Non-motorized Trails Maintenance IDIQ Q and A.docx

Chattahoochee-Oconee Non-motorized Trails Maintenance IDIQ Questions and Answers General Q1. How will you know which areas of the Forest I am available to work on?

For the purposes of this contract the Forest has been divided into 4 zones. These coincide with the District and are the Conasauga, Blue Ridge, Chattooga Rover, and Oconee. You will need to clearly state which zones you are available to work on. If you do not state a particular zone then you will not be considered for that area.

Q2. How long will I have to respond to a task order if I am selected as an IDIQ contractor?

You will have 72 hours to express whether or not you want to make an offer on the task order and you will have 7 to 10 days to provide a price quote.

Q3. Do I have to be located in Georgia to be awarded this contract?

No Q4. Can I use motorized equipment to access the worksite?

This will be dependent on the trail. Specific information on this is listed below. In general, if you are allowed to use motorized equipment to access the site it will only to go in once in the morning and then to leave the site in the evening. Most of these trails will remain open to the public and it would be a safety issue to have motorized traffic on the trail. Additionally, motorized access may lead to resource damage.

Q4. Can I use heavy equipment to work on the trail?

This will depend on the trail. See site specific responses below.

Q5. Are the trails currently flagged or staked?

This will be stated in the task order. The selected contractor should have the knowledge and ability to maintain trails in accordance with the types of direction given in the U. S. Forest Service Trails Management Handbook (FSH 2309.18), Forest Service Standard Specifications for Construction and Maintenance of Trails (EM-7720-103), and the Forest Service Trail Construction and Maintenance Notebook.

Q6. Are there any locked gates or barriers to visiting any of these trails?

This will be stated in task orders.

Q7. Are any future task orders identified at this time?

No, these sites have yet to be determined.

Q8. Will there be any task orders for wilderness work? If so, please consider changing the pay item for logging out to feet instead of per acre.

Yes, there will most likely be wilderness work and the “acre” was an error. Logging out will be “per foot” if/when a task order is issued.

Q9. How many contractors will you select from this solicitation?

This will depend on the proposals that are received.

Q10. Are site visits for seed projects (and future task orders) required for contractors?

No. Site visits are highly recommended due to the difference in conditions at various sites.

Q11. Is the intent to award one contract for all 3 seed projects, or 3 different contracts?

Award will be made to the contractor or contractors that offer the best value to the Government.

Q12. What are the insurance requirements for the IDIQ contract?

This is a state requirement.

Q13. Under general scope of work it states “Drainage work will be paid for each dip…but there is no pay item for such on bid sheets. Are drain dips and rolling dips considered incidental on these IDIQ projects?

The restoration of drainage is considered an element of “Trail Restoration.” Whether or not it is incidental will be location dependent.

Q14 Are the hazard tree numbers on the bid sheets estimates? Are the trees marked?

Yes, they are estimates and whether or not they are marked will depend on the task order. District contact can provide additional information.

Q15. When will silt fence be needed and how long will it need to be in place if it is needed? Will it need to be removed by the contractor?

This will be stated in task orders.

Q16. Will awards be based on lowest bid or best value?

Best value will be used for both the IDIQ and for each task order.

Q17. What is the expected level of finish for trail work?

A high level of finish is expected for all work completed. Any visual signs of disturbance or machine tracks, etc. should be rehabilitated so that the visitor does not see them.

Q18. Would you explain the difference between a protrusion and an obstacle as dealt with in the Trail Classification Matrix?

An obstacle and a protrusion are both features on the trail that may or may not require removal dependent on the Trail Class and Type of use. The matrix further defines what needs to be removed from the trail tread and what may be left as it is.

Q19. How much wilderness work is anticipated in the life of the IDIQ?

This is undetermined.

Q20. On larger projects can a contractor invoice as segments of the trail are completed?

Yes Site Specific Aska Trails Q1. What type of transportation can be used to access the worksite?

Limited motorcycle or OHV may be used to access the site but no damage can occur to the trail prism if these are used.

Q2. What type of equipment can be used for the project?

A mini skid steer or mini excavator may be used on this project if it can be done without causing damage to the trail prism.

Q3. When do you predict this work to start and end?

Anticipated start date is January 11 and the contractor will be given 120 days to complete.

Q4. Aska trail shows ten plus miles for restoration. The trails listed for work total over 17 miles. Are there gaps with no work or are some of the trails not being worked on at this time?

12.4 miles is the correct mileage.

Smith Creek Trail Q1. What type of transportation can be used to access the worksite?

Limited use of a Motorcycle or OHV may be used on abandoned Hickory Nut Ridge Road and then hike will be required. Contact District (Bill Elliott) for additional information.

Q2. What type of equipment can be used for the project?

No tracked equipment allowed. Hand tools will be used for this project.

Q3. When do you predict this work to start and end?

Anticipated start date is January 11 and the contractor will be given 120 days to complete.

Q4. Is the Smith Creek trailhead marked and easy to locate?

See map.

Q5. Trail 165G is not listed in the statement of work but it is in the bid package. Which is correct?

Place offers based on the information on the bid sheet.

Lake Conasauga Trail Q1. What type of transportation can be used to access the worksite?

There will be vehicle access via Lake Conasauga Boat ramp Road. There is a locked gate on the Songbird Trails and so a 0.75 mile walk is required.

Q2. What type of equipment can be used for the project?

An ATV with trailer or a UTV with dump bed is recommended for gravel placement.

Q3. When do you predict this work to start and end?

Anticipated start date is January 11 and the contractor will be given 120 days to complete.

Q4. What kind of gravel is to be used on this trail and what is the average depth, width, and length of surface to be graveled?

#67 gravel will be used for 1.0 mile at a width of 36” and depth of 3”. The estimated tonnage is 220. Leaves and other organic material will be removed prior to laying gravel down.

Q4 Lake Conasauga Trail and linear distance is listed as .99 miles on the “description/Specifications/Statement of Work” but the bid sheet distance is different and includes the Song bird Trail. Is work intended for that trail?

Place offers based on the information on the bid sheet.

Q5. What is the Trail Class for this trail?

Class 4 on Lake Conasauga Trail and Class 3 on Songbird Trail.

Q4. Can you provide more information on the bridge to be repaired?

The project involves replacing rotten deck boards (2” x 6” x 4’) on a 45ft single span bridge.

Replace Rotten Deck Boards Lake

Conasauga

Trail

Bridge image1.jpeg image2.jpeg