Z--IRRIGATION SYSTEM MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS AT INDEP

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to contractor questions regarding the INDE Irrigation Maintenance opportunity (Contract Number 140P4226Q0024).

• Number of Irrigation Systems and Zones: The government has a total of 14 irrigation systems, all with multiple zones. The number of irrigation heads is too numerous to count.
• Controller Type: All irrigation controllers must be operated directly from the timer; no smart controllers or remote access capabilities are required.
• Weekly Inspection Requirements: For the first 1-1.5 weeks, the contractor will inspect every zone on each system to identify defects (e.g., broken heads, malfunctioning valves). Findings will be documented, and upon government approval of material costs, the contractor will perform repairs within a few days of the Notice to Proceed.
• Irrigation Maps and Locations: Maps and locations for devices, controllers, points of connection, and winterization points will be provided to the awarded contractor.
• Backflow Certifications/Testing: The contractor is not responsible for backflow certifications or testing; this is being handled under a separate contract. The contractor is only responsible for ensuring the backflow device is providing water.
• Backflow Device Removal/Reinstallation: The contractor is not responsible for removing or reinstalling backflow devices during seasonal winterization or startup.
• Previous Contract Award Amount/Incumbent: Not applicable, as this is the park's first irrigation contract.
• Repair Labor Costs: Repair labor costs are covered by the contract itself, not the annual Not-to-Exceed (NTE) limit, which applies only to materials.

These clarifications provide specific details on the scope of work, equipment, and cost responsibilities, which may influence bidder proposals and pricing strategies.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0002) to solicitation 140P4226Q0024 has the following key changes:

• Response Date Extended: The deadline for submitting quotes has been extended to June 5, 2026, by 12:00 PM Eastern Time.

• Questions Deadline Extended: The deadline for submitting questions has been extended to May 22, 2026, by 12:00 PM Eastern Time.

• Quote Submission Instructions Clarified: Quote packages must be sent to the Contracting Officer at Deborah_Coles@ios.doi.gov by 12:00 PM Eastern Time on May 29, 2026. The subject line must include "140P4226Q0024 INDE Irrigation System Maintenance". FAXED SUBMISSIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

• Site Visit Date: A site visit is planned for May 11, 2026, at 9:00 AM Eastern Time at 143 S 3rd Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106.

• Solicitation response date.

• Solicitation questions deadline.

• Quote submission instructions.

• Proposal deadlines have been extended as noted above.

• The core requirements for the irrigation system maintenance and repairs at Independence National Historical Park remain the same.

• Contractors must be registered in SAM.gov at the time of award.

• The Period of Performance is from 07/01/2026 to 06/30/2031.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0001) to solicitation 140P4226Q0024 serves to answer contractor questions. It includes an attached Q&A document.

• The amendment provides responses to contractor questions.

• It reiterates the request for a firm-fixed-price quote for irrigation system maintenance and repairs.

• Questions Deadline: Questions must be submitted to Deborah_Coles@ios.doi.gov by 12:00 PM Eastern Time on May 22, 2026.

• Quote Submission Deadline: Quote packages must be sent to Deborah_Coles@ios.doi.gov by 12:00 PM Eastern Time on May 29, 2026. The subject line must read "140P4226Q0024 INDE Irrigation System Maintenance". Faxed submissions will not be accepted.

• Site Visit: A site visit is scheduled for May 11, 2026, at 9:00 AM Eastern Time at 143 S 3rd Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106.

• Registration: Contractors must be registered in SAM.gov at the time of award.

• Period of Performance: The period of performance is from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2031.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides clarifications and answers to vendor questions regarding the INDE Irrigation Maintenance opportunity (Contract Number 140P4226Q0024).

• Inspection Frequency: The initial question regarding weekly inspections during the winterized/off-season has been clarified. The intended frequency is 26 visits annually (bi-weekly), not weekly.
• Annual Material Ceiling: The annual material ceiling of $2,500 was a typo. The correct figure is a monthly cost of $2,500, resulting in an annual ceiling of $12,500. Bidders should clarify if repair needs exceeding this limit should be deferred or if inspections/reporting should continue.
• Repair Approval Process: For repair work requiring prior approval, a repair time of one to two weeks is considered acceptable, especially when considering the need to inspect other park areas. The process for COR authorization is not explicitly detailed but is expected to minimize delays.
• System Documentation: As-built drawings and system maps are not currently available. The government will check with their design and construction team, and if found, they will be posted as an amendment.
• System Verification: The presence of irrigation systems at all listed locations can be verified on the day of the scheduled walkthrough.

These clarifications adjust key details regarding inspection frequency, material cost ceilings, and the availability of system documentation. Bidders should incorporate these changes into their understanding of the scope and requirements.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment_001_Quote_Submission_Package_140P4226Q0024.docx," provides the necessary forms and instructions for bidders to submit their quotes for Solicitation No. 140P4226Q0024, concerning Irrigation System Maintenance and Repairs at Independence National Historical Park.

This package includes sections for:

• Technical Quote: Requires a detailed description of the offeror's approach, including technical capability, self-performed vs. subcontracted work, equipment to be used, and a draft project schedule. It also requires certification for Bio-Based products and submission of Past Performance Documentation.
• Relevant Experience Questionnaire: Bidders must list three similar projects previously performed, including project details, agency contact information, and a project description.
• Biobased Certification: Requires identification of Biobased products to be purchased and used, specifying the percentage of Biobased content. It also requires documentation of prior experience with Biobased products over the past two years.

This attachment is critical for bidders to understand the specific information and documentation required for their technical quote submission. It outlines the format and content expectations for demonstrating technical capability, relevant experience, and compliance with biobased product requirements. Failure to provide the requested information in the specified format may impact quote evaluation.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is a Request for Quote (RFQ) for irrigation system maintenance and repairs at Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking a contractor to provide all labor, supervision, materials, tools, supplies, transportation, personal protection equipment, and support equipment for these services.

• Routine inspections and system operation of irrigation systems.

• Inspections of control valves and sprinkler heads, including determining proper flow rates.

• Testing of electrical systems and controls.

• Repair or replacement of defective or inoperable components.

• Seasonal startup (by May 15th) and winterization (by November 15th) of irrigation systems.

• Maintenance of a clean work site and proper disposal of all waste materials.

• Use of specified materials and replacement parts (e.g., Rain Bird components for Rain Bird systems).

• Contract Type: Firm-fixed-price quote.

• Period of Performance: Base period is 07/01/2026 to 06/30/2027. Option periods extend through 06/30/2031.

• Estimated Value: Not explicitly stated, but includes an annual Not-to-Exceed (NTE) limit for combined repair labor and materials, with materials capped at $2,500 per year.

• Proposal Submission Deadline: May 29, 2026, 12:00 PM Eastern Time.

• Questions Deadline: May 22, 2026, 12:00 PM Eastern Time.

• Submission Method: Electronic proposals via email to Deborah_Coles@ios.doi.gov. No hardcopy, facsimile, or in-person submissions will be accepted.

• Evaluation Criteria: Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) process. Evaluation will be based on Technical Approach, Contractor Responsibility, Past Performance, and Biobased Certification.

• This acquisition is set aside for Small Business concerns (100%).

• NAICS Code: 221310, Size Standard: $41 Million.

• A site visit is planned for May 11, 2026, at 9:00 AM Eastern Time at 143 S 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106.

• Contractors must be registered in SAM.gov at the time of award.

• The contract includes FAR Clause 52.217-8 – Option to Extend Services for up to six (6) months.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a U.S. Department of Labor Wage Determination (WD 15-4233, Revision 35) for the Service Contract Act, applicable to the State of Pennsylvania, specifically for the counties of Delaware and Philadelphia. It outlines the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations when performing contract work covered by the Service Contract Act.

• Lists numerous occupational codes and titles, ranging from administrative support and clerical roles to health occupations, technical occupations, and more.
• Specifies the minimum hourly wage rate for each listed occupation.
• Indicates that "Fringe Benefits Required Follow the Occupational Listing." Specific fringe benefit details are provided separately, including Health & Welfare rates ($5.55/hour or $222.00/week) and provisions related to Executive Orders 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and 13658 (minimum wage adjustments).
• Includes notes on specific occupational groups (e.g., Computer Employees, Air Traffic Controllers) and special pay differentials (Hazardous Pay, Night Pay, Sunday Pay).
• Outlines requirements for vacation and paid holidays.
• Details the conformance process for classifying employees not explicitly listed in the wage determination.

This wage determination is critical for bidders to understand the labor costs associated with performing the contract. It establishes the minimum wages and benefits that must be paid to employees working on the contract, directly impacting the cost proposal. Bidders must ensure their proposed wages meet or exceed these requirements to be compliant.