Ques Answers.docx

The purpose of this amendment is to provide answers to questions submitted by interested contractors and to update the PWS and attachments. The following attachments have been updated: PWS, GFP list, PRS, CDRL, TE-1 and TE-2.

Also, the opportunity for a government vehicle inspection period is being provided for interested vendors in accordance with FAR 52.245-1. Two government furnished vehicles are being offered for the performance of the recycle portion of the PWS. See Q6 below. Vendors interested in inspecting the vehicles may meet at bldg. 155 on October 22nd from 13:00 to 14:00 p.m. Vendors arriving after this time will not have access to the vehicles. You must pre-register for this site visit with Nicole Mintus. Please email all responses to Nicole.m.mintus.civ@mail.mil.

Q1. In the event that a recycle load is rejected by the Ft. Carson approved vendor; who is responsible for any incurred cost and how would this situation effect diversion? (PWS Reference 3.1h)

A: The load would be treated as a refuse load and there would be NO credit for diversion.

Q2. How often do the recycle vendors chosen by Ft. Carson change? (PWS Reference 3.1i)

A: Currently monthly, but in the future it is possible for Fort Carson to have 1-year service agreements.

Q3. In the event of Ft. Carson’s wood grinder becoming inoperable for an extended period of time and the contractor must use an outside grinding service; who is responsible for the cost of the service? Who is currently being utilized? (PWS Reference 3.1m)

A: In the event that the grinder is down for an extended period of time, the contractor shall continue to maintain the pile by keeping it pushed up and the area around it clean until the machine becomes operable.

Q4. How will the Government establish a percentage baseline for the 2% yearly recycling criteria increase (PWS 4.1); furthermore if these criteria are not consistently met what will be the consequences for the contractor? (PWS Reference 4.1). Would the Government be open to a 3-6 baseline establishment period where the Government and the Contractor could mutually agree on an accurate current %?

A: The contractor shall divert 2% of what is taken to the landfill during the base year, 4% during the first option year, 6% during the second option year and 8% during the third option year. This will be determined by the weight tickets of the refuse taken to the landfill. These are annual percentages. The COR will be reviewing the weight tickets monthly to ensure progress is being made throughout the year to reach the total percentage that is required for that year.

The consequences for not meeting any aspect of the PWS would be the receipt of contract discrepancy reports (CDRs). These are issued by the COR for the contractor’s correction. The amount of CDRs issued and what action is taken by the contractor will determine the past performance rating given to the contractor in the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS). If the performance is not corrected to be in accordance with the PWS standards, the contract may be terminated. If a contract is terminated the contractor may be held liable for termination and reacquisition costs.

Q5. Is it the intention of Ft. Carson that the contractor provides individual weights for Front Load MSW and Front Load Recycle Containers? If individual weights are required does the Government have a preference on the brand/type of scale used for Front Load trucks? (PWS Reference 7.1b) Are both Government front loaders scales currently operational?

A: Yes, the contractor shall provide individual weights for Front Load MSW and Front Load recycle containers. There is no requirement for a specific brand. The government truck has a scale. The government is no longer providing a second front load truck as of this amendment.

Q6. Please confirm who is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of all Government Furnished Property, specifically all refuse/recycle collection vehicles. If the contractor is responsible might we suggest a dollar limit (i.e. $1,000.00 or less contractor’s responsibility, vice versa) on the amount of maintenance the contractor is liable for? (PWS Reference 10a-b)

A: The government is responsible for all government furnished equipment except for the vehicles. The contractor is responsible for all maintenance and upkeep of the vehicles. If the vehicle is out of service, the contractor shall supply a replacement vehicle. These government vehicles are available for the use of the contractor, but are not required to be used. The contractor may elect not to use the government furnished vehicles. In accordance with FAR 52.245-1 (d)(2)(iii) The Government may furnish property in an “as-is” condition. The contractor will be given the opportunity to inspect such property prior to the property being provided. In such cases, the Government makes no warranty with respect to the serviceability and/or suitability of the property for contract performance. Any repairs, replacement and/or refurbishment shall be at the contractor’s expense. The contractor will be required to submit a Preventative Maintenance and Corrective Maintenance plan for the Government Furnished vehicles to the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) and Contracting Officer (KO) within 10 days of award. Capital Type Rehabilitation (CTR) is work that is outside of the normal maintenance obligation. Contractors are required by FAR 52.245-1 to disclose the need for CTR to the KO. The performance of the CTR requires KO authorization.

Q7. Can the Government provide a list of all of the vendors (name, address, and phone number) that will be utilized during the course of this contract? (Reference 2.1 Recycle Program General Tasks)

A: This list is subject to change. All vendors are located within the surrounding area.

Q8. Can the Thrift Store be used to count towards the contractors 2% yearly diversion increase or is it already counted in the current %? It was referenced at the site visit that Goodwill would be providing collection of various items, can this be counted in the contractors 2% diversion?(Reference 3,2 Recycle Center Support)

A: No, this cannot be counted in the contractor’s diversion requirements.

Q9. Are bulk pickup recyclables (i.e. mattresses, dressers etc.) counted in the 40 % diversion? (Reference 4.4 Bulk Pickup)

A: Mattresses or recyclables that are in a trashcan or set next to a trashcan can be counted towards the contractor’s diversion requirements. However, items collected at the PX recycle point or out of our barracks when a mattress exchange is done may not be counted. Anything the contractor collects that’s not already in a recycling container will count towards the 2% if it’s diverted from the landfill.

Q10. Is the contractor required to carry the insurance on Government furnished vehicles (refuse trucks) or will the Government endorse the contractor on its current policy (if any) (Reference 10.a GFP and Services).

A: The contractor is required to carry insurance on Contractor-owned vehicles. The Contractor is not required to carry insurance on Government-furnished vehicles. The operator must be properly licensed.

Q11. Please confirm that this is a base plus 3 option year contract? (Reference RFP CLINS)

A: Yes, CLINS are correct. CLINS 0001-0007 Base Year, CLINS 1001-1005 Option Year One, CLINS 2001-2005 Option Year Two, CLINS 3001-3006 Option Year Three.

Q12. In regards to the pricing CLINS 0001-0003, the base year and option years refuse tonnage is a defined quantity (Base year is 12,000 tons or 1,000 per month, and should decrease respectively). For billing purposes, for this example the base year, would the contractor use the quantity of 1,000 tons for each billable month or the actual amount of tonnage disposed of? i.e. If there was only 800 tons actually disposed of would the contractor use 800 instead of 1,000? What if there was 1,100 tons disposed of? This question is applicable to all “Per Ton” CLINS. (Reference RFP CLINS)

A: The billable amount is the actual tonnage removed from Fort Carson. The amount of tons or units listed on each CLIN refers to the ESTIMATED maximum totals for that year. This is an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract. This means we do not know the exact quantity needed or when we will need it. The government will place task orders against this contract for services required. The government will estimate what is needed for the life of the task order. The contractor shall only bill for actual services provided. The contractor may not perform any services above and beyond what has been ordered and FUNDED on the task order. There is no guarantee of monthly or yearly quantities on this contract. The totals on the CLINS have been provided as estimated maximums for bidding purposes only. The minimum guarantee on this contract is $145,000. The maximum quantities on each CLIN may be adjusted during the contract provided the total cost of the contract does not exceed $8,900,000 over the four year period. Please refer to clauses 252.216-7006, 52.216-19 and 52.216-22.

Q13. Attachment TE 2 indicates that there a total of 124 roll off locations with various sized containers, and Attachment 2 GFP indicates that there are only 94 total roll offs of various sizes available in the GFP. Please clarify. If this is correct, is the contractor responsible for providing the difference in roll off containers?

A: GFP includes three compactors (one is owned by the hospital and has been updated on the GFP list) 60 - 30 CY roll-offs, 80 – 6 CY dumpsters, 95 – 8 CY dumpsters, 13 – 20 CY teepee roll-offs, 18 – 10 CY dumpsters and 3 – 40 CY dumpsters. These numbers will increase as the government purchases recycling containers. We also use outside vendors’ roll-offs for certain items which fluctuates but averages to be between 50 and 75. The contractor is responsible for servicing these containers as well. The contractor is not responsible for providing containers for the recycle portion of the contract.

The contractor IS responsible for providing all containers required for REFUSE services.

Q14. Please clarify that there are 2 front load trucks and 1 roll-off truck that are considered GFP and that the contractor has access to utilize them. Please clarify the years of these trucks.(Reference Attachment 2 GFP)

A: There is a correction to the PWS. There is one front load truck. It is an Autocar 2007. There is one roll-off it is an International 2010.

Q15. How many containers, size, and type are needed for each Special Event? (Reference 4.5 Special Events)

A: Typically we use up to three 20 CY roll-offs for refuse and government furnished recycling totes for recyclables.

Q16. Can you provide historical data for the current tonnage of refuse taken off Ft Carson each month for last 24 months and the percentage or tonnage of recycled materials that has been recovered or diverted from that contaminated refuse?

A: We don’t have 24 months of diverting material from the refuse. There were 12,302 tons of refuse, 2,965 tons of bio-solids, and 93 tons of diverted material from the refuse. This data covers 17 months.

Q17. Is there an office on Post that the contractor can use and employees can park POVs?

A: Yes. There is a small office that includes one desk and one phone. There is a break room and parking available at Bldg. 155.

Q18. Are there any government employees that work or office at the recycle center, Bldg#155?

A: Yes, there are two employees.

Q19. PWS 4.1 recycle - States “contractor shall divert minimum of 2% of contaminated waste into recyclable materials. These shall be sorted and transported.” Is this separate from any government effort of recycling?

A: Yes this is separate from any government recycling effort. The purpose of this requirement is to recover recyclable material out of the landfill bound material.

Q20. Does the government have a facility on post like Bldg 155 to sort the contaminated refuse or does the contractor need to provide a facility off post to separate materials?

A: The government does not have a facility.

Q21. PWS 4.1 states that the contractor is permitted to keep the proceeds from the recycling he diverts. Are there any other recycling proceeds that the contractor keeps?

A: No

Q22. Is there a penalty for not reaching the 2% diversion and is this 2% based upon monthly or annual results?

A: Annual results. Please see the answer to Q4.

Q23. Will the government’s efforts in reducing by diversion such as putting recycling containers downrange contribute to the 2%? Because these currently might be the best opportunity for the contractor to divert into recyclables from contaminated refuse.

A: No, but large refuse roll-offs will still be utilized and many recyclable materials will still be placed in them.

Q24. Could you please post a copy of the sign in sheet?

A: Yes, it is attached to Amendment 0001.

Q25. Who has the contract now.

A: Bmakk Corporation

Q26. The GFP list shows 2 refuse trucks. Are these trucks front load, rear load, or roll-offs?

A: See answer to Q14.

Q27. What is the expectation if a truck goes down for major repairs? Are we expected to provide equipment?

A: Yes. See answer to Q6.

Q28. Attachment #8 lists containers for cardboard. What sizes are these containers?

A: Attachment #8 is TE-1 which shows the dumpsters. Attachment #9 is TE-2 which shows the roll-offs. The government utilizes 8 CY, 6 CY, 40 CY and 30 CY roll-offs and two compactors

Q29. Who owns these containers?

A: The government and outside vendors

Q30. Attachment #9. I'm assuming this the number of roll-off used in a year. Is that correct?

A: See answer to Q13

Q31. How many roll-offs are on the base presently?

A: See answer to Q13

Q32. The PWS mentions a Phase In period. Are we expected to remove the existing equipment? Is there payment?

A: No, you are not expected to remove the current contractor’s equipment. See section 1.1 of the PWS. CLIN 0005 is for the phase-in period.

Q33. Can we single stream the recyclable material?

A: Not the current cans, but they government may be conducting single stream in the barracks in the future.

Q34. Does the government have tonnage estimates?

A: See answer to Q16

Q35. Does the government pay the disposal cost?

A: The disposal cost shall be included in the CLIN rate.

Q36. Do we need to weigh every can, every service?

A: Yes

Q37. The PWS Item # 8.1 says the contractor shall provide and maintain a sufficient quantity of collection vehicles. The item # 10(a) says the government will provide all the equipment do the work. Could you please clarify.

A: The government has all equipment and containers for the recycle portion of the contract. If the contractor uses the Government vehicles, the contractor is responsible for maintaining them and having replacements if the vehicles go down. The contractor is responsible for providing all equipment and vehicles relating to the refuse portion of the contract.

Q38. Can the material collected in the toters be single stream?

A: See answer to Q33

Q39. Attachment 10 TE 3. What is a center & what is a slim jim?

A: The centers are wooden containers placed in buildings with slim jims inside it. A slim jim is a tall narrow container.

Q40. Will the government provide maintenance, including parts, fuel, supplies, and labor, to all government furnished equipment, government furnished containers, and government furnished trucks?

A: It will provide maintenance for the equipment, but NOT the government furnished trucks.

Q41. Does the government market all recyclables on this project?

A: Only for what is collected in government owned containers.

Q42. Ref 2.1 & 3.1h, What is the average and maximum distance from Fort Carson that the contractor will be required to deliver marketed recyclables?

A: Most are within a few miles of Fort Carson. Waste Management on Fourth Street would be the farthest delivery.

Q43. Ref 2.2, can the referenced bio-solids be serviced with conventional 20-yd open top containers?

A: Yes

Q44. Ref 3.5, will the contractor be allowed to obtain RAPIDgate access to multiple gate access?

A: Yes

Q45. In the event that GFE goes down, will the government furnish the replacement equipment until the GFE is repaired?

A: Yes, but NOT for the wood grinder, front load or roll-off trucks.

Q46. Ref 5.1, will the government allow the contractor to clean equipment, containers, and vehicles on post?

A: The washrack may be used only for Government furnished equipment Q47. Ref 7.1.b, please confirm it is the government’s intention that the contractor will provide collection equipment with “On-Board Scales” for weighing each and every Front End Loader type container serviced.

A: Correct

Q48. Can the government provide historical data for the total tons of Refuse, as associated with line item X0001 of this solicitation, collected and disposed during the past 12 full months?

A: See answer to Q16

Q49. Can the government provide historical data for the total tons of Bio-Solids, as associated with line item X0002 of this solicitation, collected and disposed/recycled during the past 12 full months?

A: See answer to Q16

Q50. Can the government provide historical data for the total tons of recycling, as associated with line item X0003 of this solicitation, during the past 12 full months?

A: See answer to Q16, but the historical data will not meet the requirements of this new PWS due to population and facility increases on the installation.

Q51. The Base Year contains Line item 0005 for Phase In for 550 containers. The Phase Out, line item 0006, for 650 containers is also in the Base Year. Does this indicate the contractor will be paid for the phase out during the base year, regardless of the number of government exercised option years? Please clarify.

A: No, the contractor will not be paid for phase out in the base year. They will be paid for the phase out after completion. It is placed on the base year for administrative purposes only.

Q52. Please reference schedule B pricing, pages 3-14. Will the government pay more than the MAX QUANTITY units if more units are serviced? Please clarify.

A: See answer to Q12.

Q53. Please reference the “Instructions to offerors” beginning on page 32 and the “Evaluation—Commercial Items” on page 44. It appears more detail of the proposal outline may have been provided in 52.212-2 “Evaluation—Commercial Items” reference. Does the government require the contractor to Outline/Index the proposal as referenced in the numbered paragraphs of the Evaluation section of the solicitation?

A: It does not need to be outlined/ indexed; however, your proposal must include all information required by the solicitation and all plans required must be clearly labeled. Clause 52.212-2 “Evaluation – Commercial Items” includes information on how your proposal will be evaluated.

Q54. Does the government plan to add more equipment to the existing listed GFE? Are there any items on order that have not been delivered? Please Clarify.

A: the following have been orders: 2 – 40 CY, 6 – 30 CY, 4 – 20 teepee roll-offs and 10 – 8 CY dumpsters

Q55. We request the Government to provide historical refuse and recycling data. Please include in this data the calculations to show the current recycling diversion rates.

A: See answer to Q16, the calculation is (R) recycled; (L) landfilled: (R/(R+L))*100 Q56. Will the government provide historical data of at least 1 year, reflecting the number and type of loads to each location in order for the contractor to more clearly understand equipment and manpower needs?

A: The only historical data available is located in the PWS section 3.1.w, 3.4 and TE4.

Q57. 3.1m. Will the government please provide historical volume (tons, loads) information relative to grinding? Will the contractor have any responsibility for the transportation of material after grinding? If so, please provide historical information relative to the number of hauls required annually.

A: 1400 tons per year. The contractor will transport the materials.

Q58. 4.3 Field Training Exercises. Please provide historical information relative to the number of exercises per year and the number of FEL, and Roll off containers required to be available for these exercises.

A: There is no historical information but typically there is a minimum of 200 roll offs per year.

Q59. 4.4 Bulk Pick-Up Services. Will the government please provide historical volumes collected annually?

A: This refers to illegal dumping next to the containers and averages 2 per month.

Q60. 10a. “All maintenance and fuel costs for operation of government furnished vehicles and equipment will be provided by the government.” Please confirm that maintenance and fuel is to be provided for all GFP rolling stock, yellow iron and misc. equipment.

A: Maintenance will be provided by the government ONLY for government furnished equipment. The contractor is responsible for all costs associated with the government furnished vehicles.

Q61. Attachment #9, Tech Exhibit 2. Are all of the containers on this list Roll off containers? If so it lists 124 roll off containers though, the GFP lists only 94 Roll off containers. Will the government please clarify?

A: See answer to Q13 Q62. The GFP does not list any carts, totes, center, or slim jims? Is the contractor responsible to provide these items?

A: No, the contractor is not responsible to provide them, they are government provided.

Q63. Attach #1, Tech Exhibit 3. Will the Government please define, carts, totes, center and slim jims as listed? In other words, capacity, physical characteristics, etc.

A: Carts are approximately 1.5 CY, totes between 50 and 65 gallons and slim jims about 25 gallons. The centers have slim jims inside them.

Q64. 3.3 A. We understand that the objective is to reduce the disposal tonnage though diversion and both collection and disposal service are compensated for via Clinx001. In the event that the refuse tonnage, in any contract year, exceeds the amount identified in this Clin x001 is it the government’s intention that the contractor could cease providing collection and disposal services as soon as the Clin tonnage is reached, or is it the government’s expectation that the contractor would continue to provide these services for free.

A: See answer to Q12.

Q65. Section 3.8 Bio-solids. Please provide actual historic tonnages and corresponding number of hauls.

A: Approximately 250 hauls per year. See Section 3.8.

Q66. 3.1W. Is the historic data provided for recycling services only or is it for refuse and recycling services?

A: This section refers only to Recycle.

Q67. 3.1W. Please provide the historic annual number of hauls associated with the 35 roll-offs.

A: It is estimated at 1000 hauls off post and 500 to the wood yard on post.

Q68. 3.1W. states dumping 300 dumpsters weekly and 3.1R states 500 recycle dumpsters, please clarify.

A: Not all recycle dumpsters require a weekly tipping. They are required to be dumped when the container is full. So there approx 300 services per week.

Q69. 10.1. Is the contractor allowed to park dedicated collection vehicles on post?

A: Yes at Bldg 155 Q70. Clinx003 Recycling and x0004 recycling services, are both are for recycling, please identify what services should be provided under each clin.

A: CLIN X003 is for the cost of diversion and CLIN X0004 is for the monthly recycling services Q71. Clin 0003 and 1003 unit of measure is Gross Tons 2003 is each, please clarify.

A: It is has been corrected to read Gross Tons Q72. 0005 Phase in quantity is 550 and 0006 Phase out quantity is 650 please explain the increase in containers when the government is anticipating a 6% decrease in volume over the potential 4 year contract.

A: We are anticipating a significant increase in population and buildings over the course of this contract. We are anticipating an 8% decrease in landfill disposals compared to what’s actually in the cans at any given time.

Q73. Based upon the Phase in and Phase out quantity of containers provided (550 to 650) please provide an anticipated annual projection for the increase in container requirement, so that we may cost the increase.

A: We hope that number stays close but these numbers are a max of potential needs.

Q74. 2.1.c. Is Contractor required to develop “field surveys or investigations to determine best practices for increasing recycle rates”?

A: The Contractors is required to meet the minimum percent of diversion as stated in the PWS. It is up to the Contractor to determine how to meet these requirements.

Q75. 3.2.a Will the Government provide telephone service at the PX collection point?

A: No Q76. 3.4 Is incumbent required to provide Government with current routes/schedules?

A: Yes Q77. Section 7.1 Will the Government consider revising report turnaround time to 10 business days?

A: No, the requirement is 5 days as stated in the PWS and CDRL.

Q78. Item No.0001, 12,000 Gross tons. Can the government please provide actual historical tonnage broken down by source i.e. MSW from Front End Load, MSW from Roll off and grinding material.

A: In general, 75% of the MSW is front load. Grinding material is 100% roll-off