Questions and Answers 8-19-22.docx

Does the uninterrupted performance have considerations for weather given the site conditions and schedule? Primarily frost.

Yes, uninterrupted performance will have considerations for site conditions, schedule, and frost.

Is there a maximum timeframe between the time of tilling and seeding?

All work shall be completed 365 calendar days after contract award. Contractors shall keep in mind that the weed control plan must propose a process that ensures all vegetation and weed plants are killed and controlled during all phases of the work. Also, Seed must be installed from April 1 to May 30 for spring establishment, and from August 1 to September 15 for fall establishment. Seeding operations must be performed only during periods when beneficial results can be obtained.

Could seeding be performed outside the proposed seeding timeframes if developed within the work plan?

Seed must be installed from April 1 to May 30 for spring establishment, and from August 1 to September 15 for fall establishment. Seeding operations must be performed only during periods when beneficial results can be obtained.

Would hydro seeding within the area between the two fences be acceptable in lieu of the 4” tilling and seeding proposed? Should this option be offered as an alternate?

The intent of the tilling operation is to prepare the area to allow root penetration and remove all unwanted vegetation within the 30-firebreak zone. Prior to seeding operations, the soil must be tilled to a depth of no less than 6 inches to allow root penetration in all areas or no less than 4 inches in areas restricted by obstacles, fence posts or fence fabric. Hydro seeding would be considered as an alternative seeding method if proposed.

Nationwide Permit 33 doesn’t specifically get into details around means and methods of crossings. In the event a temporary tube is chosen to facilitate a crossing, is there a size the USACE would like to see utilized? Would such an installation require seeding around the installed device during the construction period?

These shall be temporary crossings and seeding the temporary crossing during construction is not required. If a tube is proposed the sizing is up to the contractor, but it must provide a continuous flow line. The temporary creek crossings must be restored at completion of the project.

Creek crossing/erosion control structure areas are to be cleared, but not tilled, stump ground and seeded?

All trees 6 inches in diameter and larger are required to be removed to a minimum of 6 inches below existing ground surface by saw cutting, stump grinder, root ball removal, or other approved methods. All trees and vegetation 6 inches in diameter and smaller shall be cut flush with the ground surface and treated. All tree stumps and cut vegetation shall be treated with an herbicide to kill all vegetation in accordance with Federal, State and Local laws. Areas where seeding would not be successful would not be tilled, stump ground or seeded. The temporary creek crossings must be restored at completion of the project.

Base bid area contains a significant portion that will be nearly inaccessible by machines planned to do the work due to a creek running parallel with the property line. These areas conflict with the intent of the scope as access to the fence will not be established given the terrain. Will areas of this kind take any exception specification given the access restriction? Would the USACE assist with access through the private land adjacent in the particular area? In lieu, could the 30’ area be started at the creek’s edge to facilitate access throughout the cleared area?

The contract scope is applicable to all areas identified in the contract documents by creating a 30-foot maintenance corridor around the fee property boundary. USACE has provided access from the government side of the property line and temporary crossing in areas may be required as necessary to complete the work. There are likely areas in the contract documents where alternate means and methods may be required to meet the contract requirements. These alternate means and methods shall be detailed and defined in the contractors work plan and must be approved before work begins. The contractor’s work plan shall address temporary creek crossings, access, and any additional tree removal to facilitate completion of the work.

Can trees outside the prescribed scope be removed to facilitate required work within the required 30’ area? More specifically areas impacted by other interferences (creeks, drainage structures, etc.)? If so, will the expectation be that it is treated the same as the original 30’ (stump removal, tilling, seeding, etc.)? Means and methods shall be described in detail and defined in the contractors work plan and must be approved before work begins. The contractor’s work plan shall address temporary creek crossings, access, and any additional tree removal to facilitate completion of the work. All trees 6 inches in diameter and larger are required to be removed to a minimum of 6 inches below existing ground surface by saw cutting, stump grinder, root ball removal, or other approved methods. All trees and vegetation 6 inches in diameter and smaller shall be cut flush with the ground surface and treated. All tree stumps and cut vegetation shall be treated with an herbicide to kill all vegetation in accordance with Federal, State and Local laws. Contractor shall prepare ground surfaces, fertilize, seed, provide erosion control and mulch all disturbed ground surfaces as shown on the drawings or in all areas disturbed as a part of the work in this PWS.