Questions and Answers During Advertisement AZ FTBR SALT 80(1) 10-19-22.pdf

Questions and Answers During Advertisement for AZ FTBR SALT 80(1) Horse Mesa Bridge

Wednesday, October 19, 2022

Questions Answers

1 Are there any weight limitations on the existing bridge at the new bridge site? The weight limit for the existing bridge at the new bridge site is 45 tons.

2 Can bidders send their bid package to the address that offers are required to be delivered to by FedEx?

Yes. Packages must be received by the bid date and time but can be delivered by hand or by courier.

3 Is there a water source near the site? The contractor will have to provide potable water but for dust control or concrete lake water will be available.

4 Will FHA consider a one-week postponement of the bid date?

Yes, we will extend the bid by one week. I will post an Amendment to the solicitation to extend the bid to 10/18/2022, 2pm MDT. Please visit the SAM.gov solicitation notice to see the Amendment.

5 I wanted to clarify the start date for this contract is after 04/13/2023 – and if there would be any leeway on this start date?

The start of the on-site ground disturbing activities are scheduled to start after 04/13/2023. The other project activities could start with the issuance of the NTP, tentatively scheduled for 11/28/2022.

Since majority of the scope for this project is the pre-fabricated steel bridge, we have developed the schedule to include one mobilization activity for the contractor and to minimize the duration for the on-site activities. This will allow the contractor to perform bridge design, obtain bridge design approvals and start the pre-fabrication process before having to mobilize and install the bridge.

In developing the scheduled we have envisioned the contractor to construct the abutments and get the site ready for the installation of the bridge as the pre-fabrication process is being finalized. Once the bridge is pre-fabricated and is ready to be delivered to the site, the contractor will have the abutments ready to set the bridge in place and finish up the project.

Section 555.18 states, “Provide steel erector certified according to category CSE (Certified Steel Erector) under AISC Quality Certification Program”

It is our understanding that this language is often included in IFBs, that after the contract is awarded the agency waives the requirement for an AISC Certified Steel Erector. Will FHA waive this requirement on the Horse Mesa Bridge Project?

This is a large structure with some tight clearances near some of the overhead utilities so this is not a case where we would waive these requirements.

We have reached out to multiple bridge vendors and have been informed that because of the weight limit of 45 tons they have no way of bidding this project. Apparently, the access to the bridge location, does not allow for the transport of the structural members needed to construct it.

Has the FHA considered using HL-93 vehicular live load for this location?

Concerning the first part, I’m assuming that they are talking about the exiting bridge that has the 45 ton weight limit. Our assumption was that the bridge would be delivered in sections (4 at a minimum but could be more) and spliced together at the site. The bridge sections could be delivered to the site without having to cross this bridge.

As for the second part I’m not clear what is being asked. The bridge in the plans is specified to be designed for HL-93 vehicular live loads.