Attachment E Amend 0002 Questions.Responses_0002.docx

140G0121Q0048 USGS Site Clearing at University of Alabama Questions and Responses

Amendment 0001

1. Question: Does this solicitation require us removing all trees and brush COMPLETELY from the designated area(s) or HAVE ALL Trees and Brushes cut down to a required height as outlined in Attachment A in the solicitation where it speaks of protecting BATS.

Response: Per the spec, the minimum requirement is to cut trees to a maximum height of 2’ above grade, stockpile mulch for pickup by the university, and dispose of any remaining removed material offsite at contractor’s expense. If proposed means and methods go beyond that (to include grubbing), that is acceptable.

2. Question: Does the removal of tress and logs pertain to trees that have already fallen?

Response: Yes, this includes trees that have already fallen.

3. Question: I had a question about the size area of the project. How many acres?

Response: The area designated for tree clearing is approximately 6.6 acres. This is not a full 6.6 acres of wooded area, part of the parking lot is included within the limits to remove small trees from the parking islands. The wooded area is approximately 5 acres.

Amendment 0002

Clarification to Question 1: The mulch will not be picked up by the university; the UA mulch dump site is for the contractor's option, not required. The UA mulch dump address is at the Intersection of 25th Ave NE & Tamaha Trace NE-go through gate on west side of 25th Ave.

4. Question: Can removed merchantable trees/logs/etc. be sold by the contractor, rather than being mulched?

Response: Spec includes an option to remove timber from site. Refer to spec section 3.02.B.

5. Question: Does the remaining brush/limbs have to be mulched or can they be disposed of, at the contractor’s expense?

Response: Spec includes an option to dispose of removed material offsite. Refer to spec section 3.02.B.

6. Question: Mulch will be stored on-site for the University of Alabama to pickup, correct?

On Site Clearing Spec Sheet Page 1, reads “Stockpile mulch on-site at location directed by the owner for transfer to University of Alabama”.

Then on Amendment 0001, reads “stockpile mulch for pickup by the university”.

Response: The mulch will not be picked up by the university; the UA mulch dump site is for the contractor's option, not required. The UA mulch dump address is at the Intersection of 25th Ave NE & Tamaha Trace NE-go through gate on west side of 25th Ave.

7. Question: Is a General Contractors License required on this project if the cost exceeds $50,0000?

Response: No.

8. Question: Please provide green waste recycle facility location.

Response: Offsite disposal location is arranged by contractor. Refer to spec section 3.02.B.

9. Question: How much mulch must be retained for this project?

Response: No minimum, but whatever isn’t mulched needs to be disposed of offsite at contractor’s expense.

10. Question: Can vendors cut the stump a few inches above ground level?

Response: Stumps need to be cut to a maximum height of 2’ above grade, they can be cut lower than that.

11. Question: There was mention of excavating the entire site, if this is the case can we leave the mulch on site?

Response: Mulch shall be removed from site at contractor’s expense.

12. Question: If mulch cannot be left on site, do we have to haul the trees to the dump site and mulch them there or can they be mulched on site?

Response: Mulch shall occur on site. Mulch shall be removed from site at contractor’s expense.

13. Question: Will the wash station need to be removed or will it stay in place for the next contractor?

Response: Temporary construction facilities to be removed after completion of work.

14. Question: Will the survey of the boundary lines be provided or will it be on the contractor?

Response: Contractor is to provide.

15. Question: Is there any spec for the mulch size?

Response: No specific requirements on size.

16. Question: Is non-vegetative debris to be removed? If so, what are the requirements for final disposal?

Response: Non-vegetative debris are not required to be removed.

17. Question: Mulching of only debris 12” and smaller would greatly reduce costs and still provide the Government with mulch? Debris over 12” would be hauled to a final disposal. Would the government consider this alteration?

Response: Yes, Spec includes an option to dispose of removed material offsite. Refer to spec section 3.02.B.

18. Question: Is work allowed 7 days a week?

Response: Yes, at no additional expense to the government.

19. Question: Must all mulch be removed from the work site?

Response: ALL Mulch shall be removed from site at contractor’s expense. The University mulch dump is optional (NOT required) and located at Intersection of 25th Ave NE & Tamaha Trace NE-go through gate on west side of 25th Ave.