LNHP Track Platform Replacement RFQ No. 6913G626Q300004 Government Responses.pdf

Amendment No. A0001 RFQ No. 6913G626Q300004

Total Pages 11

This amendment provides the Government’s responses to LNHP Track Platform Replacement offeror clarifications to RFQ No. 6913G626Q300004:

Question 1:

[We have] identified a company that exceeds the minimum past performance requirements however they are a large business. [We are] a small business that meets the standards listed at $45MM Would the government accept a proposal from [us] with our teaming partner as our subcontractor to meet the past performance requirements submission[?]

Answer 1:

In accordance with the RFQ, Statement of Work, Section 3.3 Qualifications, “The Contractor shall have a minimum of five (5) years’ experience working on railroads or transit systems documented in their Past Performance submission.” In other words, the primary contractor submitting past performance shall have a minimum of 5 years’ experience working on railroads and transit systems.

Question 2:

In reference to the SOW, Section 1.0, Background:

The Contractor shall provide all labor, material, tools, and equipment to repair trolley tracks in way of four passenger platforms [Swamp Locks Station, Mack Plaza Station (Visitor Center), Moody Street Feeder House Station, and Suffolk Station]; replace ties from the heel block at switch to the last line tie (Suffolk to Wye track section); replace platforms, including all supporting structure, at each station; and replace the wood fence at Mack Plaza Station.

The questions below are in reference to the above highlighted language:

1. Are there any measurements you can provide regarding the distance involved of how many ties you would like replaced?

2. What is the projected magnitude of this project?

3. How many locomotive static displays are onsite & how many of them are you looking to have stored during this phase?

4. Are the static displays all locomotives or are some passenger cars and cabooses

5. Can you provide pictures of all the static displays?

6. Are all static displays to be stored during the ENTIRE length of the project or only during phases of work where work is being done in close proximity of the displays?

7. Are the replacement ties to be historically accurate of that time period or can updated & modern ties be used

8. Does this contract require the hiring of a “Historical specialist” to satisfied the Government on the portions of this contract centering around historical materials?

9. Would you happen to have the dimensions of the static displays so we can ascertain the size of the storage areas needed to store these displays?

10. The Wye track section is not located on any map provided. Where is the Wye track section located?

Answer 2:

1. Distance is approximately 50 ft. Approximately 25 ties need to be replaced.

2. Project Magnitude, or Rough Order of Magnitude, is no longer required to be provided in accordance with Federal Acquisitions Regulations and Executive Order 14275-Restoring Common Sense to Federal Procurement.

3. One display steam locomotive and one connected coach car.

4. One display steam locomotive and one connected coach car.

5.

6. Relocate the display steam locomotive, coach, and associated catenary wire adjacent to the railroad tracks while the work is performed.

7. Replacement ties should be current and modern and conform to AREMA specifications.

8. No

9. No

10. Wye location is identified in red on the following map.

Heel block at switch (looking toward Wye):

Question 3:

Would you be able to send me the bid package for the mentioned advertisement?

Answer 3:

The RFQ can be found in SAM.gov under Contracting Opportunities.

Question 4:

I didn't see any pre-bid advertised or magnitude for the project, are these being provided?

Answer 4:

Sources Sought No. 6913G625SS1005, was posted on Sam.gov on March 26, 2025, with Industry/Site Visit details. A rough order of magnitude is no longer required to be published in accordance with Executive Order 14275-Restoring Common Sense to Federal Procurement.

Question 5:

In regards to the ballast tamper, it says in the RFQ: "Tamp ballast with a 16-tool vibrating squeeze-type mechanical tamper with the tamping tools being inserted by separate vertical and horizontal strokes.

Make no less than two full tamping insertions per tie to ensure uniform ballast compaction under the tie.

Tamp every tie for a distance of 15 inches from either side of the centerline of each rail. Do not tamp ballast at the tie's center as per AREMA Manual. Tampers shall be designed to operate through station platforms and such other close clearance areas and must be capable of automatically lifting and tamping."

This is a very specific ballast tamper. Does it have to be this specific machine? Or would a generally available ballast tamper suffice?

Answer 5:

For the purposes of this project, as long as the ballast tamper meets the operational requirements outlined in the RFQ, then it should be sufficient for the project.

Question 6:

In Appendix C from the 1990s, it shows a runaround track being installed. Is that part of the current project, or just an old idea that’s no longer relevant?

Answer 6:

Appendix C provides existing gage and cross section details useful for installation purposes for replacing approximately 20 short rail electrical bonding straps damaged or missing at rail joints, as identified in SOW, Section 2.1.2.2, Task 3: Replace Existing Damaged or Missing Electrical Rail Bonding Strips.

Question 7:

1. Are the funds available for this project

2. Is the subcontracting limitation 15% since this is a construction contract

3. Can you clarify to us exactly what “ Temporary relocation of display steam locomotive, coach, and associated catenary wire at Mack Plaza to allow renewal of track under the locomotive, including ballast, ties, and tie plates mean? Are you speaking about relocating it just off the railroad tracks to allow work to begin or are you speaking about having it placed in storage somewhere or perhaps a warehouse.

Answer 7:

1. Yes, funds are available.

2. In accordance with FAR 52.219-14 Limitations on subcontracting- By submission of an offer and execution of a contract, the Contractor agrees that in performance of a contract assigned a North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for— general construction, it will not pay more than 85 percent of the amount paid by the Government for contract performance, excluding the cost of materials, to subcontractors that are not similarly situated entities. Any work that a similarly situated entity further subcontracts will count towards the prime contractor's 85 percent subcontract amount that cannot be exceeded.

Definition of similarly situated entity, as used in this clause, means a first-tier subcontractor, including an independent contractor, that—

(1) Has the same small business program status as that which qualified the prime contractor for the award (e.g., for a small business set-aside contract, any small business concern, without regard to its socioeconomic status); and

(2) Is considered small for the size standard under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code the prime contractor assigned to the subcontract.

3. Relocate the display steam locomotive, coach, and associated catenary wire adjacent to the railroad tracks while the work is performed.

Question 8:

I was wondering if there is a formal site visit that is coming up or if there is an opportunity to review the work with a representative of the DoT?

Answer 8:

See Answer 4. Since the RFQ is a competitive procurement, individual communication between potential vendors and USDOT is not allowed.

Question 9:

I wanted to reach out and make sure that there is no Project Labor Agreement for Union Workers only on this contract. My subcontractor is a non-union shop and wants to make sure of this. They recalled a past project here that required union labor only. Can you please confirm this?

Answer 9:

There is no Project Labor Agreement for Union Workers.

Question 10:

1. Is this project currently funded?

2. Are the specific timber ties that need to be replaced marked on the trolly track? Solicitation identifies approximately 325 needs to be replaced. Is that the accumulative 325 estimate for the Suffolk platform, Swamp Lock platform and the run between Merrimack to switch and Suffolk to Wye only or are the 325 in additional to these specific areas?

3. Are any of the ties that must be replaced suspended such as one a bridge?

4. Some of the ties are under the concrete “crossing panels”. Please confirm that these will need to be removed. If so, is the intention to reuse or replace the existing concrete panels and their components?

5. Are restroom facilities available for use or will the contractor be required to furnish a temporary restroom facility – porta john?

6. What is the acceptable staging area(s) for materials and equipment?

7. Will as built drawings be required for the new platforms?

8. Will the trolly be active during the project or does the government plan to suspend trolly activity during the project? According to our research the trolly runs March – November, is this accurate?

9. Can the locomotive be temporarily placed on the troll track? If so, are there any limitations (location, duration....)?

10. Can the locomotive roll on the track?

11. Is there a specific color and stamp pattern desired for the Tangent Materials

Polyforce/Tandeck? In speaking with the manufacturer, they offer both Standard and Woodgrain stamp patterns.

12. Will we need to file a building permit through the City?

13. there is an area of sloped decking running parallel with the locomotive. The contract detail allows for some areas abutting the rails to be poured concrete. Is it ok to assume this area will be poured concrete or should we include this area in our scope for decking material. This may or may not be possible depending on the status of the ground material and clearance for the 4x6 sleepers is once demo is complete.

14. Upon inspection of the entire rail line, it was noticed that sections of the line have not been used for an extended period of time. Are these sections to be brough back to optimal working condition or is this outside of the project intended scope?

15. Are any of the ties that must be replaced buried under concrete?

16. Is the passenger car pinned or welded to the train trucks?

17. Please confirm the approximate weight of the passenger car and locomotive.

Answer 10:

1. See Answer 7

2. The 325 ties is the accumulative estimate for all the ties to be replaced underneath the platforms at Suffolk, Mack Plaza, Moody Street Feeder House, and Swamp Locks Stations and from Swamps Locks to bumping post; Merrimack Street to the switch at Mack Plaza; and the heel block at the switch to the last tie at Suffolk to Wye section.

3. No.

4. The condition of the ties under the concrete crossing panels should be evaluated. If they are in useable condition, they should be left in place or reinstalled. If they are no longer in working condition they should be replaced.

5. Restroom facilities are not available for use.

6. Materials and equipment staging areas will be coordinated with Lowell National Historical Park staff.

In general, staging areas will be available adjacent to the construction areas while the work is in progress.

7. Yes, design shop drawings that show the direction of decking and spacing of structural sleepers are required.

8. LNHP is aware that the project will likely occur during the trolley’s operational season and will share the revised operational plan at the contract award kickoff meeting.

9. No, the display locomotive cannot be temporarily placed on the trolley track. The display steam locomotive, coach, and associated catenary wire should be temporarily relocated adjacent to the railroad tracks while the work is performed.

10. No.

11. The preferred color is Driftwood Gray. The contractor shall submit color material samples to the

Volpe COR for final approval prior to actual selection.

12. Yes.

13. The contractor should evaluate the status of the ground material and available clearance upon demolition and determine which material—poured concrete or new decking—is the better option to install in the existing sloped decking area parallel to the display locomotive.

14. The referenced sections are outside of the scope of this project.

15. No.

16. The display locomotive and coach car can be uncoupled for relocation.

17. The display locomotive weighs 241,700 lbs. The coach car weighs 60 tons.

Question 11:

Mack Plaza Station:

1. Please confirm limits of track removal and ballast / tie replacement near mack plaza station. Are all ties and ballast to be replaced from Merrimack to Mack Plaza switch? Should bridge track be replaced past Mack Plaza switch?

2. Please clarify that track profile from Merrimack Street to switch is to be raised to match display locomotive track height. Raising track throughout this section will require catenary wire to also be raised.

3. Please confirm that locomotive can be temporarily relocated to main track during replacement of the display locomotive track.

4. Please provide an approximate weight of the locomotive and box car to be relocated. DONE

Vibration Monitoring:

5. Please clarify contractor requirements for vibration monitoring.

Technical Requirements:

6. Please confirm that pricing and scope information, project schedule, bid bond, and other required submitted documents do not count toward 10 page maximum for technical proposal.

Answer 11:

Mack Plaza Station:

1. Tie and ballast shall be replaced under the Mack Plaza Station, including under the display locomotive track. From Merrimack Street to the switch at Mack Plaza, defective ties and tie plates and fouled ballast shall be removed, disposed of, and replaced. Ballast shall be added to lift and tamp the track, thereby removing the dip and raising the track profile to match the level of the deck. Refer to SOW, Section 2.1.2.1, Task 2: Replace Corss Ties and Ballast and Resurface Track.

2.The track profile from Merrimack Street does not need to be raised to match the display locomotive track height.

3. No, the display locomotive cannot be temporarily placed on the trolley track. The display steam locomotive, coach, and associated catenary wire should be temporarily relocated adjacent to the railroad tracks while the work is performed.

4. The display locomotive weighs 241,700 lbs. The coach car weighs 60 tons.

Vibration Monitoring:

5. Prior to beginning construction activities, the contractor shall prepare a construction vibration monitoring plan for the construction activities adjacent to the historical and sensitive sites on the property consistent with the Federal Transit Administration’s “Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual,” September 2018. The construction vibration monitoring plan shall include an assessment of the vibration-sensitive structures to determine appropriate vibration thresholds, the number and location of vibration monitors that will be installed during construction activities, the response procedures that will occur by the contractor if vibration thresholds are approached or exceeded, and other details related to the vibration monitoring process such as documentation of the condition of the sensitive structures before and after construction and reporting of measured vibration levels. The contractor shall implement the approved construction vibration monitoring plan during the project. In addition, the contractor shall abide by the NHPA recommendations for conditions or stipulations identified in Appendix A, Trolley Platforms

PEPC 120536.

Technical Requirements:

6. In accordance with Section L.4 of the RFQ, Factor 1-Technical Approach, “The Vendor shall submit a narrative not-to exceed ten (10) single-sided, five (5) double-sided, 8 ½”x11” pages with 10 point font addressing the Vendor’s approach to successful management of this contract. The Vendor shall submit a management plan and demonstrate the degree to which the management plan and team organization, division of work, quality assurance, cost control, a preliminary schedule, sequence of work, estimated work crew size, and proposed equipment, prior experience of the project team as a unit to meet the overall requirements of this purchase order.

Question 12:

1. Does the restoration of the track beneath the locomotive and car require new rail or is the existing being used?

2. Is the existing rail intended to be reused at the individual station locations or replaced?

3. Can the locomotive and car be relocated to the track that is in service temporarily.

4. Are there any locations that ties or rails need to be replaced in the system other than the station locations?

5. Is the Trolley going to be operating while the project is ongoing

6. The attachments/plans that were supplied were from 1996, but were ,missing several pages. Could you please provide the missing pages.

Answer 12:

1. The track under the locomotive, including ballast, ties, and tie plates, should be evaluated to determine its condition. It should be renewed or replaced based on its evaluated condition.

2. If the existing rail is in sound working condition, it should be reused. If the existing rail is marginal or worse, it should be replaced.

3. No, the display locomotive cannot be temporarily placed on the trolley track. The display steam locomotive, coach, and associated catenary wire should be temporarily relocated adjacent to the railroad tracks while the work is performed.

4. The ties and rails need to be replaced in all areas specified in the SOW, Section 2.1.2.1, Task 2:

Replace Cross Ties and Ballast and Resurface Track.

5. LNHP is aware that the project will likely occur during the trolley’s operational season and will share the revised operational plan at the contract award kickoff meeting.

6. Attachments provided in Appendices A-G are complete.

Question 13:

Please forward the plan holders list for this project.

Answer 13:

The Government is not familiar with what a Plan Holders List is.

Question 14:

For clarification, can you confirm if only the bid bond is required with our proposal/quote? In accordance with FAR 52.228-15 the Performance and Payment Bond in will be required within 10 days of contract award. This is referenced as a submittal requirement in Section H of the solicitation as well.

Answer 14:

In reference to Section L.6, Bid, Performance and Payment Bonds, all bonds are no longer required to be submitted with the vendors’ quote. The Bid Bond is not required in accordance with the FAR.

In reference to Section H.10, Submissions After Award, the Performance and Payment Bonds are both required to be submitted by the winning vendor, in accordance with FAR 52.228-15, within 10 days of notice of award.