RFIs as of 27Jan2025.pdf

1240LU24R0012 Region 4 Road and Bridge MATOC Questions and Answers

AS OF 1/27/2025

The purpose of this document is to provide up to date questions and answers for the solicitation.

Any answer resulting in a change to the solicitation terms will be further posted as an amendment to the solicitation and ALL amendments must be acknowledged by offerors. Instruction for acknowledging amendments will be in the amendment itself when issued. This document will be updated throughout the solicitation process.

GENERAL SOLICITATION QUESTIONS

1. Can we submit an offer on more than one of the seed projects?

Answer: Yes, you must submit on a minimum of one project and may submit on others.

2. Does the Forest Service intend to award any of the seed projects, or will the proposals just be used for evaluation for future projects?

Answer: The intent is that the seed projects will be awarded as the first Task Orders of the MATOC. (Page 41/48 of the solicitation)

3. How much work can be subcontracted?

Answer: See FAR Clause 52.219-14

4. Onsite construction management: Can one person wear multiple hats for example, Superintendent, QCM, and Safety?

Answer: Yes

5. Are we to follow the requirements found in FP-24 Standard Specifications for all projects in this MATOC?

Answer: FP14 until the Forest Service adopts the FP24.

6. All projects: Can excess native material be stockpiled onsite after project completion?

Answer: Excess material shouldn’t be left in stockpiles on-site. Excess native material should be wasted on-site within the disturbed construction area.

7. All projects: Are we required to provide special inspections such as compaction testing by a certified inspector?

Answer: Special inspections requirements for each project are identified in the FP-14 and Forest Service Supplemental Specifications.

8. Are there any of the seed project task orders where camping on or near the jobsite will NOT be allowed?

Answer: Camping may be requested and considered on all seed projects. The Causey project at this time is unlikely to have an approved camp permit issued.

9. On Schedules of Items, where the method of measurement is designated as "CQ," please confirm that the bidders will be responsible for the cost of the stated quantities PLUS up to 15% over the contract quantities before any change order or modification for additional materials might be considered by the government.

Answer: Refer to FSSS 109.02 (b): “Contract quantities will be adjusted only when there are errors in the original design of 15% or more.”

NORTH FRITZ CREEK

1.Is this project tax exempt? No

2. For the duration of the project please confirm we are able to shut down the road and access.

a. Will a detour need to be provided by the contractor or USDA?

Answer: See subsection 156.05 of the Forest Service Supplemental Specifications for this project. The 1-mile section of Forest Road (FR) 195 may be closed between FR 199 and FR 171.

A detour is not required.

3. Please confirm when contractors are allowed to start work.

a. It was mentioned at the site visit our window is limited due to fish activity.

Answer: September 15 – April 30 is the in-stream work window designated by Idaho Fish and Game. The Forest Service is working with IDFG to get a variance on the permit that would allow work to begin as early as August 1. This will not be finalized until April 2025.

4. What permits are required for the contractor to pull if any?

a. Dewatering, etc.

Answer: See subsection 107.02 of the Forest Service Supplemental Specifications for this project. The Forest Service will obtain the permits required to perform the in-stream work. The contractor will be required to comply with the requirements of the permits. All work below the ordinary high-water mark is considered in-stream work.

5. Plans mention that staking and surveying will be performed by Forest Services, please confirm no additional surveying or staking is required by the contractor.

Answer: The contractor is responsible for surveying and staking necessary to complete the project. The Forest Service will set stakes to indicate the location of stream channel features (crescent weirs) and the locations where constructed stream banks tie into existing stream banks.

6. Will the contractor be allowed remove trees/shrubs as need for construction if they are prohibiting access?

a. Assuming this will need to be approved prior.

Answer: Generally, yes, the contractor will be allowed to remove trees/shrubs to gain reasonable access to complete the work. Some vegetation may need to be salvaged (typically only willow clumps) and transplanted into the constructed banks outside of the structure. The COR will work with the contractor to determine what vegetation can be removed and what needs to be salvaged.

7. Can the maximum consecutive days of closure be extended due to manufacture delays or other product delays unforeseen?

Answer: Requests will be handled on a case-by-case basis and would need to be beyond the control of the contractor.

8. Pg. 3 of drawings show “bid option 2 adds 6” aggregate surface course” please confirm if this is required as feathering out road to meet minimum coverage over culvert will likely encompass this.

Answer: The 6 inches of aggregate surfacing mentioned on page 3 of the plans is included in the Schedule of Items under Option 1. If Option 1 is exercised, this 6-inch layer will be added on top of the minimum 1.5 feet of granular fill above the culvert mentioned on page 2, resulting in a total fill of 2 feet above the culvert. The top width of the aggregate surface road should be 14 feet, as shown in the typical drawing.

9. Is there an estimated flow rate by season available for Fritz Creek crossing?

Answer: There is no flow data available for North Fritz Creek. The first 4 pictures in the North Fritz Creek Images PDF were taken during June which is typically the end of high-water season.

The first picture shows a rust line in the existing 48” culvert. These indicators may help approximate flow rates.

10. Does the forest service have any aggregate sources available for use?

Answer: The Forest does not have any aggregate sources available in the area.

11. Does the Forest Service have any requirements for bypass pipe size beyond the 24” minimum stated on drawings page 6.

Answer: No. Drawing page 6 is the typical method used. The bypass culvert should be sized for flow capacity and flow velocity to help prevent turbidity.

12. Are any soil borings available for review?

Answer: The Forest does not have any soil borings.

13. What diameter is existing culvert?

Answer: The existing culvert is 48” diameter.

14. Which CLIN should be used to capture the bypass culvert cost?

Answer: Item Number 20800 would be appropriate to use for the bypass cost.

15. Which CLIN should be used to capture the cost of installing the streambed simulation inside the culvert?

Answer: Item Number 20800 would be appropriate to use for stream simulation inside the culvert.

16. Are there any state of Idaho specific SWPPP permit requirements?

Answer: No

17. Does culvert design requirement apply to the precast footing? It appears to be a complete design.

Answer. The precast footing must be designed as part of the culvert structure and is the responsibility of the contractor.

18. Do you have the specifications for the material requested for this project?

Answer: The specification for the arch culvert structure is in FP-14 and FSSS Section 603.

Sheet 1 of the plans under General Information and Specs:

"DESIGN: THE STRUCTURE DESIGN SHALL BE PERFORMED BY THE CONTRACTOR

TO THE GEOMETRY SHOWN ON THESE DRAWINGS AND SHALL BE IN

ACCORDANCE WITH THE CURRENT EDITION OF AASHTO LRFD BRIDGE DESIGN

SPECIFICATIONS AND THE DESIGN LOADS SHOWN ON THIS DRAWING. DESIGN

LOADS: HL-93"

19. Do the footings for the culvert need to be precast or can they be cast in place?

Answer: Precast

20. Do the concrete suppliers need to actually design the footings or are they good to use the design shown in the plans?

Answer: As indicated on the plans, structure design is the responsibility of the contractor. The footer design is part of the structure design.

21. What are the dimensions of both the headwall and wingwall segments?

Answer: As indicated on the plans, structure design is the responsibility of the contractor.

Headwall and wingwall dimensions should be determined during structure design.

22. Is there water onsite that is available for construction use?

Answer: Yes. The contractor may use water from North Fritz Creek for onsite construction use.

Water use from North Fritz should be minimized to the extent practicable.

UPPER GREEN RIVER

1. What do we do when the cobble is higher than eight inches?

Answer: Refer to Section 204.09 Preparing Foundation for Embankment Construction.

2. Why is there road reconditioning (303.1) on Base Item 1 but not on Base Item 2 or 3?

What is the difference in Base Item 2 and 3?

Answer: There is no imported embankment material in Base Item 1 so road reconditioning prepares the existing embankment for a new aggregate surface coarse. Base Items 2 and 3 require imported embankment material and the existing surface should be prepared for the new embankment material according to Section 204.09 Preparing Foundation for Embankment Construction.

3. Can the equipment be washed off site prior to being mobilized in?

Answer: Yes

4. What are the regulations for mobile fuel tanks?

Answer: No specific FS regulations but must comply with all local, state, federal regulations for fuel transport and storage. Also see Fp-14 107.10 for required spill prevention plans.

5. Are there wage requirements; prevailing wages or Davis-Bacon wages?

Answer: Yes, see the TOPR for the applicable project and the applicable WD is listed.

6. The turn around areas, are we required to seed it or is that the responsibility of the forest service?

Answer: Project is utilizing previously disturbed areas only and thus reseeding is not a part of this contract.

7. Is there a warranty on this project?

Answer: Please refer to clause 52.246-21 in the solicitation.

8. This project says you can have a hard shutdown for three days each. Can we shut down for 6 days in a row?

Answer: All culvert replacements shall be completed without extended closures. Scheduled delays of approximately 3 hours will be allowed. This may not occur on any weekends or holidays. Contractor shall coordinate this schedule with the CO and COR minimum 21 days prior, to properly inform the public.

9. Is there water onsite that is available for construction use?

Answer: A permit is required to pull water from the nearby Green River. Contractor is required to submit for all permits that would be needed during the life of the project. Kendall Gravel Pit location has a recently used access spot down to the river (43.249838°, -110.027268°) . Any water needed for camping related purposes should be hauled in by contractor.

10. Will we be allowed to pump water out of the creek for dust control?

Answer: Yes. The contractor may use water from North Fritz Creek for onsite construction use.

Water use from North Fritz should be minimized to the extent practicable.

CAUSEY RESERVIOR

1. Will the parking lot be paved in the future?

Answer: Yes

2. Calls for Gradation D 1", will that be State Spec Aggregate or Commercial?

Answer: The required gradation of the aggregate is specified in Table 703-2 of the Forest Service Supplemental Specifications. State specification aggregate may or may not meet the project aggregate specifications. The aggregate will need to come from a commercial source and meet all project specifications.

3. Can water be drawn from Causey Reservoir for use in construction?

Answer: Yes, but the Forest Service does not have authority for the water rights to the reservoir.

But they can contact Weber Basin Water Conservancy District to obtain a permit. There number is: 801-771-1677.

4. Does the forest service have any aggregate sources available for use?

Answer: No, the Forest Service is not providing aggregate sources.

5. Breakaway signs do not match Sheet 16 drawings. Should 4x4 wood posts or breakaway metal be used?

Answer: Breakaway metal should be used. Also sheet 16 updated in Amendment 0002 regarding breakaway metal.

6. Is the 30 CY estimate for concrete accurate, contractor assess only 7-8 CY required.

Answer: Option 2-line item 1 has been updated in the Amendment 0002 new amount is a lump sum quantity.

7. Curb and asphalt shown on concrete sidewalk cross section drawing sheet 20. Is curb required when abutting gravel?

Answer: Yes, curb needed for asphalt. Upper parking lot will be paved.

8. Does USFS have any specific tree protection requirements?

Answer: No trees will be disturbed during construction.

9. Is it the contractor responsibility to re-install concrete wheel stops upon completion?

Answer: No

10. Is a professional land surveyor required to layout centerline of trail, or can we self-perform with GPS?

Answer: The centerline of the trail can be self-performed with GPS.

11. Please provide specification reference for concrete sidewalk reinforcement requirements.

Answer: Updated in Amendment 0002, Sheet 21

COVE MOUNTAIN

1. Burn Pile for Trees: Is there a designated burn pile available for hauling trees removed during the Cove Mountain Seeding project?

Answer: No. Slash shall be lopped and scattered or used for cover on sections of road that will be closed.

2. Clarification on "Road Reconditioning": Could you provide clarification or a more detailed description in the specifications regarding "Road Reconditioning"? The plans provide details on road reconditioning, but the specifications only reference cleaning cattle guards.

Answer: Please refer to the FP-14 for specifications on roadbed reconditioning.

3. Cattle Guard Cleaning: Does this project include cleaning out cattle guards, or is that covered solely under "Road Reconditioning"? The plans appear to focus only on road reconditioning without specifically addressing cattle guard cleaning.

Answer: Please refer to the FP-14, Drawings and Schedule of Items. The FSSS are supplemental and there are no cattle guards in this project to be cleaned.

4. Clarification about the road widths on Drawing Sheet S1. The Cove Mountain Road is a single lane with a 12' travel way. The Holt Canyon Road is a double lane with the travel way of 12'. Is 12' the total width, or is it 24' considering it is a double lane? Also, on the New Castle-Pine Valley Road, it is listed as a double lane with a travel way of 28'. Would this road be 28' or 56'?

Answer: The Holt Canyon Road is a single lane road with a 12’ travel width and 1’ shoulders, totaling to a roadway width of 14’. See Sheet D1 Road Structure Terms. The New Castle-Pine Valley road has a travel way width of 28’ with 1’ shoulder, totaling to a roadway width of 30’ .

See sheet D1 Road Structure Terms.

5. Is there water onsite that is available for construction use?

Answer: There is no water onsite for construction purposes.

CHARLESTON JARBIDGE BRIDGE REPLACEMENT

1. Are there any permits that the contractor needs to get?

Answer: Contractor to obtain all necessary construction permits, including but not limited to Construction Stormwater Permit, Working In Waterways Permit and Temporary Discharge Permit.

2. Is the Culvert government supplied and if so how is it fabricated (lengths, splices, open bottom arch?) If not supplied, what are the specs?

Answer: Culvert is contractor supplied. See Sheet P-1

3. Could you give us a general description of what you are wanting for traffic control? (plastic fence, concrete barricades, sign barricades).

Answer: See Sheet P-2 and Sheet G-2 Note 18

4. Will we be allowed to pump water out of the creek for dust control?

Answer: The creek will not be available as a water source as it does not run consistently during the construction window.

5. Do you have any idea what the anticipated stream flow would be like in the August-October timeframe? Looking at it on google earth, it looks like a bypass pipe would work for dewatering, I’m just trying to figure out if an 18” bypass pipe would be enough.

Answer: Stream flows are expected to be low and intermittent during late summer and early fall.

No streamflow data is available

6. Do you have pictures of the site conditions?

Answer: Available pictures have been uploaded. See document titled Charleston Jarbidge Site Pictures.pdf added in Amendment 0002.

7. Will survey control points be provided for the roadway for Contractor's surveyors to stake? Or will Contractor's surveyor only be responsible for staking the location of the new culvert, not the roadway?

Answer: There are survey control points set at the site and identified in the drawings. The contractor is required to construction stake the roadway and culvert according to Section 152.