Questions and Answers 9 Nov 26.pdf

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GAOA Grizzly Bear Campground
Solicitation number
127EAX27Q0004
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This is a Questions and Answers document for the GAOA Grizzly Bear Campground project dated November 9, 2026. The Government is reconstructing and improving the Grizzly Bear Campground, a federal facility in South Dakota, with a performance period from November 30, 2026, through December 10, 2027, and an estimated project magnitude of $1,000,000–$5,000,000. The project includes base bid items only with no optional bid items. Key work scope includes sitework and grading with a typical 16-foot roadway width and 3:1 slopes; water system installation with a new 5,000-gallon fiberglass storage tank, new hydrants, and well pump controls; wastewater improvements including removal and replacement of sewage vaults at two locations; electrical service upgrades including a new 50 kVA transformer at an estimated utility cost of $10,256.33 (excluding excise tax) to be paid by the contractor and reimbursed by the Government; new 2,000-gallon sewage vaults at host and volunteer sites; building construction including new toilet and pumphouse buildings using stick-built systems with cedar siding and FRP interior finishes; tree removal of approximately 32 trees marked with yellow paint ranging from 4 to 25 inches in diameter; and site furnishings installation including timber retaining walls (approximately 634.5 square feet) and timber stairs.

The contractor must provide all temporary construction water and sanitation facilities and may stage equipment and materials within the closed campground. Legal highway loads are permitted across historic stone drainage structures with specific narrowing at stations 5+13.85 to 5+39.94 and 17+18.90 to 17+52.83. Rock excavation is not expected, and discovery of differing site conditions will be addressed under FAR 52.236-2. The contract includes third-party testing requirements, South Dakota excise tax of 2 percent on construction gross receipts, and compliance with NFPA 2023 electrical standards as adopted by the South Dakota State Electrical Commission. The Government is responsible for pumping and disposing of existing vault contents prior to contractor work and for bacterial testing of the water system. No interim milestones are required, and no winter seasonal restrictions apply. Amended drawings and specifications will be issued by addenda, and CAD files will be provided in DWG format.

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Questions and Answers GAOA Grizzly Bear Campground

9 November 2026

General

1. Will the Government issue an updated Schedule of Items and revised drawings identifying the final base-bid and optional-item requirements? Yes. Amended drawings and specifications will be issued.

2. Please confirm that the existing Schedule of Items is to remain unchanged unless a revised version is formally issued. Schedule of items will remain unchanged.

3. Please identify the applicable base or optional bid item for each improvement. There are no optional bid items.

4. Please identify the approved contractor staging areas and confirm whether construction trailers, storage containers, material stockpiles, and equipment parking will be permitted within the closed campground.

5. The campground will be closed during construction. The Contractor will be allowed to stage equipment and materials within the closed campground as per section 010150.1.7 and 010150.1.14

6. Please confirm that the contractor must provide all temporary construction water and sanitation facilities for the duration of the project. As per section 010150.1.6. The contractor will be allowed to place porta potties on the site. Use of existing toilets is not permitted.

7. Please identify any restrictions on temporary water storage, water hauling, or portable sanitation placement. There are no restrictions on the placement of portable sanitation or temporary water storage and hauling. Refer to section 010150.1.14.

8. Please confirm whether there are any project-specific bridge load limits, equipment restrictions, or requirements for temporary protection when transporting construction equipment and materials into the campground. There are no restrictions on legal loads.

LRFR Load ratings for the bridge is: Type 3 vehicle – 43.73 Ton

1. Type 3S2 vehicle – 65.04 Ton

2. Type 3-3 vehicle – 86.38 Ton

9. Please provide any required minimum equipment setbacks, protective fencing limits, vibration restrictions, or monitoring requirements associated with these historic features.Protection Areas are covered under section 010150.1.10

10. Please confirm whether a historic-resource protection plan is required before construction. A historic-resource protection plan is not required.

11. Please confirm whether any revised drawings, specifications, or addenda have been issued since the May 28, 2025, 100% construction document set.Revised plan sheets will be issued by addenda.

12. Will the Government issue written responses to the questions discussed during the site visit and incorporate applicable scope changes into a formal amendment?A record of all questions asked during the site visit and as submitted electronically will be provided with answers.

13. Do projects have price range? See page 1 of 14 on standard form 1442 item 10. Project Magnitude is $1,000,000 - $5,000,000

14. Will dual or triple hatting be allowed for the Superintendent on site in regards to SSHO or QC responsibilities? Yes

15. Can you provide the site walk attendance list? The site visit attendance list will be provided.

16. SF 1442, Block 11, specifies commencement within 10 calendar days and completion within 0 calendar days after Notice to Proceed, while the solicitation establishes a fixed performance period; please clarify the intended interpretation of Block 11 and confirm the contractual completion requirements. The solicitation's November 30, 2026, through December 10, 2027, period of performance are the contract dates.

17. The solicitation references Attachment 6, Past Performance Information Sheets, and Attachment 7, Subcontracting/Teaming Partner Consent Form, which were not included among the files provided; please provide the required forms. Attachment 6, Past Performance Information Sheets, and Attachment 7 will be provided.

18. Section 7.0 of the Statement of Work requires identification of the company executive responsible for the project, an onsite superintendent, and appropriately licensed water system and electrical personnel; please confirm whether these individuals must be identified in the proposal and whether resumes, licenses, certifications, or letters of commitment are required at proposal submission.

Identification of key personnel and licensed installers does not have to be included in the proposal submission.

19. Please confirm whether key personnel resumes are required and, if so, identify the specific key personnel positions that must be addressed in the Technical Volume.

Identification of key personnel and licensed installers does not have to be included in the proposal submission.

20. Please confirm if a topo report is needed prior to construction activities.A topo report is not required prior to construction.

21. Can one person "triple hat" as Superintendent, SSHO and QC Manager? Yes

22. Please confirm whether asbestos or lead is present on this project, and if so, provide the relevant documentation. There are no known instances of asbestos or lead.

23. Is this project tax exempt?South Dakota excise tax imposed on the gross receipts for construction projects is at a rate of 2%. Contact the South Dakota Department of Revenue for tax information.

24. Are third party inspections required? Third party testing is required as per Specification Section 002222.3.04, 033000.3.9, 312250.3.18, 312317.3.9

25. Is permitting required? Contact Pennington County Planning and Zoning for permit requirements.

26. Please provide staking data points for the project. CAD files will be provided in DWG format.

27. Will you guys be supplying us with a survey and/or cad file with a surface file for this project? CAD files will be provided in DWG format.

28. Bid options. Drawing C7.0 is titled "Bid Option Plan," but Attachment 2 (Schedule of Items) contains only a Total Base Cost with 17 items and no separately priced options.

Please confirm there are no bid options to price.

29. All option bid items have been removed from this contract. There are no bid options to price.

Grading/Earthwork

1. Please confirm whether rock excavation, groundwater control, and temporary excavation support are included in the contractor's scope. If rock is encountered, will the Government provide an estimated quantity or a separate payment provision for rock excavation? This Contract includes FAR 52.236-2 “Differing Site Conditions” (updated October 19, 2026) which covers subsurface or latent physical conditions that differ materially from contract indications and allows for equitable adjustments in cost or time when such differing site conditions are encountered and verified.

2. Please identify the specific toilet building requiring concrete demolition and provide the limits of removal. Concrete sidewalk at the existing north toilet building will be removed. The limits of the removal do not include the concrete slab supporting the gable roof extension at the entrance to the toilet.

3. Please confirm whether replacement concrete is required. The concrete sidewalk will be replaced by a gravel walkway.

4. Please confirm whether the contractor is required to salvage and reuse all existing rock barriers. Boulder Barriers are to be set as per plan drawing sheet C6.0. The contractor is not required to retain existing boulder barriers. The contractor is encouraged to salvage for reuse those boulders disturbed during site work.

5. Please provide an estimated quantity or identify which barriers may be disposed of and which must be reset. Disposal and/or salvage for reset is at the discretion of the contractor. The contractor is encouraged to use as many on-site boulders as possible. If additional boulders are needed, they should be granitic and metamorphics to match the on-site boulders.

6. Please confirm the required finished roadway width throughout the project and identify any locations where the roadway must remain narrower due to historic drainage structures. As per plan drawing sheet C6.0 the typical roadway width has a 16’ top with 3:1 slopes.

7. Please provide typical roadway sections and widening limits where necessary. As per plan drawing sheet C6.0

8. Please confirm whether construction equipment and loaded haul trucks may cross these structures without additional temporary protection. Legal highway loads are permitted to cross.

9. Please provide any available load restrictions, structural assessments, or required protection measures. As per plan drawing sheet C4.1 and C4.2 historic stone drainage structures narrow to 12’ from station 5+13.85 to 5+39.94 and 17+18.90 to 17+52.83.

Protect stone structures from contractor damage. Refer also to FAR 52.236-9 “Protection of Existing Vegetation, Structures, Equipment, Utilities, and Improvements

10. Please confirm whether rock excavation is anticipated. Minimal rock excavation is anticipated.

11. If rock excavation is required, please provide available geotechnical information and clarify whether drilling, blasting, hydraulic breaking, or other rock-removal methods are permitted. Rock excavation requiring drilling, blasting, or hydraulic breaking is not expected for this project. A geotechnical investigation was not completed. Groundwater is not anticipated with typical excavation depths. This Contract includes FAR 52.236-2 “Differing Site Conditions” (updated October 19, 2026) which covers subsurface or latent physical conditions that differ materially from contract indications and allows for equitable adjustments in cost or time when such differing site conditions are encountered and verified.

12. Please provide estimated quantities for unsuitable material removal and imported structural fill, or confirm that bidders are to develop quantities independently from the drawings.As per General Note 14 on plan drawing sheet C1.0, Contractors shall be responsible for determining all earthwork quantities.

13. Please identify any approved on-site borrow or disposal areas. There are no on-site borrow or disposal areas.

14. Please clarify the limits of work between the sitework, water system, wastewater, and electrical bid items.Work limits are shown on plan drawing sheet C1.1 Demolition Plan.

15. Are soil boring reports available? If not, confirm discovery of rocks and obstructions during excavation will be treated as differing site conditions under FAR 52.236-2 or addressed as a change under FAR 52.243-4.This Contract includes FAR 52.236-2 “Differing Site Conditions” (updated October 19, 2026) which covers subsurface or latent physical conditions that differ materially from contract indications and allows for equitable adjustments in cost or time when such differing site conditions are encountered and verified.

16. Is there a bulk water fill i.e. a hydrant or water source we can pump from for grading operations in close proximity?The nearest municipal bulk water fill is 22 miles in Custer, SD.

17. Is any landscaping restoration required for this project? For example; topsoil, seeding, and fertilizer. As per Specification Section 312500.3.1.C.1 and Section 329219.

18. Are red, yellow, and blue tops required? Grading shall be completed to the tolerances specified in Section 312250.3.16 and 321123.3.6

Electrical Utility / Transformer Scope

1. Please confirm whether the contractor is responsible for paying Black Hills Energy directly for this work. See revised Section 262210.1.2.D.1. Where work is to be performed by the power company that requires payment to the power company, payment will be made by the Contractor. Work to be performed by the power company is defined as "By Utility".

2. If so, please provide the utility company's estimate, scope of work, and contact information, or identify the specific requirements for obtaining the estimate. Black Hills Energy has produced an estimated cost of $10,256.33 not including excise tax. Proposal is to cut in a new transformer into existing primary run. The existing primary conductor is in conduit – contractor will be responsible for exposing area of conduit. Will need to sweep one end of the conductor up into new transformer location and then replace the run north to the riser pole, approximately 350’. Contractor will need to supply fiberglass sweeps into new transformer base as well.

3. Contractor to provide all trenching and conduit.

4. Contractor to provide all reclamation.

5. Contractor to install transformer pad (available for pick-up at BHE warehouse)

6. Contractor to provide and install secondary (service) conductors

7. Contractor to provide and install meter socket.

8. Contractor to provide service information (main panel size, size and number of secondary conductors)

9. Please also confirm the bid item under which this cost should be included. These costs should be included in Base Item No. 13.

10. Please provide the final electrical service routing, connection point, transformer location, and division of responsibilities between Black Hills Energy and the contractor. For items listed as “By Utility”, the Contractor is responsible for trenching and backfill of the feeder line. The Utility will perform the actual installation of the feeder line and transformer.

11. Please confirm whether the proposed electrical service is to be installed overhead, underground, or through a combination of both. The service shall be installed underground.

12. During the site visit, the Forest Service indicated that an existing electrical line serving portions of the campground and an existing transformer must remain operational. The campground will be closed during construction. The existing underground power must be protected for future use. It does not have to remain operational. The existing transformer will be reused.

13. Please identify all existing electrical infrastructure that must remain and provide revised demolition drawings identifying the electrical components to be removed, relocated, or protected. Location and notes regarding existing electrical infrastructure are accurate.

Existing transformer at current host site will remain.

14. Transformer-to-meter conductors, Host Site #1. E5.0 keyed note 3 calls for 3-#2/0 AWG Al direct burial with #1 ground from T-1 to meter M-1 (about 30 ft, E6.1 point X1), with no "by utility" note. Spec 262210 §2.1 says conductors from the transformer to the service entrance are "provided and installed by utility company." Who furnishes and installs this run? The transformer to meter connection is furnished and installed by the contractor.

15. Primary feeder and T-1 pad. E1.1 shows a "proposed underground M.V. feeder" from the south end to the new 50 kVA transformer. E5.0 marks the feeder and transformer "by utility." Please confirm Black Hills Energy provides all primary trenching, conduit, cable and the transformer pad, and the Government pays the utility per Spec 262210 §1.2.D. Is any primary conduit or pad work in the contractor's scope? Black Hills Energy has produced an estimated cost of $10,256.33 not including excise tax. Proposal is to cut in a new transformer into existing primary run. The existing primary conductor is in conduit

– contractor will be responsible for exposing area of conduit. Contractor will need to sweep one end of the conductor up into new transformer location and then replace the run north to the riser pole, approximately 350’. Contractor will need to supply fiberglass sweeps into new transformer base as well.

16. Contractor to provide all trenching and conduit.

17. Contractor to provide all reclamation.

18. Contractor to install transformer pad (available for pick-up at BHE warehouse)

19. Contractor to provide and install secondary (service) conductors

20. Contractor to provide and install meter socket.

21. Contractor to provide service information (main panel size, size and number of secondary conductors)

22. Pumphouse service and meter. ED1.1 keynotes 2 and 4 say to protect and reuse the existing underground service to the pumphouse. E5.1 says to "install meter can, coordinate meter installation with utility company." Is the pumphouse metered today?

Yes. The pumphouse is metered today. Is the new meter socket mounted on the building or on a rack? The meter serves both the old host site and the pumphouse. The meter is mounted on a post immediately adjacent to the transformer.

23. Reuse of existing service conductors. Is the new pumphouse at the same location as the existing one? Yes

a. If it is moved, are splices in the existing direct-buried 2/0 Al allowed, and in what splice method and enclosure? Should we instead run new conductors from T-2 (E6.1 point X4, about 30 ft)? Reuse existing.

24. "Host site" in ED1.1 keynotes 2 and 4. These keynotes say the existing service is reused "with new pump house and host site." Host Site #1 gets a new transformer (T-1).

Do these keynotes mean the existing host site, which becomes Volunteer Site #7?

Yes. Reused with new pumphouse and converted host site (new volunteer site)

25. Site #7 metering and disconnect. E5.0 shows about 70 ft of 2/0 Al (point X5) from existing T-2 straight to the new Site #7 pedestal, with no meter or disconnect. Is Site #7 unmetered? Site #7 is metered.

26. Should the pedestal be service-entrance rated with a main breaker, or should a meter and disconnect be added as at Site #1? Site #1 is metered as per plan drawing sheet E5.0.

27. Site #7 pedestal: replace or reuse? ED1.1 keynote 5 says to "protect and reuse campsite pedestal with existing electric service." E1.1 says to "replace existing electrical pedestal with new pedestal." Which is correct? Replace Pedestal

28. Branch circuit to the control panel. The Panel L1 schedule (E6.0) shows the well pump control panel on a 20/2 breaker. E5.1 shows a 40 A disconnect inside the control panel and 2-#10 in 3/4". Please confirm the breaker and conductor size once pump data is known. The 40A disconnect switch is incorrectly shown as being in the control panel. The contractor shall install a separate, local safety disconnect switch within sight of or adjacent to the Well Pump Control Panel. The branch circuit to the Well Pump Control Panel (which includes the well pump load) should be a 25-amp double-pole breaker (which is standard for a 1 HP, 230V, single-phase submersible pump). The conductor size should be 2#10 AWG copper wire to account for the distance from the control panel to the pump (assuming 250-400 feet max) and to account for the inrush of the pump. Contractor shall inform the CO if the conductor developed length is greater than 400 feet so that the voltage drop can be evaluated and alternate conductor size can be selected.

29. Panel L1 interrupting rating. E5.0 and E6.0 call for a 14,000 AIC panelboard (available fault 11,142 A per E6.1). Spec 260500 §2.10.G requires "not less than 22,000 amperes RMS symmetrical." Which governs? Specifically, under Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clause FAR 52.236-21 - Specifications and Drawings for Construction, if there is a difference or conflict between the drawings and the specifications, the specifications shall govern. Therefore, the panelboard would have a rating of 22kAIC (22,000 amps).

30. Storage tank level conductors. E1.1 says to "reuse existing feeders and tank level conductors" to the fiberglass tank. Item 0008 installs a new storage tank with new level sensors. Is the new tank at the existing location? The new tank will be set in the same location as the existing tank. If not, which bid item covers new level-control cable from the tank to the pumphouse, and what is the route length?

31. Pedestal configuration. Spec 260500 §2.14 names Midwest Electric U075CP6031 with 50/30/20 A outlets, a 20 A GFCI and TV/telephone. The drawings label it a "100A RV pedestal." No TV or telephone service exists on site. May the TV/telephone section be deleted, and will an equal pedestal from another manufacturer be accepted? The TV/Telephone may be deleted. An approved equal will be accepted.

32. DS-1 fusing vs. the pedestal. DS-1 is a 100 A disconnect fused at 50 A, feeding a pedestal with 50 A + 30 A + 20 A outlets. E5.0 general note 1 requires "full ampacity service rated breakers" for circuits protecting the pedestal. Please confirm 50 A fuses are intended or state the required fuse size. 50 A fuses are intended.

33. Vault alarm power and wiring. E5.0 keyed note 12 says "purchase extra breaker for sump tank alarm," implying power comes from a spare space in the RV pedestal. Please confirm the pedestal must have a spare breaker space for the alarm. Keyed note 11 also calls for 2-#12 Cu direct-burial cable to the alarm, while Spec 260500 §3.9.B requires the control cable "underground in conduit." Which method governs? A spare breaker will be required for the tank alarm. Either direct-burial cable or cable in conduit will be accepted.

34. Pull boxes. E5.2 Detail B shows a grade pull box, but E1.1 locates none. Are pull boxes required, and if so how many and where? Or are they installed only as needed for pulling? Installed only as needed for pulling.

35. PVC schedule. Spec 260500 §2.2.C and §3.3.B call for Schedule 80 PVC underground.

E5.2 Details C and D call for Schedule 40. Which governs? (For example: Schedule 40 for direct burial, Schedule 80 where exposed or under roads.) Schedule 80 is to be used. E5.2 details C and D are detailing trenches and exposed conduit.

36. Conduit vs. direct burial. Spec §3.4.A and E5.0 keyed notes 3, 4 and 11 call for direct-burial conductors. The E5.2 trench detail shows conductors in conduit. Please state which method applies to each run: T-1 to meter DIRECT BURIAL CABLE, ALUMINUM, 3-

#2/0 AWG WITH #1 GROUND FROM TRANSFORMER TO METER M-1

37. DS-1 to Site #1 DIRECT BURIAL CABLE, ALUMINUM, 3-#1 WITH #1 GROUND, T-2 to Site #7 DIRECT BURIAL CABLE, ALUMINUM, 3-#1 WITH #1 GROUND, and the vault alarm circuits DIRECT BURIAL CABLE, COPPER, 2-#12 WITH #12

GROUND TO SEWAGE TANK ALARM.

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fgoto%3Furl%3DCAESZgHEIkXXSg8kvxSJQado1zLtw7Xl2Z5t6y9waqHsuwm1Bi0E3OrN0-In8jpkg5KewMWnpCIIjYwr0dhupNxIbz4UMpVLKUXFx6jEFqqwPKfBv7AhcI9_G-rdXH0JIcblprlNS3AU8w&data=05%7C02%7CRichard.Zacher%40usda.gov%7Cc10274294c314bd41ac808df3b66e8d8%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C639294985321049342%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=piaqMP1%2BiKoOFp6MxOGs2bY1moq2fts0j9Vzu9PR7r4%3D&reserved=0

38. Boring. E0.1 note 11 requires boring under paved surfaces. E1.1 note 1 requires boring under all gravel roads. Item 0005 rebuilds the campground roads. If electrical crossings are installed before the new road base is placed, may they be open-cut with the trench detail instead of bored? Trenching may take place under the gravel roads if done prior to compaction and finishing of the subgrade.

39. Design status and NEC edition. E0.1's title block reads "60% Design Development," and Spec 260100 §1.3.B cites NFPA 70-2014. Please confirm the electrical drawings are issued for construction. Please also confirm the work will be installed and inspected to the NEC edition currently adopted by the South Dakota State Electrical Commission. All electrical drawings are issued for construction. All work shall meet requirements of NFPA 2023 as adopted by the South Dakota State Electrical Commission

40. Does the power line to the host and volunteer site get replaced? No. the existing primary feeder to transformer T-2 does not get replaced. Additional primary will be added for newly installed transformer T-1.

41. Transformer-to-meter conductors, Host Site #1. E5.0 keyed note 3 calls for 3-#2/0 AWG Al direct burial with #1 ground from T-1 to meter M-1 (about 30 ft, E6.1 point X1), with no "by utility" note. Spec 262210 §2.1 says conductors from the transformer to the service entrance are "provided and installed by utility company."

Who furnishes and installs this run? Conductors from the transformer to the service will be installed by the Contractor. Specification 262210-2 has been changed.

42. Primary feeder and T-1 pad. E1.1 shows a "proposed underground M.V. feeder" from the south end to the new 50 kVA transformer. E5.0 marks the feeder and transformer "by utility." Please confirm Black Hills Energy provides all primary trenching, conduit, cable and the transformer pad, and the Government pays the utility per Spec 262210 §1.2.D. Is any primary conduit or pad work in the contractor's scope?Black Hills Energy has produced an estimated cost of $10,256.33 not including excise tax. Proposal is to cut in a new transformer into existing primary run. The existing primary conductor is in conduit – contractor will be responsible for exposing area of conduit. Contractor will need to sweep one end of the conductor up into new transformer location and then replace the run north to the riser pole, approximately 350’. Contractor will need to supply fiberglass sweeps into new transformer base as well.

43. Contractor to provide all trenching and conduit.

44. Contractor to provide all reclamation.

45. Contractor to install transformer pad (available for pick-up at BHE warehouse)

46. Contractor to provide and install secondary (service) conductors

47. Contractor to provide and install meter socket.

48. Contractor to provide service information (main panel size, size and number of secondary conductors)

49. Pumphouse service and meter. ED1.1 keynotes 2 and 4 say to protect and reuse the existing underground service to the pumphouse. E5.1 says to "install meter can, coordinate meter installation with utility company." Is the pumphouse metered today? Is the new meter socket mounted on the building or on a rack? Yes. The pumphouse is metered today. The meter serves both the old host site and the pumphouse. The meter is mounted on a post immediately adjacent to the transformer.

50. Well pump control panel requirements. E5.1 calls for "TEI Controls or equal," but no spec section covers the panel. Please provide the required functions (H-O-A, tank-level start/stop, pressure switch PS-1, chlorine metering pump interlock, alarms), the enclosure rating, and whether the existing pump motor minder is reused as shown. The Well Pump Control Panel shall be as manufactured by TEI Controls or equal and shall have the following characteristics.

51. NEMA 4X enclosure

52. HOA (Hand-Off-Auto) switch

53. Pump ON-OFF functions shall be controlled by storage tank float switch signals (Pump

Off at 4’-9” waterline elevation via High Level Float Switch; Pump On at 3’-9” waterline elevation via Low Level Float Switch).

54. Pressure Switch (PS-1) shall shut down well pump and signal audible/visual alarm.

55. Disinfectant dosing pump (Chlorine meter pump) shall energize when Well Pump is energized and shall shut off when Well Pump is de-energized.

56. Existing pump motor minder shall be reused. Contractor shall evaluate overall condition of existing pump motor minder and shall report to the Contracting Officer (CO) if it needs to be replaced.

57. Well Pump Control Panel indicator lights and alarms shall, at a minimum, include: Pump Status, Pump Alarm, PS-1 status, and Disinfectant Dosing Pump status. Contractor shall coordinate with Well Pump Control Panel manufacturer/supplier and shall notify CO of any other customary/industry standard alarms and/or features typically included in this type of installation not included in the drawings/specifications. Final determination of any added control panel features/alarms shall be made by the CO.

58. Branch circuit to the control panel. The Panel L1 schedule (E6.0) shows the well pump control panel on a 20/2 breaker. E5.1 shows a 40 A disconnect inside the control panel and 2-#10 in 3/4". Please confirm the breaker and conductor size once pump data is known. The 40A disconnect switch is incorrectly shown as being in the control panel. The contractor shall install a separate, local safety disconnect switch within sight of or adjacent to the Well Pump Control Panel. The branch circuit to the Well Pump Control Panel (which includes the well pump load) should be a 25-amp double-pole breaker (which is standard for a 1 HP, 230V, single-phase submersible pump). The conductor size should be 2#10 AWG copper wire to account for the distance from the control panel to the pump (assuming 250-400 feet max) and to account for the inrush of the pump. Contractor shall inform the CO if the conductor developed length is greater than 400 feet so that the voltage drop can be evaluated and alternate conductor size can be selected.

59. Panel L1 interrupting rating. E5.0 and E6.0 call for a 14,000 AIC panelboard (available fault 11,142 A per E6.1). Spec 260500 §2.10.G requires "not less than 22,000 amperes RMS symmetrical." Which governs?

a. Federal government construction contracts, specifications govern over drawings per the “Precedence Rule.” Specifically, under Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clause FAR 52.236-21 - Specifications and Drawings for Construction, if there is a difference or conflict between the drawings and the specifications, the specifications shall govern. Therefore, the panelboard would have a rating of 22kAIC (22,000 amps).

60. Please clarify if electrical will need to trench to run conduits from the pump building to the well or are they existing? Same thing for the sewer tank? Plan sheets ED1.1 and E1.1 unclear.Protect and reuse existing service conductors to new pump house and volunteer site. Protect and reuse conduits from the pump building to the well. Protect and reuse tank conductors. Replace existing pedestal at volunteer site. Trench and run conduits for sewer tank alarms.

Campground Closure / Temporary Services

1. Please clarify the required sequence for disconnecting, relocating, and reconnecting electrical service to the well and new pumphouse. Grizzly Bear Campground will be closed for construction. Order of operations will be as determined by the contractor.

2. Please identify any temporary electrical service required to maintain existing operations during construction. Grizzly Bear Campground will be closed for construction. Order of operations will be as determined by the contractor.

Vault

1. Please confirm that removal and replacement of the existing sewage vault at the proposed volunteer site is included in the base bid. Base Item No. 11 includes the removal of existing sewage vault and installation of new 2,000-gallon vault. There are no options items with this contract.

2. Bid Item 12 includes installation of a wastewater holding tank and associated connections at the proposed host site. Base Item No. 12 includes the installation of new 2,000-gallon vault. Vault details can be found on plan drawing sheet M6.1.

3. Please confirm the required tank capacity, material, configuration, and installation location. Location of the host site septic vault can be found on plan drawing sheet M1.3.

4. Please also confirm whether a high-level alarm, electrical connections, and related controls are included under Bid Item 12 or another bid item. Yes. High-level alarm, electrical connections, and related controls at the New Host Site are included under Bid Item 12. High-level alarm, electrical connections, and related controls at the Volunteer Site are included under Bid Item 11.

5. Please confirm that the Government is responsible for pumping and disposing of the existing sewage contents before demolition. As per plan drawings sheet MD1.1. the Government is responsible for pumping the vault prior to removal.

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fgoto%3Furl%3DCAESZgHEIkXXSg8kvxSJQado1zLtw7Xl2Z5t6y9waqHsuwm1Bi0E3OrN0-In8jpkg5KewMWnpCIIjYwr0dhupNxIbz4UMpVLKUXFx6jEFqqwPKfBv7AhcI9_G-rdXH0JIcblprlNS3AU8w&data=05%7C02%7CRichard.Zacher%40usda.gov%7Cc10274294c314bd41ac808df3b66e8d8%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C639294985321049342%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=piaqMP1%2BiKoOFp6MxOGs2bY1moq2fts0j9Vzu9PR7r4%3D&reserved=0

6. Please clarify responsibility if additional pumping or cleaning is required after the contractor begins work. The Government is responsible for additional cleanup related to vault pumping as required after the contractor begins work.

7. Please provide a consolidated utility connection schedule identifying the required services at each site and the applicable bid items.

As per Section 010250.3.2.J.1 Base Item No. 10 Host Site Construction

As per Section 010250.3.2.K.1 Base Item No. 11 Volunteer Site Improvements

As per Section 010250.3.2.L.1 Base Item No. 12 Host Site Wastewater Connections

As per Section 010250.3.2.M.1 Base Item No. 13 Electrical RV pedestals and associated conductors, conduit and associated trenching and backfilling for providing full electric service at Host and Volunteer sites included.

8. Volunteer Site #7 vault alarm. Item 0011 (§K) includes "electrical services, including high flow alarm … and all electrical lines and connections." Item 0013 (§M) also covers vault alarms per E5.0. Please confirm that the alarm, its float, the conduit and the circuit at Site #7 are priced under Item 0013 only. Item 011 carries the removal of the existing electrical services. Item 013 carries the vault alarms, its float and wiring.

9. Host Site #1 vault alarm. Please confirm the high-level alarm, floats and wiring at the new Host Site #1 vault are in Item 0013, not Item 0012.

The high-level alarm, floats and wiring at the new Host Site are included in Item 0012.

The high-level alarm, floats and wiring at the new Volunteer Site are included in Item 0011.

10. Is the remove and replace vault at the Host Site an option item? No. removing and replacing the vault at the volunteer site and installation of a vault at the host site are base items.

11. Clarify location of new vault at existing host site (new volunteer site). Must be 50’ from the well.

12. Volunteer Site #7 vault alarm. Item 0011 (§K) includes "electrical services, including high flow alarm … and all electrical lines and connections." Item 0013 (§M) also covers vault alarms per E5.0. Please confirm that the alarm, its float, the conduit and the circuit at Site #7 are priced under Item 0013 only.

Base Item 11 – Volunteer Site Improvements includes electrical lines for the vault installation.

Base item 13 – Electrical includes electrical materials and wiring for the electrical service, RV pedestal.

13. Host Site #1 vault alarm. Please confirm the high-level alarm, floats and wiring at the new Host Site #1 vault are in Item 0013, not Item 0012. Base item 12 – Host Site Wastewater Connections and Tank include providing alarms and all electrical lines and connections for complete operation.

Site Furnishings (Tables, Fire Rings, Kiosks, Fee Tubes)

1. Please provide a schedule identifying which site furnishings are: As per Section 016440.1.1.A There will be no Government Furnished Materials that the Contractor will install. As per plan drawing sheet C2.2

2. Government-furnished and Government-installed; Picnic Tables, Campfire Rings,3-Panel Kiosk, Fee Collection Tube

3. Government-furnished and contractor-installed; None

4. Contractor-furnished and contractor-installed. None.

5. Please specifically address picnic tables, fire rings, kiosks, information boards, fee tubes, and associated posts and foundations. Forest Service will furnish and install picnic tables, fire rings, kiosks, information boards, and fee tubes. Contractor is to complete grading, timber framing and gravel walkway in kiosk area. Contractor shall furnish and install campground signs.

6. Please provide an estimated total linear footage of timber retaining walls for bidding purposes, including an anticipated breakdown by wall height. Retaining wall items are included in bid item no. 6.

7. An estimated 634.5 SF of timber retaining wall is to be constructed.

8. Length of wall can be determined using dimensions found on plan drawing sheets C2.1 and C2.2.

9. Wall elevations can be calculated using elevations found on plan drawing sheets C3.1 and

C3.2.

10. Please provide a schedule identifying the number and dimensions of use pads requiring timber borders and the number of timber stair runs, including stairs with landings. Timber retaining walls form the timber borders at sites 13, 18, and 19. Length of wall/border can be determined using dimensions found on plan drawing sheets C2.1 and C2.2. There are an estimated total of 16 risers and an estimated 5 timber stairs with gravel landings.

11. Please confirm whether all locations are included in the base bid. All locations are included in the base bid unless otherwise noted as NOT IN THIS CONTRACT.

12. Please confirm whether the campsite dimensions and grading shown on the drawings represent the maximum permitted improvements. Campsites are to be constructed to the lines and elevations as shown on the plans.

13. Please also clarify whether final campsite locations may be adjusted in the field at the direction of the Contracting Officer. Campsites are to be constructed to the lines and elevations as shown on the plans. Minor field adjustments may be made at the direction of the Contracting Officer.

14. Are all tables and fire rings to be removed? Does the Forest Service want to salvage any of them? All tables and fire rings are to be removed. The Forest Service does not want to retain ownership of any items.

15. Are there enough boulders on site to complete the Barrier Boulder Wheel Stops? No.

Save boulders with all excavation for reuse. The remainder will need to come from an outside source. Prefer granite or metamorphic.

16. Details are provided for tables and fire rings, are these items part of the contract? No.

Tables and fire rings will be installed by the Forest Service.

17. Who is responsible for the installation of kiosk and fee tubes? The Forest Service is responsible for the installation of the Kiosk and Fee Tube.

18. Please confirm all aspects of site amenities (including foundations or concrete pads) are to be provided and installed by the Government.Forest Service will furnish and install picnic tables, fire rings, kiosks, information boards, and fee tubes. Contractor is to complete grading, timber framing and gravel walkway in kiosk area. Contractor shall furnish and install campground signs.

Tree Removal

1. Please confirm that yellow paint is the controlling designation for tree removal. Those trees marked with yellow slash are designated for removal.

2. Please provide an estimated tree count and diameter range, including any large-diameter trees requiring specialized removal equipment.

Ponderosa Pine

7 each 20” – 25” Diameter 85’ – 100’ Tall

4 each 15” – 20“ Diameter 85’ – 90’ Tall

1 each 10” Diameter 40’ Tall

Other deciduous

4 each 15” – 20“ Diameter 60’ – 80’ Tall

15 each 4” – 15” Diameter 20’ – 60’ Tall

3. Please also clarify stump removal and disposal requirements. Stumps shall be removed as per section 311100.3.2

4. Are all trees marked for removal? All trees marked with yellow paint are to be removed.

Schedule / Period of Performance

1. Please also confirm whether deliveries may be staged throughout the construction period.

a. The campground will be closed during construction. The Contractor will be allowed to stage equipment and materials within the closed campground as per section 010150.1.7 and 010150.1.14.

2. Please confirm that the solicitation's November 30, 2026, through December 10, 2027, period of performance supersedes the dates contained in Section 010150.The solicitation's November 30, 2026, through December 10, 2027, period of performance supersedes the dates contained in Section 010150.

3. Please provide any required intermediate milestones, including the date by which the new water system must be operational. The period of performance is November 30, 2026, through December 10, 2027. There are no interim milestones.

4. Please confirm whether construction is permitted throughout the winter months or whether seasonal restrictions or shutdown periods apply. There are no winter seasonal restrictions or shutdown periods.

5. Please identify any restrictions on excavation, concrete placement, utility installation, roadway work, and site restoration during winter conditions. Temperature restrictions and frozen conditions are addressed in the individual sections of the Specifications.

6. Host Site #1 vault alarm. Please confirm the high-level alarm, floats and wiring at the new Host Site #1 vault are in Item 0013, not Item 0012. The high-level alarm, floats and wiring at the new Host Site are included in Item 0012. The high-level alarm, floats and wiring at the new Volunteer Site are included in Item 0011.

7. Will the campground be closed during the entire period of performance? The campground will be closed while construction is ongoing.

8. The solicitation establishes a performance period of November 30, 2026, through December 10, 2027, while Specification Section 010150, Paragraph 1.8.B, states that work shall start no sooner than September 15, 2025, and be completed before November 13, 2026; please confirm the governing schedule requirements. The solicitation's November 30, 2026, through December 10, 2027, period of performance supersedes the dates contained in Section 010150.

9. Attachment 4, Specification Section 010150, contains earlier construction dates, including a November 13, 2026, completion requirement; please confirm whether these dates remain applicable or are superseded by the performance period established in the solicitation. The solicitation's November 30, 2026, through December 10, 2027, period of performance supersedes the dates contained in Section 010150.

10. Temporary power and water service. The pumphouse is demolished under Item

0002, and the well is reconnected to the new building. Is the campground closed for the whole period of performance, or must the well stay in service (temporary power to the pump) during construction? The campground is closed for the entire construction period. Temporary power to the pump will not be required.

11. Does this project require phasing? The campground will be closed for the entire duration of the project.

12. When do you anticipate on site work starting? The period of performance is November 30, 2026, through December 10, 2027.

Building Construction Requirements

1. Please provide a consolidated scope identifying all work required at each existing toilet building, including windows, staining, concrete removal, water connections, and other improvements. The work is included in Section 010250.3.2M, Base Bid Item No. 17 and plan drawing sheet A1.1 toilet elevation 1.

2. Please confirm the required nominal siding dimensions, profile, and exposure.Siding shall be 5/4” x 8” cedar lap rabbited siding as shown on drawing A1.1 General Note 2.

3. Please confirm whether Huber ZIP System or an approved equivalent integrated sheathing system is required, or whether conventional CDX plywood with separate weather-resistive barrier and roof underlayment is acceptable.Government acknowledges discrepancy. The CDX plywood with associated components is shown on the drawings.

The Huber system is referenced in Specification 006100 as the Basis of Design. Either is acceptable provided it meets the characteristics of 006100.

4. Please confirm the required plywood grade for interior walls and ceilings.CDX or Huber System is required for interior walls and ceilings that will be covered with FRP.

5. Please confirm whether the 4 × 6 beams shown on the drawings must be glulam or whether solid-sawn lumber is acceptable.Glulam Beams are required.

6. If glulam is required, please identify the species, structural grade, and appearance grade.Refer to Specification 006180 for Glulam requirements.

7. Please confirm whether pressure-treated foundation-grade fir is acceptable in place of the redwood sill plates shown on the drawings.Specification 006200 Section 2.07 states sill plates shall be redwood or pressure treated foundation grad fir.

8. Please confirm the required preservative treatment for timber retaining walls, stairs, use-pad borders, hydrant posts, and sill plates.

Treated timbers for walls, steps, border and edger shall be treated as per section 323002.2.2.

9. Please identify the required treatment retention and whether ACQ, copper azole, or other approved alternatives are acceptable.CCA is not permitted for timber treatment Grizzly Bear Campground Reconstruction project. Coper azole is the preferred treatment and ACQ may be acceptable.

10. Please confirm that the new toilet building and pumphouse are to be constructed using the stick-built systems shown in the architectural drawings and that no precast building alternative is required. All buildings shall be stick-built. This is to address visual requirements along the Norbeck Scenic Byway as stipulated in “Black Hills National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan.

11. Raceway inside the pumphouse. E5.1 note 3 calls for surface-mounted conduit. Spec 260500 §3.3.C requires RMC in wet and damp locations. The room houses chlorine storage and a metering pump, which will corrode steel conduit and boxes. May we use Schedule 80 PVC with nonmetallic boxes inside the pumphouse? Use galvanized RMC as per 260500 – 2.2.A.1, with supporting devices as per 260500 – 2.3.A

12. Type A fixture. The E5.1 luminaire schedule lists a Lithonia VSL 2 32 MVOLT (2-lamp T8, 64 W). Spec 260500 §2.15.A calls for a Lithonia VTL LED 48IN (4,000 lm LED).

Please confirm the LED fixture per spec. New light fixtures in pumphouse shall be Lithonia VTL LED 48IN 4,000 lumen LED.

13. Also confirm the specified Qmark MUH-03-21 heater model is the 3 kW, 240 V version shown on Panel L1. Confirmed

14. Can precast concrete buildings be substituted for stick built? No. All buildings along the scenic byway are to be stick built. Prefabricated concrete buildings will not be allowed.

See plan sheets.

15. Are toilet interior walls specified? FR panel over ½” CDX Plywood. See Sheet A1.1, A1.3.

16. Are pumphouse interior walls specified? FRP Panel with molding with sealed joints. See sheet A2.1.

17. Are the windows in the existing toilets and option item? No. Installing windows in the two existing toilets is included in Base Item 17.

18. Is it approved to substitute Berg Reinvigorations' Thermally Modified Ash for the specified Western Red Cedar siding?Government will consider the substitution of Berg Reinvigorations' Thermally Modified Ash during the submittal review process.

Berg Reinvigorations' Thermally Modified Ash requirements and parameters set in the specifications.

19. Please clarify whether the 4' × 4' and 3' × 4' bulletin boards shown on Sheet C6.4 of Attachment 5 – Drawings are excluded from the contractor's scope, as Section 01 64 40, page 2 of Attachment 4 – Specifications identifies kiosk/information boards as Government-furnished and Government-installed. Please confirm whether the contractor is responsible for any portion of the new bulletin board fabrication or installation.As per Section 016440.1.1.A There will be no Government Furnished Materials that the Contractor will install. As per plan drawing sheet C2.2

Government-furnished and Government-installed; Picnic Tables, Campfire Rings,3-Panel Kiosk, Fee Collection Tube

Government-furnished and contractor-installed; None

Contractor-furnished and contractor-installed. None.

Forest Service will furnish and install picnic tables, fire rings, kiosks, information boards, and fee tubes. Contractor is to complete grading, timber framing and gravel walkway in kiosk area. Contractor shall furnish and install campground signs.

20. Please confirm the windows are to be translucent polycarbonate panels.As per plan drawing sheet A1.1.

Water Tank / Well / Pump Controls

1. Where electrical conduits share trenches with water or wastewater utilities, which bid item is intended to include excavation, bedding, backfill, and restoration? Base Items 9,11 and 12. Contractor may include excavation in any of these items.

2. Please provide the required trench details for shared utility corridors. As per section 331116.3.1.I A minimum of one foot separation shall be maintained between electric and water lines in the same trench. Unless the electric conductors are in conduit the water line shall be a minimum of one foot below the electric conductors.

3. Please confirm whether the contractor is permitted to construct a temporary access road or equipment path to the tank location. Access to the water storage tank will follow the location of the existing and new waterlines.

4. If permitted, please identify the allowable access corridor, clearing limits, grading requirements, and restoration requirements. Access to the water storage tank will follow the location of the existing and new waterlines. Restore appearance, quality and condition of finished surfacing to match adjacent work and eliminate evidence of restoration to the greatest extent possible.

5. Please provide the approved method or requirements for crossing the historic ditch with construction equipment and utilities. Crossing the historic ditch with equipment and utilities will not require protection. Restoration of the historic ditch includes shaping to match the adjacent cross section.

6. Please confirm whether temporary crossing protection, matting, or other measures are required. Temporary crossing protection will not be required.

7. Please confirm whether the tank must be cleaned or tested before removal and whether any special disposal requirements apply. There are no special requirements for removal and disposal of the existing underground metal water tank. Contractor shall take appropriate measures to ensure safety of removal, lifting, transporting and disposing of tank.

8. Please provide the existing tank's approximate dimensions, depth of burial, material thickness, and any available information regarding its condition. The existing tank is a 3300-gallon steel tank. It is cylindrical in shape with an 8’ diameter and a 7’ depth.

9. Please confirm which existing waterlines must be physically removed and which may be abandoned in place. All water lines that do not create an above-ground hazard may be abandoned in place.

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