Questions 12445226Q0006.docx

RFI’s/Questions 12445226Q0003 Lake Winfield Scott Campground

1. Please provide the magnitude of construction per FAR 36.204.

· Per the description posted on sam.gov and page 1 of Attachment 1- Solicitation and Terms and Conditions, “FAR 36.204 Magnitude of Construction Project Between $1,000,000 and $5,000,000.”

2. Please confirm the project period of performance.

· Per page 2 of Attachment 1- Solicitation and Terms and Conditions, “365 days from Notice to Proceed.”

3. Will an SF1442 document be provided for this solicitation?

· No, the SF1442 will be provided only at time of Award.

4. Are SF-24 bid guarantees required?

· Per page 18 of Attachment 1- Solicitation and Terms and Conditions, yes, it is required.

5. Can Final CPARS evaluations be submitted in lieu of new Past Performance Questionnaires?

· Yes, final CPARS evaluations be submitted in lieu of new Past Performance Questionnaires

6. Can previously completed PPQs be submitted in lieu of obtaining new Past Performance Questionnaires?

· No, previously completed PPQs cannot be submitted in lieu of obtaining new Past Performance Questionnaires.

7. Can (1) person triple that as Superintendent, QC Manager and Safety Manager?

· It is the Offeror’s responsibility to determine its organizational structure. Per FAR clause 52.236-6 Superintendence by Contractor, (JUL 2025) there must be a competent superintendent present on site who is authorized to act for the contractor.

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

· It is the Offeror’s responsibility to determine its organizational structure. Per FAR clause 52.236-6 Superintendence by Contractor, (JUL 2025) there must be a competent superintendent present on site who is authorized to act for the contractor.

9. Are contractors required to issue a contract specific QA/QC Plan?

· Yes, contract specific QA/QC plan is required. Review specification section 014000 for details. Contractor is responsible for understanding requirements.

10. Are contractors required to issue a contract specific Safety Plan?

· The safety plan must adhere to all safety requirements stated in the SPECS/SOW.

11. Is this project tax exempt?

· No, this project is not tax exempt.

12. Will shop drawings be required?

· Yes, shop drawings shall be a part of the submittal process required for materials proposed. Review specification section 013000 for details on likely submittals. Contractor is responsible for understanding all submittal requirements per the specifications.

13. Will temporary power be required?

· Yes, temporary utilities are required. Review specification section 015000. Contractor is responsible for understanding requirements.

14. Will a waste management plan be required?

· Yes, construction waste disposal plan is required. Review specification section 015000. Contractor is responsible for understanding requirements.

15. Will a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan be required?

· Yes, the contractor is only required to have the C-500s sheets (ESPC plan) stamped by GSWCC and Union County on site for construction.

16. Will a demolition plan be required?

· Yes, a demolition plan is required. Review specification section 017000. Contractor is responsible for understanding requirements.

17. The SOW states that RFI’s will be accepted up to 7 days after the site visit date, but the solicitation states RFI’s are due today only 2 days after the site visit. Will RFI’s be accepted and answered 7 days after the site visit date as the SOW states?

· All Questions were due by 2/17/26 by 1pm EST.

18. Can a second site visit be scheduled and if so can additional RFI questions be submitted after this second site visit?

· No, a second site visit will be scheduled.

19. Please confirm whether quotes should be submitted via email, and if so, which email address(es) the Government intends for official quote submission?

· Review the email addresses on page 17 of Attachment 1- Solicitation and Terms and Conditions for quote submission.

20. Could you please confirm whether you prefer the quote to be submitted as two separate volumes (e.g., Volume I – Technical and Volume II – Price), given the instruction that each part be “separate and complete” for independent evaluation?

· Yes, Each evaluation criteria shall be submitted separately as an attachment with your quote.

21. Please confirm if we should submit 2 projects for Relevant Experience and 5 projects for Past Performance? Can we submit 5 projects in Past Performance that are different than the 2 submitted for Relevant Experience?

· See updated attachment A1 (revised). The number of projects required for “Relevant Experience” is changing from two (2) to three (3) in the updated RFQ terms and conditions document. Please provide Past Performance on the three (3) projects submitted for Relevant Experience; these will count towards the five (5) total projects required for Past Performance.

22. Please clarify whether projects performed by an affiliated company may be submitted to meet the Relevant Experience and Past Performance requirements? If allowed, please advise whether there are any specific documentation or relationship disclosures the Government would require validating the affiliation.

· It is unclear what this question means by “affiliated company.” Per attachment A1, projects submitted for Relevant Experience and Past Performance should be projects performed by the bidder as a general contractor. As stated in the RFQ Terms and Conditions, under Relevant Experience section: “The Offeror must demonstrate successful experience as a General Contractor (GC) responsible for the construction of three (3) “similar” projects substantially completed within the past eight (8) years from the date of RFQ. The GC may use the experience of its subcontractor to fulfill this requirement.”

23. Will trees be marked for removal or protection? How will the cleared trees be disposed of?

· No. The Contractor is responsible for performing construction staking and locating as required by the work. As part of that location effort, Contractor shall be responsible to identify (flag) trees that will need to be removed as part of their site prep. The contractor will coordinate with and allow the Forest Service to review proposed tree cutting/removal before they take action. For clearing, contractors shall cut the trees, mulch the slash, and deck the trunks in a location acceptable to the FS. For grubbing, root balls/stumps may be pulled or ground in place, depending on the level of soil protection required. Prefer stump grinding in the drain field areas where the drain lines will need to be placed.

24. Will there be any other projects in the area?

· No, there will be no other projects in the area.

25. Will there be opportunities for subcontractors to visit the site?

· Yes. The site is currently accessible to the public. No tours or further assistance from Forest Service staff on site are available.

26. Who would be the permitting authority for this project?

· The Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for the permits acquired for this project are the following:

Water system and well permit: Georgia Environmental Protection Division Sanitary sewer permit: Union County Environmental Health Erosion and sediment control permit: Georgia Soil & Water Conservation Commission and Union County Building & Development

27. Are there as-built plans available for the existing utilities?

· Yes, there are as-builts for existing utilities that shall be made available to awarded offeror.

28. At the North Loop Bathhouse, can the bollards be removed during construction?

· Yes, the bollards can be removed for construction access and shall be replaced upon project completion.

29. Are there any protected plants in the work area?

· There are no protected plants in the area.

30. How accurate is the limit of disturbance area? Is it 17.25? Multiple civil drawings show this description, please verify.

· This information is required for the stormwater/land disturbance permit to reflect the anticipated areas to be disturbed when performing the work. This is not meant to reflect the area that must be cleared.

31. Is the existing drain field off of the Forest Service Road accurate? There were significant trees in this area, please verify.

· Yes. The limits shown of the existing drain field reflect an assumption of the area because of its proximity to the flow splitter located on the survey (flow splitter has been field located). The approximate location of the existing drain field shown on the plans is based on old information and design drawings from the 1970s provided by Forest Service. The exact location of the existing drain field has not been confirmed. However, the existing drain field is intended to be abandoned in place and the line serving the flow splitter will be cut/capped.

32. Who is doing the inspection?

· Inspection personnel on project shall be the following:

i. Scott Leonard – Primary Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), main point of contact

ii. Robert Wiggins – Secondary COR

iii. Travis Hemingway – Government Technical Monitor (GTM), will be corresponding with CORs

33. Any other permits required?

· No. The Forest Service is not aware of any other required permits besides those referenced in the Statement of Work.

34. If there are any issues at sight will someone be there within 24 hours from the government to discuss/see concerns?

· Yes, a Forest Service Representative will be available, from the listed personnel below:

i. Scott Leonard – Primary COR (main point of contact)

ii. Robert Wiggins – Secondary COR

iii. Travis Hemingway – Government Technical Monitor (will be corresponding with CORs)

35. Is there cell service at the project site? How far to get service?

· No. There is no cell service at the site. The nearest cell service is at the intersection of Hwy 180 and Hwy 60.

36. What is the DOT work schedule for the lake?

· See attachment A8 provided in the list of documents with the solicitation. It includes a link to the GDOT site referencing the bridge project: https://www.dot.ga.gov/applications/geopi/Pages/Dashboard.aspx?ProjectId=0007055

37. Will the project site be shut down during the renovations?

· Yes, project site will be shut down and closed to the public during construction. Please refer to the Statement of Work, 5.6 Project Site Closure.

38. How much does the engineer think the budget will be for this project?

· That information is part of the Independent Government Estimate, and we do not provide that information to vendors.

39. When is NTP expected to start?

· After signed/verified bonds are received a date will be decided between the Government and vendor at the time of the pre-work meeting.

40. What are the testing requirements for the sewer and water line?

· Refer to the specification section that covers testing requirements, including 331415 Site Water Distribution Piping, 221313 Facility Sanitary Sewers. This list is not exhaustive. Contractor is responsible to know and understand these requirements.

41. Is there any clearing that needs to be done? If so, what line item is supposed to be priced under?

· Yes. Clearing and grubbing will be required in some areas, especially the new septic drain fields and service road construction. Costs for this work shall be accounted for under separate pay items. See updated Schedule of Items for more clarification.

42. Is there a rock clause on this project? If so, is there a line item for rock that will be added? If not how will rock be priced if we hit it?

· No. here is no specific clause for rock. There has not been any Geotech studies performed for the project and there has not been any documentation from previous projects on the site discussing bedrock encounters. No line item for rock removal will be added. If rock is encountered, FS will assess the impact to the project on a case-by-case basis.

43. Can you tell us what part of the plans are supposed to go along with the bid tabulations since they show the entire project?

· A summary of the excluded work items has been included in the updated Statement of Work document, under section 5.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks. Please refer to this updated SOW for details on the excluded scope. This SOW description of what is included and excluded should also align with the updated Schedule of Items (SOI). Generally speaking, work on the south loop campsite renovations, trail repairs, full asphalt road replacement, and small picnic pavilion building repairs is excluded from this solicitation schedule of items.

44. (100A) Drawing CG001 / SOW specs. / Project Phasing does not align with USDA SOW (Base & Optional differ). Which is correct?

· Project Phasing on plan sheet CG001 is not the most current. Please refer to the answer provided to question #43 and the summary provided in the updated Statement of Work (SOW). The updated Schedule of Items (SOI) should be aligned with the updated SOW description in section 5.0.

45. (100B) SOW Base items /Campground water system /repairs/replacement / 2-E Replace steps in manholes? Are these the steel ladder type or the single concrete anchored type?

· References to manhole steps in the water system replacement scope were incorrect. There is no manhole work under the water system scope. See updated SOW scope for more clarification.

46. (100C) Specifications/Part 1 / General-C / C. Temporary telecommunications services. 1.05 A. Provide, maintain, and pay for telecommunications services to field office at time of project mobilization. Is there local cell service in this area? If so, who is the provider?

· No. There is no cell service at the site. The nearest cell service is at the intersection of Hwy 180 and Hwy 60.

47. (200A) Specifications/Drawings / If lead time becomes an issue with the custom fiberglass doors & windows can other materials be substituted? Doors-metal, Windows vinyl, etc. SECTION 081613 - FIBERGLASS DOORS AND WINDOWS.

· Provide Fiberglass doors & windows as specified. (Fiberglass doors & windows are a Forest Service requirement).

48. (300A) Specifications P8 – I / Will PMIS most like be available beginning March/April timeframe?

· No. The Forest Service will not be providing a PMIS. The awarded offeror is responsible to provide and maintain a Project Management Information System (PMIS) for use during the period of performance and make access available to the Forest Service staff and their assigned representatives. See specification 013000 – 3.01 for more information.

49. (400A) Specifications P8 - N / Is the Forest Service's electronic file system a separate system from PMIS?

· Yes. The references in this question (P8 – N) are unclear. The Forest Service has an internal electronic file system that it will use for its own record keeping of contract compliance documentation. This filing system is separate from a Project Management Information System (PMIS). As stated in the answer for question #48, the offeror will be responsible to provide and maintain a PMIS for use by the FS, the awarded Offeror, and other designated users with responsibility on the contract.

50. (500A) RFQ Terms and Conditions / Is it acceptable to utilize previously submitted PPQs to fulfill the Past Performance requirements?

· No, previously completed PPQs cannot be submitted in lieu of obtaining new Past Performance Questionnaires.

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

· No. The offeror is responsible for determining their organizational structure. Per FAR clause 52.236-6 Superintendence by Contractor, (JUL 2025) there must be a competent superintendent present on site who is authorized to act for the contractor.

52. 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?

· It would need to be addressed to the awarding contractor and the government at the time of the pre-work meeting.

53. Please provide the site visit attendee sign-in sheet.

· The Government will not provide the sign-in sheet from the site visit. There is an interested vendors list in the contract opportunity. All interested vendors are encouraged to add themselves to this list through Sam.gov. You must be a registered vendor, not just have an ID assigned, to view the interested vendors list and to add the entity/vendor to the interested vendors list.

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

· No. The only soil reports that were performed was the level 3 soil survey for the proposed drain field locations. There were no studies performed regarding the location and depth of rock or any mention of rock and obstructions from previous projects documents. Per the site visit, there are rocks in the project area. The impact to the project tis unknown.

55. Please provide bidding quantities for deteriorated underlayment base course (paving).

· Pavement Asphalt Patch needs are a minor amount of pavement repair needed, to address small patches of highly deteriorated asphalt pavement and where utility lines will cross the road. We anticipate there to be approximately 6000 SF of underlayment base course replacement on the existing road.

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

· Yes. The water system in the campground has limited capacity and is winterized in the off-peak season. Pumping water from the lake is permitted.

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

· No testing of the existing bathhouses or other buildings for asbestos or lead has been done. The contractor will need to account for these hazards as part of their demolition plan. Note the dates of building construction mentioned in the answer to question #85. Buildings constructed prior to 1978 may have the presence of lead and/or asbestos containing materials.

58. When do you anticipate on site work starting?

· The Forest Service is prepared for campground shutdown to start at the beginning of August 2026. An earlier shutdown timeframe may be negotiable but not guaranteed.

59. Are third party inspections required?

· Yes. There will be some inspections/testing required as part of the ESPC/SWM permit and septic and drain field permit. There is no building permits involved with this work. The Contractor shall be responsible to facilitate such inspections and coordinate with the FS to assure permit compliance. Other inspections for testing are referenced in the appropriate specification sections. See below for required inspections per permit requirements.

· The following inspections will be required based on permit requirements:

· Land disturbance/ESPC permit: Within seven days after the initial phase BMPs are installed JLA will need to perform an inspection of the initial phase BMPS. Stormwater sample testing from a third-party tester will be required per the permit. Additional inspection/testing may be required once the preconstruction meeting is held.

· Septic/Drain field: The contractor will need to contact Union County Environmental Health before work starts to install the drain fields, septic tanks, distribution boxes, and dosing tanks, to schedule inspections from Union County Environmental Health.

· Water Distribution permit: The drinking water permit does not require inspections during construction. Per the approved drinking water permit once construction is complete, a set of as-built plans of the installed water lines and a certification letter from the engineer are to be submitted to GA EPD.

60. Is permitting required?

· Yes. Referring to section 5.5 Permits in the Statement of Work (SOW). The Forest Service, with their design engineering firm, has sought and acquired permits for compliance with the Clean Water Act. These include permits to construct the waterline replacements, construct sanitary sewer replacements and drain field replacements, and Erosion & Sediment Control measures that must be applied during the construction stage. No additional permits are anticipated by the Forest Service.

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

· Yes, landscaping restoration is required. Please refer to specification section 260543. Contractor is responsible for understanding the requirement.

62. Please provide staking data points for the project.

· The staking coordinates for the project can be found on the C-100s and C-700s sheets.

63. Are red, yellow, and blue tops required?

· No. It would be up to the contractor to determine their workflow or methods of completing the work.

64. Can you provide a CAD File for this project?

· No. A CAD file can be provided to the awarded offeror. No CAD file will be available during the solicitation phase.

65. Please specify what type of 1" insulated glass is required for the type D storefront windows; the 088000 spec calls for clear and bronze-tinted glass. Please advise.

· Provide 1" Low-E Coated, Clear Insulating Glass per Section 088000, Insulating Glass Schedule B. Fully tempered safety glazing.

66. Please specify what type of 1" insulated glass is required for the FRP door type FG #101.

· Provide 1" Low-E Coated, Clear Insulating Glass per Section 088000, Insulating Glass Schedule B. Fully tempered safety glazing.

67. The QuikServ IFSC-4040 window type C is indicated as fiberglass on sheet A-801. Please confirm whether it should be fiberglass or aluminum.

· Provide Fiberglass doors & windows as specified. (Fiberglass doors & windows are a Forest Service requirement).

68. Interior Finish Schedule indicates FRP and tile finishes in shower rooms; however, finish heights are not clearly defined at non-shower walls. Please confirm the height (AFF) of FRP and tile wall finishes.

· Ceramic wall tiles (CWT-1 and CWT-2) shall extend full height to the ceiling within shower enclosures. Walls outside shower enclosures receive EPP-1 epoxy paint unless otherwise noted in the Finish Schedule. No FRP to be applied to walls.

69. Drawings do not indicate phasing requirements for Buildings 200 and 300. Please confirm whether construction is to occur simultaneously or in phases.

· No phasing requirements for buildings 200 & 300.

70. Please provide details for the asphalt patching required.

· See detail 11/C-604 “Typical Utility Trench Paving Replacement Detail” for more information on asphalt patching requirements.

71. The typical sections for heavy duty and light duty paving show a surface mix of 1.5” 9.5mm. However, the mill and paving detail indicate 1”4.75mm mix. These will sharply contrast where they are adjacent or in close proximity to one another. The 9.5mm is too coarse to place at 1” with minimum layer thickness of 1 1/8” recommended by GDOT specifications section 400. To overcome that situation all surface mixes should be the same; 4.75mm or 9.5mm. Please advise.

· This resurfacing detail 4/C-601 has a typo and will be corrected on the drawings issued for construction. The asphalt callout on the detail should say “Asphalt concrete 9.5 mm Superpave level A (1-1/8” min)”.

72. Is the bid schedule for this contract whereby the contractor is paid at a unit price for each scope of work?

· See Section 012000 1.3 - SCHEDULE OF VALUES (page 4 of 51).

73. Please confirm the campground will be closed to the public for the duration of the project.

· Yes. The campground will be closed to the public for the duration of the project. Access by Forest Service personnel may still be maintained.

74. Is silt fencing required along the entirety of the LOD?

· No. Silt fence is only required to be installed were shown on the plans.

75. Should the demolition and disposal of the existing water main (where applicable) be included in the price for the new service installation? There does not appear to be a separate pay item for demolition.

· Yes. Contractor shall be responsible for the removal of the existing water line where the installation of the new water line alignment crosses or runs along the existing water line. The cost of demolition and disposal of existing water main is to be considered incidental to other work associated with installing new water main.

76. Under which line item should the freeze-proof hydrants be included?

· There are 11 freeze proof hydrants for the south loop campsites, 1 freeze proof hydrant at the lift station control panel, and 1 freeze proof hydrant at the small picnic pavilion. Total of 13 hydrants. A pay line item will be added to an revised A3 - Schedule of Items.

77. The drain field shown on Sheet C-134 does not list a linear footage (LF) quantity. What quantity should we account for?

· The linear footage is shown on sheet C-318.

78. Who is responsible for performing the perk test, if required?

· A percolation test has already been performed during the level 3 soil survey for the design phase. This was required to obtain the permit for the drain fields.

79. The pricing sheet lists 170 gate valves; however, we are unable to locate that quantity in the plans. Can you clarify what is included in the 170 gate valves?

· This is a typo. There are (33) 4” gate valves, (26) 2” ball valves, (1) 1” ball valve, and (1) ¾” ball valve. See updated Schedule of Items for more clarification.

80. How far should the sewer contractor extend the new sewer lines? Should they stop at the first or second cleanout or plan to go all the way to the building?

· This shall be coordinated between the building and site contractors. See A3 - rev SOI line item 7 Sanitary Sewer for exact sewer line linear feet needed for the project. Plan to go all the way to the building.

81. Is gravel sufficient for bedding of the septic tank?

· The bedding material for the septic tank will be specified by the manufacturer’s recommendations of the septic tank.

82. The details indicate planting mix and sod at the foundations, but this is not shown elsewhere in the drawings. What depth should be assumed for the sod and planting beds?

· The planting bed at foundation detail is only used to show that the outer grade elevation outside of the buildings shall be a minimum of 8 inches below top of building slab. There is no sod adjacent to the buildings. The detail will be updated for the drawings issued for construction.

83. Are benches and picnic tables to be provided and installed by contractor? If so please provide specs.

· No. Work on campsite renovations in the South Loop are not part of the bid schedule. This work (benches, picnic tables, furnishings at the campsite) is excluded.

84. Are there any GF/CI items?

· No, there are no government furnished / contractor installed items.

85. When were the buildings constructed?

· Buildings were constructed in the following years: South Loop Bathhouse #1 (1975), South Loop Bathhouse #2 (1973), North Loop Bathhouse (1975) and Entrance Station (1990).

86. Has lead and asbestos testing and survey been performed?

· No testing of the existing bathhouses or other buildings for asbestos or lead has been done. The contractor will need to account for these hazards as part of their demolition plan. Note the dates of building construction mentioned in the answer to question #85. Buildings constructed prior to 1978 may have the presence of lead and/or asbestos containing materials.

87. Can the government provide additional information on the cedar shake are Yellow, White or Red. Further, will the roofers be required to be registered with the CSSB (Cedar Shake Shingle Bureau) which is recommended by the manufacture and mills.

· Final color selection by Owner (JLA recommends Red). Roofing shall be Certi-Sawn® preservative treated shakes, No. 1 Grade, 16" length, installed per CSSB standards. Shakes must bear the Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau (CSSB) official grade mark label as specified.

88. Do all personnel working on projects require Real ID and/or US Citizenship?

· No. The prime contractor must be a US Citizen and all other contractor employees must be E-verified at time of award to work in the United States.

89. Please confirm the only CMU to receive coatings (block filler & top coating) is only the interior CMU walls not scheduled to receive another finish.

· Block filler and top coating shall be applied to interior CMU walls not otherwise scheduled to receive an alternate finish. Refer to the Finish Schedule (A-901) for final governing conditions. All walls scheduled to receive a finish shall be properly prepared to receive the finish as required by the manufacturer’s written instructions.

90. Will Sherwin Williams Pre-Catalyzed Water based Epoxy will be acceptable for the interior epoxy coating.

· No, Epoxy wall paint shall be a two-component, high film build, polyamide epoxy.

91. Please provide the Basis of Design for the Epoxy Flooring scheduled for room 101.

· This room is scheduled to receive "EPX", however "EPX" is not listed under the Finish Specifications, Basis of Design. Room 101 shall receive EPX (Epoxy Flooring) per the Interior Finish Schedule. System shall be commercial-grade, slip-resistant epoxy flooring suitable for light commercial occupancy. Basis of Design: Shirwin-Williams “Ceramic Carpet” with integral base; Resuflor Deco Quartz Color:TBD.

92. Please confirm Interior Finish Note #4; Epoxy Wall Paint on all interior walls not indicated on the Interior Finish Schedule?

· Yes, EPP-1 epoxy paint shall be applied to all interior walls not otherwise identified in the Interior Finish Schedule.

93. Please confirm Interior Finish Note #5; Epoxy Wall Paint on all hard and exposed ceilings.

· All exposed wood ceiling members shall be stained. EPP-1 epoxy paint shall be applied to all hard and exposed ceilings unless otherwise noted.

94. Please confirm Interior Finish Note #6; Prime and paint all exposed structure, framing, bracing, ductwork, and conduit with Epoxy Paint.

· Yes, All exposed structure, framing, bracing, ductwork, and conduit shall be primed and painted with EPP-1.

95. Please clarify the requirement for building signage. Currently there is no signage schedule and no signage indicated on the elevation drawings. However, in the Finish Specifications, Basis of Design there is a section for "ADA Signage Background Color" with no further information. Provide ADA-compliant signage as detailed on Sheet G-002.

· Sign types, graphics, and mounting heights shall comply with the details shown. Signage locations are indicated on A-902 floor plans. No additional exterior building identification signage is required beyond what is shown.

96. Please confirm Interior Finish Note #2; all floor tiles shall be installed on a decoupling mat utilizing Schluter Ditra as the Basis of Design.

· Yes, Porcelain tile installations shall include a decoupling mat system. Basis of Design is Schluter Ditra.

97. Please confirm the Gov't would like to select a Solid Surface Countertop color from all available Manufacturer Color Groups.

· The Finish Specifications, Basis of Design states through Color Group 3, however the Specifications state the color shall be "from manufacturer's full range". Default to specs - Solid surface countertops shall be selected from Manufacturer’s full color range. (Final color selections by Owner).

98. Please confirm that the Gov't would like to select a Wall Tile color from Color Group 2 and an Accent Wall Tile from Color Group 3.

· Wall tile shall be priced assuming 75% CWT-1 (Price Group 2) and 25% CWT-2 accent (Price Group 3), per Finish Specifications. (Final color selections by Owner).

99. The Architectural plans provide are reduced size 8.5 x 11. Can a full-size copy be provided?

· PDF copies of plan sets in the solicitation attachments are provided as ARCH D, 24”x36” size. They can be printed in this size.

100. Will a Contractor Compound that includes Temporary Housing using RVs, Travel Trailers and Campers be permitted at designated areas within the Campground during the Projects Period of Performance?

· No. Given the remoteness of the area and need for site security, we would allow a site manager to camp on site. Due to the need to winterize the bath houses and water system during the winter, a large group camp in the off-season would exceed capacity at campground.

101. Reference Plan Sheet C-318, North Loop Drain field Blow Up Drawing includes reference to Dosing Tank Detail S/C 609. Please advise where that detail can be found on the project sheets? My interest is in the possibility of perhaps alternating Dosing Siphons if they are included in this project. Please advise as well where I may find the technical specification for the dosing siphons if they are included in this project.

· The 221353 Facility Septic Tanks Technical Specifications 2.3 and 2.4 (dosing tanks and siphons) and detail 9/C-609 (dosing tank) are the details and specifications the above question is asking for. The dosing tank and siphon were required by Union County Environmental Health department based on the regulations per the GA DPH Environmental Health Onsite Sewage Management Manual. The current layout with the single dosing siphon is permitted through Union County Environmental Health Department. Bid the project as designed.

102. In regard to supervision on site, can there be (1) superintendents that are also QCM and SSHO roles and responsibilities?

· No. The offeror is responsible for determining their organizational structure. Per FAR clause 52.236-6 Superintendence by Contractor, (JUL 2025) there must be a competent superintendent present on site who is authorized to act for the contractor.

103. Will a job trailer be required or can the on-site supervision operate out of a vehicle?

· Yes, a job trailer is required. See Specification Section 015000 – 1.13 FIELD OFFICES (p. 23 of 51) for more information.

104. Can the project superintendent and/or other construction workers stay in campers within the campground?

· No. Given the remoteness of the area and need for site security, we would allow a site manager to camp on site. Due to the need to winterize the bath houses and water system during the winter, a large group camp in the off-season would exceed capacity at campground.

105. Is general liability or builders risk insurance required?

· Please read attachment A1 for all clauses including insurance. FAR 52.228-5, FAR 28.307-2 and FAR 428.306

106. Please confirm if environmental permi1ng will be required by the contractor?

· No additional environmental permitting is anticipated by the Forest Service. The FS has self-performed a NEPA environmental review. See answers to questions #33 and #60 regarding permits for additional information.

107. If environmental permi1ng is required, please clarify which documents will need to be submitted to obtain a NOI.

· No. The Forest Service is not aware of any other required permits besides those referenced in the Statement of Work.

· Yes. Referring to section 5.5 Permits in the Statement of Work (SOW). The Forest Service, with their design engineering firm, has sought and acquired permits for compliance with the Clean Water Act. These include permits to construct the waterline replacements, construct sanitary sewer replacements and drain field replacements, and Erosion & Sediment Control measures that must be applied during the construction stage. No additional permits are anticipated by the Forest Service.

· No additional environmental permitting is anticipated by the Forest Service. The FS has self-performed a NEPA environmental review.

108. In speaking with local door, frame, hardware and glass & glazing subcontractors, would Special-Lite AF-250 be considered an approved alternate for ChemPruf and Pella listed within 082225?

· All alternate approaches should be presented in the Contractor’s unique technical approach. The Government will decide if the approach is feasible/reasonable in the evaluation

109. Can the government please revise drawings to show which areas are to receive clearing, grubbing and the extents of how heavily wooded areas are?

· During the site walk on 2/11/26, C-307 was reviewed to find Primary Drain field Zones 1, 2, 3, and 4 and Replacement Drain field located in a heavily wooded area. The only area that will need to be cleared for the centralized drain field is zones 1 through 4 and associated piping. The replacement drain field areas are not required to be cleared. The area being cleared for the new centralize drain field primary drain lines is approximately 1.4 acres.

110. Per site visit findings, it was the contractors understanding clearing and grubbing activities will have to take place to allow for drain fields to be installed. Please reference C-307. Primary Drain field Zones 1, 2, 3, and 4 are all shown to be installed through what in all actuality is a heavily wooded forest. How are stumps and roots to be removed to not compromise the soil or protect the soil that drain fields will be run through?

· It is the contractor’s responsibility to determine the best solution or approach on the stumps and roots being removed to not compromise the soil that drain fields will be run through.

111. Can the government confirm how drain fields are to be installed if stumps and roots are Removed?

· It is the contractor’s responsibility to determine the best solution or approach on how drain fields are to be installed if stumps and roots are removed.

112. Sheet GC001 notes that bid options are to include the replacement of the guard shack (entrance station), full pavement replacement, picnic shelter repairs, south loop campsite renovations and demolition, service road construction, and trail system repairs.

However, in reviewing the Schedule of Items (SOI), it only appears to list the guard shack (entrance station) as Optional Bid Items 2 and 3. Where are costs for full pavement replacement, picnic shelter repairs, south loop campsite renovations and demolition, service road construction, and trail system repairs to be applied within the SOI?

· The project phasing shown on sheet GC001is not the most current. Some of the work designed and included in the civil plans is excluded from this solicitation and Schedule of Items. Please see the answers to questions #43 & #44 for more information and clarification.

113. Is the contractor responsible for providing and installing the 4’D fire ring, granite screenings, 8’ picnic table, landscape #mber, and water & power connections within Campsites shown to be renovated within the south loop?

· No. Work on the campsite renovations in the South Loop are excluded from the bid schedule. They are not intended to be part of this current construction award. See answers to previous questions #43 and #44 for more information and clarification.

114. Sheet CG001 notes that trail system repairs are to be included outside of the bid base in bid options within the Project Phasing paragraphs on the bo3om right of the sheet. In reviewing the SOI, it does not appear that Base Bid Items, Optional Bid Item 1, Optional Bid Item 2, or Optional Bid Item 3 have any Pay Items or line items shown for trail improvements, retaining walls, and other work shown on C-801. Please advise for where work shown on C-801 is to be located within the SOI.

· See answers to previous questions #43 and #44 for more information and clarification.

115. In reviewing C-703 and C-705 it appears retaining walls are required around Campsites #2, #7, and #8. However, in reviewing the SOI it does not appear that a Pay Item or line item is shown for modular retaining walls outside of the Base Bid Items. Considering the retaining walls shown at Campsites #2, #7, and #8 are at the south loop, which phase and Pay Item are these costs to be included within?

· All work on the campsite renovations in the South Loop, including retaining walls, are excluded from the bid schedule. They are not intended to be part of this current construction award. See answers to previous questions #43 and #44 for more information and clarification.

116. Does the government expect to receive money from the contractor if trees are Merchantable?

· No. Will not require contractors to pay for any merchantable trees.

117. During the 2/11/26 site visit, there was no service within the park. Does the government have internet or fiber within the park that the contractor(s) could use to establish cell phone service and internet. At a minimum for 911 emergency services.

Additional costs may arise to the base bid if the contractor will be responsible for bringing service and internet to the park for construction personnel to use.

· No. Currently, there is no active internet connection at Lake Winfield Scott. Windstream ran a fiber optic line into the campground at one of the host sites. Awarded offeror will have to work with Windstream to activate service.

118. There is concern for unknown soils underneath the surface. Can the government provide a geotechnical report?

· No. There was no geotechnical report performed. Sheet S-001 states that the assumed soils were Class 5 soils (Clay, sandy clay, etc) with a bearing capacity of 1,500 psf based on IBC 2021 section 1806 worst case scenario.

119. If rock is encountered when excavating activities commence, would the blasting, removal of rock, and installation of suitable will be a modification or change order to the contract?

· It appears that a modification would be required due to the contractor not being able to quantify the unknown rock. Please see response to question #42.

120. In reviewing the picnic pavilion on A-301, S-101-P, S-201-P, S-202-P, S-203-P, S-204-P, and per discussions from the site visit, it was the contractor’s understanding of the picnic pavilion re-roof and other work was to be an alternate. However, in reviewing the SOI it does not appear that a Pay Item or line item is shown for the picnic pavilion re-roof and other work. Where are the costs for the picnic pavilion re-roofing and other work to be applied to?

· Work on the sheets cited for the small picnic pavilion, including re-roofing and related structural repairs are excluded from the bid schedule. No work on the small picnic pavilion is not intended to be part of this current construction award. See answer to question #43 for more information and clarification.

121. How many past performance referrals do you require for this project?

· Please read A1 – rev RFQ, the Evaluation and Basis for Award section for the directions on how many Past Performance referrals are required.

122. There are sections and framing plans included in the Architectural set (A-301 and S-201) but no building layout or location. Does the Pavilion building form part of the package? If so, where is it located in the park?

· Work on the sheets cited for the small picnic pavilion, including re-roofing and related structural repairs are excluded from the bid schedule. No work on the small picnic pavilion is not intended to be part of this current construction award.

· A summary of the excluded work items has been included in the updated Statement of Work document, under section 5.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks. Please refer to this updated SOW for details on the excluded scope. This SOW description of what is included and excluded should also align with the updated Schedule of Items (SOI). Generally speaking, work on the south loop campsite renovations, trail repairs, full asphalt road replacement, and small picnic pavilion building repairs is excluded from this solicitation schedule of items.

123. The South Loop has 2 existing bathhouse/restroom buildings, is the intent to only replace one of them? Assume the unit on the upper road remains?

· Yes. Both existing bathhouses in the South Loop are to be demolished as part of the Bid Option #1 scope. These two existing bathhouses will be removed and the one, new central bathhouse will replace them on the South Loop.

124. Is there vegetation approval required for each tree that must be removed for the project?

· No. The contractor will be required to flag all areas that they anticipate they will need to either clear (cut down) or clear and grub (cut down and grub root ball or grind stump) prior to performing this work. The Forest Service will review these areas and provide approval prior to the contractor clearing and grubbing these areas. Individual trees needing to be cut due to hazards or conflicts with, for example, utility line locations will also need to be reviewed and approved by the Forest Service.

125. For the sewer line that needs to be removed/demolished, is there a trace line for it, or can you identify the location of the sewer pipe as it goes through the woods/trees? Also, some trees will need to be removed to demolish the sewer line.

· No trace line is known. There is approximately 1000 LF of sewer line being demolished/removed and the sewer line was located from manhole to manhole. The portions of sewer line being removed /demolished are in portion of the site where it is not heavily wooded.

126. If trees must be removed for demo or construction how will the USFS like for then to be removed and disposed of?

· No. The Contractor is responsible for performing construction staking and locating as required by the work. As part of that location effort, Contractor shall be responsible to identify (flag) trees that will need to be removed as part of their site prep. The contractor will coordinate with and allow the Forest Service to review proposed tree cutting/removal before they take action. For clearing, contractors shall cut the trees, mulch the slash, and deck the trunks in a location acceptable to the FS. For grubbing, root balls/stumps may be pulled or ground in place, depending on the level of soil protection required. Prefer stump grinding in the drain field areas where the drain lines will need to be placed.

127. In speaking with a local paving subcontractor out of Marietta, GA, it appears the asphalt binder and hot-mix asphalt listed within the asphalt paving specification may not be readily available in Georgia. It appears per 321216-2.4.1 that the asphalt plant mixes are South Carolina based. The binder designation listed within 321216-2.2,A appears to be for a colder environment and the subcontractor out of Marietta believes a 58-22 designation would be more suitable for the area. Would you all consider exchanging the binder designation to 64-22 and change the paving specification from South Carolina DOT to Georgia DOT?

· No. Bid the project as designed. Alternate materials will be reviewed and considered during the submitting process with the awarded offeror.

Note: There are some sections from the specifications document that are missing; these sections will be added in a corrected specifications set. Also, there will be corrected “construction” plan sets available post award.