QUESTION.docx

AQUATIC ORGANISM PASSAGE STRUCTURES HEARTBREAK CREEK BRIDGE

AG-4419-S-10-0559

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

QUESTION 1:

1. On the above project, is it limited so only Small Businesses are allowed to bid on it, or is it considered open & full. I always get confused when the “Set Aside” item in the General Info section of the website is designated to a certain group.

ANWERS 1:

The project is set aside is “Unrestricted”, which means its full and open competition.

QUESTION 2

1. Will an alternate design for the foundation and abutments be allowed? Due to the soil strata other below grade foundation other system may be more appropriate for installation. If engineered certified would these be allowed?

2. Do the abutments need to be constructed with timber for aesthetic reasons or will other facing systems be acceptable, if equal to timber facing, designed and certified by an engineer?

3. There is limited information pertaining to stream control and sedimentation requirements. Is it a requirement to provide a separate bypass or cofferdam and piping to maintain stream flows?

4. Removal of the culvert will impact the stream bed. What provisions are required for maintaining the flow other than silt fence placement? Is relocation of stream required?

ANWERS 2:

1. The design must be bid as shown on the plans and specifications. Bidders also have the option to submit alternative designs in the form of value engineering proposals.

2. The designs must be bid as shown on the plans and specifications. Bidders also have the options to submit alternative designs in the form of value engineering proposals.

3. The requirement for sedimentation control are listed in the referenced best practices manual of the FHWA, and dates of allowable construction to minimize environmental impact are indicted. The normal stream depth is also indicated. A bypass or cofferdam is not expected to be required. Construction of a stream bypass or cofferdam will require a revision of the NEPA documentation which is unlikely to happen.

4. Stream flow must be maintained, and see answers to item #3. Relocation of stream is not permitted by the NEPA documentation.