Attachment 9 - Clarifications #1_0003.pdf

Hurricane Ridge visitor center septic system (PMIS 205653) Olympic NP Attachment 9: Clarifications #1

Additional Q&A for Solicitation #140P8320R0003 Posted with Amendment #3

Questions 1-14 and their answers are in Attachment 8.

Q15 (repeated from Attachment 8 with updated response): Does the treatment technology need to include provisions for nitrogen reduction?

A (revised): At this time, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has not identified nitrogen as a nutrient of concern, and no current or future permit limits for nitrogen are anticipated. This will be discussed with DOH as part of the Predesign Report review and additional clarification will be provided in a future amendment if time allows. If clarification is not provided prior to the solicitation closing time, do not include provisions for nitrogen reduction in your offered price. If NPS later adds a nitrogen reduction requirement, it will be under the authority of clause 52.243-4, Changes, and an equitable adjustment of cost and/or time may be made to the fixed-price contract.

Q16: Does NPS have space and capacity to handle sod removal from all 15,000 square feet of drainfield at once?

A: NPS will have limited onsite capacity to manage storage and irrigation of sod, with an estimated maximum 600 square feet of parking lot dedicated for plant storage and irrigation.

Because the NPS does not have a system for stacking sod in separated layers, the Contractor is expected to remove sod in layers of approximately uniform thickness; transport layers of sod that cannot be replanted within 8 days to the dedicated plant storage and irrigation site in the parking lot and place it on the asphalt for NPS care; and then transport layers of sod back to areas ready for restoration following construction. Note that any area used for management of vegetation must come out of the total area identified in Attachment 8 as “Staging Area” and therefore cannot be used for stockpiling or staging of other materials or equipment. Because this area is so limited, NPS highly encourages Contractors to plan for construction of the drainfield in zones or phases, where one complete segment along a single topographic contour can be constructed and tested, and sod/vegetation can be directly moved from one zone and placed on the previous zone as final cover.

Q17: Is the Park willing to replant the disturbed construction area in 2021 with plugs/starts in lieu of salvaging, maintaining and moving sod?

A: No, NPS does not have the capacity to collect seed, grow plugs/starts, and replant an area of this size with the proper mix of native plant species. We recognize there is an expense to salvaging material, but we expect it will be less than the time and labor required to collect, grow, and plant an area of this size.

Q18: Does the NPS have quality control standards for removal or replacement of sod/vegetation?

A: The NPS intends to have NPS revegetation staff onsite during drainfield construction or other ground-disturbing activities that will generate sod or otherwise impact site vegetation. Our standard for removal of sod is that it is done in a relatively uniform thickness using equipment such as the bucket of an excavator. Our standard for replacement of sod is that the finished surface should be roughly level (i.e. within ~3”) with the original topographic contours surrounding the revegetated area and replicate a generally regular surface, i.e. no significant dips or hummocks. Sections of sod may be gently compressed with equipment to level the surface if achievable without compacting soil or damaging vegetation. NPS will provide on-the-ground support for minor manual manipulation of sod during its replacement, as needed. Thus Contractor may not need to provide any hand labor for placement depending on skill of the equipment operator.

Q19: Will the NPS permit construction of a temporary turn-around (demolition and replacement of curb/sidewalk on sides of parking area) within the designated staging area to allow for large truck deliveries?

A: Yes, construction of a temporary turn-around within the designated staging area will be allowed. NPS has no concerns with demolition and replacement of curb/sidewalk on the south side of the parking lot within the designated staging area because no pedestrian access during construction is anticipated along this segment. Any proposed demolition of sidewalk on the north side of the parking lot may require establishment of an alternate accessible route for maintaining loop pedestrian access as part of the Cirque Rim Trail.

Q20: NPS CAD standards/design standards reference ACAD versions 2000-2010. We are proposing to use version 2019 of ACAD Civil 3d. Will this be acceptable? For deliverables is the only requirement to save back to a certain version?

A: AutoCAD 2018 and 2019 are acceptable for generation and delivery of DWG files associated with this project. There is no need to save back to an earlier version.

Q21: Are we limited to designing and bidding from/on the preliminary design concept, or will NPS accept a design deviation that could simplify the proposed system, save costs, and still meet federal/state/local requirements? The design deviation we are contemplating would deviate from, revise (and simplify) the pump/control system and tank configuration. Specifically, are we limited to a single septic tank? Are we limited to the schematic configuration of the pump/control/dosing system proposed?

A: No, the Contractor is not limited to designing and bidding from/on the preliminary design concept; deviations that simplify the system while still meeting all federal/state/local requirements are acceptable. The preferred schematic design and predesign report identified a solution that was simple, had lower lifecycle costs, minimized environmental impacts, and was acceptable to DOH based on soil test pits and required treatment level. Design deviations must be acceptable to DOH and have equal or lesser environmental impact than what was considered under the NEPA documentation. The reason for selecting a single septic tank instead of multiple tanks was primarily based on the perception of lower cost; multiple tanks would be acceptable if compatible with applicable regulations. Alternative configurations of the pump/control/dosing system are also acceptable assuming no significant increase in complexity or long-term operational or maintenance costs.

Q22: In the Predesign Report (Attachment #3), page 62 is a topographic map of the proposed work area. A new 10’ wide by 200’ long road is shown for access to the new septic tank area.

i: Does the NPS have any type of road design standards for this type of road such as maximum grade allowable, turn radii, safety requirements (e.g. if pumper trucks are backing down a steep, narrow access road, some type of guard rail on the downhill side may be desired), or surfacing (e.g. base rock, crushed gravel)?

ii: If retaining walls are needed along the access road due to the cross slope, what type of architectural face finish is desired for the walls?

A. The 10’ wide by 200’ long access road referenced in the documents is schematic in nature and was identified to represent general construction limits for determining environmental impacts.

i: The NPS anticipates this access road to be used only by a contracted septic pumper truck to remove solids from sewage tanks; there will be no public access or use of this road. Design standards shall be such that the access requirements of an 8.5’ wide, 30’ long, 3,000 gallon capacity dual axle septic pumping truck are met. We anticipate a target grade of 8% (but up to 12% may be acceptable); turn radii of approximately 42’; and approximately 6” of subbase or base aggregate with imported surface course aggregate (see spec below), or equal, to create a drivable surface capable of supporting the weight of a full truck during summer months. No guardrail shall be required.

ii: If retaining walls are needed along the access road due to the cross slope, concrete ecology blocks may be used assuming road alignment is relatively parallel to the south face of the Visitor Center and not highly visible from the Visitor Center.

Imported Surface Course Aggregate.

Furnish hard, durable particles or fragments of crushed stone, crushed slag, or crushed gravel meeting the appropriate gradation and conforming to the following:

(a) Gradation Table 703-3A

(b) Los Angeles abrasion, AASHTO T 96 35% max.

(c) Sodium sulfate soundness loss (5 cycles), AASHTO T 104 (coarse and fine) 12% max.

(d) Durability Index, AASHTO T 210 (coarse and fine) 35 min.

(e) Accelerated weathering of aggregate by use of Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO), WFLHD Standard Test Method 12% max.

(f) Fractured faces, ASTM D 5821 70% min.

(g) Liquid limit, AASHTO T 89, Method A & T 87 35 max.

(h) Plasticity index, AASHTO T 90 7 ±3

Furnish a material that is free from organic matter and lumps or balls of clay. Do not use material that breaks up when alternately frozen and thawed or wetted and dried.

Obtain the aggregate gradation by crushing, screening, and blending processes as necessary. Fine aggregate, material passing the No. 4 sieve, shall consist of natural or crushed sand and fine mineral particles.

Table 703–3A Target Value Ranges for

Surface Course Gradations

Sieve Size Percent by Mass Passing

Designated Sieve (AASHTO T 27 and T 11)

1 inch (25 mm) 100

½ inch (12.5 mm) 70 - 80 (5)

No. 4 (4.75 mm) 40 - 50 (7)

No. 10 (2.0 mm) 25 - 40 (6)

No. 40 (425 µm) 15 - 25 (5)

No. 200 (75 µm) 8 - 14 (4)

Note: Statistical acceptance procedures do not apply to sieve seizes that require 100% passing. Allowable deviations (±) from the target values are shown in ( ).

Q23: Is any information available on the existing transformer including capacity and existing connections? Specifically, we’re trying to determine if there is sufficient capacity and space for a new secondary connection.

A: While we do not have the ability to directly confirm existing transformer capacity or internal condition, we anticipate sufficient capacity and space for a new secondary service connection on the existing 100KVA transformer. If Contractor discovers that existing transformer conditions differ materially from this assumption of adequate capacity and space, clause 52.236-2, Differing Site Conditions, may be utilized and an equitable adjustment of cost and/or time may be made to the fixed-price contract.

Q24: The Predesign Report envisions utilizing existing manholes #6 & #7. Does the scope of this design-build contract include rehabilitation of these manholes or any of the sewer lines upstream of manhole #6?

A: Rehabilitation of the remaining sewage collection system was not part of the original scope but is being added as a contract line item option, as described below. Note that a Manhole Inspection Report from 2014 is being provided as Attachment 12; it has additional information on current manhole construction and condition. The definition of Option C is:

OPTION C – SEWAGE COLLECTION SYSTEM REHABILITATION:

This item consists of rehabilitating portions of the remaining sewage collection system not otherwise identified for demolition. Specifically, manhole #6 shall be replaced in kind with capacity for two existing 6” inlet pipes (RCP and PVC) and one new outlet pipe. Manhole #7 shall be pressure washed, irregularities repaired, and leaks sealed. The abandoned 6” diameter reinforced concrete pipe inlet located near the southwest edge shall be grouted and sealed, and the bench shall be modified to provide a smooth sweep from inlet (north) to outlet (southeast).

Existing sewer lines located between manhole #7 and the Visitor Center building shall be jetted and inspected to identify any additional rehabilitation needs.

A revised Price Schedule form is provided that includes Option C.

Q25: Attachment 1 Contract Line Item 5 identifies 36” of ASTM C-33 sand to be included in pricing below constructed infiltration system, but Attachment 2 sheet C-03 has a section of the infiltration system and identified 24” of ASTM C-33 sand as a filter media. Which is it?

A: The minimum depth of sand media is 24”, in accordance with WAC 246-272B-06700, Sand-lined trenches and beds. Thus any reference in the contract documents to 24” of ASTM C-33 sand is a minimum depth required under the large onsite sewage system (LOSS) regulations.

However, soil test pits indicate that 24” of sand placed below the infiltrative surface may not be sufficient to penetrate the restrictive layer throughout the drainfield area. Therefore, we are requesting that the Contractor price and plan to place 36” of ASTM C-33 sand below the infiltrative surface for drainfield construction to ensure penetration of the restrictive layer and adequate vertical separation, in accordance with LOSS regulations.

Q26: Is there any additional geotechnical or well log data available for the area around the lodge?

A: A copy of pertinent data from the well log, drilled in 2007, is shown below, and the approximate location of the well relative to the Visitor Center is identified in Figures 2 & 3 of the Predesign Report. No additional geotechnical data from the vicinity of the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center is available.

Q27: Paragraph 2.8.3 of Attachment 1 indicates working hours are daylight. We would like confirmation that work is acceptable until 10pm in summer solstice peaks.

A: Yes, the NPS will endeavor to approve flexible work schedules that allow NPS to perform contractual oversight, barring any public safety impacts, including early start time (e.g. 5 am) and late completion time (e.g. 10 pm) during the anticipated July and August construction window. See also Q4 in Attachment 8.

Q28: Paragraph 2.2.3 of Attachment 1 prohibits the development of construction camps. We request that this be reevaluated given the remoteness of the project and the development of a construction camp be permitted.

A: Development of a construction camp will not be permitted. Camping is available year-round on a first-come, first-served basis (no reservations) at the Heart O’ the Hills Campground adjacent to the park entrance station. This campground has 105 total sites with flush toilets and potable water for $20 per night, per site. Per site limit is 8 people, and camping limit is 14 consecutive days. The contractor and subcontractors may use this campground on the same basis as the general public.

Q29: Please provide the topographic survey data indicated in paragraph 2.3.16 Field Engineering & Survey Data in both shapefile and .dwg format to assist in estimation of excavation quantities.

A: NPS will provide Hurricane_Contours SHP (zip) and DWG files (Attachments 10a and 10b), both in UTM projection Zone 10 meters. An additional DWG file (Hurricane_Parking_Lot) from 2006 (Attachment 11) provides a more detailed survey of the parking lot and meadow area immediately west of the Visitor Center. Due to system restrictions, we are unable to post these files at beta.SAM.gov or at an FTP site. The files are available on request; send an email to sarah_welch@nps.gov and she will email the files to you.

Q30: Paragraph 2.2.3 Park Access of Attachment 1 instructs bidders to assume delays and wait times for access during high visitation periods. Is there an option available to dedicate a morning entry window dedicated to contractors’ access needs? We suggest 0600 to 0700 daily.

A: The NPS is not able to dedicate an entry window strictly to accommodate contractors’ access needs at the expense of public access. However, the entrance station is not staffed prior to 0700, and public visitation traffic is minimal between 0600 and 0700, so delays during this period of time are unlikely.

Q31: Is bulk fuel storage permissible on the project site to assist in refueling of equipment?

A: Bulk fuel storage in accordance with the relevant Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards for flammable liquids is permissible at the project site for refueling equipment. Locate equipment service and refueling areas a minimum of fifty (50) feet from the building, and shut down equipment before refueling.

Q32: Attachment 1 CLIN 5 Drainfield identifies salvage and stockpile of meadow vegetation in accordance with NPS guidance for NPS revegetation efforts. Is there an NPS guidance document or will this be verbalized by NPS representative? What are the dimensional assessment limits?

15,000 sf x 8”? by 6”? by 4”? Are we to assume a combined stockpile is permitted? Do we protect stockpile? More information is needed to accurately account for efforts required. The vegetation Salvage and Revegetation plan identified coordination and salvage efforts between contractor and NPS with sod removed for more than 8 days to be stockpiled in the Visitor Center parking lot for NPS irrigation management until ready for revegetation. Is “meadow vegetation” synonymous with “sod” on this project?

A: Many of these questions have been answered elsewhere in Attachment 8 and Attachment 9.

There is no NPS guidance document on salvage and stockpile of meadow vegetation (a.k.a. sod) beyond what is provided in these attachments. The depth of each removed sod “strip” is expected to be approximately 6-8”. Stockpiling of loam topsoil should be protected in accordance with the NPS-approved Under-an-acre Pollution Prevention Plan (UPPP).

Q33: The design effort milestones and project schedule seem aggressive. Is there availability to push project execution into summer of 2020 to account for design effort, multiple agency review times and appropriate planning required for a remote construction project?

A: The design effort milestones and project schedule are aggressive because the current Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center septic system drainfield is failing and Washington State Department of Health (DOH), which is the regulatory agency for this system, is requiring submittal of Engineering Report, Drawings, and Specifications for review by May 1, 2020, as required by the current operating permit included in Attachment 4. Target construction window is set for July and August because weather conditions conducive to construction become uncertain starting in September. NPS and DOH have a solid working relationship and have agreed to work closely on this project to ensure timely review and turn-around of submittals.

Q34: Page 17 of Attachment 1 under Exotic Vegetation and Noxious Weeds states “Obtain all fill, rock, and topsoil from the project area, if possible. If not possible, then obtain weed-free fill, rock, or additional topsoil from a source approved by the NPS vegetation staff or Clallam County.” Are there preferred or excluded vendors for top soil, rock and fill?

A: The park does have two vendors currently approved with pits/quarries located in Clallam County: JJC Resources with rock coming from Black Diamond Quarry, and Bruch & Bruch Construction with rock coming from either Snider Quarry (WSDOT Pit no. Q-240) or Black Diamond Quarry (WSDOT Pit no. Q-72). Another site that has recently passed NPS inspection as “weed-free” is A&A Rock, Inc. (previously Anderson & Sons Gravel) located just west of the Elwha River near Hwy 101. There are currently no pits located in the Sequim area that have passed NPS inspections as “weed-free”. NPS vegetation staff will inspect a pit to determine if it is an approved source if given 3 weeks advanced notice.

Q35: Page 17 of Attachment 1 states “Noise: Minimize noise during construction.” Is there a threshold or matrix that needs to be applied?

A: Continual noise monitoring will not be required, but the contractor must be generally aware of and work to minimize the noise levels they are generating. The Contracting Officer may direct the Contractor to perform significant noise-producing work during less sensitive hours of the day or week if noise becomes a significant issue.

Q36: Regarding Attachment 3, Predesign Report, NEPA compliance appendix, Wildlife and/or wildlife habitat: What is the typical breeding season for the Olympic Marmot, Mazama pocket gopher, deer mouse and Olympic chipmunks? What would the protocol be if the Olympic Marmot, Mazama pocket gopher, deer mouse and Olympic chipmunks are encountered during construction?

A: The subalpine meadow zone around the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center has an active colony of Olympic Marmots, which typically come out of hibernation in April and breed right away.

Pups are typically born in late May or early June. NPS will conduct a survey approximately 2 weeks prior to the start of onsite construction to identify any active burrows or dens that may be located within the construction zone. The NPS does not anticipate finding any active Olympic Marmot dens within the boundaries of the construction zone based on the results of the NPS 2019 survey, but there were active dens nearby. If an active den is found during the NPS-conducted 2020 survey, the NPS will encourage the marmots to relocate so construction may proceed. If marmots do not immediately relocate from an active den site within the construction zone, ground-disturbing activity within the den area may be temporarily delayed until marmots relocate. The Olympic Marmot is not a federally listed threatened or endangered species. There are no concerns with the presence of other wildlife species such as the Mazama Pocket Gopher, Olympic chipmunk, or deer mouse.

Q37: Page 4 of Attachment 3, Predesign Report, states: “5. ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES: Archaeologists at Olympic National Park conducted an archaeological inventory and evaluation of the Hurricane Ridge area in preparation for a utilities project during the summers of 2008 and 2009. A prehistoric archaeological site eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places is located within 1000 feet of the existing drainfield. However, no known significant archaeological resource sites are known to exist within 1000 feet of the proposed primary or reserve drainfield perimeters, and the project is expected to have no effect on archaeological resources or other historic properties. Tribal consultation for this proposed project was conducted in accordance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).” Will the government outline the physical location of the prehistorical site that is within 1000 feet of the existing drainfield?

A: The exact location of all previously identified prehistoric archaeological sites is sensitive information and will not be made publicly available. No area identified for construction, demolition, or staging as part of this project is located within 500 feet of known archaeological resources.

Q38: Who performed sewage pumping services for this system during summer 2019?

A: NPS utilized Arrow Septic Tank Pumping (360-457-8481) to perform sewage pumping services at the site last summer. During summer 2020, NPS will monitor the condition of the existing drainfield from May through completion of construction (anticipated September 2020) and determine the necessity and frequency of septic pumping. If NPS determines pumping is necessary, we will exercise Option A. The design-build contractor may hire any qualified septic pumping firm to perform the work.

Q39: Has Washington State Department of Health (DOH) provided any feedback to NPS on the Predesign Report?

A: DOH has provided verbal feedback on the schematic design proposed in the Predesign Report. The following concerns were identified:

i: DOH expressed concern with construction of 10-foot-wide sand beds give the average 25% slope and suggests construction of 3-foot-wide trenches grouped in zones or lobes.

ii: DOH suggests refining the schematic design to minimize lateral loading by constructing longer runs of trenches along topographic contours, with fewer number of parallel trenches. The reserve area would be located upslope of the primary drainfield.

iii: DOH concurs with the NPS clarification in Q26 that this site will require a full 36” of ASTM C-33 sand placed below the infiltrative surface to ensure adequate treatment and vertical separation.

Q40: Are there any revisions to the solicitation (SOL_140P8320R0003)?

A: Yes. Full text is available at www.acquisition.gov/FAR.

i. FAR clause 52.215-18, Reversion or Adjustment of Plans for Postretirement Benefits (PRB) Other Than Pensions (JULY 2005) is hereby added to Section I of the solicitation and will be included in the contract.

ii. FAR provision 52.204-8 is updated to the JAN 2020 version.