1240LU26Q0122QandA9.14.2026.pdf

Sula & West Fork Residential Sewer Cleanouts Bitterroot National Forest, Solicitation: 1240LU26Q0122

9/3/2026, Updated 9/14/2026

Submitted questions and answers:

1. Q: The solicitation metadata indicates a 12-month Period of Performance, while the project summary details a rapid 30-day performance window from October 1 to October 30, 2026. Could the Government please clarify the exact Period of Performance and confirm if work can be performed prior to or outside of the October window to mitigate early winter weather risks at the 4,500 ft elevation sites?

A: The period of performance is as stated on page 5 of the solicitation, October 1, 2026 through October 30, 2026 and work will only be allowed during this time.

2. Q: As this is a federal construction project, could the Government confirm if Davis- Bacon Act wage determinations apply, and if so, provide the applicable Wage Determination decision number? A: Davis Bacon wages do apply and the applicable wage determination is included in the solicitation documents as Attachment 3, MT20260078 05/18/2026.

3. Q: To ensure accurate excavation pricing, equipment selection, and safety planning, could the Government provide the estimated or historical depth of the existing 6-inch clay sewer lines at both the Sula Work Center and the West Fork Ranger Station? A: For houses 1, 3, and 4 at Sula are anticipated to be 8-12 feet deep. The bunkhouses are anticipated to be 5-6 feet deep. The West Fork Residence is anticipated to be 8-12 feet deep as well.

4. Q: The solicitation notes potential compliance requirements for handling Asbestos Cement (AC) pipe. Has the Government performed testing to confirm if AC pipe is present on these specific lines, or should contractors include hazardous material abatement and disposal costs as a contingency within their firm-fixed-price proposal? A: The government did not conduct testing, and does not expect any asbestos to be present. If asbestos is discovered, it would qualify as a differing site condition and the contract could be modified to account for any additional costs.

All pipe should be Clay or PVC.

5. Q: Will the Government provide the contractor with complimentary access to on-site water and electricity at the Sula Work Center and West Fork Ranger Station for construction activities, such as compaction, dust control, and operating tools? A:

The government can provide water to fill tanks and spray some locations, but not all sites have spigots. Similarly, there are some external outlets at the buildings, but contractors should supply generators.

6. Q: Regarding the requirement to wash and treat equipment with a 15-day prior written notice, will the Forest Service perform the physical inspection at the site entrance, or is the contractor required to coordinate and complete the inspection at an off-site Forest Service facility prior to mobilization? A: Forest Staff will inspect equipment at the site entrances.

7. Q: The solicitation requires restoring all disturbed areas, including seeding and replacing topsoil/gravel. Could the Government specify the exact seed mixes, topsoil depths, or gravel gradations required to meet Forest Service restoration standards? A: For replacing grassy lawn areas, similar to a standard Kentucky bluegrass mix. The Specs call out a commercially available lawn seed mix. For any gravel areas, conserve gravel as best as possible and place back where it was.

There are no specific standards for the restoration, the government requirements are outlined in the specifications.

8. Q: Are there LD’s on this project if so, what is the cost. A: There are no liquidated damages for this contract.

9. Q: DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK/ SCOPE OF CONTRACT

(a) Description of Work states placing and pouring concrete. I do not see the called out for any concert on the plans. Can you please identify the areas. A: Please see Amendment 001 which adds plans and drawings that calls out concrete on Page 8.

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

10. Q: Is the contractor responsible for private locates or just the standard Call One locates? A: The contractor is responsible for all locates.

11. Q: Are all the existing main sewer line 6” clay? A: The government believes the lines are all clay at the Sula Work Center. The line at the West Fork Residence is

PVC.

12. Q: On the solicitation Offer Form page 1. line 13 /d. there is no days for the government to accept. A: Per page 22 of the solicitation, The Offeror agrees to hold the prices in its offer firm for 90 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers.

13. Q: On the solicitation Offer Form page 3. It states Item No. 001 is the Two-way sewer cleanouts at Sula Work Center and West Fork Ranger Station which is Mobilization on the Service & Price Form. Can we just modify the form? Please clarify. A: Submit pricing for Item 1 and Item 2 in the Services and Prices table on page 4 of the solicitation.

Updated question - 9/14/2026

14. Q: For the concrete, does it absolutely have to be bag mix or can we have it hauled and mixed by a concrete truck. A: The government doesn’t have a preference if the contractor elects to have it mixed and hauled in. It would need to be at least the same quality as the bag mix at a minimum.

15. Q: Do you know what soil type or have a description of the soil type we are working with? A: Soil type in the area is classified as very gravelly sandy loam / gravelly sand. There is hard rock adjacent to the project sites that there is potential to run into deeper into the soil.