Granite Reef QAs.docx

· SF1413 13.b indicates that an offer guarantee is not required. FAR 52.228-1 Bid Guarantee (PDF page 31) indicates that a bid guarantee is required. Please advise.

· Bid Guarantee is required

· SF 1413 11. Indicates that the work must be completed within 120 calendar days. On Page 3, the Period of Performance is from 9/1/2025 to 3/2/2026. Which is correct?

· The Period of Performance is set for 1 year just in case there are issues with the contract. This allows Contracting to extend the work performance. The set time to complete is 120 days after NTP unless there is an issue with performance or an act of God.

· Will the successful contractor be able to obtain the CAD files?

· Updated CAD attached to Q&A’s.

· Specifications. Excavation, Embankment and Backfill – 02224. What is the Quality Control requirements?

· Follow MAG specification for compaction requirements

· Specifications. Aggregate Base- 02304. What is the frequency of testing the aggregate base for gradation, fracture face, plasticity index, etc.?

· Plan on following typical MAG testing frequency

· Plan Sheets C-03- C-09. The Scale Bar is incorrect. Please provide plans with the correct scale bar.

· Updated CAD attached to Q&A’s

· Section L.2 & M. How does the Government want the packages bundled?

· Do not bundle any part of your proposal.

· Section L.2(b)i) Factor 1. Past Performance. Can the Government change the past performance to the last 5 years?

· We will be only looking at the past 3 years for past performance.

· If a bid guarantee is required, what are the liquidated damages?

· A bid guarantee is required. There are no Liquidated Damages under this requirement.

· On the site walk, I noticed the evasive reed has started coming back that Blue World Construction removed a few years ago, but is at a stage that is still manageable, will this be added to the scope to be removed while we are removing trees and have equipment on site for disposal.

· At this time we can’t add scope to the project. Upon award we may address the reed issue or we will get a separate contractor out to deal with it.

· Will demoed trees and brush be removed to a landfill by contractor, or does the USDA have a location to stockpile for future use, such as the goldfield ranch wildland fire facility?

· Plan on removing it offsite to a landfill.

· Can brush and small branches be chipped and left on site?

· Lets plan on hauling it off with all the other debris.

· It is my understanding that none of the existing rip rap along the river edge is part of this scope and the only rip rap placement is for the gabion baskets and the curb opening detail.

· That is correct.

· The Gabion Baskets are 3x3x?

· 3’x3’x3’. It’s a cube.

· What material is to be used in the Gabion Baskets?

· RipRap as specified.

· What are the dimensions of the 3 cable mat ramps?

· The contractor, as stated in the specifications, shall provide a proposed solution for the cable mat ramps at each location.

· What size blocks are you wanting used to make up the cable mats?

· The contractor, as stated in the specifications, shall provide a proposed solution for the cable mat ramps at each location.

· What are the dimensions for the riprap area at the cable mat ramps?

· The contractor, as stated in the specifications, shall provide a proposed solution for the cable mat ramps at each location. If the slope can be stabilized we could allow for earthen slopes

· What are the dimensions of the boulder area at the cable mat ramp?

· The contractor, as stated in the specifications, shall provide a proposed solution for the cable mat ramps at each location. If the slope can be stabilized we could allow for earthen slopes

· What size boulders are being required?

· The contractor, as stated in the specifications, shall provide a proposed solution for the cable mat ramps at each location. If the slope can be stabilized we could allow for earthen slopes

· What type of traffic control would be required on Bush Highway?

· You will need to have both entrance and exit blocked and signed.

· The freestanding sidewalk detail on page 13 say, “widths vary as shown on plans”, the widths are not shown on the plans?

· Please see updated CAD attached to Q&A’s

· Will there be any additional permits required outside of SWPPP and Dust Control?

· No.

· Are there any dimensions or thicknesses on the concrete and asphalt to be removed from the site?

· Please see updated CAD attached to Q&A’s

· Bids are to be submitted by 1300 on August 14th, 2025 at the USDA- FS office at 333 Broadway Blvd, SE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102, Attn: Troy McCullough, Correct?

· Proposals are only to be sent by email.

· When moving and relocating the existing restroom facility, it seems as if the existing building may need some restoration after the move this there are some notable "separations” of the joints. How should the Contractor address this issue as part of the bid?

· We will have to assess this at the time of moving. If you feel it needs to be included then include it.

· As part of the requirement to bring in a large crane to off load and place the new restroom facilities, we will have to drive over the “cattle guards” which are in place. We would like to remove them in the front entrance and fill the cavities with rock to be able to drive over them unless it can handle a full 50-100 ton crane truck. Is this acceptable to remove the grates and fill, while restoring at the end of the project?

· We will have to discuss this at the preconstruction meeting once awarded. It will be the contractor’s responsibility to protect the cattle guard.

· To clarify, the entrance, which is furthest west, the asphalt is to be removed all of the way up to the existing concrete surrounding the cattle guard, the curbing is to remain in place down to the new road to the west while the east side curbing to be removed and replaced into the entire project. This will allow the size of the large crane to enter the site and allow for new installation per the plan. Does this sound correct?

· Yes.

· For construction water, can we store a water tank on the parking area or service road immediately to the west of the project site?

· It is going to be a very busy road. Please plan on all equipment to not be on Bush Highway.

· On the rip rap for the project, Division 2- Site Work, Riprap 02270, is there a type or color specified since there is no designation on the plans.

· Whatever is locally available.

· Same question concerning the rip rap for the gabion baskets on color. We would assume that both locations should have the same color to make it consistent on the site.

· Whatever is locally available.

· Under Specification 5500, Gabion basket, there is no specific gauge or detail to the type of gabion basket except for the size. We assume a standard galvanized steel welded 9 gauge wire mesh.

· That is sufficient. Whatever is commercially available and meets the intent of the installation.

· The restroom facility from CXT Toilet Building ordering is 120-150 days from committing on the order. Therefore, the lead time is greater than the overall project timeframe. Also, the specified vendor is asking for full payment upon ordering, is there a provision that will allow the Contractor to invoice for the purchase price at the time of ordering?

· Project time can be adjusted upon award.

· Is the project location within the "urbanized unincorporated area" of Maricopa County, and, if so, is a Maricopa County-specific Stormwater Permit required on this project since?

· NOI and NOT from ADEQ is sufficient.

· Many extra trees will need to be cut down in the additional parking area. Will these be added to the line item as removed?

· Just include it as part of the base bid.

· The Asphalt seems extremely low compared to the ABC that is listed Looks like this would make the Asphalt at closer to 1250 tons which will be a huge change to the total cost of the project but not shown in bid price

· There is AB under all the sidewalks as well. Please validate the asphalt number without being concerned about the AB quantity.

· Bid Item 0020 Kiosks Installation 1 LS and Bid Item 0030 Kiosk 2 EA. What is the difference between these two Bid Items?

· 0020 is the installation, 0030 is the purchase of the kiosks

· Plan Sheet C-06 & C-07. Construction Note 15 Concrete Cable Mat Ramp. Do the plans show the 15’ past the toe of slope (C-13, Note 4)? Do they show the turndowns on the edges?

· The contractor, as stated in the specifications, shall provide a proposed solution for the cable mat ramps at each location.

· SF 1442 states that the work is to be completed within 120 calendar days. This is not feasible with the submittals, submittal review time and material lead time. The vault toilets lead time is 120-150 days after approved submittal. 200 calendar days is reasonable.

· A Project timeline will be agreed to upon award and contractor providing lead times for the toilets.

· Will the waste and sewer at the existing toilet be emptied prior to the start of construction?

· I would assume you need to pump it prior to moving it.

· Is there any contingency in the relocation of the existing vault toilet? It has been a concern for our subs looking at this project.

· No.

· There are no SWPPP detail drawings specifying the preferred storm water control devices (aka BMPs) on this project. Given the proximity to the river, does the Forest Service have specific temporary BMPs that they want installed / implemented on this project? Further, please note that "Construction and Maintenance of Erosion Control Measures" is its own Pay Item, and so it seems that all bidders should be pricing the same erosion control measures (and other BMPs).

· I would plan on a silt fence along the river bank top.