ALRD_CG_QA.pdf

Question and Answers

1. The ground to and from the landing on both sides is too soft to run equipment according to the solicitation specifications. If it doesn't dry up enough by the end of the project period, where should we put the debris/branches and logs?

a. No operations should take place until ground conditions allow.

2. Can we get a waiver for soil compaction and puddling from the pavement to the landing?

a. No waivers are likely.

3. Are we to do anything about the already downed trees?

a. No.

4. Can we move the already downed trees out of the way of our removal operations?

a. Yes, however they shall be placed back in original location, unless otherwise authorized.

5. Can we get a preauthorization to remove or damage trees that are unavoidable during

Felling operations?

a. Authorization may be given on a case by case basis.

6. Does the pink flagging designate the skid trail to the landing?

a. Yes.

7. Can we deviate from the flagged skid trail?

a. If agreed to in writing.

8. Will we be required to clear the skid trail to the landing?

a. Yes, there are a few small trees (less than 10”) that may need to be removed.

9. Can we get a waiver for the 10 psi ground pressure of equipment if we can demonstrate that no damage would occur to site resources and infrastructure?

a. No, a waiver is unlikely.

10. If not can we get a waiver for the 10 psi so long as we stay on the pavement or for singular instances?

a. No, a waiver is unlikely.

11. Can we get authorization to drive equipment off the pavement within the campground areas in order to retrieve trees?

a. Yes.

12. In Section 12. Unique Factors Conduct of Logging

Use of Equipment and Skid Trail. It states: “By agreement, tractors may be used to separate products to prevent stain. Without approval of the Contracting Officer or as provided elsewhere herein.”

a. Amendment 01 removes page 23 with an amended page 23 where this language is removed.

13. What does it mean by “separate products to prevent stain”? What stain?

a. N/A

14. There will inevitably be scraps and remnants of branches/debris/trunk pieces that would be inefficient to gather and haul to the slash landing without the use of a dump truck that would have a hard time accessing the proposed landing.

a. There is an access road off of highway 89 to disposal site.

15. Can we burn the remnants of the debris from the felling operations in the fire pits within the individual camp sites?

a. No.

16. Can we chip the remnants of the debris from the felling operations at the camp sites and spread the chips to match the level of the terrain?

a. No.

17. Can we chip the remnants of the debris from the felling operations and haul the chips away?

a. No.

18. The Solicitation doesn’t specify whether or not the logs need to be delimbed or if we are to separate the logs from the branches and debris.

a. Correct, logs may be delimbed where they fall or in the disposal site, providing no damages occurs from hauling them with the limbs attached.

19. Will we be required to delimb all logs and create a pile for limbs and debris and a separate pile for logs at the landing?

a. Yes.

20. After viewing the project area, it is obvious that some “leave” trees will get damaged, unless we climb many of the trees which will drive the cost way up.

a. Yes some leave trees may be damaged, though we are asking you to give us a proposal that will limit that damage.

21. Will we be allowed, at no extra cost to the government, to remove small trees not selected for removal if that tree or trees is/are deemed to be in the way of the safest least damaging felling path?

a. On a case by case basis, some leave trees may be removed to allow for safe and less damaging operations to occur. This shall require written agreement by both parties.

22. In Section 10 , Item 2 it mentions “ equipment shall have no more than 10 PSI“, is that the ground pressure of the equipment with or with out the additional weight of logs and debris?

a. Without

23. What are the estimated DBH of each tree?

a. In attached Cruise Document.

24. There are seasonal creeks running across the route to the disposal area, are those expected to stop flowing or would we have an alternate route or would that be justifiable cause for delay?

a. The government anticipates the flow stops very soon. There is water flowing where it has never followed in recent years. The only other option is to go out on the highway and bring the material in on a spur road ½ mile +/- south east of the county road.

25. The description states removal of all slash, how detailed of a cleanup is expected?

a. 90%

26. Is it okay to move the fire pits as long as they are re-installed properly?

a. This should be allowable on a case by case basis.

27. Would the crew have access to any of the toilets that are on site?

a. Yes

28. Is the crew allowed to camp at the site?

a. Yes a camping permit is likely to be approved by the District Ranger.

29. Will we or can we be allowed to leave any logs or portions of logs where they are felled, namely the ones that are difficult to get to or reach due to stand density of the "leave" trees?

a. The Government expects all trees felled under this contract to be removed from the campground unless otherwise specified in writing.