QandA06-23-23_0001.pdf

GLAC 307440

Solicitatoin #140P2023

A B D E Questions Response Amendment No.

Can spoil be removed from excavations and used to backfill trenches or must it be removed from the site?

Pipe trench backfill material should be granular fill and either consist of native or imported well-graded sand and gravel with less than 20 percent fines (material passing the U.S. Standard No. 200 sieve) as approved by Contracting Officer Representative. Imported material classified as GW, GW-GM, SW, or SW-SM according to the Unified Soil Classification System is suitable for granular fill. Whether native or imported, pipe trench backfill shall be free of rock cobbles, roots, sod or other organic matter, frozen material, and be within ±2% of the optimum moisture content. The Contractor will be required to remove and dispose of material deemed unsuitable by the Contracting Officer. See Specification Section 31 23 33 Part 2 (2.1). 1

2 Can spoil be stockpiled on site?

Only if the spoil will be used in the project. If not, it must be hauled off as there is limited space available for stockpiling and the stockpile locations must be used for materials slated for use in construction. 1

3 Is groundwater removal expected? Not anticipated - See Specification Section 02 06 14 for the Geotechnical Report. 1

Are we expecting work through the winter due to the areas being highlighed in yellow must be completed by April 1, 2024.

Work during the winter months is at the contractor's discretion; however, all work in the yellow highlighted areas must be completed no later than April 1, 2024. 1

5 Do they need to re-pave areas that are disturbed as part of project work?

No, the Offeror can bring the excavation up to the level of the asphalt using the specification in the drawings. The Offeror will be responsible to maintain the trench for driveability until FHEA takes over the work. 1

6 Can contractor's work outside of hours denoted in the specs?

Any requests for work outside the hours denoted in the contract package - must be submitted formally in writing to the Contracting Officer for a case by case determination. 1

7 Can the QC and superintendent be performed by same person? No - these must be maintained as separate and apart positions. 1 8 Is this a design build project? No - this is a design bid build project. 1

Can contractor's come back and view project site on their own on a separate date?

Yes - however, contractor's shall submit an email to the CO indicating date and time they plan on being onsite so coordination can occur with Park staff. 1

10 Can the contractor begin work earlier than October 1? To be provided in subsquent amendment.

11 Does any of the materials to be removed contain any hazardous materials?

Not anticipated; however there is always the possibility of encountering asbestos cement pipe in the ground; however, the NPS is not aware of any in the HQ area. 1

12 Are connections all the way to the buildings or just the clean out?

Just where the clean outs meet the building sewer. The contractor will need to couple the new sewer to the existing building sewer approximately 5' from the building perimeter. 1

13 Is there a max trench width? No 1

14 Are they to replace the historic concrete at the HQ area?

All areas called out in the drawings as "SIDEWALKS ARE HISTORIC AND MUST BE REPLACED IN-KIND" are to be coordinated with and approved by the Contracting Officer. For each location and prior to removing or damaging any historic concrete, the Contractor shall submit a concrete sample including, but not limited to, color and finish to allow for comparison to the existing historic concrete. 1

15 Can the NPS supply any existing flow data that is available? The existing flow data is provided in the attache excel spreadsheet for your information and use. 1 16 Can the NPS provide all the CCTV data that is available? To be provided in subsquent amendment.

Can the NPS idenfity all housing units that are occupied on a permanent basis for construction planning purposes? Map attached. The building which are circled are used year-round. 1

18 Can any asphalt that is milled be used to backfill material for the trench?

Asphalt millings shall be stockpiled and turned over to the NPS. Contractor shall coordinate with the CO and/or COR on specific location(s) to turnover milled asphalt. 1

If all trenches are covered at end of day and is fenced off is this acceptable or do they need to be completely filled. Yes 1

20 Is the Geotechnical Report included in the bid packet? Yes, see Specification Section 02 06 14 1

A B D E

Would the NPS please confirm that all the stuff between manholes SSMH-4, SMH-5 and SSMH-6 will be moved prior to construction? If it is not to be removed would you please indicate where this stuff is to be moved to and will we need to move it back after work is completed in this area? Park owned equipment or materials located between SSMH-4, SSMH-5 and SSMH-6 will be moved prior to construction. 1

The only mention of Builder's Risk is the following from GLAC 307440 Final CD Project Manual Division 1, page 19: G. Builder's Risk Insurance: Covers the contractor's loss due to fire, high winds or other natural forces. This is not reimbused by the National Park Services (NPS) and shall not be included in modification proposals. Is Builder's Risk required for this project and if so what are the limits of coverage? No Builder's Risk insurance is not required. However, the contractor can obtain Builder's Risk Insurance in whatever amounts they deem necessary; however, this cost is not reimburseable under the contract. 1

Insurance requirements were listed in B08_Solit_Clauses_Construction-1, page 36 as follows: 1452.228-70 Liability Insurance (JUL 1996) (A) The contractor shall procure and maintain during the term of this contract and any extension thereof liability insurance in form satisfactory to the contracting officer by an insurance company which is acceptable to the Contracting Officer. The named insured parties under the policy shall be the contractor and the United States of America. The amounts of the insurance shall be not less less than as follows:

$100,000 each person* $500,000 each occurrence* $1,000,000 property damage*

Could you clarify to what type of liability insurance (general, auto, worker's compensation, etc.) this is in reference?

General Liability Insurance shall include General Liability, Automobile Liability and Workers Compensation Insurance 1

A B D E

1. Wage Question Since the wage documents are listed as only federal rates, would the Government consider adding the Montana State prevailing wage to this solicitation? The Federal wages contained within this document are significantly lower that what the State of Montana Prevailing wages are.

All Union Contractor's wages will closely mirror the State Prevailing Wage. By not including the State Prevailing wages all Union Contractors will be at a significant cost disadvantage on the pricing proposal.

As a comparison for you to consider here are some rates and references:

Excavator Operator - Federal Excavator Operator - $22.94 base +$9.05 FRINGE - NO ZONE PAY = $31.99 State Prevailing Wage Heavy Excavator Operator GRP 3: $30.65+$13.80 fringe - $2.50 = $46.95 -State Prevailing wages are $14.96 higher per hour on Excavator Operators than the Federal Wage.

Pipe Layer - Laborer - Federal Pipelayer: 421.84 Base + $4.83 fringe - no zone pay = $26.67 State Prevailing Wage Heavy Laborer GRP 3 Pipelayer: $26.07 +$12.44 Fringe - $3.05 = $41.56\ State Prevailing Wages are $14.89 higher per hour on pipelayers than the federal wage

Here is a link to the Montana State Prevailing Wages https://erd.dli.mt.gov/_docs/labor-standards/prevailing-wage/heavy-final- 2023.pdf

The Federal Wage Determination is a minimum that must be paid under federal contracts. The determination by the employer to pay more than these minimum standards is at the discretion of the offeror. If State guidelines indicate the prevailing wages must be paid at a higher rate than the Federal wage determination than the minimum standards of the respective state must be adhered to. 1

A due date of July 5th may be difficult given the Federal Holiday on July 4th combined with a short time frame to assemble a large proposal. We are concerned about getting quotes near the holiday and the day after everybody has likely been off for 5 days. Would the Contracting Officer please considered postponing the bid at least 1 week to July 12th?

The due date for proposal is being extended from July 5, 2023 to July 12, 2023 1

A B D E

It takes a great deal of time, money and resources to put these proposals together. Under item (f) on the cover sheet for the Solicitation, Offer and Award sheet it states that this is currently an unfunded requirements with a high expectation that funds will be available. When and if funds become available a contract will be awarded . Can the Contracting Officer please elaborate on the funding situation? There are a lot of projects out to bid and expecially as a Small Business, we need to know as much information as possible for the most efficient use of our estimating resources.

At the time of solicitation, an approved Purchase Request was not completed as it is standing operating procedure for the National Park Service to not prepare the fully funded Purchasing Request until such time as award may be made. This project is an approved project in the NPS Green Book and the GAOA project list. It is fully anticipated that this project will be awarded so long as proposals are received within the approved funding of the project. 1

In Construction Specification Section 40 71 00 it references that on-site training is required in accordance with Section 01 75 00. Can NPS please provide this specification?

This specification can be found in the Division 1 specifications provided to all Offerors. Any potential subcontractors and/or material suppliers shall obtain the referenced construction specification from their respective contact. 1

Can the NPS provide an overlay of FHWA plans with the HQ project to see what needs to be re-paved by the contractor and what FHWA will cover?

Please see attached map 1

Can you please provide the editable forms for the Past Performance Questionnaire and Project Experience Questionnaire? Forms uploaded to SAM.gov. 1

Is there a specific bid bond form required for the 20% surety on this project or will the standard EJCDC C-430 be acceptable? The specific bid bond form (SF 24) is required. A copy of which has been uploaded to SAM.gov. 1

Sheet C4.4 it shows a 20' maximum allowable disturbance limits. Will anything wider be considered outside of this? No 1

On Plan Sheet 35 of 65 Note 7 states "All manhole penetrations shall be precast". This would require potholding at each structure to verify elevations prior to building each structure and we believe it would be very difficult to get the service connections cast in the exact angle needed. Would coring service connections into manholes in the field be acceptable? The flexible pipe boots could still be inserted and grouted in after coring.

Yes this would be acceptable; however, the contractor will be responsible to ensure testing to ensure proper flow rates are achieved. 1

Can you please providde information relative to submersible pump design

Please refer to Specification Section 43 25 13 - 2.2.A.1.a 1

Will NPS consider pumps other than Flygt? The NPS is open to other product types if they are equal to the product example denoted in the specifications. Product information would need to be supplied to ensure they are equal to the example denoted in the specifications. 1

On page 8 of the solicitation, it states that a new generator building will be constructed to house the new generator. On page 9 of Project Manual Division 1 it states we are only installing a new generator and no building. Can you please clarify.

Generator work associated with Headquarters Building 295 will consist of demolition of the existing generator and transfer switch, and the procurement and installation of a new generator, automatic transfer switch, and associated appurtenances. A new generator building is not part of the work. 1

In Specification Section 32 12 16 it states the asphalt mix design is PG 58-22.

Can you verify that is not supposed to be PG 58-28. PG 58-28 is standard for the area public works.

Reconstructed asphalt roads shall be paved with a minimum of PG 58-28 asphalt binder and shall be accomplished in accordance with the current Montana Public Works Standard Specifications (MPWSS). 1

A B D E

Specification Section 43 25 13 (PUMPING EQUIPMENT - SUBMERSIBLE END- SUCTION SEWAGE PUMPS); Part 2 (2.5), add the following to the end of the subsection as "D".

D. SPARE PARTS AND EXTRA MATERIALS

1. Furnish one (1) spare sewage pump in accordance with Part 2 (2.2), one (1) complete set of upper and lower bearings, one (1) set of mechanical seals, one (1) spare impeller, one (1) complete set of gaskets and O-ring seals, and one (1) complete set of special tools required to dismantle pump. 1

Can you verify that a professional survey engineer is to complete the final survey for work complete?

The NPS does not require a professional surveyor to develop the as-builts but an engineer should oversee the work to ensure proper survey techniques are utilized. 1