RFI - BJD 30 Jan 2023.pdf

Mr. Beal, Below, please see our questions regarding the above solicitation:

1. Technical Exhibit 3, page 34 specifies gray area is not to be mowed.

Technical Exhibit 3, page 35 specifies gray area is to be mowed.

Please clarify that this is correct, gray represents areas both cut and uncut?

This is correct. In Technical Exhibit 3, page 34 (Big Black Test Site), the gray area represents an area NOT to be mowed. In Technical Exhibit 3, page 35 (Flowers Range), the gray area represents the area to be mowed.

2. Technical Exhibit 2. Level V – 95 acres ERDC, cut when directed, cut to directed height:

How many times was this area directed to be cut on average each year for the last 5 years?

At what height was the area directed to be cut on average each cut for the last 5 years?

Was the entire 95 acres directed to be cut each time or year? If not, what was the average acreage of each cut?

The specification for this requirement is not affected by past performance. It is for irregular and indeterminate tasks. It could be for unanticipated work in an unusual area perhaps to prepare for further use by site personnel but not limited to this concept. While anticipated for smaller areas, it is for cutting of up to 95 acres at any height, whether level 1-4 or otherwise, for any area covered by this contract; specifically not limited to level 1-4 areas.

3. Technical Exhibit 3. Map 21. The only color on this map is what looks like blue fence line and red building outlines. Please clarify, for map 21:

Does the blue signify a fence line to be cut/trim/cleared under level III or any level of work? If so, under which level of work?

No. While the dashed blue line does signify fence line, it does not identify an area to be cut/trimmed/cleared under Level 3 in this contract.

Does the red outline of the buildings signify cut/trim/clear around those buildings under level II any level of work? If so, under which level of work?

No. The buildings designated with a red outline and white background are physically outside of the fence line and are not subject to any work in this contract.

4. Technical Exhibit 3, Maps 27, 26, 17, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8, 7, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Please clarify, does the red outline of buildings signify cut/trim/clear sound those buildings under level II or any level of work? If so, under which level of work?

No. The buildings designated with a red outline and white background are physically outside of the fence line and are not subject to any work in this contract.

5. Technical Exhibit 3, Map 11 states no work to be done on this sheet. Please clarify that the blue fence line is not designated as level III or any other level of work cut/trim/clear of that blue fence line?

The dashed blue line, signifying the fence line, does not identify an area to be cut/trimmed/cleared under Level 3 in this contract.

6. SBA NAICs table for standard small business size effective December 22, 2022 states that under NAICS 561730 standard size threshold is now 9.5M.

It is our understanding from the SBA that we are still eligible under these standards because we have not exceeded this threshold for 2 consecutive years.

Understanding that this solicitation was likely written before 12/22/2022, please clarify agreement by the Contracting Officer that we will be considered eligible under the small business set aside designation at the new 9.5M standard.

Update to 9.5M

7. C.3.1 Discusses on site equipment staging/storage.

Specifically, "The Directorate of Public Works will provide the Contractor a location for a staging area located at SE of building 3280 for storage of all grass cutting equipment."

Is the space provided by the government outdoor only?

Is the outdoor space covered?

Can the outdoor space be used for minor equipment repairs?

What is the size of the outside space provided?

Can company vehicles be left overnight on site in the storage area?

If the staging area is only outdoor, is there indoor space the contractor can use for equipment storage?

If there is indoor space available, is the space appropriate to use for minor equipment repairs?

Please replace "The Directorate of Public Works will provide the Contractor a location for a staging area located at SE of building 3280 for storage of all grass cutting equipment." With "The contractor will not be allowed to store equipment on the ERDC campus." See Revised PWS.

8. C.4.2.3 Storage states: "The contractor will not be allowed to store equipment on the ERDC campus.", is the area discussed in C.3.1 considered off campus?

The contractor will not be allowed to store equipment on the ERDC campus.

9. C.3.2 Discusses utilities. Since the government does not provide sewer services, would the contractor be allowed to put a porta-potty on site?

Or are there restroom facilities available for use by the contractor within the work areas?

Vendor personnel may use restroom facilities on site except in restricted access areas.

10. Who is the current contractor?

How long has the current contractor had this contract?

Is the level of effort required in the PWS of this solicitation the same level of effort currently being performed?

If not, what is the estimated difference between the level of effort being performed currently versus level of effort required in the new contract?

Maynord Landscaping.

11. C.5.2.1.1 states "Grass clippings and trimmings shall be removed from sidewalks and other paved areas the same day that the grass is cut."

and C.5.2.3 states "All grass clippings shall be promptly removed from sidewalks, streets, parking lots and other affected paved areas on the same day the grass is cut trimmed or edged.

Is the use of blowers allowable in these areas?

Yes, blowers are allowable in these areas.

12. C.5.2.2 Debris Removal states "Debris shall be collected and disposed of off- site daily during the mowing season."

Is it allowable for the contractor to have a dumpster in the storage/staging area at its own expense for this purpose?

The contractor will not be allowed to store equipment on the ERDC campus.