DEPO_Virtual_Site_Visit_Attendance_and_Notes_0002.docx

DEPO – COMFORT STATION VIRTUAL SITE VISIT ATTENDANCE & NOTES

**Important note: A scheduling mistake was made when organizing the Microsoft Teams Meeting, the meeting started at 2:00 PM PDT instead of 12:00 PM PDT. The contract specialist was notified of this mistake and emailed all vendors that RSVP’d via email to inform them and correct the mistake.

The virtual site visit started with introductions from the NPS Team followed by instructions from Brian to refrain from asking questions, and that all questions must be submitted via email prior to 10 April. Randall then presented a map of the area as well as drawings included in the solicitation so that the attendees would have a general idea of the location layout. Shortly following Rebecca explained the transportation struggles due to the Reds Meadow Road Improvement project, and shared a link to websites that contain information about the project (See links below). Brian then presented the photos and video that were included in the solicitation as Rebecca described each for a better understanding of the general area where the work is to be accomplished. The virtual site visit was concluded by re-stating important dates when the questions are due, and that the links to the Road Project websites would be included in this document.

Reds Meadow Road | FHWA (dot.gov)

Reds Meadow Road Improvements Project | Mammoth Lakes, CA - Official Website

Inyo National Forest - Alerts & Closures (usda.gov)

QUESTIONS:

4/2/2024

1. Will Contractor camping in either tents or personal travel trailers be allowed in the A-loop?

2. If so, is connection permitted to existing septic system?

(Answers) The NPS campground that is located within Devils Postpile National Monument (DEPO will be closed to the public. However, Campground Loop A will be available to DEPO staff, partners, and contractors. We can set aside 5 primitive campsites in Loop A for use by this contractor. See attached map. There are no electric, water or septic hookups within Loop A. Contractors may use travel trailers that are less 25 feet long or tents in Loop A if approved by the CO. Contractors will have access to the restroom facility in Loop A. No showers are available in the Loop A restroom facility, but contractors may work with the CO and NPS natural resource staff to set up wilderness style camp showers or solar showers for contractor use. Any contractor proposed method for connecting trailers or camp showers to existing septic and water systems within Loop A must be approved by the CO before it can be implemented. Note that the other campsites within Loop A will be used by youth work crews, researchers, volunteers, and federal agency staff. Contractors will be required to transport travel trailers and other equipment into the valley during times when Reds Meadow Road is open to the public. Access in an out of the valley Monday-Thursday and on Fridays after 9/15 will only be available twice a day in regularly scheduled, federal agency administrative caravans, using contractor provided high clearance vehicles.

Additional camping may be available from private operations in the local area, from USFS permit holders, or directly from the USFS within or adjacent to Reds Meadow Valley. If the contractor is interested in camping on USFS managed lands during times that the campgrounds are not open to the public, they are responsible for contacting and negotiating those lodgings independently with USFS Inyo National Forest. Both Reds Meadow Resort and Vista Recreation are permit holders on land that are managed by USFS. Please contact USFS Recreation Officer Chris Buehrer to inquire about availability and to obtain contact information regarding use of campgrounds on USFS lands. NPS does not manage camping permits on lands that are managed by the USFS or owned privately.

4/10/2024

1. Can the General Contractor and construction crew use the existing jobsite toilets during construction phase?

(Answer) No; the portable toilets are needed for visitors; the contractor will be required to supply their own portable toilets.

2. Can the General Contractor set up a temporary office table in any of the NPS premises/buildings for administrative purposes?

(Answer) There is no office space available, but the contractor may park a small trailer (less than 25 feet long) to serve as an office.

3. Can the General Contractor use the existing jobsite to store any of the equipment or construction material during the phase of construction?

(Answer) Yes, see the staging/storage area shown on the Site Location Map in the appendix of the project specifications.

4. Could you please locate laydown area for storage containers, office trailer, portable toilet, and a roll off dumpster for the construction crew and General contractors?

(Answer) See the available staging/storage area shown on the Site Location Map in the appendix of the project specifications.

5. Is there any parking available for General contractor use?

(Answer) Contractor parking is available within and immediately adjacent to the staging/storage area shown on the Site Location Map in the appendix of the project specifications. This is the gravel lot immediately west of the project site, which will be closed to visitor parking during demolition/construction. The day use parking area immediately east of the project site will remain in use as visitor parking.

6. Is it allowable for the functions of Safety Officer, Quality Control, and Environmental Management to be performed by the Superintendent?

(Answer)Yes. However, if the Superintendent is replaced, the replacement(s) must be qualified for the multiple roles.

7. Does NPS want pricing for American manufactured products?

(Answer) Yes, however exceptions to the buy American act may be made.