Big Smoky Admin Site - Q and A - Sign in Sheet.pdf

GAOA Big Smoky Admin Site Improvements Pre-Bid Site Visit

(July 29, 2025, 11:00 AM) Solicitation # 1240LT25R0023

Meeting notes are shown below in italics and are underlined.

1. Introductions

2. Project Overview This project will repair/reconstruct the existing sanitary sewer collection system at the Big Smoky Administrative Site. Specific work consists of 1) removing the existing sewage sludge from two sewage lagoons to facilitate installing new geomembrane liners for each; 2) cleaning the existing sanitary sewer collection system concrete structures to render free of any dirt/debris, and reconditioning existing sanitary sewer manhole channels to render smooth/uniform and reconditions/repairing existing intake/outlet structures as needed to render structurally sound and free of defects; 3) constructing new barb wire laydown fence around wastewater lagoon site perimeter, including new wire gate, to prevent unauthorized entry; 4) reconstructing the existing RV Dump Station which connects directly to this existing collection system; 5) pulverizing the existing asphalt access roadway to render a smooth/uniform aggregate surfacing; 6) constructing new aggregate surfaced access roads where specified; and 7) performing all other miscellaneous improvements as required to complete the necessary project work.

3. Project Specifications Standard Specifications – FP-14 (available online) Forest Service Special Provisions (FSSS) – Included in contract. These supplement FP-14 CSI Supplemental Specifications – Included in contract. These supplement FSSS

4. Government-Furnished Items Water drafting pump intake screen Rip Rap material

5. Anticipated Project Timeline & Considerations August 15, 2025 – solicitation closing date September 15, 2025 – anticipated start date July 10, 2026 – anticipated construction completion date

FSSS Section 108 – Prosecution and Progress FSSS Section 203 – Removal of Structures and Obstructions – Sludge

6. Questions?

Q: How stringent will we be with meeting sieve size when performing road pulverizing work?

A: Referenced supplemental specifications, specifically requirement to make two passes over the entire roadway. If entire width can be ground in one pass, then two passes would be required. If only half the existing road can be ground at a time, then a total of four passes would be required (two per half-width).

Q: Will supplemental aggregate be needed for road pulverizing effort?

A: It may be needed depending upon the amount of aggregate base that exists. A separate bid item is listed in the Schedule of Items if needed for this supplemental aggregate base material.

Q: Does the existing asphaltic liner get removed?

A: No, the existing drainrock gets pulled back and the sludge gets removed fully to expose the existing liner. The new geomembrane liner gets installed directly overtop the existing liner and then the salvaged drainrock gets reinstalled over the new liner. Care shall be taken to protect the existing liner. Once new liner and drainrock are installed, intent is to have the lagoon cell geometry match existing at the time of the original installation.

Q: What material exists underneath the existing asphaltic liner?

A: Anticipate compacted native soil.

Q: Who is responsible for seepage testing?

A: Contractor is responsible for seepage testing…referenced supplemental specifications.

Q: Is water available to fill lagoon cells to facilitate seepage testing?

A: Yes, water is available via an existing intake structure located within an upstream manhole located adjacent to Paradise Creek.

Q: Can the road be closed during construction?

A: The wastewater collection system and RV Dump Station can be fully shutdown, however the road must remain open.

Q: What is the typical open season for accessing the construction site?

A: Access to the construction site typically runs between the middle of May until around the middle/end of November.

Q: Is there a keyway for the liner top to hold in place?

A: No keyway is required. The Contract Documents note the liner extents and the weight of the drainrock is meant to hold the liner in place.

Q: Does the liquid from the upper cell drain to the lower cell when opening closure valve?

A: Most all does. Referenced the pictures attached as part of the solicitation.

Q: Does existing drainrock get salvaged and reused once new geomembrane liner is installed?

A: Yes. Supplemental drainrock will likely be needed too, hence the respective bid item.

Q: Are new manhole frames and lids required?

A: No, existing manhole frames and lids remain and simply get adjusted to grade and new concrete collar cast.