Questions_Answered,_16-B-0006-0002,_Fort_Benning,_DPW,_Refuse,_wdr,_26Jun17.pdf

Note: All questions specifically referencing the current contractor are not relevant to contractors providing bids to this solicitation and therefore were not answered.

1. Government contracts issued for a lessor term than those issued in the past, limits the offerors and favors the incumbent contractor. Lessor terms offered prevents many smaller, newer, even disadvantaged and minority owned small businesses from being capable of offering a valuable and considerable bid, due to normal setup and equipment investment cost. It is known that the incumbent contractor has been awarded several years of extensions, and continuations for this particular service contract. The incumbents bid could not compare to a new business offering, with new equipment and fresh ideas. Making this solicitation unfair to other contractors interested.

Can you provide an explanation or help us understand the change in the service contract term from its current 1+4 option year term to the 1+1 option year term offered in this solicitation? Presenting it in the shorter term, prevents our qualified company from being able to present our best offer?

Answer: Requirement will be solicited for a base year with four option years.

2. Since no site visit was announced, our company conducted a container survey from 01 AUG to 07 AUG 16 on Ft. Benning GA. During this visit our company found many variances and discrepancies between the historical schedule provided and the actual containers currently located on base. A copy of our findings can be reviewed and provided to the government upon further request.

This information is pertinent for planning purposes and the purchase of the necessary service equipment and provision to manage the contract.

Will the government be issuing a revised and updated schedule?

Answer: Yes, a revised schedule (historical data) will be issued.

3. The schedule provided seems out dated and has several inconsistencies.

Is the schedule provided the current operating schedule used by the incumbent?

Answer: Successful bidder will provide schedule to Contracting Officer and Contracting Officer Representative during Phase-in Period.

4. Within the Contract Specifications and Summary Requirement it does not define, container specifications per the norm such as; numbering, specific decals, color, style, acceptable condition for use. Is there a container requirement for this contract?

Answer: Bidder shall provide containers based on specifications in the solicitations.

5. If specialty decals are required, who is responsible for the decals and the cost associated?

Answer: Bidder

6. During the container survey it was found that 6 CY containers were being utilized in place of an 8 CY containers and noted on the schedule as an 8 CY. Since there is no CLIN or request for this service stated elsewhere i.e. 6 CY. Sample containers used for sawdust. Will those locations be identified specifically?

Answer: Only one 6CY specified container for sawdust in PWS. All others are 8CY containers.

7. And how will containers of different sizes be invoiced if no CLIN identifying the CY is present?

Answer: Bidders shall provide containers based on specifications in the solicitation.

8. During the container survey it was found that 30 CY roll off containers were being utilized. But not noted on the schedule. Since there is no CLIN or request for this service stated elsewhere i.e. 30 CY. How will they be invoiced?

Answer: If 20CY container is requested and are not available, 30CY container was used as replacement and billed as 20CY.

9. Will a new CLIN identifying the 30 CY be added?

Answer: No

10. As several of the containers on base are nasty and overcome with built up, and appears no cleaning is occurring. Where does the incumbent contractor wash containers?

Answer: Bidders responsibility to find place to clean containers.

11. Is the contractor required to use a State Approved and certified washing area if off base?

Answer: Yes

12. Currently is the Cardboard collected from on base, delivered to a site on base, or off?

Answer: Cardboard collected from on-base is delivered to a site that is on-post.

13. If cardboard is taken off base for recycling, does the revenue get transferred back to the government or contractor?

Answer: Not Applicable

14. Who earns the revenue from the sale of recyclables collected on post?

Answer: Qualified Recycling Program (QRP), Fort Benning.

15. Who maintains record of such collections and amounts earned for recyclables?

Answer: Both Contractor & Government.

16. Currently is the Metal collected from the base, delivered to a site on base, or off?

Answer: Metal collected from on-base is delivered to an off-post site.

17. If Metal is taken off base for recycling, does the revenue get transferred back to the government or contractor?

Answer: QRP, Fort Benning is responsible for all recycling.

18. Who earns the revenue from sale of metal recyclables collected on post?

Answer: QRP

19. Who maintains record of such collections and amounts earned for metal recyclables?

Answer: QRP

20. What the current diversion rate is for recycles by the incumbent?

Answer: Current diversion rate is 7.5%.

21. Is the incumbent meeting the 50% requirement?

Answer: Not applicable to this requirement

22. Is this contract responsible for the entire diversion rate for the base?

Answer: No

23. How are those recyclable materials being handled by other entities captured toward the base total diversion rate?

Answer: Responsibility is the QRP manager.

24. Where and how is the diversion rate reported by the contractor?

Answer: Qualified Recycling Program Manager is responsible for the report

25. Is the contractor part of a diversion meeting or organization in conjunction with the base now?

Answer: No

26. Does the incumbent provide any education to the public or base building occupants to assist with diversion?

Answer: No

27. Does the incumbent contractor have a current diversion plan in place for the contract?

Answer: Yes, but under the new contract diversion will belong to the QRP manager.

28. What recyclable materials are currently being collected and measured by percentage of each commodity?

Answer: Cardboard, Wooden Pallets.

29. Are any special requirements necessary for the collection of recyclables? Such as white paper, mixed paper, etc. collections not mentioned in the PWS?

Answer: No

30. Do the recyclables collected on base by other entities and removed by other means, such as the shoppettes, commissary and PX count toward the total base diversion rate?

Answer: Yes

31. How are the commodities removed from those other entities measured and reported?

Answer: Not Applicable

32. If recycle is removed from the contract, will it be issued as a separate solicitation?

Answer: Do not know at this point.

33. If the recycle is removed from this contract, will the diversion rate expectancy be lower or removed all together from this contract?

Answer: Not applicable

34. If not will the current contractor at the time be made aware and provided opportunity to offer recycle solutions?

Answer: If the recycling requirement is made the subject of the competitive action, yes.

35. Tires- during our survey many tires were noted being placed next to the dumpsters. Is there a program in place to remove and dispose?

Answer: Yes, Defense Logistics Agency (DLA).

36. If the contractor removes is the cost of disposal reimbursed by the government? Who completes the manifest for tires at the landfill?

Answer Not Applicable

37. Tree debris - Is green waste collected by terms of this contract? Will this debris be disposed of on post or taken off post? Is there a requirement on post? Is this considered diversion and measured?

Answer: No

38. It was noticed that the incumbent is collecting refuse at commercial sites on base. Locations such as the movie theatre, restaurants and banks. Many of which are not on the provided schedule, but have a container from the incumbent. Are these areas included in the schedule?

Answer: Yes, these areas are included on the schedule

39. Will these commercial sites be added to the schedule and paid for by the contract?

Answer: Yes

40. Clarify that the contract requirement states that when submitting landfill fees, a ticket with actual cost and tonnage is required as part of the invoice submittal?

Answer: Yes.

41. Is the equipment required to meet the PWS for this contract, exclusively for this contract use, or is the contractor allowed to utilize the same equipment used for base operations, for other commercial business as well?

Answer: As long PWS requirements are met, equipment is property of the contractor not the Government.

42. 6402 designated for the contractor’s use does not appear to be occupied or in current use by the incumbent contractor. Notice 3 empty buildings, and another vendor utilizing space. The site has trash build up and appears abandoned. Is this site still available?

Answer: No, this area is the responsibility of another contractor.

43. Are there utilities available at this location for an office, storage, and repairs?

Answer: No

44. Are cleaning containers permitted on this site?

Answer: No

45. Who is responsible for the care and ground maintenance for BLDG 6402?

Answer: Not applicable.

46. During the survey it was noted that there is a huge variance on the schedule between the location and the number of actual 35 CY compactors being used. Will the government clarify actual locations and quantities for accurate bidding calculations?

Answer: Location and quantities are in the solicitation.

47. Incumbents dumpsters and compactor equipment seems to have been in place for a long period, showing signs of age and deficiencies. Many do not meet the current requirements of the PWS. Will they be required to repair these units if re-award the contract?

Answer: Any prospective bidder will be required to comply with the requirements of the contract to be awarded

48. There are more 30 CY compactors on site then the 35 CY compactors as documented in PWS and CLIN Items. Will it be acceptable to utilize the 30 CY compactors rather than the 35 CY compactors when preparing our bid?

Answer: All prospective bidders are required to bid the requirements of this solicitation.

49. The CLIN items pertaining to the compactors state 35 CY, if allowed to use 30

CY will a change be made to the CLIN item description or amendment be stated?

Answer: You are required to bid the requirements of this solicitation

50. Ft. Benning utilizes many compactors and compactors are large pieces of equipment. Where does the incumbent contractor currently clean the compactor units?

Answer: You are required to bid the requirements of this solicitation.

51. Is the contractor allowed an area on base for cleaning the larger equipment with steam available?

Answer: No.

52. Can the contractor utilize wash areas on post if we provide our own steamer and cleaning supplies?

Answer: No.

53. Is mixed or white paper recycling part of the recycling requirements? If otherwise collected, is diversion included in total base diversion rate?

Answer: No.

54. Part 5.1. Please clarify: according to this paragraph, the 8 CY containers described for used in the CLINs and in the schedule TE-3 are not required.

That the contractor may decide to place a 2, 4 or 6 CY or Roll Off container, in its place as long as it meets the requirements of this PWS. True or False?

Answer: True

55. Will you clarify specific expectations in regards to size and type of containers to be utilized for waste and recycling collections since currently there are many variations being used?

Answer: Government will provide the sizes of containers to be utilized based on specifications in the solicitation.

56. Due to the extensive duration the incumbent’s equipment has been in place, many of the original containers are still being used today. Many with alterations due to rotted bottoms, now does not meet the 8 CY as requirement. Will the contractor be responsible for container size certification to the government, and will the incumbent be also responsible to replace those which are less than the requirement if award again?

Answer: Every prospective bidder should be prepared to meet the specifications and requirements of this solicitation.

57. We noticed the incumbent logo decal on most containers currently being serviced on Ft. Benning. This is out of the norm for base contracts and would like clarification for bidding purposes. Is this accepting?

Answer: Vendor owns equipment and is allowed to identify its equipment.

58. Can business logo decals be placed on the containers provided for this contract?

Answer: Yes.

59. Who provides keys for compactors to the customers, and who is responsible for replacements and cost thereafter?

Answer: vendor provides initial keys and customer pays for extras or replacements.

60. Who is responsible for compactor operation training for those customers?

Answer: Contractor.

61. While conducting the site survey it was documented that over 95% of the existing refuse containers currently installed on Ft. Benning by the incumbent contractor are in need of serious repair, replacement, and in some cases, removal. Many appear to be several years in age, rusted, leaking and have debris buildup under and around the units. Is this acceptable?

Answer: You are required to bid this solicitation, you should not be concerned with the incumbent’s contract.

62. Rodents and pest were seen around and within the containers, as was seeping

Leachate from many dumpsters and compactors in to storm drains.

Documentation has been made of these areas and can be provided upon request. This is a very serious environmental problem for the incumbent and more so for Ft. Benning and the well-being for those who work and live on base.

Is this acceptable?

Answer: You are required to bid this solicitation, you should not be concerned with the incumbent’s contract.

63. The current appearance and condition of the containers shows lack of quality control inspections by the incumbent. Many of the current containers are damaged and causing serious environmental impact to the areas surrounding their locations on Ft. Benning. Is this acceptable?

Answer: You are required to bid this solicitation, you should not be concerned with the incumbent’s contract.

64. Will the incumbent be required to provide new equipment or use the existing equipment when offering his bid?

Answer: Every prospective bidder should be prepared to meet the specifications and requirements of this solicitation.

65. Will the incumbent be required to repair and replace equipment to the quality and standard, required by the PWS?

Answer: Every prospective bidder should be prepared to meet the specifications and requirements of this solicitation.

66. Will the incumbent be required to setup and be expected to start Sept. 1 2016 in the same timely manner in which a new incoming contractor would be required under the timeline of this solicitation if awarded?

Answer: Every prospective bidder should be prepared to meet the specifications and requirements of this solicitation.

67. It has been observed while on base, that the incumbent is using new service equipment on base. This is out of the ordinary for a contractor to lease or purchase new service equipment at the end of a term, unless they are sure they have a leg in already. Did the incumbent know that the contract would be changed to a shorter term?

Answer: Every prospective bidder should be prepared to meet the specifications and requirements of this solicitation.

68. During our survey, it was observed at bldg. 3500, 2 - 40 CY open top containers filled with field trash with leachate run off leaking and draining into a storm drain. Who is environmentally responsible in this matter? The contractor or the government? Is this a norm or oversight?

Answer: Contractor

69. Many of the new Barracks do not have dumpster pads or has had dumpsters placed yet, and are notated that they are on the schedule, but are not actually present. Were the pads an oversight on construction, and is there an estimate of how many units will be added or what the occupancy of the buildings are for planning?

Answer: Many dumpster pads were not included in construction and must be added.

70. According to Part 5.1 the contractor can place a dumpster in any location they feel appropriate or needed. Many of the existing containers are placed in inappropriate locations. Near storm drains, power lines, to close to buildings, etc.

In addition, some locations are damaged from the current services, or placement of the containers. Also, rust stains draw from the current position of many containers and travel outward. Creating a poor appearance and concerns. Is this a concern of the government?

Answer: Contractor shall check with Contracting Officer Representative (COR) for location of containers.

71. Will the government confirm that the contractor decides the location based on experience and knowledge and that they are not required to be in the same area of the incumbent contractors when awarded?

Answer: Contractor shall check with Contracting Officer Representative (COR) for location of containers.

72. Who is responsible for cleaning the concrete, and surrounding damaged areas due to dumpsters rust and leaks prior to award?

Answer: Government.

73. Who is responsible for cleaning the concrete, and surrounding damaged areas due to dumpsters rust and leaks ongoing?

Answer: Contractor.

74. While conducting our survey, it was noticed that the incumbent is using new service equipment for this contract site. New equipment is an investment only made if revenue is following. Was the incumbent made aware of the shorter termed contract offering prior to the solicitation notice?

Answer: The Government did not release any information concerning this acquisition prior to solicitation.

75. Did the incumbent have any role in the recommendation or decision, to change the term to be for a shorter period for this solicitation?

Answer: No.

76. The incumbent’s dumpsters currently in place does not appear to meet the

Quality Control requirements. Most are rusted, with leaking bottoms and broken lids. Rust stains and debris build up has settled at 95% of all dumpster and compactor sites. There is evidence of poor service equipment maintenance at each site as well. With evidences of hydraulic leaks at many dumpster locations, and tire ruts formed in areas around and in front of containers. Will new contractor be required to perform quality control?

Answer: Contractors will have to perform quality control requirements.

77. If the incumbent is not awarded the additional terms, will they be required to clean up the debris build up around 95 % of the containers on site as of August 7, 2016 and repair damages caused by services they provided?

Answer: You are required to bid this solicitation, you should not be concerned with the incumbent’s contract.

78. If the incumbent is awarded the additional years, would all of their equipment currently in use, especially those with deficiencies be expected to meet all the current contract requirements prior to the start date? Or will they be permitted to continue utilizing the inventory currently in place, with as is features for the new terms? If they are, would it be correct to assume an interested bidder could use old, damaged and rusted containers when setting up for the start of this contract?

Answer: Every prospective bidder should be prepared to meet the specifications and requirements of this solicitation.

79. Does the government have an approved cleaning schedule at this time?

Answer: Yes.

80. Would spraying deodorizer from wet tanks located on the front loaders, constitute as a cleaning?

81. Who is responsible for insect (bees) control around dumpster?

Answer: Contractor.

82. Who is responsible for ground maintenance/ grass cutting around dumpsters?

Answer: Contractor is responsible for 15 ft. radius around dumpsters.

83. Currently there is 30 CY containers placed in various locations.

Are these part of this contract? And under what CLIN is the landfill charged to the government since there is no requirement for 30 CY containers?

Answer: We have a CLIN to pay for tonnage, not by container size.

84. An incumbent’s driver was observed taking a collected metal container off post.

Where the metal is currently recycled and handled? Why is this not taken to DRMO? Who retains this revenue? Is this reported and where?

Answer: You are required to bid this solicitation, you should not be concerned with the incumbent’s contract.

85. It was observed at one location, a cover over a metal container. Is this an additional requirement for metal containers? How many are required?

Answer: No. This is an option for the Installation.

86. PART 5 Specific Tasks 5.1. States; The Contractor shall determine the most efficient collection frequency, container type, size, and location to meet the requirements of the PWS. Yet all the CLIN Items are requirements for specifically; 8 CY trash containers/dumpsters, and 8 CY recycle containers/dumpsters and services for those containers. This is a direct contradiction and needs further clarification. The historical data does not illustrate current status and has many variances to date between what has been provided and what is actually in use to date. Is the requirement for specifically 8 CY containers only?

Answer: No, contractor can recommend

87. Is it up to the contractor to determine? If size, will CLINs be revised?

Answer: Every prospective bidder should be prepared to bid the specifications and requirements of this solicitation.

88. No requirement is made in the CLIN or PWS as to the style, color or specifications thereof with the exception of the stated 8 CY defined. Is there a color or style specific requirement?

Answer: Yes, contracting officer (KO) must approve.

89. If the incumbent was awarded this contract, would they be required to paint and renew all equipment currently in the field and bring to contract specification of acceptance?

Answer: Every prospective bidder should be prepared to meet the specifications and requirements of this solicitation.

90. What color specifically are the recycle containers to be? We observed brown and blue recycle containers on site. Many which were rusted and in need of repair. Green would be the typical color for Army recycle containers and Blue for Airforce. Please specify so that we may include on our bid.

Answer: Refuse containers are brown, recycle containers are blue.

91. 5.1.9.1.1. States the contractor shall be reimbursed for all applicable tipping fees. Can a historical document be provided illustrating the reimbursed tipping fees for the prior contract term?

Answer: No, tipping fee receipts are issued by the landfill.

92. Can an estimated tonnage per month be provided since it is known that the incumbent has held the contract for several consecutive terms?

Answer: No.

93. Can Historical data be provided of tonnage showing weights of materials disposed with actual tip fees? Can an example be provided?

Answer: No, receipt from another vendor will not be provided.

94. What is the current rate the government is charged per ton for disposal fees on the current contract?

Answer: Tonnage price for 2016 was approximately $26.50 per ton.

95. Is this rate billed from the incumbent or directly preset with landfill?

Answer: Reimbursable to the contractor.

96. Is the contractor allowed to profit from the tipping fees?

97. Is the government aware of any tipping fee markup by the incumbent presently?

Answer: No.

98. Because it is a bidding instrument, it is only fair that all advantages that the incumbent has due to the extensive awards renewed over and over at this location that all interest contractors be made aware of any profit margins and revenues areas.

Is there historical data for total revenue collected from recycle materials or tipping fee markups by the current contractor?

Answer: You are required to bid this solicitation, you should not be concerned with the incumbent’s contract.

99. Since the landfill is the contractor’s responsibility and then reimbursed, how does the government identify the separation between the government tipping and commercial fees? Should not the equipment be identified, and exclusive to the contract?

Answer: The equipment should not be exclusive to the contract.

100. Pallets and other recyclable items are items that can count toward the diversion rate for the base. Are these items being track as well when collected and recycled to add to the total diversion currently?

Answer: Yes.

101. Due to safety concerns, upon award can the government provide current collection schedules to accommodate troop movement?

Answer: No.

102. Can provide a copy of the landfill bill for the government waste disposed for the contract showing the rate charged and tonnage?

Answer: No.

103. Technical exhibit A shows 21-35CY compactors: however the total is listed below as 42. Please clarify the bin count for compactors; also please clarify on the same technical exhibit A whether all compactors are contractor owned or Government owned or mixture of both.

Answer: Currently have twenty-one (21) contractor owned compactors. No Government owned compactors.

104. Paragraph 5.1.9.1.1 states that Contractor will be reimbursed for tipping fees; in what CLIN are the reimbursement of tipping fees stated?

Answer: Contractor invoices in accordance with the CLIN schedule and tipping fees are included in the total based on tickets provided for the month.

105. The solicitation states that the requirement contract with Firm-fixed Priced task orders is for two years. One base year plus one option year. Could you let us know why the IFB is limited to two years?

Answer: See answer 1