W15QKN-20-Q-5159- Questions Answers.docx

Questions & Answers for Solicitation Number W15QKN-20-Q-5159 Grounds Maintenance Services

Question 1: Trimming, defined as “Horizontal cutting of grass. Along all mowing lines to include but not limited to trimming of sidewalks, gardens, walkways and fence lines” is quantified as square feet. Is the foot behind (i.e., perpendicular in the lawn direction) the edge of the sidewalk, garden, or walkways and fence lines considered part of the trimmed square foot? Will fence lines be trimmed on both sides and thus count as twice the quantity?

Answer 1: Yes it is considered part of the trimmed square foot. Fence lines will be trimmed on both sides and will not be counted twice the quantity. All areas will be trimmed at the same time according to the schedule and drawing and will be counted as one trimming.

Question 2: The Schedule of work is April through November for this area. How will COVID‐19 closure orders affect the schedule?

Answer 2: The grass continues to grow and will need to be maintained during the COVID-19 pandemic. Once the written schedule is submitted for approval it will be determined at that time if any issues come up due to COVID-19.

Question 3: The PWS, under mowing, specifies: “To bring the area up to the commercial standard, the contractor is responsible to complete as specified on maps at no additional cost. The methodology to bring the property up to the standard is up to the contractor and not dictated by the Government.” Will our means and methods expected to include anything more than a commercial trimmer, edger or mower? If the government cannot answer, can the contractor assume that we are removing overgrown grass and not brush?

Answer 3: No more than a commercial trimmer, edger and mower.

Question 4: Given that the quantities provided in the maps are estimates and for reference only, is there a level of confidence associated with those quantities. That is, at what point would the tolerance of the estimate be exceeded if the actual quantities are significantly different? (say more/less than 15%)

Answer 4: No As stated in paragraph 4.1.2. The site maps provided are estimates only and MUST be verified by the contractor.

Question 5: There are several areas that exhibit wet conditions where mowing without leaving ruts in the soft ground would be impossible. Can the contractor skip those “soft areas” because of excessive moisture and to prevent further damage to the ground?

Answer 5: No these areas must be maintained. These areas will dry out. These areas shall be identified during pre-performance meeting/teleconference prior to any work starting.

Question 6: If precipitation occurs during a scheduled work day; will there be flexibility to use a weekend day when dry conditions exists to complete/perform the work?

Answer 6: No if the scheduled grass cutting cannot be performed due to rain, then the next dry day the grass shall be cut. Refer to paragraph 1.5.3 for hours of operation.

Question 7: What is the contractor’s responsibility regarding existing damage (including: bare spots, holes, piled debris, deep ruts created by vehicles, failing landscape ties, covered inlets, extremely wet areas, clogged drainage, or other damage previously documented or not the fault of the contractor)?

Answer 7: You are not responsible for any previous damage not caused by the grass cutting.

Question 8: We are familiar with the locations, but are not aware of property corners properly marked. Will it be possible for the government to provide stakes or monuments of property lines when grass grows on both sides of a boundary or there are no clear demarcations (e.g., brush)?

Answer 8: No

Question 9: Is the cutting of grass around the pvc pipes beyond the fence, the railroad ties, and fence lines in Area Maintenance Support Activity (AMSA) #110 considered trimming? If so, is the quantity within tolerance limits (see Question 4 above)?

Answer 9: Yes

Question 10: Will the contractor be allowed to use the governmental sanitary facilities?

Answer 10: No