Questions and Answers Town of Martin IFB Solicitation W9123720B0002.docx

Town of Martin – Solicitation W9123720B0002 – Questions and Answers

1. Question: Has the Corps coordinated with the Railroad so that they know about the work? If so, who is the contract with the Railroad and what are the conditions have been discussed?

Answer: No coordination has occurred with the railroad.

2. Question: Much of the original excavation from Phase I was hard rock. Is there a size limitation and particular zones of the fill placement?

Answer: Yes, there are size limitation of the fill. Refer to specification Section 31 00 00 EARTHWORK for definitions of materials.

3. Question: The drawings note several buildings that will require a hazardous material survey and to be subsequently demolished under this solicitation. Are as-built drawings available for these structures in order to determine structure type, types of finishes present, foundation depths, quantities of fixtures, wall lengths, number of floors, etc.? If as-built drawings are not available, will these buildings be made available for viewing in person by offerors prior to proposal submission?

Answer: As-Builts are not available for these structures. Internal inspection of these structures will not be made available. External inspection may be conducted at no risk to the offeror.

4. Question: Assuming that those buildings are probably secured from the outside as much as possible. Is there someone that we can call to schedule access for those that are safe to enter?

Answer: The Government does not plan on scheduling a time for contractors to access structures set for demolition. All structures set for demolition are Government Property; therefore, there are no trespassing issues. On their own time, prospective bidders may walk around the structures to determine if there is a means of access to enter the buildings. Due to the conditions of some of the structures, it is recommended that bidders analyze the structure that it is safe to enter.

5. Question: Required hazardous material assessment as part of this contract prior to demolition. Assuming anything we find as part of that hazardous material survey would be negotiated after award if there was asbestos, lead, whatever else we find in there would be potentially a modification to the contract? Or do we assume that it is hot currently?

Answer: Hazardous material quantities listed within the contract are estimated and based on historical demolitions completed in the area.

6 Question: Has USACE discussed or coordinated a full closure and detour of KY-1428 as a cost savings alternate for Earthwork Hauling? Will a full detour be considered by USACE and KTC?

Answer: A full closure of detour of KY-1428 has been discussed and will not be considered.

7. Question: One of the slides mentions special construction requirements for wetland and upland permits. Have the permits been obtained and are they available for bidders to review the special construction requirements mentioned?

Answer: At the time of bid, permit have not been obtained. Specification Section 01 57 20.00 10 identifies permits to be obtained by the Government and protection of environmental resources. Anticipated construction requirements have been included on the drawings or in the specifications.

8. Question: It was noted that electronic submission of proposals is required. Does and original wet ink signature of the bid bond need to be mailed or is electronic copy acceptable in lieu of original?

Answer: The Solicitation includes FAR Clause 52.228-15, Performance and Payment Bonds – Construction (DEVIATION 2020-O0016). This Deviation allows for electronic signatures and provides that the electronic signatures are considered original signatures.

9. Question: If bedrock depth is unknown, what if any depth assumptions should bidders need to make in order quantify this work? Are any additional geotech reports available to assist in making an assumption?

Answer: An anticipated top of rock is provided on sheets CI-101 and CI-102 for bidding purposes. Boring locations and logs conducted as part of this project are provided in the plans. Given the borings advanced for this project are not located directly along the wall alignments, it is the Contractor’s responsibility to perform additional geotechnical investigation along the alignment of the retaining wall to determine the pertinent subsurface conditions for the construction sequencing and fabrication of the soldier piles for the retaining walls. Geotechnical investigation is to be performed to confirm and facilitate the correct quantity of materials.

10. Question: As I understand the project is fully funded. What is the reason for optional bidding?

Answer: The Base and Options are outlined based on project phasing.

11. Question: Can you please provide me a list of the interested small-business bidders or Subs for the project mentioned in the subject? Beaver is interested in providing multiple scopes for this project including the retaining wall. Or point me in the direction of where I can find this list.

Answer: A list of contractors that attended the virtual pre-bid meeting will be posted to beta.sam.gov.

12. Question: What is the actual bond amount or percentage?

Answer:

Bid Guarantee

Per 52.228-1 Bid Guarantee – the amount of the bid guarantee shall be 20 percent of the bid price of $3 million, whichever is less

Bonds

Per 52.228-15 Payment and Performance Bonds - Construction- Original contract price means the award price of the contract; or, for requirements contracts, the price payable for the estimated total quantity; or, for indefinite-quantity contracts, the price payable for the specified minimum quantity. Original contract price does not include the price of any options, except those options exercised at the time of contract award.

(1) Performance bonds (Standard Form 25). The penal amount of performance bonds at the time of contract award shall be 100 percent of the original contract price.

(2) Payment Bonds (Standard Form 25A). The penal amount of payment bonds at the time of contract award shall be 100 percent of the original contract price.

(3)Additional bond protection. The Government may require additional performance and payment bond protection if the contract price is increased. The increase in protection generally will equal 100 percent of the increase in contract price.

13. Question: Did not see offroad truck driver or truck driver listed on the wage listing.

Answer: As stated in the wage determination attached to this solicitation, unlisted classifications needed for work not included within the scope of the classifications listed may be added after award only as provided in the labor standards contract clauses, via the "conformance" process. Per clause 52.222-6 and FAR 22.406-3, if the contractor requires any laborer or mechanic to be employed in a classification that is not listed in the wage determination applicable to the contract, the contractor shall submit to the Contracting Officer after award the Standard Form (SF) 1444, Request for Authorization of Additional Classification and Rate, which shall contain the proposed additional classification and minimum wage rate including any fringe benefits payments along with other pertinent data. The Contracting Officer shall forward this information to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) for approval, modification, or disapproval of the additional classification and wage rate (including any amount designated for fringe benefits). Upon receipt of DOL's decision, the Contracting Officer shall forward a copy of the decision to the contractor, who, in accordance with 52.222-6, shall post the classification and wage rate, and ensure that workers in the affected classification receive no less than the minimum rate indicated from the first day on which work under the contract was performed in the classification.

14. Question: What are the prescribed wage rates for Over- the-Road Truck Drivers and Off-Road Truck Drivers.

Answer: As stated in the wage determination attached to this solicitation, unlisted classifications needed for work not included within the scope of the classifications listed may be added after award only as provided in the labor standards contract clauses, via the "conformance" process. Per clause 52.222-6 and FAR 22.406-3, if the contractor requires any laborer or mechanic to be employed in a classification that is not listed in the wage determination applicable to the contract, the contractor shall submit to the Contracting Officer after award the Standard Form (SF) 1444, Request for Authorization of Additional Classification and Rate, which shall contain the proposed additional classification and minimum wage rate including any fringe benefits payments along with other pertinent data. The Contracting Officer shall forward this information to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) for approval, modification, or disapproval of the additional classification and wage rate (including any amount designated for fringe benefits). Upon receipt of DOL's decision, the Contracting Officer shall forward a copy of the decision to the contractor, who, in accordance with 52.222-6, shall post the classification and wage rate, and ensure that workers in the affected classification receive no less than the minimum rate indicated from the first day on which work under the contract was performed in the classification.

15. Question: PM & Group: Is the intent of the USACE to complete all options in sequence provided?

Answer: The Base and Options are outlined based on project phasing.

16. Question: Could you provide a listing of companies who have downloaded the plans and specifications for the project?

Answer: That information cannot be provided.

17. Question: If a High Strength Geotextile is submitted for approval and use but only considering the 2 foot overlap option and without any seaming considered, will a weak direction strength of 3,425 lb/ft be acceptable? Right now the weak direction spec is 5000 lbs/ft. We were assuming that if we can meet the overlap requirements the weak direction strength wouldn’t come in to play since we are not seaming. Our rolls are 5 meters wide by 100 and 200 meters long so we can easily accommodate the 2’ overlap requirement.

Answer: A weak direction strength of 3,425 lb/ft will be acceptable. The specifications will be revised as part of an amendment package.

18. Question: The estimate quantity of 454 SY for the South Bump Out Wall (Item 149 – Retaining Walls for Option 2) appears to be off. The quantity seems to be closer to 971 SY. Can the quantity be reviewed and clarified?

Answer: Quantity will be reviewed and clarified as part of an amendment package.

19. Question: The Elevations provided on the South Bump Out Retaining Wall Elevation View (2 / CI-102) do not appear to be accurate with regards to the existing grade. The Cross-section views on sheet C-312 through Sheet C-314 do not show cut. Is the Finished Grade @Front of Wall meant to be cut below the exiting grade?

Answer: The finish grade at the front of the wall of both retaining walls is meant to match the existing grade. Sheets CI-101 and CI-102 will be revised as part of an amendment package.

20. Question: Where would I find a list of the contractors that attended the precon online? Also, where would I find the answer to the pre-bid question? I'm looking on sam.gov website, but I do not see any updated information. Please advise.

Answer: A list of contractors that attended the virtual pre-bid meeting will be posted to beta.sam.gov. The list of questions and answers for the solicitation will be posted to beta.sam.gov.

21. Question: Contract time – documents state that the contractor has 862 days to complete the contract. Is this for the base contract and all options? If so, for example, if the contractor were given the notice to proceed on 8/1/2020, 862 days would be 12/11/2022. Option 3, which appears to be the largest portion of the work, may not be available until 3/31/2022. This does not appear to be enough time to complete this work between 3/31/2022 and 12/11/2022. Will the government consider increasing the period of performance for this option?

Answer: The 862 days from NTP is for the base and all options.

The dates provided for exercising the options are no later than dates

22. Question: There are existing buildings along KY 1428 that are not indicated to be demolished as part of this project but are within roadway fill limits. Who is responsible for removal of these buildings?

Answer: Structures shown on the plans not identified to be demolished are to be demolished and removed by a Government Contractor under a separate project.

23. Question: Will nonhazardous spoils from the project be allowed to be wasted in the Mayo Hollow borrow area such as broken up asphalt or concrete, or unsuitable materials from the excavation?

Answer: Since asphalt is the heavy deposits left over from the oil-refining process and concrete can change the PH of soils, the material shall be taken to a landfill per specification 02 41 00 Demolition, paragraph 3.6 Disposal of Removed Material. The material should be treated as typical nonhazardous construction debris.

24. Question: There is quite a bit of trash accumulated in the Mayo Hollow borrow area. Who is responsible for properly disposing of it?

Answer: The Contractor is responsible for properly disposing of rubbish and debris from the project site as outlined in Section 02 41 00 DEMOLITION

25. Earthwork specification 31 00 00 appears to have contradictory language with regard to in place density testing. In 3.18 (a) it says to determine in place density by sand cone (ASTM D1556). In 3.18.3 is says if ASTM D6938 is used (implying for in-place density tests) then use ASTMD1556 to check the nuclear gauge. However, under 3.18.3 the sand cone (ASTM D1556) is used only to provide a check on the nuclear gauge at a frequency of 1 check test every 25, 000 sf. Section 3.18.3 (b) calls for 1 test every 500 feet on “embankments and backfill for roads” which is an unusually high frequency for back checking nuke gauges. Please clarify if nuclear gauges can be used for in-place density testing and please confirm if a 500 linear feet frequency for roads is truly a requirement since it will add cost to the testing for the project. Please also confirm that intent was to include embankments in 3.18.3 (b) or only roadways?

Answer: Regarding item 3.18(a)- The field in-place density can be determined in the field in accordance with ASTM D6938 or ASTM D1556. The specification will be updated to reflect this. ASTM D1556 will be used to check the in-place density tests performed in accordance with ASTM D6938 as specified in item 3.18.3 of the same specification.

Regarding item 3.18.3(b)- Yes, the 500 linear feet frequency for roads is required.

26. Question: Specification 02 41 00, section 1.10 indicates that the contractor should coordinate with the Contracting Officer's Representative to receive the study performed by the Government's Hazardous, Toxic, and Radioactive Waste (HTRW) group which determine what abatements are necessary prior to demolition for the Low-Income Housing Facility and the Water Street Bridge. Can the government provide a copy of the HTRW study that has already been completed and referenced by this section?

Answer: The referenced HTRW study is not available at the time of the bid.

27. Question: Who is responsible for additional hazardous materials removal identified in the post award environmental survey to be conducted by the successful offeror?

Answer: The Contractor will be responsible for removal and disposal of additional hazardous materials. Other hazardous material or other regulated materials found beyond asbestos containing material may require modification of the contract.

28. Question: Specification section 02 82 00, paragraph 1.3.13 States that the analyst has to be listed on the AIHA AAR. This requirement is very restrictive since the list on analysts is very small. Very few of the certified labs even have AAR analysts and if they do, they are not present in all their certified labs but only in one of their labs. Is it acceptable for samples to be analyzed if only the lab is AIHA certified rather than the individual analyst?

Answer: It is acceptable for samples to be analyzed by a laboratory that is both American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) and National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) certified rather than the individual analyst.

29. Question: Specification section 02 82 00, paragraph 3.2.12 notes abatement of contaminated soils. Are there locations where this is known? If not, who is going to make the determination (and when will they make that determination) whether soils are asbestos contaminated? Are there locations where this is known? If not, who is going to make the determination (and when will they make that determination) whether soils are asbestos contaminated? The provided drawings do not appear to quantify or indicate areas of existing or potential soil contamination.

Answer: Contaminated soils will be determined during the asbestos survey by the appropriately accredited and licensed AHERA inspector conducted by the contractor.

30. Question: Looking at the Tracts that require asbestos surveys, it is unclear exactly how many buildings for positive are on each tract. Even with google earth and streetside, there is a degree of interpretation as to which properties need tested and which ones do not. Is there a formal listing of buildings, a diagram of properties, or any other information? Even a drive to Martin would not provide additional information unless a person who knows the exact location of the tracts and the affected buildings could point them out.

Answer: Tracts requiring asbestos surveys are indicated in Section 02 82 00 ASBESTOS REMEDIATION. Tract identification is provided on the CD Sheets. Structures TM 64 & TM 65 are to be labelled on the plans as part of an amendment package.

31. Question: Specification 02 82 00 requires air monitoring to be done during abatement and for final and clearance inside the structure. Can air monitoring be waived if the entire building is being demolished by mechanical methods?

Answer: Air sampling may be waived, provided the submitted abatement plan is approved by the State of Kentucky and the Government.

32. Question: Some of the existing buildings that are scheduled for demolition are not safe to enter for hazardous materials survey work. If all demolition debris is treated as ACM containing and taken to an appropriate landfill will a survey be required? Would air monitoring still be required?

Answer: An asbestos survey would not be required if all demolition debris is assumed to be ACM and is treated and handled in accordance with all Federal and State of Kentucky regulations. However, a report stating all building materials are assumed to contain asbestos shall be submitted. Air monitoring shall be conducted in accordance with all Federal and State of Kentucky regulations.

33. Question: The bid schedule identifies Asbestos Abatement as a Square Foot (SF) unit of measure. Please provide the type of abatement this includes (ie, flooring, wallboard, transite panels, soils) and at what quantity for each type of material to be abated?

Answer: The asbestos-containing materials will be identified during the contractor’s asbestos survey.

34. Question: Specification 01 45 00, para 3.5.3 includes an experience matrix that identifies specialized QC personnel required to be physically present during construction. Since QC specialist may perform other duties, is it acceptable for an individual to perform multiple QC specialty roles as long as he/she meets the experience requirements for each QC specialty role they are assigned?

Answer: Per Specification Section 01 45 00, paragraph 3.5.2, “The Contractor shall identify at least one CQC System Manager, an individual within the onsite work organization, who shall be responsible for overall management of CQC and have the authority to act in all CQC matters for the Contractor. The CQC System Manager shall be assigned no other duties”.

The CQC Personnel, paragraph 3.5.3, identified within the Experience Matrix are “in addition to the CQC personnel” and are “Specialized personnel to assist the CQC System Manager”.

35. Question: Can the virtual site visit presentation slides be provided along with the attendance roster by an amendment?

Answer: Slides presented at the virtual pre-bid meeting will be posted to beta.sam.gov.

36. Question: While not really an RFI, I did want to express some concern about the upcoming proposal due date of 6/2/2020. As you can imagine, COVID-19 has definitely slowed down the availability and reaction time from suppliers that are just now getting back to a normal rhythm. In addition, we have had several vendors that want to take a look at the site and with current travel restrictions it has not been as easy to coordinate on site meetings with interested vendors. Based on the circumstances, we request that the GOV consider a bid date extension of at 7-10 calendar days. This time extension will allow us to receive more accurate pricing from our vendors in order to provide the best value for the project. Thanks in advance for your consideration.

Answer: Amendment 0001 was posted May 27, 2020 to beta.sam.gov. This amendment revised the bid opening date from June 3, 2020 to June 10, 2020.

37. Question: The quantities listed in the Bid Schedule for the North Bump Out Retaining Wall and the South Bump Out Retaining wall are exactly the same (454 SY). However, according to Drawings CI-101 and CI-102, the South Bump Out Retaining Wall appears to have a much larger area than the North Bump Out Retaining Wall. Are the quantities shown in the Bid Schedule correct?

Answer: Quantities will be reviewed and clarified as part of an amendment package.

38. Question: Given the complexity of the project, would the government consider delaying the response date by one week?

Answer: Amendment 0001 was posted May 27, 2020 to beta.sam.gov. This amendment revised the bid opening date from June 3, 2020 to June 10, 2020.

39. Question: Solicitation Section 00 73 00 Contains a Wage Determination with a construction type of Heavy. The decision does not cover classifications of workers that may be used on the project such truck drivers or carpenters. The Highway wage decisions for this area covers more classifications of work that will be used for this project. Please consider using the highway wage decision instead of the heavy wage decision since much of the work is highway work.

Answer: As stated in the wage determination attached to this solicitation, unlisted classifications needed for work not included within the scope of the classifications listed may be added after award only as provided in the labor standards contract clauses, via the "conformance" process. Per clause 52.222-6 and FAR 22.406-3, if the contractor requires any laborer or mechanic to be employed in a classification that is not listed in the wage determination applicable to the contract, the contractor shall submit to the Contracting Officer after award the Standard Form (SF) 1444, Request for Authorization of Additional Classification and Rate, which shall contain the proposed additional classification and minimum wage rate including any fringe benefits payments along with other pertinent data. The Contracting Officer shall forward this information to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) for approval, modification, or disapproval of the additional classification and wage rate (including any amount designated for fringe benefits). Upon receipt of DOL's decision, the Contracting Officer shall forward a copy of the decision to the contractor, who, in accordance with 52.222-6, shall post the classification and wage rate, and ensure that workers in the affected classification receive no less than the minimum rate indicated from the first day on which work under the contract was performed in the classification.

40. Question: Document 00 80 00 Section 1.14 requires and instrument person and a rodman for a survey crew. Most survey is performed by a 1 person GPS crew. Please reconsider the requirement for 2 people.

Answer: Survey may be performed by industry standard methods. Accuracy of surveys will be provided with amendment of the specification.

41. Question: Section 01 32 01.00 10, paragraph 3.3.18.2 requires a $50,000 activity for submission and approval of O&M manuals. There are few items on the project that would require an O&M manual Is this amount necessary or correct?

Answer: Will be revised in an amendment.

42. Question: Section 01 35 26, paragraph 1.6.1.1 requires a Site Safety and Health Officer along with an alternate to be a full-time permanent employee of the Prime Contractor. The qualifications include a college degree in safety, 5 years of experience, and be a CSP. Since this is a small business set-aside, please consider allowing the Prime Contractor to use a consultant in addition to full time employees.

Answer: Will be revised in an amendment.

43. Question: Will Clearing and Grubbing be a measured pay quantity for work in Mayo Hollow?

Answer: Clearing and grubbing will not be a measured pay quantity for work in Mayo Hollow. It is to be considered incidental.

44. Question: Is borrow for the project only allowed to be obtained from Mayo Hollow? What are the requirements if other areas are allowed?

Answer: Please bid the contract assuming all borrow is to come from Mayo Hollow stockpile with the exception of specially fill materials (such as specific aggregate gradations) called out on the drawings. Final grades at Mayo Hollow assume the needed quantities are removed from the borrow area to achieve the final restored grades at Mayo Hollow.

45. Question: Note 14 on Plan Sheet G-004 says all organic waste shall be disposed of at a landfill approved by the State of KY. Does this include vegetation/stumps removed during clearing and grubbing? Is burning of clearing and grubbing debris allowed at Mayo Hollow?

Answer: Yes, organic wastes include vegetation/stumps. Burning at the project site will not be permitted per Section 02 41 00 DEMOLITION.

46. Question: Topsoil removal and stockpiling is a pay item. Should there be a pay item for topsoil placement?

Answer: Pay items for topsoil placement will be added as part of the amendment package.

47. Question: Section 31 00 00 Paragraph 3.5.2 requires hiring a Geotechnical Engineer to provide inspection of excavation and soil/groundwater conditions throughout construction. The paragraph says the Contracting Officer is responsible for arranging meetings with the Geotechnical Engineer at any time throughout the contract duration. The cost of this item is currently incidental. Please make this an hourly pay item or define the number of times the Contracting Officer can request the geotechnical engineer as an incidental cost.

Answer: Shoring is expected to be an incidental item for the project. Requirements to remain as specified.

48. Question: Will the Geotechnical Engineer be required to inspect conditions at Mayo Hollow?

Answer: No.

49. Question: Section 31 00 00 paragraph 3.20.1.5 gives a measurement procedure for Select Granular Material, but there is no pay item for this work. Plan Sheet B104 shows a cross section for wick installation. This shows a 18” thick drainage blanket. The typical section does not provide sufficient detail to determine the quantity of this work. The note below the section says “Drainage Blanket shall consist of an 18” thick layer of Granular Fill Material with less than 5% passing the No. 200 sieve. This quantity is included in the borrow excavation volume in embankment areas or select backfill behind the SP&L walls.” Is the Drainage Blanket the same as Select Granular Material? Please make a pay item for this work since it is not similar to Fill Placement.

Answer: A pay item will be added to the 31 00 00 specification as part of the amendment package.

50. Question: Are CAD files available to bidding contractors?

Answer: CAD files are not available to contractors for bidding.

51. Question: Can concrete debris or similar type inert materials be incorporated in the Fill Placement? If not, can it be placed in Mayo Hollow?

Answer: Please follow specifications for removal and disposal of unsuitable materials including concrete debris and/or asphalt. This material may not be used as general fill material.

52. Question: Section 31 05 19.05 12 paragraph 1.2 requires the Contractor to hire a Geotextile Manufacturer/Installer to supply the high strength geotextiles. Can the contractor install the high strength geotextile or is does the GMI have to perform the installation?

Answer: The contractor may install the high strength geotextile with qualified personnel in accordance to the manufacturer’s specifications. Note: the plans call for a 2’ overlap of the geotextile as opposed to seaming.

53. Question: Section 32 92 19 paragraph 1.5.2.2 requires application of a herbicide 3 to 4 weeks prior to stockpiling topsoil? Since the work is being performed in phases, this could add delay to the work. Is this necessary?

Answer: Yes. Contractor to account for application in the overall construction schedule.

54. Question: Section 32 92 19 paragraph 3.1.1.1 requires off-site topsoil to be used. On-site topsoil is required to be stockpiles. Is off-site topsoil placement required? Is there a pay item for topsoil placement if it is required (either off-site or on-site)?

Answer: Topsoil placement can be sourced from either on-site or off-site topsoil. Pay items for topsoil placement will be added to Section 32 92 19 SEEDING.

55. Question: Items 34 and 149 Retaining Walls both have the same quantity. Is this correct?

Answer: Quantities will be reviewed and clarified as part of an amendment package.

56. Question: Please identify the location of details in the plans for the Geotechnical Instrumentation.

Answer: Detail of the Geotechnical instrumentation will not be provided in the plans. The Contractor shall submit instrumentation product data for approval based on recommendations of the manufacturer.