127EAV26R0009 Responses to Questions.pdf

127EAV26R0009

Sam Houston Trail Bridge Replacement

Pre-bid meeting Q&A

1. Q: Are there two different contracts going on? If so, will there be a site meet up for the trail tread rehabilitation?

A: Trail Bridge contract and Lake Loop trail tread rehabilitation contract. This contract is for trail bridges. Unknown if there will be a trail tread repair site meeting. These contracts were pre-solicited at the same time but are separate.

2. Q: What contract would come first?

A: The bridge contract would be first and trail hardening would be second.

3. Q: Would there be an overlap in the work area and concurrent work that would need to be coordinated if they’re different?

A: There may be some concurrent work. In the bridge contract if the trail is damaged by either hauling material to the bridge sites then prepared work to be done on the trail tread.

4. Q: Is there a sequence the FS would like to see if the contracts are proceeding? What is the priority order?

A: The FS would like to see the bridges done first; the hardening contract is a lot of material moving. The best way to get everyone on the same page is to talk to each other and figure out what would work best. By the CB channel, etc... communication.

Working together equals being successful together.

5. Q: In the bridge contract is the trail construction, rerouting, and hardening part of the fixed price?

A: Yes, it would be included. Each bridge has a different scenario; it is up to the contractor to figure out a plan. It is encouraged to look at better crossings for those locations but there are limitations. Trail tread clearances can be 100 ft on either side, but anything further would need approval from other regulatory agencies.

6. Q: How do you propose a fixed cost bid with design unknowns?

A: Based on the bridge it is based on your assumptions what is/ may be necessary.

As long as the minimum design standards are met as per the points mentioned in the contract, FS will cover natural disasters and/or extreme weather events.

7. Q: Is a full design required in bid submittal?

A: No, in a design narrative which explains clearly the assumptions made about each site, the type (truss/girder) of design the site requires, foundations, materials to be

Pre-bid meeting Q&A used, and why the proposal for each site presents the best value. Please demonstrate that other design options have been considered and why they are not as suitable for the site as the developed and fully priced design idea in the narrative.

8. Q: Is the design narrative/ engineered plans separate fixed cost compared to the bridge?

A: This is a firm fixed price contract. Any modifications to cost or schedule after award will be governed by the FAR. The schedule of values proposed by offerors will determine how pricing is separated.

9. Q: How does hunting season affect the construction schedule?

A: During hunting season everything remains open.

10. Q: How does prescribed burn season affect the construction schedule?

A: For the prescribed burns the fire management and COR will coordinate to close off section of trail that is in the prescribed burn and will let the contractor know if it will affect their area for the day. Please coordinate activities with FS staff during the burn season which generally runs from January to May.

11. Q: Is there a preferred bridge material?

A: No, but ease of maintenance and sustainability is preferred.

12. Q: Can low water crossings be considered instead of bridges?

A: Yes, depending on site specific engineering designs.

13. Q: Have temporary crossings been considered for construction?

A: Yes, on a case-by-case basis. The Forest Service will work with the successful contractor to close trail sections under construction for public safety and the safety of the contractor’s staff.

14. Q: Solicitation includes the breakdown of lump sum cost what is the purpose?

A: The schedule of values is how the Forest Service pays you. The schedule of values allows the Forest Service to make progress payments for items delivered as defined by the schedule of values.

15. Q: How do you account for any discrepancies of cost from the design narrative to the actual engineered design plans when you can’t take into account the Q500 weather events?

Pre-bid meeting Q&A A: Good question, would it help if we extended the bid period or added a reconciliation period or discovery period? All contractors present agreed that a 4-6 week extension would be necessary to adequately develop proposals. The solicitation has been extended to May 29. As for a reconciliation period this is a firm fixed price contract. Any modifications to cost or schedule after award will be governed by the FAR.

16. Q: Is the contract low bid or best value?

A: Best value.

17. Q: Can bridges be relocated?

A: Yes on a case by case basis. Please include the reasoning why relocation is preferred in the design narrative. Environmental and Heritage clearances are approvable within 100’ to the left or right of the centerline. A 200’ wide corridor is cleared along the trail.

Anything outside of that will require resurvey by specialists and concurrence with the appropriate state and federal agencies.

18. Q: How is the performance period determined?

A: It’s an estimate provided by the government, however, there is flexibility if needed.

19. Q: Will the trails be accessible during the solicitation period?

A: Although several sections of the trails are closed the majority of the trails are open.

The Forest Service can issue a letter of authorization for access. The District staff does not have time to open and close gates at closed roads during the solicitation. In reviewing the maps provided in this amendment most of the bridge sites can be reached with a minimal walk which may require travelling through forest off trail and off road. The successful offeror may obtain gate keys for use during the life of the contract.

20. Q: Is there historical information regarding the bridges?

A: Yes, solicitation referenced the data and was not included because all heritage clearances have been approved within the 200’ corridor along the trail. At the time of the Statement of Objectives development, the Archeology surveys and consultation was only partially completed. Now that all Heritage surveys have been completed this reference in the SOO is irrelevant.

21. Q: Is there a budget for this project and is it funded?

A: Yes, to both.

22. Q: What are designs parameters for bridges?

Pre-bid meeting Q&A A: Reference solicitation 2.3.

23. Q: Is there a map showing the access points?

A: Yes, map has been provided with this amendment.

24. Q: Is channel realignment a possibility?

A: Not doing realignment just pulling structures off the banks. Abutments/foundations should be located outside the banks.

25. Q: Does the Forest Service have a preference for bridge designs?

A: Depends on what the contractor and engineer decides. Site specific.

26. Q: Is there a specific lumber to use?

A: Treated for ground contact.

27. Q: What should contractors do with material (trees, drainage features, whopti’s, etc…) that inhibits trail access?

A: Down trees can be cut up and scattered. Native trail surface materials can be removed and trail path can be widened and flattened to 60 inches, anything wider would be considered case by case.

28. Q: How do we dispose of the old bridges?

A: Refer to section 2.17 in solicitation. – Forest service may reserve some materials, this may require contract modifications. Check with CO for each specific bridge.

29. Q: Do trail reroutes have to meet forest service standards?

A: Yes, additionally, old trail must be obliterated.

30. Q: Does the Forest Service have a place to stage material?

A: Case by case. Offerors are encouraged to perform map and ground reconnaissance to request staging areas for each site or clusters of sites.

31. Q: What happens if material being stored is damaged or stolen?

A: Contractor is responsible for it until it is incorporated into the work and accepted by the CO.

32. Q: Is there water access?

Pre-bid meeting Q&A A: Reference section 1.2. If water is not available on site then concessions can be made to utilize water from the office on a case-by-case basis.

33. Q: Will the trails be open when construction work commences?

A: Case-by-case basis, trail sections can be closed based on construction location.

34. Q: Can geo reference maps and/or KML files be provided?

A: Yes, a georeferenced pdf. Map has been provided with this amendment.