Questions___Answers_0002.pdf

Questions & Answers

140P5426R0010

Replace Nature Trail Boardwalk - Riverside

Fort Matanzas National Monument

1. Will the sign-in sheet be posted? No, the sign-in sheet will not be posted on SAM.gov.

2. During the walk-thru, we noticed an area that needs to be re-routed around the trees because the current path is too close to the boardwalk, leaving insufficient space to meet the 10-foot clearance requirement. For bidding purposes, should this adjustment be included? If so, please clarify whether any additional linear footage should be accounted for in the bid. Yes, please add 30 extra linear feet of boardwalk to your bid to account for the rerouting around the trees. Additionally, consider minor adjustments in three other locations to avoid nearby trees, ensuring the design maintains the required clearance throughout these areas.

3. According to the Revised SOW, Section C.i.1 specifies the use of powder-coated aluminum for handrails, but the provided details reference SYP for the rails (2x4) and a 2x6 Trex board for the rail cap. Could you clarify where the aluminum handrail is to be installed? The SYP rails (2x4) with a 2x6 Trex board as the rail cap are intended as guardrails, which are not ABA compliant. ABA-compliant handrails must be positioned between 34 and 38 inches high. To distinguish, guardrails offer fall protection and must be at least 42 inches high in commercial or public settings. In contrast, handrails are designed for grip and guidance along slopes or ramps and are required to be 34–38 inches high per ABA §505.

Handrails will be installed wherever necessary to meet the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) standards. Specifically, under Chapter 5 §505, any ramp or sloped walking surface with a rise greater than 6 inches (i.e., slope steeper than 1:20) must have handrails on both sides. For outdoor trails, boardwalk segments with slopes steeper than 1:20 will require these handrails.

The park service is also open to alternative solutions, provided they comply with ABA handrail requirements.

4. Boardwalk Length and Scope (SOW §1 vs. §4.a)

Section 1 mentions 1,033 linear feet but Section 4.a says 1,010 linear feet — on a lump sum contract that's a meaningful difference. Can you confirm the exact start and end points of what's being removed and replaced so everyone is pricing the same scope? Regarding the boardwalk length and scope, Section 1 specifies removal of 1,033 linear feet. However, after accounting for alignment modifications outlined in the SOW and discussed during the pre-bid site visit, the actual scope includes the installation of 1,025 linear feet of boardwalk, which encompasses the existing seating areas. It is essential that every segment, including all seating areas, fully complies with ABA Accessibility Standards to ensure accessibility throughout the project.

5. Platform 3 Reduced Size — Accessibility Clearance (SOW §4.a.a.i.3)

The viewing platform is going from 12' × 14'6" down to 11' × 5', with two wayside exhibits on the outboard side. We want to make sure the remaining clear floor space meets the turning space requirement under the federal accessibility standard that applies here. Has NPS confirmed that works out? The revised dimensions for Platform 3 are 11 feet wide by 8.5 feet long, with two wayside exhibits positioned along the outboard side. To ensure the platform complies with accessibility standards, several key requirements must be addressed.

Since this platform is positioned at the terminus of a boardwalk segment, compliance with ABAAS Section 304 necessitates accommodating a turning circle with a 60-inch diameter.

To ensure unobstructed accessibility, it is crucial that all exhibits and benches are strategically arranged, preventing any encroachment upon the designated turning space or the clear pathway for visitors. Careful placement will help maintain an inclusive environment and facilitate easy navigation for everyone using the boardwalk. In addition, benches must be installed to provide a wheelchair pull-up area measuring at least 30 inches by 48 inches, as specified by ABAAS Section 903. By carefully considering these constraints, the platform will remain accessible and welcoming to individuals with varying mobility needs.

6. Overhead Clearance — 77" vs. ABA Standard (SOW Task 7)

Task 7 calls for 77" of overhead clearance. Since Fort Matanzas is a federally owned facility, we believe the ABA Accessibility Standards for Outdoor Developed Areas (36 CFR Part 1191, Appendix D) apply, and ABA §307.4 sets the minimum at 80". Is the 77" an approved NPS deviation, or should we be planning to a different number? The ABA Accessibility Standards require a minimum overhead clearance of 80". Include 80" overhead clearance to meet ABA Standards.

7. Resting Interval Locations (SOW §4.a.a.i; ABA F247.4)

The SOW lists three seating areas but doesn't say where they fall along the alignment. ABA F247.4 requires resting spaces every 300 feet, so the spacing matters. Can you share the approximate locations from the entrance so we can confirm everything lines up and no additional areas are needed? Three seating areas are provided along the boardwalk alignment.

The approximate locations from the entrance are at 250 feet, 600 feet, and 900 feet. All seating areas must meet ABA Standards. Under the ABA (36 CFR 1191, Chapter 10, § 1017), rest areas (or "resting intervals") are required only where running slope exceeds 1:20 (5%), at both the top and bottom of each sloped segment.

• Size: Minimum 60″ long; width matching trail tread.

• Slope: No steeper than 1:48 (2%) for hard surfaces.

• Turning space: ADA-compliant per § 304.3.2 when adjacent to trail.

There’s no technical provision that says rest intervals must contain benches or seating— these are optional enhancements rather than accessibility requirements.

8. Hurricane Season and Schedule Relief (SF-1442 Item 11; SOW §7)

The 90-day window runs July 13 through October 13 — right through peak hurricane season — with a strict Monday–Friday, 40-hour-per-week schedule. We're planning around that. We just want to know whether FAR 52.242-14 (Suspension of Work) in Section F would cover an equitable adjustment if NPS directs us to stop work due to a named storm or declared weather emergency. Under Section F, FAR 52.242-14 will apply when the National Park Service (NPS)—and specifically the Contracting Officer—instructs you to stop work in response to a named storm or weather emergency.

• If that suspension is longer than reasonable, you’re eligible for an equitable adjustment to recover your additional costs (e.g., mobilization, demobilization, idle crews, equipment standby).

• Ensure you immediately notify the CO in writing and follow up with a detailed claim for additional costs before contract closeout.

9. Wayside Exhibit Hardware and Damage Responsibility (SOW Tasks 2 & 10)

Offerors will be responsible for removal and reinstallation of the exhibits and plaques. Are any exhibits on permanent bases that would need special rigging? What shape is the existing mounting hardware in, and will NPS provide replacements if needed? Are Offerors carrying the liability if something gets damaged during removal, storage, or reinstallation? The current mounting hardware for signs, exhibits, and placards is generally in satisfactory condition.

However, should any replacements be necessary, the contractor is responsible for reinstalling all items in their original locations and supplying any needed hardware. Furthermore, offerors are accountable for the safe removal, storage, and reinstallation of these exhibits, and will bear liability for any damage that occurs during these stages. To facilitate secure storage, contractors may utilize the park's maintenance garage, provided they coordinate appropriately with the COR, ensuring a smooth and organized process throughout construction.

10. Wayside Exhibit Storage (SOW Tasks 2 & 10)

Following up on Q6 — who handles secure storage of the exhibits while construction is going on? Will the Park provide a storage space on Monument property, or does a plan for off-site storage need to be factored in? The Park will provide secure storage space on Monument property for the exhibits during construction. No off-site storage plan is required.

11. Gopher Tortoise Survey and Relocation (SOW Task 4; FWC)

Gopher tortoise burrows in the work corridor were observed during the site visit. FWC requires a survey and potentially a Standard Protection or Incidental Take Permit before we can disturb ground within 25 feet of an active burrow. Has the Park already done a pre-construction survey? Is a permit in place? And is that on Offerors to arrange and fund, or does the Park have a process or preferred contractor it typically uses for this? The park's natural resource specialist conducted a gopher tortoise survey prior to the pre-bid site visit.

Before construction begins, park staff will carry out an additional survey to assess current conditions. Should relocation or realignment of the nature trail be required, the natural resource specialist will manage these tasks to ensure compliance with relevant regulations and minimize any impact on the tortoise population.

12. Geotechnical Report

Does NPS have a geotechnical report on soil conditions along the alignment to release before proposals are due? Contractors are responsible for conducting their own due diligence regarding existing site and subsurface conditions along the project alignment. In the absence of an NPS-provided geotechnical report, the Contractor shall:

• Base their bid, means, and methods on conditions observable during a site visit and on reasonable assumptions consistent with local coastal soil and groundwater profiles.

• Verify field conditions that may affect foundation design, excavation, temporary works, equipment access, and material delivery.

• Include in their proposal all costs associated with anticipated soil conditions, temporary stabilization measures, and construction methods appropriate for a coastal dune/marsh environment.

• Immediately notify the Contracting Officer of any unforeseen physical conditions encountered that differ materially from those ordinarily expected, consistent with the Differing Site Conditions (FAR 52.236-2) clause.

The current 4 x 4 posts along the boardwalk are installed directly into the soil. Over the past two years, any posts that have been replaced were set at a depth of less than 36 inches beneath the ground surface.

13. Tree Within the Handrail Footprint (SOW Task 4)

There is a tree sitting within or right next to the handrail footprint. Will that tree need to be removed before construction starts, or does it need to stay? If it's staying, what clearance does the Park want to maintain, and are there any specific protection measures to be planned around? Regarding the tree located within the handrail footprint, it is essential to retain this tree as part of the project. Please ensure there is at least a 12-inch clearance between the tree and the new boardwalk, as was emphasized during the pre-bid site visit. Minor adjustments to the boardwalk’s alignment were made based on site observations to accommodate existing vegetation. However, during the visit, one particular tree was identified for removal, since realignment in that area was not feasible. If any unforeseen challenges arise during construction, such as encountering additional trees or obstacles, please consult Park staff for guidance and direction to ensure compliance and minimize environmental impact.