QAs- W91QF4-26-Q-A033 Removal of Invasive Species.pdf

W91QF4-26-Q-A033 Removal of Invasive Species Questions and Answers

1. Treatment area: The PWS notes that 40–50% of the 185 acre Area B is currently infested, while Section 2.2 states the expected result is treatment of 100% of the 185 acres.

Should contractors plan to treat the full 185 acres, or only the infested portion (approx. 75– 90 acres)?

RESPONSE: Treat the entire 185 acres.

2. Limitations on Subcontracting: FAR 52.219 14 does not appear in Section I. Can you confirm whether this clause applies, and if so, what subcontracting limits govern this requirement?

RESPONSE: This clause is applicable which means that the prime contractor has adhere to service limitations by performing 51% and limit sub-contracting to 49%.

3. Site access & staging: Site access & work hours: Is there a water source available within Area B for herbicide mixing, or would that need to be brought on-site? Are there any restricted work hours for on-post access?

RESPONSE: There is no water source available in Area B. A mixing area could be set up for this project in the Hazardous Waste Storage Yard, if mixing units were 100 gallons or less per mixing event. The Hazardous Waste Storage Yard is 0.5 road miles from the closest point of Area B and 1.4 road miles from the farthest point of Area B. The work hours for this requirement are listed within the Local Instructions.

4. Debris disposal: Is on site chipping/piling acceptable throughout Area B, or are there zones (e.g., near the National Cemetery or other facilities) requiring off site disposal?

RESPONSE: Chipping and or piling is acceptable throughout the area. Piles should never block trails or be piled in a way that damages trees larger than 5 inches DBH.

5. Access vetting timeline: For non CAC contractor/subcontractor personnel, what is the typical lead time for Installation Pass vetting between award and mobilization?

RESPONSE: Coordinate with the COR and you can obtain a Local Access Credential for the duration of the contract and for personnel who will need to be on post for shorter durations ranging from 1 day to a week, they can apply online for a temporary pass.

6. The scope mentions mechanical/manual cutting using chainsaws or low-impact forestry equipment, followed by cut-stump herbicide treatment within 15 minutes.

RESPONSE: Bush honeysuckle stumps must be treated with a herbicide after cutting or they will just re-sprout. The herbicide must be applied shortly after the stem is severed regardless of the mechanical method of stem removal. Some recommendations are for chemical application within one hour of stem removal, 15 minutes ensures that one hour time constraint is met.

7. Would forestry mulching be an acceptable method for removing the larger/dense areas of honeysuckle, with exposed honeysuckle stumps/root crowns being treated with herbicide immediately afterward? Or is the expectation that each individual honeysuckle bush be selectively cut by hand/chainsaw and each stump individually treated?

RESPONSE: A forestry mulcher can be used if it can be operated in a way that allows the stumps to be cut and treated in a way that kills 95% of the bush honeysuckle in Area B.

8. Also, is the expectation to physically treat every qualifying honeysuckle stem throughout the entire 185 acres, including the less heavily infested portions, or will specific treatment areas be identified?

RESPONSE: Treat every honeysuckle stem within 185 acres.

9. Lastly, could you clarify the expected timeline for the actual fieldwork? The documents show a period of performance through January 31, 2027, while the final treatment report, GIS shapefiles, and before/after documentation are due by December 31, 2026. Should we plan for all clearing and herbicide treatment to be completed by December 31, or can fieldwork continue into January?

RESPONSE: The PWS is being updated and the GIS requirement will be removed.

10. Herbicide / Chemical Treatment - The PWS states that the contractor shall apply an approved systemic herbicide to the cut stumps and provides a 1:1 glyphosate mixture as an example. Would triclopyr be an acceptable alternative systemic herbicide for this project if it is applied directly to the cut stumps in accordance with the applicable product label and by, or under the direct supervision of, a Kansas-certified commercial pesticide applicator?

RESPONSE: Yes Triclopyr, Glyphosate, Tordon, or any other herbicide approved by the Fort Leavenworth Entomology office can be used to treat the stumps as long as it is done according to the label instructions for that approved herbicide.

11. Treatment Efficacy / 95% Mortality - The PWS requires a minimum 95% mortality rate of treated stumps and a final efficacy report showing less than 5% honeysuckle survival.

RESPONSE: Yes, the area will be surveyed for 95% kill. It will be a visual estimate not a plot-by-plot survey.

Because the required treatment period includes late summer, autumn, and early winter, could you please clarify how the Government intends to evaluate and accept the 95% mortality requirement during the Period of Performance? Specifically, will the Government make the efficacy determination based on inspections, treatment records, photographs, stump condition, and other documentation available during the contract period, or is the contractor expected to monitor the treated areas into the following growing season before final efficacy can be determined? We are asking because visible evidence of herbicide effectiveness may not be fully apparent during the winter months.

RESPONSE: Yes, the area will be surveyed for 95% kill. It will be a visual estimate not a plot-by-plot survey.

12. Schedule of Values / Payment Milestones - The solicitation includes a Schedule of Values provision for projects longer than 30 days and indicates that acceptable payment milestones may be established rather than invoicing 100% of the project at completion.

Could you please clarify whether the contractor may propose weekly or biweekly progress-payment milestones based on measurable work completed, such as acreage or treatment areas? If so, would the proposed Schedule of Values be submitted to the COR for review/approval after award?

RESPONSE: The Schedule of Values will be acceptable however, after award the COR and Contractor will have to agree upon how much work counts for a percentage of work where after each section is accepted by the Government will accept a WAWF invoice for the corresponding amount.

13. Can the schedule be lengthened to allow for early spring spraying? Towards the end of May will be ideal due to the plant coming up sooner than other plants and mitigate damage to non-target plants.

RESPONSE: The performance will be updated from 30 SEP 2026 – 31 MAR 2027

14. Is broadcast spraying permitted? This would be more ideal for areas with denser populations rather than 1 plant here or there.

RESPONSE: Stems greater than 0.5 in will be severed in accordance with the PWS.

15. What other herbicide options are available and approved for use on Fort Leavenworth. Our recommended chemical would be Triclopyr 3

RESPONSE: Glyphosate, Triclopyr, Picloram, 2,4 D, Diquat Dibromide.

16. Will the GIS mapping requirements be removed or further elaborated?

RESPONSE: PWS update has removed the GIS requirement.

17. Will a pre-work survey map be provided to the contractors?

RESPONSE: The map provided with the PWS is the extent of requirement details provided.

18. Will RMS or another contract management software be required for this contract?

RESPONSE: No, this is not a co-efficient contract such as a JOC.

19. Will a Quality Control manager be required for this project?

RESPONSE: Quality Control on the part of the contractor is to be provided and the level of Quality Control will not exceed what is stated in the PWS.

20. Will pay apps be completed monthly and be percentage based or is this a final payment at the end of the project?

RESPONSE: Invoicing will be conducted in accordance with the agreed upon Schedule of Values after award.

21. Is a submittal register required, if so, will the contract allow for work to begin before approvals are final?

RESPONSE: Submittals will be required for Site Specific Safety Plan and project chemicals.

22. How often will physical inspections be completed on the job, are these inspections completed once a month for pay purposes, or will weekly inspections be completed?

RESPONSE: Inspections by the COR will be conducted in accordance with the Schedule of Values.

23. What is the warranty period, or the efficacy inspection period?

RESPONSE: There are no supplies or warranty period for a forestry area as this is not a supply.

24. During the site inspection it was brought up that there are several areas with very little target species but thick brush around those areas. Will you elaborate on non-hardwood species sizing that can be mulched and removed to cover those areas also.

RESPONSE: Non-target species larger than four inches, DBH, should be left, undamaged. Any non-target species smaller than four inches, DBH, can be mulched. The contractor selected for this job is expected to cut bush honeysuckle and it is hoped they will minimize non-target species impacts.

25. Will trails be closed to the public during the project?

RESPONSE: No, the trails will remain open but the public, mostly bow hunters, will be informed of the work taking place in the area.

26. Will actual specifications with contract specific/Fort specific rules and requirements be given prior to bids being accepted?

RESPONSE: If specifications outside of the PWS become required they will be added by way of amendment and the closing date would be extended if that were the case.

27. Will there be threshold for size of tree/bush that can be removed/mulched along with the removal of the bush honeysuckle?

RESPONSE: Non target species larger than four inches, DBH, should be left, undamaged. So any non target species smaller than four inches, DBH, can be mulched. The contractor selected for this job is expected to cut bush honeysuckle and it is hoped they will minimize non target species impacts.

28. Will the winning contractor have a pass to the Fort granted throughout the life of the project for the company and team members?

RESPONSE: A long-term pass is possible. See section H of the solicitation for details. The Contracting Officer’s Representative can assist when the contract is awarded.

29. Will the winning contractor be able to coordinate with the proper team to ensure trails and or roads can be closed/blocked off during times of work for those specific areas?

RESPONSE: No, the trails will remain open but the public, mostly bow hunters, will be informed of the work taking place in the area.

30. Are multiple pieces of equipment (multiple CTL’s and or Mini Excavators) going to be allowed to perform the work?

RESPONSE: If the work can be accomplished in a safe and effective manner using multiple pieces of equipment simultaneously, then yes.

31. Is an alternative to herbicide mixture going to be presented? As spraying any herbicide could be detrimental to the large mature hardwoods present in the timber, it will be almost impossible to spot spray with Tordon after using equipment to mulch the bush honeysuckle.

RESPONSE: These herbicides are approved for use on Fort Leavenworth: Glyphosate, Triclopyr, Picloram, 2,4 D, Diquat Dibromide. Stump application is more limited and if done properly will eliminate secondary kill of non-target species.

32. What is the payment schedule for this project?

RESPONSE: Approved Schedule of Values.

33. Weather will almost certainly affect the timeline of this project, how will the timeline be adjusted to reflect weather delays?

RESPONSE: Weather delays will allow time extensions but not additional money.

34. GIS updates will be almost impossible without the use of a drone (which is not allowed by contractor on base) What is an alternative to this form of update?

RESPONSE: The GIS updates will be removed from the PWS.

35. I am not registered, do I just need to register through www.sam.gov?

RESPONSE: Yes. Offeror's Representations and Certifications must be updated and current through the offeror's SAM registration which may be referenced at https://www.sam.gov https://usg01.safelinks.protection.office365.us/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sam.gov%2F&data=05%7C02%7Ceric.p.grande.civ%40army.mil%7C85309b5f830641a6634808df03e82e91%7Cfae6d70f954b481192b60530d6f84c43%7C0%7C0%7C639233968034103780%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C60000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=2ys6nMIbLbmDH7%2BN4d%2BMscQlxZu6PM3MMqaqeiU4Zpo%3D&reserved=0 https://www.sam.gov/

36. Treatment Efficacy / 95% Mortality Requirement - The PWS requires a minimum 95% mortality rate of treated honeysuckle stumps and a final efficacy report showing less than 5% honeysuckle survival. How will the Government measure and determine compliance with the 95% mortality requirement? Specifically, will the Government conduct a formal inspection or sampling process, and at what point following treatment will efficacy be evaluated?

RESPONSE: Yes, the area will be surveyed for 95% kill. It will be a visual estimate not a plot-by-plot survey.

37. Efficacy and the January 31 Completion Date - The current Period of Performance ends January 31, 2027. Since the project involves cut-stump herbicide treatment during the fall/winter period, visible re-sprouting or mortality may not be fully determinable by the end of January. How does the Government intend to evaluate the 95% mortality requirement if the biological effectiveness of the treatment cannot reasonably be determined by January 31? Would any post-performance monitoring period be contemplated for purposes of determining treatment efficacy?

RESPONSE: Your assessment is correct. The assessment of efficacy of treatment will be made visually, when possible, to see dead severed stems and possibly the treated stumps.

38. Approved Herbicide - The PWS identifies a 1:1 glyphosate-to-water mixture as an example of the systemic herbicide treatment. Would the Government permit the use of triclopyr as an approved systemic herbicide for cut-stump treatment, provided that the product is appropriate for the site and applied by or under the direct supervision of a Kansas-certified commercial pesticide applicator? If so, does the Government have a preferred product, formulation, or concentration?

RESPONSE: These herbicides are approved for use on Fort Leavenworth: Glyphosate, Triclopyr, Picloram, 2,4 D, Diquat Dibromide. No preferred stump treatment. Tordon and 20- 50% Glyphosate are both mixes used for stump treatment in the past.

39. Mechanical Removal Versus Selective Hand Removal - The PWS requires mechanical/manual eradication and states that hand tools, chainsaws, or low-impact forestry equipment may be used, while also imposing an absolute no-cut restriction on native species, particularly mature oak and hickory trees. During the site visit, our potential subcontractor observed that the honeysuckle infestation appeared sufficiently manageable to permit a selective hand-removal approach. Can the Government confirm that selective hand removal using chainsaws and hand tools is an acceptable primary method for the majority of the 185-acre treatment area? Additionally, if low-impact mechanical equipment is proposed in limited areas, will the Government identify or approve specific areas where such equipment may be used?

RESPONSE: Removal using hand tools is an acceptable method of removal for the entire project area. Low-impact mechanical equipment can be used also throughout the project area.

Nontarget species larger than four inches DBH should be left undamaged.

40. Forestry Mulching - We understand that some contractors participating in the site visit may be proposing forestry mulching. Given the PWS's objectives of protecting the existing old-growth oak-hickory ecosystem and its absolute restriction against cutting native species, would the Government clarify whether forestry mulching is permitted as a treatment method, and if so, under what limitations? Our concern is that broad-area forestry mulching could remove desirable native understory vegetation and potentially make selective cut-stump herbicide treatment more difficult. Our potential subcontractor has an eight-person field crew capable of selectively removing the honeysuckle by hand while working around native trees. We believe this approach may better align with the stated conservation objectives of the PWS, and we would appreciate the Government's clarification regarding its preferred or acceptable treatment methods.

RESPONSE: Removal using hand tools is an acceptable method of removal for the entire project area. Low-impact mechanical equipment can be used also throughout the project area.

Nontarget species larger than four inches DBH should be left undamaged.

41. Extent of the 185-Acre Treatment Area - The PWS states that the expected result is treatment of 100% of the designated 185 acres with a minimum 95% mortality rate of treated honeysuckle. Please clarify whether the contractor is expected to physically locate and treat every mature honeysuckle plant throughout the entire 185-acre parcel, or whether the Government has identified specific treatment blocks or high-density areas within Area B that constitute the designated treatment area.

RESPONSE: The contractor is expected to locate and treat every mature bush honeysuckle plant on the 185 acres and reduce the numbers of live stems by 95%.

42. Existing Fallen Trees and Trail Debris - During the site visit, our potential subcontractor observed fallen trees and other existing vegetation/debris affecting portions of the area. Please clarify whether the contractor is responsible for removing pre-existing fallen trees, downed timber, widow-maker trees, low-hanging branches, or other trail obstructions, or whether the contractor's debris-management responsibility is limited to material generated as a result of the honeysuckle treatment activities. If pre-existing fallen trees or other trail obstructions are included in the requirement, please clarify the expected extent of this work.

RESPONSE: The contractor is only responsible for the bush honeysuckle and or non-target species they remove as part of the project.

43. Trail System Map - Can the Government provide the contractor with a current map of the existing trail system within Area B before submission of quotes?

RESPONSE: The trail System Map has been added as an attachment to the Solicitation Amendment.

44. Treatment Debris - The PWS states that cut vegetation may be chipped, distributed as mulch to a depth of no more than two inches, or piled in designated locations to naturally decompose. Would the Government permit cut honeysuckle to remain on the forest floor in manageable sections, provided the material does not obstruct trails, fire breaks, waterways, or otherwise interfere with the Government's requirements? If not, please clarify the required debris-management method.

RESPONSE: Yes, it acceptable to leave the honeysuckle in areas that are not blocking trails. It is expected, per the PWS, that the honeysuckle will be piled near where it is cut so as to allow for human passage through the woodlands.

45. Seasonal Treatment Window - Does the Government have any preferred seasonal treatment window for mechanical removal and herbicide application based upon the ability to distinguish honeysuckle from native vegetation? Would the Government permit or prefer treatment during periods when honeysuckle can be more readily identified while native vegetation is dormant, provided the contractor can still meet the required completion schedule?

RESPONSE: The time window is very short, so any time the treatment can be effectively accomplished and the Objectives of the PWS met is acceptable.

46. Alternative Herbicide Treatment - Would the Government consider selective foliar herbicide application as an acceptable treatment method in appropriate areas, or is treatment limited to the mechanical cutting/extraction and cut-stump herbicide treatment described in the PWS?

RESPONSE: Per the PWS, stems greater that 0.5 inches near ground level must be severed.

Foliar application could be used on smaller plants.

47. Payment Milestones / Schedule of Values - The solicitation is a firm-fixed-price requirement for one job. Section H also provides for a Schedule of Values establishing acceptable payment milestones for projects longer than 30 days, while stating that the contractor may not invoice more than 90% of the project until full completion.

Would the Government permit the contractor to propose payment milestones based upon measurable acreage completed, such as completion and acceptance of designated treatment blocks? For example, could the contractor propose milestones based upon approximately 10–20 acre treatment blocks, subject to Government approval?

RESPONSE: Payment will be dictated on the approved Schedule of Values.

48. GIS / Simplified Treatment-Area Mapping - We understand from the site visit that the Government is considering whether the formal GIS shapefile requirement should remain.

If the Government eliminates or modifies the formal GIS shapefile requirement, would the Government accept a simpler treatment-area mapping system, such as an aerial map divided into numbered treatment blocks? For example, the contractor could maintain a numbered grid over an aerial image of Area B and document each completed treatment block by number, approximate acreage, treatment date, and photographs. This approach could provide the Government with a clear visual record of exactly where work was performed without requiring the contractor to create a more complex GIS deliverable.

If the Government retains the GIS requirement, please advise whether the Government has an existing Area B boundary, trail map, GIS template, coordinate system, or other GIS data that will be provided to the successful contractor.

RESPONSE: The GIS updates will be removed from the PWS. No GIS requirements will be required as part of this contract.

49. Wage Requirements - The solicitation includes Wage Determination 2015-5105, Revision 28, dated May 13, 2026, as an attachment. Please confirm which wage determination and labor classifications apply to the employees performing the honeysuckle removal and herbicide-related work under this contract.

RESPONSE: The Wage Determination applied to this requirement will remain as is where no further or differing Wage Determinations will be added unless an update is published prior to award.

50. Safety / PPE - Please clarify the specific PPE, safety plans, tick-mitigation procedures, and other formal safety requirements that the contractor will be expected to follow beyond the requirements stated in the PWS.

RESPONSE: The contractor should prepare the appropriate plans as described in the PWS, which is the first deliverable.

51. Trail Closures / Public Access - Will Fort Leavenworth provide or coordinate closure of recreational trails or otherwise restrict unauthorized personnel from entering active treatment areas during contractor operations, or will this responsibility fall upon the contractor?

RESPONSE: No, the trails will remain open but the public, mostly bow hunters, will be informed of the work taking place in the area.

52. Completion Deadline / Extensions - The current Period of Performance is September 30, 2026 through January 31, 2027. If weather, site conditions, or other circumstances prevent completion of the required treatment by January 31, 2027, what process would apply for requesting additional time? Would the Government consider an extension when necessary to allow the contractor to complete the work properly while complying with the environmental and treatment requirements?

RESPONSE: Amendment will extend completion date.

53. Subcontractor Requirements - The solicitation states that the offeror must be registered in SAM.gov before award. Please confirm whether subcontractors performing field work under the successful prime contractor are also required to maintain active SAM.gov registration, or whether the SAM registration requirement applies only to the prime contractor.

RESPONSE: Sub-Contractors do not have privity of contract with this office, therefore only the prime contractor will be required to be registered in SAM.gov.

54. Will there be any preference for bids centered around manual removal rather than mechanical to minimize damage to desirable understory species as well as the next generation of oaks and hickories?

RESPONSE: This is not a bid. It is a quote package awarded on the Lowest Priced Technically Acceptable offeror. There will be no tradeoffs considered.

55. Do we need to add dye to our basal stump herbicide applications so that treated stumps can be identified for quality control purposes?

RESPONSE: No dye is going to be required to be added to the herbicide.

56. What constitutes a suitable site for slash piles?

RESPONSE: Piles should not be located on trails. Preferably the piles will be close to where the stem was cut and the piles will be placed in a way that allows for foot traffic through the area.

57. If manual removal using chainsaws is selected, is it possible to extend the deadline for completion to approximately January 31, 2027?

RESPONSE: The deadline will not be extended for the method of removal.

58. If we use flagging tape on trees to delineate work zones, will we need to go back through and remove all flagging tape at the completion of the project?

RESPONSE: Yes, all flagging will need to be removed.

59. If using manual equipment is utilized what size buffer zone and exclusionary practices will be required to keep people and domestic animals a safe distance from the work site?

RESPONSE: The trails will remain open but the public, mostly bow hunters, will be informed of the work taking place in the area.

60. Can we get a GIS layer for the trail system so that we can identify areas of honeysuckle that can best be removed mechanically with minimal disturbance to the desirable species and soils?

RESPONSE: Trails maps have been added to this solicitation as an amendment. There is no map showing honeysuckle density.

61. Can the contract be extended to one-year to allow for additional herbicide treatments during the growing season?

RESPONSE: No.

62. Can the RFQ include a generic percent coverage of honeysuckle densities throughout?

RESPONSE: No such information on densities exist.

63. Can the RFQ include a map showing areas greater than 15% slopes that would be off limits to mechanical clearing?

RESPONSE: A topographical map is all that could be available.

64. Are there restrictions on working hours?

RESPONSE: Working hours should conform to 0700-1800 and hours of daylight, when daylength decreases below the above hours.

65. Is this requirement on the AbilityOne Procurement List?

RESPONSE: No.

66. Is there a current incumbent on this work?

RESPONSE: No, there is not an incumbent on this work.

67. Is a site visit required — can my subcontractor attend on my behalf?

RESPONSE: Attendance is not required at the scheduled site visit, but encouraged. The site visit was held on August 25, 2026. Subcontractors can attend on your behalf.

68. Which wage determination applies?

RESPONSE: See attachments listed in Section J. The Service Contract Act, Wage Determination 2015-5105, Revision 28 dated May 13, 2026.

69. Will you accept a subcontractor's past performance in place of AGE's own?

RESPONSE: Only submit past performance from the contractor if it is in fact required.

70. Any amendments expected before the deadline?

RESPONSE: Yes. Any amendments to this solicitation will be posted on SAM.gov.

71. How would you like this solicitation submitted?

RESPONSE: See the updated Section L. Quotes shall be submitted prior to the closing date and time via email to the following address: eric.p.grande.civ@army.mil mailto:eric.p.grande.civ@army.mil

72. The document text was truncated (wage determination attachment cut off) — full PWS and Wage Determination content were not provided and may contain additional requirements not captured here.

RESPONSE: Amendment will have required documents.

73. No explicit page limit was stated in the visible text; confirm with CO if one exists in the PWS attachment.

RESPONSE: Page limit will be included in RFQ.

74. No formal submission deadline/method (e.g., quote due date, email/portal) was found in the visible text — confirm exact quote submission deadline and method with the Contracting Officer.

RESPONSE: Section L has been updated. Offers are due by Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 2:00PM CST. Quotes shall be submitted prior to the closing date and time via email to the following address: eric.p.grande.civ@army.mil

75. Confirm whether required forms beyond those incorporated by reference (e.g., specific SF forms) are needed, as none were explicitly listed as 'required forms' in the visible text.

RESPONSE: This is a combined synopsis/solicitation, SF1449 cover sheet not required however, amendments will be required to be acknowledged.

mailto:eric.p.grande.civ@army.mil