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RFI LOG
| Project Name: | Blue Ridge Hotshots Fiber Optic Install, Coconino NF |
| Solicitation No. | 127EAX26Q0042 |
| Solicitation Date 5 May 2026 | RFI Close Date |
| RFI # |
| DESCRIPTION |
| RESPONSE |
| 001 |
| Is potholing or soft dig trenching would be needed for this scope of work? |
| Potholing will be required at all proposed utility crossings for boring construction. Trenching may utilized for the fiber optic cable and handhole installation. |
Contractor should expect to encounter significant rock formations during the excavation and/or boring process.
A geotechnical investigation was not conducted for the scope of this project. The contractor may elect to complete a geotechnical investigation.
| 002 |
| If trenching or arial installation is used to install the FO cables, are pull boxes required? |
| Aerial installations will not be permitted, in accordance with the updated Summary of Work Document. |
Refer to Updated Summary of Work, Section1.4.e for requirements of handhole locations. Refer to RFI #027 for additional requirements of handholes when boring construction is utilized.
| 003 |
| If underground installation and conduit is used to install the FO cables, Is innerduct required? |
| No, Innerduct will not be required for underground installation. (3) 1-1/4” conduits will be required for all sections of buried FO cable |
| 004 |
| Can the contractor determine the most suitable trenching or boring route? |
| Yes, Contractor is responsible for determining the most suitable trench/bore route. Contractor must submit proposed alignment and receive approval from COR prior to commencement of construction activities. |
| 005 |
| Is it acceptable to utilize existing NEMA enclosures. |
| Yes, Refer to Updated Summary of Work, Section 1.4.2 and 1.4.3. Existing NEMA enclosures are allowed to be utilized for this project. All Existing NEMA enclosures must meet specification requirements of this contract. |
| 006 |
| Lucent fiber optic connectors are no longer manufactured, Is it acceptable to use Corning LC splice on connectors? |
| Yes, Corning LC splice on connectors will be allowed. |
| 007 |
| Can the contractor use a BICSI RCDD to be the direct supervisor on the project? |
| Yes, A project supervisor with BICSI RCDD Certification will satisfy the requirements for BICSI certification (listed in section 1.7 of the Summary of Work) for this project. |
| 008 |
| Will the government be providing private utility locates? |
| No, the government will not provide private locate services. The government is providing design documents that show approximate locations for existing water and sanitary sewer utilities. Contractor shall provide private utility locate services for all areas with proposed boring. |
| 009 |
| More than 20 gallons of potable water will be required per day for dust control and compaction. Will additional water be available? |
| No, the limit of water that will be provided by the government is 20 gallons per day. The contractor will be responsible for providing any additional water that is required for the implementation of this project. |
| 010 |
| Is this a buy American project? |
| Yes, FAR clause 52.225-9 (Buy American-Construction Materials) is included in this contract. |
| 011 |
| Where there are existing exterior NEMA enclosures, does the contract require replacement with new enclosures? |
| No, the existing exterior NEMA cabinets can remain. |
All existing improvements to remain shall meet the requirements of the contract. It is contractors responsibility to achieve final conditions.
| 012 |
| Where there are existing interior wall mounted NEMA enclosures, does the contract require replacement with new enclosures? |
| The existing interior NEMA cabinet in the recreation modular lacks exhaust fans. The existing interior NEMA cabinet in the Hot Shot Building does not meet size requirements |
All existing improvements to remain shall meet the requirements of the contract. It is contractors responsibility to achieve final conditions.
| 013 |
| Are the utility poles permitted for joint use (electrical and telecom)? |
| Refer to updated summary of work, section 1.4.b. Aerial installation of fiber optic cable will not be allowed. All new fiber optic cable must be installed underground with new conduit |
| 014 |
| What is the longest span between utility poles and/or buildings? |
| Refer to updated summary of work, section 1.4.b. Aerial installation of fiber optic cable will not be allowed. All new fiber optic cable must be installed underground with new conduit. |
The longest distance between buildings is approximately 570 linear feet, measured in a straight line
| 015 |
| Does the existing utility pole infrastructure support installation without disturbing existing trees or encroaching on tree drip lines (or is it expected to need additional poles)? |
| Refer to updated summary of work, section 1.4.b. Aerial installation of fiber optic cable will not be allowed. All new fiber optic cable must be installed underground with new conduit. |
| 016 |
| Can you confirm whether the scope includes installing new strand or over-lashing onto existing fiber infrastructure? Based on our review, it appears the project involves over-lashing, but we would appreciate confirmation. |
| Refer to updated summary of work, section 1.4.b. Aerial installation of fiber optic cable will not be allowed. All new fiber optic cable must be installed underground with new conduit. |
| 017 |
| What materials, if any, are expected to be supplied by the contractor? |
| Refer to Updated Summary of Work, section 1.1 of the summary of work. All materials specified in the scope of work shall be supplied by contractor. This includes, but is not limited to, fiber optic cable, conduit, handholes, NEMA enclosures, patch panels, electrical conductors, breakers, electrical panels. |
| 018 |
| What is the anticipated project schedule and required completion timeframe following contract award? |
| Refer to Updated Summary of Work, section 1.9 of the summary of work. The contractor will have 90 days from the notice to proceed to complete this project. |
| 019 |
| Please confirm whether separate mobilizations will be permitted. Our understanding is that the work will require two distinct phases: an aerial construction crew for cable installation and a fiber technician crew for splicing and panel termination. |
| Refer to Schedule of Items, pay item #001 of the Schedule of Items. There will be one single pay item that shall include all costs of mobilization. Contractor can request partial payment under pay item #001, as necessary, to pay for mobilization costs throughout the project. |
Contractor will be responsible for conditions of work/site during the entire contract duration.
Contractor will be responsible for project schedule and achieving completion within the specified Period of Performance.
| 020 |
| How many fiber pairs are included in the splicing scope? |
| Refer to Updated Summary of Work, Section 1.4.1.a.i. There are 12 fiber pairs included in the scope of this project. |
In general, the only splicing allowed will be splicing LC UPC pigtails onto the fiber optic cable strands, where required by this contract.
The connection between the strands of the existing fiber optic cable and the proposed fiber cable shall be achieved with LC UPC connectors mounted to patch panels.
For the base scope, All fiber optic strands must have terminal connectors mounted to patch panels in all 3 buildings, as well as the two required handholes
For the option item #008 (replacement , all strands shall have the LC UPC connectors located on both ends of the replaced fiber optic cable
| 021 |
| Of the total fiber splices, how many are dark fiber splices versus active (lit) fiber splices? |
| There is currently only one fiber pair that is lit. located between the main office and the recreation modular building. |
| 022 |
| Are there any additional testing, certification, or documentation requirements associated with the splicing and panel installation work? (Optional, but often helpful to clarify during bidding.) |
| Refer to Updated Summary of Work, section 1.4.5. No additional testing or certification will be required. Note that Option Item #008 (replacement of existing fiber optic cable) requires testing of the replaced fiber optic cable. |
| 023 |
| Are there existing utility poles or infrastructure available along the proposed route for attachment of the aerial fiber optic cable? |
| Refer to Updated Summary of Work, Section 1.4.1.b. Aerial installation of fiber optic cable will not be allowed. |
| 024 |
| If existing poles are not available, would the contractor be responsible for obtaining permits, approvals, and installing new poles required to support the aerial fiber optic cable, or will the Government/Forest Service provide guidance or existing infrastructure for this purpose? |
| Refer to Updated Summary of Work, Section 1.4.1.b. Aerial installation of fiber optic cable will not be allowed. Government will not provide any infrastructure for this project, other than the existing NEMA cabinets that conform to project specifications. |
| 025 |
| Are there any permits or fees required on this project? |
| No permits or fees will be required for this project |
| 026 |
| Are there any requirements to record easements for the new cable? |
| The new cable will be government property installed on government land. No new easements will be required. |
| 027 |
| Will trenchless construction (e.g. boring) be allowed for this installation? |
| The COR will approve installation by boring under the following stipulations. |
-The contractor must submit a boring plan showing the propose alignment, location of handholes, and location of potholes.
-Contractor must use private utility locator service to determine alignment of existing private utilities (water and sewer; as-built drawings are included in the solicitation).
-Potholes must be dug at all proposed utility crossings.
-Contractor will be responsible for repairs to pavement due to potholing, repairs must meet or exceed performance of existing conditions.
-Contractor will be responsible for repairs to any damage to existing utilities due to actions by contractor (e.g. boring strike, excavator strike, failure to protect existing utilities). Repairs must meet or exceed performance of existing conditions.
-Cable Pulling must meet manufactures requirements. In the absence of manufacture requirements the following criteria must be met.
--Maximum pull length: 800 feet --Minimum sweep radius: 60 inches --Bend limit: 180 degrees --+90 degree changes in direction require a pull box/handhole --Maximum pull tension: 600 pounds --Lubricant rated for FO cable shall be applied to cable --Mesh pull sock shall be implemented for cable pull.
-There will be no restriction with regard to length of trenchless installations.
| 028 |
| What type of fiber optic cable is currently in use between the office and recreation modular |
| The existing fiber optic line in service between the main office and recreation modular is a multi-mode, 24 strand cable. There is also a single mode cable running parallel to the existing multi-mode cable, the single mode cable does not have terminal connectors installed on either end. |
| 029 |
| The existing fiber cable from the main office to the recreation building. Will this fiber cable only need to be tested per the "Statement of Work" document? Or will this be moved underground? The exterior cabinet and interior rack - No Changes needed? |
| There are two optional pay items addressing the existing fiber cable between the main office and recreation building (optional pay items #6 and #8). The government will elect which of these items will be executed once the contract is awarded. |
Under pay item 6, the existing cable shall be tested per the requirements of the Statement of Work, section 1.4.5.
Under pay item 8, the existing cable shall be replaced with new underground cable, installed per requirements of Statement of Work section 1.4.1 The existing exterior cabinet is sufficient and does not need to be replaced.
The existing interior cabinet lacks exhaust fans, which is required in Statement of Work section 1.4.3
| 030 |
| Recreation Building "Existing NEMA Enclosure located in the recreation modular building may be utilized if there is space for required components." The pictures show that the rack is almost full and already has a UPS. The existing rack is not mounted on fire-rated plywood per the specs. Do we know what equipment they will be installing? Was it discussed in the pre-bid meeting? (How many spaces will they require?) We have 3 options: utilize the existing rack, install a second rack under the existing, or install a larger rack for all equipment. Do we need to supply a larger UPS? |
| Contractor will be responsible for installing fiber optic patch panel with splice tray, all other existing equipment shall remain. Existing UPS is adequate. The existing cabinet does not have the required exhaust fans or fire proof backer board. The Cabinet must be installed per requirements of this contract, including requirements for grounding/bonding. |
| 031 |
| Maintenance Building Do we need to install an exterior low-voltage cabinet, or is this the existing cabinet? |
| The existing exterior cabinet on the maintenance building is adequate, fiber optic service loop must be installed in the cabinet without exceeding bend tolerance of cable. Contractor shall verify that the exterior penetration is weather-proof and rodent proof. |
| 032 |
| NEMA 12K Enclosure Requirement. The Statement of Work specifies that the interior communications enclosure shall be a NEMA 12K cabinet. NEMA 12K enclosures can be significantly more expensive than NEMA 1, 3R, 4, or 4X enclosures. Could the customer please confirm that a NEMA 12K enclosure is required for this application? I question the necessity of a NEMA 12K enclosure, as the existing enclosure in the Recreation Modular Building appears to be a NEMA 1 cabinet, and the Statement of Work indicates that it may be reused if adequate space is available. Additionally, I did not observe a cooling fan installed in the existing enclosure, which is typically required when using a sealed NEMA 12K cabinet. |
| Yes, NEMA 12K will be required for all interior cabinets. Contractor is responsible for verifying that any existing equipment to remain satisfies the requirements of this contract. |
| 033 |
| Future Equipment Requirements. Has a determination been made regarding any additional communications equipment that may be installed in the Recreation Modular Building in the future? Based on our review, the existing enclosure will have only three (3) remaining 1U rack spaces available after the new fiber equipment is installed. Confirmation of any future equipment requirements would help determine whether the existing enclosure has sufficient capacity to support both current and future needs. |
| No determination has been made for future equipment requirements. Cabinet must have enough room for all existing equipment and all additional equipment required by this contract. |
| 034 |
| Additional Equipment and Expansion Requirements Are there any current or anticipated future requirements for additional equipment to be installed within the communications enclosure, such as network switches, routers, UPS equipment, security devices, wireless equipment, or other communications infrastructure? Confirmation of any planned future equipment would help determine whether the existing enclosure has adequate capacity and whether a larger enclosure should be considered for this project. |
| No, there are no known future requirements for additional equipment |
| 035 |
| Scope Clarification If necessary, I can provide a separate line item for a larger or replacement enclosure. However, I would prefer to first obtain clarification from the customer so that the project scope can be more accurately defined and priced. |
| It is not necessary to include a separate line item for larger enclosure. |
| 036 |
| Can the fiber optic backbone corridor be routed behind the 3 residential buildings, between the recreation modular and the maintenance building. |
| Yes, the fiber optic backbone will be allowed to be routed behind the 3 residential buildings. Take note that there is an existing buried copper communications cable that may conflict with the new fiber optic in this location. |
| 037 |
| If a bid bond (bid guarantee) is required what is the value of the bond. |
| The amount of the bid guarantee shall be __20____ percent of the bid price or $__3M_____, whichever is less |
| 038 |
| Could you please confirm the current ownership of the existing utility poles? |
| All power poles are owned by APS, the poles carrying the existing fiber optic between the main office and recreation modular are owned by the forest service. Note, aerial installation is no longer permitted for the installation of the proposed fiber optic. |
| 039 |
| Are there any associated fees or permitting costs for utilizing these existing poles? |
| No. Note that aerial installation is no longer permitted for the installation of the proposed fiber optic. |
| 040 |
| Who will be responsible for the installation of any required additional poles? |
| No additional poles are required. Aerial installation is no longer permitted for the installation of the proposed fiber optic. |
| 041 |
| What is the required length of fiber needed? |
| Please note that the estimated fiber length is approximately 2,700 feet. |
| 042 |
| Are any specific permits required for the installation of new poles? |
| No additional poles are required. Aerial installation is no longer permitted for the installation of the proposed fiber optic. |
| 043 |
| Could you clarify the division of labor regarding the installation of messenger cables? |
| Aerial installation is no longer permitted for the installation of the proposed fiber optic. |
| 044 |
| Would a standard installation schedule of 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM be acceptable? |
| Yes, 7am to 3 pm is an acceptable work schedule. |
| 045 |
| Is there adequate parking space available on-site to accommodate a 7' x 14' cargo trailer? |
| Yes, coordination with COR is required for laydown areas. 7’ x 14’ cargo trailer will be allowed on-site in the laydown area designated by COR at a future date. |
| 046 |
| Is Fluke fiber certification documentation an acceptable standard for this project? |
| Fluke Fiber Certification does not meet the requirements of 1.7 of the Statement of Work, BICSI or FOA will be required. |
| 047 |
| What is the estimated duration for the overall installation? |
| The Period of Performance for this contract is 90 days after the issue of the Notice to Proceed. |
Department of Agriculture Forest Service