Questions_Amendment_3_0003.pdf

Questions Amendment 3

140P5326R0008

GRSM Recreation building demolition project, Mt. LeConte Lodge Area

1. Question: Is there an estimated contract value or budget for this project?

a. Response: We do not intend to post a budget value for this project.

2. Question: Are we going to be allowed to fully close the Newfound Gap Parking or any other facility during exfil of the demo to use as a landing zone, Helo Fueling station, Laydown etc.?

a. Response: As noted in the SOW and Specifications, the intent is to allow the

Luftee Overlook to be fully closed with appropriate measures and MOT in place for mobilization and demobilization operations. Outside of those operations, the parking area must be reopened. Parking areas at the trailhead will not be allowed to fully be closed and areas at the worksite will be limited as the lodge will be operational.

3. Question: Will the recreation building be cleaned out of all furniture etc.?

a. Response: Yes, the lodge has removed all furniture from the building. See photos in SOW from November 2025.

4. Question: Will the Bunk housing be cleaned out for our employees to use?

a. Response: Bunk house will be prepared and ready for contractor use when needed.

5. Question: Will the gas be turned off by contractor or owner?

a. Response: Contractor will responsible for shutting the gas feed with coordination with LeConte Lodge.

6. Question: What is the expectation for the salvaged foundation, all rocks free of mortar, or can we just bust the wall up enough to move to the lay down area?

a. Response: It is not expected that all rock will be free of mortar. It is acceptable to demo the rock foundation to manageable sized sections for transport stockpile location. If there are any loose section or pieces of mortar, those should be removed to combine with the debris that will be removed at the end of the project.

7. Question: Are we responsible for covering the salvaged materials during the project and or after?

a. Response: Since the development of this SOW, storage containers will be available from the LeConte Lodge for the weather sensitive salvaged material.

The door hardware shall be delivered directly to the concessioner prior to the start of demolition. No dunnage or tarps will be needed for the savaged stone foundation.

8. Question: Will the lodge be completely resupplied by the owner?

a. Response: It is unclear what “lodge” is being referred to as well as what is meant by resupplied. If what is being referenced is the NPS Bunkhouse referred to in

Section 16 of the SOW, then the answer is no. The Contractor is responsible for supplying all the necessary essentials to utilize the bunk house. What NPS is offering is the shelter as detailed in the SOW. Note that the Contractor will be required to refill the 500-gallon propane tank if the bunk house is used.

9. Question: Would you be willing to share you helicopter company that you use for resupply?

a. Response: During development of this scope both CHI Aviation and Aircrane were contacted regarding the requirements for this project.

10. Question: Would we allowed a special use permit to use dirt bikes to Mobilize employees on existing trails

a. Response: As noted in the SOW in section 2, 3, 6, 8, and Access Map, the actual work site is only accessible by foot or airlift. Any use of vehicle or equipment to reach the site is not allowed and is not feasible. The use of pack animals may be considered but only via Brushy Mountain Trail (via Greenbrier) to Trillium Gap

Trail to LeConte. Backcountry permits are required for overnight stay in the backcountry with livestock and pack animals. Permit applications are available online through the GRSM Backcountry Office Permit webpage. Permit holders must adhere to the applicable regulations listed on the GRSM Backcountry Office webpage and in the GRSM Superintendent’s Compendium. The regulations in the

Compendium include Coggins testing, trails designated for pack animal use, party size limits, manure management, feed requirements, as well as loading and trailer parking procedures. No permits are required for day use with stock and pack animals. Brushy Mountain Trail (via Greenbrier) to Trillium Gap Trail to LeConte is the recommended route for taking pack animals to Le Conte. Greenbrier has suitable parking, trailer access, and loading areas for stock. Greenbrier typically has lower visitation than other areas of the Park. The LeConte Lodge concessioner also uses this route to transport their supplies with llamas up to 4 times a week during their operating season. It is highly encouraged to coordinate stock use on this route with LeConte's llama transport schedule to avoid conflicts with crossing pack animals in the narrow trail corridor. The concessioner’s llama transport schedule is available upon request. Water is available at LeConte Lodge, but no troughs, barn, or corral area. Permit holders are responsible for containing stock and compliance with GRSM regulations. We would need to coordinate with the concessioner where stock would need to be staged in the lodge area.

11. Question: Who is the point of contact for the LeConte Lodge concessioner and their contact information in case we would like to inquire about services they could provide such as developing and executing aviation plans, material handling and excavating equipment usage, room and board, etc?

a. Response: All questions regarding the requirements in this SOW need to be directed to Contracting Officer during pre-award. If the Contractor wants to reach out to LeConte Lodge regarding items such as room and board, they can do so on their own accord with contact information that is available online.

12. Question: If we timed and combined the Demolition Demobilization with the concessioner's Construction Mobilization and the date 2-4 weeks later than August 1st, would that be acceptable if agreed upon upfront?

• Response: Given this is a Government Contract there must be a clear separation between the work associated with the Contract Required SOW and anything else the concessioner may have planned. If timing allows and the LeConte Lodge has no objections to a completion date past August 1st, the Park may consider adjustments to this date. However, this would not alleviate the requirement to complete all work within 4 weeks once work begins and more importantly, the

Contractor cannot mix contract work with the concessions work separate from the demolition.

13. Question: The general manager of LeConte Lodge would like the language around

"cutting and capping the LP line to 5' out". This would impact the line's current regulator, and he thinks that should be avoided. The foundation should be able to be dismantled by working around it. An effective alternative would be close the valve and disconnect the copper from the regulator.

a. Response: The gas line feeding the building must be cut in order to perform the work. There is no work around. The Contractor will coordinate with LeConte

Lodge to shut service off at the nearest valve and then cut and cap the line as indicated in the SOW.

14. Question: Is the airlift SUP required pre- or post-award? If the latter, what is the typical processing timeline for a SUP like this, and will applications be streamlined?

a. Response: SUP will be required post award. As far as timing, this process can take a couple weeks but will be expedited for this project.

15. Question: Is the contractor responsible for sheltering stockpiled material for the duration of the job?

a. Response: Since the development of this SOW, storage containers will be available from LeConte Lodge for the weather sensitive salvaged material. The door hardware shall be delivered directly to the concessioner prior to the start of demolition. No dunnage or tarps will be needed for the savaged stone foundation.

16. Question: Must disposal material be removed continually throughout the job, or is it permissible to do a final cleanup at the end, so long as there is adequate operating room?

a. Response: Aside from food debris that must be removed daily or placed in bear proof containers, it is assumed that disposal material will be removed towards then of the project with a second airlift. It will be the contractor’s responsibility to maintain safe working space and work within the designated areas throughout the period of performance.

17. Question: Are there any pre-approved or designated approved airlift staging locations by

NPS? Has NPS pre-designated or pre-approved any specific staging or landing zones for contractor helicopter operations, or is the contractor responsible for identifying and obtaining approval for those locations as part of the SUP process?

a. Response: As shown in the access map in the SOW, the Luftee overlook located on 441 has been established staging area for the air lift operations. Regarding the airlift staging area on at the LeConte lodge, that will need to be coordinated during the SUP process with lodge given their ongoing operations. There are two open areas located to the north and east lodge complex and can be seen in the access map, include the area immediate to the building. Note that the Contractor is welcome reach out to LeConte during this process to get additional details.

18. Question: The NPS RM-50B Chapter 21 requires disclosure of all known and reasonably suspected hazards (e.g., asbestos, lead) in the scope of work. Has a pre-demolition hazardous materials survey been conducted for this structure? If so, will the results be made available to offerors prior to proposal submission, and will abatement of any identified hazardous materials be included within or excluded from this scope of work?

a. Response: Given the known construction method and materials of the building and work done since its construction, it is presumed that no known hazardous material (e.g., asbestos, lead) is expected to be encountered during demolition.

19. Question: Propane Procurement & Delivery: The SOW requires filling a 500-gallon propane tank in exchange for the use of the maintenance shack. Since the site is air-access only, we assume this must be coordinated via helicopter. Does the Park Service have a preferred fuel contractor for these aerial drops, or should we plan to coordinate this through our own aviation provider?

a. Response: AmeriGas has been used in the past; however, that was do to them being the primary supplier in the area.

20. Question: Motorized Equipment on Site: The SOW mentions mobilization via airlift but does not specify restrictions on the type of equipment used once on-site. Does the NPS allow for small-footprint motorized equipment (such as a micro-skid steer) for the salvage and stone stockpiling, or does the project scope assume a manual demolition and rigging approach only?

a. Response: GRMS has no objections to small footprint motorized equipment or other pieces of mechanized equipment that the contractor will need to accomplish the work in a safe manner given the park resources and public in the vicinity.

However, the selection of equipment will be limited by the designated workspace and what can reasonably be airlifted. Terrain and some work restrictions listed in

Section 01 10 00, paragraph 1.4, will be a factor as well.

21. Question: Is it possible to use subcontractor’s experience to meet the requirement for airlift experience?

a. Response: Yes, you can use subcontractor’s experience.

22. Question: Is it the intention of the NPS to remove all natural wood timbers, shingles, siding, etc. from the park property via airlift?

a. Response: Yes

23. Question: Can untreated/unfinished natural wood items be reduced in size and incinerated onsite?

a. Response: Materials will not be allowed to be incinerated anywhere within the

Park. However, all material that is not called to be salvaged, can be reduced in size for removal and disposal at the Contractor’s discretion.

24. Question: Is it the intention of the NPS to remove all mortar, chinking, concrete, CMU’s and unretained foundation stone from the park property via airlift?

a. Response: Yes to all the listed items EXCEPT for the unretained foundation stone.

All stone shall remain on site for future reuse.

25. Question: Will all furniture, wall hangings, appliances, boxes, shelving, cabinetry, and other debris from inside of the building be removed by the NPS before demolition activities begin?

a. Response: Yes, the lodge has removed all furniture and other items from the building. See photos in SOW from November 2025.

26. Question: Provide a list of materials that will be left in the building that will require removal and disposal.

a. Response: All items remaining in building need to be disposed of as indicated in

SOW.

27. Question: What type of wood are the floors that are to be saved?

a. Response: The flooring is not part of the tongue and groove boards called out for salvaging. The tongue and groove is located on the office walls, ceilings and lower-level bathroom as can be seen in the photos included in the SOW.

28. Question: What type of nails or fasteners were used to install the floors?

a. Response: Fasteners are unknown but flooring is not to be salvaged.

29. Question: Is there a subfloor, and if so, of what material is the subflooring composed?

a. Response: The subfloor just appears to be additional timber planks running perpendicular to the hardwood flooring.

30. Question: Can NPS provide reasoning for the belief that the wood flooring can be removed in a manner that would preserve the flooring in a reusable condition?

a. Response: Flooring in not called out to be salvaged.

31. Question: Does the flooring to be saved need to be cleaned, stacked, palletized, wrapped or in any other way prepared or protected for storage?

a. Response: Flooring is not called out to be salvaged.

32. Question: Does the foundation stone that is to be saved need to be cleaned, stacked, palletized, wrapped, or in any other way prepared or protected for storage?

a. Response: It is not expected that all rock will be cleaned free of mortar. It is acceptable to demo the rock foundation to manageable sized sections for transport stockpile location. If there are any loose section or pieces of mortar, those should be removed to combine with the debris that will be removed at the end of the project. Salvaged rock shall be stockpiled in a clean, orderly manner that will be stable and safe.

33. Question: Do any of the other materials that are to be saved need to be cleaned, stacked, palletized, wrapped, or in any other way prepared or protected for storage?

a. Response: No

34. Question: Is the building insulated?

a. Response: Given the construction and information known, insulation should not be present.

35. Question: What type of insulation is present?

a. Response: N/A

36. Question: Has an environmental inspection been performed of the building?

a. Response: No environmental inspection was or will be required. Given the known construction method and materials of the building and work done since its construction, it is presumed that no know hazardous material (e.g., asbestos, lead) is expected to be encountered during demolition.

b. If not, will an environmental inspection be required before demolition begins?

Response: No.

37. Question: Are there work restrictions on weekend days?

a. Response: As noted in the specifications, On-site work hours will vary depending on LeConte Lodge operations schedule.

b. While LeConte Lodge is closed, the Contractor shall limit work to daylight hours, defined as 30 minutes after sunrise to 30 minutes prior to sunset, unless otherwise indicated. The Contractor may also work weekends during these hours, if necessary, upon coordination with the COR.

c. While LeConte Lodge is in operation, work hours are limited to 8:30 AM to 5:00

PM. No chainsaw use or noise-intensive work shall be permitted prior to 9:30

AM. The Contractor shall schedule loud construction activity between 9:30 AM and 12:30 PM while guests are vacating the Lodge

38. Question: Are there designated airlift and drop helipad locations within the park or do air lift and drop locations need to be located outside of the park?

a. Response: As shown in the access map in the SOW, the Luftee overlook located on 441 has been established staging area for air lift operations. Regarding the airlift staging area at the LeConte lodge, that will need to be coordinated during the SUP process with lodge given their ongoing operations. There are two open areas located to the north and east lodge complex and can be seen in the access map, including the area immediate to the building. Note that the Contractor is welcome reach out to LeConte during this process to get additional details.

39. Question: Is the Alum Cave Trailhead parking area only to be used for hiking or packing in or out via the trail?

a. Response: Yes, as noted in the SOW, no equipment or material storage will be allowed there, and limit MOT operations will be allowed for loading and unloading activities. See section 15. Employee Parking in the SOW for available parking at Alum Cave Trailhead.

40. Question: Is the basement of the building full height throughout?

a. Response: No, the building tapers down from front to back. Roughly 8’ in the front to roughly 3’ in the rear of the building.

41. Question: Is the basement floor of the building concrete throughout?

a. Response: No, the concrete is located at the front half of the basement.

42. Question: Can NPS provide the thickness of the floor?

a. Response: Depth of concrete is unknown but is severely deteriorated and cracked, and assumed to be approximately 4” in depth.

43. Question: Can NPS provide an estimate of the height of the basement/foundation walls that will need to be removed?

a. Response: Basement height is approximately 8’ in the front to 4’ in the rear.

44. Question: Can NPS provide the depth of the concrete post footers?

a. Response: Dimensions are unknown. Assume 2’ depth.

45. Question: What is the composition of the interior basement walls?

a. Response: Basement foundation walls are constructed of stone, mortar, and CMU block.

46. Question: Will the removal of the building create a surface void that will need to be filled and graded to match the surrounding area? a. If so, what materials will be used to fill this void?

a. Response: Refer to SOW Section 3 for Final Site Conditions and specification

015720. There is no expectation to bring in additional fill but instead to use material available onsite.

47. Question: Does the government object to us attending the site visit via helicopter and landing on site?

a. No, Helicopter use requires a special use permit, and it won’t be granted for the site visit.