it to be assumed guying and bracing will be required?

The transplanter should be able to orient the trees upright and they will need to be braced.

3. Will a tree spade be required for tree transplanting?

Yes, a 90” tree spade will be required.

4. Will any dumping fees be paid for by the Government if burning is not allowed on property? Or, should the hauling and final cost be applied in the SF-18 pricing and/or as a separate line item?

Burning is allowed in desired/assigned areas at the location.

5. If burning is allowed, will the remaining ash need to be hauled to a final disposal?

No – but stumps and associated material must be thoroughly burned.

6.How much advance notice must a contactor give the government prior to burning on the property?

No less than 24hrs. Permit must be obtained; prep must be performed around piles so that the fire is contained

7. How much advance notice will the Government give the contractor is burning is prohibited on the property?

Same as above.

8. Tree transplanting can have unpredictable future results due to changes in soil type, moisture level, salt level, etc. Does the government require any future care to be provided to ensure the success of the tree?

No future care is required after transplanting of trees.

9. For the separate 17 trees and stumps that are to be removed and the stumps removed, will this require stump extraction or grinding? If extraction, will fill dirt be required?

Yes, but no grinding required, fill dirt is not required as part of the contract – see answer to no 1.

10. Will a final disposal still be required, or can the chips be stockpiled or broadcast on property if grinding of debris is done on-site?

The chips/branches/stumps may be disposed/burned on site.

11. Is there a required “grubbing” depth?

Grubbing and/or raking should be to a depth of 10” to 12” in several directions to ensure removal of roots.

12. Will the trees be topped and pruned prior to transplanting.

Yes. Trees will be already pruned by USDA prior to transplanting.

13. Will the land be surveyed for planting the trees at the 30’ x 30’ distance?

Yes. USDA will mark the location on the prepped land where the trees will be planted.

14. What is the area of the site where stump removal will occur?

Approximately 15 acres.

15. There are several rows of stumps in the south part of the orchard area that are about 4 ft tall.

Are these included in the SOW?

Yes, these stumps must be removed - they are part of the 3,100 stumps to be removed under the SOW. Also, in that same part of the orchard area and part of the total 3,100 stumps comprising the SOW are stumps that have been ground down to the soil surface. These must also be removed.

16. Is the final row of tall trees at the south end of the 15-acre orchard where 3,100 stumps are being removed part of the SOW?

No, this row of trees remains and is not part of the SOW.

17. What is the expected award date?

Offers due date is 22 January 2020 and an award is anticipated to be no later than Monday, 27 Jan. 2020.

18. What date does the USDA want work to commence?

The project on the stump removal/transplanting on the ~15-acre site should commence, or within days of February 1, 2020 to ensure timely completion of this most important component of the project.

19. What is the date land should be prepared and ready for use by the USDA?

It is understood that the weather and other issues can affect the speed of the operation. Taking into consideration these factors that may affect the date, the USDA desires for the land clearing portion to be prepared by March 1, 2020.

20. What prioritization should be given to the two jobs?

The removal of the 3,100 stumps, prepping and transplanting on the ~15-acre area is the first priority. The removal of the 17 trees and site preparation at that location is of less urgency and may be completed after the ~15-acre site is prepped/transplanting complete. Thus, the two projects may run sequentially.

21. The SOW and SF18 have different values for how many trees are to be transplanted. The SOW states 47 trees while the SF18 states 37. Please clarify whether 47 or 37 trees will be transplanted as this will impact our proposed quote. If changes are necessary, will the SOW and/or SF18 be amended to reflect these changes?

There are 47 flagged trees to be transplanted. An updated SF18 will be posted

22. Is the Government asking for lump-sum pricing for all transplantation and removal? For example, should the unit of measure be (1) JB, i.e. Job, or should the UOM be 37 EA (each) and

17 EA?

The solicitation is for 3 separate line items. Requesting a quote for the cost to clear the estimated 15 acres, transplanting 47 tree’s and the removal of the 17 tree’s.