RFIs.pdf

Requests for Information Solicitation 1232SA26Q0782

Question 1: Please provide an update on the current status of the ponds and specific dates when the ponds would be dry.

Answer 1: The ponds have been dry for (2) years.

Question 2: The company experience and past performance requirements appear to be asking for the same thing. If references and work history are provided in Company Experience, what should be provided in the past performance section?

Answer 2: Experience shows similar work has been done. Past performance shows how well it was done.

Question 3: All bonding has been waived on the solicitation; can this be confirmed to be correct?

Answer 3: Correct.

Question 4: Has the Government performed an IGCE? If so, can a ROM be provided?

Answer 4: Cannot be provided.

Question 5: What is the current sediment depth in each pond?

Answer 5: As shown on the x-section within the SOW, the pond depth varies for all ponds.

See page 6 of the SOW.

Question 6: Is all material expected to remain onsite?

Answer 6: Yes.

Question 7: Has a recent topographic survey been performed?

Answer 7: No.

Question 8: Are there underground utilities besides the buried electrical line shown on the drawing?

Answer 8: The underground electrical utility shown on the drawing is the only known utility in the work area.

Question 9: Is compaction testing required?

Answer 9: Compaction testing will not be performed. However, proper compactive effort will be required.

Question 10: Can ponds be worked simultaneously or must they be completed sequentially?

Answer 10: Yes, they can be worked simultaneously.

Question 11: Are borrow materials available if existing soil volumes are insufficient?

Answer 11: No borrow area or materials are available.

Question 12: It was mentioned that the weeds at the bottom of the ponds will be sprayed.

However, we anticipate there may still be a significant amount of vegetation remaining. Will this vegetation need to be removed and disposed of, or can it be incorporated into the slope grading work?

Answer 12: The vegetation will be sprayed and killed. Any remaining stubble or vegetation can be incorporated into the grading work.

Question 13: Who is responsible for removing the electrical wiring and equipment currently located within the pond areas?

Answer 13: USDA will remove the aerators and electrical cords. The Piers, electrical riser, and drainpipe will remain, and contractor should use caution while working around them without damaging them.

Question 14: Are there any compaction requirements that the contractor will need to meet as part of the project?

Answer 14: See Answer 9.

Question 15: It sounds like soil disposal will be minimal, as most of the usable sediment will be consumed by reworking the pond slopes, but there is expected to be some organic material in the ponds that is not reusable, and so must be hauled off. Is there an onsite disposal location for sediment and organics, or should we find a place offsite?

Answer 15: See answer 12.

Question 16: If additional fill material is required to achieve the specified pond elevations and grades, will suitable borrow material be available on-site, or will the contractor be responsible for purchasing and importing it?

Answer 16: Additional fill material is not expected to be required. It can be addressed if the problem arises.

Question 17: If excess excavated material remains after the work is complete, will the

Government designate an on-site disposal location, or will the contractor be responsible for hauling and disposing of the excess material off-site?

Answer 17: If excess excavated materials remains, on-site disposal will be at the southeast corner near the ingress/egress double gate location.

Question 18: During the site visit, existing features such as a pier, exposed piping, and electrical components were observed within the project area. Will these items be removed by the Government prior to construction, or are they included in the contractor's scope of work? If the contractor removes these items, is reinstallation required upon project completion?

Answer 18: See answer 13.

Question 19: Will all vegetation within the work areas be removed by the Government prior to the contractor's mobilization, leaving the site at bare-earth conditions, or is vegetation removal included in the contractor's scope of work?

Answer 19: See answer 12.

Question 20: Will the contractor be permitted to perform work outside of normal business hours, including evenings after 4:00 p.m. and weekends, subject to any applicable site restrictions?

Answer 20: No. Contractor will work within the hours listed on the SOW.

Question 21: Will the Government accept a mud-style pack, understanding there may be some movement or settling as the material dries, or should the Contractor allow sufficient drying time before final packing and grading? If drying time is required and impacts the 120-day performance period, would the additional time be handled through a time extension/modification?

Answer 21: The ponds have been dry for (2) years and we don’t anticipate this to be an issue.

It can be addressed if the problem arises.

Question 22: The biobased oil products we have sourced do not meet the project requirements.

Would the Government allow the use of standard oil products in lieu of biobased products?

Answer 22: If biobased products are not available, standard products may be used.

Question 23: Can one person "triple hat" as Superintendent, SSHO and QC Manager?

Answer 23: Yes that is acceptable.

Question 24: Are soil boring reports available?

Answer 24: No.

Question 25: Is there a bulk water fill i.e. a hydrant or water source we can pump from for grading operations in close proximity?

Answer 25: Yes.

Question 26: Is this project tax exempt?

Answer 26: In Mississippi, A 3.5% tax applies to the entire contract price for any non-residential project exceeding $10,000. Contractors should check with MS Bureau of Revenue for details.

Question 27: When do you anticipate on site work starting?

Answer 27: Any time after award.

Question 28: Are third party inspections required?

Answer 28: No.

Question 29: Is permitting required?

Answer 29: No.

Question 30: Is any landscaping restoration required for this project? For example; topsoil, seeding, and fertilizer.

Answer 30: No.

Question 31: Please provide staking data points for the project.

Answer 31: Not Available.

Question 32: Are red, yellow, and blue tops required?

Answer 32: No.

Question 33: Will we be required to haul off any soil from the ponds? It appears we can use the soil for the slopes of the pond. Not needing to haul any off Answer 33: See answer 17.

Question 34: Where exactly do we submit the bids?

Answer 34: Email to josh.dobereiner@usda.gov.