22R1322 Note 2 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. 2 04 March 2022

PRE-PROPOSAL QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

RFP N62742-22-R-1322

PAF 198127 TACMOR UTILITIES AND

INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT

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.

RESPONSES REVISED FROM NOTICE NO. 1

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

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

RESP: No.

RESPONSES DEFERRED FROM NOTICE NO. 1

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: Provide construction fence in accordance with 01 50 00 Temporary Construction Facilities and Controls, 2.3 Fencing.

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: The tunnels shown on the topographic survey have openings that are approximately 3 feet in diameter and tunnels are approximately 4 feet deep and were likely excavated into the native limestone. Base bids accordingly.

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: See Section 01 57 19 Temporary Environmental Controls, Attachment 16. Palau Erosion and Sediment Control Field Guide for more information.

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: Confirmed. See forthcoming amendment.

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: Contractor shall perform a topographic survey of the disposal site(s) prior to disposal of basalt, and the contractor shall perform a second topographic survey of the disposal site(s) after disposal of basalt is completed. The contractor shall use commercial software to calculate the volume of disposed basalt rock and submit the results in the form of a report to the Contracting Officer for approval. See forthcoming amendment.

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: See response to Question No. 37a.

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

RESP: See response to Question No. 37a.

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: See response to Question 83a, 83b, and 83c.

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

c) Please provide spacing of the probe holes.

RESP: Please refer to contract documents. Probing must be performed at 4.6m center to center spacing, but not less than one probe per a foundation element.

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

RESP: Drilling and grouting of probe holes are to be included in SLIN 0001AA Base Item.

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 Yes, hydroseed as shown on DWGs CS051 and CS055.

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: Survey monument details will be addressed in a forthcoming amendment.

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?

RESP: No. The construction contractor’s responsibility is to install the gravel earth mat.

Once the gravel is placed, the construction contractor’s responsibility ends.

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: The detail will be provided in a forthcoming amendment.

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: The location of the stockpile for free community pick up is at the contractor’s discretion and shall be within the Tx construction site. Section 01 57 19, paragraph 3.11.4.1, lists several uses for the green and brown wastes generated.”

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: No.

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: No. 1-meter work beyond edge is for mat foundations, concrete slabs, concrete pavements, and asphalt pavement, as noted. See Section 31 23 00.00 20, paragraph

3.3. Details A1 and B1 on DWG S-520 will be revised in a forthcoming amendment.

See also response to Question No. 53.

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: Filter fabric is required at the Rx site, but not at the Tx site.

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 See lightning pole foundation details on DWG S530.

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.

RESP: This detail will be deleted in a forthcoming amendment.

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: The scale will be revised in a forthcoming amendment.

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: A material specification for the underground structure exterior wall coating is not included in the contract documents. As stated in the note, the intent is to “coat exterior walls to prevent infiltration of liquids such as water and oil”. Contractor must submit a proposed product for review and approval. The Contractor’s proposed coating and/or sealant must be capable of meeting the intended use.

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: Provide select structural fill 1m edge of the slab. Details A1 and B1 on DWG S- 520 will be revised in a forthcoming amendment.

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?

RESP: Yes, the note applies.

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

RESP: Yes, the note applies to telecom duct bank.

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: Response 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: Response 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?

RESP: Greenbox boundary does not apply to this project.

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: See forthcoming amendment.

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

RESP: See response to Question No. 37a.

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: See response to Question No. 37a.

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: Topographic surveys of SD1 and SD2 are not available.

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

RESP: Existing tree and vegetation data is not available. Site photos are available in Attachment 9 to Section 01 57 19

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

RESP: Plans are not available.

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

RESP: Boring logs are not available.

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: Terms for the use of SD1 is required to be negotiated with the Ngaraard State Government, therefore, the requirements for use of SD1 is not known.

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: The performance period of 1,095 calendar days remains unchanged.

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: The construction contractor is to coordinate with Contracting Officer on items to be salvaged. See forthcoming amendment.

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.

RESP: See Section 01 57 19 Temporary Environmental Controls

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.

RESP: The Construction Contractor is responsible for timely scheduling the removal and relocation of the existing utility poles with the utility company. Construction Contractor’s entitlement for time extension and cost reimbursement due to unforeseen delay will be at the discretion of the Contracting Officer.

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: Cost for the relocation of the existing utility poles is not the responsibility of the contractor. See forthcoming amendment.

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: Base bids on the specifications provided. Any request to work outside of the normal working hours requires the prior approval of the Contracting Officer.

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.

RESP: Offerors are responsible for determining what international agreements are applicable and obtaining their own legal advice regarding interpretation of international agreements and requirements relating to operations of U.S. Contractors in Palau. Offerors bear all risks regarding possible changes to international agreements and all risks regarding interpretation and enforcement of those agreements. However, we suggest that Offerors start their research with the Compact of Free Association (COFA) found in U.S. Public Law 99-658, 100 STAT. 3672 (November 14, 1986) and more specifically the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) concluded pursuant to Section 323 of the Compact of Free Association. An unofficial copy of the SOFA is available at: https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/uploads/ROP-COFA-Subsidiary- Agreements.pdf and the underlying COFA can be found at:

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/STATUTE-100/pdf/STATUTE-100-Pg3672.pdf.

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: See response to Question No. 66a.

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.

RESP: For the Rx site, the contractor will be responsible for providing their own utilities.

For the Tx site, there is electricity close by, however, water and sewer services are not available. See DWG ED101 for closest electrical connection point for the Tx site.

69. Reference: GRT and business registration in Palau.

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

RESP: See response to Question No. 66a.

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: See Document 00 70 00, FAR 52.229-6, TAXES-FOREIGN FIXED-PRICE

CONTRACTS (FEB 2013).

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

RESP: See response to Question No. 66a.

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: See response to Question No. 66a.

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: New National Landfill in Aimeliik on the island of Babeldaob may be available to receive solid waste.

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

RESP: See Section 01 57 19 for solid waste disposal requirements

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.”

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

RESP Terms for the use of SD1 is required to be negotiated with the Ngaraard State Government, therefore, the requirements for use of SD1 are not known.

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: Blasting is not permitted.

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.

RESP is deferred.

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: Construction Contractor’s entitlement for time extension and cost reimbursement due to reasons beyond the Construction Contractor’s control will be at the discretion of the Contracting Officer.

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: Base bids on plans and specifications provided.

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.

RESP: Base bids on plans and specifications provided.

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: Base bids on plans and specifications provided.

b) Key stone wall

RESP: Base bids on plans and specifications provided.

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

RESP: Base bids on plans and specifications provided.

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.

RESP: Base bids on plans and specifications provided.

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.

RESP: See response to Question 83b

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.

RESP: Base bids on 1 meter to overexcavate the subgrade and to replace it with select material. See forthcoming amendment.

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: Base bids on overexcavating to a depth of 1 meter. See Section 31 23 00.00 20, paragraph 3.4.1. See also forthcoming amendment, revised DWG CP501.

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: See response to 83b

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?

RESP: The RFP remains unchanged.

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: No. Base bids on the requirements of Section 03 30 00.

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: The RFP remains unchanged.

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?

RESP: Forthcoming amendment will revise detail A1 on DWG CF105.

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: Confirmed.

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.

RESP: Forthcoming amendment will revise Note 2.

94. Ref: Drawing Sheet S520 – Typical Slab-On-Grade Plan, Section, and Schedule.

Is the SOG named “Amenity” in S520 SOG Schedule the same slab named “Data Center Concrete Slab” in drawing sheet CS110?

RESP: Yes. See forthcoming amendment.

95. Ref: Drawing Sheet CS102 – TX Site Plan – 2. We cannot locate in the structural drawings the details for the diagnostic antenna foundation as mentioned in this drawing.

Please provide the 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.

96. Ref: Supplementary Drawings. Please provide details for the QVIS antenna foundations for the TX site. We cannot locate them in the supplementary drawings.

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.

97. Ref: CDXXX - Erosion Control and Demolition Drawings.

a) What’s the Depth of cesspool?

RESP: Forthcoming amendment will define the approximate depth of the cesspool.

b) What’s the approximate volume of sewage / sludge that we need to pump out and dispose?

RESP: See forthcoming amendment.

99. RFP N62742-22-R-1322 Document 00 70 00 1.13. The solicitation includes the clause 52.204-2 Security Requirements which is required for solicitations that involve access to information classified as “Confidential”, “Secret” or “Top Secret”. Does the solicitation include any information classified as “Confidential”, “Secret” or “Top Secret”?

RESP: The prescription for FAR 4.404(a), states that the clause shall be inserted in solicitations and contracts that may require access to classified information. Currently, there are none.

114. Spec Section 01 57 19 para 3.9. If the Contractor is not responsible for the ERW, please clarify if the Post Clearance Assessment will be provided to the bidder identifying where the ERW has been removed.

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

115. Spec Section 01 57 19 para 3.1. Is the Contractor responsible for submitting the application of accreditation to commence intrusive activities at both the TX site and the RX site?

RESP: No.

116. Spec Section 01 50 00. Please advise if there are restrictions to use satellite internet at the project sites.

RESP: No.

NOTICE NO. 2 CONTINUES

117. Document 00 70 00 Negotiated Contract Clauses Pages 8 thru 10 of 28, DFARS:

252.247-7023 Transportation of Supplies by Sea. Please clarify compliance with DFAR:

252.247-7023 Transportation of Supplies by Sea clause for a barge that is registered in Palau, but is not a US Flag vessel. Would we be able to use this barge to ferry goods and equipment within the coastal waters of the Republic of Palau?

RESP: According to the Maritime Administration (MARAD), since Palau does not have cabotage laws, the U.S. flag vessel use requirements apply and must be followed.

Base bids on the use of U.S. flag vessels for this contract.

118. Reference: RFI due date. Question: Please confirm that the RFI due date is extended to March 11th (10 calendar days before Proposal due date).

RESP: RFI due date is revised to March 28, 2022 based on the extension of the RFP closing date to April 05, 2022.

End of Notice