Questions and Answers_ 12 Jan 2024.pdf

Question and Answers (Q&A)

1. Q: Timeline - The PWS specifies Late July 2024 or August 2024 as target dates for completion. In the state of Alaska seasonal work dominates the available workforce so clearer timing goals would be very helpful in obtaining the most cost-effective proposal. Any contractor capable of completing the scope of this PWS in the State of Alaska will be involved in the Guided Hunting or Fishing industry and will have all of their available labor committed during the month of August as this is the beginning of peak season for Outfitters. Limiting the timeline to July will give the most cost-effective options. In addition, permits will be more attainable in the Month of July as this is before Sheep Season opens along these rivers. The ANWR will be less likely to issue permits for a rafting expedition when it will interfere with subsistence users of the Refuge during Sheep Season.

Alternately, if timeline is identified as August contractors will need to increase costs and hire additional personnel required to complete the work.

A: Within the July 20-31 timeframe, depending on weather and access feasibility and the vendor will best determine the safest timeframe within that window.

2. Q: Logistics and Outfitting - This section of the PWS states that the outfitter shall “provide all logistical solutions needed for the trip starting in Fairbanks Alaska to the Canning River or Shaviovik River, and then returning to Fairbanks Alaska.”

Nowhere in the Additional Requisite Capabilities or elsewhere in the PWS are there written requirements for aircraft and pilot requirements and safety precautions. It is stated that the outfitter shall “provide all transportation to and from Fairbanks” and “this work shall not be subcontracted”. To access these remote rivers very specialized backcountry aircraft are utilized requiring highly experienced bush pilots. Heavy emphasis is placed on safety elsewhere in the PWS, but this portion of the trip is likely the highest risk section.

Is it correct to assume that the contractor is required to provide air transportation in OAS approved aircraft/pilots to/from these remote rivers as a portion of this proposal. Also, that this portion cannot be subcontracted?

A: Mobilization and coordination to and from Fairbanks Alaska and adherence to State and Federal land aviation requirements is the responsibility of the vendor (not to be sub-contracted).

3. Q: Permitting and Mobilization Planning - The PWS requires that the Contractor have all necessary permits from ANWR and NSB prior to submitting a proposal. This is not possible as the RFQ was only issued on Jan 5 and is due Jan 17. Arctic National Wildlife Refuge has specific timelines under which they will allow you to apply for and will issue permits. All permits expired Dec 31 and 2024 permits have not been issued yet. As an alternative, require submitting proof of a prior permit for air taxi or guiding services and a signed document showing intent to issue a 2024 permit.

Also, under this section you request that the contractor leverage in-house professional training in Botany or Environmental Science to identify locations for CRREL to sample. Guiding and Outfitting companies do not generally have Botanists as employees. As an Alternative, how about a pre-trip aerial reconnaissance to be completed by the Contractor with a Scientist on Board the aircraft to help identify these areas.

A: Submitting proof of a prior permit for guiding services in ANWR and a signed document showing intent to receive a 2024 permit is acceptable. In-house, post-high school scientific degree in botany and/or environmental sciences held by the owner or co-owner of the company and/or one or all of the guides is a necessity. That type of knowledge will be integral for planning and task execution.

4. Q: Under section 4.1 Task 2 (A002) the deliverable is defined as fulfilled when “at least 90% of the desired sample and measurement stops listed in the PWS were accomplished”. I do not see a list of desired sample and measurement stops listed anywhere in the PWS.

A: Desired sample and measurement stops” is a total of 10 unique and separate stops along the course of the trip.

5. Q: Is contracting aware that in order to legally provide transportation services via aircraft the vendor will need to have an FAA part 135 Air Carriers Certificate? As I read your response, the Guide/Outfitter providing services will not be allowed to charter flights through an outside licensed 135 Air Carrier (subcontractor) but will be required to hold their own Air Carriers Certificate, as well as company owned aircraft and pilots.

A: We intended to convey in the solicitation (PWS) that our primary concern with subcontracting was that: no aspect of the on-ground guiding in the Brooks Range may be subcontracted (i.e., the company and people handling our CRREL employees on the ground and on the river may not be subcontracted) because we require guides who are able to meet all the requisite experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities listed in the solicitation (PWS). We intend to review proposals carefully to ensure that we are confident that the company handling our people on the ground in the Brooks Range are fully qualified. We do not want to make an award to an offeror that meets our requirements, only to have them subcontract to a lesser qualified outfitter after award. The choice of who handles our people on the ground impacts the safety of our employees.

We apologize if our solicitation (PWS) was vague in regard to the subcontracting prohibition appear to also impact logistics to and from the Brooks Range field site. We did not intend to prohibit subcontracting for transportation logistics between Fairbanks and the Brooks Range starting location. That choice is up to the offeror, so long as all requisite rules and regulations are followed.