5_10_23 QA.PDF

Project No.AK NPS KATM 10(4) Project: Rehabilitate Valley of 10,000 Smokes

# General Technical Question Answer Date

1 X Is there cellular communication coverage at both the Brooks Camp and within the project limits?

Please check with your cellular phone service provider and submit bids according to the solicitation documents.

4/25/23

2 X Would FHWA consider extending the Completion Date to October 2024? Barging heavy equipment to Brooks Camp is usually not feasible until July 1. Given that NTP is expected on July 7, 2023, most, if not all, of the 2023 construction season will be lost by the time submittals are approved.

The Government will not be extending the fixed completion date. Please bid according to the solicitation documents.

4/26/23

3 X How much space is available at the Brooks Camp for the Contractor designated housing area? will be addressed under Amendment A001 4/26/23

4 X

Section 107.08A states: All construction camp kitchen and food storage facilities (including food, beverage, packaging, garbage, harvested fish, cooking equipment, and food storage containers) shall be in “hard-sided” building structures which incorporate walls of 8-foot minimum height and constructed from rigid building materials.

Camp service provider(s) have experience putting soft-sided tents (including kitchen) all over Alaska which includes bear dense areas (i.e. all soft tents coupled with bear fencing). Is the “hard-sided” kitchen mandatory? If so, would a large kitchen/concession trailer equipped with oven, flattop, burners, commercial hood, 3-basin sink, and large fridge/freezer be an acceptable substitute?

Please bid according to Sub-section 107.08A 5/3/23

5 X Is it acceptable to leave equipment at the Moraine Pit over the winter? Yes 5/23/23

6 X Special Contract Requirements - Cultural Resources, will contractor need to pay for this study for areas along the roadway, or just any potential "contractor identified material sources". Confirming no cultural resources needed for morraine pit?

please refer to Special Contract Requirements (SCRs) sub-section 107.10(d) and bid according to the solicitation documents.

5/8/23

7 X Erosion Control Sup (ECS) Can this be dual hat person, or sole responsibility to be SWPPP management? See SCRs sub-section 157.03. Bid according to the solicitation documents. 5/8/23

8 X Can Traffic Control Supervisor be a dual hat individual, i.e., QCM or site superintendent?

See Sub-Section 156.09 of the FP-14 and bid according to the solicitation documents.

5/8/23

9 X Is the contractor responsible for obtaining 404 Nationwide Permit #3 (No. POA-1994-00064) USACE & APDES permits?

Please see Section H – Permits, located in the SCRs, and bid according to the solicitation documents.

5/8/23

10 X Will the government be issuing an IFC plan set, as set included in solicitation documents says it is not for construction? Are any major changes expected and if so, will these changes be negotiated?

It appears that you are referring to the pre-solicitation documents issued Sept. 01, 2022. Please refer to the updated solicitation dated May 3, 2023, posted to Sam.Gov, https://sam.gov/opp/01d31786e2e44cdd83c24d24fe6dde16/view, for all current solicitation documents associated with the project.

5/8/23

Check General or Technical

11 X Is the schedule manager required to be on site? Please see SCRs Section 155 and bid according to the solicitation documents. 5/8/23

12 X

Per answer to question 2, the government will not extend the POP. Due to this fact there is little phasing that will be possible. The size of crew required to complete this work by October 1, 2023, shut down is going to be 20+. Is the NPS aware of this number of added crew? Are the shower and restroom facilities equipped to handle this demand, in addition to Park Rangers/Employees?

Yes, bid according to solicitation documents. (Clarification, the contract fixed completion date listed in FAR 52.211-10 is July 30, 2024.) 5/8/23

13 X Who will be maintaining shower and bathroom facilities? National Park Service (NPS) facilities will be maintained by the NPS 5/8/23

14 X Can water also be obtained from the barge landing at Naknek lake? See SCR sub-section 105.02(d) and bid according to the solicitation documents 5/8/23

15 X

Section, states "107.03A Public Notice. (Added Subsection). Publish notices of the road work in local newspapers and on local radio stations. Include a description of the work, expected delays, and periods when the road is open to traffic without delays. Issue the notice at least 5 days before beginning work on the project or beginning work after a winter suspension, and at least two times during the normal tourist season." Is this going to be expected from the contractor? Public relations work is typically done by the government in most national parks. If so, can the government provide more detail on which papers, radio stations, or contacts the successful contractor should use?

The Solicitation documents specify the contractors’ responsibilities. The Government will not provide research for the local newspapers or radio stations available in the general project location.

X 5/8/23

X 5/8/23

17 X Will NPS be providing radios for communication with valley road traffic? If so, how many? See SCR 5156.07 and bid according to the solicitation documents. 5/8/23

Section 107.10 Environmental Protection states, " (2)Cultural resources. Submit wri en documenta on sa sfactory to the CO for a recommenda on of either "no historic properties affected" or “no effect” according to 36 CFR 800.4(d)(1) for historic properties on or eligible for listing to the National Register of Historic Places. Provide either:

(a)Documenta on showing there are no cultural resources present, and a recommenda on of either "no historic properties affected" or “no effect” according to 36 CFR 800.4(d)(1). Documents must be prepared by an individual qualified under the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Archeology and Historic Preservation, 48 FR 44738-44739 and 36 CFR Part 61.

Documentation must be satisfactory to the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) or Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO) as appropriate, according to 36 CFR 800.3(c).

The CO will submit the documentation to the SHPO or THPO.; or

(b)Documenta on showing a finding of either "no historic proper es affected" or “no effect” according to 36 CFR 800.4(d)(1) has been previously obtained for the proposed activities from the State, Tribal Government or Federal Land Management Agency responsible for the land.

Include attached copies of SHPO concurrence, or Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) where concurrence is not required.

(3)Species protected under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Submit wri en documenta on satisfactory to the CO that the proposed action will have no effect to any threatened or endangered species or their critical habitat. Provide either:

(a)A current list of all threatened or endangered species in the site of proposed ac vi es from the U.S.

Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service; and a recommendation of a "no effect" determination according to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act prepared by a biological specialist with a minimum of 3 years of experience in Endangered Species Act compliance or other qualifications acceptable to the CO; or

(b)Documenta on showing the proposed ac vi es have previously been determined to comply with the Endangered Species Act and this determination remains valid. This documentation must be from the State, Tribal Government or Federal Land Management Agency responsible for the land. Attach evidence of compliance, including correspondence with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service.

(4)Wetlands and Waters. Submit wri en documenta on sa sfactory to the CO, that the proposed ac on will comply with Sections 404 and 401 of the Clean Water Act, Executive Order 11990, and will not affect any wetlands or waters under Federal, State, or local jurisdiction. Documentation must be prepared by a wetland specialist with a minimum of 3 years of experience in wetland and ordinary high water mark delineation.

(5)Federal lands. Before use of sites on Federal lands, submit a copy of the Le er of Approval or Special Use Permit from the applicable Federal agency allowing use of the site for intended purposes.

(6)Tribal, state and local approvals. Comply with applicable laws regarding the proposed ac vi es.

Submit copies of required clearances, including hazardous waste compliance, tribal, State and local permits and approvals. " Are all these specialists, archeological, environmental, wetlands, etc. to be provided by the contractor? It is likely that these clearances may take up to a year and will add significant cost to the project please advise which of the above is expected to be obtained for this project. If this studies are indeed required prior to the project beginning will a bid item for this work be added? If not can it be assumed this cost to be captured in bid item "A0020"?

the referenced specification requirements in your question are required for sites outside construction limits. Please see SCR 107.10(d) and bid according to the solicitation documents.

18 X The electric fence around 5-mile pit is not operational, will the contractor be required to install fencing that is electrified for staging of materials and equipment?

See SCR 107.08A and bid according to the solicitation documents. 5/8/23

19 X Per section 156.04 it is assumed that the contractor will only need to begin accommodating traffic after June 1st of 2023 and 2024 season, can the government confirm this to be true?

Accommodate traffic at all times in accordance with the FP-14 section 156 and SCRs Section 156 and bid according to the solicitation documents.

5/8/23

20 X Please confirm quantities of aggregate to be stockpiled and both Morraine and Swan Pits respectively, plans and specs are conflicting.

production of stockpiled material from Moraine pit is to be stockpiled at both Moraine pit stockpile 1 (approximately 8,500 cuyds) and stockpiled at Historic Pit MP 18.8 - Swan pit (approximately 1,500 cuyd)

5/8/23

21 X

Clarify the intent of section 600. Are these pieces of equipment to be used on a time & materials basis if needed? As providing these laborers and equipment is closely tied to personnel actively being located on site either post mobilization or pre demobilization it is quite different than providing an in-town rate.

Food, lodging, etc. are to all be tied into this hourly rate. Can it be assumed that these items are to be awarded on an as needed basis?

Rental equipment is paid by the hour and work anticipated under Section 622 is Minor Shoulder work and Landscaping. see SCR 622.01 and bid according to the solicitation documents

5/8/23

22 X Can trees be broken with excavator, if not what are log sizes to be bucked? Where are the cleared trees to be stockpiled?

See SCR 201.03 and bid accordingly. 5/8/23

23 X Specifications state compact Rip Rap per subsection 204.11? Subsection not found; can government advise compaction specs on rip rap? Typically rip rap cannot be compacted

See FP-14 Sub-section 204.11 and bid accordingly. 5/8/23

24 X Will the government be expecting all 13,000LF of fiber roll to be installed prior to beginning work on roadway sections? It is expected that this will add significant cost to the project. As both sides of the road are protected by a 25' vegetative buffer that would suffice as a BMP to meet ADEC regulations.

Fiber roll is to be installed according to Section 157 and the erosion control drawing located in Section F of the plans. Bid accordingly

5/8/23

25 X

Section 105.02 Material Sources states, "Remove materials from Area II in Moraine Pit to the limits shown on the plans. Set the disturbance limits as estimated on the plans and in coordination with the CO.

Excavate the working face of the pit to the maximum depth of the sand and gravel deposit or to an elevation of 260 feet, whichever is a higher elevation, and graded to drain surface water out of the pit.

Excavation below elevation 260 feet is acceptable if the excavation is backfilled with material to 260 feet and the final surface graded to drain out of the pit." Northings & eastings are seen on sheet E.1 as well as topographic lines. Can the government provide a control page or a benchmark location? Can it be assumed that 260' elevation is the floor of the existing pit.

will be addressed under Amendment A001 5/8/23

26 X As geotechnical report states only 25% of the 98,000 c.y. of material is likely crushable, what happens in the event that the Morraine pit cannot yield the solicited quantities? Will the contractor be expected to barge in new material?

it is anticipated that enough material is available at Morraine Pit for the production of Aggregates. Bid accordingly.

5/8/23

27 X Standard 635-6 included with project plan set shows a 20' wide traffic control detail, the road is only 10' wide. Can the government provide a feasible bypass detail as to what will be expected?

The standard drawing is only a standard and not specifically dimensioned to this project site. Follow the requirements of Section 156 and the MUTCD for traffic control requirements. Bid accordingly

5/8/23

28 X Standard 157-5 included in project plan set shows the temporary diversion channels, where in project Stationing are these to be utilized? Every new culvert install?

The Standard detail you are referring to is in section F - Erosion Control of the plans and shall be used if needed to complete the work. Bid accordingly.

29 X Will rip rap for diversion channels be able to be utilized for roadway repairs? Is there are gradation requirement for this riprap?

Material for roadway repairs shall meet the requirements of the roadway sections that are being repaired. See SCR Section 704 for riprap gradation. Bid accordingly

5/8/23

30 X Can government provide inlet & outlet invert elevations for all newly installed culverts? See FP-14 Sub-section 602.03. bid accordingly. 5/8/23

31 X Mile marker delineators appear to be a blend of multiple standards. Will the government approve carsonite marks in lieu of the detail provided in plan set?

No, bid as shown. 5/8/23

32 X As limits of construction are 5' outside of toe of roadway slopes, space to park construction equipment is extremely limited. Will the contractor be expected to move equipment to 5-mile pit for staging at shifts end? Or can space be cleared near every stretch of roadway to be repaired?

See SCR Section 105 and bid accordingly. 5/8/23

33 X

With clearing limits of being at roadway shoulders how is there to be enough space for traffic and the Valley Bus to pass construction equipment without extending these clearing limits, it certainly appears that with this space restriction there is not enough room for traffic and valley bus operations, is there further clarity the government can provide?

clearing limits shown on the plans are the pay limits for clearing and grubbing. No work is allowed outside the construction limits. The construction limits are shown in the plan set.

5/8/23

34 X

For the d-1 aggregate gradation allows for 8% to pass through No. 200 sieve, will this be paid at 100% or adjusted? What is the highest allowable fines passing through the No. 200 that will be accepted and paid for via the pay factors? I.e. will 12% be accepted and then paid at a lower rate, or is 8% the highest allowable at the adjusted rates?

See Subsections 302.06 and 314.06. For Section 311 work, material is evaluated and adjusted per Subsection 106.05.

5/9/23

35 X If contractor gets proper TWUA permit will Naknek lake be available as use for a water source? Acceptable water sources are listed in 105.02(a). Bid accordingly. 5/10/23

36 X

Section 107.10 describes environmental protection. Are the 3 river crossings, Morraine Pit, Squirrel Camp Staging Area, roadway construction limits, & pull-outs considered government designated sites & sources, meaning will requirements 1-6 be required for these areas? This will make work beginning at the targeted NTP of July 7th very unlikely.

The 3 river crossings, Moraine Pit, roadway construction limits, and pullouts are Government designated sites and sources. Squirrel Camp Staging Area has not been designated as a staging area in the contract document. Bid accordingly.

5/10/23

37 X Will materials staged at Morraine Pit over the winter shut down be required to be fenced off? Can project materials be staged at Squirrel Camp?

There is no requirement for fencing for winter shutdown listed in the SCR’s.

Squirrel Camp Staging Area has not been designated as a staging area. Bid accordingly

5/10/23

38 X Confirming the Morraine Pit will be considered weed free without additional effort from the contractor.

Moraine Pit is a government source within the Park, no weed free certification is required. Bid accordingly

5/10/23

39 X The Brooks Camp Vicinity Map shows the contractor designated housing identified to be at the Brooks lodge. Please confirm this is incorrect and the contractor will set up in the VRAA housing loop. It appears as of now the designated site is in the Brooks side camp ground.

will be addressed under Amendment A004. 5/10/23

40 X

Gradation shown for class 0 has no fines. Per AASHTO M145 this class 0 rip rap would be classified as Subgroup A-1-a, “Includes those materials consisting predominantly of stone fragments or gravel, with or without a well-graded binder of fine material” Please clarify what will be expected for compaction as testing in place density is not possible due to void space. AASHTO T 180, Method D is not applicable without fines.

See SCR’s Subsection 251.04 and the FP-14 Subsection 204.11 5/10/23

41 X

The D-1 aggregate gradation allows for 8% to pass through No. 200 sieve, will this be paid at 100% or adjusted? What is the highest allowable fines passing through the No. 200 that will be accepted and paid for via the pay factors? I.e. will 12% be accepted and then paid at a lower rate, or is 8% the highest allowable at the adjusted rates?

previously answered 5/9/2023: See Subsections 302.06 and 314.06. For Section 311 work, material is evaluated and adjusted per Subsection 106.05.

5/10/23

42 X

Section 107.08A states “Gasoline and diesel fuel is available for purchase at the NPS fuel station in Brook Camp. The cost of fuel is $6.38 per gallon of gasoline and $6.48 per gallon of diesel. Do not transport fuel into Katmai National Park, except for what can be transported in equipment’s primary fuel tank. Do not store fuel on site in any location other than in a fuel truck.”

Is it permissible to transport a full fuel truck into Katmai National Park?

No, per requirement of 107.08A only fuel that can be transported in equipment’s primary fuel tank. Please bid accordingly.

5/10/23