B12_MISC_(Contractor_Questions_-_NPS_Response)_0002.docx

Contractor’s Questions – NPS Response

1. The Statement of Work does not specify the total land area of the site, particularly for Mounds A and B, where the proposed tree vegetation removal is to take place. Please provide the total area involved, as well as an estimate of the number of trees that will need to be removed as part of this project.

NPS response: The area of the work site is approximately 1 acre and there are approximately 40 trees to be removed from Mounds A and B.

2. Can the maximum stump height be raised to four or five inches? (They are concerned about having only one inch of leeway between the 1-inch minimum and 3-inch maximum stump height.)

NPS response: The stump height is a minimum of 1 inch and a maximum of 6 inches.

3. Do the tree sections that are too big to chip have to be removed from the property or can they be disposed of in a designated area.

NPS response: There is a designated disposal area on the property. See map below for designated disposal area.

4. Where will the designated area for disposing of the chipped material be?

NPS response: Yes. Please see map below for the location of the disposal area.

5. Tree Removal Details: Can you confirm which specific trees will be tagged for removal and when tagging will occur?

NPS response: Trees to be removed are tagged (There may be a few trees on the Mounds not tagged, but still shall be removed). Species consist of a mix of Oak, Black Walnut, Pecan and Sugarberry.

6. Are there any updates to the tree count, DBH sizes, or species distribution?

NPS response: There are approximately 40 trees to be removed. DBH ranges from approximately 6 inches to 40 inches. Species listed in Question 5.

7. Aerial Removal Clarification: Is a bucket truck sufficient for all areas, or will climbing/rigging be required in certain sections?

NPS response: No. Climbing/Rigging, crane, or other high lift equipment will likely be needed to avoid damaging the ground on or around the Mounds A and B.

8. Is there a preferred method between bucket truck vs. crane?

NPS response: Use of a bucket truck may not be sufficient for removal of all the trees and brush on the Mound A and B. Use of a crane or other high lift equipment would be beneficial.

9. Worksite Limitations: Can we get clarification on the designated vehicle access route and staging areas?

NPS response: Access route to the work site and staging area will be located on the right just before entering the entrance gate. See map below.

10. Start Date & Mobilization: When is the anticipated Notice to Proceed (NTP) issuance?

NPS response: Work shall be completed 90 days after receipt of award.

11. Where do we take the debris? Is there a site in the park area? Or do we take it out of the park?

NPS response: There is a designated disposal site on location. See map below.

12. Can a Spider Lift be lifted by crane and set on top of Mound B?

NPS response: Yes, as long as the machine remains stationary and has protective mats under the machine, outriggers, or any other part of the equipment that contacts the ground. No sections of a tree that can potentially damage the ground can be dropped onto the ground.

13. Will trees and brush under 6" DBH also be flagged, or should the contractor visually assess and remove those within the designated area?

NPS Response: The contractor shall cut and remove all species of trees and brush as specified as follows: Cut and remove all brush and species of trees up to 6” DBH using chainsaws and brush cutters. Cut and remove all large trees over 6” inches DBH using low impact damage techniques including high angle climbing and rigging, and aerial lifts. Completely cut and sever from the base of the tree.

14. Is it acceptable to stage light equipment (e.g., small, tracked lifts) in areas adjacent to the mounds, but outside the protected zones, if ground mats are used and no direct impact to the mounds occur?

NPS Response: Yes, there is a designated staging area just North of Mounds A and B. Equipment can be moved around both mounds for removal of trees and brush if the equipment is on protective mats and not driven onto the mounds or protected area.

15. Will the National Park Service mark or define root protection zones around trees and sensitive areas prior to the start of work?

NPS Response: Park staff will have flags marking the boundary of the sensitive areas where equipment other than hand tools (Chainsaws, brush cutters, weed eaters, etc.).

16. Is there an estimated award date for this project to help with subcontractor scheduling and resource planning?

NPS Response: Award will be made within 2 - 4 weeks after the solicitation closes.

17. Are the trees to be removed already tagged by NPS personnel, or does the contractor need to coordinate with NPS to complete this step?

NPS Response: There are approximately 40 trees tagged to be removed, however, there may be a few trees and brush not marked that still need to be removed.

18. Where is the designated staging area for lowering tree sections? Is it predefined by NPS, or must the contractor propose a location?

NPS Response: There is a designated disposal area North of the mounds for the tree sections, chips, branches, etc. The tree sections can be lowered on the ground adjacent to Mounds A and B before moving them to the designated disposal area.

19. What specific criteria must the debris removal plan meet to ensure “minimal impact to soil”?

NPS Response: Ground protection mats must be used under any outriggers or heavy equipment. Equipment used to transport debris to the designated disposal area can be driven to and from the disposal area so long as the ground is dry and hard.

20. Does NPS have a preferred method for debris management (chipping vs. removal), or is this left to the contractor’s discretion?

NPS Response: All trees, brush, chips, etc. must be moved to the designated disposal area North of Mound B. See map below for staging and disposal area sites.

21. What are the specifications for the ground protection mats (e.g., size, material, load capacity)?

NPS Response: Ground protection mats must be sized and rated for the equipment being placed on it to prevent ground disturbance.

22. Is there a specific vehicle access route to the worksite? The SOW mentions a “required vehicle access route” but lacks details.

NPS Response: There is a designated route for all heavy equipment to access the staging area. The main entrance road can be used for passenger vehicles only. See map below for the route to get Heavy Equipment to the staging area.

23. Although no utilities are known to exist, is there a formal process (e.g., utility locating service) to verify this before work begins?

NPS Response: In the unlikely event of finding any utilities, Park Staff will mark those areas and adjust the heavy equipment route accordingly.

24. Para 1.5.15.5 All heavy equipment will be mobilized on ground protection mats provided by the contractor to avoid any disturbance to cultural features." Does the perimeter of the mounds have to be protected with mats, as in moving debris back and forth to the debris pile site via skid steer?

NPS Response: Yes. Ground protection mats are required under outriggers and heavy equipment as well as moving heavy equipment or hauling debris to the designated disposal site.

25. Para. 1.5.15.6 Are stick cranes allowed on site?

NPS Response: Yes. It is required that ground protection mats be used under any outriggers or heavy equipment. No heavy equipment shall be driven onto the mounds.

26. Are we allowed to roll or drag, via chain or rope, debris off of the mounds on mats?

NPS Response: No. Only aerial removal of tree debris is permitted.

27. Can the mound be groomed, cut, and sprayed for poison ivy prior to the start of the project?

NPS Response: Use of any pesticides being sprayed are prohibited other than preventative spray for Poison Ivy or insect repellent for personal use on the body or clothes. Park staff will have the grounds mowed prior to the start of the project.

28. Are we allowed to coordinate an earlier start time for daily operations? During the summer months the heat index by noon will exceed safe working temperatures. Starting work at ~6AM would be preferred.

NPS Response: As per the Statement of Work, working outside the designated work hours is permitted with the approval of the CO and COR at least 48 hours prior to the start of the workday in question.

Disposal Area is the white box.

Access road for trucks and equipment is the green path.

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