Att. 11 Pre-Bid Q and A 241231.pdf

Pre-Bid Q+A –

MOF FR911 HOLCOMBE CREEK DECK REPLACEMENT AND

SUPERSTRUCTURE PAINTING

Contents General

Access

Environmental (General)

Site Conditions (General)

FP-14

Soil Erosion and Sediment Control - 15700-0000

Roadway Brushing and Mowing - Item No. 20104-0001

Bridge Brushing and Mowing - Item No. 20104-0002

Class 1 Riprap for Bridge Reset (Machine Placed) - Item No. 25100-0000

Bridge Reset - Item No. 55000-0000

Redecking of Bridge and Installation of Running Planks - Item No. 55706-2000

Bridge Painting - Item No. 56308-0000

General

1. What are the official answers to questions received during the solicitation phase?

o Review the official questions and answers document to be sent out after the meeting. Only the answers and information provided in that document will have any bearing on the contract. Otherwise, perceived answers may not be correct.

2. What is the project period of performance?

o March 10, 2025 – August 8, 2025. 151 Days. See updated Statement of Work.

3. Is the award to the lowest bidder?

o Factors other than price will also be considered when making the award.

Experience and Past Performance will also be evaluated. See sections L & M (Pg 32

– 35) of the solicitation document titled RFQ 12445525Q0003 241112 for more information.

4. What is the reason for the project?

o The project end goal is to address deferred maintenance and maintain the bridge in a usable condition.

5. Do you anticipate that the bridge will need to be removed from its current position and temporarily placed on barriers for the work to be performed, or will the rehabilitation be carried out while the bridge remains in its current location?

o To be able to reach and paint all parts of the superstructure, we anticipate that the bridge will have to be picked up prior to rehab.

6. Do Davis Bacon Wages apply on this contract?

o Yes, the Davis Bacon Act applies on this contract for all work on-site. See the attached wage determination for wage and fringe benefit rates. Work conducted off-site is not subject to wage requirements.

7. Are there any as-built drawings for the bridge?

o There are no as-built drawings for the bridge. See the side view and assembled framing plan provided on sheets C-04 and C-05 in the contract plans titled Att. 4 FR 911 Plans 241023 for more information.

8. What is the price magnitude of the project?

The magnitude of construction is on page 8 of the solicitation document titled RFQ 12445525Q0003 241112.

9. If we have questions regarding bonds or contract clauses, who should we contact?

o The contract specialist, Kevin Brown, at kevin.brown2@usda.gov.

mailto:kevin.brown2@usda.gov

Access

1. Is there a weight limit on the structure?

o The weight limit for a Single Unit Truck is 13 Tons and the weight limit for a Combination Truck is 31 Tons. Load limits are posted at the site as shown in the photo below.

2. How far is it to walk to the site?

o Approximately 1.6 miles from the private gate.

3. Is the road a dead end?

o Yes, the road is a dead-end road.

4. Can the road be closed for the duration of the project?

o The road beyond the 2nd gate (about .5 miles from the project site) is already closed to the public and will remain closed for the duration of the project.

5. Does the Forest Service have a Right-of-Way for the section of road on private land? Will the contractor be charged for use?

o The Forest Service has a Right-of-Way through the private land and the contractor cannot be charged by the landowner for use. The contractor shall not stage any materials or equipment along the Right-of-Way without the written permission of the private landowner. The government does not authorize the use of the Right-of- Way for any purpose other than to complete the contract work.

6. How will contractors access the site through locked gate(s)?

o The contractor shall provide a combination lock for the 2nd gate (Forest Service

Gate) and shall provide the combination to the COR. The government will coordinate with the landowner for access through the private gate. Any lock placed on the private gate will be provided by the government.

7. If bidders want to visit the site prior to the bid due date, what should they do?

o Contact the COR at 304-718-2946 or Jacob.Hise@usda.gov for dates 1/17/25-

1/30/25 excluding weekends and holidays. Contractors may walk into the site at any time but must stay on the Right-of-Way when passing through the private property.

8. Is there a place to turn a passenger vehicle around at the site?

o Yes.

mailto:Jacob.Hise@usda.gov

9. Was the site accessible on 12/18/24?

o Yes, the site was accessible on 12/18/24 with 4x4 high clearance vehicles.

10. How far is it from the Y-Mart to the Private Gate where the Right-of-Way begins?

o Approximately 1 mile.

11. What is the condition of County Route 15/7?

o County Route 15/7 is a single lane road that begins with a paved surface and turns to aggregate. The road is narrow with some tight turns.

Environmental (General)

1. What are the Limits of Disturbance?

o Further information regarding allowable laydown areas and the limits of disturbance at the site will be provided in a future solicitation amendment. Limits of disturbance will be marked in the field.

2. Does the bridge cross a live stream?

o Yes, there is often water in the stream channel.

3. Can equipment be operated in the live stream?

o No, under no circumstances may the contractor disturb the live stream.

4. Are there approved disposal sites on Forest Service lands for waste materials and soil?

o No, there are no waste sites on Forest Service lands for this project. All waste materials and soils shall be legally disposed of off Forest Service lands.

5. Is cutting of trees permitted as part of the project?

o Stems smaller than 5” dbh may be removed as part of the project within the clearing limits and limits of disturbance defined in the contract documents.

6. May the stream be crossed using crane mats if the mats and machinery do not touch the water or stream substrate?

o Yes, the stream maybe crossed using a temporary structure if there is no impact to the stream. The mats and equipment shall under no circumstances contact the live stream.

7. Are there endangered species concerns at the site?

o Any concerns have been addressed in project planning. No known endangered species concerns exist at the site if contract requirements are followed.

8. What are the restrictions on the work?

o See the updated Statement of Work and all contract documents.

9. Will the government require any of the stone installed on the roadway to be taken up?

o Only stone improperly installed on the roadway may be required to be taken back up or reworked.

10. What would the procedure be if tree removal is necessary?

o Stems smaller than 5” dbh may be cut within the limits of disturbance and clearing limits. The contractor may submit a request to remove larger stems, but that request may be denied on any basis.

Site Conditions (General)

1. What is the length of the bridge?

o Approximately 50’. The contractor shall field verify the exact dimensions prior to ordering materials.

2. What is the total width of the bridge?

o The bridge is at least 12.5’ wide. The bridge structure may be wider. The contractor shall field verify prior to ordering materials.

3. What material are the center deck panels on the bridge made of?

o Steel.

4. What is the purpose of the center deck panels on the bridge?

o To cover the hinge points and carry loads in the center of the bridge.

5. What is the distance from the ground to the bridge structure?

o The bottom of the girders is approximately 8’ from the bottom of the stream channel. The contractor shall verify this height in the field prior to mobilization as it is subject to change and is not guaranteed to be 8’.

6. Are the abutments washed out?

o No, the bridge is not washed out. The bridge seems to have settled over time.

7. Is there existing crusher run material under the bridge?

o Not to our knowledge. The bridge is setting on large aggregate and/or other soils.

8. Is the bridge at the bottom of a vertical curve in the road?

o Yes.

9. Is there cell service at the site?

o There is very limited to no cell service at the bridge, but generally there is cell service available within a few miles.

10. Are there toilet facilities at the site?

o No, there are no toilet facilities at the site. The contractor shall be responsible for providing toilet facilities.

11. Are there water and electric utilities at the site?

o No, there are no available water and electric utilities at the site. All water for the project will have to be brought in, there will be no drafting water from the stream.

12. What is the typical water level in the stream?

o The water level fluctuates based on the time of year. The water level visible on 12/18/24 at the site visit is typical of winter conditions, though this varies. The stream may almost dry up in August, depending on conditions.

FP-14

1. How does the Schedule of Items relate to the FP-14?

o The first 3 numbers of the item number in the description of the schedule of items for each item represent the governing specification section in the FP-14. For example, “Bridge Painting Item No. 56308-0000” is governed by Section 563 of the

FP-14.

2. Where can a copy of the FP-14 be obtained?

o A digital copy of the FP-14 may be obtained online at:

https://highways.dot.gov/federal-lands/specs/fp-14.pdf

Soil Erosion and Sediment Control - 15700-0000

1. What are the Erosion and Sediment Control requirements for the project?

o See the updated Statement of Work section Soil Erosion and Sediment Control. WV BMPs shall be implemented as necessary.

2. Who is responsible for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control?

o The contractor is solely responsible for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control.

3. Are there requirements to provide weed free seed, mulch, and waddles?

o Yes. All seed, mulch, and waddles shall be free from noxious weed seeds. All mulch shall be weed free straw.

4. What are the approved seed mixes for this project?

o See Updated Statement of Work.

Roadway Brushing and Mowing - Item No. 20104-0001

1. What is the scope of the brushing and mowing for the roadway?

o See updated Statement of Work.

Bridge Brushing and Mowing - Item No. 20104-0002

1. What are the limits for the brushing and mowing at the bridge?

o See updated Statement of Work.

Class 1 Riprap for Bridge Reset (Machine Placed) - Item No. 25100-0000

1. What size riprap is required for the project?

o See the updated statement of work and Table 705-1 of the FP-14.

2. Is it permissible to machine place the riprap for the project?

o Yes.

3. Will any of the riprap be placed in-stream?

o No.

https://highways.dot.gov/federal-lands/specs/fp-14.pdf

Bridge Reset - Item No. 55000-0000

1. What is the scope of the Bridge Reset item?

o See the updated Statement of Work.

2. Are there no abutments currently?

o The bridge is currently setting on rock/soil material. There are no concrete or timber abutments in place.

3. What is the weight of the bridge?

o The bridge weighs approximately 40,000 lbs.

4. Will geotextile be required under the crusher run installed on the roadway?

o No.

5. Is there a benchmark on-site to be used for setting the final bridge elevation?

o Yes.

6. What will be the final elevation of the bridge?

o The bridge will be raised approximately 1’ from its current elevation.

7. Is compaction testing required for the crusher run installed under the Bridge Reset item scope?

o See updated Statement of Work. Testing is required for each lift per Section 208.10 of the FP-14. A Proctor test in accordance with AASHTO T99, Method C is required.

Two passing tests per layer are required for backfill to be acceptable.

Redecking of Bridge and Installation of Running Planks - Item No. 55706-2000

1. What is the scope of the Redecking of Bridge and Installation of Running Planks item?

o See updated Statement of Work.

2. What level of treatment is required for the decking?

o See updated Statement of Work. Timber decking shall be treated in accordance with UC4B in heavy oil – copper naphthenate or approved equivalent.

3. If any welding is necessary when reinstalling the deck retaining angle steel, is there a specification for the quality of weld?

o All field welding shall be done by an AWS certified welder possessing a current certification. All welds shall consist of a minimum of 3 passes. All welds shall be of professional quality. All surfaces to be welded shall be cleaned of all deleterious materials prior to welding and all welds shall be painted in the same manner as the remainder of the structure under the “Bridge Painting” item.

Bridge Painting - Item No. 56308-0000

1. Is 100% containment of the debris from the sandblasting and painting required?

• Yes. 100% containment of all debris from the sandblasting and painting is required.

2. Would you consider the bridge to be in a salty area?

• No. This does not change the specified paint system shown in the statement of work. The contractor shall use Paint System 2 shown in Table 563-1 of the FP-14.

3. What is the scope of the sandblasting and painting?

• See updated Statement of Work. The entire bridge is to be repainted in accordance with the requirements of the statement of work, specifications, and plans.

4. Can we get a precise paint specification for the bridge? Mil thickness, surface prep, etc.

• See the updated Statement of Work and Section 563 of the FP-14.

5. What are the paint crew qualifications?

• See the qualifications listed in section 563.03 of the FP-14.

6. Can the entire bridge be moved off-site for sandblasting and painting?

• Yes. The contractor is responsible for repairing or replacing all damage to the bridge, paint, etc. resulting from the contractor's operations.

• The contractor shall allow government inspection at the off-site location where painting and sandblasting is taking place.

• The contractor shall submit photos of the bridge with all paint removed prior to painting.

• Written Approval from the government of the finished painting is required prior to installing the bridge at the site.

7. Are there alternate methods of paint removal and bridge cleaning prior to painting?

• No. Sandblasting to the specification provided in the Statement of Work is required.

8. What is the USFS's preferred method for reestablishing the bridge? Would they prefer it to be jacked up and restored on-site with appropriate environmental protection measures, or transported off-site for restoration and then returned?

• There is no preferred method if the project is completed in accordance with contract specifications, quality requirements, and environmental restrictions.

9. Can the ends of the bridge be easily accessed for painting?

• The ends of the bridge are surrounded by soil.