B09_-_Amendment-0001_-_Answers_to_Requests_for_Information_0001.pdf

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

Project Details:

Department of the Interior U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Mr. Micah Holmes Micah_Holmes@fws.gov Contracting Officer

Return all RFI’s by the solicitation submission deadline to Mr. Micah Holmes only at

Micah_Holmes@fws.gov. RFI’s received after the RFI deadline may not be entertained.

Contractor Details:

Company: ________________________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________________________ Email: ___________________________________________________________________________ POC Name/Title: ___________________________________________________________________

RFI No.: _______

Contractor Questions/Concerns:

mailto:Micah_Holmes@fws.gov

Government Response/Answers:

Project Details: Solicitation Number: 140FC224R0007 PR Number: 0040646141 Project Title: Road and Parking Rehabilitation at Green Lake NFH Project Location: 1 Hatchery Way, Ellsworth, ME 04605

We would like to address the issue of the soil stabilization called out in the specs. While I'm sure this practice has its merits in other geographic locations within the United States it is not commonly used in the northeast especially Maine. The concept of improving the existing soils bearing capacity with the addition of segment powder mixed through a tilling process is sound. However, the process is not feasible in this area and on this particular site for the following reasons:

the depth and quality of the sub base material is unknown and likely changes around the site. These variations will make it difficult to achieve proper mixed ratios affecting the overall success of the process, especially where large surface distortions are present. (typically indicating poorly draining or clay soils) Exposed ledge is present along the western and southern borders of the loop Rd. Without the benefit of test pits or borings we all agreed that 24 inch below existing elevation mixing will likely result in contact with ledge. Reclaiming machines operators and owners stay well clear of this situation due to the expensive damage that can occur.

The underground primary power lines run along the northern edge of hatchery Rd. From 30 feet inside the gate approximately 500 feet where they move into the lawn area until reaching the transformer. With no as built plan or first hand installer knowledge it is very unsafe for a reclaimer to work above a line of unknown depth.

There are several areas where data lines and conduits have been installed within the 24 inch depth. And at least one location that a conduit was encased in cement because the excavator and the electrician encountered ledge, preventing the min 18 inch required cover.

We feel a better and less expensive solution would be compete excavation and replacement of the sub base 12 inch layer on a levelled and compacted existing surface with a layer of geotextile fabric for separation. This practice is the industry standard in the area and was the preferred method of all attending the meeting would the FWS be open to modifying the specification requirements to meet industry standards?

Government ResponseAnswers: Seed Mix - A general guide for the seed mix is the following recommendation from Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservations and Forestry:

https://www.maine.gov/dacf/php/pesticides/yardscaping/lawn/new-lawn.shtml

40% Creeping Red Fescue, 10% Southport Chewings Fescue, 30% Perennial Ryegrass and 20% Kenblue Kentucky Bluegrass.

The mix must also be weed free.

Seeding - Seeding will be required anyplace adjacent to the paving work that is currently grass and was disturbed during the project or any place that topsoil was used. See attached document for the the grassy areas (circled) that may need to be seeded following the paving. The final amount will depend on the foot print of the project.

The use of a 12 inch gravel base with geotextile fabric is an acceptable method to use on the project, in place of the cement powder mix.

Gravel materials must also meet the gradation and requirements of the latest edition of the Maine Department of Transportation Specifications, Section 703, Aggregates.

Geotextile fabric shall have the following properties:

Fabric shall be synthetic woven polypropylene with the following properties:

1. Grab tensile strength (ASTM D 4632): 200 lbs, minimum

2. Mullen Burst strength (ASTM D 3786): 400 psi, minimum

3. Puncture (ASTM D 3787): 90 lbs, minimum

4. Trapezoidal tear strength (ASTM D 4553): 75 lbs, minimum

5. UV Resistance (ASTM D4355), 70%