QnA April 29 2026.pdf

Questions and Answers during Advertisement for

CA NP MOJA 11(2) 10(2) Kelso-Cima and Kelbaker Roads Solicitation No. 6982AF25B000013

Date: April 22, 2026 # Questions Answers 1 The time allowed to bid this job is not enough time based on Apr 30, 2026. An industry standard for this job would be eight weeks. Can you please push the bid date to allow more time for this project?

The bid opening date will be extended by 14 days in upcoming Amendment A001.

2 The anticipated NTP is Jun 22, 2026, but work cannot begin then as that is when planning, submittals, and approvals start (approx. 60 days). This cuts the actual work time. Additionally, we believe this job will take 2.5 (working) years to complete all Schedule A construction plus Options X & Y. Can more time be added to the schedule?

The NTP date and contract completion dates will be updated in upcoming Amendment A001.

3 Section 156.06 shows Morningstar can be closed once for 90 days, but after we reclaim this road, it will be closed permanently. Why is this 90-day item here?

Morning Star Mine Road will remain open to public traffic but closed to through traffic after project completion.

4 Regarding Plan Sheet A-10 (4R reconstruction): Can you remove all 301 base items and put them into 302 base items? This would allow us to pulverize and re-use 2" of onsite base instead of hauling costly material from outside the Park.

We are looking into this and should have an answer soon.

An amendment will be issued deleting the Section 301 Aggregate Base items, adding these quantities under the Section 302 items, and allowing the reuse of the existing asphalt and aggregate in 4R areas as recycled aggregate meeting the gradation requirements of Section 304.

5 The documents posted to SAM.gov as XML files cannot be viewed; each XML file appears to be broken. Please load all XML files as PDFs so we may have all of the documents posted to this IFB

The provided LandXML files include all of the information needed to be converted into the requested DGN/DWG CAD files using

# Questions Answers heavy civil software suites or other conversion tools.

6 After reviewing the grading summary sheets, it appears fill quantities are raw and do not include shrinkage. For example, we show 6,169 CY of borrow needed for Option Y while you show 3,325 CY. Can you confirm how you arrived at these quantities and if they are raw?

That’s correct, as per the Grading Summaries on plan sheets B15, B56, and B63, Note 5, an assumed value of 1.0 was used for the calculations.” Note 5 on plan sheets B15, B56, and B63 will be revised to clarify that “Waste quantity calculated using volumes unadjusted for shrink/swell” in upcoming Amendment A001.

7 Bid Item 20301-1800, remove monument: Do you have any information for this item? What is it, and where is it going? It is not visible in the plans or SCRs.

This is the Mojave Road Monument. As per plan sheet B16 the monument is located at Kelso-Cima Road Sta. 4406+53 Lt. Also see plan sheet C82. Dispose of Material in accordance with FP-24 Subsection 203.07.

8 Can you please provide a list of existing horizontal curve stations for superelevation correction details? Plan notes mention them, but we have only found the proposed superelevation sheets.

We are looking into this and should have an answer soon.

An Amendment will be issued clarifying station locations for superelevation correction as per the detail on Sheet A9.

Anticipated superelevation correction areas include approximately 18 curves on Kelbaker Road for a total distance of approximately 3 miles.

9 Will the contractor be allowed to setup a temporary asphalt plant within the project limits?

No, a temporary asphalt plant cannot be setup within Mojave National Preserve.

10 We’re requesting the following CAD files:

1. Existing Ground topography in Electronic CAD format in one of these 3 formats, .DGN, .DWG, .XML

2. Proposed Contours in Electronic CAD format in one of these 3 formats, .DGN, .DWG, .XML

3. Proposed Roadway alignment in Electronic CAD format in one of these

3 formats, .DGN, .DWG, .XML

4. Proposed CAD Roadway linework in Electronic CAD format in one of these 3 formats, .DGN, .DWG, .XML

The provided LandXML files include all of the information needed to be converted into the requested DGN/DWG CAD files using heavy civil software suites or other conversion tools.

11 On Sheet E-11, Table 107-2 indicates that the Ponderosa Telephone line will need to be relocated during construction by others and with contractor coordination as well. The anticipated date for relocation or duration is not provided. Please advise.

See SCR Section 636 for additional requirements for the Ponderosa telephone line relocation. There is no required date for this utility relocation to be completed. That would be dependent on the contractor’s proposed schedule for work in the area.

12 Sheet C99 of the project plans and Exhibit A to the Public Highway At-Grade Crossing Agreement on page 181 include three callouts for “Existing UPRR Track (To Be Removed by FHWA Contractor)”. Please advise as to where this track removal work is to be paid under this contract.

As per FP-24 Subsection 109.05(b) Work for which direct payment is not provided is a subsidiary obligation of the Contractor.

Payment for such work is indirectly included under other pay items listed in the bid schedule.

13 Sheet A-i of the Notice to Bidders indicates that Electronic Bids will be accepted via email but printed hard copy bids must be submitted. If the bid is submitted

All bid documents are required to be submitted prior to bid opening.

electronically via email by the deadline, does the hard copy bid also need to be submitted before the deadline, or can it be submitted after the deadline?

14 Per the Notice to Bidders in the Specification Page A-i states that Electronic Bids will be accepted, however, Printed hard copy bids must be submitted.

a. Does an electronic bid need to be submitted or will just a hard copy suffice?

b. Can the Hard Copy Bid Proposal be hand delivered to your office?

a. A digital bid schedule template, which is posted in SAM.gov, is highly encouraged to be filled out and submitted.

b. Yes, prior to bid opening.

15 Per the Notice to Bidders in the Specification Page A-v a link was given to all contractors to post notices notifying subcontractors of our interest in bidding this project. The website has the following notification: SUBNet subcontracting opportunities SBA's SUBNet (subcontracting network) helps large federal prime contractors find small subcontractors. Notice: The ability to post new subcontracting opportunities is not currently available.

We suggest you contact the SBA at the email address given below their message.

as FHWA does not control this website.

After the FHWA inquired to SBA via this address, they soon replied back with assistance. There are also many other methods to procure small business subcontractors. Amendment A001 will extend the bid opening date.

16 Per the Notice to Bidders in the Specification Page A-v states that the FHWA small business goals are 43.02% along with the other business size goals shown in the table. However, the SBA Website states the following Federal Government Combined Goals: 23% of prime contracts for small businesses, 5% of prime and subcontracts for women-owned small businesses, 5% of prime and subcontracts for small disadvantaged businesses, 3% of prime and subcontracts for HUBZone small businesses, 5% of prime and subcontracts for service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. Which percentage table is correct? Are the smaller percentages INCLUDED in the 43.02%

The table that applies to this solicitation is the one included in the IFB. FHWA goals are different than the SBA. Yes, the 43.02% is an inclusive goal of the other percentages. These numbers are goals.

17 Based on the typical sections and approach road details, it appears the contract currently requires the 3 inches of asphalt concrete pavement on Kelso-Cima Road to be placed in two equal 1.5 inch lifts with tack coat between lifts, as shown on Typical Section – 4R Kelso Cima Road and the Approach Roads Type 3 Typical Section (Notes 3 and 5, “3 asphalt concrete pavement over 6 aggregate base,” “Placed in two equal lifts”).

Would the Government please confirm whether it will accept a single 3 inch lift of asphalt concrete pavement in lieu of two 1.5 inch lifts for the Kelso Cima Road mainline and associated approach roads, provided all Section 401/402

Two equal 1.5 inch lifts are required.

material, compaction, smoothness, and warranty requirements are met?

18 Can you please confirm that UPRR flagging is only required when work is within 25' of the UPRR tracks?

As per UPRR agreements in Appendices A, B, and C, No work of any kind shall be performed, and no person, equipment, machinery, tool(s), material(s), vehicle(s), or thing(s) shall be located, operated, placed, or stored within twenty-five (25) feet of any of Railroad's track(s) at any time, for any reason, unless and until a Railroad approved flagman is provided to watch for trains.

19 Can you please confirm that we do in fact need the UPRR Right of Entry Agreement only to work within UPRR ROW, but no flagging is needed except within 25' of the track?

Yes, UPRR Right of Entry Agreements are needed for all work within UPRR ROW.

20 Reviewing UPRR Project 0806346, MP 235.42 to MP 254.27, this is 18.85 miles, but only pertains to project distance within or near the UPRR ROW correct? There are very few areas where the work gets within 25’ of the tracks over that 18.85 miles so with the exception of the work within the 25’ of the track, the balance of the work should be able to progress normally, correct?

Yes, the UPRR Project 0806346 Agreement applies to all of the work within the UPRR ROW adjacent to Kelso-Cima Road.

See response to questions #18 above regarding railroad flagging.

21 After reviewing Sections 108 & 619 in the SCR’s for the tortoise fence installation, we cannot find any information about how much tortoise fence needs to be installed before we can start work. It appears we can start all work immediately as long as we follow the Biologist survey requirements, can you please confirm this?

An Amendment will be issued clarifying that barrier tortoise fence needs to be installed prior to other ground disturbing activities in the specific areas the work is occurring.

4/28/2026: See response to Question 25 below.

22 Can you please provide an earthwork summary for excavation and embankment for all of the approach roads? The important locations are the ones near or in the UPRR 25’ set back area. We need to determine time for each area for work specifically in the UPRR set back area.

Excavation and embankment quantities for the approach roads are included in the quantities from the Grading Summary Sheets B15, B56, and B63. Also, see approach road typical section sheets A13- A16, and approach road plan and profile sheets (D sheets) for any earthwork within 25’ of the UPRR tracks.

23 If you look at one location where two tortoise fence barrier ends are installed, in between them it shows the drainage flow going towards the low water crossing.

Is there any work that has to happen in each drainage area between the barrier rail ends as the plans show none?

No work is required in the existing low water crossing channels between the Fence Tortoise Barriers as shown on Plan Sheet A18.

24 After reviewing Section 637 of the SCR’s, it appears you want the contractor to provide an office trailer for the project for your crew, but there is no bid item for

it. The contractor would prefer not to handle this due to the location. If you are going to have a CM on this job, can they handle this like before? If not, please let us know how you want us to handle this.

A Section 637 bid item will be added in an upcoming Amendment.

4/28/2026: The contractor will not be required to provide an office trailer for the Government. An Amendment will be issued to delete the Section 637 SCRs..

25 Can you please confirm that 1-authorized biologist and 1-monitor (assuming multiple work locations) must be onsite full time from March 1st to October 31st of each year unless the work area is fenced? We are assuming that the balance of the year one is not required? It is very difficult to estimate this item, would you consider this bid item to change to hours in lieu of LS due to the size and magnitude? If not, please give additional information to help us estimate this item better as the Biologist companies we are talking to need more help to bid.

As per Subsection 107.10(e)(1) construction monitoring is required during construction activities occurring during the active desert tortoise season (March 1st to October 31st) if no fence, tortoise barrier has been installed in the construction areas.

As per 107.10(e)(1)(a)(4), a USFWS- Authorized Biologist must be present at each separate construction activity to observe operations. Note the construction activities that do not require a USFSW- Authorized Biologist as per 107.10(e)(1)(a)(6). Also, please note the pre-activity survey requirements.

26 After reviewing Amendment No. 1, the time went from 24 months to 23 months for Schedule A (from NTP, which for 30-60 days there is no work). You basically have taken our actual work time to 21-22 months. My question prior was to add time not to deduct time for Schedule A. At this point, Schedule A cannot be done in 23 months, we have estimated 30 (work) months to complete the

The period of performance and completion dates are based on the allowable road closures as per Subsection 156.06.

Schedule A work the way it has to be done. Can you please review to add additional time to the Schedule A work or do you want us to add lots of overtime costs to complete per your timing?

27 After driving the project last week, at each barrier rail-tortoise fence end at the UPRR tracks, the plans show the rail being placed on existing grade.

Depending on where these are, existing grade will not work. If on the bottom in the washes it might work, but on the top of the wash slopes it will not work without a lot of grading to get access and to place the rail as shown on the plans. Can you please let us know on this?

The concrete barriers at the tortoise fence ends were located based on existing ground survey. See Sheet T7 for a typical installation detail. The concrete barriers should generally be placed on existing ground. Any minor excavation or embankment would be subsidiary to the pay item 61801-0000 Concrete Barrier. As per Sheet T7, note 2, the exact location and orientation of the concrete barrier may be adjusted in the field, as approved by the CO, to tie into the railroad embankment and provide a 2-foot high vertical tortoise barrier.

28 Since the UPRR tracks within the Cima Wye & Morningstar are or will be abandoned, do we need UPRR flaggers in this area regardless of offset from the tracks?

See UPRR Project 0789781 At Grade Crossing Agreement (Appendix A).

29 We received Amendment No. 1, but no Q&A since 4/10/26, are the additional answers coming soon?

See above.

30 The National Park Service illustrates a “Cost Recovery” fee for the Mojave National Preserve (https://www.nps.gov/moja/planyourvisit/permitsandreservations.htm), is this 5% of gross receipts applicable to this project? If so, will the contractor be responsible for the CUA?

A Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) is not required.

Date: April 27, 2026

See responses to Questions 25 and 26 above.

32 Once the 2” thick roadway aggregate base is placed on the roadway prior to pulverizing, does it have to be surveyed for thickness and does it need to be bladed and compacted per 301.05 as method 2 states? If so, why is compaction needed just to turn around and pulverize it?

No, the 2 inches of imported Section 302 roadway aggregate does not need to be bladed and compacted prior to pulverization. A Section 302 SCR will be added in an upcoming Amendment clarifying the construction requirements.

Original Question: After reviewing Sections 108 & 619 in the SCR’s for the tortoise fence installation, we cannot find any information about how much tortoise fence needs to be installed before we can start work. It appears we can start all work immediately as long as we follow the Biologist survey requirements, can you please confirm this?

• Response 21: An Amendment will be issued clarifying that barrier tortoise fence needs to be installed prior to other ground disturbing activities in the specific areas the work is occurring.

• Follow-Up Question: As we asked in Question 26, there is no way to complete this job within your time frames given based on NTP delay to work start, magnitude of scope and response 21. First, again, when you issue the NTP, it will be 30-60 days before the contractor can even start work based on your process. Second, response 21 will not allow work other than tortoise fence in specific work areas until the tortoise fence is installed, lengthy delay to other work items starting. Amendment No. 1, Schedule A gives you 23-months to complete Schedule A. Assuming it will take 60 days from NTP to start work and another 60 days minimum to get enough tortoise fence installed to start work, the project is already 4-months behind meaning the 23-months is now 19-months for all other work to be completed. We are telling you our estimate to complete this project is 30-months from start of work or 34-months from NTP just for Schedule A work. Can you please adjust the time in the Schedule A project schedule to be more realistic for the scope, hauling materials hundreds of miles and minimal paving season months or do you want the contractor to add hundreds of thousands of dollars for overtime to complete the project IF it can be done with overtime?

33 On plan sheets D39 & D41, it calls for asphalt patch around curbs. Plan note talks about sealing cracks, but there is no bid item or quantity for this. Can you please confirm if you are wanting the two existing parking lots crack sealed & sealed or if we are only doing the patch work & fogs seal of it only?

Crack Sealing is not required. Plan Sheet K2, note 2 will be deleted in an upcoming Amendment.

34 Can you please confirm the 6" full depth reclamation, method 2? Are we adding 2" of base and pulverizing 8" depth (2" + 6") or are we adding 2" of base and pulverizing 6" depth (2"+4'')? This will also confirm the depth we have to strip & stockpile in the "super" areas.

An Amendment will be issued updating Plan Sheet A8, Note 5, to clarify “Pulverize to a depth of 6 inches from the top of existing pavement, or to the full depth of the existing asphalt and aggregate base, whichever is less.” 4/28/2026: An Amendment will be issued to clarify that the 6-inch pulverize depth includes the 2-inches of placed roadway aggregate.

35 Appendix A, UP Real Estate Project No. 0789781, Page 2, Section 2, Railroad Grants Right, has the $25,820.00 been paid by FHWA or does the contractor need to include this in his bid? Same question under Appendix B with an amount of $39,575.00 to be paid by FHWA, please confirm as asked above.

FHWA is responsible for these costs.

36 Appendix A, UP Real Estate Project No. 0789781, Page 4, Section 7, Work to be Performed by Railroad, (A) $30,000.00 has been included in this section for work by UPRR and paid by FHWA. Is FHWA paying this or does the contractor need to add this in his bid? (B) if the contractor pays the above fee and it gets recalculated over time, how will that be paid?

(C) if the estimate does not include flagging, how will that be paid since the contractor has no idea of their time or how many they need? Same question under Appendix B with an amount of $60,000.00 to be paid by FHWA, please confirm as asked above.

FHWA is responsible for the $30,000.00 and $60,000.00 for UPRR Force Account work.

Railroad Flagging is paid under item.

A0870, 63501-0000, Temporary Traffic Control (Railroad Flagger)

37 The plans & UPRR documents show the contractor removing portions of the existing track (rail & tie), but it does not show anything about restoring, it appears this is for abandonment, can you please confirm what is happening after removal, who is doing the work and how it gets paid if any restore work is needed?

See Plan Sheet C99.

38 There is no UPRR flagger rate in the specifications or UPRR documents. Exhibit B, (C) Flagging, (II) says the rate per hour for each flagman will be the

As per Exhibit B to Contractor’s Right of prevailing hourly rate in effect for this project. The problem is, the UPRR flaggers typically charge much more then prevailing to include portal to portal drive time, fuel, lodging and etc. If we only use the prevailing rate for the project (for an eight-hour work day) and the flagging company charges more, how will this be handled and paid? Our experience on several projects working with UPRR & their flaggers, the agencies have made this item a force account item with an estimate in the bid item to use during construction so it is fair to both the contractor and FHWA. Can you please change this bid item to a force account item or another way of paying it? If not, we either need more information to bid this item properly or we will use the prevailing rate with FHWA paying for all additional costs over and beyond this by modification, please let us know.

Entry Agreements, contractor shall be permitted to hire a private contractor to perform flagging.

39 Exhibit B, Contractors Right of Entry, Section 1, (C) contractor shall be permitted to hire a private contractor to perform flagging. Can you please confirm that the contractor can hire a private firm, in this case we have our own flagging division with certified flaggers? We are asking as this section is different from other sections requiring UPRR flaggers.

As per Appendix A and Appendix B UPRR Railroad Agreements, any contractor-in-charge (CIC) performing railroad flagging must be approved by UPRR. See https://www.up.com/real-estate/third-party-flagging for UPRR approved third-party flaggers.

40 Appendix F, there is no mention of existing noxious weeds on the project site. If any are found during construction, will their removal & maintenance be a modification to the contract or will you provide a bid item with quantities & specifications for noxious weeds? There is no way for the contractor to bid this work without additional information.

As per FP-24 Subsection 109.05(b) Work for which direct payment is not provided is a subsidiary obligation of the Contractor.

Payment for such work is indirectly included under other pay items listed in the bid schedule.

41 Appendix G, NDOT ROWOP, there is no permit provided in this section by FHWA from NDOT. The Appendix G are only the terms & conditions relating to the permit. Is FHWA pulling this permit? If not, the contractor cannot pull this permit as it has no information needed to apply for this permit nor do we know what fees will be required. Can you please add a force account item with a estimate in the bid item for this work to be fair to the contractor and FHWA? If nothing is providing and the contractor is expected to be responsible, this will have to be dealt with after award by modification.

FHWA is obtaining the NDOT Encroachment Permit. Also, see Subsection 108.01(f).

https://www.up.com/real-estate/third-party-flagging https://www.up.com/real-estate/third-party-flagging

42 In Regards to the LNFT of the tortoise barrier for Standard A and Option X on the bid form, do these LNFT totals include the occurrences of the tortoise re-directional fencing?

Yes, as per Plan Sheet T11, Note 6, the tortoise fence redirectional configuration is measured and paid for under pay item 61901-3300, Fence, Tortoise Barrier.

Date: April 28, 2026 (Note revised responses for questions 21, 24 and 34)

43 During the Low Water Crossing work, one lane will not be usable until each is completed. The roads are proposed to be closed to public traffic during construction, but NPS & emergency vehicles must be allowed to use these roads when closed. How do you want the contractor to install traffic control for these Low Water Crossing areas knowing it will only have one lane at each?

Can we use devices (cones, signs) only to divert them around each Low Water Crossing area or will you require temporary traffic signals for this work?

The use of temporary traffic signals is not required for the Low Water Crossing work while working within the road closure.

Provide the traffic control plan and devices per Sections 156 and 635 to ensure safe passage for authorized vehicles.

44 Is California Temporary Concrete Barrier (Type K) acceptable for use on the project for the concrete barrier locations?

618.04, Concrete barrier to be cast in place or precast and 32-inches in height. Submit precast concrete barrier product for the application shown on the plans to the CO for approval. Precast barrier to be in accordance with Section 578. The sides and top to be finished in accordance with Subsection 552.14(a).

45 Section 401.03(e)(8) requires Hveem Stabilometer testing for a gyratory mix design. This requirement is not typical for Superpave designs because the Hveem method is based on different compaction principles. Will the Owner remove this requirement to maintain consistency with Superpave design practices?

No, Subsection 401.03(e)(8) will remain.

Also, please note that as per Subsection 401.01, At the Contractor’s option, a Hveem JMF may be submitted in accordance with Section 402.

47 Will the Owner allow the use of a liquid anti‑strip additive, which yields similar results, in lieu of lime in the Asphalt Concrete mix design?

No, liquid anti-strip additive is not allowed.