RFI Official Responses.pdf

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

Request For Information (RFI) Official Responses

127EAW24R0025 - GAOA Sawmill & Bear Campground Renovations

Angeles National Forest

1. Are there archeological concerns at Sawmill or Bear Campgrounds?

Answer: Bear Campground has archeological concerns and work at the site will be monitored by a Forest Service archeologist.

2. Will the new site amenities (food lockers, fire rings, etc.) be on site?

Answer: Amenities will be procured by the Forest Service and be available for pick up at either the Supervisor’s Office, 701 N Santa Anita Avenue Arcadia, CA 91006, or the Los Angeles Gateway Ranger District, 12371 N. Little Tujunga Canyon Road.

3. Will a surveyor be required before work begins?

Answer: See question 13.

4. Can you clarify the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) and how it applies to this project?

Answer: From U.S. Forest Service Accessibility Guidelines sources: “The Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) requires facilities designed, built, altered, or leased by, for or on behalf of a Federal agency, or with Federal funds, comply with the applicable accessibility guidelines / standards. The U.S. Access Board develops and maintains accessibility guidelines under this law. The current guidelines under the ABA are the Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standards (ABAAS). Forest Service drinking fountains, toilet facilities, parking lots and spaces, cabins, and administrative buildings are among the components covered by ABAAS. These guidelines are outlined specifically for recreation site features in the Forest Service Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guidelines (FSORAG). “

Campground improvement projects provide an opportunity to use principles of universal design to make programs and facilities usable by all people to the greatest extent possible instead of creating separate, segregating features for access by people with disabilities.

Please refer to sheet 19, D-12 of the construction drawing set for a description and diagram of accessibility guidelines we are striving to meet in this project to the extent practicable – disregard Note #3.

Some key points:

• At Sawmill Campground, some incidental grading should be done to make the surface along paths of travel to amenities and around amenities should be firm, smooth, and stable and the slope shall not exceed 3% in any direction. No grading should be done at Bear Campground.

• As much as possible, a clear space of 4 feet should be created around picnic tables and fire rings.

• The clear space leading to trash bins and food storage lockers should be a minimum of 48 inches long and as wide as the bin or locker. The top of the concrete slabs for these amenities should be flush with the native surface.

• Barriers created to delineate parking spurs should have a minimum 36 inch opening in a place that makes sense for someone to easily exit their car and access the site.

• Trash bins and food storage lockers should be installed so that the handles to use them are within the range of 16 inches – 44 inches above the ground surface.

• Please do not hesitate to consult with landscape architect and/or engineer with any questions or uncertainties.

Please refer to this site for more resources and in-depth information:

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recreation/programs/accessibility/

5. To what specifications do tables need to be reset?

Answer: To the extent practicable, the tables should be reset the following standards:

• Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standards require that tops of dining surfaces be 28 inches to 34 inches above the finished floor or ground.

• The knee space for wheelchair seating at a picnic table must be at least 27 inches high.

• Generally, benches that are around 18 inches above the ground with tabletop surfaces that are about 32 inches above the ground are reasonably comfortable for most people, accommodate common picnic table construction materials, and meet accessibility requirements.

6. What is the desired height of table to ground for existing tables?

Answer: Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standards require that tops of dining surfaces be 28 inches to 34 inches above the finished floor or ground. To the extent practicable, tabletops should be 32 inches above the ground.

7. Do all locations need to be accessible? Will there be tables with wheelchair accessibility at either site?

Answer: No, not all locations need to be accessible. No, picnic tables may not be accessible at all sites.

8. Will camping be allowed at the sites during the project?

Answer: Camping is expected to be allowed during the project at either site. Formal requests must be submitted to the District Ranger for approval after award of contract.

9. Where can a Contractor access water?

Answer: There is no water at either Sawmill or Bear Campgrounds and it will be the responsibility of the contractor to furnish water to the sites. The Forest Service will consider access to fire facilities to determine if there is viable water source but there are no https://www.fs.usda.gov/recreation/programs/accessibility/ guarantees. Here are the nearby fire facility locations: Green Valley Fire Station (40935 San Francisquito Canyon Road Saugus, CA 91390), Los Alamos Campground and Fire Station (34° 38' 60.0000" N 118° 46' 0.0001" W), or Oak Flat Fire Station (38001 Golden State Highway Castaic, CA 91384). The Forest Service will not provide potable water for bulk hauling.

10. Should any roadwork be performed on roads being abandoned/blocked with logs such as grading or installing berms?

Answer: No additional grading work on existing roadways will be required for sections that will be abandoned, other than placing logs/barriers. No berms will be required.

11. Will logs used for blocking access be embedded into the ground?

Answer: The logs are of sufficient weight that they do not need to be embedded and only need to be placed on a level surface to block access as barriers.

12. Will the Forest Service flag resources to protect?

Answer: Forest Service specialists will flag resources to protect before work begins. During work monitoring by a Forest Service archeological should be expected for all or part of the work at Bear Campground.

13. Will a survey and inspection need to be conducted before work proceeds?

Answer: No, there will be no need for a surveyor to be used on this project as the relative elevations will be as shown on the profile sheets and there is no change to the current alignments of any of the roads. Staking by the Forst Service will be performed for the locations of round pipes and overside drains.

14. Can the Forest Service confirm the use of HDPE pipe rather than CMP for drainage pipe?

Answer: Confirming that for round pipes, HDPE is the preferred material for drainages but will consider substitution of metal materials if preferred.

15. Will all recent road improvements at Sawmill Campground like culverts remain in place?

Answer: Only the work as specified in the contract Drawings will be performed. If existing features such as drains and culverts are not listed as part of the work, there will be no need to perform work unless clearly identified on the Drawings or the Schedule of Items.

16. Are there any equipment requirements such as tracked vs wheeled?

Answer: There are no equipment specification requirements. There is no pavement on 7N23 and access can be made from the entrance of 7N23 with tracked or wheeled equipment. See requirements for equipment washing on “Mitigation Measures” document.

17. Are there any species concerns besides spotted owls and does the Contractor need to provide licensed bios?

Answer: The Forest Service has only identified spotted owls habitat that may be impacted from this work. The Forest Service is managing the consultation process for the work. The Contractor does not need to provide licensed bios.

18. Will concrete analysis be required for this work e.g. slump test?

Answer: The contractor is responsible for quality control including ensuring that concrete compressive strength, particle size, and slump test meet the specifications. There will be no additional payment for slump or compressive strength, and this will be incidental to the cost of concrete placement. In addition, concrete submittals will be provided to the Forest Service from the plant/supplier for our quality assurance.

19. Will the repainted information board still be removed at Sawmill Campground?

Answer: Yes, information boards identified in the drawings will be removed.

20. Can the Forest Service verify the depth and material of roadwork items in the schedule of items?

Answer: The maximum depth of roadwork will be 6 inches for Sawmill Campground. The maximum depth of roadwork will be 6 inches for Bear Campground and will require monitoring by a Forest Service archaeologist.

21. Is coupling an appropriate alternative to pipe welding on site?

Answer: Yes.

22. Will Contractor receive credit for work delays caused by weather or other circumstances?

Answer: Credit for work delays will not be tracked by the COR. If serious events like extreme weather, wildfire, or similar circumstances impact the work, the Contractor should work with the COR and CO to request an extension to the Period of Performance.

23. Will the Forest Service provide archeological monitoring at Bear Campground?

Answer: Yes, the Forest Service will provide monitoring. Monitoring will depend on the Forest Service archeologist’s time. On site monitoring will depend on their schedule, the Contractor’s schedule, and type of work being performed at the time.

24. What level of road work/ground disturbance can be done at Bear Campground? Will voids be filled with base?

Answer: There will be minimal ground disturbance permitted for Bear Campground and any work on the roadway will be monitored by a Forest Service Archaeologist. To the extent possible, the contractor will avoid using heavy equipment on specific locations as determined by the Archaeologist.

25. Will the information boards be provided by the Forest Service and include any signage or posters?

Answer: Forest Service will procure the information boards for Contractor to install.

Contractor will not add any signage or posters.

26. Does the information board at Bear Campground have specific installation restrictions?

Answer: Sheet D-09 has specifications for the information board.

27. Where is the log cache near Bear Campground?

Answer: The log cache is 3.8 miles from Bear Campground via 7N23 Liebre Sawmill Road and 7N19 Atmore Meadow Road at 34.702745, -118.597550. Photos of the cache are below.

Figure 1 First log cache pile.

Figure 2 Second log cache pile.

28. Can the Forest Service provide more detail on the log quantities and size specifications for each site expected under the line items: Relocate FELLED TREES for BARRIERS at Sawmill CG and Relocate FELLED TREES (from Atmore Road) for BARRIERS at Bear CG?

Answer: For Sawmill Campground, felled tree to use as barriers should be harvested from the log caches in campground that are easiest to access–areas that are close to the road, not on a steep slope, and where damage to newly planted trees can be avoided. Desired specifications are:

• Quantity: approximately 34-40

• Diameter: minimum 14 inches

• Length: 8 – 10 feet

For Sawmill Campground felled trees to use as barriers to delineate parking spurs, the specifications are:

• Quantity: approximately 18-24

• Diameter: minimum 12 inches

• Length: 6 – 8 feet

For Bear Campground felled trees to use as barriers should be harvested from the log cache on Atmore Road. Desired specifications are:

• Quantity: approximately 12-16

• Diameter: minimum 14 inches

• Length: 8 – 10 feet

For Bear Campground felled trees to use as barriers to delineate parking spurs. Desired specifications are:

• Quantity: approximately 18-24

• Diameter: minimum 12 inches

• Length: 6 – 8 feet

29. Will Contractor be responsible for repairing damage caused by equipment?

Answer: Yes, the Contractor will be responsible to repair damage caused by equipment.

Contractor should notify the COR on damage and received direction on repair.

30. What are the restrictions for work with respect to spotted owls?

Answer: The work is planned to take place outside of the spotted owl nesting season so restrictions will not be placed on the work.

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

Answer: No, an individual may be assigned to multiple roles.

32. 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?

Answer: No, the period of performance cannot be extended. The Notice-to-Proceed will be issued once all submittals have been approved and materials are available (within reason).

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

Answer: There is no geotechnical report or subsurface exploration for any of the project sites. There is no information that we can provide showing subsurface data and there is the possibility that there will be rocks of varying sizes which can be cleared and not used for the embankment areas to meet compaction requirements. The rocks can be moved or can be used for berms that do not require any roadway or other constructed features.

34. Are the campgrounds accessible to myself? Without a key? If not, how do I obtain one for the day? The directions State, “access from old ridge road is not accessible “ Are the campgrounds easily accessible?

Answer: The campgrounds are open to the public and do not require a key. Driving directions are provide on the coversheet of the drawings to access the campground via the intersection of 7N23 and Pine Canyon Road which is suitable for vehicles as opposed to the impacted access from Old Ridge Road.

35. If work occurs between September and February and a protocol survey is required, is that effort and cost assumed by the contractor?

Answer: Work outside of the spotted owl nesting season (September 15-February 15) will not require a protocol survey.

36. Since grading will be extensive and work will occur during the rainy season, will a SWPPP be required?

Answer: A Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan will not be required for this project.

However, the contractor will review the “Mitigation Measures” document and rely on guidance by Forest specialists for hydrology and other considerations.

37. Regarding RFI 29, will contractor need to regrade access roads if trucks hauling equipment or materials (after periods of precipitation) create ruts?

Answer: There is no need for the contractor to perform any road work on the access to these recreation sites. Recent work was completed by another contractor under a separate contract. If there is any damage caused by access from hauling vehicles or equipment, the contractor will repair at no cost to the Government.

38. Mitigation Measures #10 references an “Erosion Control Plan developed for the project.”

Will this be required? If so, can a template be provided and where are these costs included? Also, what specific BMPs will be required during and after project?

Answer: The BMPs will be provided by the Forest Service. See Attachment 10. Best Management Practices - 1 Page.

39. Mitigation Measure #19 – “Due to the high density of invasive plants within the project area, a weed washing station will be staged on-site.” Where will this be located and what will this entail? A bermed plastic lined basin? Or straw bale lined basin? And where will contaminated water be transported for disposal?

Answer: Forest Service botanist will determine location after award of contract and review design and installation proposed by the Contractor. Forest Service will provide forms at this time for the washing station.

40. Mitigation Measure #22 – Can a list of the approved sites for materials in the area be provided?

Answer: The Forest Service will not provide supplier information but there are many quarries in the Palmdale area that can be considered which are in relatively close proximity to the project.

41. Mitigation Measure #24 requires post project monitoring and removal of invasive plants within the project impacted area for 2 years. Will this be through mechanical or chemical treatments? If chemical, can a list of approved herbicides be provided? And where should these costs be included?

Answer: We will not require that the contractor do any post-project monitoring after the contract has been completed and accepted. The contractor will disregard any reference to post-project monitoring and removal of invasive species beyond the end of the contract period of performance.

42. Mitigation Measure Hydrology #4 – Where will rumble strips be placed? If next to Pine Canyon Road it will likely be within the road easement so will an encroachment permit be required? And where should these costs be included?

Answer: Rumble strips and other weed control devices can be placed at the entrance road of the project near 7N23 access road.

43. Can branches be cut along the dirt access road to facilitate truck traffic?

Answer: Contractor will need to contact COR before any live branch is cut along a road.

44. Are all OSDs 18 inch Cleveland?

Answer: Yes, all overside drains will be 18-inch diameter “Cleveland” style drains.

45. Plans indicate specific surface slopes. Will grading of subbase be required to meet these slopes on Sawmill? Or will slopes be achieved through adjusting depth of aggregate surfacing?

Answer: The maximum depth of existing native surface will be 6 inches. The depth of aggregate base will vary in order to meet the desired slopes. Not every section of road will require full depth of excavation. There will be minimum 12 inches of cover of aggregate surfacing above round pipes.

46. Camp site slopes are to be graded to between 2 and 3 percent. Is there a map indicating what specifically is considered the camp site? Or should it be assumed that essentially the entire site will be scarified and re-compacted? Will these slopes be achieved through cut and fill for each site? Or may there be export generated that will need to removed from the site? Will organics (grass, etc.) need to be removed from the site for disposal? A grading plan for the campsites would be helpful if that is available.

Answer: At Sawmill Campground, some incidental grading should be done to the extent practicable to make the surface along paths of travel to amenities and around amenities should be firm, smooth, and stable with a slope f 2% - 3% in any direction. Cut and fill is not required. No material will need to be removed from the site. Organics such as grass, pine needles, leaves and other light debris will not need to be removed from the site. Please refer to sheet 19, D-12 of the construction drawing set for more information, but disregard Note #3. Scarification will not be required. No grading should be done at Bear Campground.

47. Are there specifications for the grouted riprap?

Answer: Riprap shall be placed according to FP-14 Section 251.04 and the grout will be as specified in Section 725.13(a)(2).

48. Will riprap v-ditches and flume energy dissipaters require geotextile?

Answer: Yes, geotextile material will be required prior to installation of v-ditches and energy dissipators. The material requirements for the geotextile material will meet the criteria on FP-14, Section 714.02 including Table 714-3.

49. Is the road surface ¾ inch angular rock (no fines) as indicated on the plans or a Class II base as listed in the Schedule of Items? If base, is this recycled or virgin?

Answer: Class 2 aggregate base ¾-inch size will be required as indicated in FP-14 Section

301. The material can be recycled but must be crushed/angular and free of deleterious material. Contractor will provide a material submittal from the supplier.

50. To clarify, at the site visit it sounded like soil disturbance and grading was limited but, on the plans, all roads and campsite areas at Sawmill will be reconditioned through scarification and re-compaction. Please verify that which Is correct.

Answer: There will be a maximum of 6 inches of roadway excavation and reconditioning at Sawmill and Bear Campgrounds, with subject to restrictions at Bear based on the Archaeologist monitoring. If there are limits to the depth of reconditioning at Bear, the placement of rock base roadway will be on minimally disturbed roadway.

51. Will site balance or will there be import or export requirements for subgrade?

Answer: There is no need to import or export. All earthwork materials shall be balanced for embankment and excavation. If there is additional material that is generated from the excavations, the Forest Service will provide a location within the campground for which said material can be placed and minimally compacted.

52. Will compaction testing need to be completed as delineated in specs on all grading including subgrade road reconditioning and campsite grading? And how many field samples are required to determine maximum density for subgrade?

Answer: Compaction requirements will meet FP-14 Section 301.04 and 301.05 for roadway sections that have reconditioning to a depth of 6 inches. If there are requirements by the Archaeologist to avoid excavation of roadway sections at Bear, the requirement of meeting 95% relative compaction will be lifted. To the extent possible, the contractor will ensure that all roadway areas are adequately compacted prior to placement of aggregate surfacing.

Request For Information (RFI) Official Responses