Sol_140P5426Q0005-_Amend__0001_Attach__F_-_Q_and_A_0001.pdf

Solicitation No. 140P5426Q0005 Amendment No. 0001 Attachment F-Questions and Answers

This amendment is issued to provide responses to questions received regarding the subject solicitation. The information below is hereby incorporated into the solicitation.

Question 1:

The solicitation references an attached Statement of Work (SOW). Please confirm whether all solicitation attachments have been posted and whether there is a separate SOW/specification document associated with this RFQ.

Answer 1:

Yes, six attachments were posted with the solicitation in SAM.gov.

Question 2:

Please confirm whether contractors are permitted to position vacuum trucks or other support equipment on grass or shoulder areas adjacent to the culvert locations, and whether there are any ground pressure, access, or staging restrictions.

Answer 2:

[Insert Government response] Equipment is only allowed on the shoulder of the road. NO equipment is allowed to be in the wetlands.

No staging or heavy machinery operation is permitted in wetlands, which is defined as the area beginning at the top of the road shoulder. No operation of any type of tractor or vehicle may occur beyond the previously cleared and disturbed road shoulder.

Question 3:

Please clarify whether the contractor’s scope includes only the culvert barrel cleaning and inspection, or also associated inlet/outlet areas, swales, ditches, headwalls, and grates where debris or vegetation is restricting flow.

Answer 3:

[Insert Government response] please refer to the SOW there is a 15-foot radius to be cleared from the inlet and outlet of the culverts All culverts that are listed on the SOW including all types.

The 15ft clearing is the absolute maximum permitted to be cleared. Clearance should be kept at the minimum required to conduct operations. No removal of trees is permitted. Impacts to cypress ‘knees’ should be avoided. Trimming of limbs greater that 3” dbh requires approval and inspection from park resources staff.

Question 4:

Please clarify the required final cleaning standard. Is the contractor expected to remove loose sediment, organics, and debris to restore reasonable flow, or is full removal of all adhered material and staining expected?

Answer 4:

[Insert Government response] this one I left for compliance to answer.

I can’t speak to the intent of this project or required outcomes. But I can tell you that all debris and sediment generated from this action must be removed (the required rear facing spray nozzle should be forcing debris toward the vacuum and the vacuum should be capturing all the sediment for collection and disposal offsite.

Question 5:

For culverts that remain filled with water after cleaning, please confirm whether CCTV inspection is still required, partially required to the extent visible, or exempt where submerged conditions prevent a meaningful inspection.

Answer 5:

[Insert Government response] YES, we need a full inspection and elevation’s done regard less if the culvert is full of water or not

Question 6:

Please clarify the required CCTV deliverables and reporting format, including video format, resolution, file type, naming convention, and whether recorded footage only is required or if a live-view component is also expected.

Answer 6:

[Insert Government response] Please refer to the SOW we need a video inspection and elevations on a thumb drive and e-mailed to us

Question 7:

Please confirm whether the final inspection report is expected to include only visual observations, or whether joint separation, cracking, spalling, deformation, and similar defects must be measured and documented by depth, width, and length where observable.

Answer 7:

[Insert Government response] Yes, a full in-depth DOT inspection is required please refer to the SOW

Question 8:

Please confirm whether invert elevations, as-built profiles, or other survey-related information are required as part of the inspection deliverables, or only visual/CCTV documentation.

Answer 8:

[Insert Government response] refer to the SOW ALL elevations are needed

Question 9:

Are there any specific culvert locations within the Flamingo District that require special handling due to environmental sensitivity, structural concerns, difficult access, or known recurring blockage?

Answer 9:

[Insert Government response] ALL are environmental sensitivity.

Yes, all culverts in this area have the potential to serve as foraging and sheltering sites for species protected under the Endangered Species Act including various birds and the American crocodile (juveniles and adults). This is the reason for the requirement of a Biological Monitor on site each day inspecting all culverts prior to staging for that day’s work.

Question 10:

Is there any existing record of prior inspections, repairs, known deficiencies, or historical problem locations that can be made available for review?

Additionally, please provide any available reports from past inspections of the subject culverts.

Answer 10:

[Insert Government response] not that I know of.

No record of any prior inspection or cleaning exists. As far as the park is concerned, this is the first occurrence.

Question 11:

Please clarify whether vegetation trimming or access clearing at culvert inlets/outlets is included in the base scope, and if so, whether the removed vegetation must be hauled off by the contractor or may remain on site where approved.

Answer 11:

[Insert Government response] all vegetation and debris must be hauled off an Disposed of the proper way

A maximum of 15ft around the ingress and egress is authorized for trimming where necessary to achieve project objectives.

No removal of trees is permitted. Impacts to cypress ‘knees’ should be avoided.

Trimming of limbs greater that 3” dbh requires approval and inspection from park resources staff. All trimming must be conducted using methods that do not impact the substrate – no operation of heavy equipment is permitted beyond the top of the road shoulder. Debris may not be scattered in the wetland and must be collected for off-site disposal. No piling of debris is permitted – it should be collected in a vehicle or dumpster.

Question 12:

Based on site observations, there is significant landscaping and vegetative growth surrounding the culvert locations. Please confirm whether clearing and removal of this landscaping is the contractor’s responsibility, and if so, whether it is included in the base scope or treated as a separate line item. Please also clarify the disposal requirements for removed vegetation.

Answer 12:

[Insert Government response] Please refer to SOW all to be removed in the clearing area ***There are exceptions where the contractor must notify the government so the tree can be inspected and permission to removed is given.

Please READ this area carefully removing the wrong tree without proper permission could lead to a fine or penalty A maximum of 15ft around the ingress and egress is authorized for trimming where necessary to achieve project objectives.

No removal of trees is permitted. Impacts to cypress ‘knees’ should be avoided.

Trimming of limbs greater that 3” dbh requires approval and inspection from park resources staff. All trimming must be conducted using methods that do not impact the substrate – no operation of heavy equipment is permitted beyond the top of the road shoulder. Debris may not be scattered in the wetland and must be collected for off-site disposal. No piling of debris is permitted – it should be collected in a vehicle or dumpster. Removal of trees that contain federally protected birds or bat species without appropriate consultation is a violation of the Endangered Species Act.

Question 13:

Please confirm whether mangrove trimming, root cutting, or removal of woody debris obstructing access is permitted under this scope, and whether any environmental authorization or special approval is required.

Answer 13:

[Insert Government response] No trimming of mangrove limbs, roots, or pneumatophores is authorized. Mangrove trimming is regulated by the FL Department of Environmental Protection. If the need for impact is identified, additional consultation with the park’s resources staff is required. As for other woody debris, a maximum of 15ft around the ingress and egress is authorized for trimming where necessary to achieve project objectives.

No removal of trees is permitted. Impacts to cypress ‘knees’ should be avoided.

Trimming of limbs greater that 3” dbh requires approval and inspection from park resources staff. All trimming must be conducted using methods that do not impact the substrate – no operation of heavy equipment is permitted beyond the top of the road shoulder. Debris may not be scattered in the wetland and must be collected for off-site disposal. No piling of debris is permitted – it should be collected in a vehicle or dumpster. Removal of trees that contain federally protected birds or bat species without appropriate consultation is a violation of the Endangered Species Act.

Question 14:

Please advise whether a biological monitor is required to be present during all field operations, or whether the monitor may instead identify areas that are restricted or approved for work in advance.

Answer 14:

[Insert Government response] A biological monitor is required to be on site each day and inspect each culvert prior to staging in the immediate area for the presence of protected species and to advise on the need to move on from the occupied culvert until the animal vacates of its own volition as well as identify any threats to resources including damage to wetlands and advise contractors appropriately.

Question 15:

Are there seasonal, daily, or location-specific work restrictions related to migratory birds, threatened or endangered species, or other protected resources?

Answer 15:

[Insert Government response] The project must occur outside of the nesting season for American crocodiles (nesting season = 1Mar – 31 Aug). Daily, each culvert has the potential to serve as foraging and sheltering areas for protected species; therefore, the Biological Monitor will be responsible for advising the contractors on preventing impacts from project actions.

Question 16:

If protected wildlife is encountered during field operations, what is the required stop-work and notification procedure, and what is the anticipated response protocol from NPS Biological Resources?

Answer 16:

[Insert Government response] The Biological Monitor will inspect the work area for sensitive resources (including protected wildlife) and advise if contractors should move on until the animal leaves of its own volition. If a federally protected species enters the site, work stops until the animal vacates its own volition (any exceptions will be outlined by the park resource staff during the kickoff meeting with the contractor and their identified qualified Biological Monitor). The monitor will keep a daily record and will report encounters with listed species to the park’s resources staff within 24 hours or immediately in case of any concerns. If a physical response from the park is required, we will do so in a timely manner so as not to unnecessarily impede progress.

Question 17:

Please confirm whether the work is intended to be performed during the low tide season (December through late February), and whether the performance period reflects this constraint.

Answer 17:

[Insert Government response] YES

Question 18:

Please confirm whether the contractor will have access to any on-site water source within Flamingo for cleaning operations, including hydro jetting, or whether all water required for the work must be supplied by the contractor.

Answer 18:

[Insert Government response] supplied by contractor.

No discharge of solid or liquid material is permitted in upland areas, within wetlands, or other natural areas. Coordinate with Facilities Maintenance for authorized cleaning areas (with proper drainage) within the park, if available.

Note there are no on-site disposal areas for collected debris.

Question 19:

If water is available on site, please confirm the location, connection type, usage limitations, and whether prior approval is required.

Answer 19:

[Insert Government response] NO.

The culverts are in remote areas, and the contractor must supply their own water and delivery and collection systems for this project.

Question 20:

Please confirm whether the contractor will be permitted to use any on-site treatment plant, wastewater facility, or designated disposal point within Flamingo for disposal of recovered water, sediment, or debris.

Answer 20:

[Insert Government response] NO contractor must disposed of All collected materials including solid debris and slurry/wastewater must be collected and disposed of off-site. All debris must be stored in designated staging areas or immediately hauled off-site. No debris may be piled in natural areas, and all debris must be covered to prevent wildlife habitation.

Question 21:

If on-site disposal is not permitted, please confirm whether all recovered material must be transported off-site by the contractor and whether disposal receipts or manifests are required with the final documentation.

Answer 21:

[Insert Government response] YES to all. receipts and manifests be submitted

Question 22:

Can removed debris or sediment be temporarily stored within the park in a designated staging area or covered roll-off container, or must all material be removed daily?

Answer 22:

[Insert Government response] NO

Question 23:

Will the contractor be responsible for any testing of removed sediment or debris prior to disposal, or may the material be managed as routine non-hazardous debris unless otherwise directed?

Answer 23:

[Insert Government response] YES

Question 24:

Are there any road, shoulder, bridge, or access weight restrictions within the work areas that may limit truck or equipment size?

Answer 24:

[Insert Government response] YES Note that trucks are not permitted to position outriggers or other stabilizing arms within the wetland (beyond the top of the road shoulder).

Question 25:

Will the contractor be allowed to work weekends or after hours with prior approval, if needed to meet the proposed completion time?

Answer 25:

[Insert Government response] NO

Question 26:

Please confirm whether the proposed completion time should include all cleaning, CCTV inspection, reporting, and final documentation deliverables.

Answer 26:

[Insert Government response] all site must be done in time frame

Question 27:

If a culvert cannot be fully cleaned or fully inspected due to standing water, submerged conditions, inaccessible ends, environmental restrictions, or unsafe access, how should that location be documented and how will it be treated for completion and payment purposes?

Answer 27:

[Insert Government response] will have to be evaluated on case buy case basis

Question 28:

Is there an incumbent contractor or is this a new requirement? If applicable, please provide the previous contract or award number for similar services.

Answer 28:

[Insert Government response]

All other terms and conditions of the solicitation remain unchanged.

Question 29:

Will there be a water meter on site for me to fill up the vacuum for the cleaning of the culverts? NO water access

Answer 29:

[Insert Government response] NO water access

Question 30:

Are we able to decant the water back out of our truck and haul away the vegetation and debris?

Answer 30:

[Insert Government response] I believe so Note discharge of solid or liquid material into a wetland or other Waters of the US requires permitting from the USACE and FLDEP.

Question 31:

Are these culverts all full of water? They will need to be dry to get a camera inspection after we clean them out.

Answer 31:

[Insert Government response] not sure that is why the work will be performed in the dry season.

The level of inundation varies dramatically with the weather and seasonal condition; however, the traditional dry down season is Jan-Feb

Question 32:

Do you have a specific dumpsite that the contractor is authorized to use?

Answer 32:

[Insert Government response] NO Question 33:

Is there a metered fire hydrant available for contractor use?

Answer 33:

Question 34:

Is the storm system currently underwater? If so, will the contractor be required to dewater the system or install pipe plugs?

Answer 34:

[Insert Government response] YES see time Period of performance

Question 35:

Are you aware of any groundwater infiltration within the system? Is there any damage, breakage, or root intrusion in the system?

Answer 35:

[Insert Government response] NO

Question 36:

Can the contractor take exceptions to the following requirements:

o Installation of silt fence downhill from all earth-disturbing activities to prevent runoff.

o Installation of fences, barricades, or other measures to secure the immediate work area and prevent unauthorized entry by visitors or NPS staff.

Answer 35: