Q and A's posted to FBO 04202011.docx

April 20, 2011 The following questions have been asked by potential offerors.

Questions and responses are being posted for all potential offeros to review.

Can I get in to see these roads now or are they snowed in? They're snowed in. You can't see much right now without a snow machine.

How dense is the vegetation? It varies depending on the road. There are 9 roads. Several have very thick vegetation for most of their lengths (Cottonwood-Bullion, Kimberly, Dry Canyon, Monroe Mtn). Others have patches of sagebrush or open grassy terrain interspersed along their lengths.

What types of vegetation? Again, it varies depending on the road. In the lower to mid elevations the vegetation is primarily pinyon/juniper with some deciduous brush (oak brush, maple, etc). In the mid-to high elevations you'll encounter aspen and mixed confiers and more deciduous brushy vegetation.

Should I plan on many lowboy equipment transports? Yes, I would plan on a total of 7 local mobilizations.

Is a hydraulic excavator with mulching head attachment required? This equipment is required per the specs and bid schedule.

Would the contractor have to haul out debris and dispose of it? The specs state that the debris on the uphill side of the road will be mulched and left in place, and the debris on the downhill side of the road can be left intact (not mulched) and in place.

Is there was another way to bid on the project other than through FedBizOps? Quotes will only be accepted by responding to the RFQ in FedBizOps.

Can the contractor haul out felled trees to sell for firewood? No, not under this contract, as this could reduce some indirect environmental benefits that were specifically intended as part of this contract.

Would a feller-buncher machine meet the specified standard of a hydraulic excavator with brushing head attachment? If the machine is capable of achieving the performance specifications listed in the solicitation then it would be acceptable.

Would a rubber tired machine with a cab and side boom that is specifically designed for roadside brushing work be acceptable? If the machine is capable of achieving the performance specifications listed in the solicitation then it would be acceptable.

The specifications state that one lane roads shall be available for one lane channelized passage of traffic at all times unless approved in writing by the COR. Will it be permissible to temporarily stop traffic rather than leaving one lane open? Yes, this will be an acceptable method of traffic control.

Do you anticipate that roads with gates will be closed during the contract? Unlikely.

Will the machine need to leave the road to brush out inside curves? This will depend on several factors, including curve geometry and equipment reach length. At times leaving the roadway may be necessary but in general it is anticipated that most inside curve brushing can take place from the roadway.

Can you provide a more definitive standard for brushing inside curves? The intent of the standard is to ensure visibility of oncoming traffic at curves. However, due to the variability of curve geometry it is not feasible to provide a standard that is more specific than the standard included in the solicitation.

The specifications state that branches shall be trimmed near flush with the trunk and shall be cut off cleanly. Would it be permissible to use the brushing head to cut the branches back to within a couple feet or so of the trunk, and then use a hand saw to cut off the remaining branch stub next to the trunk? Yes, as long as the end result meets the performance specification then this would be acceptable.

Do you expect your forest to have additional brushing contracts in the future? Possibly, but nothing is certain.

Do you have any other needs for brushing/mulching work such as for building firelines or mulching slashpiles? No. Contractors may wish to contact Interagency Fire to inquire regarding this type of work.