Questions_Addressed_0003.docx

AMD 003

Questions Addressed Solicitation: 140L6224Q0014 Miner's Delight Exc Fence Replace 2024

1) Is the contractor allowed to remove brush along the fence line?

A. Yes - per the SOW, the contractor may remove vegetation 4 ft on either side of the fence as needed.

2) Can the contractor bring equipment cross country to access the fence?

A. No - per the statement of work, the contractor shall travel on existing roads and along the fence line.

3) Is the contractor allowed to remove trees?

A. Per the statement of work, the contractor is permitted to remove vegetation within 4 feet of the fence on either side, this includes trees on an as-needed basis. The contractor is not responsible for the removal of cut trees and other vegetation.

4) Is this pre-bid site visit mandatory and will contractors who do not attend be allowed to bid on the contract?

A. No, the pre-bid site visit is not mandatory. Contractors who do not attend will still be allowed to bid on the contract. The pre-bid site visit is different from the post-award pre-work conference described in Section 3.1.A of the SOW. The pre-work conference occurs after the contract has been awarded and is mandatory for the contractor selected by the government. Please contact the Contracting Officer with any further questions. FAR 52.236-27 SITE VISIT (CONSTRUCTION) ALTERNATE 1 (February 1995) (a) The clauses at 52.236-2, Differing Site Conditions, and 52.236-3, Site Investigations and Conditions Affecting the Work, will be included in any contract awarded as a result of this solicitation. Accordingly, offerors or quoters are urged and expected to inspect the site where the work will be performed.

5) Is the contractor allowed to drive posts?

A. BLM does not normally allow fenceposts to be driven; however, at the discretion of the Contracting Officer’s Representative or Contracting Officer, posts may be driven on this fence. It is important to note that any split or otherwise damaged posts will be rejected by the BLM and will have to be reset or re-driven with undamaged posts at the expense of the contractor.

6) Is the contractor allowed to clear branches along the fence line?

A. Yes – per the SOW, the contractor is permitted to remove vegetation within 4 feet on either side of the fence.

7) If the contractor has to deviate from the bid schedule would that require a change order?

A. Yes – any deviations from the bid schedule would have to be submitted in writing and pre-approved by the Contracting Officer before any work is completed.

8) Are there bathrooms available on site?

A. No – there is no bathroom available on site. Please refer to recently added Section 01500 – Temporary Facilities and Controls for additional details and requirements.

9) Is the Bid Schedule Available on the Solicitation?

A. Yes – please see Attachment_2_Bid_Schedule

10) Does the bid schedule take into account the zig-zags of the existing buck and rail fence as it passes through the forest? These are not depicted on the maps.

A. The contractor shall construct the new fence according to the map provided with straight lines. This will entail straightening out the zig-zags of the fence as built and clearing a corridor through the vegetation as needed. Any questions regarding divergence between the mapped fence route and the older fence to be removed should be addressed to the Contracting Officer’s Representative or the Contracting Officer’s Representative.

11)Can the post be driven instead of hand set? This will help limit ground disturbance as well as greatly reduce labor costs.

A. We do not normally allow fenceposts to be driven; however, at the discretion of the Contracting Officer, posts may be driven on this fence. It is important to note that any split or otherwise damaged posts will be rejected by the BLM and will have to be reset or re-driven with undamaged posts at the expense of the contractor.

Per the statement of work Section 02824 Subsection 3.2.B:

"Dig holes for setting wood posts to the depth as shown on the Work Data Sheet. Set posts plumb and to the spacing and grades as shown on the drawings, unless staked otherwise. Space holes within 6 inches of the dimension shown on the drawings or in the Work Data Sheet. Holes shall provide adequate open space around the post so backfill can be tamped the full depth around the post.

Backfill with soil around each post gradually and uniformly. Compact backfill firmly from the bottom of the hole to the ground surface."

And Section 02824 Subsection 3.2.C.1: "Wood Posts: Drive only when approved by the Contracting Officer [i.e., when setting is not feasible]. Wood posts to be driven shall be machine-pointed on the end. Drive posts plumb. Posts that are split, bent or broomed will not be accepted."