Response_to_Questions.pdf

Question & Answers for Solicitation AG-SPEC-17-0060

EWP – Streambank Stabilization – Lower Porter Sites 2 & 3

Clay County, West Virginia

1. Q: When are the quotes due and to whom should the quotes be submitted?

A: The quotes are due Monday, October 23, 2017 by 11:00 AM. Quotes shall be submitted by email to Laureen M. Eipp, Contracting Officer, by email to laureen.eipp@wdc.usda.gov; by fax to (855) 477-8518; or by mail to USDA-NRCS, 441 S. Salina Street, Suite 354, Room 520, Syracuse, NY 13202.

2. Q: Is a bid bond required?

A: No

3. Q: Can the equipment go into the water?

A: The equipment can operate in the water, but it should only be when necessary.

4. Q: Is there a designated waste area for Sites 2 & 3?

A: Excess material in the stream and material from the required excavation will be used to backfill the gabion baskets and to reshape the banks within the work area.

If there is still excess material left after the work has been completed, then it will have to be hauled off to an approved work area.

5. Q: Does the large boulder located within the work area on Site 2 need to be removed?

A: The boulder does not need to be removed. The gabion baskets will be tied into the boulder. This may require cutting the baskets.

6. Q: How is the site to be accessed?

A: Construction limits and access are as shown on the drawings. The sites may be accessed other than shown, providing the contractor has received permission in writing. The written agreement should include all agreements made by both parties.

All access roads and staging areas shall be restored to pre-construction conditions or better. This includes gravel, asphalt and concrete driveways.

7. Q: Are there any utilities located within the work area?

A: The Contractor will have to confirm the location of any utilities. A confirmation number from Miss Utility is prior to the start of work.

8. Q: Is a sub-channel required to be constructed if the stream bottom is bedrock?

A: A sub-channel will not be required if the stream bottom is bedrock.

9. Q: Will Contractor be required to come back and seed after December 1? Will money be retained until the seeding and mulching is completed?

A: All seeding and mulching will be done prior to the Contractor demobilizing from the site.

mailto:laureen.eipp@wdc.usda.gov

10. Q: Is there much hand labor required when filling the gabions with rock?

A: All of the voids in the baskets will have to be filled before installing another lift of rock. This requires moving the rock around by hand to fill the voids. Voids typically form around the selvedge wires, the corners and the support wires. The front of the baskets are also expected to be faced. This involves turning the flat side of the rock out to make a smoother, more appealing surface.

11. Q: Will rebar anchoring be required?

A: Bid Item 3-A, Foundation Preparation on Shallow Bedrock (Rebar Anchoring) and Bid Item 3-B, Riprap Foundation Protection may or may not be installed. The NRCS Engineer will determine if Bid Item 3-A or Bid Item 3-B or a combination of both, will need to be installed. Contractors should bid these items accordingly. Any unbalance bids will be rejected.