S01 Amendment 2 Fields Creek QAs.pdf

Fields Creek EWP (Grouted Riprap)

Solicitation Number 12FPC325Q0001

Questions and answers

1. Q: Will NRCS be inspecting the size of the riprap prior to construction?

A: The NRCS will visit the supplier to confirm the gradation of the rock.

2. Q: Has NRCS used grouted riprap in the past to confirm grout quantity estimate in the contract?

A. The NRCS has used the grout factor in the past, but it varies depending on how well graded the rock is and the size of the rock. The void ratio used to calculate the grout volume needed is 0.5 cy grout/cy of riprap. The factor used to calculate the tons of riprap from volume is 1.5 tn/cy.

3. Q. How is the grouted rock riprap paid?

A. The grouted rock riprap will be paid by the cy of grout placed. All the other items are subsidiary. See items 14 and 15 in section 13 of the Grouted Riprap Specification-62.

4. Q: Are all jobs shown on the drawings under one bid?

A: Please note, that the Davis site has been removed from this solicitation and bidding process. Both the Freewill Baptist church, and the Peters sites are included in one bid for this solicitation and bidding process.

5. Q: Will there be a concern if grout gets in the stream?

A: Yes. Grout can not be installed in standing water, so the contractor’s dewatering plan needs to keep the stream or standing water from entering the work area as grout is being placed. Previsions need to be in place to keep fresh grout or grout residue from entering the stream. Once grout has reached its initial set, water can be allowed to come into contact with the grouted riprap.

6. Q: What is the time frame to complete this contract?

A: 27 days after the notice to proceed.

7. Q: Who will remove the fence from the access point on the Peters site?

A: It will be the responsibility of the contractor to take down and reinstall the fence to existing or better conditions as found at commencement of work. See revised note on sheet 8 of the plans.

8. Q: Can the performance time be extended if weather doesn’t allow grout placement in a timely matter?

A: A requested would need to be submitted in writing to the contracting O icer (CO) for approval.

9. Q: Who will be testing the grout for compliance of the contract?

A: It is the responsibility of the contractor to perform all concrete tests as stated in the contract, but NRCS plans to perform periodic test for compliance.

10. Q: How much time is allowed to empty a concrete truck of grout?

A: The contract states the grout mix shall be delivered to the site and placed within 1.5 hours after the introduction of the cement to the aggregate. In hot weather or under conditions contributing to accelerated sti ening of the concrete. The time between the introduction of the cement to the aggregate and complete discharge of the grout batch shall be a maximum of 45 minutes. All grout batches delivered to the site shall have a batch ticket to be considered for placement.

11. Q: Can equipment be operated in the stream?

A: continuous traversing in the stream will not be allowed. Small berms need to be constructed to traverse the equipment above flow to allow the stream to pass under or around the tracks of the equipment.

12. Q: After the award of the contract, when can work start?

A: A preconstruction meeting will need to be held, all preconstruction submittals need to be submitted for approval, then work must commence within 3 days after the Notice to Proceed is issued.

13. Q: Can riprap truck beds be lined with fines for truck bed protection?

A: Yes, but only riprap meeting the gradation requirements stated in the contract will be allowed to be placed in the work areas of the project. All unused riprap materials, truck bed linings shall be hauled o site to an approved disposal location.

14. Q: Will we need to pay prevailing wage?

A: The awarded contractor will need to pay Davis Bacon wages as shown in the solicitation.

A minimum of group 2 power equipment operator will need to be paid for all equipment operators, and a minimum of group 2 will be paid for laborers. Group 1 labor rate will need to be paid to labors who work with the grouting operations.

15. Q: Can we pump water from the stream to perform the flushing of riprap prior to placing grout as required by the contract?

A: Yes. Clean oil free water Flushing shall require a pump using a minimum diameter of 1- 1/2” intake and discharge. The flushing process is expected to remove silt, fines, debris and open voids to allow free grout placement without disturbing the riprap placement. Flushing will need to be repeated if contamination of the riprap occurs before grout can be placed.

16. Q: Is the grout required a 4000-psi mix?

A: See section 13. A. (7) of the Grouted Rock Riprap specification for grout design requirements. Contractor shall have the grout design submitted to NRCS for approval (7) days prior to placing grout.