23R1302_Notice3-Issued.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY

NAVAL FACILITIES ENGINEERING SYSTEMS COMMAND PACIFIC

258 MAKALAPA DR STE 100

PEARL HARBOR HI 96860-3134

RFP N62742-23-R-1302

Notice No. 3

11 July 2023

PRE-PROPOSAL QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

WON 1663847, FY24 MCAF PROJECT PAF180500, BOMBER APRON,

ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE (RAAF) BASE TINDAL,

AUSTRALIA

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.

32. On Drawing CX501, Detail C1 Double POL Trench Section, the requirement for “select material” as the backfilling over the POL pipe is shown. This requirement makes sense in the areas where the POL is below the new apron, yet in the areas outside of the apron it would seem satisfactory material would be appropriate. Please confirm this requirement is for all areas of the POL pipe.

ANSWER: Satisfactory material is acceptable in areas that are not under pavement, concrete or any type of roadways.

33. Drawing CP501 Pavement Type 1 and Type 2 shows a 200mm layer of aggregate subbase.

Please provide which specification section this material is to conform to.

ANSWER: SECTION 32 11 20 SEPARATION COURSE FOR RIGID AND SUBBASES

FOR FLEXIBLE PAVING

34. Drawing CP501 Pavement Type 5 shows a section of 150mm subbase material (fine crushed rock). Please provide which specification section this material is to conform to.

ANSWER: SECTION 32 11 20 SEPARATION COURSE FOR RIGID AND SUBBASES

FOR FLEXIBLE PAVING

35. Please provide the location in the pavement sections of Drawing CP501 that the Specification

Section 32 11 20 applies to.

ANSWER: SECTION 32 11 20 applies to the subbase layers of Pavement Types 1, 2 and 5.

36. On Drawing CD108 Note #8 it states: “Existing underground duct conduits shall be abandoned in place and cables shall be removed. Existing duct conduits are suspected to contain asbestos. Any incidental demolition or removal of ducts shall require special handling and disposal by contractor at no additional cost to the government.” We find this statement to be unfair to the contractor. There are several locations which require us to remove existing conduit in the demolished existing apron. We have no knowledge of the extent of the asbestos materials we may encounter. We feel that if asbestos is encountered it should be handled as a changed condition to the contract. Please provide us with your position on this matter.

ANSWER: Existing conduits as shown on the design documentation are to be treated and managed as containing asbestos. Costs associated with these works, including incidental demolition, should be captured within the contractor’s lump sum.

If other asbestos material, including conduit, is located during the works but not identified on design documentation, it would be considered a latent condition and a changed condition to the contract.

37. Drawing CD101 shows a Temporary Airside fence provided by the KC-30 project. The temporary fence is to be removed by the P700 Project. Since this fence is in our fuel line alignment, can you tell us what the scheduled date for this fence removal is?

ANSWER: It is estimated the fence would be removed in early 2025. However the Contractor will need to validate and coordinate this with the P700 Project Program.

38. On Drawing CR521 Karstic void treatment under pavements, does the unit price set up in the bid form include the work for the excavation of these areas? We are assuming we would get paid for the excavation as a CM and the backfilling as a CM. Or does the unit price include the complete excavation and backfilling?

ANSWER: Common excavation within karstic voids shall be included within the unit price line item for Karstic Void treatment. The unit price shall include both excavation of common material, as well as treatment of the karstic void. Rock excavation shall be captured as part of the separate unit price line item. The Price Proposal Schedule will be revised to add this as a Note in the forthcoming Amendment No. 0002.

39. On Drawing CR521 there is a statement on the detail for Typical Localized Rock Pinnacle treatment under pavements that shows 300mm lime-treated subgrade or lean mix concrete.

Please confirm that we are allowed to use lean mix concrete at these locations if desired. This is the only area that has lime treatment; therefore, it is very expensive to bring in this process for only a little use.

ANSWER: The use of lean mix concrete is allowed in this detail.

40. Please confirm that the bid item unit price for 0001AB Rock Excavation is to be used for all types of excavations in rock areas for the installation of drainage channels, utilities installations, mass grading, and structure excavations.

ANSWER: Confirming Item 0001AB is to be used for all rock excavation, as outlined in specification 31 23 00.00 20 clause 3.3.3. Refer to clause 1.2.3 and 1.2.4 for clarification.

41. Drawing MP506. Please confirm that the fuel line vesselets shown on drawing MP506 can be substituted with weldolets as is standard practice in Australia.

ANSWER: Response deferred.

42. Specification section 26 42 17, Clause 2.2.1. Please confirm if PVC/Nylon/PVC anode cable is an acceptable replacement for the specified AWG#8 HMWPE anode cable, as this type of cable is vulnerable to termite attack in the RAFF Base Tidal region.

ANSWER: Response deferred.

43. Drawing EK501 and specification section 26 42 17, clause 2.5. Please confirm the material type for the "Anode Junction Box". Drawing EK501 notes a galvanized box and the specification section 26 42 17 clause 2.5 states stainless steel.

44. Drawing CR516, drawing SP502. Please confirm that the pit detail shown in Section D3 on

Drawing CR516, relates to the Hydrant Outlet Pit in the pavement as shown Section A1 on Drawing MP503. The current description of Section D3 on Drawing CR516 appears to be incorrectly labeled.

45. Drawings CR127 & CR128. The subsoil drainage shown on drawings CR127 & CR128: The drainpipe is shown as 225mm diameter RCP on the drawings, however, is detailed in the drawing legend as 150mm PVC. Please confirm what pipe material type and size is to be installed.

ANSWER: Response deferred.

46. Drawing CP501. Pavement Types 1 & 2: Please confirm what section of the specification the aggregate subbase material is to conform to as this description of material type is not referred to in the specification. Is this material to conform to section 32 11 20 (Separation course for rigid and subbases for flexible paving) or 32 11 23 (Fine crushed aggregate rock-based course for flexible Paving)?

ANSWER: The applicable specification is Section 32 11 20

47. Drawing CS510, Drawing CS511, and detailed in Specification 44 41 00 Design and the performance requirements of the 2 penstocks as referenced on drawing CS510 and CS511 and detailed in specification 44 41 00:

a) The penstocks as specified are not a standard design supplied by Australian manufacturers.

Current work at RAAF Base Tindal (T018/T020 project) requires the supply and installation of penstocks that meet the same design criteria associated with this solicitation. It is requested that NAVFAC consider a specification and design change to accept an Australian manufactured product that is in line with the current projects at RAAF Base Tindal. Not only will this provide cost and time savings for this project, but it will also provide continuity of equipment across the Base.

b) If the change in design is unacceptable, the following queries need to be addressed:

(i) The closing requirement for the penstocks as designed is 30 seconds. Advice from penstock manufacturers is that this cannot be achieved with a multi-turn actuator as designed.

This will require a pneumatic cylinder arrangement similar to the current penstocks installed at RAAF Base Tindal. Please advise if the current design can be changed to meet the closing time requirement.

(ii) The current design has the penstock installed in an OFF-seated position. Penstock manufacturers recommend the penstock should be moved to the outlet of each pit. Please advise.

Section 44 41 00 clause 2.1.5.9 of the specification references an air compressor in drawing CS509. Please confirm what is the air compressor used for as there is no detail of the air compressor on Drawing CS509.

48. Drawing CS506 and specification section 33 40 00 clause 2.4.7.2. Please provide the cell type and depth of the anchor-reinforced vegetation system required in section C1 on drawing

CS506.

ANSWER: The anchor reinforced vegetation system is to be provided by the Contractor in accordance with the Specification and Drawings. The purpose of the system is to promote grass growth, mitigate erosion and withstand the flow velocity outlined in the Specification, and the intent is that the Contractor shall propose a product that meets these requirements.

49. Drawing CD501. Please provide as-built drawings showing reinforcing and dowel details for the existing concrete aprons to be demolished.

ANSWER: Based on limited information of the existing concrete apron, the available drawing outlines requirements for construction joints between slabs but no details are available of the joints. No details of reinforcement within the slab are available, therefore we cannot advise whether general reinforcement is present. It is the responsibility of the contractor to make appropriate allowances for its demolition.

50. Drawing S-001. Note C.19 on Drawing S-001 Notes test HB69 for testing the aggregate alkali reactivity. We are seeking confirmation that HB79 rather than HB69 is the correct reference for this test.

51. RFP N62742-23-R-1302, PART I. GENERAL, SECTION 2.3 Factor 1 – Experience, (a) page 3 The RFP states “Construction shall be completed or substantially completed within the last ten (10) years of the date of issuance of this RFP. Substantially complete means at least 90% physically complete.” We are currently completing the construction of the refueler apron at RAAF Tindal which has the identical specifications as the bomber apron and is located just a few hundred meters away. We would like to request the Government modify the substantially complete definition from 90% to 75% to allow this highly relevant project to be used and ensure competitiveness.

ANSWER: See Amendment No. 0001.

52. SECTION 32 12 15.13, Paragraph 1.6.9.1.2, Profilograph Testing. The RFP states that the contractor must “Provide finished surfaces of runways, taxiways and landing zones” and “of pavements other than runways, taxiways and landing zones with a Profile Index of......with an approved California-type profilograph per ASTM E1274.” What does the Government consider an approved California-type profilograph? Will the Government accept another type of surface smoothness testing which is currently being used for the concrete apron works in the KC-30 project? The Surface smoothness testing is conducted with a 3.5m long mobile straight edge with surface irregularities that depart for the tolerance marked on the concrete surface.

ANSWER: Note that 32 12 15.13 applies to asphalt pavements but a similar smoothness requirement is found in 32 13 14.13 for concrete pavements. The California Profilograph has a specific frame and wheel configuration (refer to California Profilograph (faa.gov) for detail.) The Profile Index is also specific to the California Profilograph and is a specific requirement of the UFGS specification.

The use of alternative equipment will not satisfy the compliance requirements of the specification.

53. SECTION 01 14 00 - The specification in 01 14 00 Work Restrictions states that the Contractor will not be able to work during exercises including Exercise Pitch Black. This has a significant time and cost impact as Pitch Black goes for over 5 to 6 weeks in the middle of the 2024 and 2026 dry seasons. Our current experience in building the adjacent KC-30 aircraft apron is that while exercises do result in increased air traffic, our work outside of operational runways and aprons is unimpeded. Can NAVFAC confirm that where work can be safely undertaken outside of operational areas it can continue concurrently with exercises on a similar basis.

54. SECTION 01 32 17.00 20, clause 1.10.2. The specification in 01 32 17.00 20 Cost-Loaded

Network Analysis Schedule (NAS) specifies the use of a 5 day per week calendar in the programme. Elsewhere in 01 14 00 Work Restrictions it states that work can be undertaken 6 days per week if away from accommodations areas (which this project is), and 7 days per week if permission is granted by the Contracting Officer. This is consistent with the approach taken for our current works at RAAF Base Tindal and we are interpreting this to mean we can work six days a week and seek permission to work seven days, where needed. Will NAVFAC please confirm if this is correct and that our programme can reflect this approach?

55. Drawing E-516 Please provide the length of the earth stake for the static earth points on drawing E-516. The drawing refers to note 6 which is not provided.

ANSWER: Response deferred.

56. SECTION 26 42 17, clause 2.5 and 2.6. Will the client accept junction boxes and test stations of different dimensions as stated in the specification? The sizes noted in the specification are not available in Australia.

ANSWER: Yes, as long as the dimensions noted are exceeded and not diminished.

57. In Specification Section 02 61 13, Paragraph 1.1.1, Measurement, you state: “Measurement for excavation and onsite transportation shall be based on the actual number of cubic meters of contaminated material in place prior to excavation.” We see no CLIN item in the bid form for this work. Please clarify. Will we be required to test areas for contamination prior to excavation? Please clarify.

ANSWER: The following changes will be made to Specification Section 02 61 13 in a forthcoming amendment

Delete - Paragraph 1.1.1 Measurement and 1.1.2 Payment.

Amendment to Paragraph 1.1 Measurement and Payment:

Excavation and handling of contaminated material, including stockpiling and placement of excess spoil as controlled fill in accordance with documentation, must be allowed for by the Contractor as a lump sum within the base bid.

Amendment to Paragraph 1.3 Description of Work:

The paragraph shall read: “The work consists of excavation and temporary storage of PFAS contaminated soil, concrete, concrete pavers and crushed rock sub-base.

Soil and apron materials have been classified as Category 3 and 4 in accordance with Defence PFAS CMF (2021) across the project site. Characterization data on the nature and extent of the contaminated material is shown in Appendix Site Engineering Investigation (SEI) report. Submit a Work Plan as specified below.

Notify the Contracting Officer within 24 hours, and before excavation, if contaminated material is discovered that has not been previously identified or if other discrepancies between data provided and actual field conditions are discovered. Excess PFAS contaminated soil will be placed as controlled fill on the base in an agreed designated location. Ground water is approximately 4 to 8 meters below pre-excavation ground surface. Required sampling and chemical analysis shall be conducted in accordance with DCMM (2021) and PFAS CMF (2021).”

Amendment to Paragraph 2.2 Backfill:

The paragraph shall read: “Backfill material shall be obtained from reuse or recycle of excavated site material and soils where indicated on design documentation. Refer to specification Section 31 23 00.00 20 EXCAVATION AND FILL, for backfill requirements.”

Amendment to Paragraph 3.1 Surveys:

Delete line: “Perform surveys immediately prior to and after excavation of contaminated material to determine the volume of contaminated material removed.

Also, perform surveys immediately after backfill of each excavation. Provide cross sections on 10 meter intervals and at break points for all excavated areas.”

Amendment to Paragraph 3.6 Contaminated Material Storage:

The sentence shall read: “Material designated for re-use shall be placed in temporary storage immediately after excavation.”

Amendment to Paragraph 3.6.1 Stockpile:

The first paragraph shall read: “Stockpiles shall be constructed to isolate stored contaminated material from the environment in accordance with DCMM 2021 and PFAS CMF 2021. Stockpiles shall be constructed to include:”

Delete line: The maximum stockpile size shall be 25 cubic m.

Amendment to Paragraph 3.10:

The initial sentence shall read: “Excess spoil must be transported and placed as controlled fill in the location on RAAF Tindal Base nominated in the CEMP and ECC, and in accordance with the design documentation.”

58. In Specification Section 33 46 16, Paragraph 1.1.1, Measurement, you state: “Pipe will be paid for according to the number of linear meters of subdrains placed.” We see no CLIN item in the bid form for this work. Please clarify.

ANSWER: Paragraph 1.1.1 will be revised as follows in a forthcoming amendment:

The sentence shall read: “Pipe will be paid for as a lump sum within the base bid.”

59. In Specification Section 01 35 13.43 10, Paragraph 3.1.3.3, Contaminant Characterization, you mention two reports: PFAS Construction Risk Assessment (GHD 2022) and PFAS Construction Risk Assessment and Preliminary Construction Environmental Management Plan. Could you please provide us a copy of each of these reports?

60. In Specification Section 01 50 00, Paragraph 3.2.2, Payment for Utility Services, you state:

“Government will provide electricity and water for day-to-day construction activities, at the cost to the contractor.” Please provide the cost rates for each of these services. Is there a limit on the quantity of water we can take daily from the connection point shown in the drawings?

If so, please let us know what that amount is.

ANSWER: Specification Section 01 50 00, Paragraph 3.2.2, Payment for Utility Services will be revised in a forthcoming amendment to read as follows:

“The Government will provide electricity and water for day to day construction activities, at no cost to the contractor.

Daily water allowance will need to be confirmed and coordinated by the Contractor through USFPI with the P200 & KC-30 projects. Water availability may also be subject to demands with these concurrent projects.”

61. On Drawing CR107 you show a darkened area and define it as a thickened slab. Please provide the detail of how thick that portion of the slab is to be

ANSWER: The complete slab has to be thickened to 1.25 x D as per Section D2 on CR503 where D is the thickness of the JOINTED PLAIN CONCRETE of Pavement Type

1. Drawing CR107 will be revised in a forthcoming amendment.