Q and A.docx

1. What is the anticipated Notice to Proceed (NTP) date, and how does it align with the July 1, 2025, start date mentioned in the specifications? We would prefer that the project begin the first or second week of Aug.

1. Can the existing campground toilets be used by workers throughout the entire construction period, or will temporary facilities be required once demolition begins? Yes the local facilities will be available for the workers.

1. Is there a designated staging or laydown area for materials and equipment, and what is the process for receiving approval to set up trailers or work camps onsite? There will be the availability to stage on site as well as the large parking area south of the main Joes valley CG. The local District Ranger will approve extended camping forms for crews that will be camping and working onsite.

1. Will the government provide water access from the nearby reservoir for construction needs, and are there any known fees or permitting processes involved? The Forest Service does not have the ability to approve use of the water from the reservoir, the water in the reservoir is managed by the Emery Water Conservancy District, if use of the water is desired we would recommend contacting them to see if something can be worked out.

1. Is any geotechnical information or subsurface investigation data available for site grading, road base work, or retaining wall installation? No there is not any additional geotechnical information available. The Forest Service representative will be available if there appears to be geotechnical issues.

1. What specific submittals are required prior to the start of each work phase (e.g., erosion control, staking, demolition, chip seal)? Is there a submittal log or schedule available? Submittals would include chip seal materials, gravel for pads and or supplies that would be used for construction.

1. Can barrier rocks be sourced from a commercial quarry of our choice, or must they be reviewed and approved by the COR prior to procurement? Commercial quarry of choice would be preferred, this would be a submittal item that the Forest Service would like to review to approve material to be used.

1. For Optional Bid Item #4 (Campground Sites – Contractor Furnished), are there minimum specifications or model types required for the fire rings, picnic tables, and utility tables? No, these are the proposed items that the recreation staff would like to see at this location.

1. Can bidders submit alternative or value-engineered proposals for optional bid items (e.g., different fire ring models or alternate hydrant materials), and if so, how should these be presented? No, these are the proposed items that the recreation staff would like to see at this location.

1. Are there any specific Buy American Act or other domestic sourcing requirements applicable to this project, particularly for materials like picnic tables, signage, or hydrants? I am not aware of this. Though we anticipate that the items called out in the plans are American Made.

1. What are the expectations for traffic control and signage during construction, particularly with respect to accommodating recreational vehicles (RVs) and trailers? The Campground will be closed during construction, the traffic control or signage will be to inform traffic on adjacent roads that there will be construction traffic on and off of the roadway, or construction ahead.

1. Will award be made on the basis of the lowest total price including all optional bid items, or will each optional item be considered separately based on available funding?-The award will be based on the total of all option items

1. What is the procedure if a discrepancy is discovered between the drawings and the specifications during bid preparation? Should questions be directed to the Contracting Officer or submitted as formal RFIs? Question should be submitted to the Contracting Officer in an RFI format.

1. Is there a specific format or platform required for submitting submittals, daily reports, or safety documentation, such as an online portal or email protocol? There is not a specific platform required.

1. Does the contractor need to submit a formal Safety Plan, Spill Containment Plan, and Stream/Reservoir Protection Plan prior to mobilization, and are these plans subject to USDA Forest Service approval? Since we will be working close to the water body, we would like to see a form of spill and water protection plan before major construction would begin.