RFI Official Responses - 1.pdf

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) OFFICIAL RESPONSES

127EAW22R0070 - Milsap Bar Bridge Retaining Wall

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 – Projects for relevant past performance for this solicitation is currently limited to the last three (3) years. Would the government be open to extending the period to the last five (5) years due to the specific nature of this project?

USFS Response – Yes, 5 years of past performance is acceptable.

RFI #2 – It was mentioned during the site visit that the rock filling at the face of wall can be provided by USFS. Please confirm and clarify location or rock filling that is to be picked up by the contractor.

USFS Response – Material can be provided from USFS sourced site. Contractor must load and transport material. Coordinate with CO and COR to gain access.

Location: 39.795733, -121.308330

RFI #3 – Please confirm that water will be able to be drafted from the stream for dust control and soils compaction operations.

USFS Response – As long as the proper aquatic filtration device and backflow preventing foot valve is attached to the draft hose.

RFI #4 – Due to the remoteness of the project, importing backfill material will be extremely expensive. Please confirm that the existing fill material is to be utilized as compacted backfill in the new wall construction.

USFS Response – Existing Backfill material will be suitable for reuse in new MSE Wall.

RFI #5 – On page 22 of the solicitation, section 452.228-71 Insurance Coverage (NOV 1996) Alt 1

(NOV 1996), paragraph (d), it states that we need Aircraft Public and Passenger Liability, we will not be using Aircraft, does the requirement still apply?

USFS Response – Negative, the clause says “WHEN aircraft are used in connection with performing the contract, the Contractor shall have aircraft public and passenger liability insurance” Aircraft insurance is not required.

RFI #6 – Please confirm that campsites and vault toilet at the campground can be used by contractors during the project for both housing and stockpile location.

USFS Response – Coordination with CO and COR for proper permit for camping onsite. Should not be an issue with proper coordination.

RFI #7 – Looking at the conditions of the project site, it is very likely that the contractor will encounter large boulders or native rock face during excavation. If the boulders or native rock within the limits of excavation cannot be removed by standard means (i.e., excavator bucket with teeth and not blasting or hydraulic rock breaking attachments) please clarify how the contractor is to proceed with the work.

USFS Response – Normal excavation is anticipated, if bedrock or change in excavation method is required, contact CO.

RFI #8 – Each of the retaining wall manufacturers has a specific backfill material requirement.

Being that this solicitation is not being put out as a design build project, please clarify how it will be addressed if the existing soil is deemed to not meet the manufacturers requirements.

USFS Response – If existing material does not meet the requirements by the supplied wall manufacture, the Contractor must notify the CO and have Plumas National Forest Engineering team evaluate and advise.

The wall manufacture must conform to the standards within FP-14 and the drawings supplied.

RFI #9 – The existing wall profile on sheet C-02 shows an existing drain approximately 10’ below top of wall which then goes vertical approximately 8’ back from face of wall. The new wall profile on sheet C-03 shows the drain going vertical approximately 18’ back from face of wall. Please clarify if the 3” diameter drain is new or existing and what work will be included in this contract.

USFS Response – Existing draining structure is a sheet drain system. Replacement of the sheet drain system will need to be incorporated into the bid. Including 8 ft of galvanized metal pipe that will daylight at the base of the MSE wall. The Galvanized pipe is to help reduce potential damage from future fires. Include all required coupling and fittings to accomplish this task.

Conform to the standards within FP-14 section 605.05

Submit details of assembly of drain system prior to installation for government approval.

RFI #10 – During construction, the roadway will not be passable by public or emergency vehicles.

Please confirm this is acceptable.

USFS Response – Acceptable

RFI #11 – Please confirm that third party testing will not be required.

USFS Response –Material testing and compaction requirements will be required to be validated and tested. Provide material submittals for approval.

RFI #12 – The bid schedule included in the solicitation lists a quantity of 4.4 tons for road resurfacing however the scope of work calls for 7 tons. Please advise.

USFS Response – 7 tons of material for roadway surfacing. See attached “3. Schedule - Revised

31 Aug 2022” which shall be used for proposal submission.

RFI #13 – Will the existing 3" drain need to be extended and if so how much? What line item will it be under?

USFS Response – Refer to RFI #9

RFI #14 – At the pre bid meeting conversation about rock and fill borrow sites?

USFS Response – Refer to RFI #2 and RFI #4

RFI #15 – Can the road be closed during construction?

USFS Response – Refer to RFI #10

RFI #16 – Who is responsible for QA & QC ?

USFS Response – QC is responsibility of Contractor and QA is responsibility of USFS.