Questions___Answers_0001.pdf

Everglades National Park

Replace Backcountry Camping Platforms

Solicitation 140P5425R0006

Questions and Answers

1. What are the approved staging and loading areas outside the park, since shoreline stockpiling is not permitted? Shoreline stock piling only refers to shorelines inside the park since most islands (keys) in Florida Bay are off limits to entry. Conditions for staging outside the park are between the Contractor and the owner of the staging facility. The NPS will not be involved in approving sites outside the park.

2. What vessel sizes and routes are acceptable given the 30-inch maximum draft requirement? The 30-inch draft is the only requirement in the scope of work, otherwise it is up to the judgment of the Contractor what vessels can reasonably navigate to the construction sites. Refer to nautical charts and the Everglades Boating requirements for additional information.

3. Are temporary floating platforms or barges permitted for assembly near the sites?

This would be acceptable if the assembly process would not have a greater environmental impact than anticipated from the proposed construction.

4. Who is responsible for paying the mitigation credit fee of $1,306.08 to the Keys Restoration Fund, and when must it be paid? The Contractor must pay it before starting onsite work.

5. Who is responsible for filing the DEP turbidity monitoring reports during pile driving—the contractor or the government? The Contractor.

6. Can weekend or extended work hours be granted for tide or weather-sensitive work?

Work outside of normal business hours can be granted on request.

7. What procedures must be followed for storm or hurricane demobilization, and what level of materials must be removed in advance of forecasted events? The extent and details of how materials and equipment are secured and/or removed for hurricanes is left to the judgment of the Contractor since they are the owner of this property.

8. What are the acceptable tolerances for deck elevation differences when matching existing benchmarks (e.g., ±1 inch)? Since no tolerances for the deck elevation are given in the Scope of Work, assume industry standard tolerances typical for similar construction would be used.

9. Will the Government or the Contractor provide the surveyor responsible for setting final control benchmarks? The Contractor is responsible to build the new structure off the elevations of the old structure (See Para 3.1A). We do not require this work to be done by a licensed land surveyor.

10. What criteria will be used to define pile driving refusal—blows per inch or penetration depth—since “refusal” in rock is not quantified? The pile is to be installed to the depth shown by driving into a predrilled hole until it is firmly set in place.

11. What splice method and inspection criteria are allowable for the Watson River Chickee pile extensions? The splice is detailed on the plans. The Government would consider an or equal if the Contractor wants to propose something else.

12. Will the Government review and approve shop drawings for the aluminum structural design, given that the contractor is responsible for pile-to-structure connections?

The Government will review and approve shop drawings.

13. Are substitutions for 6061 T6 aluminum permitted, or are only specified materials acceptable? Substitutions may be considered but it is the Governments’ understanding 6061 T6 is the standard for Marine use and the Contractor will have to demonstrate any substitution would be equally suitable for this application.

14. What is the required wind uplift fastening schedule for the 5V-crimp metal roofing?

Roofing materials are required by the Florida Building Code to be approved by the state. The roofing material shall be installed as proposed by the manufacturer when the material was approved.

15. Is ADA-compliant fiberglass decking with ½-inch maximum spacing mandatory for all platforms? Yes

16. Will the Government supply the anchoring hardware for the government-furnished portable toilets, or is the contractor responsible for providing it? The Contractor is to provide the anchoring hardware.

17. What qualifications are required for the dedicated marine species observer during pile driving? No specific licensing or educational degrees are required. The Contractor is to provide someone with enough experience around manatees to be able to spot them.

18. What is the reporting protocol and timeframe for sightings of manatees, sawfish, turtles, or crocodiles? Inform the Contracting Officer within a reasonable time.

19. Are trimming activities around the Little Rabbit Key dock already covered under existing DEP/USACE permits, or must the contractor apply for separate permits? All the work of this contract is covered by the DEP/USACE permits.

20. What is the review timeframe for submittals, and will expedited reviews be considered? All submittals will be reviewed and approved by everglades park staff so a relatively quick turnaround time is anticipated, but we reserve the right to take up to 21 days as stated in Para 1.5 of the Scope of Work.

21. Are electronic-only record drawings acceptable, or are hardcopies required at closeout? Electronic (PDF or AutoCAD) is acceptable.

22. Does the new 2025 Miami-Dade heavy construction wage decision apply to this project, particularly for mixed trades such as pile drivers and ironworkers? The wage determination included in the solicitation is what will apply to this project.

23. Do the Superintendent, SSHO, and QC Manager need to be three separate individuals, or can roles be combined? These jobs can be combined and done by a single individual.

24. Can the period of performance be extended after award once material and equipment lead times are confirmed due to current market conditions? The Contract time is based on the date of the Notice to Proceed. The timing to issue the Notice to Proceed will be determined by agreement between the Contractor and the Government.

25. Can you provide the site visit attendee sign-in sheet? There was no site visit, but all sites are open to the public.

26. Are soil boring reports available, or should the contractor assume excavation will be clear of rocks and obstructions? There are no soil borings. Information measuring the depth to lime rock using a soil probe rod is provided on the drawings.

27. Is there a bulk water source, such as a hydrant or pumpable supply, available nearby for construction operations? No. The work sites are off shore in open water.

28. Is asbestos or lead present on this project, and if so, can the Government provide documentation? There is no asbestos or lead present.

29. Will this project require phasing? No.

30. When does the Government anticipate on-site work will begin? After all material submittals have been received and approve, all applicable required documentation requested by the CO has been received, and after the pre-construction meeting has occurred and a notice to proceed has been issued specifying start and end dates.

31. Are third-party inspections required for this project? No.

32. What permits are required for this project, and will the Government provide them?

The Government has acquired all USACE and DEP permits for this work. No other permits are known to be needed. The Contractor will have to purchase the mitigation credits as described in the Statement of Work.