USFS_Trail_decommission_questions_answered_by_FS_7-25-16.pdf

USFS Trail Decommissioning Questions:

1. Ripping: Specification in RFP is labeled ripping but actually reference chunking. Are additional details on ripping available specific to this project? Is the intent of this item to rip trails to 20 inches as per the USFS Specification? Or is this intended to scarify to a lesser depth, but enough to discourage foot and vehicle traffic? To a depth as needed to discourage OHV traffic and promote revegetation. In general 20 inches should be assumed and all ripping should follow the contours, perpendicular to the slope.

2. Washing equipment: Is this item intended to occur between every site (trail number)? Or within general areas? Also, how responsive will the government be to inspecting equipment prior to move? Within 24 hours? 48 hours? Etc.Within general areas equipment should be washed. If given 24 hour notice, government will try to accommodate an inspection. It is contractors responsibility to perform this task regardless of whether government performs inspections for own verification.

3. Slash: Will all slash be generated from within 25 feet of trail as per the Specification? To reach 50% cover in uplands and 71% cover in riparian areas, will material need to be brought in from further or will less material be applied if insufficient material is available from within 25 feet? It is not expected that contractor will need to gather slash from beyond 25 feet. 50% cover will include rocks and vegetation. Less material may be applied if insufficient material is available. Priority of slash placement should be in riparian areas over other areas.

4. Some trails are showing signs of significant natural vegetative re-growth. Will these still need to be ripped/chunked as listed in the RFP? If not, will untreated sections within trail alignments be included in overall lengths for billing purposes? Or will payment be based only on linear feet of treated trail. All areas mapped should be ripped even if there is sporadic re-growth as shown. Only lengths with completed ripping/chunking will be paid on the schedule. For uncertain areas, discuss with COR.

5. There are some apparent inconsistencies between the provided maps and the Summary Table. For example, the map for the Hauser Wilderness Area has multiple sites that are NOT included on the Summary Table – 17S12, UND371, 17S08 etc. Will the Summary table take precedence? Yes, the summary table will take precedence. See revised table.

6. Can access routes be improved for equipment mobilization? Rock removal/deep ruts etc?

There are no plans for the government to improve the access routes, although some improvements may occur. It is recommended to not anticipate any improvements on these routes. If the contractor elects to maintain or improve a road condition for better accessibility of their own equipment, please verify that there are no resource concerns in the area with the government prior to performing this work. Also, all drainage features shall be maintained on the road and any infrastructure damaged by contractors activities such as culverts, gates, over-the-side drains shall be repaired or replaced at contractors expense.

7. Will water be available for construction and emergency fire suppression requirements? If so, will there be designated locations? Water will be the responsibility of the contractor.

The government can provide recommendations on local sources for assistance.

8. Fire Plan: Will a Fire Patrol person be required for the trail decommissioning work? Are there any specific training requirements for this individual? Any heavy equipment work or spark generating activities will warrant fire patrol per the Fire Plan. No training requirements are necessary or offered.

9. Is it a requirement that American made products be used, when they are available? For example, will all pipe need to be American made? Yes, the Buy American Act is relevant on this project.

10. Will the contractor be required to conduct any biological surveys? No, although sensitive plant areas will be flagged for avoidance. There is one area on the Trabuco Ranger District with a limited operating periods: SUA28-Spur near Wildomar – no work March 1 through August 1.

11. Will the contractor be responsible for gaining access rights to sites adjacent to private property? Will Contractor be required to survey for property lines on work bordering USFS property? If access to private property is necessary, the government will work with contractor for approved access. No boundary surveys are needed for this project. It is anticipated that only work in the Tule Springs area on the Palomar Ranger District will require special access through the El Capitan/Grande Indian Reservation. Upon award, the government will coordinate with the tribes for pre-work inspection and coordinate for construction work access at a later date. Several week notice will be needed from contractor.

12. Is an Accident Prevention Plan a required submittal, and if so is there a preferred format?

A Safety Plan that would incorporate Accident Prevention is required.

13. Is a SWPPP required, and if so has one been prepared? No and no. Although Best Management Practices will be needed per the Mitigation information provided in the Scope, especially in riparian areas and stream crossings.

14. Will the government identify and flag spiny redberry for avoidance? Are there other sensitive species that may be present on any of these sites? Yes, any sensitive resource locations that are within or adjacent to site will be flagged. Arroyo Toads control Limited Operating Period discussed in question #10.

15. Is there a CATEX? And if so are there any conditions in the CATEX that are not provided in the solicitation? No, there is an Environmental Assessment for this project. See attached.

16. Is this considered a construction project? Does it require bonding? No and no.

17. Under Design, Mitigation and Protection Measures “….sites would be stabilized, restored and revegetated….” Are there any re-vegetation requirements? Also, “Trail sites would have erosion control plans…..” Are there any plans available? No re-vegetation requirements. Erosion control is the purpose of this project decommissioning work. No ECPs will be necessary, although BMPs will apply to any equipment maintenance, stockpiling of soils and the like.

18. Is the Plan of Operation analogous to a Work Plan requirement? Yes. Work Plan should include items such as Site Safety Plan, Contract Schedule, Fire Plan, etc.

19. What are permit requirements for welding in the field? Contractor must obtain a ‘Burn Permit’ from local National Forest Fire Station and comply with all PALs in the Fire Plan.

20. Pipe barrier specifications indicate a 24” clearance under pipe. Is there a range that is acceptable to accommodate uneven topographical conditions? No, the footing embedment, barrier connections and placement will be most critical. In some areas, smaller segments of barriers may be needed to accommodate steep or uneven topography, but this will be an exception. No comment.