127EAX26R0006 R3 Roads QA4.docx

127EAX26R0006 R3 Roads MATOC Q&A #4

1. Bid schedule mobilization line item estimated qty is “-“. Please confirm this should reflect 1 LS.

A: Yes, 1 Lump Sum (LS)

2. After reading through the specs please confirm backer rod is not a requirement, and route cracks to ½” to ¾” deep and place crack seal/mastic.

A: No requirement for backer rod or routing, clean out cracks from ½” to 1” deep before adding crack seal. Follow Manufacturer’s depth recommendations for mastic.

3. Cleaning the cracks with compressed air may make the cracks deeper than routing, how deep should the contractor assume/thickness of asphalt?

A: Assume the existing asphalt is approximately 3-inches thick. Sand or backer rod may be used to backfill cracks to needed depth.

4. Under section 414.04 (b) it states to use hot air lance however 414.04 (f) states a compressor. Please confirm if the contractor can use air compressor and not the hot air lance?

A: Hot air lance will be required for all cracks that have vegetation and other cracks if pavement/area becomes wet due to rain, etc.

5. Crack seal testing. Please confirm that testing will be a visual and documentation from the supplier/manufacture.

A: Acceptance will be visual inspection plus manufacture documentation for compliance with material specification.

Asphalt Patching

6. Can the specs be amended to use NMDOT approved mix?

A: NMDOT mix is allowed per the specifications. Section 418 refers to 403 for asphalt mix, which permits you to use a NMDOT approved mix that would be applicable for this project.

7. Does section 153 need to be followed, or can this be deleted entirely for this project?

A: Section 153 is deleted and not required for this project.

8. Section 401.05/401.14 has a list of equipment. Due to the size and nature of the patches they will most likely be hand places using a combination of a roller and plate compactors. May the contractor use standard practices for hand placing for asphalt patching?

A: Yes, use standard practices and only the equipment needed for small patches (no paver).

9. Section 401.12 start up procedures and control strip. Can this be amended from this contract, as it is only patch work?

A: Yes. 401.12 and control strips are not required for this project.

10. Will the contractor need to adhere to asphalt testing table 403-1 for patching?

A: No. Asphalt acceptance will be based on a visual inspection of compaction, minimum required thickness, and mix temperature placement (Table 410-4). The compacted bituminous surfacing, when ready for acceptance, shall be thoroughly compacted, smooth, free of cracks, and match existing grade and cross section.

11. For the 6” untreated base course what specification sections is this to follow?

A: Use available NMDOT approved UTBC type 1 or 2.

12. Will also be hand placed

A: Yes. Hand placement is acceptable.

13. Can the contractor use NMDOT approved Base Course

A: Yes.

14. Is there a requirement for a prime coat prior to placing asphalt on base course? If, so at what rate and/or specifications

A: No prime coat required.

Pavement markings

15. Section 634 refers to 106.04 for applying. Is, there any specific tests required for painted markings (i.e. reflectometer testing etc.)?

A: No. Visual inspection only.

16. Will there be a line item added for traffic control or is it incidental to the line items?

A: This will be incidental. A closure will be coordinated with the Forest, Contractor will provide the road closed barricade and signs.

17. Will this project require a full time CQC and CQC plan (section 153)?

A: No. Section 153 is not required.

18. Will there be a line item added for construction staking or will this be incidental to the line items? (patching, signs, markings, and wheel stops will require staking/layouts)

A: No line item. Incidental.

19. Will the government provide the bid schedule in an excel format?

A: No.

20. When is the questions deadline?

A: Questions/ RFI’s are due within one week of solicitation close

21. The Solicitation 127EAX26R0006 R3 National Forest's Roads IDIQ calls for "Offeror Representations and Certifications" in Factor 4, iii. Can you please verify if the Reps and Certs documents are missing from the solicitation document/attachments? We can't find them in any of the documents and want to ensure all formal documents are submitted.

A: Representations and Certifications refer to the reps and certs found in SAM.gov describing your business entity. It would be found under Clause 52.212-3 on your SAM.gov entity information page.

22. Can you please issue sign-in sheet for pre-proposal site visit?

A: No Subcontractor Experience

23. The Instructions to Offerors (b)(i) ask to provide three (3) projects of similar scope, magnitude, terrain, remoteness, and environmental constraints. However, they do not specify how experience performed as a Prime Contractor or a Subcontractor will be evaluated.

A: Make sure you are reporting on efforts that your firm has completed. If you were a subcontractor, you could only claim the piece of work you completed on the project. If you were the prime you would be able to claim the entire project.

24. Could the Government please clarify whether projects performed as a subcontractor will receive equal consideration when the offeror was directly responsible for a significant portion of the work that is relevant to this solicitation?

A: Projects will receive equal consideration if you were the prime or sub. If you were the subcontractor, you can only receive credit for portions of the project you completed not the entire thing. As a prime contractor you can claim the entire project.

25. If an offeror self-performed the majority of the construction work on a project while serving as a subcontractor, but was not responsible for overall contract administration, will that project be considered fully relevant for purposes of evaluating the offeror's technical experience and capabilities?

A: You would only be able to claim the portions of the work that your company completed. If you did the work and were paid for it then you would be able to claim it. If there were tasks you didn’t complete on the project then you can’t claim the experience and capabilities for them.

26. If the offeror's relevant experience was obtained primarily while serving as a subcontractor, will the Government evaluate that experience in conjunction with the proposed management team's demonstrated responsibility for the work performed?

A: I believe you are referring to two separate factors here Factor 1 Experience and Capabilities and Factor 2 Organization and Management. These factors will be evaluated separately from one another. Relevant experience is still relevant experience whether you were the subcontractor or the prime contractor.

27. For projects submitted as subcontractor experience, what level of detail is needed to demonstrate the offeror’s direct responsibility, scope of work, and management role on the project?

A: The level of detail will be up to the offeror in what they think demonstrates their direct responsibility, scope of work, and management role on project. Provide all the information shown in Factor 1 – Experience and Capabilities, Subfactor 1 - Experience.

Self-Performance

28. The solicitation asks for subcontractor roles and says self-performance will be assessed with capabilities, but it does not clarify the evaluation procedures for a more self-performing offeror or a highly subcontracted team.

A: There are no other procedures for self-performance. You would have to indicate how your firm can provide support for all tasks found in the scope of the contract on page 5 of the solicitation.

29. Could the Government clarify whether offerors will be evaluated equally regardless of the proportion of work to be performed by the Prime contractor versus key subcontractors, provided the proposed team demonstrates the required capabilities?

A: Offerors will be evaluated equally, provide the proposed demonstrates required capabilities.

30. The solicitation asks for subcontractor roles and says self-performance will be assessed with capabilities, but it does not clarify the evaluation procedures for a more self-performing offeror or a highly subcontracted team.

A: Offerors would be evaluated equally as long as their information shows they are capable of performing all aspects of the scope whether it be by them or by a hired subcontractor.

31. Could the Government clarify the minimum level of self-performed work required for task orders under this MATOC?

· A: There is no minimum level of self-performed work required under this MATOC, outside of those set up by the SBA and the FAR. 13 CFR 121.406 provides more details on this. The SBA states that

· General construction contracts: The small business prime contractor must perform at least 15% of the cost of the contract with its own employees, not including the cost of materials.

References https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-guide/governing-rules-responsibilities https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-13/chapter-I/part-125/section-125.6

Experience

32. The solicitation requires offerors to submit projects of similar scope, magnitude, terrain, remoteness, and environmental constraints. However, "similar terrain" is not defined.

A: Similar terrain would include getting equipment to remote places, similar geology/ vegetation, environment. If you haven’t completed projects in the region (AZ and NM) provide examples of where you have completed projects, and explain any obstacles that you overcame in that remote work environment. Getting equipment up mountain passes, performing in rural remote areas etc.

33. Could the Government please clarify whether projects with comparable construction challenges (for example mountainous terrain, forest roads, steep grades, remote access, or environmentally sensitive areas) will be evaluated more favorably in comparison those with geographic similarity to AZ and NM?

A: Send us what you have and what you think would be evaluated more favorably, it us up to you decide what to submit.

34. The solicitation asks for a narrative describing experience with FP Standard Specifications for Roads and Bridges.

A: Yes, explain a project that you’ve worked on where you had to reference or utilize FP Standard specifications

35. Could the Government please clarify whether experience performing comparable roadway and bridge construction under other Federal agency specifications or State specifications will be considered relevant when evaluating Factor 1, Subfactor 2 (Capabilities), where the work involved similar technical requirements and construction methods?

A: It would be considered relevant as you are familiar with referencing technical specifications, but it could be more relevant if you have direct experience with the standards in question.

Collective Evaluation

36. The solicitation requires offerors to provide three projects of similar scope, magnitude, terrain, remoteness, and environmental constraints. Could the Government please confirm whether the three submitted projects will be evaluated collectively to determine overall relevance, or whether each individual project is expected to demonstrate all of the listed characteristics independently?

A: It would be overall relevance, as its possible you don’t have all capabilities being utilized in three contracts, and there is a wide scope for the MATOC.

37. Could the Government consider the directly relevant experience of proposed key personnel when evaluating the offeror's technical capabilities and experience?

A: Yes Equipment Access and Haul Routes Please clarify the requirements for transporting equipment and materials into and out of the park. Specifically:

38. Which roads are approved for transporting equipment and importing materials?

A: NFSR 302/310 is available on the Forest Service side. Grand Canyon Park coordination may be required to utilize access off AZ-64T from the NPS side of the 310.

39. Are there any roads that are restricted or prohibited for construction traffic or material deliveries?

A: Construction traffic shall be restricted to “public open” roads and the pit access route. See Motor Vehicle Use Map for the Tusayan Ranger District at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/kaibab/maps-guides for more information on exact roads.

40. Are there any limitations regarding the times or days these roads may be used?

A: There are no usage restrictions. Additional safety, signage, and lighting requirements per MUTCD and FP-24 Section 156 will need to be followed for any work outside of daylight hours. A construction permit may be necessary from the District Ranger due to recreational activity in the area for any work outside of daylight hours.

Boulder Source

41. Can existing boulders be excavated and utilized from the open pit where the gravel stockpile is currently located, or is material required to be imported from an approved off-site source?

A: Authorization of Government pits may be allowed for boulders. MSHA regulations will need to be followed for any pit developments. A pit plan will need to be submitted and approved by the Government prior to work commencing. Contractors may also investigate Dillman Pit at 35.809393, -112.022865, a previous dump location at 35.966546, -112.128239, and a prior contract’s spoils at 35.939582, -112.129368 for boulders. District coordination will be necessary for any material sources not already listed within the contract documents. Boulders may also be potentially purchased from the private inholding at 35.952836, -112.085635. If insufficient material is available from the provided site options, material shall come from an approved off-site source.

Water Source

42. During the site visit, it was mentioned that a water source is available for purchase. Please provide the location and contact information for this water source. We understand that the USDA will not provide water for work performed under this IDIQ contract.

A: Water may be available for purchase in the Town of Tusayan. Engineering has previously worked with a reclaimed water company in the vicinity; you may contact them at 928-638-0906. The next closest available source is in Valle, along AZ-64 towards Williams.

Reuse of Existing Boulders

43. Within the project limits, it states that the existing boulders are to be reused/salvaged as part of the new construction, it also states that use subject to contracting officer approval, can we get further clarification on this and if there is quantity that needs to be considered for this or should the boulders to be supplied from an external source completely?

A: The existing boulders should be used. Roughly 1/3 of the total needed are available onsite. Any boulders obtained from an offsite source shall match the existing boulders OR boulders shall be placed in a way that the different material sources look intentional.

Tower Access and Parking Requirements

44. It is our understanding that the existing tower will remain operational throughout construction. Please clarify any requirements for maintaining access, including whether a temporary designated parking area will be required for personnel accessing the tower during construction.

A: If the tower is occupied during construction, the Government will ensure employee parking occurs outside the parking lot construction boundaries. Members of the public, partnered agencies, and tours shall be allowed to use the existing pit toilet throughout construction, unless otherwise authorized by the District Ranger.

Road Closure Requirements

45. Please clarify the allowable limits for road closures during construction of the new road. Specifically, what maximum length or section of roadway may be closed at one time while work is in progress, and are there any restrictions on the duration or timing of these closures?

A: Varying road lengths may be closed for a maximum of 30 minutes at a time (see FSSS Section 156), unless otherwise authorized by the District Ranger. Full road closures during construction may be authorized if Contractor can justify an expedited schedule and/or safety of the public.

46. A Regarding the PPQ requirement, Page 28 of 35 - 127EAX26R0006 Final.pdf (snippet inserted below) instructs offeror to submit copies of Sections A-D completed, whereas instructions on the PPQ form indicate offeror should only complete Sections A-B, and the reference completes Sections C-D and submits directly to Contracting Officer.

Please confirm that the offeror should only submit copies of the PPQ forms without sections C and D fully completed. (Assuming the Reference will submit the fully completed forms directly to CO on offeror's behalf).

A: The offeror should only be filling out A-B, sending the PPQ to the references of their choice to fill out sections C-D, and the reference should be the one to send in the PPQ to blaine.greenwalt@usda.gov.

47. The PPQs provided request the entity DUNS number. However, the federal government stopped using DUNS numbers to identify entities in April 2022. Would a UEI or CAGE code be a sufficient replacement for the DUNS number on the PPQs?

A: Yes your SAM UEI or CAGE code will be sufficient.

48. Please confirm if there are liquidated damages applicable for the seed projects?

A: Liquidated damages will not be included in the seed projects, but may be incorporated into future orders.

49. Please confirm the bid bond percentage for the seed projects?

A: 20% of your bid

50. Please confirm if previously completed PPQs can be submitted with offerers’ proposals, in lieu of the PPQ form provided with the solicitation?

A: The PPQ submitted must be the form provide in the solicitation and must come from a source other than vendor being evaluated.

51. We are interested in the NSFR 307/310 reconstruction project. Unfortunately, I did not see the email in time for the site visit. I have a few questions. I have been looking through the information provided on SAM.gov and I do not see where we submit our prices. Am I missing something?

Also, the Past Performance is different from what we have done in the past. Do you have to have the completed past performance from the reference prior to submission? In the past, we listed our references, but they didn't have a section to fill out.

Do I need to do anything with the Task Order Proposal Request?

A: This solicitation is for a multiple award indefinite delivery indefinite quantity type contract. The 307/310 project is a seed order that would be competed on the overarching contract among several other over the course of five years.

The task order proposal request is what projects would be requested on during the multiple award contract period. Competition would be limited to up to 20 IDIQ holders that bid on the MATOC.

52. What do I need to turn in to be considered for this project and future projects?

A: I would recommend reading the “Instruction to Offerors” section which begin on page 26 of the attached document, and the “Evaluation and Basis for Award” section which starts on page 29.

53. Where is the Schedule of Items for the Arizona project? I see the one for NM on SAM.gov.

A: The SOI for the AZ project is in the attachments section title “Attachment 6 - NFSR 307-310 Road and Parking Lot Reconstruction SOI v2”

54. The Instructions to Offerors (b)(i) ask to provide three (3) projects of similar scope, magnitude, terrain, remoteness, and environmental constraints. However, they do not specify how experience performed as a Prime Contractor or a Subcontractor will be evaluated.

Could the Government please clarify whether projects performed as a subcontractor will receive equal consideration when the offeror was directly responsible for a significant portion of the work that is relevant to this solicitation? ?

A: Projects will receive equal consideration if you were the prime or sub. If you were the subcontractor, you can only receive credit for portions of the project you completed not the entire thing. As a prime contractor you can claim the entire project.

55. The Instructions to Offerors (b) (ii) require an organization and management narrative of no more than five pages. However, the evaluation factors state that the Government will assess the offeror's key personnel resumes.

Could the Government clarify whether the resumes are included within the overall five-page limit?

A: Resumes are not included in that page limit.

56. We are not currently a Region 3 Roads MATOC holder. Are we eligible to submit a proposal for this solicitation to compete for one of the MATOC awards, or is this solicitation limited to existing MATOC holders?

A: You are eligible to submit a proposal for this solicitation. This solicitation is to set up the MATOC and get contractors their own IDIQs on the ordering vehicle.

57. Wondering on the bid bond for the project is that something that we need just one bid bond for the total project because there's 2 different jobs?

A: Contractors would need a bid bond for each project they provide an offer for.

58. Are there Wage determinations that should be with the R3 National Forest’s Roads IDIQ #127EAX26R0006 projects? If so, could you please post the correct wage determinations for accurate costing?

A: Echo Amphitheatre: NM20260011 Mod #1 5/18/2026 NFSR 307-310 Road and Parking Lot Grandview Lookout Tower: AZ20260007 Mod #2 5/18/2026 Both of these wage determination were uploaded as attachments 13&14.

59. Are ?

A:

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