RFI Official Responses - 1.pdf

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) OFFICIAL RESPONSES

127EAW21R0039 - South Gate Bridge Project

RFI responses will be responded to as necessary in amendment format which will be posted to the solicitation via beta.SAM.gov

Telephone requests for information will not be accepted or returned.

RFI #1 – Are any boring logs available to identify material that will be encountered during excavation?

USFS Response – There are not any boring logs available there is however a geotechnical report.

See attached.

RFI #2 – The foundation plan on sheet 4 of 10 shows existing and new contour lines, however, some of their values are not legible and are cut off on the north and south of the detail. Can additional information and drawings be provided regarding the grading scope and quantities for the project?

USFS Response – There is not any additional information or drawings available. There is enough information provided in sheet 4 using the scale, elevations and 2:1 slope shown in the

Elevation drawing to see what the final grading scope is.

RFI #3 – Will seeding of disturbed areas be required after project completion? Is so please provide additional information.

USFS Response – See page 9 of 10 in the drawings, Construction Notes, Line 2 – Disturbed areas will be mulched with a certified weed free straw.

RFI #4 – Section C and F of the solicitation states that the contract time shall be 90 days for the completion of all work items after issuance of Notice to Proceed. The prestressed bridge members have a current fabrication lead time of approximately 90 to 120 calendar days from final approval.

Can the performance period be extended to accommodate the prestressed bridge member lead times if it is greater than the performance period when released for fabrication?

USFS Response – Yes, due to the anticipated longer lead times associated with manufacturing procedures and the Pandemic the performance period will be extended from the original 90 days as needed to ensure a successful project. It was determined that having the project partially complete for several months and the roadway closed was not in the best interest of the Forest and its cooperators so actual Construction of the bridge will start in July of 2022. This will allow for ample lead times to get everything ordered and built and not have any long- term shutdowns.

RFI #5 – Section 11 of the 1442 states that the project must be complete within 30 days of the

NTP. This contradicts the performance period listed in other sections of the solicitation. Please advise.

USFS Response – See RFI #4 above for answer.

RFI #6 – Section L paragraph C of the solicitation states a 120-day period of performance, 130-day period of performance if option is exercised. This contradicts the performance period listed in other sections of the solicitation. Please advise.

RFI #7 – The contract drawings do not clearly show thickness, material type, or footprint of the slope protection between and around the new abutments. Please provide.

USFS Response –The material type for structural backfill will be native onsite material placed as per: FP-14-Standard Specifications for Construction of Roads and Bridges on Federal Highway

Projects, Section 208- Structure Excavation and Backfill for Selected Major Structures, Line

208.09 – Backfill, and Section 704 – Soil, Line 704.04 – Structural Backfill.

RFI #8 – Will unsuitable material from the excavation and grading operations be able to be disposed of on site or will the contractor be required to off haul and dispose of all material.

USFS Response – Any unsuitable or excess material from excavation and grading operations will be disposed of on site in an area designated by the COR.

RFI #9 – The site has a large number of trees and shrubs that will need to be removed to complete the contour and grading per plan as shown on sheet 4 of 10 however this is not identified in the drawings or bid schedule. Please advise.

USFS Response – The intent is to do the minimal vegetation removal possible to complete the project. Vegetation removal will be paid for under item # 20305 -Removal of Structures and

Obstructions. Small Vegetation will be scattered, logs will be placed, onsite, at a location designated by the COR.

RFI #10 – Sheet 3 of 10 states that the stream flow will be diverted around the construction site at all live stream crossings. Please confirm.

USFS Response – Dewatering of the construction site is required. This is usually accomplished by diverting the stream flow through a temporary culvert moving the stream to one side while working on the other side, or in some cases leaving the original pipe in place during excavations, however it is the Contractor’s responsibility to figure out the best way to dewater. Dewatering is paid for by item # 15713- Soil Erosion and Pollution Control.

RFI #11 – Please provide drawings of the extent of asphalt pavement at approach as well as a cross section showing subgrade requirements.

USFS Response – See sheet 9 of 10 – Typical Roadway section. Asphalt width at approaches is

14 feet, same as the bridge wearing surface width.

RFI #12 – Under section C of the technical proposal requirements, it says the required schedule should reflect the ability to complete the project in 120 days. In other sections of the solicitation, it says to complete the project 90 days after NTP. Is the period of performance 90 days or 120 days?

RFI #13 – Material lead times are likely to be much longer than normal. Will contracting allow certain elements of work to be completed and then suspend days during the bridge lead time?

RFI #14 – Can the road closure of 90 days be adjusted to align with the total contract days?

USFS Response – NO, See RFI #4 above for answer.

RFI #15 – Section 553.04 mentions notifying the CO a minimum of 10 days before fabrication of prestressed members. It also says to submit shop drawings for approval 21 days before starting prestressing. Is this necessary? If so please provide the anticipated lead time for submittal review.

USFS Response –Yes, it is necessary. The lead time for submittal review is the 21 days however the review and approval process could likely be much sooner.

RFI #16 – Will the government be handling all testing and inspections?

USFS Response – The Contractor is responsible for all testing requirements and Quality Control

Inspections. The government will be conducting Quality assurance and specification compliance inspections.

RFI #17 – Is a QC manager required to be on site at all times?

USFS Response –No

RFI #18 – The project bids 7-8-21. Assuming you have a contract in place within 2 weeks, that leaves 1 week before the anticipated start date of the contract. You still have lead time for submittals, shop drawings, approval of shop drawings, and then lead time after final approval. Have you considered the likelihood of being able to complete the project within the designated time frame?

USFS Response – See RFI #4 for answer.

RFI #19 – Depending on lead times for the bridge, would the government consider the contractor completing the project in 2022?

USFS Response – See RFI #4 for answer.

RFI #20 – Please confirm that you are okay with us submitting a bid bond, scanned and emailed with the proposal.

USFS Response – CO to answer

RFI #21 – Is there a location nearby where we can spoil the excavated material?

USFS Response – Yes, See answer to RFI#8.