Questions and Answers During Advertisement for AZ FS 24(1) 02-23-2023.pdf

Questions and Answers During Advertisement for AZ FS 24(1) Buffalo Crossing Bridge

Thursday, February 23, 2023

Questions Answers

1 Is shotcrete or gunite needed on this project. No, shotcrete or gunite are not needed on this project.

The purpose of this Request for Information is to propose the use of a Modular Steel Panel Bridge furnished by the Acrow Corporation of America (aka Acrow Bridge) as an alternative to the as-designed Modular Steel Girder Bridge structure on the US Department of Transportation FHWA Central Highway Division’s Buffalo Crossing Bridge Project. Attached to this email are example drawings of the proposed Acrow bridge system. The Acrow Panel Bridge would be designed to meet the Live Load requirement of AASHTO HL-93, LRFD, is a prefabricated steel bridge, with galvanized components per ASTM 123, and Acrow Bridge is an AISC Certified Fabricator, all of which are required on Drawing RG3202-B.

No, a Modular Steel Girder Bridge would not be acceptable. Acrow bridges are considered temporary and would not meet the full needs of the project.

The purpose of this Request for Information is to propose the use of a 120-foot span Acrow Panel Bridge in lieu of the 100-foot span shown on Drawing RG3202-A of the Project Drawings of the US Department of Transportation FHWA Central Highway Division’s Buffalo Crossing Bridge Project. The Acrow Panel Bridge cannot be constructed with a skew and would require the additional 20-feet to be properly constructed in a rectangular shape.

No, a 120-foot span Acrow Panel Bridge would not be allowed.

In communicating with multiple modular bridge fabricators, we have only found a single vendor that can meet all of the FHWA project specifications and requirements for this project. Drawing No. RG3202-H (Bridge Drawing 8 of 10) indicates that the galvanized steel decking is to be 9-gage steel, however, several vendors have communicated that they cannot access 9-gage steel decking through their material vendors and are therefore unable to quote this project. Will FHWA approve the use of 18 to 22 gage galvanized steel for the corrugated bridge decking material on this project, which will allow for additional vendor sources to quote the project?

Per the correct final plans, which are currently being substituted, there is no specified gage on the steel decking. That will be determined by the design of the bridge manufacturer.

5 If the HL-93 vehicular loading will be maintained, can we substitute the asphalt driving surface for an 8" concrete driving surface?

The contractor cannot substitute the asphalt driving surface for a 8" concrete driving surface.

6 Regarding Bid Item A0340 Gabions 460 SF: Please clarify the 460 Square Footage Quantity. Gabions are usually bid by the Cubic Yard.

The quantities on the gabions are correct as well as the unit of measure. Please provide a bid per SQFT as listed in the bid schedule. The gabions will be measured by sqft of gabion face, (vertical height x length).

7 Who is the assigned Construction Operations Engineer? Nobody has been assigned yet.

8 Who is the assigned Project Engineer? Nobody has been assigned yet.

9 Does the Government have a water source available for the contractors use? No.

10 What is the anticipated date of Award? ASAP but no anticipated date, See 52.211-10 in Section C of the solicitation (IFB) for the notice to proceed (NTP) date.

11 Is water quality monitoring required? There are no water quality monitoring requirements on this project.

52.211-10 states “… The completion date is based on the assumption that the successful offeror will receive the notice to proceed by 5/1/2023…”. Section 108.01(a) stated “No onsite ground disturbing activities before April 15, 2023”.

These dates conflict, please advise.

No conflict, the April 15th date is if NTP is issued earlier.

Bid Item 25301-2000 Gabions, Polyvinyl Chloride Coated. Please provide the Basis of Payment and Method of Measurement as FP-14 253.10 only discusses cubic yard measurement.

The quantities on the gabions are correct as well as the unit of measure. Please provide a bid per SQFT as listed in the bid schedule. The gabions will be measured by sqft of gabion face, (vertical height x length).

According to the plan Sheet S8 the thrie-beam bridge railing calls for weathering agent coating as well. Do the bridge rail posts require weathering agent, or can this be self-weathering steel?

The bridge rail posts are weathering steel. Just the bridge thrie beam has the weathering agent.

15 The Government completed an Asbestos investigation and provided a report. Did the Government perform a Lead Paint investigation? No.

16 Are there any other locations that the weathering agent is required other than the bridge?

Yes, per Subsection 617.02, treat all galvanized material for guardrail systems with a weathering agent according to Section 563.

17 Can the river be dammed or re-routed to allow access for construction activities?

FHWA does not require a specific method for dewatering. However, methods need to comply with the terms and conditions of the General Permit for Stormwater Discharges, 404 and 401 permits, and the Fish Exclusion and Relocation Plan.