QandA_W9123826QA021.pdf

Questions and Answers Weed Spraying for Hensley Lake

W9123826QA021

1. Will the quotes be submitted electronically by email to Jessica.Padilla@usace.army.mil?

Yes, also send the quotes to DeAnna Wagner at DeAnna.L.Wagner@usace.army.mil

2. Is the prime contractor permitted to subcontract portions of the field work to a qualified landscaping company? Also, are there any specific California pesticide licenses or certifications required for the herbicide application?

Yes, the prime contractor is permitted to subcontract portions of the field work to a qualified landscaping company. Please see clause 52.219-14 for details. Yes, there are specific California pesticide licenses and certifications required for herbicide application.

See section labeled “Pesticides” line 1. In the PWS for details.

3. Could the District confirm whether the upcoming scope centers primarily on chemical (herbicide) application, mechanical vegetation reduction, or a combination of both?

This is a performance-based contract for Weed Spraying services at Hidden Dam, Hensley Lake. The performance work statement scope is primarily a chemical (herbicide) application although the Contractor may be required to use mechanical tools to eliminate standing vegetation (live or dead) in order to maintain a weed-free condition. See section labeled “Pesticides” of the PWS for details.

4. For truck-mounted sprayers with gas-powered pumps, is it acceptable that these meet CAL FIRE spark arrestor standards and carry onboard fire suppression equipment, consistent with EM 385-1-1 guidance? Please advise if there are any restrictions on equipment type.

Yes, it is acceptable that equipment meets CAL FIRE spark arrestor standards and onboard fire suppression equipment is available, consistent with EM 385-1-1 guidance.

There are no restrictions on equipment type, unless the equipment is not compliant with EM 385-1-1 and/or authorized for use by the COR.

5. Will the vegetation height standard (not to exceed 4 inches at time of inspection) remain consistent with prior solicitations for this site?

The vegetation height standard (not to exceed 4 inches at time of inspection) is not applicable to this Weed Spraying contract solicitation, W9123826QA021.

6. Given the site's proximity to the lake shoreline and dam structure, will the RFQ specify designated buffer zones or require aquatic-approved herbicide formulations near the water's edge?

Yes, the PWS states, “Areas that are below gross pool elevation within the reservoir, along the Fresno River or riparian areas, and on the upstream side of Hidden Dam shall be sprayed using only aquatic approved herbicides.” See “Pesticides” section, line 5. For details.

7. Can the District confirm the anticipated small business set-aside designation for this requirement, and whether Limitations on Subcontracting provisions will apply to teaming arrangements?

Confirming that this requirement is a total small business set-aside. Limitations on Subcontracting does apply to this requirement. Please see clause 52.219-14 for details.

8. Is the anticipated Base Year start date still expected to align with prior year cycles (first service in March, second service in May)?

Please see solicitation for anticipated period of performance dates and services.

9. Is there an incumbent for this project or is this a new requirement? If there is an incumbent, can the previous award number be provided?

The current contract for this requirement is W9123821P0027. California Reforestation is the current contractor.

10. Can the pricing table be provided?

Please use pricing sheet on page 3 of the solicitation to enter your pricing information.

11. The Performance Work Statement requires Pesticide Applicator Licenses, an Agricultural Pest Control Advisor License, and a Pest Control Business License. May these licenses be held by Alpha’s licensed performing subcontractor, with Alpha remaining responsible as the prime contractor for contract administration, oversight, quality control, and compliance, or must the prime contractor itself hold each license?

The prime contractor shall hold the Pest Control Business License and Agricultural Pest Control Advisor License to perform pest control for hire in CA. The PWS states, “The Contractor shall comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local regulations governing pesticide application.“ Additionally, the PWS states, “The Contractor shall show evidence of compliance with the EPA standards put forth in 7 USC 135: California Pest Control Board requirements found in the Structural Pest Control Act; and with the provisions of the State of California Department of Food and Agriculture, California Food and Agriculture code, Pesticide Management Manual.”

12. CLIN 0014 and the corresponding option-year CLINs list “Additional Areas (Not to exceed 435,600 Sq. Ft.)” with a quantity of four each.

Does each of the four units represent an individual treatment of up to 435,600 square feet, or is 435,600 square feet the combined maximum for all four units during each contract year?

435,600 square feet is the maximum area to be treated by each service (quantity of four services per contract year).

13. Is there a list of USACE-approved pesticides/herbicides for this contract, including any that are specifically approved for aquatic or riparian application? If so, could you provide it or point us to where it's included in the solicitation package?

Yes, prior USACE-approved pesticides/herbicides that have been used in the past include the following; 1) Telar XP (EPA Registration: 432-1561), 2) Roundup Custom for Aquatic and Terrestrial Use (EPA Registration: 524-343), 3) Polaris SP (EPA Registration: 228-536), 4) Garlon 3A (EPA Registration: 62719-37), 5) Oust XP (EPA Registration: 432-1552), 6) Milestone (EPA Registration: 62719-519-AA), 7) Dyne-Amic (EPA Registration: 5905-50071-AA), and 8) Ranger Pro (EPA Registration: 524-517).

14. What access roads around the dam will be available to the contractor and spray equipment? Are there any mapped treatment areas that must be accessed or treated on foot?

All access roads around the dam will be accessible by the Contractor with spray equipment for treatment. Yes, besides the roads and parking areas, most of the other service areas indicated in the PWS and on the treatment area maps are primarily only accessible by foot and/or hose reel from a vehicle. The majority of the dam and dikes are only accessible by foot. Areas that can be treated by vehicle only are limited.

15. The PWS says mechanical removal may be required for standing live or dead vegetation.

When is mechanical removal expected, and if an herbicide application successfully kills standing vegetation, does that dead material normally need to be cut down or physically removed?

Mechanical vegetation removal may be required when there are targeted weed species adjacent to non-target species (ie. Landscaping vegetation) and weed spraying can’t be completed without potential damage to other non-target vegetation. If an herbicide application is successful in killing standing target vegetation, no other action is required to cut down or physically remove.

16. Resprays: Can you clarify when a return treatment would be paid under one of the 25% Respray CLINs versus when it would be considered no-cost corrective re-performance for not meeting the 90% requirement?

The 25% resprays are executed when the treatment areas did not result in the desired weed eradication following the prior treatment (whole area) and after several weeks of not seeing control by the herbicide application. No-cost corrective reperformance for not meeting the 90% requirement may be requested following a quality assurance inspection where the temporary coloring trace agent is not observed and/or vegetation kill shortly after the treatment is not achieved.

17. August treatment: If the dam and dike areas remain weed-free from the earlier treatments, is the full August treatment still required, or can it be reduced to areas that actually need treatment?

Yes, the August treatment is still required in order to maintain a “weed-free” condition.

18. Who determines when the fall, spring and August treatments are performed within the stated windows? Can the contractor recommend timing based on weed conditions, weather and treatment efficacy? If USACE asks the contractor to delay a recommended treatment and that delay results in heavier vegetation or additional mechanical work, how is that additional work handled?

The COR determines when the fall, spring and August treatments are performed within the stated windows. Yes, the Contractor can make recommendations to the COR for timing of treatments based on weed conditions, weather and treatment efficacy. If USACE asks the contractor to delay a recommended treatment and that delay results in heavier vegetation or additional mechanical work, an “Option Task” may be executed at the discretion of the Government. When executed, Option Tasks will require the Contractor to perform a 100% complete service of the identified Option Task CLIN.

19. Are the mapped treatment areas intended to be maintained as total vegetation control/bare ground, other than protected trees and landscaping, or are there areas where grass or other desirable vegetation is intended to remain?

Yes, the mapped treatment areas are intended to be maintained as “weed-free” areas to bare ground other than protected trees and landscaping.

20. Does Hensley have an approved herbicide list or Pest Control Plan the contractor must follow? In areas intended for bare-ground control, are residual/pre-emergent herbicides expected or required, simply allowed at the contractor’s discretion, or subject to additional restrictions? When are proposed products approved?

Yes, prior USACE-approved pesticides/herbicides that have been used in the past include the following; 1) Telar XP (EPA Registration: 432-1561), 2) Roundup Custom for Aquatic and Terrestrial Use (EPA Registration: 524-343), 3) Polaris SP (EPA Registration: 228-536), 4) Garlon 3A (EPA Registration: 62719-37), 5) Oust XP (EPA Registration: 432-1552), 6) Milestone (EPA Registration: 62719-519-AA), 7) Dyne-Amic (EPA Registration: 5905-50071-AA), and 8) Ranger Pro (EPA Registration: 524-517);

however, if the Contractor recommends other herbicides that may be more effective than those listed above, those chemicals approved for use on Federal property can be applied if the herbicide is not restricted for use. Proposed products are approved by the COR shortly after determination is made that the proposed chemical is not restricted for use.

21. Does the required PCA need to be employed directly by the prime contractor, or can an independent licensed PCA be used as a consultant or subcontractor? Also, what involvement or documentation is expected from the PCA during the contract?

The prime contractor must not pay more than 50 percent of the amount paid by the Government for contract performance to subcontractors that are not similarly situated entities. Any work that a similarly situated entity further subcontracts will count towards the prime contractor’s 50 percent subcontract amount that cannot be exceeded. Please see clause FAR 52.219-14 for more details. Please carefully review the solicitation for subcontractor responsibilities.