Amend 000002_Mooring Dolphins Q As_9-20-11.docx

RFQ NO.- DTMA-92-Q-2011-0087 AMENDMENT 000002

DRIVE PILING CLUSTERS (DOLPHINS) JRRF BOAT BASIN

RESPONSE TO QUESTIONS:

1. Question: The quote sheet only has one line item which is drive 4 each dolphins. Referencing document entitled “Cluster Pilings SOW”, under general, it states “the Contractor’s rates will be based upon cost per complete mooring dolphin, with the option to order up to four dolphins in the JRRF basin.” Since the quantity of dolphins to be installed is not fixed, is it possible to revise the quote sheet to have mobilization as one line item and install 4 each dolphins as another line item. This is needed due to the fact that if the government orders only 1 dolphin, the contractor will only be able to recoup ¼ of their mobilization costs even though it costs the same to mobilize for 4 dolphins vs 1 dolphin.

Answer: See Revised Quote Sheet

1. Referencing document entitled “Cluster Pilings SOW”, under permits, it states that the contractor will be responsible for obtaining any permits. Please define which permits the contractor is responsible for obtaining. In our experience with Virginia Marine Resource Commission (VMRC) permitting which is required for construction in waterways, the process for approval takes 60-90 days. Based on the schedule, it would be difficult to obtain the permits and still meet the November 18, 2011 deadline.

Answer: The Contractor is the expert on current permits that are required, the start and completion date, period of performance, will be flexible to accommodate permit delays. Delivery time will be established as 90 days out, subject to permit approval.

1. Question: If possible, can you please provide the approximate location and depth of water at each location.

Answer: All Clusters will be within the small boat basin-see attached overhead view with approximate locations. All water depths are less than 12 feet, but more than 4 feet.

1. Question: Who is responsible for providing / verifying the location where each dolphin will be positioned in the water. Dolphins installed in open water will need to be surveyed in if they need to be part of a mooring line.

Answer: The Tug Master Supervisor will approve the final position, but being in the boat basin visual reference to other fixed objects will aid in placing them.

1. Question: Referencing document entitled “Cluster Pilings SOW”, under protection of piles, it states that swinging leads will not be permitted. In our experience, timber piles for dolphins are usually driven with swinging leads. Fixed leads, which are leads attached to the boom tip, are utilized primarily for land based pile driving. Can you please clarify.

Answer: The reference to swinging leads was copied from an old SOW that was developed by an engineering firm. If practice does not allow this, then swinging leads may be authorized with prior approval.

1. Question: Referencing document entitled “Amendment 1”, it states that rubbing panels must be secured to the pile with 5/8” thru bolts. Please clarify if the thru bolt is to be drilled thru the entire dolphin or only the pile that the UHMW panel is attached too. Also, due to the three sided configuration of the UHMW panel and the natural taper / variation in diameter of timber piles, the UHMW panel will likely need to be three separate pieces in order to ensure consistent bearing of the UHMW on the pile. If this is the case, that will mean that each piece of the UHMW panel will need to be secured every 12”, thus resulting in approximately 30 holes to be drilled in each pile with UHMW. Will the owner entertain utilizing lag bolts in lieu of thru bolts.

Answer: The attached photos may aid in seeing how the current pilings are constructed. The SOW was developed by an engineering firm and are presumably the way the existing one shown was built.

1. Question: Thickness of the plastic on the piles—

Answer: Minimum thickness of the UHMW should be 1 ¼”