Questions and Answers 6982AF22B000028 11 03 2022 FINAL.pdf

6982AF22B000028

CA FTFW SOBO TRAIL (1) – Rock Hill Trail

Questions & Answers

October 11, 2022

10/24/2022

Question Answer

1. “Sheet 1 of 2 on the Conventional plan symbols and abbreviations show erosion & sediment control symbols but nowhere else on the plans are any of these symbols located. Will the agency provide an erosion control plan?”

Please refer to Section 157 of the SCRs and the 157 pay items for the lump sum payment of erosion control and the SWPPP, which the contractor is responsible for developing.

QUESTION ANSWER

1. I wanted to see if I needed to give any type of notice for a site visit or is this open to the public for site access?

The trails are currently open to the public. However, potential bidders must arrange the site visit with the Jonathan Shore, to coordinate as needed. Contact information below. Jonathan Shore cannot answer project specific questions. All project specific questions must be emailed per the solicitation.

Jonathan Shore, Project Leader Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge Coachella Valley National Wildlife Refuge U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Department of the Interior, Region 8 906 W. Sinclair Road, Calipatria, CA 92233 Ph# (760) 348-5278, x225 Cell: (760) 336-1812

10/26/22

1. Section 646.03 General, states to

“submit design drawings and details for each fixture according to Subsection 104.03”. Please clarify what the contractor will have to provide for the overlook structure as there are already stamped plans provided in the Contract Drawings. Additionally, if specific drawings are required, will they need to be stamped by a civil, or structural, engineer?

Design drawings are not required.

Submit any deck manufacturer’s installation information to the CO along with a sample of the material for review and approval.

2. Section 646.04 Lumber and Hardware, says that “Decking will be composite installed according to manufacturer’s product and installing guide. Composite decking will be gray in color and approved by the CO.” There are no typical dimensions for decking called out on the plans. Since decking can come in various widths/thicknesses and qualities (i.e. Best, Better, Good), please provide some product guidelines, or similar product, to base our pricing on since pricing of products can vary significantly from one product to another.

The following specifications must be met:

• Thermal Expansion 1.9X10-5 in/in/deg f

• Moisture Absorption <1.2%

• Fungus Resistance – No Decay

• Termite Resistance >9.5

• Modulus of Elasticity >= 400,00 psi

• Modulus of Rupture >= 3500psi

• Uniform Load 100 lb/sf

• Fire Surface Burning

Characteristics – Class C

10/27/2022

1. The plans call out for 1/2" minus class 2 base material. We have used 3/4" minus class 2 base on most of our Imperial County projects. Is there an exception

No to using the material available in Imperial County?

2. In regards to the Diamond Pier foundations for the overlook on Rock Hill, the manufacturer states these are not suitable for rocky conditions. Rock Hill is considered rocky. We feel the schedule 40 pins will bend on contact with the rock. Do you have another option?

An amendment is being issued to allow a conventional footing detail will be as an option if rock is encountered.

3. Will the water level at the ponds on Hardenberger trail be lowered for the construction activities to prevent slippage and subsidence during the construction project?

Work activities need to be within the limits of construction shown on the typical Sections

4. What is the maximum weight capacity of the wooden bridges on Hardenberger Trail?

The maximum weight capacity of the wooden bridges is unknown. An amendment will be issued to show an alternate route on the site map in the plans for reference.

5. Can the materials testing lab agency be the QCM on the project?

The QCM may be an employee of the materials testing lab agency subcontractor and must meet the requirements listed in the SCR for 153(a)(2)

6. Is bid item A0429 in Method 2 governed by Section 703 (C) Roadway Aggregate

Refer to Section 703 in the FP and SCRs

7. Can the superintendent also be the project and qualified control manager?

Refer to the requirements of SCR 153.02(a)(2)

8. Is bid item A0400 governed by Section 713 (A) Roadside Improvement Material, Geotextile conforming to AAAHTO M288 Table 8?

9. Will water be made available for contractor use?

No water was anticipated for construction; however, water may be available from onsite sources if needed. Confirm with the CO

10. Is Microsoft Project acceptable scheduling software?

Yes

11. Is bid item A0620 governed by Section 623 General Labor? If so, bid items A0620 and A0140 require survey. How does that 100 hours apply?

No. See FP Section 623

12. Is bid item A0640 governed by Section 623.04 Technical Services? If so, how does that item apply towards the 100 hours of Genera Labor?

13. Is there a borrow pit for contractor use?

14. Section 302 Table 302-1 details testing of minor crushed aggregate, with frequency of one test per agg.

How does that one per agg apply to aggregate tested? At the plant or per truck delivered?

See Table 106-3 and 302-1 of the FP

15. What can DOT do if owner supplied stockpile is not

If material doesn’t meet spec or quantity, an alternate material source enough material to complete embankment fill?

will need to be identified by the contractor. See SCR 105.02

16. Can you provide list of materials needing tests (other than soil, compaction, aggregate and concrete)?

See Table 106-3 of SCRs

17. Will DOT provide AASHTO standards called out in specs?

18. Please confirm SWPPP is needed since each of the three sites is below the threshold of that requirement.

Yes - a SWPPP is required.

19. Will silt fence be required at limits of construction?

Erosion Control is a lump sum item and the contractor is responsible for providing and plan with materials that meet project requirements

20. Will elevations of overlook structure be provided?

Elevations are shown Sheet T-9. Note Salton Sea is below Sea Level.

21. The drawings mention Method 2, line item AQ420, pay item 30202-2000, but detail for method is not located in the drawings, specs or the standards. Please reply back with detail and specifications.

See Section 302 of the FP and SCR’s

10/31/2022 Question Answer

1. Can one person oversee both project locations as a superintendent, QC, and SSHO?

Refer to the requirements of SCR 153.02(a)(2)

2. Can the Superintendent be a working super or do they have to be a dedicated non-working super? Non-working as in no manual labor or equipment operating?

The Superintendent must meet the requirements as defined in Section 101 of the FP and adhere to the requirements in the FP and SCRs

3. Are other working hours acceptable other than 5- 8-hour days? Example #1 : 4- 10 hour days

See Section 108 of the SCRs. Note the refuge has a gate that is typically not opened until 6:30am and closed at 5:30pm.

4. Where will GOV provided fill material be located for trucking estimated purposes?

See Plan Sheet A-5 for location near overlook

5. Please help define the amount of clearing and grubbing that is necessary. Example: plans say to clear and grub .42 acre but there is not .42 acre to clear based on site visit.

Clearing and grubbing was calculated for trail lengths with 2 ft each side

6. Please define/specify materials to be used for roadway aggregate method 2.

Example: Class 2 road base or?

See Section 302 and Section 703 for the SCR’s

7. Sections of both rock hill and Hardenberger trails are not suitable for a good subgrade due to moisture content and soils quality. Will the GOV.

entertain alternative methods for fixing the trails?

Refer to Section 103.03 of the FP.

8. Rock hill sections 29+00 through 33+00 show a new trail section being built, however on the site visit we noticed that those sections were submerged in water and seemed to be part of the wetlands. Please advise if this is still to remain in the bid.

Yes, this section is included in the bid.

9. Where does traffic control need to take place?

Only for signing closure of trails

10. Page 77 of 762 within FP-14 states to grade a 1000LF section of trail prior to continuing work while allowing the GOV. 14 days to approve the trail. Is there any way to have the GOV. QA rep sign off sooner? This is a large burden to wait 14 days for approval and will drive the costs up.

This is Section 155 for Schedule, only reference to 14 days is for approval or rejection of the schedule

11. Existing slopes on trails appear to not be a 3:1. Plans state to make the slopes a 3:1.Please advise if this can be removed in an effort to save cost and eliminate work on the wetland side.

1:3 slopes are only applicable to new trail construction (A6) and design does not impact any wetlands.

12. Will the Government entertain the option of value engineering the whole project? We feel there are several areas that could save time and money.

Refer to Section 103.03 of the FP.

13. Are the quantities listed on both the plans and bid sheets firm quantities?

The solicitation states it is a Firm fixed Price, if the quantities change will there be a price increase or decrease?

Please advise

Refer to Section 109 of the FP and SCRs

14. If we have other means/methods of constructing the project that differ from the bid schedule, how are we supposed to input those numbers?

The contractor is required to bid the project according to the solicitation.

15. Will all specs within the FP-14 apply to this job? The specs within FP-14 appear to be for projects like roadways

Yes, as applicable and may be overkill for pedestrian walkway. Please advise

16. What specs within section 204 of FP-

14 apply to this project?

All specifications except those changes made in Section 204 of the SCRs

17. Please specify what submittals will need to be submitted. Page 32 of the FP-14 states we are to provide drawings and specifications. Will this apply?

Refer to the applicable section of the FP and SCRs regarding submittals.

Design drawings are not required for the overlook structure. Submit any deck manufacturer’s installation information to the CO along with a sample of the material for review and approval.

18. Will excess materials be able to be stockpiled or spread out somewhere?

Excess material is not anticipated.

19. Is there any bird nesting to be anticipated during the proposed construction times?

See Section 107 for environmental restrictions

20. Does ALL work for each trail need to be completed prior to starting the other trail?

Refer to Section 156.07 of the SCRs.

21. What are the maximum loads allowed for the bridge near Hardenberger parking lot?

The maximum weight capacity of the wooden bridges is unknown. An amendment will be issued to show an alternate route on the site map in the plans for reference.

22. Is there a proposed staging area for Hardenberger trail?

Assumed the observation deck parking area would serve for both.

23. What materials will be GOV. furnished and contractor installed?

Embankment provided but contractor will need to confirm it meets contract requirements

24. Will sampling and testing roadway aggregates be necessary for this project? Table 301-1 (page 224) states to sample 2 per day per stockpile.

Please advise if this is correct for this project, or if this spec will not apply.

Since there is not a 301 pay item, Table 301-1 does not apply. Refer to Sections 302 of the FP and SCRs.

25. Will 95% compaction be necessary for preparing subgrade prior to roadway aggregate? We feel that existing soils will not be able to achieve this.

Refer to the FP and SCRs regarding requirements for compaction.

26. Will the bid due date be able to be pushed back?

Yes, please see amendment A001,