DEWA_Restoration_QA_FINAL_03242021_0004.docx

1. Is the quarry disposal site cleared and grubbed or is that work included in this contracts scope of work?

ANSWER: Yes. The quarry disposal site was cleared and grubbed as part of the Winter Phase 1 work.

2. Will the contractor be allowed to use low ground pressure, off-road rubber-tired equipment to transport the excess dirt to the quarry disposal location or will this material need to be transported in on-road dump trucks?

ANSWER: No, only on road trucks are permitted to haul excess dirt to the quarry over Old Mine Rd and NPS Rt 615. These roads will be open to visitation during hauling operations. Please refer to 01 11 00 Summary of Work Section 1.5 Contractor Use of Premises Part F for Hauling Restrictions on NPS roads.

3. Will the oversight staff be on-site every day during construction?

ANSWER: It is anticipated various representatives will be onsite as the work is accomplished; A Construction Management Representative (CMR) is anticipated to be onsite Monday-Friday during construction. Weekend work may be permitted with prior approval (48hr notice). Archeological and biological monitors will be onsite when certain activities are occurring and will be coordinated based on the contractor’s 2-week look ahead schedules. Government staff will be onsite as needed.

4. During the site visit on March 9th the Winter Contractor had perform a large amount of clearing and had topped many trees, does NPS have any documentation that shows how the existing conditions have changed due to the work performed by the Winter Contractor?

ANSWER: The Government will not have any final documentation prior to proposal submission time. The solicitation/contract documents have been coordinated as part of the Phase 2 effort and offerors should use the documents provided to formulate the proposal.

5. The staging sequence on plan sheet C2 states that the Winter Contractor will install all of the E&S controls North of Van Campens Brook, will we be provided the information on what the Winter Contractor has installed prior to bidding or are we to assume all E&S controls shown on the plans need to be installed by the winning contractor?

ANSWER: No, the Winter work phase will not complete in time to provide the information. Reference Sheet C5.2 of the Restoration Drawings (this solicitation package) for details on the quantities of fencing installed by the Phase I Winter Contractor to be maintained and removed by the Phase 2 Restoration Contractor. Sheet C5.2 details the quantities of fencing to be installed, maintained, and removed by the Phase 2 Restoration Contractor. Sheets C4.1 to C4.7 identify additional erosion control measures to be maintained and removed by the Restoration Contractor, which were installed by the Winter Contractor.

The Phase 1 Winter Contractor have also installed additional Erosion and Sediment Controls to those shown sheets C4.1 to C4.7, as indicative by measures to be maintained and removed by the Restoration Contractor. The planned additional controls are shown on the drawing set “Interim Control Measures” and as-builts will be provided to the winning contractor. All other controls and dewatering measures are to be installed by the Restoration Contractor as shown on sheets C4.1 to C4.7.

Additionally, some of the locations of the pipe removal along the existing trail may require temporary dewatering using the methods defined in other areas of the solicitation/contract documents.

6. On the staging and sequence plan sheet C2 it states that the Winter Contractor will perform stakeout of all areas. Will this information be provided to the winning contractor?

ANSWER: Yes, the government will provide the Phase 1 as builts to the winning Phase 2 restoration contractor.

7. Is the contractor responsible for stakeout survey and as-built survey?

ANSWER: Yes. The Phase 2 Restoration Contractor is responsible for surveys needed to control and document the work as specified in Section 02 21 00 – Surveys and 01 33 23 – Submittal Procedures.

8. Is the contractor responsible for geotechnical testing?

ANSWER: Yes. Reference specification 31 23 33 Trenching and Backfilling, the contractor is responsible for geotechnical testing to classify proposed on-site and borrow soil materials to verify that soils comply with specific requirements and to perform field and laboratory testing.

9. How will downtime due to work stoppages by the Contracting Officer’s (CO) archeological monitor be paid for, if any?

ANSWER: If differing site conditions are encountered resulting from the archeological monitoring, the intent will be to address those issues through the differing site conditions clause included in the contract.

10. On pages 87-90 of 236, the specifications for the CO’s field office are listed, are these requirements? Or is a 60’x12’ job trailer required? We saw the office that the Winter Contractor had on-site, would a similar office trailer be acceptable?

ANSWER: The Phase 2 Restoration Contractor is to provide a CO’s field office for use by the CMR, archeological and biological monitors, and NPS staff as needed during the project. The sizing for the office was determined by COVID-19 best practices and regulations and past experience based on 3-5 persons using the trailer. Contractor trailer sizing should follow current COVID-19 and other occupancy regulations.

11. On sheet 88 of 236 of the specification’s states in section 2.2 letter C that the contractor will be responsible for temporary watertight sheds and that the number and size is of the structures shall be subject to the CO’s approval, do you foresee any need for watertight storage? If so, can you provide additional information?

ANSWER: The need for weather tight storage is dependent on the Contractors overall approach and scheduling. The Contractor is responsible for proper storage of materials. If it is determined by the Contractor that materials require weather tight storage, the storage sheds must be approved by the CO

12. Specification Section 01 27 00 D.1 states “Excavation of soils transported to the quarry is paid separately under Contract Line Item 4 - Excavation and Fill Material Separation.” Should the excavation actually be paid for under Line Item 3?

ANSWER: Yes. Change Specification 01 27 00 D, Contract Line Item No. 4 Excess Soil Placement – Reuse in Quarry to read:

“1. Work required to complete Excess Soil Placement - Reuse in Quarry includes, but is not limited to, loading, transportation, placement, grading and compaction of soils at the quarry site to the lines, grades, and dimensions shown on the Drawings and as specified in section 312200 – Backfill and Grading and section 312300 – Excavation and Fill Material Separation. All layout and survey work required to complete this item and as specified in section 022100 - Surveys shall be considered incidental to this item.

2. Measurement for payment shall be based on the surveyed in-place volume of soil placed at the quarry site and shall be based on the volume calculated between the Contractor’s baseline topographic survey and the as-built final grade survey. All survey work shall be performed by an independent land surveyor licensed in the State of New Jersey.

3. Payment shall be made at the contract unit price per CUBIC Yard upon completion of Excess Soil Placement - Reuse in Quarry. All survey work required to complete and quantify the work shall be incidental to this item.”

Excavation of soils transported to the quarry is paid separately under Contract Line Item 3 - Excavation and Fill Material Separation.

13. Will there be any tipping or dump fee associated with any material brought to the quarry?

ANSWER: The quarry is owned by the National Park Service and there is no tipping or dump fee associated.

NOTE: No debris from non-NPS work are permitted to be placed in the quarry.

14. Will the material need to be graded and compacted or simply dumped on site at the quarry?

ANSWER: As reference in solicitation/contract documents, work includes grading and compaction of soils at the quarry site to the lines, grades, and dimensions shown on the Drawings page C15.1 and C15.2 and specified in section 31 22 00 – Backfill and Grading and section 31 23 00 – Excavation and Fill Material Separation. All layout and survey work required to complete this item and as specified in section 02 21 00 – Surveys shall be considered incidental to this item.

15. Specification 01 27 00 I.1.a – Is the “off-site disposal” location referenced the owner furnish quarry area or is the contractor to secure their own site?

ANSWER: For Option Item A: Excess Soil Disposal contractor is to secure their own approved disposal site.

16. Drawing 620/154473 (Sequence of Construction) indicates performing fish salvage within Reach 2 of Van Campens Brook in Stage 4. The overall duration of Stage 4 is listed from August 1st to September 15th. The fish salvage work has a restriction that the work can only be completed between April 1st and May 31st. Will there be an exception to the fish salvage in Stage 4?

ANSWER: The timing restriction listed for fish salvaging in stage 2 shall apply only to the larger ponds for salvage and relocation to another site. Daily fish salvaging required for dewatering operations of Van Campens Brook shall occur per the duration restriction listed under Stage 4. Fish salvaging of Van Campens Brook during the Stage 4 duration period will include trout and other species that will be relocated within the immediate vicinity of the in-channel and bank work occurring, either downstream or upstream of the dewatered work zone.

17. Please confirm that Contact Line Item #2 – Site Clearing is inclusive of the soil to be removed during grubbing (2-3” of vegetation and soil – Spec. Section 31 11 00, 3.3D).

ANSWER: All soil removed below the baseline existing conditions survey shown on the drawings shall be accounted for and considered with Contract Line Item 3 – Excavation. The top 3” of soil removal with vegetation in specification 31 11 00 – Site Clearing is “stripping of existing topsoil for reuse” as identified in 01 27 00 Definition of Contract Line Items Part C – Contract Line Item No. 3 Excavation.

18. Contract Line Item #3 - Excavation: Does the 70,959 cubic yard quantity of excavation include the volume of topsoil stripped (18” of topsoil – per Spec. Section 31 14 00, 3.2B)?

ANSWER: Yes. Refer to Specification 01 27 00 – Definition of Contract Line Items for additional clarification of what is included within each contract line item.

19. We understand, it is the Restoration Contractor’s responsibility to remove the stone staging area, construction entrances, and the stone access road (all of which was installed by the Stage I contractor). Is the intention to dispose of this material at Quarry AA?

ANSWER: The stone for the staging area, construction entrances and access road are to be disposed of at an approved disposal location offsite.

20. Are the existing monitoring wells to be removed NJDEP permitted wells – requiring removal by a NJDEP licensed well driller?

ANSWER: The wells do not require permitting and do not require a NJDEP licensed driller. Wells generally consist of 2” PVC screen and riser and are less than 10 feet in depth below existing ground surface.

21. Do the new post construction monitoring wells require a NJDEP permit and installation by a NJDEP licensed well driller?

ANSWER: No. Proposed wells are shallow groundwater wells for water level monitoring. Wells should be installed per the specifications, which follow the NRCS Sprecher (2008) “Installing Monitoring Wells in Soils” Version 1.0 and dated August 2008 document.

https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs142p2_052914.pdf

22. Specification Section 01 23 33 – Photographic Documentation: is this required to be performed by a professional photographer/videographer?

ANSWER: No, the Contractor may self-perform this work.

23. Specification Section 02 21 00 – Surveys: Please define what site features are required to be provided on the as-built survey. Is survey of each individual tree and shrub required to be surveyed and included on the as-built plan?

ANSWER: As-built plans shall include final topography, structures, utilities (including relocated JCP&L overhead line/poles and underground pull boxes and at grade transformers), survey control, monitoring wells, habitat structures, channel alignments, and all other contract items not listed pertinent to the verification of the work by the CO. Survey of vegetation may be performed by final habitat boundaries using the habitat zones provided. These zones should include the total number of plants installed by species and quantity of seed installed. Individual survey points for trees and shrubs installed are not required. Limits of existing forested edges shall be provided based on the work limits and project area. Limits of invasive management areas shall be included for verification of treatment areas.

24. Specification Section 31 11 00 – Site Clearing: Section 1.2B: is tree protection required by the Restoration Contractor? If so, what trees, what type of protection, etc.?

ANSWER: Additional tree protection measures are not anticipated. E&S controls and fencing installed under the Winter Contract are to be maintained by the Restoration Contractor, with expansion around the channel work of Van Campens Brook in accordance with timing restrictions. The measures referenced in section 31 11 00 - Site Clearing; Section 1.2B refer to protection measures for vegetation outside of the work limits, which are not anticipated to be required. The CO reserves to right to modify design grades in isolated areas during construction to protect the root zones of significant trees outside of the work limits if identified during earth work.

25. Specification Section 31 14 00 – Earth Stripping and Stockpiling: Spec. Section 31 14 00, 3.2B details that 18-inches of topsoil are to be removed/stripped. Is this 18” of topsoil removal in addition to the specified 2”-3” of soil to be removed during clearing/grubbing as per Spec. Section 31 11 00, 3.3D?

ANSWER: Yes. The upper 3-inches of soil shall be removed and disposed of in the quarry as specified in Section 31 11 00 to remove the weed seeds and rhizomes. The soil depth from 3-inches below existing grade to 18-inches below existing grade shall be stripped, screened and separated/stockpiled for reuse as topsoil to achieve final grades of design and provide desirable planting mediums. A minimum finished thickness of 4-inches of topsoil shall be placed across all areas designated for re-vegetation/seeding within the limit of grading to achieve final grades shown on the drawings.

26. Specification Section 33 11 53 – Post Construction Monitoring Wells: Part 3 – Execution details the depth the new well is to be installed both above and below groundwater. Is there data relative to the groundwater elevation at each proposed post construction monitoring well location? With groundwater elevation at each new well + finished grade elevations (which we can obtain from the grading plans) we can determine the depth of each well for pricing.

ANSWER: Anticipated groundwater elevations were derived from existing groundwater monitoring wells and water table slopes between the wells. Please refer to sheet C13 for the approximate groundwater elevations at existing wells used for the design.

27. Construction Drawing Sub-Sheet No. C2: please confirm, the invasives species treatment timing restriction (April 1 thru July 15) applies to invasive tree and shrub cutting and removal only – and herbicide treatment activities are permitted during this time.

ANSWER: Confirmed, the restriction only applies to removal of the tree/shrub. Trees/shrubs may still be removed during this restriction but require coordination with the COR and NPS Biological monitor for habitat suitability before approval will be given. Note, no broadcast spraying of herbicide is permitted within certain locations, as demarcated on the section C4 drawings.

28. Construction Drawing Sub-Sheet No. C5.3: “Pump around for Stream Detail” note 3 indicates that at the end of each workday the work area needs to be stabilized and the pump around removed from the channel. Would the sandbag dams and pumps need to be removed from Van Campens Brook daily? Is this approach required? If so, there may not be enough time in a day to work – if dewatering is setup and removed every day. For Reach 2 – there is a lot of grading within the dewatered channel so installing/removing dewatering and stabilizing exposed areas every day is not practical.

ANSWER: Yes, this approach is required as the currently approved approach by the State and SCD to perform the work. Work shall be adequately staged for constructing the reaches to allow for completion of the grading and stabilization of the channel at the end of each workday. The stabilization is only applicable to the channel and channel banks, not the floodplain adjacent to work.

Critical wildlife will still be using the channel and the intent and approval from NJDEP is critical on eliminating turbid waters and wildlife loss during construction.

29. Construction Drawing Sub-Sheet No. C5.4: a detail of a “Temporary DGA Access Road and Staging Area” is provided. Where on the plans are these required? Are they installed by the Restoration Contractor or during Stage I construction by others?

ANSWER: This has been installed by the Winter Contractor and will be required to be maintained and subsequently removed and disposed of at the end of construction by the Restoration Contractor. The locations are along Silvie Meadow and the southeast access point from the staging area. Refer to C4.4 for the staging area and road (demarcated by a dotted hatch and labeled)

30. Construction Drawing Sub-Sheet No. C5.4: a detail of a “Temporary DGA Access Road and Staging Area” is provided. This detail mentions “Silvie Meadow”. Where is Silvie Meadow?

ANSWER: Refer to the response above.

31. Construction Drawing Sub-Sheet No. C5.4: details of “Wildlife Crossing Marsh Mats” are provided. Where on the plans are these features required? Are they installed by the Restoration Contractor or during Stage I construction by others?

ANSWER: These are characterized as an “if and where required” item to be installed by the Restoration Contractor at the direction of the COR. It is not anticipated at this time that these will be used during construction. For bidding purposes, Contractor shall assume a maximum of two crossings will be required during construction.

32. Construction Drawing Sub-Sheet Nos.: E1 and E2: Please confirm – with the exception of providing temporary electric service to the project construction trailers and installing conduit/conductors for the 80-linear feet of new electrical service line to the restroom – all other electrical installation work on this project (i.e., utility pole installations, directional drilled underground electric, conductors, pad mounted transformers, etc.) is by others.

ANSWER: Confirmed. This work is being carried out by JCP&L. The awarded contractor for this work will be required to coordinate with JCP&L on the status of their relocation work for timing of their operations. The Restoration Contractor will be required to install only the service connection aspect (conduit and cable) and connection of the service line to the new transformer and existing meter box on the restroom facility, as detailed on the drawings and in the specifications.

33. Construction Drawing Sub-Sheet No. E2: Please confirm, the JCP&L pad mounted transformer and the meter on the exterior of the restroom building are/will be existing – and the Restoration Contractor is connecting the two with the 80-linear feet of new electrical service line.

ANSWER: Confirmed. The NPS anticipates that the transformer and meter to be installed and active by June. Refer to comment 32 response for additional information.

34. Small Business Participation is listed as 43.25% of total contract value. Request verification that small business participation is based on total contract value and not total subcontract amount value. As a large business who can performs 100% of the work effort in-house with our own forces, achieving 43.25% of total contracted dollars versa 43.25% of total subcontracted dollars makes a big difference in our work plan.

ANSWER: The Total Contract Value cited in the solicitation is in error and should reference 20% of the total contract value must be set aside for small business. The subcontracting goals identified in Clause 52.219-9 are unchanged from the original solicitation.

35. Past Performance Evolutions: with the PPIRS system being migrated to CPARs, will CPARs evolutions be accepted as a substitute to PPIRS evaluations?

ANSWER: PPIRS reports are now combined and included in the CPARS System. Reports available in the system CPARS system can be considered if available. The Past Performance worksheet provided is for projects which may not be in CPARS/PPIRS.

36. Can previously acquire PPQs from civilian clients be submitted, if these previous PPQ’s contain all the same data, this prevents consistently going back to our non-government customers for PPQ’s when the only change being the form used?

ANSWER: Offerors may submit Past Performance Information (PPI) for recent and relevant projects as described in the solicitation. Formatting of the PPI submission is not critical, only that the requested information is addressed.

37. Can a two-week extension be granted, this will allow for our small business outreach program to proceed and provide a better product concerning small business subcontracting efforts.

ANSWER: No, unfortunately the project schedule does not allow for a time extension.

38. According to the specifications, all NPS roads have a weight limit for 4 axles or more of 52,000 lbs. Is this for all trucks, including bringing in equipment, or just for the excavation haul off operations?

ANSWER: All hauling on park roadways is restricted to 52,000 pounds over a maximum of 4 axles. Individual exceptions for mobilization and demobilization of heavy equipment to be used within the Watergate site will be considered by the CO on a case-by-case-basis.

39. Where is the location of the riprap & coir log slope protection shown on the detail on Sheet 24 of 80?

ANSWER: Locations are demarcated on sheets C4.3 and C4.5. These are to be used during dewatering of the ponds and removal of the embankments.

40. Could NPS please provide an updated plan sheet outlining the areas not being cleared in the current contract that will require clearing under this contract?

ANSWER: All clearing work required in Phase 2 contract is depicted in the documents included in this solicitation. The Restoration work will require select tree/shrub clearing for invasive vegetation management/removal, as demarcated by the L1 series sheets, and clearing of vegetation on the islands in Pond #10 and Pond #2.

41. Similarly, could NPS please detail where the extra critter fencing will be required under this contract.

ANSWER: Refer to sheets C4.3 and C4.5. The extra CF is demarcated on theses sheets and is occurring along Van Campens Brook. The Critter Fence (no silt fence) along the northern and southern banks shown on these sheets are the additional locations fencing will need to be installed. These are to occur with timing restrictions to allow for turtles to vacate Van Campens Brook during the hibernation season and then restrict them from coming back to the work area until the channel and bank work is completed.

42. Has the quantity and size of stone to be screened from the topsoil been verified to exist?

ANSWER: Yes, there is ample source of material on site based on geotechnical work and visual inspections of the work area for cobble/boulder material.

43. Do the permits allow for any of the stream restoration to be completed in the wet or must it all be completed in the dry? ANSWER: Work must be completed in the dry. The DEP explicitly is concerned with enforcing no increase in turbidity within Van Campens Brook due to its use by multiple T&E species.

44. Will the removal of the overhead wires, by others, be completed in a timely fashion as to not impact completion of this contract?

ANSWER: No. The NPS anticipates the line will be relocated and energized concurrently with the project.

45. Is a maintenance bond required under this contract?

ANSWER: The Government does not require a maintenance bond. The solicitation does require a Performance and Payment Bond during construction and the solicitation requires a Bid Guarantee to accompany the offerors proposal.

46. If deemed necessary – will dewatering be allowed to be conducted after hours to maintain stream dewatering levels?

ANSWER: Any afterhours work will require written pre-authorization from the CO

47. Is a dedicated health and safety officer required to implement the APP – or can this person have multiple responsibilities.

ANSWER: This person may have multiple responsibilities subject to acceptance of the Division 1 submittals by the CO

48. Specification Section 31 11 00 - 3.3B indicates work south of Van Campens Brook cannot commence until erosion control measures are in place – is this referring to the critter fence without silt fence identified on sheet C4.3?

ANSWER: Confirmed

49. Specification Sections 31 11 00 – 3.2A indicates there will be trees less than 4” caliper that will require cutting. Is this the case, we were under the impression all clearing was being conducted by the clearing contractor?

ANSWER: NPS anticipates that all vegetation will be cleared from within the clearing limits shown on the Drawings, including trees smaller than 4” caliper. The Restoration Contractor will be required to grub the entire clearing limits as the Winter Contractor was only responsible for cutting vegetation to grade (within 2 feet of grade for trees and within 12 inches for shrubs). Select clearing via cutting by chainsaw/hand tools in areas of invasive vegetation removal and outside of the clearing limits will be required as part of the invasive vegetation management work item.

50. Specification Sections 31 11 00 and 31 14 00 require the removal of the top 2”-3” of soil to remove invasive plants. These specifications also indicate that 18 inches of topsoil are to be stripped. Have test pits or other investigations been conducted to confirm that the 18-inch layer of topsoil stripped/screened will yield enough topsoil to cover the 117,802 square yards of area that requires a 4” layer of topsoil?

ANSWER: Yes. Please refer to the soil investigation report. In general, the soils within the top 2-foot horizon (less the initial 3-inches starting at grade) are suitable for reuse as topsoil as well as mixing soil sediments from the ponds (as per the specifications 311400, 312200 and 312300). NPS will not require or request the import of offsite topsoil source for this contract. If actual yields during construction do not provide for material thickness of 4-inches once in construction, a design revision will be provided based on anticipated yield volumes. Contractor shall promptly notify the Contracting Officer of any discrepancies discovered.

51. Specification Section 31 14 00 – 3.2B: without site data (test pits, borings, etc.) how can we ascertain if we will have enough topsoil?

ANSWER: See comment response above. Contractors are advised to use the available data being provided with these responses and the direction that a 4-inch layer will be applied as directed for equal bidding comparison.

52. If there is not enough topsoil generated from stripping/screening operations, and there is a need to import topsoil to the site, what are the specifications for such topsoil?

ANSWER: No offsite topsoil will be required or allowed.

53. Specification Section 31 23 00 provides a sieve analysis of the material to be used for Riffle Grade Control Material required. Have test pits / sieve analysis / or other investigations been conducted to confirm that the site soils will yield the required volume/composition of Riffle Grade Control Material necessary? If so, can you provide the results along with the location of the soil samples for any analysis that was completed. This would indicate where on the site we would find the existing material to process.

ANSWER: Please refer to the soil investigation report. Historic fill is anticipated to consist of enough larger cobble and gravel similar to source material found within the Van Campens Brook. Outside source material is not required. The Contractor shall assume that all required material quantities will be available via onsite source material within the limits of grading.

54. Specification Section 31 23 00 provides a description of required Channel Bed Material composition. Have test pits / sieve analysis / or other investigations been conducted to confirm that the site soils will yield the required volume/composition of material necessary to comprise the Channel Bed Material. We are concerned that the screening operations will not yield the required sand volume. If there is information as to where this material is on site, can you provide the results along with the location of the soil samples for any analysis that was completed. This would indicate where on the site we would find the existing material to process.

ANSWER: Please refer to the soil investigation report. Material yields are expected to occur within the grass open field from historic fill placement. Outside source material is not required and not included in the contract.

55. Specification Section 32 93 00 – 3.7B: This specification does not provide relief to the contractor for plant mortality as a result of wildlife herbivory. During our two (2) site walks – there was evidence that deer were prevalent on site. Planting trees and shrubs at this site without deer protection would result in significant plant mortality. Would the NPS consider specifying deer protection measures for all trees and shrubs to ensure the success of the project as well as to ensure all contractors are bidding on a level plane?

ANSWER: Given the nature of the site and surrounding areas, NPS anticipates substantial food source material for wildlife that herbivory controls are not being considered at this time. However, loss of container plants due entirely to herbivory (as evidenced by plants being ripped out or most stems being browsed to the basal stems) would not be the responsibility of the contractor to replace or count toward plant mortality percentages of the warranty.

Repellents are not recommended to prevent herbivory and will not be allowed unless prior approval is given from NPS.

56. Please confirm that the timing restrictions for Fish Salvaging of the ponds for dewatering applies to the ponds only and does not apply to fish salvaging for dewatering of the Van Campens Brook.

ANSWER: Fish savaging of the ponds for dewatering shall occur between April 1 and May 30 only. The May 30 deadline for fish salvaging of the ponds has also been extended to June 30th by NJ Department of Fish and Wildlife to allow more time for work based on the contracting and solicitation timing. In-stream fish salvaging shall be performed daily prior to commencing Work. Please refer to 01 32 16 Construction Schedule.

57. Is stream flow data available so we can ensure we size our dewatering pumps properly?

ANSWER: Flow monitoring and water level data via gauge stations were monitored during the design. Refer to the H&H assessment report for information collected during the design. Gauge stations have been installed at both the Upstream and Downstream limits of the project site also in which additional data may be provided to the awarded contractor.

58. Has an inventory of existing large caliper invasive trees (primary Norway Maple & Ailanthus) been conducted? if so, would we be able to get that information?

ANSWER: A detailed inventory specifically for large non-native trees was not performed; however, a Forest Report was prepared and is available for review. Invasive trees are not widespread in occurrence. Please refer to the Invasive Plant Species Treatment Plan for additional information.

59. Specification Section 31 31 19 – 3.2B: For trees/shrubs/vines treated by the basal bark method – can these be left in place to decay after treatment (i.e., not cut).

ANSWER: Yes, though in some instances trees that may pose a hazard may require felling.

60. Specification Section 31 31 19 – 3.2B5: If basal bark treatment is to be conducted on shrubs greater than 6” diameter – what does NPS envision for treatment of shrubs less than 6” diameter?

ANSWER: The cut stump method would be preferred treatment method for shrubs under 6-inch diameter. Cut shrubs may be left on site.

61. Is the HDD work for the new electrical service part of this contract?

ANSWER: No, the HDD work is being carried out by JCP&L. The awarded contractor for this work will be required to coordinate with JCP&L on the status of their relocation work for timing of their operations. The Restoration Contractor will be required to install only the service connection aspect (conduit and cable) and connection of the service line to the new transformer and existing meter box on the restroom facility, as detailed on the drawings and in the specifications.

62. Please confirm that tri-axle load limits for hauling to the quarry is limited to 48,000 lbs.

ANSWER: Please refer to 01 11 00 Summary of Work Section 1.5 Contractor Use of Premises Part F for Hauling Restrictions on NPS roads.

63. Does the contractor need to install a weigh in-weigh out scale to verify truck load weights?

ANSWER: No, the contractor does not need to install a weigh in-weight out scale. Prime contractor should ensure that subcontractors and vendors are aware of the vehicle restrictions. Survey quantities will be as the measurement method for unit priced items. See specification section 02 21 00 – Survey and 01 27 00 0 – Definition of Contract Line Items.

64. In the plan documents the haul route to the quarry (NPS 615 & Old Mine Road) is shown to remain open during the summer months. With the heavy truck traffic that we will be running to the quarry, we are requesting that the haul route be made a truck route only, and be limited to the public. Please advise if this is an option.

ANSWER: Limiting public access is not an option at this time.

65. Please confirm the maximum weight restrictions on the bridge at the intersection of NPS 615 and Old Mine Road.

ANSWER: The restrictions on the bridge at the intersection of NPS 615 and Old Mine Road are: HS20 design loading = 36 ton legal load over 3 axles

66. Are truck drivers required to be paid prevailing wage?

ANSWER: Yes, reference the solicitation documents for requirements.

67. Dumping excess soils at the quarry will require trucks to back in at and along Old Mine Road, which will require traffic control and flaggers. Please advise the desired traffic control, and if temporary lane closures will be permissible.

ANSWER: The Contractor is to include their means and methods for successful execution of the project including project safety, traffic control, and vehicle maneuvering as part of their proposal and annotate the plan in the contractors safety plan which will be submitted for review and approval as part of the division one submittal requirements.

68. Please confirm that the top 2-3" of vegetation is to be stripped and hauled to the quarry.

ANSWER: The upper 3-inches of soil shall be removed and disposed of in the quarry as specified in Section 31 11 00 to remove the weed seeds and rhizomes. The soil depth from 3-inches below existing grade to 18-inches below existing grade shall be stripped, screened, and separated/stockpiled for reuse as topsoil to achieve final grades of design and provide desirable planting mediums. A minimum finished thickness of 4-inches of topsoil shall be placed across all areas designated for re-vegetation/seeding within the limit of grading to achieve final grades shown on the drawings.

69. Please provide the expected award and start date for this work.

ANSWER: Offerors should reference the solicitation information and utilize the dates identified to compile proposal submittals.

70. Do we have to provide the construction manager a separate portable toilet?

ANSWER: Per the specifications in section 01 50 00 the contractor is to provide and maintain portable toilet facilities. The contractor is not required to provide a separate portable toilet for other contract and Government personnel, but the facilities must be available for use of on-site personnel conducting business on the site during construction.

71. The specifications calls for a full time environmental manager to be onsite, can this person have multiple roles onsite? (i.e superintendent) ANSWER: This person may have multiple responsibilities so long as they meet the requirements defined in the specifications section 01 31 00 Project Management and Coordination Section 1.8 Environmental Coordination, subject to acceptance of the Division 1 submittals by the CO.

72. Is there a minimum speed for the internet to be provided to the construction manager? Hughes Net can deliver 10GB, 20GB, 30GB and 50GB speeds.

ANSWER: There is no minimum speed required by the contract documents. The service provided must be suitable for transmission of large files and construction administration duties in conjunction with the project at the work site.