Attachment_3a_Revised_Clarifications_0002.pdf

Conduct NTCRA under CERCLA at Pinhook Bog Indiana Dunes NP Attachment 3a: Revised Clarifications

Attachment 3: Clarifications for Solicitation #140P2125R0039

Amendment 1 posted on 8/1/25 includes Clarifications 1 – 59.

Amendment 2 posted on 8/6/25 adds Clarifications 60 – 62.

This document provides clarifications based on queries submitted after the site visit.

1. For tree removal around the planned excavation areas, what is the maximum tree diameter allowed for removal? It was stated at the site visit that trees greater than 3” could not be removed; however, the Removal Action Specification states 6”.

a. Per Summary of Work Section 01 11 00-3: D. Preservation of Natural Features – “Avoid removing trees over 6 inches in diameter within excavation areas and when constructing temporary haul roads.” Review Removal Action Schedule Section 01 32 16-2: C. Removal Action Schedule Preparation (10) – “Tree Clearance (3-inch DBH or larger) may only occur between October 1 and March 31” to protect endangered bats.” Review Site Clearing Section 31 10 00-2: 3.3 Clearing and Grubbing – read entire section.

2. Please verify that trees greater than 6-inch diameter can be removed if necessary to gain vehicle access on access roads.

a. When not possible, trees over 6 inches must be marked and a determination made by NPS Resource Management Park Staff to approve removals. Review Summary of Work Section 01 11 00-3: D. Preservation of Natural Features – “Avoid removing trees over 6 inches in diameter within excavation areas and when constructing temporary haul roads.” See Removal Action Schedule Section 01 32 16-2: C. Removal Action Schedule Preparation (10) – “Tree Clearance (3-inch DBH or larger) may only occur between October 1 and March 31” to protect endangered bats.” See Site Clearing Section 31 10 00-2: 3.3 Clearing and Grubbing – read entire section. Vegetation Disposal Method and End Use.

3. It is noted to “Avoid removing trees over 6 inches in diameter within excavation areas and when constructing the temporary haul road. It may be necessary to alter the temporary haul road path to avoid trees over 6 inches in diameter. When not possible, trees over 6 inches must be marked and a determination made by NPS Resource Management staff to approve removals.” Based on observations from the Site Walk, there will be a substantial number of trees exceeding 6 inches in diameter that will require removal both for the construction of the haul road and excavation/debris removal at each site. Please confirm that NPS understands and will approve of the removal of these trees and that excessive alteration of the proposed haul road will not be required.

a. Trees over 6 inches that the contractor wants to remove to improve access must be marked and a determination made by NPS Resource Management Park Staff to approve removals. Review Section 01 50 00-3: 3.3 Support Facilities Installation A. Temporary Roads. Review Site Clearing Section 31 10 00-2: 3.3 Clearing and

Grubbing – read entire section. Review Section 01 57 19-2: 1.5 Project Conditions (B).

4. Section 3.02 of the Removal Action Specifications requires removal of vegetation for excavation access, but no guidance is provided on disposal method. Please confirm whether the contractor is required to chip, mulch, or otherwise process removed vegetation onsite, or if all vegetative debris must be disposed of offsite at a permitted facility.

a. NPS prefers Contractor chip as much as possible for future restoration activities.

However, trees larger than capacity of chipper shall be hauled off site for disposal.

5. Do trees within the scrape areas (any size) get removed? If so, can they be left on site or will they need to be chipped?

a. Review Site Clearing Section 31 10 00-2: 3.4 Disposal and questions above. No other woody material, except chipped, shall remain on site after excavation.

6. If onsite mulching or reuse is acceptable, are there designated stockpile areas or specific end uses (e.g., erosion control, trail bedding)?

a. Stockpile area locations will be determined after award to accommodate contractor and NPS needs. Restoration activities will be offered in a separate contract and will utilize mulch chips, and there are other authorized uses for chips in the specifications.

7. Can wood chips be left/spread on site?

a. Yes, wood chips can stockpiled for future restoration use. Review Site Clearing Section 31 10 00-2: 3.4 Disposal.

8. Please verify what clearing and grubbing activities can be completed vs. dates (ie, before or after October 1) as part of ecological protection requirements.

a. Per Section 01 11 00, Work involving tree clearing (3-inch DBH or larger) may only take place between October 1 and March 31 to protect endangered bat species.

9. During the site walk it was noted that access to each excavation area, specifically Areas A and B, requires climbing over, ducking under, and weaving through densely grown vegetation. In order to access each area with sampling equipment and heavily packed coolers, and to collect samples from overgrown excavation areas, will NPS allow clearing and grubbing to be performed prior to pre-excavation sample collection?

a. Clearing and Grubbing activities using equipment/vehicles for pre-excavation sample collection will not be permitted. NPS will allow “hand tools” to remove dense vegetation to access sampling areas (if needed). Review Site Clearing Section 31 10 00-2: 3.1 Protection, 3.2 Utilities, and 3.3 Clearing and Grubbing.

10. It is noted that the Contractor shall “Prevent damage to natural surroundings. Restore damaged areas, repairing or replacing damaged trees and plants outside Work Areas, at no additional expense to NPS.” Please confirm that this does not include trees and vegetation that will require removal for site access and egress.

a. This statement does not apply to approved temporary haul routes, staging areas, or excavation sites. Damage outside of construction limits will require restoration.

Review Site Clearing Section 31 10 00-2: 3.3 Clearing and Grubbing – read entire section.

11. Tree removal appears to be a major issue on site access, unless directed otherwise, our company’s price proposal will not include tree removal (above 6 inches).

a. The proposed price should include removal of necessary trees bigger than 6 inches as described in Site Clearing Section 31 10 00 and the responses above.

12. It is noted to utilize timber mats in vehicle traffic areas to minimize ground disturbance during removal activities. Does this requirement apply to areas where tracked equipment and vehicles will be used?

a. Yes. This requirement applies to all passenger vehicles on rubber tires accessing or parking in staging areas plus all heavy equipment operating in and around wetland areas. Review Section 01 50 00-3: 3.3 Support Facilities Installation (A) Temporary Roads.

13. Will the awarded contractor be able to use the old access roads on site?

a. Yes. NPS prefers the use of former access routes and foot trail on the east side plus the established access route from the Toll Road on the west side.

14. Does any access road have to be restored to original condition following the removal actions and site restoration?

a. Yes, for resource protection. All temporary access roads shall be graded to original condition following the removal action and site restoration. Access route from Toll Road will not require new asphalt or road base (smooth finish only).

Review Summary of Work Section 01 11 00-3: D. Preservation of Natural Features.

15. A portion of the haul road and Former Access Road northeast of Area 7 is an existing walking trail. Is the intent for the contractor to use this trail (with timber matting or similar) in addition to the existing haul road that runs east to N County Road 800W?

a. Yes. NPS prefers the use of former access routes and foot trail on the east side.

16. The solicitation references use of existing and potentially improved haul/access routes but does not indicate whether existing debris along those paths is the contractor’s responsibility. Please confirm whether the contractor is required to remove and dispose of existing debris located along the proposed haul routes or access paths.

a. Yes. It is the Contractor’s responsibility to remove all surface debris along proposed haul routes to access excavation sites. Review Section 01 11 00-6:

Summary of Work, Table 4 and review Section 01 35 13.22-5: 2.3 Archeological Monitoring is required to “document any archeological deposits or features that may be revealed during ground disturbing activities.”

17. Page 5 of Attachment 1 (Removal Action Specifications), Section 3.02 references clearing vegetation for access, and Section 3.04 discusses the removal of excavated materials and debris. However, it is unclear whether these responsibilities extend beyond the defined excavation limits. Please clarify what debris needs to be removed for each excavation area (ie, only debris in the footprint of the excavation areas, etc.) or debris in areas surrounding excavation areas, such as construction waste, dumped items, or fallen materials in adjacent wetlands or along access paths.

a. It is the Contractor’s responsibility to remove all surface debris along proposed haul routes to access excavation sites and within excavation sites for off-site disposal. Review Section 01 11 00-6: Summary of Work, Table 4 and review Section 01 35 13.22-5: 2.3 Archeological Monitoring is required to “document any archeological deposits or features that may be revealed during ground disturbing activities.”

18. Do the large concrete columns in the scrape area in Excavation Area A (Area 2 / 3) need to be removed?

a. Yes. It is the Contractor’s responsibility to remove all surface debris along proposed haul routes to access excavation sites and within the excavation sites for off-site disposal. Review Section 01 11 00-6: Summary of Work, Table 4 and Review Section 01 35 13.22-5: 2.3 Archeological Monitoring is required to “document any archeological deposits or features that may be revealed during ground disturbing activities.”

19. Please confirm that all debris encountered within the red outlined polygons requires removal and off-site transportation and disposal.

a. Yes, if along proposed haul route. All debris within the blue outlined polygons requires removal and off-site disposal. See blue outlined polygons depicted in Figure 3 – Proposed Excavation Bounds. Review Civil Surveys Section 02 21 02.

20. Can we make temporary staging areas for the removed soil to be temporarily stockpiled? If so, will there be a liner requirement if any is necessary?

a. No. Review Removal and Disposal of Contaminated Soils Section 02 61 29-2: 3.2 Waste Handling and Disposal.

21. Is there a preferred contractor laydown area for equipment, field offices, and sanitation facilities?

a. N County Road 700 West.

22. Where is the main entrance to this project site?

a. There is no main entrance for this project site. Due to the geology, this project will require access from Wozniak Road (west side) to reach the borrow source, Indiana Toll Road (middle) to reach Excavation A, and N 700 W (east side) for Excavation B and C.

23. How do I access Excavation A site?

a. From the Indiana Toll Road, you will be traveling in the westbound lane. The closest on ramp is Hwy 39. From Excavation A the closest off ramp is Exit 421.

24. It is noted that “No waste stockpile or storage areas are available at Site. Schedule operations in a manner such that excavated materials and wastewater shall be removed immediately from Site to approved disposal facility once properly characterized and profiled”. The provided Figures denote various locations to be used for stockpiling of excavated soils. Please confirm that the Contractor will be allowed to stockpile excavated materials and debris at the noted locations on the provided Figures.

a. No. Figure 3 only shows proposed staging areas. Review Removal and Disposal of Contaminated Soils Section 02 61 29-2: 3.2 Waste Handling and Disposal.

25. There was some difficulty identifying work areas during the site walk. Are any additional photographs of the excavation/debris areas available?

a. No. Figure 3 depicts proposed excavation bounds. All GIS data will be provided to Contractor for Civil Surveys after contract award.

26. Is there soil boring data for geotechnical evaluation / access road construction?

a. No.

27. Are any known or suspected utilities present within borrow or excavation areas? Is there a concern about encountering groundwater?

a. The NPS is unaware of any utilities at this location. The bog is a wetland feature, and you will likely encounter groundwater at this location. Review Summary of Work Section 01 11 00-5: 1.8 Work Restrictions (D) Existing Utilities.

28. Based on the bid schedule and shown on figures 7, 8, and 9, confirmation sampling includes 67 sidewall samples. However, in addition to sidewall sample requirements, Section 02 24 23 includes requirements to collect confirmatory samples from the 2’ interval immediately below the base of the excavation at a rate of 1 sample per 10’x10’ of excavation bottom (approximately 366 confirmatory samples from the base of the excavations). Please confirm if these 366 confirmation base samples are missing from the bid schedule.

a. The base of excavation confirmation samples are not included in the sample count of CLIN 3B; they are listed in CLIN 2B. Depending on the results of the pre-characterization samples (which will use the same grid spacing), the pre-characterization samples may be utilized for the total depth confirmation samples where the results are below the action levels. Additional samples will only need to be collected where the analytical results exceed the action levels and will be invoiced under CLIN 3B per the variation in estimated quantity stipulations.

Review CLIN 3 – Confirmation Soil Sampling Section 01 27 00-2: C. 4.

29. Specs section 02 24 23 describes "waste characterization confirmation sampling" of 10% of the volume of excavated soils at the point of generation in addition to the 366 waste characterization samples plus disposal facility required characterization samples to be collected in situ before mobilizing excavation equipment to the site. Please confirm if "waste characterization confirmation sampling" is required or if the NPS and disposal facility's acceptance of in situ waste characterization sampling will be sufficient to load soils for off-site transportation and disposal.

a. Waste characterization confirmation sampling is required per Section 02 24 23, “10 percent of the volume of excavated soils must be sampled at the point of generation and analyzed to characterize the contaminated soil as generated to confirm that the contaminant concentrations within the excavated contaminated soils are consistent with the pre-characterization sampling.”

30. Pre-characterization sampling requirements state that, "At a minimum, analytes will include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and total metals. Other analytes may be needed based on the requirements of the selected disposal facility(ies)." Please confirm that other analytes (not PAHs, PCBs, or total metals) required by the selected disposal facility only need to be analyzed at the frequency required by the disposal facility.

a. Correct – other analytes not listed in the specs will be governed by the disposal facilities’ requirements. Review Removal and Disposal of Contaminated Soils Section 02 61 29: 3.1.A.3.

31. Specs state that Areas 1 through 7 do not contain listed hazardous waste (Section 02 24 23; Part 1.3). However, waste characterization requirements in the specs are based on IDEM's Contained-In Determination for Live Loading Soils, a guidance document that is applicable to soil or groundwater characterized as RCRA hazardous waste (i.e., soil or groundwater that contains listed hazardous waste). If none of the areas contain hazardous waste and following this guidance is not necessary, and assuming waste characterization sampling required by the disposal facility will be performed in any case, will NPS consider eliminating the in situ and confirmatory point-of-generation waste characterization sampling requirements that are based on the Contained-In Determination for Live Loading Soils guidance (totaling over 400 field samples) for substantial cost savings?

a. No. All confirmation sampling (pre- and post-excavation) is for all contaminants of concern, not clean soil, to meet the Removal Action Objectives and Removal Goals at this location. Review Summary of Work Section 01 11 00: 1.1 (B).

32. It is noted that vegetation will be reestablished under a separate Contract. Will the separate contract include maintaining the erosion and sedimentation controls and eventual removal? If no, please provide the duration that the Contractor will be required to maintain these controls and an estimated timeline for removal.

a. The removal action contractor will be required to inspect and maintain erosion and sediment controls through the period of performance (POP) of the removal action contract, as required by the approved SWPPP. At the conclusion of the removal action POP, the erosion and sediment controls will remain in place and NPS or the revegetation contractor will take over inspections and maintenance.

33. It is noted that NPS will provide weed management details once a borrow source has been confirmed. Should Contractors assume that weed control measures will be required at the borrow area prior to transport to the Site(s) for backfill?

a. Yes. NPS prefers the Contractor use area within the goldenrod field that does not have invasive or noxious weeds so Contractor does not need to treat area prior to use.

34. The grading and restoration plan did not discuss the backfill source area, will that area require the same restoration as the excavation area?

a. Yes. The borrow site shall be contoured to match surrounding topographic area (vegetative restoration is not part of this contract).

35. Please confirm approved borrow source is immediately adjacent to Wozniak Road where contractors started the bid walk.

a. Yes.

36. Please clarify any limitations of depth of soil removed from borrow area.

a. NPS requires “shallow” excavation that will not exceed half of the “A horizon” so that suitable topsoil remains in the borrow area.

37. Based on drawing C-1, is the intent for the contractor to backfill excavation areas with ~50% of soils from the borrow source, and ~50% of soils from areas adjacent to the excavations?

a. No. All backfill material shall come from borrow source.

38. Is it required that water generated from excavation dewatering be stored and disposed off-site or would it be acceptable to discharge water generated from excavation dewatering to the ground surface at a location outside the immediate work area (not into surface waters or the bog)?

a. All water generated from excavation shall be removed for off-site disposal.

Review Removal and Disposal of Contaminated Soils Section 02 61 29 – read entire section.

39. Please confirm what level of data validation is required and what percent of samples require validation.

a. The NPS requires Level 2 laboratory analytical reporting and Stage 2A data validation for 100% of the samples. Analytical data shall be validated by a subcontracted validation firm (independent third party) selected by the contractor performing the Removal Action.

40. Has NPS recently contacted Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) regarding this project to provide an understanding of the removal action? If so, has a representative from INDOT visited the site or provided an evaluation of any type for potential entrances to DOT right of ways?

a. The NPS has coordinated access to former salt dome location for restoration activities at Excavation A. INDOT has not visited the site.

41. Will the NPS ask the owner to have the low cable at N County Road 700 W (access point to Excavation Areas B and C) be raised?

a. If this question is regarding the cable gate, the Contractor will be able to add a private lock and daisy chain for access. If this question is regarding overhead utilities cables, Contractor will need to coordinate with utility owner.

42. Please provide the EE/CA Report and Action Memorandum.

a. Access to the EE/CA Report and Action Memorandum will be provided during the solicitation; send email request to olivia_garcia@nps.gov.

43. Please provide the GIS shapefiles that were used to develop Figures 2 and 3 of the June 2025 NPS Removal Action Specifications (grid layouts, excavation boundaries, sample locations, etc.).

a. Access to the shape files will be provided during the solicitation; send an email to olivia_garcia@nps.gov to request permission.

44. Evaluation criteria includes relevant prior experience with, "Removal of leaking underground storage tank (UST) that included contaminated soil removal and disposal in accordance with a Corrective Action Plan." The scope of work does not include UST removal/remediation. Will NPS confirm that the contractor is not responsible for locating, removing, or addressing any underground water storage tanks (USTs) or buried infrastructure as part of the scope of work? Additionally, will NPS consider removing the requirement to demonstrate experience with leaking UST removal since it is not included in the actual scope of work?

a. Any work associated with underground storage tanks or buried infrastructure is outside the scope of this contract.

b. Offerors are not required to demonstrate this type of experience, but performing UST removal that included contaminated soil removal and disposal is deemed to be relevant experience for this acquisition.

45. Will NPS consider adding other previous experience areas, e.g. addressing contaminated waste, conducting ISM sampling, or managing waste removal that more tightly reflect the cleanup activities?

a. No new relevant prior experience areas of comparability are added.

46. Solicitation, Section L.4, PART II – Offer and Business Information (p. 35) includes a “Submitted separately” section for Form 10 Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQ), and states “To access optional Form 10, the offeror should email the link to the questionnaire to the customer references – people who were substantially involved with the project and are able to provide a complete, objective assessment of the Offeror’s performance – and ask the reference to use the same project name used in Forms 4 and 7.” Please clarify if PPQs are required or optional.

a. Review L.4, Part I, #12 for submittal of past performance evaluations.

47. If PPQs are required, please allow offerors to submit previously completed PPQs in lieu of requiring client references to complete additional PPQs.

a. Review L.4, Part I, #12 for submittal of past performance evaluations.

mailto:olivia_garcia@nps.gov

48. When would NPS release the project bonds, assuming that all project requirements have been met to the satisfaction of the NPS?

a. The payment bond must remain in effect for one year after final payment in accordance with FAR 28.203-3(a)(1). The performance bond may be cancelled after final acceptance of the work by the Contracting Officer.

49. Within Form 3 Additional Price Details, under CLIN 1, please add a line for developing and receiving an access agreement/right-of-way permit for access from INDOT, per Section 1.7.B of the Removal Action Specifications.

a. The contractor will not be required to pay any fees for access. The Contractor will submit necessary information to NPS (the landowner); NPS will apply to INDOT for issuance of access agreement/right of way permit. Review Permits and Notifications Section 01 31 00-10: B (1) and Section 01 50 00-4: 3.4 Traffic Safety.

50. Please extend the proposal due date by at least 2-weeks from the current due date, or 2 weeks after NPS has answered all bidder questions and provided requested documentation, whichever is longer.

a. This amendment does not change the solicitation closing date and we do not anticipate extending it in the future.

51. Based on our review of the specifications and information gathered during the site visit, we understand that the project’s complexity and scope may vary depending on conditions encountered. If bids received significantly exceed the government’s ROM estimate, does the NPS intend to seek additional funding, phase the work, or otherwise adjust the scope in order to proceed with award?

a. NPS’ strategy will depend on the proposals received.

52. It is noted that the Contractor shall implement the Clean Fill Protocol for Contaminated Sites for fill material from a borrow source, including sources on NPS property. What if the identified borrow source does not pass this protocol? Will the Contractor have the opportunity to resubmit pricing for a modification if the planned borrow source changes?

a. If the first borrow source doesn’t pass the protocol, repeating implementation of the protocol at additional source(s) will be considered additional work. The Contracting Officer and contractor will negotiate a price and formalize it in a contract modification.

53. To what extent will the NPS consider proposals that include alternative approaches or materials not specified in the RFP, if such deviations are clearly identified in the proposal and result in cost savings within the government’s ROM estimate?

a. FAR provision 52.215-1 Alternate II (Oct 1997) in the solicitation includes paragraph (c)(9): Offerors may submit proposals that depart from stated requirements. Such proposals shall clearly identify why the acceptance of the proposal would be advantageous to the Government. Any deviations from the terms and conditions of the solicitation, as well as the comparative advantage to the Government, shall be clearly identified and explicitly defined. The

Government reserves the right to amend the solicitation to allow all offerors an opportunity to submit revised proposals based on the revised requirements.

54. Please confirm that the quoted unit rate will apply to any quantity between 85% to 115% of the value in the bid sheet.

a. All unit priced items will be paid at the established rates if the quantity is between 85% and 115% of the estimated quantity in the price schedule. Review FAR clause 52.211-18 and RFP sections G.1 and H.7.

55. Will the contractor be required to pay tolls for each vehicle utilizing the toll road to access areas 1-4?

a. Yes. The Contractor will be responsible for all toll fees associated with this Removal Action.

56. Regarding Key Personnel requirements – can 20 years of experience be substituted for a Master’s Degree?

a. No.

57. As the Risk Assessments are complete and the ongoing risk assessor support is limited, are there other Key Personnel, such as the supplementally staff Archeologist and Waste Manager that should replace the Risk Assessor roles?

a. No.

58. Do the dump trucks need biological hydraulic fluid (Option B Line Item)?

a. No.

59. Please confirm the timeline to be allowed for NPS initial review of "Action Submittals".

There are conflicting references to 15 days and 30 days throughout the Removal Action Specifications.

a. The general requirement is to allow at least 30 days for NPS initial review of action submittals. If 15 days is specified for a particular deliverable or action, then that tighter deadline applies.

60. The lead result for Excavation B is 2,800 mg/kg. This level has a very good chance of failing the TCLP level of 5 mg/L and being considered hazardous waste. Has the NPS analyzed samples from Excavation B for TCLP Metals to ensure that none of the material is characteristically hazardous (especially lead)?

a. No, the NPS has not analyzed samples from Excavation B for TCLP Metals to ensure that none of the material is characteristically hazardous. See Table 2-1 of the 2018 Draft EECA Report for a complete list of results from the sampling and analysis conducted at this project. Table 2-1 is the first table found in the report, just past the body of the report.

61. Page 5 of Section 01 27 00, Item 2, on Page 30/157 in the PDF, references Option D.

a. The sentence is hereby deleted. If any waste is characterized as hazardous, the Contracting Officer will exercise Option C, Hazardous Soil Transportation and

Disposal, and it will be subject to the same requirements as the other unit-priced items.

62. Is a local stormwater permit required?

a. Yes. The Contractor is required to submit the NPS-concurred Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) to La Porte County Stormwater Division for their review and approval. Submit the SWPPP to NPS for first review, and after NPS concurrence, submit the plan and permit application to the county. The application fee shall be included in CLIN 1.

b. Attachment 1, Section 01 57 19, Temporary Environmental Controls, Part 1.3 A is modified to require the contractor to submit the county permit to NPS.

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