Questions and Answers.docx

Questions and Answers Solicitation 1240LT22R0014: Burgess Junction FS Road Improvements March 1, 2022

1. On page 3 of the Drawings, it states the mag chloride needs to conform to specification 725.02; I didn’t find that section heading in the provided documents, what source is it referencing so I can make sure it shall work properly.

Answer 1: This specification can be found in the FP-14 Specifications. A link to these specs is on page 3 of the plans.

1. Development of government furnished agg. Source 30,000 T. – Can I get some clarification on the intent of this line item? It seems from the notes the FS would like the contractor to furnish all permits required for mining and crushing. Does the contractor also need to coordinate with the DEQ to do all of the paperwork, archeology and wildlife studies, and so on to open a Limited Mining Operation? Or has the FS already opened an LMO or small mine for this site? As I read the documents it seems the FS would like the contractor to open, operate and reclaim the mine within the project window; is this correct? Would the mine be in the FS’s name or the contractor? Also, logistically working with the DEQ and lead times it may be difficult to accomplish in one year.

Answer 2: The intent of this item is to develop 30,000 tons of Grade F aggregate surface course from the Burgess Pit. The material from the 30,000 tons is intended for Item 30115 Aggregate Surface Course (11,480 CY). The remaining material shall be stockpiled at the pit. It is anticipate that a storm water permit from the DEQ The Contractor is required to furnish permits required for mining and crushing at the pit. NEPA has been done for the pit development so archeology, wildlife studies and associated activities are already covered from the NEPA. It is correct that the Contractor is expected to open, operate and reclaim the main within the project window. The mine would be in the Contractors name for the duration of the project and back to the FS when done. Permits from the DEQ could include a Land Quality Permit, Air Quality Permit and Water Quality permit. The DEQ in the Sheridan Office will likely be dealing with the permits.

1. Who is responsible for project staking? Would that be under mobilization if contractor supplied?

Answer 3: The Forest Service will stake the work items for the project along the road. It is the contractors responsibility to stake material source boundaries at the pit per the notes on page 4.

1. I traveled to investigate the project before turning in a bid yesterday, but it seems HWY 14A and FS 15 are both closed due to snow. Will bid date be changed for contractors to have a chance to look at the project?

Answer 4: The date has currently been extended until March 15, 2022 but there are currently no additional plans to extend for site visits.

1. What is the formal bid submission process for this project? I see the required document section but the last two FS bids had spelled out to email the CO all of the required documents I don’t see that in these bid documents. On page 3 of the solicitation documents it references Delivery Location, but is unclear if that is the region of the work or the place for bid submittal.

Answer 5: All quotes must be electronically by email ONLY and submitted to both the CO and the CS at the following addresses:

Lonnie D Root - Contracting Officer Lonnie.root@usda.gov

Jose Gutierrez - Contract Specialist jose.gutierrez4@usda.gov

1. Do you require a special bid bond form or will a standard form work?

Answer 6: All bonding will be required to in accordance with FAR

1. The aggregate for the road base, is that already stockpile and ready for use or does it need to be process from a natural state as well?

Answer 7: The existing stockpile at the pit is not intended for use of this project. All aggregate for surfacing shall be crushed per this contract at the pit.

1. Are the cattleguard wings supplied for the installation?

Answer 8: No these will need to be purchased by the contractor and installed by contactor.