SBI fuels management 2020

Amendment 0003 is issued to answer two additional questions received about the solicitation.

Q. We were reviewing the solicitation above, however we were not able to locate the dimensions of the material to be treated, for example D.B.H. and such specifications; Can you please provide this information?

A. The material to be cut ranges from 0.25 inches to approximately 8 inches. Most larger diameter plants would be limbed up and not cut completely. There are hazard trees in Optional Line Item 00080 that may be up to 56 inches DBH.

Q. Is there a chance this project will be extended due to the Valley Fire?

A. The project is outside the Valley Fire closure area and is not impacted by the fire. The funding we have for this project expires at the end of this Fiscal Year and must be spent by no later than Sept 25, 2020 so we can't extend the due date for quotes past September 16, 2020 or there will not be sufficient time to evaluate quotes, complete all the required review approvals, and make an award.

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Amendment 0002 is issued to answer eleven questions received about the solicitation.

Q1. Will pesticides be provided by the government? If not, which pesticides are preferred?

A1. Pesticides will not be provided. Garlon 4 is the recommended product.

Q2. For the GPS requirement, does BLM prefer ESRI Solutions or other data sources for communication and progress reporting?

A2. GIS data is required to be in ESRI formats (shapefiles or geodatabases). GPS data can be gpx or other format that is compatible with ESRI products.

Q3. Is there a map overlay or manual for endangered species or ecologically protected habitats available for review?

A3. There is critical habitat and other data available from the US Fish and Wildlife Service. I do not have those data available to share. Research on the part of the bidder is required.

Q4. Are there any guidelines for the use of heavy equipment?

A4. There will be no heavy equipment use in wilderness areas, wilderness study areas, areas of critical environmental concern, designated critical habitat, or occupied critical habitat for threatened and endangered species.

Q5. Does all equipment need to be CARB compliant?

A5. Yes

Q6. Are the 3-1 through 3-7 wells available for use and do they require generators to receive the water?

A6. They are water tanks and are available, but would be required to be refilled before next June and at the end of the contract. There is plumbing with a valve and water is gravity fed with minimal pressure available.

Q7. For ecological concerns, will trees (not to be touched) be marked by the government?

A7. Some trees may be marked, but the contractor is responsible for knowing and avoiding all specific leave trees and other plant species.

Q8. Who and how is the determination made that the land meets the government's requirements after clearing?

A8. The COR will inspect the treated areas to determine if they meet the government's requirements. A treatment plan will be provided to the successful bidder at a meeting prior to work commencing. The plan will identify the leave trees and shrubs and specific treatment requirements.

Q9. Some access to units appear to be past locked access. Is there a way to view them prior to bidding due dates?

Q9. We would need specific locations to answer that, however the answer under #11 below applies to this question also. There are some areas where you would need permission to cross private property, which we cannot arrange for at this time.

Q10. Does the subcontractor need to also be an 8a company or does a small business designation apply?

A10. Subcontractors do not need to be 8(a) firms. IAW FAR 52.219-14 (included in the solicitation), at least 50 percent of the cost of contract performance incurred for contract performance shall be expended for employees of the concern. Also, per FAR 19.809-2 "Limitations on subcontracting and nonmanufacturer rule.(a) Limitations on subcontracting. To be awarded a contract or order under the 8(a) program, the 8(a) participant is required to perform" (1) For services (except construction), at least 50 percent of the cost incurred for personnel with its own employees;"

Q11. We understand the government will not be hosting a site survey. However, is our team allowed to tour the lands on our own, without cost to the government?

A11. Yes you are allowed to go out there without a BLM escort. We remind you to understand the situation and not impede the Border Patrol's operations. There are some areas where you would need permission to cross private property, which we cannot arrange for at this time. Please note that the government is not responsible for any costs or for any damage or injury that may happen to you or your equipment. We are not discouraging offerors from visiting the areas, just want to be sure they are aware that they are not the easiest places to get to.

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Amendment 0001 is issued to provide maps of the locations and to let offerors know that no site visit is scheduled. There is no change to the due date and time for quotes.

Q1. We are wondering if there is a show me trip? Curious of the safety of the location if we were to go take a look at the job sites without the BLM.

A1. There is no site visit. The area is on the southern border. Appropriate safety precautions should be taken.

Q2. Also do you have any PDF maps available for the project?

A2. Two maps are attached to this amendment.

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Southern Border Initiative, Fuels Management

** THIS ACQUISITION IS SET ASIDE FOR SBA CERTIFIED 8(a) BUSINESSES ONLY. Only 8(a) businesses may submit quotes. All quotes will be first screened for SBA 8(a) certification and quotes from other than 8(a)s will not be considered.**

Questions regarding this solicitation must be submitted in writing to the Contract Specialist Laura StJohn at lstjohn@blm.gov by no later than Friday September 4, 2020 at 4:00 pm PT. Questions will be answered in a Q&A Amendment to the solicitation, issued approximately September 8, 2020. If not questions are received then no amendment will be issued. The due date for quotes is Tuesday September 16, 2020 at 4:00 pm PT.

Southern Border Initiative, Fuels Management

** THIS ACQUISITION IS SET ASIDE FOR SBA CERTIFIED 8(a) BUSINESSES ONLY. Only 8(a) businesses may submit quotes. All quotes will be first screened for SBA 8(a) certification and quotes from other than 8(a)s will not be considered.**

Questions regarding this solicitation must be submitted in writing to the Contract Specialist Laura StJohn at lstjohn@blm.gov by no later than Friday September 4, 2020 at 4:00 pm PT. Questions will be answered in a Q&A Amendment to the solicitation, issued approximately September 8, 2020. If not questions are received then no amendment will be issued. The due date for quotes is Tuesday September 16, 2020 at 4:00 pm PT.