Q A_W911S2-16-T-3014.pdf

Questions & Answers W911S2-16-T-3014 (All changes made in the PWS are noted in red text)

Question #1 - Has this contract been previously let? If so, who has responded?

Answer – No, this is a first time contract with this Performance Work Statement. Most of the requirements have previously been performed via a Cooperative Extension (CO-OP) Agreement with Colorado State University and Fort Drum personnel. No changes to the solicitation are required.

Question #2 - What is the term for this contract?

Answer – As required in line item 0001, the Government is soliciting a 12 month contract. With quotes being due on 26 Aug 2016, it is the Government’s goal to have the contract awarded on 31 Aug 2016 with a Period of Performance (POP) start date of 1 Sep 2016 and an end date of 31 Aug 2017. There are no options built into this contract. No changes to the solicitation are required.

Question #3 - There are several references to deadlines with regulatory requirement dates which have already passed (e.g. 5.3.3.7, 5.3.6; 5.9). Will these dates be updated or have these tasks already been completed?

Answer – These tasks have already been completed for 2016. These references will be updated to reflect the same regulatory dates in 2017. Dates in the deliverables table located at 5.9 of the PWS have been updated.

Question #4 – Is there a budget estimate for completion of these tasks? If so, when was the budget developed?

Answer – With any Government contractual action, an Independent Government Cost Estimate (IGCE) is created in order to determine a budget, as well as, to be utilized in making a fair and reasonable price determination regarding the Contractor’s quotes. This IGCE is not public knowledge and for Government use only. No estimate will be provided. No changes to the solicitation are required.

Question #5 - Do you foresee any challenges with the project?

Answer – Based upon the solicitation documents, site visit, questions/answers, and the Contractor’s own knowledge, it is solely up to the Contractor to utilize their own business judgment in assessing the possible risks and/or challenges that they may encounter with regards to fulfilling the contractual requirements. No changes to the solicitation are required.

Question #6 - Define “stormwater infrastructure” relating to 5.3.1 and 5.3.2.?

Answer – In general, as defined in the permit, Fort Drum’s stormwater infrastructure includes all components of the built environment designed to treat or manage stormwater discharges. Stormwater infrastructure includes, but is not limited to, drainage swales, inlets, outlets, detention and retention ponds, outfalls, and similar structures. Section 5.2.1 requires the contractor to update Fort Drum’s current inventory of stormwater infrastructure. An exact determination of the quantity of infrastructure cannot be determined until task 5.2.1 is completed by the Contractor, in accordance with permit requirements. No changes to the solicitation are required.

Question #7 - Is there a known amount of infrastructure that require inspections? Are their locations known?

Answer – Fort Drum has several disparate databases of stormwater infrastructure. Per Section 5.2.1, the Contractor will validate these lists and develop a final consolidated list of stormwater infrastructure. As a result, the exact amount of infrastructure requiring inspections will not be known until Section 5.2.1 is completed. Locations are throughout the cantonment area of Fort Drum, as well as, two locations at Range 35 and two locations at Range 48. No changes to the solicitation are required.

Question #8 - Does this include outfalls not covered under the Industrial Permit?

Answer – Yes, the industrial permit only addresses industrial activities on Fort Drum and excludes areas such as housing, barracks, and offices. The New York State DEC selected a number of outfalls to represent drainage areas on the installation; these may include non-industrial land-use. No changes to the solicitation are required.

Question #9 - Are there any outfalls not covered under the Industrial Permit? If so, is Dry Weather Screening Protocol to be followed?

Answer – See question #8. Dry weather screening protocol is only to be followed at the sites listed specifically under the industrial permit. No changes to the solicitation are required.

Question #10 - Can they provide a copy of the existing Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) as required by the Industrial Permit?

Answer – No, the document is too large to provide electronically to all interested parties. Contractors are free to view and inspect this document in person at Building 4838 during normal Fort Drum business hours. No electronic copy is available. The Contractor can utilize the Government printer to make photocopies, but the original SWPPP cannot leave Building 4838. No changes to the solicitation are required.

Question #11 - To confirm, the visual outfall inspections are required to be conducted 3x per year (5.3.3.4)?

Answer – Yes, Section 5.3.3.4 requires visual outfall inspections to be conducted 3 times per year.

Section 5.3.3.9, requires an additional (fourth) comprehensive site evaluation. Section 5.3.3.8 requires an additional dry weather inspection (fifth). No changes to the solicitation are required.

Question #12 - Something to note: Per 5.3.3.10., “The Contractor shall replace the Government-provided filter sock (Government-provided) at this outlet when saturated with POL”. Is the contractor installing the filter sock or directing Base staff to do so?

Answer – The Contractor will install the Government-provided sock filter. No changes to the solicitation are required.

Question #13 - Are there any requirement to maintain hard copy records on-site or is electronic storage sufficient?

Answer – State and federal regulatory agencies often inspect Fort Drum unannounced. Records must be reasonably accessible in Building 4838 on Fort Drum to both installation and regulatory personnel in either electronic or paper format (Section 5.3.5). Records must be maintained in accordance with environmental management system (EMS 140001) standards (Section 1.7.3). No changes to the

Question #14 - The dollar amount proposed for Item No. 7500 is highly dependent upon when the contract is awarded. What award date should we assume for quotation purposes to allow for a fair evaluation of labor costs? As an example, if the award date occurs on September 28th and the contractor estimate assumed an award date of September 1st, are we allowed to shift this amount to Item No. 7501?

Answer – With quotes being due on 26 Aug 2016, it is the Government’s goal to have the contract awarded on 31 Aug 2016 with a Period of Performance (POP) start date of 1 Sep 2016 and an end date of 31 Aug 2017. Regardless of when the contract POP starts, it will encompass a 12 month POP and that reporting requirement will require 12 months of data. Please see the answer to question #15 below for more information, but it is the Contractor’s determination whether or not a cost is associated with the reporting requirement and where they would like to capture that cost, if applicable. After award is made, there is no “shifting” of funds allowed, so the Contractor should evaluate this risk accordingly when preparing their quotes. No changes to the solicitation are required.

Question #15 - Does Item No. 0001 represent the sum of Items 7500 and 7501? Or is it to represent the deliverable products such as data, reports, etc?

Answer – It is the Contractor’s determination whether or not a cost is associated with that reporting requirement and where they would like to capture that cost, if applicable. Line item 0001 represents the price to perform the contract/Performance Work Statement as a whole. The reports required in line items 7500 and 7501 can either be listed separately on those lines, or they can be captured within line item’s 0001 pricing if it is easier to the Contractor. No changes to the solicitation are required.

Question #16 - The solicitation mentions the installation occupies 107,000 acres of land.

Approximately what portion is developed and has stormwater infrastructure in place (how many acres)?

Answer – Approximately 29,000 acres has developed stormwater infrastructure. This includes the main post cantonment area, the airfield, and ranges 35 and 48. No changes to the solicitation are required.

Question #17 - Is the expectation that the contractor reside at the Fort Drum facility in the stormwater office during normal working hours as an available stormwater program resource for personnel at the facility? Is 2-4 days per month considered acceptable, or not feasible? Or is this flexible as long as the deliverables are met?

Answer – The only expectation of the Government with regards to this contract is that the awardee successfully complete and fulfill all requirements and deliverables of the entire PWS/contract. It is the Contractor’s determination as to the means, methods, and time required to accomplish those requirements.

No changes to the solicitation are required.

Question #18 - Can we be provided an electronic copy of the current SWPPP and a map of the outfalls to determine the general vicinity to assist in assembling sampling teams?

Answer – No, the document is too large to provide electronically to all interested parties. Contractors are free to view and inspect this document in person at Building 4838 during normal Fort Drum business hours. No electronic copy is available. The Contractor can utilize the Government printer to make photocopies, but the original SWPPP cannot leave Building 4838. No changes to the solicitation are required.

Question #19 - For sampling, it is required that the samples be delivered by the contractor to the laboratory. Where is the laboratory/how far from the facility? Are samples currently being driven there/mailed? Is there 24 hour drop off service available at the laboratory? Should the contractor include analytical laboratory costs as part of the proposal?

Answer – Per Section 3.2.10, the Contractor shall deliver samples to the laboratory. The laboratory is Converse Laboratories located in Watertown, New York, approximately 15 minutes from Main Post, Fort Drum. Samples are currently being driven to this laboratory. The laboratory does not have a 24-hour drop-off service; however, the laboratory may make special arrangements for after-hours samples.

Analytical costs should not be considered part of this proposal. Section 3.2.10. of the PWS has been expanded upon.

Question #20 - For sampling, what is the accessibility of outfalls? Will an extendable sampler be required? Difficult to reach locations? Special tools required for any locations?

Answer – Personnel conducting sampling will frequently encounter sloped or rugged terrain that is overgrown with weeds, shrubbery, or trees. All sampling locations are within a quarter (1/4) mile of vehicular access. The Contractor must determine how best to obtain samples from outfalls. No special sampling equipment or extenders are normally required. No changes to the solicitation are required.

Question #21 - For sampling, does the DMR require flow data for loading to be submitted? Is contractor responsible to calculate flow or are all results reported in concentrations? If flow data is required, is there a flow or velocity meter available?

Answer – No, flow data is not required. No changes to the solicitation are required.

Question #22 - Is there a summary of analytical parameters being sampled at specific outfalls and their corresponding effluent limitations (if applicable)? Such as Oil and grease to be analyzed annually as Outfall 005? Is this defined in the current SWPPP?

Answer – Yes, a summary of analytical parameters will be made available upon award to the awardee.

This is defined in the current SWPPP. No changes to the solicitation are required.

Question #23 - How many active construction sites are currently in progress? Approximate acres currently disturbed?

Answer – Typically, there is on average 20 active construction sites on Fort Drum at any given time. This number maybe fluctuate up and down. In 2016, approximately 100 acres were disturbed, though this amount varies year to year. No changes to the solicitation are required.

Question #24 - Is there only one DMR for the facility for the year? May we get a copy of last year’s if that is the case? Is Fort Drum submitting these to NYSDEC on paper or electronically?

Answer – There is one discharge monitoring report (DMR) for each of the 52 outfalls. Prior DRMs will be provided to the Contractor when issued by the NYSDEC. Because original signatures are required, Fort Drum submits these on paper. These may not be submitted electronically. No changes to the

Question #25 - Please clarify if all costing is to be provided based on a monthly value for all CLINs.

Answer – CLIN 0001 shall be provided by the monthly unit. It is the Contractor’s determination as to whether CLINS 7500 and 7501 have a cost associated with them and if so, where that cost is captured.

The reporting requirements in 7500 and 7501 are one time during each fiscal year, so 2 reports in total. If there is a cost associated with these reports, it can be separately priced on these CLINS or rolled into the pricing on CLIN 0001. No changes to the solicitation are required.

Question #26 - It is unclear what level of detail is needed with respect to the contractor manpower reporting. Please provide clarification on how access can be given to the wide area work flow website and the contractor manpower database files.

Answer – Access to these systems will be coordinated with the awardee after award. These are both sites on the World Wide Web where more information can be found, as well as, FACT sheets that proof useful in helping to determine what is required on behalf of the Contractor. On the WAWF homepage, there is a Help section in the top right. On the CMRA home page, once you select Department of the Army, you will see a FAQ help link on the right hand side of the screen. No changes to the solicitation are required.

Question #27 - Please clarify the level of supporting information that should be provided in the proposal as part of the fixed price costs for each CLIN to allow the government to evaluate the bids for cost realism. Should the contractors outline the tasks included as part of each CLIN?

Answer – This is a firm-fixed-price contract that is evaluated by Lowest Priced Technically Acceptable (LPTA) standards. Cost realism will not be utilized during the evaluation of quotes, so therefore no detail is required other than the price of CLIN 0001, (7500 and 7501 if applicable), and a grand total. No further breakdowns or supporting data is required. A fair and reasonable determination will be made based upon the Government Independent Cost Estimate. No changes to the solicitation are required.

Question #28 - For cost estimating purposes, how many construction sites should the contractor assumed will need to be addressed under Task 5.4?

Answer – Typically, there is on average 20 active construction sites on Fort Drum at any given time. This number maybe fluctuate up and down. No changes to the solicitation are required.

Question #29 - Under Item 5.2 Stormwater Outfall/Inlet Reconnaissance, inventory and mapping:

Will the Base’s Engineering Group be able to provide the Contractor with information regarding the coordinate system and vertical datum to be used? What are the allowable tolerances for the GPS coordinates?

Answer – Geospatial data must meet the Army Spatial Data Standards for Facilities, Infrastructure and Environment (SDSFIE). Stormwater infrastructure features must, at a minimum, meet a level of positional accuracy for depiction on a 1:1,200 scale cartographic product. The minimum absolute horizontal accuracy is 1.0 foot. No changes to the solicitation are required.

Question #30 - Under Item 5.3 Stormwater Infrastructure and Outfall Inspection: Please provide information on the laboratory services contractor that is to be used and confirm that the Contractor is responsible for delivery of the samples to said laboratory services contractor. What if any are the conditions for sample delivery? Does the laboratory have a designated sample collection point/sample pick up? Is there ice and refrigerated storage?

Answer – The Contractor will deliver samples to Converse Laboratories in Watertown, New York. The Contractor must follow all standard laboratory protocols to include chains-of-custody. Fort Drum has a refrigerator dedicated to sample storage that may be utilized. Ice packs and/or ice will be provided by the Government. Sections 3.2.10. and 3.3. of the PWS has been revised.

Question #31 - Clarify what if any record keeping restrictions will apply to information that must be accessible from Environmental Compliance Branch on Fort Drum.

Answer – Records must be reasonably accessible in Building 4838 on Fort Drum to regulatory personnel in either electronic or paper format (Section 5.3.5). Records must be maintained in accordance with environmental management system (EMS 140001) standards (Section 1.7.3). Information is unclassified and not subject to any extraordinary security provisions. Records shall not be maintained on a publicly accessible public server or public database. No changes to the solicitation are required.

Question #32 - Please provide a figure showing the locations of the 52 outfalls and the total linear feet of infrastructure to be addressed by the Contractor.

Answer – Reference the responses to questions 10 and 18. The installation SWPPP is available for review at Building 4838 during normal business hours. No changes to the solicitation are required.

Question #33 - Under Item 5.4 Stormwater Inspection at Construction Sites: What is the expected role of the Contractor regarding active construction sites within the Base? In addition to assessing general SWPPP compliance (checking of paperwork and inspection reports) of active project sites, will the Contractor be required to assess the condition of temporary and permanent erosion and sediment controls? If so, to what extent?

Answer – The Contractor’s staff will not replace or otherwise supplement regulatory-driven SWPPP inspections at construction sites. Instead, each individual site’s construction Contractor is entirely responsible for compliance with the terms and conditions of their SWPPP. During site visits, the selected stormwater Contractor shall refer to Checklist 2 and provide a general aggregated overview of the installation’s monthly performance towards compliance with stormwater regulations and water quality requirements at all construction sites. The intent is not to evaluate the performance of individual construction Contractors. The contractor shall recommend best management practices that may help resolve observed water quality issues. The specification also addresses potential conflicts of interest (5.4.2). Section 5.4.2. of the PWS has been expanded upon

Question #34 - Will the Contractor be involved with the review of SWPPPs for construction activities prior to ground disturbance? Who will be responsible for signing the MS4 acceptance form on behalf of the Base? Will the Contractor be involved with the Notice of Termination (N.O.T.) inspection of construction sites following final site restoration?

Answer – No, the Contractor will not review SWPPs or any other submittals provided by Contractors performing ground disturbance activities. Per section 5.4.2, the Contractor will only track the status of SWPPP documentation. From this documentation, they will transcribe key information (or the absence of such) onto a spreadsheet for periodic review by Government personnel only. Only Government personnel will review SWPPP documentation submitted by construction Contractors for regulatory compliance. No signature is required on the MS4 acceptance form as Fort Drum is a non-traditional MS4. The Contractor shall not perform inspections required to issue Notices of Termination; these are performed by the construction Contractors. The inspections detailed in Section 5.4.3 are not intended to close out projects or result in a notice of termination. Rather, these inspections shall occur after the project has already been completed with a final Notice of Termination and fully accepted by the Government. The Contractor’s inspections are intended to verify that new stormwater infrastructure continues to function as installed and that water quality is maintained. No changes to the solicitation are required.

Question #35 - Under Item 5.7 Illicit Discharge Detection: To what extent is the Contractor required to evaluate illicit discharges? In addition to the administrative requirements of the Contractor, will sewer line televising (CCTV), smoke testing or other subsurface detection practices need to be implemented to assess potential illicit discharges? Or will the scope of illicit discharge assessment be limited to the review of above ground pollutant sources?

Answer – Illicit discharge assessment will be limited to visual inspection aboveground. Sewer line televising, smoke testing, and other subsurface detection methods are outside the scope of this contract.

Question #36 – Can you provide site specific storm water monitoring information, which would include the sampling criteria for each outfall?

Answer – Reference the answers to questions 10 and 18. This information is contained in the SWPPP, which is available for review in the environmental office located in Building 4838 during normal business hours. No changes to the solicitation are required.

Question #37 - Please clarify Section 1 PWS 3.3, 3.4 and 3.5, Government Furnished Supplies, Property and Facilities. Confirm that the government will be providing all necessary supplies for a fully function office, necessary to perform the services requested by the solicitation? Ie: computers, printers, chairs, file cabinets, paper, pens, etc.

Answer – Unsure as to what clarification is requested, as there is no question associated with it. As for the confirmation request, these sections have been elaborated on a bit, but are certainly not fully inclusive of every single item down to the level of pens or pencils. This is extreme. The Contractors were able to view the office during the site visit. Section 3.5 states that there will be two computers and printer/copier provided. The Government furnished supply and property sections are strictly meant to assist the Contractor in achieving the results required by the contract in a more efficient manner. It may not include every item required by the Contractor. Sections 3.3. and 3.5. of the PWS have been expanded upon.

Question #38 -Confirm that Section 1 PWS 3.3 Government Furnished sampling bottles and sampling equipment includes such items as; coolers, ice, refrigerators, etc.?

Answer – Yes, the government will provide these items. Section 3.3. of the PWS has been updated.

Question #39 - Confirm that the Government will be responsible for the pickup and/or transport of samples collected to the laboratory?

Answer – No, as stated in 3.2.10., the Contractor will deliver samples to the laboratory. No changes to the solicitation are required.

Question #40 - Confirm that Section 1 PWS 3.4 Government Furnished Property includes access to Fort Drum GIS mapping?

Answer – Yes, the Government will provide access to Fort Drum GIS mapping. No changes to the

Question #41 - Please provide the requirements related to the GPS coordinates noted in Section 1 PWS 5.2.? Who’s providing the GPS equipment to complete the locating, government or contractor? What accuracy is required? Who’s responsible for post processing of data? Ie: is survey grade locating and accuracy being requested, or simply hand held GPS/phone device approximation, is this intended to mean requisitioning of a work order to has a different Fort Drum department locate the infrastructure item?

Answer – Geospatial data must meet the Army Spatial Data Standards for Facilities, Infrastructure and Environment (SDSFIE). Stormwater infrastructure features must, at a minimum, meet a level of positional accuracy for depiction on a 1:1,200 scale cartographic product. The minimum absolute horizontal accuracy is 1.0 foot. Contractors must provide their own GPS equipment and are responsible for post processing all data. All GPS data collected and post processed should be formatted as shapefiles.

Question #42 - For the contractor’s vehicles noted within Section 1 PWS 4.3, will there be parking spaces provided within the government parking lot for leaving the contractor’s vehicles when not being utilized during non-business hours and weekends?

Answer - Adequate parking exists at Building 4838 for the Contractor’s vehicles; however, no specially-marked parking spaces for Contractor’s vehicles will be provided. Vehicles may be left there during non-business hours and weekends. This parking lot is not specially secured, though access to the installation itself is controlled. No changes to the solicitation are required.

Question #43 - In reference to Section 4 Wage Determination, please confirm the intended occupational code the services personnel would be classified as 30090 - Environmental Technician?

If other classification, please specify?

Answer – The Government does not make the determination as to what class of service employees are required for the project. That is the Contractor’s decision. The wage determination is a document regulated by the State of New York. It is solely on the Contractor to meet the contractual requirements, as well as, New York State requirements as this contract is performed wholly in the state. Please refer to the Wage Determination document in its entirety for additional information, specifically the conformance process if you feel the class is not listed on the applicable determination. No changes to the solicitation are required.

Question #44 - Please confirm that Professional Liability Insurance is not required?

Answer – Section #4 of the solicitation states the minimum insurance requirements for this contract. It is the Contractor’s decision whether or not to have professional liability insurance. No changes to the