20100729_PreBid_Q A_Lynx_Electrical_Trenching.doc

Lynx Electrical Trenching Pre-Bid Tour

Prescott National Forest

Solicitation # AG-9702-S-10-0504

Date: 7/29/2010

Attendance: see sign-in sheet

Conducted by: Doug Schmidgall and Ann May

Attendees were reminded to comply with Section M (page 62) to ensure their response to the solicitation contains a technically acceptable proposal.

Questions and Clarifications:

1. Solicitation page 1 indicates contract time of 60 days, Specification 01010.3.04, page10, indicates 90 days. Which is it? A: contract time is 90 days. Solicitation will be amended accordingly.

2. Past work experience with Arizona Public Service installations had different requirements than shown for this project, namely Schedule 40 versus Schedule 80 conduit sweeps, no marking tape and deeper trenches. Can we plan work on this project according to past experience? A: drawings and specifications in the solicitation have been coordinated with local APS representatives and will govern if different from past experience.

3. Can native material be screened for use as trench bedding and shading? A: Only if the contractor can show that the processed material meets the requirements of Specification 02200.2.01.D. Past work in this project area indicates that native material is not likely to meet the specification.

4. Can we see the designated disposal site? What can be disposed there? A: the disposal site was not part of the pre-bid tour, but can be examined at any time by following the directions on the drawings and in Specification 02200.3.07. During the contract, the contractor will have full access through the gated entrance to the disposal area. See the Specification cited for use of the disposal area, that is, disposal only of unsuitable rock and earthen materials.

5. Are a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and erosion control measures required? A: No.

6. Is a Soils Report available? A: No.

7. Where can we have a storage yard? A: if needed, temporary fencing can be erected by the contractor to create a yard in the South Shore parking area.

8. At the site of the segmental retaining wall, does the existing gabion basket need to be removed? A: No. Installation of the wall and electrical conduit in this area should avoid the gabion basket.

9. How much clean up and raking is required in the areas disturbed by trenching? A: refer to Specification 02200.3.05.

10. Is there a maximum disturbance width for trenching work in cross-country areas? How many trees need to be cut to clear for the trench? How far away does the trench need to be from large trees? A: there are no limits of disturbance identified in the drawings and specifications. However, the intent is to minimize disturbance to soils and vegetation along the trench. No trees larger than 6 inch diameter are identified to be cut. Drawings indicate general areas where trees and shrubs need to be cleared and grubbed; amount is to be assessed by the contractor during their site investigation prior to responding to the solicitation. Pruning of trees and shrubs will be allowed for equipment clearance. Normal practice is to trench no closer than 4 feet next to large trees. Minor field bends can be used to avoid trees.

11. Describe the existing water line in the areas of the electrical trench. A: the water line is Schedule 40 PVC, 1 inch to 2 inch diameter, 24 to 36 inches deep, installed in the mid-80’s. Valves along the water line can be used to isolate sections of line in an emergency; otherwise the line is to remain in full operation during contract work. In a few isolated sections an existing tracer wire can be used to locate the line. See Schedule of Items # 10, Specification 00100.1.03.10 and Specification 02200 for requirements to employ “potholing” and other methods to locate and protect the water line.

12. Can the water line be tapped to supply water for adjacent electrical trench backfill operations? A: No.

13. Are areas designated for stockpiling bedding and shading material? A: No. Contractor can utilize areas as needed and as coordinated with the COR. Protect pavement if stockpiles are placed on paved roads or parking areas.

14. Will blasting be allowed for trench excavation? A: See Specification 02200.1.05.D. However, blasting adjacent to structures or water line is not likely to be approved.

15. Can vegetation from clearing be placed in the designated disposal area? A: No. See Specification 02200.3.01.A.2 for acceptable disposal of clearing and grubbing material.

16. What is to be done with asphalt pavement removed from paved trench cuts? A: See Specification 02200.1.01, bullet #3. For this contract, pavement cuts are “minor removal of a structure”. Pavement debris is to be hauled from the site and properly disposed at a legal landfill or reclamation center. Payment for removal, hauling and disposal is incidental to trench pay items.

17. Can the contractor’s personnel camp in the campgrounds on the project? If so, can an exemption to the stay limit be granted? Is the contractor required to pay for a camp site? A: Camping in campground sites is generally permissible if all rules are followed as they apply to general public camping. During the open season, no exemptions to the stay limit and fees will be granted. During the closed season, free camping without stay limits may be approved by the District Ranger.

18. Is “Buy American” in the contract? A: Yes. See FAR clauses on pages 42-50 of the solicitation.

19. Are large size drawings available? A: Drawings downloaded from the FedBizOps web site (www.fbo.gov) are in .pdf format which can be printed at any desired scale by the contractor.