Amendment_3_Attachment_1_Questions_and_Answers_0003.pdf

Questions from Prospective Contractors Solicitation No. 140R6026R0001 – Arkansas Valley Conduit (AVC) – Crowley Reach 1

1) Question: Contaminated Materials – Limits, Testing, and Payment Per Section 01 57 20 – Environmental Controls, the specifications require special handling procedures for excavation within 200 feet of contaminated material areas.

Section 51 02 61, Paragraph 1.01.B identifies borings DH-24-201 and DH-24-216 as locations where soil and/or groundwater testing was performed.

Please clarify the following:

a) Limits of Contaminated Areas

Please confirm that the contaminated material areas referenced in Section 01 57 20 are limited to the vicinity of borings DH-24-201 and DH-24-216, and that the requirement for special handling within 200 feet applies only to excavation within 200 feet of these identified locations.

Answer:

• Refer to specifications Section 51 02 60 - Site Characterization Report, which indicates the contaminated materials area.

• Refer to specifications Section 51 02 61 - Soil and Groundwater Contaminant

Assessment, which includes contamination level measurements.

• Refer to specifications Section 01 57 20 - Environmental Controls, which includes coordination requirements with CDPHE.

b) Testing Requirements Please confirm that the Contractor’s responsibility for sampling and testing of excavated materials is limited to work performed within 200 feet of borings DH-24-201 and DH- 24-216, and that such testing is for the purpose of determining suitability of the material for reuse as backfill.

indicates the contaminated materials area.

includes sampling and testing requirements.

c) Non-Reusable / Contaminated Material Please confirm that any excavated material that does not meet the criteria for reuse (including material exceeding allowable contamination limits), or that requires off-site disposal, treatment, groundwater handling, or other special handling measures, will be considered a change to the work and compensated accordingly.

indicates the contaminated materials area.

• Refer to specifications Section 51 02 61 - Soil and Groundwater Contaminant Assessment, which includes contamination level measurements.

includes coordination requirements with CDPHE.

2) Quantity Surveys / Payment

Document: FAR Clause 52.236-16 / Section 01 71 20 Reference: Quantity Surveys Requirements Question:

Can the Government clarify the level of detail required for monthly quantity survey submittals to support progress payments, specifically regarding acceptable formats and required backup documentation?

Answer: Refer to specifications Section 01 71 20 - Surveying, including Part 3 Execution.

3) Survey Control Responsibility

Document: Section 01 71 20 – Surveying Reference: Contractor Survey Requirements Question:

Please confirm that the Contractor is responsible for all primary and secondary survey control, and that Government survey crews are for verification only and cannot be relied upon for construction layout.

Answer: Refer to specifications Section 01 71 20 - Surveying, including Paragraph

1.04 A.

4) Dewatering Pay Items

Document: Price Schedule A (CLINs A-16 through A-20) Reference: Dewatering Materials, Installation, Operation Question:

Can the Government clarify whether dewatering system design is considered incidental to CLIN A-15 (System Design), or if separate compensation is intended within the dewatering bid items?

Answer: Refer to specifications Section 31 03 33 - Removal of Water from Excavation, Paragraph 1.01.

5) Contaminated Soils (Town of Boone)

Document: Sections 01 57 20, 51 02 60, 51 02 61 Reference: Contaminated Materials Area Question:

Can the Government provide additional details on the extent and limits of contaminated materials within the Town of Boone, including anticipated quantities and disposal requirements?

Answer: Refer to specifications Sections 01 33 00 - Submittals, 01 57 20 - Environmental Controls, 51 02 60 - Site Characterization Report, and 51 02 61 - Soil and Groundwater Contaminant Assessment; including specifications Section 51 02 60 - Site Characterization Report, Figure 1 Points of Exposure (POE). Also note CLIN A-2, Submittals Requiring Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) Review.

6) HDD Work Area Constraints

Document: Sections 01 55 00 / 01 55 20 Reference: HDD Western Limits Question:

Please clarify the available workspace limits for the HDD operation near the western limits and identify any restrictions on staging, pipe stringing, or equipment access.

Answer: No private easements were obtained by the Government west of the Colorado Canal.

• Refer to specifications drawings for right-of-way limits.

• Refer to specifications Section 01 14 10 – Use of Site, Paragraph 1.04 A. for cleared parcels which may be pursued pending negotiations between the Contractor and landowners.

• Refer to specifications Sections 01 14 12 - Work Restrictions and Limitations, 01 35 20 - Safety and Health, 01 55 00 - Vehicular Access and Parking, and 01 55 20 - Traffic Control.

7) Railroad Crossing (Option Work)

Document: Section 01 11 00 / Price Schedule B Reference: Option A – UPRR Crossing Question:

Can the Government provide an anticipated timeline for securing the railroad permit and exercising the option, and confirm whether escalation or standby costs will be considered if delayed beyond the 367-day period?

Answer: No timeline can be provided for railroad permit approvals and Government exercising of Price Schedule B. Refer to Solicitation Section H, Paragraph H.1.

8) Pavement Restoration / Degradation

Document: Section 32 12 22 / Local Requirements Reference: Asphalt Pavement Question:

Please confirm whether pavement degradation fees, restoration requirements, and mix designs shall follow local jurisdiction standards or if project-specific standards apply.

Answer: Refer to specifications Section 32 12 22 - Asphalt Concrete Pavement and Drawing 382-D-60617.

9) Submittal Expectations

Document: Section 01 33 00 – Submittals Reference: RSN Requirements Question:

Can the Government provide a submittal register or clarify expectations for grouping and formatting submittals by RSN to avoid rejection due to incomplete or excessive information?

Answer: Refer to specifications Section 01 33 00 - Submittals; Table 01 33 00A - List of Submittals and Paragraph 1.04 Submittal Requirements. Also refer to individual specifications Sections for supplemental submittal content requirements.

10) Utility Relocation (Non-Pass-Through)

Document: CLINs A-3 and A-4 / Price Schedule D Reference: Utility Relocation Question:

Please confirm the scope included in “non-pass-through” costs for utility relocations and whether coordination, scheduling, and management costs are to be included in these CLINs.

Answer: Yes. Provide the project management work (coordination, scheduling, and management costs) associated with utility relocations under CLINs A-3 and A-4. Refer to specifications Section 01 51 15 – Utility Relocations, Paragraphs 1.01 A. and B.

11) Progress Payment Requirements

Document: Section G.2 – IPP Invoicing Reference: Invoice Attachments Question:

Can the Government confirm that failure to submit all required attachments (survey data, as-builts, schedules) will result in full invoice rejection rather than partial payment processing?

Answer: Quantity Surveys, As-Builts, and Approved Construction Schedules listed in Solicitation Section G, Paragraph G.2 do not need to be uploaded to IPP with your payment request. However, the documents are required to be submitted and approved prior to requesting payment in accordance with the following specifications:

• Section 01 33 00 – Submittals, Table 01 33 00A

• Section 01 32 10 – Construction Program, Paragraph 1.04 E.1. and 1.09 B.2.

• Section 01 71 20 – Surveying, Paragraph 1.03 G.2.

• Section 01 78 30 – Project Records Documents, Paragraph 1.04 A.

Failure to provide the required documentation may result in a rejected invoice in accordance with FAR Clause 52.232-5 – Payments Under Fixed-Price Construction.

12) CLSM Quantity Discrepancy

Document: Price Schedule A / Contract Drawings Reference: CLIN A-33 – Line Pipe Installed (CLSM) Question:

The bid schedule indicates approximately 7,900 LF of CLSM, while the drawings appear to show approximately 17,899 LF for the base contract. Can the Government clarify the correct quantity to be used for bidding purposes?

Answer: Continuation of Section B, with changes identified in bold italic (Price schedule A, CLIN A-33), is revised via this amendment. Please see Attachment 2.

13) Utility Relocation Coordination and Schedule Risk

Document: CLINs A-3 and A-4 / Section 01 51 15 Reference: Utility Relocation Responsibilities Question:

If the Contractor is responsible for coordinating and funding utility relocations, please clarify how schedule impacts will be addressed if a utility owner delays relocation work.

Specifically, will contract time extensions be granted without penalty for delays caused by third-party utility owners?

Answer: The Contractor is responsible for coordinating utility relocations, including obtaining utility agreements and scheduling construction to comply with utility owner requirements, as specified in Section 01 51 15.

The specifications require the Contractor to plan and coordinate work to adhere to utility owner constraints, including in-service and outage requirements.

The contract does not provide for automatic time extensions due to delays caused by third-party utility owners. Any request for time extension would be evaluated in accordance with the applicable contract clauses governing delays.

14) Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQs) – Form Version and UEI Requirement

Will PPQs completed on prior Bureau of Reclamation forms (without the UEI) be considered acceptable for this solicitation?

If not, would it be acceptable for the Contractor to supplement older PPQs by adding the UEI to the existing forms?

Alternatively, is it mandatory that all PPQs be resubmitted using the current version of the form included in this solicitation?

Answer: L.10 WBR 1452.215-81 PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS -- BUREAU OF RECLAMATION (MARCH 2021) has been updated via this amendment. Please see Attachment 4.

15) Pipe Material Selection and Fused Joint Requirement (Sta. 3091+80 to 3277+34.82)

If a pipe material is selected (PVC or HDPE), is the Contractor required to use that material consistently throughout the entire project?

Alternatively, is it acceptable to utilize a combination of both materials, provided all specified requirements (including fused joints in designated areas) are met?

If both materials are allowed, please confirm any limitations, transition requirements, or approval processes.

Answer: A revised specifications Section 33 11 00 - Pipeline General Requirements will be included in a future amendment.

16) Fused Joint Requirement and PVC Material Selection

If material consistency is required and the Contractor elects to use PVC, would fusible PVC be required to meet the fused joint requirements?

If so, are there specific product standards or installation requirements?

Alternatively, would restrained joint PVC or other jointing methods be acceptable in fused joint areas?

Answer: If the Contractor elects to use PVC, then fusible PVC shall be installed where fused joints are required, refer to drawings for locations. Refer to specifications Section 33 11 16 - PVC Pressure Pipe for product standards and installation requirements.

Restrained joint PVC or other joining methods would not be permitted in areas where fused joints are required.

17) Union Pacific Railroad Requirements – 24/7 Construction Clarification

Does the requirement for “continuous 24/7 construction” within 25 feet of the track centerline require uninterrupted, around-the-clock operations until all work within that zone is complete?

Answer: Yes. Refer to specifications Drawing 382-D-60614.

Alternatively, does this requirement apply only to monitoring and safety measures, while allowing construction activities during standard working hours?

Answer: No. The installation of the bored crossing within the limits defined in specifications Drawing 382-D-60614 and UPRR Guidelines for Track and Ground Monitoring shall be progressed 24/7 continuously. A revised specifications Section 33 05 21 - Bored Crossings will be included in a future amendment.

18) Typical Trench Dimensions – Sheet 382-D-60617

Trench dimension information appears to be missing for the pipe section between Station 3106+85.78 and Station 3108+29.78.

Is this omission intentional, or can the Government provide the required trench dimensions for this section?

If not provided, should the Contractor assume dimensions from an adjacent section, and if so, which one?

Answer: The omission is intentional as the stationing listed above reflects the bored crossing through the Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way. No open trench is permitted in the Union Pacific right-of-way.

19) Material Price Escalation – Resin-Based Products

Will there be any provisions for compensation or adjustment due to material cost increases, specifically for resin-based products such as PVC and HDPE?

Answer: The solicitation does not include any provisions for economic price adjustment related to material cost increases.

If so, please identify the applicable escalation clauses or indices.

Answer: Not Applicable.

If not, please confirm that the Contractor is expected to carry full risk of material price increases for the duration of the project.

Answer: The solicitation does not include any provisions for economic price adjustment related to material cost increases, and no escalation clauses or indices are provided.

Accordingly, offerors are expected to propose fixed prices that account for anticipated material cost fluctuations over the performance period, including resin-based products such as PVC and HDPE.

The contract will be administered in accordance with its terms and applicable clauses.

20) Detail 382-D-60655 “miter bend thrust restrained table”.

We are assuming this could also be achieved with standard ductile fittings (11.25, 22.5, etc.), or, could be achieved using the bending radius capabilities of the pipe (FPVC or

HDPE)?

• Refer to specifications Section 33 11 18 - HDPE Pressure Pipe, Paragraph 3.02 and specifications Section 33 11 16 - PVC Pressure Pipe, Paragraph 3.03.

• Approval would be subject to acceptance of the pipelaying diagrams. Refer to specifications Section 33 11 10 - Pipeline General Requirements, Paragraph 1.04 D.6.d.

21) We noted that both fused and elastomeric joints are acceptable for PVC.

Does the BOR take any exception to using fused joint pipe from station 3029+80 to 3091+80?

Answer: Fused pipe is be permitted in these stations given as long as they meet the contract requirements.

22) Detail 382-D-60659 is for a typical concrete thrust collar

a) Bubble 22 shows a weld to the host pipe – is the host pipe intended to transition to steel for installation within the collar? So that this thrust ring can be installed / welded on?

Answer: In accordance with specifications Drawing 382-D-60658, Detail, the carrier pipe transitions to steel upstream and downstream of the air valve/blowoff.

b) Is the design intent to include the collar to avoid differential thermal expansion and contraction of HDPE as it’s connected to steel? If so, can this be omitted if the pipe material is uniform (e.g. FPVC / PVC) throughout the design? PVC’s rate of thermal expansion is substantially less than HDPE and thus does not require concrete anchors at the transition to steel (to protect the pipe from thermal expansion and contraction).

Answer: The collar resists thrust when the sectionalizing valve is closed. The collar is not required if HDPE is used as the pipe material, refer to specifications Drawing 382-D-60657. The collar would be required for PVC as shown on specifications Drawings 382-D-60658 and 382-D-60659.

23) Regarding alignment bend angles (such as from sta 3055+50 to 3065+10)

Is it possible / allowable to utilize deflections at the joint (if bell and spigot), or, the bending radius of the pipe (if FPVC or HDPE), to meet the horizontal alignment as designed?

• Refer to specifications Section 33 11 18 - HDPE Pressure Pipe, Paragraph 3.02 and specifications Section 33 11 16 - PVC Pressure Pipe, Paragraph 3.03.

• Approval would be subject to acceptance of the pipelaying diagrams. Refer to specifications Section 33 11 10 - Pipeline General Requirements, Paragraph 1.04 D.6.d.

24) Regarding the typical trench dimensions. These typical trench dimensions provided for are for HDPE, which has an OD of 36”. The other approved material, FPVC, has an OD of 32”.

Please confirm that the trench dimensions can be reduced to accommodate for this smaller pipe – for example, W1 would now be 68”. If so, would BOR please generate an updated trench dimension table?

Answer: Yes, the trench dimensions can be reduced to accommodate a smaller outside diameter (OD). A new trench table will not be provided to show all scenarios.

However, a revised specifications Drawing 382-D-60617 will be included in a future amendment.

25) Arkansas Valley Conduit – Crowley Reach 1

Solicitation No. 140R6026R0001 Section 33 11 50 – Pipe Crossing at Existing Utility Pipelines, 3.01 Pipe Protection Requested Clarification:

a) HDPE or Fusible PVC Pipe:

Please confirm that if HDPE or fusible PVC pipe is selected, a 100 LF steel casing with cathodic protection is required at each crossing of the buried gas line at Stations 3002+05.87 and 3002+87.82 (i.e., 100 LF on each side of each crossing).

Answer: If the gas line crosses the pipeline after the relocation, then the requirements of specifications Section 33 11 50 - Pipe Crossings at Existing Utility Pipelines shall apply.

b) Parallel Gas Line (HDPE or Fusible PVC):

Please confirm that steel casing is not required where the proposed HDPE or fusible PVC pipeline runs parallel to the existing gas line between Stations 3002+05.87 and 3004+70.26.

Answer: Steel casing is not required, pending the relocated gas line does not cross the pipeline and adequate spacing is provided between parallel segments of the gas line and the pipeline.

c) HDD Installation Segment:

Please confirm that the pipe protection requirements outlined in Section 33 11 50 are not intended to apply to the HDD-installed pipe segment between Stations 3009+35 and 3029+80, and that no steel casing, cathodic protection, or petroleum-resistant gasket requirements are applicable within this HDD segment unless otherwise noted.

Answer: A revised specifications Section 33 11 50 - Pipe Crossings at Existing Utility Pipelines will be included in a future amendment.

d) Restrained PVC Pipe:

Please confirm that if restrained PVC pipe is selected, petroleum-resistant gaskets are only required within 100 LF on each side of the gas line crossings at Stations 3002+05.87 and 3002+87.82, and are not required along the parallel segment between Stations 3002+05.87 and 3004+70.26.

Answer: Refer to specifications drawings, including 382-D-60619. Restrained PVC is not permitted in the stations listed above, fused joints are required.

26) Items A-33 - A-35 Does that include the pipe or just the labor and material for backfill?

• For pipe: Refer to specifications Section 31 11 10 – Pipeline General Requirements, Paragraph 1.01 A. (CLINs A-31 and A-32).

• For all other costs associated with this work: Refer to specifications Section 31 11 10

– Pipeline General Requirements, Paragraphs 1.01 C, E., and F. (CLINs A-33, A-34, and A-35)

27) Can the Pipe coming out of the Air Vac extending to the ROW be substituted with PVC or

HDPE?

Answer: No. The venting pipe shall remain steel as shown on the specifications drawings.

28) The Plans reference Electrical Equipment and we don't see anything for us to price out. Will you clarify if there are any electrical items?

Answer: No electrical equipment is in the scope of this project.

29. Sheet 45 – Detail BB (Trench Plugs)

Detail BB specifies clay trench plugs. In lieu of clay, will Controlled Low Strength Material (CLSM) be permitted for trench plugs?

Answer: No. Refer to specifications Section 31 23 22 - Pipe Trench Earthwork and Drawings 382-D-60619 and 382-D-60661.

30. Sheet 45 – Detail EE

Detail EE indicates clay material. In lieu of clay, will the contractor be allowed to place additional CLSM to satisfy the requirements of Detail EE?

Answer: No. Refer to specifications Section 31 23 22 - Pipe Trench Earthwork and Drawings 382-D-60619 and 382-D-60661.

31. Sheet 80 – Guard Posts

Please clarify the required locations for guard posts. Note 3 states “locations shown on plans and/or as directed by the COR.” Can the government confirm specific locations or provide further guidance?

Answer: Refer to Note 8 on Drawing 382-D-60619.

32. Sheet 40 – Pipe Deflection vs. Fabricated Bends Will pipe deflection be allowed in lieu of fabricated bends for alignment changes that are within the pipe manufacturer’s recommended allowable deflection limits?

• Refer to specifications Section 33 11 18 - HDPE Pressure Pipe, including Paragraph

3.02, and specifications Section 33 11 16 - PVC Pressure Pipe, including Paragraph 3.03.

• Approval would be subject to acceptance of the pipelaying diagrams. Refer to specifications Section 33 11 10 - Pipeline General Requirements, including Paragraph

1.04 D.6.d.

33. Fence Removal and Replacement

The existing fence to be removed for construction does not meet current CDOT standards.

Upon replacement, is the contractor required to upgrade the fence to meet current CDOT standards, or reinstall to existing conditions?

Answer: Refer to specifications Section 01 14 10 Use of Site, including Paragraph 1.04 C.

34. Submittal Process Limitations

The specifications limit submittals to five (5) per division within any seven (7) day period.

Given the 28-day review period and the potential for resubmittals (estimated at ~20%), this limitation may significantly impact the project schedule. Would the Government consider increasing the number of allowable submittals per division within a 7-day period?

Answer: Refer to specifications Section 01 33 00 – Submittals, Paragraph 1.06 A.4.c.

35. Railroad Coordination Responsibilities It is our understanding that the Government is responsible for securing the railroad permit.

Please confirm that the contractor’s responsibilities are limited to providing railroad insurance, railroad protective liability (RRP), flagging, monitoring, and observation.

Answer: The permit will be obtained by the Government prior to executing optional Price Schedule B. The Contractor is responsible for all requirements within the permit, refer to specifications Section 01 41 26 – Permit Requirements.

36. Specification 03 15 19 – Hydrophilic Strip Waterstop

Section 2.01-A specifies Hydrotite profile CJ0752-3K, which has been discontinued. The manufacturer’s recommended replacement is CJ1020-2K. Please confirm if this substitution is acceptable.

Answer: Yes. specifications Section 03 15 19 – Hydrophilic Strip Waterstop permits “or equal” products.

37. Question: Has the Government secured ROW and land-use permits for the entire project including all limits of construction in the alignment? Or will this be the responsibility of the Contractor? Must the contractor submit ROW and Land Use Permits 6 months prior to construction in accordance with Table 01 33 00A - List of Submittals?

Answer:

• Refer to specifications Section 01 14 10 – Use of Site, including Paragraph 1.04 C., and proposed easements shown on Drawings 382-D-60620 to 382-D-60629 which have license agreements in place to begin construction while the Government finalizes easements.

• Refer to specifications Section 01 14 10 – Use of Site, Paragraph 1.03 B.1.b. and specifications Section 01 31 19 – Project Management and Coordination, Paragraph

1.02 D. for potential Contractor-obtained easements.

• Refer to specifications Section 01 33 00 - Submittals Table 01 33 00A List of Submittals for submittal due date and delivery time requirements.

• Refer to Drawings 382-D-60629 to 382-D-60645 for limits of culturally-cleared areas which would meet the requirements of specifications Section 01 31 19 – Project Management and Coordination, Paragraph 1.02 D.2.

38. Question:

Specification Section 31 23 22, Paragraph 3.01.B states:

“Do not excavate pipe or keep pipe trench open more than 100 feet ahead of pipelaying, placement of compacted backfill, or compaction operations, unless determined by COR.”

The project includes installation of fusible pipe, which is typically installed in longer continuous segments (e.g., stringing and fusing pipe prior to placement). Limiting open trench to 100 LF at all times may significantly impact the Contractor’s ability to utilize standard installation methods for this material.

Requested Clarification:

Please confirm whether the 100 LF maximum trench limitation is intended to apply to all pipe installation throughout the project, including fusible pipe installation.

If not, please clarify whether this requirement is limited to specific areas (e.g., work within town limits, traffic-sensitive areas, or other designated locations), and whether longer trench lengths will be permitted for fusible pipe installation in non-restricted areas, subject to Contractor means and methods and safety requirements.

Answer: Refer to revised specifications Section 33 11 10 – Pipeline General Requirements and specifications Section 31 26 22 – Pipe Trench Earthwork will be included in a future amendment.

39. Question:

Specification Section 31 03 33 – Removal of Water from Excavation, Paragraph A.1 requires observation wells to be installed, developed, and monitored across the site, spaced at 100-foot centers, and located to monitor the deepest portion of excavation for each phase or system.

Requested Clarification:

Please clarify the extent and intent of the observation well requirements. Specifically:

1. Is the requirement to install observation wells at 100-foot spacing intended to apply across the entire project limits, regardless of groundwater presence?

2. Or is this requirement limited to areas where groundwater is anticipated at excavation depths, as indicated in the geotechnical boring logs, and where active dewatering systems are required?

Answer: Specifications Section 31 03 33 – Removal of Water from Excavation, Paragraph 1.10 A 1. states “Observation wells shall be installed, developed, and monitored across the site.” This requirement is intentional and not intended to be limited to areas near the explorations.

40. In order to maintain consistency with ductile iron pipe size fittings: please confirm that the HDPE piping on the project is DIPS?

Answer: HDPE piping on the project is Iron Pipe Size (IPS), a revised specifications Section 33 11 10 - Pipeline General Requirements will be provided in a future amendment for clarity.

41. Detail 382-D-60657 does not have a sectionalizing valve concrete collar. Please confirm this is required.

Answer: The collar is not required if HDPE is used as the pipe material. Refer to Drawing 382-D-60657. The collar would be required for PVC as shown on Drawings 382-D-60658 and 382-D-60659.

42. Railroad Crossing:

Document: 51 00 13 Reference: Railroad Crossing Question: Provide schedule of trains or number of trains coming though the work site during work hours.

Answer: This information is not available at this time.

43. Fiber Optic Cable

Document: 01 11 00 Reference:1.02.C.7 Question: Is the contractor responsible for installing the Fiber Optic in the conduit?

Answer: Yes. Refer to specifications Section 01 11 00 Summary of Work, Paragraph 1.02.C.7.

44. Temporary Fence Document: 01 56 32 Question: Temporary fence required to be installed within the area, work being completed or the overall project.

Answer: Refer to specifications Section 01 35 20 - Safety and Health, Paragraph 1.04, and Section 01 56 32 - Temporary Safety Fence.

45. Cultural Resources Document: 01 57 90 Question: Will Cultural Resource Monitoring be required

Answer: Refer to specifications Section 51 01 60 - Cultural Clearance Survey Areas for Cultural Resource Monitoring.

46. Manufacturer required

Document: 33 11 18 Question: Is there a specified manufactory required (pipe, values, fitting, etc.)

Answer: No. Manufacturers of products must be able to meet requirements listed in the specifications.

47. Staging area Document: 01 14 10 Question: Locations for staging area

• Staging area shall be determined by Contractor. Proposed easements shown on

Drawings 382-D-60620 to 382-D-60629 which have license agreements in place to begin construction while the Government finalizes easements.

• Refer to specifications Section 01 14 10 – Use of Site, Paragraphs 1.03 B.b. and Section 01 31 19 – Project Management and Coordination 1.02 D., for potential Contractor obtained easements.

• Refer to Drawings 382-D-60629 to 382-D-60645 for limits of culturally cleared areas which would meet the requirements of specifications Section 01 31 19 – Project Management and Coordination, Paragraph 1.02 D.2.

48. HDD

Document: Drawings – 382 – D – 60666 Reference: For pipes up to 24" OD; minimum borehole diameter shall be OD +12". Pipes over 24" OD; minimum borehole diameter shall be

1.5*OD

Question: Can this note be corrected to meet all HDD industry standards including NASTT Good Practice Guideline? - Minimum borehole diameter for an HDD shall be:

For pipes up to 24" OD; minimum borehole diameter shall be OD +12" - Pipes over 24" OD; minimum borehole - diameter shall be - 1.5*OD - Industry standard is all pipes under 24” require a bore hole that is 1.5 x the OD of the pipe and all pipes 24” and larger require a bore hole that is 12” larger than the pipe OD.

Answer: Refer to specifications Section 33 05 22 – Horizontal Directional Drilling, Paragraph 3.04 J. A future amendment will be provided to remove the note from Drawing 382-D-60666.

49. HDD

Document: Drawings – 382-D-60665 Reference: 1365 LF horizontal length 4DR11 Question: Can the HDD installed fiber optic conduit be changed from HDPE DR11 to HDPE DR9 to help protect this conduit.

Answer: Yes. Pipe thickness may be upscaled as required based on calculations submitted in RSN 33 05 22-5, Calculations.

50. HDD

Document: 33 05 22 - Horizontal Directional Drilling - Submittals Reference: G. RSN 33 05 22-5 Calculations - Hydro-fracture analysis performed using standard industry practices including minimum required pressures, maximum anticipated drilling fluid pressures and maximum allowable drilling fluid pressure during drilling and pullback operations. Calculation to include the factor of safety against hydro-fracture along alignment.

Question: If the IFR calculations proves that the proximity of the geotechnical test hole locations posts a potential IFR risk can the alignment be moved within the permanent easement to allow for safe separation from the test holes?

Answer: Alignment must remain within the proposed permanent easement.

51. HDD

Reference: F. RSN 33 05 22-4 Drilling Plan 19.c. How HDD Pipe and fiber optic conduit position and orientation will be maintained during pullback.

Question: Is the expectation to install the 36” HDPE pipe and the 4” fiber optic cable in one HDD tunnel?

Answer: No. Refer to specifications Section 33 05 22 – Horizonal Directional Drilling, Paragraph 3.01.A.

52. HDD

Reference: F. RSN 33 05 22-4 Drilling Plan 19.c. How HDD Pipe and fiber optic conduit position and orientation will be maintained during pullback.

Question: If the expectation is to install the 36” pipe and the 4” pipe in one bore hole can the 4” pipe be extended to be the same length as the 36” pipe? At Station 10+00.00 where the 4” conduit ends the 36” pipe will be over 40’ deep.

Answer: The expectation is not to install both HDD pipe and fiber optic conduit in the same bore hole. Refer to specifications Section 33 05 22 – Horizonal Directional Drilling, Paragraph 3.01 A.

53. HDD

Document: 33 05 22 - Horizontal Directional Drilling – 2.06 other equipment Reference: A. Pipe Rollers 1. Able to support weight of pipe and rolling load forces while being hydrostatically tested and during pullback operations.

Question: Can pipe be placed on dirt berms for the pre installation hydrostatic pressure test?

Answer: Yes. Refer to specifications Section 33 05 22 – Horizontal Directional Drilling, Paragraph 3.04 O.2.a.

54. HDD

Document: 33 05 22 - Horizontal Directional Drilling – 3.01 General Reference: A. HDD Pipe horizontal directional drill shall be completed separate from fiber optic conduit horizontal directional drill.

Question: This section appears to contradict section F. RSN 33 05 22-4, Drilling Plan: 19. C.

– What specification section should be followed?

Answer: Details are required for each pullback. Refer to the response to Question 51 and specifications Section 33 05 22 – Horizontal Directional Drilling, Paragraph 3.01 A.

55. HDD

Document: 33 05 22 - Horizontal Directional Drilling - 3.04 Drilling Procedures Reference: O. HDD Pipe Fabrication and Testing Prior to Pullback. 2. For HDD Pipe placed on ground or on rollers during pre-pullback test, ensure that:

Question: This section contradicts section 2.06 OTHER EQUIPMENT - A. Pipe Rollers: - 1.

Able to support weight of pipe and rolling load forces while being hydrostatically tested and during pullback operations. What specification should be used?

Answer: Refer to specifications Section 33 05 22 – Horizontal Directional Drilling, Paragraph 3.04 O.2.

56. HDD

Document: 33 05 22 - Horizontal Directional Drilling - 3.04 Drilling Procedures Reference: O. HDD Pipe Fabrication and Testing Prior to Pullback. 2. For HDD Pipe placed on ground or on rollers during pre-pullback test, ensure that: b. Each support shall have a minimum weight capacity to hold up waterfilled pipe with a minimum safety factor of 1.5 Question: Is a pipe roller or dirt berm considered a “support”?

Answer: Yes. Refer to specifications Section 33 05 22 – Horizontal Directional Drilling, Paragraph 3.04 O.2.

57. Bored Crossing Document: 33 05 21 - Bored Crossings / 51 00 11 - Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Crossing Permits Reference: General question Question: Is it known at this time if BNSF will require any continuous boring operations through their Right Of Way?

Answer: Boring is currently not expected across BNSF ROW. Refer to Drawings 382-D-60629 and 382-D-60617.

58. Bored Crossing Document: 33 05 21 - Bored Crossings / 51 00 13 - Union Pacific Railroad Crossing Permits Reference: General question Question: Can the UPRR “A Zone” length be identified? UPRR requires continuous boring through the “A Zone”, the length of this zone is necessary for the bid process.

Answer: The Zone A length can be obtained from Figure 2-1 of the UPRR track monitoring guidelines. Refer to specifications Section 33 05 21 - Bored Crossings for future amendment with the updated link.

59. Bored Crossing Document: 33 05 21 - Bored Crossings Reference: General question Question: To protect the ID coating of the steel casing during bore operations, can a bare ID and OD sacrificial steel pipe be installed first? The sacrificial steel pipe will be pushed out of the bore hole with the permanent steel casing pipe that has the coatings.

Answer: Any use of sacrificial pipe shall comply with Union Pacific Railroad requirements.

60. Bored Crossing

Document: Drawing - Plan Sheet 382-D-60619 Question: Based on the Trenchless Table on sheet 382-D-60666 the casing for the Railroad Bore is specified as a 48" ID and 49.25" OD casing. This is an unusual size as Casing Pipe of this diameter is typically spec'd at the Outer Diameter. Will a 48" OD, 46.75" ID casing work as the carrier pipe has an OD of 30.5"?

Answer: Permits are in process with Union Pacific and BNSF with the pipe and casing size as shown on Drawing 382-D-60666.

61. HDD

Document: Drawings - 382-D-60665 and 382-D-60663 Question: Can the 2 HDD bores (4DR11 and 36DR11) be split in half so that the drive length is reduced? This will be a more constructable option and will reduce the risk of one long bore.

Answer: No. Refer to Drawings 382-D-60663 and 382-D-60665.

62. Question: Where / when will the BOR be posting the latest Plans Holders List?

Answer: SAM.gov does not provide a “Plans Holders List,” nor does it track or display which vendors have downloaded or viewed the solicitation documents.

The Interested Vendors List has been activated for this solicitation. Interested parties may voluntarily add themselves to this list; however, SAM.gov does not otherwise offer a "plan holders" function.

63. Question: Is there a plan holders list available?

Answer: SAM.gov does not provide a “Plan Holders List,” nor does it track or display which vendors have downloaded or viewed the solicitation documents.

The Interested Vendors List has been activated for this solicitation. Interested parties may voluntarily add themselves to this list; however, SAM.gov does not otherwise offer a "plan holders" function.

64. Question: I am reaching out to see if there will be a pre bid )mandatory or not) or a plan holders list released for this project.

Answer: SAM.gov does not provide a “Plan Holders List,” nor does it track or display which vendors have downloaded or viewed the solicitation documents.

The Interested Vendors List has been activated for this solicitation. Interested parties may voluntarily add themselves to this list; however, SAM.gov does not otherwise offer a "plan holders" function.

The digital site visit presentation and recording has posted to SAM.gov (see Amendment 0001).

65. Question: Would you consider extending the bid date by 1 or 2 weeks.

Answer: The solicitation due date is extended to May 29, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. MDT

66. Question: We are interested in being a subcontractor for the Arkansas Valley Conduit project and I'm reaching out to see if there's a pre-bid sign in sheet or plan holders list? The interested vendor list only has one on SAM and it would be great to see all the plan holder or who all was at the pre-bid meeting, if there was one.

Answer: SAM.gov does not provide a “Plan Holders List,” nor does it track or display which vendors have downloaded or viewed the solicitation documents.

Question: The Interested Vendors List has been activated for this solicitation. Interested parties may voluntarily add themselves to this list; however, SAM.gov does not otherwise offer a "plan holders" function.

The digital site visit presentation and recording has posted to SAM.gov (see Amendment 0001).

67. Question: Solicitation page 59 of 70 section L.6 states a presentation providing key site and project information will be issued approximately two to three weeks after the solicitation is posted to SAM.gov. Providing this information so long after the solicitation was posted will leave a very short time, if any for inquiries and a shortened period for subcontractors and suppliers to survey the new information. Can the presentation be provided sooner, or an extension of the due date be provided with the presentation?

Answer: The digital site visit has posted to SAM.gov, and the deadline for questions was extended until 2:00 PM MDT on May 6, 2026.

68. Question: Solicitation page 33 of 70 section L includes Clause 52.225-9. This clause applies to acquisitions under $6,683,000. Please consider replacing 52.225-9 with FAR clause 52.225-11 and the accompanying provision 52.225-12 considering the expected magnitude of the project is greater than the aforementioned threshold.

Answer: The Trade Agreements Act does not apply to acquisitions set aside for small businesses. FAR 52.225-9 applies because the Buy American statute governs small business set-asides.

69. Question: Solicitation page 65 of 70 section L states "The construction schedule shall be in format compatible with Primavera Professional Project Management. Include electronic copies of the .PDF Gantt Chart, the .XER schedule data file, and the .PLDF schedule layout file." The RFP calls for 3 volumes to be submitted. Please confirm that the PDF copy of the Gantt chart should be included in Volume II only. Also confirm that the Government does not require separate .XML and .PLF files to be submitted with its proposal. If these are required, should these be submitted separately as attachments to Volume II?

Answer: Include electronic copies of the .PDF Gantt Chart, the .XER schedule data file, and the .PLF schedule layout file as part of Volume II. Note: A typo has been identified for the schedule layout file acronym, it should be ".PLF" not ".PLDF". L. 10 WBR 1452.215-81 PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS -- BUREAU OF RECLAMATION (MARCH 2021) has been updated.

70. Question: Solicitation page 61 of 66 Section L states PPQs shall be provided for "projects similar in scope and magnitude to the work required under this solicitation which the offeror has completed during the past ten (10) years." Section M defines recent as "performance and/or contracts awarded within the last ten years." Please confirm if projects submitted for past performance must be completed or if the performance can be ongoing.

Answer: L. 10 WBR 1452.215-81 PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS -- BUREAU OF RECLAMATION (MARCH 2021) has been updated. Please see attachment 4.

71. Question: Solicitation on page 61 of 66 section L states "The offeror shall submit to PPQs to their reference and have references complete and return the questionnaires..."

Please confirm that the offeror may use previously completed PPQs for their projects.

Answer: L. 10 WBR 1452.215-81 PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS -- BUREAU OF RECLAMATION (MARCH 2021) has been updated. Please see attachment 4.

72. Question: Will previously completed PPQs be acceptable? And will CPARS be allowed in lieu of PPQs? It is extremely difficult to get a client to complete another PPQ when they have already done so, or when a CPARS exists.

Answer: L. 10 WBR 1452.215-81 PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS -- BUREAU OF RECLAMATION (MARCH 2021) has been updated. Please see attachment 4.