Amendment 0001 - LA FW LOP 10(5).pdf

(x)

693C7324B000012 x x

1 copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted ; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO BE

RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR

OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted , such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

x

ASHBURN VA 20147

ATTN: CONSTRUCTION

693C73

SUITE E2-3-300

QUANTUM PARK, 22001 LOUDOUN COUNTY PKWY

EASTERN FEDERAL LANDS HIGHWAY DIVISION

FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION

ASHBURN VA 20147

ATTN: ACQUISITIONS

693C73

SUITE E2-3-300

QUANTUM PARK, 22001 LOUDOUN COUNTY PKWY

EASTERN FEDERAL LANDS HIGHWAY DIVISION

FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION

See Block 1405/31/20240001

13. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO MODIFICATION OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS. IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required) is not extended.is extended, Items 8 and 15, and returning

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended , by one of the following methods: (a) By completing

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

FACILITY CODE CODE

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

CODE

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State and ZIP Code)

7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6)CODE 6. ISSUED BY

PAGE OF PAGES

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.3. EFFECTIVE DATE2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO. 5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

05/10/2024

CHECK ONE A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority) appropriation data, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not is required to sign this document and return __________________ copies to the issuing office.

ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

Project LA FW LOP 10(5):

The purpose of this Amendment is to:

1. Update the Categorical Exclusion document.

a) Update of Project Description to remove out of scope items on page 1 of 7.

b) Remove last two bullet items and update second bullet item under Environmental

Commitments and Mitigation Measures on page 2 of 7.

2. Provide a summary of responses to questions asked by interested bidders.

3. The Bid Opening Date of Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. EDT remains unchanged.

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

15C. DATE SIGNED 16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR 16C. DATE SIGNED

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 11/2016)

Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

Previous edition unusable

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9 A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect .

Amendment No. 0001

Info Page 1 of 6

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION

EASTERN FEDERAL LANDS HIGHWAY DIVISION

Project No.: LA FW LOP 10(5)

Rehabilitation of Lake Long Road (Route 010) and School Board Road (Route 105) Lake Ophelia National Wildlife Refuge

Solicitation: 693C73-24-B-000012

The purpose of this Amendment is to:

1. Update the Categorical Exclusion document.

a) Update of “Project Description” to remove out of scope items on page 1 of 7.

b) Remove last two bullet items and update second bullet item under “Environmental

Commitments and Mitigation Measures” on page 2 of 7.

2. Provide a summary of responses to questions asked by interested bidders.

3. The Bid Opening Date of Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. EDT remains unchanged.

Categorical Exclusion (CE) Revision

a) Update “Project Description”:

• Removal of “reconditioning ditches, cleaning existing culverts”.

• Removal of last sentence “The rehabilitation of 3rd Crossing Road will also include full-depth reclamation with cement”.

b) Update “Environmental Commitments and Mitigation Measures”:

• Second bullet item: “September” is changed to “December”.

• Third and fourth bullet items are removed.

Responses to Pre-Bid Questions submitted May 20, 2024

1. Please specify which specification section is to be used/referenced for the following activities as it is not referenced or stated in the plan sheets.

• Mobilization

Info Page 2 of 6

• Construction Survey & Staking

• Contractor Testing

• Soil Erosion Control

• Removal of Sign

• Aggregate Surface Course

• 36-Inch Arch or Elliptical Concrete Pipe Culvert

• End Sections for Pipe Culvert

• Installation of Signs, Aluminum Panels, Type 3 Sheeting (Wood Posts)

• Temporary Traffic Control

• Field Office Equipment

Response: The above information is available in FP-14 or Special Contract Requirement.

Responses to Pre-Bid Questions submitted May 24, 2024

1. The project description states the rehabilitation of 3rd Crossing Road will also include full-depth reclamation with cement. Is the intent of the project to recycle the existing road surface, underlying base, subbase, and/or subgrade materials into a new stabilized base layer, and then add the new aggregate on top to create the new road, or is the intent of this project to just lay the new aggregate on top of the existing road without disturbing the existing road?

Response: The Project Description in the Categorical Exclusion (CE) is outdated. Full-depth reclamation with cement has been deleted from the scope of work. See the plans and specifications for the scope of rehabilitation work on 3rd Crossing Road (referred to as School Board Road in the plans). The CE will be revised to reflect the current scope of work and the updated CE will be provided in an amendment. The existing road surface for 3rd Crossing Road should be prepared according to Subsection 303.05. The existing road surface for Lake Long Road should be prepared according to Subsection 303.06.

2. Is the intent of this project to reshape the entire linear footage of the ditches, or just ensure the edges of the new roadway is at a 1:4, and only where the culverts are installed?

Response: The Project Description in the CE is outdated. Ditch reconditioning has been deleted from the scope of work. See the plans and specifications for the current scope of work. The CE will be revised to reflect the current scope of work and the updated CE will be provided in an amendment.

Info Page 3 of 6

3. If the ditches do need to be reshaped what is the finish slope of the ditch?

Response: Ditch reconditioning has been deleted from the scope of work. See the response to question #2.

4. Is the intent of the project to install the fiber roll the entire length of the road, or only at the newly installed culverts during culvert installation per the drawings.

Response: The fiber roll is intended to be placed at the new culvert installations as shown in the plans.

5. Is the intent of the project to perform any subgrade stabilization?

Response: The scope of work does not include subgrade stabilization.

6. The project description states Lake Long Road is a two-lane, two-way gravel road with 10-13’ lane widths and little to no shoulders. The plan pages show sections of Lake Long to be 26’ wide or wider at the base. Is this intent to ensure that the lanes will be at a minimum 26’ wide at the base, or is the intent to follow the width of the existing road, and not widening the existing road?

Response: The intent is to follow the width of the existing road and not to widen it.

7. Per the NEPA Categorical Exclusion Form, that contract will indeed have to install culverts, and possibly extend the road and barge materials, meaning there is a possibility a permit will be needed from the Corps of Engineers. Is there a contact person at the Corps to contact to determine if this permit will be necessary? Also, if this permit is necessary the duration of the permit process may impact the schedule of this project.

Response: The Government has acquired the permits necessary to construct the proposed improvements. No Corps of Engineers permit is required for barging material to the site.

8. The Environmental Commitments and Mitigation Measures state the USFWS has a specific request to use 610 limestone as aggregate surface and will provide specific requirements including sourcing of material, stone quarries, specifications, and mode of hauling (trucking vs. barging).

- Can you please provide the specific requirements including sourcing of material, stone quarries, specifications, and mode of hauling (trucking vs.

barging).

Info Page 4 of 6

Response: The Environmental Commitments and Mitigation Measures in the CE will be revised to clarify the information that will be provided by the Government. The updated CE will be provided in an amendment. The following issues will be addressed in the revision:

- The Contractor is responsible for locating the sources for all materials used on the project.

- The aggregate material requirements have been provided in the project specifications. The Contractor is responsible for providing aggregate meeting these requirements.

- The Contractor is responsible for selecting the mode they will use for hauling material to the site. Hauling restrictions that may affect the decision of which mode to use have been provided in the project specifications.

9. Is barging of rock allowed, and if so does the USFWS have a specific location to unload the barges?

Response: Barging material is allowed. There are no locations for unloading barges on Government property, however, the contractors for past projects within this area of the Lake Ophelia National Wildlife Refuge have barged materials to landings on private property near the east end of Lake Long Road.

The Contractor is responsible for identifying, contacting, and making agreements with the owners of potential landing sites.

10. The clin schedule shows an estimated quantity of rock for each clin. How will this rock be paid for and quantified? Will we have to show truck tickets from certified scales, or will barge tickets be approved for payment?

Response: The aggregate will be measured by the ton according to Subsection 109.03.

11. Is there a finish road elevation required for each station? How is the contractor to determine what portions of the road need 0-12” of rock per the plans?

Response: There is no specified finish grade elevation for each station. The roadway grade will be raised by 6 inches or 12 inches from the existing grade at the locations shown in the plans. The aggregate thickness will be transitioned from one depth to another at the locations shown in the plans. Where variable depth is shown in a typical section depth is transitioned along a straight grade from one depth to the other.

Info Page 5 of 6

12. The solicitation states for the contractor to provide the government with a copy machine, printer, keyboard, mouse, wireless air cord. Is there a requirement for the contractor to provide the Government with a field office and their own restroom?

Response: The Government will provide the field office and restroom in an existing building located on Boone’s Road approximately 400 feet north of Lake Long Road. The Contractor is only required to provide the specified equipment and services.

13. Is there a requirement for a preconstruction topo of the existing road and then a post construction topo of the finish road?

Response: A full pre- and post-construction topo of the road is not necessary.

However, the Contractor is responsible for a pre- and post-construction survey of the centerline and edge of pavement elevations.

14. Are the aggregates going to be measured by barge displacement?

Response: Aggregate will be measured by the ton according to Subsection 109.03.

15. Is there a way possible to get the job extended to 120 days?

Response: The performance period to complete the contract work will remain as specified in the solicitation.

Responses to Pre-Bid Questions submitted May 29, 2024

1. I am looking for a list of quality control tests required for the project. (Gradation, compaction, etc.)

Response: All material testing requirements are in the FP-14.

2. Will as-builts be needed at the conclusion of the project? If so, what will need to be included on the as-builts?

Response: As-built plans are required and must be prepared and submitted as specified in Subsection 104.03(c). See Subsection 104.03(c) for the as-built plan requirements.

3. Can proposed elevations be provided for the Construction Plan?

Response: The proposed elevations will not be provided. The intent is to place an approximately uniform layer of aggregate surface material at the thickness specified

Info Page 6 of 6 in the plans for each location. The finish grade elevation will be the existing ground elevation plus the required aggregate thickness.

4. Can the bid be extended by 1 week?

Response: The bid period will not be extended.

EFLHD NEPA Categorical Exclusion Form EFL-TM-ENV-03(04)

LA FW LAOP 10(5)

Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division NEPA Categorical Exclusion Form

Project Number: LA FW LAOP 10(5) Date: 5/28/2024

Project Name: Lake Long Road, and Third Crossing Road, Gravel Overlay Lake Ophelia National Wildlife Refuge (NWR)

Location: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Lake Ophelia NWR Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana

CE Category 23 CFR 771.117 (c)(26): Modernization of a highway by resurfacing, restoration, rehabilitation, reconstruction, adding shoulders, or adding auxiliary lanes (including parking, weaving, turning, and climbing lanes), if the action meets the constraints in paragraph (e)[..]

See 23 CFR 771.117 for full description of CE categories, including additional requirements when applying (c)26-28.

Project Description Project LA FW LAOP 10(5) consists of the rehabilitation of 10.02 miles of Lake Long Road (Rte. 010) and 1.05 miles of 3rd Crossing Road (Rte. 105, School Board Road) in the Lake Ophelia National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), in Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana. The project will include placing aggregate surface course, installing new culverts, replacing signage, and other miscellaneous work.

Lake Long Road is a two-lane, two-way gravel road with 10-13’ lane widths and little to no shoulders. Third Crossing Road is a 12’ wide, one-lane, two-way road used as an administrative maintenance driveway and as an access road to an ATV trail. Lake Long Road is impassable in the winter months from flooding/overtopping. Recommended improvements to reduce the frequency of flooding/overtopping include installing new culverts spaced 250’ on centers to increase capacity of flow under the road.

The primary objective of this project to improve the ride quality and extend the pavement life of Lake Long Road and 3rd Crossing Road. Lake Long Road is the only access road to the NWR.

There is a high volume of traffic on Lake Long Road, contributing to the erosion and dust control issues. The pavements of both roadways exhibit significant rutting and potholing. Inaction will https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=842bb87055f89f1d0ff242f2b9e20ff7&mc=true&node=pt23.1.771&rgn=div5#se23.1.771_1117

EFLHD NEPA Categorical Exclusion Form EFL-TM-ENV-03(04) result in the continued deterioration of the pavements and could result in the need for total reconstruction of the roadways. The addition of 8 to 12 inches of gravel will extend the life of the roads, expand access to existing trails, and enhance safety for the visiting public.

Environmental Commitments and Mitigation Measures

• Construction activities are prohibited during winter months because of flooding and roadway overtopping.

• Work will be performed on weekdays during daylight hours between June and December.

• To prevent dust plumes during construction, the contractor will need to use water truck(s) and spray the construction sites daily.

Summary of Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act Compliance The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has primacy over the implementation of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). In their October 25, 2021, Intra-Service ESA biological evaluation, the (FWS) determined the proposed rehabilitation and reclamation projects are not likely to adversely affect listed species in/near the project sites. Listed species include the Northern Long Eared Bat (Endangered), Pallid Sturgeon (Endangered), Red-cockaded woodpecker (Endangered), Monarch butterfly (Candidate) and Whopping crane (Experimental/non-essential).

Northern Long Eared Bat has a large range in the eastern and north-central United States and much of southern Canada; they are most abundant in the northern part of the range, but relatively rare elsewhere. Northern long-eared bats spend winter hibernating in caves and mines that exhibit constant temperatures, high humidity, and no air currents. Within hibernacula, they most often inhabit small crevices or cracks, often with only the nose and ears visible. During the summer, northern long-eared bats roost singly or in colonies underneath bark, in cavities, or in crevices of both live trees and dead snags. Males and non-reproductive females may also roost in cooler places, like caves and mines. Northern long-eared bats seem to be flexible in selecting roosts, choosing roost trees based on suitability to retain bark or provide cavities or crevices. This bat has also been found rarely roosting in structures, like barns and sheds. Significant recent declines associated with rapidly spreading white-nose syndrome have occurred in eastern North America, and some habitat has been lost, degraded, or fragmented, primarily through the disturbance of hibernacula and land development. Acoustic Bat Surveys are done every summer and no Northern long-eared bats have been detected in the Lake Ophelia NWR.

EFLHD NEPA Categorical Exclusion Form EFL-TM-ENV-03(04)

Pallid Sturgeon – This fish species is native to the Missouri and Mississippi rivers and adapted to the pre-development habitat conditions that historically existed in these rivers. Pallid Sturgeon has been documented in the Red River at the Old River Lock Structure - 10 miles downstream from Lake Ophelia NWR. The refuge’s road maintenance activities are not likely to adversely affect this aquatic species.

Red-cockaded woodpecker – There is no documented/known occurrence of Red-Cockaded Woodpeckers on the NWR and no available/suitable habitat to support this species.

Monarch Butterfly – the proposed construction and rehabilitation work will not alter suited habitat for the species.

Whooping Crane - This transient species would likely only occur in wet, open-field habitats during fall and winter. The proposed construction and rehabilitation work will not alter suited habitat for the species.

Summary of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act Compliance On November 8, 2021, the Louisiana State Historic Preservation Officer determined the proposed undertaking will have no adverse effect on historic properties. An archeological survey is not warranted.

Additional Agency Coordination and Compliance N/A

EFLHD NEPA Categorical Exclusion Form EFL-TM-ENV-03(04)

Categorical Exclusion Recommendation:

On the basis of the environmental impact information in the statutory compliance file, with which I am familiar, I believe the project should be categorically excluded from further NEPA analysis.

Nicholle Braspennickx Environmental Protection Specialist

Federal Highway Administration

Date

Categorical Exclusion Determination:

On the basis of the environmental impact information in the statutory compliance file, with which I am familiar, I am categorically excluding the described project from further NEPA analysis. The project meets the 23 CFR 771.117(a) definition of a categorical exclusion. No unusual circumstances per 23 CFR 771.117(b) apply.

Kevin S. Rose Environmental Team Leader

Federal Highway Administration

Date

EFLHD NEPA Categorical Exclusion Form EFL-TM-ENV-03(04)

Appendix A: Environmental Checklist

Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act:

• Are Federally-listed species potentially present in the study area? ☒Yes, see Notesi ☐No If Yes, effects determination:

☒No Effect ☒May Affect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect ☐May Affect, Likely to Adversely Affect

Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act:

• Are historic properties known to be present in the study area? ☐Yes ☒No

If Yes, will they be impacted by the project? ☐Yes ☐No

• Will previously undisturbed ground be disturbed?

☐Yes ☒No

• Effects determination:

☐No Historic Properties Affected ☒No Adverse Effect ☐Adverse Effect, MOA Executed

• Was tribal consultation completed? ☐Yes ☒No

Water and Wetlands:

• Section 404 of the Clean Water Act

Are impacts to Waters of the US anticipated? ☒Yes ☐No If Yes, approval anticipated:

☒Nationwide Permit (NWP) ☐Regional General Permit ☐Individual Permit

• Section 401 of the Clean Water Act ☒NWP certified by State ☐Individual Certification

• Section 402 of the Clean Water Act (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) Will the land disturbance threshold likely be exceeded to require a permit and SWPPP?

☐Yes ☒ No

• Is post-construction stormwater management review/approval anticipated? ☐Yes ☒No

• ☒Project is consistent with Executive Order 11990, Protection of Wetlands

Floodplains:

• Is the project in a FEMA floodplain?

☒Yes ☐No ☐ Floodplain not mapped

• ☒ Project is consistent with Executive Order 11988, Floodplain Management

Section 4(f) of the USDOT Act:

• Does the project meet the Section 4(f) exemption for Federal lands transportation facilities under

Section 1119(c)(2) of MAP-21, 23 U.S.C. 138(a)? ☒Yes ☐No

• Is there a use of a Section 4(f) property in the study area? ☐Yes ☒No

If Yes, De Minimis Finding:☐ Programmatic:☐ Individual 4(f): ☐

EFLHD NEPA Categorical Exclusion Form EFL-TM-ENV-03(04)

Section 6(f) of the Land and Water Conservation Fund:

• Was the property purchased with grant funds from the Land and Water Conservation Fund?

☐Yes ☒No

• If Yes, was documentation of approval from National Park Service Director received for the conversion or replacement of 6(f) property? ☐Yes ☐No Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972:

• Is the project in a Coastal Zone? ☐Yes ☒No

• If yes, will a Federal Consistency Review be completed? ☐Yes ☐No

Right of Way:

• Is the project completely within the transportation facility’s right-of-way? ☒Yes ☐No

• If no, will the project require relocations or easements? ☐Yes ☐No

Hazardous Waste and Materials:

• Are hazardous materials or contamination exceeding regulatory thresholds (as set by U.S. EPA, County Environmental Health, etc.) present? ☐Yes ☒No

• If Yes, is the nature and extent of the hazardous materials or contamination fully known? ☐Yes ☐No, plan for securing information provided in Notes Section 7(a) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act:

• Are there Wild and Scenic Rivers? ☐Yes ☒No ☐Eligible If Yes, has review by the river-administering agency been completed? ☐Yes ☐No

Clean Air Act:

• Is the project in a non-attainment area? ☐Yes ☒No

If Yes, is the project on the Transportation Improvement Program(TIP)/State Implementation Plan(SIP)? ☐ Yes ☐No

Highway Traffic and Construction Noise Regulations:

• ☐ The proposed project is a Type I project (highway on a new location, substantial horizontal or vertical alteration, new through or auxiliary lanes). Noise analysis is required.

• ☐ The proposed project is a Type II project (retrofit for noise abatement).

• ☒ The proposed project is a Type III project (noise analysis not required).

• ☐ Does not apply.

Environmental Justice and Title IV Act:

• Is an Environmental Justice population, as identified in Executive Order 12898, present?

☐Yes, explanation provided in Notes section ☒No

• Will the project induce disproportionately high and adverse impacts to minority, low income, or special groups? ☐Yes, additional analysis is needed ☒No Farmland Protection Policy Act for Highway Projects:

• Does the project displace, require acquisition of, or require an easement from farmland?

☐Yes ☒No

EFLHD NEPA Categorical Exclusion Form EFL-TM-ENV-03(04)

Does the project affect any other resources not listed above? Explain below and list anticipated permits:

If a barge is used to transport material to the site, and/or if new culverts are installed, and/or the road widened slightly into a water of the U.S., a permit may be needed from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District, and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality.

i Federally-listed species per U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s IPaC: