Questions_and_Answers_0001.pdf

RFQ 140P8524Q0054

SOIL AND MATERIALS HAULING

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

Questions and Answers

The following are questions and answers received during the RFQ:

1. Could you clarify the procedures for coordinating traffic control with park authorities when blocking the roads during loading?

a. Answer: The Contractor will coordinate with the COR, who will contact NPS Law Enforcement, usually the week before to alert them of the upcoming work area and activities.

2. Regarding exotic plant species, are there any specific protocols or preferred cleaning methods for ensuring our equipment is free of exotic plant species before entering the park?

a. Answer: Pressure washers and/or air compressors, along with the use of hand tools and brooms can be used to ensure all soil is removed from equipment. All earth moving equipment must enter the Park free of dirt, dust, mud, seeds, or other potential contaminant. Equipment exhibiting any dirt or other material attached to frame, tires, wheels, or other parts shall be thoroughly cleaned by the Contractor before entering the Park. Areas inspected shall include, but not be limited to, tracks, track guard/housings, belly pans/under covers, buckets, rippers, and other attachments. Equipment that does not pass inspection will be turned around to the nearest cleaning facility outside the park.

b. Answer: Please contact NPS Vegetation staff to arrange for equipment inspections at least two workdays prior to bringing equipment into the Park. For equipment entering the Park through the South Entrance, contact Guy Hernandez (guy_hernandez@nps.gov). For equipment entering the Park through any other entrance, contact David Campbell (david_m_campbell@nps.gov).

3. Regarding documentation for compliance, what specific documentation will be required to show specification compliance at the time of delivery, and can we have examples of acceptable formats?

a. Answer: To fulfill documentation for compliance, the contractor must submit with their invoice, cubic yards hauled (soil or material) and corresponding performance periods. No other documentation for compliance is necessary.

4. In the event that additional hauling (Option A-1 or B-1) is needed, how will this be communicated to us, and what is the expected timeframe for responding to these changes?

a. Answer: The Contracting Officer will provide written notice by email to the Contractor no later than 15 days prior to the end of contract performance period if options will be required. Options will be exercised by means of a modification to the contract. Both parties will coordinate a reasonable timeframe to accommodate the additional hauling.

5. If we drive our loader to each site within the park, will we need to follow any rules based on speed? Our loader has a max speed of 25 mph.

a. Answer: A loader at 25 mph is fine.

6. Are we able to arrange a site visit to the two sites for soil and material hauling to get a general idea of the area and anticipate any challenges or conditions not present in the SOW? If so, what would be required to do so?

a. Answer: A site visit for this area has not been planned, however offerors are welcome to visit the area at their own expense. Please direct requests to the Contracting Officer by email to make arrangements. No additional project information will be provided at the time of the visit.

7. What are the dimensions of the clay pipe in requirement “B”?

a. Answer: Between 8-20 inches outer diameter.

8. May we see a photo of the stockpile of clay pipe and concrete pieces?

a. Answer: No. The pile does not yet exist. The pipes and concrete are still in the ground.

9. Could you provide more information about these pipes, including their intended use and dimensions?

a. Answer: The original intended use of these pipes was to transport sewage (1921- 1931), but the destination for the pipes/concrete will be the dump. We estimate that the dimensions are between 8-20 inches outer diameter. The lengths will likely be shorter than 4 feet (and could be broken up smaller if needed). There is a 4 foot slab of concrete noted in the workplan, but it will likely need to be broken into smaller pieces for the NPS-crew run mini-excavator to move. All the pipe fragments and concrete will be moved to the roadside by a 10,000 lb mini excavator with an 18-24 inch bucket, so in general, the pieces can't be larger than could be moved by that equipment.

10. It states that traffic control will be necessary in order to load the trucks. It appears that the trucks can be loaded off the roadway. Is it certain that the trucks need to be loaded while parked in the roadway?

a. Answer: We can work with the contractor to accomodate this, as long as the dump truck can turn into the site and turn around by backing up on the Valley Loop trail. The Valley Loop trail will require simple foot traffic control for pedestrians.

11. Is it acceptable to haul the clay pipe and concrete to a landfill in Tuolumne County that accepts this type of material instead of the NPS warehouse in El Portal?

a. Answer: Yes, this is acceptable as long as the cost is the same or less expensive.

The NPS warehouse does not have fees associated and is closer to the site.

12. Could you please inform us who the incumbent contractor is for this project?

a. Answer: There is no incumbent contractor as this is a stand-alone contract.

13. What is the current contract number associated with this work?

a. Answer: There is no current contract number, as this is a stand-alone contract.

14. It would be helpful to understand the total value of the existing contract to assess the project scope and scale adequately.

a. Answer: There is no current contract number, as this is a stand-alone contract.

15. What are the critical success factors that the Client considers most important for this project?

a. Answer: Demonstrated ability to perform the work within the required time.

16. Are there specific challenges or issues that the previous contractor faced which we should be aware of to better prepare our solution approach?

a. Answer: No.