Updated Questions and Answers.pdf

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS FOR RFP #AG-4419-S-10-0002

Road & Watershed Restoration

Massabesic Experimental Forest

Below are the current Questions and Answers for the above mentioned solicitation received to date:

1. The solicitation does not define a Period of Performance (POP). Will the Government provide a POP for the project or will the schedule be based upon the bidders proposed schedule? A - A proposed schedule is in the

Scope of Work, additionally the anticipated period of performance is on the SF 1442, Section 11. We have reasonable flexibility on the schedule, will need to evaluate when the season comes and as part of eval process.

2. As defined in the solicitation, the bidder is responsible for all permitting requirements. Will the Government define which permits are required under this contract (e.g., NPDES, MEDEP, USACE), or, is it the bidders responsibility to comply with all applicable and relevant permitting requirements? A - It is the bidder's responsibility.

3. Are there any special requirements associated with threatened and/or endangered species (flora and fauna) within the limits of work? A - None were identified, there is seasonal construction windows shown for restricting access into live streams.

4. Are the forest access roads maintained/cleared during the Winter? If not, are the roads closed during the winter season and what date do they typically re-open? A - No. Roads are closed seasonally based on the weather. When snow covered, the roads are normally open to snowmobiles.

5. No pricing line item is provided for cutting/excavating of unsatisfactory road subgrade material. Should bidders assume that all existing material is suitable for overlay with new material? A - It is expected that suitable excavation and embankment is self-balanced along the roadways.

6. The scope of work references USGS monuments. Will the Government provide the coordinates (x,y,z) for all

USGS monuments within the limits of work? A - USGS monuments are not identified near the project, the surveyor should tie to monuments only if they are known and it is practical.

7. Is there a Government cost estimate for the project? If so, can it be provided to prospective bidders to evaluate whether the work can be completed for a reasonable cost? If no estimate has been prepared, will the

Government provide the amount of ARRA funds secured for the project? The Government Estimate cannot and shall never be provided. It is your responsibility to propose a reasonable price. The Construction Cost Range is provided, however, on page 4 of 4 on the SF1442. The design fee should never exceed 6% of the construction

Cost proposed.

8. The pricing schedule is divided into five (5) sub-projects. Does the Government intend on awarding all five

(5) projects to a single firm? A - Yes, we intend to award to one contractor.

9. In the event that not all five (5) subprojects are awarded, how will the Government establish the lowest-cost provider? That is, will lowest cost be based on the total sum for all five (5) projects or will it be based on fewer projects assuming not all projects can be completed within appropriated funding? If based upon individual projects, will the Government provide a priority for each sub-project? A - I recommend evaluating proposals based on sum of all Base Items.

Questions I have regarding the referenced solicitation:

• Record dwgs available? A - FS does not have drawings of existing conditions.

• Location of FS benchmarks wrt the work? A - USGS monuments are not identified near the project, the surveyor should tie to monuments only if they are known and is practical.

• Hydrological analysis required for all culverts? A - No, only intended for bridges and major culverts; Items A5, B4, C4 and related. Cross drain culverts are intended to be replaced with suitable installations to meet surface drainage requirements, not necessarily requiring

Hydrologic Analysis and Reporting.

• Who is responsible for DigSafing project? A - Contractors.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS FOR RFP #AG-4419-S-10-0002

Road & Watershed Restoration

Massabesic Experimental Forest

• Plans/profiles required for road reconstruction? A - No. Roadway work can be identified, if practical, with work logs or task lists along existing routes, except for bridges and major culverts requiring site specific design and analysis; Items A5, B4, C4 and related, roadways.

• Road re-surfacing “up to 6 inches”? A - 4-inch depth is part of Base Bid; if funded, the

Additive Items will increase the total depth to 6 inches.

• Who locates new signage? Engr to show on plans? A - Yes, Engr to show on plans.

Intend to install ARRA Funding Sign near the Cooks Brook Bridge.

• What are specs for FS computers and software systems? A - Windows XP with Office

2007.

• When will project be awarded? (Survey is due 1 Apr 10. Implies winter survey and wetland delineation.) A - Intend to award soon after closing, depending on evaluation process. The survey date is a projected NTP date; intend to start surveys when weather breaks and is suitable (no winter surveys). We have reasonable flexibility on the schedule, will need to evaluate when the season comes.

• What is FS policy for wetlands and wetlands restoration? Is this part of contract?

(Both eng’g and constr) A - The project is not restoring the full watershed, intend to provide adequate crossing, meeting AOP and hydrologic/hydraulic requirements and similar, as found in Section C, Part III, Para A and B.

• Would wetland review be FS-internal or would state/local be involved? A - The review is internal, with state/local evaluating permits and similar jurisdictional review.

• Will Resident Engr be required? Who provides? A - Resident Eng not required specifically. Quality Control is part of Contractor's Responsibility, and if they want one for their

QC they provide it.

• Who is responsible for inspections? Description/schedule? A - Quality Control and construction inspections are part of Contractor's Responsibility, they provide schedules as part of submittals. Gov't provides Quality Assurance and Spot checking".