Sol Amendment 0001 Smith Paxton WRE Clark Co IL 12FPC325Q0044.pdf

(x)

12FPC325Q0044

x x copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted ; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO BE

RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR

OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted , such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

x

FPAC-HQ-12FPC3

FPAC-HQ-12FPC3@usda.gov Western Section USDA FPAC Business Center

08/07/20250001

13. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO MODIFICATION OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS. IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required) is not extended.is extended, Items 8 and 15, and returning

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended , by one of the following methods: (a) By completing

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

FACILITY CODE CODE

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

CODE

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State and ZIP Code)

7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6)CODE 6. ISSUED BY

PAGE OF PAGES

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.3. EFFECTIVE DATE2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO. 5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

07/25/2025

CHECK ONE A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority) appropriation data, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not is required to sign this document and return __________________ copies to the issuing office.

ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

Smith/Paxton Wetland Reserve Easement Site Preparation Clark Co Il

The purpose of this solicitation amendment is to:

1) Provide the government's response to contractor solicitation questions.

2) Update the SF1442, 12a. Bonding requirement is hereby established in accordance (IAW) the government's response for Solicitation Question #8 for details.

3) In accordance with Executive Order 14275, update the solicitation applicable clauses and provisions. See page 6 of this amendment for details.

4) Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of this solicitation remains unchanged.

Period of Performance: 09/01/2025 to 10/16/2025

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

15C. DATE SIGNED 16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR 16C. DATE SIGNED

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

MARILYN T. MACTAGGART

STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 11/2016)

Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

Previous edition unusable

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9 A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect .

Contractor Solicitation Questions 12FPC325Q0044 Smith/Paxton WRE Site Preparation Clark Co Illinois

United States Department of Agriculture

Western Section, Operations Branch, Acquisition Division Farm Production and Conservation Business Center

Contractor Solicitation Questions Smith/Paxton WRE Site Preparation Clark Co Illinois

Solicitation Number: 12FPC325Q004 Date: 07 August 2025 Solicitation Amendment: 0001

1. Contractor Question: Does the contractor need to be a disabled veteran to bid?Government Response: Yes, this procurement is a 100% Service-Disabled Veteran Own Small Business (SDVOSB) set-aside. Therefore, only proposals from vendors certified as SDVOSB at SAM.gov will be considered for this contracting opportunity.

2. Contactor Question: Are there any soil borings of the excavated area?

Government Response: No soil boring of the excavation area

3. Contactor Question: Is there location on site that does not flood to park equipment during rain events?

Government Response: The entire work limits of the site is within the floodplain and can flood. Contractor is responsible for determining safe equipment parking during rain event that may result in a flood.

4. Contactor Question: How large are the trees in the area to cleared and grubbed?Government Response: Vegetation varies from grass to brush to trees of all sizes, we will visit the site before we end the site showing, recommend attending the field portion and visually see yourself. CL of the area is marked, refer to plans on width of area to clear and grub

5. Contactor Question: Can a portion of the levee south of slough excavation be removed?

Government Response: No, that is not part of the plans and outside the work limits, those area will be at contractor’s expense to repair/replace/rebuild if damage due to construction.

6. Contractor Question: Are there benchmarks on site?

Government Response: Yes, as marked on plans, they will also be located and flagged at the pre-construction conference.

7. Contactor Question: What needs to be submitted to have a complete bid?

Government Response: See solicitation page 41 of 44, Quote Submission Instructions

8. Contractor Questions: Is an offer guarantee required?

Government Response: In accordance with FAR 28.102-1, performance and payment bonds are required for any construction contract exceeding $150,000.

For proposals between $35,000 and $150,000, the Contracting Officer requires a payment bond and an irrevocable letter of credit (ILC).

The contractor will have 10 calendar days after award to satisfy this requirement.

9. Contract Question: Matt talked about a safety person. Do we have to have one full time while the project is going on?

Government Response: Contractor’s safety personal and first aid kits are explained on pages 14-19 of the solicitation. Paragraph 1.4 Safety personnel state each contactor is to designate a competent supervisory employee to administer the safety program – paragraph

1.1. These personnel are to always be on site during construction. It is not expected to be the sole duties of the designated supervisory employee, but they are available at all times of construction and higher priority than other duties. In addition, the first aid kit should remain on site at all times of construction.

a. Contract Question: Does that person have to be trained?

Government Response: Page 15, para 1.7 of the solicitation – first aid training - explains the requirements of the contractor’s first aid certifications. The certification will also be part of the safety program.

10. Contractor Question: First Aid- Do we have to have a full-time first-aid person there all the time that has been trained?

Government Response: See above responses in question #9

11. Contractor Question: Being we will be working as a sub-contractor, what is required that the main contractor has to do for this project?

Government Response: The prime contractor enters into a contract with the government and is responsible for completing all the work outlined in the statement of work (SOW).

The subcontract does not enter into a contract with the government. The subcontractor is hired by the prime contractor to complete the work required by a government contractor.

Additional information is available on the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) website at https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-guide/prime-subcontracting#prime-contracting

12. Contractor Question: What is required that the main contractor has to do for this project?

Government Response: See government response for question #11.

13. Contractor Question: Being it is a total service-disabled veteran owned small business project, what advantages does that give that business to be the main contractor?

Government Response: Advantages and disadvantages of being a prime contractor are subjective and are not applicable to all situations. Contractor are encourage to take advantage of contractor counseling available via the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) website at https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/counseling-help.

14. Contractor Question: Regarding 12FPC325Q0044 Smith/Paxton WRE, the 1442 under #10 on page 1, states per clause 52.228-13 that a payment protection must be in place after award, however in 12a, it states no bonds shall be required. For pricing purposes, I am inquiring if a bond/payment protection shall or shall not be required? Thank you for your time in advance.

Government Response: See bonding clarification provided in government response for questions #8.

15. Contractor Question: Can we change the POP from 09/01/2025 to 10/16/2025 to 09/01/2025 to 09/01/2026?

Government Response: The performance time is set at 45 calendar days which includes 13 weather days. It is expected for contractor to complete work in this timeframe. Upon contract award and suitable site conditions determined by CO, the notice to proceed (NTP) will be issued. The notice to proceed will be start of performance period.

16. Contractor Question: Considering the project is scheduled to begin during one of the most flood-prone periods of the year, is there any flexibility to start later in the season, such as in June or July, when conditions are typically more stable?

Government Response: The expected period of performance is 9/1/2025 to 10/16/2025.

As stated in response of question #15, once contract award is complete and site conditions are suitable to start construction, it is expected to have the contractor complete work in accordance with the NTP performance time. The weather is unknown and conditions can change during any month of the year. See solicitation pages 20 and 21 applicable clauses in that situation.

17. Contractor Question: What contingency plans are in place if heavy rainfall or flooding causes delays in construction or makes the site inaccessible for extended periods?

Government Response: The performance time has 13 weather days already built into the performance time. It is encouraged that awarded contractor track and record weather days and any day not suitable for construction. In case of weather days exceeded number of typical weather days, applicable FAR clause stated on pages 20 -21 will be used to determine if a period of performance modification is required.

18. Contractor Question: How will cooler temperatures, shorter daylight hours, and saturated ground conditions impact the success of seeding and vegetation growth, especially if the work is delayed or interrupted?

Government Response: Cooler temperature should not have effect on construction, solicitation page 17 of 44 para 5.3.8 provide allowable hours of operation. Saturated conditions may or may not exist throughout construction. Site showing was held so prospective bidder can see site and bid accordingly. Inspector and COTR will track site conditions and encourage contractor to also track site conditions. It is encouraged for contractor to make inspector and COTR aware when saturated soil conditions exist. The excavation specification does not have a moisture control requirement, and it is the contractor’s responsibility to complete work as specified. The seeding shall be in accordance with the specifications. Once the COTR inspection seeding and requirements are deemed complete in accordance with the specifications, the contractor will not be responsible for the seeding success unless the contractor damages the seeding area.

Seeding dates will be adjusted to be within performance time.

19. Contractor Question: Has there been consideration of the high likelihood that freshly constructed levees may be washed out or damaged by flooding before they are fully stabilized?

Government: Yes. Once the area is deemed complete in accordance with specification, flooding damage is not the contractor’s responsibility.

20. Contractor Question: What measures will be taken to address the potential for pool areas to become filled with sand and debris if flooding occurs before the project is complete?

Government Response: No measures, it is the contractor's responsibility to complete work in accordance with plans and specifications. The inspector and COTR will complete quality assurance of the contractor’s work. If a specific area of work is completed in compliance with plans and specifications the COTR can do compliance check to certify that area of work is complete.

For example, if a portion of the slough has been excavated to plans and specifications the contractor can request COTR to check that area for compliance. If that area is found in compliance it will not be the contractor's responsibility to remove sand or debris after completion of compliance check. If the area has not been certified or not to compliance with plans and specifications, then it will be contractor’s responsibility to remove that debris. It is encouraged that the contractor monitor weather and river flow. Then coordinate with COTR with construction completion activities. Daily inspection excluding weekends and holidays will be conducted by inspector and/or COTR and contractor should coordinate the scheduling of any requested compliance check with enough notice to meet next day of inspection.

21. Contractor Question: What are the material types, sizes, depths, and locations of the pipes that need to be removed in the levee?

Government Response: Material is CMP pipe with iron flap gates, size various from 24” to 48”, depths and locations vary. Site showing allowed perspective contractors to see this along with amount of grubbing needed to complete work. Soliciation encouraged contractors to attend site showing.

22. Contractor Question: Is it the expectation that all cleared, grubbed, and excavated materials will be used onsite for the habitat mounds and levee improvement, or is there a quantity that is expected to be hauled offsite for disposal? We reviewed the use of excavated material, however it is hard to determine how much will be taken offsite, if any, until excavation occurs.

Government Response: Only expected materials to be disposed offsite are the pipe and appurtenances associated with the pipe. The grub material is explained in the Construction Specification 2 – Clearing and Grubbing under items of work.

23. Contractor Question: Is the slough excavation depth below the anticipated groundwater depth?

Government Response: No soil boring completed to determine groundwater depth.

24. Contractor Question: If the excavation fills with water, are there any special provisions like dewatering required?

Government Response: See response in Question #20. If the area fills with water before COTR can inspect and certify if work complies with plans and specifications, it will be the contractor's responsibility to dewater to complete work in accordance with plans and specifications. It encouraged that contractor keep COTR and inspector aware of construction schedule and coordinate the checking of completed work.

25. Contractor Question: And, if water is encountered, is seeding and fertilizing in the water and/or saturated soil required?

Government Response: The seeding area is on top/sides of habitat mounds and levee bench area, higher than surround area. The soil condition needs to be in accordance with construction specification 6 – seeding, sprigging, and mulching. Conditions suitable to incorporate soil amendments and placement of seed in accordance with construction specification 6

26. Contractor Question: Can a photolog of the site be provided, are there any photos of the areas?

Government Response: No photolog of site

Clause or Provision Changes in accordance with E.O. 14275

The following clause or provision deviation version is hereby incorporated and replace the previous clause or provision version and can be found at https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul:

52.236-2, Differing Site Conditions 52.236-3, Site Investigation and Conditions Affecting the Work 52.236-5, Material and Workmanship 52.236-6, Superintendence by the Contractor 52.236-7, Permits and Responsibilities 52.236-8, Other Contracts 52.236-9, Protection of Existing Vegetation, Structures, Equipment, Utilities, and Improvements 52.236-10, Operations and Storage Areas 52.236-11, Use and Possession Prior to Completion 52.236-12, Cleaning Up 52.236-16, Quantity Surveys 52.236-17, Layout of Work 52.236-21, Specifications and Drawings for Construction

The following clause or provision is hereby removed. A site visit and preconstruction conference are no longer required. However, the Contracting Officer maintains discretion of use.

52.236-26, Preconstruction Conference

52.236-27, Site Visit (Construction)

End of Amendment.