F15PS00158.docx

Q&A Solicitation #F15PS00158

1) The contract states that once the notice to proceed is given, the contractor will be required to begin work within 10 days of that notice and that the work shall be completed within 120 days. Can you provide some clarification on how the date will be chosen for the notice to proceed? Will the contractor be able to work with you to determine the best start date for both parties? Also, Is there any flexibility within the 120 days completion time frame? We are concerned about the time frame for delivery of specialized materials within the allotted period of time.

The site where the work will be performed is in seasonally wet areas. To limit site disturbance it would be best for the work to be performed in late summer/early fall. I would suggest no earlier than July 15 to initiate work. This would be advantageous to the contractor also due to the biting insects which are at their peak in spring and early summer. Hopefully the delayed start time would give them enough time to get any specialized materials.

2) Many of these projects required permitting, some of which the client has provided and some of which contractors have provided. Will there be any permitting requirements for this project, such as wetland permitting and or building permits? If needed, will such permits be provided by you (the agency) or will permitting be the responsibility of the contractor? We are aware that permitting can take time and want to know, if needed, whether or not the permitting would be included with the 120 day period.

John Wilson had been consulted earlier on in the project and signed off on the cultural resource review which was approved as long as the supporting posts are driven and not dug. The project will occur in the footprint of the existing structure so I don't think any permitting will be required. The town of Milford should be notified prior to construction as a courtesy.

3) The contract says that the steel post for the boardwalk supports shall be driven 4 feet below existing grade and be of sufficient length to accommodate all loads and existing soil and ground conditions. One of the challenges of proving accurate cost estimates for determining the length at which to drive the galvanized steel post into the ground is not knowing at what depth you will meet the requirements set forth in the performance work statement. Assuming that the posts can be driven 4 feet below existing grade plus a little, say 2 feet for a total of 6 feet below existing grade and taking into consideration the height above grade for the elevated boardwalk, one could assume that the steel post could be purchased in 10 foot lengths. How do you foresee addressing the changes in costs for any posts that will need to be longer than say the 10 foot length?

The steel supporting posts were specified to be of sufficient length to be driven 4 feet below grade to lessen the effect of frost heaving. The substrate will vary as to the depth posts can be driven if they encounter ledge or rock. There is no way to know in advance how often this may be a problem.

NOTE: Also note that as of June 1 the management of Sunkhaze Meadows will fall under Moosehorn NWR. We will still assist Moosehorn as necessary to complete this project oversight.