C05a RFI QA 1240LT26Q0049.docx

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

Request For Information (RFI) Form

1240LT26Q0049

Mesa Falls Boardwalk Caribou-Targhee National Forest

RFI #1 – The handrail is continuously welded with no breaks. Can we cut the handrail and re-weld if we need to?

The handrail may be cut for the contractor’s convenience. If you choose to do so, the affected railing will need to be re-welded and painted at no additional cost.

RFI #2– Some deck boards have a hole mortised for the rail post. It appears the handrail was inserted into the mortise during construction before it was welded together. How do you want that handled?

Preferred method is to maneuver the board with the handrail disconnected so it can fit in the mortise. If that is not feasible, notch the affected boards and then reattach the notched-out piece with fasteners and glue.

RFI #3 - Do you want the pressure treated boards incised or smooth?

Not indicated in specifications. Prefer smaller incisions if there is a choice.

RFI #4 – How will timing work? What if materials aren’t available before September 8.

The access road will be closed for two weeks in August for road repair and chip seal. Work on the boardwalk may commence as soon as the road is re-opened. The site will likely be snowed out by first week of November. If work cannot be completed prior to snow, the site will need to be made safe for access and can be completed in the Spring. If the project cannot be started in September 2026 due to material availability it will need to start in September 2027 instead.

RFI #5 – In the specifications, section C 1.7 the estimated start date is 1/15/26. NOTE: ON-SITE WORK MAY NOT BEGIN UNTIL SEPTEMBER 8, 2026 AND MUST BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO NOVEMBER 12, 2026. WEATHER WILL NOT ALLOW EXTENSIONS OF THIS TIMEFRAME!

Section C 1.8 says contract time is 301 days but the SF1442 lists the period of performance as 90 days (after NTP). Can you please clarify the start date, period of performance, and completion date?

The start date will be 10 days after the POP on the signed contract. Work shall be completed within 90 days of the NTP and completed no later than November 12, 2026.

RFI #6 – It is our understanding there are other projects being performed at the site (trails paving, parking lots) and could continue through mid-October. Will this impact the start date of the boardwalk project?

No. The road work will be completed prior to the boardwalk project starting.

RFI #7 – Our suppliers have informed us that the special-order pressure treated 2 1/2 in thick radius edged deck boards have a lead time of at least 15 weeks. This will have an effect on start date. Will the FS make a PoP allowance for material lead times?

If the project cannot be started in September 2026 due to material availability it will need to start in September 2027 instead.

RFI #8 - We have some concerns regarding this project and wanted to share the information with you.

We have had several subcontractors walk the project and the general consensus is that the imposed conditions for this project are difficult at best. Most importantly, the calendar timing, time limits, and the highly unreasonable constraints and impositions are problematic. Given the short notice, shortened preparation, mobilization, and lead times for this highly complex, physically difficult, and focus-intensive project—especially occurring at the end of the most favorable working weather, in a difficult-to-access location, and under next-to-impossible, high-pressure time constraints—most contractors feel the risk is too high to provide estimates. Those that will provide an estimate are adding significant contingency costs.

Reviewing the current conditions and requirements, the cost to the government could be 4-5 times greater than if the project were moved to next year and stretched out with a sequenced completion schedule. With some planning regarding how the overall project schedule is structured, the end result would be a cost savings, a safer work environment, and give a higher quality finished product. This project requires careful execution, maximum attention to detail, and well-thought-out steps rather than being rushed all at once on an unusually-compressed timeline.

Is the government willing to entertain alternate proposals with a phased approach in 2027?

The government anticipates a start an award sometime in fiscal year 2026 with a start date in August of 2027. Planned sequencing of all work including the major tasks and timelines is required for your technical approach but the overall detailed scheduling of the work will be agreed upon during the submittal process when the proposed scheduled is provided by the awardee.

RFI #9 - Does the Government still consider $250,000 to $500,000 an accurate magnitude for the complete scope?

The magnitude of this requirement has been adjusted to BETWEEN $500,000 AND $1,000,000.

RFI #10 - Requirement for the project to be ready for use within 90 calendar days after Notice to Proceed.

We anticipate the work to take 90 days after the NTP. The NTP will not be issued until material is in place and the site can be accessed safely. We anticipate the awardee to complete the submittal process during the award POP but before the NTP is issued.