Question_and_Answers-_Nicholas_-_5_Sites.pdf

Questions and Answers Solicitation AG-SPEC-S-17-0046

EWP- Streambank Stabilization- Nicholas County, WV

1. Q. Does the contractor have to submit a traffic control plan to the NRCS?

A. No. The contractor is required to follow all DOT requirements as necessary.

2. Q. Is the contractor responsible for DEP permits?

A. The NRCS has obtained all permits to work in the stream. The contract shall limit stream disturbance as much as possible during the commencement of the work.

3. Q. How do we bid foundation rock if we think that not all of the quantity will be used?

A. Bids should be submitted based on the estimated quantities in the bid schedule – an unbalanced bid – when the price of one or more contract line items is significantly over or understated - can be cause for rejection.

4. Q. What if the Bids come in above $500,000?

A. There is no consequence. Federal Acquisition Regulations requires that we disclose the magnitude of construction.

5. Q. If rock is DOH approved can we use it?

A. The Rock Riprap Specification allows for rock sources with current DOH approval. Rock must still meet the gradation requirements.

6. Q. If we encounter something like barrels of oil will the contract be modified to cover the Disposal costs?

A. If objects are encountered that have regulated disposal procedures that require additional resources above common trash and debris, the contractor may request additional compensation. This request must come prior to expending any work or costs outside the scope of the current contract.

7. Q. Is the contractor responsible for utilities?

A. The contractor is responsible for contacting Miss Utilities before any work has commenced on site. The contractor shall use caution while working around or adjacent to any utility.

8. Q. Do we have to obtain land rights from land owners for access?

A. No. Land rights have been obtained for access and construction limits as shown on the drawings. If the contractor wants to pursue other areas for access, it is their responsibility to obtain those land rights. The contractor must provide copies of any agreements for additional access to the NRCS.

9. Q. Does NRCS provide an approved waste area?

A. No. The contractor is responsible for securing a waste area out of the floodplain. The NRCS must approve any waste areas before use.

Henshaw Site

10. Q. Do the large pines and sycamore tree have to be removed?

A. Yes. The entire tree and stump must be removed and disposed of off-site. The stump of the white pine next to the building can stay in place.

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Ferguson Site

11. Q. Will the building be removed by landowner?

A. Yes. The landowner has previously agreed to remove the block building and the concrete slab to make room for the wall. No work will be performed on this site until this is completed by the landowner.

12. Q. Can the cross section of the baskets be narrowed to attain the planned stream width?

A. Yes, but only adjacent to structures or utilities as necessary and as approved by the NRCS.

13. Q. Do we have to dispose of bathtub and other debris on the site?

A. Yes. The bathtub, cinder blocks, chain link fence, and all other items encountered shall be removed and disposed of offsite at an approved landfill.

14. Q. Is there a septic system on site?

A. Yes. There is a septic system on the downstream side of the house adjacent to the access.

The contractor shall use caution when working adjacent to any structure or utility.

Swiss Missionary Baptist Site

15. Q. Does the contractor have to remove trees from site?

A. Yes. The trees along the length of baskets shall be removed and disposed of offsite. This also includes the tree stumps.

16. Q. Does the contractor have to extend pipes through the gabion baskets?

A. Yes. Any pipes encountered in the bank shall be extended through the gabions with pipe of equal or better material than the existing pipe.

17. Q. Does the berm have to be rebuilt?

A. Yes. The berm shall be restored to preconstruction dimensions after completion of the gabions.

18. Q. Do the shingles exposed in the bank have to be disposed of?

A. Yes. Any debris encountered within the excavation limits shall be disposed of offsite in an approved landfill. If it is determined that asbestos is present in the shingles, a modification would be required before any work commences.

19. Q. Why isn’t there a bid item for shingles and trees?

A. The cost for these items would fall under the cost for gabions. Any work that has no bid item on the bid schedule is subsidiary to a listed item. Please review the construction specifications and the items of work. Also, the bid schedule lists the specification for which work/costs are applicable.

20. Q. Will a pump be needed for dewatering?

A. There is a Removal of Water Specification and the contractor is expected to dewater as needed to complete the work.

21. Q. What is the minimum the contractor should stay off the corner of the church?

A. The top of the cut slope should be no closer than 4’ minimum unless more limiting factors are encountered. The stream bottom width must be maintained. It is possible the gabion cross section may be reduced adjacent to the church corner.

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Comer Site

22. Q. Will baskets have to be lower where the road ditch is?

A. The top of the baskets may require forming adjacent to and under the ditch.

23. Q. If a modification is needed, how long does it take to get an answer?

A. Once a price is agreed on by the CO and the contractor, and the appropriate signatures are acquired work could progress immediately.

Proctor Site

24. Q. Will the sediment below the railroad bridge have to be hauled off site?

A. No. The sediment in the channel below the railroad bridge can be placed outside of the channel to restore capacity. The material from the gabion excavation and the rock and wire form the dismantled gabions will have to be hauled off site to an approved waste area.