22R1322 Note 1 FINAL.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY

NAVAL FACILITIES ENGINEERING SYSTEMS COMMAND, PACIFIC

258 MAKALAPA DRIVE, SUITE 100

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR HICKAM, HAWAII 96860-3134

Notice No. 1 08 February 2022

PRE-PROPOSAL QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

RFP N62742-22-R-1322

PAF 198127 TACMOR UTILITIES AND

INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT

The site visit and orientation sign-in sheet is provided with this Notice No. 1.

NOTE: The following questions and answers are provided for INFORMATION ONLY.

The RFP remains unchanged unless it is amended in writing on a Standard Form 30.

1. With regards to the site visit, how many days are Contractors required to isolate/quarantine upon arrival in Palau?

RESP: Please access the following website for current information on COVID restrictions for Palau: https://www.palaugov.pw/travel

2. The PRESOL informs potential offerors that “a relevant construction project is anticipated to be: a [n]ew construction of site improvements of approximately 10 acres or more that involved clearing, grubbing and mass grading that has been completed or substantially completed (at least 90% complete) within the past 15 years; [and] [c]onstruction in a remote location.” Please confirm that the “90%” complete refers to the percentage complete of the site improvement work and not then entire project in those cases where a project also involves additional scope beyond site improvements.

This definition is consistent with the scope of work for this project that is focused on site improvement and does not include vertical construction or other non-relevant work.

RESP: The RFP will be revised to indicate 90% complete of the clearing, grubbing and mass grading work. See Amendment 0001.

3. The PRESOL references “mobilization/demobilization.” Please confirm that ““mobilization” includes the transportation of personnel, equipment, and material to the site; installation and setup of temporary structures; and site clearing, grubbing and mass grading. This definition of mobilization is consistent with the Project scope of work and demonstrates the offerors ability to perform relevant tasks.

RESP: In accordance with DFARS 252.236-7004 and DFARS 236.570(2)(b)(ii), the Government will pay all costs for the mobilization and demobilization of all of the Contractor's plant equipment and material only.

4. The PRESOL informs potential offerors that “[d]ollar value of the mobilization/demobilization shall be $5M or more and shall have been completed or substantially completed (at least 90% complete) within the past 15 years.” Please confirm that the “90%” refers to the percentage complete of the mobilization, and not the entire project. If not, the experience requirements would be very narrow and, in most cases, will exclude projects that include site improvement, construction, and on-going operations of remote bases or camps, which is very applicable to the type of services and expertise needed to successfully execute the Project.

RESP: The RFP remains unchanged. Individual features are not required to be within a single project scope.

5. I did not see the wages in the RFP Documents. Will you be posting them?

RESP: The Davis Bacon Act does not apply in Palau, therefore, there are no wage rates for this project

6. Document 00 21 16, Instruction to Proposers, Request for Time Extension. PAF 198127 TACMOR Utilities and Infrastructure Support project is an exciting and challenging proposition located as it is in the remote islands of Palau. The government’s proposed site visit towards the end of January and subsequent bid date of February 28 unfortunately does not provide adequate opportunity to uncover what local resources are reliably available to support the project in an area of the world not usually associated with the operational sphere of NAVFAC Pacific. Additional time is needed to undertake this research and develop a plan of action that will provide a high probability of success. We respectfully request a 6-week extension to the current proposal submission date.

RESP: See Amendment 0001.

7. Det C1/CP501, Removal of compressible silty soils underneath PCC pavement.

Please advise how the removal and replacement of the compressible silty soil is going to be paid.

RESP: Removal of compressible silty soils underneath PCC pavement in accordance with section 31 23 00.00 20 will be paid for under the Base Item.

8. Item 001AC, Basalt rock removal. Please advise if basalt rock removal is for TX site, otherwise please provide breakdown for TX & RX sites.

RESP: Basalt rock removal is for the Tx site only.

9. Items 0001AC & 0001AD, Disposal of 341,160 M3 of excavated basalt rocks & surplus soils.

a) Please provide the location and size (area) of the proposed soil disposal (SD) areas 1 & 2 mentioned in specification sect 01 57 19 par 1.5.

RESP: Please see Section 01 57 19, Attachment 9.

b) Are the proposed disposal sites a Palau Government property or private property?

RESP: Please see Section 01 57 19, Attachments 9 and 10.

c) Is permit & rental fee required? If rental fee is required, please provide rental cost allowance for bid purposes.

RESP: Terms for the use of SD1 is required to be negotiated with the Ngaraard State Government, therefore, it is not known if a rental fee will be required. Section 01 57 19, Attachment 10 provides a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ngaraard State Governor and Public Land Authority for the SD1 site.

d) Is there a height limitation to the stockpile?

RESP: There are no known limitations to the height of the stockpile.

e) Is the stockpile required to be grassed after completion?

RESP: Stockpile is required to be grassed after completion. See forthcoming amendment.

10. Sheet CS001, 51mm thick top soil with earth mat grass. Legend indicates that top soil 51mm thick with earth mat is "installed by others", please advise who will provide the top soil & grass mat.

RESP: Construction contractor to provide 1,530 cubic meters of top soil to be stockpiled onsite. Stockpile location and BMPs to be coordinated with the contracting officer. Topsoil and grass on the earth mat will be installed by others. The construction contractor is required to hydroseed the subgrade of the earth mat to prevent soil erosion. See DWG CF001, Note 3. See forthcoming amendment.

11. Sheet CS501, Areas around the primary array & orthogonal array.

a) Plan shows earth mat while legend refers to gravel aggregate surface course, please clarify.

RESP: DWG CS501/D1 shows the concrete header that separates the aggregate surface course and the earth mat finished ground. It provides a border for the aggregate surface course.

b) If it is earth mat, is it going to be performed by others like the TX site?

RESP: For the Tx site, see DWGs CF001 – CF107 for grassing requirements for the antenna earth mat area. For the Tx site, the construction contractor is to provide topsoil for placement by others and is to provide hydroseeding on the antenna earth mat subgrade for erosion control purposes. The installation of the earth mat grassing and placement of stockpiled top soil will be by others. For the Rx site, the area under the earth mat will be covered with gravel. See DWG CS055.

12. Sheet V-051 notes 4, UXO/MEC removal and associated clearing & grubbing at RX site. It is noted that the UXO/MEC removal and associated clearing & grubbing will be conducted under a separate contract.

a) Are we to assume that UXO/MEC removal and clearing & grubbing will be completed prior to the issuance of the notice to proceed? If not, please advise when is the expected completion.

RESP: Anticipated completion of UXO/MEC removal, clearing and grubbing is approximately June 2023. See forthcoming amendment.

b) Please advise if the topographic survey included in the RFP was done after or before completion of the UXO/MEC clearance.

RESP: The topographic survey included in the RFP reflects existing conditions.

13. Sheet CD051, Temporary stockpile for compost/mulch and timber.

a) Since clearing and grubbing is a separate contract by MEC contractor, are we to assume that the green wastes and timber are mulched and fully composted by others (MEC contractor).

RESP: Yes.

b) What is the final disposition of the composted green wastes & timber, are they to be left in place in the temporary stockpile area or used as part of the top soil & seeding.

RESP: In accordance with Section 01 57 19, paragraph 3.11.4.1, Green and Brown Waste Use, green and brown waste may be chipped/composted for use onsite for erosion control, sedimentation control, work surface stabilization or off-site for mulch, fuel, sewage sludge composting, and compost for soil amendments. See also paragraph 3.11.4.2.

14. Section 02 61 13, Excavation and transportation of contaminated materials.

Paragraph 1.1 indicates that measurement and payment is per unit of contaminated materials excavated and disposed. Please clarify if this is a re-measured item, if so please provide pay item quantities for each type of contaminated materials as basis for bid.

RESP: Section 02 61 13, Paragraph 1.1 will be deleted in a forthcoming amendment.

15. Sheet S-506 detail A4/S-506, Slope inclinometer-piezometer well. Please provide the tip elevations of piezometer wells I-1 thru I-5.

RESP: Tip of piezometer / inclinometer shall be EL +15.0 per Drawing S-101 and Note 1 / Detail A4 / S-506.

16. Sheet ES100, general notes 1 & 2, Antenna foundations at TX and RX sites. It is noted that antennas are provided and installed by others, and the foundations are installed by contractor.

a) Please provide foundation details.

RESP: Antenna foundation details are available as an attachment to the specifications and can be found in Document 00 01 15, paragraph 1.1. Supplementary Drawings.

b) If anchor bolts for the antennas are required, please advise who will provide and install.

RESP: The contracting officer will coordinate providing anchor bolts and mounting hardware to the construction contractor. The construction contractor is to install the antenna foundation and anchors.

c) If anchor bolts are provided by the antenna contractor, are the templates included.

RESP: Anchor bolts and the templates will be provided by the Contracting Officer. See forthcoming amendment.

17. Sheet CG051, Grading at borrow pits. Finish elevations at the 5 borrow pits are set, however note 5 on sheet CG051 requires adjustments may be required to meet the earth mat finish grade. Please advise if the adjustments will be paid separately as a differing site condition.

RESP: DWG CG051, Note 5 will be revised in a forthcoming amendment to read as follows: “Borrow pits must not exceed limits shown on site plans. Borrow pits are shown for contractor information. On-site manufactured fill material must conform with common fill as indicated in Section 32 23 00.00 20. Borrow pit slopes must not be steeper than 4H:1V.

18. Section 03 30 00, Corrosion inhibitor. Table in paragraph 2.5.1 shows slabs-on-ground requires corrosion inhibitor, please clarify if the PCC access roads requires corrosion inhibitor.

RESP: Corrosion inhibitors are not required for PCC pavements. PCC pavement shall follow Section 32 13 13.06 Portland Cement Concrete Pavement for Roads and Site Facilities

19. Section 32 12 16, Hot mix asphalt for roads. We cannot find asphalt roads in the RFP drawings, please clarify.

RESP: Please see DWG CU508, Details C1 and C3, Note 3. Hot mix asphalt is for the transition to the compact road and/or road repairs.

20. Contractor staging site for TX site. Please advise if the Government will provide the contractor's staging site and advise the location.

RESP: Please see Section 01 57 19, Attachments 9 and 10.

21. Due to the size, complexity and logistics on this project, we respectfully request to extend bid date at least 6 weeks to allow all bidders and their teams to prepare competitive pricing to ensure that the government will receive best value.

RESP: See response to Question No. 6.

22. Dwgs CD051 to CD164, Rx Site - Construction Fence. The Rx site Erosion Control and Demolition plans and legends show Construction fence, with no detail provided.

The fence is shown mainly along the Defense Site Boundary nearest the coastline Please provide description and detail.

RESP is deferred.

23. Spec Section 02 61 13 para 1.3.4.h, Rx Site - Soft Rock Phosphate Quantity and Impervious Liner for Lead Contaminated Metal Debris Burial. Spec Section 02 61 13 lists the steps for treating and permanently depositing the lead contaminated debris located at the Rx site, but fails to indicate:

a) Item i. The quantity of Soft Rock Phosphate (SRP) required at the bottom of the deposit cell. Please provide.

RESP: The Rx site will be turned over to the construction contractor as a clean site.

The MEC contractor will handle the lead contaminated soil. The MEC contractor will stockpile the lead contaminated soil, will cover it with an impervious liner and cap it with a minimum 18” of crushed limestone/clean soil. The area will be graded to match adjacent areas. See DWG CD051 for approximate location of the soil deposit cell. See forthcoming amendment.

b) Item iii . The extent to crush the metal debris material and the quantity of additional SRP to add after crushing metal debris. Please provide.

RESP: The Rx site will be turned over to the construction contractor as a clean site.

The MEC contractor will stockpile the lead contaminated soil, will cover it with an impervious liner and cap it with a minimum 18” of crushed limestone. The area will be graded to match adjacent areas. See DWG CD051 for approximate location. See forthcoming amendment.

c) Item iv. Thickness of “thin layer” crushed limestone topping and spec for impervious liner. Please provide.

RESP: See responses to Questions 23a. and 23b.

24. Rx Site - Lead Contaminated Metal Debris. Please provide dimensions and quantity of large scaled (mining equipment) debris that can be expected to be encountered for burial disposal.

RESP: See responses to Questions 23a. and 23b.

25. Rx Site - Lead Contaminated Metal Debris. Will the Lead Contaminated Metal Debris be left in place or stockpiled by the MEC/UXO contractor? Please provide location map of where the metal debris will be located upon the PAF 191827 contract start.

RESP: See responses to Questions 23a. and 23b.

26. Dwg CD051 and Spec Section 02 61 13, Rx Site – Lead Contaminated Soil Disposal Cell. Drawing CD051 states to bury the Lead Contaminated Soil within the designated Soil Deposit Cell, whereas the spec section 02 61 13 listed requirements are for stockpiling. Please confirm whether we are to bury or stockpile, and provide requirements for burying, if necessary.

RESP: See responses to Questions 23a. and 23b.

27. Dwgs CD051 & CD152, Rx Site – Trench Tunnel (Demolish and/or Remove). Both drawings show a Trench Tunnel to Demolish and/or Remove. Please provide scope description and specification for Trench Tunnel demolition/removal, as well as, the basis of bid unit of measurement and quantity. If the magnitude of the scope is unknown, in order for all Offerors to the same scope, we request that the Government provide a quantity basis of bid with a separate line item in the bid form.

RESP is deferred.

28. Dwg CD119, Tx Site – Tree Topping Extent Area. Dwg CD119, when scaled, shows approximately 952 square meters of Tree Topping area, whereas the callout on the plan indicates 9,720 square meters. Please advise.

RESP: A forthcoming amendment will clarify the scale of the drawing.

29. Dwg CD109, CD113, CD114, CD115, CD117, Clear and Grub Limits. On drawing CD109 it appears that the diagonal clear and grub limit symbol is shown extending past the limit of clear and grub. On drawing CD113, there is no clear and grub symbol shown at the 18.28M wide perimeter fence clear zone. Drawings CD114, CD115, and CD117 show Dust Screen Fenceline in area not depicted to be cleared and grubbed.

Please advise.

RESP: The limits of clear and grub will be revised in a forthcoming amendment.

30. Erosion Control Blanket and Compost Filter Sock, We were unable to find product specification for the erosion control blanket and Comport Filter Sock. Please advise where these can be found, or provide.

RESP is deferred.

31. Detail A1/CF511, Installation Warning Sign Dimensions. Detail A1/CF511 provides 2 different sign dimension options. We could not locate on the plans a reference to which dimensions to use. Please advise which size sign to provide.

RESP: The larger dimensions of the AFVA 31-230 is intended to be used for the main vehicle gates and the smaller dimensions of the AFVA 31-211 is intended for the signs posted on the perimeter fence at 100-foot intervals. A note will be added to the detail in a forthcoming amendment.

32. Drawings CS102, CS103 and Detail B1/CS501, Non-Metal Composite Bollard.

Please provide specification for Composite Bollard and foundation requirement.

RESP: See Section 32 31 26 Wire Fences, Gates and Backing Beams.

33. Drawing CS110, CF107 and CS165, Secure Compound Fence & Warning Signs by Others. The drawings indicate the Secure Compound Fence, Gates, and Warning Signs will be “By Others”, yet there are details included in the plan sets for these items.

Please confirm that Secure Compound Fence, Gates, and Warning Signs will not be purchased or installed by PAF 191827 Contractor.

RESP is deferred.

34. Drawing CF001 and CS051, Rx Site - Topsoil for Hydroseed. Drawing CF001 legend description for the TX Site indicates 102mm topsoil with hydroseed, whereas Rx Site drawing CS051 does not mention topsoil. Please confirm topsoil is required for the RX site.

RESP: Topsoil is not required for the Rx site.

35. Rx & Tx Sites – Landscaping damage by Others, Please confirm the PAF 191827 Contractor will not be responsible replacement, re-establishment, and maintenance for topsoil and hydroseed damage that occurs by the Secure Compound and Antenna Contractor.

RESP: Confirmed.

36. Detail D1/CS501, Concrete Header. Please provide reinforcement requirements, if any, and concrete strength required.

RESP: See Detail D1 of CS501 for Concrete Header Detail. Minimum 28-day compressive strength (f'c) =35 MPa.

37. ITEM 0001AC, BASALT ROCK REMOVAL.

a) Please clarify if measured for payment will be based on excavation (bank volume) or disposal quantity (loose measure).

RESP is deferred.

b) The various steps necessary to jointly field verify the presence of Basalt and determine measured quantity in concert with the government agency has the propensity to extend the mass grading operation. Would the government please remove this potential restriction by categorizing the mass excavation as “unclassified” and allow the offeror to price it based on the information provided in the RFP.

RESP is deferred.

38. ITEM 0001AD, SURPLUS SOIL. Please clarify if measured for payment will be based on excavation (bank volume) or disposal quantity (loose measure).

RESP is deferred.

39. SECTION 31 23 00.00 20 PAR 3.4.1 & 3.4.2, REMOVAL & REPLACEMENT OF

UNSATISFACTORY AND WEAK MATERIALS. Please advise how is the removal & replacement of unsatisfactory & weak material going to be measured & paid.

RESP is deferred.

40. NOTE 6 SHEET S-001, PROBE HOLES & GROUTING.

a) Please confirm that probing & grouting is only required at the slabs-on-grade at the RX site.

RESP: Confirmed.

b) Please clarify if PCC access road at RX site requires probing & grouting.

RESP: Probing and grouting is not required at the PCC access road on the Rx site.

c) Please provide spacing of the probe holes.

RESP is deferred.

d) Please advise how is the grouting of a cavity is going to be paid.

RESP is deferred.

41. Drawings CS051 & CS055, Hydro Seed limits at RX site. Please advise if it is the intent to clear, grub and seed the areas up to the “defense site boundary” which is beyond the limits of grading.

RESP is deferred.

42. CS003, CS053,and CS501, Rx & Tx Site - Survey Monument. Please provide specification for Survey Monument to include concrete strength, marker engravings, compaction / settling requirements or monitoring.

RESP is deferred.

43. Rx Site Gravel Earth Mat Scope. Will the RX Antenna Array Contractor be responsible for removal and replacement of RX Site Gravel Earth Mat at Antenna installation locations?

44. Detail B1/CP501, Filter Fabric at Edge of Access Road & Secure Compound.

Please provide detail showing filter fabric limit / termination point at the vertical side edging of the Access Road and Secure Compound.

RESP is deferred.

45. Tx Site – Biomass Salvage. For equal basis of bid among Offerors, where will the location of Biomass Salvage be stockpiled or placed for distribution to public? Likewise, if Biomass Salvage is not picked up by the public.

RESP is deferred.

46. Tx Site – Biomass Salvage. If Biomass Salvage is not claimed by the public, will a change order be issued for the disposal of the remaining Biomass quantity?

RESP is deferred.

47. Detail B1/CP501 and Spec Section 31 23 00.00 20 para 3.3, Tx Site – Excavation Requirements. Spec section 31 23 00.00 20 para 3.3 states “At Babeldaob site, for mat foundations, concrete slabs, concrete pavements, and asphalt pavements, excavate an additional 1 meter wide beyond edge of structure and .. below base course layer of asphalt and concrete pavements and replace with non-expansive select material..” The Gravel Aggregate Surface Course detail does not address perimeter edges. Does the “1-meter-wide beyond edge” requirement apply to the Gravel Aggregate Surface Course Roads and Secure Compound Area at the Babeldaob (TX Site)?

RESP is deferred.

48. CG303, CG352, CP501, Rx and Tx Site – Secure Compound Filter Fabric at Aggregate Surface Course Location. Detail B1/CP501 states “Filter Fabric for Access Roads.” Details on CG352 shows filter fabric at RX Site Secure Compound, whereas detail on CG303 does not show filter fabric at TX Site Secure Compound. Please confirm if filter fabric is required at Secure Compound for both RX and TX Sites.

RESP is deferred.

49. CS110 and CS165, Rx and Tx Site - Lightning Protection Pole Foundation Pad. We were unable to locate a detail for the Lightning Protection Foundation pad, 1.8m x 1.8m, adjacent to building pads at both Secure Compound locations. Please provide.

RESP is deferred.

50. Detail C1/CP501, Concrete Walkway. Detail C1/CP501 is for Concrete Walkway, which we were unable to locate on the site plans. Please confirm there are no concrete walkways on the project.

51. CP151, Rx Site – Pavement Jointing Plan -1 Plan Scale. It appears the scale of 1:150 on drawing CP151 is incorrect. Please advise.

RESP is deferred.

52. Drawing E-506 Manhole Note 1, Exterior Wall Coating. We were unable to locate a material specification for the Electrical Manhole exterior wall coating. Please provide.

RESP is deferred.

53. Drawing S-520 and Spec Section 31 23 00.00 20 para 3.3, Non-Expansive Select Material Limits for Structural Fill. Detail A1 and B1 / S-520 show structural fill width of .6m beyond slab on grade, whereas spec section 31 23 00.00 20 paragraph 3.3 calls for 1.0m width. Please advise which width to follow.

RESP is deferred.

54. Detail 2/E-502, Limits of Concrete Encased Duct bank. General Note 1 for detail 2/E- 502 addresses concrete encasement for electrical primary distribution system. Please clarify the following:

a. Does the note apply to electrical duct bank that contains only secondary and spare conduit?

b. Does telecom duct bank require concrete encasement? If so, does Note 1 apply towards telecom duct bank?

RESP is deferred.

55. Drawing S-501, S-503, CG101,102,104,105, Tx Site - Drain Pipe Connection to MSE Wall Underdrain.

a. Please indicate which S-501 underdrain pipe run(s) applies to detail C2/S-503. It is unclear if detail C2/S-503 applies only to the underdrain at the MSE Wall levelling pad.

RESP is deferred.

b. Does the underdrain pipe located at the bottom of the reinforced fill and retained fill intersection (bottom right of S-501) receive an outlet pipe?

RESP is deferred.

56. Rx Site – Greenbox Boundary for MEC/UXO Removal. Will the PAF 191827 Contractor be responsible for establishing and setting the Rx Site greenbox boundary for the MEC/UXO Contractor?

57. Reference: RFP – Front End Document - 13. ADDITIONAL SOLICITATION REQUIREMENTS – Item D Reads: “D. Offers providing less than 180 calendar days for Government acceptance after the date offers are due will not be considered and will be rejected.”

Question:

Due to the global volatility of construction materials cost and shortage in supply market, we will not be able to have initial commitment from any vendors to honor pricing for long period “180 calendar days”. Accordingly, we respectfully request to reduce the above mentioned 180 CD to 60 CD, otherwise all bidders will have to include hefty contingency to cover possible escalation cost which may eventually increase the cost of this project.

RESP is deferred.

58. Reference: CLIN 0001AC & 0001AD.

Please note that reduction in volume of stockpiled material depends on the height of stockpile, in other words the higher stockpile will lose more volume due to consolidation.

Therefore, for fair price comparison, please provide stockpile plan or at min provide standard height of the stockpile to allow all bidders price this item based on same condition

a) Please confirm that the above two items are related to the Tx site and do not apply to Rx site.

RESP: Confirmed. SLINs 0001AC and 0001AD are for the Tx site only. See forthcoming amendment.

b) Please clarify how will the quantity of the above two items be measured? Will it be measured as a stockpile at disposal areas (SD1 & SD2)? If so, what’s the height of stockpile?

RESP is deferred.

59. Reference: Soil disposal Sites SD1 & SD2. During the site visit we were unable to access to the two disposal site due to rough terrain and dense trees and vegetations.

Based on our visual inspections from the main paved road, it seems that major cut in rocky soil and fill need to be done in order to prep the disposal area. We respectfully request the following information to allow us estimate the cost of preparing stockpile – disposal sites including BMPs:

a) Topographic survey of both sites

RESP is deferred.

b) Existing Trees and vegetation data to allow us to estimate cost of clearing and grubbing

c) Provide plans of both sites outlining the limit of stockpile areas

d) Boring logs to show soil conditions, this info is required for major earth work that need to be performed at disposal site.

RESP is deferred.

e) Confirm that provided earthwork spec does not apply to earthwork operation at disposal site for cut / fill operation, in other words the contractor is allowed to use onsite materials (regardless of properties of onsite soils on disposal site) to level disposal site areas to provide safe access to trucks and construction equipment. No import material is required and no need to process onsite soil to meet certain specs in order to level disposal sites. Please advise.

RESP is deferred.

60. Reference: Performance Period of 1095 calendar days from NTP. After review of the project scope of work, understanding site conditions, gathering information about available local resources on island, we created preliminary schedule taking into considerations; weather delays (~ 220 rainy days per year), nature of work (majority of scope is earthwork site concrete need to wait for placed fill to dry-out prior to placing consecutive fill lifts or concrete pour), remote locations, logistics, predicament of shipping materials to Anguar site, very limited resources on Palau Islands, limited labor force and extremely low production rates, upfront preparation (man camps, temporary facilities), lengthy process to get local materials approved or import suitable materials and many other factors, we believe that the allocated 1095 CD performance period is in sufficient, accordingly we respectfully to increase the performance period to 1800 CD.

RESP is deferred.

61. Reference: MEC Work. Please confirm the MEC work is required only for Rx site and it is not required for Tx site. However, this work will be done by others and it is not part of the scope.

RESP: Confirmed. MEC work is required only for the Rx site and is not a part of the construction contract scope. See forthcoming amendment.

62. Reference: SPEC SECTION 01 11 00 Page 2 – paragraph 1.5 SALVAGE MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT reads: “Items designated by the Contracting Officer to be salvaged remain the property of the Government. Segregate, itemize, deliver and off-load the salvaged property at the Government designated storage area.” Please provide location of storage areas at both Tx & Rx sites.

RESP is deferred.

63. Reference: SPEC SECTION 01 14 00 - WORK RESTRICTIONS PART 1 GENERAL, Paragraph - 1.1 Republic of Palau reads: “The Contractor must obtain any and all existing and new licenses and permits necessary for complying with any applicable Republic of Palau, State, and municipal laws, ordinances, and regulations during the duration and in connection with the prosecution of the work. Contractor must be cognizant of the timelines needed for permit approvals to successfully execute the work within the period of performance and responsible to prepare the necessary permit applications, including required studies to obtain permit approvals within the respective agencies suggested time frame. Submit all permit applications to the Contracting Officer.”

Please provide list of licenses and permits required for this project.

64. Reference: SPEC SECTION 01 14 00 Page 1 – Paragraph f. reads: “Contractor to coordinate the removal and relocation of the existing utility poles at the Tx Site with the utility company.”

a) For bidding purposes: Please provide approximate time frame required to perform removal and relocation of the existing utility poles by utility company. This information is required to be incorporated in the contractor’s base line schedule. If the allocated duration exceeds what’s provided by NAVFAC, since this delay is beyond the contractor’ control, we respectfully request to confirm that the contractor is entitled for time extension and cost reimbursement due to this unforeseen delay.

b) Who is responsible for the cost of relocation of the existing utility poles? If the contractor, please provide us any cost information if it was obtained from the utility company.

RESP is deferred.

65. Reference: SPEC SECTION 01 14 00 Page 2 Paragraph 1.4.2 Working Hours reads: “Regular working hours must consist of an 8 1/2 hour period between 7:00 a.m.

and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding U.S. Government holidays.”

Due to rainy weather in Palau (~ 220 rainy days per year), we respectfully request that the contractor has the flexibility in work hours from 7:00 a.m. 7:00 p.m. 7 days a week, also to allow night work and during U.S. Government holidays. Otherwise, we envision it is impossible to perform the work within the performance period of 1095 calendar days.

RESP is deferred.

66. Reference: SPEC SECTION 01 14 00 Page 3 Paragraph 1.5.1.1 Citizenship Requirements reads: “Aliens will not be admitted to the work site without approval.

Clearance for aliens may require approximately 21 working days for approval.”

a) Please confirm that imported workers are allowed to work on this project as long as the contractor obtains proper work permit from Palau’ government.

b) Are there restrictions on nationals from certain countries to work on this project?

If yes, please provide a list of nationals that are prohibited from working on this project.

RESP is deferred.

67. Reference: Land Acquisition. Please clarify if there is a possible delay in accessing any of the sites particularly the Tx site due to land acquisition. If so, please confirm that the selected contractor will be entitled for time extension and compensation for all additional costs incurred due to this delay.

RESP: Award of a construction contract will not be made until signed lease agreements are obtained. See SF1442, Page 1, Block 10.

68. Reference: SPEC SECTION 01 50 00 Page 9 - 3.6 GOVERNMENT FIELD OFFICE – Paragraph 3.6.1 Government Field Offices reads: “Provide the Government Engineer with two Government field offices, one at the Tx work site and one at the Rx work site, each approximately 19 square meters in floor area, located where directed and both provided with air conditioning unit, electric light and power, and toilet facilities consisting of one lavatory and one water closet complete with connections to water and sewer mains.”

a) Please provide us with the locations of the closest utility sources that the contractor is able to connect to (Water, Sewer, Power and Telecom). Due to remote site locations particularly the Rx site in Anguar, it seems there are no utilities to connect to.

Please provide us with as-built of existing utilities within vicinity of both sites and any other available information.

b) Our understanding that at the Rx site, there will be two contractors starting MEC, clearing and grubbing and contaminated / hazardous substances remediation prior to the main contractor for this project, will the main contractor mobilize just to construct the Government Field Office at Rx site, demobilize then mobilize to perform the work at Rx site after the abovementioned two contractors complete their scope?

RESP: The Rx site will not be available to the construction contractor until after June 30, 2023. See forthcoming amendment. At that time, the MEC contractor will have completed their work.

69. Reference: GRT and business registration in Palau.

a) Does the contractor have to pay 4% GRT to ROP government?

RESP is deferred.

b) Please note according to the article posted on this link on the web https://www.mbjguam.com/2021/10/04/palau-vat-and-tax-system-will-replace-grt-in-january-2023/, Palau tax law will change in 2023, it is unclear how this law will affect the

GRT. If new tax law impacted tax amount on this contract, please confirm that the contractor is entitled for compensation.

RESP is deferred.

c) Does the contractor have to pay Import tax on all imported materials & equipment? If so, what’s the percentage?

RESP is deferred.

d) Does the contractor have to register its business in Palau and obtain license? If so, is it required during bidding stage or post award?

RESP is deferred.

70. Reference: SPEC SECTION 01 57 19 Page 2 - 1.2 OEBGD and ROP National Code last Paragraph in this page reads: “For any earthwork and waste handling/disposal, comply with all ROP laws and regulations as well as the most current DOD 4715.05. The applicable ROP regulations include but are not limited to ROP Ch.

2401-01, ROP Ch. 2401-11, ROP Ch. 2401-13, ROP Ch. 2401-31, ROP Ch. 2401-33, ROP Ch. 2401-71, and 2401-81. Where the ROP laws and regulations lack specificity, the DOD 4715.05 will apply.”

DoDM 4715.05, Volume 5, June 29, 2020 - SECTION 4: SOLID WASTE - 4.1.

INTRODUCTION – page 10 Paragraph C reads: “The disposal of solid waste in landfills that do not meet the standards of Paragraph 4.6. constitutes open dumping and is prohibited.”

a) Since there is no local landfill in Palau that can meet DOD requirement or accommodate solid waste generated from this project for both sites Tx & Rx, please clarify advise how can the contractor meet the above requirement?

RESP is deferred.

b) Please advise if it is allowed to dispose all solid wastes with the site location(s) designated by NAVFAC.

RESP is deferred.

71. Reference: SPEC SECTION 01 57 19 Page 8 - 1.5 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS – fourth Paragraph reads: “A soil disposal site for surplus soil from the Tx Site is required. The Contractor is required to secure the use of the soil disposal site, pay necessary use/rental fees and make necessary improvements; comply with all applicable ROP laws and regulations and the DOD

4715.05 in the absence of ROP substantive environmental requirements; and obtain the necessary permits/approvals in accordance with Section 1.7.2. The soil disposal site should be considered as a part Tx Site and included in the required permit/approval applications for the Tx Site.”

a) Who is the owner of the soil disposal site @ Tx site? We need this information to learn about the cost to rent this site.

RESP: See Attachments 9 and 10 to Section 01 57 19.

b) How long (in years) will the stockpiled soil remain at disposal site?

RESP is deferred.

72. Reference: Archaeological & Cultural monitors. Please confirm that archaeological & cultural monitors will be provided and paid by the US Government for Tx site, Rx site and soil disposal areas.

RESP: Confirmed.

73. Reference: SPEC SECTION 01 57 19 Page 35 - 3.13 MILITARY MUNITIONS first paragraph reads: “Contractor must contract the Norwegian People's Aid (NPA) for munitions and explosives of concern (MEC)/unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance and related services.”

Please clarify if NPA will be contracted directly with the government or with the contractor. During site visit discussion, we understood that NPA will be hired and paid by the government.

RESP: The MEC removal work on the Rx site will be a separate contract. The Rx site will turned over to the construction contractor as a clean site. See forthcoming amendment.

74. Reference: Handling, removal and disposal of contaminated & hazardous materials.

Please confirm that handling, removal and disposal of contaminated & hazardous materials will be done by others and paid by the government.

RESP: Confirmed. For the Rx site, the Government will contract with a separate contractor for the removal and disposal of contaminated/hazardous material. The Rx site will turned over to the construction contractor as a clean site. See forthcoming amendment.

75. Reference: SPEC SECTION 35 42 34 Page 9 – Sub-section 3.2.1.1 Blasting indicates “Blasting will not be permitted.”

We understand that the above requirement is typical for all NAVFAC projects, however due to Tx & Rx sites remote location, for cost saving we believe it is beneficial to the owner to allow rock blasting. Please review and advise if rock blasting can be permitted.

RESP is deferred.

76. Reference: Earth Work Quantity changes due to clearing & grubbing and contaminated soil removal / environmental remediation.

Please advise if the site topography changed due to clearing & grubbing and contaminated soil removal / environmental remediation. Will this case be considered differing site condition and the contractor will be compensated for additional cost due to this change?

RESP: For the Rx site, base bids on the topographic survey and soil boring data included in the RFP. After the MEC work is completed another topographic survey will be done by the MEC contractor. Differences between the two topographic surveys will be handled as a changed condition. See DWG V051.

77. Reference: Rx Site: Handling, removal and disposal of contaminated & hazardous materials and site clearing & grubbing by other.

a) Please provide completion date for the above two activities.

RESP: The anticipated completion date is June 30, 2023. See forthcoming amendment.

b) Will project duration of 1095 Calendar Day start from the completion date of these two activities by others?

RESP: No. The project completion is 1,095 calendar days after notice to proceed.

78. Reference: SPEC SECTION 01 32 17.00 20 Page 10 - Subpart 1.10.2.8 Adverse Weather Lost Work Days – last paragraph reads: “The Contracting Officer will issue a modification in accordance with the contract clauses, giving the Contractor a time only extension for the difference of days between the anticipated and actual adverse weather delay if the number of actual adverse weather delay days exceeds the number of days anticipated for the month in which the delay occurs and the adverse weather delayed activities are on the longest path to contract completion in the period when delay occurred. A lost workday due to weather conditions is defined as a day in which the Contractor cannot work at least 50 percent of the day on the impacted activity. Make changes to P6 project calendars to reflect as-built conditions where work occurred where originally anticipated as non-work days, and where work did not occur (lost work day).”

Please clarify how will the stated 50% of the day be calculated? Does it mean one period of several hours rain or sum of interrupted hours at different times of work day?

RESP is deferred.

If it is calculated based on sum of total interrupted hours at different times of work day, please be advised that due nature of this project (major earthwork and site concrete work) if the calculated 50% of rainy weather happens in different times of the day will lead to non-work day, because once crews commence working, prepare the site to recover from storm then another rain shower took place, crews have to stop before performing any work. However, if rain is continuous for 50% of work day (takes place in one continuous period) then contractor is able to get 50% of continuous ½ work day without interruption, in this case contractor’s crew can be to some extent productive.

Accordingly, we respectfully request to add a clause in the spec to entitle the contractor to claim for weather lost work days if 50% of rainy weather in certain days took place during different times of work day.

RESP is deferred.

79. Reference: SPEC SECTION 02 61 13 Page 5 – Sub-Section 1.3.5 Excess Soil Characterization and Disposal – last paragraph reads: “Approximately 317,922 cubic meters (415,830 cubic yards) of excess clean soil is anticipated at the Tx Site.

Contractor must secure permanent off-site stockpiling location and associated approvals and permits. Two potential off-site soil disposal sites were preliminarily vetted for Contractor consideration, Soil Disposal 1 (SD 1) and Soil Disposal 2 (SD 2).

Refer to the Letter Report: Cultural and Natural Resource Assessment of Proposed Soil Disposal Areas 1 and 2 for the Tactical Multi-Mission Over-the-Horizon Radar Facilities in Chol, Ngaraard, Republic of Palau, dated November 20, 2020. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Ngaraard State Governor Benjamin Iskawa and the Ngaraard State Public Land Authority was signed in March 2021. The MOU indicates agreement for favorable consideration for the use of SD1. The MOU is attached to Section 01 57 19 TEMPORARY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS”

Please confirm that if there is a delay in securing the soil disposal sites for reasons beyond the contractor’s control, the contractor is entitled to be compensated for all additional costs incurred due to this unforeseen condition.

RESP is deferred.

80. Reference: SPEC SECTION 03 30 00 Page 10 – Sub-section 1.6.7.1 Quality Manager Qualifications reads: “The quality manager must hold a current license as a Professional Engineer in a U.S. state or territory. The quality manager must have experience on at least five similar projects. Evidence of extraordinary proven experience may be considered by the Contracting Officer as sufficient to act as the Quality Manager”

Due to limited number of local professional engineers that meet the above requirement, we respectfully request to remove the experience requirement of at least five similar projects and just require a licensed PE. To hire two licensed PE to cover Tx & Rx sites from the US mainland that meet the above requirement, it will be extremely expensive.

RESP is deferred.

81. Reference: SPEC SECTION 03 30 00 - sub-sections 2.3.1.3 Fly Ash & 2.3.1.4 Slag cement.

Due to remote site locations, limited onsite storage space and extremely difficult logistics especially on Rx site, we respectfully request to re-evaluate the necessity of using fly ash and slag cement on all concrete mixes.

82. Reference: SPEC SECTION 03 42 13.00 10 Page 4 – Sub-section NPCA and ACPA Plant Certification, SPEC SECTION 03 45 33 Page 4 – Sub-section 1.4.1.1 Manufacturer Qualification and SPEC SECTION 03 45 33 Page 5 – Sub-section 1.4.1.3 Erector Qualifications read respectively below:

“The precast concrete producer must be certified by the National Precast Concrete Association's or the American Concrete Pipe Association's Plant Certification Program prior to and during production of the products for this project.”

“PCI MNL-116. Plants must be certified by the PCI Plant Certification Program for Category C1 work. At the Contracting Officer's option, PCI Plant quality control program records must be available for review. PCI MNL-116. Where panels are manufactured by specialists in plants not currently enrolled in the PCI "Quality Control Program" or where Contractor establishes a casting yard on site, provide a product quality control system in accordance with PCI MNL-116 and perform concrete and aggregate quality control testing using an approved, independent commercial testing laboratory. Submit test results to the Contracting Officer. “

“A precast erector that is not certified by PCI must retain a PCI-Certified Field Auditor, at the erector's expense, to conduct a field audit of a project in the same category as this project prior to start of precast concrete erection to be considered qualified.”

The above requirements will eliminate feasible options of precast the MSE wall panels on site or on island due to unavailable local resources and remote location. Accordingly we respectfully request the design team to re-design the MSE wall considering one of the options:

a) Cast in place retaining wall

RESP is deferred.

b) Key stone wall

RESP is deferred.

c) Eliminate MSE retaining wall and slope fill to daylight to existing grade.

RESP is deferred.

d) If steep slope is necessary to keep daylight limit within the project limit, we envision that 1:1 slope can be used and to be stabilize with either Geoweb or grouted Rip Rap.

83. Reference: Dwg No. CP 501 – Note on detail C1 related to PCCP – Access Roads indicates that on Tx site to remove any compressible silty soils underneath PCC and replace it with select materials.

a) Thickness of compressible silty soil is unforeseen / unknown during bidding stage and will not be determined till excavation to subgrade elevation is performed during construction, therefore it is impossible to competitively estimate such unforeseen conditions. Accordingly we respectfully request to remove this note and allocate fixed allowance amount in the price schedule to cover cost of this item. This will eliminate possibility of including hefty contingency to cover high risk as it is impossible to quantify this scope during bidding time.

b) Other approach, please provide certain depth (e.g. 1 meter) to over excavate subgrade and replace it with select borrow to have all bidders price same comparable scope to maintain fair bidding environment.

c) Please note based on our review of boring logs it seems that the depth of compressible silty soils that need to be removed may exceed 5 meters, therefore we envision that removal and replacement of silty soil may not be the best option to stabilize subgrade, there are other more cost effective methods can be determined during construction depending on depth of silty soils and site condition. This may justify eliminating this scope for the time being with the intent to deal with this matter during construction on case by case basis and exercise the most economical solution.

RESP is deferred.

84. Reference: Dwg NO CG301 – Note 1 indicates “After clearing & grubbing and excavation remove any exposed silty soils that are soft (including affected by rains and stockpile at locations to not affected construction.

It is impossible to quantify exposed soft silty soils during bidding time, therefore we respectfully request to remove this note and allowance amount in the price schedule to cover such cases. Otherwise, bidders may add high contingency to cover risk of such unforeseen conditions.

RESP is deferred.

85. Reference: SPEC SECTION 31 11 00 CLEARING AND GRUBBING. Please confirm that clearing and grubbing at Rx site will be done by others in accordance with the abovementioned specification.

RESP: Confirmed.

86. Reference: SPEC SECTION 32 13 13.06 Page 6 – Sub-section 2.1.3.1 Alkali Reactivity Test. Due to limited aggregate resources on ROP, will NAVFAC waive / ease the above requirement?

87. Reference: SPEC SECTION 03 30 00 Page 27 – Sub-section 3.6.2 Mixing and SPEC SECTION 32 13 13.06 Page 9 – Sub-section 3.3.2 Mixing indicate that mix and place time for concrete within 60 minutes if air temperature is greater than 29 degrees C and within 90 minutes if air temperature is less than 29 degrees C.

At the Tx site, please advise if it is allowed to increase concrete mixing and placing time from 60 minutes to 90 minutes if air temperature between 29 degrees C 32.22 degrees C (max).

RESP is deferred.

88. Reference: Bid due date of Feb 28th and RFI due date of 11th Feb. Due to the size, complexity, logistics and time required to review answers to all submitted RFIs and adjust cost as necessary, we respectfully request to extend bid date at least 6 weeks to allow all bidders and their teams to prepare competitive pricing to ensure that the government will receive best value.

RESP: See Amendment 0001.

89. Reference: SPEC SECTION 32 15 00 Page 3 – Sub-section 1.5.2.5 Wear Test.

Due to limited aggregate resources on ROP, will NAVFAC waive / ease the above requirement?

RESP is deferred.

90. Ref: Drawing Sheet CF105 – TX Fencing & Grassing Plan – 5. There are two different spacing distance provided in this drawing for the installation of warning signs.

Note 1 says 30.480m oc, however the label in the drawing says 91.44m oc. Please clarify which dimension to follow?

91. Ref: Drawing Sheet CF107 – TX Fencing & Grassing Plan – 7. Labels for the majority of the fence work for this drawing says “by others”. Please confirm that the fencing work on this sheet is to be performed “by others” and not part of this contract.

RESP is deferred.

92. Ref: Drawing Sheet CG301 – TX Site Sections – 1, Note 2 mentions that “excavations must be performed in phases, see interim mass excavation and this note refers to detail C1/CE502”. C1/CE502, however these two details are related to “Gravel Bags at drain inlet”. Please clarify if there are other details pertain to mass excavation that we need to review.

93. Ref: Drawing Sheet CS051 – RX General Site Plan.