Q A.pdf

# General Technical Question Answer

1 X

We would like to know if there is any stone work in this project‐ If so we may be interested in bidding on it. Could you please let me know if there is any stone work, we would really appreciate it.

The plans and specifications for the above mentioned project are available via the FBO website at the following location.

https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=5a7878187ddd fbac873186220066827e&tab=core&_cview=1

It would be in your companies best interest to register with FBO to be added to the interested vendors list so any amendments or changes to the contract while out on solicitation prior to bid opening your company would be made aware of.

2 X

Regarding the specification section 253 – Gabions & Revet Mattresses, it is stated that the gabions should match the existing gabions constructed at the ODOT HCRH State Trail: JB Yeon – Moffett Creek Sec. The supplied the existing gabions at the referenced ODOT project in 2012 were nongalvanized wire to the installation contractor. The bid item notes these as galvanized and the spec states that a weathering agent should be applied to the steel, but this will not match the existing gabions.

The intent of the specification requiring gabions to match those installed on the ODOT project was for the size and placement of the rock within the gabion to match the referred baskets. The gabion and revet mattress material needs to remain galvanized and treated per the specification. See Amendment A002.

3 X

Regarding the specification sections 255 – MSE Walls, 563 – Painting, and 725.20 – Weathering agent, it is stated that a weathering agent must be applied prior to delivery. The MSE Walls at the existing above‐referenced ODOT project, were provided non‐galvanized wire that was not stained prior to delivery. It seems the staining is required for this project just to achieve the same aesthetic look as non‐galvanized wire.

Galvanized wire is being specified to improve the products life and resistance to corrosion. The weathering treatment is specified to provide a coloring of the product that is consistent with NSA permits requirements.

There is no intent to “achieve the same aesthetic look as non‐galvanized wire.

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PROJECT NUMBER: OR PFH 163(19)

PROJECT NAME: Historic Columbia River Highway Lindsey Creek to Starvation Creek Trailhead

4 X Can we quote an option the meets the required service life for the MSE walls, with the same system with a non‐galvanized finish as was previously utilized?

This would need to be submitted as a value engineering proposal after execution of the contract.

5 X

Furthermore, regarding the specification sections noted above, the requirement for a weathering agent to be applied prior to delivery would be much more costly and time consuming than applying the weathering agent in the field, after installation. In the past, when a staining has been required to be applied to one of our walls, it has been done in the field after installation. Field application to the exposed materials would achieve the same look as a shop application to all materials. The specification also requires staining touch ups in the field, so a field application is still required in addition to a shop application.

Although the spec says an “equal” product can be submitted, it still appears to be sole‐sourced for Natina®. Permeon™ by Soil‐Tech only provides field applications, which is the method that has been used for our walls for the past 20+ years. We do not know of any other product/company that can do a shop application and still meet the required characteristics. Natina’s only location is now in Casa Grande, AZ, which will result in considerable freight cost and additional time for materials delivery.

If the chosen contractor is required to install a galvanized product, can the stain be field applied (as has been done in the past), to allow for competitive bidding of the weathering agent?

No, WFLHD has experienced problems on previous projects with the weathering agent applied in the field. The weathering agent is to be applied per the specification.