Questions and Answers.pdf

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1. Are the bridge drawings available, Or are you planning on posting them soon to Sam.gov?

Answer: Yes. See Attachment 7

2. Do we need to supply any engineering for this project.

Answer: No.

3. Are there any special permits required

Answer: Contractor to get encroachment permit for county road. (Sierra County)

4. Can we spread excavated soils and vegetation on site.

Answer: Scatter the clearing debris removed from the clearing limits outside and below the clearing limits or as directed by COR. Do not place materials in stream channels, drainage ways, ditches, culvert inlets, or other locations where they would prevent the free flow of water away from the trail bed.

5. Do you have bridge details

Answer: Yes. See Attachment 7

6. How many turn outs on the board walk

Answer: Install a total of 4 passing spaces, 96” in length at stations 4+29,8+64,10+00 and 11+10 or as flagged on the ground by the COR. At each station, install passing spaces on the side with the least amount of clearing and preparation work needed.

7. Are all timbers for construction treated materials

Answer: All timbers except for bridge rails and bridge run planks shall be pressure treated see notes.

8. The plans call for 4x4 posts and the specs 6x6

Answer: 6X6 posts will be used. Please see updated plans.

9. Are there any new details for this project

See new attachments

10. Quotation submission: Please confirm the authorized submission method, exact recipient or destination, whether electronic submission is permitted, and any file-size, naming, or subject-line requirements.

Answer: Please look in block 8 of the SF1442 for names for submission.

11. Contract schedule: Please identify the controlling period of performance and completion date. The SF 1449 states October 1 through December 1, 2026, while the SOW references an estimated September 1 start and November 1 completion. Please also confirm the anticipated award/NTP date and whether mobilization or site preparation may begin while required submittals are under review.

Answer: At this time the POP begins October 1. It will be adjusted according to award date.

12. Removal quantities: Please confirm whether the existing boardwalk removal quantity is 100 or 200 linear feet. Please also confirm the dimensions, heights, material composition, and required disposal treatment for both existing debris piles, as the SOW, drawings, and Schedule of Items appear inconsistent.

Answer: There is 45 feet of existing boardwalk to be removed and disposed of off National Forest lands.

There is a 25 foot existing trail bridge to be removed and disposed of off National Forest lands.

Debris Pile #1 approximately 10 feet by 5 feet to be removed and disposed of off National Forest lands.

Debris Pile #2 approximately 15 feet by 25 feet to be removed and disposed of off National Forest lands.

Please see photos in plans on sheet C-01.

14. Bridge design and submittals: Please provide the project-specific design for the 25-foot bridge, including the applicable Section 962 bridge type, width, design loading, stringer configuration, member sizes, decking, curbs, rails, foundations, approaches, hardware, and connection details. Please also confirm who is responsible for the final design, whether shop drawings are required, the anticipated review period, and whether any fabrication may begin before approval.

Answer: Plans for the bridge have been posted and contain all information regarding material and requirements for construction of bridge. See Attachment 7

15. Boardwalk quantity: The Schedule of Items and SOW indicate approximately 1,100 linear feet, while the C-01 stationing appears to produce approximately 1,028 linear feet after excluding the bridge and gravel sections. Please confirm the payable quantity and the quantity that should govern material procurement.

Answer: See updated schedule of items

16. Aggregate: Please identify the required aggregate material and gradation. The documents reference 3/8-inch crusher fines, Section 991 Grading B, USFS Class F, and a possible 1½-inch aggregate-base substitution. Please confirm which material is required and whether any substitution is authorized.

Answer: Material required is Section 991 Grading D. Plans have been updated to reflect.

17. Water source: Please reconcile Drawing Notes 3 and 13 concerning onsite water sources versus contractor-furnished water from outside National Forest System lands. Please identify permitted sources and any access, withdrawal, screening, or quantity restrictions.

Answer: Water for fire suppression requirements and construction activities can be obtained at the boat ramp of Sardine Lake near the project site. Requirements for drafting including screen requirements are in updated general note 3 on sheet G-03. As there are fish present in Sardine, all withdrawals require screen intakes with a maximum screen opening of 3/32 inches and a maximum velocity of 0.4 feet per second. Note 13 regarding contractor provided water has been removed.

18. Missing requirements: Please confirm whether Attachment 1, Supplemental Project Specifications, separate fire requirements, or any other referenced attachment or amendment is missing from the posted solicitation package.

Answer: Fire Plan has been added. See Attachment 8

19. Insurance and bonding: Please state the required insurance types and minimum limits.

Please also confirm whether FAR 52.228-15 performance and payment bonds or the alternative payment protection under FAR 52.228-13 will apply after award.

Answer: As stated in the solicitation document, yes, they will apply after award.

Insurance minimum is $500,000

20. Boardwalk posts: Details C-02 and C-03 specify 4×4 posts, while the timber notes on G- 03 specify 6×6 posts. Please confirm the required post dimension, lumber grade, and surface finish.

Answer: 6x6 posts will be used.

Deck planks, posts, sills, curbs and risers shall be Douglas Fir- Larch, No 1 S4S

Run planks, end planks and beams shall be Douglas Fir- Larch No. 2 or better, rough.

All timbers (except for bridge rails and bridge run planks) shall be pressure treated.

Notes for bridge requirements are different than boardwalk. Please see updated plans for more information.

- Sheet G-03 Boardwalk Timber Notes

- Sardine Trail Bridge for Sand Pond Boardwalk Drawing No. R-1763-01

21. Boardwalk connectors: Please confirm the required number and arrangement of Simpson GA1 and GA2 angles at typical supports, beam splices, endpoints, and passing spaces.

Please also identify the required manufacturer-approved connector fasteners.

Answer: Simpson GA1 and GA2 angles will not be used. Angle Bracket E20/3 will be used to secure the beam to the posts. See plans.

Adjustable Post Base with Uplift ABU66Z

22. Boardwalk beams: Please confirm the required lumber grade and surface finish for the 4×10 longitudinal beams.

Answer: Beams shall be Douglas Fir- Larch No. 2 or better, rough.

All timbers (except for bridge rails and bridge run planks) shall be pressure treated.

23. Preservative treatment and fabrication: G-03 appears to require copper-naphthenate heavy-oil treatment to AWPA UC4B, while Section 995 references UC3B for certain superstructure components. Please confirm the governing treatment for deck planks, beams, posts, curbs, and bridge members. Please also confirm the submittal requirements for pre-cut and pre-drilled lumber and the conditions under which field cuts or holes may be made and treated.

Answer: Notes on plans govern both the boardwalk and bridge for preservative.

- Submit a certified copy of the lot certification, by a qualified independent inspection and testing agency, to the CO for each charge of preservative, stating penetration in inches and retention in pounds per cubic foot (assay method). In addition, provide a written certification from the producer of the treated products that "Best Management Practices for Treated Wood in Western Aquatic Environments," published by the Western Wood Preservers Institute and Canadian

Institute of Treated Wood, were utilized. Include a description and appropriate documentation of the Best Management Practices used.

24. Boardwalk fasteners: Please provide the required length and washer configuration for the specified 5/8-inch curb-riser bolts. Please also provide the diameter and length of the galvanized beam toe nails or confirm whether an approved structural screw may be substituted.

Answer: See new curb riser and boardwalk detail utilizing 3/8” diameter screws for curb riser attachment.

Simpson GA1 and GA2 angles will not be used. Angle Bracket E20/3 will be used to secure the beam to the posts. See plans.

Adjustable Post Base with Uplift ABU66Z

Utilize the manufacture recommended fastener.

25. Passing spaces: Please confirm the finished length and side/orientation of each passing space at Stations 4+29, 8+64, 10+00, and 11+10. The current material takeoff assumes the maximum 96-inch length at all four locations.

Answer: Install a total of 4 passing spaces, 96” in length at stations 4+29,8+64,10+00 and 11+10 or as flagged on the ground by the COR. At each station, install passing spaces on the side with the least amount of clearing and preparation work needed.

26. Erosion control: Please identify the required BMPs, erosion-control blanket type and installation limits, stockpile-protection requirements, anticipated stockpile footprint, and applicable blanket-staple schedule.

Answer: Aggregate stockpile will be nearby as identified on the ground. BMP’s include certified weed free waddles and stockpile covering.

27. Site access and equipment restrictions: Please clarify permitted access to the boardwalk and bridge work areas and identify any restrictions on equipment type, size, weight, or travel routes. Please confirm what mechanized equipment may be used for installation and demolition/removal, including mini excavators, skid steers/track loaders, UTVs, material carriers, cranes, or similar equipment. Also confirm whether equipment may operate within the meadow or must remain on designated routes, and identify any required ground-protection, staging, or temporary-access measures.

Answer: Primary access to the project is from the parking area shown on the attached map.

The restrictions on equipment are as follows:

On the north side of the creek larger equipment is allowed to facilitate the installation of the bridge. The existing trail shall be protected, and it is the contractor’s complete responsibility to rehabilitate the trail to the original condition prior to the finalization of contract at the contractor’s expense.

The only crossing of the creek available is over the bridge. Trail rated equipment should be acceptable for under 2 tons.

All equipment shall be kept within the trail ROW approximately 7 feet either side of the centerline of the trail.

28. Overall site access and staging plan: Please provide an overall site map identifying the project work limits/envelope, approved staging and material stockpile areas, equipment access routes, loading/unloading areas, and any restricted or environmentally sensitive areas. Please also identify the approved routes for transporting new materials to the work areas and removing demolition debris from the site.

To be posted.

29. Could you please confirm whether there is an authorized equipment crossing or access route other than the existing bridge near 39.61814, -120.61826? If there is not, may the existing bridge be used by a Bobcat, and what is its allowable load limit?

Answer: Primary access to the project is from the parking area shown on the attached map.

The restrictions on equipment are as follows:

On the north side of the creek larger equipment is allowed to facilitate the installation of the bridge. The existing trail shall be protected, and it is the contractor’s complete responsibility to rehabilitate the trail to the original condition prior to the finalization of contract at the contractor’s expense.

The only crossing of the creek available is over the bridge. Trail rated equipment should be acceptable for under 2 tons.

All equipment shall be kept within the trail ROW approximately 7 feet either side of the centerline of the trail.

30. Do you have a Geo report, because the Diamond Pier DP-70 requires a minimum depth of a 36" pin depth (what is the rock depth).

Answer: Provide and install the Diamond Pier DP-200 instead of DP-70 as shown on the contract drawing. Design is not required by the Contractor. Manufacturer will provide the design.

31. Are you requiring buy American

Answer: Per the solicitation yes, read the buy American act clause in the solicitation.

32. Are there any permits required

Answer: Contractor to get encroachment permit for county road. (Sierra County)

33. Can we leave excavated soils and vegetation cutting on site

Answer: Yes, scatter the clearing debris removed from the clearing limits outside and below the clearing limits or as directed by COR. Do not place materials in stream channels, drainage ways, ditches, culvert inlets, or other locations where they would prevent the free flow of water away from the trail bed.

34. Due to the weather conditions will this project be extended

Answer: You should have typical weather conditions figured into your quote, however, it is possible to have an extension due to weather conditions.

35. Is a bid bond required at 20%:

Answer: Yes, per the solicitation, a bid bond is required

36. Are performance and material bonds required:

Answer: Yes, performance and payment bonds will be required upon award.

37. Will we receive bridge details

Answer: Yes, See attachment 7

38. Could you please confirm whether attendance at the site visit was mandatory for all bidders?

Answer: Attendance was not mandatory but highly encouraged.

39. Please define acceptable laydown and staging areas for vehicles, equipment and materials.

Answer: Please see attachment 12

40. Can sites at the west end of Sardine CG be secured from public and used by Contractor?

Answer: Possibly at the contractor’s expense and coordinated through the campground concessionaire early next spring. Refer to the site map for approved staging areas for materials.

41. Please provide complete structural bridge details and hand/guard rail details including extent beyond bridge

Answer: See attachment 7

42. Please confirm there are no concrete piers or abutments required.

Answer: See attachment 7

43. G0.3 Timber Note #1 calls out 6x6 posts. Please confirm all posts are 4x4 per plan.

Answer: 6x6 posts will be used. Please see updated plans.

44. G0.3 Timber Note #7 states predrilling is required for all bolts & screws. Please confirm all decking and curbs are to be predrilled prior to installing screws or. whether it is at the contractor’s discretion where screws are non-structural.

Answer: Notes for bridge requirements are different than boardwalk. Please see updated plans for more information.

45. G0.3 General Notes #1 refers to compliance with “standard specifications for construction of trails and trail bridges. .” Please provide any specs not included in the bid docs that the Contractor will be responsible for.

Answer: Contractor is responsible for the included specifications and all information in the plans and drawings. The standard specifications for construction of trails and trail bridges was included in the solicitation. Some requirements are included by reference only (for example treated materials shall follow the post treatment requirements summarized in the “Best Management Practices for the Use of Treated Wood in Aquatic Environments” (WWPI 1196). Additionally, a fire plan has been included and is the contractor’s responsibility to adhere to.

46. G0.3 General Notes #5: To clarify inspection time allowance and work sequencing, please define “bedding or level course of any structure”

Answer: Contractor is responsible for craftsmanship, quality and inspection of own work.

CO approval of bedding or leveling course for boardwalk prior to pier placement or boardwalk construction is not required. Contractor to ensure all construction meets the requirements of contract. Any work that does not meet the requirements is to be corrected at contactor’s expense.

47. Please confirm whether Contractors general conditions are to be included within Mobilization or spread across balance of scheduled bid items.

Answer: We do not determine how or where you charge your general conditions.

48. Plans call for 3x6 deck: Can 3x8 or 3x10 be used in lieu of 3x6?

Answer: Yes, so long as the appearance is uniform and continuous. Whatever size is selected will be utilized throughout the entire boardwalk.

49. Plans call for 48” clear space between the 2x4 curbs. To save cost and lumber waste, can the min clear space be 41”?

Answer: Yes, Please see updated drawings.

50. C0.3 Boardwalk & Curb Details states max post height of 1’-9”. If that is accurate, at max post height, the finish elevation of curbs will exceed 36” above adjacent terrain.

Please confirm this is acceptable and the at what height off adjacent terrain guard railing will be required.

Answer: Maximum boardwalk tread height (not curbs) must be no higher than 30” above the ground. Max post height shall be determined in the field by contractor to meet this requirement.

51. What are the maximum cross slopes and path of travel slopes of boardwalk?

Answer: Cross slopes should be level, slopes along the boardwalk’s longitudinal path shall not exceed 2% without approval and slopes should be checked every hundred feet to ensure compliance. Transitions in slope should not be abrupt.

52. Who establishes elevations or points horizontal control? None are noted in the Trail Log or bid docs.

Answer: Elevations are controlled by final bridge elevation and alignment. Survey data is available to the awarded contractor upon request. Elevations are relative and tied to existing bridge. Contractor to set control points before removing existing bridge.

Horizontal alignment shall follow existing trail alignment to the greatest extent possible and stay withing trail ROW unless otherwise approved by CO.

53. Please confirm anticipated NTP and if there’s a required finish date.

Answer: There are period of performance dates in the solicitation. Please read them. Will be adjusted for award date.