Amendment_6_Questions_and_Answers_8-26-22_06.docx

GRCA 190083

Replace Transcanyon Waterline and Improve Potable Water Systems Grand Canyon National Park

Solicitation 140P2022R0100 – Questions and Answers

Amendment 1, issued 7/22/22:

1. Question: Can you post the as‐built drawings for the existing transcanyon pipeline and pumping stations at roaring springs and Indian Gardens?

Answer: No set of comprehensive as-builts exist. The solicitation documents are the most current basis of existing system information available.

2. Question: Is AIR-SHIELD LMP an acceptable approved equal material?

Answer: The prime contractor will make all material submittals to the NPS for approval after award. Any substitution requests should be submitted to the eventual awardee of this contract.

3. Question: Do you have a list of contractors who are looking at this project?

Answer: The Presolicitation Attendees list was issued with a Special Notice on sam.gov under this solicitation number on June 21, 2022.

Amendment 2, issued 7/29/22:

4. Question: The Special Notice posted on May 26 gave on information on a Virtual Pre-Proposal Conference to be held on June 17, and an escorted Site Visit to occur on June 21 - 24. Will there be a second escorted Site Visit before proposals are due?

Answer: Site visits for areas not open to the public will be considered by appointments on an as-requested basis. Please email your requests to timothy_burger@nps.gov and edwin_berry@contractor.nps.gov and identify the specific area of the project you would like to see. Areas closed to the public include: South Rim Heliport, Havasupai/Indian Gardens Pump Station, Cottonwood and Manzanita NPS Buildings; There is limited access around Phantom Ranch WWTP because of active construction.

5. Question: Even though a single comprehensive as-built set does not exist, there are a few relevant as-built drawing sets. Can you post those for reference? #1 Transcanyon Water Line # 3608, #2 Transcanyon Water Transmission System Improvements- Phase 1 # 113-41126 A, #3 Transcanyon Water Transmission System Improvements- Phase 2 # 113-41127, #4 New Roaring Springs Pumphouse 1977 ( no drawing number known).

Answer: No as-builts will be provided during the solicitation phase of this project.

6. Question: Solicitation for this project requires the Project Schedule submitted in our proposal to be in MS Project Gantt Chart format. See Solicitation page 50 of 56 Factor 4. Our company uses P6 as our scheduling software. Can a P6 Gantt Chart format be used in our submission in lieu of the MS Project format?

Answer: MS Project or Equal - P6 is acceptable software.

7. Contracting Officer’s Note: Expanded drone footage of the project can be accessed following the link and Password provided below:

https://player.vimeo.com/video/730467912 Password: HDRNPS

Amendment 3, issued 8/5/22:

8. Question: Dwg 01-C400, Keynote 12 indicates the use of a new 10” Finish Water (FW) pipe. Dwg 01-Y107 from the P&ID indicates the use of an 8” FW pipe connected to existing finished water tank at South Rim Tank Farm. Please advise correct size FW piping.

Answer: The correct size is 8” FW.

9. Question: Dwg 01-C101, Keynote 12 New Fire Hydrant. No Bollards are indicated to protect Fire Hydrants. Please advise if Bollards required to protect Fire Hydrants.

Answer: The bollards are located in pull-off areas from the main access drive. No bollards are required.

10. Question: Dwg 01-S102, Keynote 6 indicates FRP Grating. Drawing does not arrow keynote 6. Please advise which grating is FRP.

Answer: Keynote 11 also indicates the area of FRP grating. Note that FRP grating is intended to be used in the chemical storage areas including the Coagulant Room, Sodium Hypochlorite Room, Caustic Soda Room, and Chemical Drum Room as referenced on the drawings. Please reference Sheet 01-A101 for room locations and structural sheets for grating details. Other grating material types are also indicated in the Drawings.

11. Question: Dwg 01-S103, Keynote 3 indicates w14x90 Steel Col. Please advise base plate and connection detail.

Answer: Column base plate schedule and associated connection details are provided in Standard Detail 5/00-S506 (Volume 0).

12. Question: Dwg 01-S105, HSS 12X12X1/2 Col. Is indicated. Please advise base plate and connection detail.

Answer: Column base plate schedule and associated connection details are provided in Standard Detail 5/00-S506 (Volume 0).

13. Question: Dwg 01-D302, Keynote 4 indicates wall bracket pipe support. Dwg 01-D302, Keynote 6 indicates galvanized wall bracket FRP Tray Support. Please advise quantity of supports for note 4 and note 6.

Answer: Spacing requirements for wall bracket pipe supports are defined in Detail 8, Sheet 00-D501 (Volume 0). In addition, the Contractor is responsible to design a support system in accordance with the requirements of Specification Section 40 -05 07 Pipe Support Systems. Note that not all pipe supports necessary to meet the requirements identified in the standard details and specifications are shown on the Drawings.

14. Question: Dwg 04-A505, Wall Cowls. Please advise, should there be closure plates welded on the two sides of cowl (act as stiffeners).

Answer: The cowl is to be backed by an HSS steel frame per structural detail 5/04-S503.

15. Question: Drawing 01-S102, 01-S103, 01-S104 and 01-S105, General Notes 2 reads Lower Finished Floor EL 7074. Drawing 01-S301, 01-S302, and 01-S303 indicate LOWER LEVEL EL 7047. Please advise correct Lower-Level Floor Elevation.

Answer: The correct elevation for the Lower Level is 7047.00.

16. Question: Drawing 04-A505; 2/04-A505 WINDOW HEAD DETAIL HSS TUBE FRAME AND CORTEN STEEL; COWL WELDED TO FRAME. Please advise as to whether the support HSS/Angel Frame at back side also needs to be Corten steel. Please advise the sizes and thickness for the HSS and Angle.

Please advise the specifications for HSS and Angle.

Answer: Material may be A500 and A36 steel for HSS and angles, respectively. See Specification Section 05 50 00 for material grade requirements. Connection angle to be designed and provided by steel stud manufacturer per Detail 5/04-S503, or other delegated designer at contractor’s option. HSS size is specified on Detail 5/04-S503.

17. Question: Is there a schedule or list(s) of valves required for this project? Or are the valves only identified within the mechanical drawings?

Answer: A Valve Schedule for process valves is provided at the end of Specification Section 40 05 51 Valves – Basic Requirements. Note which valves are included in the schedule as described on Page 7, Lines 23-29.

18. Question: On the last page the Support facility was awarded under a separate package GRCA 250176? Can you please let me know who was awarded this contract and for how much?

Answer: The first GRCA 250176 Support Facility solicitation was cancelled and then combined with this current solicitation 140P2022R0100.

19. Question: I wanted to confirm that we can use key subcontractors' project experience for one or more of the 3 relevant projects that we can submit in relation to the project experience/past performance sections? Assuming that there is a teaming agreement in place, is it acceptable to use their experience? The RFP language seems to suggest this but I wanted to clarify.

Answer: This is allowable if the Prime can demonstrate that they have worked together with the subcontractors on past projects.

20. Question: The answer for Question 4 on Amendment 2 states, “Site Visits for areas not open to the public will be considered by appointments on an as-requested basis”. Can we be provided with sign-in sheets for the additional site visits requested on an as-requested basis?

Answer: Email timothy_burger@nps.gov and edwin_berry@contractor.nps.gov with proposed dates and locations you would like to visit and we will work with the Park on what they can accommodate within those dates

21. Question: Based on the unique and complex nature of this project, would the National Park Service consider extending the time frames for relevant completed projects from 5 to 7 years? Likewise, can contractors include up to 5 projects to better illustrate their experience with the 'unique construction elements' designated in the solicitation? (i.e. potable water systems, high voltage power systems, helicopter operations) Answer: Contractors may provide relevant completed projects within the past 7 years. Contractors may include up to 5 projects to better illustrate their experience with unique construction elements.

22. Question: Specification Section 8 46 00 FIRE DETECTION AND ALARM; 1.1 SUMMARY; Last sentence of paragraph “The phantom Ranch WTP will not be provided with a fire alarm system”. Drawing 04-F001, CODE DATA TABLE; 2.7 FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS; FIRE ALARM AND DETECTION – NOT REQUIRED. Drawing 04-E107, Keynote 9; THE FIRE ALARM SYSTEM IS A DELEGATED DESIGN WITH PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS. A FIRE ALARM AND DETECTION SYSTEM IS BEING PROVIDED TO SERVE THE WATER TREATMENT FACILITY.…THE INSTALLATION WITH OTHER TRADES. Please advise if Fire alarm system required at Phantom Ranch.

Answer: Keynote 9 on Sheet 04-E107 should be omitted. There is no fire alarm system at the Phantom Ranch WTP.

23. Contracting Officer’s Note: the following revised drawings, 03-C131 REV1 2022-08-22, 03-C137 REV1 2022-08-02, 03-C405 REV1 2022-08-02, 03-E503 REV1 2022-08-02, 03-E504 REV1 2022-08-02 are included in this Amendment.

Amendment 4, issued 8/12/22:

24. Question: In regards to the Helicopter LZ's (Landing Zones) can the National Park Service (NPS) clarify if there is an existing map available with all designated Landing zones? Spec section 01 65 50 states using existing LZ’s yet we only found 3 identified on the Contract drawings. Is it possible to land or drop supplies in any areas outside of the designated LZs and what will it take to create a project specific LZ

Answer: Landing zones (LZ's) shown in drawings are the only approved LZ's for the project. Contractor may submit a case by case request to utilize other park administrative LZ's given compelling case/need and park will review for impact to resources, operations, visitor experience and safety in consideration for limited use.

25. Question: How can I obtain a plan holders list for this project?

Answer: Government solicitations are officially issued on sam.gov. There is not a “Plan Holder’s List” on this site. The attendees list for the virtual pre-proposal meeting was posted to the Special Notice prior to the solicitation under number 140P2022R0100. Plan Holders Lists may be available through third party redistributers of the solicitation documents.

26. Question: Can you please provide spec section for new metal fabricated engineered building.

Answer: No pre-fabricated building specified in the solicitation documents

27. Question: Can the building be constructed with pre-engineered metal building design that would use rigid frame with purlins and girts? Spandrel to accommodate block walls and girts to accommodate cortin sheeting?

Answer: No, provide per solicitation documents

28. Question: Can you please send me the dimensioned drawings of the basins?

Answer: The basin dimensions are on the Drawings as follows: Basin Width (East-West Direction): 13’-11 ½” (each basin interior), See dimensioning on 01-S103. Basin Length (North-South Direction): 73’-6” (interior), See dimensioning on 01-S103 and 01-S104.

29. Question: It’s our understanding that on previous NPS Projects. NPS has chosen to hold back retention each Month from Billings earned which is inconsistent to FAR’s and previous Federal Contracts nor is mentioned in the specifications. Please identify if NPS intends to hold retention and how much if so?

Answer: The National Park Service contracting procedures adhere to the Federal Acquisition Regulations and the Department of Interior Acquisition Regulation.

30. Question: The State of Arizona has a Gross Receipts Tax. Does NPS and the Federal Government qualify for an Exemption and have the ability to provide the required certificates?

Answer: This is not a Tax Exempt project. All applicable taxes should be included in the offerors proposal.

31. Question: Past Performance Requirements for GRCA 190083 - Replace Transcanyon Waterline and Improve Potable Water Systems, Grand Canyon National Park. In regards to the above proposal, I wanted to confirm that CPARS evaluations are equivalent to the PPIRS evaluation reports mentioned in the Factor 6 - Past Performance section of the RFP? (Pg. 52/56) Are previously submitted (non PPIRS/CPARS) Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQs) also acceptable? If not, can you clarify whether a past project reference should forward the provided Past Performance Questionnaire directly back to the National Park Service or to us (the bidder)? If the form is required to be returned directly to the National Park Service, can you clarify who best to receive this information?

Answer: Per the instructions on the Questionnaire, "Offeror to complete Sections A and B and transmit questionnaire to reference. Reference to complete Sections C and D and transmit back to Contracting Officer listed in section E."

32. Contracting Officer’s Note: The drawings for the Contractor Support Facility, attachment “Att12b_CSF_Drawings.pdf” are replaced by revised attachment “Amendment 4_Att12b_CSF_Drawings_Rev 8-12-22”. The drawings issued with the original solicitation on 7/15/22 stated that the tree removal was not in contract. This is incorrect and the tree removal is now included in this contract, as noted on drawing pages 06-X100, 06-X101 and 06-X102.

Amendment 5, issued 8/19/20:

33. Question: Please consider this an official request to postpone the Bid Date for the GCRA 190083 Trans-Canyon Waterline Replacement Project by a minimum of 3 weeks.

Answer: The proposal due date is extended to September 12, 2022, at 1500 MT. Questions are due September 5, 2022, at 1500 MT.

34. Question: In the specifications Section 46 43 76 – 2.2 B. Materials, it does not define the material thickness of the items in the plate settler system. What is the minimum thickness of the Plates, Frames, Effluent troughs, weirs, support beams and beam brackets?

Answer: It is the supplier’s responsibility to determine the material thickness for the plate settler system components. Structural design requirements for the system are identified in Paragraph 2.4- Fabrication.

35. Question: During scheduled and allowed outages of the water system. How long does it take to replenish the Raw Water Tanks to Capacity after a allowable Winter and Summer Water Outage?

Answer: Recharge time for the South Rim Tank Farm is defined in Specification Section 01 73 40, Part 3.2.A.1.b.

36. Question: Currently the plans show vertical rock structures with piping & electrical ran on them. Civil Profiles for the Waterline show 1’ & 2’ of cover. Is the contractor supposed to Channel out the Rock and cover it after placement of the Mechanical & Electrical Systems?

Answer: The section of the TCWL replacement at the cliff face of Plateau Point (03-C131 STA 80+11 to 80+81) will have the pipeline installed along the outside of the cliff face using rock wall anchors as shown in Details 4/03-C501 and 2/03-S504, the limits of which are identified on the profile stationing. Electrical cables in that section will also be mounted to the cliff face as shown in detail 3/03-S504. The fiber optic rigid conduit will similarly be attached to the cliff face in this area as shown in detail 1/03-S506. Other sections of the TCWL replacement pipeline and new 3-phase power are at 1’ or 2’ of cover as shown in the profile stationing on the civil drawings.

37. Question: There is a call out on a drawing stating fiberglass walls between the floc stages. Is it possible to provide these in fiberglass or stainless steel? Also - who is planned/expected to provide these? They are not identified in the floc, plate or sludge removal specs so it is unclear who is supposed to provide these.

Answer: The baffle walls and associated components have been designed assuming the material is FRP. The Contractor may propose stainless steel as an alternative in their proposal along with the associated cost impact, however the basis of the Contractor’s bid pricing should be FRP. The list of Allowable Manufacturers in Specification Section 06 82 00 should be used for the FRP baffle wall supplier. Additional design criteria for the FRP baffle walls will be provided in an updated version of Section 06 82 00 in a future amendment.

38. Question: I am confirming that the Factor 2 – Technical Proposal written narrative is limited 5 pages maximum for all ten topics that you are requesting a response for and not 5 pages maximum for each topic. A 5-page limit for the whole approach does not give much opportunity to describe our means and methods with any detail.

Answer: The written narrative page limit for Factor 2 - Technical Approach is revised from a total of five (5) pages to a total of eight (8) pages.

Amendment 6, issued 8/26/22:

39. Question: As per the environmental specs in Section 01 35 05 (Volume 1/Division 1), tree removal on the South Rim will be prohibited during winter months (November - February) to protect tree-roosting bat species. Likewise, the Park has also stated that tree removal during bird breeding season will be limited from March to August. This leaves only September and October as months where tree removal can reliably be performed. Given that over 300 trees are required to be removed on the South Rim (in support of the new South Rim Contractor Facilities) we are concerned with the schedule timeframe. The project is likely to start in fourth quarter 2022 - which will place us directly within the prohibited tree removal time frame. Tree Removal will be a critical requirement to finishing the contractor facilities. Further, these facilities are needed to help support all phases that follow. Currently the specifications anticipate a September Award and a January Notice to Proceed (NTP). Will the National Park Service consider an early or limited NTP for the Tree removal and also mobilization/ set-up of our triple wide office Trailer?

Answer: Specification 024100 DEMOLITION: 1.1.B.3.b. Selective removal of trees to the north and west of Helibase as shown on Project Plans. The contractor is advised that the recommended season for tree removal is August 15 to April 1. The contractor shall submit requests to the Contracting Officer for any proposed tree removal activities between April 2 and August 14. Specification 311000 SITE CLEARING 1.1.B.2 The contractor is advised that the recommended season for tree removal is August 15 to April 1. The contractor shall submit requests to the Contracting Officer for any proposed tree removal activities between April 2 and August 14.

40. The Prevailing Wage Determinations included for this project are for Construction Types Heavy and Heavy Dams. Our review of these wages does not reveal all the normal craft that are used in construction of this type of facility. Specifically, we do not find mechanical, plumbing, sprinkler, alarm, etc. Please consider including a Building Prevailing Wage to cover these additional classifications of work.

Answer: The Building Wage Determination is included in this Amendment.

41. Question: Reference drawing 01-E105. The lift station control panel has a detail callout A/00-E502. There is no detail “A” on drawing 00-E502. Please provide detail.

Answer: Refer to Sheet 01-E105. Revise detail callout on the lift station control panel from A/00-E502 to 1/00-E502. The detail callout is to show an equipment support rack.

42. Question: Reference drawing 01-E100. The permanent auto gate access pedestal has a detail callout 3/00-E503. Detail 3 on drawings 00-E503 is not for a permanent auto gate access pedestal. Please provide correct detail.

Answer: Refer to Sheet 01-E100. Revise detail callout on the permanent auto gate access pedestal from 3/00-E503 to 3/00-T502.

43. Question: Reference drawing 01-E100. The permanent auto gate motor ‘GMO-1’ has a detail callout 4/00-E503. Detail 4 on drawings 00-E503 is not for a permanent auto gate motor ‘GMO-1’. Please provide correct detail.

Answer: Refer to Sheet 01-E100. Revise detail callout on the permanent auto gate motor from 4/00-503 to 4/00-T502

44. Question: Reference drawing 04-CE14. Transformer TX885914 feeds a “waste water treatment” service. Reference drawing 04-CE02, the “waste water treatment” feeder is not depicted. Please provide revised drawing depicting the “waste water treatment” feeder pathway.

Answer: Sheet 04-E101 for estimated existing secondary conductor pathway from the existing transformer to the existing 1Ø service location at the Phantom Ranch WWTP. Locate and utilize the existing secondary conductor pathway for the new secondary conductor from TX885914. Estimated pathway distance is 300’.

45. Question: Reference drawing 04-CE14. The secondary feeders deriving from the single phase transformers are called out as “(4) #1/0 AL XLPE ABR, (2) #2AL AL XLPE ABR, 4” Conduit”. The secondary loads are single phase, can you please clarify why there are (4) #1/0 AL XLPE ABR, (2) #2AL AL XLPE ABR, 4” Conduit to each service.

Answer: The single phase secondary loads will be serviced by (2) parallel runs of 1ph secondary feeders (6 total cables) to help meet 200amps at the service entrance. The (4) 1/0 AL secondary power cables and (2) #2 AL neutral cables in a 4” conduit per service meets Arizona Public Service (APS) secondary conductor standards.

46. Question: Reference drawing 04-CE14. The secondary feeders deriving from the single phase transformers are called out as “XLPE ABR” insulation. We cannot locate an “XLPE ABR” insulation. Is “ABR” an error? Please advise.

Answer: ABR is short hand for “Abrasion Resistant”. This was included to help identify that the XLPE secondary conductor insulation is abrasion resistant. The abbreviation is included to correlate with Arizona Public Service (APS) nomenclature.

47. Question: We note that the project Amendment 5 has written language indicating the postponement of the bid due date, however the Amendment form indicates the date “is not extended”. Please confirm the postponement.

Answer: The proposal due date has been extended to 9/12/22 at 1500 MT. Questions are due 9/5/22 at 1500 MT.

48. Question: Reference specification 26 32 14, section 2.4(D)5. 60dB(A) at 23 feet is called out for the sound attenuated enclosure. This is a very low decibel sound rating which will add to the weight, footprint, and price of the enclosure.

Answer: Acknowledged that a 60dB@23ft sound rating will add to the weight, size, and cost of the generator enclosures. Both generators will be located in noise-sensitive areas, and the specified level of sound attenuation was selected to help protect the soundscape.

49. Question: Due to the logistical weight transportation (helicopter) to Phantom Ranch WTP we recommend a standard sound attenuated enclosure which will have a 75dB at 23 feet. Please confirm 75dB at 23 feet is acceptable.

Answer: A 75dB@23ft sound attenuation rating is not acceptable. Sound attenuation ratings of 60dB@23ft are required. (Please see response to question Q-54.) The manufacturer/distributor of the generator package used as the basis of design was consulted during the project design phase, and they advised that the generator package can be provided in components (generator/fuel tank/enclosure) that can be transported by helicopter.