QnA 05.09.25 Veterans.pdf
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- Solicitation number
- 6982AF25B000005
About this file
This document is a Questions and Answers (Q&A) file for the OK ERFO NP CHIC 2024-1(1) Veterans Lake Trail Bridge federal contract opportunity. The Q&A spans from April 17 to May 9, 2025, and addresses 18 specific inquiries from potential contractors about the project. Key clarifications include: the existing submerged bridge's estimated weight is around 70,000 lb with unknown condition, there are no project warranties, site access requires notification to park contacts, and specific technical details about seeding, equipment requirements, and documentation methods.
The contract involves replacing a pedestrian trail bridge at Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Murray County, Oklahoma, which was previously removed by a tornado. Critical timeline details specify no on-site work will occur before May 4, 2026, with a contract completion date of June 30, 2026. Contractors must repair existing abutments, install a prefabricated 130-foot steel truss bridge with timber decking, and remove the existing bridge from Veterans Lake. The project will utilize two parking lots as staging areas, with bridge removal likely involving floating the structure and lifting it via crane. Bidders should address their offer to Leslie Karsten, with a public bid opening scheduled at the time specified in the Invitation for Bid (IFB).
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Questions and Answers during Advertisement for OK ERFO NP CHIC 2024-1(1) Veterans Lake Trail Bridge
April 17, 2025
Questions Answers 1 Can you please provide additional information on the Submerged
Bridge? The drawings give the length and width of the bridge.
We need to be able to calculate the Weight of the submerged bridge.
If the original submittals are available, they would provide all the necessary information. We suspect this was a performance specification from looking at the drawings as there is very little information provided.
The weight of the existing bridge is unknown, but roughly estimated to be 70,000 lb; with, the bridge condition and underwater weight/buoyancy also unknown. It is unknown if the existing bridge is intact, or if it is lodged in the lakebed. The only information known about the existing bridge is provided in the physical data as listed in FAR Clause 52.236-4. Refer to SCR Subsection 203.04 for requirements to develop a bridge removal plan, including assessment and documentation of existing bridge conditions.
April 18, 2025
2 We can find no reference within the bid documents to the required warranty period associated with this contract, and the typical government FAR clauses which address warranty (FAR 52.246- 21 or Subpart 46.7) do not seem to be included by reference. Can you please clarify the required warranty period associated with this contract or direct the bidders where this information can be found?
There are no warranties for the project.
April 22, 2025
3 We would like to go and take a look at this site before finalizing a proposal. Can you let us know where it is located (a pin would be awesome), permissions required, and if it is accessible from the roadways (gates, etc?)
Prior to arriving, notify CHIC of all activities & depending on activities, they may have to issue a Special Use Permit:
• jeremie_johnston@nps.gov or 580-622-7252
• Linda_Richards@nps.gov or 580-618-1317 See plans for bridge location.
4 On sheet B1 summary of quantities – schedule A, is noting hydraulic seeding and hydraulic mulching, we cannot seem to
Review the following for more information:
• Seed mix: SCR 713.04.
locate any further information stating specific requirements on these items. Can a specification be given for seeding and mulching on this project? Namely identifying the type of seed and mulch, as well as verifying application method.
• Mulch type: FP-14 713.05
• Seed application: FP-14 625.07.
• Mulch application: FP-14 625.08.
May 5, 2025
5 During a site visit we noticed concrete appurtenances approximately 1’ in diameter with what seemed to be rebar in the center of them. They protruded above grade approximately 2”.
We understand the criticality of safeguarding the reflectometers and other moisture meters in the dam, but what are the concrete structures and to what extent do we need to safeguard these during construction?
Assume these pertain to the abandoned piezometers, running parallel just south of the existing trail. The plan C-sheets call out to protect the concrete circles with rebar in the center.
6 In bid schedule and specs if goes into great detail about office trailer. This is a hard requirement as we can provide better value to the Government if we omit the requirement, and due to our expectation of period of performance, a trailer isn’t necessary. All office functions listed in the specs would be provided regardless of the presence of a dedicated trailer.
SCR 637 Facilities and Services. Gov’t utilizes the field office as a local site to complete field documentation and communication.
7 We understand the bid schedule language for “SPECIAL LABOR” (diver and survey). We believe the estimates for both are on the lean side, as diver prep and audit would need to be included, and a “SURVEY” would require additional dive time.
We could conceivably consume all dive hours in bid schedule and not even get wet. Please clarify if overage in these areas may be billed to the Government. The survey in this RFI refers to a dive survey of the damaged bridge and NOT survey for the setting of replacement bridge.
SCR Section 203 Removal of Structures and Obstructions includes the removal of the structure and assessment of existing bridge conditions. This includes the required diver and survey needed for the assessment.
SCR Section 623 General Labor includes technical work as ordered by the CO and not otherwise provided for under the contract.
8 With limited access to the crest of the dam, and little or no access from the toe side of the dam, and due to the weight of the crane and the vehicles to deliver the bridge/remove the salvaged bridge, we expect damage to the sidewalk, even with our included crane
See Sheet C1 Note 3. There would be no payment to the contractor. This should be included into the bid if there are risks the contractor is aware of.
mat used to protect existing surfaces. Will the Government provide a CLIN for repairs of the sidewalk? The quote amount is difficult to ascertain; perhaps a square foot price for potential concrete repair could be included on the bid schedule? We don’t want to be uncompetitive because we include an anticipated amount of concrete repair while others may not include in their pricing. Another option is to quote entire replacement of the concrete sidewalk(?). (our crane provider will require an indemnity agreement to free him of any obligation to repair concrete)
9 Please clarify the required equipment in the bid schedule. Line items A0160 and A0170 specify a backhoe loader and wheel loader, respectively. It is our experience on dams that rubber tracked equipment is dramatically safer than rubber tire machines and poses no increased damage to existing structures. Can an appropriately sized rubber track excavator and rubber tracked loaders be used in lieu of those pieces? If so, how should we capture that in the bid schedule? Additionally, we will require a telescopic/boom forklift to assemble bridge parts when delivered.
No provision for that piece of equipment is made in the bid schedule.
FP-14 Subsection 622.01 This work consists of furnishing and operating equipment for construction work ordered by the CO and not otherwise provided for under the contract.
This is work ordered by the CO, not for equipment required to complete the bid items already in the contract.
Assembling the bridge parts is included in the bid item, including equipment required to construct pedestrian bridge and should be bid as such. Refer to SCR Subsection 555.01
10 Is there Side Scan Sonar Data available or will it be available? Is there any video survey of structure available in current state?
No, survey data is provided. Note, the existing structure conditions could change between the present time and scheduled removal.
11 Is there a sub-bottom Profile available? This will aid in “mud stick” and dismantling/lift calculations for removal of the damaged bridge.
No, this information is not available.
12 What is average water speed, especially in times of overflow/spillway activity?
This information is not available.
13 We are trying to get drawings and spec on how the other bridge was constructed. Materials it was built with, distance, and weight.
The provided reports included existing bridge information. Reference FAR Clause 52.236-4 Physical Data for a listing of data provided with the solicitation.
14 203.04 Removing Material
(a) Submittals
(3) Assessment and documentation of the existing bridge conditions to include depth and layout. Provide a lidar scan to support findings.
Contractor is concerned that a Lidar scan will not sufficiently layout the bridge conditions on account of the turbidity of the water. Is the government open to alternative methods such as sonar?
Could the government clarify if a topographical representation of the lake with the location of the bridge structure is required or if a simple report will suffice to meet expectations as described in
203.04 (a)(3).
Are there any flight restrictions inside the park that would prohibit or restrict the use of a drone?
If the Lidar Scan fails, then we can discuss alternate methods for documentation during the construction phase.
15 153.05 Sampling and Testing.
(b) Testing. If the Government-furnished field laboratory bid option is not exercised by the CO, furnish a laboratory equipped with all test equipment necessary to satisfy the requirements of the contract. Ensure test equipment has been checked, calibrated, standardized and/or otherwise verified in accordance with AASHTO and ASTM standards by an individual qualified to perform the work. Perform an equipment inspection after the laboratory has been moved to its permanent location on the project site, and anytime it is moved thereafter.
Contractor is interpreting this paragraph to be a requirement for an on-site laboratory. Please confirm that contractor’s interpretation is correct.
There is not a need to require a testing laboratory onsite.
May 9, 2025
16 The solicitation states that work is anticipated to start in the summer of 2025 with a completion date of June 30, 2026.
Section 108.01(a), it states “No on-site work to be performed before May 2026.”
Per the solicitation, it states “Due to weather, no on-site work is to occur from early March to early May “.
Please clarify if work for the existing bridge removal, and repair of the concrete abutments may occur in 2025 with the bridge installation occurring after May 4, 2026, with completion by June 30, 2026.
SAM.gov description has been updated to remove language regarding period of performance.
The project start date (for submittals and pre-fabrication) will start upon issuance of the Notice to Proceed. A Notice to Proceed will be issued after award and upon acceptable Performance and Payment bonds are received by the Government.
In accordance with SCR Subsection 108.01, no on-site work will be performed prior to May 4, 2026. The contract completion date is June 30, 2026.
17 It says there is going to be a public bid opening is that going to happen on the same day they are due and same time?
Public bid opening will be held at the location in box 7 of page A-1 of the IFB. It will be held at the same time listed in box 13A of page A-1 of the
IFB.
18 The points of contact on Sam.gov list Laura Vallejos and Leslie Karsten. Who should the offer be mailed to since the SF1442 says "Your Name, Contract Specialist"?
Please address it to Leslie Karsten
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