Amendment 0003 - AR ERFO FS 2020-1(1).pdf

(x)

693C7325B000010 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 1407/09/20250003

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

05/27/2025

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 AR ERFO FS 2020-1(1)

The purpose of this Amendment is to:

1) Revise the Special Contract Requirements (J Pages) as follows:

a) Section 107 to add time of year restrictions for cutting trees.

b) Section 153 to add the gabion basket size requirements.

2) Correct the response to Question #3 on Amendment 0001.

3) Provide a summary of responses to questions/clarifications asked by interested bidders.

The bid opening date of Tuesday, July 15, 2025, 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 0003

Info Page 1 of 9

Amendment No. 0003

Project AR ERFO FS 2020-1(1)

Ozark National Forest

Solicitation: 693C73- 25-B-000010

The purpose of this Amendment is to:

1) Revise the Special Contract Requirements (J Pages) as follows:

a) Section 107 to add time of year restrictions for cutting trees.

b) Section 253 to add the gabion basket size requirements.

2) Correct the response to Question #3 on Amendment 0001.

3) Provide a summary of responses to questions/clarifications asked by interested bidders.

The bid opening date of Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. EDT remains unchanged.

Special Contract Requirement (J Pages) Changes

1. Add the following to the Special Contract Requirements, page J-4:

Section 107. — LEGAL RELATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITY TO THE PUBLIC

Add the following after Subsection 107.11:

107.12 Protection of Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Wildlife Species. The project provides habitat for endangered bat species. Do not cut or remove trees from March 16 through

November 14.

2. Add the following to the Special Contract Requirements, page J-13:

Section 253. — GABIONS AND REVET MATTRESSES

253.04. Add the following:

Furnish gabion baskets that are 3 feet (minimum) to 18 feet (maximum) long, 3 feet deep, and

1 foot (minimum) to 3 feet (maximum) high.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION

EASTERN FEDERAL LANDS HIGHWAY DIVISION

Bidders can send written questions or inquiries for clarification to EFLHD.Contracts@dot.gov.

Questions can be submitted at any time, but questions submitted within 7 days of the bid opening may not be answered in time for the bidder to properly incorporate the responses into their bid.

Info Page 2 of 9

Correction to Question #3 on Amendment 0001

3. Will the Forest Service be responsible for maintaining the dirt roads not inside the jobsite construction limits during construction and after construction, as we will be hauling a substantial amount of material into and out of the jobsite?

Response: No, the Contractor is responsible for maintaining the roads they use for hauling. See Subsection 104.05 and FAR Clause 52.236-10.

Questions/Clarifications

Bidders can send written questions or inquiries for clarification to EFLHD.Contracts@dot.gov.

Questions can be submitted at any time, but questions submitted within 7 days of the bid opening may not be answered in time for the bidder to properly incorporate the responses into their bid.

The following questions were asked via email. The Government response or clarification is provided below. Due to the repetitive nature of several questions and issues, the wording of the questions may have been revised, and some questions may not be included. The Government’s direct response to the sender may also have been updated below for better clarity.

1. FP14, Section 156.09 – Is the Contractor to provide a certified full-time Traffic Control

Supervisor with the entire road being closed, or can this be handled by our superintendent?

Response: See Subsection 156.09. The superintendent may serve as the traffic control supervisor if they meet the qualifications listed in Subsection 156.03.

2. FP14, Section 153.02 – Can the part-time QCM be an employee of the materials testing company if they meet the requirements, or can the Site Superintendent and QCM be one person filling both roles?

Response: See Subsection 153.02. Since the specifications do not explicitly allow using a part-time QCM according to Subsection 153.02(a)(2), the Contractor is responsible for providing a full-time, on-site QCM meeting the requirements of

Subsection 153.02(a)(1). This individual may not have any responsibilities other than managing quality control.

3. What is the size of the Government Field office? How many offices and bathrooms are we to clean? How many SF are the offices and bathrooms we are to clean?

Response: The office size (area) and the number of rooms will not exceed what is specified in the FP-14, Table 637-1.

4. Can you give us the current phone and Internet providers for the Cass Job Corps office facilities?

Response: It is anticipated that only Verizon will have sufficient signal strength for cellular phone service. Lumen provides service for the internet and VoIP phones.

mailto:EFLHD.Contracts@dot.gov

Info Page 3 of 9

5. Is there a dimension shown for the nominal size of the gabion baskets? The only dimension on the drawings is the 3’ vertical dimension. What is the length and depth?

Response: The gabion baskets are intended to be 3 feet high by 3 feet deep by 3 feet long. However, other sizes may be used to adapt the installation to site conditions. As stated in Subsection 253.01(a), the minimum gabion basket height is 12 inches. The gabion basket length may be 3 feet (minimum) to 18 feet (maximum). The size requirements for the gabion baskets are included in the Special Contract

Requirement (J Pages) Changes in this Amendment.

6. There is a note that states the excavated material may be disposed of below the worksite.

Is there sufficient room to dispose of all the excess soil?

Response: The Contractor is responsible for assessing the site and estimating the quantity of excess material that could be placed outside the work limits.

7. What are the outside dimensions of the job trailer that is to be provided to the owner at the Job Corps office?

Response: No outside trailer is required. The Government will provide office space at no cost to the Contractor.

8. Will the Contractor be able to set an office trailer at this same location?

Response: No. The Contractor is responsible for identifying a location to place their own trailer.

9. The start of the contract is most likely going to be before November 15th, the first date that trees may be cleared. How will that delay be handled?

Response: Tree cutting and removal is only allowed from November 15 through

March 15. The Contractor is responsible for planning their work schedule accordingly.

10. Will the contract days start at the Notice to Proceed date? Can the NTP be delayed until all plans and submittals have been approved?

Response: As stated in the solicitation, SF 1442, Block 11, the Notice to Proceed

(NTP) will be issued within 30 days following receipt of acceptable performance and payment bonds. The contract time will begin 10 days from the issuance of the NTP or on the date specified in the NTP. The Contractor may perform any preconstruction activities (such as submitting shop drawings and material mix designs) to prepare for the start of construction once the NTP has been issued.

11. If rock is encountered before the design depth of the gabion wall, will the wall be shortened to accommodate, or will rock excavation be required?

Response: If continuous bedrock is encountered at a shallower depth than anticipated, a request to shorten the height of the wall can be submitted to the CO and will be approved on a case-by-case basis.

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12. If rock is encountered, is rock excavation outside of the scope of excavation and be handled via change order?

Response: Rock excavation, if needed, would not be outside the scope and would be measured and paid as roadway excavation. As stated in Subsection 204.02(a)(1), roadway excavation includes all material encountered, regardless of its nature or characteristics. The Contractor is responsible for assessing the site and reaching their own conclusions on the nature of the material that could be encountered during the work.

13. Will the Government require a Health and Safety Manager on site during construction activities?

Response: The Government will not require a Health and Safety Manager to be on site during construction. The superintendent may serve as the Health and Safety

Manager. Submit a Health and Safety Plan to the CO per FAR Clause 52.236-13.

14. Will the Government require a USACE certified Quality Control manager on site during construction activities ?

Response: The Quality Control Manager only needs to meet the requirements of

Subsection 153.02(a)(1), which do not include USACE certification.

15. Will the Government require any other plans other than the SWPPP such as QC plan, Work plan, or H&S plan?

Response: The Contractor is responsible for identifying and submitting all plans required by the specifications or the applicable sections of the FAR for the work that will be performed on this contract.

16. Could I get access to a cad file for the project?

Response: The Government will furnish the CAD files for the project to the successful offeror.

17. There is a detail calling out for an aggregate base course on the road, is this asphalt?

Response: This is not asphalt. As shown in the plans, the material is aggregate base, grading C or D. As stated in Subsection 301.02, aggregate base material conforms to

Subsection 703.05.

18. Is there a classification of the stone going in the gabion baskets?

Response: As stated in Subsection 253.02, rock for gabions conforms to Subsection

705.01.

19. Could we clear an acre of land on either side of the slide for a staging/laydown area?

Response: The Contractor may submit additional clearing areas to be used for staging to the CO after award of the contract. The total area of disturbance for the project, including disturbance for constructing staging areas, must be less than 5 acres for compliance with NDPES General Permit No. ARR150000. No clearing outside the designated Area of Potential Effect (APE) will be approved. A map showing the APE will be provided with this Amendment. Clearing, grading, or other

Info Page 5 of 9 work necessary for the development of staging areas outside the construction limits shown in the plans will not be measured for payment.

20. Is there a borrow/select fill area near the site in the national forest?

Response: The Contractor is responsible for locating material sources.

21. The embankment below the existing road is unstable and likely to breakaway if not thickened. Currently on the downhill side there are spoil piles from previous landslides.

Removing the uphill spoils off the mountain will add significant transportation costs to the contract. Will the Government allow the spoils from the high side to be placed on the downhill side to reinforce the existing the slope?

Response: As stated in Subsection 204.14, unsuitable or excess excavated material may be disposed of on site at the locations approved by the CO.

22. The trees on the high side need to be removed in their entirety. Removing them in logs and limbs via truck and trailer will add significant transportation cost to the contract. Will the Government allow the Contractor to grind the material and broadcast the mulch onto the downhill side slope?

Response: The Contractor will be allowed to grind or chip woody debris and spread it on site at the locations approved by the CO.

23. There are several parking places adjacent to trail heads close to the site that are used for a place for hikers to park. It would be helpful if the Government would allow the

Contractor to use one of these or dedicate a spot that we can clear for storage, loading and unloading of equipment, debris, and materials. We will also need a place for large trucks with trailers to turn around. Will the Government identify and dedicate the Contractor a logistical bed down spot west of the construction area for these purposes?

Response: The Contractor is responsible for locating their own staging area, as well as for determining the logistics of hauling to and from the site. As stated in

Subsection 156.07(d), the Contractor may use closed portions of Morgan Mountain

Road for staging.

24. The road on the south entrance to the construction site is washed out and unusable roughly 200’ from the construction site. Are there more washouts beyond that area on the road that we weren’t able to see, or is that the only one?

Response: The Contractor is responsible for assessing conditions along haul routes and planning their work accordingly.

25. It would be helpful if the Contractor could have that south entrance access point as it will significantly cut down on some of the driving time. Since that washout needs to be repaired, and it is the only affected area on that south access road, does the Government want the Contractor to add the repair of that section of washout to the cost of construction?

Response: Repairing roads outside the designated work limits, except for damage caused by the Contractor’s operations, is beyond the scope of this project.

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26. Will 82 be open during the job. Single cars would not be able to pass in SOME area on

82 between 215.

Response: Route 82 will remain open to public traffic. The only road that will be closed is the section of Morgan Mountain Road shown in the plans.

27. Does the 24” RCP culverts require flared end sections or headwalls at either end? If so, what type is required?

Response: As shown in the plans, no headwalls or end sections are required.

28. Will the Government confirm if the bid is due at 1400 CDT (local to the project) time or

1400 EDT (local to the contracting office)?

Response: The bids are due by 1400 EDT on the bid due date.

29. Will the Government extend the Period of Performance? This project is going to require various material submittal approvals, substantial coordination prior to mobilization, and will be performed going into the wet weather season. Site access is limited to the west side road, which restricts the volume of material that can be transported in and out each day and the remote location and the distance to the quarry and landfill will result in extended hauling times. Additionally, tree removal is restricted to specific seasonal windows (November 15 -March 15), as required by the Environmental Commitments and

Mitigation Measures in the NEPA Categorical Exclusion Form.

Response: The contract time was estimated using historical production data for similar work on other projects on Forest Service roads in remote locations with mountainous terrain. The contract time will not be changed. The Contractor may request time extensions according to Subsection 108.03.

30. Will the Government confirm that liquidated damages will be assessed on this contract would range between $4,400 – $5,200, per Table 108-1 of the STANDARD

SPECIFICATIONS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS AND BRIDGES ON

FEDERAL HIGHWAY PROJECTS (FP – 14)?

Response: Liquidated damages will be assessed according to Table 108-1. The amount of the daily charge will depend on the original contract price.

31. Will the Government confirm that the following text is considered the fourth paragraph of 108.04, of which page J-4 indicates to delete (not applicable to this contract)?

“Liquidated damages will not be assessed for the following:

(a) Day of the final inspection;

(b) Days required to perform work added to the contract after substantial completion including items identified during the final inspection that were not required before that time;

(c) Delays by the Government after all work is complete and before a formal acceptance is executed; or

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(d) Periods of time when all work is complete, but acceptance is delayed pending the plant establishment period or similar warranty period.”

Response: No, the text provided with the question is the fifth paragraph. The paragraph that has been deleted is the one immediately above it.

32. Will the Government confirm that offerors are to utilize STANDARD

SPECIFICATIONS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS AND BRIDGES ON

FEDERAL HIGHWAY PROJECTS (FP – 14), not the newer version of these specifications (FP – 24)?

Response: As stated in the solicitation documents, this contract cites the Standard

Specifications (FP-14).

33. Section 637 page J-17 states that the Government field office space will be provided by the Ozark National Forest at the Cass Job Corps Center located at State Route 215 and

State Route Hwy 23, approximately 13 miles from the project.

a. Will the Contractor be responsible for providing, setting up, and paying for any associated utilities at the Job Corps Center?

Response: The Government will only provide office space. The Contractor will be responsible for providing the required services, furniture, equipment, and supplies according to Section 637.

b. There are no utilities available nearby the jobsite. Will the Government want a smaller satellite office to be located at or within a closer proximity to the actual jobsite?

Response: No. A second office will not be needed.

34. Will the Government confirm that offerors are to account for the furnishing within the

Government provided project office as described in Section 637 of the FP (deviations as noted on pages J-17 through J-21)?

Response: The Contractor should assume that they will need to supply all of the furnishings listed in Tables 637-1 and 637-2.

c. Page J-20 of the Solicitation, paragraph (3), indicates that offerors are to provide a fax machine. Fax machines are antiquated and no longer widely available nor used. Will the Government confirm they are requesting a fax machine to be required for this project?

Response: A fax machine will not be required.

d. Page J-21 of the Solicitation, paragraph (1), indicates that the required project office must have telephone service, with two separate lines mandatory. Will cell phone services be sufficient to meet this requirement?

Response: Wired telephone service will not be required. Cell phone service will be sufficient.

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e. Page J-21 of the Solicitation, paragraph (2), indicates that High-speed Internet access is required in the project office. Will the Government confirm that high-speed internet access is available on their site?

Response: The Government will provide the internet service.

f. Page J-21 of the Solicitation, paragraph (3), indicates that offerors are to provide a

“high speed wireless air card for use with a Government laptop computer capable of providing access to the FHWA’s virtual private network (VPN). What are the specifications/ requirements for the high speed wireless air card so that Government computers can access their VPN?

Response: High speed wireless air cards will not be required.

35. Will the Government extend the bid due date to 7/15/2025, or at least two weeks after all pre-bid RFI’s are answered so that offerors can disseminate the information and provide the most accurate bids?

Response: Amendment 0002 extended the bid opening date to Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. EDT.

36. The gravel road from the work site to the highway is a single lane road with dozens of intersecting gravel roads. Providing traffic control on this road will be next to impossible due to the long distance (roughly 30 minutes) between the construction site and the highway. Does the Contractor need to provide traffic control and a traffic control supervisor per Section 156, on the single lane gravel road from the main highway to the construction site?

Response: The Contractor is not required to provide traffic control on roads outside the road closure limits shown in the plans.

37. Section 8b of the ADV Bidders Qualification Form requests prospective bidders to

"Attach resumes of these key personnel as well as the on-site project manager(s)." The

Solicitation documents do not state that an "on-site" project manager is required for this project. Is it the government's intention for the contractor to provide an "on-site" project manager?

Response: An on-site project manager is not required.

38. Are hog rings an approved method to tie the gabion baskets?

Response: As stated in Subsection 253.05, the gabion baskets may be tied with lacing wire, spiral binders, or alternate fasteners. The Contractor may submit proposed alternate fasteners for approval after award of the contract.

39. How many people will work in the building?

Response: We don’t have information on how many people will be working in the entire building. The contractor is only required to clean the area occupied by the project staff, which will be no more than three people.

40. Who will supply the toilet paper, paper towels, soap, and trash liners?

Response: The Contractor as specified in the SCR Section 637.

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41. Who will supply the cleaning chemicals and equipment?

Response: The Contractor as specified in the SCR Section 637.

42. Is there a dumpster on site for us to dispose of the trash?

Response: We are unable to verify the information, so please assume there is no dumpster.

43. Is there a janitor’s closet with a mop sink for us to use with storage?

Response: We are unable to verify the information, so please assume there is no

Storage.

44. What are the interior finishes of the office?

Response: We do not have the information, so please assume it will be either carpet or tile.

45. Will the government provide a more detailed description of the cleaning requirements? If possible, please provide photos of the office.

Response: We are unable to provide a picture. The cleaning requirement is as specified in the SCR Section 637, weekly cleaning, per the CO’s direction.