RFI - Mnd 13 Feb 2023.docx

I. C.5.1.2. Summary of Requirements and Technical Exhibit II, Grounds Services Technical Requirements ERDC 2023 Reference “Estimated Quantities:” in both locations.

QUESTION:

#1 – Flower Beds – The square yards stated in both locations is 7,963. When a computation is made of the areas covered in the drawings, it appears that the total square yardage of the beds to be maintained is less than 3,000 square yards. Could you please explain what the estimated yardage of almost 8,000 square yards is based on?

NOTE: All quantities are estimated, and it is the contractor’s responsibility to verify all quantities.

See below breakdown of SY.

II. C.5.7. Flower Bed Maintenance and Pruning of Shrubs Reference section C.5.7.1, which states “The Contractor shall provide flower bed maintenance and pruning a minimum of 3 times a year in April, June and October. (Crape Myrtles in March)” AND Technical Exhibit II, which states the same frequency.

Section C.5.7.3 states “The Contractor shall trim/prune crape myrtles once a year in March (this shall be included in CLIN 0006).”

QUESTIONS:

#1. Horticulturists recommend trimming of crape (or crepe) myrtles in late February to early March, stating that it is important to prune the crepe myrtles right before new growth begins in the spring. Given that the climate in Vicksburg can vary widely, but tends to get warm enough to cause growth to emerge very early, is it possible to change the specified time of crepe myrtle annual pruning to late February?

1. “The government may consider alternative timing of crepe myrtle pruning based on environmental conditions at the time but vendor proposals should reflect the timing as directed.”

#2 Given that the pruning of the crape myrtle trees is a severable requirement from described shrubbery pruning and flower bed maintenance required in April, June and October, is it possible for the Government to consider an annual CLIN for this requirement that is separate from XXX6?

2. “Vendors may consider crepe myrtle pruning distinctly within the flower bed maintenance, but proposals should reflect the singular line item as defined in the solicitation.”

#3 Reference Drawing P156-H, Page 1 of 3, Planting Bed Maintenance. There appears to be an omission of information pertaining to the estimated number of crepe myrtles and square yardage of flower bed maintenance for “Site Plan for buildings 6000 and 6007” as well as “Site plan for building 3200 and Patriots Cove”.

3. The Drawings have been updated to note the number of crepe myrtles.

C.5.8 HERBICIDE APPLICATION

Reference drawing sheet added for Flowers Testing Area (P156-H, sheet 1 of 1), which states “Herbicide to be sprayed every two months (1 March – 31 October)” and Performance Work Statement Section (PWS) C.5.8.1, which states “This requirement is not for monthly herbicide spraying but is to ensure areas are free of vegetation for 12 months per year.”

QUESTIONS:

#1 Please clarify the discrepancy between the bi-monthly requirement stated on Flowers Testing Area drawing and the PWS C.5.8.1

1. Flowers Testing Area (P156-H, sheet 1 of 1) has been updated to specify “This requirement is not for monthly herbicide spraying but is to ensure areas are free of vegetation for 12 months per year” #2 Reference Drawing P156-H, Page 28 of 28. This drawing shows 1 building behind the chiller area, but there are currently 2 buildings in that area. Due to this discrepancy, the herbicide application area specified in this drawing may be incorrect. Request clarification.

2. The drawing has been revised.

#3 In conjunction with Question #2 of this section, the area adjacent to the buildings in question is an area totally covered in gravel. The drawing indicates a requirement for Level II grass cutting of this area. We are requesting clarification to determine if that area should be included in overall figure for herbicide application.

3. The drawing has been revised.

#4 Reference Drawing P-156-H, page 7 of 28. In this drawing, it appears that the area behind Building #3047 requiring herbicide application has a concrete area in the center of it that does not require herbicide application. When viewing this area, there is no distinction between a comma shaped area and the remaining gravel covered area. Could you please clarify the requirement for herbicide application for that area?

4. The drawing has been revised.

C.5.10 LEAF COLLECTION AND REMOVAL

Reference PWS 5.10, which states period of “December – February to areas specified by the COR” and C.5.1.2 Summary of Requirements AND Technical Exhibit II stating Frequency of “November – February”

QUESTION:

#1 Please clarify the discrepancy between stated items.

1. The technical exhibit has been revised.