SEKI_KNP_Phase_II_Questions_0004.pdf

SEKI/ KNP Phase II Tree Hazard Removal Notice ID: 140PS125Q0009 Solicitation Questions and Answers

25-Jun-25

1. Will the park allow the contractor to set up one-way traffic control lights in order to leave equipment in one lane of the General's Highway for a short portion, similar to what was permitted during last year’s construction?

Yes.

2. What is the approximate timeline from when an invoice is submitted and accepted to when the contractor receives payment?

This is a HUBZone Set-aside with Accelarated Payments to Small business, therefore, providing the invoice is valid, payment normally occurs with 7-days of invoice acceptance

3. Will trees be allowed to be felled across the General's Highway if proper road surface protection measures are implemented?

Yes, as long as felling operations are done in accordance with an approved safety and traffic control plan.

4. Will the park allow certain hazard trees to be felled if their fall is expected to contact or damage green trees?

Yes, as long as care is taken to minimize damage to green trees.

5. Does the park require any brush treatment within the 85-foot corridor? If so, does the brush need to be severed, lopped and scattered, or piled for burning?

No.

6. How accurate is the tree quantity and size count provided by the park? After walking portions of the project area, we observed previously felled trees (bowls) on the ground without tags in the surrounding brush. What percentage tolerance does the park consider acceptable for accuracy in their tree count?

Quantities for felling standing trees are estimated to be within 15% of actual numbers. Quantities for existing downed trees for removal are less accurate, within approximately 30% of actual numbers. Work under this contract will be paid out for work completed. NPS project inspectors will review progress and contractor invoices and recommend payment for actual work completed. The contract may be modified after operations begin if necessary to adjust quantities and dollar amount to match actuals.

7. In Amendment No. 3, it states that all work must be completed by the end of 2026. Does this deadline apply to the work on General's Highway and Mineral King Road as well, or is it specific only to the spray field?

The December 31, 2026 completion date applies to all areas of the project.

8. For the construction of hand piles intended for burning, does the park have any requirements regarding cutting a fire ring around the piles or removing brush in their vicinity? If so, what specific distances are required for clearance?

No.

9. Does the park maintain admittance records to track the amount of traffic per month? If so, can those records be made available to the contractor to assist in developing a traffic control plan that minimizes the impact on park visitors?

See https://irma.nps.gov/Stats/, https://irma.nps.gov/Stats/SSRSReports/Park%20Specific%20Reports/Traffic%20Counts?Park=KICA, and https://irma.nps.gov/Stats/SSRSReports/Park%20Specific%20Reports/Traffic%20Counts?Park=SEQU

10. When does the park allow billing for lump sum items such as Mobilization, Traffic Control Supervisor, and Traffic Control?

The contracting officer authorizes all payments on a case by case basis

11. Will the park allow any work to begin before or continue after official park hours? For example, from a safety and traffic management standpoint, having two hours before park opening to stage equipment and fall hazard trees could significantly reduce disruption to visitor flow.

Yes, for specific needs when agreed to ahead of time.

12. Does the park have a designated staging area for contractor use? If so, can the GPS coordinates of this staging area be provided?

Yes. The Wolverton Trailhead parking lot may be used for staging and grinding operations. This paved parking area may be closed off to the public during the contract period of performance. Approximate dimensions are 65' wide by 550' long. GPS coordinates: 36.5959°,-118.7341°. After December 31, 2025, another staging/grinding area will become available at the Wuksachi Trailhead parking lot. Approximate dimensions are 70' wide by 230' long. GPS coordinates are 36.6120°,-118.7513. This paved parking area may be closed off to the public through the contract period of performance. A third potential staging area at Quail Flat was identified by NPS staff as a possibility within the adjacent Sequoia National Forest, managed by the USFS. Please call the Sequoia National Forest line at (559)-784-1500 for more information.

13. Has the park accounted for the expected wear and tear on General's Highway due to the volume of truck traffic required to retrieve material from this project? Additionally, is the contractor liable for normal or accelerated wear and tear on the highway, provided there is no neglect or abuse?

Yes, NPS expects normal pavement wear due to heavy axle loading related to truck traffic. No, the contractor will not be liable for normal wear and tear on the roadways.

14. How strictly will the park enforce the advance notice requirements for changes to traffic control plans? For example, if traffic needs to be shut down for a different duration due to a crane tree with no safe alternative removal method, or if a section of the project is completed a week early, will the park accept shorter notice than what is specified in the RFP NPS will be flexible on advance requirements for specific needs related to unexpected difficulties or safety concerns.

15. What are the expected operating seasons?

Because the project is at high elevation, it is anticipated that a winter shut-down will be necessary due to heavy snow. Temporary road closures for snow can start in late October, with roads opening up again after park snow clearing operations. Snow can remain on the ground into early June. Refer to the contract documents for additional restrictions related to spotted owl and fisher protections. Additionally, wildfire risk Project Activity Levels may impact operations (see attachment to solicitation).

16. Generally speaking when do the roads get closed for hauling?

Refer to the Performance Work Statement, pages 5 - 6, for information on allowable road closures.

17.Will you accept alternative methods of pavement protection(tires, rubber mats) from steel tracks?

Yes.

18. What are the weight restrictions for Mineral King Road?

Bridges within the parks are designed to handle legal loads per California Vehicular code 35550-35558.

Given the multitude of possibilities for getting to the park, bidders are encouraged to research out of park restrictions with the appropriate jurisdiction.

19. Is there an alternative way to access Mineral King Road for the purposes of equipment mobilization and log/biomass haul?

No.

20. What is the current project pricing?

Contract 140PS124C0002 was awarded at $6,898,620.12. Additional information is available on SAM.gov by searching for this contract number and the solicitation number 140PS124R0003.

21. What are the acceptable methods to share hazard tree information required in the project?

Online map and data management tools are preferred, but data can be shared using spreadsheets with links for photos.

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