RFQ_140P8326Q0049_QA_0002.docx

RFQ 140P8326Q0049

NOCA Crushed Rock Q&A Scope & Logistics Q.1. Lake Chelan barge transport logistics: Does the contractor's truck ride the barge (vehicle + 250-ton loose rock load) from Chelan to Stehekin, or does the contractor dump loose rock onto the barge deck in Chelan and use separate equipment already stationed in Stehekin to unload and haul it to the gravel pit?

A.1. Yes the truck rides the barge to the delivery location.

Typically this wouldn't happen. Sometimes they can get a small amount of equipment on with a full rock load, but not a dump truck. If they were trying to unload a barge with only one truck it would take a couple days and the barge company doesn't typically have that kind of time. And there is not space at the landing to just onload the barge and truck it later. It is usually done with the MBS/Stellar trucks and equipment that live in Stehekin. They'll want to contact MBS for more specific information about how this all works.

Q.2. Equipment access to Stehekin: If the contractor's truck is expected to operate in Stehekin (a roadless, boat-access-only location), does Mountain Barge Service accommodate vehicle transport on the barge deck, and are there size/weight restrictions for equipment?

A.2. Mountain Barge transports vehicles and equipment, although like I said typically not on a rock barge. They have scheduled general freight runs and do charters. No individual piece of equipment used to haul rock would be too large or heavy for the barge, but their scheduled runs fill up quickly so it might be difficult to get 3 trucks and a machine to Stehekin without a lot of notice. Again they should contact MBS.

Q.3. Coordination with Mountain Barge Service: Is the contractor responsible for scheduling and paying for all barge trips, or does NPS coordinate/cover barge transport separately? What is the current rate structure or contact for Mountain Barge Service?

A.3. Please contact Mountain Barge Services for that information. Contractor is responsible.

Q.4. Delivery quantities and frequency: Does "250 tons per delivery" (Item 00010) mean the contractor will make multiple 250-ton deliveries during the base year as called for by delivery orders, or is the total base-year quantity 250 tons? What is the anticipated total tonnage for each year (base and options)?

A.4. 250 Tons per truck barge haul of material. Please see the scope of work and pricing tables for annual estimates.

Q.5. Material types and quantities: The pricing table (Attachment 1) lists eight material types (5/8" crushed aggregate, 1¼" aggregate, spalls, riprap classes, chip seal gradations, topsoil). Are all material types required in all years, or will NPS order them selectively via delivery orders? Should the contractor quote unit prices for each, with quantities TBD?

A.5. That is to be determined at the discretion of the Government.

Q.6. Delivery locations: The pricing table distinguishes "Delivery in Rec Area" vs. "Delivery in Park." Are these different destinations requiring different haul distances/logistics, or the same Stehekin gravel pit mentioned in the scope?

A.6. Please see the scope of work. Everything is the same except hauling distance in the Stehekin Valley. The park is farther and begins at High Bridge

Q.7. Period of performance overlap: Item 00010 states delivery by 07/30/2027, but the base period runs 07/27/2026–07/30/2027. Is the single delivery deadline a typo, or is all base-year material due by that date (with option years having later deadlines)?

A.7. Option lines are estimated per year and when exercised they end at 7/30/2029.

Q.8. Material specifications: Are there detailed gradation specs, certifications (e.g., weed-free topsoil standards), or approved source quarries, or does the contractor propose suitable material meeting general industry standards for road aggregate/riprap?

A.8. WSDOT or FHWA specs. Quarries will have to be approved by NPS weed person.

Award Basis & Pricing

Q.9. Award method: Will award be made on an aggregate total price across all line items, or will NPS evaluate individual line-item prices to ensure balance? (The RFQ states government will evaluate "total price of the initial year" and check for "significantly unbalanced" option prices.)

A.9. All lines to include options will be used to identify the grand total offer.

Q.10. Price schedule format: Should the pricing table (Attachment 1) be completed with a per-250-ton price for each material type, then multiplied by anticipated deliveries per year? Or should we propose annual lump sums for an estimated mix of materials?

A.10. Please review the Evaluation Criteria.

Labor & Subcontracting

Q.11. Service Contract Labor Standards (SCA) applicability: The incorporated clauses include FAR 52.222-41 (SCA) and 52.222-42 (equivalent rates statement). Does NPS consider this a supply contract (crushed rock delivery, NAICS 212321) exempt from SCA, or does the trucking/consolidation work trigger SCA coverage? If SCA applies, what is the applicable Wage Determination number and which labor categories (truck driver, equipment operator) are covered?

A.11. The category that meets the requirement for moving material to and from a truck/pit is suggested.

Q.12. Subcontracting limitations: As a total small-business set-aside for supplies (NAICS 212321), FAR 52.219-14 generally allows ~50% subcontracting to non-similarly-situated firms (and unlimited to similarly situated small businesses). Does NPS require the prime to self-perform specific elements (e.g., quarrying, barging, trucking), or may the prime subcontract all or most labor, provided the prime manages the contract and remains the responsible party?

A.12. FAR 52.219-14 does not apply to this requirement as it is a total small business set-aside.

Q.13. Is this a new requirement, if not, who was the incumbent contractor.

A.13. This is a new requirement, there was no incumbent.

Q.14. Is the “High Bridge” area and “Steheken Valley” area the same.

A.14. All of the developed area of Stehekin is within the Stehekin valley.

Q.15. Is there a list of quarries and materials approved by NPS for use to provide materials?

A.15. The approved sources are Chelan Sand and Gravel for gravel and riprap, and Winton Manufacturing in Leavenworth for weed free topsoil.