B09_Amendment_Q_A_0001.docx

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Drainage Pipe Replacement Project for Alchesay NFH
Solicitation number
140FGA26Q0055
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This file is an Amendment 1 containing Questions and Answers for solicitation 140FGA26Q0055, a Drainage Pipe Replacement Project for Alchesay National Fish Hatchery issued by the Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service. The amendment clarifies ten key areas of ambiguity identified by prospective bidders. Critical clarifications include: the SF 18 form (not SF 1442) must be completed for submission; wage rates are available at the end of the solicitation package and on the Department of Labor website for Apache County, Arizona; site visit attendance on September 1, 2026 was informational only and not mandatory for quote submission eligibility. Technical specifications are reinforced, including that flowable fill (CLSM/slurry) will not be accepted as an alternative backfill method—compacted lift backfill with 95% compaction in lifts no greater than 6 inches is required per General Sheet Note 8.

The amendment also addresses pipe installation details, clarifying that new 30-inch PVC pipe connections to existing junction boxes shall use mechanical coupling per manufacturer specifications, with existing holes in junction boxes to be reused rather than core drilled. No on-site construction water is available, and creek water utilization is prohibited. For excavation planning, bidders should assume trench bottom depth of eight feet below grade in the absence of a profile drawing. Finally, regarding an existing pine tree within the trench alignment, the government prefers the tree remains in place but permits removal if it interferes with pipe replacement. The contractor bears responsibility for determining the most appropriate method for achieving a watertight seal at pipe connections given existing site conditions.

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140FGA26Q0055 – Amendment 1

1. Form conflict: Section L's submission checklist (item 1) references a "completed SF 1442," but the solicitation was issued on an SF 18. Could you confirm which form we should complete and submit - the SF 18 cover page, or a separate SF 1442?

Yes, the SF18 was used as the solicitation document so that would be the correct form and not the SF1442.

2. Missing Wage Rates attachment: Section J lists Attachment 3 as "Wage Rates" (5 pages), but we did not receive these pages with the solicitation package. Could you send them to us?

The wage rates are at the end of the solicitation package. I have uploaded them a second time in this amendment. They also can always be found on the DOL website under the county and state of the project. (In this case, that would be Apache County, AZ).

3. Site visit: We were not able to attend the site visit held on September 1, 2026. Is attendance at the site visit mandatory for eligibility to submit a quote, or was it offered for informational purposes only?

Site visit was not mandatory.

4. 2025 pipe survey: The Statement of Work references a 2025 survey that indicated the pipe material on the video-scope runs (Junction Box No. 1 to Junction Box No. 2, and Junction Box No. 1 to the Holding House) may be Asbestos-Cement Pipe (ACP). Is that survey report available for us to review?

Findings were from visual inspection for an unrelated project in Pond Basin #1.

5. Backfill method substitution: General Sheet Note 8 requires backfilling in lifts no greater than 6" with 95% compaction achieved before continuing to the next layer. Would the Government accept flowable fill (CLSM/slurry) as an alternate backfill method in lieu of compacted lift backfill for this project?

Flowable fill (CLSM/Slurry) will not be accepted as an alternative backfill method.

6. Connection to existing pipe: The drawings show the junction box structures but do not appear to include a connection detail for how the new 30" PVC pipe is to tie into the existing junction boxes (e.g., mechanical coupling, grout-in, thrust collar). Could you provide that detail?

Connection shall be mechanical coupling. Refer to specific Manufacturer’s installation instructions.

7. Depth of existing pipe: The drawings provide invert elevations at the junction boxes but no grade/topo profile. Could you provide the depth of cover on the existing pipe, or a profile drawing, to assist with excavation planning?

No profile drawing exists. For bidding purposes, assume trench bottom is eight feet below grade.

8. Construction water

a. Is there on-site construction water available? No.

b. Is there cost for water usage? Not Applicable, Refer to answer 8a.

c. We can also utilize Creek water if necessary and approved No, creek water may not be utilized.

9. In regards to the new 30 inch SDR pipe to be installed,

1. Is this projects intent to core drill new holes in existing junction box 2 and 3? No, existing holes in Junction Boxes will be reused.

1. Are linked sales required for the new 30 inch SDR pipe to water tie/seal the existing junction box after pipe connection? Linked seals are one of many options available for connecting the new piping to the existing junction box. The method used is the responsibility of the Contractor and what they determine to be the best method of providing a watertight seal given existing conditions.

1. Is a new Watergate required at junction box 2 for the new 30 inch SDR pipe point of connection? No.

1. Is this project's intent to utilize the existing pipe that enters into junction box 2 and 3 and put reducers in the ground to the new 30 inch pipe? Correct.

10. There is an existing pine tree that is within the trench of the new 30 inch SDR pipe.

1. Are we required to go around the tree via pipe fittings? No.

1. Is the tree required to be removed during construction? Ideally, the tree remains. If needed the tree can be removed if it will interfere with pipe replacement.

File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .