24R1304 Note 1.pdf

Notice No. 1

24 January 2024

PRE-PROPOSAL QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

RFP N62742-24-R-1304

FY24 AYHN239001 (P-9001) PDI TRANSIENT AIRCRAFT

PARKING APRON, BASA AIR BASE, PHILIPPINES

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. P9001_Specifications, Page 28, Section 3.11, MUNITIONS AND EXPLOSIVES OF

CONCERN (MEC)/MATERIAL POTENTIALLY PRESENTING AN EXPLOSIVE HAZARD

(MPPEH) states: "The project site is assumed to be an area with moderate (yellow) or high (red) probability areas of encountering MEC/MPPEH. Perform full clearance ahead of construction in accordance the Munitions Response (MR) Explosive Safety Submission (ESS) included in Section 01 57 19.03 20 SUPPLEMENTAL TEMPORARY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS Munitions Response Explosives Safety Submission (MRESS) Basa Air Base Construction Support.”

The MRESS contains critical explosives safety procedures that governs the MEC/MPPEH clearance operations for the P9001 site. It is requested that the government provides the MRESS for this project as soon as possible and allows the Contractors additional time during the proposal phase to assess explosives safety procedures and incorporate all the MRESS requirements.

ANSWER: Response deferred.

2. P9001_Specifications, Page 4, Section 1.4, Anomalies, states: "An anomaly is defined as a metal item with any one dimension equal to the 20 mm projectile, project’s approved Target of Interest (TOI) or larger.”

Historic anomaly rates observed to-date in Philippines are highly variable depending both on wartime activities and subsequent authorized and unauthorized uses of property. Historical information regarding such uses is often incomplete. Contractor assumes the risk that the number of anomalies encountered at the project site is variable and may exceed previously encountered rates.

Note: Available records have been requested and a transect assessment for anomaly density is ongoing; at this time no site-specific anomaly density information regarding the number of anomalies that may be encountered at the project site is available.

To provide an accurate and realistic cost, we request that the Government provide the project site geophysics raw and/or processed data and allow the Contractors the time to evaluate the risks and required level-of-effort associated with the MEC/MPPEH clearance effort.

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY

NAVAL FACILITIES ENGINEERING SYSTEMS COMMAND, PACIFIC

258 MAKALAPA DRIVE, SUITE 100

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR HICKAM, HAWAII 96860-3134

ANSWER: Raw AGC survey data will be provided with MRESS in a forthcoming amendment.

Assume Transect Anomaly Densities= average anomaly density across the site is approximately 200 anomalies per acre" and "Grid Anomaly Densities= average of 278 TOIs per acre".

3. P9001_Specifications, Page 3, SECTION 01 57 19.03 20; Government of the Philippine’s specific notes states in bold text: "Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) clearance and/or response operations within the territory of the Philippines may only be conducted by UXO specialized companies recognized in writing by the Government of Philippines to ensure clearance criteria are met for the safety of the Philippine people."

P9001_Specifications, Page 4, Section 1.5, Personnel Qualifications and Duties states:

"Personnel shall meet the minimum qualification standards set forth in DDESB TP 18 and the Construction Support MRESS, including training and experience requirements. Personnel requirements and duties are defined in DDESB TP 18 and the Construction Support MRESS.

The team composition and size shall be in accordance with EM 385-1-97. Skill and composition of the team(s) will be appropriate to the task being performed; this is to include Quality Control and Safety.

The contractor shall provide the qualifications of all personnel at least seven business days prior to commencing intrusive activities. When submitting the qualifications, include a signed letter to the Contracting Officer certifying that key personnel meet the training and experience requirements for the position(s) held. The letter shall list, by name and position, all key personnel. The letter shall contain the following statement: “I certify that the personnel listed meet or exceed the contract requirements for the function they will perform.”

The statement related to a UXO specialized company being recognized by the Government of Philippines requires clarification, as other specifications associate the qualification of UXO personnel to be aligned with the DDESB TP 18. Request that the Government provides responses to the following:

a. What is the criteria and/or qualification requirements for a UXO company to be recognized by the Government of the Philippines? Is this recognition regularly provided to U.S.

based UXO companies that adhere to U.S. DoD and industry standard practices?

ANSWER: Requirement for a UXO company to be recognized by the Government of the Philippines will be removed and clarification will be provided in a forthcoming amendment.

b. Provide instructions and copies of the paperwork/forms related to obtaining the Government of Philippines recognition in writing.

ANSWER: See response to Question 3a.

c. What is the cost and processing time associated with the obtaining the Philippine government's recognition.

d. May the Contractor use local PHL UXO technicians that are qualified per the host nation requirements, or can only DDESB TP18 qualified UXO-technicians be used?

4. P9001_Specifications, Page 4-5, Section 1.5.2 states: "...Geophysical System Verification process, installing an Instrument Verification Strip (IVS), and emplacing blind seeds."

"The Contractor will install the QC blind seeds manually using hand tools (shovel or hand auger) and will disturb very minimal area of the project site.” Typically, this operation does not require a formal dig permit.

Does Basa Air Base require a formal dig permit for the installation of the QC blind seed items?"

ANSWER: A dig permit is not required to install QC blind seeds.

5. P9001_Specifications, Section 1.5.4 stated "...Both collection and evaluation of geophysical data must be validated by DDESB approved 3rd party QA."

a. Considering the Government will have DDESB approved 3rd Party QA to validate the geophysical data, should the Contractor include cost for additional amendment of the Final ESS for this project.

ANSWER: No.

b. For each project submittals (plans and reports), what is the required review/comment time (calendar days) for the 3rd Party QA?

ANSWER: 14 days for review/comment time for 3rd Party QA.

6. P9001 Specifications, Page 14, Section 3.7 states: "Soil Excavation and Removal Soil excavation and removal shall be in accordance with the Construction Support MRESS and NAVSEA OP 5. Prior to reuse of excavated soil where limited clearance ahead of construction is utilized the soil must be additionally screened to remove 20mm TOI. Screening may be done manually (spread into 6" layers, detect, and remove) or mechanically, using a 2-inch screen for 60mm and 0.75-inch screen for 20mm, observing all explosive safety precautions as required by the Construction ESS.”

a. Request additional clarification on the definition of “limited clearance” ahead of construction or that the Government immediately provides the MRESS as it contains needed details on the clearance effort.

ANSWER: Response deferred.

b. If all the selected and approved TOIs for the entire construction footprint have been investigated, TOI sources removed, targets resolved and approved by the Contractor's QC and Government's 3rd Party QA, does the excavated soil still need to be screened (manually or mechanically) prior to reuse of the excavated soil to backfill?

ANSWER: In accordance with Spec Section 01 57 29.03 20, paragraph 3.7, Excavated soil must be screened either manually or mechanically prior to reuse of the excavated soil to backfill.

7. P9001 Specifications, Page 6, Section 1.6, MEC Work Plan General Requirements states:

"Once accepted by the Contracting Officer, the MEC Work Plan and attachments will be enforced as part of the contract. Only when the MEC Work Plan is accepted shall the contractor be permitted to begin remediation activities. Contractor's failure to execute work in accordance with the approved ESS or MEC Work Plan will be cause for non-compliance with the contract.

Any costs or delays associated with full resolution will be the contractor's responsibility.”

P9001 Specifications, Page 7, Section 1.9.1 Daily Quality Control (QC) Reports states "The QC Report shall include the WGS 1984 UTM Zone55 North coordinate system used, elevation, description of grids/area included in the report, depth of clearance, number of anomalies investigated, weight in pounds of debris recovered, number of MEC found, number of MPPEH found, number of blind seeds placed, number of blind seeds recovered and IVS results."

The performance metrics and failure criteria play significant role in overall project cost, schedule, MEC/MPPEH clearance technical approach, and applicable technologies to meet the overall project requirements. Request the Government define the performance metrics and failure criteria for the MEC/MPPEH clearance for this project.

ANSWER: Response deferred.

8. P9001 Specifications, ATTACHMENTS 1-12: MEC fieldwork Templates. Request the Government provide fillable version of the following 12 templates:

Attch 1_MEC Daily Site Report template Attch 2_MEC SPOT Report Attch 3_MEC Safety Meeting template Attch 4_MEC Safety Insp Form template Attch 5_MEC Sensor Assembly Checklist template Attch 6_MEC Geophysical Equipment Checkout template Attch 7_MEC QC Seeding Table template Attch 8_MEC QCQA Inspection Report template Attch 9_MEC Grid Completion Form template Attch 10_MEC Accountability Log template Attch 11_MEC Site Visitor Log template Attch 12_MEC Survey Deviation Report template

9. General. There will be commercial equipment (geophysical sensor platform, metal detectors, etc.) from the US that will be utilized on this project to facilitate the MEC clearance ahead of construction effort. Will NAVFAC issue a letter of Tax Relief to the Contractor for this project?

ANSWER: Response deferred.

10. P9001_Specifications, Page 15, Section 3.9 states "...Written designation of low-likelihood in the bedrock area must be issued by NOSSA prior to ground disturbing work in that area. On- Call UXO Construction Support is required until all excavation is complete.”

a. In addition to any bedrock areas, will the Navy require On-Call UXO Construction Support during other earth disturbance/excavation operations following completion of the pre-construction MEC clearance?

ANSWER: Yes, On-Call UXO construction support is required per Specification Section 01 57 19.03 20, paragraph 3.9.

b. Can the On-call UXO Construction Support staffing be a minimum of one UXOTIII and one UXOTII?

ANSWER: No, On-call UXO staff cannot be a minimum of one UXOTIII and one UXOTII. Specification Section will be revised to re-number paragraph from 3.9 to 3.10 in a forthcoming amendment. Accordingly, comply with the amended Specification Section

01 57 19.03 20, paragraph 3.10.

c. Are the requirements for On-Call Construction Support correct, as it implies that the UXO Technicians do not have to be physically present on the site? Per the DoD and Navy governing instructions, should this be changed to On-Site Construction Support to require the UXO technicians to be physically present?

ANSWER: Yes, On-call construction support is required until all excavation is complete per Specification Section 01 57 19.03 20, paragraph 3.9.

11. P9001_Specifications, Page 9, Section 3.1 (Data Collection prior to Intrusive Activities) states: "Prior to commencing intrusive activities, the contractor shall conduct a 100% initial MEC data collection of the project site using a positioning system and DGM and/or AGC equipment."

How many acres will require 100% DGM/AGC survey?

12. P9001_Specifications, Page 15, Section 1.6 (MEC Work Plan General Requirements) states: "Submit the MEC Work Plan within 30 calendar days of Contract Award."

Request the Government provide a list of Government entities that will be reviewing the project required submittals (plans and reports) to include their review period (in calendar days) that will need to be accounted for in the overall project schedule and contractual period of performance.

ANSWER: Response deferred.

13. P9001_Specifications, Page 10, Section 3.5, Community Outreach.

Does the requirement for Community Outreach services apply to the pre-construction MEC Clearance only or will it also apply to the post-MEC clearance Apron construction phase of the project.

ANSWER: Community Outreach will continue through post-MEC clearance Apron construction phase of the project.

14. Based on the pre-proposal site visit is scheduled for 6 February 2023, and the RFIs are due 10 days prior to the proposal due date (by 27 February 2024), we respectfully request that the Navy consider a three-week extension on the proposal due date. Request moving the proposal submittal from 27 February 2024 to 19 March 2024. This additional time will allow us the time to incorporate important details gleaned from the Government's responses to our RFIs, submit RFQs to and obtain cost competitive quotes from our PHL vendors and subcontractors.

ANSWER: The Government has considered your request, however, the RFP remains unchanged.

15. P9001_Specifications, Section 015719.03, Page 9, Section 3.1 Data Collection prior to Intrusive Activities. To reduce schedule risks associated with Government/3rd Party QA review/approval times, request that the Government provide an estimated review time for DGM/AGC data package submittals.

ANSWER: Government review time for DGM/AGC data package submittals will be 7 days.

16. P9001_Specifications, Section 1.5.4 states: "...Both collection and evaluation of geophysical data must be validated by DDESB approved 3rd party QA."

Please confirm that the DDESB approved 3rd Party QA will be provided by the Navy and not by the Contractor.

ANSWER: Confirmed. NAVFAC will provide 3rd party QA.

17. P9001_Specifications, Page 15, 3.9 Requirements When MEC/MPPEH is Encountered.

“MEC and MPPEH storage, transportation and disposal will be accomplished by military EOD

IAW Construction Support MRESS. The Contractor shall notify the Government (Basa Air Base Command Post) until positive contact is made to dispatch EOD. Immediately following this, the contractor shall notify the Government’s point of contact in the following order: Government MEC QA, Construction Manager Engineer, Contracting Officer, Supervisory General Engineer, FEAD/ROICC until positive contact with one or more is made. Document transfer of MEC/MPPEH to EOD via the DD form 1348-1A or local generated form.”

a. If the Base EOD cannot respond on the same day of the when the MEC/MPPEH item was found, will Basa Air Base provide non-work hour/overnight security to guard the MEC/MPPEH item?

ANSWER: No, Basa Air Base will not provide non-work hour/overnight security to guard the MEC/MPPEH item.

b. In addition to MEC, does the Government want MPPEH items that has been inspected, verified, and certified as MDAS be turned over to the EOD as well?

ANSWER: No, government does not want MPPEH items that has been inspected, verified, and certified as MDAS be turned over to the EOD.

18. Section 32 13 14.13, para 1.4.1 (a): “The minimum requirements for the Concrete Paving CQC Manager consist of 8 years airfield concrete paving experience similar to work required under this contract with a minimum of 3 years in a concrete paving CQC role.” Please verify if this experience must be on DOD airfields or if FAA or regional airfield experience will count.

Also, there is a requirement for the CQC manager to be either a graduate engineer or a graduate construction manager. This combination of experience can be difficult to find, especially for remote work. Can the government verify that the full extent of these requirements will be upheld during construction?

ANSWER: Response deferred.

19. Section 32 13 14.13, para 1.4.1 (e): Stipulates a batch plant manufacturer representative must be on site to inspect and adjust the plant. Given the location of the project this could be difficult to procure the expertise. Is this inspection required prior to the start of paving?

ANSWER: Response deferred.

20. Section 32 13 14.13, para 1.4.1 (g): Stipulates a slip form paver manufacturer representative must be on site to inspect and adjust the plant. Given the location of the project this could be difficult to procure the expertise. Is this inspection required prior to the start of paving?

21. Section 32 13 14.13, para 1.4.2 (b): Survey work is required to be performed under the supervision of a licensed surveyor. Does this mean a licensed surveyor must be on site for the duration of paving?

ANSWER: Response deferred.

22. Section 32 13 14.13, para 1.4.3: All sampling and testing is required to be performed by an onsite accredited laboratory. Transporting and accrediting a laboratory for this scope of work can take upwards of 6 months. Will the government provide the time necessary to deliver and accredit the laboratory? Will this requirement be waived for remote work?

ANSWER: Response deferred.

23. Section 32 13 14.13, para 1.4.6: This paragraph states: “Use the same equipment, materials, and construction techniques on test sections proposed for use in all subsequent work.” Does this mean that hand place and fixed for test sections are required in addition to pilot and fill-in lane test sections? What about companion or step and slip lanes?

ANSWER: Response deferred.

24. Section 32 13 14.13, para 1.4.6: This paragraph states: “Construct test sections meeting all specification requirements.” Is this interpreted to mean that if for example a single slump test is out of tolerance or a single measurement on joint face deviation does not meet requirements, then the test section is considered a failure? For example, if the contractor sets a single form on a pilot lane – say to accommodate side plane adjustment when taking off from existing concrete – there will almost always be a slight abrupt change. This is easily remediated with hand grinding, but will this situation be considered a failure on a test section?

ANSWER: Response deferred.

25. Section 32 13 14.13, para 1.4.6.1(c): Paragraph language says to construct a pilot lane test section up to 15 but not more than 60 days prior to start of construction. Please confirm how long the review process of the test section will take for scheduling purposes? Does the contractor need to plan a 60-day break for test section acceptance?

ANSWER: Response deferred.

26. Section 32 13 14.13, para 1.4.6.3: Does the fill-in lane test section require two existing lanes as forms, or is step-and-slip construction on one edge considered acceptable?

27. Section 32 13 14.13, para 1.4.8.1: Language contained in this paragraph references and defines pavement lots. Please define what data is required to accept pavement lots. Typically, a pavement lot summary is well over one hundred pages including all of the following:

• Lot paving diagram with locations of coring and sampling

• Construction narrative

• Individual and combined aggregate gradations.

• Mix properties including slump, air content, unit weight, mix temperature, ambient temperature, compressive and/or flexural strength results

• Batch Tickets

• Core thickness and evaluation with three photos of each core

• Smoothness testing including transverse straightedge, longitudinal straightedge, transverse edge slump, joint face deformation, and profilograph.

• As built survey elevations

• Is this what will be expected to approve each lot of pavement as defined in 1.4.8.1?

ANSWER: In accordance with Specification Section 32 13 14.13, paragraph 1.4.8.2, provide all sampling and testing required for acceptance.

28. Section 32 13 14.13, para 1.4.8.2: This specification codifies qualifications for individuals performing testing on the project. Please confirm this means qualified individuals for the following are required to be on site during paving:

• ACI Transportation Inspector

• ACI Flatwork Finisher

• ACI Field Technician

• ACI Lab Technician

• ACI Strength Technician

• NRMCA Batch Plant Operator

• Profilograph Operator

ANSWER: To be determined by QC Manager.

29. Section 32 13 14.13, para 2.1.1.4.2: Is the profile index requirement considering the average of each segment pass, or the highest value of each segment pass?

ANSWER: Per paragraph 2.1.1.4.2 the index for each segment is the average of the indices for each pass.

30. Section 32 13 14.13, para 2.3.2.3: Will a #57 size coarse aggregate be allowed for use if a third coarse aggregate is utilized and combined gradation meets CF/WF requirements?

ANSWER: Aggregate shall meet all the specified requirements.

31. Section 32 13 14.13, para 2.4.1: Many of the current type F admixtures also meet specification limits for type A. Will an admixture meeting both requirements be allowed for the project?

ANSWER: No, Type F admixtures are not allowed per the specs.

32. Section 32 13 14.13, para 2.4.1: There are new type S admixtures specifically manufactured to help paving operations. Will a type S admixture tailored for paving be allowed for the project?

ANSWER: No, type S admixtures are not allowed per the specs.

33. Section 32 13 14.13, para 2.6: Will the contractor be required to desalinate their own water for concrete production?

ANSWER: Response deferred.

34. Section 32 13 14.13, para 2.6: Water listed for use in the concrete paving has specific testing requirements. Is the contractor expected to obtain water samples of the available island water prior to commencing with mixture proportioning?

ANSWER: Response deferred.

35. Section 32 13 14.13, para 2.6: Will the contractor be expected to use local water for the mix design study?

ANSWER: Response deferred.

36. Section 32 13 14.13, para 2.9.1: Please confirm that dowel sleeves will not be allowed on this project.

ANSWER: Confirmed, dowel sleeves are not allowed.

37. Section 32 13 14.13, para 2.12(b): NRMCA certification of the on-site plant requires that an approved inspector who is also a registered engineer from the state in which the project is located perform an on-site inspection to certify the plant. Is there a certified registered professional engineer certified by NRMCA permanently stationed on base that can perform this work, or will the contractor have to bring the individual from somewhere else? If so, what state or region is an acceptable PE to hail from in order to accomplish this requirement?

ANSWER: The contractor must plan to bring in their own registered professional engineer. In this case, a registered PE from any state will meet this requirement.

38. Section 32 13 14.13, para 2.12.1.2: This paragraph requires batch plant to be capable of 200 cubic meters per hour of concrete production. How will this be verified, and will this requirement be enforced on the project.

ANSWER: Response deferred.

39. Section 32 13 14.13, para 2.12.1.4: Is an electronic moisture meter required for the batch plant?

ANSWER: Yes, an electric moisture meter is required per the specs.

40. Section 32 13 14.13, para 2.12.2: Truck mixers appear to be allowed in this paragraph but specifically prohibited for slip formed airfield paving transport in 2.12.2.4. Please verify if truck mixers are NOT allowed for slipform paving only but allowed for other type of placements such as hand placements? Please also clarify if truck mixers would be allowed for slipform paving conducted in conjunction with forms?

ANSWER: Confirmed, truck mixers are not allowed for slipform paving. However, for other types of concrete placement, truck mixers are allowed. Truck mixers are not allowed for mixing or transporting slipformed paving concrete.

41. Section 32 13 14.13, para 2.12.2.1: Please confirm that a stationary mixer is required for this project.

ANSWER: Confirmed, a stationary mixer is required for this project.

42. Section 32 13 14.13, para 2.12.2.2: This paragraph provides minimum mixing time prior to completion of mixer uniformity. Is the minimum mixing time allowed to be used without performing uniformity?

ANSWER: No, concrete uniformity must be achieved prior to placement.

43. Section 32 13 14.13, para 2.12.3: Can fixed form pavement be transported in non-agitating units when coupled with the use of secondary transfer equipment?

ANSWER: In accordance with paragraph 2.12.3, yes fixed form concrete can be transported in non-agitating equipment.

44. Section 32 13 14.13, para 2.12.4: The transfer and spreading equipment is specifically required to be operated outside of the paving lane. Considering the base course for the project, which would hold up to truck traffic well, and not be subject to disturbance, can delivery vehicles deposit concrete directly on grade for this project?

ANSWER: No, concrete cannot be deposited directly on grade.

45. Section 32 13 14.13, para 2.12.5: Will a slip form paver be required for this project? The answer to this question is critical to planning issues and a competitive bid, and transport of a slipform paver to the project site is of significant undertaking in this case. Should the government require a slipform paver in the pre bid portion and then allow something less to be used during construction, a competitive imbalance will be created in the biding process.

ANSWER: Yes, a paver finisher meeting the requirements of paragraph 2.12.5 is required.

46. Section 32 13 14.13, para 2.12.5.1: The vibrator monitoring system on the slip form paver has an internal and external component. The external component is typically used for downloading data after the shift is complete, but the component internal to the paver shows the operator the required information at the same time. Is this requirement intending that the external component be 100% functional for the duration of each placement? Also, vibrator sensors are notorious for going offline randomly. If vibrator performance can be seen on the machine console, but sensor failure causes data not to be sent to the external component, is this considered cause for discontinuation of paving as noted in this paragraph? Based on the reliability of these sensors this has potential to impact scheduled as sensors cannot be repaired without removing the vibrator from the gang mount on the paver.

ANSWER: Response deferred.

47. Section 32 13 14.13, para 2.12.5.4: What is considered mainline paving and what portions of the project are clary screeds, rotating tube floats, and bridge deck finishers allowed?

ANSWER: Response deferred.

48. Section 32 13 14.13, para 2.12.5.5: In an earlier section steel forms were apparently not required. Will slip form paving over wood or composite forms be allowed?

ANSWER: Response deferred.

49. Section 32 13 14.13, para 2.12.7: Typically, a fine sandy texture is required for the finished surface. Please confirm if this is the case or provide a brief description of the expectation. The statement “modify the equipment as necessary to produce the texture desired” is vague and open ended. Howe can the contractor know what he might need to procure on an island to modify the equipment without having a definition of the expectation.

ANSWER: A texture produced from a burlap drag is the expected texture.

50. Section 32 13 14.13, para 2.12.8: Are ride-a-saws permitted for initial and widening joint installation, or are hand-operated saws only permitted?

51. Section 32 13 14.13, para 2.12.10: Can the government provide a definition for self-propelled? Is the workbridge required to have a motor and move without human support?

ANSWER: Response deferred.

52. Section 32 13 14.13, para 2.12.10: Is a work bridge required for this project, and will its utilization be obligatory during construction?

ANSWER: Yes.

53. Section 32 13 14.13, para 2.13.4: Slump requirements are 50mm maximum at point of placement. Typically hand placements are allowed to be placed at slightly higher slump. Can hand placement mixes be allowed to place concrete at 3” slump max?

ANSWER: Response deferred.

54. Section 32 13 14.13, para 2.13.6: Strength correlations for this project are compressive to flexural. This methodology requires not only an age correlation but a simultaneous test method correlation. By using a flexural-to-flexural correlation, variability in test results can typically be reduced. Will a flexural-to-flexural correlation be allowed for this project?

ANSWER: Response deferred.

55. Section 32 13 14.13, para 2.14.2.2: There is a requirement to perform separate trial mixture studies for each type of placement to be used. If the contractor proposes to use slip form, hand place, and fixed form methodology, does this mean the contractor must perform three different three-point water to cementitious trial mixture studies?

ANSWER: Yes, the contractor must perform three different mixture studies.

56. Section 32 13 14.13, para 3.3.1: What is the criteria for exposed surface coarse aggregate that is used to determine rejection of rain damaged concrete? Furthermore, who is making this decision? This particular criteria appears very subjective and the contractor should know ahead of time how this will be adjudicated during construction. Setting clear criteria is beneficial for both the contractor and government and helps top prevent project delays which could occur due to differential expectation.

57. Section 32 13 14.13, para 3.3.3: Night operation typically aid in prevention of plastic shrinkage paving. Will night operations be allowed for this project?

ANSWER: Yes, night operations are allowed but must be coordinated with base leadership.

58. Section 32 13 14.13, para 3.4: The current language reads that paving equipment must be CAPABLE of continuous uniform forward movement of the paver of not less than 0.8 meters per minute. Please confirm that this is a capability statement and not an execution statement.

ANSWER: Response deferred.

59. Section 32 13 14.13, para 3.4: The current language reads that paving equipment must be CAPABLE of continuous uniform forward movement of the paver of not less than 0.8 meters per minute. This capability depends not only on the mechanical specifications of the paver, but also of the batch plant, the haul trucks, the transfer and placing equipment, staffing and staff capability, and the control system used to steer and align the paver. How will the government determine CAPABILITY of forward movement for this requirement?

ANSWER: Response deferred.

60. Section 32 13 14.13, para 3.5.5.1: This section requires steel forms for fixed form paving, which seems to contradict paragraph 2.11. Please advise if steel forms are required for fixed forming. Also, please confirm that wood planks are allowed for use in building up forms from the bottom, as this seems atypical.

ANSWER: Response deferred.

61. Section 32 13 14.13, para 3.5.7.1: The main apron PCCP section is 340 mm. Will reinforcing steel be required to be placed by the strike method? In slipform paving this requires two paving machines – the first to strike the initial concrete for setting of reinforcement and the second to complete the paving section. The answer to this question is of critical nature for planning and acquisition purposes, and it speaks ot the need to bring additional equipment to the island. All bidders should have a clear answer as to whether or not the government will require the strike method during construction. This is a significant variable which materially impacts the ability to bid the job and/or the costs thereof. By providing a clear and direct response (yes or no) all bidders will be on equal footing in submitting their respective bids.

ANSWER: Response deferred.

62. Section 32 13 14.13, para 3.5.7.2: As the primary apron section PCCP for this project is 340mm thickness, will the method for using chairs to support reinforcing mats on reinforced panels be acceptable?

63. Section 32 13 14.13, para 3.7.2: The section on curing only specifies a single pass application of curing compound on the main apron section by mechanical means. Many studies have shown that a two-pass application helps significantly in minimizing pinholes, and discontinuity and providing a more uniform final coverage. Can a two-pass application be utilized for this project when applying by mechanical means?

ANSWER: Response deferred.

64. Section 32 13 14.13, para 3.8.4: Are zip strips allowed for use in expansion and/or slip joints?

ANSWER: Response deferred.

65. Section 32 13 14.13, para 3.8.5: This section notes that respraying of the region of the joint immediately after the initial sawcut joint and backer rod is installed. Please clarify what areas must be resprayed after initial sawcutting? Is the newly installed joint acceptable, or does the government want any wheel tracks or other marks made by the concrete saw during its movement across the paving lane resprayed as well?

ANSWER: The entire region of the joint must be resprayed after initial sawcutting. Any areas disturbed need to be resprayed.

66. Section 32 13 14.13, para 3.9.3: For cracks in new concrete not exceeding 50mm is high molecular weight methacrylate acceptable in lieu of epoxy injection of these areas? A gravity feed method of low viscosity materials would eliminate the need for drilling injection ports in new concrete.

ANSWER: Response deferred.

67. Section 32 13 14.13, para 3.9.4: Spalled edges are noted to have the panel replaced if more than 15.0% of any longitudinal or transverse joint edge is spalled. Is the intent to quantify removal and replacement criteria by a single edge or by the entire panel edge? For example: If a single PCCP panel which has four sides contains a single edge (one of the four sides) that has more than 15% of that edge spalled, and the other three edges have zero spalls this panel would be removed and replaced? Conversely, if that same panel had 10% spalls on each of the four edges it would remain in place and all four edges would be repaired? In other words, is the spall criteria specific to a single edge of the panel or the entirety of the panel edge around its perimeter?

68. Section 32 13 14.13, para 3.9.4/3.9.5: Will the government require selection of spall repair material from only materials listed on the current tri-service approved materials list, or will materials be evaluated on a case-by-case basis? This question is asked as many available materials that have superior performance characteristics are not on the current list, while some that are currently on this list – in our opinion, do not perform as well.

ANSWER: Materials will be evaluated on a case by case basis.

69. Section 32 13 14.13, para 3.12.4: How many flexural tests are required to quantify that concrete has attained 3.8MPa flexural strength by field cure in order to allow for construction equipment on new concrete after seven days? Is a single set of testing from the original placement sufficient, or should the contractor prepare for more testing?

ANSWER: Response deferred.

70. Section 32 13 14.13, para 3.12.2: Batch plant scales are required to be verified for weighing accuracy monthly. Is the contractor allowed to perform this verification in-house, or is a third-party entity required?

ANSWER: A third party entity must verify the batch plant scales.

71. Section 32 13 14.13, para 3.12.2: Batch plant batching and recording accuracy are required to be verified for weighing accuracy monthly. Is the contractor allowed to perform this verification in-house, or is a third-party entity required?

ANSWER: A third party entity must verify the batch plant batching and recording accuracy.

72. Section 32 13 14.13, para 3.12.2: Table 17 states that for single test air content out of specification the contractor should halt operations, repair, and retest? In this instance – if an air content test is out of specification – is the contractor required to remove and replace concrete represented by that test result?

ANSWER: Yes.

73. RFP Document, page 3/84 box 12b. states performance and payment bonds must be delivered within 21 calendar days after award. Please advise if delivery of the contractors Treasury Department Circular 570 payment and performance bonds is to be to the address in box 7 or 8.

ANSWER: In accordance with the RFP SF1442, performance and payment bonds are to be provided after award. Address will be provided to awarded contractor.

74. RFP Document, page 5/84 Note 1 states ‘the total proposed price of CLIN 0001 will form the basis of the evaluation noted in Document 002200’. Please confirm that it’s the Government intent to award both CLIN0001AA and 001AB as part of its evaluation of CLIN 00001.

ANSWER: Confirmed, the total proposed price of CLIN 0001 includes both SLINs 0001AA and 0001AB.

75. RFP Document, page 8/84 item 1.5 Pre-Award Survey/responsibility determination. Can the Government please advise on the cut off date for the submission of the survey and if the contractor will be notified prior to bid day if they fail to meet the requirements needed to qualify.

ANSWER: As stated in RFP Document 00 21 16, paragraph 1.1 NUMBER OF COPIES/TIME OF RECEIPT, subparagraph (a), the information required by paragraph 1.5, PreAward Survey/Responsibility Determination shall be included in the Price Proposal. The Price Proposal due date is also provided in subparagraph (a).

76. RFP Document, page 8/84 item 1.5 Pre-Award Survey/responsibility determination. Please confirm the completed survey needs to be hand delivered to the contracting office and also office location.

ANSWER: No. Please refer to RFP Document 00 21 16, Paragraph 1.1 NUMBER OF COPIES/TIME OF RECEIPT, subparagraph (d), which states proposals shall be submitted via U.S. Postal Mail/Express Courier or hand-carried. Addresses for each are provided in the RFP.

77. RFP Document, page 8/84 item 1.5 Pre-Award Survey/responsibility determination. Please confirm bidding contractors who do not submit the pre-award survey and pass the survey will not be considered for award.

ANSWER: As stated in RFP Document 00 21 16, paragraph 1.1 NUMBER OF COPIES/TIME OF RECEIPT, subparagraph (a), the information required by paragraph 1.5, PreAward Survey/Responsibility Determination shall be included in the Price Proposal.

78. RFP Document, page 10/84 1.7 Complementary Pricing Information. Please confirm that the complementary pricing information is required to be submitted and if not included in the price proposal the bidder will not be considered for award.

ANSWER: The Complementary Pricing Information is for Government information only and may be submitted with the price proposal.

79. RFP Document, page 12/84 1.10 Alternate Line Item proposal. Please give more information and expand on this option would be assessed, how the contractor should apply an additional proposal, which proposal would take precedence? If the contractor proposed this, how would the Government assess the contractors alternate proposal as meeting the specification requirements without the submission of a detailed technical proposal?

ANSWER: In accordance with RFP N62742-24-R-1304 SF1442, PRICE PROPOSAL SCHEDULE, (Page 3 of 3), NOTES: 3. “The Offeror SHALL include a price for ALL CLINs.

The Government will not adjust the quantities noted in the schedule at time of award.”

Accordingly, alternate proposals will not be accepted by the Government.

80. RFP Document, page 16/84 1.16 FAR 52.222-23. As far as we are aware, this requirement does not cover the Philippines. Please confirm the contractor does not have to meet this requirement.

ANSWER: In accordance with FAR 22.810(b) and (e), inclusion of FAR provision 52.222-23 is required and will be applicable to any resultant contract for workers hired in the United States.

Pursuant to 41 CFR 60-1.5(a)(3) and as stated at 41 CFR 60-1.10, “Contractors are exempted from this obligation only when hiring persons outside the United States for work to be performed outside the United States (see 41 CFR 60–1.5(a)(3)). Therefore, a contractor hiring workers in the United States for either Federal or nonfederally connected work shall be in violation of Executive Order 11246, as amended, by refusing to employ or assign any person because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin regardless of the policies of the country where the work is to be performed or for whom the work will be performed."

81. RFP Document, page 65/84 (a) states the period of performance is 697 calendar days. After review of the contract documents, this duration is extremely short, sufficient only for the parking apron physical construction. It does not appear that the duration for the CLIN 001AB MECC has been taken into consideration in the POP. Our initial estimate based on the current MECC documents made available is that the POP for the MECC work will take approx. 17 months. This duration would need to be added to the 697 days allocated so far. Can the Gov please revise the POP to account for the MECC work or advise on the Gov understanding of the proposed 697 days in regards to MECC work and construction work.

ANSWER: Response deferred.

82. RFP Document, page 67/84, 1.58 Bid Guarantee. (a) states “…By the time of opening of bids, maybe cause for rejection” and (c) states “the amount should be 20% or $3mill whichever is less.” Bid bonds/guarantees are expensive to procure but offer the government certain surety that the contract will be honored by the awardee, so are in our opinion necessary. To that end can the government please confirm that only offers accompanied by a contract compliant bid guarantee will be considered for award and offers without a bid guarantee will be rejected rather than “maybe cause for rejection” as this adds ambiguity that a bidder could lower his price by the cost of the bond to win the project and have an unfair advantage on bidders providing the correct bid guarantee

ANSWER: Confirmed. In accordance with Document 00 70 00, paragraph 1.58 FAR 52.228-1, BID GUARANTEE, “The bidder shall furnish a bid guarantee in the form of a firm commitment, e.g., bid bond supported by good and sufficient surety or sureties acceptable to the Government, postal money order, certified check, cashier’s check, irrevocable letter of credit, or, under Treasury Department regulations, certain bonds or notes of the United States.”

83. RFP Document, page 83/84 1.4 Utilities for Construction. It is anticipated that to execute this project, the contractor will need large quantities of power and water to utilize an on-site batch plant. Can the government please provide the prevailing rates for these utilities from the base and also optional connection points to the contractor to connect to.

ANSWER: See Specification Section 01 50 00 paragraph 3.6.4. Utilities will not be provided to this area by the Government.

84. Specification section 01 11 00, para 1.5 Excavation- para states: “Contact local utility locating service…” This service is not available in the Philippines. Historically this service is performed by the Base CESO department. Can the Government confirm that Basa CESO will provide existing utility drawings and location services prior to start of MECC and construction.

ANSWER: Response deferred.

85. Specification section 01 14 00 para 1.2 sub para e states: “The small arms practice range west of the project site has regular working hours of 1500-1800.” Is the contractor to sop work on-site for safety reasons when the range is in use? If yes, how many stoppages should be assumed for in planning.

ANSWER: Response deferred.

86. Specification section 01 14 00 para 1.3.4 Exclusionary Period, states: “No work to be performed during the PAF anniversaries of 3 July and the Balikatan exercise 20 days.” This means that approx. 44 days will be lost from the schedule in total. In this type of work, this is a huge amount of schedule to be excluded. Can the Government add these days to the POP to account for the loss? Also, is the contractor expected to demobilize during the Balikatan exercise? How is de-mob and re-mob and stand-by time costs to be accounted for in the bid?

ANSWER: Response deferred.

87. Specification section 01 13 00 para 1.11 states: “Contractor shall host a partnering session within 45 calendar days of contract award,” but para 1.11.1 says hold the partnering session within 35 days of contract award. Please clarify which is correct.

88. Specification section 01 13 00 para 1.11 para f states “Host follow on partnering sessions 3- 6month intervals’ and ‘the same facilitator used in the initial partnering session must lead.”

Getting a facilitator to come to the Philippines is extremely expensive. Please confirm either 3 or 6 month intervals. Also, please advise the facilitator can attend virtually for the follow up sessions to reduce the overall cost impact.

ANSWER: Host follow-on partnering sessions at 3-6 month intervals. Can be virtual, use the same facilitator.

89. Specification section 01 31 23.13 20 ECMs. There is no way to get a hard wire internet service on Basa Air Base due, contractors have to source mobile router type internet that is very slow and cumbersome. In similar locations, due to the complications with upload and download of data to ECMs and how this can be effected by the slow internet speed which can lead to documents not being received by the Government and contractor, this requirement has been waived in lieu of traditional email protocols. Considering that the project site will have extremely slow internet, can the Government waiver the requirement to use ECMs.

ANSWER: Response deferred.

90. Specification section 01 32 17.00 20 para 1.2.2 states: “The acceptance of the baseline NAS is a condition precedent to…’ The list does not include the primary activity that must occur before any construction—the MEC/UXO clearance work. This work is extremely costly and time consuming and its unreasonable for the contractor to not be able to get the NAS approved until this work is complete. Please add MEC/UXO as a condition of NAS approval.

ANSWER: Response deferred.

91. Specification section 01 32 17.00 20 para 1.10.1.10.1 Cost loaded Activities states: “Costs for mobilization, will not be paid as individual pay items with the expectation of batch plant…” The contractor will need to mobilize way ahead of construction due to the MECC/UXO scope of work and should not be made to wait for payment of mobilizing and set up of the project until MEC is complete. Please confirm the contractor will be allowed to bill for mobilization upon completion of mobilization to the project site.

ANSWER: Response deferred.

92. Specification section 01 35 13 para 3.1.2. Please confirm that the project does not fall under CAAP requirements and does not require notifications.

93. P9001_Specifications, Section 01 57 19 03, Page 10, Paragraph 3.4 Work Schedule for Intrusive Activities states: “Review the proposed work schedule and identify site specific issues and working hours of the EZ at the Post Award Kickoff Meeting.

The contractor shall schedule work appropriately to mitigate, to the greatest extent practicable, the impacts to base operations and the general public. Scheduling shall include phasing as well as night and weekend work as necessary.

The contractor’s Exclusion Zone Work Schedule shall be described in the ESS Work Plan. The contractor shall submit requests for Additional Exclusion Zone work schedule at least 5-business days in advance.”

In order for contractors to develop an approach for the MEC intrusive phase of work, it is requested that the Government provide details related to the base operations and activities of the general public that are impacted by the EZ and would need to be mitigated through the work schedule.

a. What is the type, duration, and frequency of base operations and public activities/events that would result in the need for weekend or night work?

ANSWER: Response deferred.

b. What is the type, duration, and frequency of base operations and public activities/events that cannot be impacted by the EZ and would result in the suspension of MEC intrusive activities?

94. P9001_Specifications, Section 01 57 19 03, Page 3, Paragraph 1.2/1.2.1 Schedule Requirements Prior to the Start of Work. “Before preparation of the Project Baseline Schedule, and prior to the start of work, meet with the Contracting Officer to discuss the proposed schedule and the requirements of this section.”

Considering there is the RFP/MRESS requirement to complete the MEC/MPPEH clearance prior to the starting the construction work, it is requested that the Government confirms that construction activities can commence in areas of the site where MEC/MPPEH clearance is complete, has passed QC inspections, and been accepted by the 3rd Party QA. In accordance with the MRESS, acceptance by the 3rd Party QA will signify that MEC/MPPEH clearance is complete within grids, designated lots, and/or the overall project site, and not through final government approval of the After Action Report or MRESS Closeout Report.

ANSWER: Response deferred.

95. Given the turnaround time of pricing received from subcontractors, we respectfully request the Government allow electronic submission of proposals rather than requiring submission of paper copies and CDs.

96. DWG GI 101 shows the site access/haul route via Outpost 25. NAVFAC currently has a local contractor performing design build construction of the new perimeter PCC road in this very area where the contractor for the parking apron is to use. Does the Government have an alternate route for site access as this area will likely be under construction when this contract is awarded?

ANSWER: Response deferred.

97. DWG GI 101 shows the location for the contractor’s laydown area. The laydown area shows the new road running straight through the middle of the area.