C04 Q and A 127EAV26Q0068.pdf

Pre-Bid Site Visit July 16, 2026 Questions/Responses

• For features with two recommended forms of closure from BCI, who makes that final call and when? The contractors also expressed concern that their bids are due very soon and they do not know which action they need to consider. Should they assume the first closure method and ignore the alternatives?

USFS Response: The BCI report serves as a reference only. The Schedule outlines the closure method for each mine feature. The closure method is clearly stated in the Schedule, so there is no need for assumptions.

• For feature CN-05, what should be done with the concrete slab and culvert? It is recommended as a destructive closure, so should they break up the concrete and leave it in the shaft or just fill in the hole?

USFS Response: CN-05 is listed in the Schedule as Polyurethane Foam (PUF) closure method. The concrete can be broken and placed in the shaft prior to installing the PUF closure method.

• Someone mentioned there is a note in the contract for feature CN-18 (a bat compatible closure) that said to remove the cribbing inside the feature. This sounds both dangerous and unnecessary, so I think some clarification is needed.

USFS Response: No cribbing is required at CN-18. The SOW states the following for “Adit Backfilling”, however, the Schedule requires a bat compatible closure and not “Adit Backfilling”:

Adit Backfilling

Prior to backfilling adits, the Contractor must remove all wood, garbage, cribbing, or other materials as directed in the SOW or by the COR. All trash and debris shall be hauled to an approved disposal site.

• Another note in the contract asked to remove any historical artifacts from features before closing and leave them on the outside by mine entrance. I’m not familiar with this being done in the past and it seems like those items would just be stolen if found.

Additionally, most of the historical trash was left behind because it was too dangerous to retrieve it. Please clarify before contract is awarded.

USFS Response: The Statement of Work states the following:

Unless otherwise specified in the SOW, archeological resources shall be avoided.

Historic structures within a shaft, tunnel, or adit that are to be left in-place shall be protected from PUF by covering them with plastic sheeting. Historic debris or structures within a shaft, tunnel or adit that are to be removed to accommodate remediation activities and placed neatly to the side of the remediated opening.

To clarify, only those historic debris or structures that are situated in the immediate closure area shall be placed to the side of the remediated opening, otherwise, debris or structures inside shall be left undisturbed. Items to be left undisturbed include lumber, nails, a metal hook on the ribs of the mine, wooden steps, food cans, old metal pipes, and metal railings sticking out from adjacent collapsed portals.

• Please confirm the number projects (82) to be completed at sixty (60) separate sites.

USFS Response: As stated in the Schedule, there are 82 Pay Items to complete tasks at 60 mine features. As stated in the Statement of Work, the Pay Item C 4.6.1.1 Exclude Wildlife must be completed prior to completing Pay Item C 4.8.

• Please confirm that we do not need to revegetate any areas that we disturb per the site walk on 7/16/26.

USFS Response: There is no revegetation in the Schedule or the Statement of Work.

• Please define the "warm season".

USFS Response: In southern Arizona, the warm season for bats typically begins in late March to April and peaks through mid-summer (May–July). Upon contract award, this project will likely occur between October/November 1, 2026, and April 30, 2027, or as directed by the Contracting Officer.

• At the site walk, we were told to bid all Leave As Is sites without any “alternative” work such as Destructive Closure or Bat Closures, is this correct?

USFS Response: To clarify, the Schedule and the Statement of Work outlines the work for the project. Refer to the Pay Items and Descriptions listed in the Schedule. The BCI survey report serves only as a Reference.

• Is the contractor able to tram machinery to and from the work areas? The SOW states the contractor must walk materials, etc... from the road to the work areas.

USFS Response: The intent is to tread lightly on the National Forest and not perform clearing or grubbing to access the sites. As stated in the Statement of Work, “Most of the mine sites are less than a half of a mile from roads thus foot travel will be necessary.

The contractor should consider using small vehicles such as All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) to accomplish the work. Closure work will be conducted via existing NFS roads. When abandoned mine features are located away from existing NFS roads, features will be accessed on foot.”

• Please confirm the contractor is only required to reclaim the access it creates from the roads to the work areas.

USFS Response: Correct. Only disturbed areas will be lightly reclaimed.

• Can the contractor work a 6 or 7 seven day/week schedule?

USFS Response: It is acceptable for contractor to work 6 or 7 day/week schedule.