Questions_and_Answers_0001.pdf

Dry Tortugas National Park

Replace Wastewater Treatment Plant

Solicitation 140P5425R0019

Questions and Answers

1. The scope of work includes a new control panel to replace the existing dosing tank control panel.

A. Can you provide more detail on the pump(s) in the dosing tank and required operations?

NPS Response: Dosing Tank Pumps- the control panel operates 2 submersible pumps (alternating between the 2) by way of in-tank float switches, and pump the treated effluent a distance to the infiltrator evaporation mounds. Stay with existing, they are: Goulds Submersible Sewer Pump, Mdl #WS0712B, 3/4hp, 208vac, 1725 rpm, 2" discharge.

B. Can all control panels be combined into a single panel? This would include the treatment plant, dosing tank pumps E-One panels?

NPS Response: The control panels CANNOT be combined into a single panel.

Revisions or redesign of any components shown in the construction documents shall NOT be allowed.

2. Can we transfer the existing sludge into temporary plant for reseeding and then back into permanent plant for startup? Will this be allowed?

NPS Response: The existing sludge will NOT be allowed to be used for reseeding.

3. What are the weight restrictions on the bridge over the moat?

NPS Response: 14,000 LBS (7 US Tons).

4. What is the elevation of the ground inside the Fort and what is the water table? Is there an existing benchmark within the Fort for determining elevation? If so, what is it?

NPS Response: The elevation of the parade grounds in the administrative area varies between +3.3 HP near the brick walk path, +3.0 at Lift Station 1 and approximately +1.5 near the Tree line. Interior finished Floor +4.62. All NPS data provided shall be verified by the contractor.

5. There is no clarification of what to do with the temporary plant once it’s disconnected. Does it need to be removed or is it left for future use?

NPS Response: The temporary Wastewater Treatment Plant shall be removed from the site by the contractor in accordance with the project specifications and all applicable removal and disposal protocols.

6. For the lift stations wet well basin (E-One system) can model# WH 472–92 be used as an approved equal?

NPS Response: No substitutions are permitted.

7. What parameters for the effluent do we need to meet at startup of the permanent sewer plant?

NPS Response: For effluent performance requirements, See Replacement Wastewater Treatment Plant Construction Documents Sht. C6

8. Is dewatering of the trench that will be excavated for the force-main and gravity lines within the work area allowed to be dewatered on the ground?

NPS Response: Dewatering activities may be permitted within the park’s administrative area, provided they do not encroach upon public visitor zones or result in adverse impacts to the administrative grounds themselves. Park management will maintain close coordination with the contractor to identify and approve appropriate locations for such operations, ensuring that all efforts align with site preservation standards and operational integrity.

9. What Permits will be required and who will do the inspections?

NPS Response: No permits are required for this scope of work. All inspections for compliance with the contract documents will be conducted by National Park Service personnel.

10. Are we responsible for samples during the temporary sewer plant on the Effluent or is the operator of the plant responsible for taking samples during that time.?

NPS Response: The contractor is responsible for samples until the commissioning of the new WWTP.

11. For diesel and gasoline storage can they be stored in steel drums or do we need double wall containment for the storage barrels?

NPS Response: Double walled USDOT approved containers.

12. Can we work on Saturdays?

NPS Response: Yes, contractors are allowed to work on weekends and holidays with prior park authorization.

13. Is there a tabulation sheet for the previous bid last year?

14. What is the maximum number of contractor personnel allowed and what is the housing price per night per person?

NPS Response: A maximum of 6 beds are available for this project. The NPS rate is $45 per night per person.

15. Who is the current licensed operator for the sewer plant?

NPS Response: The WWTP is operated by an NPS Utility System Repairer / Operator.

16. Will NPS provide transportation of contractor materials and equipment to Garden Key including mini excavator and skid steer? If so, what is the maximum capacity of the crane on the park’s vessel?

NPS Response: The National Park Service (NPS) may provide contractor equipment transportation aboard the Motor Vessel Fort Jefferson (MVFJ), contingent upon prior approval from Park Management and provided that all equipment complies with established loading parameters. Per discussion with the MVFJ commanding officer, the vessel’s crane has a maximum lifting capacity of 2,500 pounds. Should loading or unloading requirements exceed this limit, a commercial crane service is available in Key West: Mullen Crane Service Phone: (305) 795-1760 Email:

russellmullen10@gmail.com.

Additionally, Garden Key is equipped with ship-to-dock ramps rated for up to 5 tons, which may accommodate vehicle or trailer loading/unloading operations that exceed the MVFJ crane’s capacity.

Please note: All cargo intended for crane lifts at either location must be pre-packaged to conform to the 2,500-pound lifting limit.

17. Are there any restrictions for travel to and from the site?

NPS Response: No

18. Is the contractor required to provide all travel expenses to and from the project site?

NPS Response: Yes

19. Are the lift stations in the dry? If the inverts are held (approx 2 ft below grade) dry then no need for any dewatering. Please confirm dewatering is necessary.

NPS Response: Impact of anticipated subsurface soil/water conditions shall be considered. Dewatering activities may be required. See project specifications Sect. 31

23 19 – DEWATERING.

20. Do the Superintendent, SSHO and QC Manager need to be 3 separate individuals?

NPS Response: The QC Manager is required to be a separate individual.

21. Can the period of performance be extended after award once the material/equipment lead times are confirmed due to current market conditions for the equipment for this project?

NPS Response: While the stated Period of Performance remains fixed and cannot be formally revised, the Contracting Officer retains sole discretion to grant reasonable accommodation pertaining to project duration. Such extensions, if considered, are subject to their judgment and must align with the broader intent and integrity of the award.

mailto:russellmullen10@gmail.com

22. Please provide the site visit attendee sign in sheet.

23. Are site visit photos available?

NPS Response: No

24. Are third party inspections required?

NPS Response: No

25. Please confirm whether asbestos or lead is present on this project, and if so, provide the relevant documentation.

NPS Response: Asbestos or lead abatement is NOT required.

26. What are the site access and logistics requirements, including permitted vessel sizes, staging areas, dock use restrictions, and coordination with Park operations?

NPS Response: Use of the docks for project purposes is from 0700 to 1000 and 1500 to 1900 daily. No dock use between 1000 - 1500 due to ferry use and high visitation. Park ship is at dock from Tue 1500 through following Thurs 0800 every other week. Dock use must be coordinated with park using 3-week look-ahead schedules. Main dock length is 130 ln ft., depth approx. 25 ft. For questions regarding staging area(s), see Question 28 for NPS Response.

27. Can workers be housed on contractor-provided vessels, and what are the approved procedures for using ferries or seaplanes?

NPS Response: Park housing is not required and no restriction on use of live-aboard other than that option must follow overnighting procedures established for all overnighting private vessels that can be found on our website - www.nps.gov/drto Contractor rates are available for this project on the ferry and seaplane. All arrangements are between the contractor and the ferry / seaplane. There is limited space for personal items on both and very limited space on both for cargo and supplies.

28. Where are the approved material storage and laydown areas inside Fort Jefferson and near the dock house staging area?

NPS Response: Please refer to Sht. AS101, within the Construction Documents Set PMIS 196743 Replace Wastewater Treatment Plant, which identifies designated staging/laydown location areas. Final selection of approved material and tool storage locations within the administrative area shall be determined by on-site park management at the time of contract award.

29. What procedures must be followed to verify and clear existing utilities before excavation begins?

NPS Response: See Replace Wastewater Treatment Plant Project Specifications Final Construction Documents.

http://www.nps.gov/drto

30. What is the scope for lift station demolition, and which components are to be reused versus replaced?

NPS Response: All existing lift station components shall be fully demolished and removed from the site. No elements of the existing system are to be retained or reused.

31. How should existing septic tanks and piping be abandoned, disposed of, and backfilled?

NPS Response: The contractor shall be responsible for the complete excavation and offsite removal of the existing septic tank and associated PVC pipeline. All removal activities must adhere to applicable federal, state, and local regulations governing construction debris disposal. Procedures shall be conducted in accordance with established government protocols to ensure environmental compliance and proper handling of all materials.

32. Will the Orenco AX-20 system shown in the drawings be accepted as the basis of design, or are equivalent systems permitted?

NPS Response: Equivalent systems will NOT be considered.

33. Should the new control panels replace only internal components, or is complete replacement required?

NPS Response: Complete replacement is required.

34. What are the designated electrical tie-in points, grounding requirements, and the load capacity of the existing service?

NPS Response: Please refer to the Replace Wastewater Treatment Plant construction documents, specifically Sheets E101 and E201, for details regarding electrical apparatus, equipment specifications, and load capacity. Additionally, consult Project Specifications Section 01-73-40 and Division 26 for further requirements and guidance, including but not limited to installation standards, coordination procedures, and applicable compliance measures.

35. What is the exact scope and routing required for the laundry treatment system?

NPS Response: The Laundry Treatment System is not included in the scope of this project.

Any references to the Laundry Treatment System within the Project Specifications should be disregarded accordingly.

What protection methods are acceptable for adjacent historic structures, walls, and walkways during construction?

NPS Response: To safeguard the historic integrity of Fort Jefferson’s interior casemate surfaces during construction, all contractors should implement non-invasive temporary protective measures, including breathable surface coverings, freestanding barriers, and reinforced floor protection. Activities generating dust, vibration, or moisture must be carefully controlled, with low-impact tools and containment protocols in place.

Preservation briefings, daily inspections, and clear signage should reinforce the shared responsibility to protect the Fort’s masonry elements, ensuring all interventions remain reversible and respectful of the fort’s cultural significance.

36. What are the procedures and expected timelines if archeological resources are discovered during construction?

NPS Response: Please refer to attached NPS documentation from park archaeologist.

37. What are the requirements for severe weather and hurricane protocols, and will the government provide staging areas for securing equipment and materials?

NPS Response: Contractors shall refer to the Project Specifications for detailed requirements regarding severe weather and hurricane preparedness documentation to be submitted to the government. In advance of any such event, the government will designate appropriate staging and storage areas to support continuity of operations and safeguard essential equipment and materials. These provisions will be coordinated proactively with all parties to ensure operational readiness and minimize disruption to park functions and preservation efforts.

38. Are exceptions to the standard weekday 8–5 work hours allowed for critical activities such as tie-ins or shutdowns?

NPS Response: Yes, contractors are allowed to work on weekends and holidays with prior park authorization.

39. Who is responsible for obtaining wastewater discharge permits or approvals for temporary bypass pumping?

NPS Response: Permits are NOT required.

40. What are the government’s expectations for stormwater pollution prevention and environmental protection on this project?

NPS Response: Please refer to Project Specifications Division 31.

41. What is the required scope and duration of demonstration and training for NPS staff?

NPS Response: Please refer to Project Specifications for exact scope and duration of demonstration and REQUIRED training of Wastewater Treatment Plant operations.

42. What are the acceptance criteria for effluent quality testing, including BOD, TSS, nitrogen, and phosphorus levels?

NPS Response: Please refer to Replace Wastewater Treatment Plant Construction Documents Sht. C6 for criteria of acceptable parameters for effluent levels. See Sht. C2 for acceptable criteria for Temporary Wastewater Treatment Plant effluent levels.

43. Do warranties for treatment equipment need to exceed the standard one-year government construction warranty, or will the standard warranty apply?

NPS Response: Several products specified within the construction documents and technical specifications carry warranty periods that exceed the standard twelve-month duration. For exact terms and durations, please refer to the applicable sections of the project specifications.

44. Solicitation: Pg. 1, Box 11 provides for a 210-calendar day duration. Pg. 3 Continuation Sheet has a Period of Performance of 10/01/2025 to 04/02/2026, which is 183 calendar days and nearly one month shorter than the project duration. What is the required project duration?

NPS Response: Box 11 shall be the official calendar day duration of the project.

45. Plan Sheet 12/15: Are there existing foundations under the existing platform? Do they need removed and replaced?

NPS Response: There shall be NO removal, replacement, or altering of the existing historic stone/granite flooring within the fort casemate. However, all original fabric shall be safeguarded with due care throughout the duration of work, in accordance with preservation standards and the ethical stewardship of historic materials. The contractor shall be held responsible for any damage resulting from work activities and shall take all necessary precautions to ensure the integrity of the historic fabric is maintained.

46. Plan Sheet 12/15: What foundation is required under the new platform?

NPS Response: No foundation is required under the new platform and/or new wastewater components.

47. 01 32 33, 2.1: May the digital photos be uploaded to the project website ILO of CD media?

NPS Response: The contractor shall provide a web-based construction management platform (e.g., Procore, Microsoft Project, or approved equal) to centralize documentation, enable real-time collaboration, and support timely delivery. The system must include modules for communication, scheduling, financial oversight, and document control to ensure transparency and effective project execution.

48. 31 23 33, 1.6: Specification requires density testing by sand cone or nuclear method.

Excavation for the sand method is not practical in the site soils and there are specific transportation and storage requirements for nuclear devices. Is density testing practical on this project? May it be waived?

NPS Response: Density testing is required as per the specifications either by sand cone or nuclear method.

49. 31 23 33, 3.10, A: Specification requires imported sand for backfill. Given the historical significance and remoteness of the project, may excavated materials be reused if free of debris and sharp objects?

NPS Response: Imported sand is required for backfill. Excavated material will NOT be permitted unless approved for use by the Contracting Officer.

50. 31 23 33, 3.10, D & 3.11: Specification requires hand tamping with then the depths of the piping. Is density testing required considering these requirements and the sand material being used?

NPS Response: Density testing is required while hand tamping.