Questions_and_Answers_-_SCL_Paving_project_4-13-15.pdf

Questions and Answers

BLM Request for proposal L15PS00238

Santa Cruz Lake Recreation Site Paving Project

1. Question: The civil site plans make reference to a sign and pavement marking plan, but these plans are not included in the bid solicitation documents. Will the signage and pavement marking plans be made available for bidding purposes?

Answer: The reason that the signage and striping drawings were not attached is because the

BLM is going to install the signage and striping.

2. Question: Are there any cut/removal of any existing asphalt?

Answer: Pavement will be removed and contractor must saw cut where old pavement will meet up with new pavement.

3. Question: Will the contractor be required to tie new asphalt to concrete boat ramp?

Answer: Yes, Contractor will need to tie into new concrete boat ramp. As per the site visit, the concrete boat ramp will be extending approximately 95 feet and BLM will pour sidewalk around boat ramp. Boat ramp will have an impact edge that is approximately one foot in thickness.

4. Question: Who is responsible for subgrade under asphalt?

Answer: As per the contract, Section 01100 – Summary, Section 1.2.C.2 page 2, the Contractor is responsible for preparing the subgrade so that it is suitable for installation of base coarse and asphalt. All testing of the subgrade is also the responsibility of the Contractor as per FP-14 specifications. The BLM has prepared the subgrade so that it is +/- one tenth of a foot to being at subgrade level, as per design. The BLM’s work does not remit the Contractor of the responsibilities for making sure that the subgrade is up to the FP-14 specifications. Subgrade preparation will be very minimal considering the fact that the BLM will have already prepared to within +/- a tenth of a foot. Density tests will also be performed on the subgrade by the BLM but this does not remit the Contractor from performing their own density tests as per FP-14. Density test performed by the BLM will be made available to Contractor and can be used at their own discretion.

5. Question: Will BLM consider suspending time after sidewalk is complete?

Answer: The answer to this question will depend on project schedule and agreements made between BLM and contractor at pre-construction meeting.

6. Question: Will survey data and CAD files be made available electronically?

Answer: Yes CAD files will be made available at pre-construction meeting after contract award.

7. Question: Will discrepancies/questions on drawings be addressed?

Answer: Yes, discrepancies/questions will be addressed as soon as Contractor sends all questions and discrepancies to COR and CO

8. Question: Who is responsible for asphalt testing?

Answer: Contractor is responsible for all asphalt testing as per FP14.

9. Question: Is asphalt per FP14, NM-DOT, or local Government requirements. i.e akali silica content and 784 lbs cement per yard? Do penalties apply per FP14, 100 TN Test strips until passed? What is the duration required for the test strips, asphalt mix design properties?

Answer: Contractor will be required to abide by the FP-14 specifications for asphalt. No test strips will be required of the contractor. Section 402.12 Production Start-Up Procedures from the FP-14 will not be a required section for Contractor to abide by.

10. Question: Will BLM back the curb before paving?

Answer: Contractor must back the curb before paving and can use local material. BLM will perform backing where we plan to place sidewalk.

11. Question: Is there AB under the curb. If so how much? And if so, will the subgrade be cut?

Answer: Aggregate Base shall be placed as per design drawing CG500. Aggregate base shall be as per FP-14,

704.02 Bedding Material. Furnish a suitable, well-graded, free draining material conforming to the following:

(a) Maximum particle size ½ in (12.5 mm) or half the corrugation depth, whichever is smaller

(b) Material passing No. 200 (75-µm) sieve, 10.0 percent max.

AASHTO T 27 and AASHTO T 11

Contractor is responsible for preparing the curb and gutter subgrade as per FP-14 specifications. Yes, subgrade will have to be cut where Aggregate base will need to be installed as per design drawing CG500.

12. Question: Will the bid schedule be modified to include multiple line items for concrete curb and gutter?

Answer: Yes- the modified bid schedule is included in the recent solicitation amendment

13. Question: Will mobilization be considered as a percentage instead of lump sum?

Answer: Mobilization is already considered as a percentage within bid schedule. Mobilization will not be considered as a lump sum bid item.

14. Question: Will construction water be available?

Answer: Contractor is responsible for contacting the Santa Cruz Irrigation District for approval to use water from lake for construction purposes. The Point of Contact at the Santa Cruz Lake

Irrigation District is Kenny Salazar (505-747-7756).

15. Question: What are the limits of paving?

Answer: Refer to supplemental drawings that show the limits of the paving.

16. Question: What are the limits of other site improvements shown on drawings (sidewalks, ramp paving, and drainage structures)?

Answer: Refer to supplemental drawings for limits of site improvements.

17. Question: What are the limits of roadway paving at day-use parking approach?

Answer: Refer to supplemental drawings for limits of roadway paving at day-use parking approach.

18. Question: What are the limits of aggregate roadway beyond day-use parking entrance?

Answer: Refer to supplemental drawings for limits of roadway paving at day-use parking approach.

19. Question: What is the extent of guardrail and location(s) of end sections?

Answer: Refer to supplemental drawing for reference of the guardrail end sections and the guardrail extents.

20. Question: Parking Bumpers?

Answer: Parking Bumpers will be installed and manufactured by the BLM.

21. Question: Must the Bids be CVE Certified?

Answer: CVE certification of SDVOSB status is done by the VA for VA solicitation SDVOSB set-asides. We do not require VA CVE certification on SDVOSB set-asides. However, please note amendment no.1 to this solicitation changed this solicitation to a 100% SMALL BUSINESS set aside from the original solicitation's SDVOSB set aside. All offers received from small businesses, including SDVOSBs under the applicable NAICS will be evaluated for award.

22. Question: We are submitting the total proposal (volumes 1 & 2) electronically. The only hard copy required is the bid bond?

Answer: The only hard copy required will need to be the bid bond for the seal.

23. Question: Is this project set-aside 100% for SDVOSBs?

Answer: Solicitation L15PS00238-Santa Cruz Lake Paving Project was amended on 3/23/2015 to change the set-aside from 100% SDVOSB to 100% total small business.

24. Question: Can the BLM provide a summary, based on the construction drawings, of construction items shown but not part of this contract? (Examples like striping, concrete parking bumpers, sidewalks, signage, etc.)?

Answer: Contractor is responsible for the following items:

1. Furnish labor and materials for paving the Boat Ramp Parking Lot and sections of the site road at Santa Cruz Lake Recreation Area per the design drawings and United States

Department of Transportation (USDOT) FP-14, current edition specifications. Asphalt thickness shall be 4 inches.

2. Furnish labor, materials and equipment to prepare sub-grade and base course for areas to be paved and curb and gutter construction per design drawings and FP-14 specifications.

3. Furnish labor, materials and equipment for all earthwork and asphalt testing associated with this contract per FP-14 specifications.

4. Furnish labor, materials and equipment for installation of guard rail and end sections per design drawings and FP-14 specifications.

5. Furnish labor, materials and equipment for construction of concrete curb and gutter on site roads leading to Boat Ramp Parking Lot, Day Use Parking Lot, and Host Site area, and in both parking lots per design drawings and FP-14 specifications.

6. Furnish labor, materials, and equipment for construction of concrete paving of handicap accessible parking areas at Boat Ramp parking Lot and Day Use Parking Lot per design drawings and FP-14 specifications.

The above information can be found within the BLM specifications. BLM is responsible the following work:

1) Sidewalks,

2) Signage,

3) Installation of CXT vault toilets,

4) All trail work

5) Culvert installations and rip rap splash aprons,

6) Detention ponds excavation and lining with rip rap (Contractor must install curb and gutter around detention ponds as per design drawings).

7) Trash can concrete pads,

8) Picnic shelter concrete pads,

9) Host site concrete pad and all amenities,

25. Question: Are NMDOT construction materials specs allowed for use on this project?

Answer: No, NMDOT construction materials specs are not allowed for use on this project due to the convolution that will occur in having more than one specification to follow. The convolution will not only be confusing for the contractor but also for the Project Inspector. Contractor shall abide by FP-14 specifications as stated in the BLM specifications.

26. Question: Clarify the NMDOT HMAC asphalt mix allowed on this project?

Answer: Contractor shall use SP IV asphalt mix.

27. Question: Is a prime coat prior to asphalt paving required?

Answer: Yes, prime coat prior to asphalt paving is required.

28. Question: Confirm that an asphalt tack coat is not required between the two lifts of asphalt paving?

Answer: An asphalt tack coat is not required between the two lifts of asphalt paving.

29. Question: Clarify the NMDOT concrete type allowed for this project?

Answer: No work shall be done as per NMDOT specifications. All work will be performed as per

FP-14 specifications. Refer to section 601 in FP-14 for asphalt mix specifications.

30. Question: Clarify the NMDOT base coarse type allowed on this project?

Answer: No work shall be done as per NMDOT specifications. All work will be performed as per

FP-14 specifications. Refer to section 703 of the FP-14 for base coarse specifications.

31. Question: Clarify if WE are installing the guard rail. If so, we need a construction plan & details?

Answer: The guard rail is shown on the design drawings but there is no legend showing what the guardrail is represented by. Refer to supplemental drawings showing construction plans.

Details of guard rail shall be as per FP-14 specifications which can be found in Section 617.

32. Question: Will earthwork be required by this project?

Answer: Yes, earthwork will be required and the requirements can be found in the BLM’s specifications and applicable FP-14 sections.

33. Question: BLM is preparing the subgrade materials. We need to confirm they are installing these materials to the appropriate grade and that the BLM is achieving and testing for soil density. In other words, we are not required to do anything to the subgrade?

Answer: Refer to answer in question #4

34. Question: Will BLM pay a change order to correct any soft spots found as it will be considered an unforeseen site condition?

Answer: Contractor is responsible for the Quality Control work of the subgrade. Refer to answer in Question #4. Soft spots shall not be viewed as unforeseen site conditions because

Contractor is responsible for ensuring that sub-grade has been properly prepared prior to installation of asphalt. No change orders will be issued by the BLM for soft spots because subgrade preparation and Quality Control is the responsibility of the Contractor.

35. Question: Will BLM provide all project survey data in AutoCAD format prior to construction starting?

Answer: No, BLM will only provide survey data after contract has been awarded to a contractor.

36. Question: Will BLM provide the contractor the AutoCAD design drawings prior to construction starting?

Answer: No, BLM will only provide survey data after contract has been awarded to a contractor.

37. Question: BLM will provide final inspection and acceptance (beneficial occupancy) of construction work in areas they want to work adjacent to PRIOR to the end of the project (new sidewalks behind new C&G for example)?

Answer: Yes, the BLM can work with the Contractor to accommodate final inspection and acceptance of construction work in areas the BLM will be working adjacent to prior to end of the project.

38. Question: Construction materials testing

Subgrade Densities – If required, frequency?

Base Course Densities – Frequency?

Base Course QC/QA gradations – Frequency?

Asphalt Extraction/Gradations – Frequency?

Asphalt Densities – Frequency?

Concrete Samples (slump/air/cylinders) – Frequency?

Will nuclear densities be the acceptance criteria for the density of asphalt? In other words, no cores required.

Answer: Refer to FP-14 sections:

1) Subgrade densities: Section 301 Table 301-1

2) Base Course Densities: Section 301 Table 301-1

3) Asphalt Extraction/Gradations: Section 401 or 402 (depends on which mix design method

Contractor decides to go with) tables 401-1, 401-8402-1, 402-2, 402-3.

4) Asphalt Densities: Section 401 or 402 (depends on which mix design method Contractor decides to go with) tables 401-1, 401-8402-1, 402-2, 402-3.

5) Concrete Samples: Section 601 Table 601-1

Yes, nuclear densities will be acceptance criteria for the density of the asphalt. No cores will be required unless BLM deems that core samples are necessary during construction.

39. Question: Can you tell me which bid form is to be used?

Answer: A new bid form is attached with this amendment and is dated the same date as this

Amendment.

40. Question: There is no item for excavation- Is the excavation incidental or is it part of this bid?

Answer: Excavation is part of this bid and is integrated into each bid item that would require excavation as per FP-14.

41. Question: Is dredging part of this bid?

Answer: No, there is no dredging work involved in this contract.

42. Question: Are sidewalks, stairs, walls, vault toilets, culverts part of this bid?

Answer: No, sidewalks, stairs, walls, vault toilets, and culverts are not part of this bid.

43. Question: Was your pre-bid meeting mandatory for general and/or sub-contractors?

Answer: No the pre-bid meeting was not mandatory just recommended for general or sub-contractors

44. Question: Will we be following NMDOT specs or Federal Highway for the base course and asphalt materials?

Answer: Federal Highway specs will be followed for the base course and asphalt materials.

45. Question: The day use parking area, is the base course the base bid and asphalt the add alternate? Or are you looking for both items to be add alternates?

Answer: The base course and asphalt for the day use parking area are both additive or deductive items at the BLM’s discretion.

46. Question: Will a bidders list from the pre-bid conference be available?

Answer: Yes, the sign-in sheet from the pre-bid conference and site visit will be posted with this amendment.

47. Question: Will construction water be available out of the lake and is there a fee for the water?

Answer: Refer to answer to question #14. Regarding fee for the water, please contact Mr.

Kenny Salazar (505-747-7756).

48. Question: Will sub-grade prep and compaction be incidental or will the BLM be doing the fine grading and compaction prior to installation of the gravel?

Answer: Refer to answer to question # 4

49. Question: Are wheel stops to be included on item #6 concrete paving at H.C. areas?

Answer: Wheel stops will be manufactured and installed by the BLM and will not be included on bid item #6

50. Question: I would like to confirm that bids are due on 4/20/15 at 1700 hour Albuquerque time?

Answer: The solicitation is being extended until 4/23/15 at 1300 MST

51. Question: Will we need a mix design for concrete and asphalt for this job or can we submit locally available commercial mixes using NMDOT mix designs?

Answer: Yes, you will need to provide a mix design for both concrete and asphalt. All concrete and asphalt mix designs shall be as per Federal Highway Administration FP-14 specifications.

Refer to answer to question #38.

52. Question: The specs say the work is anticipated to start in May. Is this schedule still correct?

Answer: Contract award is tentatively scheduled for May 28, with Notice to Proceed to be estimated to be June 4th to allow for the successful offeror to provide the BLM the required peformance and payment bonds after notice of award.