B09_Solicitation_Amend_1__Attachment_5_Questions_and_Answers_5_1_26_7_pg_0001.pdf

140FC126Q0011

Attachment 5 – Questions and Answers 5/1/2026

Question 1: Please confirm the contractor is to include all field survey effort necessary before demolition and that new work shall be adjusted to match field-verified conditions.

Answer: Yes

Question 2: Please identify operational blackout periods, maximum allowable duration for supply/drain interruptions, whether temporary bypass pumping or temporary water-distribution service is required, and whether Kettles 6 and 7 may be taken out of service simultaneously or must be sequenced one at a time.

Answer: There are no blackout periods. Both kettles can be demolished at the same time. Contractors responsibility to prevent backflow from other ponds possibly using air bladders, etc. No work on Sat/Sun and Federal Holidays unless authorized.

Question 3: Please confirm whether Ponds 6 and 7 will be drained and made accessible by the Government before the contractor mobilizes.

Answer: Yes, the ponds are currently empty and will not be used until after project completion. Be advised that the water table is high and rain can flood area. It is the contractor's responsibility to dewater the pond during construction.

Question 4: Has the Government evaluated existing on-site soils for reuse as satisfactory engineered fill? Please provide geotechnical data, if available. If no data exists, confirm the contractor should assume imported borrow is required for engineered fill and backfill unless field tests prove otherwise.

Answer: Contractor to import all engineered fill and backfill material. No geotechnical data available.

Question 5: The earthwork spec says unsuitable material from pond surfaces is to be disposed of in an on-site waste area designated by the Hatchery Manager, but the location and handling requirements are not defined. Please identify the on-site waste area designated by the Hatchery Manager for unsuitable excavated pond material, including haul distance, access route, placement requirements, and whether compaction/grading/erosion control is required at the disposal area.

Answer: Excavated material can be used for backfill if deemed suitable.

Question 6: Section 01410 states the lab must have authority or be licensed to operate in the State of Texas, while the project is located in Johnston County, Oklahoma. Please confirm whether the independent testing laboratory must be licensed/authorized in Oklahoma rather than Texas.

Answer: Licensed to operate in the State of Oklahoma.

Question 7: Please clarify the required notice period for form/rebar inspections before concrete placement.

Answer: 48 hours

Question 8: For the 12-inch sluice/slide gate assembly. Please confirm whether stainless steel hardware is required throughout.

Answer: Yes, stainless steel

Question 9: The bid form lists stoplogs as “NIC,” but drawings reference wood stoplogs and screen/grate/guardrail details. Please clarify what is contractor-furnished and contractor-installed.

Answer: Contractor to provide screens/grates/guard rails and Government to provide stop logs.

Question 10: Please confirm that no Government-furnished power or potable water will be available. Please identify approved non-potable water sources, pumping locations, access limitations, and any permits/approvals required to use lake/canal water for construction.

Answer: No government provided electricity is available. Canal water available at deep well area via pump provided by government.

Question 11: Has the Government performed hazardous material or asbestos surveys for the existing kettles, piping, coatings, sealants, or appurtenances? If yes, please provide reports. If no, please confirm hazardous materials testing/remediation is excluded

Answer: Historically, asbestos has not been used for kettles with the exception of piping. These particular kettles have been converted to cast iron and PVC piping.

Question 12: Please confirm that no liner work is included in this contract and that bid item 20, “Reattach Liner – No liner,” should be priced as zero/NIC.

Answer: No liner work involved in this project.

Question 13: Are as-built drawings available for existing kettles and underground piping?

Answer: No

Question 14: Is a geotechnical report available for the project site?

Question 15: Are there known utilities beyond those shown in drawings?

Question 16: Confirm kettle relocation distance (~10 ft) is fixed and not field-adjustable.

Answer: Yes. The kettle relocation distance (~10 ft) is fixed and not field-adjustable.

Contractor is responsible for all means and methods necessary to complete the work as specified. Any deviation from the contract requirements shall only be made through a formally executed contract modification issued by the Contracting Officer.

Question 17: What are allowable tolerances for final kettle elevations relative to pond levee?

Answer: No set tolerances although top of kettle must be higher than top of levee.

Question 18: Confirm extent and limits of compacted fill required for relocation.

Answer: Extent compaction 3 feet from structure. All fill shall be compacted in accordance with the specifications.

Question 19: Will fill material be Government-furnished or contractor-supplied?

Answer: Contractor supplied

Question 19: Confirm required concrete strength, mix design, and exposure class.

Answer: 3000 PSI concrete strength

Question 21: Are waterstops required at all construction joints?

Answer: yes waterstops are required unless contractor can provide a monolithic pour.

Question 22: Confirm reinforcing steel type (epoxy-coated vs black steel).

Answer: black steel

Question 23: Confirm broom finish applies to all walking surfaces including inside kettles.

Answer: Yes, and including stairs steps

Question 24: Confirm size, material, and condition of existing drain and supply piping.

Answer: The existing drain and supply piping is in good condition. Cast iron elbow with a 9 inch socket.

Question 25: Who is responsible for dewatering during pipe tie-ins?

Answer: Contractor is responsible. Government will shut off water supply line.

Question 26: Are pipe tie-in locations exact or field-verified?

Answer: Field verified.

Question 27: Are temporary bypass systems required to maintain operations?

Question 28: Provide pressure testing requirements and acceptance criteria.

Answer: In accordance with Section 02510 Water Distribution, Section 3.8 of the specifications.

Question 29: Please confirm that the contract is bid as a contractor quantity takeoff based on drawings and specifications, and that no Government-provided quantities are guaranteed for accuracy.

Answer: Correct

Question 30: Will line items be evaluated individually or as a lump sum at award?

Answer: It is anticipated that the bid sheet will be utilized for cost/price analysis as a comparison with the Government Independent Cost Estimate. It is anticipated that award will be one contract line item lump sum.

Question 31: Confirm timeline for submission of performance and payment bonds after award.

Answer: Please see blocks 12A and 12B of STANDARD FORM 1442 utilized in the solicitation. Note the requirement for bid bonds applies as well with submission.

Question 32: Can work outside daylight hours be approved if required to meet schedule?

Answer: Yes after 5pm and weekends

Question 33: Please identify designated staging and laydown areas available for contractor use, including any limitations on size, access routes, ground conditions, and restoration requirements.

Answer: Tower area

Question 34: Please confirm whether liquidated damages apply to this project. If so, provide the daily rate and applicable milestones.

Answer: Liquidated damages were considered during the acquisition strategy planning phase, but were not included in the solicitation.

Question 35: Please confirm that differing site conditions will be addressed in accordance with FAR 52.236-2 and that adjustments will be made for unforeseen subsurface conditions, including unsuitable soils and groundwater conditions.

Answer: The Government confirms that FAR 52.236-2, Differing Site Conditions, is included in the solicitation and will be incorporated into the resulting contract. Any claims for differing site conditions will be evaluated and addressed strictly in accordance with the terms and requirements of that clause and applicable legal authority.

Offerors are reminded that the clause establishes the conditions under which an equitable adjustment may be considered, including the requirement for prompt written notice and the Government’s opportunity to investigate. No additional guarantees are provided beyond those set forth in FAR 52.236-2 regarding subsurface or latent physical conditions, including unsuitable soils or groundwater conditions.

Question 37: Please confirm whether payment will be based on contractor-derived quantities or a lump sum at award, and how quantity variations will be addressed during construction.

Answer: It is anticipated that award will be made as a single Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) on a lump-sum, firm-fixed-price basis.

Progress payments will be made in accordance with FAR 52.232-5, Payments Under Fixed- Price Construction Contracts, FAR 52.232-27, Prompt Payment for Construction Contracts, the Electronic Invoicing and Payment Requirements – Invoice Processing Platform (IPP)

(February 2021) local clause, and/or other applicable authority. Payments will be based on the Government’s determination of satisfactory progress of the work, including work in place and, where appropriate, materials delivered to the site or otherwise eligible for payment in accordance with the contract.

Offerors are advised that, under a firm-fixed-price lump sum contract, the contractor assumes responsibility for completing all work described in the contract for the awarded price. Variations in estimated or assumed quantities will not, in themselves, provide a basis for adjustment to the contract price. Any changes to the contract will be addressed through applicable contract clauses.

Question 38: Please confirm required frequency and scope of materials testing (compaction, concrete, etc.) and whether all testing is contractor-furnished and paid.

Answer: All testing is contractor furnished. Please see specifications.

Question 39: Section 01009 requires a 10-working-day Government review period for submittals. Please confirm this review duration and that submittals will be processed in a manner that supports timely project execution within the contract period of performance.

Answer: Yes, however the COR will typically have the submittals reviewed in a day or two.