Grindstone_questions and answers.docx

Questions for Grindstone Wastewater System Replacement Project Solicitation # 12445126B0007

1. Q: Will there be power at each campground?

A: Most campsites have 20-amp and 30-amp connections. A 240-volt connection is available at the bathhouses if needed.

1. Q: Is there a bulk water fill i.e. a hydrant or water source we can pump from for grading operations in close proximity?

A: There are hydrants in the campground that pump water at approximately 17 gallons/minute from a 20,000-gallon reservoir.

1. Q: When was the last time the pond liner was replaced?

A: 2000

1. Q: May the contractor utilize a campsite or two for the superintendent/QC provided that only water and 30-amp service is used? Example: self-contained camper/motor home.

A: Individuals, who have their own camper, RV, etc. and are working on this project, will be allowed to camp at the campground free of charge during the construction process. Electric hookups and water hookups will also be available for their use. However, please note that the water is not potable. Also, there is no sanitary service available (RV dump access, toilets). Contractor will need a permit from the Forest Service for camping.

1. Q: The Evaluation Factors attachment, along with a variety of other attachments, have been removed from SAM.gov. Please confirm that these attachments are not required to be included in the proposal and are no longer relevant.

A: Please make sure that you are selecting the latest available date from the “version” drop down menu that is located near the top right of the sam.gov page. If the latest date is not selected, the most up to date documents will not be available. “Current Record” does not necessarily mean that you are viewing the most up to date documents.

1. Q: Do the Superintendent, SSHO and QC Manager need to be 3 separate individuals?

A: They can be the same person or separate individuals.

1. Q: Please provide the site visit attendee sign in sheet.

A: It is posted on the Sam.gov page. Make sure you are selecting the most up to date version in the “version” drop down box.

1. Q: Are soil boring reports available? If not, it will be assumed that excavation will be clear of rocks and obstructions.

A: Boring tests are not available. We do not anticipate much rock that needs to be excavated because most of the sewer pipe will be in the same trench as the existing pipe. However, there is a line item in the schedule of items that accounts for potential rock excavation costs.

1. Q: Please confirm whether asbestos or lead is present on this project, and if so, provide the relevant documentation.

A: Statement of Work 5.8.2: Assessment of Asbestos & Lead Forest Service has had testing performed on the existing chemical storage shed building at the existing lagoon for asbestos and lead presence. No asbestos was detected in 5 samples taken. Lead was identified as present in the green paint on the metal doorframe of this building. No lead was detected in the CMU block (white) paint. We will post this report on the Sam.gov solicitation page.

1. Q: Does this project require phasing?

A: The Government has no limitations regarding project sequencing. Major scope elements can be done in sequence or in parallel. However, all work must be performed in coordination with requirements from our current wastewater operating permit. Information about the current licensed operator is listed in the Statement of Work, section 5.10 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations.

1. Q: When do you anticipate on site work starting?

A: Government would like the project to begin immediately after award, which should be in mid-May. The project site is ready for construction.

1. Q: Are third party inspections required?

A: Yes, there will be third party inspections including by DEQ for E&S permit compliance and lagoon closure plan, and by the engineer of record for the VDH permit. Other inspections may be required as well.

1. Q: Is permitting required?

A: Yes, please refer to the permitting section of the statement of work which is posted on the Sam.gov solicitation page. There is also a “Grindstone_prebidmeeting.pdf” document posted on Sam.gov that references permits.

1. Q: Are partitioning, dust containment, and/or negative air machines required for this project?

A: It is unclear which part of the work this is in reference to. However, any work related to hazardous materials abatement should refer to the lead and asbestos report that will be made available on Sam.gov. Additionally, as taken from the Statement of Work 5.8.2: Assessment of Asbestos & Lead- Forest Service has had testing performed on the existing chemical storage shed building at the existing lagoon for asbestos and lead presence. No asbestos was detected in 5 samples taken. Lead was identified as present in the green paint on the metal doorframe of this building. No lead was detected in the CMU block (white) paint.

1. Q: Is any landscaping restoration required for this project? For example, topsoil, seeding, and fertilizer?

A: Permanent erosion and sediment control shall be in conformance with section 329000-Lawns and Grasses of the specifications. Seeding of all exposed areas shall commence within specified timeframes after areas have been disturbed. Also, refer to the plan set, including sheet C-200 and sheet C-605, which describes E&S controls.

1. Q: Please provide staking data points for the project.

A: Survey data from the design plans will be provided to the awarded contractor.

1. Q: Are red, yellow, and blue tops required?

A: No, it is up to the contractor to determine their workflow or methods of completing the work.

1. Q: Does the existing cast-iron pipe that is to be replaced have any hazardous materials?

A: Not to our knowledge.

1. Q: Will traffic control be required for the areas where the sewer line crosses the road?

A: The campground will be closed for the duration of the project; therefore, no traffic control is required in the campground itself. Contractor is responsible for determining if any work in the VDOT ROW is necessary. Any work that could affect traffic on State Route VA 603 shall be subject to requirements of VDOT and a VDOT Land Use Permit (LUP) (if required).

1. Q: When was the sewer system last operational?

A: 2017

1. Q: Should the contractor anticipate additional permit cost associated with reviews & inspections?

A: Contractor will be responsible for acquiring and paying for the VSMP permit from VA DEQ and the LUP from VDOT. There should not be additional fees for reviews and inspections associated with these permits.

1. Q: Is staking complete? Markings (ribbons) were pointed out during the walk through?

A: The contractor is responsible for all the construction staking. The Forest Service has performed tree cutting in the corridors for the sanitary sewer line and the drip field area.

1. Q: Who is responsible for the deed amendment:

A: No deed amendment is required.

1. Q: Are there structures that will need temporary shoring?

A: No temporary shoring is anticipated.

1. Q: Can a list of items be provided to be repaired & reinstalled for cost purposes?

A: There are no items to be repaired and reinstalled.

1. Q: Completely fill holes and depressions in existing masonry walls that are to remain with an approved masonry patching material applied according to manufacturer's written recommendations? Which block walls are being modified?

A: Demolition of the existing wastewater treatment plant involves primarily removal or abandonment. There is no patching or repair work.

1. Q: Remove materials contaminated with road oil, asphalt and other petrochemical compounds, and other substances that might impair growth of plant materials or lawns. Are there pre-existing areas of this situation currently? There was 2" - 3" of snow on the ground during the Pre-bid visit.

A: There are no pre-existing areas of this situation.

1. Q: Can the period of performance be extended after award once the material/equipment lead times are confirmed due to current market conditions for the equipment for this project? Would you allow the contractor to have a notice to proceed for material purchase separate from the NTP for mobilizing the site?

A: The period of performance of the contract can be extended if the need arises due to acceptable reasons.

1. Q: Is this project tax exempt?

A; The project is not tax exempt.

1. Q: Pages 1 and 16 of the Solicitation have differing proposal requirements. Please clarify the list requirements that must be included in the proposal.

A: Bid requirements have been uniformed.

1. Q: Attachment 04 is labeled as the Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ). However, the title of the document is Exhibit B: Performance Relevancy Questionnaire (PRQ). Please confirm this is the correct document, and that no PPQs are required for this proposal.

A: These are the same documents. The titles have been uniformed.

1. Q: The top portion of the Performance Relevancy Questionnaire states that past performance projects must be ongoing or have been completed in the past three (3) years; however, under Part 1 - Past/ Current projects, it states a requirement of eight (8) years. Please confirm the required timeframe.

A: The Past Performance Questionnaire has been corrected to reflect the up to eight (8) year timeframe. Please take not that there is no ranking, weight, or preference given to the length of time since a similar project has been completed or if it is ongoing. We are requesting a project of similar scope that has been completed within the last 8 years.

1. Q: 1) Under Other Information on page 23 of the Notice to Offerers, Technical approach is listed as a bid requirement, but there is no other information about what should be included in the Technical Approach. It is also not listed as a requirement under PRE-Bid INFORMATION on page 1 of the Notice to Offerers. Are offerors required to submit a Technical approach?

2) Should pricing be inputted in all of the following places?:

A: Pricing needs to be included in the SF1442, Attachment 01Grindstone WWTP SCH B and Attachment 07 Grindstone Evaluation Factors worksheet.

1. Q: What is the minimum number of projects required to be identified for past performance?

A: Offerors are required to provide previously completed or ongoing, similar projects in accordance with Attachment 04 Past Performance Questionnaire. There is no ranking, weight, or preference given to the quantity of projects reported in Attachment 04 Past Performance Questionnaire. Offerors must have completed at least one project of similar scope within the past 8 years. Offeror’s may also include ongoing projects of similar scope.

1. Q: For past performance, please confirm that offeror may submit any (1) of the following to meet solicitation requirements:

A: The Government will review CPARS through the CPARS system and all required past performance documentation required in the solicitation.

1. Q: Exhibit B: PERFORMANCE RELEVANCY QUESTIONNAIRE states “Projects may be ongoing and cannot have been completed any later than 3 years prior to the to this issue date” is the instructions at the top, but under PART 1 - PAST / CURRENT PROJECTS, it states “List below up to 5 projects your business has completed within the last 8 years similar in scope to the solicitation”. Are past performance projects to be within 3 years or 8 years of the solicitation?

A: The Past Performance Questionnaire has been corrected to reflect the eight (8) year timeframe. Projects may be ongoing but at least one must have been completed and cannot have been completed any later than 8 years prior to the to this issue date.

1. Q: Attachment 07 Grindstone Evaluation Factors worksheet references in the 02 Past Performance and Experience section, “Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQ) completed by the client CO, COR, or Project Manager using the provided form included in the solicitation package”. Should Attachment 04 Past Performance Questionnaire be completed by the offeror or a client? Is there another Past Performance Questionnaire that should be included for the client to complete?

A: “Client” in the pretense has the same meaning as “customer”. Offeror is now included as an acceptable completer of PPQ.