Amd_0002_Atch_1_Addendums_Questions_and_Answers_0002.pdf

140P6325B0005 Wind Cave National Park- Road 404 and 405 Gravel Resurfacing

Addendum to Period of Performance Addendum to Detail Plan Sheet 36: Notes Added

Questions and Answers

Addendum to Period of Performance:

The period of performance is 180 calendar days from the issuance of the Notice to Proceed.

Active construction activities are planned to begin on April 1, 2026, subject to site and weather conditions being suitable for construction, or as mutually agreed upon in writing by both parties at no additional cost to the Government.

The contractor will be expected to provide a project schedule with adequate critical path details to ensure all work is completed within the stated calendar days from issuance of the Notice to Proceed. If weather impacts project beyond typical average weather patterns, contractor shall provide documentation in request for additional days. If there are weather related environmental factors affecting the construction period where unexpected adverse weather conditions may delay progress. The Contracting Officer will work with the Contractor to adjust the POP at no additional cost to the Government.

Addendum to Detail Plan Sheet 36: The following notes are to be added:

Articulated Concrete Block - Design Intent & Salient Characteristics

• Blocks shall be constructed with 4000 psi concrete and the same concrete mix or 4000 psi grout used to secure the mat connections and terminations.

• Cables shall be Galvanized Steel aircraft cable or approved equal.

o The cables shall be made from individual wires and strands that have been formed during the manufacture into the shape they have in finished cable.

o Cable shall consist of a core construction comprised of seven (7) wires wrapped within seven (7) or nineteen (19) wire strands. The size of the revetment cable shall be selected such that the minimum acceptable strength is at least five (5) times that required for lifting of the mats.

o The revetment cable shall exhibit resistance to mild concentrations of acids, alkalis, and solvents. Fittings such as sleeves and stops shall be aluminum, and the washers shall be galvanized steel or plastic. Furthermore, depending on material availability, the cable type (7x7 or 7x19) can be interchanged while always ensuring the required factor of safety for the cable.

o Selection of cable and fittings shall be made in a manner that insures a safe design factor for mats being lifted from both ends, thereby forming a catenary.

Consideration shall be taken for the bending of the cables around hooks or pins during lifting. Revetment cable splicing fittings shall be selected so that the resultant splice shall provide a minimum of 75% of the minimum rated cable strength.

• Fabric shall be Type B Drainage fabric per SDDOT requirements or approved equal.

• The fabric will be placed directly on the compacted subgrade, in intimate contact with the subgrade, and free of folds or wrinkles. The geotextile will not be walked on or disturbed when the result is a loss of intimate contact between the ACB and the geotextile or between the geotextile and the subgrade. The geotextile filter fabric will be placed so that the upstream strip of fabric overlaps the downstream strip. The longitudinal and transverse joints will be overlapped at least one and a half (1.5) feet for dry installations and at least three (3) feet for below-water installations. The geotextile will extend at least one (1) foot beyond the top and bottom revetment termination points. If ACBs are assembled and placed as large mattresses, the top lap edge of the geotextile should not occur in the same location as a space between ACB mats unless the space is concrete filled.

• ACB placement and preparation should be performed in accordance with ASTM D 6884, Standard Practice for Installation of Articulating Concrete Block (ACB) Revetment Systems, as amended and updated.

• The subgrade shall be prepared in such a manner as to produce a smooth plane surface prior to placement of the ACBs or mats. No individual block within the plane of placed ACBs will protrude more than one inch. ACBs should be flush and develop intimate contact with the subgrade section. Proposed hand placing is only to be used in limited areas, specifically identified by manufacturers’ mat layout drawings, as approved.

• If assembled and placed as large mattresses, the ACB mats will be attached to a spreader bar or other approved device to aid in the lifting and placing of the mats in their proper position by the use of a crane or other approved equipment. The equipment used should have adequate capacity to place the mats without bumping, dragging, tearing or otherwise damaging the underlying fabric. The mats will be placed side-by-side, so that the mats abut each other, and/or end-to-end. Mat seams or openings between mats greater than two

(2) inches will be backfilled with 4000 p.s.i. non-shrink grout, concrete or other material approved. Whether placed by hand or in large mattresses, distinct changes in grade that results in a discontinuous revetment surface in the direction of flow will require backfill at the grade change location so as to produce a continuous surface.

• Termination trenches will be filled flush with the top of the blocks. Termination trenches will be filled with grout or concrete as shown on the Contract Drawings.

Question 1.

Do the Superintendent, Site Safety and Health Officer (SSHO), and Quality Control (QC) need to be three (3) separate individuals?

Government Response:

No

Question 2.

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?

Government Response:

*Please refer to addendum to Period of Performance*

The Government understands that current lead times on equipment may extend beyond the 180-calendar-day period of performance. The period of performance is contingent upon the issuance of the Notice to Proceed (NTP).

If the contractor provides documentation demonstrating unavoidable manufacturer or supply chain delays, the park/contracting is willing to work collaboratively to assess the situation.

Adjustments may be considered on a case-by-case basis, such as modifying the period of performance or issuing the NTP in alignment with delivery timelines.

However, any adjustments must be formally requested in writing, justified, and approved prior to issuance of the NTP.

Question 3.

Is there a bulk water fill i.e. a hydrant or water source we can pump from for grading operations in close proximity?

Government Response:

The government will not provide water for this project. Water can be sourced from Pringle, SD (about 9 miles west of the park) or Hot Springs, SD (about 14 miles south of the park).

Question 4.

Does this project require phasing?

Government Response:

Phasing is not planned for this project. However, if other contract work happens at the same time in the same area, coordination may be needed. If so, a written plan will be provided. This is not expected to affect this contract.

Question 5.

Please provide a lay down/staging area for construction.

Government Response:

Laydown and staging areas will be assigned at the award or pre-construction meeting. The contractor and their team must strictly follow the designated locations and boundaries.

Question 6.

Can we shut down roadway access or do we need to maintain one lane for travel?

Government Response:

Trail closures will be posted to limit visitor access. The contractor must provide all required signs, fencing, and site security. Public roads (Highway 385 or South Access Road) cannot be closed. Government staff must always have access for park operations, but official traffic will be kept to a minimum.

Question 7.

What are the limitations for construction intervals (for proposed road work)?

Government Response:

The government would limit work to one road at a time. Contractor must complete either Road 404 and Spur Road, or Road 405 before beginning the road at the other location.

Question 8.

Is testing required?

Government Response:

Yes, testing is referenced and defined in the following specification sections: 312001, 312219, 312333, 313700, 321540, and 334000.

Question 9.

Is surveying required?

Government Response:

Existing topographic survey information is provided on construction drawing plan sheets C1 and C2. These drawings include coordinate system details with horizontal and vertical datums, horizontal projections, as well as benchmark/control point data tables. The contractor is responsible to conduct survey and construction staking of project locations and limits to ensure adherence to the engineered designs and specifications. Coordination for all surveys and construction staking is the sole responsibility of the contractor.

Question 10.

Are inspections to be provided by the contractor (for silt fencing)?

Government Response:

Per construction drawing plan sheet C4, all inspections will be the sole responsibility of the contractor. The government reserves the right to request inspections as required for quality assurance.

Question 11.

Is a Storm Water Prevention Pollution Plan (SWPPP) required?

Government Response:

Yes, refer to construction drawing plan sheets C3 and C4 as well as specification section 011000.9.1.C: Pre-Construction Conference Submittal – Item 9.

Question 12.

Is silt fencing required on both sides of the roadway for the entirety of the scope?

Government Response:

Silt fence locations are identified on construction drawing plan sheets C3 and C4. Straw wattles are noted to be used on each side of the roadway as ditch checks.

Question 13.

Will the electrical grading files be provided to the awarded contractor?

Government Response:

This project doesn’t require grading files for bidding since there’s minimal earthwork. However, after the contract is awarded, the government will provide grading files if requested. The plans already include enough details—like stationing, lane widths, depths, and typical sections—for bidders to estimate gravel quantities accurately.

Question 14.

Will the gate to 404 need to be closed at the end of every day? Who is responsible?

Government Response:

The government will provide a maximum of two (2) keys to the Project Superintendent. Keys must be returned during long work pauses or at project completion. They will be reissued when work resumes. The contractor is responsible for site security, including using the gate as needed.

Question 15.

Who is responsible for reclaiming the disturbed areas?

Government Response:

Contractor is responsible for topsoil installation and finish grading of all disturbed areas beyond roadway work limits per the construction drawings and specification section 312219.

Specification section 329200 is to be omitted in its entirety as the park will install seeding at a later date. With specification 329200 being omitted, contractor to construct erosion control blankets in lieu of the materials noted in section 2.2.C.MULCH.

Erosion Control Blankets shall be a temporary system with a minimum 12-month longevity. Blankets shall be a rolled product and consist of double netting, meeting the requirements of ASTM D5035, ASTM D6459, and ASTM D6460. Netting shall be biodegradable consisting of jute or twine with biodegradable thread. Blankets should consist of either wood excelsior or a combination of a straw and coconut fiber matrix. Blankets shall use biodegradable stakes to fasten to finish grade, 4" - 6" in length, having a 12-month longevity. No photodegradable products are to be used.

Contractor to submit samples of erosion control blanket and stakes for COR review and approval prior to commencing construction.

Question 16.

Will the construction limits be staked by the Government?

• If no, then how far off the center line of the road is the boundary?

Government Response:

No, the government will not provide any surveying or staking services. Refer to the topographical survey with control data on construction drawing plan sheets C1 and C2 as well as plan sheets C31-C32 showing typical sections with profile widths and centerline information.

Question 17.

Will the trees that need to be removed be marked by the park?

• There are numerous trees close to the road and some that hang over.

Tree removal may be performed by a licensed/certified arborist. Vegetation and/or trees requiring trimming or removal must be flagged for COR review and approval prior to cutting.

• No tree trimming or removal will occur between June 1 through August 31.

All vegetation debris which will be removed from site by contractor. Disposal of tree debris may be outside the park or in a COR designated location within the park boundaries (location is adjacent to road 405 project location). Prior to disposal, any vegetation debris disposed of within the park will be separated into branches (smaller than 6-inch diameter) and all branches/trunks over 6-inch diameter will be cut into lengths no greater than 24 inches.

Question 18:

Is there a quantities table available to make sure everyone is bidding fairly and accurately?

Government Response:

No, a quantities table was not included in the solicitation. However, the provided specifications and drawings give enough information for fair and accurate bidding.

Question 19:

Geotextile fabric is mentioned on Section 32 15 40-1 under materials, and I see it is called out under the articulated concrete block; will you also require it to be under the rest of the gravel road as well?

Government Response:

Contractor will only be held to requirements stated or shown in the specifications and the drawings.

Question 20:

Is a large copy of the sections of pipe cross sections on page C33 available?

Government Response:

Contractors may print copies of the drawings at whatever size they prefer.

Question 21:

Section 32 15 40-2 under Preparation and Installation it states to compact to a 95% standard proctor density. Assuming this is a test that would need to be carried out often throughout. If so, how often would the Government require the testing to be done.

Government Response:

The government will require testing is performed at intervals of every 1,000 linear feet or 500 tons of road base, whichever is shorter.

Question 22:

Are there designated turn around spots for the trucks?

Government Response:

Turn-around locations will be determined at the time of award/pre-construction meeting.

Contractor will be required to supply truck type, weight, and turning radius prior to government determination of turn-around locations. Designated locations and limits will be strictly adhered to by the contractor and their representatives.

Question 23:

Is there a requirement for the contract to remove and replace the trail markers near the road?

Government Response:

If contractor work affects the trail markers, they should be removed ahead of time. Any removed or damaged markers must be replaced at no additional cost to the government.

Question 24:

Who owns the electrical junction boxes at the end of 405?

Government Response:

The government owns the electrical junction boxes.

Question 25:

Who owns the valve box at the end of 405?

Government Response:

The government owns and operates all valve boxes and underground utilities related to water and wastewater.

Question 26:

There is a difference between the Project Plan Sheets and the Project Specifications regarding the road resurfacing material.

• Plan Sheets C-3 through C-32 call it “Gravel Surfacing.”

• Section 01 10 00, Item 1, 2B of the specs also calls it “Gravel Surfacing.”

• But Section 32 15 40, Part 2.1.A.1 refers to “Aggregate Base Course per SDDOT.”

Please clarify which material should be used for resurfacing Roads 404 and 405.

Are bidders to use SDDOT Spec 882.2, Table 1, which shows gradation differences between Gravel Surfacing and Aggregate Base Course.

Please confirm which one is correct.

Government Response:

Contractor shall use 1” minus aggregate base course per SDDOT 882.2, Table 1. There are several quarried sources for 1” minus aggregate base course within proximity of the project.

Question 27:

Are there specific details available about ArmorFlex, given it has multiple block classes with different nominal dimensions?

ArmorFlex 50 Block & Half is the basis of design, or approved equal, block details below.

CLASS TYPE

MIN.

WEIGHT

(lbs)

BLOCK SIZE OPEN

AREA

Length (in)

Width (in)

Height* (in)

50BAAH Open 76 17.4 15.5 6.0 20 *Block dimensions may vary based on local manufacture’s capabilities.

Question 28:

Will the contractor place the blocks directly on the typical subgrade, or is a crushed stone cushion required?

Government Response:

Placement on subgrade with a Type B (see fabric notes below) drainage fabric between the articulated concrete block (ACB) and subgrade.

Question 29:

If installed directly on existing subgrade, are there compaction requirements?

Government Response:

Compaction requirements are 90% per specification section 312001-3.7.E.

Based on contractor interest at the site visit where multiple vendors attended and submitted detailed questions, the Government does not anticipate another amendment will be issued.