6-9-2026 QAs.docx

6/9/2026 Q&As

1. We formally request an extension of the bid date to allow for appropriate time to adjust and formulate bids based upon response to questions and release of additional documents. We would request a three (3) week extension from the receipt of final RFI response. Additionally, we would request an additional two (2) days to pose any follow up questions to RFI responses if needed. Solicitation will be extended to close on 7/6/26. Bid opening 7/8/26.

1. Please confirm that attendee list and any RFIs at site walk will be shared to all bidders as well as any formally submitted RFIs. Attendee has been uploaded on solicitation.

1. Please confirm site access shall be 0700 to 1700 local time as stated on site walk.

2. Yes from 7 AM to 5 PM Monday thru Friday except federal holidays.

1. Will any adjustment to work hours be allowed, and if so, how much advance notice will the site require for adjustment?

3. No adjustments to work hours will be allowed.

1. Please confirm which gate(s) will be authorized for material and equipment deliveries as well as other construction activities.

4. CBP Port of entry for employees. Dam ramp gate for trucks, trailers, equipment.

1. Please confirm that center panels on road above the dam can be removed and replaced upon request to allow for access to the tainter gates.

5. Yes

1. Please confirm that capacity of the elevator.

6. Elevator access is not required within this scope of work.

1. Please confirm that the location of the laydown area is below the dam.

7. Yes,

1. Please confirm if one (1) or two (2) gates will be available for work at a time.

8. Two Gates available at a time. If reservoir levels remains below conservation level.

1. Please confirm if any other work is scheduled or anticipated that would impact the activities under this scope of work.

9. Currently, have a contractor working on Penstock 5 Irrigation gate project until July 2027.

1. Please confirm that as the LBP report did not sample the tainter gates lead is assumed to be present.

10. LBP report did not sample the tainter gates for lead. It is assumed that lead is not present but contractor shall confirm and verify prior to starting any work.

1. If DFT measurements of the current coatings is available can this be shared?

11. Not available

1. If the current coatings system is known can this information be shared?

12. Not available

1. If the contractor needs to drill or otherwise penetrate the concrete of the dam for access installation, please confirm that this will be allowed, provided contractor patches any holes prior to demobilization.

13. Yes, but the contractor shall obtain written approval from the IBWC prior to performing any coring, drilling, or boring into the concrete dam structure. Only those activities expressly authorized in writing will be permitted, and all other drilling activities are prohibited.”

1. Please confirm if wash water needs to be captured.

14. See spec section 01.57.19 1.8 Water Pollution. All discharges into "waters of the United States" shall meet the requirements of the Clean Water Act (CWA).

1. If wash water does need to be captured please confirm that following testing and clearing of any hazardous substances (lead, PCBs, etc) that it may be released back into the river stream. What prior notification will Champion need to give for access to gates?

15. All discharges into "waters of the United States" shall meet the requirements of the Clean Water Act (CWA).

1. Are there any dates (listed holidays) that we will not be allowed full access to the gates?

16. All federal holidays. See 01.42.00 page 12 Holidays for link to OPM list.

1. Is any work scheduled on the Mexico gates 9-16?

17. Currently there is work scheduled for two gates per year. Do not have an exact gate number that will be worked on.

1. Please confirm that stoplogs will be provided by the owner for the work.

18. Yes

1. Please advise who will be responsible for setting stoplogs prior to gate rehabilitation.

19. USIBWC

1. Will other work be completed concurrently with our coating contract? Not on the US side but MX may perform work on their gates.

0. If yes, will any of the concurrent work be on the gates? Yes on MX gates.

1. Will potable water be provided? No potable water will be provided.

21. If yes, can you please identify if there are connections proximate to the gates or if they are located elsewhere on site, where those connections are? Non potable source from well can be provided with meter.

1. Will power be provided? See section 01.51.00 1.8

22. If yes, can you advise of the location of connections and the voltage/phase provided at these connections?

1. Field office that is required, is it for only the contractor personnel or will the Government be using this office as well? Contractor personnel only.

25. What is the exact scope of work for the repairs of the trunnion pin rehabilitation? Re mediating Gate 1, 7 & 8 vibration and noise. Final product shall be fully operational gates without any friction.

3. If a pre-blast of the gates will be required, what portion of the gates will be required? Will it be the welds only or will it be the gates entirely? Gate 6 brace NDT shall be performed initially. If steel repair is required then the repair will need to be performed.

26. In lieu of removing the cables from the hitch blocks for blasting and painting operations, may we protect the cables with an integrated system? Please provide more information on integrated system.

27. Will weekend work be allowed? No weekend work will be allowed.

28. Will nighttime work be allowed on any days during Monday through Friday? No nighttime work will be allowed.

29. For the side and bottom seal assemblies, are all stainless steel bars and plates being replaced, or are we to reinstall the existing ones? Reinstall existing unless inspection shows replacement is needed.

30. Can all air sampling required by the contract be performed by the Contractor's Competent Person under the supervision of a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)? No, perform per Section 09.97.02 1.8 A

31. Will sandblasting work be performed by others on the Mexican side of the border at the same time this contract is being performed? If so, how will that affect the Contractor's air monitoring and soil sampling results, particularly if the other contractor is not utilizing full containment during blasting operations? No guarantee of sandblasting work being performed by Mexico during the same time.

32. What existing coating system is currently applied to the tainter gates? Existing coating system is unknown.

33. What class of containment is required for abrasive blasting and painting operations on the tainter gates in accordance with SSPC Guide 6? Where lead or other hazardous materials are present and abrasive blasting will be performed, Class 1A. Where lead or other hazardous materials are not present but abrasive blasting will be performed, Class 2A

34. Will Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) air monitoring be required each day that abrasive blasting operations occur, or only during the initial production period to establish baseline compliance? Perform per Section 09.97.02 1.12.F. TSP Monitoring

35. Can you please confirm that the port of entry/border crossing can be closed through the duration of the project if the contractor requests? Also the contractor shouldn’t have to pass through the border control if the border is closed correct?

0. Yes crossing will be closed if requested. Access to the site is always through a Customs and Border Patrol Port of Entry. Personnel working on site must have required documentation to pass through the port of entry if required. Dam ramp gate is not guaranteed as CBP can change operations at any time.

36. In the event stop logs will be required, will the Government install those? How many gates can be isolated using available stoplogs at one time?

0. Yes, government will install stoplogs if required. 1 gate at a time can be isolated at conservation level and above.

37. Is it possible to work Saturday’s?

a. No

38. What power is available onsite and can the contractor utilize that power? If we are able to use power, does it need to be metered?

a. Yes power is available on site and will need to be metered.

39. What permits are required for the contractor to obtain?

40. Can you please provide a copy of the sign in sheet from the site visit?

a. Yes – Sing in sheet has been posted via SAM.gov

41. To confirm, this project is a small business set aside? I see it advertised on SAM.gov announcement but I don’t think I see it in the Solicitation (I might not be looking in the right place) Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)

42. On SAM.gov, the Solicitation indicates the Estimated Magnitude of this project is $1-$5million. Does the Government have adequate funding if the bids are above the $5 million range? No

43. The Site Safety and Health Officer can have no other duties, correct? Also, the SSHO cannot be the same person as the QC manager correct and the QC manager can have no other duties also?

a. Correct

44. Weld repairs are required by specification. It is difficult to ascertain the extent and the pricing to include in the bid for welding required. Is it possible for the Gov’t to assume an expected amount per gate as a unit price so that the bids are more apples to apples?

a. Gate 6 brace NDT shall be performed initially. If steel repair is required then the repair will need to be performed.

45. In regards to potential lead/haz coatings removal and remediation, how should bidding contractors quantify the potential for lead removal if there is none vs if lead based paint is encountered? Is it as simple as a Mod being issued if samples come back positive?

I will respond as soon as I hear from my client

46. Section 35.22.46.1.7.A.3 notes the requirement for the gate side roller repairs (or replacement). What should the contractor assume for pricing in its bid as simple lubrication vs full replacement poses significant differences in pricing?

a. Contractor to assume lubrication and rehabilitation of gate side roller repairs if required. Replacement of rollers will be handled by change orders.

47. Section 35.22.46.3.4 notes the requirement for concrete repair. What is the extent of concrete that requires repair? What should the contractor assume for the level of effort for concrete repair required?

a. Concrete repair will be for any penetrations needing to be performed and then repaired for the rehabilitation work.

48. Section L.4 , #5 for bid submittal requires a financial statement to be included with the bid. Due to the sensitive nature of this information, would a letter from the prospective bidders bonding company be sufficient for the firms bonding capacity to confirm adequate financial resources? If not, would providing a financial statement after the bid opening by the apparent successful bidder be sufficient? Yes

49. To confirm, the technical proposal and qualifications will only be used to confirm the low bidder is qualified to win award. The technical plans from each contractor will only be reviewed by the Government if they are the low bidder, correct? Due to the technical nature of the work, is it possible to have the technical plan and qualification of the contractors be factored into the award decision?

a. All factors will be evaluated.

50. As per the site visit, if it is shown that the project will take more than 365 calendar days for completion in the Technical Approach, will the Government go by the contract days provided by the Contractor in their technical proposal? Yes, as long as the days provided is within an acceptable range for completing this project. Provide details of why it would take longer than 365 days

51. Will the Contractor be permitted to mount anchor plates into the concrete for containment purposes? Yes, but the contractor shall obtain written approval from the IBWC prior to performing any coring, drilling, or boring into the concrete dam structure. Only those activities expressly authorized in writing will be permitted, and all other drilling activities are prohibited.”

52. If the Contractor requests to shut down the Port of Entry and all through traffic on the bridge, as discussed during the site visit, will the request be granted? Yes, the request will be granted. Access to the site is through a Customs and Border Patrol Port of Entry. Personnel working on site must have required documentation to pass through the port of entry if required.

53. As shown in Division 09 – Finishes (Painting Hydraulic Structures), Subsection 1.12.E (PM-10 Monitoring), PM-10 monitoring is an outdated and less accurate monitoring system compared to Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) monitoring. TSP monitoring provides a more comprehensive measurement of airborne particulate matter generated during abrasive blasting. Will the Government allow TSP monitoring to be used in lieu of PM-10 monitoring? TSP monitoring will be allowed.

54. As discussed during the site visit, are Gates 1, 7, and 8 the only gates requiring trunnion pin rehabilitation? Yes, those are the only gates requiring trunnion pin rehabilitation.

55. Will the site visit sign-in sheet be made available to all prospective bidders? Yes, on Sams.gov

56. Will the stoplogs be installed by the Government? If so, is the Contractor required to provide crane support for stoplog installation and removal activities? Stoplogs will be installed by the government. No crane support for stoplog installation and removal activities.

57. How many gates may be taken out of service simultaneously during construction? Two

58. Are there any areas where equipment storage, material laydown, or staging activities are prohibited? The Government may need to occupy the right-of-way during the entire construction period, with the exception of areas under construction. The Contractor shall cooperate with the Government during construction operations to minimize conflicts and facilitate Government access. The Contractor needs to maintain existing access to the facility, unless otherwise indicated in the Contract Drawings. The Contractor shall provide not less than 72 hours' notice to the Government of construction activities that will affect any Government activities.

59. What is the current coating thickness (mils) on the existing gates? The coating thickness is unknown as it varies from gate to gate.

60. Are hoist machinery components included within the painting scope of work? No, only radial gate upstream and downstream, arms/strut, trunnion and entire box girder.

61. Is the grating and decking beneath the hoist machinery included within the painting scope of work? No, only radial gate upstream and downstream, arms/strut, trunnion and entire box girder.

62. Please provide a list of all known steel repairs identified during the most recent inspection. Gate 6 brace NDT shall be performed initially. If steel repair is required, then the repair will need to be performed.

63. What quantity of steel repair and/or steel replacement should bidders carry within their bids? Gate 6 brace NDT shall be performed initially. If steel repair is required then the repair will need to be performed.

64. Following installation of the new tainter gate seals, will leakage testing be required? Yes leakage testing will be required by filler gauges and water pressure testing.

65. Are trunnion pins required to be removed and inspected as part of the rehabilitation work? No, trunnion covers will be required to be removed for Gate 1, 7 & 8 trunnion friction.

66. What coefficient of friction will be considered acceptable following trunnion pin rehabilitation? Acceptable friction such that vibration and noise are no longer observed.

67. What is the anticipated Contract award date? August 2026

68. Is the warranty period measured from the date of individual gate acceptance or from final project completion? Final project completion

69. Can the Government provide a 50-year water level history showing both upstream reservoir elevations and downstream tailwater elevations? Water level history can be found on https://waterdata.ibwc.gov/AQWebportal/Data/Dashboard/38 (Amistad Period of Record. Tailwater elevations vary from 900 to 910 feet during normal and flood operations.

70. Can the Government quantify the known steel repairs anticipated for this project? Gate 6 brace NDT shall be performed initially. If steel repair is required, then the repair will need to be performed.

71. Does this project require pre-blasting prior to weld inspections and steel repair evaluations? Yes

72. As discussed during the site visit, is it correct that only the radial gates are included in the blasting and coating scope, and that adjacent steel structures and miscellaneous metals are excluded unless specifically identified elsewhere in the Contract Documents? Blasting and painting will be for radial gate upstream and downstream, arms/structs, trunnion and entire box girder.

73. As discussed during the site visit, are the permitted working hours Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM? Yes correct.

74. Seal Assembly Components (Section 35.22.46- 1.7.A- 2): This section requires the repair or replacement of side and bottom seal assembly components as needed.

- Can IBWC identify which specific components are included in this group and define the limits of this requirement? For example, does this only cover components holding the seal to the gate (hold-down plates, spacers, nuts, and bolts), or does it include the mating embedded steel on the dam side?

- What is the expected replacement rate for these parts? Should we bid for 100% replacement, or will a change order be processed if defective parts are identified during the project? Expected replacement for neoprene seals, countersunk bolt & hardware assembly, gaskets to attach seals to 5x3x1/2 continuous angle. 2”x3/8” continuous seal bar shall be reused but rehabilitated if required. 5x3x1/2 continuous angle shall be reused but rehabilitated if required. Replace with new bolts and hardware assembly, gaskets, for attaching 5x3x1/2 continuous angle to gate.

75. Tainter Gate Rollers (Section 35.22.46- 1.7.A- 3): This section requires the repair or replacement of the rollers.

- What is the expected replacement rate for these components? Should we include 100% replacement in our bid, or will additional costs be handled via change order upon discovery of defective parts? Grease and lubrication no replacement of rollers. Rehabilitate existing rollers for functionality.

76. Shims (Section 35.22.46- 1.7.A- 4): Line 4 stipulates that "New shims (painted) of various sizes should be on hand and installed after gate is painted." Since multiple components in this hoisting system utilize shims, could you clarify which specific components these shims are intended for?

The shims called out are for installation of roller angles to radial gate. Shims are used to obtain the 3/8” between roller and dam seal bar.

77. U-bolts (Section 35.22.46- 1.7.A- 3): This section requires the repair or replacement of the Tainter gate U-bolts.

- What is the expected replacement rate for these parts? Should the bid reflect 100% replacement, or will a change order be issued if damaged parts are found? Tainter Gate U-bolts will not be replaced. Rehabilitate, grease and lubricate hitch block components for functionality.

78. Mobilization & Facilities: Will the contractor be required to furnish a dedicated onsite office for the government or a separate office for the contractor? For the contractor and government inspector.

79. Stoplog Responsibility and Site Conditions: The solicitation mentions that the dam has slots for stoplogs. Could IBWC please clarify the responsibility for furnishing, installing, operating, and removing the stoplogs or bulkheads required to isolate the radial gates for rehabilitation work? USIBWC will install stoplogs if required to perform maintenance on gates. Currently the reservoir level is 40 feet below concrete ogee crest.

80. Additionally, please clarify whether the Government will provide isolated gate bays and dewatered work conditions, or if these activities are the Contractor's responsibility.

USIBWC will install stoplogs if required to perform maintenance on gates. Dewatered work conditions to perform work is contractors’ responsibility.