F--SERVICE, PINE BEETLE TREE REMOVAL AT FORT FREDERIC

Request for Information (RFI) Project: Fort Frederica National Monument – Pine Beetle Tree Removal RFI No.: 001 Subject: Ground Protection Requirements within the Historic Townsite Background: During the second pre-bid site visit, conducted on August 3, 2026, questions were raised regarding the level of ground protection required within the historic townsite during hazard tree removal operations. Specifically, discussion centered on potential impacts associated with equipment travel and tree felling activities, including rutting, soil disturbance, and damage to existing turf resources. The Government reviewed the approved PEPC compliance documentation following the site visit. While the compliance documents authorize the work, they do not provide specific mitigation measures regarding ground protection during contractor operations within the townsite. The solicitation currently requires equipment operating within maintained turf areas to be equipped with turf tires. However, additional clarification is needed regarding whether temporary ground protection measures are required during equipment access or tree removal activities. Request: Question 1: Are additional temporary ground protection measures required within the historic townsite beyond the use of turf tires? Response: For the purpose of bidding this Performance Work Statement, contractors shall assume that no temporary ground protection measures beyond the use of turf tires are required for equipment operating within the boundaries of the historic townsite. Whenever practicable, equipment shall be operated from existing roadways and established travel routes to minimize disturbance to maintained turf and soils. Question 2: Under what circumstances should temporary ground protection be utilized? Response: Temporary ground protection measures are not anticipated as part of this contract. However, landscape debris dumpsters or similar heavy collection containers shall not be placed within the boundaries of the historic townsite due to the potential for turf damage and soil disturbance associated with repeated loading and unloading operations. Question 3: Are ground protection measures required only for equipment travel, or are they also required within anticipated tree-fall impact zones? Response: The approved compliance documents and previous tree removal activities within the historic townsite have not required protective measures within anticipated tree-fall impact zones. Contractors shall employ industry best management practices and accepted arboricultural felling techniques to minimize ground disturbance during tree removal operations. Question 4: Are there specific environmental or cultural resource concerns that warrant additional mitigation beyond standard contractor best management practices? -- 1 of 2 -- Response: The contractor shall conduct operations in a manner that minimizes disturbance to natural and cultural resources. The Government may elect to provide archaeological monitoring during portions of the work. If previously unidentified archaeological materials, cultural resources, or protected wildlife are encountered, work in the immediate area shall cease and the COR shall be notified immediately. Question 5: Should the contractor be responsible for restoring minor turf disturbance resulting from normal operations? Response: No. Minor turf disturbance resulting from normal operations will not require restoration by the contractor, provided the contractor has complied with all requirements of this Performance Work Statement, employed industry best management practices, and exercised reasonable care to minimize impacts during performance of the work. Damage resulting from negligence or failure to comply with contract requirements shall remain the responsibility of the contractor. -- 2 of 2 --