1240LT25R0019-0002 Amendment_QA_Responses_071625.docx

1240LT25R0019-0002 GAOA FLAMING GORGE WATER SYSTEM REPLACEMENT

ASHLEY NATIONAL FOREST

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q1 - Is there a location that we can get construction water from?

A1 - Contractor needs to be prepared to provide construction water. However, the Forest Service can provide that water depending on the time of the year that water is being requested. If the water is requested during the operational period of the water system (typically between Memorial Day and Labor Day) then the Forest could provide that water via the system pipeline. Coordinate with the COR during the operational period of the water system for those needs. Otherwise, the contractor shall provide water for construction water.

Q2 - Is there a location that we can get water for testing from?

A2 - Contractor needs to be prepared to provide water for pressure testing and disinfection of the new line. However, the Forest Service can provide that water depending on the time of the year that water is being requested for those testing needs. If the water is requested for testing during the operational period of the water system (typically between Memorial Day and Labor Day) then the Forest could provide that water via the system pipeline. Coordinate with the COR during the operational period of the water system for those testing needs. Otherwise, the contractor shall provide water for those testing needs.

Q3 – Topographic Survey Accuracy The plans note that topography is based on aerial photogrammetry and not suitable for determining construction elevations. Will the government provide any ground-verified benchmarks or surveyed control points before construction begins?

A3 - No. Notes 4 and 5 on Sheet W-1 describe the expectations of establishing necessary benchmarks using the reservoir level as a reference elevation. Note the high water level found on the profile view of Sheet W-8. This corresponds to the reservoir elevation records available from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation described in note 5 of Sheet W-1. When the contractor sets benchmarks, they must be established using the high water elevation calculated from the water level on the day of the Contractor’s survey. This is to be treated as an independent project datum. Bureau water levels DO NOT directly correspond to commonly used national and state survey datums. Therefore, do not use such datums.

Q4 – Pipe Slope and Elevation Requirements Section W-1 note #9 specifies all waterline be sloped a minimum of 1%. Are there any exceptions, such as near pressure reducing valves (PRVs), air-vacuum relief valves (AVRs), or hydrants, where slope may vary?

A4 - No exceptions are expected. See PRV notes in the plans such as “PRV #9 Notes” on Sheet W-7 as an example.

Q5 – Existing Utility Locations Are detailed utility location maps or as-built drawings available for verification of buried utilities prior to excavation? Or is the contractor responsible for potholing and verifying utility locations?

A5 - See Note 6 on Sheet W-1. Better accuracy can be found for some utilities by calling for locations as is required by law before digging.

Q6 – PRV and AVR Elevation Tolerances Given the pressure sensitivity of PRVs and AVRs, is there a specific elevation tolerance (e.g., ±0.1') required for their installation to ensure proper function?

A6 - Such information is found in the plans.

Q7 – Tracer Wire System Specifications Please clarify the required specifications for tracer wire, including type, gauge, color, and method of installation. Is a direct burial rated tracer wire with access points required at each utility box?

A7 - Such information is found in the specifications.

Q8 – Utility Outage Coordination What is the required advance notice period to the Contracting Officer for planned water service interruptions? Are there any restricted time windows for outages, particularly affecting the Marina?

A8 - Such information is found in the plans and specifications.

Q9 – Access in Environmentally Protected Area Can limited foot or ATV traffic be permitted for survey and layout in the protected area prior to constructing the new bypass access road? If so, under what conditions and approvals?

A9 - Such information is found in the plans.

Q10 – Water Source for Hydrostatic/Bacteriological Testing Will a water source be provided by the government for pressure testing and disinfection of the new lines, or is the contractor responsible for providing and hauling water to the site?

A10 - Contractor needs to be prepared to provide water for pressure testing and disinfection of the new line. However, the Forest Service can provide that water depending on the time of the year that water is being requested for those testing needs. If the water is requested for testing during the operational period of the water system (typically between Memorial Day and Labor Day) then the Forest could provide that water via the system pipeline. Coordinate with the COR during the operational period of the water system for those testing needs. Otherwise, the contractor shall provide water for those testing needs.

Q11 – Submittal Turnaround Times Will the 14-day review period for all submittals (as outlined in Section 013300) be enforced for all items, including long-lead materials, or can expedited reviews be requested?

A11 - The 14-day review period for submittal review as discussed in Section 013300 remains the contract requirement. However, with submittals now being transmitted and accepted via email, the turnaround time typically is considerably less than 14 days. The Forest Service does all it can to turn around submittals in a more timely manner and will do so on this project. However, the specification requirement in Section 013300 remains the contract requirement.

Q12 – Mobilization Payment Terms Section 011900 states that mobilization payment will not exceed 10% of the original contract amount. If mobilization costs exceed that percentage, can an alternate payment schedule be negotiated?

A12 - All information can be found in the referenced spec.

Q13 – Staging Area Expansion If more space is needed than originally designated for staging operations or pipe layout, may the contractor request to expand the approved area? What is the process for such a request?

A13 - The process for requesting and obtaining approval for staging area(s) is by requesting to the CO. This is typically done through coordination with the COR on site. We anticipate having more than sufficient staging areas for this project with the availability of 3 to 5 locations that have been identified along the Cedar Springs Road.

Q14 – Worker Housing or Trailer Use Given that no overnight camping is permitted on site, are there designated off-site accommodations approved for crew trailers? Could exceptions be considered for remote team housing?

A14 - Local housing could be any of the following: There are local hotels & motels in Dutch John, Greendale Junction, Manila, and Vernal. Campgrounds for crew trailers would be available at Deer Run CG and Cedar Springs CG (both along Cedar Springs Road), or others by Greendale Junction, or any other campground on the Forest. There would be the same fee payment at those campgrounds as the public pays. If it is during the time period that campgrounds are closed then arrangements could be made to stay without the fee payment but without water and bathroom facilities. Dispersed Camping anywhere along the Forest road network is permitted, with a 16-day maximum stay prior to moving to another site, per the Ashley Forest Travel Management Plan.

Q15 – Traffic Control and Road Closures Will the Forest Service provide a detailed phasing plan or map for closure of roads, trails, or campground areas, particularly to ensure public access to Cedar Springs Marina remains open?

A15 - Generally, such information is found in the plans and specifications. Coordinate necessary closures with the Forest and CO.

Q16 – Measurement of Excavation Items Is trench excavation for waterline included in the unit cost of the pipe items (e.g., LF of HDPE), or will it be measured and paid under a separate excavation item?

A16 - Such information is found in the specifications.

Q17 – What happens if rock is encountered during excavation?

A17 – Refer to Section 312000 EARTHWORK 3.6 EXCAVATION GENERAL AND 3.9 EXCAVATION FOR UTILITY TRENCHES – Excavation & Trenching to be paid at SOI Unit Prices regardless of the type of material being excavated and/or trenched – “…regardless of the character of surface and subsurface conditions encountered, including rock, soil materials, and obstructions. No changes in the Contract Sum or the Contract Time will be authorized for rock excavation or removal of obstructions.”

Q18 – Quantity Variation Thresholds If actual installed quantities vary by more than 15% from the Designed Quantities (DQ), will this require a contract modification or be handled through administrative quantity adjustments?

All changes from the original contract require a modification authorized by the Contracting Officer.

Q19 – Optional Items Activation Timing What is the latest point in the schedule the government can activate optional bid items without impacting the project critical path?

Per the solicitation, optional bid items need to be exercised within 90 days.