Q&A_Version_3.docx

Chips Creek Trail Bridge (129AC718R0002) Questions and Answers Document

Subsequent versions of this document will contain questions from all previous versions.

Version 3: 07/30/2018

Q1 - New trail base/surface rock specs. Can a single sized like a 3/8 pea rock or 3/4 rock meet the specs?

A1 – Please see A2 on Q&A Version 2.

Q2 - Please provide the list of bidders that made the walk into the site with you.

A2 – This information has been posted.

Q3 - Camping area location A3 – There is no designated/proposed camping area identified by the government. After award, the successful contractor will provide their proposed location to the government for approval.

Q4 - More pictures of stream fording area, stream restoration area around the fording area, storage area and pictures already posted to be marked to indicate direction and bridge location;

A4 – All available pictures have been posted. The site pictures are of the general area where the bridge will be placed. Exact location will be determined based on the survey completed by the awarded contractor. Most pictures are taken facing north with the bridge to be set in the general rocky area on the right hand side of the photos coming back across the creek.

Q5 - Where is the staging site, pictured on your "pictures post"? If it is on forest rd. 26N74 coming off of Humbug Summit Rd from the West, there is a berm of rock, concrete, and dirt blocking the rd. a short distance from Humbug rd. Will the Forestry remove this obstacle?

A5 – The proposed staging area is in the approximate area identified as the vehicle parking area of Forest Road 25N05 in the OHV area at Lott’s Lake. See amendment 0004 paragraph C.2 Location of Project.

Version 2: 07/24//2018

Q1 - I had some pictures from the project site sent to me from someone who attended the site visit. From the looks of the pictures it appears the bridge location is mainly on bedrock. So my question is, would we be required to blast the bedrock to required bottom elevations of foundations or could we adjust foundations with bridge engineer to have a more cost effective foundation all the while keeping the same bridge design?

A1 – Recommend that the bidders bid the plans that we have prepared for the project. The contract language stipulates that the bridge site is to be located by a licensed land surveyor and that blasting “may be required” to install the abutments. Once the actual location of the bridge is established and the site specific conditions can be observed by all, then there may be a need to make appropriate adjustments to the geometry of the footings by the Structural Engineer due to a difference in the site conditions stated in the plans.

Q2 - I have some confusion, due to thinking too much or not enough, about the specs. For the base course and surface course rock. Could a single grade of rock like a washed pea rock (3/8 inch washed of fines) meet the specs? If not what about a 3/4 minus rock (less than 5% passing #200 sieve) for both the base and surface course?

A2 – The aggregate base and surface courses for the trail are clearly shown on the drawings. Please see sheet 16 of 20 of the project plans wherein the Base Couse is shown to be a Pit run material 1.5” minus with less than 5% passing No. 200 Sieve and the Surface course material is shown to be a Pit run material ¾” minus with less than 5% passing No. 200 Sieve. It is recommended to bid what is shown on the drawings.

Version 1: 06/26//2018

Q1 - Any idea when the prebid meeting will be?

A1 – The pre-bid meeting is currently scheduled for July 12, 2018 meeting at Chester Airport (Rogers Field), Highway 36, Chester California at 0700. It is expected to take all day. Those planning to attend should wear comfortable clothes, bring plenty of water and snacks/lunch as you see necessary. High clearance vehicles are necessary to reach the parking area. The job site is approximately a 5 mile hike from the parking area with an elevation difference of 1,600 feet. Some portions of the trail are lined with Poison Oak, are narrow and may be rocky/uneven.

Q2 - Blasting is indicated for the rock removal at the abutments. Will some of the debris and fly rock be allowed in the stream channel?

A2 – Yes

Q3 - Will all power equipment be allowed at the bridge site and for the trail construction and removal?

A3 – Yes, however all equipment will need to be hand carried or flown in and out of the site.

Q4 - Will a powered trail machine be allowed to travel to the bridge site?

A4 – No, the NEPA analysis did not include these potential impacts.

Q5 - Is there a borrow pit/area we can get structural back fill material near site or will we need to figure transport to site?

A5 – See revised Attachment 2 – Project Drawings, Sheet 7

Q6 - Is there an area for collecting rocks for retaining wall on or near site? Or do we need to figure for import to site?

A6 – See revised Attachment 2 – Project Drawings, Sheet 7

Q7 - In the technical specification, Section 205 Rock Blasting, is included. Is it expected that rock blasting will be needed or is this section included just for the unforeseen event it is needed.

A7 – Both, it is not expected that rock blasting will be needed but has been included in the event the survey determines the location will require it.

Q8 - Is it acceptable to draft water from the creek for construction purposes?

A8 – See revised Attachment 2 – Project Drawings, Sheet 7

Q9 - Is it acceptable to camp at the construction site?

A9 – Yes, see Section C, paragraph C.4 Other Requirements

Q10 - The solicitation states to complete construction within 90 days of Notice to proceed. This may not be enough time to design/draft a bridge shop drawing submittal, obtain submittal review/approval, bridge fabrication and bridge delivery.

A10 – The period of performance will be from date of award until June 30, 2019.

Q11 - Is the 90 day duration intended for the entire project (preconstruction, procurement & construction)? OR is the 90 day duration intended for just the on-site construction?

A11 – It was the intention to be the duration for on-site construction however, the period of performance is being changed to reflect from date of award through June 30, 2019.

Q12 - When does the USFS intend to award the contract? Helicopters may be unavailable from July through September or may have abnormally high mobilization costs that are indeterminable/unforeseen at the time of bid.

A12 – An award is anticipated in August 2018 with period of performance beginning at that time and continuing through June 30, 2019.