Questions_and_Answers_FGA25Q0044__Bell_Isle_Pier_responses_9_23_2025_0003.pdf

USFWS Solicitation 140FGA25Q0044 – Bell Isle Pier, NC

Questions and Answers - 9.23.2025

1. Section 1.1A reads in part “All fasteners including screws, fasteners, and bolts are to be 316 stainless steel”. Does this include all bolts, carriage bolts to be used in the construction process?

SOW was updated to include an option for galvanized as a bid option as opposed to solely 316 SS. But, this would included all bolts, carriage bolts, and other hardware needed for construction.

2. Section 1.1A reads in part “removal of the wood decking, stringers, and rails.” Does this include removing and replacing the stringers/joists that are supporting the decking. This would mean that only the pilings and split headers would remain.

Based on pictures that have been taken of the substructure (stringers and girders), there does not seem to be a need to replace them at this time.

3. Does the FWS require removal of all stringers? Can the contractor inspect stringers and replace them on a as needed basis? We would appreciate guidance on the stringers. During the site visit the stringers looked in good condition.

Replacement on an as-needed basis is amendable. As pointed out in the comment and attached pictures, the stringers do look to be in fine shape.

4. Can the contractor stay on site during the construction period?

Further clarification is needed. Staying on-site in a trailer or otherwise would not be permitted.

5. Will the FWS approve secondary use for removed materials if it is a verified secondary use?

Would proposed secondary use be at the site or for other projects? Secondary use would have to be discussed with Refuge Manager.

6. What is the purpose of the geotechnical Investigation? Is the in the area of the new extension? Can we get more definition of what you are looking for? What specifically is the Registered Geotechnical Engineer certifying? We are working in an existing gravel parking lot. This is an existing site that has been rolled and compacted driven on as a gravel parking lot. Why are new subsurface soil samples required? How many core samples do you require? How deep.

The purpose to understand the depth needed to properly anchor the section of the new section of the pier.

Geotechnical engineer will verify the depth to avoid significant undermining. Three samples should suƯice.

7. What does obtain subsurface soil data AS NECESSARY mean? Who is the decision maker to make the call if soil data is required: contractor or Government?

Government. Refer to previous response.

8. Is a UAV aerial survey, with registered land surveyor certification, meet the requirements of site/topography survey? Do you want GPS/LatLong locations of structure?

UAV would need to be approved by Refuge Manager and would likely require a special use permit. If amendable, this would suƯice as the site/topographical survey, if adapted to include all landscape distinctions.

9. Will a desk study and site reconnaissance by a NC civil engineer or geotechnical engineer work to determine or certify the depths of the pilings/footings for the new parking lot extension meet the Government intent or requirement?

Yes.

10. Is the government looking for approval of footings or pilings method for the new section in parking what that the geotechnical investigation is seeking?

Yes.

11. If the pier is currently 1062’ long, and the access has been lengthened, why does the SOW show only repairing 960’ of it?

SOW was written before the new section was added. Repairs will be to the entirety, minus the distinctive new section that was recently replaced.

12. The SOW states that the pilings should be re-used and does not have a price line for the replacement of piling should the contractor find bad pilings during reconstruction. Is it possible to have an extra line item added to allow for the possibility of needing to replace a few of the pilings?

This could be included, but I would include this as an option.

13. Please confirm bracket/hurricane tie type for joist to girder connection. Currently there is HDG angle iron brackets that are used to secure joists to girders. If all components are to be 316 SS will a Simpson LTS12SS 12" Twist Strap be an acceptable component?

This would be acceptable. SOW has been updated to include use of galvanized as an option as well, in which case I would suggest use of angle iron as the pier is currently built.

14.

Will new guard rails down the pier require additional ADA drop downs for proper access?

Guard rails are to meet ADA guidelines for proper access.

15. SOW, Section C – Description/Specifications; Attachment 1: Statement of Work, p. 12 Section 1.1.A of the Statement of Work states: “Work shall include the removal of the wood decking, stringers, and rails,” and also lists bracing and blocking among the timber pier components. This language appears to require demolition and replacement of stringers, bracing, and blocking, in addition to decking and railings.

However, during the site visit, the Government’s representative indicated that it was not the Government’s intent to replace stringers or girders/pile caps. For consistency in pricing, can the Government please confirm: 1. Whether the intent of Section 1.1.A is for stringers, bracing, and blocking to be removed and replaced as part of this project; and 2. Whether girders/pile caps and their associated hardware are to remain in place, since they are not mentioned elsewhere in the SOW. This clarification is needed to ensure all oƯerors are pricing the same scope of work.

Attached images show the condition of pier stringers. We are of the opinion that stringers will not require replacement. Images have been included to show this.

Girders/pile caps are to remain hardware is to be replaced at in-kind locations.

16. SOW, Attachment 1: Statement of Work, Photographs – Picture 3 Picture 3 in the SOW is labeled

“parking area moved to higher elevation.” However, the written scope of work does not include any requirement to modify the grade or elevation of the parking lot. Can the Government please confirm that any grade or elevation changes to the parking area are outside the scope of this project?

There is no expectation by contractor to modify the grade or elevation of the parking lot at this point.

17. SOW, Attachment 1: Statement of Work, Photographs – Picture 3 The pier includes approximately 30 feet of decking and railing that were recently renovated. During the site visit, the Government’s representative stated that it is the Government’s intent for this renovated section not to be disturbed under this contract. Can the Government please confirm that this ~30-foot section of recently renovated decking and railing is to remain in place as-is, and excluded from the scope of work?

Recently renovated section of pier is not to be disturbed.

18. 4 SOW, Attachment 1: Statement of Work, Photographs – Picture 3 Picture 3 references the location of the 75-foot “new section of pier” with a dotted line. The dotted line appears to include the ~30-foot section of decking and railing that was recently renovated. To avoid ambiguity, can the Government please clarify the exact starting point of the 75-foot addition as depicted in Picture 3? Specifically, should the 75-foot measurement begin: • At the point past the existing rocks, as currently depicted in Picture 3, • At the shore end of the recently renovated decking, or • At the 90-degree bend where the new section attaches to the existing access ramp?

New section of pier is to continue oƯ the back of the final platform 75’. Therefore, the new section will begin where the 90-degree access ramp meets the platform.

19. SOW, Attachment 1: Statement of Work, Photographs – Picture 3 Picture 3 depicts the “new section of pier” extending 75 feet. The current access ramp connects at a 90-degree turn. Can the Government please confirm that the 2 | Page MTNT Services www.mtnt.net new access ramp is to be constructed in direct alignment with the pier (straight approach), rather than replicating the existing 90-degree turn?

The pier alignment is to be changed to remove the 90 degree turn. This will extend the pier, in total 75 feet oƯ the back as opposed to having a corner.

20. SOW, Attachment 1: Statement of Work, Specifications – Materials/Hardware Section 1.1.A of the

SOW specifies removal of decking, stringers, and rails. The SOW also references replacement of decking, railings, and associated hardware. Based on review of the recently renovated section of the pier, stainless steel (Type 316) hardware was used for decking and railing connections, while galvanized hardware was used for structural connections at the stringers, girders, and related framing members. Can the Government please confirm that for this project: • Stainless steel (Type 316) hardware is required only for decking and railing systems, and • Galvanized hardware may be used for stringers, girders/pile caps, and other structural framing connections, consistent with both the recently renovated section and standard industry practice. This clarification will ensure continuity of materials across the pier and avoid unnecessary cost escalation, since requiring stainless steel for all connections would significantly increase costs without aligning to existing construction practices or industry standards.

316 SS is preferred, but use of galvanized was recently added as a bid option for the replacement sections for the price adjustment and to show consistency across the pier. Preference is that the same material type is used throughout the pier.

21. SOW Section 1.11.B – Surveying Section 1.11.B of the Statement of Work references surveying requirements. During the site visit, it was noted that elements such as parking lot grading were part of a larger project that was later divided, and those items do not appear to be included in this project’s scope.

Based on this, it is not clear what surveying services, if any, are required for the current project. Can the Government please clarify: 1. Whether surveying is required for this project; and 2. If so, what the intended purpose of surveying would be within the current scope of work. This clarification is needed to ensure all oƯerors account for the same requirements.

The two projects you mention are distinctly diƯerent. Grading of the parking lot is not included with this project. The new alignment of the pier access will instead be accessed at a section of the parking lot that is at a higher elevation. Survey will be required to ensure proper ADA/ABA design criteria is met to ensure new section of pier transitions to the parking lot access point.

22. SOW, 1.11.C – Geotechnical Investigation. Can the Government please confirm whether geotechnical services are required for this project? If so, can the Government clarify the intended purpose of geotechnical work within the current scope? During the site visit, the Government’s representative stated that the reference in Picture 3 to raising the parking lot grade relates to a larger project that was later divided, with the current project covering only a portion of that scope. Based on this clarification, we do not see a requirement for geotechnical work in the current scope and it appears that geotechnical references may have been carried over from the larger project.

Geotechnical services are required to ensure that we know the proper depths for the tie in locations of the new access portion outlined in the SOW. The marsh restoration project being referred to is not associated with this project and they are distinctly diƯerent. Requirement for geotechnical work is to ensure proper footings are included for the “new” section of access to the pier. The parking lot grade will not be changed.

23. Site Access and Security – Entrance Gate During the site visit, the Government’s representative stated that the contractor will be authorized to close and lock the existing entrance gate at the main road during the construction phase of this project. The arrangement discussed was that the contractor would maintain a key, and a duplicate key would be provided to the COR or other designated Government representative for the duration of the project. Can the Government please confirm that this will be the authorized procedure for site access and security?

Confirmed.

24. SOW Sections 0.1, 1.4.B – Phase 2, and 1.8 – Permits Section 0.1 of the Statement of Work states that the project is exempt from Department of the Interior land use permits. However, Section 1.4.B (Phase 2) and Section 1.8 reference permitting requirements. Since the project is located on federal land within the Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge, local or state construction permits would also not normally be required. Can the Government please confirm whether any permits are required for this project, and if so, identify which specific permits the contractor is expected to obtain?

SOW states “this project is located on US Government (Dept. of Interior) land and is exempt from Hyde County and City of Swan quarter building permits. Possible permits needed are included under section 1.11 H NEPA/PERMIT RESPONIBILITY. Permit needs will be outlined in the design phase. Minimal permitting is expected as we will be working above the water level.

25. SOW Section 1.10.B – Project Signage Section 1.10.B of the Statement of Work references project signs. Can the Government please confirm whether the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service requires project signage for this contract? If so, please provide the specifications, including size, content, format, and placement requirements.

This is in regard to closure of the asset/road during construction. No project specific signage is required for this project.