Solicitation_Questions_and_Answers.docx

GATE 201185 – Solicitation 140P2018R0017 – Questions and Answers

Amendment 01 (issued 4/12/18):

1. On page 147 of the solicitation (52.222-23 Notice of Requirement for Affirmative Action to Ensure Equal Employment Opportunity for Construction the end of section B), it states: “The percentage goal established for female participation is 6.9.” Is this the only minority goal requirement – WBE - 6.9%?

ANSWER: See page 139 #6 and page 146-147

2. On the same page, (52.228-1 Bid Guarantee (Sep 1996)), states: “(c) The amount of the bid guarantee shall be 20 percent of the bid price of $3M whichever is less.” Is the 20 percent based on the low or high range? Are there Bid Bond Forms in this package?

ANSWER: The bid guarantee shall be 20% of your bid, or $3,000,000.00, whichever is less. A Bid Bond Form is attached to this Amendment.

3. On page 148 of the solicitation ( 52.236-27 SITE VISIT (CONSTRUCTION) (FEB 1995)

(b) An organized pre-proposal meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, April 17, 2018, from 9:00am to 10:00am, with an on-site walk from 10:00am to 1:00pm.

Participants will meet in the 1st Floor Conference room at:

Gateway National Recreation Area Floyd Bennett Field Jamaica Bay Unit Headquarters, Building 69 Brooklyn, New York 11234

Is this pre-proposal meeting & site visit mandatory in order to bid the project?

ANSWER: The Pre-proposal Meeting and Site Visit is not mandatory.

4. What are the licensing requirements for the project? Specifically our electricians are licensed in New Jersey can we bid on the project and perform the work in New York?

ANSWER: All work on this project is on Federal land and on National Park Service (NPS) owned equipment, thus a New York license is not required (but is recommended).

The only utility company related work is coordinating some downtime for installation of the equipment in the North Substation (Con Edison feeds). Con Edison may ask for a New York license number to coordinate this shutdown. This shut down would require coordination between the contractor, NPS, and the utility company (Con Edison).

5. Could you please provide a spec for the 5KV wire?( I assume we purchasing it) I do not see it in the specifications or on the drawings

ANSWER: Please refer to Spec Section 26 05 13 (Medium Voltage Cable), under Part 2 - Products.

6. Also – same goes for the load disconnects, splices and termination kits – please provide spec

ANSWER: For load disconnects please refer to construction drawing Sub Sheets E1.1, E1.2 and E4.13 and Spec Section 01 27 00 (Definition of Contract Line Items) CLINs 13, 14 and 16. For splices and termination kits, please refer to Spec Section 26 05 13 (Medium Voltage Cable), under Part 2 - Products.

7. Please confirm we can use schedule 40 PVC in the duct banks.

ANSWER: Please refer to Spec Section 26 05 43 (Electrical: Exterior Underground), under Part 2.4 - Underground Conduit and Accessories.

Amendment 02:

(Questions 1-7 answered in Amendment 01)

8. Please confirm that there is no ground wire required in Duct Bank?

ANSWER: The 4 conductors that are part of every circuit are three phase conductors and a full size ground. Grounding is required in Manholes. USDA soil survey (attached) can be found at: https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/WebSoilSurvey.aspx

9. Please confirm that once a 4" RSG 90degree elbow is installed the balance is in RSG with an IGB?

ANSWER: Correct, once conduit is changed to RGS, it should remain RGS.

10. Please advise the amperage loads at each build, hanger, and fuel dispenser?

ANSWER: Existing voltage and amperage ratings are not known. This will have to be verified by the contractor in the field. For bidding purposes, the maximum anticipated generator size would be 500kVA and the voltages can be 480V 3 phase or 277V 3 phase depending on building. Note that during construction contractor may be able to reduce generator size due to actual loads.

11. Note 6 on Drawing E1.2 describes the work for CLIN 13 in Building 117. The note indicates that the contractor is to “Coordinate with ABB (ASEA BROWN BOVERI) for installation of parts.”

4a: Do you have a contact with ABB to coordinate the work?

4b: Is the cost of any equipment, materials or work by ABB to be the responsibility of the contractor or NPS?

4c: Is the installation of the CT’s and the associated wiring the responsibility of the contractor or ABB?

ANSWER: ABB is the manufacturer of the equipment and information can be found at their web site:

http://new.abb.com/ NPS will provide the CT’s to be installed. All other costs for materials, coordination, and labor to install and commission the CT’s shall be covered by the contractor. The contractor shall coordinate CT installation responsibilities with contractor’s team and ABB.

12. Is a copy of the existing One-Line Diagram available?

ANSWER: The existing one-line is what is documented on Drawing Sheet E1.2. This was generated from the As-Built of phase 1 and corrected as field verified.

13. If existing generators are used for temporary power during outages, who is responsible for the fuel used, contractor or NPS?

ANSWER: The contractor is responsible for 'fuel' and 'manpower/oversight/maintenance' during use of the Park's generators. The contractor is also responsible for the rental of generators where there are none available.

14. Regarding splicing to existing cables, are the existing cables in all locations PILC?

ANSWER: At the end of this project there should be no PILC cable in the system. The existing cables to remain in service are all XLPE cables.

15. Regarding fireproofing cables in manholes and handholes, is the fireproofing of cables to be one overall fireproofing per set of 4 conductors or is each conductor to be fireproofed individually? If individual fireproofing is there a requirement to add an overall fireproofing as the set of conductors? Additional clarification to question -- Specification Section 26 05 13, Page 5, Paragraph 3.1.B.2 calls for Arc-proofing cables and it reads “… exposed length of each cable in manhole.” I have been involved on projects where this is interpreted as arc-proofing each cable individually and on projects where this was interpreted as arc-proofing the set of cables with an overall wrapping. I am looking to verify which is correct. Also, this spec only mentions arc-proof in manholes and does not state arc-proof in handholes. Is arc=proofing in handholes required? I would think you would want arc-proofing in handholes especially since there is more than one feeder in some of the handholes.

ANSWER: Arc-proofing shall be applied on each individual cable. Arc-proofing shall also be required in handholes.

16. Note 5 on Drawing E1.2 indicates each feeder will consist of 4 conductors. Since only 3 conductors are connected to the equipment, what is the requirement for the fourth conductor: is it just capped and abandoned in place or is it to be terminated and abandoned in place?

ANSWER: The forth conductor is to be terminated as a full size ground conductor and connected to the grounding bar at the equipment locations.

17. Are all required permits and inspections by NPS or the local authority and if by NPS will there be any costs to the contractor?

ANSWER: Please refer to Spec Section 01 31 00 (Project Management and Coordination), under Paragraph 1.9 – Permits, the ‘Submittal List’ under Spec Section 01 33 23 (Submittal Procedures), and Spec Section 01 40 00 (Quality Requirements). In addition, a full-time on-site Construction Management Representative (CMR) will be hired by NPS to inspect the work of the construction contractor for progress, workmanship and conformance with the contract documents.

18. When pumping out underground structures what is the requirement to dispose of liquids-ie: Dumped on ground, run into storm drains, deposited into containers and disposed off site, other?

ANSWER: Pump discharge to grassy areas.

19. Is there any requirement to clean existing manholes and handholes?

ANSWER: The existing manholes and handholes shall have all debris removed from the floor of the structure. Review ‘Manhole Investigation Report’ dated Dec 20, 2016 (attached) for more information/photos on existing manhole and handhole conditions.

20. Cable racks in the new handholes and manholes are spelled out on Drawings E3.3 and E3.4. However, there is no mention of cable racks in the existing manholes and handholes. Is the contractor to add and/or replace cable racks in the existing structures? If so, please quantify.

ANSWER: New grounding systems are required in all new and existing manholes with work required from this project. New cable racks shall be provided in all new manholes and 10 existing structures to be determined based on conditions observed during cable replacement (also see ‘Manhole Investigation Report’ dated Dec 20, 2016, attached).

21. Specification Section 26 05 73 requires a Short-Circuit Analysis, a Protective Time-Current Coordination Analysis and an Arc Flash Analysis. Is the requirement for these only for new work or is the contractor responsible to include existing equipment which is not modified?

ANSWER: The scope of specification Section 26 05 73 applies to new equipment being installed during this project. No existing electrical Analyses exist for the existing equipment on-site.

Amendment 04:

22. On page 19 of 151, Special Clause 3: Key Personnel, (a) shows the key personnel that the contractor shall assign to the contract namely, 1. Project Manager, 2. Project Superintendent, 3. Project Quality Control Supervisor and 4. Electrical Subcontractor; again on page 150 of 151 the same key personnel is repeated, yet on page 139 of 151 Volume II-Business and Price Proposal Section 7. Safety: states the following (See Below). Does this mean that we must also have a Project Site Safety Manager along with the previously listed key personnel present on this project?

“Safety: Provide an overview of your company Construction Safety Program and a narrative discussion of your assessment of the safety risks associated with this construction project; discuss any changes to your company’s Construction Safety Program that are necessary to address your assessment of the project risk. Include the names, resumes, and specific safety training completed (i.e., OSHA, etc.) for the proposed Project Site Safety Manager for this project. Additionally, submit a copy of OSHA 300A logs for the previous three calendar years along with a statement from your insurance company showing your company’s current Experience Modification Rate (EMR).”

ANSWER: Yes. Also refer to spec Section 01 35 23-Safety Requirements. Note that key personnel 1 and 3 can hold more than one position (i.e. Project Site Safety Manager).

23. At the pre-bid meeting we learned that certain electric manholes have water in them, is there any special requirements for pumping out this water? Please also quantify the locations and volume of water in structures and ground that we should anticipate on this project?

ANSWER: See previously response to Question 18 and see Manhole Investigation Report’s photos showing the manholes water line (both provided under Solicitation Amendment 2)

24. Is this water in the electric manholes leaking in from the groundwater or is it infiltrating through the existing frame and cover?

ANSWER: Both from groundwater and infiltration during rain (snow melt) events through the existing frame and cover. Also note that no trench dewatering was required under the installation of the electrical duct bank under Phase 1 (Manholes #100 through #2-60, see page 6 (E01) of the Manhole Investigation Report) and recent borings near Manhole #2-1 showed water table 6 to 8 feet below ground surface.

25. Is there any problems with flooding of building #117 as it appears to be lower in grade than the grass area around it?

ANSWER: None (note some nuisance groundwater filling the troughs in the building from time to time).

26. Due to the age of the existing conduits, cables and buildings is there any hazardous materials expected?

ANSWER: The existing cabling is a mixture of XLP cable and PILC (Paper Insulated Lead Sheath Cable). The PILC contains lead. The existing duct banks that are being bypassed as part of this scope of work are comprised of transite conduits. The transite conduits contain asbestos (note that existing manholes/handholes shall be core drilled for the installation of new 4” PVC conduit, so existing transite conduit shall not be impacted).

27. What is the thickness of the existing concrete roadways and pads that we will encroach on for the installation of duct-banks?

ANSWER: Per construction drawing Sheet C3, shows the typical sidewalk, curb, pavement, and patching thickness details. Exception to these typical thicknesses is the asphalt block pavers along Building 4 (Hanger 3) and Building 3 (Hanger 1) shown on Sheets C2.1 and C2.2, approximately 750 feet in length (from MH #7W to Restroom) and incorrectly labeled ‘Remove and Replace Asphalt Pavement (Typ.). Attached is Sheet C-110.00 (from the recent completed project for the rehab of Hanger 1) with Detail 3 and 4 showing the thickness/details that are required of the contractor to replace these asphalt block pavers (photo also attached of existing pavers adjacent to Hanger 1).

28. Per the Manhole Investigation report issued in Amendment#2, there are (2) MH’s needing repair. MH# 9X & MH# 9-2. These two Manholes are not reflected on the plans and do not fall within the routes that we are to include within our Contract Line Item Number (CLIN). Please clarify which CLIN the repairs needed for these two MH’s should be reflected.

ANSWER: Manhole Nos. 9X and 9-2 have already been repaired by NPS. These two manholes are not included in the construction scope.

29. There is an existing pad mounted disconnect switch just to the north of existing MH. #7. Manhole #7 has three (3) new feeders called for (LF1, PF1, PF2S). This switch, the conduit and wire from MH #7 are not shown on E1.2. The pad is shown on C2.6 and E2.6 with no notes identifying work to be performed.

a. Does the NPS desire that this piece of equipment be reconnected to the new feeder installed under this contract?

b. If so, can the existing conduits be used for the new feeder to this disconnect? The space for core drilling two new holes within the equipment enclosure is very limited.

ANSWER: The switch near Manhole #7 must be reconnected to the new feeder. The conduit going into and out of this switch can be reused where they are already PVC.

30. Most conduit terminations at transformers are called out as detail E4.10. A review of the site shows that most transformers do not have bollards installed as shown on this detail. Is it the desire of NPS that bollards be installed as part of this contract?

ANSWER: The detail on E4.10 is meant to show a typical scenario for conduits entering the transformers. The bollards where shown to make the contractor aware that bollards may exist. The contractor is not responsible for installing bollards around transformers where they do not exist.

31. There is a new 4-way duct bank from Manhole #1-19 to the Coast Guard Warehouse runs directly under a storage connex.

a. Is it our responsibility to relocate this unit?

b. If so, what is inside of it?

c. If so, do we need to move it back to the same location when our work is completed?

ANSWER: The 10’x40’container (connex) shown on Sheet C2.10 shall be temporary moved by the Contractor to allow for trenching operations/installation of duct bank. Once completed, the connex container shall be returned to its original location. NPS will work with owner of the storage container to remove its contents before/after it is moved and returned.

32. Item A.10 section of Paragraph 1.4, Section 01 31 00 calls for the successful contractor to provide a Temporary SWPPP one week before the pre-construction conference. Spec. Section 01 57 23 – Under-An-Acre Pollution Prevention seems to indicate that our LOD for this project is under an acre. Our experience on other similar contracts at Floyd Bennett is that a full SWPPP and NOI will be required. The SWPPP will include drawings showing limits of disturbance, soil borings showing soil types to be encountered, narrative on the work and BMPs to be used to protect the adjacent storm water system from receiving runoff from the project.

ANSWER: The “Temporary Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan” as mentioned in Section 01 31 00 Paragraph 1.4 Item A.10 is the “SWPPP or UPPP” as indicated at the end of the item in ()’s. In this case the UPPP is the Temporary Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan. The majority of the disturbance being performed under this contract falls under the definition of Routine Maintenance Activities stated in GP-0-15-002 as the purpose of the project is to maintain the original purpose of the facility. Replacement of existing impervious features such as asphalt, concrete, curbs, and sidewalks are included in this definition. The contractor shall maintain all existing characteristics of the site including finished grade. The total new disturbed acreage is divided into parts that are at least 1/4 of a mile apart and are considered separate plans of development, therefore, the Under an Acre Pollution Prevention Plan is appropriate for the project.

33. Are the drawings scaled for 11x17?

ANSWER: The construction drawing’s scale is correct for 11x17 prints.

Amendment 05:

34. Plan View on Drawing E4.7 details the duct bank for Building 98 routed to the loading dock. The Elevation View Section A-A on this drawing appears to indicate that the duct bank is to be routed 30” below the concrete loading dock (per the details on Drawing E3.1). Is it the intent to remove a significant portion of the loading dock as well as the door and side light panel?

ANSWER: The conduit location shown is the anticipated routing developed during the design. The method of installing these conduits below the loading dock is the contractor’s means and methods. All existing items removed in order to install the duct banks shall be restored to original condition prior to project completion.

35. Plan View on Drawing E4.6 details the duct bank for Building 278 routed approximately 4 ½’ into the building. The Elevation View on this drawing appears to indicate that the building has been constructed utilizing a slab on grade without a foundation wall. Can you confirm that this is correct?

ANSWER: The drawings were developed based on available documentation as described in note 2 on E1.1. Refer to General Notes 1 and 9 on C1.1 for further clarification on what is to be done when an unexpected item is encountered.

36. Drawing E1.1 has the Building Back-up Power Table included on it. What is the maximum amount of time that anyone of these buildings can be without power - many of these building are on the same feeder and thus would be required to be shut down on various occasions while work is performed on other buildings? Would every building on a feeder that requires emergency power thus need a generator for each incidental shutdown or only extended shutdowns while working on that particular building?

ANSWER: It is understood that during the construction there will be shutdowns to buildings in order to perform tie-in work. The maximum amount of time that each building can be without power must be coordinated with the park staff prior to each shutdown. All shutdowns shall be outside of NPS normal hours and the amount of time that buildings can remain without power is a function of the building, time of the year, activities at the site, and NPS availability. This time limit cannot be established at this time.

37. Drawing C2.16 states “Remove and replace concrete pavement to nearest pavement joint (typ)”. Relating to conduit and new Handhole #67 - existing condition that exists for where this new conduit and the existing cables run is a large below grade structure just to the east of the switchgear. The new conduits will actually pass through this three (3) chambered structure. If we are to install the conduit per the above proposal please provide as-built details of the structure as we were not able to determine how to gain access to the south chamber. Please advise the disposition of these items?

ANSWER: Per note 2 on E1.1 the information on the documents is based on available information during design. Any situation determined to be different shall be brought to the attention of the COR/CO. Changes in design shall be formally reviewed once a contractor is selected for the project. At this time, there does not appear to be any reason to not allow either approach presented in the question. Existing as-builts for the referenced structure are not currently available.

38. There is a section of old runway (approx.. 700’) where we are to install the new 4-way ductbank between MHs 45 & 47. The direction on the drawings state “Remove and replace asphalt paving (typ)”. This runway is actually concrete with asphalt topping at some areas. How should we replace this disturbed area? If with asphalt paving – do we use the typical pavement detail on C3? If with concrete – How thick? Do we dowel into adjacent concrete? Do we top the concrete with a layer of blacktop?

ANSWER: Replace with Typical Pavement Detail shown on drawing sheet C3.

39. In reference to conduit entrance into MH 10 from MH 9, Dwg. C2.7, it is not possible to bring the new 12 way ductbank into the south wall of MH 10 as shown on Dwg. C2.7 due to existing available space. We have attached two photos from the Phase 1 as-built photo file. Your drawing shows the new 12 way ductbank to run along the east side of the existing ductbank from MH 9 and then enter MH 10 between the 12 way ductbank installed in phase 1 of the Floyd Bennett 5 KV project and the originally installed 6 way ductbank. There is no room in the wall or outside the MH between these ductbanks. Please advise.

ANSWER: Per note 2 on E1.1 the electrical drawings are shown diagrammatically and the civil drawings are meant to show the anticipated limits of repair of surface features. It is up to the contractor to determine final location for the duct bank connection to the existing manholes. Any alternate design idea can be presented by the selected contractor and reviewed at that time. At this time, there does not appear to be any reason to not allow the approach presented in the question.

40. In reference to Asphalt Paving Dwg C2.1, the direction provided on the drawing states “Remove and replace asphalt pavement (typ)”. We have attached two photos showing that this pavement is made up of small asphalt pavers. There is nothing in the specifications or drawings that indicate what the base material is for these pavers or a source for these pavers. We can tell that these were recently installed with the hanger refurbishment project. Please provide us with necessary information so that we can replace with similar material and details.

ANSWER: See answer and information provided for Question 27 under Solicitation Amendment 04.

41. Conditions needing to be addressed with new conduit runs into existing manholes CLIN 2. E2.1, E2.2 & E2.3. The conditions for the new duct entrance into MH #47 shows it entering the manhole on the east side of the south wall and exiting the manhole on the west side of the north wall. This is not possible due to the existing ductbank locations. We have attached a blowup of the photo you provided for the North wall of MH 47. You can see that the only location to enter the manhole is in the center between the two existing ductbanks. It is not uncommon to split an approaching ductbank so that one half of the ducts enter the manhole along one long wall and the other half of the ducts enter the manhole along the opposite side. This allows the cable to be more easily supported on the side walls. Please advise the disposition of this item.

ANSWER: Per note 2 on E1.1 the electrical drawings are shown diagrammatically. The final connection to the manhole is up to the contractor to determine based on each situation.

42. Conflict with existing cable at MH 8W. The attached photo shows the existing conditions at the west side of the south wall of MH 8W. There is ample room to install the new 4-way ductbank but the existing cables are in the way of working from the inside of this manhole where we penetrate the brick manhole wall and when we pull the new cables. This will require re-racking these old lead cables on the wall to provide space for the new cables. This can be done but it should probably be done during an outage since there is a strong chance that the old lead splice will be disturbed and blow one or more phases. Please advise the disposition of this items.

ANSWER: Scheduling of construction activities is up to the contractor. Per note 3 on E1.2, all existing cables within manholes should be cut back and removed, therefore the existing cables will not be in the way during the final configuration. Since this manhole only has one feeder within the manhole and that connection is only a supplementary connection between building 1 and building 57, an extended outage of that feeder segment as described in the question should be possible and would be based on the coordination of the contractor’s construction schedule and ability to isolate the feeder section.

43. Please advise if existing 5KV cable shall be removed in its entirety or just disconnect/safe off?

ANSWER: Refer to Note 4 on E1.2 which states “ALL EXISTING 5KV CABLE SHALL BE DISCONNECTED AND CUT BACK WITH ENOUGH CABLE STILL ACCESSIBLE SO THAT THE CABLE CAN BE REMOVED IN THE FUTURE.” The existing cable is to remain in the existing conduits unless new cables are to occupy those conduits (see answers to previous questions for locations where existing conduits may be reused).

44. Contact Line Item Number 10 mentions “Manhole 113”, but only Handhole 113 appears on drawing?

ANSWER: In all descriptions of Contract Line Item No. 10, references to Manhole 113 should be considered Manhole #1-19. See drawing E1.2 for CLIN 10 outline showing connection to Manhole #1-19. Revised Contract Line Item No. 10 is corrected as follows (see Spec Section 01 27 00 – Definition of Contract Line Items):

Contract Line Item No.10 – Manhole 1-19 to Coast Guard Warehouse and Handhole H2

This item consists of providing all equipment, labor, materials, supplies and project administration for the construction of a new 4 – 4” concrete–encased duct bank from Manhole 1-19 to the Coast Guard Warehouse and Handhole H2 using existing and new manholes; installation of feeder PSF2A from Manhole 1-19 to the Coast Guard Warehouse and Handhole H2 using existing and new manholes; replace Manholes H113 and H2 with new handholes; disconnection of the existing feeder; connection of the new feeder; restoration of any disrupted surface including, but not limited to, concrete, asphalt, and soil; all connectors; all supports; any concrete; all required building and manhole penetrations; all cable; all splices; and temporary generator power. Ductbank and feeder routing, manhole locations, feeder splice points, and final feeder termination location shall be field verified. The feeder shall consist of 4 – #4/0 AWG conductors and shall be replaced from manhole splice point to equipment terminal. New termination kits for each equipment connection shall be included as part of this line item.

No separate measurement of quantities shall be made. Payment will be made at the contract lump sum price.

45. I heard that the projects date might be extended, is this true?

ANSWER: True, see Solicitation Amendment 04 that extends the Solicitation period to Friday, May 18, 2018 at 2:00pm MT (4:00pm ET).

46. We will not have the responses to all RFIs (questions) until after the 2nd of May. We presume that follow-up questions to your responses to any questions can be after the 2nd of May.

ANSWER: The question period ended on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 at 2:00pm MST. No follow-up questions on posted answers (responses) will be allowed.

47. Your answer to the question 32 about the need to file a SWPPP states that “the total new disturbed acreage is divided into parts that are at least ¼ of a mile apart and are considered separate plans of development, therefore, the Under an Acre Pollution Prevention Plan is appropriate for the project.” We presume the parts you are referring to are the 16 bid items. We still maintain that a full blown SWPPP will be required as it was in the past. Please advise.

ANSWER: Response to question 32 states that the majority of the disturbance being performed under this contract falls under the definition of Routine Maintenance Activities stated in GP-0-15-002 as the purpose of the project is to maintain the original purpose of the facility. Past full blown SWPPP (NPS is assuming you are referring to the Phase 1 electric cable replacement project) was for a ‘new’ duct bank alignment (MH #2-52 to MH #2-60). This project follows/replaces the ‘existing’ duct bank alignment for routine maintenance, thus the Under an Acre Pollution Prevention Plan is appropriate.

48. In reference to question 24 response, during Phase 1 of the 5KV upgrade at Floyd Bennett water was encountered at ductbank installation at the far north side of the project where the ductbank was installed along the runway. Water was also encountered in many of the manhole excavations. The method used to address this condition was to install #57 stone and then dewater into silt bags in a lawn area. No soil borings have been provided with this solicitation. We would expect to perhaps have water in the trench excavations out of MH 14 where we are approaching the bay to the east. We would also expect to encounter water in most if not all of the new manhole locations. Please confirm that this proven method of dealing with water infiltration is acceptable. In Spec Section 31 23 33 it reads: (3.2.C.2) “Groundwater shall be drawn down and maintained at least 3 FT below the bottom of any trench or manhole excavation prior to excavation.” This and following sections of this spec. will force the successful contractor to employ a dewatering specialist for selecting and operating a dewatering system. More than likely they will call for a well-point system. It has been shown that this method is not required. We do not feel that the benefit achieved by this expensive dewatering system provides any benefit.

ANSWER: The method of dewatering the duct bank trench and manhole/handhole excavations are the contractor’s means and methods. You are correct that no geotechnical report was provide for this project, with best information on groundwater provided under question 24 response, USDA soil types survey web link provided under question 8 response, and Phase 1 information provided in question 48. Based on drawing C1.1 notes and specifications, the contractor is required to develop a plan to execute the work based on all of these requirements, if water is encountered.

49. The scope of work called out in old MH 22 to Bldg. 99 will not work as detailed on drawing C2.12. The referenced drawing shows a new 3 high by 2 wide ductbank coming out of the south wall of existing MH #22 and running next to existing J1 ductbank into Bldg. #99. J1 is called out as a 26 way ductbank. Manhole #22 is also very full with existing lead cables, three of which are still hot. Even if there were room on the north wall of Bldg. #99 and south wall of MH #22 for the new ductbank it would be impossible to pull three new cables and terminate same in existing MH #22. Also the single line diagram Dwg. E1.2 calls for a new splice to made in MH #22 between the existing PSF2A feed from MH #22-1 to the new PSF2A feeder from Bldg. #98. This PSF2A feed from Bldg. #99 heading south has already be completed in the 1st Phase of this project with the running of PSF2A from Switch “E” in Bldg. #99 to MH #2-61. Please correct the single line drawing accordingly.

ANSWER: Per note 2 on E1.1 drawing are diagrammatic and based on available information. Per note 1 on E1.2 all routings must be verified. Per note 4 on E1.2 all existing cables should be cut back and removed from manhole. Based on these notes and the other requirements within the documents, the contractor is required to develop a plan to execute the work based on all of these requirements. Any value added design shall be presented after the award of the contract.

50. In reference to question 27 response, you have provided a section of the base material for the asphalt block pavers (C-110.00). We assume the coarse aggregate could be #57 stone? Please provide the thickness. It appears to be 12”. Is this correct.

ANSWER: Please refer to specifications 31 23 00, 2.1.B and 32 16 00, 2.1.B. The bidder’s assumption of 12” thickness of course aggregate is correct.

51. In reference to backfilling requirements of Spec. Section 31 23 33, 3.4.A states “Do not backfill until tests to be performed on system show system is in full compliance with specified requirements. What tests of the system are required prior to backfill? We will not be testing the strength of the concrete for the ductbank. We believe that all backfill over the concrete encased ductbank should fall under the category 3.4.C – Common Trench Backfill. Please confirm. We will be placing a Dense Graded Aggregate to the proper density at all pavement areas. The remaining grass areas will have the in-situ be placed and compacted with a rammex. The in-situ materials will vary greatly throughout the project. There should be no need to run proctors for every area, wait for the proper proctor and then confirm proper density. Placement of the in-situ material will comply with the compaction requirements. If a test area is desired to prove this, we will do it, but to have a full time certified tester on site should not be necessary for the lawn areas.

ANSWER: Please reference Spec Section 31 23 33 to address your question and concerns. This spec section is related to industry standard for trenching, backfilling and compacting for utilities. The method of backfilling is the contractor’s means and methods.

52. Specification section 01 50 00 – 2 Temporary Facilities and Controls states that the requirement for temporary chain link fencing is: “Minimum 2 inch (50-mm), 0.148-inch- (3.76-mm-) thick, galvanized steel, chain-link fabric fencing; minimum 6 feet (1.8 m) high with galvanized steel pipe posts; minimum 2-3/8-inch- (60-mm-) OD line posts and 2-7/8-inch- (73-mm-) OD corner and pull posts, with 1-5/8-inch-(42-mm-) OD top rails.” These specification would be typical for permanent chain link fencing, not temporary fencing. Are they desired for the temporary perimeter fence at the staging area? On a recent job we completed in Gateway National Recreation Area at Canarsie Pier, 11-1/2 gauge fence with 2-3/8” diamond size, 1-3/8” OD top rail, 1-5/8” line post, and 2-3/8” gate posts was approved and used for the temporary fencing. Is this acceptable? Please advise the disposition of these items.

ANSWER: Per drawing sheet C3 detail, fencing shall be free standing temporary chain link fence and shall be located as shown on the plans. Use industry and OSHA standard temporary fencing that comes closes to what is specified under 01 50 00, 2.1.C. If existing permanent fencing is damaged and needs replacement due to trenching of the duct bank, please reference Spec. Section 32 31 13 – Chain Link Fence and Gates.

53. Review of the single line diagram, E1.2, shows that there is a redundancy in the circuits which allows switching to be performed and many of the buildings to be fed by an alternate feeder. Are all existing feeders functioning at this time which will allow us to use the benefit of the original design as we schedule outages to terminate new feeders?

ANSWER: To our knowledge all existing feeders are functioning. For bidding purposes assume the existing items are working.

54. There will be excess spoils to remove from the site during this project. There is no requirement shown for testing of these spoils prior to removal. We assume that we will be responsible for removing soils that meet the clean fill standards. Please advise if that is your understanding.

ANSWER: The spec covers more specifically waste generated by the contractor. The bidder’s assumption is correct.

55. In Amendment 1 Question 5, we were directed to provide 5KV cable in accordance with Spec. Section 26 05 13 under Part 2 – Products. We have been advised by the wire manufacturer that cable with a temperature rating of Type MV-105 is only available with EPR insulation (not specified). The specified insulation is XLP. They have advised us that the specified XLP insulation is only manufactured with temperature rating of MV-90. Please note the cable provided under Phase 1 of this 5KV upgrade had a MV-90 rating. Please confirm that you will accept the MV-105 cable with EPR insulation.

ANSWER: EPR Insulation shall be acceptable.