RFQ 69056725Q000029.pdf

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ)

Issuing Office: United States Department of Transportation

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Western Federal Lands Highway Division (WFLHD)

610 East Fifth Street Vancouver, WA 98661

Agency Contact: Angy Liljedahl, Contracting Officer Email: wfl.purchasing@dot.gov

Marino Chea, Contract Specialist Telephone: (360) 619-7637 Email: wfl.purchasing@dot.gov

Solicitation Number: 69056725Q000029

Title: Western Federal Lands Highway Division (WFLHD)

Geotechnical Drilling Services BPA

Solicitation Release Date: July 23, 2025

Technical Questions Due Date: August 20, 2025, 1400 PST

Quotation Due Date: August 25, 2025, 1400 PST

SEE ADDENDUMIS CHECKED

CODE 18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

CODE

FACILITYCODE

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER

OFFEROR

690567

Vancouver WA 98661

610 E FIFTH STREET

FHWA WESTERN FED LANDS DIVISION

Federal Highway Administration

CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BYCODE

X

X

X

238910

SIZE STANDARD:

% FOR:SET ASIDE:UNRESTRICTED OR690567

REQUEST FOR

PROPOSAL

(RFP)

INVITATION

FOR BID (IFB)

10. THIS ACQUISITION ISCODE

REQUEST FOR

QUOTE (RFQ)

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

13b. RATING

NORTH AMERICAN INDUSTRY

CLASSIFICATION STANDARD

(NAICS):

SMALL BUSINESS

09/01/2025 1400 PT

08/01/2025

360-619-7637MARINO CHEA

(No collect calls)

INFORMATION CALL:

FOR SOLICITATION 8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL TIMEb. TELEPHONE NUMBER a. NAME

4. ORDER NUMBER3. AWARD/ 6. SOLICITATION

69056725Q000029

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS 1. REQUISITION NUMBER PAGE OF

1 2 OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

TELEPHONE NO.

17a. CONTRACTOR/

15. DELIVER TO

Vancouver WA 98661

610 E FIFTH STREET

FHWA WESTERN FED LANDS DIVISION

9. ISSUED BY

7.

2. CONTRACT NO.

EFFECTIVE DATE

$19

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW

ISSUE DATE

DELIVERY FOR FREE ON BOARD

(FOB) DESTINATION UNLESS

BLOCK IS MARKED

11.

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED

ORDER UNDER THE DEFENSE

PRIORITIES AND ALLOCATIONS

SYSTEM - DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13a.

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

(SDVOSB)

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

8(A)

Federal Highway Administration

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL

BUSINESS (WOSB)

ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL

BUSINESS (EDWOSB)

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

Western Federal Lands Highway Division (WFLHD) intends to issue up to six (6) Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPA) to compete for Geotechnical Drilling Services. Locations will mainly include Alaska, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. Occasionally, work in other states and location may be requested.

Contractor shall furnish supplies and/or services, if and when requested by the Contracting Officer or the authorized

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

DATED . YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION (BLOCK 5),

INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE SET FORTH

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DELIVER

ARE

ARE

31c. DATE SIGNED

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA

31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY ADDITIONAL

SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED.

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE (FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION) FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3

AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Government Use Only)

OFFER

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 11/2021)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REFERENCE

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32c. DATE 32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

ACCEPTED, AND CONFORMS TO THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS NOTED:

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

RECEIVED INSPECTED

40. PAID BY39. S/R VOUCHER NUMBER38. S/R ACCOUNT NUMBER

37. CHECK NUMBER

FINALPARTIAL

36. PAYMENT

FINALPARTIAL

35. AMOUNT VERIFIED

CORRECT FOR

34. VOUCHER NUMBER33. SHIP NUMBER

COMPLETE

32g. E-MAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

42d. TOTAL CONTAINERS42c. DATE REC'D (YY/MM/DD)

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

41c. DATE41b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER

41a. I CERTIFY THIS ACCOUNT IS CORRECT AND PROPER FOR PAYMENT

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 11/2021) BACK

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

representative during the period specified in the

"Effective Period." Purchases (Calls) made hereunder shall have a written Statement of Work

(SOW). Calls shall include a description of the job requirements, prices, delivery schedule and place of inspection and acceptance.

32f. TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

2 2 of

PART I

RFQ INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARATION OF

QUOTATIONS

RFQ INFORMATION

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products or commercial services prepared in accordance with the format in subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation;

proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

This is an OPEN-MARKET Firm Fixed Price (FFP) RFQ. This solicitation is prepared in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 12, Acquisition of Commercial Items, in conjunction with the policies and procedures for solicitation, evaluation, and award as prescribed in FAR 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures. The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular

(FAC) 2022-01.

This solicitation is an Small Business Set-Aside and the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 238910 with an industry size standard of $19 Million. A responsible quoter is one whose quotation conforms to the solicitation and will be most advantageous to the Government. It is the contractor’s responsibility to be familiar with applicable clauses and provisions. FAR Provisions and Clauses may be viewed and/or downloaded from http://www.acquisition.gov/far.

All contractors must have a current active registration in the System for Award Management (www.SAM.gov) at the time of quote submission in order to be eligible to receive an award under this RFQ.

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.acquisition.gov%2Ffar%2Fpart-12%23FAR_Subpart_12_6&data=04%7C01%7CGuang.Zeng%40dot.gov%7C68957b5b50704ad2a1a708d903fb8ffe%7Cc4cd245b44f04395a1aa3848d258f78b%7C0%7C0%7C637545201247686703%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=TjJ31lOZijSyRTCBmMlSCkBGbs9NKPSGlWGUBN4SN%2Bs%3D&reserved=0 http://www.acquisition.gov/far http://www.sam.gov/

INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS AND

RESPONDENTS

GENERAL. This is a Request for Quotation (RFQ). An award notice will be posted on the Contract Opportunities website located at SAM.gov upon award. The award notice will include the awardee’s name, address and BPA number.

Electronic Submission. The quotation shall be electronically submitted via email to WFL.Purchasing@dot.gov. The subject line must state: “Electronic Quote 69056725Q00029.”

Quotations shall be submitted electronically as Adobe (.pdf) files in a SINGLE email whose size shall not exceed 10 Megabytes.

Request for Information. Questions regarding this solicitation must be submitted in writing to WFL.Purchasing@dot.gov by 08/20/2025 @ 1400 PST. The subject line must state: “Question

RFQ 69056725Q000029.”

QUOTATION INSTRUCTIONS The quotation shall be submitted in two parts consisting of a

(1) non-price and (2) price section. In addition to the two part section, A cover page shall be included with the following mandatory business information regarding your company:

a. Name and Address of your Company

b. Point of Contact (Phone and Email)

c. Correct Mailing Address for the order (include name, telephone, email address); Note:

Mailing address and entity name shall match the information in www.sam.gov

d. Business Size (Small, Woman-Owned, Disadvantaged, Hub-Zone, Large, Non- Profit, etc.)

e. Payment Terms (Government Standard is NET 30)

f. Unique Entity Identifier (SAM UEI)

g. Federal Tax Identification Number (TIN) (9-Digits)

h. Verification company information listed in the System for Award Management (SAM) current and accurate? https://www.sam.gov/SAM/

FORMAT AND CONTENT OF NON-PRICE SECTION. The non-price section shall be organized by evaluation factor and sequenced in the order below. The Respondent shall address the following factors in sufficient narrative and qualitative detail to be evaluated not to exceed 50 pages.

EVALUATION FACTORS

Evaluation Factor 1, Technical Approach

(a) Technical Approach. Respondent shall describe their capabilities, to include the means (labor, equipment, and materials) and methods (plan of work), logical sequencing of activities (including interdependencies of activities), to perform the following work items:

mailto:WFL.Purchasing@dot.gov https://www.sam.gov/SAM/

• Type 1 – Road Access Geotechnical Drilling - Drilling using a truck mounted drill machine capable of hollow stem auger drilling, casing advancer drilling, triple tube wire-line core drilling, obtaining HQ3 core, and standard penetration tests (SPT) and sampling to depths of at least 200 feet. Includes work at drill sites on or near roadways.

• Type 2 – Off-Road Access Geotechnical Drilling - Drilling using a track or ATV mounted drill machine capable of hollow stem auger drilling, casing advancer drilling, triple tube wire-line core drilling, obtaining HQ3 core, and standard penetration tests (SPT) and sampling to depths of at least 200 feet. Includes work at drill sites off established roads on uneven, steep terrain and on soft or unstable ground.

• Type 3 – Difficult Access Geotechnical Drilling – Drilling using a portable drilling machine capable of being transported to specific drill locations using a crane, helicopter, barge, skidding, or hand packable by a drill crew. The portable drill must be capable of wire-line core drilling NQ3 or preferably HQ3 core. The equipment must also be capable of drilling using a hollow stem auger or casing advancer system with a large enough diameter that N-size core rods can be used to drill inside the casing. The drill must be capable of conducting (SPT) tests and obtaining rock core samples to a depth of at least 200 feet. Includes work off the main roads, on slopes below or above the road, on new road alignments, and on pioneer roads.

Respondent must at a minimum be able to perform Type 1 and Type 2 work items.

(b) Quality and Safety Management. Respondent shall provide a narrative on the methods it intends for providing the contractor quality control and safety management required on this contract. The narrative shall include how the Offeror will manage decision making on quality issues when there are schedule and/or cost impacts to those decisions, manage subcontractor quality control (if subcontracting contemplated), identify safety goals, identify any potential high risks and how you intend to mitigate the potential risks, and ensuring qualified staffing for quality on control and safety.

Evaluation Factor 2, Past Experience.

(a) The Respondent shall demonstrate their specialized experience by furnishing at least (5) geotechnical drilling projects using the above Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 described equipment that were completed within five (5) years of the solicitation closing date. Experience information shall include:

• Contract title with location

• Identify whether experience was as a Prime or Subcontractor

• Award date

• Initial award amount

• Award amount at contract completion

• Contract completion date

• Actual completion date

• Description of project

• Describe relevant experience and any unique conditions and/or challenges

• Provide any relevant performance evaluations issued by the Customer or Contracting

• Agency

• Customer / Contracting Agency contact information (name, telephone number and email)

(b) Parks and Protected Lands Knowledge. In addition to the requirements described in (a), one of the five geotechnical drilling projects being submitted shall demonstrate specialized experience with similar work in project locations that were in National Parks or other protected lands. The Respondent, through these projects, must demonstrate knowledge of environmental complexities, transportation complexities, and public access complexities.

Evaluation Factor 3, Past Performance.

Past performance information is an indicator of an offeror’s ability to perform the BPA Calls successfully. The currency and relevance of the information, source of the information, context of the data, and general trends in contractor’s performance will be considered. See attachment 3 Past Performance for completion.

(a) The Government will contact the Customer/Contracting Agency provided with projects submitted for experience to ascertain the performance of the respondent as it relates to Quality, Schedule, Management and Regulatory requirements.

(b) The Government will also review the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System and any other information available to assess the Past Performance of the respondent.

Evaluation Factor 4, Price.

The Respondent shall submit a completed master price schedule. with your most favorable drilling prices. All highlighted lines on the Master Price Schedule shall be completed. Submitted prices will be evaluated to determine if they are fair and reasonable.

The price section shall include the Master Price Schedule Excel spreadsheet. See Attachment 4 for completion.

The Respondent shall have a current profile in the System for Award Management prior to submitting an offer. Offers received from respondents without a current profile will be rejected.

Complete and submit all applicable Representations, Certifications and Other Statements of Offerors. In accordance with FAR 4.1201, representations and certifications shall be submitted to the System for Award Management (www.sam.gov) and updated at least annually to ensure they are kept current, accurate and complete.

(End of Instructions, Conditions and Notices to Offerors and Respondents)

NOTE: Failure to furnish all information required above may result in your quotation being considered non-responsive and eliminated from further consideration.

EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

BASIS OF AWARD. The Government will award up to six (6) Commercial Items Service Blanket Purchase Agreements in accordance with the provisions herein this section, The following provisions are provided in full text:

52.212-2 – Evaluation- Commercial Items (OCT 2014)

(a) The Government will award up to six (6) Commercial Items Service Blanket Purchase Agreements resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offerors whose offer conforming to solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered.

The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers:

Technical Approach Past Experience Past Performance Price

Technical Approach, Past Experience and Past Performance, when combined, are more important than Price.

(b) A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer, mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the offer, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the offer’s specified expiration time, the Government may accept an offer or part of an offer), whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award.

(End of Provision)

(End of Evaluation Factors for Award)

PART II

SCOPE OF WORK

A. DESCRIPTION OF BLANKET PURCHASE AGREEMENT (BPA)

The Contractor must furnish supplies and/or services requested by the Contracting Officer during the period specified in the Call Statement of Work (SOW). Purchases (which may be referred to as call orders) made hereunder must have a written Statement of Work. The purchases must reference this agreement. Such calls must include a description of the job requirements, prices, delivery schedule, place of inspection and acceptance. The effective date of this agreement is the date signed by the Contracting Officer and the Contractor.

Calls will include a detailed description of work. All items will be provided and ordered in accordance with the Calls attached Statement of Work and the most current Service Contract Act issued by the Department of Labor.

This agreement primarily covers the following geographical area: the states of Alaska, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana; and Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. Occasionally, work in other states and locations may be ordered. The Service Contract Act statute will be applicable. The actual work location will be designated within each Statement of Work attached to a Request for Quote (RFQ).

I. EXTENT OF OBLIGATION

The Government is obligated only to the extent of authorized calls made under this BPA.

II. PURCHASE LIMITATION

The ceiling limit for the BPA is $20 Million for the life of this agreement. The dollar limitation for each individual call under this agreement is $7,000,000.00.

III. INDIVIDUALS AUTHORIZED TO PURCHASE UNDER THE BPA

Orders may be placed by warranted contracting officers (contract specialists and purchasing agents) of the Federal Highway Administration – Western Federal Lands within their respective warrant authority and within the designated Order Limitation set forth in this BPA.

Authorized individuals will provide the SOW and the Itemized Bid Schedule for each job requirement. There are no other authorized individuals that can place orders against this BPA.

IV. DELIVERY TICKETS

Unless directed otherwise by the SOW, all soil samples, core samples, and all Daily Logs must be delivered to the address designated below no later than 10 calendar days following completion of the drilling project:

ATTN: Geotechnical Western Federal Lands Highway Division 610 East Fifth Street Vancouver, Washington 98661-3801

Service agreements made under this agreement must be accompanied by delivery tickets or sales slips that must contain the following minimum information:

1. Name of supplier

2. BPA number

3. Date of Purchase (call)

4. Purchase (call) Number

5. Itemized list of supplies/services furnished

6. Quantity, unit price, and extension of each item, less applicable discounts

7. Date of completion

All packing will be in accordance with standard commercial practices. Each package must be clearly marked with the BPA number and referenced call numbers. If there is to be shipping of any core samples the procedures and who to ship to will be listed in the SOW.

Delivery location and time will be identified in each call order. Any deviations must have the express consent of the Contracting Officer. All calls will be placed as FOB destination.

V. INVOICES

1. The Government will pay the Contractor for the full performance required under the terms of this BPA for each Call. The ceiling price of the order is an estimate of the total work required to complete the project tasks. The Contractor will be paid for actual work and/or supplies received.

Work and/or supplies not received will not be compensated.

2. For firm-fixed-price (FFP) contracts where supplies are delivered or services are performed, the final invoice is not subject to further contract settlement actions between the Government and the Contractor.

3. For non-FFP contracts, further contract settlement actions may exist where final invoices are not to be submitted yet until these contract settlement actions are resolved. For these contracts, the Contracting Officer will process final invoices as a routine part of the closeout process. When requested, the Contractor shall submit the final invoice directly to the Contracting Officer/ Contract Specialist along with the final closeout documents. When the final invoice is ready for payment, the Contracting Officer will inform the Contractor that the final invoice can be submitted through the iSupplier system.

VI. DEFINITIONS

PROJECT: The specific section of the highway or other property on which drilling is to be performed as set forth in the SOW.

DRILL SITE: Consists of each borehole location, including access road(s), drill pad, staging area(s), and flagging areas. Drill sites include all explorations described in the SOW of each call, including borings, test pits, CPTs, geoprobes, hand augers, and other exploration methods described in the SOW.

FHWA: Federal Highway Administration, Western Federal Lands Highway Division, 610 East Fifth Street, Vancouver, Washington

CO: Contracting Officer

COR: Contracting Officer’s Representative FIELD INSPECTOR: Hole logger

SOW: Statement or Scope of work to be interchangeable CALL: Award from a RFQ against the

BPA

HEAVY EQUIPMENT: Excavators, bulldozers, backhoes, front end loaders, etc.

DIFFICULT ACCESS EQUIPMENT: Helicopters, cranes, barges and other specialty equipment designed for difficult access drilling conditions.

VII. SCHEDULE OF DRILLING AND SAMPLING

The schedule for drilling and sampling, and estimated depth of each boring required will be provided within the SOW for a given RFQ.

VIII. CONTRACTOR-FURNISHED PROPERTY & SERVICES

The Contractor will furnish equipment that meets state, local and federal environmental requirements. Equipment must be free from petroleum leaks or other environmentally hazardous liquid. If the equipment does not meet these requirements, it could ultimately result in termination of the BPA.

As sufficient and warranted, each SOW will identify the appropriate and/or preferred exploration type(s) machine(s), drilling method(s), sampler types and advancement, and/or support supplies and tooling.

1. DRILLING MACHINE

The drilling machine(s) and all associated equipment must be able to meet the performance standards and drilling requirements set forth in each SOW.

The Contractor must furnish a drilling machine consisting of a truck-mounted, track-mounted, trailer-mounted, or ATV- mounted drill, capable of triple tube wire-line core drilling, obtaining core, and standard penetration tests (SPT) and split-barrel sampling for the full drilling depth specified in each SOW.

If required by the SOW, the Contractor must furnish a portable drilling machine capable of being transported to specified drill locations using a crane, helicopter, skid, or hand packable by a drill crew. The portable drilling machine must be able to perform core drilling for the full depth specified in each SOW and must be capable of drilling using a casing advancer system with a large enough diameter that N-size core rods can be used to drill inside the casing. The portable drilling machine must also be capable of conducting SPT tests and obtaining split-barrel samples for the full depth specified in each SOW. Drill sites for portable drilling machines will be off the main roads, on slopes below or above the road, on new road alignments, and on pioneer roads.

The drilling machine must be furnished complete with all the materials, operating accessories, modifications, and attachments that may be necessary to fulfill the requirements of the SOW.

This includes, but is not limited to: drill fluid pumps, hollow core auger flights with center rods, hole plug, bits, core barrels and rods, diamond core bits, split-barrel samplers, hammers, water tanks, hoses, and accessory pumps. Inoperable equipment must be repaired or replaced within 48-hours at the Contractor's expense.

2. SOIL SAMPLING EQUIPMENT

Disturbed soil samples will be taken in the borings at selected depth intervals using a standard 2-inch outer diameter (O.D.) or an oversized (2.5 or 3-inch O.D.) split-spoon sampler.

Sampling procedures prescribed for the Standard Penetration Test (SPT; ASTM 1586), will be used when appropriate to collect soil samples and obtain information pertaining to consistency and/or density of the soils. During the Standard Penetration Test, the sampler will be driven 18 inches into the soil using a 140-pound hammer lifted by double cathead wrap or automatic-trip dropped 30 inches. The certification of the automatic trip hammer efficiency will be provided by the contractor.

Relatively undisturbed samples will be obtained in 3-inch O.D. thin-wall Shelby tubes by hydraulically pushing the Shelby tubes into undisturbed soil at the bottom of the borehole. The ends of the tubes will be capped to preserve the natural moisture of the sample.

Upon specific request, the contractor will provide additional samplers and equipment, including, for example, D&M, pitcher-barrel, Osterberg samplers, and a 300-pound or a 340-pound automatic-trip hammer.

3. SUBGRADE SAMPLING EQUIPMENT

Subgrade sampling equipment consists of a large diameter earth auger bit attached to solid stem auger. The large diameter earth bit must have a minimum O.D. of 14-inches and the capability to drill 5-feet below ground surface. The bit must have a nearly flat bottom profile.

The solid stem auger must have an O.D. of 8- to 10-inches and will be 5-feet long.

Replacement auger teeth, clean sample buckets and bags, hand excavation equipment (rock hammer, shovel, post-hole digger, pavement patch) and tamper must be supplied by the Contractor.

4. CORE DRILLING EQUIPMENT

H-sized triple tube wire-line core drilling equipment in general accordance with ISRM

(International Society for Rock Mechanics) Commission on the Standardization of Laboratory and Field Tests (1978, 1981) must be used unless stated otherwise in the SOW or if a portable drill machine is required to access a boring location. Portable drill machines must be capable of wire-line core drilling N-size or H-size core. Diamond bits, casing shoes and advancers, reaming shells, and pavement coring bits, must be supplied by the Contractor.

Provide equipment, such as core trays, additional split inner core barrels, or PVC half pipes, to display the rock core to the Field Inspector before the core is placed into the core box.

5. HOLLOW STEM AUGER DRILLING EQUIPMENT

Hollow stem augers in accordance with ASTM D 4700 may be requested and used for soil sampling to required depths, installation of instrumentation, and to allow H-sized coring (or N-sized core if a portable drilling machine is required). Hollow stem augers must have a minimum inner diameter (I.D.) of 4.25 inches and maximum outside diameter (O.D.) of 9 inches. When the augers are being advanced, a center rod and plug with a drag bit must be used down the auger center. All sampling rods, split spoon samplers, shoes, and auger tools must be supplied by the Contractor.

If heave or disturbance of the soil occurs due to hydrostatic pressures below groundwater level, the driller must flood the hollow center of the augers with water or an approved drilling fluid to maintain an adequate head of water so that drilling may continue.

If auger refusal occurs on a boulder or cobbles, adjust or change the drilling method as needed to reach the minimum boring depth stated in the SOW.

6. MUD-ROTARY OR ROTARY-WASH DRILLING EQUIPMENT

Mud-rotary or rotary-wash drilling equipment may be requested and consists of a combination of an inner drilling rod and bit advanced without casing while recirculating bentonite or polymer drilling fluids to carry out cuttings and stabilize the hole from caving and heave.

Sampling is similar to hollow-stem auger methods. Jetting of the fluid downward is not allowed. The Contractor must provide equipment to remove the drilling fluids by pumping or bailing to measure groundwater conditions.

7. CASING ADVANCER EQUIPMENT

Casing advancer equipment may be requested and consists of steel flush-joint casing with an outside diameter of at least 4 inches. The casing may be advanced by driving it into the ground, or behind a drilling bit such as a down the hole hammer. Before inserting samplers down the casing the hole must be cleaned out to the sampling depth at the bottom of the casing. When using casing advancer below groundwater, a head of water or drilling fluids above the groundwater level must be maintained inside the casing to prevent ground heave or disturbance.

8. SONIC DRILLING EQUIPMENT

Sonic drilling equipment may be requested and consists of steel flush-joint casing with an outside diameter of at least 4 inches, collecting SPT sample in accordance with ASTM 1586, and advancing H-sized rock core barrels. The casing will be advanced by vibrating it into the ground, continuously collecting disturbed samples. Before inserting samplers down the casing the hole must be cleaned out to the sampling depth at the bottom of the casing. When using sonic drilling below groundwater, a head of water or drilling fluids above the groundwater level must be maintained inside the casing to prevent ground heave or disturbance.

9. OTHER DRILLING EQUIPMENT

Other drilling equipment may include solid stem augers, hand augers, bucket auger, air rotary drilling, direct push probe (aka geoprobe), alternate coring bits, split-barrel sampler rings sleeves and other methods when specified in the SOW. Details of drilling equipment and methods can be found in publication No. FHWA NHI-01-031 Subsurface Investigation – Geotechnical Site Characterization.

10. TEST PIT EQUIPMENT

Test pit equipment may include excavators, backhoes, and other digging equipment when specified in the SOW. During excavation, the bottom of the pit must be kept relatively level so that each excavated lift represents a uniform soil horizon. Excavated material must be stockpiled adjacent to the excavation in separate stacks relative to excavation depth. An attempt must also be made to keep different soil and/or rock separate to better facilitate field identification.

Test pits must be backfilled with excavated soils unless otherwise specified in the SOW, and the backfilled materials must be compacted by tamping with the excavator bucket. More extensive compaction methods may be specified in the SOW.

11. CONE PENTROMETER TESTING EQUIPMENT

In-situ testing using a cone penetrometer consists of pushing a cylindrical steel probe into the ground at a constant rate and measuring the resistance to penetration. The penetrometer probe can consist of either a 35.7-mm diameter probe body with a 10-cm2 projected area and a 150-cm2 friction sleeve, or a 43.7-mm diameter probe body with a 15-cm2 projected area with a 200-cm2 friction sleeve, as specified in the SOW. Cone penetrometer testing must be performed in accordance with ASTM D 5778.

Use a CPT rig capable of recording cone tip resistance, sleeve friction resistance, pore water pressure, shear wave velocity, and temperature. Provide data in electronic format and graphical interpretive format using correlations specified in the SOW.

12. SPARK ARRESTERS

All stationary and mobile diesel and gasoline engines, except exhaust turbo-charged engines, used in the Contractor's operations must be equipped with spark arresters.

IX. PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS

The Contractor must furnish a drill crew consisting of at least one journeyman-level drill operator and one experienced drill helper. Additional qualifications may be included in the SOW. In addition, the SOW may indicate the need for traffic control flaggers. The Contracting Officer (CO) will have the authority to require the replacement of any Contractor personnel not exhibiting adequate capability or reasonable safety and responsibility in their job performance.

Personnel removed due to Government determination of unsuitability must be replaced within 2-days. If the Contractor replaces personnel during the performance of a SOW, there will be no expense to the Government.

The Contractor is responsible under this agreement for the control, management, and supervision of the day-to-day activities and performance of their employees and subcontractors while performing the services required by the agreement. Services to be delivered under this agreement by the Contractor to the Government are non-personal as defined by FAR Part 37.

1. JOURNEYMAN-LEVEL DRILL OPERATOR

The Drill Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient transportation, operation, and maintenance of equipment utilized in drilling, sampling, and testing of bore holes. The Drill Operator supervises the building of access roads, crane or boom truck operations, or other operation as needed to gain access to sites. The Drill Operator must have a minimum of 3 years of experience in the operation of drill equipment in the geotechnical field. Drill Operators must possess a valid State driller’s license in the state(s) in which the work is to be performed under the specific SOW, if required by that State’s governing body. The Contractor must have current driver's licenses that permit the transport of drill operation equipment. Such licenses must comply with all applicable Federal and State codes and regulations. The Drill Operator's driving record must indicate the safe and responsible use of drilling operation vehicles. The Drill Operator must be capable of performing standard geotechnical tests such as the standard penetration test and thin wall undisturbed sampling (i.e., Shelby). In addition, the Drill Operator must be proficient in the use of split-barrel samplers and similar tests. The Drill Operator must understand the use of, and be able to install, inclinometer casing, piezometer instruments, and standpipe piezometers as directed. The Drill Operator must be able to locate borings on the ground from plans or other diagrams and read and understand survey stakes.

The Drill Operator must be capable of following oral and/or written instructions of a general nature. Drill Operator must be physically fit and capable of lifting and carrying heavy pieces of drill equipment in adverse or inclement conditions such as mud, snow, ice, or irregular terrain.

2. DRILL HELPER

The Drill Helper must work under the direct supervision of the Drill Operator. The Helper will be required to assist the Drill Operator with heavy lifting of drill equipment in possibly adverse conditions, such as mud, snow, ice, or uneven ground. The helper must have a minimum of six

(6) months experience working with heavy equipment and must be familiar with the operation of water pumps.

The Drill Helper must have a good overall mechanical aptitude and possess good manual dexterity. Drill Helpers must possess a valid State driller’s license in the state(s) in which the work is to be performed under the specific SOW, if required by that State’s governing body. The Drill Helper must have current driver's licenses that permit the transport of drill operation equipment. Such licenses must comply with all applicable Federal and State codes and regulations. The Drill Helper's driving record must indicate the safe and responsible use of drilling operation vehicles.

3. FIELD INSPECTOR

When required in the SOW, the Contractor must provide an experienced (minimum 4 years unless stated otherwise in the SOW) geotechnical engineer or geologist to act as the Field Inspector to log all drill holes when required in the SOW. All drill logs must be completed in accordance with the Federal Lands Highway Soil Description and Identification Guidelines and the Federal Lands Highway Rock Characterization Guidelines. Digital pictures must be taken of each SPT or core run before it is placed in the container or core box (meaning while it is inside a split spoon sampler, core tray, split inner core barrel, or PVC half pipe. Take an additional digital pictures of each full core box while it is on the project. Include a ruler or scale in all core and split-barrel sample pictures. Identify the depth, sample or run number, and boring number for each digital picture.

Production of digital exploration logs will be required and based on the field exploration logs.

Additionally, the exploration data and details will be provided in a government furnished Excel spreadsheet template. The draft and final digital logs and draft and final Excel spreadsheet templates will be e-mailed to the contact listed as the COR in the SOW. Logs will be reviewed by the Government and sent back for revisions. This process may require multiple revisions. The Contractor must supply core boxes and wood separator blocks, and tape to seal the boxes, the field inspector will supply a digital camera, heavy duty zipper type sealable plastic bags or other approved air tight containers, tape measures, writing utensils and grease or wax pencils for marking core, hammers, knives, and any other equipment required for penetration sample containment and test hole logging.

The Field Inspector may be required to make a site visit prior to the start of drilling.

X. PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

1. GENERAL

The Contractor must perform the drilling at the locations set forth in the SOW. WFLHD will stake or flag each drill site. Actual depth of individual holes may vary from the amount set forth in the SOW as allowed under Section P. The Contractor will be paid for the actual number of holes drilled and the actual depths drilled.

If a Contractor has been documented by WFLHD as unable to complete specific work requirements for previous WFLHD SOWs, they may be disqualified from bidding on future projects with similar work requirements. These work requirements may include but are not limited to drilling or sampling in certain subsurface materials or conditions, the installation of instruments, performing in situ testing, inability to provide equipment that is in good working order, or providing qualified personnel.

The Contractor must comply with all state drilling regulations including but not limited to:

possessing required licenses, submitting completed boring logs to the State, and abandoning test holes in compliance with state and all local regulations and procedures.

2. DRILL WORK

a. SOIL SAMPLING The Contractor must conduct standard penetration sampling in accordance with standard methods specified by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) in ASTM D 1586-84, Standard Test Method for Penetration Test and Split-Barrel Sampling of Soils.

Standard penetration tests (SPT) and split-barrel sampling must be conducted in soil, as determined by the SOW. The Contractor must open the split-barrel sampler after each SPT and provide the open sampler with sample contained within to the Field Inspector.

As stated in the SOW, borings could be advanced using hollow stem augers with a center plug or bit, mud rotary, and/or sonic drilling methods. Subsurface materials at the drill site may preclude SPT sampling in some parts of one or more holes.

If material is encountered that is too large for hollow stem augers to advance, the H-size core barrel must be inserted, and advancement of the hole must be continued with SPT tests taken as directed by the Field Inspector.

Driving samples will be performed using the standard 2-inch outside diameter split-barrel sampler unless otherwise directed by the drill inspector or COR. The Contractor must also furnish a 2.5-inch O.D. and a 3-inch O.D. split-barrel sampler. Soil catchers must be furnished and used in SPT and all other driven samplers unless directed by the drill inspector or COR.

If SPT refusal occurs prior to obtaining the specified depth, the borehole must be advanced another 1½-feet and the SPT repeated. If SPT refusal occurs again, the Field Inspector may direct the Driller to change to core drilling or to continue auguring to the required depths.

SPT refusal is defined by AASHTO T 206 and ASTM D 1586, as when the number of blows exceeds 50 for any 6-inch increment, when the total number of blows equals 100, or if the sampler has not advanced as a result of the last 10 consecutive blows.

When drilling in rock and subsurface material is characterized as highly weathered, extremely weak to very weak rock, take SPT samples every 5 feet at a minimum to gauge relative density of the rock material unless otherwise directed by the drill inspector or COR.

Thin-walled (Shelby) tube sampling must be in accordance with ASTM D 1587- 83, Standard Practice for Thin-Walled Tube Sampling of Soils. The outside diameter of the thin-walled tubes will be 3 inches and the length of the thin-walled tubes will be 3 feet unless otherwise specified in the SOW.

If specified in the SOW, the Contractor must also furnish a pitcher barrel sampler and have it available for use during thin-walled (Shelby) tube sampling, and other additional samplers and equipment, including, but not limited to, D&M, Osterberg samplers, and a 300-pound or 340-pound automatic-trip hammer.

If volatile or poisonous gas is encountered, the boring must be terminated, and the COR must be notified immediately.

b. CORE DRILLING AND SAMPLING If drilling and/or SPT refusal occurs, as determined by the Field Inspector, the Contractor will begin core drilling. Coring may be performed in all fresh, broken, and/or weathered rock, providing continuous core samples of the materials being investigated. Pavement cores must be drilled through the entire thickness of pavement present in the roadway, up to a maximum of 12- inches. Core samples must be recovered in as intact a state as possible at the locations and to the depths prescribed in the SOW. Core samples must be emptied from the core barrel into a core tray, PVC half pipe, or other suitable container that minimizes disturbance to the sample for examination. The pavement core must be boxed by the Contractor after the Field Inspector's examination. All recovered core and other drilled materials must be delivered to the designated office per the schedule established in the SOW.

c. SUBGRADE SAMPLING The COR will determine the frequency of subgrade sampling and/or select specific sampling locations in the SOW. Sampling must begin by carefully augering through the pavement, if present, without disturbing the underlying base course, and hand excavating the pavement material to the top of the base coarse. If pavement cores are also required, drill the pavement core in a separate location within 5 feet of the marked subgrade boring location. Prevent all drill fluids from pavement coring operations from entering the subgrade boring. Loosen base course with auger without mixing with underlying materials. Hand excavate and place all base course into sample bucket(s) or bag(s). Hand clean base of hole so as not to mix base course with underlying material. Carefully loosen underlying material with auger so as not to mix individual, distinct layers. Sample each distinct strata encountered as determined by the COR or Field Inspector to auger refusal or to a minimum depth of 5-feet. Obtain 100-pound samples in sand, silt and clay. Obtain 150-pound samples in predominantly gravel or cobble materials. Sample weight must not exceed 75-pounds per bucket or bag. The Contractor must permit the COR to log the completed hole prior to backfilling. Backfill the hole with material suitable for compaction. Compact each 1-foot of loosely placed fill with a tamper. Replace base course with gravel and/or sand. Replace pavement to original depth with compacted pavement patch.

d. GROUNDWATER LEVEL SAMPLING Provide a water bailer or pump and an electronic water level meter capable of measuring the depth to groundwater to 1/100 of a foot, unless stated otherwise in the SOW. Pump drill water from the boring when necessary and measure groundwater levels as directed by the COR or Field Inspector.

e. OTHER SAMPLING Other sampling methods, such as Osterberg sampling, pitcher barrel sampling, direct push, grab sampling, or other sampling may be specified in the SOW.

Additional groundwater sampling equipment, such as peristaltic pumps, submersible pumps, disposable sampling bailers, and other equipment may be specified in the SOW. Details of subsurface sampling and methods can be found in publication No. FHWA NHI- 01-031 Subsurface Investigation – Geotechnical Site Characterization.

3. INSTALLATIONS

a. SLOTTED AND SOLID PIEZOMETER When required in the SOW, the Contractor must install a PVC standpipe piezometer to the depth as directed by the COR or field inspector. One centering device must be attached for each 20-25 feet of PVC pipe to insure adequate annular spacing throughout the length of the standpipe piezometer. A slotted PVC screen must be installed within the water-bearing strata as specified in the SOW.

Backfill around the screen must consist of number 8, uniform graded silica sand.

A bentonite seal must be installed above the screen to the top of the hole. A cap of common materials must be placed over the seal. A plastic cap must be installed on top of the PVC pipe. A permanent, locking cover must be cemented in place surrounding and protecting the top of the PVC pipe. All pipe, screens, bentonite, sand, and other materials necessary for installation must be furnished by the Contractor.

b. INCLINOMETERS When required in the SOW, the Contractor must install flush coupled, ABS plastic inclinometer casing. For installations of less than 100-feet, quick connect inclinometer casing may be used. For installations of 100-feet or greater, quick connect couplings may not be used. On 100-foot and deeper installations all casing joints must be connected using a PVC cement as specified by the manufacturer, and two "pop" rivets per joint.

Each joint must be covered by "duct" tape to preclude entrance of grout. The inclinometer casing must be inserted inside the drill casing. The inclinometer casing must contain four internal grooves at 90-degree intervals which must be oriented in the borehole at the direction of the COR or Field Inspector. The hole must be filled with grout before any drill rods are extracted. Grout must be pumped continuously until the annular space is completely filled and excess grout is flowing from the hole at the ground surface. Grout must consist of a prepackaged Portland cement that meets the requirements of ASTM C 150-94, mixed with powdered bentonite. One cup of soda ash must be added to each grout batch of 100-gallons or less. Mix soda ash with water first then add the cement.

Then mix in the bentonite. Adjust the amount of bentonite to produce a grout with the consistency of heavy cream.

Based on the results of drilling, use one of the following grout mixes:

If the borehole has water in it, the buoyancy of the inclinometer casing must be overcome by adding water (or environmentally safe anti-freeze in cold regions) inside the inclinometer casing or by other means. Do not hold the inclinometer casing in place from the top.

c. VIBRATING WIRE PIEZOMETER INSTALLATION When required in the SOW, grout the Vibrating Wire Piezometers (VWPs) into the boreholes following the manufacturers recommendations. Install VWPs at the depth as directed by the COR or Field Inspector. Note the vibrating wire piezometer serial number on the boring logs and depth of installation below ground surface to the nearest 0.1-foot. Submit the VWP calibration certificate to the COR at least 5 days prior to mobilization to the site.

d. SONDEX When required in the SOW, the Contractor must furnish a 3-inch Sondex pipe (corrugated plastic pipe used for drains), Sondex pipe couplings, Sondex sensing rings, strong cable ties (16 inches or longer) or wire, mastic tape, and vinyl tape.

The Sondex couplings are used to join lengths of Sondex pipe. The cable ties or wire are used to secure the Sondex pipe to the bottom of the casing and to hold the Sondex couplings onto the Sondex pipe. The mastic tape and vinyl tape are used to seal the bottom and each coupling so that grout cannot enter in the void between the Sondex pipe and the inclinometer casing.

• Cut an 8-foot section of Sondex pipe to be attached to the bottom section of inclinometer casing. Cut the remaining Sondex pipe into 10-foot sections.

• Attach sensing rings to the Sondex pipe at 3-foot intervals or as directed in the SOW. Protect the rings from corrosion with mastic and tape.

• Prepare the bottom section of casing as usual and secure the bottom 12 to

18- inches of Sondex pipe to the bottom of the casing. This can be difficult since (1) the Sondex pipe is quite strong and larger in diameter than the casing, and (2) the bottom of the Sondex pipe must be sealed against entry of grout. Seal the bottom of the Sondex pipe using mastic and tape. Slit the bottom of the Sondex pipe to flatten it against the inclinometer casing, secure it to the casing with cable ties or wire, and then carefully waterproof it.

• Lower the first section into the borehole so the next section can be connected. If the borehole has water in it, the buoyancy of the Sondex pipe must be overcome by adding water (or environmentally safe anti-freeze in cold regions) inside the Sondex pipe or by other means. Do not hold the Sondex pipe in place from the top.

• Slide a 10-foot length of Sondex pipe over a 10-foot length of casing. Join the casing, then joint the Sondex pipe. Fit the Sondex coupling onto the butted ends of Sondex pipe. Secure with cable ties and then waterproof the entire coupling.

• Lower the pipe into the borehole so the next section can be connected. Join the casing, and then join the Sondex pipe. Continue until the casing has reached the specified depth.

• Protect the top of the casing and Sondex pipe from grout spills.

• Backfill the borehole with grout. Use the grout mix specified in the SOW.

e. THERMISTORS Install 1-inch diameter PVC water pipe with threaded couplings for the thermistor string. Ensure the end cap and all connections are watertight. Do not put any water in casing.