Questions Answers NC14 for Amendment v1.pdf

Attachment No. 2 Amendment No. 1 Solicitation Nos. AG-3D47-S-10-0008

New Creek Site 14 Rehabilitation Project Questions and Answers from Pre-Proposal Conference and Site Visit

July 23, 2010

1. Q. Where will the 58,816 SY of topsoil be stockpiled?

2.

A. The contractor will determine the location of the topsoil stockpiles within the construction limits.

2. Q. Is the contractor responsible for all Quality Control, or is a portion provided by the Government?

A. The contractor is responsible for Quality Control.

3. Q. Does the contract require a dedicated Safety Representative; or can the safety representative be a supervisor, such as a superintendent, foreman, or quality control representative?

A. No, the safety representative can be a supervisor.

4. Q. Is the RCC placement continuous, i.e. 7 days/week, 24 hours/day?

A. The maximum workweek during RCC placement shall be Monday through Saturday.

The hours will be approved by the Contracting Officer; however, two ten hour shifts may be approved during RCC placement.

5. Q. Is the project fully funded?

A. Yes, the project is funded for the amount of the Engineer’s Estimate.

6. Q. Would the NRCS consider liquidated damages in lieu of actual damages?

A. No.

7. Q. If liquidated damages are not provided in place of actual damages, could a daily cost for actual damages be provided to contractors?

A. No.

8. Q. What is the last day to ask questions?

A. Questions asked prior to COB on July 30, 2010 will be included with Amendment No.1. Questions should be sent to Linda.Ruch@wv.usda.gov.

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9. Q. Is there a borrow site for impervious material?

A. The proposed excavation will provide the necessary impervious material.

10. Q. What is the anticipated award date?

A. The anticipated award date is September 13, 2010 and the anticipated notice to proceed is September 30, 2010.

11. Q. Is there enough topsoil on site?

A. Yes.

12. Q. Is low heat cement required?

A. The cement requirements are found in CS 31 for traditional concrete and CS 36 for roller compacted concrete.

13. Q. Can on site water be used for RCC or will wells have to be drilled?

A. Water will need to meet the requirements found in CS 36 for RCC.

14. Q. Is there a waste area on site?

A. There is not a designated waste area on site; however, the excavated material will be used as fill on site as shown on the drawings. If there is a need to dispose of material other than that excavated and used as fill, then the contractor will need to propose a waste area and have the proposal approved by the CO.

15. Q. Explain HUB Zone?

A. HUBZone means a historically underutilized business zone that is an area located within one or more qualified census tracts, qualified nonmetropolitan counties, or lands within the external boundaries of an Indian reservation. See FAR 19.13.

16. Q. What is the HUB Zone 10% advantage?

A. See FAR 19.1307 – the contracting officer shall give offers from HUBZone small business concerns a price evaluation preference by adding a factor of 10 percent to all offers, except in (1) Offers from HUBZone small business concerns that have not waived the evaluation preference; or (2) Otherwise successful offers from small business concerns. The factor of 10 percent shall be applied on a line item basis or to any group of items on which award may be made. Other evaluation factors, such as transportation costs or rent-free use of Government property, shall be added to the offer to establish the base offer before adding the factor of 10 percent.

For additional information, See Also- 19.1303 Status as a qualified HUBZone small business concern.

(a) Status as a qualified HUBZone small business concern is determined by the Small

Business Administration (SBA) in accordance with 13 CFR Part 126.

(b) If the SBA determines that a concern is a qualified HUBZone small business concern, it will issue a certification to that effect and will add the concern to the List of Qualified HUBZone Small Business Concerns on its Internet website at http://www.sba.gov/hubzone. A firm on the list is eligible for HUBZone program preferences without regard to the place of performance. The concern must appear on the list to be a HUBZone small business concern.

(c) A joint venture (see 19.101) may be considered a HUBZone small business if the business entity meets all the criteria in 13 CFR 126.616.

(d) Except for construction or services, any HUBZone small business concern

(nonmanufacturer) proposing to furnish a product that it did not itself manufacture must furnish the product of a HUBZone small business concern manufacturer to receive a benefit under this subpart.

For Information regarding Joint Venture see FAR 19.101

The FAR can be found at: https://www.acquisition.gov/far/loadmainre.html

17. Q. Please define dewatering specialist?

A. The requirements for the dewatering specialist are found in CS 11.

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18. Q. How are over and under runs dealt with in this contract?

A. The variation is estimated quantity clause addresses this issue. This clause is a clause incorporated by reference in Section F.1.page 15 of 60 of the solicitation, FAR 52.211-18, Variation in Estimated Quantity.

19. Q. Is the impervious material found on site?

20. Q. What time requirement will NRCS have to complete RCC mix design program and when will the RCC mix be determined?

A. The preliminary RCC mix design is provided in CS36 and is based on experience at other projects and limited preliminary information with the potential aggregate sources. The final RCC mix design may vary from that shown and will be determined from the two-phase RCC mix design program. A description of the mix design program is included in CS36 for the Contractor’s information. The RCC mix design for the first phase will be provided within two weeks of receiving the 90-day test results from the mix design program. The second phase mix design program will consist of final modifications to the RCC mix proportions based on the performance of the mix at the test section. The final RCC mix proportions will be provided to the contractor within two days following placement of the RCC test section.

21. Q. The blasting details in CS 21 has $50,000 liquidated damages for MPV in excess of

2-inches per second at any monitoring point, is there a specific concern on this project?

A. The primary concern is damaging the existing dam and surrounding structures. The monitoring points (4 minimum per CS21) include the riser, proposed and existing, the toe of the embankment dam closest to the blast, the principal spillway conduit, and adjacent to the closest residence.

22. Q. Galvanized bolts for trash racks?

A. Yes, bolts for trash racks will be galvanized steel per sheet 21/31 of Bid Schedule A drawings.

23. Q. Can the pour lifts be increased from five feet to ten feet when using superplasticizers?

A. The vertical distances between construction joints can be increased to 10 feet, provided the drop height of the concrete does not exceed 5 feet. This would require concrete placement using a conduit, hose, or other means to prevent segregation of the aggregates.

24. Q. What is the purpose of the slip dowels shown on Sheet 24/31 of Bid Schedule A drawings?

A. The purpose is to prevent differential movement between the two structures.

25. Q. What kind of material are the slip dowels made of?

A. The requirements of the slip dowels and sleeves are found in CS 31, Bid Schedule A and on Sheet 24/31 of the drawings.

26. Q. How will the concrete between the bottom of the riser footing and sound rock be paid for?

A. The concrete will be paid as Backfill Concrete, Bid Item 17A, CS 31.

27. Q. Can this concrete be placed prior to the riser footing concrete?

A. Yes, it can be placed prior to placing the footing concrete.

28. Q. Are there any waterstops in the riser construction joints?

A. The waterstops are shown on the drawings. No waterstops are required on horizontal construction joints up the riser, unless shown.

29. Q. Where does the retrofit waterstop get installed?

A. At locations shown on the drawings, see Sheet 22/31, Bid Schedule A drawings.

30. Q. What is the purpose of the jet impingement plate?

A. The plate is intended to eliminate the potential for erosion of the concrete opposite of the water supply gate.

31. Q. Are boring logs available for the entire site? Drawing set A Sheet 31/31 shows two boring locations for intake structure area. Drawing Set B Sheet 38/45 shows test boring locations; but, does not have any logs.

A. Yes, see attachments for this amendment.

32. Q. Is there a Small Business Goal percentage goal for subcontracts for this project?

A. The only goals are listed in Section L of the solicitation FAR 52.222-23 “Notice of Requirement for Affirmative Action to Ensure Equal Employment Opportunity for Construction (Feb 1999)”.

Additional information regarding Small Business Subcontracting Plan See FAR 19.702 for the entire language of this subpart. The information below is an excerpt from the full text.

The FAR can be found at: https://www.acquisition.gov/far/loadmainre.html

“Any contractor receiving a contract for more than the simplified acquisition threshold must agree in the contract that small business, veteran-owned small business, service-disabled veteran-owned small business, HUBZone small business, small disadvantaged business, and women-owned small business concerns will have the maximum practicable opportunity to participate in contract performance consistent with its efficient performance. It is further the policy of the United States that its prime contractors establish procedures to ensure the timely payment of amounts due pursuant to the terms of their subcontracts with small business, veteran-owned small business, service-disabled veteran-owned small business, HUBZone small business, small disadvantaged business, and women-owned small business concerns.”

“In sealed bidding acquisitions, each invitation for bids to perform a contract or contract modification, that individually is expected to exceed $550,000 ($1,000,000 for construction) and that has subcontracting possibilities, shall require the bidder selected for award to submit a subcontracting plan. If the selected bidder fails to submit a plan within the time limit prescribed by the contracting officer, the bidder will be ineligible for award.”

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/loadmainre.html�

“Subcontracting plans (see paragraphs (a)(1) and (2) of this section) are not required— (1) From small business concerns;… (4) For modifications to contracts within the general scope of the contract that do not contain the clause at 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (or equivalent prior clauses; e.g., contracts awarded before the enactment of Public Law 95-507).”

33. Q. What documentation may be required as proof of solicitation (good faith effort) of small business sub-contractors and supplies from Prime GC?

A. FAR 52.222-26 and 52.222-27 must be included in any subcontracts. FAR 52.222-27

(g) lists all that needs to be done to ensure compliance.

34. Q. Will CAD files (*.dwg or equivalent data files) with existing and design grade contours be available?

A. Yes, the successful bidder may have the drawing files.

35. Q. Who is the owner of the property?

A. The City of Keyser.

36. Q. What are the construction limits?

A. The construction limits are shown on the drawings.

37. Q. Is the contractor responsible for the condition of the roads after construction due to heavy truck traffic?

A. No, provided the contractor and sub-contractors and suppliers do not exceed the weight limits of the roads.

38. Q. Where is the fault located in the field?

A. Approximate location identified in the field during the site visit. See construction drawings for approximate location.

39. Q. What can be done during winter shutdown?

A. See Section I.14, Workweek Restrictions and Seasonal Shutdown, Page 45 of 60 of the solicitation. During the seasonal shutdown, work of any emergency, protective, or maintenance nature may be performed at any time without prior approval of the CO.

This will permit the Contractor to address the responsibilities in Clause 52.236-67, Permits and Responsibilities. Specific items will be considered by the CO as requested by the Contractor. Significant excavations and earthfills will not be approved during seasonal shutdown. Submittals, stockpile of RCC aggregates, mobilization of RCC plant, RCC test section, RCC placement, construction surveys, mobilization and demobilization, pressure grouting, and associated Contractor Quality Control are examples of items that would be considered for approval during seasonal shutdown.

40. Q. When does the grouting need to be done?

A. Prior to any installation of drains.

41. Q. Where are the office trailers to be installed?

A. The drawings indicate a suggested location. The contractor shall propose a location to be approved by the CO.

42. Q. Who will be the inspectors on site during construction? Can they make decisions?

A. Gannett Fleming will provide inspection services during construction. Gannett Fleming will be able to make decisions regarding the acceptability of construction with regards to the requirements of the contract; however, they do not have the authority to modify the contract. The CO is the only individual with the authority to modify the construction contract.

43. Q. Is there a limit on review time of contractor submittals by NRCS?

A. Required submittals that include submission deadlines in the construction specifications shall be reviewed and a response provided to the contractor prior to the related action. Normal submittals that are not specifically detailed in the construction specifications or drawings shall be reviewed and a response provided within 14 calendar days, unless otherwise indicated by the CO.

44. Q. Where is the closest electric and water that can be accessed?

A. This is up to the contractor to determine as needed.

45. Q. How much will the water level in the reservoir be lowered and how long will it take?

A. The reservoir will be lowered to 1600.0 or below prior to April 2011. It is anticipated that the lowering of the reservoir will begin in the Fall 2010.

46. Q. Where will the topsoil be stockpiled?

A. The stockpile locations are to be identified by the contractor.

47. Q. Is the minority participation goal of 4.2% and female participation goal of 6.9% applicable to this project?

48. Q. Can the grouting be done before the lake is drawn down?

49. Q. Is this project tax exempt or taxable?

A. Tax exempt, the CO can provide a certificate to the successful offeror at contract award.

50. Q. Grouting of the 30-inch Stainless Steel Pipe, can bagged non-shrink grout (sand aggregate only) be used in lieu of 4,000 psi concrete with #8 coarse aggregate?

A. No, the concrete grout specified in CS31 must be used.

51. Q. Riser construction, can pours of five feet and 6 feet be made using 10 feet and 12 feet pours? Using Super P in the mix so it can be dropped 12 feet.

A. The vertical distances between construction joints can be increased to 10 and 12 feet,

52. Q. Six feet, 6-inches high pours, can the pour height be increased to 13 feet by using Super Plasticizer and drop chutes?

A. The vertical distances between construction joints can be increased to 13 feet,

53. Q. Bid Item 21A, Prep and Cleaning of Rock Surfaces, Per CS63 payment for cleaning rock surfaces and placing 4 inches thick to whatever thickness is required to fill the voids, will be paid via Bid Item 21A by square yard no matter how thick the concrete

is. Is this correct? This seems like an unfair way to pay for the volume of concrete placed

A. According to CS63, preparation and cleaning of rock surfaces is paid per SY. The surface treatment material, backfill concrete is subsidiary to Bid Item 17A, Backfill Concrete, CS31 and paid by CY.

54. Q. Bid Schedule B, Item 42B Concrete Reinforced, is there a bid item for reinforcing bars?

A. No, steel reinforcement is subsidiary to Bid Item 42B, Concrete, Reinforced for Bid Schedule B.

55. Q. Construction Specification 36, Roller Compacted Concrete, please clarify who is responsible for the RCC Mix Design. Section 5 clearly states that the mix design is the responsibility of the contractor. Section 22 states that the COTR will determine the mix design proportions, determine the combined gradations, perform the trial RCC batching, and select the final RCC mix proportions.

A. Section 22, Items of Work and Construction Details, provides further clarification of the base specification, and states that the RCC design mix will be determined by the COTR using materials furnished by the contractor.

56. Q. On sheet 32 of the plans, the strength requirement table for the 30" principal spillway conduit states a load of 3,000#/LF. However, note 3 on the same page calls for an external load of 13,000#/LF. Could you clarify this point since it's makes a great deal of difference with the pipe and pipe design. We are a pipe supplier.

A. Clarification: For an external load of 13,000 pounds per linear foot based on a 36-inch outside diameter the minimum 3-edge bearing strength for a 0.001-inch crack equals 3,000 pounds per linear foot for pre-stressed pipe AWWA C-301.