Ground Clearing and Root Raking

***** UPDATED NOTICE ***** 9/18/2025 Questions and Answers from NRS Delaware site visit on September 16, 2025. Q1. Will there be another site visit scheduled prior to offers due? A1. No. Q2. How will (the contractor) be paid? A2. No progress payments. The contractor is to invoice at the completion of the job. The contractor is to submit their invoice electronically through the U.S. Treasury site, Invoicing Processing Platform (IPP). In addition to the electronic submission the contractor must submit/attach an itemized - hard copy invoice to the eInvoice created on that platform. Customer Service is available via IPP to assist the contractor. https://www.ipp.gov/ Q3. What if the work cannot be completed due to weather or other unforeseen calamities during the period of performance? A3. The Contracting Officer (CO) will consider all issues and has the ability to modify the period of performance if it is warranted. Q4. Is the contractor responsible for felling the large tree in area/plot #2? A4. No, the Forest Service (USFS) cut down the tree after the site visit on 9/16/2025. The contractor will be required to remove the stump in accordance with (IAW) the Statement of Work (SOW). Q5. Some entry/exit points appear to be small and moving large equipment into the area may be difficult. How is (the contractor) going to enter/exit these small points? A5. Prior to moving equipment into these areas or other areas where the contractor has concerns, the contractor must contact the Contracting Officer Representative (COR). The COR will make themself available to assist and/or advise on another course of action for equipment movement. Additionally, the USFS will be constructing a driveway culvert at entry/exit point in area/plot #3. This construction will require local township and/or city coordination. The USFS will coordinate all driveway culvert requirements with the proper authorities. The contractor is not responsible for this task. Q6. Where can (the contractor) stage their equipment? A6. The contractor must contact the COR prior to unloading/offloading all equipment that will be staged at all work sites (area/plots #1, #2, and #3). Tentative areas have been identified for possible staging but could change due to weather conditions or other unforeseen issues. Q7. If certain debris cannot be mulched, what should be done about it? A7. The contractor will be permitted to move and pile all debris to the center of the work area/plot to be burned. Igniting the burn piles will only be performed weather permitting and if no burn bans are in place. The contractor must follow all safety and ordnance/regulations when burning a debris pile. If the contractor cannot burn debris piles due to bans and/or weather, the contractor must coordinate with the COR. The USFS will take factors into consideration and a decision at the USFS level will be made. Q8. What are the requirements for the contractor regarding their crew? A8. Contractor shall coordinate with COR on daily check-in and check-out procedures. Additionally, the contractor is responsible for the safety and well-being of their crew(s). The contractor should follow OSHA requirements by complying with all standards to ensure a safe work environment. At a minimum, the contractor should have two (2) employees working in tandem (worker/spotter) while conducting removal/raking operations at NRS Delaware. *************************************************************************************** *****AMENDMENT 0001******* 09/10/2025 The purpose of this amendment is to establish a specific time for the site visit at NRS Delaware, 359 Main Rd., Delaware, Ohio, 43015. Amendment 0001 can be found in the attachment section of this notice. *************************************************************************************** The purpose of this requirement is to conduct site preparation (clear trees, roots and stumps) for planting ash trees that have survived emerald ash borer. Seeds from these trees will be used to develop pest resistant tree seeds for reforestation and restoration of this economical and ecologically important tree species. Seeds will be provided to private and public nurseries including Forest Service nurseries.