RFI1lewUtilityFINALapril10POST.pdf

Request For Information (RFI) 1

IFB LEW-0011

Utility Replacement Project USP Lewisburg

1. Can the contractor dispose of clean fill from the excess trench spoils somewhere at the USP Lewisburg facility, possibly by stripping topsoil from an area, grading dirt, then replace topsoil, seed and mulch? Or does the excess spoils have to be completely removed from the site.

ANSWER: There will be a designated area for CLEAN FILL to be placed on the agency property. The site will be determined and shown to the selected bidder. Please note all foreign material will be hauled off the agency grounds.

2. If the existing mantrap near tower 2 & 3 is in the contract to be relined, do you have any idea what the size of the structure is? According to a relining sub, it is critical to know what the approx. size is. If the mantrap is not part of this contract (as per my previous RFI question), please disregard this RFI.

ANSWER: Relining of pipe only pertains to the series of pipes running through the security wall.

This will take place in the future and shall be omitted from this scope of work.

3. Contract drawings do not show area and details of existing concrete driveway, concrete sidewalk and curb, asphalt pavement. These area we need to know for restoration purposes as restoration will be a major work.

ANSWER: The plan views on the profile drawings show basic (not detailed) information that should assist in the bidding process. All surface restoration will be replaced in kind to existing conditions.

4. Are we removing any existing pipe or utility structure? If yes then we need detail information of existing pipe or structure.

ANSWER: It is the intent that the existing lines will be abandoned in place. If it is required to connect an existing pipe, the agency requires the pipe to be plugged and capped in such a way as not to let infiltrating water enter the interiors of buildings.

5. We do not have proposed water main profile drawing like storm & sewer pipe profile drawing. In order to compute quantity of water main, can we scale? Does the proposed water main shown in drawing sheet # 4 are PVC?

ANSWER: Please refer to the scale on the dwg for approximate footage. The trench detail on drawing sheet 30 gives the approximate depth of water lines, no profile required. The water main on drawing sheet #4 is ductile iron per specification section 2615.

6. Does the water main out side of wall as shown in drawing sheet # 4 are part of contract?

If yes, we do have to penetrate existing wall. Need to know thickness, kind of existing wall and restoration detail out side wall.

ANSWER: The 12" Waterline that crosses the yard will be addressed in this phase. The line will be replaced to a new valve and tied into the existing water line that will continue through the wall.

7. Drawing sheet # 4 shows valve to be inside tower. Do we have to core drill tower wall? If yes, need to know tower wall detail and connection detail inside tower.

ANSWER: The selected bidder shall run the water line into the base of the tower by core drilling.

The contractor is responsible to terminate with a new ball valve. The agency will hook the existing plumbing to the new valve.

8. Drawing sheet # 4 shows extend water main 660 LF to warden house and 550 LF to camp facility. We need to know restoration detail and connection details.

ANSWER: Please reference sheet #4 Revision 1. The Warden’s water connection shall be as shown and connected to existing water line approx 5 feet from the wall. The line to the camp will be addressed in a future phase.

9. Can we backfill existing fill from excavated? Specification 2225 page-3 says fill from excavation are not guaranteed in quality and quantity? We need bore detail for soil classification that will help estimate for us in excavation. For such a huge quantity of backfill, we would like you to resolve in to some definite solution about backfill to give you responsible price.

ANSWER: As long as compaction rate is achieved.

10. What size of connection and pipe are required for temporary water service to building while connecting to fire hydrant.

ANSWER: There are no fire hydrants called out in this phase.

11. Who is responsible for utility mark out? If contractor, then will as built drawing will be provided?

ANSWER: The contractor is responsible for utility mark out. The agency will work closely with the selected bidder in locations of existing utilities.

12. Drawing sheet # 5 note 2 says existing septic system 3 to 8 to be abandoned in place and filled with sand. We need drawing or detail information for existing septic system.

ANSWER: Septic systems are not a part of this solicitation and will be addressed in a later phase.

13. At what depth PVC force main to install and what kind of restoration required?

ANSWER: Force main is not a part of this solicitation and will be addressed in a later phase.

14. Need detail of new storm water drop inlet and new storm water catch basin and their inverts & rim elevation. Drawing sheet # 9 does not show any elevation.

ANSWER: See dwg 12.

15. Is there any new fire hydrant and new valve box in contract as shown in drawing sheet # 32 (detail)

ANSWER: Not on this phase of work.

16. Are we providing any reinforced concrete pipe or DI pipe as per specification # 2435 & 2615 attached in contract document?

ANSWER: The storm lines will be PVC. Therefore, spec section 2435 is not applicable. Spec section 2615 is applicable for the water main.

17. Drawing sheet # 5 to 12 shows PVC sanitary and PVC storm sewer pipe and in specification 1151 page 2 asking to provide unit pricing for DI water pipe and RCC storm drain pipe for any change in quantity. Please define specification # for each water, sewer and sanitary. Do we have to provide unit pricing as shown in specification 1151 page 2?

ANSWER: The agency wishes to use suitable PVC pipe for the storm and sanitary lines and the 12" water main will be ductile iron. Technical Specification 01151 was removed via Amendment 0001.

18. Do we have to do any clearing and grubbing as shown in specification # 2100? If yes where?

ANSWER: Not in this phase of work.

19. Do you anticipating any dewatering as shown in specification? If yes then please provide ground water level.

ANSWER: The agency is not anticipating any dewatering in this phase. However, if it is required the contractor must follow the specification.

20. Do you anticipating any rock removal in excavation as shown in specification # 2211? If yes, we need some detail info.

ANSWER: The agency is not aware of any rock beds within the work areas. If an abundant amount of rock is found, this would be a differing site condition, and the contractor would be required to immediately notify the Government, in writing, pursuant to the applicable clause. It is the contractor’s responsibility to investigate the site and conditions affecting the work. An organized site visit was conducted for this project.

21. Specification # 2730 and 2731 curd-in-place liner is part of contract? If yes what is our scope of work?

ANSWER: Relining of pipe only pertains to the series of pipes running through the security wall. This will take place in the future and shall be omitted from this scope of work.

22. As discussed in site walk-through meeting, can we keep open excavation trench open overnight if work dose not finished?

ANSWER: All open trenches must be plated or secured per OSHA standards

23. Is it possible to work 4-10 hr days instead of 5-8 hr days?

ANSWER: Yes. Amendment 0003 changes the work hours to 4-10 hour days.

24. At site visit, it was mentioned that contractor was not responsible for any penetrations or work outside prison wall except for force main. Drawings currently show several penetrations and a substantial amount of water/sanitary piping outside the walls. Will drawings be amended?

ANSWER: The 12" water main will be new up to the new valve and shall be tied into existing water main that continues through the wall. The new storm system located in the yard area will extend through the wall and terminate at a new manhole #10

25. Drawings also show connections into each of the towers. Is this connection to be made outside tower to existing pipe? Please provide detail.

ANSWER: The connection will terminate with a new ball valve inside the tower. The agency will hook existing water line up to the new valve.

26. Herewith, we are requesting for extending bid due date from April 15, 2008 to April 29, 2008.

ANSWER: The FBOP anticipates extending the bid opening. It is the contractor’s responsibility to monitor FEDBIZZOPPS for future amendments.

27. On plan sheet #30 Trench Detail Indicates Gravel Bedding, yet on page 4 of 7 in Spec Section 02225 Fill, Backfill, & Compaction, 2.6 Utility trench pipe bedding calls for natural sand to be used for bedding for plastic pipe. Please confirm which material is required.

ANSWER: Trench pipe bedding shall be limestone sand or crushed limestone in accordance to the pipe manufactures written recommendations.

28. At the pre bid, it was mentioned that the scope of work was limited to only inside the prison walls. Please confirm that in writing an in depth description of what is to be included and what is not included (examples force main, grinder pumps, water services to towers, 12" waterline connection, etc.) due to the fact that the drawings do not depict exact limits of work.

ANSWER: The force main and grinder pumps will be addressed in a later phase. Water lines to towers 5,6,7 & 8 have been replaced within the last 4 years and will not be needing replaced at this time, however, towers 1, 2, 3, and 4 (reference drawing sheet 4 revision 1) will be taken care of in this phase including valves in the base of each tower. The 12" Waterline that crosses the yard will be address in this phase. The line will be replaced to a new valve and tied into the existing water line that will continue through the wall. The new storm system located in the yard area will extend through the wall and terminate at a new manhole #10 outside the wall.

29. Note #19 Under General Notes on plan sheet #1 calls for all utilities that are called to be abandoned, must be properly cut and capped in place. Please clarify what the contractor is expected to remove or leave in place, and what method of plugging the pipes is acceptable to the owner.

ANSWER: If it is deemed that abandoned pipe cannot be removed, the agency requires the pipe to be plugged and capped in such a way as not to let infiltrating water enter the interiors of buildings.

30. It appears that the relining work includes existing MH #9 and the existing cast iron pipes connecting to the mantrap. Please confirm whether or not this is the full extent of the relining work, or the man trap relining is to be included.

ANSWER: Relining of pipe only pertains to the series of pipes running through the security wall. This will take place in the future and shall be omitted from this scope of work.

31. After reviewing the site, the existing concrete gutter is in pretty poor shape. Would FBOP accept a paved shoulder/gutter instead of trying to recreate a concrete gutter?

ANSWER: A paved shoulder/gutter will be fine. It will be left up to the selected bidder.

32. Are the service lines to the guard towers to be included in this proposal or are they part of the future contract?

ANSWER: They are part of this phase as shown. Please reference sheet 4 revision 1.

33. The drawing shows that the new water service lines enter the guard tower, however is the contractor allowed to tie into the existing service line outside of tower #2 to run the new services to the H- Block & J-Block?

ANSWER: Please reference sheet 4 revision 1.

34. On plan sheet #4 the 2" service line running between the industrial & recreation Buildings does not show that there is an existing service line in place now. Is that in fact the case, or is the existing service line, simply not shown on the plans?

ANSWER: There is an existing 2" line. Also, please not that the 4" water line between the Dental Lab and ‘I’ Block has been omitted from this scope of work please reference sheet #4 Rev 1.

35. If all work is only with in the prison walls, please indicate where the storm water goes, once it enters the new storm manhole # DMH19A.

ANSWER: After further review of the design it is going to be necessary to continue with the storm water line in reference to Manhole 19A and 19B and continue to the tie in at manhole 10 as shown on the plan.

36. Can the Bureau offer more detailed drawings regarding the existing site conditions (i.e., pavement, concrete walks, fences, walls, etc.) as restoration must be included in the lump sum price for the bid? As the drawings are shown, there is no way to tell the required backfill and restoration.

ANSWER: No. The agency requires that the affected areas be replaced in like condition.

37. Can multiple crews be placed inside the facility at the same time to work in different areas?

ANSWER: Due to the nature of the environment, the agency would prefer to keep all work in one general location at a time. If it is deemed necessary to work at multiple locations the agency would look at this as a case by case basis and make the final determination.

38. Work hours were stated at the pre-bid meeting as 6am-2pm. Is there adequate light inside the facility to work prior to sunrise, or should portable lights be figured into the bid?

ANSWER: After further review by the agency the work hours have been changed to a 4 day ten hour per day work week excluding all federal holidays. Work hours shall be Monday through Thursday 6:00 AM till 4:00 PM.

39. Would the Bureau consider bidding the project on a unit cost basis instead of the lump sum method that is proposed? This would be fairer to both the contractor and the government.

ANSWER: No.

40. Please clarify the width of the openings into the court yards where the limestone retaining walls are. Are there any other areas where access would limit the size of equipment employed by the contractor?

ANSWER: 107" from post to post.

41. Please provide the width of the opening at the back gate into the compound, ensuring all equipment (wide loads) will fit.

ANSWER: 168" from post to post

42. Is there a size limit to the "gang box" that will be permitted to be stored inside the facility? Will the use of a sea container be permitted?

ANSWER: The agency would have to approve the size of gang box permitted within the security walls. Appropriate locking will be necessary as discussed.

43. It was noted in the pre-bid meeting that excess fill may remain on prison property. Please verify this and indicate what requirements may need to be met for placement and the approximate location in regard to the facility.

ANSWER: There will be a designated area for CLEAN FILL to be placed on the agency property. The site will be determined and shown to the selected bidder. Please note all foreign material will be hauled off the agency grounds by the contractor. The contractor will follow all applicable laws, codes & regulations.

44. Are there any existing pipes that contain asbestos, and if so what special disposal requirements must be followed?

ANSWER: The agency is not aware of any pipes containing asbestos. If pipes are found to contain asbestos the agency will look into this as a case by case basis.

45. Who will be responsible for existing utility locations inside the compound?

ANSWER: The contractor is responsible for existing utility locations. The agency will work closely with the selected bidder in locations of existing utilities.

46. What is the normal wastewater flows of the facility?

ANSWER: Average daily flow for 2007 = 712,497 GPD

47. Section 01567 states that the contractor is responsible for submitting an erosion and sedimentation plan. Is this required, as this is normally the responsibility of the design professional?

ANSWER: It will up to the selected bidder to develop an erosion plan in reference to the provided details.

48. Excavation for the project is listed in section 02221 as "classified". The project is currently being bid as lump sum. Will additional payment through a change order be made for any rock excavation that is encountered?

ANSWER: No. The solicitation contains the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clause 52.236-2, Differing Site Conditions (APR 1984) and FAR clause 52.236-3, Site Investigation and Conditions Affecting the Work (APR 1984). These two clauses clearly address this question.

49. Section 02615 references ductile iron pipe shall be mechanical joint pipe. Is it acceptable to use push-on joint pipe?

ANSWER: The contractor should use the joint type specified in the section 2615.

50. Sheet 4 of drawings calls out valves being placed in the towers (typ.). Can you provide a detail for these connections or some more information regarding these connections?

ANSWER: The selected bidder shall run the water line into the base of the tower by core drilling.

The contractor is responsible to terminate with a new ball valve. The agency will hook the existing plumbing to the new valve please reference sheet #4 rev 1.

51. On Sheet 4 of the drawings, the (3)-4" sections of pipe and the (1)-2" section of waterline in the center of the compound are not clear as to what they connect to. Are they repairs to existing lines?

ANSWER: All lines are existing and will be replaced.

52. Are there any time restrictions as to when the water system can be shut down to make tie-ins to the existing lines? Will night work be required?

ANSWER: Selected Bidder shall give the agency 48 hours notice for any utility shutdowns.

53. On Sheet 4 of the drawings, the combined fire/domestic line references Sheet 14 of the plans. Sheet 14 does not exist in the plan set.

ANSWER: Sheet #14 refers back to sheet 4 for all inside work. It will not affect this phase of the project.

54. What size are the sanitary sewer service laterals that tie into the existing buildings/blocks? 6"?

ANSWER: The contractor shall match the existing lateral sizes of 6" & 8" (minimum diameter will be 6")

55. Would the Bureau consider pushing the bid date back to allow adequate time to bid this volume of work?

ANSWER: The FBOP anticipates extending the bid opening. It is the contractor’s responsibility to monitor FEDBIZZOPPS for future amendments.

56. I am bidding the USP Lewisburg project, and when I downloaded the plans for it, there are only sixteen of the thirty two. The sheets that are downloading are sheets 1-12, and 30,31, and 32. In the project description in the summary of work, it states three parts to the project, "Penitentiary", "Reservation", and "Exterior Areas". The sheets that are missing are sheets 13 - 29 which pertain to the "Reservation" and "Exterior Areas".

Please let me know if you can help me.

ANSWER: The provided dwgs are only related to this phase of the project.

57. In the manhole specs they call for manholes deeper than twelve feet to be one foot thick.

All the precast suppliers I have contacted say that this is very rare and do not have the capabilities to manufacture these. Can we use the standard five inch wall manhole, which has a PennDot H-25 rating for depths in excess of twenty feet? If you would like more information on the H-25 rating let me know, and I will have the pre-cast manufactures put something together for you.

ANSWER: The standard manhole is okay for use. The manufacturer must provide documentation that it meets the PennDOT H-25 rating for the appropriate depths.

58. In the areas where the new utilities cross the interior security fence, can we leave open while performing the work in that area, or will we have to provide a temporary fence to maintain the isolation for that particular area?

ANSWER: All open trenches must be properly secured per OSHA guidelines.

59. Will a ten (10) hour work day be allowed?

ANSWER: Yes. Amendment 0003 changes the work hours to 4-10 hour days.

60. What are the limits (areas) of the work to be performed under this contract? Is there any work under this contract outside of the walls?

ANSWER: The new storm system located in the yard area will extend through the wall and terminate at a new manhole #10

61. Where is the 12” waterline connection to be done and what are the connection details?

ANSWER: The 12" Waterline that crosses the yard will be addressed in this phase. The line will be replaced to a new valve and tied into the existing water line that will continue through the wall. Reference sheet 4 revision 1.

62. Will there be 100% stone backfill under the pavement?

ANSWER: The contractor shall follow the detail on drawing sheet 30 and specification section 2225.

63. Please clarify and specify all backfill requirements throughout the project.

ANSWER: The contractor shall follow the detail on drawing sheet 30 and specification section 2225.

64. Where and to what specification are the various types of surface restoration performed?

ANSWER: The plan views on the profile drawings show basic (not detailed) information that should assist in the bidding process. All surface restoration will be replaced in kind to existing conditions.

65. Will the existing underground utilities, conduits etc. be marked prior to excavation and to what accuracy? Will payment for mismarked/unmarked underground be made?

ANSWER: The contractor is responsible for utility mark out. The agency will work closely with the selected bidder in locations of existing utilities.