1240LU26Q0010Mar5QuestionsAnswers.pdf

Ninemile Water & Wastewater and St. Regis Wastewater Improvements Lolo National Forest, Solicitation: 1240LU26Q0010

02/18/2026, Updated 2/25/2026, Updated 3/5/2026 (highlighted areas changed from update on 2/25/2026)

Submitted questions and answers:

1. Q: Insurance Requirements - Could you please confirm the required insurance limits (general liability, automobile, umbrella, workers compensation) and whether those requirements will be included in the award document? A: Per 52.236-7 Permits and Responsibilities located in the solicitation, contractor must comply with state laws which will govern insurance requirements.

2. Q: Liquidated Damages - Are liquidated damages applicable to this contract? If so, could you confirm the daily rate and whether specific milestone or substantial completion dates will be identified? A: There are no liquidated damages associated with this contract.

3. Q: Contract Performance Period - Could you please confirm the anticipated contract duration and whether milestone deadlines will be established at award? A: The contractor may begin work as soon as contract is awarded and after receipt of bonds and issuance of notice to proceed. All work shall be complete by October 1, 2027.

There are not any set milestone deadlines, but the contractor must ensure water and wastewater systems are functioning throughout the life of the contract, except for short, pre-approved windows. See 01730 – 3.1B and 02232 – 3.3C Existing Utility Interruptions: Do not interrupt utilities serving facilities occupied by Government or others unless permitted under the following conditions and then only after arranging to provide temporary utility services according to requirements indicated: 1. Notify Contracting Officer not less than two days in advance of proposed utility interruptions. 2. Do not proceed with utility interruptions without Contracting Officer's written permission.

4. Q: Warranty Period - Will the warranty be governed by FAR 52.246-21 (Warranty of Construction), or should we follow the warranty period referenced within the incorporated Montana Public Works Standard Specifications? A: The warranties are the same but the government will follow FAR 52.212-4 (r) Order of precedence.

5. Q: DBE Requirements - Are there any DBE participation goals or reporting requirements associated with this procurement? A: No there are no DBE participation goals.

6. Q: Dispute Resolution - In the event of a dispute, should we assume the contract will be administered under the Contract Disputes Act and applicable FAR clauses, or are there additional dispute resolution provisions we should be aware of? A: Per 52.212- 4 (e) Disputes this contract is subject to 41 U.S.C. chapter 71, Contract Disputes.

7. Q: Experience and Qualification Submittals - The Ninemile Technical Specifications reference providing contractor and subcontractor qualifications within five (5) days of request under MPWSS Articles 3.1 and 6.06, while the solicitation instructions require submission of five (5) project narratives with the quotation.

To ensure we provide the appropriate documentation at the correct time, could you please confirm:

Whether only the five (5) project narratives are required with the quotation; and

Whether the additional qualification and subcontractor information would be requested after award or during responsibility review?

A: The 5 project narrative is required as part of the quotation and the additional qualifications are required after award.

8. Q: Bid Bond Form - Should the bid guarantee be submitted using the FAR Standard Form 24 (SF 24) consistent with FAR 52.228-1, or is a specific Montana Public Works bond form preferred? A: Submit bid bond on the SF24.

9. Q: Contractual Hierarchy - Since the solicitation is issued under FAR Part 12 while incorporating the Montana Public Works Standard Specifications, we would appreciate confirmation on how any potential inconsistencies between those documents should be interpreted. A: The government will follow FAR 52.212-4 (r) Order of precedence.

10. Q: I'd like to request the cad files for this project so we can perform an accurate 3d takeoff. A: The government does not supply the CAD files during the solicitation phase. The files may be provided after award, as requested to the successful company

Updated 2/25/2026

11. Q: Please provide available record drawings, as-built information, or confirm the following existing utility sizes:

a. Existing water distribution line size associated with Specification Section 02660. A: Sheet 9 of the Ninemile Plans (Attachment 5) for existing water main size.

b. Connection sizes at the existing water storage tanks (Spec Item 02660-8). A:

Existing connections are 6”, proposed connections are 4”. (Ninemile)

c. Connection sizes at the existing chlorination building piping (Spec Item 02660-9) A: Existing connections are 6”, proposed connections are 4”.

(Ninemile)

d. Existing water main size to be cut, plugged, abandoned, and/or tied into (Spec Item 02660-10). A: Sheet 9 of the Ninemile Plans (Attachment 5) for existing water main size.

e. Existing sewer force main size to be cut and plugged (Spec Item 02730-4). A:

Unfortunately we have been unsuccessful in verifying the size of the existing force main. Contractor will have to purchase the appropriately sized plug upon excavation. (Ninemile)

12. Q: Additionally, for Specification Item 02665-3 – HDPE Bypass System for Tanks (pipe, meter and valves), we were unable to locate drawings or quantity information that defines the expected pipe sizes, valve quantities, or meter requirements. Please provide any drawings, details, or performance criteria necessary to price this work.

A: See sheet 14 of the Ninemile Plans (Attachment 5) to verify quantities, sizes, etc.

of the bypass systems. Details of the meter are on sheet 22

13. Q: The Special Provisions indicate that the project design relied on a Professional Consultants, Inc. Soils Report for the Ninemile Remount Depot dated 10/30/2023, however this report does not appear to be included in the solicitation documents.

The documents provided include limited test pit and soil profile information extending to approximately 8 feet below ground surface, while portions of the proposed septic system, manholes, and sanitary sewer are anticipated to extend to depths of approximately 12–17 feet. A: The full extent of the results from PCI’s investigation are included in SP-03 in the Ninemile Specs (Attachment 3) and were intended for drainfield design—it was not a full geotechnical investigation.

14. Q: To better understand subsurface conditions and potential construction risks, please provide clarification on the following:

a. Full Geotechnical / Soils Report - Please provide the complete geotechnical or soils investigation report(s) referenced in the specifications, including any borings, groundwater observations, and geotechnical recommendations used for design. A: Geotechnical investigation was not conducted. See SP- 04 and SP-32 in the Ninemile Specifications (Attachment 3) for soil investigation information.

b. Groundwater Assumptions - The soil profiles indicate that groundwater was not encountered to the depth of the test pits (~8 ft).

i. What groundwater elevations or seasonal groundwater conditions were assumed by the Engineer for design of the deep sanitary sewer, septic tank, and manholes? A: See SP-35 in the Ninemile Specs (Attachment 3) for groundwater information.

ii. Is groundwater anticipated to be encountered at depths below the explored test pits? A: See SP-35 in the Ninemile Specs (Attachment

3) for groundwater information.

15. Q: Expected Dewatering Requirements - The specifications state that the Contractor is responsible for dewatering operations as necessary.

a. Can the Government/Engineer provide any available information regarding expected groundwater conditions, seepage, or anticipated dewatering needs? A: See SP-35 in the Ninemile Specs (Attachment 3) for groundwater information.

b. Were any dewatering assumptions included in the engineer’s estimate or design basis? A: Dewatering planning, execution and any potential permitting, will be the responsibility of the contractor per SP-15 in the Ninemile Specs (Attachment 3). Dewatering costs are to be incidental to the respective bid items in accordance with Section 01275.

16. Q: I am looking for quantities for the Lolo National Forest project. Specifically, how many Pumps. basins, and control panels are you looking for? A: All quantities are listed in the Schedule of Items, which has been uploaded as part of this solicitation.

Specific information about the pumps etc. can be found in the Plans for both Ninemile and St. Regis.

17. Q: I am looking on clarification for the Buy American Domestic clause on Project 1240LU26Q0009: Lolo National Forest: Ninemile Water and St Regis Wastewater improvements. A: FAR 52.225-9 Buy American-Construction Materials (Nov 2025) and FAR 52.225-10 Notice of Buy American Requirement- Construction Materials (May 2014) are included in Attachment 1 Terms and Conditions part of the solicitation.

18. Q: We believe a better fence would be as follows: 3-rail, half-round rail fence; 4 ?”

half-round rails screwed to 6” driven posts driven 3”-4” deep. From the mill, rails are made 16 ?” long - posts are driven 8’ on center. Rails can be attached to the posts in the staggered fashion every 16’ as detailed and as existing. This style better matches the existing fence, we believe is a better build and also would cost less than the fence as currently detailed. A: See Amendment 004 for change. Contractors must acknowledge receipt of amendment at the time of quote. The main objective with the fence is to match the existing fencing it will abut. Contractor will need to verify existing fencing material sizes and dimensions. (Ninemile)

19. Q: We would like to provide an HDPE structure alternate for all the concrete structures on this project. A: The government is not approving alternate structures, concrete manholes are required for this contract. Montana DEQ hasn’t approved the HDPE manholes in Montana yet.

20. Q: In the Project Notes #4 it says the new water line and sewer force main is required to be insulated. In the insulation detail it shows the top insulation board to be 8' wide. That would require a 8' wide trench. Also, this can't be accomplished if the contractor is going to plow in the pipe. Can you please clarify if the insulation is required? Typically you don't use insulation board if it is buried 6.5 '. The detail is on page 24 of the Nine Mile plans. A: Insulation board is only required where the minimum bury depth cannot be achieved, such as the line coming to the surface at a pressure cleanout. The 8ft width dimension is incorrect on detail 2/24 in the Plans.

The Forest Service will accept 4ft width of blueboard over water and wastewater piping wherever it is required. See Amendment 4 for change. Contractors must acknowledge receipt of amendment at the time of quote

21. Q: Bid Item 02660-6 shows as a quantity of 1EA on the bid schedule, while in the specs it is denoted as being 1 Lump Sum. Can you please clarify the Unit, Quantity, and scope for this bid item? A: Item 02660-6 unit shown on the schedule of items is incorrect and should be changed to Lump Sum (LS). This includes the work for BOTH the upper and lower tank metering manholes. This bid price should include all work outlined in Section 01275 1.4.N Measurement and Payment. See Amendment 004 for change. Contractors must acknowledge receipt of amendment at the time of quote.

(Ninemile)

22. Q: Wastewater

a. Is there a sewer flow rate available for Ninemile and St. Regis A. See Note 1 on detail 2/17 on sheet 17 of the Ninemile plans (Attachment 5), and Note 1 on sheet 17 of the St. Regis plans (Attachment 6).

b. Is a licensed plumber required to connect the sewer services A. A licensed plumber is not required for this work at either site.

c. In the Ninemile specs - SP-19 Item 2. Notes a sewer force main to be placed in Munger Road, I have not found this in the plans A. The Munger Road reference is incorrect in the Specifications. The force main will cross an unnamed road on the Ninemile Ranger District property. See sheet 5 of the plans for an aerial view of the force main. See Amendment 004 that removes SP-19 Item 2. Contractors must acknowledge receipt of amendment at the time of quote.

23. Q: MISC

a. Is any asphalt restoration anticipated for sched 1 or sched 2 A. No asphalt disturbance is proposed for Ninemile or St. Regis. See details 4/22 and 5/22 for surface restoration information.

b. Are there existing irrigation systems that the contractor should expect to encounter A. All existing utilities are shown throughout the plans for Ninemile and St. Regis.

c. Is there a contact for the electrical utility to discuss coordination A.

NorthWestern Engery is the electric utility provider for both Ninemile and St.

Regis.

d. Ninemile specs - SP-25 Field Offices Notes all electrical and heating bills are the responsibility of the contractor. 1240LU26Q0010, Attachment 2 - Temporary facilities and Utilities - "Water and Electrical are available to the contractor at no cost." Which is correct in regard to electrical hook up of the Field Office? A. Water and electrical will be available at no cost to the contractor. Contractor shall coordinate with COR and District when if planning to use more than 1000 gallons a day to avoid depleting the District’s limited water storage supply. Amendment 004 removes SP-25 from Field Office Notes. Contractors must acknowledge receipt of amendment at the time of quote.

e. Is construction water available for both sched 1 and sched 2 A. Yes, water will be available at no cost for both Ninemile and St. Regis.

24. Q: Electrical Related Ninemile -

a. plans show two styles of backboard, one Unistrut and one powder coated steel backboard. Which style is needed? A: There is only one style of backboard shown on the electrical plans - the powder-coated steel backboard. However, either style is acceptable.

b. 120V power for Tank alarm float, can power be tapped off Dose tank power or do is power to be run to from the adjacent building. A: Per the plans, power shall be provided from the nearest available power source. If the dose tank power is the nearest, it is acceptable to tap it from there. Verify circuit does not exceed 80% of the breaker rating.

c. Should tank alarm be mounted on Dose tank control panel H Frame or is additional H frame needed closer to the Septic tank. A: Mount tank alarm on the dose tank control panel H frame.

25. Q: Electrical Related St Regis

a. Can power be connected at the nearest building to the control panel locations? A: If power is available inside a building near the control panel, you may use it.

b. At the two grinder pump locations, is there power at each building that can be used? A: Yes, there is power at each building.

c. There is 1 1/4" conduit spec'ed in one location and Direct wire 6 conductor spec'ed in another. Is the intent that both types are used. A: On Sheet 18 the 1.25” conduit annotation is correct; disregard 6 Conductor direct bury annotation.

26. Q: We are in review of a Permit section ( SP-19) which includes SWPPP which is pretty standard however the rest in Government contracting is unusual that we would be required to submit and apply for a building permit and electrical permit contacting. After contacting the Missoula County permitting office they had no record of these Project. They could not give me any cost information and referred me to the county water and sewer department. Who had not record of this project.

Please verify if we must submit for these Permits Construction , Electrical and Plumbing A. See Amendment 004 that clarifies information within SP-19 of the Ninemile Specs (Attachment 3). Contractors must acknowledge receipt of amendment at the time of quote.

27. Q: Ninemile - Can you confirm the size of the primary drain field?

On sheet 5, the primary drainfield is called out as 136’x110’, and the replacement drainfield is denoted as 80’x194’. On sheet 7, the primary drainfield is called out as 80’x145’, and the replacement drainfield is denoted as 80’x195’. Based on the layout for the primary drainfield layout shown on page 18, the 110’ for the laterals seems about right, but I don’t see where the spacing for them is denoted to confirm the width. The replacement drainfield layout on page 18 says the laterals are to be 195’ long, which lines up with the size shown on sheet 7, but it states there will be 15 laterals vs 20 shown for the primary, so I don’t think the 80’ dimension for the primary is accurate. A: The Primary drain field dimensions shall be 110’x143’ per the lateral spacing dimensions shown on sheets 18 and 19. Each lateral will be 110 feet long with 20 laterals at 7’ on center (20x7’=140’) plus 1.5’ of trench on both sides of the drainfield, for a total of 143’. The dimensions on sheets 5 & 7 need to be revised to 110’x143’. The replacement drain field area should be depicted as 108’x195 to conform to the notes for the drain field dimensions on sheet 18 for the replacement drain field area. Change of dimensions are noted in Amendment 004. Contractors must acknowledge receipt of amendment at the time of quote.

28. Q: The specific question is that on Sheet 5 of 29, it calls out a Primary Drainfield and a new replacement drainfield. The replacement drainfield reference 2/18 and 80 X 194 drainfield. This detail shows the lateral pipe, orifices and chambers, but no other pipe is going to it so it is non functioning. Is this Sheet 5 only showing a future location and that this replacement field is not to be priced into Bid Item 11600-3 Drainfield.

Both St. Regis and Ninemile reference a primary and replacement drainfield. One would think the replacement drainfield is for the future, but then it shows the following notes. Based on these notes the contractor is to provide laterals, orifices, and chambers for the replacement field, but not hook it up at this point in time, but to “plumb” it for the future?

The measurement and payment just calls out drainfield with no designation between primary or replacement? A: The Replacement Drainfield is only an area of undisturbed land that is approved/designated for replacing the new Primary Drainfield, should it fail at some point in the future. The Replacement Drainfield is not to be priced into Bid Item 11600-3. The Primary drainfield will be the actual constructed drainfield serving the Ninemile compound. This is the case for St. Regis as well. See Question 18. Answer above for sizing clarification

29. Q: What are the domestic requirements for this project? Buy America, Buy American, AIS, BABA, etc? A: See answer to Question 17 above.

30. Q: The plans show connection 2-1/2” water services and curb stops. Looking at the existing ARV pictures we can see that the line coming into the vault is HDPE. 2-1/2” poly is rare, I am not sure they even make it anymore, can you confirm that the service at 27+52 and the pipe on sheet 15 are 2-1/2”. IPS poly has an od of 2.375, IPS SIDR7 poly has an od of 2.657. A. Existing line diameters are based on old water system plans. Contractor will need to field verify the actual pipe sizes and install appropriately sized connection fittings. (Ninemile)

Questions from Ninemile Site Visit held on 2/18/2026

31. Q: Capacity of each of the tanks? A. Upper 12,000 and Lower 14,000 (Ninemile)

32. Q: Where should the alarm panel be installed? A. See sheet 5 in the Ninemile plans (Attachment 5).

33. Q: Can contractors camp on site or nearby? A. Contractor may camp nearby when working on Ninemile—campsite to be identified by CO.

34. Q: Existing and proposed sewer lines overlap on the plans in some locations; how do we expect the contractors to keep providing sewer services? A: As per SP-29, the contractor is required to provide wastewater flows throughout the project in accordance with 02650 Temporary By-Pass Pumping. Wastewater service may be interrupted one time for a period of up to 8 hours. Do not interrupt water service except as approved by the CO. Portable toilets and handwash stations have been added to the schedule of items to be supplied by the contractor for the use for the district staff.

35. Q: Clarification on Whitetail Fence – A: the historic fence around the chlorinator building needs to be preserved as much as possible. If disturbance is necessary, notify the CO as soon as possible. (Ninemile)

36. Q: Will the FS pay materials and storage? A. The district lacks the necessary capacity and secure facilities required for long-term storage. Materials can only be paid when they are on site and inspected by the government.

37. Q: Brushing and slash disposal method? A. See Section 01740 in the Specifications for both sites.

38. Q: Requirements for bedding for pipe? A. See Typical Utility Trench details on sheet 23 in the Ninemile plans (Attachment 5) and sheet 22 in the St. Regis plans (Attachment 6).

39. Q: It states in the Documents to Return that we can email you the bid package. Just want to make sure that is the case. A: Yes, the quote package can be emailed to alisha.knaub@usda.gov.

40. Q: We have a technical question regarding the Terms and Conditions document (Attachment 1) and the project specifications (Attachment 3). There appears to be a conflict between the subcontractor limitations outlined in FAR 52.219-14 (referenced in Attachment 1, p. 4) and Special Provisions item SP-28 (referenced in Attachment 3, p. 20).

FAR 52.219-14 distinguishes between subcontractor limitations for general contractors (subparagraph 3) and specialty trades (subparagraph 4). SP-28, however, notes a 50 percent limitation, which typically applies only to services (excluding construction) and supplies. A: Amendment 004 deletes SP-28.

Contractors must acknowledge receipt of amendment at the time of quote.

Updated 3/5/2026

41. Q: How wide of a construction zone be allowed through the treed area of the along the 4" HDPE water main? Pay limit is 12', will a wider zone be allowed? A:

Disturbance through treed areas should be kept to a minimum. Contractor should not exceed 12’ without permission.

42. Q: In the Ninemile Plans detail 2/17 Note 6 calls for interior coating on the dose tank.

No coating is noted on St. Regis Plans sheet 17 for the dose tank. Is coating required on the interior of the dose tank for St. Regis? A: No coating is required for the St.

Regis dose tank; however, all tanks will still need to pass Hydrostatic Test procedure upon installation.

43. Q: Ninemile Specifications - SP 35 Exploratory Excavation; if directed by field order to provide exploratory excavation should this be accounted for in a bid item or will it be accounted for by change order? A: Amendment 004 removes SP 32 Exploratory Excavation. Contractors must acknowledge receipt of amendment at the time of quote. See attached Soils Investigation (Attachment 10) completed along the water main alignment for more information about the type of soil to be expected during construction.

mailto:alisha.knaub@usda.gov

44. Q: Under section 01275 Measurement and Payment, the bid item BB Bid Item16500- 1-3 has some language that looks like boilerplate from another project and seems to conflict with the special provision language. A: Amendment 004 will remove Section 01275 1.4.BB and replace with the following:

BB Bid Item No. 16500-(1-3) – TANK LEVEL MONITORING AND ALARM SYSTEM

1. Description: Installation, startup, and training for a new tank level monitoring and alarm system as described in the Special Provisions. The Contractor shall be prepared to connect the new system for the three sites (two tank sites and alarm panel) indicated on the plans. The Contractor shall provide a minimum of eight hours of training by an acceptable representative of the monitoring and alarm system. On-site startup and troubleshooting do not constitute training.

2. Work Required: The work required under this section shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

a. Furnishing and installing the alarm panel as shown on the plans;

b. Furnishing and installing hardwired communication lines with conduits along the new water main alignment for the three sites as specified;

c. Furnishing and installing panels as specified;

d. Electrical upgrades and connections necessary to serve the new monitoring and alarm system;

e. Furnishing and installing, and integrating of new radar tank level sensors to the monitoring system;

f. Coring, grouting, and fastening to the existing vault necessary for the new level sensor equipment within the existing concrete tanks;

g. Providing start-up services and operator training;

h. Providing operation and maintenance manuals;

i. All labor, tools, equipment, materials, royalties, and incidentals necessary to complete the work as specified in the Special Provisions

3. Unit of Measurement: Lump Sum and Lineal Foot for Hardwire

4. Measurement: Measurement for the TANK LEVEL MONITORING AND ALARM

SYSTEM will be by lump sum and linear foot for the hardwire at the contract unit price as indicated in the Bid Form.

5. Payment: Payment for TANK LEVEL MONITORING AND ALARM SYSTEM will be made on a percentage of the contract unit price bid per lump sum and linear foot for the hardwire as indicated in the Bid Form.