Sol_140P5425Q0011_Amend__003_Attach__0004-Q___A_0003.pdf

Sol 140P5425Q0011- Questions and Answers

1. Do we need to clear the full 15’ radius or just enough to access the pipe? Additionally, does this clearing include trees?

a. See SOW Section 3.6. Clear only as required to accomplish work and maintain the function of the culvert. Note that no trees over 3 inches in DBH may be removed unless approved by the Park.

2. Are we permitted to dump on a tarp or filter fabric to strain water for waste?

a. See SOW Sections 3.2 and 3.9. All sediment, vegetation, and debris removed shall be placed in an appropriate disposal container and not collected in piles on National Park Service property.

3. What is the accepted process for stopping water flow to the pipes? I am concerned that burming-off areas may disturb the mud line.

a. No installation of berms in the wetlands is permitted. The project description indicates activities will only occur during dry down when flow would be absent or minimal. Actions that would push debris into the water would require Sec 401 Water Quality certification and may require Sec 404 permitting for adding fill to a wetland.

4. For the TV inspections, are laser profiling and joint measurement required?

a. See SOW Sections 3.4-5.

5. Are there any specific locations or culverts within the Pine Island District that require special handling due to environmental or structural concerns?

a. No.

6. Is there an existing record of past inspections, repairs, or known issues for these culverts that we can review?

a. No inspections or repairs have been made since installation.

7. For the video inspection, what format and resolution are required? Is a live stream option needed, or just recorded footage?

a. Any standard video format will work. Resolution should be sufficient to identify undermining, joint failures, and structural integrity deficiencies.

8. Should joint measurements and crack analysis include depth, width, and length, or just visual observations?

a. Inspections shall be conducted to meet ASSHTO/DOT standards.

9. Will invert elevation and as-built profiles need to be documented for all culverts, or only those with visible structural issues?

a. Documentation is required for all culverts.

10. Are there specific camera specifications or preferred brands/models required for the inspections?

a. No.

11. What are the approved disposal sites for removed sediment and debris? Do you require dump receipts for off-site removal of debris removed?

a. Any legal disposal site is approved. Dump receipts are not required.

12. Can debris be temporarily stored in a designated area within the park before removal, or must it be hauled off daily? Or can we keep it in a roll-off that’s covered to prevent wildlife intrusion?

a. Containers storing debris can be left in the staging areas overnight but must be hauled off before every weekend. Roll-offs staged in approved areas are preferred.

All debris must be covered.

13. Will we be responsible for testing the removed material for contaminants before disposal?

a. No contamination is expected. However, if contamination is identified in the material such as oily sheens, or odors of petroleum products contact the COR for further guidance.

14. Are there specific times of the year when work is restricted due to migratory birds or other protected species?

a. There are no timeline restrictions for work in this area; however, note that the dry down season is typically Mar-Jun.

15. If threatened or endangered wildlife is encountered, what is the expected response time from NPS Biological Resources?

a. See SOW Sections 3.7 and 3.8. The biological monitor on site for this project will inspect the culverts for wildlife before staging for activities that day. If a listed species is present, work may not proceed in that area until the animal has vacated of its own volition, as determined by the monitor. The monitor (and only the monitor) may encourage non-listed wildlife to vacate the work area as needed in a manner that does not harm or injure the wildlife. The monitor will collect information on these interactions for submission to the Natural Resources Branch.

If injured or deceased wildlife is encountered, follow the procedures provided by the Park for notification of appropriate persons.

16. Is a Biological Monitor required for the entire project duration, or only when working in certain areas?

a. Each site will require inspection for wildlife before stating actions in that area and may proceed only when the monitor has determined the animal has vacated.

Work may proceed at a different culvert in the meantime.

17. Are there any weight restrictions on the roads leading to the culvert locations that may limit equipment size?

18. Can work be performed on weekends or after hours with prior approval?

a. Work must occur during daylight hours. Weekend and holiday work may be requested in writing to the COR.

19. What is the maximum number of staging areas that will be assigned at a time?

a. See Section 3.10. The contractor will be given no more than two staging areas at a time.

20. What is the penalty for delays due to unforeseen circumstances, such as weather or unexpected wildlife encounters?

a. There is no penalty for documented delays due to unforeseen circumstances.

21. Is there a required format for the cost breakdown, or can we submit our standard pricing structure?

a. Cost breakdown shall be of sufficient detail to allow for the preparation of the project for the repair of the culverts.

22. Should we include contingency pricing for unforeseen repairs, or will additional work require a separate contract modification?

a. No, any additional unforeseen work will require a separate contract modification after both parties agree to the terms.

23. Are there performance penalties if the work is not completed within 150 days?

a. Refer to Question 20. Offerors must specify in their proposal the period of performance they can meet with if they are unable to comply with the period of performance established in the solicitation.

24. Are there specific OSHA or NPS safety training requirements for workers before starting the project?

a. No, however, the contractor shall comply with pertinent provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), and state, and local safety laws.

25. Are there any previous contractor performance issues that we should be aware of to ensure compliance with NPS expectations?

a. No.

26. Will our team need NPS-issued badges or vehicle passes, or will daily sign-in procedures suffice?

a. No.

27. What type of specifications or documentation must the biologist produce? To ensure his degree/title is compliant with the scope of work?

a. A resume that illustrates experience working with listed species conducting surveys and/or data collection. Preferred experience specifically includes work with reptiles including snakes and alligators. Experience in identifying plant species is also desirable.

28. Additionally, will you be able to provide the Biological Monitor or will PCI need to locate our own?

a. Biological monitor must be provided by the Contractor. The park will not supply the monitor.

29. Removal of all sediment, vegetation, and debris that could clog the system to inhibit water flow. All lengths and diameters listed in Appendix A shall be verified and confirmed during the performance of this work.

a. Correct.

30. All sediment, vegetation, and debris removed shall be placed in an appropriate disposal container and not collected in piles on the National Park Service property. Containers shall be covered when not in use and always overnight. Debris piles create an unnatural attractant for wildlife such as snakes that can be dangerous to personnel. All sediment, vegetation, and debris shall be disposed of offsite. Regarding disposal, if we can locate a private property to accept the material will that be acceptable?

a. Yes.

31. What are the requirements for waste manifests?

a. See Question 11.

32. All culverts shall be cleaned via the jetting method. The jetting nozzle shall be primarily comprised of rear nozzles to minimize the potential for harming or injuring wildlife. The nozzle shall be approved for use by the COR before mobilizing to the job site via submittal review. Many of the pipes are currently 30% or more underwater. Beyond the use of turbidity barriers. Will there be any restrictions to the jetting?

a. No, however due note that Section 401 permitting will be required.

33. The Jetting of these pipes will consume a large volume of water. Will the use of water pumps to collect local water be allowed for the use of jetting?

a. Yes.

34. Sediment and debris from the culverts will be collected via a vacuum truck. The truck will eventually fill with water and need to be decanted. Has there been any discussion regarding decanting, such as the use of temporary drain-fields using hay bales and filter cloth, silt boxes, etc.?

a. See Question 2.

35. Once cleaning is complete, each culvert shall be inspected via camera along its entire length and current condition shall be documented in an inspection report. At a minimum, inspection shall identify undermining, joint failure, and structural integrity deficiencies. Are specific Video inspection specs available? For instance, a full inspection of every pipe joint. Joint Gap Measurement (may not be possible for pipes underwater) etc.

a. Inspections shall be conducted to meet ASSHTO/DOT standards.

36. The inspection report shall include photos, quantity takeoff, and cost estimate for repair & mitigation work. It shall also include invert elevations and as-built profiles for each culvert structure. A separate tabular file that consolidates the physical attributes of all culverts into a single document shall be provided in addition to the as-built documentation. Access to both ends of each culvert shall be cleared of all vegetation and debris to the mudline by a maximum of 15 semi-circles outside the culvert openings to allow unobstructed personnel access following the cleaning. The existing mudline elevation SHALL NOT be disturbed. For clarification. Is there a minimum radius of vegetation to be cleared around each culvert opening?

Other than Cypress Trees and Mangroves, are there any other types of vegetation that cannot be harmed?

a. See answer to question #1 Additionally, the biological monitor on site should look for presence of endangered plant species that should be avoided during clearing.

37. All culverts shall be inspected for the presence of wildlife before starting any cleaning, clearing, inspection, or survey activity. Wildlife presence surveys shall be conducted by a qualified Biological Monitor before the start of any activity at EVERY culvert. If work stops or the culvert is left unattended for any period, the Biological Monitor shall resurvey the location before restarting any work activity. If any wildlife is encountered during the performance of this scope of work, the Biological Monitor shall be allowed to encourage non-threatened or endangered (T&E) species from the pipe culverts. If any T&E species are present, the monitor must contact NPS Biological Resources for permission, assistance, or guidance before disturbing the animal in any way. In most cases, it will be recommended that the contractor move on to a different culvert, to allow sufficient time for NPS to assess & respond to the contractor’s T&E species removal request. If any wildlife is disturbed or encouraged to leave a culvert in the performance of this contract, the Biological Monitor shall document each encounter via a log sheet and submit the results weekly. All spoil material will be required to be stored in a covered dumpster and hauled off-site each day. Dump trucks will be removed each night. References containers onsite overnight. Must all containers containing Spoils be removed at the end of each day? Are there different guidelines regarding culvert spoils and vegetation? If a container is fully sealed and locked, will it be permitted to remain overnight?

a. See question 12.

38. Staging locations for this project have been provided to the contractor. The contractor will be given no more than two staging areas at a time. Each staging area will provide 1,000 SF of parking for equipment and trailers.

a. Correct.

39. Is there any Toxic or contaminated water or debris that would need to be cleaned out by a specialized waste company?

40. How long are the Culverts that will be cleaned and inspected? The solicitation said 3.2 miles approximately. I'm looking for the minimum/ maximum length of each Culvert.

a. See Section 2 of Statement of Work. The culvert system in Pine Island contains 110 structures ranging between 12” – 48” diameter and 32’ – 87’ in length.