Grounds Maintenance Questions and Answers FINAL.pdf

Grounds Maintenance Questions and Answers

(W911RZ-24-R-0004)

1. Question: Can the Period of Performance be extended to seven years?

Answer: In accordance with FAR 17.204(e), the period of performance will remain 5 years.

2. Question: Can the Period of Performance be extended to ten years?

Answer: In accordance with FAR 17.204(e), the period of performance will remain 5 years.

3. Question: Are we supplying this rock and installing, or just cleaning the rock areas?

Rock 0013 AA 1 1/2" Padre Canyon Rock (PWS 5.2.2.12) 200000 Square Feet 0013 AB 1 1/2" Desert Tan Rock (PWS 5.2.2.12) 200000 Square Feet Answer: This will be supplied and installed by the contractor on an as needed basis.

4. Question: On the tree planting, are we supplying and planting the trees? Or just planting the trees?

Tree Planting Qty U/I 0006 AA Plant Evergreen (PWS 5.2.2.9.5) 50 Each 0006 AB Plant Deciduous (PWS 5.2.2.9.5) 50 Each

Answer: This will be supplied and installed by the contractor on an as needed basis.

5. Question: On the site visit the contractor was removing sand from a curb with shovels. The PWS and CLINS only have sand removal on artificial turf, has the contract changed significantly from the previous contract?

Answer: CLIN 0011AA, I need to relabel it to better describe removing sand.

Currently, it states Policing/ Improved Grounds.

6. Question: PWS 5.2.2.12 speaks of maintaining Xeriscaping but there is no CLIN for

5.2.2.12. What CLIN would this maintenance fall under?

Answer: CLIN 0011AA, I need to relabel it to better describe removing sand.

Currently, it states Policing/ Improved Grounds.

7. Question: Who is the current contractor, and what is the current (most recent) annual contract price? (Topic: Incumbent Contract/REF: Incumbent Contract) Answer: Franco Vasquez Joint Venture. Contract Value is $13.5M.

8. Question: Per page 57 of the RFP, “the offeror shall provide with its offer a written plan describing how it will continue to perform the essential contractor services listed in attachment Performance Work Statement (PWS), Mission Essential Contractor Services, dates 03 January 2024 during periods of crisis”. Is this plan to be submitted as a stand-alone plan, or will it be included in the technical? If included in the technical, can the government please increase the page count by 10 pages? (Topic: Mission Essential

Plan/REF: 252.237-7024 Notice of Continuation of Essential Contractor Services (Oct 2010) Page 57) Answer: This will be a standalone document that will not be included in the technical.

9. Question: The requirements of the technical capability volume 2 are extensive and will most likely exceed 20 pages. Would the government consider increasing the page limit to 30 pages? (Topic: Volume 2, Technical Capability/REF: Page 55) Answer: We have updated the number of pages for the technical capability, volume 2 from twenty (20) pages to twenty-five (25) pages.

10. Question: Can charts be submitted with no less than 10-point font? (Topic:

Font/REF: Page 55) Answer: All font sizes shall be twelve (12) point font.

11. Question: For volumes with a page limit, do the table of contents, cover page, and capability matrix count towards the page count? (Topic: Page Count/REF: N/A) Answer: The cover page and table of contents will not count toward the page count. The capability matrix will count towards the page count.

12. Question: Will the contractor be provided a laydown area to store equipment? Can the government provide the approximate size of the laydown area? (Topic: Laydown Area/REF: N/A) Answer: Yes, the Government will provide an area of approximately of 1.5 acres.

13. Question: Will the contractor be allowed to have a portable restroom and dumpster at the laydown area? (Topic: Laydown Area/REF: N/A) Answer: Yes, but the contractor is responsible for the cost.

14. Question: What is the average historical quantity of mowing services for high visibility, improved and semi-improved areas? Section 5.2.2.1 of the PWS states that “The DPW will provide historical data for grass cutting in TE 01”. Can this information please be provided? (Topic: Mowing Frequency/REF: PWS and Pricing Schedule) Answer: CLIN 0001AA Grass Cutting 672 acres a year.

15. Question: Can the government identify which capability level the improved and semi-improved grounds fall under? (Topic: Work Capability Levels/REF: PWS and Attachment 4 PWS – Work Capability Levels) Answer: All capabilities cover improved and semi-improved areas.

16. Question: Are the quantities listed on the price schedule the total quantity per year, or per occurrence? For example, the price schedule lists 672 acres of grass cutting in improved areas for CLIN 0001 AA. However, 5.2.2.1 of the PWS states approximately 60 acres of high visibility areas. If 672 is the annual quantity of Grass Cutting the contractor would cut the 60 acres approximately 11.2 times. If the high visibility areas are cut weekly March through October, there would be approximately 37 cuts or 2,220 acres per year. (Topic: Quantities/REF: Price Schedule and PWS) Answer: The quantities listed on the price schedule are total quantity per year.

17. Question: Can the government clarify that the 60 acres of high visibility areas are 60 acres of grass mowing? What is the total acreage of xeriscaping in high visibility and improved areas that require servicing? (Topic: Quantities/REF: Price Schedule and

PWS)

Answer: 60 Acres of grass, xeriscaping areas will include sides of major roads and Access control points.

18. Question: Is edging to be completed in conjunction with mowing? (Topic:

Edging/REF: PWS 5.2.2.2) Answer: Yes, within one day.

19. Question: Section 5.2.2.4 of the PWS details fertilizing and liming. However, the description for Item Number 0001 AJ only references fertilizing grass turf. Is liming a requirement of this contract? If yes, how should liming be priced? (Topic: Lime/REF:

PWS 5.2.2.4 and Price Schedule Item Number 0001 AJ) Answer: It will be priced under the 0001AJ, lime is normally cheaper than fertilizer and you would have to do a soil sample to say which one you will be using. You will not be doing them at the same time on the same field. Liming is the same as fertilizing with different chemicals due to the PH balance.

20. Question: Section 5.2.2.5 of the PWS details seeding and sodding. These are two very different services, and the pricing greatly varies. Would the government consider splitting this into two separate items? (Topic: Seeding and Sodding/REF: PWS 5.2.2.5 and Price Schedule Item Number 0001 AB) Answer: Seeding is expected as needed; sodding will be done if the contractor lets it get that bad. The price will not change.

21. Question: Section 5.2.2.5.1 states “the areas to be seeded are approximately 79 acres annually” while 5.2.2.5.3 states “the areas to be sodded are approximately 1.15 acres annually”. However, the price schedule item number 0001 AB lists 150,000 square feet. Can the government clarify the annual quantity to be seeded and sodded separately? (Topic: Seeding and Sodding/REF: PWS 5.2.2.5 and Price Schedule Item Number 0001 AB) Answer: Sodding will not be needed. Updated PWS by removing the 1.15 acre annual requirement.

22. Question: What is the desirable seed and sod to be used for this CLIN? (Topic:

Seeding and Sodding/REF: PWS 5.2.2.5 and Price Schedule Item Number 0001 AB) Answer: Bermuda.

23. Question: Section 5.2.2.5.4 of the PWS details aerating and overseeding.

However, the description for Item Number 0001 AD only references aerate soil. Is overseeding included in this contract? If yes, how should overseeding be priced? What is the quantity for aerating and overseeding? The PWS states “contractor shall aerate annually during period of optimum soil moisture”. However, the work capability levels vary. (Topic: Aerating and Overseeding/REF: PWS 5.2.2.5.4 and Price Schedule Item Number 0001 AD) Answer: Overseeding will not be needed on this contract.The contractor will need to aerate once a year.

24. Question: Section 5.2.2.6 of the PWS states “the contractor shall maintain approximately 800,000 square feet of indigenous landscape/xeriscape area annually”.

However, the total quantity for Item Number 0013 AA and 0013 AB on the price schedule total 400,000 square feet. What is the accurate total square feet to be serviced annually? (Topic: Maintain Landscaped/Xeriscape Areas/REF: PWS 5.2.2.6 and Price Schedule Item Numbers 0013 AA and 0013 AB) Answer: 800,000 square feet. Items 0013 AA and 0013 AB are for replacement rock, if needed.

25. Question: Can the government confirm that section 5.2.2.7 of the PWS is only for controlling weeds and vegetation growing from expansion joints, cracks in pavement, sidewalks, curbs, xeriscape, and parking lots? If this is true, what are the acreage requirements per service? The PWS states applications are limited to high visibility areas, but the price schedule lists 2,800 acres. Are there other requirements, such as controlling growing weeds in the turfgrass areas? (Topic: Weed Control/REF: PWS

5.2.2.7 and Price Schedule Item Number A0001 AE) Answer: Herbicide will be used on improved grass, xeriscape, pavement, and concrete. If there are weeds on the turf field they should be removed, CLIN 0007AA. Weeding in grass is required.

26. Question: Can the government confirm the capability level this service falls under?

Can the government confirm the acreage for one service under CLIN A0001 AC?

19,200 acres of leaf removal is significantly high. If we are providing leaf removal to the high visibility areas that would equal 320 occurrences for 60 acres. (Topic: Remove Debris, Leaves, Tumbleweeds, and Litter/REF: PWS 5.2.2.8 and Price Schedule Item Number A0001 AC) Answer: This is a yearly quantity. We understand that the full amount of this quantity might not be used up, but we allow for areas that need extra care. This is for all the trees in the improved areas not just the grass. There are parking lots, xeriscape areas, sidewalks, ect. It is 2400 acres a month for 8 months. The other 4 months there should not be leaves dropping.

27. Question: Under which CLIN should offerors price out the services described in PWS Section 5.2.2.9.1, Perform Mechanical Tree Spading and Transplanting? (Topic:

Perform Mechanical Tree Spading and Transplanting/REF: PWS 5.2.2.9.1)

Answer: CLIN 0003 and 0006.

28. Question: Under which CLIN should offerors price out the services described in PWS Section 5.2.2.9.3, Tree Fertilization? Does it fall under 0010 AA? Clin 0010 AA references PWS 5.2.2.4. Can the government confirm the annual frequency of tree fertilization? (Topic: Tree Fertilization/REF: PWS 5.2.2.9.3) Answer: CLIN 0010AA, frequency of 2 times per year. Updated pricing schedule to

5.2.2.9.3 as it is in the PWS, the frequency is as needed to maintain the health of the trees.

29. Question: Do item numbers 0003 AA, 0003 AB, 0003 AC, and 0003 AD include stump removal? (Topic: Tree Removal and Replacement/REF: PWS 5.2.2.9.5 and Price Schedule Item Numbers 0003 AA, 0003 AB, 0003 AC, and 0003 AD) Answer: Yes

30. Question: Under which CLIN should offerors price out the services described in PWS Section 5.2.2.10.1, Hedge and Shrub Mulching? Can the government provide the total SY of mulch required? (Topic: Hedge and Shrub Mulching/REF: PWS 5.2.2.10.1) Answer: This is how you will get rid of your debris. It will be included in the tree/shrub removal CLIN 0003.

31. Question: Under which CLIN should offerors price out the services described in PWS Section 5.2.2.10.2, Hedge and Shrub Fertilization? Does it fall under 0010 AA?

Clin 0010 AA references PWS 5.2.2.4. Can the government confirm the annual frequency of shrub fertilization? (Topic: Hedge and Shrub Fertilization/REF: PWS 5.2.2.10.2) Answer: CLIN 0010AA, frequency of 2 times per year. Updated pricing schedule, The Contractor shall apply sufficient fertilizer to maintain the health of hedges and shrubs.

32. Question: PWS section 5.2.2.11 states “the irrigation systems and related workload data are identified in TE 01”, can this be provided? Can the government confirm the total acres of irrigation? (Topic: Irrigation/REF: PWS 5.2.2.11) Answer: The government does not track the total acres of irrigation systems.

However, all improved areas have a working irrigation system.

33. Question: Will the government supply replacement parts, or is the contractor to pay for replacement parts? (Topic: Irrigation/REF: PWS 5.2.2.11) Answer: The contractor will provide replacement parts.

34. Question: How should the offeror price out operating and adjusting the irrigation system as described in PWS sections 5.2.2.11 and 5.2.2.11.1? Item numbers 0008 AA through 0008 AH appear to be for repairs and not normal monthly operating costs.

(Topic: Irrigation/REF: PWS 5.2.2.11.1) Answer: Price under CLIN 0012

35. Question: PWS Section 5.2.3 details common areas between improved grounds and water basins. Can the government confirm which item number on the price schedule corresponds to this service? Does this item number include the 1,150 acres if common grounds? What is the annual frequency of services for this area? (Topic:

Service Common Areas/REF: PWS 5.2.3) Answer: CLIN 0002AB, frequency is monthly. There are 1,150 acres of semi-improved or common areas that are in the area of this contract. However, there is 138 acres at the ranges and 360 acres on main bliss that need will need to have the grass cut. KTR will do this monthly for 8 months (the growing season). It equals to 1104 acres Ranges, 2880 acres Main Bliss.

36. Question: Can the government confirm the total acres of artificial turf? Item numbers 0007 AA and 0007 AB differ, and it appears they would be the same total acres with different frequencies. TE 08 does not list acreage. (Topic: Artificial Turf/REF: PWS

5.2.6.1 and Price Schedule Item Numbers 0007 AA through 0007 AD) Answer: These CLINS are for different occurrences.

CLIN 0007AA is removing debris and blowing sand, this is done monthly and there is currently around 9 acres.

CLIN 0007AB,AC, AD are to repair as needed. The reason there are more acres is in case it gets messed up more than once.

37. Question: Can the government confirm the total number of pairs of containers?

Item number 0009 AA has a total of 3,000 pairs while the PWS Section 5.2.6.2 states 80 pairs. If 80 pairs of receptacles are serviced weekly there should be 4,160 pairs serviced annually. Can the government verify? (Topic: Outdoor Trash and Recycle Bin/REF: PWS 5.2.6.2 and Price Schedule Item Number 0009 AA) Answer: They should be every other week, however, we understand that sometimes it will be more so we have a buffer in there. Updated PWS. It is a weekly schedule sent to the COR the servicing is every other week

38. Question: Can the government verify the requirements of Item Number 0011 AA Policing Improved Grounds? The price schedule references PWS 5.2.2.11.1 which is Application Rates under irrigation. Additionally, can the government confirm the total acres in the improved grounds as the 5,000 acres listed in Item Number 0011 AA (Policing Improved Grounds) differs from the acres listed in Item Number 0001 AA (Grass Cutting Improved Areas) (Topic: Policing Improved Grounds/REF: Price Schedule Item Number 0011 AA) Answer: CLIN 0011AA, relabel it to Policing/ Improved Grounds.

39. Question: Can the government verify the requirements of Item Number 0012 AC?

What does each represent? Each tree? (Topic: Hand Water Specific/REF: Price Schedule Item Number 0012 AC)

Answer: If the irrigation system is down for a reason not caused by the contractor then you will be required to hand water the specific area. Updated pricing schedule to say gallons.

40. Question: Will the Government accept CPARs in lieu of PPQs? (REF: 52.212-1, p.

56 Section (3) i) Answer: The Government will accept CPARs, however, PPQs must still be submitted.

41. Question: Will the Government please publish the attendance list from the Site Visit? (REF: Site Visit) Answer: No.

42. Question: Will the Government accept past performance and PPQs for projects that are less than 5 years from completion? (REF: 52.212-1, p. 56 Section (3) i) Answer: Yes, they will be accepted IAW the solicitation we are looking for recent and relevant past performance. “To be recent, the effort must be ongoing or must have been performed for at least one (1) year during the past three (3) years from the date of issuance of this solicitation.”

43. Question: Phase In – “on the initial day of performance, the Contractor shall provide a work force which is fully qualified and capable of performing all work required under this contract.” Will the USG, and the incumbent, allow the awarded contractor access to the current workforce for Human Resource new employee requirements?

(REF: PWS 2.2.2.1)

Answer: The government and the incumbent shall allow the awarded contractor access to the current workforce employees for Human Resource purposes.

44. Question: Phase Out “During the thirty (30) calendar day phase-out period immediately prior to the end of this contract, the Contractor shall permit the successor Contractor (and the successor Contractor's employees) to observe and become familiar with all maintenance services for the purpose of transferring responsibility to the successor Contractor. The Contractor shall fully cooperate with the successor Contractor and the Government so as not to interfere with their work or duties. Will the incumbent Contractor or incoming contractor be responsible for costs performed during this period? (REF: PWS 2.2.2.2) Answer: The incumbent contractor will be responsible for costs during Phase Out.

45. Question: As a firm fixed price contract, does the government make any allowance, outside of the wage claim, for inflation over the Base + 4 years or is the contractor solely responsible for absorbing any of that unexpected cost due to inflation?

Answer: Government will not make allowance or adjustment for inflation as this is a firm fixed price contract.

46. Question: During the sight visit, we were able to observe areas that had been turfed and it was mentioned that more areas may be turfed. Will there be a modification and price adjustment if and when new customers or areas are added during the Base +4 years of the contract?

Answer: A modification shall be done when adding more turf fields.

47. Question: During the site visit it was mentioned that new areas had been added to the contract. Can the Government verify if there has been an increase in acreage, square footage, or overall requirement in this contract since the previous solicitation?

Answer: Yes and a modification will have to be done when adding more fields.

48. Question: Due to the requirement of work being completed in the state of New Mexico, do pricing evaluations allow for the required New Mexico Gross Receipts Tax?

Answer: No.