QA Round 3 QA_FINAL_A04_01_0004.pdf

SOLICITATION 140P2020R0079 ROUND 3 Q&A 8‐12‐20

CHOH

151201 Question Answer

CLIN 13, Repair Existing Dry‐laid Stone Walls, requires stone infill and re‐chinking existing walls and paid for by the CF. Due to the variable size of these repairs the pay unit does not apply evenly for small and large repairs. For instance a small repair could be 6"x6"x3"deep and would only be 0.0625 CF or 0.25 SF. The cost of the work is driven more by the setup and number of repairs rather than the size. Large repairs are suited to a SF(preferred) or CF pay unit, however small repairs(close in size to the example) are better suited per EA with a max size(i.e. 1‐3 SF or CF). Please consider changing the item measurement and quantity to a per each repair with a maximum size of 0.5 SF per each and create another item for large repairs. Similarly for CLIN 28, 39 Bid as shown.

Continued from Q13, the re‐chinking existing walls could be very sizeable compared to the stone infill portion. Please consider breaking out the re‐chinking activity as a separate item since the amount of each (stone infill & re‐chinking) could vary greatly from repair to repair. Bid as shown.

Provided in Amendment 2 states Shop Drawings required for approval to start reconstruction work include existing height and width of wall to remain. To obtain this will require the contractor to excavate behind the existing wall to the toe of the wall. This does not seem feasible to excavate behind the wall to obtain as‐built dimensions prior to wall reconstruction. Could you please clarify what is required prior to wall reconstruction as this amount of preliminary work will extend the project far beyond the allowable project time?

Shop drawings may be initially submitted by performing excavation to expose the extent of the wall at various locations along the wall within each reach of noticeable wall types – similar to test pits. Shop drawings may be revised after initial submission once larger excavation associated with wall reconstruction activities are performed to verify the full length of the wall.

Wall Mockup approval comments from Q&A 13 in Amendment 2 do not address the location. Mockups of the wall repairs will need to be installed and inspected from the river. Can you clarify the inspection process and timeframe since this will impact our boat and dewatering requirements and possibly be impacted by in‐stream restrictions? Ideally this work could be accomplished early to reduce the effect on the project schedule.

Mock‐up locations (for each type of wall treatment to dimensions described in Section 044300 of the specifications) will be coordinated post‐award, by the contractor with the Government to result in locations that are constructible and make sense in regards to a plausible sequence of work. It is required that the mockups be completed prior to any other masonry work. Physical wall mockup inspection and approval would be coordinated by the contractor with the CO &COR. Typically, the NPS Contracted Construction Manager and NPS Park Engineer (with support of other NPS Staff) will review onsite. Typically, the completion of the mockup can be forecasted so that the inspection time can be coordinated during the previous week’s reoccurring construction update meeting. See Paragraph 1.5.C of Section 044300. 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. MDE provided authorization 202060823/20‐NT‐3113 on August 4, 2020 that waived instream construction prohibition (Condition #15 on the permit) for the entire duration of the project. The subject authorization from MDE has been included as an attachment to this response.

CLIN 18, Repair Existing Mortared Stone Walls, requires repointing and/or setting stone w/ mortar. Repointing mortar without any stone resetting is difficult to account for using the CF pay measurement. Please consider breaking out any repointing of mortar joints to a linear foot or square foot measurement. Bid as shown.

Detail sheet C8.01 calls for 2" Towpath Surface and 6" Crusher Run Gravel 'As Specified'. I was unable to locate the material(s) specified for these two sections.

Could you please direct me where to find them or if not detailed, what they should be?

Reference Section 312000 of Specifications, Paragraph 2.1 ‐ D & G for Base Course and Towpath Surface Course material characteristics respectively.

Demolition and E&S Plan C2.01 is cutoff at the top and the limits of access and erosion controls cannot be determined. Can the additional area be shown on a plan to help quantify the needed environmental controls? Additional Sheet C2.01A has been provided, clarifying the controls necessary.

Demolition and E&S Plans note Erosion Control Matting on disturbed slopes greater than 3:1. Due to the nature of the grading on these slopes the quantity of matting could vary greatly. Can the Owner provide a square yard pay item to compensate the Contractor for the amount installed?

The cost of erosion control matting is not anticipated to be a major feature of work and the government believes that there is enough detail in the plans for the contractor to determine quantities and include costs in CLIN 3 for the base, CLIN 19 for Option A, CLIN 31 for Option B, CLIN 40 for Option C, and CLIN 41 for Option D.

The Solicitation requires a minimum of 20% subcontracted to a Small Business.

There are no sub goals or requirements for other participation, i.e. VOSB, SDVOSB, HUBZone, SDBE, WOSB as defined by the Subcontracting Plan required. Please confirm there are no additional subcontracting requirements beyond the overall 20% SBE requirement and the Subcontracting Plan categories are simply for documentation purposes.

Confirmed. See Solicitation: 1) Special Clause H.4: SMALL BUSINESS PARTICIPATION; 2) SECTION L, Subsection F.3, VOLUME II, BUSINESS AND PRICE PROPOSAL, CONTENTS: SMALL BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTING PLAN. If your firm is a large business and is selected as the apparent successful offeror, a Small Business Subcontracting Plan will be requested to be submitted at that time (it does not have to be submitted with the initial proposal).

There are several items for Tree Removal and Clearing, CLIN 4, 5, 6, 20, 21, 22, 32, 33, and 34 that are per each based on size and LS for all remaining clearing. Can you clarify where the measurement is made to determine the tree size (13" or larger, 12" or smaller), and is there a minimum size tree to be included in the item(s) Tree Removal (12" or smaller)?

Size of tree will be determined using the Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) standard as defined in Chapter 4 of the Guide for Plant Appraisal ‐ 10th Edition ‐ by Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers. Typically this is collected at a height of 4.5'. Trees with a DBH of 4" or less will be considered to be within the lump sum cost for Clearing and Grubbing.

Section 01 11 00 Work Restrictions state heavy machinery shall use environmentally friendly hydraulic oils/fluids. Is this required for all heavy equipment or only equipment used over/on the river?

Environmentally friendly hydraulic oils/fluids are required for all heavy equipment used in or on the water.

Any heavy equipment based on land that would reasonably able to have a potential leak contained prior to entering a waterway with typical spill prevention controls would not be required to use environmentally friendly hydraulic oils/fluids. Of note is that the specifications require a Spill Prevention Plan to be submitted after award.

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 ANSWER TO THIS QUESTION WILL BE PROVIDED THROUGH THE NEXT AMENDMENT.

The Contractor will be required to work their crews double shift due to the restrictions on instream work. Please confirm that this will be allowed.

See response to previously answered question ‐ Section 011100 had been edited to state that "a.

To protect aquatic species, MDE prohibits in‐stream work during certain times of the year as determined by the classification of the stream. This section of the Potomac River is classified as a Use I Waters. MDE prohibits in‐stream work within Use I Waters during the period March 1 through June 15, inclusive, during any year unless MDE issues a waiver. The NPS has submitted an instream waiver and submitted to MD‐DNR and MDE. Coordination with these entities indicates that the waiver will very likely be granted. For bidding purposes, the contractor should assume that MDE will be issuing a waiver. If the waiver is not issued, then any impacts to the contract will be addressed under 52.243‐4 CHANGES." Referencing Section 011100, Paragraph 1.6 ‐ Work shall generally be performed during normal business working hours of 7AM to 7PM, Monday through Friday, daylight permitting, except when otherwise indicated. Work outside of these hours will be considered by the CO in accordance with Paragraph 1.5 of Section 011100 of the specifications.

MDE provided authorization 202060823/20‐NT‐3113 on August 4, 2020 that waived instream construction prohibition (Condition #15 on the permit) for the entire duration of the project. The subject authorization from MDE has been included as an attachment to this response.

If the contractor encounters rock during excavation for wall construction or towpath construction, are they to remove the rock? If so, please add an allowance item for Rock Excavation. Or, is the rock is to stay undisturbed and the contractor is to work around it? Please confirm.

Reference specifications section 312000 ‐ Paragraph 3.4 ‐ If stable competent bedrock is encountered during the towpath excavation that will be below the top surface of the gravel towpath it may be left in place. Areas where bedrock is encountered that obstruct installation of site improvements, contractor shall notify the CO for review. Generally speaking, stable competent bedrock will be left in‐situ when possible.

Reference Specification 312000 1.3B/K & 2.1D/G and section 1 on plan sheet C8.01.

Please clarify the difference between the following items:

i. Towpath Surface

ii. Crusher Run Gravel

Reference Section 312000 of Specifications, Paragraph 2.1 ‐ D & G for Base Course and Towpath Surface Course material characteristics respectively.

In reference to the excavation and backfill items, should the contractor assume that in‐situ soil is suitable for reuse as fill? Or should all excavated material be hauled off and replaced with suitable soil?

Per Section 312000, paragraph 2.1.G – the contractor may re‐use existing towpath surface material, if deemed suitable and approved by the CO prior to installation. In regards to other excavation and backfill items, the contractor should use all of the provided data (geotechnical report, plans, specs, etc.), combined with field observations to formulate any assumptions concerning in‐situ soils. Generally speaking, on‐site material may be re‐used so long as it meets the requirements of the contract for the intended purpose.

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 ANSWER TO THIS QUESTION WILL BE PROVIDED THROUGH THE NEXT AMENDMENT.

01 27 00 3.1 H ‐ CLIN 8 states the following: “This item consists of excavation, removal and disposal or re‐use of suitable fill as required behind existing, extended or reconstructed walls. Includes suitable fill placement, grading and compaction.

Stone backfill behind walls is listed under CLIN Item No. 13.”

This is incorrect and should say CLIN 12 & 13. Please clarify

This applies similarly to the option A & B bid items

This information has not been confirmed by the designer of record, which is being requested.

Any change in the answer to this question will be provided in the next Amendment.

CLIN 8 should refer to stone backfill behind walls being listed under CLIN No. 12 for #57 Stone & CLIN No. 14 for free draining backfill placed beneath water. Similarly, CLIN No. 24 should reference CLINs 27 & 29. For Option B, this type of repair is not applicable.

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 ANSWER TO THIS QUESTION WILL BE PROVIDED THROUGH THE NEXT AMENDMENT.

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. ANSWER TO THIS QUESTION WILL BE PROVIDED THROUGH THE NEXT AMENDMENT.