Amend_004_W9124G-18-R-0002_Solicitation_Ground_Maint_Cantonment_area_02162018.pdf

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

30-105-04EXCEPTION TO SF 30

APPROVED BY OIRM 11-84

STANDARD FORM 30 (Rev. 10-83) Prescribed by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

This amendment is issued to provide answ ers to questions submitted by prospective offerors. The date and time for receipt of proposal's remain unchanged.

1. CONTRACT ID CODE PAGE OF PAGES

1 15

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

16C. DATE SIGNED

BY 16-Feb-2018

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA15C. DATE SIGNED15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

(Signature of Contracting Officer)(Signature of person authorized to sign)

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., Street, County, State and Zip Code) X W9124G-18-R-0002

X 9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

13-Dec-2017

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

X The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offer is extended, X is not extended.

Offer must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended by one of the following methods:

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted;

or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN

REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required)

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS.

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE

CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(B).

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not, is required to sign this document and return copies to the issuing office.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

10A. MOD. OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO. 5. PROJECT NO.(If applicable)

6. ISSUED BY

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

16-Feb-2018

CODE

MICC - FORT BENNING

6650 MELOY DRIVE

BLDG 6, SUITE 250

FORT BENNING GA 31905-1300

W911SF 7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than item 6)

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.

CODE

See Item 6

FACILITY CODECODE

EMAIL:TEL:

W9124G-18-R-0002

SECTION SF 30 BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

The following items are applicable to this modification:

The questions submitted by the offerors are answered below:

1. Reference: Attachment J Discussion: Total acreage for Improved Grounds B Question: What is the total acreage for Improved Grounds B - the total listed under Improved Grounds "B" - Quantities (pg. 42) is 645.3 and the total listed under Improved Grounds Maintenance Services (pg.43) is 639.9. Which is correct?

Answer: 639.9

2. Reference: Attachment J

Discussion: K9 Training Area and Surrounding Area Question: There appears to be school buildings located in the K9 Training Area and Surrounding Area that are not on the map provided for this area. Is the current listed area of 22.6 acres correct?

Answer: At the time this package was prepared the area was clear and open.

Subsequently a temporary DODDS school was constructed in this area. The

22.6 acres are the open and clear area. At this point acreage will not be adjusted to reflect the area reduced by the temporary School as at some point in the futures that temporary school will be dismantled. Bid according to quantities provided.

3. Reference: Attachment J

Discussion: Estimated Grounds Maintenance Services on page J-C3-2 for Improved Grounds "A" Question: The table titled Estimated Grounds Maintenance Services on page J- C3-2 for Improved Grounds "A" lists acreage totals that do not correspond to the acreage totals on the maps that follow on subsequent pages. For example, CDC and Chapel Complex and Surrounding Area is labeled as 10.1 acres on the table and 14 acres on the corresponding map, this is the case for several other areas.

Which acreage amount is correct?

Answer: J-C3-4 TO J-C3-7 represent estimated acres that will require BAGGING.

The following maps estimate the acres that will be cut. The table on page J-C3-2 is correct and correlates to the following maps that identify acres to be cut.

4. Reference: Attachment J

Discussion: Total linear footage of edging in Improved Grounds C Question: What is the total linear footage of edging in Improved Grounds C? This is not listed anywhere.

Answer: There is no edging identified in area “C”, only trimming.

5. Reference: Wage Determination No.: 2015-4631 Revision No: 6 Date of

Revision: 01/10/2018.

Discussion: Grounds Maintenance laborer rate Question: According to the Wage Determination, Executive Order 13658 applies a minimum wage of $10.20. Since the Grounds Maintenance laborer rate is $10.09, can the government please confirm that this Executive Order applies and the lowest rate that the Grounds Maintenance Laborer can be paid is $10.20.

Answer: Under Executive Order (EO) 13658, an hourly minimum wage of $10.35 for calendar year 2018 applies to all contracts subject to the Service Contract Act for which the contract is awarded (and any solicitation was issued) on or after January 1, 2015.

6. Reference: SF 33

Discussion: 0001AG - Improved Areas - Pruning Crepe Myrtles Question: Can the government please provide more details regarding line item 0001AG - Improved Areas - Pruning Crepe Myrtles? Are we required to trim out dead wood only or top them off as well? What is the average height of the Crepe Myrtles?

Answer: The Governments intent is to properly prune existing Crepe Myrtles according to standard commercial and horticulture practices. It is recognized that it will require significant initial pruning to reach this standard over time. Average height is 6 to 8 feet.

See below:

https://www.crapemyrtle.com/pruning.html http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/plants/landscape/trees/hgic1009.html https://www.fast-growing-trees.com/blog/crape-myrtles-how-to-prune-not-murder/ http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep399#FIGURE 6

7. Reference: SF 33, regarding line items 0001AF through 0001AN

Discussion: Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) and subCLIN Question: Are line items 0001AF through 0001AN guaranteed for all option years of the contract? Meaning, will they be ordered via a task or work order on a case by case basis or will they be ordered each year of the contract?

Answer: 0001AF – All option years.

0001AG – All option years.

0001AH – All option years.

0001AJ – Base year only 0001AK – As required via task order. All option years.

0001AL – As required via task order. All option years.

0001AM – As required via task order. All option years.

0001AM – As required via task order. All option years.

8. Reference: Attachment CJ

Discussion: Shrubs located in Improved Grounds A

Question: Are all shrubs located in Improved Grounds A or spread throughout multiple areas?

Answer: Shrubs are located in Area “A” and “B”.

9. Reference: Attachment J-C2

Discussion: government furnished facilities under this contract Question: Attachment J-C2 states that there are no government furnished facilities under this contract. Would the government consider allowing the contractor to park equipment on an empty gravel lot or similar area on base?

Answer: No.

10. The equipment required to mobilize each day would be very costly and inefficient to the operation if the contractor is required to bring all equipment on base and then off at the end of each day. Are there any special entrance requirements to bring equipment on base each day?

Answer: Contractor needs proper passes and I.D.s and equipment needs to be road worthy and meet Alabama motor vehicle requirements.

11. Will it have to be inspected each day?

Answer. As long as the contractor has the proper passes and I.D.s and the equipment is road worthy, there are no issues.

12. Reference: Attachment J-C-48

Discussion: colors on the maps Question: Can the government please explain the colors on the maps? For example, J-C-48 shows four different colors (pink, red, blue, and green). Which areas/colors encompass the Improved Grounds - B on this particular page?

Answer: The overview for area “B”, page J-C3-37 is highlighted in green. The following maps represent calculated acreage for a segment of area “B”. The area highlighted in blue represents the calculated acreage identified at the top of each page for that segment. There are 2 exceptions. The area on page J-C3-52 is highlighted in green, and on page J-C3-63, the cemeteries are highlighted in red.

13. Reference: Section 1.8.1, 1.8.2, 5.2.3, and 5.3.2 of the PWS

Discussion: Removal of grass from cracks in sidewalks and pavement.

Question: Section 1.8.1, 1.8.2, 5.2.3, and 5.3.2 of the PWS states that the contractor is required to remove grass from cracks in sidewalks and pavement.

Answer: Sidewalks and pavement, “Yes”. Roads “No”.

Does the pavement include roads?

14. Also, can the government provide quantitative data on the SF or AC of sidewalks and pavement?

Answer: Not available

15. Reference: Attachment J Discussion: Frequency of Fertilizer Applications Question: Section 1.8.2 of the PWS states that fertilizers and growth regulators should be applied to semi-improved grounds areas. How often and what type of fertilizer should be applied? How often should growth regulators be applied?

Should all 226.90 acres receive these treatments?

Answer: These requirements would be on an as-needed basis via task order and covered under CLINs 0001AK, AL, AM, and AN.

16. Reference: Performance Work Statement

Discussion: 1.8.1 of the PWS states that the contractor is required to remove leaves from improved grounds.

Question: Section 1.8.1 of the PWS states that the contractor is required to remove leaves from improved grounds. Can the government provide quantitative data on the number of times per year and acreage for leaf removal?

Answer: This requirement would be on an as-needed basis via task order and covered under CLIN 0001AN.

17. Reference: Performance Work Statement

Discussion: Section 5.2.6, 5.2.7, and 5.3.5 of the PWS state that fertilizer, lime, and leaf removal should be applied and performed in improved and semi-improved grounds.

Question: Section 5.2.6, 5.2.7, and 5.3.5 of the PWS state that fertilizer, lime, and leaf removal should be applied and performed in improved and semi-improved grounds. Please confirm that these services fall under line items 00001AL Fertilizer, AM - Lime, and AN - Leaf Removal and not AA Improved Grounds - A, AB - Improved Grounds - B, AC - Improved Grounds - C, and AD - Semi-Improved Grounds.

Answer: These items are ordered on an as-needed basis via task order and are covered under CLINs 0001AL, AM, and AN.

18. Reference: Performance Work Statement

Discussion: PWS Part 5 Section 5.4.2 of the PWS states that perimeter fence line work should be completed.

Section 5.4.2 of the PWS states that perimeter fence line work should be completed. Does this work fall under line item 0001AJ - One time fence clean-up or 0001AE - Unimproved Grounds? If so, what line item does it fall under after the base year?

Answer: Perimeter Fence requirement is covered under CLIN 0001AE.

See Section J-C3-75 to J-C3-85 1001AE, 2001AE, 3001AE and 4001AE.

16. Reference: Incumbent Contractor Discussion: Incumbent Contractor

Question: Who is the incumbent contractor?

Answer: There is no incumbent contractor. The previous contract was terminated.

17. Reference: Incumbent Contractor

Question: What is the incumbent contract annual value?

Answer: A formal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request has to be submitted for this information.

18. Reference: Incumbent Contractor

Question: What is the incumbent contract number?

Answer: A formal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request has to be submitted for this information.

19. Reference: SF 33

Discussion: Solicitation (pg. 110), Type of Contract, states Firm Fixed Price.

Page 5 of Amendment 1 (section 1.13), states Type of Contract is "Requirements." FAR 16.503 defines "Requirements Contracts" as “. Deliveries or performance to be scheduled by placing orders with the contractor."

Question: Can the Government provide the planned ordering procedures for the contract?

Answer: PWS will be revised to reflect a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) requirement.

20. Reference: Keys for access to secure fenced areas Discussion: Keys for access to secure fenced areas

Question: This requires contractor to coordinate and change the work schedule daily?

Answer: POC’s will be provided after award. Contractor has responsibility to perform all scheduling and coordination with POC’s in advance of crews arriving at sites where special access is needed.

This also places the contractor in a predicament on how long you wait to gain access if the agency does not arrive on time. How long should the contractor wait and let’s say after half an hour can we get credit for the work and move on.

Sometimes we may have 10 or more personnel waiting. This is hard to budget for. I know often times these areas are under the control of the MP gate guards and they can become busy with other priorities.

Answer: Contractor has responsibility to coordinate with POCs in advice of scheduled date to perform services. Contractor shall document who coordination was made with, and date and time of coordination, and provide that information to the COR. If POC is not on site, or does not show up within 1/2 hour of agreed upon time, contractor shall notify COR for resolution.

21. Reference: Maps do not clearly show sidewalks and parking lots.

Discussion: Maps do not clearly show sidewalks and parking lots.

Question: Are these areas included in the acreage?

Answer: Acreage represents grounds to be cut.

These areas (sidewalks and parking lots) receive service under the contract.

Answer: Ancillary service to be performed such as grass clipping removal, trimming, edging, etc.

19. Reference: Attachment J

Discussion: Bush count in section J.

The Bush Count in section J makes only a very general statement regarding bushes over 6' and there are a lot of bushes that are over 2 stories tall. I have 243@7ft, 329 @8ft, 285@9ft, 366@10ft, 194@11ft, 417@12ft, and there are a number over 12' some as tall as 2 story building.

Answer: Not a question but unverified quantities and an unverified statement.

20. Hedges are not addressed in the solicitation?

Answer: Plant count was by individual plants.

21. I have hedges calculated by their square foot at 63,757sf.

Answer: Not a question but unverified quantities and an unverified statement.

22. Reference: Attachment J

Discussion: Incumbent Question: The solicitation includes FAR 52.222-17 (non-displacement of qualified workers). Who is the incumbent contractor and how soon after award will the awardee be provided contact information for displaced personnel?

Answer: There is no incumbent contractor. The previous contract was terminated.

22. Reference: Attachment J

Discussion: Incumbent Question: How does the previous contractor's PWS differ from the PWS for this solicitation?

Answer: There is no incumbent contractor.

23. Reference: Fuel Tank

Discussion: Fuel Tank Question: Are there any fuel tanks or spaces in the cantonment area where a fuel tank can be placed to facilitate fueling and commercial gas delivery?

24. Reference: SF 33 Section L

Discussion: Regarding Section L.2 of the solicitation, we are required to submit one proposal hard copy to physical address: MICC Fort Benning ATTN: Kimberly Carter, 6650 Meloy Drive, Suite 250 Fort Benning, GA 31905, Section L.4.2.1 states an original proposal and electronic copy should be submitted, but there is no direction on where it should be emailed.

Answer: SF 33 Section L has been revised to state: “All proposal submissions shall be Mailed to Kimberly Carter at Mission & Installation Contracting Command MICC – Fort Benning ATTN: Carter, Kimberly F., (W9124G-18-R-0002) 6650 Meloy Drive, Suite 250 Fort Benning, Georgia 31905

25. Reference: SF 33 Section L

Discussion: Resumes Table 1 in Section L.3.2.2 of the solicitation limits the technical volume to 25 pages. Are resumes required? If so, does the page count exclude resumes?

Answer: No

26. Reference: SF 33 Section L

Discussion: New corporate entities Question: Section L.3.2.2, Section 2 (Preparation of Volume II – Past Performance), Subsection 3 of the solicitation discusses new corporate entities.

On the top of page 88, the solicitation contains the following language:

"Information should be included in the files described in the sections above.

Letters of Commitment shall be included in the proposal for these employees in order to be considered." Does the text in quotes pertain only to new corporate entities? If not, can the Government please clarify the employees from whom we should include Letters of Commitment in the proposal?

Answer: Yes

27. Reference: SF 33 Section L Discussion: New corporate entities

Questions: Section M, subsection 2 (Factor 2: Past Performance) indicates "the Contracting Officer will only consider work performance under an effort existing within the past seven (7) years from formal release date of the RFP." This is in contrast to Section L.3.2.2, Subsection 2 (Preparation of Volume II - Past Performance) that states, in part, "Offeror's shall submit all Government and/or commercial contracts for the prime Offeror and each major subcontractor in performance or awarded during the past three years, from the issue date of this RFP, which are relevant to the efforts required by this solicitation." Please clarify whether the cut off for inclusion of past performance is within the last three years

vs. the last seven years.

Answer: The cut off for inclusion of past performance is within the last three years.

28. Reference: Performance Work Statement Discussion: PWS, Part 5, Specific Tasks, 5.3.3.1, Training, Certification and Experience. Contractor’s shall submit all required federal, state, and local licenses and/or certifications as part of the solicitation and to the KO or COR prior to any onset of chemical applications.

Question: Are licenses requires as part of proposal or only after award and prior to application of chemicals?

Answer: Yes. Post award.

29. Reference: Herbicide Application

Discussion: Herbicide on the fence line to control the Kudzu.

Question: Will the Government consider use of Herbicide on the fence line to control the Kudzu? The requirements for the contract call for continued clearance of vegetation on the fence line. Kudzu grows a foot per day and is best treated with a specific herbicide over a 3-year period.

Answer: The Government will consider the use of the appropriate herbicide to control Kudzu, based on prior approval by the Government, at specific locations.

30. Reference: Performance Work Statement Discussion: Fence line in areas that are inaccessible due to rutting, washouts, or other obstacles out of their control.

Question: Will the contractor be required to maintain the fence line in areas that are inaccessible due to rutting, washouts, or other obstacles out of their control?

Answer: That will be evaluate on a case-by-case basis between the contractor and COR. If disagreement still exist, it will be decided by the KO.

31. Reference: Performance Work Statement Discussion: Pricing Question: If a mowing cycle is not necessary due to lack of growth or not able to be completed due to conditions, will there be a deduction in price on the contract?

Answer: Contractor is required to perform according to the frequencies established in the PWS and section “J”. If extraordinary situations arise where work cannot be performed, resolution will be made between the contractor and COR. If disagreement still exist, it will be decided by the KO.

32. Reference: SF 33 Discussion: SF 33 Question: Is the sign in sheet available to all bidders?

33. Reference: Performance Work Statement Discussion: Removing large limbs and tree debris after a storm event Question: Is the contractor responsible for removing large limbs and tree debris after a storm event?

Answer: See PWS section 5.2.4, 5.3.3 and 5.4.5. No for limbs 4 inches and over.

34. Reference: Performance Work Statement Discussion: Repairing landscaping after a major event such as a Tornado?

Questions: Is the contractor responsible for repairing landscaping after a major event such as a Tornado?

35. Reference: Performance Work Statement Discussion: parking area for equipment in Cantonment Questions: Will the government reconsider providing a parking area for equipment in Cantonment? Many hours will be wasted mobilizing equipment through the gates each and every day.

36. Reference: Performance Work Statement Discussion: Time response time for locked gate Questions: In the event the areas that have a locked gate and require MP's to access, what is the maximum time for a response? Will the contractor be held responsible for the maintenance of a site when access was severely delayed due to MP's response time?

Answer: Contractor has responsibility to coordinate with POCs in advice of scheduled date(s) to perform services. Contractor shall document who coordination was made with, and date and time of coordination, and provide that information to the COR. If POC is not on site, or does not show up within 1/2 hour of agreed upon time, contractor shall notify COR for resolution.

37. Reference: Attachment J Discussion: Shapefiles used in Section J for maps and a recent orthographic aerial photo for bidding purposes Questions: Will the Government provide the shapefiles used in Section J for maps and a recent orthographic aerial photo for bidding purposes?

38. Reference: Performance Work Statement section Part 5 Discussion: Removal of dead shrubs and other plants encountered while pruning.

Questions: PWS Section 5.2.5.1 discusses removal of dead shrubs and other plants encountered while pruning. Is the Contractor responsible for replacing these shrubs and plants?

39. Reference: Performance Work Statement section Part 5 Discussion: Special events Question: PWS Section 5.2.8 discusses special events. Is special events work limited to mowing?

Answer: CLIN 0001AK covers basic mowing requirements to include bagging.

This CLIN is an as-required item and ordered via task order.

40. Reference: Performance Work Statement section Part 5

Discussion: Special events Question: How many special events are anticipated for the base year?

Answer: Estimated 0 to 6 occurrence a year.

41. Reference: Performance Work Statement section Part 5 Discussion: Replace plants damaged by the Contractor during trimming Question: PWS Section 5.2.3 discusses the requirement of the contractor to replace plants damaged by the Contractor during trimming.

Is the Contractor also responsible for replacing plants that are dead through no fault of the Contractor (i.e., those that are previously damaged, dying, sick, old etc.)?

42. Reference: Page Count

Discussion: Page count limitation Question: Are the Glossary of Terms and Table of Cross References included in the allowable page count for each volume?

Answer: yes

43. Reference: Performance Work Statement section M Discussion: Tradeoff vs. LPTA Question: Section M of the solicitation (pg 90) states that the Basis of Award is a "best value source selection conducted in accordance with FAR 15.101-1 and states that tradeoff between cost/price and non-cost/price factors is not permitted. FAR 15.101-1 is defined as the "Tradeoff process." Can you please confirm that the Government intends to use the Tradeoff source selection process for this solicitation vs. LPTA?

Answer: LPTA FAR 15.101-2

44. Reference: Attachment J Discussion: J-C5 (Submittals) references section 1.24.2 Question: Attachment J-C5 (Submittals) references section 1.24.2; however, there is no PWS section 1.24.2. Is this an error?

Answer: Page J-C5-1, SUBMITTALS, does not list a paragraph 1.24.2? It does list paragraph 1.24.1 that is located on page 10 of the PWS.

45. Reference: Performance Work Statement section M Discussion: Sections 2 and 3 of Volume II Question: Will the Government allow Sections 2 and 3 of Volume II to be merged together so that all pertinent information for each past performance citation can be presented together vs. split across two sections?

Answer: No. Sections 2 and 3 shall remain as seperate volumes.

46. Reference: Page Count

Question: Will the Government increase the page limit from 25 pages to 35 pages for Volume 1?

Answer: Volume I page count has been increased to 60.

47. Reference: Page count

Question: Will the Government exclude the glossary and cross references from the page count for each volume?

48. Reference: Performance Work Statement Discussion: linear feet estimates Question: Do the linear feet estimates provided in the solicitation documents represent the length of the sidewalk or the total length of edging (i.e., both sides of a sidewalk that requires edging if applicable)?

Answer: The estimated linear feet of edging represents both sides of a sidewalk that requires edging or trimming, curb edge and the like.

49. Reference: Attachment J Discussion: mowing cycles Question: Will the Government clarify that mowing cycles are driven by grass height and not by the estimated number of mowing cycles in Attachment 1 (J- C3)?

Answer: Contractor is required to perform according to the frequencies established in the PWS and section “J”.

50. Reference: SF 33 Discussion: CLINs quantity and unit of job Question: In the CLINs, what does a quantity of “1” and a Unit of “Job” mean? Is a “Job” an acre, a complete service of the acres in the CLIN (i.e. Improved Grounds “A”) or for the entire year of maintenance of Improved Grounds “A”?

Please clarify.

Answer; Entire year of maintenance services in accordance with the established frequencies of service in the PWS and section “J”.

51. Reference: SF 33 Discussion: CLINs 0001AA-0001ANQuestion: CLIN 0001 and corresponding year’s CLIN, to be left blank, or do you want a total of CLINs 0001AA-0001AN?

Please clarify.

Answer: Yes please provide total on each CLIN and individual price on each subclin

52. Reference: Performance of Statement Discussion: Contractors’ Yard Question: Without a Contractors’ yard, will the Contractor be allowed to purchase fuel on Post?

53. Reference: Fuel Tank

Question: Does Fort Rucker have fuel tanks on Post?

54. Reference: Fuel Tank

Question: Will contractor be allowed to carry portable truck mounted diesel tanks and gas cans for the tractors, mowers and small equipment?

Answer: Yes, if meeting all safety standards and requirements.

55. Reference: Post’s building restroom facilities Discussion: Post’s building restroom facilities Question: Will the Contractor’s employees be allowed access to Post’s building restroom facilities? Please clarify.

Answer: Yes.

56. Reference: Crack grass removal Discussion: Crack grass removal Question: Concerning the crack grass removal in improved areas, will the Contractor be allowed to use chemicals (i.e. Round-Up, etc.) in addition to mechanical means? Please clarify.

Answer: The Government will consider the use of the appropriate herbicide to control grass and other vegetation in cracks, based on prior approval by the Government, at specific locations.

57. Reference: Performance Work Statement Discussion: Personnel Question: PWS 1.11.3 “The Quality Control Manager shall have no other duties or responsibilities.” The cost of three managing personnel will be a significant cost to pass on to The Government. Will you reconsider the Quality Control Manager to have other management/oversite/safety duties?

Answer: Q.C. Manager’s primary responsibility is to perform Quality Control in accordance with PWS section 1.11, but the Government will consider allowing other ancillary duties such as Alternate Project Manager or Safety Officer, that are performed infrequently.

58. Reference: Performance Work Statement Discussion: Certification of Applicator Personnel Question: PWS 5.3.4 – Certification of Applicator Personnel – Alabama State Cert. plus a B.S. in Agronomy, turf or weeds and 6 years’ experience. This seems too strict for fair competition. Is this negotiable? Please clarify.

Answer: This section in the PWS will be modified to eliminate the education and experience requirement.

59. Reference: Performance Work Statement

Discussion: Growth Regulator Question: PWS 1.8.2 - Growth Regulator mentioned, where is it to be priced?

Additionally, where is it anticipated to be used?

Answer: Not a requirement in this solicitation. Growth regulator will be removed from this PWS section.

60. Reference: Performance Work Statement Discussion: Type of contract Question: PWS 1.13 Type of Contract: The Government intends for this contract to be a REQUIREMENTS Contract. The solicitation Section B states, Firm fixed price. Please Clarify.

Answer: PWS will be revised to reflect a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) requirement.

61. Reference: SF 33

Discussion: Performance Bond Question: Certs & Clauses 52.228-16 b.) The Contractor shall furnish a performance bond (Standard Form 1418) for the protection of the Government in an amount equal to 100 percent of the original contract price and a payment bond (Standard Form 1416) in an amount equal to 100 percent of the original contract price.

A. Is this a requirement for the first year only since 252.232-19 states: Funds are not presently available for performance under this contract beyond 2018?

Answer: No. The total cost of contract

62. Reference: SF 33

Question: Two bonds are required a performance and a payment bond?

63. Reference: SF 33

Question: Can this requirement be waived as it will again be an extra cost absorbed by the Government in the bid?

64. Reference: Performance Work Statement

Discussion: Desired Turf Question: At the site visit it was stated to “eradicate weeds to give the government their desired turf”. What is the desired turf (Rye, Bermuda, Bahia, Centipede, and Zoysia?)

Answer: PWS section 5.3.4 covers application of herbicide to the rail road rights-of-way. ALL vegetation shall be controlled to eliminate ALL vegetation growth on the rights-of-way ballast. The Airfield contract has a different requirement.