SF30Amend1.doc

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

PAGE OF PAGES

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION OF CONTRACT

USDA Forest Service

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3815 Schreiber Way Coeur d'Alene ID 83815-8363 Contracting Officer

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3815 Schreiber Way Coeur d'Alene ID 83815-8363

AG-02RC-S-15-0058

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

5/12/2015

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required)

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS,

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not, is required to sign this document and return copies to the issuing office.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.

Upper Corral Creek Meadow Restoration, Palouse Ranger District, Nez-Clear National Forests, is hereby amended as follows:

Notes from May 27, 2015 preproposal meeting attached, with additional changes, clarifications and questions and answers to be incorporated into the contract.

Extend proposal due date to Friday, June 12, 2015, 4:00p.m. (pacific time)

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

RITA J. LOPER

BY

(Signature of person authorized to sign)

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

NSN 7540-01-152-8070

30-10

STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 10-83)

PREVIOUS EDITION UNUSABLE

Prescribed by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.24

Pre-bid Tour for AG-02RC-S-15-0058 – Upper Corral Creek Meadow Restoration

Held: 27 May 2015 at 12:00 Pacific/Local

Location: Project Site (Vassar Meadow then to 5 Acre Meadow)

Personnel:

1- Darren M. Zychek – Contract Specialist

2- Dennis Higgs – North Zone Engineering Technician

3- Andre Snyder – North Zone Soil/Water Technician

4- Susan Ferrar – A&E Lead Representative

5- Andy Heitmann, PE - A&E Support Technician

6- Dave & Trish Whitcomb from Whitcomb Rock & Gravel

7- Dennis Ownby – Contractor

8- Gordon Eckel

- Contractor

9- Latah County NRCS

Required Corrections to Solicitation/RFP: Discrepancy noted on Item 18b – Transport and Place Brush. The Schedule of Items lists “SF” and the Technical Specifications/Special Provisions lists payment in “CY.” Pen and Ink change the Technical Specifications/Special Provisions to reflect SF.

Q1: What will be the necessary bonding for this project? Specifically if the offer is under $150,000.00.

Contractor was informed the bonding requirements are located in the Section I of the solicitation. General bonding from $30,000 to $150,000 was payment bond, Add FAR 52.228-13 Alternative Payment Protection applicable for an award between $30,000-$150,000. Alternative payment protection due upon award.

Offers exceeding $150,000 require big guarantee, payment bond and performance bonding as stated in the solicitation, See Section I.

Q2: What are the Upper and Lower Ground Protection Matts?

Mr. Higgs showed all contractors a printed hardcopy that is posted with the solicitation on what the matts looked like and how they were to be used to reduce site impact disturbance. Latah Soil & Water Conservation noted that they would be providing these to the prospective awardee at start of work.

Q3: What are the proposed materials for this site, specifically those generated from active work and what would need to be integrated from an off site source?

Mrs. Ferrar identified all on site materials would need to be reincorporated back into the Vassar and 5 Acre Meadow project sites. Sod would need to be cut for two purposes: (1) contractor reinstallation and (2) set aside for Latah County Soil & Conservation to install. Approximately 800 to 900 CY of topsoil would be involved. Also, the ditch plugs would require unique basalt gravel that can be compacted on site. This gravel could be reviewed at the Whitcomb pit at the contractors’ convenience.

Mr. Zychek noted an alternate gravel source would require the submission of Submittal Request to the Program Technical Engineer, requiring approval by the Contracting Officer.

Amendment No. 1, 6/2/15

Q4: What is the most desired form of “compaction” equipment to be used on this site?

Mr. Gordon Eckel wanted to know exactly what method and equipment would be required for this project to compact the Ditch Plugs. Historical use of an excavator bucket was desired. He noted that on a project site in FY2014, his company was mandated to use a compactor head on his excavator in lieu of the bucket only. The contract had not stated these specific standards and his company was not granted additional compensation for the head rental. Other contractors also desired a specific answer on these matters to clarify and ensure that the offer is fair and accurate.

Compaction requires use of vibratory compaction equipment. Material to be used from on site, so there is no optimal moisture or compaction testing required. NOTE in the Special Provisions under Bid Item 11, Operate compaction equipment over the full width of each 6-inch layer with a minimum of three complete passes or until visual displacement ceases.

Q5: What equipment may be used to move the trees into the project site for placement?

Mrs. Ferrar noted the contractor could use whatever equipment they desired.

Trees would be imported from the access road behind Vassar Meadow Site. Approximately 100 trees were on site, even though a formal accurate count had not been conducted. Contractor would be required to draw upon trees from the cattle trail build also for the project site.

All attendees walked the access road to look over trees.

Q6: Who will be building the “faux beaver dam?”

Latah Soil & Water personnel would build the dam. No feedback on what roll the contractor may need to provide for material placement.

Q7: What type of sod will be cut out and will there be staking or marking?

The contractors were informed the actual quantities within the schedule of items would be flagged or painted by the Latah Soil and Water Conservation partners prior to the cutting and removal. A specific amount would be incorporated by the contractor and a specific amount would need to be set aside for the Latah NRCS to replant.

No net sod import required for project. “Ripped Soils” would be replaced with “micro-topography,” emplaced with woody brushy materials in a “messy, bumpy, and rigid” fashion. Roughness would help slow the water entering meadow in the spring flows. Areas on project site where equipment would be working would require this “micro-topography.”

Amendment No. 1, 6/2/15

Q8: What is the maximum number of programmed hours for the Hydraulic Excavator with Thumb and the Dump truck for the RFP?

The Equipment Rental item shall be used at the Government’s discretion to provide for minor incidental needs or miscellaneous related work that cannot reasonably be identified in advance and for which we cannot accurately estimate the extent or duration of the work or predict costs. Appropriate government surveillance will be conducted to ensure efficient and cost effective methods are being used, and oversight focused upon reasonable efficiency of operation and production. The equipment is usually on site, therefore no additional mobilization costs are associated, risk is minimized by utilizing the contractor already on-site and delays are minimized. The Schedule of Items allows for a quantity of 1, which shall be ordered by the Contracting Officer if/when used. The government will maintain a daily written record for each piece of equipment showing:

Contract number

Name of Contractor and Operator.

Hours of operation authorized to nearest quarter hour.

Hour of actual operation on regular work.

This daily record may be documented on a Shift Ticket. The Operator performing the work or Designated Representative and the COR or Inspector shall sign the daily record each day

If additional hours are needed, a request for a modification will be submitted with funding obligated and justification approved.

Q9: Old railroad berm removal for which sites?

Mrs. Ferrar pointed out the rail berm on the Vassar Meadow site that would need to be removed and collapsed into the ditch, in excess of the ditch plug installation, to ensure that the water did not enter the ditch and would be re-routed out onto the meadows. The rail berm at the 5 Acres Meadow site would not be disturbed, as it provided an elevated topography to help force the natural spring flows out into the meadows.

Q10: Would cattle crossings require additional rock for installation?

Mrs. Ferrar stated those designated crossings without ramps would need a gravel bed with 18 inch depth. Contractor would need to review specifications for build.

Q11: Is the “certified contractor training” listed in Appendix I posted to www.fbo.gov a mandatory?

Mrs. Ferrar noted the Rongen Training was not a requirement and would need to be removed from Appendix I post award to the contractor.

Q12: What is the desired dump truck size 12 or 10 yard?

Mrs. Ferrat stated that no specific size was mandated and would be up to the prospective offeror to select.

Q13: Is there to be any re-seeding for this project outside of existing sod on site?

Latah Soil and Water personnel would be handling all re-seeding needs on this project. Contractor would not be responsible for the re-seeding outside of the sod removal and installation.

Q14: How is payment to be made for log emplacement?

Contractor would be paid for item 18a for each log used.

Amendment No. 1, 6/2/15

Q15: Will the access roads need to be “rebladed” after work is complete?

Yes.

Q16: Will the access road behind the Vassar Meadow site require nightly locking or will competing access issues require it to be open?

Contractors were informed the gate access cannot be exclusive to this project. Other contractors that may need access would be granted access. Contractors would be responsible for securing project area, any damage to flagging or staking would also require contractor attention.

Q17: Will the dispersed camp site be available for use as a staging area?

There is a temporary access road along the west side of the project will have staging areas associated with them and be staked on the ground prior to construction. Yes they can store equipment here.

Q18: Explain the temporary access area (with ground protection mats) between the upper and lower reach.

This access route is for equipment access to the east side of the site for removal of 4 small sections of the railroad berm. Excavated material volume is small so heavy trafficking across the access area is not intended. The ground protection mats are to help preserve existing vegetation and minimize disturbance.

Q19: Where will the excavation spoils from the entire site be placed?

All material will be used on-site as part of the project. Refer to the plans for fill areas and ditch plug locations. No material is to be taken off site.

Q20: Any recommendations on imported topsoil sources?

Whitcomb excavation has a pit with aggregate and approved topsoil for the project and is located just outside of Deary, Idaho. There are other sources, but materials will need approval by Government.

Q21: There will be government furnished property as part of the project?

This includes ground protection mats, some trees, logs, and brush. These items will on-site at the start of construction for contractor use. See Item 18 and Section G Q22: What is the expected range of sizes for trees that will be used?

Trees are fairly small in size and estimated to be around 15” DBH or smaller.

Q23: Can you clarify the different types of sedge mat harvest?

Sedge mat harvest is the collection of native high-quality sedge currently existing within the project site. Areas for harvest will be staked prior to construction and that material shall be harvested and replanted. The material will either be harvest and replaced with the excavation equipment (larger pieces allowed) or it will be harvested and set aside for placement by the Latah SWCD crew at a later time. Care and storage of these sedge mats are described in the specifications. Oversight personnel will be coordinating with the contractor throughout the project on this item.

Amendment No. 1, 6/2/15

Q24: How far will the sedge need to be transported within the site?

Specific distances aren’t specified in the plans but minimal transportation is expected. The sedge material will be placed typically within equipment reach of where it was harvest to the extent possible. Assume transport distance incidental.

Q25: Any area of heavy disturbance and all temporary access roads will need to be reclaimed upon completion of the project. This includes ripping and grading the site using micro-topography as shown in the plan details and described in the specifications. These areas will be rough, bumpy and non-uniform. Brush and logs will be placed it these areas to create floodplain roughness.

Q26: Can you get a dump truck to the low water crossings and fill areas?

Yes, the meadow should be dry enough by the start of construction and dump trucks will be able to access the entire site as needed. Access routes shown are considered the main routes but other temporary routes can be used as needed to access the constructed features. As mentioned before, all disturbed areas will need to be reclaimed and microtopography added. Contractor may choose to use Ground Protection Mats anywhere they think they can avoid heavy disturbance.

Q27: Engineer has completed the draft SWPPP for the project and will complete the final version with information provided by the selected contractor.

SWPPP requirements for restoration training certificates is hereby removed from the document and not required for this project. All relevant and applicable experience should be included in the technical proposal section of the proposal. See Section L4 Instructions for Preparation of Technical and Business Proposals.

Q28: It is important to note the use tax for the State of Idaho on all government furnished property and materials. See Section B-3 NOTE and Section G2 and Section I, FAR 52.236-7 Permits and Responsibilities and FAR 52.229-3 Federal State and Local Taxes.

Q29: How will floodplain brush be paid?

Brush will be paid by the square foot of brush placed within the floodplain upon completion. Brush piles are already located along the west gravel access road.

Q30: Will the Forest Service access road need to be re-graded upon completion?

The road should be left in the same condition as prior to construction. It may need to be graded if significant impacts are seen from construction. This is covered under the special provisions, Bid Item 1, Road Protection and Maintenance.

Q31: How will staking of the project be coordinated?

Initial staking of the site and features will be completed by TerraGraphics. The contractor will be responsible for maintenance and repair for the duration of the project.

Amendment No. 1, 6/2/15

Additional questions:

Q32: Is contract time 100 days from Notice to Proceed or complete by 9/23/15?]

A: Contract required completion September 23, 2015, pen & ink change the SF1442, Block 11.

Q33: Does Davis Bacon apply and are payrolls required by both the prime contractor and any sub-contractors?

A: Yes and Yes, Reference Section I, FAR 52.222-8 Payrolls and Basic Records; 52.222-6 Construction Wage Requirements and 52.222-11 Subcontracts.

Q34: What are requirements for notification regarding sub-contractors?

A: In the proposal, refer to Section L-4 Instructions, Criteria No. 2, Project Management. Upon contract award notice will be given to submit SF-1413 Statement and Acknowledgement will be required, as well as State of Idaho Certificate of Verification of Workers’ Compensation Insurance form for each subcontractor.

Q35: Does the Buy American Act apply?

A: Yes, Reference Section I-8, FAR 52.225-9 Buy American Construction Materials

Q36: Special Provisions require 5 inch top untreated cedar post, are those Round or Split? Are posts required to be auger vs push point in ground?

A: The untreated cedar posts can be round or split. Posts can be push or auger drilled with same tight fit.

NOTE: in the Special Provisions Item 18, all fence materials require submittal with CO approval prior to ordering.

Amendment No. 1, 6/2/15

ADD to Section I.

FAR 52.228-13 -- Alternative Payment Protections. (JUL 2000)

(a) The Contractor shall submit one of the following payment protections:

(1) Payment Bond

(2) Irrevocable Letter of Credit (ILC)

(3) Money orders, drafts, cashier’s checks, or certified checks.

(b) The amount of the payment protection shall be 100 percent of the contract price.

(c) The submission of the payment protection is required within 10 days of contract award.

(d) The payment protection shall provide protection for the full contract performance period plus a one-year period.

(e) Except for escrow agreements and payment bonds, which provide their own protection procedures, the Contracting Officer is authorized to access funds under the payment protection when it has been alleged in writing by a supplier of labor or material that a nonpayment has occurred, and to withhold such funds pending resolution by administrative or judicial proceedings or mutual agreement of the parties.

(f) When a tripartite escrow agreement is used, the Contractor shall utilize only suppliers of labor and material that signed the escrow agreement.

Amendment No. 1, 6/2/15