C05b_Questions.pdf

Black Creek Trail Restoration Project

Questions:

1. Are there ways to bypass uncrossable points such as big rocks, creeks, or rivers? Yes, there are multiple forest service roads (and county/state roads) that intersect the trail

2. In executing this project, can one superintendent fulfill the supervision, safety, and QAQC roles? Yes

3. Are contractors required to issue a contract specific QA/QC Plan? No, but QA/QC procedures should be addressed in the technical approach.

4. Are contractors required to issue a contract specific Safety Plan? No, but safety procedures should be addressed in the technical approach.

5. Is this project tax exempt? Yes

6. Will government survey and flag trail prior to contractor performing clearing so limits of trail and work can be defined? Trail is ‘flagged’ with white diamond trail markers, recently re-done less than 6 months ago, we try to mark it so that you can see from one marker to the next.

7. Alternately, can the government provide a KMZ file of the trail to ensure proper working limits and tolerances are achieved? Yes, see attachment C05a_Black_Creek_Hiking_Trail

8. Is contractor responsible for surveying or mapping trail after clearing is performed? No

9. For items found adjacent to trail path: How far outside of trail path are fallen trees, logs, and stumps to be removed or mulched, or does contractor only address these items which are directly in the trail path itself? The requested trail width should be 60 inches which has already factored in a buffer area on either side of the trail (standard trail width requirement is 36”)

10. It is understood snags and trees which could fall into the hiking trail path will need to be addressed. In addition, does contractor address any snags or dangerous trees to either side of the path which are not going to fall into the trail path. If so, how far to either side of the trail does the work extend? No, if the tree does not pose a direct hazard of falling into the trail it does not need to be addressed. The requested trail width should be 60 inches which has already factored in a buffer area on either side of the trail (standard trail width requirement is 36”)

11. When is the final day to submit RFI Questions as they were due the day after the solicitation was posted to SAM.gov? 8/3/2027 1:00 pm

12. Why are we not doing the trail section that is in the wilderness area? Under the Wilderness Act of 1964 in the United States, the use of motorized equipment, mechanical transport, power tools, chainsaws etc. is strictly prohibited in designated wilderness areas.

13. Are there any hazards on the trail like washouts, large rock, ravines? With portions the trail being adjacent to Black Creek, there is always a chance for a washout to occur, upon last inspection no washouts were identified. There are also ravines that will either need to be crossed

Black Creek Trail Restoration Project or use alternative methods such as the numerous forest roads throughout the area to go around any ravine that may be too steep for your machinery to safely operate in.

14. Is there a PO familiar with the trail that we can speak with? Yes, project manager Melissa Perez is on duty Monday – Thursday, 0700 am – 1600 pm, (601) 723-6290. Cell service can be spotty in the field, so please leave a message or text and she will call you back when able.

15. Will the trail be marked at each and every road crossing on both sides of roadways? Yes

16. Some areas of the trail are not clearly defined and hard to determine which direction it goes.

Will the Trail be flagged prior to project commencement? The trail has recently been re-marked with the standard white diamond markers. If areas are in question staff can be made available to add flagging in these locations.

17. SOW state that a 6' X 6' opening is what is required. Will there be variances that will allow the trail to be wider in certain areas for whatever reason? As stated in the SOW: Restore approximately 29 miles of the non-wilderness portion of the BCT to standard hiking trail width (60 inches), with some allowances in width where areas have overgrowth that is greatly impeding foot traffic and safety (including overhang from bordering brush and trees approximately 5-6 feet high

18. Some slough/dicth crossing may be difficult to cross with tracked equipment. Do you know if there is access from all sides of each creek / slough to work from both directions? There are numerous forest service roads as well as public roads that provide access to the trail in many locations, so any crossings that may be difficult can be avoided by using these roads.

19. Could you please clarify if a government cost estimate or an estimated project magnitude range has been established for this requirement? No, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 12 solicitations for commercial items do not typically establish or disclose a government cost estimate or an estimated project magnitude range.