Attachment 1 Industry Questions.docx

Government Questions to Industry

The following questions are intended to assist in the design and acquisition for the subject project. The Government is looking for both positive and negative feedback on the questions below.

1. Limestone is the predominant rock type encountered, with shale typically present as layers/seams embedded within the limestone layer varying in thickness generally between 3 inches and 2 feet. The bedrock typically consists of medium to moderately hard, slightly weathered to moderately weathered, light gray LIMESTONE with interbedded shale seams ranging 1/2-inch to 3-inch thick, spacing ranging from 1 inch to 12 inches. The limestone occasionally contained thicker layers of very soft to soft, moderately weathered to completely weathered, dark gray SHALE, typically concentrated near the existing river channels and the 1012 Main Street building (east side of Main Street. The presence of these shale layers is a critical factor in the rock removal. Based on the 95% contract documents, a total of 165,200 cubic yards (CY) of rock are anticipated to be removed by a combination of non-blasting (mechanical removal) and blasting during the FWCC North Bypass Channel Interior project. Please provide an estimated removal productivity for the two methods and a notional summary of processes or possible means and methods with respect daily production and schedule/timing.

2. Rock removal within the vicinity of the Main Street Bridge will require the temporary closure of Main Street for the period immediately preceding the blast (pre-blast) and following the blast (post-blast) until the bridge can be inspected by TxDOT and cleared by TxDOT staff. The inspection will consist of visual inspection of the bridge superstructure and piers founded on drilled shafts and the bridge abutment MSE walls founded on shallow foundations. To understand amount of time the roadway will need to be closed, please advise on how long you estimate it will take to close the road, clear the site pre-blast, clear the site post-blast, and reopen the roadway. TxDOT and the City of Fort Worth will determine the time for the actual inspection of the bridge. Do you have any recommendations on work sequencing based upon creating work zones for blasting (i.e., area requiring main street closure vs. areas outside) to improve productivity?

3. The project has very specific soil profiles that are to be installed to facilitate and improve the life expectancy of plantings that are to be installed in future landscape-only contracts. A portion of the soil improvements are being executed in the initial contract to minimize future land disturbance and damage to existing work. The improvements are shown and depicted in LM series sheets and Section 32 91 13 Landscape Soils. Are there any concerns with how the soil amendments are articulated?

4. Given the size of the project and weather conditions in this area, how would you irrigate the grasses to achieve successful establishment (i.e., irrigation system, water trucks, other, etc.)?

5. Is there any Feedback on the CLIN structure and options listed in the CLIN Schedule? Are there any major concerns as listed?

6. What are the pros and cons of allowing the offeror to fill in the unit priced quantities for ripping and blasting CLIN items? Is it biddable? Do you have other recommendations on defining measurement and payments on these CLIN items?

7. If the Government were to allow extended work hours or an additional shift, how much schedule savings stated in a percentage would you anticipate? What definable features of work would you be performing in the 2nd shift?

8. The Government is contemplating a Bifurcated solicitation approach to provide more time to develop the price proposal and minimize the amount of time the price needs to be held. Are there any concerns about this approach?

9. What are the biggest risk factors that affect pricing? Do you have any recommendations to help manage contractor risk and allow for risk sharing between parties?

10. Do you have any other comments about these features or recommendations on things to consider?