Questions_Part_2_0003.docx

Questions/Answers Part 2

1.- Please advise whether or not the materials for this project are subject to the American Iron and Steel (AIS) requirements or Buy America requirements. Yes.

2.- Please advise whether or not a Field Office is required for this Project or if it is at the Contractor’s option.

Contractor’s option.

3.- Drawings C6.0, C6.1, Note 5 states “Contractor to be familiar with Geotech Report and follow recommendations”. A Geotech Report is not included in the Solicitations documents. Please provide the Geotech Report for this project. Included in the Basis of Design Report that has been added.

4.-The water & sewer infrastructure industry is under a “Force Majeure” situation due to the continuous and significant price increases along with extremely long lead times for all the piping materials, fittings, valves, etc. All these products are experiencing rapid price increases and material shortages with extended lead times mainly caused by the worldwide disruption of the supply chains caused by the COVID 19 pandemic. The material suppliers are not committing to holding prices/quotations and have implemented a policy of “pricing to be determined at time of shipment and subject to availability”. These are unprecedented times that appear to be here well into 2022. How this Force Majeure situation will be addressed by the NPS? The Contractor should be compensated for both time and cost since we cannot secure pricing and lead time for the piping materials, fittings, valves, etc. needed to construct this project. Please advise. This will be dealt with on a Case-by-case basis. Please advise the Government in your proposals on any lead times and possible delays. We understand the current marketplace and are willing work with the Awardee in a reasonable way.

5.- The Scope of Work (“SOW”) document, Section 1.7 states that the NPS will provide the Contractor with a Permit List. Please provide the Permit List. Please confirm that the NPS will reimburse the Contractor for any required permit fees. The only permit required is the NPDES permit which is the Contractors responsibility.

6.- The Past Performance Questionnaire included in the Solicitation documents includes the following statement “Questionnaire is due to Chad Williams no later than 10:00 AM EST on 23 May 2022”. It appears that this date has not been updated. Please update the due date in the Questionnaire.

Date is a typo. That form can be used with your PPQ submittal.

7.- Please advise if the proposed fittings can be Ductile Iron Mechanical Joint (MJ) fittings with a stainless-steel stiffener to be used at the connection point with the proposed HDPE pipe. This would minimize the amount of HDPE pipe fusing “in the trench” which would be very challenging considering the water table level. This can be considered. Please provide as option in bid for cost comparison.

8.- Please advise if the green areas disturbed during the construction of the proposed water main can be restored using sod or seed & mulch. If sod is required, please confirm that bahia sod will be acceptable.

Green areas can be left to revegetate naturally.

9.- Please confirm that the trees and shrubs that are required to be remove for the construction of the proposed water main are not required to be replaced. Confirmed. Please see Section 2.6 of scope for NEPA requirements.

10.- The Scope of Work (“SOW”) document, Section 1.5 “Schedule” includes items such as “Planning Development Documents”, “Submit Complete Stamped and Signed Construction Documents”, etc. Please confirm that the Contractor is not responsible for any Planning Development documents, design engineering work and/or signed & sealed documents by a Professional Engineer. Contractor is responsible for all these items as part of this scope in accordance with NPS standards.

11.- The Scope of Work (“SOW”) document, Section 2.4 states that “Construction work shall not be permitted during the months of November through April”. Does this mean that the Notice to Proceed will be issued in May 2023? Please advise how the Contract Time will be adjusted due to this Time Restrictions.

This is specifically referring to the campground side of the project. If construction is required during this time period coordination with the concessioners and approval from the Contracting Officer will be required.

12.- The Scope of Work (“SOW”) document, Section 3.1.3 Preconstruction Meeting, states that the Contractor shall submit a “Historic Preservation Treatment Program”. Can you please elaborate on the requirements of this item? This refers specifically to the water fountains. Please see added specifications section.

13.- Please advise if the NPS will be able to shut down the existing water mains at the point of connection with the proposed water main in order to facilitate the connection or if line stops will be required for the connections to the existing water mains. Please advise. NPS will shut down system or connection.

14.- Please advise if the Bacteriological testing (sample collection and laboratory testing) will be performed by the NPS or the contractor shall engage the services of an independent testing laboratory? Please advise.

15.- Is there an Environmental Plan for clearing and grubbing? No.

16.- Is there a Geotech Study? If so, can it be provided? Included in the Basis of Design Report that has been added.

17.- Is there any contaminated soil? No.

18.- Can we use a black base as an alternative solution to the crossing repairs? No.

19.- Are there any Sidewalk and Driveway details? No, there are no sidewalks or driveways in the project.

20.- Can drawings be provided for Estations 52+00 to 59 + 00 and Est 65 + 00 to 69 + 50 as the drawings C6.6 and C6.7 skip these stations? See sheets C6.8 and 6.9

21.- Can a Drone be allowed to fly for construction use in this federal park? No.