B09_140FGA25Q0036_Amendment_Q-and-A_0001.pdf

140FGA25Q0036 – Amendment 1 Vendor Q&A

Contractor Submitted Questions:

1. SOW Section 1.3 states that a pre-construction conference is to be held soon after the award. Please confirm whether meeting will be held virtually or in person at the Fort Niobrara Wildlife Refuge (or other location).

Virtually.

2. SOW Section 3.3.B requests that groundwater samples be collected at or near the berm face area. Based on our review of local USGS data, the depth to groundwater in the vicinity of the site exceeds 150 feet below ground level. It is unlikely that the NDEE will require groundwater sampling if depth to groundwater exceeds 15 feet below ground level. For pricing purposes, please specify an estimated well depth.

We also suggest that the well installation and collection of two groundwater samples be removed from the Base SOW and allocated as an Option should the NDEE not require groundwater sampling.

Ground water sampling will not need to be performed for this project. The contractor will need to get a waiver from the State of Nebraska that has the explanation of the project.

3. SOW Section 3.5 states that the Refuge will provide topsoil and revegetate the site.

Please clarify who’s responsibility it is to transport to the site, spread, and grade the provided topsoil (Contractor or Refuge).

The new topsoil would need to be brought in by the contractor and spread.

4. Per the requirement on page 14 of the Statement of Work, "Submit certification showing the contractor and all personnel working on the site are currently certified in lead abatement in the state of Nebraska," please confirm that the remediation contractor and the contractor personnel are required to be certified, but not the consultant.

The consultant does not need a certification

5. Sampling Depth: While the SOW specifies a 3-foot depth of concern at the berm, can you please confirm the required sampling depth for the twenty (20) discrete soil samples across the full range area?

The areas of sampling are to be performed for the berm (upper berm, middle berm, lower berm), targe line, 50 m firing line and the 100 m firing line.

Background lead samples are to be taken at 200 m outside of the range.

Pistol/Rifle/Machine Gun Ranges: Top 2 to 6 inches of soil over 0.25 sq ft or pool

2 kg core samples collected with a sampler with a diameter at least 3 times the length of the bullets.

6. Abandonment of Sample Holes: Are there any specific procedures or regulatory standards the contractor must follow for abandoning or backfilling the soil sampling locations after testing is complete?

Areas with significant exposure to lead shot or with a potential for lead impact, such as the area between the firing line and impact berm, the impact berm itself, shot-fall zones, and runo collection areas, should be assessed to determine if lead contamination is present and whether cleanup is necessary.

The EPA recommends characterizing the presence, extent, and magnitude of lead contamination according to the following steps: 1. Sample and analyze the soil to determine if there are levels of lead level of 400 mg/kg, and/or levels of leachable lead in the soil at or above the toxicity characteristic (TC) limit of 5 mg/l. A sample grid pattern can be used for initial assessment, with biased samples collected in areas of suspect high levels of contamination. The initial grid spacing will depend on the total area to be assessed but should generally be no greater than 50 feet. A smaller grid spacing may be necessary depending on the activity. a. To determine the vertical extent of total lead contamination above the 400 mg/kg unrestricted use level: 3 Corrective Action at Outdoor Shooting Ranges January 2005 i. Collect soil samples at 6-inch intervals, beginning at the ground surface and extending downwards to a depth where contamination is not anticipated (e.g., sample 1 from the 0-6 inch depth interval, sample 2 from 6 to 12 inches, sample 3 from 12 to 18 inches, etc.).

Professional judgment should be used to decide if di erent sample intervals are more appropriate (e.g., sample 1 from the 0-6 inch depth interval, sample 2 from 12 to 18 inches, sample 3 from 24 to 30 inches, etc. in an area such as the backstop where shot penetration is expected to be greater). ii. Analyze the 0-6 inch sample for total lead using EPA Method 6010B. iii. If the total lead concentration is greater than 400 mg/kg, analyze the next deepest sample. iv.

Continue to analyze progressively deeper samples until the analytical result is below the 400 mg/kg unrestrictive use level.

7. Sampling Locations Map: Will a map or drawing be provided to indicate the desired sampling locations, or is the contractor expected to determine and document those locations as part of the work?

8. Division 1, Section 1.2 of the SOW states approximately 165 cubic yards of soil will be excavated and sieved, while Division 1, Section 3.2D estimates approximately 165 cubic meters for disposal. Which unit of measurement is correct, and what is the accurate total volume?

165 cubic yards

9. Division 1, Section 1.4 of the SOW requires contractors to "Submit certification showing the contractor and all personnel working on the site are currently certified in lead abatement in the state of Nebraska." Please clarify:

a. Lead abatement certification typically applies to lead-based paint (LBP) removal rather than soil remediation work. Please confirm whether this certification is required for this project.

Yes

b. If this certification is required, does this apply to all personnel or only specific roles?

Contractor and contractor personnel

10. Please provide the complete list of metals that must be analyzed in both soil and groundwater samples as referenced in Division 2, Section 3.3 of the SOW.

Metals to be sampled for are Cn, Ni, Pb, Zn, Sb and As

11. Is the provision of temporary toilet facilities (Division 1, Section 1.7 of the SOW) a mandatory contract requirement or a suggested accommodation?

Contractor must provide toilet facilities as there are no public facilities at the immediate site.

12. Division 2, Section 3.1 of the SOW describes characterization sampling for soil only.

Please confirm groundwater sampling is required during only the confirmatory sampling phase, as described in Division 2, Section 3.3 of the SOW.

Only during the confirmatory sampling phase.

13. Regarding the credentialing and background investigation requirement listed in Section H (pg 12) of the Solicitation: For short-term soil investigation and remediation work at an exterior range within the National Wildlife Refuge, are these security authorizations required for all field personnel, or are exceptions possible given the limited project scope and duration?

Personnel Credentialling and Background investigations are not required for this project.

14. Section L.2.1.5 (pg 35) references an "Executed Bid Guarantee in accordance with clause 52.228-1, if required." However, I do not see FAR clause 52.228-1 included or incorporated by reference elsewhere in the solicitation. Please confirm that the Bid Guarantee is not required.

“If required”. As stated it is not required.

15. Section B (page 4) of the solicitation references an attached Price Schedule, but I do not see this attachment included in the solicitation package provided. Could you please provide the Price Schedule attachment or confirm where it can be accessed?

The referenced price schedule is on the SF18 (solicitation form) but also a price schedule on company letterhead is an acceptable option.

16. Section D.2.b (pg 16) references stabilizing two cubic yards of soil by adding/mixing rtland cement at an estimated 5% dose based on lead concentration "for estimating purposes." Please confirm that for pricing purposes, we should assume soil stabilization treatment will be required for the entire estimated 165 cubic yards of soil for disposal, and that the two cubic yards figure is provided only as a reference for reagent dosage.

2 cubic yards is a reference only

17. NDEE’s Voluntary Cleanup Program requires completion (and approval) of a Remedial Action Workplan and public notice prior to initiating remediation, completing the Remedial Action Report, and issuing a “No Further Action” (NFA) letter. Shall bidders factor in costs for preparation of a Workplan, coordination of Public Notice, and all other NDEE requirements for an NFA letter?

Yes, the contactor is responsible for all aspects and costs of the Voluntary Cleanup Program

18. Is there a specified sieve size which must be used?

A number 4 sieve

19. Is the soil grain-size classification available for the berm? Does it have known clay or gravel?

The contents of the berm are unknown.

20. Soil Characterization of firing range site: collect 20 samples at what depths? All 0- 6”? Is the range perimeter clearly defined?

The sieve size would be 4, however EPA does provide the guidance for this as the contractor would be verifying this information for standards, regulations and policy.

21. Will the area subject to remediation be demarcated by FWS?

The field station would have any type of information regarding the type of soil and or clay. If no information exists sapling can be performed by the contractor prior to the lead sampling.

22. Is the contractor required to provide any remediation costs associated with potential exceedances of soil samples collected from the firing range site?

Yes, the contractor is required to pay for any costs accrued while remediation is occurring

23. RFP, Section L.1.1 Proposal Submission Checklist requires a “Filled-Out SF 1442 (Blocks 14 thru 20C).” and “Pricing for Items on the SF 1442”. However, the form provided in the RFP is an SF18, which only has blocks numbered up to 16. Please confirm if we are to fill in the SF18, or please provide an SF1442.

The SF1442 was accidentally left in Section L when this was changed over. Please either fill out a completed SF 18 or a price schedule on company letterhead.

24. The RFP instructions and FAR clauses appear to be for a construction-type project.

Please confirm if these FAR clauses are correct.

The FAR clauses are correct.

25. RFP, Section L.2.1.5 reads “Executed Bid Guarantee in accordance with clause 52.228-1, if required” and RFP Page 2 of 40 mentions “Bonding Requirements: 100% Payment Bond, 100% Performance Bond.” If this is not a construction project, please confirm a bid guarantee and P&P bonds are not required.

Based on the information in the Statement of Work (excavation, remediation..) this is a construction project. Bid Bonds are not required as this is not being competed under FAR Part 14, but based on the project magnitude, Payment and Performance Bonds are required.

Answers:

1. Virtually

7.

8. The Contractor shall be required to perform the sampling grid of the firing range and provide a map of the sampling locations and where the sampling is to be performed.

9. 165 cubic yards

10. A. yes B. contractor and contractor personnel

11. Metals to be sampled for are Cn, Ni, Pb, Zn, Sb, and As.

12. Contractor must provide toilet facilities as there are no public facilities at the immediate site.

13. Only during the confirmatory sampling phase.

1. Personnel Credentialling and Background investigations are not required for this project.

1. Justine

14. Justine - The referenced price schedule is on the SF18 (solicitation form) but also a price schedule on company letterhead is an acceptable option.

15. 2 cubic yards is a reference only

16. Yes, the contactor is responsible for all aspects and costs of the Voluntary Cleanup Program

17. ? if so need to readdress questions 4 and 10

18. A number 4 sieve

19. The contents of the berm are unknown

20. The sieve size would be 4, however EPA does provide the guidance for this as the contractor would be verifying this information for standards, regulations and policy.

21. The field station would have any type of information regarding the type of soil and or clay. If no information exists sapling can be performed by the contractor prior to the lead sampling.

22. Justine

23. Yes, the contractor is required to pay for any costs accrued while remediation is occurring

24. The SF1442 was accidentally left in Section L when this was changed over. Please either fill out a completed SF 18 or a price schedule on company letterhead.

25. This is a construction contract and these clauses are correct.

26. Based on the information in the Statement of Work (excavation, remediation..) this is a construction project. Bid Bonds are not required as this is not being competed under FAR Part 14, but based on the project magnitude, Payment and Performance Bonds are required.

27. A: All old ammunition casings must be removed from the project area. The depth needed will be determined after the soil is sampled and contaminate levels are determined.