Henry Lake Trail Site Visit QA's.docx

Pre Bid Site Visit Questions, Answers and Notes SOL NO. AG-82X9-S-11-0135 Henry Lake Trail National Forest System Trail 429

Henry Lake Trail National Forest System Trail 429

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison N.F.

Site Visit held July 20, 2011 at 9:00am

Introductions Greg Austin, Trails Travel Management, Gunnison Ranger District, USDA Forest Service

Previous Questions sent electronically are as follows:

1. I will not be able to attend the job show due to personal commitments. Would it be possible fo get digital photos taken of the the trail showing what the typical section would look like? Also showing the possible tougher parts of the work. If you then post those online we could have a good idea of what to expect.

Answer: The government will not be taking pictures. The government cannot be liable what may or may not be important to bidders. You may visit the site separately from the formal Prebid Tour.

2. Can a Tripartite Escrow agreement possibly be used on this project? It would actually be safer for the suppliers or others needing payment because the escrow institution would receive the funds and pay out those monies per the escrow agreement. The contractor could not possibly default on payment and the suppliers and others would not have the hassle of going to the bonding company to recieve payment. It would also be cheaper to the government since the escrow charges are less than supplying a bond. We can supply an escrow agreement up to $150,000. It is a payment protection instrument not a performance instrument.

Answer: Tripartite Escrow agreements will not be accepted for this project.

3. I know the forest service has different classifications for its trails along with the subsequent specifications applying to each separate classification. It sounds like this project trail is classified as a hiker, packhorse type trail along with its particular specifications. If that is true could you confirm the classification type in your documentation so there are no misunderstandings on all sides?

Answer: The design criteria for the trail, it is being designed for pack and saddle as the design user, more difficult standard as shown in the Forest Service Trails Handbook. The controlling information however is the specifications and drawings as included in the contract. Those show the clearing as shown on sheet 36 of 49; tread width as shown on sheet 37 of 49, Trailbed and Slope Finish as shown on sheet 38 of 49, etc., as well as the log of work shown on sheets 45 thru 49 of 49. The project is within designated Wilderness, therefore by definition; the only design groups will be either hiker or pack and saddle stock.

4. Do you know if it is something that can be done next year, or is it to be completed this summer/fall?

Answer: . As usual, I would like to see the project at least started this fall, but as with your previous projects, this site is typically early to snow out.

Questions offered on site include the following:

5. How will quantities for the contract be administered?

Answer: The contract includes the Schedule of Items which has Method of Measurement listed. All items within the solicitation are shown as Actual Quantities, with the exception of 951(01) Mobilization which is by the Lump Sum Quantity. All items of work shall be measured per the actual quantities constructed or installed, and should be bid per the Summary of Quantities as shown on Sheet 4 of 49 and in the Project Schedule of Items as shown in the Solicitation.

6. Are all items of work staked on the ground at this time?

Answer: The relocation described in the Project Description of Work, as shown in Sheets 45 thru 49 of 49 from Station 0+00 to 24+20 has been flagged with flagging and pin flags on the ground. The remainder of the items of work will be staked prior to construction. The project was surveyed and designed in 2003; so much of the staking has been lost. Due to stake mortality, final staking will be done before construction. Project proposals must be submitted based on the Project Schedule of Items.

7. Will Motorized or Mechanized equipment be allowed?

Answer: Project is within designated Wilderness, therefore Motorized or Mechanized equipment is not allowed.

8. Human Waste during construction?

Answer: Contractor will be required to either construct an approved temporary latrine or pack out all human waste.

9. Livestock feed?

Answer: Due to project site, elevation and forage available, any livestock maintained on site by the contractor must be fed supplemental feed if they will be on site for extended periods. All livestock feed must be certified Weed Free. Recognized “Leave No Trace” techniques will be utilized for contractor’s activities.

10. Can the trail be closed during construction?

Answer: The reconstruction sections of the trail are to remain open per Section 904 - Maintenance for Traffic. The new construction segments may be barricaded to protect the contractor’s operations.

11. Will willow along the route be required to be cleared?

Answer: Per Section 911 – Clearing and Grubbing, 911.03 (b), any Live brush, herbaceous plants and trees between the trailway and the clearing limits that are greater than 12 inches in height and greater than 3/8 inch in diameter at the round line shall be removed.

12. What trees are to be removed within the clearing limits?

Answer: Per Sheet 36 of 49, all trees within 3 feet of centerline of the tread. Those trees smaller than 12 inches that are within 5 feet of the uphill side of the trail as measured from centerline are designated to be removed.