B08. Questions & Answers.pdf

Q&A for Rend Lake Mowing & Grounds Maintenance Contract 3/25/2021

Q: Signs should be posted when mowing. Who provides and places them?

A: The signs are to be provided and placed by the contractor in an approved location.

Q: Why is Leaf Mulching & Grass Clipping listed in acres for the contract line item (CLIN) but as TBD in the acreage breakdown (in Appendix B)?

A: Leaf Mulching & Grass Clipping will be scheduled as needed and the total of 30 acres is the estimated quantity for the purchase order.

Q: Are the line item quantities guaranteed?

A: Solicitation states:

NOTE - QUANTITY: The quantity shown is an estimate that is not to be exceeded without prior approval in the form of a contract modification from the Contracting Officer. The Contracting Officer may modify the estimated quantity up to 15% above or below the quantity shown and still be considered within the scope of the contract. The exact quantity shown is not guaranteed; any unused quantities may be removed by contract modification at the end of the date range covered by the contract. The Government pays only for the actual quantities ordered by contract modification and received.

Q: Can the contractor split their crew? Who provides the locations?

A: As long as it is in accordance with the Performance Work Statement (PWS) and within the defined chain of command.

Q: Does the contractor have to put the contractor vehicle sign on their truck or can it be on a trailer?

A: Trailer would be allowed for signage as long as the signage is approved by the COR.

Q: Can a side by side or golf cart be used to travel around and perform quality control?

A: If listed under Quality Control Plan and approved, and only driven on approved areas (only driven on public roads if street legal). Only in areas where the services are being performed or inspected at that time.

Q: Is there a place to store equipment?

A: Case by case basis. No long term. No building or facility for long term use (the area would be behind a locked gate).

Q. Would you schedule one (1) acre of Level II Mowing?

A: There is the ability to schedule an individual acre but it is the intent of the Government to issue a cycle with multiple acres.

Q: Is a 7 day cycle a calendar week or 5 business days?

A: It will be 7 working days from starting date excluding weekends and holidays. The cycles run from the start date and do not have to start at the beginning of the week (Monday).

(i.e. Monday – the following Tuesday or Wednesday – the following Thursday)

Q: Can pesticide/herbicide spraying be subcontracted?

A: Yes.

Q: Is spraying included in Level I & Level II Mowing?

A: Yes, and the CLIN (line item) for Spraying has been removed since this service is captured in the Level I & Level II Mowing line items.

Q: Do we have to add dye to herbicides?

A: Yes, they shall be added in accordance with the Performance Work Statement.

Q: How do we work around occupied sites? Do we go back?

A: The Performance Work Statement states the following:

1.6.13.5 CAUTION. The work area is located in heavily used recreational areas. The term "heavily used" shall be construed as areas receiving frequent use by hikers, bicycle traffic, motor vehicles, campers, and day use activities. All bidders are strongly encouraged to attend a pre-bid conference and inspection.

The contractor must mow and trim each occupied site, including campsites and picnic areas using extreme caution. NOTE: Failure to mow any area because of occupancy will not be accepted.

Each instance will be documented on the daily activity report and handled according to the situation.

The contractor should notify the COR (Contracting Officer’s Representative) or the Quality Assurance Inspector if they are unable to complete an item.

Q: Can maps be provided for spraying?

A: The spraying CLIN (line item) is being removed in the Solicitation Amendment. Please see maps for Level I and Level II Mowing for areas that may be sprayed.

Q: Can a tractor be used for Level II Mowing and a bush hog on the dam?

A: Yes as long as it is in an approved Quality Control Plan.

Q: Does the wage rate determination cover Franklin & Jefferson County?

A: Yes.

Q: Can the designated Quality Control Inspector make corrections or complete small tasks?

A: As long as the QCI can meet the Performance Work Statement.

Q: Can the contractor mark mowing obstructions?

A: Yes, and approved method to mark obstruction can be completed by the contractor.

Q: Can we trim low limbs?

A: No, we are not asking the contractor to trim limbs, however they are expected to notify the QA or COR so that they may remedy the area of low limbs or other issues.

Q: Does Health & Welfare benefits need to be paid?

A: Please refer to the Wage Rate Determination and follow the requirements there. Department of Labor can be contacted for questions.

Q: Since the tow ditch stays wet, can it be sprayed?

A: Yes, it may be sprayed.

Q: Are lagoons Level II Mowing?

A: Yes, they are in Level II Mowing.

Q: Does the contractor mow the Blackberry Nature Trail & the right-of-ways on the powerlines?

A: The nature trail is not to be mowed but see Appendix B, B-4 for area to be mowed there.

Power line right-of-ways are not to be mowed unless indicated in the appendices.

Q: Do we clean off playground surfaces?

A: Only blow off grass added by mowing.

Q: Can we burn leaves?

A: Not without approval from COR.

Q: Can we use a rake to pick up sticks?

A: Yes, as long as it is in an approved Quality Control Plan.

Q: Can we get information on Wage Rate Determination?

A: Please contact the Department of Labor at 1-866-4-USA-DOL (1-866-487-2365) as they enforce these wage rates.