**Amendment 6** Beluga Whale Explosive Ordnance Demo (EOD) Services

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions and clarifications regarding the Beluga Whale Explosive Ordnance Demo (EOD) Services opportunity.

• Advance Notice for Active/Standby Season: The Government will provide a two (2) week minimum advance notice for both "active season" and "standby season" field work mobilization/start.
• Explosive Safety Submission (ESS): An ESS has not yet been approved for the work area. The Contractor will be responsible for preparing the ESS as a deliverable, as detailed in the revised Performance Work Statement.
• Maximum Crew Size: For land operations, the average crew size is 2-6 people, with a maximum of 15 on rare occasions. For water operations, the typical crew size is 3-4 (including captain, excluding EOD), with a maximum of 5 crew (including captain, excluding EOD), equating to 6 total passengers. This maximum is rarely reached due to weather concerns.
• Contract Type: This requirement is a recompete, with the previous contract number being FA500024P0139.
• CLIN Structure: A recommendation to add a line item for 90 units for mobilization per year was considered. However, the Government determined that the CLIN structure will remain the same as in Amendment 5, attachment 3 – Price Schedule_20260324.pdf.

This document clarifies operational timelines, deliverable responsibilities (ESS), crew size limitations, and confirms the contract is a recompete. It also indicates that the CLIN structure will not be modified based on vendor recommendations.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial services, specifically Beluga Whale Explosive Ordnance Demolition (EOD) Escort services. The government is procuring management, escort, surface survey, and identification of munitions and explosives of concern (MEC) for Endangered Species Act (ESA) projects on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) land. The services may involve land or water up to 18 inches deep.

• Provide professional services, material, and labor for escort, surface survey, and identification of MEC.

• Services are for ESA projects on JBER land.

• The government intends to award a single firm-fixed price contract.

• A pre-performance conference will take place after award.

• This solicitation is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ).

• Offers are due by 12PM AKDT on 31 March 2026.

• Questions are due by 12PM AKDT on 27 March 2026.

• Quotes must be submitted via email to the Contracting Officer and Contract Specialist.

• Evaluation will be based on a best value basis, considering Past Performance and Price.

• Past Performance will be evaluated based on provided references, supplier risk, and CPARS/SPRS data.

• Price will be evaluated considering pricing information, vendor price risk, and historical prices.

• The vendor agrees to hold prices firm for 60 calendar days.

• This requirement is a 100% Small Business Set-Aside.

• The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 562910 with a small business size standard of $25M.

• SAM registration must be current at the time of quote submission and remain valid through award.

• The solicitation is being competed under revised FAR Part 12, Acquisition of Commercial Products and Commercial Services.

• Attachment 1: Performance Work Statement (PWS)

• Attachment 2: Wage Determination 2015-568, Rev. 25

• Attachment 3: Price Schedule

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Attachment 3, the Price Schedule for Solicitation No. FA500026Q0005, related to JBER Management Species, Beluga EOD Escort services. It provides the structure for bidders to submit their pricing.

• Item Numbers: Various line items for "Beluga EOD Escort" and "Boat Support" services, including cancellation fees.
• Description: Details the specific service for each item number.
• Quantity: The number of units for each service.
• Unit: Specifies the unit of measure (e.g., Each).
• Unit Amount: Field for bidders to enter the price per unit.
• Total: Field for bidders to calculate the total price for each line item.
• Total Price: Field for the overall total price of the quote.
• Contractor Information: Fields for contractor address, telephone number, warranty terms, discount terms, acknowledgment of amendments, quote validity, and Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

Bidders must complete this price schedule accurately to submit a responsive quote. The "Unit Amount" and "Total" fields are critical for proposal evaluation. The submission deadline and contact information for quotes are also provided on the second page.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a combined synopsis/solicitation (RFQ) for Beluga Whale Explosive Ordnance Demolition (EOD) Services. The government intends to award a single firm-fixed-price contract for management, species, and EOD escort services. These services include escort, surface survey, and identification of munitions and explosives of concern (MEC) for Endangered Species Act (ESA) projects on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) land. The scope may include areas that are heavily vegetated or water-based up to 18 inches deep.

• Provide professional services, material, and labor for escort, surface survey, and identification of munitions and explosives of concern (MEC).

• Services are for ESA projects on JBER land.

• Work may involve heavily vegetated areas or water up to 18 inches deep.

• Contract Type: Firm-fixed-price.

• Period of Performance: Not explicitly stated, but includes options to extend services and term.

• Estimated Value: Not stated.

• Offers are requested via this announcement; no separate solicitation will be issued.

• Quotes must be submitted electronically by 12PM AKDT on March 13, 2026.

• Evaluation will be based on a best-value basis, considering Past Performance and Price.

• Past Performance will be evaluated based on references, supplier risk, and CPARS/SPRS data.

• Price will be evaluated for risk and consistency with historical prices.

• Interchanges may be held at the government's discretion.

• This procurement is a 100% Small Business Set-Aside.

• North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code: 562910.

• Small business size standard: $25M.

• SAM registration must be current at the time of quote submission and remain valid through award.

• The solicitation is issued under FAR Part 12 for commercial products/services.

• Revisions to FAR Part 12 and DFARS are in effect via the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) page.

• Attachment 1: Performance Work Statement (PWS)

• Attachment 2: Wage Determination 2015-568, Rev. 25

• Attachment 3: Price Schedule

• Questions must be submitted in writing by 12PM AKST on February 24, 2026.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines requirements for Explosive Ordnance Demolition (EOD) escort and boat support services for the Cook Inlet beluga whale (CIBW) program at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER), Alaska. The primary goal is to ensure safe operations within the Eagle River Flats (ERF) impact area, which is used for military training involving high explosive ordnance and is also habitat for marine mammals, including the endangered Cook Inlet beluga whale.

• Task 1: EOD Escort: Provide qualified EOD escort services, personnel, and materials for surface surveys and identification of munitions and explosives of concern (MEC) for projects on JBER land and within Eagle River. This includes work in areas with dense vegetation or shallow water (up to 18 inches), and work in Eagle River via boat and land. This is a firm-fixed-price service, estimated at 90 missions and 10 cancellations annually, with an "active season" (June-November) and a "standby season" (December-May).

• Task 2: Boat Support: Provide a suitable vessel and trailer for CIBW work for up to five (5) days when Government-furnished vessels are inoperable. This on-call service is priced daily. The Government will provide a tow vehicle, an experienced boat captain, and PFDs for Government personnel; the contractor provides PFDs for their personnel and up to 15 gallons of fuel per day.

• EOD Escort: 100% of scheduled and requested field days must have escort provided, with all personnel meeting qualifications. Performance is unacceptable if there are safety incidents due to contractor negligence or failure to follow safety protocols.

• Boat Support: A suitable vessel must be provided within 24 hours of notification and pass Government inspection for seaworthiness and safety 100% of the time.

• Deliverables: Work Plan and Field Reports must be submitted by specified deadlines.

• Period of Performance: Base period of 12 months, with up to four (4) additional 12-month option years, for a potential total of 60 months.

• Place of Performance: Eagle River Flats (ERF) impact area on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER), Anchorage, Alaska.

• Contractor Government Access: Compliance with installation, facility, and area commander access and security policies is required. Employees need installation access badges and passes.

• Vessel Requirements (Task 2): Vessel must be capable of safe operation in Upper Cook Inlet, Alaska, safe stranding during ebb tide, maneuvering in narrow channels (3 ft deep), and controlled maneuvers in heavy current. Must be equipped with safety items.

• Safety: Contractor must supply a seaworthy, properly maintained vessel. Government reserves the right to inspect and reject vessels. Contractor assumes risk for damages from pre-existing conditions or inadequate maintenance.

• Cancellation Policy: Fees apply for "No-Notice Cancellations" (less than 24 hours prior to scheduled start) for both EOD Escort (Task 1) and Boat Support (Task 2).

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial services, issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) under FAR Part 12. The government is procuring Management, Species, Beluga Explosive Ordnance Demolition (EOD) Escort services. This involves providing professional services, material, and labor for escort, surface survey, and identification of munitions and explosives of concern (MEC) for Endangered Species Act (ESA) projects on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) land. The services may involve highly vegetated areas or water up to 18 inches deep.

• Escort, surface survey, and identification of munitions and explosives of concern (MEC).

• Services to be performed on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) land.

• Work may be in highly vegetated areas or water up to 18 inches deep.

• The government intends to award a single firm-fixed price contract.

• Offers are requested and a separate written solicitation will not be issued.

• Quotes must be submitted electronically by 12PM AKDT on March 13, 2026.

• Questions must be submitted in writing by 12PM AKST on February 24, 2026.

• Award will be made on a best value basis, considering Past Performance and Price.

• Past Performance will be evaluated based on references provided, supplier risk, and information in CPARS.

• Price will be evaluated considering risk and consistency with historical prices.

• Vendors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• This procurement is competed as a 100% Small Business Set-Aside.

• The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 562910 with a small business size standard of $25M.

• The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through the revised FAR Part 12, Acquisition of Commercial Products and Commercial Services.

• Attachment 1: Performance Work Statement (PWS)

• Attachment 2: Wage Determination

• Attachment 3: Pricing Schedule

Other / Unclassified

The attached document is a PDF file that is protected and cannot be opened with the current reader. It indicates that a different, compatible PDF reader is required to view the content.

This document does not contain specific information about the opportunity's requirements, scope, or deliverables. Bidders will need to obtain a compatible PDF reader to access any related documents that may be protected.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding an unspecified solicitation, clarifying key aspects of the upcoming requirement.

• Advance Notice: The Government will provide a minimum of two (2) weeks' advance notice for both "active season" and "standby season" field work mobilization/start.
• Explosive Safety Submission (ESS): An ESS has not yet been approved for the work area. The Contractor will be responsible for preparing the ESS as a deliverable, as detailed in the revised Performance Work Statement.
• Maximum Crew Size: For land operations, the average crew size is 2-6 people, with a maximum of 15 on rare occasions. For water operations, the typical crew size is 3-4 (including captain, excluding EOD), with a maximum of 5 (including captain, excluding EOD). This maximum is rarely reached due to weather and mission criticality.
• Contract Type: This requirement is a recompete, with the previous contract number being FA500024P0139.

These clarifications provide specific details on advance notice periods, deliverable requirements (ESS), operational parameters (crew size), and confirm the contract is a recompete. Bidders should incorporate this information into their proposal preparation and understanding of the scope.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial services, specifically Beluga Whale Explosive Ordnance Demolition (EOD) Escort services. The government is procuring management, escort, surface survey, and identification of munitions and explosives of concern (MEC) for Endangered Species Act (ESA) projects on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) land. The services may involve highly vegetated areas or water up to 18 inches deep.

• Provide professional services, material, and labor for EOD escort, surface survey, and identification of MEC.

• Services are for ESA projects on JBER land.

• Work may be in vegetated areas or shallow water (up to 18 inches deep).

• The government intends to award a single firm-fixed price contract.

• A pre-performance conference will take place after award.

• This solicitation is a Request for Quotation (RFQ).

• Offers are requested and a separate written solicitation will not be issued.

• Quotes must be submitted by 12PM AKDT on March 13, 2026.

• Evaluation will be based on a best value basis, considering Past Performance and Price.

• Past performance will be evaluated using references, supplier risk, and CPARS/SPRS data.

• A satisfactory rating for past performance is required.

• Price risk will be considered.

• The government reserves the right to conduct interchanges.

• This requirement is competed as a 100% Small Business Set-Aside.

• The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 562910 with a small business size standard of $25M.

• SAM registration must be current at the time of quote submission and remain valid through award.

• The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through the revised FAR Part 12, Acquisition of Commercial Products and Commercial Services.

• Pricing Schedule is Attachment 3.

• Performance Work Statement (PWS) is Attachment 1.

• Wage Determination is Attachment 2.

• Questions must be submitted in writing by 12PM AKST on February 24, 2026.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Attachment 3 - Price Schedule for Solicitation No. FA500026Q0005, related to JBER Management Species, Beluga EOD Escort. It provides the structure for bidders to submit their pricing.

• Item No.: Unique identifier for each line item.
• Description: Details the service or item, including specific types of Beluga EOD Escort and Boat Support, as well as cancellation fees.
• Quantity: The number of units for each item.
• Unit: The unit of measure (e.g., Months, Each).
• Unit Amount: The price per unit (to be filled by bidder).
• Total: The total price for the line item (to be filled by bidder).
• Fields for Contractor address, warranty terms, discount terms, acknowledgment of amendments, quote validity, and Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

Bidders must complete this price schedule accurately to submit a responsive quote. The pricing provided here will be a critical component of the proposal evaluation. Quotes must be emailed to the Contract Specialist and Contracting Officer by 12:00 PM AKDT on 13 March 2026.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines requirements for Explosive Ordnance Demolition (EOD) escort and boat support services for the Cook Inlet beluga whale (CIBW) program at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER), Alaska.

• Task 1: Management, Species, Beluga EOD Escort: Provide qualified EOD escort, surface survey, and identification of munitions and explosives of concern (MEC) for ESA projects on JBER land and within Eagle River Flats (ERF). This includes work in areas with dense vegetation or shallow water (up to 18 inches), and performance via boat and land. The service is firm-fixed-price, billed monthly, based on an estimated annual workload of 90 missions and 10 cancellations. The workload varies by season (Active Season: June-November; Standby Season: December-May).

• Task 2: Management, Species, Beluga EOD Escort: BOAT SUPPORT: Provide a suitable vessel and trailer for CIBW work for up to five (5) days if Government-furnished vessels are inoperable. This is an on-call service, priced daily. The Government will furnish a tow vehicle and boat captain; the contractor provides fuel and the vessel.

• EOD Escort: 100% of scheduled and requested field days, with all personnel meeting required qualifications. Unacceptable performance includes safety incidents due to contractor negligence or failure to follow safety protocols.

• Contingency Boat Support: A suitable vessel meeting all requirements provided within 24 hours of notification, passing Government inspection for seaworthiness and safety 100% of the time.

• Deliverables: Timely submission of a Draft Work Plan (NLT 30 days after kickoff), Final Work Plan (NLT 45 days prior to fieldwork), Draft Field Report (NLT 30 days after field season end), and Final Field Report (NLT 30 days after receipt of comments).

• Base performance period: 12 months.

• Option years: Up to four additional 12-month periods, for a total potential performance of 60 months.

• Place of Performance: Eagle River Flats (ERF) on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER), Anchorage, Alaska.

• Safety: Contractor must supply a seaworthy vessel, properly maintained. Government reserves the right to inspect and reject vessels. Contractor assumes risk for damages from pre-existing conditions or inadequate maintenance.

• Government Access: Contractor must comply with installation access and security policies, obtain background checks, and secure installation badges/passes in advance.

• Vessel Requirements (Task 2): Vessel must be capable of safe operation in Knik Arm, safely stranding, maneuvering in riverine channels (30 ft wide, 3 ft deep), controlled maneuvers in heavy current, and equipped with required safety items.

• Cancellation Policy: A 'No-Notice Cancellation' (less than 24 hours prior) incurs a cancellation fee for both Task 1 and Task 2 services.

• JBER Technical POCs are listed for coordination and deliverables.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Wage Determination issued under the Service Contract Act, specifically for the State of Alaska, Area: Alaska Boroughs of Anchorage, Matanuska-Susit. It establishes the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations employed in the performance of federal contracts in this geographic area.

• Lists specific occupational codes and titles.
• Provides the corresponding minimum hourly wage rate for each occupation.
• Indicates that "Fringe Benefits Required Follow the Occupational Listing."
• Includes notes on Executive Orders (EO) 13706 and 13658, detailing paid sick leave and minimum wage requirements for federal contractors.
• Outlines Health & Welfare benefits and their rates.
• Details vacation and holiday policies.
• Explains the process for requesting additional classifications and wage rates (Conformance Process) if an occupation is not listed.

This document is crucial for bidders responding to solicitations that require services in the specified Alaska area. It dictates the minimum labor costs that must be factored into proposals, ensuring compliance with federal labor laws. Bidders must ensure their proposed wages and benefits meet or exceed these requirements for all listed occupations, and understand the process for handling unlisted occupations.