A07_01 Questions and Answers Round 4 Final_0007.pdf

SOLICITATION 140P2020R0079 AMENDMENT 07

ROUND #4 CHOH 151201 Question Answer

R4 - #1

Section L, Paragraph Cii.3.c.: Subfactor 3A – Management Approach:

Quality Control – Please confirm that the contractor is to only submit the portions of the quality control plan pertaining to: Repair and/or construction of dry laid stone walls matching historic stone walls in stone size, layout and jointing with concise fit and minimal void space; Towpath construction including grading and compaction

See Solicitation language: Subfactor 3.A (item re QC) - Quality Control: Submit your quality control plan which includes specifically addressing the following critical items:

Repair and/or construction of dry laid stone walls matching historic stone walls in stone size, layout and jointing with concise fit and minimal void space; Towpath construction including grading and compaction in accordance with the project specifications. While specific items are listed, address any items you determine would assist the Government in evaluating your proposal.

R4 - #2

Addendum #1 provided a breakdown with unit price items for the base bid lump sum item. This is critical information for pricing the base bid because it will be very difficult to quantify the scope of work until the work commences. The same issues with quantifying the work will be true for Options “A – D” please provide unit price items for these options so contractors can all be bidding on the same scope of work.

The Contract Line Item descriptions have been revised and additional detailed information has been provided in the answers to these questions and the attachments to this amendment, that addresses the unit pricing on all line items. Please submit your proposal accordingly; no additional information is able to be provided but an extension has been allowed to enable bidders to submit their best proposals.

R4 - #3

Please confirm that the proposal evaluation is based on pricing for the base bid and all bid options. Accordingly, if optional bid items are assessed in the overall evaluation, then please provide quantities for the bid options so all proposals can be evaluated on an equal basis. Errant quantities in optional bid items could make a contractor an artificially low bidder, that would only become apparent through the course of construction.

Please see Amendment 02 for revised Contract Price Schedule. Please See Solicitation Section M, SPECIAL PROVISION 1: EVALUATION OF OPTIONS. See also answer to Question R4-#2

R4 - #4

Even with unit pricing items that were provided with addendum #1 for the base bid, coordinating potentially multiple site visits to quantify work for Optional Bid Items and analyzing the variable field conditions for the entire project will be a time consuming process. We respectfully request a three week extension to the current bid date.

Please see Amendment 02 for revised Contract Price Schedule. Please See Solicitation Section 52.236-27 SITE VISIT (CONSTRUCTION) (FEB 1995). The only site visit was held virtually. Please contact anne_laporta@nps.gov and bryan.pemberton@contractor.nps.gov to obtain a recording of the site visit. Please also see answer to Question R4-#2.

mailto:Please%20see%20Amendment%2002%20for%20revised%20Contract%20Price%20Schedule.%20%20Please%20See%20Solicitation%20Section%2052.236-27%20SITE%20VISIT%20(CONSTRUCTION)%20(FEB%201995).%20%20The%20only%20site%20visit%20was%20held%20virtually.%20%20Please%20contact%20anne_laporta@nps.gov%20and%20bryan.pemberton@ mailto:Please%20see%20Amendment%2002%20for%20revised%20Contract%20Price%20Schedule.%20%20Please%20See%20Solicitation%20Section%2052.236-27%20SITE%20VISIT%20(CONSTRUCTION)%20(FEB%201995).%20%20The%20only%20site%20visit%20was%20held%20virtually.%20%20Please%20contact%20anne_laporta@nps.gov%20and%20bryan.pemberton@ mailto:Please%20see%20Amendment%2002%20for%20revised%20Contract%20Price%20Schedule.%20%20Please%20See%20Solicitation%20Section%2052.236-27%20SITE%20VISIT%20(CONSTRUCTION)%20(FEB%201995).%20%20The%20only%20site%20visit%20was%20held%20virtually.%20%20Please%20contact%20anne_laporta@nps.gov%20and%20bryan.pemberton@ mailto:Please%20see%20Amendment%2002%20for%20revised%20Contract%20Price%20Schedule.%20%20Please%20See%20Solicitation%20Section%2052.236-27%20SITE%20VISIT%20(CONSTRUCTION)%20(FEB%201995).%20%20The%20only%20site%20visit%20was%20held%20virtually.%20%20Please%20contact%20anne_laporta@nps.gov%20and%20bryan.pemberton@ mailto:Please%20see%20Amendment%2002%20for%20revised%20Contract%20Price%20Schedule.%20%20Please%20See%20Solicitation%20Section%2052.236-27%20SITE%20VISIT%20(CONSTRUCTION)%20(FEB%201995).%20%20The%20only%20site%20visit%20was%20held%20virtually.%20%20Please%20contact%20anne_laporta@nps.gov%20and%20bryan.pemberton@

R4 - #5

Specification Section 01 31 00 1.2B Construction Permits - Contractor Provided states typical permits required may include Construction (ground disturbance) and Dewatering. If the contractor is required to obtain the Construction permit this would delay initial activities like erosion controls and clearing. Does the NPS have an estimated approval time to include in our schedule for these permits and the costs as it will impact the overall completion and conflict with restrictions like the Long-Eared Bat period where clearing is not available?

NPS has already provided the MDE Waterways and Wetland (with waiver of in-stream restriction) and USACE Regulatory Authorizations. NPS is currently in the process of acquiring the approval of the MDE Erosion and Sediment Control Plan and Stormwater Management Waiver using an expedited reviewer. The most notable remaining permit that will need to be acquired by the contractor is the Notice of Intent (NOI) for NPDES.

The NOI is typically acquired by the construction contractor through an online portal.

Any other permits or permit modifications necessary to account for contractor's means and methods; including but not limited to any temporary mooring facility is the responsibility of the contractor.

R4 - #6

Related to above #22 (NPS R4 -#4), we request the NPS extend the time for completion as this potential delay in permit approval could impact clearing and the wall repair work to follow extending over restricted work periods. i.e. clearing during the long-eared bat season and reconstructing the wall during frozen/winter months.

MDE Waterways & Wetlands, USACE Regulatory, MDE Erosion and Sediment Control, and MDE Stormwater Management Waiver are being procured by the government. Any delays that impact the start of construction due to acquisition of government procured permits will be agreed upon between the selected contractor and the government via the contract modification process.

R4 - #7

Please reference question #27 (NPS R4 - #10 below), the scenario that is expressed in that initial question is that when pricing the potentially small chinking sizes using the existing contract unit of Cubic Foot, this could equate to unit prices that range from $5,000 -$20,000/CF due to the nature of setting up barges or cofferdam systems to access at or below water repairs. When considering the base bid and optional quantities, this work could amount to a $5-10 million value. Please re-consider establishing a new bid item on a per each basis and maintaining a CF item for stones/repairs in excess of 0.75 SF.

No bid item will be provided on a per each basis. Unit costs for masonry repairs have been broken out into SF (in lieu of CF). The stone infilling and resetting work has been broken out as a separate line item from the rechinking (see CLINs 13 and 13a). Please see revised schedule of values and clarified definition of CLINs. Of note is that the government does not require dewatering within the Potomac River for wall reconstruction or repairs. In previous projects, dry laid stone walls were rebuilt in the wet, however the means and methods for the work in this contract are ultimately the responsibility of the contractor.

R4 - #8

Please reference question #29 (answered in Round 3, Amendment 04), the intent seems to be that test pitting be performed behind areas of various “noticeable” wall type. This could be a very subjective item because walls vary greatly in height, condition and their proximity to rock bluffs. This is a potentially high risk item when considering there is in excess of 2,900 LF of wall construction on this project. Please consider adding a test pit item on a per each or CY basis for the Base and Alternates in this contract.

(See response to R4 - #9 for shop drawing discussion.) Since the width of the existing top course of stone only needs to be verified for Wall Extension Treatments, the costs associated with defining this through excavation is not considered to be sizable enough to warrant a separate bid item.

R4 - #9

Please reference question #29 (answered in Round 3, Amendment 04), that states initial shop “drawing may be revised” after large scale excavation commences”. Please confirm the drawing revisions are intended to modify overall procedures and not intended to modify each specific wall section that may be depicted in shop drawings. We believe the intent to be re-construction of the wall to provide an overall appearance and character of the existing walls, that will be demonstrated during the mockup phase. Reevaluating the process for each wall section will be a very expensive process. Please confirm our assumptions are correct.

Intent of the shop drawings is to serve as a confirming submittal, and is to verify the location and treatment of walls to establish the final scope of work early in the project.

Existing wall thickness needs to be verified at the very top course (coping stone) for the discrete reaches of the Wall Extension treatments identified on S1.0. Shop drawings should show existing top elevation of wall, base of competent bearing (as evident from probing on the riverside), condition of existing wall and type of damage present, extent of mortared and dry laid masonry walls, location of trees embedded in the wall. Section 044300 and Sheet S1.1 have been revised to better clarify these requirements and attached to this response.

R4 - #10

Several issues have been raised per addendum #4 responses with further clarifications forthcoming in terms of pay limits and overall scope of work.

We respectively request a bid date extension to 9/10/20.

As indicated in Amendment #6, The proposal submission date is extended to 9/10/2020 at 1000 hours MDT (1200 Hours EDT).

R4 - #11 Please provide CAD files of plan sheets C1.01 – C6.17 so we can accurately quantify the grading work.

AutoCAD files are available via secure FTP site transfer with access being made available by emailing bryan_pemberton@contractor.nps.gov or anne_laporta@nps.gov.

mailto:AutoCAD%20files%20are%20available%20via%20secure%20FTP%20site%20transfer%20with%20access%20being%20made%20available%20by%20emailing%20bryan_pemberton@contractor.nps.gov%20or%20anne_laporta@nps.gov mailto:AutoCAD%20files%20are%20available%20via%20secure%20FTP%20site%20transfer%20with%20access%20being%20made%20available%20by%20emailing%20bryan_pemberton@contractor.nps.gov%20or%20anne_laporta@nps.gov

R4-#12

32. Follow-up to Q&A 35 from Amendment 4. NPS confirmed the minimum Small Business subcontracting goal/requirement was 20%, and that the Small Business Subcontracting Plan(SBSP) will be required of large firms to be submitted at the time they are selected as the apparent successful offeror (not at time of bid). However, the SBSP provided states Large business Offerors shall submit the form with their proposal, and the plan goals are: Small Business-43%, Veteran Owned-3%, Serviced-Disabled Veteran-3%, HUBZone-5%, Small Disadvantaged-5%, Small Women Owned-5%. Additionally, if the Offeror does not meet these percentages to specify the reason. Failure to do so may result in rejection of an offer.

These two documents appear to conflict. Can you confirm the following:

Overall Small Business goal is 20% with no sub goals or greater percentages from the SBSP; The SBSP is not required with the proposal at bid time but afterward when selected as the apparent successful offeror.

Regarding the following: 1) Overall Small Business goal is 20% with no sub goals or greater percentages from the SBSP - NO that assumption is incorrect. Carefully review the FAR clauses. SMALL BUSINESS PARTICIPATION: Small business participation in SPECIAL CLAUSES SECTION H. It requires a minimum of 20% of the total contract value to be performed by small business. It is based on market research and the characteristics of the project. If at any point during the performance of the contract it becomes apparent that the goals will not be met a recovery plan will be requested and if upon contract completion the 20% is not obtained it will be appropriately documented in the past performance record. 2) Originally, it was stated that the Small Business Subcontracting Plan (SBSP) is not required with the proposal at bid time. NO – that has changed. Due to the extension and time-sensitive nature of the process please submit your SBSP at the time of bid. The SBSP plan does not receive a rating and the award is not made until the subcontracting plan is acceptable. SMALL BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTING PLAN (SBSP) is separate from the 20% requirement. The SBSP goals are percentages are set each year and we can’t change them. They are based on goals set each FY by SBA for each agency. The plan does not receive a rating and the award is not made until the subcontracting plan is acceptable. The clauses 52,219-9 and 52.219- 16 provide further detail. A sample plan is provided as an attachment to solicitation. The plan should demonstrate the contractor’s proposed subcontracting percentages as they relate to the proposed amount and the small business goals identified in the solicitation.

If at any point during the performance of the contract it becomes apparent that the goals will not be met, the appropriate supporting documentation shall be provided to demonstrate the good faith effort. The contractor will not be considered in breach of the contract.

R4-#13

33. Plan sheet C2.08-C2.10 from Amendment 3 show significant erosion controls as well as tree removal and clearing within Bid Section C (Sta 38+50 to 51+74). However, there is no bid item for Temporary or Erosion Controls or Tree Removal and Site Clearing in Bid Option C. Can a bid item be added for the Temporary Controls and the Tree Removal/Clearing similar to the Base Bid and Option A&B, or please direct us where this work is compensated?

Please see revised definitions of CLINs attached to these responses to clarify contents of each item. AutoCAD Drawings have also been attached per other comment.

Round 3 Question #38

REVISED

Please provide detailed breakdown of how the quantities for the following items were determined. Our quantity take offs are vastly different.

Towpath Excavation and Backfill Wall Excavation and Backfill Towpath Topsoil & Seeding Stone Backfill Behind Walls

Please see revised definitions of CLINs attached to these responses to clarify contents of each item. AutoCAD Drawings have also been attached per other comment.

Round 3 Question #43

REVISED

01 27 00 3.1 H - CLIN 7 states the following: “ This item consists of excavation, removal and disposal or re-use of suitable fill as required to construct towpath and shoulders. Includes suitable fill placement, grading and compaction.”

Contractor generated quantities calculated using provided profiles and new vs existing topography lines do not match bid item quantities for this item. Please provide how quantities were determined.

This applies similarly to the option A & B bid items

The CLIN has been revised to clarify. Please see revised definitions of CLINs attached to these responses. AutoCAD Drawings have also been attached per other comment.

Round 3 Question #46

REVISED

01 27 00 3.1 L - CLIN 12: “This item consists of installation of #57 stone backfill behind existing, extended or reconstructed walls as indicated on the structural plans including all geotextile placement. Includes stone placement, grading and compaction.”

Does payment for this SOW include Excavation of the soil that the 57 will displace? If so please, amend specification stating so. If not, please clarify where its paid and how its measured. If its paid in CLIN 8, quantities need to be adjusted.

This applies similarly to the option A & B bid items

The CLIN has been revised to clarify. Please see revised definitions of CLINs attached to these responses. It has been clarified that excavation for the #57 stone will be covered under the Wall Excavation CLIN.

Round 3 Question #47

REVISED

Please provide a table for the various excavation & backfill items detailing where each type of Excavation & Backfill is paid. Items definitions and quantities do not align and/or correlate.

The CLIN has been revised to clarify. Please see revised definitions of CLINs attached to these responses. AutoCAD Drawings have also been attached per other comment.