J.2 Preproposal Site Visit Attendance Roster and Q&A.pdf

Fall Site Visit for the Ward Lake and Cobbett Campgrounds Waterline Replacement at the Grand Mesa National Forest 12/02/2021, 9 am – 11 am

Attendees:

Seth Ehret (USDA FS) Doug Marah (USDA FS) Bryan Barrett (USDA FS) John Grizzell (ORCOM) Peter Miles (Anson Excavating) Darrin Case (Dare-Case Contracting) Ed Kissner (H+K Contracting)

Questions and Answers Q: Do the water lines to be replaced start at the tank and go to the campgrounds?

A: Yes, please refer to the specifications and drawings attached to this solicitation.

Q: Will the trenching be done in the existing trench locations?

A: The water line locations shown in the drawings are estimated. Yes, unless new water line is relocated due to environmental constraints, or the bidder proposes to relocate water lines. If a bidder would like to propose an alternate route for the pipes, the bidder should make this proposition in their response to the Request for Proposal. If bidders would like to propose deviations from the path of the proposed water line per drawings, please submit both descriptions and drawings (hand drawings will be acceptable) of the proposed path(s), with the response to Request for Proposal. Proposed deviations will be considered, but due to the project’s approved NEPA document significant deviations may not be approved.

Q: Can native material be used for bedding?

A: Native material may be used for bedding with the approval of the Contracting Officer, as described in specification Section 31 2317 – Trenching, Bedding, and Backfill for Utilities.

Q: Will existing pipe be abandoned in place.

A: If new pipe is installed in existing trench location, the existing pipe must be removed and legally disposed of off FS property, as described in specification Section 01 1000 – Summary of Work. If new water line is relocated due to environmental constraints or if contractor requests to relocate water line, the existing pipe that is being bypassed may be abandoned in place, as described in specification Section 01 1000 – Measurement & Payment.

Q: Is there a Forest Service borrow area for material that can be used?

A: There is a potential Forest Service borrow areas that may be accessed. The Anderson Pit located about 12 miles from Ward and Cobbett. The crushed material located at Anderson cannot be used for the Ward Lake and Cobbett Campgrounds Waterline Replacement project, but the contractor may screen unsorted material to use for the Ward Lake and Cobbett Campgrounds project. Otherwise, if additional material is needed for bedding and backfill, the material shall be purchased and hauled in from a private gravel pit. The existing Military Park is not considered for this project as commercial FS haul is not allowed through the Grand Mesa Resort Properties.

Q: What are the traffic control requirements?

A: Contractor must submit a traffic control plan to the CO for approval prior to start of work. Traffic control plan must conform to MUTCD. Trickle Park Road may be closed for up to 45 minutes at a time, and traffic allowed to pass through. Once traffic has cleared, the road may be closed again.

Q: In instances where pipe runs under asphalt, can horizontal drilling be used instead of trenching through the road?

A: Yes, horizontal drilling is acceptable.

Q: Is NFSR 121 Trickle Park Road a Forest Service road or a County road?

A: NFSR 121 Trickle Park Road is a Forest Service road.

Q: When will the solicitation be issued?

A: The solicitation is anticipated to be issued in January 2022.

Q: Is there a staking requirement? Is there a Forest Service control point to survey from?

A: Contractor is responsible for staking per the specifications. There are no Forest Service control points.

Locations shown in drawings are approximate and may not represent actual locations of existing waterlines.

Q: Does the Forest Service have “As-Built” drawings of existing water lines?

A: There are no “As-Built” drawings of the existing lines. Locations of existing water lines shown in drawings may be close to the actual locations but are not exact.

Q: Do State of Colorado stormwater regulations apply since the disturbance area may be greater than one acre? Will a State of Colorado Stormwater permit be required?

A: No, the disturbed area is expected to be less than one acre. No, a State stormwater permit will not be required.

Q: Do State of Colorado new improvements regulations apply?

A: No, this contract is for the replacement of existing utilities. This project does not include addition or expansion of existing utilities. Since this is a Federal project on Federal land, federal regulations govern.

Q: Will a survey be required?

A: No.

Q: Will “as-builts” be required?

A: Yes

Q: Will reclamation and seeding of excavated areas be required?

A: Backfill requirements are located in specifications Section 31 2317 – Trenching, Bedding and Backfill for Utilities. Seeding of excavated and filled areas will be required. All disturbed areas are designated for seeding.

Q: Is there a stockpile area boulders and large rocks?

A: No. Large rocks and boulders shall be scattered on-site. Large rocks should not be stockpiled.

Q: What is the anticipated start date?

A: June 2022, but the actual start date will be based on snowpack. The preferred timeline will be after snow has melted and before the campground opens. The campgrounds may be open during construction.

Q: Will there be wildlife blackout dates?

A: No

Q: Is there a maximum equipment size?

A: No, however, equipment may not damage the roads. The contractor shall be responsible for repairing damaged roads, at the contractor’s expense.

Q: Will there be a designated staging area?

A: The Twilight Parking Area may be used as a staging area. It will be acceptable for the contractor to erect temporary fencing around the Twilight Parking Area while it is being used as a staging area.

Staging areas in the campgrounds may also be considered, with approval from the District Ranger.

Q: Will there be weight restrictions when crossing asphalt?

A: Normal weight requirements for all FS roads will apply, maximum 20,000 lbs./axle loading. Existing roadways may not be damaged with construction traffic.

Q: What are the proposal evaluation criteria?

A: See solicitation.

Q: What is the pipe burial depth?

A: Backfill piping with at least 36 inches depth of cover over top of pipe, as described in specification

Section 33 1112 – Water Distribution and as shown in the drawings.

Q: Will the solicitation be Lowest Technical Acceptable?

A: No, this is a Request for Proposal.

Q: What are the COVID vaccine requirements? Vaccine Contract Threshold?

A: At this time, there are no COVID vaccination requirements

Q: Is butt fusion required for HDPE pipe? Should butt fusion be recorded?

A: Yes, butt fusion shall be the joining method for HDPE pipe, see specifications Section 33 1112 – Water

Distribution. Yes, butt fusion shall be recorded. Fusing must be done by an approved or certified practitioner as required by the pipe manufacturer or appropriate industry group. All the welding information must be recorded into the data logger, log sheet or welding protocol form.

Q: Will tracer wire be required?

A: Yes, tracer wire is required on all water lines, as described in specification Section 33 1112 – Water

Distribution.

Q: What is the diameter of the water lines?

A: Main lines are 2-inch internal diameter. Distribution lines in campgrounds are 1-inch internal diameter.

Q: Will new water pipes need to be pressure tested and disinfected?

A: Newly installed pipes shall be pressure tested, as described in specification Section 33 1112 – Water

Distribution. Newly installed pipes shall be disinfected, as described in specification Section 22 1119 – Disinfection of Water Works.

Q: Will curb stops be installed?

A: Curb stops shall be installed according to the specifications and drawings.

Q: Can blasting be used if large boulders are encountered?

A: The contractor may choose to blast. Blasting must be done by a state certified blaster. Prior to beginning blasting, the contractor shall submit a blasting plan and safety plan to the Contracting Officer for approval as well as MSDS sheet for components.

Q: Will the Buy America Act pertain to this contract?

A: Yes, per the FAR contract clauses.

Q: Tree clearing/disposal methods?

A: All trees to be removed shall be limbed to a 4” top and the slash scattered or placed back over the trench after backfill. Slash shall not be placed in Campground units. Green Spruce trees shall be either bucked into 4’ lengths or skinned along one side sufficient to dry the cambium layer and prevent beetle spread.

Q: What will the requirements be for road closures?

A: All work within roadways must be under the direction of a certified Traffic Control Supervisor. All work must be according to the Manual of Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). A Traffic Control Plan must be supplied prior to commencement of work in roadways.

Q: What are the bond requirements?

A: Standard bonding requirements, please refer to the solicitation. Please direct additional bonding questions to Contracting Officer Kellie Shaw.

Q: What is the duration of the period of performance?

A: 90 calendar days

Q: Will an erosion control plan be required?

A: Yes, please submit an erosion control plan as part of your technical proposal. Refer to the evaluation criteria of the solicitation.

Q: Will a water source be available for moisture control?

A: Yes, the Forest Service has water rights at Cobbett reservoir, and any active stream on the National

Forest System. Contractor must track the volume of water used. Prior approval and notification must be made to the Colorado State Water Commissioner for District 40.

Q: Who should we contact for additional questions?

A: Submit any additional questions to the Contracting Officer, Kellie Shaw via email at kellie.shaw@usda.gov.

mailto:kellie.shaw@usda.gov

Fall Site Visit for the Ward Lake and Cobbett Campgrounds Waterline Replacement at the Grand Mesa National Forest