Questions and Responses .docx

Questions and Answers RFP # AG-4419-S-10-0201 12/16/2009 Below are the additional Questions and Responses for the above mentioned Solicitation:

1. Is it possible to lower the Lefforts Pond water elevation by approximately 3ft to elevation of 494.7 ?

As it current stands, there are no bladder style cofferdam manufacturers that can retain 11ft of water.

The are also no steel A-Frame cofferdam manufacturers that can retain 11ft of water. We have been in contact with the designer and were told that bladder dams are available for 11 ft. of water retainage. One such source researched during design and confirmed in the last few days is AquaDams, Inc. (www.waterstructures.com). We are working with the State and Army Corps to see if pond levels can be reduced during construction and should be able to count on some allowance, but at this time we cannot commit to a lowering of the water level to 494.7 feet.

2. Drawings USFS 03, Note 3 This note states that sign installation should be carried under Item No. "61902, Gate" Should this be actually be under Item No. 65002 as in the RFP, or is a new item to be added? It should be under Item No. 65002 as in the RFP.

1. What is the finish to be for the steel railing? Steel pipe railing shall be galvanized (see FP-03 Specification Section 556, 555, and 717.06). After galvanizing provide a factory applied architectural coating (primer and top coat) according to applicable ASTM specifications for coating over AASHTO M111 galvanizing, and as approved by the Forest Service COR prior to application. Color shall be Black.

2. What class of HDPE pipe is to be used for lining the sluiceway ? SDR of 17 (100 psi)

3. Is pressure grouting required for the western sluiceway that is to be abadoned ? Yes, pressure grouting is required to minimize the potential for voids and to minimize seepage. However, the contractor should be aware that if there are any significant voids within the interior of the sluiceway, additional grout may be required.

4. Drawing No. 11, Concrete Membrance / Peir Reinforcing Detail Please clarify the steel reinforcing for the concrete membrane, both #6 @12" O.C. EW and #8 HEF & VEF are called out. The concrete membrane reinforcing is #6 @ 12" OC, EW, centered in the 12-inch thick membrane. The pier reinforcing is #8's.

(Q) Drawing USFS 02 Please verify the size of the Elastomeric Bearing Plate (Abutment plan call out 1" thick, Abutment Typical Section calls out 2" thick)

(A) Size of Elastomeric Bearing Plate shall be 2in. thick.

(Q) Drawing USFS 02 Please verify the expansion end washer size ( is it to be 3" x 3" x 3/8" as in Abutment Plan?)

(A)Expansion end washer size shall be 10"x3"x3/8" as in section.

(Q) Drawing 11, Horizontal Construction Joint Detail with PVC Waterstop Detail appears to show a dumbell type waterstop with a centerbulb, please verify.

Please provide minimum web size and minimum bulb sizes.

(A) A ribbed centerbulb or a dumbbell style waterstop is acceptable. Because of the low head, and low expected movement, a 3/16-inch thick web thickness (7/16-inch rib) and a 9/16-inch bulb size should be adequate. Earthshield 9" RCB TPV Waterstop or approved equivalent is acceptable.

(Q)Is the 100% specified bid guaranty correct? Or is it supposed to be 20% ? ????

(A) 100% Bid Guaranty specific in the RFP documents.

(Q)What are the specifications for the proposed sluice gate. Ie. material type (Steel, Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, etc…) Also, what type of mounting mechanism is required? ie. Is its’ frame to be cast into the new concrete wall or is it to be bolted to the concrete after the wall has been constructed? A specific make and model of sluice gate (ie. Sluice gate to be: Rodney Hunt, Series 761-Aluminum End-of-Channel Mounting with HY-Q Seal, or equal) would also be very helpful.

(A) Material shall be cast iron. Use a Rodney Hunt HY-Q Model 5240 with flush bottom mount or equal. The frame is to be bolted to the concrete wall, with a grout levelling pad after the concrete wall is placed and cured. The Contractor is responsible for confirming the required gate frame dimensions for bolting patterns into sound concrete.

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