B08_CHOH_320577_-_Prebid_Questions_0002.xlsx
XLSX spreadsheet 779 KB Posted
- Attached to
- CHOH 320577 Improve Access at Byron Bridge Federal contract opportunity
- Solicitation number
- 140P2024R0107
About this file
This document contains a set of questions and answers related to a federal contract opportunity for the construction of improvements to the access at the Byron Bridge, located within the Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Canal, in Brunswick, MD.
The key details are:
- The contract opportunity is solicitation number 140P2024R0107, titled "CHOH 320577 Improve Access at Byron Bridge", issued by the Department of the Interior National Park Service National Office.
- The contractor will need to obtain permits and coordinate with CSX Transportation (CSX) for work on their property. The government estimates the CSX permit process can be completed in a timely manner.
- Parking and access constraints are discussed, including use of a nearby NPS maintenance yard for contractor parking.
- Requirements are provided for the stone revetment work, staircase fabrication/installation, and traffic control/coordination with local authorities.
- Responses address questions about insurance requirements, past performance submissions, and specialty certifications for the work.
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Text version
Sheet1
| Question | Bidder Question | Proposed Answer |
| 1 | When starting the project, would it be possible to allow workers to park near the west end of the bridge and cross over due to the lack of parking near the site? | No government furnished parking is available at the west end of the bridge since the area around the west of the bridge is considered a national historic area and under the purview of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park (NPS). Additionally, the west end of the bridge may not be accessible during construction from the towpath after the current stairway is demolished and prior to the new stairway being constructed. Parking in a grassed area can be made available for up to approximately 13 vehicles outside of the fence line at the NPS Maintenance Yard located at 18027 Pleasantville Road, Knoxville, MD. No erodible materials can be kept at the Maintenance Yard parking area without prior approval from NPS and MDE. If used, contractor is responsible for restoring the Maintenance Yard parking area to pre-construction condition. |
| 2 | The solicitation mentions that the contractor will need a permit from CSX and it sounded like the government has been working with them on this project. The concern is the time frame needed to finalize the construction permit with CSX during the narrow construction window. What is the estimated time frame the government believes the permits will be issued and if the permits are delayed, will the period of performance be extended? | The contractor will be required to Notify CSXT in writing of the date that it intends to commence work on the project. Such notice must be received by CSXT at least ten business days in advance of the date the Contractor proposes to begin work on CSXT property. The contractor will obtain authorization from the CSXT Representative to begin Work on CSXT property, with such authorization to include an outline of specific conditions with which it must comply. Confirmation or denial of authorization from the CSXT Representative shall be provided prior to commencement of work on the project when the Agency has provided notice in accordance with timelines mentioned above. |
The contractor will also need to purchase and maintain insurance in compliance with CSXT’s insurance requirements, submitting for approval to CSXT’s Risk Management Department.
The government estimates that approvals and permits can be obtained from CSX in a timely enough manner so as to allow construction to take place within the provided construction window.
| 3 | There are large stones/riprap covering the area for the micropiles. Due to weight restrictions on the towpath, would it be acceptable to break the large stone so that a smaller machine would be capable of removing them? | Reference Callout on Planview for Sheet C3 of the plans - "EXISTING STONE REVETMENT, STONE WALL AND COPING STONE SHALL BE DECONSTRUCTED AND RECONSTRUCTED TO EXTENT NEEDED IN-KIND TO CONSTRUCT GRADE BEAM AND STAIR TOWER COLUMN FOOTING. SEE SITE PLANS, REFERENCE PHOTOS #3 & 4 ON C24, AND STRUCTURAL PLANS." and "PROTECT EXISTING LAID BACK STONE REVETMENT WALL UNDERNEATH THE BRIDGE THAT IS TO REMAIN. THIS MAY INCLUDE THE USE OF TIMBER MATS OR OTHER MEASURES TO BE DETERMINED BY THE CONTRACTOR. THIS WALL NEEDS TO BE REESTABLISHED IF THE STONES ARE TEMPORARILY REMOVED AT THE UPPER COURSES FOR CONSTRUCTION ACCESS (TYP)". In accordance with NPS preservation standards, larger cut stones (shaped by humans) above existing grade which would be viable to be salvaged for wall disassembly and reassembly would not be allowed to be broken. Random (angular) dumped stone may possible be considered for reshaping or size reduction on a case-by-case basis upon coordination with the COR/CO. |
| 4 | Is NPS okay with temporary daily closures of Sandy Hook Road for days when cranes need to block the road? | NPS has provided access as shown in the contract. Sandy Hook Road is operated and maintained by Washington County, Maryland Government. Any impacts to that roadway would have to be coordinated with and permitted by them. Any full or partial closures of the roadway would necessitate appropriate traffic controls and a traffic management plan (ex. flaggers, signage and vehicular detour establishment) provided by the contractor. Based on previous experience NPS had - https://www.nps.gov/choh/learn/news/2023-02_23-repair-stone-wall.htm , the road detour around Harpers Ferry Road is sizable and requires extensive coordination with multiple entities to activate. It is unlikely multi consecutive day closures would be allowable due to the impacts to the roadway users. There is also notable effort required to establish any traffic controls that would be required for any potential short term closure. Any temporary signage on state roads (i.e. Route 340) would fall under the purview for approval by Maryland State Highway Administration - District 6. Any coordination for access/impacts to roadways outside of NPS jurisdiction during construction is the responsibility of the contractor . If there are additional details bidders want to provide in relation to the duration and extent of any proposed impacts to Harpers Ferry Road, NPS can make an effort to receive some preliminary feedback from Washington County Maryland Government. The contractor is also cautioned that there are existing constraints for use on Harpers Ferry Road, including but not limited to weight limits, vertical clearances, horizontal clearances, and existing utility lines. |
| 5 | What is the wire diameter for the mesh on the staircase? | Infill should be designed I.A.W. performance based specifications 05 52 13 - 1.3 which requires delegated design. Specific infill requirements shown in 1.3-C. 2. Also see required shop drawings and samples in the same specification. Wire Guage of fence should be no smaller than 9 guage. |
| 6 | The drawings say the contractor shall adhere to CSXT Insurance requirements. What are the insurance requirements? |
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Comment:
I'm assuming you all incorporated the insurance requirements from Exhibit F of the draft CSX construction into the solicitation? Did we not do this for some reason. Regardless if we need to provide them after the fact they are exhibit F of the draft construction agreement.
Reply:
@Marheine, Arlyn M Reply:
| @Futch, David M @Aldrich, Paula J @Marheine, Arlyn M @Reed, Joseph C Can someone from DSC find where in the contract documents the CSX insurance requirements were incorporated (as we told CSX we were going to do) so it can be referenced for the contractor? | See Exhibit F of Draft CSX Construction Agreement (attached) | ||
| 7 | Is there a contact with CSX that the government would recommend contacting with questions? | CSX Transportation, Inc. |
4900 Old Osborne Turnpike, Suite 200 Richmond, VA 23231 Attention: Michael Liebelt
| 8 | Can we use subcontractor experience for factor 1? | No, Past performance must be from the Prime |
| 9 | Can we submit CPARS instead of having contacts fill out PPQs? | No PPQ will need to be submitted |
| 10 | Can we submit any previously completed PPQs instead of having new PPQ submitted? | Yes as long as its withing the timeframe specified in the solicitation |
| 11 | Can we please submit a previously completed PPQ that is in the exact same format as the one requested in this RFP? | Yes as long as its withing the timeframe specified in the solicitation |
| 12 | The specs call for the staircase to be fabricated and erected by groups with AISC certification. This narrows the pool down quite a bit on available suppliers and erectors. To add to this, several of the groups we have reached out to already have refused to do any of the on site work due to the CSX involvement. There are several fabricators and installers we have worked with in the past on Army Corps projects that aren't AISC certified but have plenty of experience. Would the government consider allowing similar experience in lieu of being AISC certified? | AISC certification is required for steel fabricators, erectors/installers and welders I.A.W. specification section 05 12 00. |
| 13 | Are there any special requirements for installation of temporary detour signage on the West Virginia portions of the detour route? | In addition to the existing requirements in the contract, temporary signposts shall not include ground disturbance in areas within the West Virginia part of the detour due to archeological concerns. Temporary signpost supports may include, but not be limited to, timber frames above grade weighted with sand bags or approved equal. Detour route has been coordinated across different NPS units, any other coordination with roadways outside of NPS lands is responsibility of contractor. |
| 14 | Are we allowed to harvest stone on site for the dry layed stone wall, revetment and the imbricated stone armoring? | Stone masonry units which are part of existing features that are stockpiled during disassembly are acceptable to be salvaged and reused in the same feature's reassembly so long as they meet the material requirements of the contract. Within the Limit of Disturbance, larger cut stones (shaped by humans) above existing grade which would be viable to be salvaged for stone masonry strutures should be identified by the contractor and may be approved on a case-by-case basis upon coordination with the COR/CO if they meet project requirements, are not clearly associated with other historic structures, or have other defining characteristics of cultural resource value. |
| 15 | Can you please assist with quantifying exactly how much revetment is to be restored and where at? | Planview showing extent of imbricated stone armoring, coping stones, and stone revetment are included in Sheet C3 and C4. Photo 3 and 4 on Sheet C24 provide additional views. The site is open to the public and contractor so they can perform site inspections to collect measurements. |
| 16 | What is the height limit for the bridge in the photo below? Contractor sent a photo of the road under the railroad | The contractor provided photo shows the underpass of Harpers Ferry Road beneath the CSXT lines. Harpers Ferry Road is a public roadway operated and maintained by Washington County Maryland. The contractor is responsible for verifying any existing conditions along any roadways used for access to the site and for complying with any requirements for their use, as defined by the appropriate entity with jurisdiction. |
| 17 | Do the Superintendent, SSHO and QC Manager need to be 3 separate individuals? | Minimum of two (2) people. SSHO and QC Manager may be combined, but Superintendent should have no other roles assigned. Reference specification section 01 31 00 |
| 18 | Will the foot bridge across the river (on the West Virginia side) be accessible to the contractor? It was said during the site visit that a gate would be locked. Will the contractor get a key to the gate? | During construction coordination can be carried out to provide a a shared lock or other method to provide NPS and contractor access to the gate on the West Virginia side of the Byron Bridge pedestrian walkway. Additionally, as required in Note 4 on Sheet C24, "CONTRACTOR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PROVIDING A SECONDARY BARRIER TO THE SITE AS NEEDED TO PREVENT UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS INTO THE CONSTRUCTION SITE...". This may include Byron Bridge pedestrian stairway. |
| 19 | To what extent is the contractor responsible to coordinate with CSX? | See specifications section 01 31 00 - 1.4 D 17 and Refer to Appedix D of the specifications. |
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