12441925Q0046 Questions and Asnwers.docx

There is an incomplete sentence in the SOW: Missing text in in quotes:

SOW 4.0 The contractor shall…. 5. … verify baffles “between cells are present”.

1. Is there a current company performing the work under this solicitation?

A: No this is a new requirement. There is no incumbent contractor.

2. What was the total award amount for the previous contract period?

A: This is a new requirement and therefore previous contract information is unavailable.

We request clarification on specific technical and contractual items in Solicitation 12441925Q0046. Each question is numbered and tied to the SOW or Instructions.

Questions Scope, Quantities, and Pricing Inputs

1. For pricing accuracy, confirm the estimated pump-out volumes for each cell (liquid and sludge/grease) and provide any historical pump tickets from prior service. Cell dimensions can be seen in the original design plans included in the solicitation. Liquid vs. grease vs. sludge quantity was not measured. In addition, Contractors may coordinate a prebid site visit if desired to ascertain existing conditions such as tank dimensions, access, scum/sludge measurements, etc. Historic pump tickets are not available.

1. Clarify the acceptance criteria for “clean.” Is this a visual inspection only, or are measurable limits such as sludge blanket percentage or TSS required? If measurable, specify the method and threshold. Visual inspection only, FOG/scum layer is removed, sludge has been removed subject to limitations of performing cleaning in an active system, as the system will be in operation new solids introduced after individual cell cleaning is completed is expected.

1. For blockage clearing (SOW reference, blockage clearing requirement), define the scope. Is water-jetting acceptable? What is the maximum linear footage per line, number of runs, and line size or material? This contract concerns the pumping/cleaning of the multi-cell tanks, potential blockages were referencing baffles/pipes between cells – see plans for locations associated with the tank.

1. For filter and screen work (SOW reference, filter/screen tasks), provide the make, model, and quantity of filters. Are there OEM cleaning procedures or pressure/chemical limits that must be followed? 3 filters - make, model, OEM procedures unknown.

1. For baffle inspection (SOW reference, baffle inspection), confirm if repair or replacement is in scope. If not, please define the change-order process and unit pricing expectations. Repair/replacement of baffles, valves, pumps, or other items is not included in the base scope of work. Notify the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) if damaged, inoperable, or ineffective components are identified during cleaning and pumping; the COR may request a cost proposal for repair of defective components, any change order requires approval by the Contracting Officer (CO).

Operations and Access

1. The SOW states the system will remain in service with isolation or bypass as needed. Please confirm allowable outage hours per cell, sequencing constraints, and any no-work windows due to other operations or odor restrictions. The WWTP is isolated from occupied buildings and areas, odor is not a large concern. General hours of work are Monday-Friday 0730-1630, the CO may authorize work outside of those hours. Outage per cell time is not defined at this time, sequencing is expected to generally follow the route the WW follows in the tank – starting with Grease Trap-> Septic Tank 1, 2, 3, sludge, filters, recirc cells, and then lift station. Discussions with selected contractor will occur post-award which may lead to alternative sequencing to achieve desired results while maintaining adequate treatment.

1. Provide site logistics including truck access, turning radius, maximum GVW, grade limitations, hose lay distances, staging areas, and availability of onsite water and power. The site does not have vehicle weight limits, adhere to State’s vehicle legal weight limits, if vehicle weights are damaging site or infrastructure, stop work and notify the CO, or implement corrective measures. The design plans show some approximate distances. If additional information on specific grades, widths, turning radii is desired the Contractor can coordinate a site visit with the Center staff to confirm this information. The WWTP is located: 45.527426046621024, -88.61749661838513, but trees obscure the access route in google maps. Onsite water/power can be utilized, available locations and capacity will require field verification.

1. Confirm confined-space entry requirements. Will the work be non-entry, permit-required? Contractor needs to make this determination based upon their intended work plan/methodology.

Waste Profiling and Disposal

1. Confirm if waste characterization is required for each cell (domestic sewage, FOG sludge, screenings). Are samples needed prior to acceptance and disposal, and are we responsible for costs? Contractor will need to conform to the State’s requirements for waste disposal, disposal methods/locations may require sampling/testing and is the responsibility of the Contractor.

1. Define the disposal documentation required, including manifest type, scale tickets versus volumetric measures, and confirm if batch consolidation across cells is acceptable. Batch consolidation across cells may be dependent on disposal location/method utilized. Specific disposal documentation is not indicated beyond quantity and location where waste is disposed of. Quantity may be by weight or volume and may be dependent of location disposal occurs as to what documentation is received from the disposal location, if the disposal location does not have a specific form; the Contractor may develop their own documentation indicating: Date, location, quantity (gallons, tons, pounds, or # of loads of a standard volume).

Schedule, Mobilization, and Acceptance

1. Clarify the policy for equitable adjustments or time extensions in the event of weather delays or operational constraints at the WWTP. Contractor must notify the CO in writing, indicating the problem and their justification for time extension for decision by the CO.

Subcontracting and Performance

1. Are key personnel approvals required for roles such as Site Supervisor and Safety Officer, or can qualified subcontractor staff serve in these roles under prime oversight? Pre-approval is not required, but designation is. The Contractor can designate subcontractors in those roles, include a description of their authority to act on behalf of the contractor in the designation.

1. Are there minimum onsite staffing levels or response time requirements during the three-week period of performance? A designated site superintendent needs to be on-site when work is in progress.

Risk and Changes

1. Define what constitutes a differing site condition under this contract (examples: collapsed baffle, inaccessible valve, unknown tie-in). Confirm whether unit-price adjustments or negotiated modifications are preferred for emergent work. As the cleaning/pumping is a lump sum, any change orders would be a negotiated process subject to approval by the CO. The definition of a differing site condition is included in FAR 52.236-2. Due to the age of the system, it is likely that some valves between cells are inoperable.

Tools and Equipment

1. Are there any prohibited methods (chemical additives, steam cleaning) and maximum jetting pressures for filter media or lined piping. Any chemical additives and other processes need to adhere to both State and Federal regulations, adjust processes if they damage existing construction.

1. Confirm hose and jetter ratings, spark arrester requirements, or other specific equipment standards. Comply with industry standards for equipment ratings on the concrete tanks monitor work and adjust process if damage to tanks or other items is occurring. Comply with industry standards for protection against fire and/or explosion – NFPA 820 and/or OSHA 29 CFR 1910/1926.

Past Performance and Lessons Learned

1. Provide details of prior awards for similar Blackwell JCCC WWTP cleaning services, including year, approximate award amount, and performance notes. Due to staffing changes, complete history is not available. The sand filter, distribution pipe, and filter lining downstream from the tanks (though recirculation occurs) was replaced in 2019, a note indicates tanks were pumped at that time however extent of pumping and waste quantities were not noted in the documentation that was found.

1. Were inefficiencies or access challenges observed in previous work such as disposal delays or odor control issues, and what improvements are expected in the sequencing plan? Unknown if issues occurred during previous work, no improvements are included in the sequencing of this contract; however see response to question 5 regarding any damage discovered during this contract.

1. Confirm if this is a re-compete or a stand-alone one-time requirement. State whether amendments since draft changed the scope. Stand-alone requirement. V-1 solicitation attachment included the original WWTP plan set.