Johnstown FPP Vegetation Removal Services

This is a Request for Information (RFI) only. This is not a solicitation announcement, nor is it a Request for Quote (RFQ). This request does not obligate the Government in any contract award.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Pittsburgh District, is conducting market research seeking information on standard commercial practices for the acquisition of a vegetation control requirement. It is anticipated that the results of this market research will support the development of an RFQ for the requirement.

The Government will not pay for the provision of any information, nor will it compensate any respondents for the development of such information.

Response to this RFI is strictly voluntary and will not affect any firm's ability to submit a quote if and when a solicitation is issued.

The anticipated requirement is for vegetation removal services for Johnstown Local Flood Protection Project located in Johnstown, Cambria County, Pennsylvania. The project is situated along the Stonycreek, Little Conemaugh, and Conemaugh Rivers totaling 9.2 miles in length. The project includes concrete channel levees, ramps and foot access stairs along the slopes of and shoals along the riverbanks. The project is composed of six (6) areas, which have recently been or will soon be cleared of brush, trees, and debris. The projected period of performance is five (5) years. It is anticipated that two (2) of the six (6) areas will be cleared each year. These areas will rotate so that each area is cleared every three (3) years. The intent is to remove brush, trees and debris to maintain levees and shoals free of detritus that could otherwise eventually impede the rivers’ free flow.

1. What time of year is best to perform this work? Please provide a rationale for this recommendation. The rationale should consider:

• Seasonal water levels


• Life cycle of vegetation, i.e. is it easier to remove when dormant or dead?


• The tempo of your business, can you offer more compelling pricing outside of typical grounds maintenance months?

2. In accordance with FAR subpart 17.1 “Multi-year Contracting”, the Government is considering awarding a five (5) year Indefinite Delivery contract. Because the size of shoals, growth of vegetation, and accumulation of debris will vary over time, the level of effort for each task order is difficult to determine at the time of contract award. For purposes of evaluating quotes, the Government anticipates requesting contractors to provide daily costs for labor and equipment categories along with a level of effort to clear two (2) of the project’s six (6) areas.

• What are the advantages or disadvantages of this approach?


• What recommendations would you make in terms of the contract’s structure?