NPS_responses_54-127_2024_3_19_0007_0007.xlsx
XLSX spreadsheet 29 KB Posted
- Attached to
- GRSM 213075 Laurel Falls construction
- Solicitation number
- 140P2024R0016
About this file
This document contains questions and responses related to a federal contract opportunity for the Rehabilitation of the Laurel Falls Trail and Parking Areas in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
The key details are: This is a negotiated firm-fixed price contract for construction work with an estimated price range of $5-10 million. The scope includes demolition and rehabilitation of the existing Laurel Falls Trail, construction of new retaining walls and visitor viewing areas, and rehabilitation/expansion of the existing parking areas. The project faces several challenges including limited access, staging, and vehicle size restrictions. The anticipated period of performance is 540 days after the notice to proceed is issued. The solicitation will be issued electronically on SAM.gov, with a focus on full and open competition. There are no specific set-aside requirements mentioned. The document also includes responses to 128 questions raised by potential offerors covering various technical, logistical, and administrative aspects of the project.
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Sheet1
| GRSM 213075 - Rehabilitate Laurel Falls Trail & | ||
| 332922 Parking Areas A&B | ||
| Contractor Solicitation Questions and Responses #7 | ||
| Question | Response |
| 54 | The solicitation states that this is currently an unfunded requirement. Does the Gov't anticipate this project being fully funded or incrementally funded? | The government does anticipate this project to be fully funded. |
| 55 | 52.236-9 (a), requires a "tree-pruning compound" to be applied to any tree limbs or branches that are broken during contract performance. Is there a list of approved "tree-pruning compounds" to be used? If so, please provide. | The contractor may submit a pruning compound for use during the submittal review process. No list of products will be given at this time. |
| 56 | 52.236-14 (a), will Contractors be charged for use of electrical utility? If so, please provide the Government prevailing rates to be utilized. | Government will not be providing electricity. Any needs for electricity will be the responsibility of the contractor and likely need to be supplied by generators. |
| 57 | 52.236-26, will a Preconstruction Conference be required? If so, will the Contractor be responsible for providing the location and all associated costs for the conference? | A pre-construction conference will be required. It can be held at a park facility at Headquarters or Sugarlands VC about 4 miles from the site. |
| 58 | Will the Gov't issue a tax-exempt certificate for the purchase of all materials for this project? | No. |
| 59 | Is the Contractor's personnel (incl. subcontractors) required to have and/or maintain any specific training in-order to access and/or work the project? | There are no specific training requirements for access to the Park. The Contractor shall comply with all the required training in the contract, particularly safety. |
| 60 | Factor 1 - Technical Approach and Schedule, the solicitation limits the technical narrative to 15 pages. Does the 15 page limit include graphs and tables? | Graphs and tables do not count against the 15-page limit. |
| 61 | Factor 1 - Technical Approach and Schedule, is there a specific font sizing that the technical narrative must satisfy? | Eleven point font seems to be a reasonable limit for the smallest font you should use, for those of you who still print out proposals to review them. The key is to have a legible proposal. |
| 62 | Factor 1 - Technical Approach and Schedule, are Contractors to use 1 March 2024 as the assumed NTP still or is there a specific date the Gov't requires the schedule to reflect? | March 1 was our intended start date, however once the solicitation is completed and ready for award, we will adjust the period of performance based on a new start date |
| 63 | Can the Contractor's Key Personnel assume dual roles or are they to be stand-alone (i.e. can the Project Superintendent also act as the Safety Manager)? If this is acceptable, for the Factor 2 Evaluation does the Contractor need to submit the same resume for each role? | QC manager may have no other duties. Safety manager may have no other duties. For roles that have the same person, you do not need to submit a duplicate resume. Just state the person's name in that role. |
| 64 | Small Business Subcontracting Plan, if a large business fails to submit a Small Business Subcontracting Plan with their proposal, will this be grounds for being not technically acceptable due to not adhering to the solicitation requirements? | Sections L and M of the solicitation list the requirements for the small business contracting plan. As the small business plan is evaluated in factor 5, a proposal with no small business plan where one is required would be considered non-respsonsive. |
| 65 | Can the new trail be reinforced concrete in lieu of the specified asphalt? If so, what is the requirements needed to substitute the proposed asphalt trail for a concrete trail? | Asphalt surface was chosen to match the existing trail tread and minimize historic impacts. Changing the surface for the trail will require re-initiating consultation with SHPO. |
| 66 | Section 01 11 00 1.5.D.1, states trees shall only be removed between November 15 and March 31. To support the period of performance, can this requirement be removed to allow trees to be removed outside of this prescribed timeframe? | Trees removed during April 1 and Novermber 14 require monitoring for bat activity and habitat prior to removal during the Time of Year restrictions. The contractor will need to coordinate with the Park to have a NPS monitor on site prior to removal of trees during that time. |
| 67 | Section 01 11 00 1.5.F.1, can the Elkmont entrance be used for hauling? | Personnel vehicles may enter via the Townsend Wye or Wear Cove Road entrances. Materials hauling may only enter via the Gatlinburg entrance. |
| 68 | Section 01 26 00 1.4.A.2.d, is the recommended profit and overhead to be 10% each or aggregate? | Standard market rates are 10% for profit and 10% for overhead. (so, each). |
| 69 | Section 01 26 00 1.4.B.5, is the recommended profit and overhead to be 10% each or aggregate? | Standard market rates are 10% for profit and 10% for overhead. (so, each). |
| 70 | For changes, doe the NPS take in consideration G&A rates or are those to be included in the OH rates? | G&A rates are to be included in Overhead. |
| 71 | Is this project applicable to earned value management (EVM) reporting for the Contractor? | No, this project is not applicable to EVM reporting. |
| 72 | Where is the weekly progress meetings to be held? Is the Gov't or the Contractor responsible for providing the space for progress meetings? | Due to not all team members being stationed at the Park, the weekly progress meeting will be virtual and managed by the Contractor. |
| 73 | Section 01 31 00 1.8.A, Can the Project Manager perform dual roles as the Environmental Manager? | Per the specifications 01 31 00 1.8A , the Environmental Manager must be on site at all times. If the PM will be on site at all times they may serve in this dual role. |
| 74 | Section 01 31 00 1.8.C, does the required environmental training apply to subcontractors and vendors accessing the site? | Subcontractors, yes. Vendors, only if they will be traveling on the trail. |
| 75 | Section 01 31 00 1.9.B.1, please provide a copy of the acquired ARAP and 401 Certification for the Contractor to ensure proposal pricing is sufficient to be in compliance with both document requirements. | A copy of the required ARAP / 401 Certification and Minor Road crossing is attached. |
| 76 | How many work days should the Contractor account for in the project schedule for the NPS submittal review and approval process? | See specification section 01 33 23 1.3 D for time requirements. |
| 77 | Section 01 32 16 1.4.B., can the Project Manager perform dual roles as the Scheduler? | Yes |
| 78 | Will the project schedule be under change management once the baseline is approved by the NPS? | 01 32 16 addresses how the schedule will be update and how changes (paragraph 3.2) will be addressed. |
| 79 | With the project being a FFP does the schedule need to be resource loaded? Can the requirement for resource loading be removed? | 01 32 16 lists requirements for the schedule. Even though this is a FFP contract, this is still required. |
| 80 | Section 01 32 16 2.2.B.e, can the restriction on no schedule activity greater than 14 days be removed? This is a FFP and does not specifically call for EVM compliance. | The requirement limiting a schedule activity to 14 days is intended to ensure that activity durations will be sufficiently broken down to accurately track progress. |
| 81 | What source is the Contractor to use for the weather day calculations in the project schedule? | NOAA is listed in the specs as an acceptable weather data source. Other sources include: |
| 82 | Section 01 32 16 2.2.D, with this project being a FFP is there a need to have a Cost Correlation in the project schedule? Can this requirement be removed? | Upon successful award, the contractor shall provide under div 1 requirements. a Schedule Of Values that we recommened activities correlate with the project schedule for ease of invoicing. |
| 83 | Section 01 35 23 1.2.D, the two locations provided are listed as a Confined Space. Are the two locations permitted or non-permitted confined spaces? | We believe these are non-permitted confined spaces, but this determination should be made the contractor's safety officers. |
| 84 | Section 01 35 23 1.4.C.3, are construction equipment operators (not including crane operators) required to have any special certifications or licenses for this project? | As stated in the specification, operators of vehicles, hoisting equipment, and hazardous plant equipment shall be able to understand signs, signals, operating instructions, and be fully capable of operating such equipment. Operators must obtain certifications and licenses as required by Local, State and Federal regulations. |
| 85 | Section 01 35 23 1.6.A, does the park require any COVID-19 restrictions or requirements that the Contractor need to apply or adhere to? | No. Contractor to follow guidance provided in the provided resources in 01 35 00 Paragraph 1.6. |
| 86 | If a surge in COVID-19 occurs during the project, will the NPS require the Contractors workforce to be fully vaccinated? If so, will the NPS honor Contractor approved exemptions (medical and religious) for their respective employees? | We do not expect to return to early pandemic requirements or restrictions, but we cannot anticipate what future events may occur and what government actions might be. |
| 87 | Does the Contractor need to assume testing for COVID-19 or similar national emergency in the proposal pricing or will this be handled via a change in the contract if occurring? | This would be a contract change. |
| 88 | Section 01 35 23 3.4.B, can a dual-wall fuel pod be stored on site for construction equipment re-fueling operations? | Yes, within the staging area at trailhead parking and set back from streams to avoid potential impacts to aquatic resources. Fuel pods should comply with NFPA regulations. |
| 89 | Section 01 35 23 3.8.A, are all personnel required to be First-Aid Certified that work on the project? | All personnel are not required to be first aid certified, however, tirst aid training is an important part of providing a safe work environment. |
| 90 | Section 01 35 23 3.8.A, are all personnel required to be training in hazardous materials? | Each employee exposed to hazardous material should be trained in safe and approved methods of handling and storage. |
| 91 | Section 01 35 91 1.4A, please provide additional qualification requirements as related to the firm responsible for acting as the Historical Preservation Treatment Specialist. Is there certain certifications, association memberships, training, or number of projects that will determine if this firm is qualified? | The firm needs to meet the requiremenst in the The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. There are no cerifications required for this work. |
| 92 | Section 01 40 00 1.2.C, is a mockup of the retaining wall required? If so, is there a specific location the Contractor needs to prep. and build a retaining wall mockup? | Yes. See specifications 04 22 00 and 04 43 13.13 for mockup requirements for retaining walls. Both sections contain provisions allowing acceptable mockups to remain a part of the permanent installation. |
| 93 | Section 01 40 00 1.5.B.1, can the Contractor's Quality Control Supervisor role be allowed to be performed by others (i.e. Project Superintendent or Project Manager) assuming the proposed individual meets all requirements? | No. Per 01 40 00 1.5 B., the QC Supervisor should be assigned no other duties.The following statement has been added: Contractor's Quality Control Supervisor shall have a minimum of 3 years’ experience working on similar projects. |
| 94 | Section 01 40 00 1.5.B.1, can the Contractor's Quality Control Supervisor role be allowed to be performed by a subcontractor such as a materials testing firm or engineering firm? | Yes, as long as they have the authority to act on behalf of the Contract. This include stopping work for non-compliant work. |
| 95 | Does the Park have a list of approved portable generators to be used? If so, please provide approved list. | There is no approved list. |
| 96 | Will the Contractor be given authorization/approval to communicate to the NPS via radio frequency, for emergency events as cellular service is limited in certain areas. | The Construction Management Representative will be provided a radio to communicate with Park Dispatch in case of emergencies only. Contractor is responsible for their own communications plan on this project. |
| 97 | Is a Project Consulting Arborist required for this project? | Yes. Spec section 01 56 39 1.3 A lists the requirement to hire an arborist. 1.4 E list qualifications for that role. |
| 98 | Section 01 57 23 1.4.C, can the Pollution Prevention and Erosion Control Manager be subcontractor? | Yes. |
| 99 | Section 01 57 23 1.4.C, does the Pollution Prevention and Erosion Control Manager need to be a licensed professional engineer? | No, per 01 57 23 1.4 C 1 , The Pollution Prevention and Erosion Control Manager shall be familiar with temporary storm water pollution prevention procedures and Best Management Practices and ensure emergency procedures and plan are updated as needed and available for inspection. Furthermore the 2021 Construction General NPDES Permit, Section 5.5.3.10 states that: |
Twice weekly inspections can be performed by:
a) a person with a valid certification from the “Level I - Fundamentals of Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control” course,
b) a licensed professional engineer or landscape architect,
c) a Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC), or
d) a person who has successfully completed the “Level II - Design Principles for Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control for Construction Sites” course.
An inspector performs and documents the required inspections, paying particular attention to time-sensitive permit requirements, such as stabilization and maintenance activities.
| 100 | Section 01 74 19 1.3.A.1, the specification states the following, "land clearing debris (chipped debris can be used on site for mulch or erosion control). Can the tree clearing for the new parking lot areas along Fighting Creek Gap Road be chipped and turned into mulch in lieu of being hauled off site as stated within the plans? According to the Solicitation, Specifications govern Drawings. | Specifcations section 02 41 19 3.4 J. Materials shall be chipped to 1 1/2" before being spread on site or immediately transported off site. Demolition plans call for max depth of 2" for wood chips spread on site. |
| 101 | Section 01 74 19 1.3.A.4 & 5, states that concrete and asphaltic pavement can be ground and used for fill on site. Is this acceptable? | Yes, as long as it meets applicable gradation, density and all other requirements within the specifications and is approved by the CO. |
| 102 | Section 01 74 19 3.1.B, states the Waste Management Coordinator shall be present at project site full time for duration of project. Can this position be filled by the Project Manager or Project Superintendent? | Yes this is acceptable |
| 103 | Section 01 74 19 3.1.B, is there any specific qualifications to be held for the Waste Management Coordinator? | No specific qualifications, as long as they can perform the work under 01 74 19. |
| 104 | Does the NPS have any requirements on stockpiling wooden mulch from tree clearing operations? | Contain stored mulch within LOD, away from tree trunks. Stockpiles shall be maintained outside required roadway clear zones. See additional requirements for mulched material in 02 41 19. |
| 105 | How detailed does the NPS want to see the project schedule? Does the pre-installation meetings and three phase inspections need to be shown for each feature of work? | The schedule should provide sufficient detail to accurately track progress and be utilized as a 3 week look ahead. Schedule should account for critical submittals, meetings, Inspection, procurment (long lead), construction, and testing. |
| 106 | Section 02 41 19 1.8.F, can construction equipment (i.e. mini excavators, skid steers, buggies, and etc.) be on the existing trail? | Yes equipment is allowed on the trail within the LOD. |
| 107 | Does the NPS have any restrictions on UTVs accessing the existing trail to transport personnel, equipment, and materials? | Yes, UTVs are allowed. ATVs are not allowed. Contractor to follow all applicable safety reguations for operators and operation. |
| 108 | Section 02 41 19 1.8.G, will drip pans be sufficient in lieu of absorptive pads on equipment? | The intent here is to have absorptive pads on site near where work is occuring should they be required if there is a spill. It is not intended to replace drip pans. Furthermore, contractor is required to develop a spill prevention control and countermeasure plan per 01 57 23, 3.5.C |
| 109 | If rock is encountered during the grading process for the trail or parking lots, does the NPS want the rock to be removed or adjustments proposed for working around the rock? | 31 20 00 3.4 A. Excavation is unclassified. The specs call for the rock to be removed. This can be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Any rock protruding into the aggregate base will need to be removed. Along the trail field adjust of the subgrade grade profile may be considered as approved by the CO. Rock outcrops outside of the trail width are to be preserved. |
| 110 | In the past or currently, has the Laurel Falls area (work areas only) ever identified a archeological resource or findings that the Contractors need to be aware of? | See FONSI in Appendix B of the specs: page 8 .....the proposed project will “have no effect on archeological resources”... |
| 111 | Section 02 41 19 3.4.C, can pushing trees over with heavy equipment be allowed? | As stated in 02 41 19, 3.4.C pushing trees over is not permited. |
| 112 | Section 02 41 19 3.4.F, states the following, "NPS will select trees to be preserved and protected within the limits of disturbance. All other trees within the limits of disturbance whether standing or down, live or dead, will be removed." The intent of this project is only to remove trees that have been identified within the approved project plans, is this correct? | Yes the intent is to clear trees only that have been identified. Clearing within the limits of the new parking areas will include all trees inside LOD. Clearing along the trail will be selective as shown on the L2.x sheets |
| 113 | For trees that have been felled, does the trunks need to be size reduced? | If the questions means bucking up tree trunks into shorter segments, only as needed. The NPS will notrequire a tree felled and left in contact with the ground to be cut into segments. The intent is to leave trees where they are felled to limit disturbance to the forest floor. Felled trees should not blcok the trail, nor should they be dragged more than 50 feet away from the trail. In areas on the revegetation plans L5.x) some trees are called to be placed across social trails. The contractor may to cut the tree trunks into smaller sections to be more easily moved onto the social trails and the maintain ground contact. |
| 114 | For trees that have been felled, is leaving the stump remaining acceptable? | Stumps of felled trees are to be removed or ground per the requirements in the specificatoins and plans. |
| 115 | Will the NPS obtain a third-party testing agency to perform Quality Assurance Testing? | The contractor provides quality control. The government may hire third party consultants to perform quality assurance testing. |
| 116 | Section 31 20 00 3.18.B, the plans do not show any geotextile on prepared subgrade. Is it the intent for this project to install specified geotextile on the prepared subgrade for concrete and asphalt surfaces? | Separation geotextile has been removed from the Specifications |
| 117 | Section 31 20 00 3.22.A, does the NPS have a need for any excess soils to be installed or stockpiled within the park area or is the Contractor to remove all excess soils? If NPS identifies a need for excess soils, please provide a distance to the location(s) from the project site. | Excess soils MAY be delivered to the Elkmont firing range. Soils would need to be inspected by the Park prior to acceptance. Park does not guarantee being able accept all excess soils. |
| 118 | Will Nuclear Gage or Dynamic Cone Penetrometer testing be suitable in lieu of proof rolling on the trail? | Yes, nuclear guage or dynamic cone penetrometer testing will be acceptable in lieu of proof rolling on the trail. |
| 119 | Attachment C - MOA, states NPS will develop and provide historic preservation awareness training for NPS staff and Contractors. How long should the Contractor assume this training will take? Will this training be required to anyone who works on the project site (i.e. subcontractors and vendors)? | Training will be held as a part of the pre-construction meeting.at Park Headquarters. Estimate a 30-60 minutes for the training. Subcontractors will be required to attend the training. Vendors would need the training only if they will be traveling on the trail. |
| 120 | As long as the mix design can meet the 03 30 00 specifcations, would an onsite batch truck be acceptable for the project? | Yes, as long as the concrete meets specifications. |
| 121 | Demo note 1 and detail 1 show protection of trees to remain and protective fencing to extend to the outside of the dripline. As many trees are shown to remain that are extremely close to the trail, that the drip line covers the trail; how can the proective fencing be accomplished as it would cover the trail itself? Likewise where the tree to remain is on the downhill side of the trail in some instances on a very steep grade, is the contractor to install the fence down the slope completely around the tree? | The intent of the detail is to provide tree protection to the maximum extent possible. In areas where the fencing is not viable due to the fact that it would cross the trail some other visual measure agreed upon with the CO should be taken to ensure the trees are protected. |
| 122 | demo note 2 states where grading extends into the dripline of trees, contractor is to hand grade, this will cover a considerable amount of the trail. Does this note refer to only the subgrade to be hand graded or the base stone and asphalt as well? | The intent is to exercise caution around trunks of trees to remain, minimizing impact to tree roots to remain by not driving unnecessarily over them, cutting them cleanly, etc. |
| 123 | Will colored concrete be required for drainage structures such as the drop inlets. Many of these are very deep and will not be visible. Would it be sufficient for only the top section of these structures to be colored, if any section at all? | The intent is to have colored concrete where it is visible. Drop inlets would only need colored concrete on the visible part of the structure. |
| 124 | On page C5.14 of the plans, there are three details showing retaining walls. I cannot find any reference to these details anywhere else in the plans. What are the intended locations of these specific details? | Detail 1/L6.1 shows boulders adjacent to the stone steps and has a callout that says re: C 5.14 |
| 125 | The plans call for polyurea markings on the centerline. There is no disturbance shown impacting the centerline of the roadway. Polyurea is a specialized pavement marking and few companies are capable. Is the centerline marking required or as needed if damaged? Would the park consider thermoplastic or paint as an alternative repair if needed? | Centerline marking should be thermoplastic. Specificaitons will be revised to remove polyurea. |
| 126 | Since asphalt hot mix temp will be a major concern and any buggies / hot boxes will severely restrict capacity per trip, there will likely be a high frequency of cold joints. How should cold joints be treated to ensure acceptance by the contract inspector? | Specification 32 12 16 Asphalt Paving Section 3.8 Joints: 4. Construct transverse joints at each point where paver ends a day's work and resumes work at a subsequent time. Construct these joints using either "bulkhead" or "papered" method in accordance with AI MS-22, for both "Ending a Lane" and "Resumption of Paving Operations." |
| 127 | Regarding Demo Plan Note 6 and 2/28 questions 30 and 31 responses. The demo plan calls for felling of 160+ trees within 1.3 miles. There is no possible way to fell that quantity of trees and avoid having cut ends be visible from the trail unless we can extend the LOD during demo for establishing rigging points down slope. Please clarify if the there is leniency in cut ends being exposed or if we should plan to grind and/or export the majority of felled trees. These options are exponentially different scopes of work. | The intent is to not have hundreds of trees with cut faces turned toward the trail. By felling a tree parallel to the trail or by trimming the cut face of the felled tree to minimize the view of the exposed cut face from the trail, the contractor should be able to meet this requirement. |
| 128 | We intend to submit a proposal with the caveat that we will only perform the work if we are able to use helicopters. Will that caveat eliminate our proposal from being considered in the proposal evaluation process. | As we stated previously in our answers to questions 15, 16, 17 and 18; helicopter operations will not be allowed for construction of this project. |
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