Q and A.docx

Q&A

1. I was at the job walk at that time and there was nothing said about using a commercial source for some of the ASC. Can a contractor expand the government pit to supply enough rock for the total job? If not, does the government have a supplier list, to hand out to contractors?

Since the posting of this solicitation, we have expanded the pit boundary. We now estimate there is enough material within this expanded boundary to perform all the work in the project. To ensure there is no perception of preferential treatment of local suppliers we do not provide supplier lists. There are several pits in the Salmon that may be able to supply acceptable material.

2.The timeline to do this project is tight. Is the government willing to extend our completion date?

We will extend the period of performance to September 2027.

3. Will there be an inspector on site every day to approve road work, asc specs, and any other parts of this contract that need to be accepted before completed?

Not necessarily every day, but should the Contractor require an inspector to be on-site for work to continue we will coordinate on that. Being sure the work continues with as little interruption as possible is a priority.

4 What is the government alternative to there being a possibility of a Bentonite shortage due to supply and demand Presenting alternatives are the purview of the Contractor. The government will investigate another source of bentonite but makes no obligation or commitment to providing another source.

5.After previewing the pit and pit access, we do not think we will be able to get our crusher to the pit. Is it possible to bid this project using all commercially sourced aggregate?

Yes, you may. Also, just to note, the Contractor may perform maintenance on the road leading to pit to make room if required.

6.Additionally, if that is possible, would you be able to give us a little more time to submit our proposal?

We have extended bid due date to July 7.

7.We would like to double check the federal sources pit. It sounds like we would potentially have to blast the one pit and the other one is straight dirt.

You are more than welcome to visit the site. As stated on sheet G-09, only the East Leesburg pit is available for material extraction. The Williams Summit pit shall only be used for staging/stockpiling/camping or other use the Contractor designates.

8.We would like to know if these pits are requiring us to blast or break the rock in order to generate the material.

We have crushed out of this pit before, and blasting was not required. Though we do not exclude blasting should the Contractor find it necessary.

9. Is surveying required for this project?

Surveying will be required to mark the boundaries of the pit to be developed. Points will be provided for pit boundary.

10. Is third-party testing required for this project?

Third party testing will not be required

11. Do the Superintendent, SSHO and QC Manager need to be 3 separate individuals?

The Superintendent and SSHO may be the same person.

QC Manager must be a separate individual. Refer to FP-14 Section 153.02(a)(1).

12. Can the period of performance be extended after award once the material/equipment lead times are confirmed due to current market conditions for the equipment for this project?

We will extend period of performance to September 2027.

13. Are soil boring reports available? If not, it will be assumed that excavation will be clear of rocks and obstructions.

We’ll share what data we have on previous crushing we have done out of this pit.

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

There are drafting locations designated that are indicated on sheet G-02 of the plans and attachment J3. Be sure to follow all drafting requirements specified on sheets G-11 and G-12.

15. What are the limitations for construction intervals (for proposed road work)?

Please clarify this question.

16. Is this project tax exempt?

This is not tax exempt, but you can include the tax in your bid price.

17. When do you anticipate on site work starting?

We expect work to start next year, but the Contractor may start this year if they wish

18. Are third party inspections required?

No, it will just be US Forest Service inspectors

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

The Contractor will only be required to stockpile overburden from pit development for eventual pit restoration. But the Contractor will not be required to perform pit restoration.

20. If the specifications cannot be met by the rock crushing from the pit, can the entire project include rock from another source that meets the specs?

Yes. Though we have crushed out of this pit before and it provides good rock.

21. Is an SWPPP required?

Not required for this project

22. Is silt fencing and fiber rolls required along both sides of the road?

Erosion control is only required for pit development. It will only be required for the side of the road opposite the pit.

23. What is the existing roadway width? What is the desired roadway width?

The roadway width varies from 16’-20’ throughout. When performing the work, the Contractor is to match existing roadway width wherever the work is being performed.

24. Can we work on multiple locations at once?

Yes

25. Please provide lay down/staging area for construction.

Possible staging areas are indicated on sheet G-08. We can coordinate alternative spots at Contractor request.

26. Can we shut down roadway access or do we need to maintain one lane for travel?

Closure of the road is not to happen. But traffic can be delayed for up to 30 minutes with an open period of at least 5 minutes. See sheet G-04 and SOW for traffic requirements.

27. Will any rock blasting be necessary?

This pit has been used before, and no blasting has been required. Though we do not exclude blasting should the Contractor find it necessary.