CADES_COVECABLE_MILL_WATER_TANK_PROJECTS.docx

CADES COVE/CABLE MILL WATER TANK PROJECTS

QUESTIONS & RESPONSES

1. Cades cove campground drawings sheet 2, geotechnical note 2, requires installation of Tecco mesh (or approved alternate) on all slopes steeper than 2:1. Is this applicable to all areas or only those areas with visible rock as Tecco mesh is designed for rock stabilization? If this is applicable to all areas steeper than 2:1, does any type of erosion control matting need to be placed beneath the Tecco mesh?

RESPONSE: Tecco mesh will only be required if loose rock is encountered and presents a hazard to the new water tanks. All other areas at 2:1 or steeper shall be covered with North American Green SC-150 or equal.

2. Can coconut fiber erosion control mat be used in lieu of Tecco Mesh?

RESPONSE: Yes, where loose rock is not an issue as noted above.

3. When outages are required for performing tie ins to existing water system, do the tie ins need to be performed at night or off normal shift hours?

RESPONSE: Work needs to be done when the stores are closed. The operating hours for the Cades Cove and Cable Mill Stores are provided at the end of this RESPONSE. In addition, the Cades Cove Campground has quiet hours from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am, and generators (or similar loud equipment) are prohibited from 8:00 pm to 8:00 am. The Cable Mill area does not have any campgrounds associated with it, while Cades Cove campgrounds are open year round. Work would not necessarily have to be done at night, but could be done so at the contractor’s discretion and with approval from the Contracting Officer and the COR. Work can be done in the Cable Mill area at night; however, for the Cades Cove Campground area a reasonable time for the required water connection will need to be coordinated between the contractor and the COR, depending upon the time of year the connection is made. The contractor would be responsible for providing porta potties, is necessary, for any planned water outages for temporary use for the campers. The only critical users are the store vendors, so we would have to maintain their service during working hours.

4. What are the boundary limits of the project? It does not appear there is much room to stockpile brush, chips, top soil and excess cut soils RESPONSE: The boundary limits are the proposed fence limits; however, there are other areas that may be available as discussed in the site visit, such as the gravel storage area, and the open area south of the existing water tank at Cable Mill, and the area within the existing tank fence, once the first tank is removed. Areas will be field verified with the COR during construction.

5. Will the Park Service provide a convenient location off the site foot print to stockpile materials?

RESPONSE: Cable Mill has numerous areas as noted above. Cades Cove has less room available; however, the first water tank can be removed early in the project to create a lay-down area.

6. Summary of work, section 1.04.A states “proposed tank pad to be raised or lowered as necessary for the site to balance”. Our analysis of Cades Cove site reflects approximately an excess of 600 CY. Raising the tank pad to balance this site would create a steep entrance. Will NPS allow modifications to the size of the footprint as well as elevation changes to balance the site?

RESPONSE: The Site Grading Plan has been revised to balance the earthwork on-site. The revised plan is attached for your review.

7. The RFP states “Cost of videotaping and providing three (3) complete videotapes of the work area prior to beginning any construction shall be included in the bid price”. Are DVDs acceptable in lieu of video tapes?

RESPONSE: Yes

8. Piping measurement for payment is based on actual linear footage installed. Does this measurement include items cutoff pipe to facilitate connections (i.e. payment is for total piping delivered, less any leftover complete pipe that can be returned)?

RESPONSE: The contract is a Fix Priced contract so measurement of materials will not be necessary. Unit prices are requested for potential change orders.

9. The RFP requires installation of jersey barriers as directed by the COR for the length of the project. For estimating purposes, how many jersey barriers should bidders assume?

RESPONSE: Jersey barriers will not be required.

10. Due to the recent volatility of steel pricing, will NPS allow for payment of materials needed later in the project, that are purchased and staged but not installed (i.e. fence, pipe)?

RESPONSE: Yes, it is standard to pay for materials delivered to the job site. However, the contractor is responsible for any damage to materials prior to or during installation. This item is covered in Section 01600 Material and Equipment of the project specifications. A portion of the specification is provided at the end of this document.

11. How deep are the existing water tank concrete foundations being demolished RESPONSE: We do not have as-built plans on the foundations; however, it should be anticipated that they are 12 to 18 inches thick. No additional payment will be made for variations in the thickness.

12. There is minimal boring data. Are bidders responsible for rock encountered in areas where boring data has not been made available?

RESPONSE: Yes – refer to Section 2316 - Unclassified Excavation in the project specification book. A portion of the specification is shown at the end of this RESPONSE along with a definition of “unclassified excavation”.

13. What should bidders assume for the quantity of unsuitable materials that may need to be transported off site?

RESPONSE: That is the contractor’s decision.

14. Cades Cove drawing sheet C3, states “6 limestone aggregate, type A, grading C”. Is this referring to stone diameter, or depth of stone?

RESPONSE: 6” is the depth of the stone to be placed, Type A, Grading C refers to the size of the stone. That is a standard TDOT classification.

15. Will the Park Service allow night shift work during concrete placements to minimize traffic impacts and the risk of timing out concrete loads?

RESPONSE: Night shift work can be done at the Cable Mill site, but not at the Cades Cove site due to the required quiet hours as noted above.

16. Will NPS provide a space on site to dispose of unsuitable and excess soils?

RESPONSE: No

17. Is the existing tank at Cable Mill located on the historical road bed, and if so, what precautions do bidders need to take to protect the historical road?

RESPONSE: No, the existing water tank at Cable Mill is not located on a historical road bed.

18. At Cable Mill, for the existing 2 inch line having a valve installed, what material is the existing 2 inch pipe?

RESPONSE: It will have to be field verified

19. At Cable mill, for the 2 inch line getting a valve installed and also capped, what material is that pipe?

RESPONSE: It will have to be field verified

20. To assist with balancing the site, can excess materials be spread outside the site limits?

RESPONSE: No, excess materials cannot be spread outside the site. The site has been re-designed to minimize the potential for excess material.

21. Please provide any site specific lock out / tag out procedures if applicable RESPONSE: The contractor is responsible for all OSHA requirements as noted in Part 1910.147.

22. What is the size of the new parking area at Cable mill? It is not clear on the project plans.

RESPONSE: There is no new parking area at Cable Mill. There is the grading of the new tank site, and the existing site.

23. Cades Cove drawing sheet 4 of 7, rip rap swale notes to “see detail”. We cannot locate the detail. Please identify where this detail is shown on the project drawings RESPONSE: Refer to the ENDWALL DETAIL on Sheet 7.

24. Solicitation (SF1442) Section L 6.1 (b) and (c). Please clarify: should offeror supply an ORIGINAL SIGNED copy of SF1442 including all addendums, contract documents, exhibits, attachments, and solicitation provisions OR an electronic signed copy of SF1442 Cover Page with signed Representations and Certifications? If a hard copy is required, what is preferred method of packaging?

RESPONSE: Hard Copies are not required – Emailed copies are preferred

25. Are PPQs required for the Past Performance criteria?

RESPONSE: Yes

26. If customer contact information is provided with Past Performance project descriptions, will that information be required again in the Customer Reference section of Contract Documentation Volume?

RESPONSE: No

27. What is the bridge capacity on the loop road?

RESPONSE: The capacity varies for the number of axles of the vehicle. The Structure Load Rating for the bridge is attached along with an illustration for a loaded concrete truck. Based upon the number of axles, a concrete truck is a Type 3 vehicle with a load rating of 77 tons maximum load (for occasional use only). A concrete truck loaded with 10 cy of concrete would weigh approximately 66 tons. For planning purposes, concrete trucks for this project shall comply with all weight restrictions.

28. During Wednesdays, when the loop road is not open to vehicles until 10am, will NPS allow subcontractor access to the road for materials and equipment delivery to sites?

RESPONSE: The Park will open the Loop Road gate early for the contractor, so he/she can enter before anyone else. No vehicles will be allowed on the Loop Road once the bikes have entered.

29. Will NPS allow any other uninhibited access to the loop road? Perhaps by appointment for delivery of equipment and materials as needed?

RESPONSE: See RESPONSE to 28. Any request will require CO/COR approval. Requests shall be made in advance (4 business days minimum).

30. At Cades Cove, can the first tank be removed to make room for lay down area?

RESPONSE: Yes, this was discussed at the site visit.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS RECEIVED:

1. Is it possible to work 7 days per week for a brief period of time (2-4 weeks)?

RESPONSE: Working 7 days a week may be allowed at the discretion of the CO/COR depending upon the time of year. It would not be allowed in October due to the high volume of tourist traffic, but it may be allowed in non-peak months.

2. The bid sheet for the Cable Mill Project had an error in the tank sizes. The water tank size is 20,000 gallons +/-.

Cades Cove Campground Plans

Overflow Elevation:

Sheet C3: Overflow Elevation does not match what is shown on Sheet C6 for either bolted or welded tank. Which overflow elevation is correct for the Overflow Elevation of the Bolted & Welded Tank?

Sheet C3: Bolted Tank, Overflow Elevation: 2054.11’ REVISED: 2056.00 Welded Tank: Overflow Elevation: 2055.22 REVISED: 2057.00

Sheet C6: Bolted Tank, Overflow Elevation: 2055.22’ REVISED: 2056.00 Welded Tank, Overflow Elevation: 2058.37’ REVISED: 2057.00

RESPONSE:

THE GRADING PLANS HAVE BEEN REVISED TO ACHIEVE AN EARTHWORK BALANCE. REVISED PLANS WILL BE ISSUED AT AWARD.

Roof Type Sheet C5: Roof type is shown as knuckle. This is not the type of roof used on an epoxy coated tank or what was provided previously.

RESPONSE:

THE TANK PLANS ARE “PROTOTYPICAL” AND A KNUCKLE ROOF IS NOT REQUIRED, ALTHOUGH IT IS ACCEPTABLE.

Pipe Details Sheet C6: Notates on Pipe Plan View Layout to calculate the height of siphon to reserve the amount of water. Below that on the Pipe Elevation Layout is this elevation correct?

RESPONSE:

THERE IS NOT AN ELEVATION, BUT RATHER A DISTANCE FROM THE FLOOR PROVIDED AND IT IS CORRECT.

What is the required invert elevation of the influent, effluent and drain pipes?

RESPONSE:

ALL WATER PIPES SHALL HAVE 4.0 FEET OF COVER

Confirm the overflow vertical pipe is on the exterior of the tank.

RESPONSE:

YES, THE OVERFLOW PIPE IS ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE TANK.

Level Switch Detail Sheet C-5: The level switch detail is not what done on the Sugarlands tanks. SET installed the chain but It was not used. Clarify what type of level control system will be used and what we are to provide.

RESPONSE:

A “LONG RANGE LEGACY SYSTEM BY REMOTE CONTROL TECHNOLOGY (425-216-7555) IS TO BE PROVIDED.

Tank Specification Review – Section 04010 / Both Cades Cove and Cable Mill Sites 1.02– Guarantee: 5 Year Warranty Required (Not available on epoxy tanks, only glass)

RESPONSE:

A 5-YEAR WARRANTY IS REQUIRED.

1.05- Tank Accessories A. All pipe to be Class 350 Ductile Iron. Are megalugs required for all non-flanged connections?

RESPONSE:

MEGALUGS SHALL BE USED AT ALL FITTINGS, SUCH AS BENDS, TEES, VALVES ETC. LONG STRAIGHT RUNS OF PIPE DO NOT NEED MEGALUGS.

B. Half travel level indicator required.

RESPONSE: NONE

C. Step off platform mid-way up ladder. This is not required by OSHA until 50-FT. Clarify is this requirement applies

RESPONSE:

A STEP-OFF PLATFORM IS NOT REQUIRED.

D. No comment.

E. Which standard is being used for Seismic Zone Design? Seismic Zone 2 would imply an older standard of AWWA D103 is being used. Current AWWA D103 is based on IBC 2006 which is based zip code, not zone.

RESPONSE:

PER THE GEOTECHNICAL REPORT, AND IBC 2012, THE SEISMIC CLASS IS CLASS D.

1.7 – Material Specifications A.1 Minimum 12 gauge steel.

F.5.e: Chateau Brown – Sherwin Williams SW7510 Exterior Color

1.8 C - Erection

C.3. – Tank is scaffold built not jack built.

1.08 D – Roof

This specification is for a dome roof for tanks larger than 31-FT diameter. There is no specification for roofs of other types.

1.8 E - Appurtenances

1.9 – There is a gap in numbering. There is no Section 1.09

1.10 Instrumentation

There are two methods of allowable instrumentation. Which method will be used?

RESPONSE:

THE LONG RANGE LEGACY SYSTEM NOTED ABOVE IS TO BE USED.

1.12 – Foundation

Foundation is to be designed for 2500 psf soils. We must submit designs for the foundation with the bid along with quantity of concrete and rebar required. Does this requirement apply since geotechnical reports are available for both sites?

RESPONSE: THE GEOTECHNICAL REPORT PROVIDES THE INFORMATION NECESSARY TO DESIGN THE FOUNDATION. THE FOUNDATION DESIGN CAN BE PROVIDED FOLLOWING AWARD.

Specifications – Questions & Observations

1. Are night or very early morning concrete pours allowed due to heavy seasonal traffic in and out of Cades Cove? Specification Section 0100, 1.03, A. states work with equipment is allowed only between the hours of 8am and 5pm.

RESPONSE: EARLY MORNING OR NIGHT POURS WILL BE ALLOWED WITH 48 HOURS PRIOR NOTIFICATION, AND UPON AGREEMENT OF DATES BY PARK REPRESENTATIVES.

2. Specification Section 0100, 1.04, A. states all work performed on site will be videotaped. Who is going to video tape all work activities?

RESPONSE:

ONLY THE EXISTING CONDITIONS ARE TO BE VIDEOTAPED BY THE CONTRACTOR PRIOR TO COMMENCEMENT OF WORK.

3. Specification Section 01270, 2.02, B. Schedule A Bid Option 1, 13. Water Storage Tank Interior Upgraded Lining.

Base Bid: Epoxy Coated Tank Bid Form Additive/Option 1: Glass Fused to Steel Bid Form Additive/Option 2: Stainless Steel

4. Section 02322 – Water Storage Tank Lining: Does this specification apply? Specific tank coating is quoted in Section 04010. Is this the Upgraded Interior Tank Lining?

RESPONSE:

NO, THE INTERIOR LINING OPTION IS NO LONGER AN OPTION.

5. Is NPS providing a wash out spot for concrete trucks and pump trucks?

RESPONSE:

THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE AN APPROPRIATE CONCRETE WASHOUT AREA IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION REQUIREMENTS. IT SHALL BE LOCATED ON-SITE.

6. Laydown area for materials on NPS property?

RESPONSE:

THE LAYDOWN AREA MAY BE ON NPS PROPERTY. THE LOCATION SHALL BE FIELD DETERMINED.

7. Plans (Sheet C1) state “all” equipment shall be cleaned power-washed prior to entering the park. Does this pertain to motorized vehicles?

RESPONSE: NO

8. Do we have to clean the NPS roads of mud that we track on the road?

RESPONSE: YES

9. Will pipe be required to have 4’ of cover?

RESPONSE: YES

10. Are Megalugs required instead of Regular MJ Accessory Kits for DI Pipe?

RESPONSE: YES

11. Plans (Sheet C5) show a safety climb from North Safety Climb. Can we use Frenchcreek Productions?

RESPONSE:

YES, ANY “OR EQUAL” PRODUCT IS ALLOWED.

12. Does the existing tank have float controls? Does the NPS wanted to move the existing float controls they have instead of installing a new float control.

RESPONSE:

THE EXISTING TANKS HAVE FLOAT CONTROLS WHICH SHALL BE REMOVED AND PROVIDED THE PARK. NEW FLOAT CONTROLS AS NOTED PREVIOUSLY SHALL BE INSTALLED NEW.

13. Does NPS want the concrete floors coated? If so, with what product?

RESPONSE: NO

Cable Mill Site All specification clarification and questions relate to both Cades Cove and Cable Mill Sites.

Level Switch Detail Sheet C-5: The level switch detail is not what done on the Sugarlands tanks. SET installed the chain but It was not used. Clarify what type of level control system will be used and what we are to provide.

RESPONSE: REFER TO PREVIOUS RESPONSE.

Piping Sheet C6: Notates on Pipe Plan View Layout to calculate the height of siphon to reserve the amount of water. Below that on the Pipe Elevation Layout is this elevation correct?

RESPONSE:

REFER TO PREVIOUS RESPONSE.

What is the required invert elevation of influent, effluent and drain pipes?

RESPONSE: ALL WATER PIPE SHALL HAVE 4 FEET OF COVER.

Confirm the overflow vertical pipe is on the exterior of the tank.

RESPONSE: YES

Section 01600 Material and Equipment image4.PNG image5.PNG image1.PNG image2.emf image3.PNG