PROJECT: GAOA Bar Island Dam Reconstruction

Solicitation No: 140L0626R0006

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

Request for Information

# REFERENCE | SECTION QUESTIONS | ANSWERS

Amendment 0001 (AM01)

1 Solicitation Q: The due date 5/25/2026 is a federal holiday, please extend the bid due date.

A: AM01 extends the proposal due date to account for the holiday.

2 Solicitation

Q: Can the question period be extended?

A: AM01 extends the question submission deadline that allows the Government sufficient time to respond to questions prior to the proposal due date.

3 Solicitation

Q: For Volume 2, Factor 1, can key subcontractor past projects be submitted?

A: Yes, subcontractor past projects may be submitted. Offerors shall clearly identify the entity that performed the work, including whether the work was performed as the

Prime Contractor or as a Subcontractor. The proposal shall also clearly describe the subcontractor’s proposed role and relevance to the requirements of this solicitation.

4 Solicitation

Q: Request the digital design files, surfaces, and CAD files for this project.

A: Those file types cannot be uploaded to SAM.gov. Request for files must be submitted to lisa_mckeon@ios.doi.gov and if available, the files will be emailed directly to the requester.

5 Solicitation

Q: Is it possible to get the CAD files for the Bar Island Dam Project?

A: That file type cannot be uploaded to SAM.gov. Request for files must be submitted to lisa_mckeon@ios.doi.gov and if available, the files will be emailed directly to the requester.

Solicitation

Q: Request a quick clarification regarding the submission requirements. The solicitation states that “sealed offers” are due by 1400 on May 25th; however, the only submission method provided is the email address listed in Item 8.

A: The type of solicitation for this requirement in Block 2 is Negotiated (RFP)

Request for Proposal. Refer to Section L: INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND

NOTICE TO OFFERORS for submission details.

Q: Since this is an electronic bid, I want to confirm the requirement for the bid guarantee. Does the bid bond need to be submitted electronically as well, and if so, which platform should be used for uploading it (e.g., Surety2000, Tinubu/SuretyWave, or another system)?

A: The type of solicitation for this requirement in Block 2 is Negotiated (RFP)

8 Solicitation

Q: Since this is an electronic proposal submission, could you please confirm how the

Government defines a “sealed offer” in this context? Specifically, I want to ensure that our electronic submission meets the intent of a sealed process and complies fully with the solicitation requirements.

A: The type of solicitation for this requirement in Block 2 is Negotiated (RFP)

9 Solicitation

Q: I did not see any liquidated damages clause included in the solicitation or referenced sections. Could you please confirm whether liquidated damages apply to this project?

A: Liquidated damages do not apply to this requirement.

Amendment 0002 (AM02)

02300-3

Q: Please clarify the gradation for the No. 4 in the drain gravel spec.

A: Response is not available at the time of Amendment 02. If additional information becomes available, it will be provided in a future amendment. UPDATE: See question

41 below.

03300-2.01

Q: Would type IL concrete that shows high sulfate resistance utilizing C452 be approved.

A Not applicable B It is permissible to exceed the specification limit provided that ASTM C1038 Mortar Bar Expansion does not exceed 0.020 % at 14 days.

C This alternative analysis has been qualified in accordance with ASTM C114 and meets requirements of Table 1 D Test result of prior month E ASTM C1702 Heat of Hydration testing has been performed by GCC Pueblo Cement Plant, an AASHTO R-18 certified facility.

F South Dakota DOT approves this product for designation as moderate sulfate (MS) and high sulfate (HS) resistant cement based on ASTM C452 testing.

A: Response is not available at the time of Amendment 02. If additional information becomes available, it will be provided in a future amendment. UPDATE: See question

42 below.

Spec 02300, 2.07.H.

Q: Is an 84”, single drum sheepsfoot roller acceptable? Or does it have to be a CAT

815F, or Dynapac CT3000 type machine?

A: Compaction equipment and methods must be equivalent to specification equipment and effort/force.

Drawing OW3 (Sheet 16)

Q: The precast support blocks beneath the RCP conduit will block the four bottom runs of #5 rebar. Do these four runs need to be connected to these precast blocks in any way? Or can the contractor just install these four runs of rebar so that they butt up against the face of each precast block?

A: The bottom bars can be shifted to avoid conflict with the precast shim blocks. To ensure complete consolidation of the encasement concrete, the bars should be placed to provide a minimum clearance of 1 inch between the rebar and the shim block.

Another option is to terminate the bars at each block and place 5-foot-long dowels on each side of the shim block. No connection to the precast shim blocks is necessary.

The successful offeror will need to include details of bar placement relative to any shim blocks in the reinforcing steel shop drawing submittal.

Drawing SW1 (Sheet 22)

Q: Does the gray-shaded area of the spillway indicate the extents of the erosion protective mat? If so, this quantity is closer to a 18,760 SF total, not including the anchor trench. This is more than the 16,000 SF given in note 1 on this drawing. Please clarify if bidders are to assume 16,000 SF of matting is required, or if the limits of the gray-shaded area take precedence.

A: The gray area should take precedence and the gray area is close to 18,790 SF and does not include the anchor trench.

Drawing OW3 (Sheet 16)

Q: Detail 1 requires the trench to be filled within 72 hours of excavation. This is a very limited amount of time for the amount of work necessary to place the concrete bedding. Are there any allowable means to extend this 72 hour restriction? I.e., cover the trench with plastic after it is excavated and kept in place while the pipe is set and rebar is installed?

A: The issue with exposure is moisture loss and carbonation (chemical reaction between lime and CO2 in the atmosphere). Trench filling can be delayed to within 120 hours if the soil/lime mixture is compacted at the surface, maintained near optimum moisture content, and plastic sheeting is applied to the ground surface. However, the sheeting must be anchored, sealed at edges, and in full contact with the soil. We recommend placing the plastic immediately after excavation and overlapping the seams.

Q: What thickness of topsoil should bidders assume is on the existing dam?

A: Refer to Specifications 02910, Part 2.01.A “Strip “topsoil” from within the limits of disturbance to a depth of six (6) inches or as shown on the Drawings. Remove all construction debris.”

Q: What thickness of topsoil should bidders assume for re-spread, and in what areas will this be required?

A: Refer to Specifications 01010, Part 1.01.9 “Reclaim all disturbed areas including staging areas and temporary roads. Reclamation consists of preparation of soil and seeding.” & 01150, Part 1.07.B “Consists of stripping, stockpiling and replacing topsoil from all staging, borrow, excavation, embankment, and waste areas. Seeding will be completed by the CONTRACTOR. Topsoil stripping, replacement, and seeding will be measured and paid at the Contract lump sum price.”

Refer to Specifications 02910, Part 3.02 for placing topsoil requirements. “Place 6-inches of topsoil over all areas disturbed by the work.”

Q: What are the horizontal extents of topsoil stripping? Sheet C2 has a dashed line called out as “excavation limit and stripping area” that differs from the area containing

FG 19contours on Sheet C3. On the east side of the project this area is smaller and near the dam it is greater.

A: Topsoil stripping should occur in disturbed areas (areas containing finished grade contours), in borrow areas, and areas disturbed by the contractor for convenience (e.g.

lay down areas).

Q: Are there any drawdown restrictions as far as how quickly the reservoir can be drawn down, or any fish-salvage operations that need to be coordinated with BLM?

A: No draw down restrictions. The reservoir can be fully drained. Draw down according to the Stormwater Discharge Permit and MTDEQ requirements.

Q: Does the existing outlet works to be removed have any asbestos-containing material? I.e. asbestos in the steel pipe lining or coating?

A: The Government has not conducted testing on any pipe coating located at this project site to determine the presence of asbestos-containing materials (ACM).

Consistent with safety guidance established by state Department of Transportations

(DOTs), the contractor is explicitly notified that vintage black-coated culverts may contain asbestos fibers locked within the tar matrix. While intact and undisturbed, this material is considered non-friable. The contractor shall strictly avoid any activities— including but not limited to cutting, scraping, grinding, abrading, or crushing—that could pulverize the coating or otherwise render the material friable and release airborne fibers.

Q: Does Cottonwood Creek flow year-round?

A: No, this is a seasonal flowing creek. The spring fed sources are diverted by the irrigation operator. The Government will coordinate with the irrigation operator to ensure water is not discharged into this drainage during construction.

Q: Is it anticipated that the water storage ponds on the south side will need to be constructed? Is the intent of these to be used for construction water?

A: Yes, the water storage ponds locations were for planning purposes only. The

Contractor is responsible for planning the actual placement and the construction and reclamation of the water storage ponds. The water storage ponds are an option for the contractor to provide water for the project for dust control, soil conditioning, etc.

Q: Can the existing outlet works be used to pump water through during the original draw down of the reservoir?

A: The method of dewatering and drawing down the reservoir is at the Contractor’s discretion, as long as the draw down is controlled and meets DEQ requirements and permits.

Q: Where should contractors plan to waste the 2,700 CY of muck excavation under

Bid Item 5?

A: The wasting of muck shall be at the project site per the Specification 01150, Part

1.07.E, “Wasting will be in areas as directed by the GOVERNMENT.” The Contractor shall suggest appropriate locations for the wasted muck material.

Q: Are FETS required on the CMP culvert?

A: A flared end shall be provided for the upstream inlet of the culvert. The downstream end has a check berm immediately downstream, so there the outlet velocities should be controlled by the check berm.

Q: What are the horizontal extents of the Sand Filter Diaphragm? Sheet C3’s plan view shows the diaphragm between STA 3+46 – STA 6+53, and a profile view with it running from STA 4+08 – 5+92.

A: The chimney should be constructed as shown in the profile drawing on Sheet C3, the chimney should be trenched 2 feet into the outlet conduit cut (dashed line) and have a top elevation of 2903 feet.

Q: What are the vertical extents of the Sand Filter Diaphragm? Sheet C3 has a profile view of the diaphragm between elevations 2869.7’ and 2901.5’. Sheets EX1-EX3 show profile elevations between 2868.8’ and 2903’. Sheet OW2 shows diaphragm elevations between 2868.7’ and 2903’.

A: The top of the chimney should be at elevation 2903 feet and the bottom should extend 2 feet into the conduit cut. The lowest elevation should be about 2868.7 feet.

Specification 01010 1.01

Q: Item 1 states to Dewater reservoir and construction area. There are no other details regarding dewatering the reservoir. Do contractors need to dewater the entire reservoir and the downstream pond? Are there any limitations to the reservoir elevation for dewatering? Are there any concerns for fish and wildlife when performing the water removals?

A: Dewatering the reservoir is for the benefit of the construction since the excavation will be below normal water level in the reservoir. The amount of dewatering is at the

Contractor’s discretion. The method of dewatering and drawing down the reservoir is at the Contractor’s discretion, as long as the draw down is controlled and meets DEQ requirements and permits.

The water storage ponds locations were for planning purposes only. The Contractor is responsible for planning the actual placement and the construction and reclamation of the water storage ponds. The water storage ponds are an option for the contractor to provide water for the project for dust control, soil conditioning, etc.

Q: What permits are required for the contractor to obtain?

A: Refer to Specification 01060.

Q: What permits are acquired by BLM (401/404, NPDES, etc.)? Can you provide these and/or status?

A: The Government completed a NEPA process for this project and obtained an

ACOE NWP 3 (see attached).

Q: This doesn’t appear to be an import project for embankment. Can contractors rely on the excavated materials and borrow sources identified on the plans to provide the needed embankment quantities? Can we rely on these materials meeting the specifications?

A: Yes, the excavated materials and borrow sources on site will fully supply all embankment quantity requirements. The materials will need to meet the testing and submittal approval process, but the materials are available at the site.

Specification 01010 1.07

Q: For the access roads that are not in the contract plan limits, there is significant work to be done to handle heavy trucks (for equipment and materials). Is this work incidental to the contract or should it be carried in a specific CLIN? What CLIN is the right one to carry this work?

A: There will be only one CLIN for this contract. The contract will be awarded with one Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) that includes the base plus the option, if exercised. For the Price Schedule the cost of this work is anticipated to be included in

Item No. 1 – Mobilization & Preparatory Work.

Q: Will the entire contract be awarded at one time, including Spillway Armoring, or will that CLIN Option be awarded separately? If not, is there a timeframe when that option would be awarded?

A: The Government intends to exercise the option at time of award based on available funding. The contract will be awarded with one Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) that includes the base plus the option, if exercised.

Q: Is the Spillway Armoring option included as part of the total proposal evaluation?

A: Yes. The total evaluated price is the sum of the base plus the option.

Specification 02300 3.03

Q: A.10 states to dewater foundations to prevent the accumulation against or the intermingling of water the fill. We read this to mean the exposed foundation should be only unwatered so there is no standing water prior to embankment. Does the government require additional steps beyond this?

A: Refer to Specification 02300, Part 3.03.A for the steps and requirements for Soil

Foundation/Fill-Surface Preparation. The intent is to dewater so that the subgrade can be compacted and that fill is not placed in or exposed to water prior to compaction and testing.

Q: Will over-excavation, beyond the foundation limits, be required? If so, will the excavation and embankment be paid for under the unit price CLINS, or is that work incidental? What over-excavation quantity should contractors expect if this is the case?

A: If over-excavation beyond the foundation limits is determined during construction to be necessary and is approved by the Government, compensation will be addressed through a contract modification using the applicable unit price(s) established in the

Price Schedule. Requirements related to over-excavation are provided in Specification

Section 02300, Part 3.03. No estimated over-excavation quantity is provided;

contractors should refer to the specifications and use their professional judgment in preparing their proposals at that time.

DWGs Sheet OW3

Q: Please confirm the limits of sheet OW3 detail 1 only exist at the sand chimney STA

1+83 to 1+86 as Detail A same sheet does not appear to have the same reinforcement.

A: This detail applies to the entire length of the conduit. Where the conduit penetrates the sand chimney (Sta 1+83 to 1+86) the conduit encasement should have a vertical edge on the left and right side rather than a point.

Q: If Detail 1 sheet OW3 extends the full length of Detail A please confirm the bottom longitudinal #5 rebar will start and stop, interrupted at the pipe support blocks.

A: The bottom bars can be shifted to avoid conflict with the precast shim blocks. To ensure complete consolidation of the encasement concrete, the bars should be placed to provide a minimum clearance of 1 inch between the rebar and the shim block.

Another option is to terminate the bars at each block and place 5-foot-long dowels on each side of the shim block. No connection to the precast shim blocks is necessary.

The successful bidder will need to include details of bar placement relative to any shim blocks in the reinforcing steel shop drawing submittal.

DWGs Sheet C2

Q: Sheet C2 contains a note on the downstream face that states “Remove woody vegetation on the upstream and downstream slopes of the dam”. What diameter constitutes woody vegetation?

A: The intent is to remove sage brush, trees, tamaracks, etc. For bidding purposes assume everything ¼-inch or bigger.

SECTION 03300

Q: Can the certification for the batch plant be waived? “Batch Plant: National Ready

Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) Certification of Production Facilities.”

A: Yes, the NRMCA certification can be waived with the following conditions:

1. Provide a scale certification.

2. The batch plant shall meet the requirements of ASTM C-94 Standard Specifications for Ready-Mixed Concrete.

3. Provide list of references and demonstrate successful similar projects

0330-1.03 K 1.0

Q: The local redi mix supplies do not have this certification. Can it be removed for this project. Batch Plant: National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA)

Certification of Production Facilities.

A: Yes, the NRMCA certification can be waived with the following conditions:

1. Provide a scale certification.

2. The batch plant shall meet the requirements of ASTM C-94 Standard Specifications for Ready-Mixed Concrete.

3. Provide list of references and demonstrate successful similar projects

Amendment 0003 (AM03)

02300-3

Q: Please clarify the gradation for the No. 4 in the drain gravel spec.

A: The No. 4 sieve material should be 20-55 (percent smaller by weight).

03300-2.01

Q: Would type IL concrete that shows high sulfate resistance utilizing C452 be approved.

A Not applicable B It is permissible to exceed the specification limit provided that ASTM C1038 Mortar Bar Expansion does not exceed 0.020 % at 14 days.

C This alternative analysis has been qualified in accordance with ASTM C114 and meets requirements of Table 1 D Test result of prior month E ASTM C1702 Heat of Hydration testing has been performed by GCC Pueblo Cement Plant, an AASHTO R-18 certified facility.

F South Dakota DOT approves this product for designation as moderate sulfate (MS) and high sulfate (HS) resistant cement based on ASTM C452 testing.

A: No, Type IL cement must be tested in accordance with ASTM C1012 as specified.

ASTM C452 is not suitable for blended cements.