12360418Q0007_RFI_Questions.pdf

Question# 1

Q: I am inquiring about the specific dimensions for the bridge sills (hemlock) under the Bearing Pads.

The 12”x12”x14’ hemlock is an odd piece, I am wondering if it is a typo meaning 2”x12”x14’? The bridge sill is not provided by the company fabricating the bridge. It is provided by the site contract installing the bridge.

Question # 2

Min clear deck width: is stated as 2.5’, is 30” the width of running plank on the deck itself, so two, 2.5’ wide “running planks” are required? What is the clear width required between guide rails as a vehicle passes over it? See below screen shot. Yes two sets of running planks are required. Minimum of 2.5 ft. and the clear span between the guide rails is 12’-6” minimum.

Under Transportability: It says the bridge shall be transported without permits, but I interpret the language used, it can be as wide as 12.5’ to transport without permits? Please clarify max width for transportation. That is the responsibility of the contractor. The fabrication contractor has to design a bridge that does not need a permit when the Forest Service movies it on a truck on local, state and federal roads.

Question# 3

1. What is the exact min. width of the bridge? The minimum width of the bridge is the clear space between the guide rails which is 12 foot 6 inches.

2. What is the use of the bridge? Portable Truck Bridge for logging trucks.

Question #4:

We would like to request clarification in order to quote this project on the following items-

The size and loading requirements seem unclear. The HL 93 loading is for trucks with a 6’ wheel base. The SOW calls out Min Clear deck width as only 2.6’ wide but it says it must be able to be split down the middle so it is less than 12’-6’ wide. Could your client please clarify this? The load rating is HL93, the minimum width of the bridge is 12’-6” clear width between the guide rails. The running planks are two rows 2’-6” wide each.

Question Set #5:

There appears to be a typo in the request. It says that the minimum clear deck width is 2.6 feet. I know that is not correct, but I don't know if it is supposed to be 26' clear width or is it something else. Many of the trail bridges are only 12-14' wide. We can certainly build a 26' clear width but would like some clarification. Also I can read that the supplier is to provide the hemlock timber sills and also I can read into it that it is only a reference. See answer to question 3.

Question #6:

Is there any additional information you can provide about the length of the trailer the bridge will be transported on? The post on Fed Biz Ops lists Transportability as, “Shall be constructed to be split down the middle or fold so it can be transported on standard trailer or lowboy in a single load, without “wide load” permits (12.5’ travel width).” The trailer will have to be long enough to haul the weight of the bridge as well as the length of the bridge.

Question #7:

Could you also clarify the width of the bridge? See answer to question 3.

Question #8

1) Please clarify the deflection limitation. The AASHTO manual referenced "recommends" a deflection limitation, however it is stated that final determination of the deflection limitation is left to the engineer based on the merits of the specific project. Previous similar projects/bridges utilized a limitation of L/360 based on the temporary nature of the bridge and very low traffic volumes. Please confirm L/360 is an acceptable deflection limitation. Forest Service requires L/400.

2) Please confirm if the design should be subject to a 10 mph speed restriction. Again previous similar projects/bridges were designed subject to a 10 mph speed restriction on the basis of low traffic volume and the narrow width being a natural speed inhibitor. A 10mph speed restriction is acceptable.

Question #9

· The minimum clear deck width is listed as “2.6 feet”. Is this supposed to read “26 feet”? 12.6’

· The bearing pad requirements indicate that they are to bear on an aggregate base or timber sills, and that the sills are to be untreated hemlock or approved equal. Can the sills be steel?

NO. Sill to be provided by others.

· Is there an intended completion timeframe as part of this contract? ASAP

Question #10:

We would like to know if drawings are available for this project? The fabrication contractor will provide shop drawings for Forest Service to review and approve.

Also, we note that the span is 40’ and read the width to be 2.6’ minimum. With a Load Rating of HL-93 we would expect the width to be greater. See answer to question 3.

Question #11

Can you please ask the end user if they are able to provide a crane to set this bridge up/take it off a flatbed truck? The company that is awarded the contract is responsible for delivery including a crane to unload the bridge.

Question #12 At the very end of the RFQ it mentions that contractor is responsible for offloading at site. Typically, a crane is used to offload the bridge from flatbed truck.

Do you have a crane onsite to offload this from the flatbed, or should we add a separate line item to quote for renting a crane, operator etc. and unloading? There is no crane available to off load the bridge cost for this is to be included in the bid.