Prebid Notes.pdf

GMNF LEFFERTS POND DAM RECONSTRUCTION

PRE-BID / PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE

DECEMBER 3, 2009 10am (EST)

Summary Record of Conference

OVERVIEW OF PROJECT

The following general items with regard to the project were discussed:

The solicitation package with drawings and specification is available on the fedbizopps website at www.fbo.gov. Responses are due no later than 10am (EST) December 28, 2009 at the Contracting Office address in Atlanta, GA (3 sets of hardcopy proposal delivered. No faxes or emails accepted). The last day to submit any questions on this

RFP is 4pm (EST) December 11, 2009. Letters of Acknowledgement are requested by

December 4, 2009.

The Forest Service (FS) Representatives on site were introduced:

John Kamb, Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) -Phone: 802-747-6724

Chris Hanrahan, Forest Engineer –Phone: 802-747-6727

Brian Austin, Civil Engineer –Phone: 802-747-6757

John Kamb (COR) explained there are two permits currently being obtained by the Forest

Service for this project; a Section 401 State Water Quality Certification, and a Section

404 U.S. Army Corps Permit. These permits are not expected to have an impact on project plans, except to affect Notice to Proceed (NTP) dates for work in streams/ponds.

It is expected that NTP for work potentially affected by these permits would be in early

June as normally authorized by the State. Permits will be made available to all interested parties as soon as they are available.

A brief review of the Solicitation was provided by the FS Representatives. Solicitation questions should be directed to Cassandra Carey, Contracting Officer (CO) by the specified December 11 th date and time. All questions and answers will be posted to www.fbo.gov.

A brief history of the existing dams was provided by the FS Representatives as well as a brief description of the reconstruction project. A walk-through of the project site commenced and was completed by around 12 noon (EST).

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

The following questions were initiated by the conference Attendees. Responses were provided by the Government Representatives. Attendees were encouraged during all these exchanges to confirm these responses in the Solicitation documents and plans.

http://www.fbo.gov/ http://www.fbo.gov/

(Q) Does the Forest Service desire or require the 2 dams be completed in a certain order?

(A) Refer to General Note 16 on Sheet 05 of 20 in the project plans. Due to the condition of the existing west dam bridge it is the Forest Service’s intention that this dam and bridge be reconstructed first to allow better access to the east dam, however the contractor may propose an alternate sequencing of construction at the pre-construction meeting for prior consideration and approval by the Forest Service.

(Q) What type of clearing or other work is expected on the existing trail between the two dams? (A) See the relevant note on Sheet 02 of 20. It is not the intent of the contract to change the nature of the existing trail, and clearing or other work should be minimized as much as possible except for restoring any damage during construction access.

(Q) Can the bridge deck over the west dam be precast? (A) The plans call for a cast-in-place bridge deck and that is what proposals should be based on. A proposal for a precast deck could be considered after award, but may or may not be approved.

(Q) What supports the new 6in. diameter support column on Sheet 12 of 20? (A) We need to create a stable base under the column, and this can be achieved by cleaning the base floor area, removing loose and deleterious material, and pouring a concrete pad on the rock. Alternatively, if the contractor is able to excavate to a stable base, such as bedrock or a large rock, a concrete pad may not be needed. We would expect to see an adjustable column, enabling a snug fit in the field without causing much disruption to the surrounding masonry. A base plate welded to the bottom, similar to what is called for the top is also required. The area where the new support column is to be located is heavily deteriorated, including the base. Care and the caution are required when working in this area. The design intent is to provide additional support during construction; we do not expect much load on this column. Because of its deteriorated condition, this whole area will require careful review and on-site decisions during construction.

(Q) What is the weight of the proposed precast concrete logs, and how are they to be delivered to the east dam location? (A) The weight of each precast log is approximately

18,800 lbs. and they are to be transported from the west over the west dam site and trail leading to the east dam. Specifics of how this will occur are up to the successful Offeror with approval of the Forest Service.

(Q) Can other types of temporary cofferdams be proposed? (A) Yes. See D under

Control of Water Notes on Sheet 08 of 20. This must be proposed by the Contractor under an Alternate Control of Water Plan and approved by the Forest Service.

(Q) Is the parapet wall stone to be removed and saved to be reused on the new parapet wall? (A) Yes, see plans for details and notes regarding reuse of stone. Any new stone needed for facing the new parapets or piers shall be of like kind per the plans and specifications.

(Q) What is the expected Notice to Proceed (NTP) date, and how long is the contract period? (A) Refer to the Solicitation documents. NTP is expected to be in the spring of

2010 (June 2010 for work in pond), and the length of the contract is 365 days.

(Q) Is the area closed during construction? (A) Yes the area around the two dams and the trail between them will be closed to the public during construction. The Forest

Service will also close the entrance road and parking area to public use during weekday work hours. The entrance road and parking area will be open to the public on weekends and holidays.

(Q) Can the west dam bridge deck concrete be poured all in one pour or is it to be completed in 3 separate pours? (A) Please refer to the plans in the Solicitation.

Construction methods and staging are typically left up to the Contractor with approval of the CO / COR if not specified in the plans.

(Q) Is the interior of the west dam cut-off wall to be formed, or poured against the excavation wall? (A) Please refer to the project plans. The walls can be cast directly against an excavated earth wall, and the 3-inch min. clear for the rebar needs to be maintained. The purpose of the cutoff walls is to reduce seepage under the spillway and minimize erosion and undercutting.

(Q) Which trees can come down at the west dam site (specifically the large white pine on the northwest side)? (A) See the project plans for details, but many of the trees on the earthen portion of the west dam will be removed, including the large white pine nearest the dam. All trees to be removed shall be brought to the attention of the COR and marked by the Forest Service prior to being cut down and removed. All non-merchantable timber shall become the property of the contractor and shall be disposed of off U.S. Government land or as approved by the COR. All merchantable timber shall be paid for by the Contractor or removed under alternate arrangements with the Forest

Service.

(Q) Is the toe drain pipe on the earthen dam 6in. as shown on the Sheet 10 Detail or 4in.

as shown on the Sheet 09 Site Plan? (A) All toe drain pipe and the cleanout shall be 6in.

diameter as shown on the Sheet 10 Detail.