QnA 6 8 2021.pdf

Questions and Answers during Advertisement for OK ERO SEQU T500(1), Horton Slough Trail

May 10, 2021

Questions Answers

1) Is there currently a site-visit scheduled or can we go on our own to inspect the project site?

There is no organized site visit. The site is accessible to interested bidders.

The refuge is open from 5am until 1 hour after sunset.

May 25, 2021

2) On drawing sheet C5, construction access shown for the south side of the slough does not show any access to the existing pedestrian bridge. Drawing sheet S9 calls for both the south abutment removal and the north abutment removal. Please clarify what access the contractor will have to the south abutment of the existing bridge for tools and machinery.

The contractor will have access to the south abutment from the existing paved Horton Slough Trail as described in 108.01 of the SCRs.

Approximate location is shown on Sheet C5.

3) Observation Decks #1 and #3:

The contract requires the removal of the foundation of for Deck #1, but the plans do not describe what this foundation is comprised

of. Can the government clarify what this deck’s foundation consists of and the extents of its removal?

Existing foundation for Deck #1 were not readily visible during CFL’s site visit. It is believed that much of the foundation has been displaced downstream. Removal of any remaining foundations will only be as needed to facilitate installation of the helical pile and riprap. We would entertain shifting the deck slightly to facilitate pile installation should any existing foundations be overly difficult to remove.

4) Observation Decks #1 and #3:

Drawing sheet S19 calls for removing the 6 concrete caissons for Deck #3. Can the government clarify the extent for removal of the Caissons? Are these caissons to be completely removed or will demolition of the tops to below grade sufficient for new foundations be adequate?

Per SCR 203.04, “remove existing bridge substructure, concrete approach slab, and existing riprap as necessary to install helical pile or as directed by the CO.” If there is no conflict with helical pile installation, per Section 203.04.b, remove caissons “to the natural stream bottom.” We would entertain shifting the deck slightly to facilitate pile installation should any existing foundations be overly difficult to remove below the natural stream bottom.

5) Observation Deck #1 For the composite deck:

a) Are the decking boards to be tongue and grooved for no gap between boards or standard edge?

b) If standard Edge, what is the acceptable gap space?

a) Either standard edge or tongue and grooved is acceptable provided the outside edges have a standard edge (not tongue or groove).

b) Provide the minimum gap space recommended by the composite deck manufacturer.

6) Traffic Control:

Drawing Sheet T3 calls for traffic control signs to be placed on wood posts. The majority of the traffic control will be for the parking lot improvements but the duration of this work should not be long enough to justify the necessity for post and sign installation. Would the government allow for temporary traffic control signage to be placed on tripod type equipment that would allow for quick install and removal?

Per SCR 635.07 - Portable sign supports may be used instead of sign posts when approved by the CO.

Observation Decks and Riprap (Q&A 8 – 11)

7) Please confirm that Class 7 riprap is to be used for Observation Deck #1 and #3, as well as at the location of what was once observation deck #4. Class 7 riprap is not product that is readily available.

25101-0700 Placed Riprap, Method A, Class 7 has been revised to 25101-0500 Placed Riprap, Method A, Class 5.

8) The trucking and machinery that will be necessary to haul and place this material in the proposed locations will cause severe damage to the surrounding area and pavements. The project documents do not currently allow for construction access to these areas. Please clarify what contingencies the contractor will need to have in place for this.

Construction access will be provided as approved by the CO.

Contractor will be required to restore any areas damaged during construction. Bidders are encouraged to visit the sites to assess construction staging and access.

9) The helical piles for the observation decks will need to be installed prior to placement of the proposed riprap. Placing class 7 riprap after the installation of the these piles will damage/destroy the pile stems and prevent proper alignment of the observation deck structures.

Protection of helical piles during riprap placement shall be responsibility of the contractor. Contractor should provide means and methods to protect the piles during riprap installation.

10) Please clarify the purpose of the geotextile to be placed under the proposed class 7 riprap. Placement of this size of material will damage the fabric and render it useless.

Geotextile below riprap is required to separate it from the on-site soils, to prevent migration of fine materials into the riprap, and, essentially, to keep the riprap from sinking into the on-site soils. The comment is correct that damage could occur to the fabric during riprap installation.

The contractor should limit the height from which riprap is dropped to reduce the potential for damage.

May 27, 2021

11) Current projected lead time for the fabrication and delivery of the bridges and observation deck is approximately 2 months from the time of submittal approval. Please confirm that contract time will be extended and no liquidated damages will incur for going beyond the construction delivery date of December 17th for reasons outside of contractors control.

The fabrication and delivery was taken into consideration. See Section

108.01 for contract completion date.

June 3, 2021

12) Current projected Lead Time for the fabrication and delivery of the bridges and observation deck is approximately 2 months from the time of submittal approval. Please confirm that contract time will be extended and no liquidated damages will incur for going beyond the construction delivery date of December 17th for reasons outside of contractors control.

See Amendment A003 for revision to 108.01 .

The contract completion date of December 17, 2021 takes into account time for bridge submittal preparation and review along with bridge fabrication.

13) What type of work is Bid Item A1700 “Dump Truck, 7 Cubic

Yard Minimum Capacity 20 HR” intended or needed for? Is it tied to any of the other bid items?

This work item is not tied to other bid items. It is an allowance to cover incidental work not covered under other bid items.

14) What type of work is Bid Item A1750 “Backhoe Loader, 4 cubic foot minimum rated Capacity bucket, 18” Width 20 HR” intended or needed for? Is it tied to any of the other bid items?

This work item is not tied to other bid items. It is an allowance to cover incidental work not covered under other bid items.

15) What type of work is Bid Item A1800 General Labor 40 HR intended or needed for? The bid form has pay item 62301-0000 for this item. SCRs 623.01 mentions technical work and survey crews and is that considered general labor?

This work item is not tied to other bid items. It is an allowance to cover incidental work not covered under other bid items.

16) Is SCRs 623.04 Technical Services intended for A1850 Special Labor, Hired technical services.” The bid form has the pay item “62302-1000”for this item.

Pay item 62303-1000 SPECIAL LABOR, HIRED TECHNICAL SERVICES covers bird biologist which must conduct a survey according to 107.10(e): “Before clearing vegetation between April 1 and July 31, conduct a pre-construction migratory bird and raptor nest survey no more than 7 days before vegetation clearing begins at any particular site. If clearing is delayed by more than 7 days, the nest survey must be repeated before clearing begins. Survey must be conducted by a qualified biologist. If an active bird nest is found, delineate a "no work zone" buffer around the nest until all young birds have fledged. Buffer size will be determined by the CO in consultation with the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Manager. If NWR Manager does not respond on request to consult, CO will determine buffer size in consultation with FHWA Environmental Protection Specialist.”

17) Can ODOT Specification 703.05 Aggregate for Traffic-Bound Surface Course Type A be used for roadway aggregate?

This material would meet our 302 aggregate requirements as described in FP-14 section 703.06 Crushed Aggregate.

18) The construction industry recently is experiencing unprecedented long lead times in material availability and one bridge manufactural has already stated that the Pedestrian Bridge cannot be delivered until late October. Will or can the contract start time be delayed due to the long lead time of the fabricated pedestrian bridge?

See Amendment A003 for revision to 108.01 .

The contract completion date of December 17, 2021 takes into account time for bridge submittal preparation and review along with bridge fabrication.

19) I was wondering if you would accept an aluminum bridge as an alternative for this project?

Aluminum bridge alternative will not be accepted for the project.

20) Also H 5 on a 6’ inside clear? I thought that was only for bridges 7’ inside and larger?

No change allowed. Per SCR 555.03A, “design the bridge for dead and live loads indicated on the plans. Live loads consist of 90 pounds per square foot uniform pedestrian loading or occasional H5 (10,000 lb) vehicular load.”

21) Can we explore a different live loading option than H5? This is an extremely high load rating for a 6’ wide bridge. Typically a six foot width would limit entrance to only smaller ~1000 lb maintenance vehicles that may be 2k lbs fully loaded, rather than the 10k lb load rating of an H5.

No change allowed. Per SCR 555.03A, “design the bridge for dead and live loads indicated on the plans. Live loads consist of 90 pounds per square foot uniform pedestrian loading or occasional H5 (10,000 lb) vehicular load.”

22) Would it be possible to substitute 3/16” thick angles (rather than the specified ¼”) for the approach rails?

No change allowed. Utilize member sizes as shown in plans.

23) Would it be possible to use either 2”x2” or 3”x3” HSS for the approach rails rather than the specified 3”x2”?

No change allowed. Utilize member sizes as shown in plans.

June 4, 2021

24) Section 153.02 Qualifications of the Special Contract requirements requires a Part time QCM with NICET Lvl III certification in highway construction: Is this level of QC certification applicable to this project?

Per Section 153.02 Part time QCM with NICET Lvl III certification in highway construction is required for the project.

25) Would the government consider the USACE – Construction Quality Management for Contractors as equivalent?

Per Section 153.02 Part time QCM with NICET Lvl III certification in highway construction is required for the project.

26) In regards to the Q&A issued as part of Amendment A003, the noted change on the amendment and the question and answer for

no. 16 contradict each other. If ground disturbing activities are not allowed until August 16th, then the necessity for the pre-construction migratory bird and raptor nest survey is not applicable since the stated time frame for that requirement only holds from April 1st to July 31st. Unless “tree clearing and vegetation stripping” is not considered ground disturbing.

Tree clearing and vegetation stripping is considered ground disturbing activity. Section 107.01 states "Before clearing vegetation between April 1 and July 31, conduct a pre-construction migratory bird and raptor nest survey". Per revision to Section

108.01 as part of Addendum A003, "Do not begin ground disturbing activities until August 16, 2021." If ground disturbing activities are not initiated until after July 31, pre-construction migratory bird and raptor nest survey is not required.

June 8, 2021

27)Page E-11, Section e, paragraph 6:

(6) Do not perform any work below the ordinary high water mark of Horton Slough to install pedestrian bridge. Do not place construction equipment below the ordinary high water mark of Horton Slough to remove remains of existing pedestrian bridge.

Can you please provide clarification on this item. What is the “ordinary high water mark?”

The Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) is shown on Plan Sheet C6, Plan Sheet S1, and Plan Sheet S3. All work needs to be conducted landward of this line.