Forest Service Supplemental Specifications (FSSS) BRF Selway Suspension Bridge Reconstruction

Table of Contents

Forest Service Supplemental Specifications (FSSS) BRF Selway Suspension Bridge Reconstruction

Preface

Preface_wo_12_27_2022

Delete all but the first paragraph and add the following:

The Forest Service, US Department of Agriculture has adopted FP-14 for construction of National Forest System Roads.

101 - Terms¸ Format¸ and Definitions

Add the following paragraph to Subsection 101.01:

101.01 Meaning of Terms.

101.01_National_12_27_2022

Delete all references to the TAR (Transportation Acquisition Regulations) in the specifications.

Add the following to Subsection 101.03:

101.03 Abbreviations.

(a) Acronyms.

AGAR — Agriculture Acquisition Regulations AFPA — American Forest and Paper Association FSAR — Forest Service Acquisition Regulations MSHA — Mine Safety and Health Administration NESC — National Electrical Safety Code WCLIB — West Coast Lumber Inspection Bureau

(f) Miscellaneous unit abbreviations.

Make the following changes to Subsection 101.04:

101.03_National_12_27_2022

101.04_National_12_27_2022

101.04 Definitions.

Delete these definitions and replace the following:

Bid Schedule — The Schedule of Items.

Bridge — A structure, including supports, erected over a depression or an obstruction such as water along a road, a trail, or a railway and having a deck for carrying traffic or other loads.

Contractor — The individual or legal entity contracting with the Government for performance of prescribed work. In a timber sale contract, the contractor is the “Purchaser”.

Culvert — Any structure with a bottom, regardless of fill depth, depth of invert burial, or presence of horizontal driving surface, or any bottomless (natural channel) structure with footings that will not have wheel loads in direct contact with the top of the structure.

Drawings — (Public Works Contracts) Design sheets or fabrication, erection, or construction details submitted to the CO by the Contractor according to FAR Clause 52.236-21 Specifications and Drawings for Construction. Also refers to submissions and submittals.

Notice to Proceed — (Public Works Contracts) Written notice to the Contractor to begin the contract work.

Right-of-Way — A general term denoting (1) the privilege to pass over land in some particular line (including easement, lease, permit, or license to occupy, use, or traverse public or private lands), or (2) Real property necessary for the project, including roadway, buffer areas, access, and drainage areas.

Solicitation—(Public Works Contracts) The complete assembly of documents (whether attached or incorporated by reference) furnished to prospective bidders.

Add the following definitions:

Adjustment in Contract Price — “Equitable adjustment,” as used in the Federal Acquisition Regulations, or “construction cost adjustment,” as used in the Timber Sale Contract, as applicable.

Change — “Change” means “change order” as used in the Federal Acquisition Regulations, or “design change” as used in the Timber Sale Contract.

Forest Service — The United States of America, acting through the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Neat Line — A line defining the proposed or specified limits of an excavation or structure.

Pioneer Road — Temporary construction access built along the route of the project.

Purchaser — The individual, partnership, joint venture, or corporation contracting with the Government under the terms of a Timber Sale Contract and acting independently or through agents, employees, or subcontractors.

Protected Streamcourse — A drainage shown on the plans or timber sale area map that requires designated mitigation measures.

Road Order — An order affecting and controlling traffic on roads under Forest Service jurisdiction. Road Orders are issued by a designated Forest Officer under the authorities of 36 CFR, part 260.

Shop Drawings — (Timber and Stewardship Contracts) Referred to as “Drawings” in FP-14, include drawings, diagrams, layouts, schematics, descriptive literature, illustrations, lists or tables, performance and test data, and similar materials furnished by Purchaser to explain in detail specific portions of the work required by the contract.

Utilization Standards — The minimum size and percent soundness of trees described in Public Works contract specifications or Timber Sale and IRTC contract provisions to determine merchantable timber.

Add Figure 101-1—Illustration of road structure terms:

Figure 101-1—Illustration of road structure terms.

102 - Bid¸ Award¸ and Execution of Contract 102.00_National_12_27_2022

Delete Section 102 in its entirety.

Delete Section 102.

103 - Scope of Work

Delete all of Section 103 except Subsection 103.01 Intent of Contract.

Delete Subsections 103.02, 103.03, 103.04, 103.05.

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104 - Control of Work

Delete Subsections 104.01, 104.02, and 104.04.

Delete Subsections 104.01, 104.02, 104.04.

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105 - Control of Material

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105.05 Use of Material Found in the Work.

Delete 105.05 (a) and (b) and the last sentence of the second paragraph and substitute the following:

Materials produced or processed from Government lands in excess of the quantities required for performance of this contract are the property of the Government. Place excess material safely at government-approved location, at no additional cost to government.

106 - Acceptance of Work

Delete Subsection 106.01 and replace with the following:

106.01 Conformity with Contract Requirements.

Follow the requirements of FAR Clause 52.246-12 Inspection of Construction.

106.01 _National_12_27_2022

References to standard test methods of AASHTO, ASTM, GSA, and other recognized standard authorities refer to the methods in effect on the date of solicitation for bids.

Perform all work to the lines, grades, cross-sections, dimensions, and processes or material requirements shown on the plans or specified in the contract.

Incorporate manufactured materials into the work according to the manufacturer’s recommendations or to these specifications, whichever is more strict.

Plan dimensions and contract specification values are the values to be strived for and complied with as the design values from which any deviations are allowed. Perform work and provide material that is uniform in character and reasonably close to the prescribed value or within the specified tolerance range. The purpose of a tolerance range is to accommodate occasional minor variations from the median zone that are unavoidable for practical reasons.

When standard manufactured items are specified (such as fence, wire, plates, rolled shapes, pipe conduits, etc., that are identified by gauge, unit mass, section dimensions, etc.), the identification will be considered to be nominal masses or dimensions. Unless specific contract tolerances are noted, established manufacturing tolerances will be accepted.

The Government may inspect, sample, or test all work at any time before final acceptance of the project. When the Government tests work, copies of test reports are furnished to the Contractor upon request. Government tests may or may not be performed at the work site. If Contractor testing and inspection is verified by the Government, the Contractor’s results may be used by the Government to evaluate work for acceptance. Do not rely on the availability of Government test results for process control.

Acceptable work conforming to the contract will be paid for at the contract unit bid price. Four methods of determining conformity and accepting work are described in Subsections 106.02 to 106.05 inclusive. The primary method of acceptance is specified in each Section of work. However, work may be rejected at any time it is found by any of the methods not to comply with the contract.

Remove, repair, or replace work that does not conform to the contract, or to prevailing industry standards where no specific contract requirements are noted. Removing, repairing, or replacing work; providing temporary traffic control; and any other related work to accomplish conformity will be at no cost to the Government.

(a) Disputing Government test results. If the accuracy of Government test results is disputed, promptly inform the CO. If the dispute is unresolved after reasonable steps are taken to resolve the dispute, further evaluation may be obtained by written request. Include a narrative describing the dispute and a proposed resolution protocol that addresses the following:

1. Sampling method;

2. Number of samples;

3. Sample transport;

4. Test procedures;

5. Testing laboratories;

6. Reporting;

7. Estimated time and costs; and

8. Validation process.

If the evaluation requires additional sampling or testing be performed, mutually agree with the Government on witnessing procedures and on sampling and testing by a third party laboratory. Use a third party laboratory accredited by the AASHTO accreditation program. Provide proof of the laboratory’s accreditation for the test procedures to be used. Do not use the same laboratory that produced the disputed Government test results or that produced the test results used as a basis for the dispute.

The CO will review the proposed resolution protocol and may modify it before final approval and execution.

The Government will use the approved resolution protocol test results to determine the validity of the disputed testing. If the Government test results are validated, the Contractor will be responsible for all costs associated with developing and performing the resolution protocol. If the Government test results are not validated, the Government will be responsible for all costs associated with developing and performing the resolution protocol. If the validity of the Government test results cannot be determined, the Contractor and Government will equally share all costs associated with developing and carrying out the resolution protocol.

(b) Alternatives to removing and replacing non-conforming work. As an alternative to removal and replacement, the Contractor may submit a written request to:

1. Have the work accepted at a reduced price; or

2. Be given permission to perform corrective measures to bring the work into conformity.

The request must contain supporting rationale and documentation. Include references or data justifying the proposal based on an evaluation of test results, effect on service life, value of material or work, quality, aesthetics, and other tangible engineering basis. The CO will determine disposition of the nonconforming work.

106.02 _National_12_27_2022

Delete Subsection 106.02 and replace with the following:

106.02 Visual Inspection.

Acceptance is based on visual inspection of the work for compliance with the specific contract requirements. Use prevailing industry standards in the absence of specific contract requirements or tolerances.

107 - Legal Relations and Responsibility to the Public 107.05_National_12_27_2022 Delete Subsection 107.05.

Delete Subsection 107.05.

108 - Prosecution and Progress

Delete Section 108 in its entirety.

Delete Section 108.

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109 - Measurement and Payment

Delete Subsections 109.06, 109.07, 109.08, and 109.09:

Delete Subsections 109.06, 109.07, 109.08, 109.09.

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109.01 _National_12_27_2022 Delete the third paragraph and Table 109-1 of Subsection 109.01 and replace with the following:

109.01 Measurement of Work.

Take measurements as described in Subsection 109.02 unless otherwise modified by the Measurement Subsection of the section controlling the work being performed. Table 109-1 indicates the accuracy required for quantities of the various pay units used in the Schedule of Items. Use this guide to determine the decimal placement in the final payment.

Table 109-1 Decimal Accuracy of Quantities for Final Payment

109.02 _National_12_27_2022 Add the following sentence to Subsection 109.02(b):

109.02 Measurement Terms and Definitions.

(b) Contract quantity.

Contract quantities will be adjusted only when there are errors in the original design of 15% or more.

153 - Contractor Quality Control

Delete Subsection 153.02 and replace with the following:

153.02 Qualifications.

Submit the following for approval with the quality control plan:

153.02_National_12_27_2022

(a) Quality control manager (QCM). Furnish a QCM who has at least 2 years’ experience in construction, inspector, quality control and material testing on construction projects of similar type and scope.

(b) Testers. Provide testers with at least one year experience in the type of sampling and testing required, and with one of the following for the type of sampling and testing performed:

(1) NICET Level II certification in highway material or equivalent state or industry certification;

(2) Certification by a regional certification program (such as Western Alliance for Quality Transportation Construction (WAQTC), Northeast Transportation Technician Certification Program (NETTCP), Southeast Task Force for Technician Training and Qualification (STFTTQ), or Multi Regional Training and Certification (M-TRAC)); or

(3) At least one year employment by an AASHTO accredited laboratory performing equivalent sampling and testing.

153.03_National_12_27_2022 Add the following paragraph to the end of Subsection 153.03(b):

153.03 Quality Control Plan.

(b) Quality Control Procedures.

Submit written proposals for approval of alternate AASHTO or State approved test methods. Alternate methods may be allowed based on documented equivalence to the specified method.

155 - Schedules for Construction Contracts 155.00_National_12_27_2022 Delete Section 155 in its entirety.

Delete Section 155.

201 - Clearing and Grubbing

201.06_National_12_27_2022 Delete the first sentence of Subsection 201.06 and replace the following:

201.06 Disposal.

Merchantable timber is Government property.

203 - Removal of Structures and Obstructions 203.05_National_12_27_2022 Add the following to Subsection 203.05:

203.05 Disposing of Material.

(e) Windrowing Construction Slash. Place construction slash outside the roadway in neat, compacted windrows approximately parallel to and along the toe line of embankment slopes. Do not permit the top of the windrows to extend above subgrade. Use construction equipment to matt down all material in a windrow to form a compact and uniform pile. Construct breaks of at least 15 feet at least every 200 feet in a windrow. Do not place windrows against trees.

(f) Scattering. Scatter construction slash in designated areas without damaging trees. Limb all logs. Place logs and stumps away from trees, positioned so they will not roll, and are not on top of one another. Limb and scatter other construction slash to reduce slash concentrations. When scattering for erosion control, place construction slash as flat as practicable on the completed slope.

(g) Chipping. Use an approved chipping machine to chip slash longer than 3 feet. Deposit chips on embankment slopes or outside the roadway to a loose depth less than 6 inches. Minor amounts of chips or ground woody material may be permitted within the roadway if they are thoroughly mixed with soil and do not form a layer.

(h) Debris Mat. Use tree limbs, tops, cull logs, split stumps, wood chunks, and other debris to form a mat upon which construction equipment is operated. Place stumps upside down and blend stumps into the mat.

(i) Decking. Remove brush from designated log deck areas. Limb and top logs.

Logs not meeting the Utilization Standards described in Subsection 201.04(c) shall be cut to lengths less than <number> feet and decked in designated log deck location.

Merchantable timber not associated with an existing timber sale shall be cut to length meeting the Utilization Standards described in Subsection 201.04(c).

Deck logs so that logs are piled parallel to one another; can be removed by standard log loading equipment; will not damage standing trees; will not interfere with drainage, and will not roll. Keep logs in log decks free of brush and soil.

(j) Removal to designated locations. Remove construction slash to designated locations.

(k) Piling. Pile construction slash in designated areas. Place and construct piles so that if the piles are burned, the burning will not damage remaining trees. Keep piles free of dirt from stumps.

Add Section 570 with the following.

570 - Trail Bridge Maintenance Description

570.01 This work shall consist of fabricating, furnishing, and installing timber members and hardware on an existing trail bridge.

Material

570.02 All material used shall conform to the requirements listed below, within the applicable Standard Specifications, Standard Plans, applicable FSSS, and contractor drawings, specification and instructions.

Untreated Structural Timber and Lumber 716.01 Hardware 716.02

570.03 Bridge Materials. All timber materials shall be new. Dispose of existing materials according to Section 203.

Wood:

At the time of delivery to the site, all wood shall be dry to the touch.

Hardware and Incidental Materials:

Timber bolted connections shall have their threads burred to prevent loosening after final tightening.

The Contractor shall furnish 25 percent more hardware to ensure an adequate supply in the case of discrepancies/damage. All hardware shall be in sealed containers for shipping and storage.

570.04 Submittals. The Contractor shall furnish, for approval by the CO, the submittals outlined in SECTION C as well as any additional submittals determined necessary by the contractor.

Notify the CO at least 14 days before delivering the planks and hardware.

Construction work may commence after all submittals have been approved by the Contracting Officer, including approval of any shop drawings, etc. required under Specifications and Drawings for Construction (FAR 52.236-21 Apr 1984).

Construction Requirements

570.05 General. Contractor shall ensure all steel bridge components remain undamaged from the removal and replacement of planks and hardware.

570.06 Timber. Plank fasteners (construction lag screws) shall be installed according to the plans, at an average spacing of every 24 inches, staggered on opposite sides, with 3 fasteners at the end of each board. The maximum spacing between running planks shall be no more than 1/4 of an inch.

Timber bolt holes shall be 1/16” larger than the diameter of the bolt.

570.07 Special Construction Requirements. Construction Access & Protection - The Contractor is responsible for securing the project area from the public. Include drop protection of tools and hardware to accommodate traffic under the bridge. This includes providing the necessary security for protection of the Contactors' materials, equipment, tools and work until final acceptance by the Government, including providing sufficient signs, barriers, barricades, markers, etc. to warn and protect the public from injury and as described below.

(a) Trail

(b) Waterway Any routes or areas used during construction that are disturbed shall be rehabilitated by restoring to the natural contour, scarifying compacted areas, and seeding according to FP-14 Section 625 - Turf.

570.08 Performance. Furnish all tools, devices, special equipment, and material needed for installation in well-marked watertight containers suitable for long-term, outdoor storage.

570.09 Acceptance. Fabrication, supply and installation of the running planks and hardware will be evaluated under Subsections 106.02, 106.03, and 106.04.

Measurement

570.10 The accepted quantities will be paid at the contract price per unit of measurement for the section 570 pay items listed in the bid schedule. Payment will be full compensation for the work prescribed in this Section. See Subsection 109.05.

Payment

570.11 The accepted quantities will be paid for at the contract unit price for each pay item in the schedule of items.

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