- Solicitation number
- 1240BH26R0013
- Issued by
-
Department of Agriculture Forest Service
About this file
This file is a Request for Information (RFI) Questions and Answers document for solicitation 1240BH26R0013. The document provides clarifications and responses to contractor inquiries regarding the Blanchard Springs Caverns Tunnel Rehabilitation project in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, managed by the Department of Agriculture Forest Service. The RFI was issued to address technical questions from potential bidders prior to proposal submission, with the final Q&A posted on October 26, 2026, as Amendment 0004 to the solicitation. Contractors were required to acknowledge and submit this amendment with their proposals, which were due by October 29, 2026. The document serves as a clarification tool for the project's scope of work, which includes structural stabilization of tunnel entrances and exits, masonry repairs, installation of instrumentation and monitoring equipment, replacement of air lock doors, security doors, ceiling systems, lighting systems, safety handrails, and mine phone systems. Specific responses to contractor questions regarding technical specifications, performance requirements, and project conditions would be detailed within the Q&A document to ensure consistent understanding among all prospective bidders.
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FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) FORM
1240BH26R0013
GAOA Blanchard Springs Caverns Tunnel Rehabilitation Ozark-St. Francis National Forest
RFI #1 – 1. Are we turning in as a prime bidder, or will we need to turn into a GC for the electrical?
It is up to the offeror how they want to bid the requirement. The government is only accepting proposals from prime contracts. The prime contractors will decide who they will sub-contract their work to.
RFI #2 – Who are the approved GC’s we can turn in to on this project.
There are no approved general contractors for this requirement.
RFI #3 - What is the procedure for communication to crews working in the cave and communicating to surface?
Contractor is responsible for managing communications with their crews and having an adequate Safety Plan per authorities having jurisdiction.
RFI #4 - The rock anchors are specified #5 all thread but Dywidag nor Jennmar manufacture a #5 bar. Is the intent to use a #6 bar? Attached link to cut sheet for Jennmar https://www.jennmar.com/files/content/products/jm-all-thread-bar.pd
Project manual for Blanchard Springs Caverns Tunnel Rehab (Golder Spec)_ Specification 313313_ Part 2 Products_ 2.1 Materials_ B. Steel Bar Type Bolts_ references the following below:
i. Rockbolts shall be #5 grade 75 steel Jennmar or Dywidag threaded rebar, or approved equivalent with minimum ultimate strength of 25kips. The intent is to use the product specified if available, or another product equivalent to the salient features of the product specified. See specifications for product submittals and substitution requirements after award.
RFI #5 - What sort of fines or punishment would be incurred if a formation was accidentally broken. We saw that there were criminal charges that could be pressed, accidents happen and we need to know what we would be the means of rectifying and accident.
Per the Environmental Assessment: If damage to any of these resources occurs, work in the affected area shall be halted until an investigation and report of findings are completed. Depending on the resource damaged, initial investigations shall be conducted by the appropriate resource specialist. Initial investigation findings may result in referral to law enforcement.
RFI #6 - On the Golder specs. 000110-5 it states work to take place between 6:00 PM – 8:00 AM, my understanding was that the project will take place Durning normal business hours and that the cavern will be shut down. Please clarify.
Work is to be conducted during normal business hours unless otherwise authorized.
RFI #7 - Regarding 60 DB restrictions when removing the handrails and doing electrical work standard equipment like a drill or hammer will be louder than the noise restrictions. Do we need to make containment areas at each location of work. Boxes that our crew works in to dampen the noise?
Containment areas will not be required at each location of work. Sound mitigation is critical during replacement of airlock doors and Bypass Tunnel work, and primarily during winter months. Other sound mitigation efforts will be field coordinated after award if necessary.
Containment areas will not be required at each location of work. Sound mitigation is critical during replacement of airlock doors and Bypass Tunnel work, and primarily during winter months. Other sound mitigation efforts will be field coordinated after award if necessary.
RFI # 8 - Can rock anchors be left in the cavern in locations where we will need them in order access some of the lighting?
Yes. However, coordinate with COR prior to use.
RFI #9 - Are base plates to be embedded for handrails or surface mounted currently both conditions exist.
See drawings and specifications for construction of each handrail per type and location.
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .