Preproposal_conference_Q A.docx

AG-64R4-S-13-0004JS Sutton Bluff ATV Trails Pre-Proposal Conference January 31, 2013

Question: Will Line Items 4 and 5 be accomplished by hand or with the Government Furnished Property (GFP) trail dozer?

Answer: The majority of the work will be done with the trail dozer. Some hand work may be needed based on conditions.

Question: How can the 2’ trails be constructed with the trail dozer (4’ blade) and still meet the required 2’ width?

Answer: The 2’ measurement will be met as the edges of the trail slough off and heal.

Question: What erosion control structures are required and what is the spacing for these structures?

Answer: There will mostly be rolling dips and humps that need to be constructed to ensure water does not sit on the trail. There is no minimum spacing for these structures. It is based on the terrain.

Question: Will the contractor need to provide gravel as required?

Answer: Gravel will be provided by the Government for those locations that required it.

Question: Will culverts need to be installed?

Answer: There will be no requirements to install culverts on the trail system.

Question: Is the entire project flagged for identification?

Answer: Yes, it is currently flagged. The Government has a Job Corps. crew going through the flagged routes bucking fallen trees. Upon contract award and issuance of a task order the connector trails will be verified and the correct flagging identified.

Question: Will the side slope be determined by the Government or contractor?

Answer: The contractor will be responsible for side slope determination. Attachment 9 was provided as a reference document only. Contact the Contracting Officer’s Representative for clarification on specific locations/terrain.

Question: How many trail dozers are available?

Answer: The Government has only 1 trail dozer available. Since this trail dozer is the most efficient way to construct trail; it is in the contractor’s responsibility to operate it in a safe and responsible manner.

Question: Can this be accomplished this year?

Answer: Yes, given the right conditions, the trail connectors should be able to be accomplished this year.

Question: Directed at the COR—How fast can you build trail?

Answer: On average, all things considered, about 1/10 mile per day.

Question: What is meant by the unit of measure being a mile?

Answer: Anything less than whole mile increments will be prorated. The Government does not expect to award small distances. We would not issue a 200 yard task order.

Question: What types of support vehicles are authorized on the trail?

Answer: ATV’s and UTV’s measuring 50 inches or less in width are authorized for use on the Sutton Bluff Trail System.

Question: What special requirements are there for endangered species?

Answer: All encroachment issues dealing with endangered species have been mitigated. Should an issue arise the contractor shall stop work and notify the COR for instructions.

Question: How long will contract payments take?

Answer: The USDA has been authorized to accelerate contract payments. The Prompt Payment Act mandates that payments shall be made within 30 days after receipt of a proper invoice. With the new direction that timeframe has been reduced to 15 days. The Prompt Payment Act 30 day timeframe still applies for the accrual of interest.

Question: Can we camp on the grounds?

Answer: Yes, the Sutton Bluff campground is operated by a concessionaire. Any arrangements need to be made through them. Dispersed camping is also authorized. Information can be obtained at www.fs.usda.gov/mtnf.

Question: What are the maximum working hours?

Answer: Due to the remote locations of the trail system, dangers common to forest locations, and the lack of cell service towers work is limited to daylight hours only. The maximum workweek authorized is 40 hours per person. The Mark Twain National Forest website has some information available regarding safety related items. http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/mtnf/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5292447.

Question: Are there any projects scheduled for the out years?

Answer: There are several locations that have been identified as needing maintenance. As funding is received task orders will be issued.

Question: How long do we have to do each task order?

Answer: There is no set amount of time for each mile of trail constructed. Each area has terrain that will require different amounts of time. Once the Task Order is issued the contractor and COR will set a pre-work meeting. At that meeting contract time will be discussed and a notice to proceed will be issued.

Attendees:

Ed Laubinger

Dan Maijala

John Knowles

Artie Toms