Bell Smith Springs RFI Answers.docx

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

No.

1. 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?

Yes, it may be possible, but the need to extend it will have to be submitted through the Contracting Officer for approval.

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

No.

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

The existing deteriorated paved sections of road are as follows:

· Bell Smith Springs Rd (848)

· Begins at milepost 1.40 and ends at milepost 2.20.

· 16 foot width from mp 1.40 to mp 1.907

· 14 foot width from mp 1.907 to mp 2.093

· 16 foot width from mp 2.093 to mp 2.20.

· The existing pavement is a double layer of oil and chip.

· Trailhead parking area is approximately 360 Sq Yd.

· End loop parking area is approximately 222 Sq Yd.

· Redbud Campground Rd (848A)

· Begins at mp 0.0 and ends at mp 0.30.

· 14 foot width

· The existing pavement is a double layer of oil and chip.

· The entrance is wider than 14 foot to allow for a pull off area to pay camping fees, the additional area is approximately 180 Sq Yd.

· There are not any existing paved sections of road or parking areas associated with Hunting Branch Rd (849). It is all existing aggregate surface.

1. Please confirm the manufacturer of the existing roofing system and who carries the current warranty of the roofing system.

No roofing is involved in this project.

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

No.

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

None.

1. Does this project require phasing?

No.

1. Is this project tax exempt?

No.

1. When do you anticipate on site work starting?

Work is to start within 10 days after the Notice to Proceed is issued.

1. Are third party inspections required?

No.

1. Is permitting required?

No.

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

Yes, all areas disturbed by the contractor during operations will need to be seeded and mulched, incidental to 60230 pay items. See detail on the Proposed Typical Road Cross Section drawing. Also see the last note in the General Notes document (Attachment 7). See Section 713 – Roadside Improvement Material of the Specifications (Attachment 3).

1. Please provide staking data points for the project.

There are no staking data points for this project.

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

This staking is not required on this project.

1. Are pavement markings required? If so, where should we account for pricing within the pricing schedule?

No.

1. Is surveying required? If so which line within the pricing schedule should we account for it?

The Government will stake the areas to be worked, such as beginning of project, end of project, same for parking areas and the French drain. By Specification 152 the contractor is responsible for maintaining the stakes and replacing them as needed until the end of the project.

1. Please provide a map outlining the limits for this project.

See Attachment 8 Road Log Work Descriptions and the Proposed Typical Cross Section drawing in Attachment 4.

1. Will all roads and parking lots require chipseal?

All roads require chipseal. The existing parking lots require chip seal. The newly constructed gravel lots do not require chipseal.

1. Chipseal is listed as a lump sum on the pricing schedule. Without plans showing the limits it is extremely difficult to price. Please provide an approximate tonnage for the job.

Refer to Attachment 8 Road Log Work Descriptions for road lengths and widths.

1. Which pay item(s) are measured for payment using Pay Factors on this project?

Refer to Section 109 Measurement and Payment of the Specifications.

1. Are the pay factors, (if any) based on statistical evaluation to determine the Pay Within Limits (PWL) for this project?

In going through Section 109 I do not see this phrase mentioned. Our contract pay items are based on the amount of work performed. This is stated in the spec that the contractor and the Forest Service will discuss progress payments prior to their submittal for payment.

1. Can the FHWA confirm the testing characteristics that are considered for the statistical analysis/PWL pay items?

The only FHWA involvement in this contract is they write the spec book we use. Testing requirements listed are developed by AASHTO and available through their Testing and Materials Manuals. Please reference Spec 109 and any associated Work and Material Specifications listed in the FP-14, and the Special Project Specifications in the contract.

1. Please confirm the Pay Factor reduction tables to be referenced on this project.

To the best of our knowledge there are no Pay Factors.

1. If it is determined that the proposed gradation values do not align with materials commonly used locally for highway construction and maintenance by Federal or state agencies, would FHWA eliminate the pay-factor requirement?

FHWA has no involvement. If the materials don’t meet the specifications, then they have to be replaced at contractor’s expense. Section 700 of the spec book, as supplemented and superseded by the Special Project Specification (SPS), Section 703.

1. If the proposed gradation values are found to differ from materials typically used locally for highway construction and maintenance by Federal or state agencies, would FHWA consider using a state DOT’s gradation instead?

Contractor is required to submit certification that material produced at the quarry used meets the State of Illinois gradation specifications.

1. Do the QCM and Tester have to be 2 separate individuals?

No.

1. Please confirm we can close the site in its entirety during all construction activities.

Refer to Section 156 Public Traffic of the Specifications (Attachment 3).

1. Note 1 on page 4 of 9 from the plan set references a table for estimated dimensions. Please provide the referenced table.

Refer to Attachment 8 Road Log Work Descriptions.

1. Please provide an approximate quantity for bidding purposes of the Furnishing and installing Underdrains line from the pricing schedule. How many locations require this?

See Attachment 8 Road Log Work Descriptions.

1. Please provide an approximate quantity for bidding purposes of the Recondition of Roadbed and Roadside Ditches line from the pricing schedule. Is this required over the entire project area?

Yes, required over the entire project area.