Question_and_Answer_Document.pdf

Amendment Two (2)

Question and Answer Document

AG-2B46-S16-0009

Question 1: It appears that the Bacon & Davis wages we not attached to the project documents as Listed PART III List of Document, Exhibits and Other attachments.

Response: The wage rates are attached to this amendment.

Question 2: It should be noted that although liquidated damages do not apply to this project that the overall duration, from the issuance to the Notice to proceed to project work scope substantial completion, of which will be inclusive of required submittal/approval process cannot realistically be achieved in thirty-five (35) calendar days. Realistically a minimum of fifteen (15) calendar days should be allowed from the date of Notice to proceed to Mobilization for submittal and approval of plans, personnel resumes, shop drawings, mix designs, product data, etc.

Response: The NRCS concurs with this. The performance time will be changed from 35 calendar days to 50 calendar days.

Question 3: On Sheet 12, the pipeline connection details illustrate the proposed 6" steel pipe connecting to the existing 12" line. One connection point is shown as a flange-to-flange connection at a reducer after removing the existing check valve, but the other connection point looks like pipe connecting, via cutting and welding, into the sidewall of the existing pipe. Please confirm these connections. Can you provide a further detail as to the connection requirements into the existing sidewall?

Response: The description of the connection above are correct. The connection requirements are as shown on the drawings and described in Construction Specification 52 – Steel Pipe and Construction Specification 81 – Metal Fabrication and Installation.

Question 4: During the Pre-bid Conference, the contract time was discussed at being 35 days (not withstanding weather delays or other delays beyond the Contractor's control). Can you clarify if this duration would begin at the issuance of NTP? If so, due to the short project timeline coupled with the immense amount of submittals that will require production, review, and possible resubmittal, would the Government consider allowing a reasonable amount of time between contract award and NTP for the submittal process?

Response: Yes, the 35 calendar days starts at the issuance of the NTP. The contract performance time has been extended to 50 calendar days as described in the response to Question 2.

Question 5: Will the Government provide all raw survey data to the Contractor, upon request, after contract award?

Response: Yes.

Question 6: There are several existing cross drains on the main drainage channel. During the site visit, because of recent rains, these cross drains were not visible. To protect these drains during excavation and construction, can the Government provide exact coordinates of these drain outlets with their survey data?

Response: Yes. The coordinates for the outlet of these pipes are shown on the attached map in the white boxes.

Question 7: The Contractor is required to produce a dewatering plan to the Government before commencing dewatering operations. Are there any constraints/restrictions in-place as to the "water flow" on any of the ditches which will need to be dewatered prior to construction of the required structures?

Response: All restrictions are described in Construction Specification 11 – Removal of Water.

The main restriction deals with the canal immediately south of Structure #1, as shown on sheet 5 of the drawings. If more than 50% of the capacity of this canal is blocked, permission of the Greater Lafourche Port Commission must be obtained. NRCS will coordinate this action after the dewatering plan has been received.

Question 8: Please clarify the material requirements for the Slide Gate and Flap Gate required for Structure No. 1. The project specifications state, "The slide gate (screwgate) shall be a light duty aluminum gate with a flat-back frame. All metal parts shall be 6061-T6 aluminum or 316 stainless steel, with the exception that the lift nut may be of bronze." and "The flap gate shall be a light duty aluminum gate. All metal parts shall be 6061-T6 aluminum or 316 stainless steel.". However, the Material Specifications, 571 and 572 respectively, only refer to cast iron or steel gates with no mention of aluminum material.

Response: Material Specification 571 is a standard specification that NRCS cannot change.

Construction Specification 71 describes the variances to MS 571. For instance, the requirements for the type of metal to be used for the gates is described in CS 71. These requirements over rule the metal requirements found under MS 571. All requirements in MS 571 that are not removed or modified in CS 71 are applicable to the contract.

Question 9: Can you provide any information as to what type of gate/control structure is currently in-pace at Structure No. 1?

Response: The description of the items to be removed are found in Construction Specification 3

– Structural Removal (see item 7.a.(2)). The sheet piling and flap gate are on the south side.

The existing flap gate is believed to be cast iron and does not operate correctly.

Additional Information:

There is an additional BM for the contractor’s use located close to the PMC facility where the site showing was held. The BM is a chiseled “X” in the concrete pad located on the south side of the building. The coordinates are as follows:

- Y:340965.8

- X:3620205.089

- EL:9.855’

Questions asked while walking the site after inside site showing meeting:

1. Does there need to be a designated Quality Control man on site or can a foreman act as both?

Response: Construction Specification 94 – allows for the QC person to serve in more than one capacity.

2. Do all employees need physicals or the operators?

Response: The NRCS Supplement to OSHA requires hoist operators (Item 3.2) and motor vehicle operators (Item 3.4) to a physical within the past year. Item 3.3 recommends other operators also have a physical.

3. When is the notice to proceed going to be issued? Is there liquidated damages?

Response: The notice to proceed date has not been set. This will be dependent on the time of award and after discussions with the awardee. No, there are no liquidated damages resulting from the expected award to be less than $700,000.