S150036_Q A.pdf

RFQ Sol No.: AG-03R6-S-15-0036

Flathead National Forest – Holland Creek Trail Bridge Replacement

Questions (in black ink) & Answers (in red ink)

1. Q – Ordering the bridge is estimated to take 8-10 weeks, would the Government consider extending period of performance?

a. A – Period of Performance is extended from the date of Contract Award through 31

October 2015 – Amendment No.: 001 dated: 5 June 2015

2. Q- Can motorized vehicles be used for transporting personnel, material and tools to jobsite?

a. A- Please refer to paragraph C-2: Description and Project Location – sub-paragraph 1, bold print. “Trail #25 is closed yearlong to all wheeled motorized and wheeled non-motorized vehicles.”

3. Q - Can a helicopter be used for transporting personnel, material and tools to jobsite?

a. A- Please refer to paragraph C-2: Description and Project Location – sub-paragraph 3, bold print. “Bridge elements are designed so that it can be packed into the site with pack stock.”

4. For the Glued-Laminates (stringers and diaphragms) only type “C” (light) solvent is allowed. There is only one treating plant in the western United States still treating with this formulation. In our view this creates a propriary, sole-source specification. We request that you consider and allow other formulations, specifically type “A” heavy solvents be allowed.

a. For the Solid Sawn Lumber members, same question as #1, however we request the same option of treatments be allowed as listed for Bridge Rails and Posts.

b. A – The following was provided to answer the above two-part question: “I disagree with the [prospective quoter’s] contention that we are using a proprietary specification. We are specifying products in accordance with national standards. There is nothing stopping [any prospective quoter] from expanding their business to include Type C solvent. That is their business decision.

i. We specify Type C solvent for the certain pieces of the bridge because it is a

“lighter” oil, Type C, and is the right treatment for the use. A “heavier” oil, Type

A, is overkill and in our applications we have found our users and recreation forks more tolerant of the product with Type C solvent. I could agree to the

Type A solvent, but ONLY if the Forest (trails) is comfortable with a trail bridge product with a heavier oil. If the product is manufactured , treated and cleaned properly, the materials will be dry to the touch with no bleeding or wet sheen and is completely acceptable.”

ii. My customers have confirmed their preference for use of Type C solvent.

5. We cannot find a thickness specified or indicated on the drawings for the shear plates, can you please provide?

a. A - My customers have confirmed that a 2-5/8” Shear plate is a commercially available product and identified multiple companies which offer it.

6. Would it be possible to push the [due date for quotes] ahead?

a. A- The Government needs to get this on contract soon and barring any major solicitation amendments (which are unlikely to occur)– extending the time for quotes is not in the

Government’s best interest at this point.