Amd_001_Attch_1_Questions_and_Answers_0001.pdf

Questions and Answers 140P6326B0004-Theodore Roosevelt NP-Replace Boundary Fence

Question 1:

Are we able to transport materials by vehicle, or outline the methods used to transport material to the job site?

Government Response:

See sheet L0.2 in the Construction Drawings. The parameters and vehicular allowances to access across US Forest Service and NPS lands are identified in notes and graphic map.

Question 2:

Is North Dakota contractor’s license required for this project?

Government Response:

The Contractor shall without additional expense to the Government, be responsible for obtaining any necessary licenses and permits and for complying with any Federal, State, and municipal laws, codes and regulations applicable to the performance of the work.

For work performed within the State of North Dakota, the Contractor should verify requirements with the North Dakota Secretary of State (Contractor Licensing Division).

Question 3:

Will a concrete crush test be required?

Government Response:

Concrete testing will not be required. Submittal of Concrete Mix proposed for use will be required to provide to the CO/COR for written approval prior to commencing with the work.

Question 4:

Statement of Work states limited equipment use. Does this mean no tractors or skid steers?

Government Response:

See Sheet L0.2 in the Construction Drawings for vehicle and equipment use parameters.

Equipment to be limited to tracked rather than tire and wheelbase limit of 54” for mini-loaders (tractors) and 60” for side-by-side UTV.

Question 5:

Are the buffalo going to be in another area during the take-down and install of new fencing?

Government Response:

See the lower left hand corner of sheet L0.1 for Wildlife Awareness and Worker Safety Notes. Bison are free roaming unrestricted within the wilderness area where the project is located. This also applied to the notes that it is imperative that no more fence be taken down than can be replaced in the same day to maintain an enclosed boundary.

Question 6:

Bid Option 2 lists approximately 450 LF. A site walk and field measurement determined the length to be approximately 577 LF.

Government Response:

Please bid based on approximately 450 LF. If the Government exercises the bid option and the actual field conditions reflect a quantity materially different from the bid estimate, the Government will consider a change order adjustment as appropriate.

Question 7:

Will the Government consider equivalent materials in lieu of the specified 9-gauge galvanized wire for brace assemblies, specifically 3/16-inch 7x19 stainless steel aircraft cable and cable clamps?

Government Response:

Materials specified, in this case of 9-gague galv wire for H-brace structure assembly is due in part to standard park stocked materials and methods of maintaining fence by park staff.

Stainless steel aircraft cable and clamps for this application is not an acceptable substitution.

Question 8:

A. Will the Government consider extending the period of performance to April 2027 due to lead times for 2.375-inch pipe (October–November)?

Government Response:

Part 1.2 D in Specification 01 10 00 cites Period of Performance to be 320 days from notice to proceed with the base bid and additional 60 days and 30 days pending NPS award of Bid Options 1 and/or 2 respectively. Pending the date of award, preconstruction meeting, and date the Contracting Officer issues notice to proceed will establish the 320 day clock. At this time in consideration of lead times for materials and probable winter conditions stoppage, 320 days is considered sufficient by NPS to complete the work barring unforeseen conditions warranting a Contracting Officer approved modification to the contract for additional time.

B. As an alternative, if equivalent materials are acceptable (e.g., 3 lb U-channel posts in 2-foot increments, such as 10-foot posts), the project could be completed within the current 2026 timeframe.

Government Response:

U-Channel posts or other materials deemed equivalent by NPS to what is specified are limited in use to areas and conditions shown in the Construction Drawings where topography or other site contextual influences are acceptable over the steel pipe posts. At this time in consideration of lead times for materials and probable winter conditions stoppage, 320 days is considered sufficient by NPS to complete the work barring unforeseen conditions warranting a Contracting Officer approved modification to the contract for additional time. U-Channel Posts at 2’ spacing is not acceptable as this influences the extent of maintenance required by park staff to provide repairs or replacement to the fence.

As the Period of Performance is stated as 320 calendar days from the Notice to Proceed, the question of completing within a 2026 timeframe is not expected.

Question 9:

The final mile of the existing two-track road leading to the fence line is in poor condition and will require improvements to safely accommodate the transport of equipment and materials to the work area. Additionally, there are two significant washouts along the route that must be addressed. Access across these areas will require either construction of a passable roadbed or installation of temporary crossings, such as small-span bridges or equivalent structures, to ensure safe and reliable access to the fence line.

Government Response:

Use of the land beyond the two track is subject to the requirements of the attached USFS access permit. Road building is not permitted and must be carefully managed to reach the work site.

Question 10:

Once we reach the fence line, we will also need to cross Corral Creek. This will likely require installation of a temporary crossing structure, such as a small bridge, or construction of an engineered fill or other stabilized crossing to safely accommodate equipment access across the creek.

Government Response:

Consideration of how to cross the creek is on the contractor, landscape outside limit of disturbance is not permitted to be altered. The largest machines are not required.

Question 11:

Along the fence line itself, we anticipate the need for vegetation management, including brush hogging and selective tree removal, to facilitate safe and efficient completion of the work.

Government Response:

Weed eating brush is permitted, disturbance of soil for grubbing should not occur and turning of soils for woody plant and sagebrush is not permitted.

Question 12:

Can you confirm whether this level of ground disturbance and access improvements are allowable under park requirements, or if there are specific restrictions or preferred methods we should follow?

Government Response:

Review division 1 documents, and contract drawings and specification. Work along the fence is to be completed per the requirements of NPS design, and in accordance with the USFS Access Permit.

Question 13:

Would you be able to provide a list of acceptable equipment that may be used for the work, as well as identify approved access points to the right-of-way (ROW)?

Government Response:

Refer to Question 4 for acceptable equipment. ROW: Refer to Question 1 and Attachment 3 to amendment TRNP Access Authorization NU.