Responses to Questions for 12T0002.docx

W911WN-12-T-0002

AMENDMENT 01 DATED 12/21/2011

CONCRETE SAW CUTTING PROJECT AT NEW CUMBERLAND LOCKS AND DAM, OHIO RIVER

The following are the responses to questions asked by contractors:

1. It is called out in the specs that no utilities will be provided. That is posing an issue with how to get power supplied to our cutting and coring equipment. Our wire saw, and core drill both use 480v, 3-phase, electric with 60 amp fuses. The walk way that we are to use to get equipment to the construction area is restricted to a 500lb weight rating. I have looked for a portable power supply that generates the required power, and would weigh 500lbs, or less, and am not having any luck. Is there any way that the power could be supplied to the work areas by the Corp?

Response: The specification has been revised to provide use of government utilities.

2. Will a crane, be on site that can fly equipment to the middle wall area? Heaviest lift is a 2000 lb generator.

Response: A crane will not be available.

3. There is a concern about the piece being trapped in the wall if the cut is not tapered. Does this mean the end cut limit of the vertical tapers must remain within the tolerance shown on the print.? Example, the minimum dimension at the bottom and maximum tolerance at the top.

Response: Yes.

4. Stitch drilling is a method that could be used on the back wall cut and the bottom horizontal cut only if necessary. This leaves a very rough finish. Is this an option or does the cut have to be smooth?

Response: Stitch Drilling is acceptable. The rough finish would be acceptable. The specification has been revised to address alternative removal methods.

5. When wire sawing is done on this scale can the corner holes and a line hole be centered over the center line the finish cut line. Example on this job, Can the vertical and the horizontal corner hole be centered on the intersecting lines of the finish cuts leaving a radius pocket cut out corner that would show. It would also help lock the new pour back in the opening?

Response: Corner holes, as described above, centered on the intersection lines of the finished cuts may be utilized. Also the vertical corner holes may extend deeper than the finish cut lines if needed to provide room for the wire saw pulleys.

6. Slurry control – if slurry becomes frozen and a small amount gets into the river when it thaws out what is the impact and ramifications?

Response: The contractor is responsible for removal and proper disposal of all waste water.

7. How large and area for staging will be allowed and well there be a fenced in and locked area for equipment?

Response: The equipment required to perform this work should not require a large staging area. There is a large amount of space available on the esplanade of the lock to accommodate equipment and materials needed to perform the saw cutting. Note, however that use of the storage area shall not interfere with Government personnel in the operation of the lock. During actual cutting operations equipment can be left directly at the worksite as long as it does not interfere with Government personnel in the operation of the lock or with navigation traffic. There will not be a separate fenced in area provided. The lock area is fenced and staffed at all times.

8. Is there a monetary or other penalty for exceeding the completion date due to weather?

Response: See Clause 52.236-4002, "Time Extensions for Unusually Severe Weather”, for allowable time extensions due to weather. Clause 52.211-11, Liquidated Damages will be assessed if the date exceeds the specified completion date plus any time extensions due to weather.

9. Can the work hours be extended beyond the 7:30am to 4:00pm if the job gets behind due to weather and barge traffic?

Response: See Clause 52.236-4002, "Time Extensions for Unusually Severe Weather”, for allowable time extensions due to weather. The contractor's work shall accommodate barge traffic as describe in the Lock Operation Section of the General Requirements in the specifications.

10. When working with something protruding over the lock face or working on the horizontal cuts from within the dock, how much notice will be giving for us to tear down?

Response: The Contractor is encouraged to complete the work within the closure periods specified in paragraph "Lock Operation". The Contracting Officer may permit work at times other than the scheduled closures based on traffic and river conditions, at which time the Contractor will typically have approximately 2 hours to remove equipment from the chamber. The specification has been revised to reflect this."

11. Can anchor holes for equipment mounting for any type of sawing be set in areas outside of the removal area? If so do they need to be patched when the work is completed?

Response: Yes, the specification has been revised to address this question.

12. Life jacket requirement, what type is expected? Belt, full vest, or other. Looking for a minimum requirement that will not be too restrictive in arm movement.

Response: Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) must be in accordance with EM385-1-1, Section 5.J. See Contract Clause 52.236-4000 for the link to the Safety Manual or the SAFETY paragraph on page 3 of the specification.

13. Wind break wall or structure. Will it be presumable to build a temporary shelter over or around the area being worked as long as it doesn’t hang into the lock area?

Response: A temporary wind break or structure may be utilized over and around the work site provided it does not interfere with Government personnel in the operation of the lock or with navigation traffic. The specification has been revised to clarify the use of temporary structures.

14. In the event the answer to Q 13 is negative, and we cannot build a wind break, or structure, to protect the site from wind, what would be used to keep the wind from blowing air born particles from the job site?

Response: N/A - see Response 13 above

15. The requirements include the awarded contractor to do layout of the cut lines. Will there be a qualified person on site to approve the layout? Will there be a wait time for the qualified person to arrive at the site from another location?

Response: The contractor shall coordinate the time for the layout approval with the Contracting Officer. The Contracting Officer or authorized representative will be available to approve the limits of the concrete removal. There should be little delay if proper coordination efforts are made. The specification has been revised to provide for formal notification to the Contracting Officer.

16. Will a copy of answers from all questions from all contractors be forwarded to all contractors who sent in questions prior to the bidding deadline?

Response: Yes.