Q A_2-7 _25_AUG_2015.pdf

Solicitation W9124A-15-R-0006

Mesquite Extraction Services

Question responses as of 1000 hours, 25 August 2015

Question 2: Does the awarded contractor get a draw payment on award of the contract and is 10% percent the normal amount? This is in reference to page 57 of 64, line item (j).

Answer 2: No “draw payment” will be completed for this contract. As stated in the site visit, payment will be based on number of acres of mesquite extracted (completed) multiplied by the successful contractor’s proposed cost per acre of mesquite density (light, moderate, heavy). Clause 252.232-7007, the clause on page 57 referenced, is for incremental funding of the contract, if and as needed. The information was intentionally left blank in the solicitation, as incremental funding will not be used for the base year of the awarded contract. It may however, be needed in the option years.

Question 3: Our standard excavator is equipped with a dirt bucket and thumb, will that be acceptable for the job?

Answer 3: As stated in the Performance Work Statement (PWS), paragraph 2 (Details of Performance), “Equipment to be used on this mesquite extraction contract will be consistent with that used in the forest and fuels management industry. Equipment should minimally compact and disturb the soils in the treated area. Equipment expected to be used will pull the mesquite tree from the ground and not require digging or blading of the surface soils.” IF a standard excavator with dirt bucket and thumb would meet the PWS requirement and is standard/acceptable in the forest and fuels management industry, then a standard excavator with dirt bucket and thumb should be in your proposal.

Question 4: If the Contractor provides the Grubber attachment as shown in the pre bid conference, will that contractor be given preference? That exact attachment has only been sold in Texas, manufacture lead time is 4-6 weeks at time this email being sent.

Answer 4: No contractor will be given preference over another. As stated in the Performance Work

Statement (PWS), paragraph 2 (Details of Performance), “Equipment to be used on this mesquite extraction contract will be consistent with that used in the forest and fuels management industry.

Equipment should minimally compact and disturb the soils in the treated area. Equipment expected to be used will pull the mesquite tree from the ground and not require digging or blading of the surface soils.”

Question 5: Will the Army provide portable toilets?

Answer 5: The Army will not provide portable toilets for this contract. Portable toilets remain the responsibility of the successful offeror.

Question 6: If we offer 2% discount 15 days net 30, would we be paid in 15 days or there about? If not how many days would the government need to take a discount?

Answer 6: This contract is a 100% small business set-aside. As such, the Defense Finance and Accounting

Service (DFAS) makes every effort to pay small business vendors in 15 days. Any discounts should be reflected in the pricing for each mesquite density in your proposal. As the payment schedule is beyond the control of the Contracting Office, contractors shall not be entitled to interest penalties if the

Government fails to pay the submitted invoice within the 15 day timeframe.

Question 7: Does the gas station on base sell diesel fuel and can we make purchases on base?

Answer 7: The two Exchange Shoppette gas stations on base do not sell diesel fuel to contractors for commercial purposes. All purchases are restricted to authorized ID card holders only. Diesel fuel is available in the neighboring community of Sierra Vista at several gas stations.