Questions_and_Answers_0003.pdf

Solicitation #: 140P6426B0005

Amendment #: 0003

Boardwalk Replacement Project – CUVA

Questions and Answers listed below:

QUESTIONS:

Question # Question Answer/Response 1.

In Detail 2 on Sheet 13 can the Department clarify the detail at the pile head?

· What are the dimensions of the10” timber piece i.e.

length and width

· Is this piece treated lumber?

· Is this piece S4S or rough cut?

· Is there only one 7/8” thru-bolt at each head assembly? From the detail it appears that the entire load of the span is transferred to the pile head through the shear capacity of this bolt.

The timber member shown in Detail 2/S101 shall be a 10-inch diameter round treated timber.

The 7/8-inch bolt shown connects the 4x8 beams to the 10-inch round timber.

Per Note on Detail 2/S101, the helical pile supplier shall design and provide the pile head/saddle connection, including all required hardware and connection details, for review and approval through the submittal process in order to demonstrate the product meets the structural criteria required.

The Contractor shall be responsible for coordinating with the helical pile supplier and verifying the availability, treatment, species, dimensions, and lead time for the 10-inch diameter treated round timber.

SEE ADDENDUM 0001

INCLUDED WITH THESE

RETURNED RESPONSES.

2.

Sheet 2 has a note “to include the difference in cost between 2X treated lumber and 3X rough sawn decking”.

· Is the 3X to be rough sawn with a full 3” thickness?

· Is there any specification for the width?

· Is the 3X to be treated lumber?

The 3x alternate decking should be interpreted as nominal 3x6 rough sawn, S1S, consistent with Specification Section 01 10 00, Part 1.2.B. The width should match the base bid decking width, nominal 6 inches. Treated pine is acceptable, assume pressure-treated lumber.

3.

Plan sheet 6, Note 2 states that trail restoration includes plantings of American Sycamore, Boxelder and Silver Maple plantings. Can the Department provide specifications on the plantings, i.e. size, etc, number, and locations?

Additional information for tree planting to state 60 trees total consisting of 20 trees per each of the 3 species noted. Trees to be 1-inch caliper, grow bag or container nursery stock, located within limits of disturbance in locations suitable for new tree viability. Flag and gain COR approval of locations.

SEE ADDENDUM 0001

4.

After reviewing the helical pile scope, our pile supplier has identified that the 6" piles specified in the drawings may be oversized for the design load requirements. The project calls for 296 piles at 14' depth with a compression load of 3,550 lbs, and they've recommended their 3.5" M3 pile as a suitable alternative that would meet the load requirements while reducing costs.

Would you be able to review the attached ICC-ES evaluation report for the M3 pile and let us know if this substitution can be approved?

Bid to sizes and pile specifications cited in the design documents, including load ratings, and codes to be incompliance with. Noting this project is to comply with 2024 IBC and seeing in the M3 pile literature provided, it looks to comply with RBC which would be deficient in complying.

5.

Would a driven timber pile foundation be considered an acceptable alternative for this project?

It was taken into consideration during design and determined not to proceed that direction, so response is respectfully ‘no’.

6.

There are a number of large trees and stumps on the site after the Department felled the trees. Is the contractor to remove all of these trees from the site? Are all of the stumps also to be excavated and removed from the site?

Any stumps in the way of helical pile placement will be excavated and removed from site. Any stumps under boardwalk not in the way of helical pile placement may be cut/grinded to grade. Any stumps outside boardwalk footprint will be excavated and removed off site or grinded to grade.

7.

Can the Department provide full details of the helical pile head shown in detail 2 on sheet 13?

The timber member shown in Detail 2/S101 shall be a 10-inch diameter round treated timber.

The 7/8-inch bolt shown connects the 4x8 beams to the 10-inch round timber.

Per Note on Detail 2/S101, the helical pile supplier shall design and provide the pile head/saddle connection, including all required hardware and connection details, for review and approval through the submittal process in order to demonstrate the product meets the structural criteria required.

The Contractor shall be responsible for coordinating with the helical pile supplier and verifying the availability, treatment, species, dimensions, and lead time for the 10-inch diameter treated round timber.

8.

The Rough Carpentry Specification, 061000-2, 2.2.C specifies a maximum moisture content of 19% after treatment. Our suppliers have told us that this requires a second kiln-dry process which adds considerably to the lumber cost. Is this the Departments intent?

Also, the Rough Carpentry note 4.2 on sheet 14 of the plans specifies a 19% maximum moisture content at time of installation. This moisture content of 19% cannot be guaranteed at installation as the moisture content of lumber will vary with numerous conditions, e.g. weather, time of year, etc. Can the Department remove this stipulation?

The 19% moisture content requirement shall remain. The structural design of the wood members is based on a maximum moisture content of 19%, and moisture content above that value may reduce member capacity.

Achieving 19% may require drying/weathering time after treatment and all materials shall be staged and stored in a protective manner in which to avoid saturation by rainfall or other climatic factors. Contractor shall account for this requirement in procurement, handling, storage, and construction sequencing.

Lumber shall be installed in as dry a condition as practicable, consistent with standard industry practices. Moisture content at time of installation is not required to be verified at or below 19%, unless specifically directed by the Contracting Officer.

9.

a. What is the website link for RFQ Answers?

b. Number of test load on piles? 2? Contractor’s geotechnical engineer of piles to specify.

c. Obstruction removal price?

a. SAM.gov – this is an IFB and not an RFQ.

b. Contractor’s geotechnical engineer of piles to specify.

c. Uncertain question being asked. The Contractor is

d. Boardwalk details maximum length should be considered 12ft?.

responsible for all quantities and pricing prior to submitting their bid. In the event unforeseen conditions when installing piles are encountered the Contractor shall stop work and notify COR on how to proceed. Any necessary modification to the contract shall be at the determination of the

CO.

d. Interpreting question as max helical anchor spacing along alignment?

If so, yes, Detail 1 on S101.

10.

The plans and specs mention the usage of pressure treated lumber but also mentions a 19% moisture content which isn’t feasible. Please advise.

The 19% moisture content requirement shall remain. The structural design of the wood members is based on a maximum moisture content of 19%, and moisture content above that value may reduce member capacity.

Achieving 19% may require drying/weathering time after treatment and all materials shall be staged and stored in a protective manner in which to avoid saturation by rainfall or other climatic factors. Contractor shall account for this requirement in procurement, handling, storage, and construction sequencing.

Lumber shall be installed in as dry a condition as practicable, consistent with standard industry practices. Moisture content at time of installation is not required to be verified at or below 19%, unless specifically directed by the Contracting Officer.

11.

The APVA21 steel connectors are called out to be stainless however those are galvanized/powder coated.

Please advise.

The Simpson APVA21 connectors to be provided as galvanized or powder-coated steel.

Accordingly, the specification is revised as follows:

• APVA21 connectors shall be hot-dip galvanized or manufacturer’s standard corrosion-resistant coating (e.g., ZMAX or equivalent), not stainless steel.

• All associated fasteners for these connectors shall be compatible with the connector coating in accordance with manufacturer recommendations.

All other hardware shall remain stainless steel where specifically noted in the construction documents.

SEE ADDENDUM 0001

12.

For the balance of hardware (all thread/carriage bolts, nuts, washers, deck screws), are they to be galvanized and or coated or are they to be stainless?

Stainless steel shall be provided material for all hardware not noted in these construction documents as differing material.

Notify CO if there is a discrepancy.

13.

In the interest of level-setting the helical pile bids, would you consider establishing a bid depth for the piles?

A bid depth will not be established. Determine pile depths based on Geotechnical boring and Wildcat Dynamic Cone logs to the extent of informed documentation available within the specifications.

14.

Will ground disturbance be allowed during the install of the piles, or will this be limited to top-down construction (piles installed from the deck of the boardwalk as it is constructed)?

Yes, within the construction limits of 20ft of centerline of boardwalk.

Mats/timbers may be used. Area of disturbance will be returned to existing condition at completion of project.

1. Do the Superintendent, SSHO and QC Manager need to be 3 separate individuals? No, if capability and experience is demonstrated by submittal process, the three roles may be served by two or a single person.

2. Can the period of performance be extended after award once material/equipment lead times are confirmed due to current market conditions for the equipment for this project?

Period of performance is increased to 270 days after the issuance of the Notice to Proceed. SEE

ADDENDUM 0001 INCLUDED WITH THESE RETURNED RESPONSES.

3. Please provide the site visit attendee sign-in sheet. See amendment attachments posted with this Q&A amendment in SAM.gov

4. Are there any phasing requirements? No

5. Can NPS provide bidding quantities for base course and asphalt? No. All final quantities to be determined by the Contractor prior to submitting their bid.

6. Is there a bulk water source available onsite? Is there a hydrant or water source we can pump from for grading operations in close proximity? There is no bulk water source near the project location.

7. Is this project tax exempt?

This is a federal project - the contractor must ensure that all local, state and federal tax guidance is adhered to, as the contractor is responsible to ensure that they are paying taxes in compliance with those local, state and federal taxes that are not exempt per the tax guidance of the locality, state and federal tax code.

8. When does NPS anticipate onsite work starting?

Work to begin after contract awarded – May/June 2026

9. Are third party inspections required? Yes, as provided by Contracted where called for in the specifications.

10. Are additional permits required? Only as cited and provided by NPS

11. Is any landscaping restoration required for this project? For example: topsoil, seeding, and fertilizer.

Yes, see drawings and spec section 32 92 19. Seeding is called for as well as tree planting. SEE

ADDENDUM 0001 INCLUDED WITH THESE RETURNED RESPONSES.

12. Please provide staking data points for the project. (Surveying files) AutoCAD digital survey files to be to awarded Contractor only.

13. Would NPS entertain alternate designs for the helical piles or structural connections? The project documents are based on the specified helical pile system, including the required pile configuration, installation method, design assumptions, and connection details. An alternate foundation design and would require separate geotechnical, structural, corrosion, installation, and connection confirmations. Any proposed alternative designs shall demonstrate by Ohio professional structural engineer seal that the structural design criteria, geotechnical recommendations and code requirements cited within the Construction documents shall be met or exceeded.

14. Detail 2-S101 shows a 10" timber piece. Is this a 10"x10"? If so, this is an uncommon size to our helical pile manufacturer.

The timber member shown in Detail 2/S101 shall be a 10-inch diameter round treated timber. The 7/8-inch bolt shown connects the 4x8 beams to the 10-inch round timber.

Per Note on Detail 2/S101, the helical pile supplier shall design and provide the pile head/saddle connection, including all required hardware and connection details, for review and approval through the submittal process in order to demonstrate the product meets the structural criteria required..

The Contractor shall be responsible for coordinating with the helical pile supplier and verifying the availability, treatment, species, dimensions, and lead time for the 10-inch diameter treated round timber.

15. Can the existing boardwalk be demolished from grade? Yes, within the construction limits of 20ft of centerline of boardwalk. Mats/timbers may be used. Area of disturbance will be returned to existing condition at completion of project.

16. Can the helical piles be installed from grade? Yes, within the construction limits of 20ft of centerline of boardwalk. Mats/timbers may be used. Area of disturbance will be returned to existing condition at completion of project.

17. The design loading of the proposed helical piles does not appear to support heavy equipment. How would the contractor? If heavy equipment use is determined means and methods, work may proceed from grade within the construction limits of 20ft of centerline of boardwalk. Mats/timbers may be used. Area of disturbance will be returned to existing condition at completion of project.

18. What is/are the preferred haul routes for waste, material and asphalt? From the North along the Towpath Trail starting at the Boston Store Trailhead Parking Lot. From the South along the Towpath Trail starting at Lock 29 Parking Lot. Note: From South there is a tunnel where Towpath Trail goes under railroad. Contractor to verify vehicle overhead restrictions of tunnel.

19. Will NPS or the DOT allow access to the laydown area and project site from the Interstate-80 entrance?

Contractor will need to verify with Ohio Turnpike Commission if I-80 entrance may be used.

20. Can NPS provide weight limits on the towpath and any bridges that are used to access the project site?

Any bridges/culverts are rated at 15T. Towpath itself has no weight limit, any damage to Towpath will need to be restored to original condition at completion of project.

21. If standing water is present, does NPS have a way to drain, lower or divert the water level in the work areas? No. Dewatering can only be as allowed within the parameters of the USACE permit issued to NPS. Review permit allowances for dewatering. If not allowed, then not allowed.

22. Does this project have Buy American requirements?

See clauses and provisions in the IFB for details

23. Are there any biological restrictions that could impact the project schedule? Nesting, mating, or migration of species?. All trees felled by NPS prior to 3/31. For mitigation purposes, 60 trees are required for planting by the Contractor under this contract.

24. Are there any planned park events that could impact the project schedule? No

1. Carriage bolts and all-thread connectors - Are these to be stainless steel or galvanized? Stainless

2. The Simpson APVA21 Brackets that are spec'd are only available in black coated zinc. They cannot be made in stainless as is spec'd on the prints. Is there an alternate Simpson product that will suffice?

Additionally, what fasteners are being used with these connectors?

The Simpson APVA21 connectors to be provided as galvanized or powder-coated steel.

Accordingly, the specification is revised as follows:

• APVA21 connectors shall be hot-dip galvanized or manufacturer’s standard corrosion-resistant coating (e.g., ZMAX or equivalent), not stainless steel.

• All associated fasteners for these connectors shall be compatible with the connector coating in accordance with manufacturer recommendations.

All other hardware shall remain stainless steel where specifically noted in the construction documents.

SEE ADDENDUM 0001 INCLUDED WITH THESE RETURNED RESPONSES.

3. Are the HU38 Skewed hangers to be galvanized or stainless? Stainless.

4. Is the 2x6 decking to be KDAT or standard treated?

The Specification SECTION 061000 - ROUGH CARPENTRY reads:

Where lumber or structural panel is indicated as "treated", or is specified herein to be treated, comply with the applicable requirements of the AWPA using pressure impregnation of wood preservatives to protect wood from decay and termites. Mark each treated item with the AWPA Quality Mark requirements.

Section C: Kiln-dry lumber after treatment to a maximum moisture content of 19 percent. Do not use material that is warped or that does not comply with requirements for untreated material.

The 19% moisture content requirement shall remain. The structural design of the wood members is based on a maximum moisture content of 19%, and moisture content above that value may reduce member capacity.

Achieving 19% may require drying/weathering time after treatment and all materials shall be staged and stored in a protective manner in which to avoid saturation by rainfall or other climatic factors. Contractor shall account for this requirement in procurement, handling, storage, and construction sequencing.

Lumber shall be installed in as dry a condition as practicable, consistent with standard industry practices.

Moisture content at time of installation is not required to be verified at or below 19%, unless specifically directed by the Contracting Officer.

5. Is the 3x6 Alternate decking to be rough or S4S? Specification section 01 10 00 Part 1.2 B notes S1S for 3x alternate.

6. What fasteners are to be used for the 3x6 alternate decking? A 3" deck screw is spec'd for the 2x6, but there is nothing spec'd for the 3x6 For the 3x6 alternate decking, provide deck screws of sufficient length to achieve equivalent penetration and performance as specified for the 2x6 decking.

Accordingly:

• Minimum screw length shall be 4 inches for 3x6 decking to maintain adequate embedment into supporting members.

• Screws shall be stainless steel where exposed to weather, consistent with project hardware requirements.

• Fasteners shall be installed in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and standard decking practices.

7. Are the current 10" rounds that are being removed being repurposed for the new structure? Or will all

10" rounds be new? New

8. For clarity, the proposed new boardwalk will follow a different path than the current boardwalk, correct?

When coming from Boston to Peninsula, the new boardwalk will be north of the current boardwalk?

Once it curves south, it will follow a similar path to the current boardwalk. Correct? Correct that the boardwalk follows a new alignment from station 101+53.56 to 110+53.32 per sheets C103-C105 then return to SAME alignment as existing boardwalk to point of south end of boardwalk.

1) Would the use of a pipe pile be acceptable. We have already checked the loads for the boardwalk and the spacing according to the drawings and a 3” pipe pile set into the shale layer will be more than adequate for support. Constructability would allow us to use a ban saw to cut the elevation to exact height and then field drill/plasma cut the pin holes in the pile exactly where they go after placing the pile caps and the 4x8 beam between the supports.

No. The use of a 3-inch pipe pile is not accepted as a substitution for the specified helical pile foundation system.

The project documents are based on the specified helical pile system, including the required pile configuration, installation method, design assumptions, and connection details. A pipe pile would represent an alternate foundation design and would require separate geotechnical, structural, corrosion, installation, and connection review. The bid documents do not permit alternate foundation designs unless specifically approved by the Contracting Officer.

2) For any submittals that require samples to be submitted for analysis (e.g. aggregate), is this the contractors responsibility to have them sampled or NPS? Contractor is to provide samples.

3) Please confirm a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) is NOT required for this project considering we will be disturbing existing vegetation and installing new trails? SWPPP as a stand alone is not required being under an acre of calculated disturbance; however, the requirements of the USACE permit issued to NPS which the Contractor is to follow shall be required.

4) Is there a preference between silt sock and silt fence? No, provided maintenance and same level of performance and protection is met.

5) Does recyclable material need to be tracked? No.

25. Since tree removal is required for this project and we have eclipsed the 3/31 date for removing trees, who is providing the bat survey for the trees that need to be removed to allow for the new boardwalk to be installed? If it is the contractor’s responsibility, when does this need to be completed prior to mobilization? All trees felled by NPS prior to 3/31. For mitigation purposes, 60 trees are required for planting by the Contractor under this contract.

6) What is the thickness of the ODOT 422 Chipseal Type A supposed to be? .056 Inches per ODOT

7) Who is responsible for the geotechnical engineer as stated in Drawing S101 Section 2 NPS or the

Contractor? Contractor is responsible for providing third party geotechnical engineer.

8) What is the limitation of the total laydown area may (~square feet). See Sheet G102 Note 5, contractor to submit staging plan to NPS for approval.

9) Would a turnaround be permitted at the laydown area or near where the beginning of the trail restoration is located to the north end? Yes, contractor provide plan for NPS approval prior to turnaround install, and area will need to be restored to original condition at completion of project.

We have noticed that bid documents for the Stumpy Basin Boardwalk Replacement project frequently reference Section 01 40 00 - Quality Requirements for specific compliance guidelines, noting that it contains requirements for:

• Testing and Inspection Services: Referenced for coarse and fine aggregates, as well as bituminous concrete mixes.

• Tolerances: Referenced for the aggregate base course and asphalt paving.

• Special Inspections: The completed "Statement of Structural Tests and Special Inspections" document is supposed to be attached to the end of Section 01 40 00.

However, the actual full text for Section 01 40 00 - Quality Requirements is not included in the project specifications. The Table of Contents for the specifications only lists a "Short Form General Requirements" under Section 01 10 00 for Division 01.

Do you happen to have Section 01 40 00 - Quality Requirements? Or can you please advise, specifically on the tolerances for aggregate base and asphalt paving?

ANSWER: PLEASE SEE ATTACHED ADDENDUM (Dated: 19 May 2026) CORRECTING THIS

CONCERN