RFI Questions and Responses Forbes Airfield Ramp Construction.pdf

FORBES AIRFIELD CONSTRUCTION

CONTRACTOR TECHNICAL QUESTIONS

1. As stated in SECTION 32 12 15.13 ASPHALT PAVING FOR AIRFIELDS, PART 1,

1.5 QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY CONTROL “A standard lot for all requirements will be equal to 2000 short tons”, based on the numerous phases for this project, how will the testing be conducted?

a. Will we be required to divide the amount of material we produce for each phase section into 4 equal sublots regardless of the tonnage of the lot (less than 2000 short tons)?

Response:

(UFGS 32 12 15.13 Asphalt Paving for Airfields)

1.6.3 Pavement Lots: A standard lot for all requirements is equal to one day's production or 2,000 short tons, whichever is smaller. Divide each lot into four equal sublots in order to evaluate laboratory air voids and in-place density. When operational conditions cause a lot to be terminated before the specified four sublots have been completed, use the following procedure to adjust the lot size and number of tests for the lot. Where three sublots have been completed, they constitute a lot. Where one or two sublots have been completed, incorporate them into the next lot and the total number of sublots (i.e. 5 or 6 sublots) is used for acceptance criteria. Include partial lots at the end of asphalt production into the previous lot. Complete and report all asphalt testing including but not limited to aggregate gradation, asphalt content, theoretical maximum density, laboratory air voids, and in-place density testing within 96 hours after construction of each lot.

2. As stated in SECTION 32 12 15.13 ASPHALT PAVING FOR AIRFIELDS, PART 2 PRODUCTS, will we be required to provide and deliver the material for a mix design verification testing?

Response: Yes, provide and deliver aggregate and test results to Government sufficient to produce 200 pounds of blended mixture for mix design verification.

3. As stated in SECTION 32 12 15.13 ASPHALT PAVING FOR AIRFIELDS, PART 3 EXCUTION, 3.1 CONTRACTOR QUALITY CONTROL, 3.1.2 Testing Laboratory, will this be enforced? With the numerous phases of short duration AC paving our plan would be to use an offsite certified Testing Agency and Laboratory to conduct the field testing for the project. There would be no plan to have an onsite Laboratory due to the nature of the sporadic paving work.

Response: Yes, The testing laboratory is required. Off-site testing agency and Laboratory is allowable as long as their certifications meet specifications.

4. As stated in SECTION 32 12 15.13 ASPHALT PAVING FOR AIRFIELDS, PART 1,

1.5.4.1.1 Straightedge Testing, What is an approved 12 foot straightedge? Will a 12-foot concrete screed be permissible?

Response: The approved 12-foot straightedge for use in the testing of the finished surface shall also be made available for Government use.

Straightedges shall be constructed of aluminum or other lightweight metal with blades of box or box-girder cross section with flat bottom reinforced to insure rigidity and accuracy. Straightedges shall have handles to facilitate movement on pavement. An example of a permissible tool is a Bon Tool #19-157 asphalt checking straightedge.

A 12-foot concrete screed is not permissible for use.

5. With this being Apron paving and having numerous short run sections of AC pavement next to PCCP pavement can you please answer the following questions for Section 32 12

15.13 PART 3 EXECUTION 3.10.3 ASPHALT PAVEMENT-PORTLAND CEMENT

CONCRETE JOINTS:

• Part C. calls for the use of a rubber tire roller to compact these joints. Can we use steel drum rollers only for this work as long as the joint densities are good?

Response: The requirement for using rubber tire is to protect the concrete edge and is required by the UFGS default specifications. Concrete out here is already brittle, rubber tires will reduce likelihood of further damage.

• Will the Part D diamond grinding of all joints be required?

Response: Yes, it is required to remove the excess AC placed over the concrete joint,

• Part E states “Consider the asphalt pavement next to the PCC as a separate lot for evaluation…Take four cores of each lot of material placed adjacent to the joint.”

There are many areas were the length of the concrete joint is irregular or of short lengths. So if we are paving next to a 25’ section of concrete and then that section stair steps into another 25’ section will we be required to take 4 cores in each of these sections or can you please clarify how the lots for testing will be determined in these areas?

Response: The Contractor will not be required to take 4 cores at every single 25’ short section. These areas will be included in the overall joint length being paved. The number of test cores and lot size maybe coordinated with Contracting Officer when paving lane plans are submitted for review and approval.

6. SECTION 32 01 16.71 PART 1, 1.2.1 Calls for milling the pavement to within +- .25” of plan grade and elevations. Looking at the core report there are areas of AC pavement that are anywhere from 3” to 6” thick. Are we to mill into the concrete to achieve grade on the areas where the existing asphalt is thin? Also on the areas with thicker asphalt do we mill to plan grade or remove all asphalt to expose the PCCP subgrade? If we remove asphalt to the existing PCCP will the SECTION 32 01 16.71 Part 3, Execution 3.2 GRADE AND SURFACE-SMOOTHNESS TESTING be removed?

Response: Based on the review of as built and core data, milling into concrete should be expected in isolated localized areas. For these areas with thin asphalt, milling the concrete will be required to achieve the minimum of 4” thick AC overlay.

On the areas with thicker AC than the designed overlay thickness, any remaining AC layer with less than 1” thickness should be removed together with loose or de-laminated materials that will not provide a suitable base layer. Negotiation with the Contracting officer shall be completed for any additional asphalt removal/paving required to meet final surface smoothness. The surface grades as shown on the plans shall be met and smoothness testing requirements shall not be changed.

7. The CSPP phasing plan shows the regular phase barricades being 10’ from the phase boundary, could these barricades be set to 30’ (other than on phases 5 & 6) from the phase boundary to allow room for the milling and AC paving equipment to have room to operate?

Response: Barricades will be allowed to be moved from 10’ from phase boundary edge to 30’ from phase boundary edge where required for equipment access. The maintenance and control of FOD shall be intensified by the Contractor along these edges to prevent dirt, debris, and FOD from leaving the construction area. Changes in boundary edge spacing adjacent to aircraft movement pathways may be temporarily, but not permanently allowed in Phases 5, 6, 8 and 9 to allow for the movement of tugged aircraft near these phased work areas.

8. In project schedule section 01 32 01.00 10, paragraph 3.4, several mandatory task items are listed regarding mechanical systems, air and water balancing, and other building commissioning items which do not appear to be part of the scope of work. Please confirm that these items are not required.

Response: Paragraph 3.3.4 Mandatory Tasks has included activities/task items or references to building activities that may not be a part of scope of work. Include these items in the initial project schedule submittal and add: “NOT APPLICABLE” for review.

9. Project specification section 01 45 00.00 10 experience matrix requires balancing personnel for which there appears to be no scope of work on the project. Please confirm this individual is not required for the project.

Response: Paragraph 3.4.3 CQC Personnel has included specialized balancing personnel for which may not be a scope of work. Include this in the CQC organization submittal and add: “NOT APPLICABLE” for review.

10. Specification section 32 11 23.23 specifies a cement stabilized drainage layer material.

Current UFGS version of 32 11 23.23 allows for use of either cement OR asphalt stabilization. Will asphalt stabilized drain layer be allowed for this project?

Response: No change is allowed in stabilized material. The stabilized drainage layer is designed using Open Graded Material stabilized with cement to form a permeable stabilized base under the rigid pavement and also be compatible with the adjacent pavement structure constructed of cement treated permeable base.

11. Specification section 01 45 00.00 10 paragraph 3.7.2 states “all testing laboratories must be validated by the USACE Material Testing Center (MTC) for the tests to be performed”. Specification section 32 12 15.13 paragraph 3.1.2 (Testing Laboratory) states that “Provide a fully equipped asphalt laboratory located at the plant or job site ...”, but does not specifically reference MTC validation. The verbiage in section 01 45 00.00 10 would seem to indicate that all project acceptance testing must be performed in an MTC validated lab (other than what is specifically excluded in 32 13 14.13). Please confirm that asphalt acceptance testing for 32 12 15.13 for is to be performed in an MTC validated laboratory.

Response: Disregard use of USACE Material Testing Center certificaton. Testing Laboratory must meet specifications written in section 32 12 15.13 paragraph 3.7.

12. Specification Section 01 45 00.00 10 paragraph 3.4.2 CQC System Manager: Identify as CQC System Manager an individual within the onsite work organization that is responsible for overall management of CQC and has the authority to act in all CQC matters for the Contractor. The CQC System Manager is required to be a graduate engineer, graduate architect, or a graduate of construction management, with a minimum of 10 years construction experience on construction similar to this Contract. This CQC System Manager is on the site at all times during construction and is employed by the prime Contractor. The CQC System Manager is assigned no other duties. Identify in the plan an alternate to serve in the event of the CQC System Manager's absence. The requirements for the alternate are the same as the CQC System Manager.

a. Specification Section 32 13 14.13 paragraph 1.4.1 Contractor Quality Control Staff: Reference Section 01 45 00.00 10 QUALITY CONTROL for Contractor personnel qualification requirements. Submit American Concrete Institute certification for Contractor Quality Control staff. Qualifications and resumes for petrographer, surveyor, concrete batch plant operator, and profilograph operator.

All Contractor Quality Control personnel assigned to concrete construction are required to be American Concrete Institute (ACI) certified in the following grade:

b. The minimum requirements for the CQC System Manager consist of being graduate engineer or a graduate of construction management, with a minimum of 5 years airfield construction experience and a minimum of 1 year experience as a CQC System Manager on an airfield construction project.

c. Please address the conflict of minimum years. We would also request adding:

requirement of graduate engineer, graduate architect, or a graduate of construction management or Have a minimum five years of construction experience (within the last ten years) as a Construction CQC or Superintendent for Military and/or commercial airfield pavement construction consisting of runway; parking apron;

or taxiway pavement for fixed-wing aircraft on projects similar in monetary size and/or scope to this project. The CQC System Manager shall be an employee of the Prime Contractor and have no other duties, and shall have completed or be scheduled to complete the “Construction Quality Management for Contractors” course.

Response: 5 years of experience is sufficient, disregard 10. Government concurs with changes proposed in block c above. Construction Quality Management for Contractors course must be completed within 90 days of award of contract if the individual has not completed the course or if their previous certification has expired.

13. Specification Section 01 14 00 1.3 Security Requirement - conflicts the Plans Sheet G-

101:

Specification Section 01 14 00 paragraph 1.3 SECURITY REQUIREMENTS Contract Clause "FAR 52.204-2, Security Requirements and Alternate II," "FAC 5252.236-9301, Special Working Conditions and Entry to Work Area," and the following apply:

a. All contractor and subcontractor personnel wishing to gain access to the site will be required to go through the Air National Guard Badging Process, which includes a background check. Only badged personnel will be allowed access onto Air National Guard property.

b. Access to the construction site will be available through two entry points, each originating off of the Air National Guard property.

b1. Entry Point #1 will be from SE Adams Street and the contractor will access Phases 1-4 using this entrance.

b2. Entry Point #2 will be from SE Forbes Avenue and the contractor will access Phases 5-10 using this entrance.

c. CSPP Drawing Numbers G-101 to G-104, G-201 to G-210 and G-501.

Plan Sheet G-101 states that “All Contractor personnel entering KANG Property are required to be under the supervision of KANG escorts” Please address.

Response: Drawing G-104 shows “ES” as the point where escorts are required beyond this point. A government escort will be required and provided by the KANG for any work beyond these locations. One escort may be responsible for large areas, but at no time will contractors be un-escorted beyond these “ES” markers. “SC” denotes a security checkpoint will be used, but there is no escort requirement from this point to the “ES” location. 2 staging locations were given in drawings, however, contractor may operate out of just 1 or both staging locations if they choose.

14. Currently the project has 10 Phases and Sub phases. Will the Contractor be able to complete more than one phase at a time, or modify the work zones to expedite the project?

Response: The combination of phases and modification of work zones was evaluated during the design of the project. It was determined that combining phases/modifying work zones will be allowed but may be limited due to the need to park aircraft in available spaces. Based on parking demand during construction, the combination of phases will be allowed but must be pre-coordinated with the Contracting Officer. Phases that can be performed simultaneously are noted by the plans.

15. Sheet G-104 show the Contractors access to phases 1,2,3.4&5 to be from the North East side of the airfield - Access Gate #1. Is it possible to utilize the Main Security Entrance and perimeter road to access contractor staging area#1?

Response: Main security entrance can be used for light trucks and smaller contractor vehicles. All heavy truck traffic shall use Access gates #1 and #2 to prevent excessive pavement wear at the main gate.

16. Specification Section 01 14 00 paragraph 1.3 Security Requirements - conflicts with Plans Sheet G-104:

b. Access to the construction site will be available through two entry points, each originating off of the Air National Guard property.

b1. Entry Point #1 will be from SE Adams Street and the contractor will access Phases 1-4 using this entrance.

b2. Entry Point #2 will be from SE Forbes Avenue and the contractor will access Phases 5-10 using this entrance. Plans sheet G-104 has Phase 5 using Access point #1. Please Address?

Response: Entry Points and corresponding phasing may be adjusted based on project needs. However, only one staging area and entry point can be active (i.e. contract personnel on-site) at any given time. Government does not have enough resources to provide escorts to 2 separate entry points and staging areas. Material on-site does not deem the staging area “active”.

17. Section 00 10 00 – Solicitation consists of a single CLIN # “0001 Quantity 1 Unit Job” “Repair Aircraft Runway” (sic)

“FFP”

“NET AMT ________________________”

Below that is a “BID SCHEDULE” titled “SCHEDULE OF WORK AND PRICES, SUMMARY”

The summary table lists “Spec Section, Description, Approx. Quantity, Unit $ Price, Extended $ Amount” At the end of the Summary Table there is another box for “BASE BID – TOTAL” and a space for “$” On page 11 of 77 of the solicitation FAR 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT is made a part of the contract.

FAR 52.216-1 states, “The government contemplates award of a FIRM FIXED PRICE contract resulting from this solicitation.”

The issue is the quantities in the Unit Price Summary do not match the quantities on the plans and in some instances, there are considerable differences. Are we to bid this project “Lump

Sum – Firm Fixed Price”, or are we to bid the units of work in the Unit Price Summary? The difference between a Lump Sum bid and a Unit Price bid will approach $1,000.

Response: The bid schedule sheet is for informational (and possibly negotiation) purposes. Lump sum is the required bid. However, the bid schedule numbers should add up to the lump sum. Amendment will be issued.

18. Due to the lengthy process for mix design development, testing and approval, is it possible to have two Notice to Proceeds (NTP). The first one is to start the mix design and submittal process and the second NTP to start the project Construction phase of 365 days?

Response: Yes, upon request by the winning offeror.

19. Currently the Solicitation states 2 different Project Durations: 365 days and 273 days.

Which is correct and will an addendum be issued to clearly state the correct number of days?

Response: 365 Days is correct. I don’t see 273 days in the solicitation.

20. Can you please confirm that confirm that 1 original and 1 additional hardcopy of the proposal package is required and there is no requirement for an electronic copy?

Response: Only an electronic copy is required.

21. Are the following items excluded from the page count?

• front cover (which “shall be identified by the Solicitation Number, project title, company name, address, and telephone number of the offer”)

• table of contents

• Small business subcontracting plan Response: Yes.

22. Where does the Subcontracting Plan go?

Per page 9 of 77 of the solicitation document, “4.0 SUBCONTRACTING PLAN - A small business subcontracting plan will be required if the offeror is a large business and the plan must be submitted with the offer (proposal).”

Response: With the technical proposal, tab D. Amendment will be issued.

23. Where in the proposal package, should this subcontracting plan be inserted? Should it go within one of the existing tabs below or be placed under a new tab in one of the volumes?

Response: See response to question 22.

24. Can you clarify the performance period time? SF 1442 states 365 calendar days however G-102 under “Phasing” states 270 calendar days.

Response: See response in question 19.