Solicitation Questions - Answers to Nimbus Powerplant Underwater Debris Removal Services_0001.docx

1. Should contractor include the cost of hauling off the removed debris for proper disposal or is BOR handling the disposal?

Per the PWS, the contractor shall remove, haul and dispose of all debris off site in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

2. PWS, Section 8.0 states that the worksite shall be cleaned daily. However, based on our past experience removing debris from Nimbus PP, we were able to use the dirt turnaround basin (at the right abutment) as a staging area to stockpile diver removed debris until enough material accumulated for a full dump truck load. Would that be acceptable for this project or do we need to haul off the material at the end of each day?

The debris can be stockpiled at a location to be determined based on approval of the contractor’s “Use of Site and Work Plan” submittal. All debris shall be removed before the contractor leaves the site. The area atop Nimbus Dam and Powerplant shall be kept clear of equipment and debris daily during off hours to facilitate Reclamation operations or in case of an emergency.

3. Are we able to stage a crane on the dam deck? If so, what is the deck load limits/weight capacity?

Staging a crane on the dam deck is possible. The deck load limits/deck capacity data is not available. However, the load limit is not so much an issue as the footprint. See enclosed “Nimbus Powerplant Trash Rack Crane Staging Area” aerial. Reclamation has utilized our portable Grove TM500E-2 crane with a 5000 lb. clam shell attachment to “scrape” the trash racks in the past. The portable crane and outriggers shall not be setup upstream any further than the fixed 50 Ton Gantry crane rail track as shown on the aerial and on drawing 485-D-345. Reclamation at one time rented a 60-ton crane, and this was only allowed to be set up in the approximate oval area as shown on the aerial but was not allowed to infringe upstream of the rail track. The 60 ton could not be set up elsewhere due to footprint limitations. The oval area depicts infringement partially upstream of the rail track, but this is incorrect and will not be permitted. The area allowed is the rectangular light blue area and can accommodate the Grove TM500E-2 crane or a portable crane of similar footprint.

Use of a crane to facilitate debris removal is not the only approach to removing debris. The contractor shall submit their work plan (“Use of Site and Work Plan”) and all necessary details as a submittal requirement for approval after contract award. As applicable, provide size and type of crane and show footprint considering limitations, and crane operator’s credentials/certificates. Plan must show how debris will be removed, include a rigging plan, and show/indicate how debris will retrieved inside the underwater apron wall area and outside of the wall. Note debris removal priorities identified in Section 3.6.

4. If the crane can be staged on the deck, would the crane need to be removed at the end of each day or can it stay setup on the deck for the duration for the project?

The area atop Nimbus Dam and Powerplant shall be kept clear of equipment and debris daily during off hours to facilitate Bureau operations or in case of an emergency. A crane or other large piece of equipment would block access which is prohibited except during daily debris removal operations.

5. PWS, Section 2.0 states the contractor shall be prepared for extended dive durations but can only utilize no-decompression limits. 50-feet of water is an ideal depth for Nitrox diving (no-decompression) which could increase the bottom from :92 minutes to :163 minutes. Can we utilize Nitrox (in accordance with the US Navy Dive Manual, Rev 7) in lieu of no-decompression air tables?

Ultimately, the safe performance of the work and the safety of the contractor’s personnel are the responsibility of the contractor. Utilization of Nitrox can be considered as part of the contractor’s Dive Plan and Hazard Analysis.

6. Much of the woody debris accumulated up against the trash racks will need to be removed by divers and loaded into a skip box. Will the skip box need to be certified by an engineer prior to use?

Ultimately, the safe performance of the work and the safety of the contractor’s personnel are the responsibility of the contractor. This question cannot be definitively answered without knowing more information on the skip box; how the contractor intends to utilize the skip box, and the fact that multiple approaches are possible via various contractors. As such, this question is normally asked after contract award and is part of the contractor’s plans submitted per the “Use of Site and Work Plan” submittal requirement. As applicable the contractor’s work plan shall include details regarding use of the box, a rigging plan, information regarding qualifications of rigging personnel, rigging materials, and inspection procedures.

7. Please confirm BOR would like the contractor to work 10-hour shifts to meet/exceed the 5 days onsite.

The work on site shall not exceed five business days. The hours from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm are the normal available work hours to perform the work. As noted in the PWS, “A maximum of five days is expected on site and considerable improvement is expected if all debris cannot be removed within this time frame. Should the onsite work take less than 5 days, the Contractor shall invoice for only the actual time on site.” Additionally, Section 3.5 of the PWS requires a schedule to be submitted by the contractor after contract award.