Answers_RFIs Clearwater IDIQ Tree and Boundary.pdf

Solicitation: W9127S26QA032

(Clearwater Lake Hazardous Tree & Boundary Maintenance)

Questions from Contractor’s and (USACE) US Army Corps of Engineers Response

1. The bid schedule estimates about 30 miles per period, while we understand the total boundary is roughly 115 miles maintained in 25–30 mile segments. Is 25–30 miles the expected annual workload per period, with the full boundary covered on a multi-year rotation?

USACE – Boundary Maintenance historically is performed in either 25-to-30-mile segments at a time, (3 each - 30 miles segments and 1 each 25-mile segment, one section performed on an annual basis, then continued in rotation until the full boundary is covered over a 4-year period. Rotation starts over on the 5th year. Note:

this is not guaranteed, future budget cycles may limit the amount that is done on any given year.

2. Are the 25–30-mile segments designated by the Government each year via task order, and are they generally contiguous or spread around the lake?

USACE - Yes, task order will designate starting and end point. Work area will be contiguous.

3. Given the rough terrain, how do crews typically access the boundary — vehicle/ATV or on foot? Are any foot-access segments only?

USACE – Boundary is accessed from vehicle, at various access points typically o of public roads. ATV access is usually not possible. Plan on foot access only.

4. Approximately how many boundary monuments are there per mile, and will the Government provide monument coordinates or GPS data to assist in locating them?

USACE (from PWS) 5.7.2 Locate and Mark Monuments. Existing monuments along the boundary line will be located and monument caps will be left uncovered, and free of dirt and paint. A diligent e ort of at least 15 minutes will be made to locate each monument, and the use of a GPS unit, steel tape or metal detector may be necessary if other methods fail. Use of a metal detector may require the marker post to be removed. If removed, the marker post must be correctly placed back in the ground when monument is located (monuments not found will be listed on the daily report). The Contractor will place three rocks around each monument. Each rock will be a minimum of 6 inches in width and painted yellow on a minimum of three-quarters (3/4) of the rocks top surface and placed in a circle around the monument to protect and identify it. Contractor may not cut, flag or paint any boundary line that a monument has not been located unless a GPS unit with real time correction is used to identify the location of the monument and a USACE representative instructs the contractor to do so.

If the contractor fails to locate the monument during contract work the Government Representative shall be notified. The Government Representative shall perform inspection at the site. If the representative locates the monument within 15 minutes of beginning search, the contractor’s payment will be deducted according to the Performance Requirements Summary.

USACE – number of monuments vary per mile. Google earth maps provided show locations of monuments.

5. When were the boundary areas last maintained? (A first pass on heavily overgrown line takes longer than routine upkeep.)

USACE: Boundary areas have been maintained on a 4-year cycle for some time. The next section that requires boundary maintenance has not been marked or cleared in 4 years.

6. Please confirm the required working window is leaf-o /winter, with no work permitted 6. during the November deer season.

USACE- Yes, work will be performed after rifle deer season has concluded, during leaf o /winter timeframe.

7. Are any reference samples, documents, maps, or an exact site location/coordinate available so we can view the work area more clearly?

USACE – Go to Recreation.Gov – search Clearwater Project than Webb Creek, Blu View, Hwy K, Piedmont Park and Webb Creek. Various site photos are available through this website, along with satellite views of areas.

8. Any additional information on site access, terrain, or conditions relevant to the tree removal and Additional information on general access regarding boundary line maintenance access.

USACE - Missouri Ozarks, extremely rural, very steep terrain, limited access, rocky terrain in areas, mix of various tree species, small and large timber, overgrown fields, and brushy bottomlands. Regarding Boundary Maintenance Portion - Equipment use is hand tools and foot access on much of it. Regarding tree maintenance portions, access is much more available to equipment, such as bucket lifts, skid steer or tractors, various vehicles. Although tree maintenance portion is sometimes in dense woods around campgrounds and day use areas, open timber with grass that is mowed, to road edges or walking trails, access and equipment use still varies. Terrain is still sometimes steep with limited access to only personnel using hand tools/chain saws, backpack blowers, etc.

9. Site photographs of the project o ice, compound, and recreation areas where tree work is anticipated.

USACE – Go to Recreation.Gov – search Clearwater Project than Webb Creek, Blu View, Hwy K, Piedmont Park and Webb Creek. Various site photos are available through this website, along with satellite views of areas.

10. The cover instructions state a guaranteed minimum of $5,000 (base period only), while PWS §1.6.8 states a guaranteed minimum of 3% for the base year and 1% each option year. Could you confirm which applies?

USACE – The stated guaranteed minimum shall be in accordance with 52.216-19 Order Limitations.

11. PWS §1.1.1 states the Quality Control Plan is due within 2 weeks of award, while Technical Exhibit 2 (Deliverables Schedule) states no later than 21 days after award.

Could you confirm the correct due date?

USACE – 21 days after award

12. Whether an additional walkthrough can be authorized for an interested subcontractor at this stage.

USACE – Yes. Contact Russell Cooper – POC at Clearwater Project as soon as possible for scheduling. Russell.l.cooper@usace.army.mil or 573-944-7299

13. Whether an escort or advance registration/identification is required for site access.

USACE – Advance notice is required, no identification required. Contact Russell Cooper, see #12 for contact info.

14. What dates and times would be available if a visit can be arranged.

USACE -See #12 above.

15. Existing monument and witness-tree conditions and the required marking/painting standards.

USACE – See PWS