Amendment_001_FW-NLS_10(1).pdf

Amendment No. 001

Info Page 1 of 1

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION

EASTERN FEDERAL LANDS HIGHWAY DIVISION

Project FW-NLS 10(1)

Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge Pacific Street (Route 10)

Solicitation: DTFH71-14-B-00003

The purpose of this Amendment is to:

1) Revise the Plans to clarify the requirements for the guardrail hardware for the bridges.

2) Provide a summary of responses to questions/clarifications asked by potential bidders.

The Bid Opening date remains December 31, 2013 at 2:00 pm EST.

Plan Sheet changes

Delete Plan Sheets R16, R21 and R27, and substitute the amended Plan Sheets R16, R21 and R27.

a) Sheet R16 (North Bridge Over Unnamed Stream - Rail Details - 1) updated to revise Note 7.

b) Sheet R21 (South Bridge Over Walnut Creek - General Notes and Index) updated to revise hardware note.

c) Sheet R27 (South Bridge Over Walnut Creek - Rail Details - 1) updated to revise Note 7.

Bidders Questions Page 1 of 2

Questions / Clarifications

The following questions and issues were submitted via email at eflhd.contracts@dot.gov. The Government response or clarification is provided. Due to the repetitive nature of several questions and issues, the wording of the questions may have been revised and some questions have not been included. The Government’s direct response to the sender may also have been updated below for better clarity.

1. Plans indicate Class 4 and 5 rip rap which are 2880 lbs. and 5000 lbs. respectively. This seems rather excessive; please consider using Class E rip rap.

The local quarries have indicated that they will not produce this type of rip rap. How are we to bid a project where the bid item material doesn’t exist?

Response: The current plans and specifications for the riprap will not be changed. Any proposed changes will not be considered during advertisement - any change of this order can be submitted to the CO for review after contract award.

We’ve investigated this issue and have determined that riprap meeting the requirements should be available, if not at local quarries then elsewhere in the region.

2. We are looking at the above project and have a question relating to the Aggregate Base. The plans call for Grading C or D. Can “Crushed recycled concrete” be used? Crushed concrete meets the gradation specified in table 703-2 and meets the IDOT spec for special backfill. Please advise.

The current plans and specifications for the aggregate base will not be changed. Any proposed changes will not be considered during advertisement - any change of this order can be submitted to the CO for review after contract award.

3. Our supplier doesn’t have local aggregates that meet the specification please advise. The similar product would be Iowa DOT Modified Subbase Gradation No.14. Is this acceptable?

Response: According to Subsection 301.03 of the SCR’s, the Contractor has the option to submit a state approved gradation for the aggregate base as long as it meets the other requirements specified in Subsections 703.05(a) and (b). The Contractor will need to submit their proposed aggregate mix design for approval during construction. The Government will not evaluate mix designs during the advertisement of the project.

mailto:eflhd.contracts@dot.gov

Bidders Questions Page 2 of 2

4. Please clarify the following:

South Bridge Plan sheet 1 of 8 - General Notes: Materials: Hardware: states hardware to be A307 galvanized.

Plan sheet 7 of 8 – Notes: #7, states fastener hardware to be weathering.

Is the “Steel Backed Rail” hardware the weathering and all other timber connections (post to curb/deck, curb to deck) galvanized?

North Bridge Same question as South bridge

Response: The intent on both bridges is to use galvanized steel hardware for the connections for guardrail post to curb/deck, and curb to deck. Weathering steel will be used for steel backed timber guardrail plates, and for rail to post connections. Revised plans have been included to clarify the requirements in Amendment 1.

5. Is there a CAD file available for calculating purposes?

Response: The FHWA-EFLHD does not provide CAD files during advertisement of the project. The information provided in the solicitation package should be adequate to bid the project. The Contractor can discuss obtaining CAD files with the CO after contract award.

6. Has the roadway excavation and the embankment construction taken into account the shrink factor of the material?

Response: The roadway excavation and embankment construction quantities shown in the plans are in-place volumes. These volumes have not been adjusted for shrink or swell. The Contractor is responsible for assessing the soil conditions and making their own estimate of shrink/swell adjustments.

7. On sheet C03 Earthwork Summary Schedule A - Item Roadway Excavation and Embankment Construction. Is roadway excavation the cut and the Embankment construction is the fill.

Which essentially gives you 750 CY of borrow. Or is the roadway excavation the cut and fill and the embankment construction is the borrow?

Response: Roadway excavation and embankment construction are defined in the Section 204 of the specifications. No further information will be provided.