Solicitation RFI Questions and Government Responses POSTED 22 DEC 2020.docx

Request for Information (RFI’s) Solicitation # W25G1V21R0016 Water Main Installation (Loop)

1. How would we be able to access prints/specifications, and be added to the bidders list? Answer: A utility drawing will be added to the solicitation

2. Have you consider Structural CIPP Lining of the existing water main on the eastside of the building in lieu of added a new water main line? Answer: This project is for the installation of a new water main.

3. Is cathodic protection required for this new water main? Answer: Cathodic protection will not be required for this project.

4. What type of pipe are we connecting to at each end? Answer: Ductile iron at Border Rd and either ductile iron or cast iron at bldg. 230

5. Does TYAD have its own standard details for trenching, hydrants, fittings, thrust blocks, and cathodic protection? If so will the government please provide those standards? Answer: (See attached drawing for typical details). Contractor shall be responsible for creating/drafting full waterline details for this project for TYAD review.

6. Is the cathodic protection impressed current or buried sacrificial anode? Answer: Cathodic protection will not be required for this project.

7. What are specifications for cathodic protection? Answer: Cathodic protection will not be required for this project.

8. Is any work in the unexploded ordinance area? Answer: There is no UXO in the area to be worked.

9. We don't understand the need to go the expense of mechanical joints on buried pipe. The industry standard is to use push on bell & spigot with locking gaskets. Will this be an acceptable alternative? Answer: This is acceptable and will be required for the project. Bell & spigot joints with locking gaskets will be the requirement for this project. Mechanical joints will NOT be used at bell & spigot push-in locations. The only location that mechanical joints are required will be at the fittings/bends/tie-in locations. (See attached specification for further clarification).

10. Who will be responsible for testing bedding and backfill compaction and what are the requirements? Answer: The contractor will be responsible for hiring a geotechnical engineering firm to conduct the testing of backfill.

11. Are PENNDOT specifications for the asphalt acceptable? Answer: Follow specs called out in SOW.

12. Are there existing isolation valves at both points of connection? Answer: There are valves at the both tie in points. – An isolation gate valve shall be placed on the new line at the north/eastern tie-in tee location.

13. If a shutdown is required will the government provide that shut down? Answer: Yes, the Government will work the valves in order to shutdown system. Contractor shall provide minimum 14 day notification to TYAD for when shutdown will occur.

14. Will the contractor be expected to install the new water main during winter, possibly frozen ground conditions or will an extension be granted to the contractor due to weather conditions? Answer: Yes, an extension would be granted in the event the work could not be performed due to weather conditions

15. Will the government please provide a utility drawing of that area? Answer: Yes it will be added to solicitation

16. In non-roadway areas the SOW states that the contractor can utilize suitable excavated material, will the government please provide additional information on what is considered suitable? Answer: Suitable excavated material shall be clean material free from large rocks (over 2’x2’x2’), excessive moisture, debris, or other foreign matter not suitable for typical trench backfill.

17. The Frost line for Tobyhanna Pennsylvania is 52 inches below grade, in reference to PA Code 65.18 and UFC 3-301-01 App. E-2, will the government please provide the cover depth to top of pipe? Does the cover depth change under pavement? Answer: There shall be 52” of cover above the top of the utility pipe regardless of location.

18. How many mechanical valves, curb stops and fire hydrants are to be installed along the 1175 feet of new piping? Provide the specific type, color for the fire hydrants. Answer: Estimate one gate valve at eastern tie-in location. No curb stops of fire hydrants.

19. Ductile iron pipe has class 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 and 56 available in 8 in, what does the government want the contractor to utilize for this project? Answer: Pipe shall be AWWA C151/A21.51, Pressure Class 350 or Thickness Class 52. Fittings, (AWWA C110/A21.10 or AWWA C153/A21.53) with push-on joint ends are to meet the same requirements as fittings with mechanical-joint ends, except for the factory modified bell design. See attached specification for further clarification.

20. Who is responsible for the Tap? Answer: There should not be a need for a wet tap.

21. What do you consider suitable fill? Answer: Suitable excavated material shall be clean material free from large rocks (over 2’x2’x2’), excessive moisture, debris, or other foreign matter not suitable for typical trench backfill.

22. What are existing pipes made of? Answer: Ductile Iron

23. Are there any drawings or as-builts? Answer: A utility drawing has been provided with the solicitation.

24. Who has the authority for the inspections? Answer: TYAD

25. Is the trench to be left open from end to end for inspections before and after hook-up? Or is it done in sections? Answer: In sections

26. What permits are needed? Answer: None are required

27. Who is the permitting authority? Answer: N/A

28. Has ground penetrating radar been done on this location? Answer: No