Questions and Answers for W9128F26QA017.pdf

Questions and Answers for W9128F26QA017 – MRPO Welding Repairs

Dated: 26 February 2026

1. Please confirm the total number and location of spud wells to be repaired. The contract drawings appear to show one (1) spud well.

Answer: Only 1 spud is being repaired as shown on the drawing A01

2. Are there any available drawings, dimensions, or manufacturer specifications for the two (2)

ESCO buckets?

Answer: Please review Amendment 0001 attachment MRPO Bucket Details. The existing bucket serial numbers are Bucket #1 S/N POKK346303, Bucket #2 S/N RH140816.

3. For the ESCO bucket repairs, how many of the AR450 or 500 pieces and size we will be replacing as well as the re-enforcement of bucket.

Answer: Please review Amendment 0001 attachment MRPO Bucket Details.

4. Section 1.5.4 of the PWS limits working hours to 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Monday through

Friday. Would extended daily hours or weekend work be permitted if required to meet the performance schedule?

Answer: The work hours are 7:00 am – 3:30 pm.

5. Sections 3.4 and 4.4 indicate that the Government will not provide equipment. Please confirm whether this includes cranes or material handling equipment necessary for unloading materials and positioning them on the barge.

Answer: The contractor is responsible for any crane or material handling equipment necessary for unloading materials and positioning them on the barge.

6. The PWS references lead paint removal but does not specify painting requirements following installation of new materials. Is there a coating specification or painting requirement to be followed after repairs?

Answer: No paint requirement is on this project.

7. For confirmation purposes, please confirm that the barge location and place of performance is

9901 John J. Pershing Drive, Omaha, NE 68112. Additionally, if we determine that a site visit is necessary to ensure accurate pricing and technical understanding, please advise whether a visit may be coordinated despite the previously scheduled February 13, 2026 site visit.

Answer: The location of the barge is 9901 John J. Pershing Drive in Omaha, NE. A second site visit cannot be supported and will not be provided.

8. What are the certification requirements for the hole attendant? Is the purpose of this requirement in case of an event which requires a non-entry rescue attempt? If so, is a rescue tripod and winch sufficient given the work environment inside the barge and the obstructions in the path of travel to where work is to be completed? Alternatively, is the hole attendant only required to monitor air quality and periodic status of those performing the work?

Answer:

Work on the spud well will be performed within a designated Permit-Required Confined

Space. All confined space entry activities shall comply with EM 385-1-1, 29 CFR 1926, 29

CFR 1910, and OSHA Directive CPL 2.100. Any potential confined space hazards require implementation of a full permit system. The Contractor shall develop and maintain on-site rescue and recovery procedures and shall coordinate with local emergency responders;

however, the rescue plan must not rely on local emergency responders to perform confined space rescue

Attendant must be confined space trained according to the laws and regulations mentioned above. The requirement is to be sure the contractor has the training, team, and planning in place to safety and successfully complete the work as defined in the SOW.

There are many methods of rescue in confined spaces. Tripods and winches are one method of rescue. The contractor shall prepare a work plan identifying their confined space program as needed to complete the work identified in the SOW.

The Attendant plays a critical role in confined space operations. They are responsible for ensuring the safety of personnel entering the confined space and maintaining continuous communication with the entrants. Below is a detailed breakdown of the attendant's role across the key regulations:

1. General Responsibilities of the Attendant

• Monitoring and Communication: The attendant must stay outside the confined space, maintaining a continuous line of sight or communication with the entrant(s).

This ensures they can quickly detect any issues or emergencies.

• Atmospheric Monitoring: The attendant ensures the confined space atmosphere remains safe, relying on air quality tests (e.g., oxygen, flammability, toxic gases) and monitoring devices.

• No Entry into the Confined Space: The attendant does not enter the confined space.

Their responsibility is to monitor and maintain safety from outside the space.

• Ensure Emergency Preparedness: The attendant is prepared to act in case of an emergency, knowing rescue procedures and how to summon help.

2. Roles According to Specific Regulations

EM 385-1-1 (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)

• Pre-Entry Safety Checks: The attendant ensures that all pre-entry procedures are completed, including reviewing the confined space entry permit and verifying that all safety equipment is available and in proper condition.

• Monitor Entry and Work: Continuously observe entrants to ensure safe practices are being followed and be alert for any signs of distress, injury, or hazardous conditions.

• Alerting for Emergencies: If an emergency arises, the attendant must signal for an immediate rescue operation, ensuring the rescue team is ready to act.

• Control Access: The attendant controls access to the confined space, ensuring that no unauthorized personnel enter while work is underway.

29 CFR 1926 (OSHA Construction Standards)

• Monitor the Confined Space: The attendant must monitor the conditions within the confined space and outside, ensuring the safety of both the entrants and other workers.

• Communication: The attendant must be able to communicate effectively with the entrants inside the confined space, whether via radio, telephone, or voice communication, and must be ready to alert emergency services if needed.

• Rescue Coordination: The attendant is responsible for activating the emergency response if required, including calling for rescue teams and providing essential details about the emergency.

• Evacuation: If conditions within the confined space become unsafe, the attendant has to oversee and direct the evacuation process.

29 CFR 1910 (OSHA General Industry Standards)

• Permit Verification: The attendant is responsible for ensuring that the entry permit is valid, that all conditions on the permit are met, and that any necessary atmospheric testing has been done before entry.

• Monitoring Entry Conditions: The attendant ensures that the atmosphere within the confined space remains safe throughout the duration of the entry, monitoring for changes in oxygen levels, toxic gases, and flammable materials.

• Prevent Unauthorized Entry: They prevent unauthorized personnel from entering the space, ensuring only authorized workers with proper permits or entry roles are inside.

• Communication with Entrants: They maintain communication with those inside the confined space and are ready to react to any sign of distress or emergencies.

OSHA Directive CPL 2-100 (Confined Space Entry Directive)

• Monitor for Hazardous Conditions: The attendant ensures the confined space does not develop new hazards during the work process and that the conditions stated in the entry permit are continuously met.

• Continuous Watch: The attendant maintains continuous surveillance of the space and workers, ensuring that no new or unexpected hazards (e.g., changes in atmosphere) arise.

• Alerting and Evacuation: In case of an emergency, the attendant must take immediate action to alert other team members, summon assistance, and manage the evacuation or rescue.

• Documentation: The attendant is responsible for maintaining records of communications, entry permits, atmospheric readings, and other critical documentation throughout the process.

3. Key Skills and Qualifications for an Attendant

• Training: The attendant must be trained in confined space entry procedures, including hazard recognition, communication methods, emergency response, and rescue techniques.

• Clear Communication: The ability to communicate clearly and effectively with the entrants, other team members, and emergency responders.

• Awareness of Confined Space Hazards: The attendant should have a thorough understanding of potential hazards (such as toxic gases, physical entrapment risks, and oxygen deficiency) and how to recognize them.

• Emergency Response: Knowledge of emergency procedures, including how to call for rescue assistance and evacuate workers if needed.

Summary of Key Attendant Responsibilities:

1. Monitor the confined space environment and the work being performed.

2. Maintain Communication with the entrants inside the space.

3. Control Access to the confined space, preventing unauthorized personnel from entering.

4. Be Ready to Act in an Emergency, ensuring prompt evacuation or rescue if necessary.

5. Enforce Safety Protocols, ensuring all required safety measures are in place before and during the entry.

6. Document Actions such as safety checks, permits, and atmospheric testing.

Overall, the attendant plays an essential role in ensuring safe operations within confined spaces by actively monitoring the situation, maintaining communication, and being prepared for emergencies.

9. Also, with regards to the dry docking location of the vessel it will put all working areas at an angle in which also inhibits entry and egress from the confined space and potential inability to utilize a rescue device above the access hole if needed.

Answer: The intent is to raise the barge on the slip ways just enough to get the work area out of water. The barge will be at an angle, but the angle should be minimal.

10. For CLIN 0001: confirm their confined space program expectations (permit issuer, rescue requirements, attendant, monitoring specs).

Answer: See answer to question 8 above.

11. Confirm lead paint requirements: what level of containment/disposal do they expect for grinding to bare steel?

Answer: The level of containment is determined based on the means and methods of removal. The level of containment and disposal for grinding to bare steel depends on the method and the potential for lead dust generation. The contractor must ensure compliance with applicable regulations, including OSHA and EPA standards, to protect workers and prevent contamination.

12. Any required inspection/NDT beyond visual (MT/PT)?

Answer: No NDT testing is required beyond visual. The spud well and bulk head wall must be water tight following repairs.

13. For buckets: confirm wear plate thickness/coverage and part numbers for side cutters/corner protectors (or where exactly in attachments).

Answer: Please review Amendment 0001 attachment MRPO Bucket Details.

14. Are submittals due at time of bid or after the contract is awarded.

Answer: Submittal must be submitted after award and prior to commence of work.

15. Every bucket manufacturer has different locations for the edge guards they want added or replaced. Can you tell me the manufacturer?

Answer: Reinforcement, weld repairs and wear plate installation on 2 existing ESCO

Buckets. This work consists of fully reinforcing two (2) ESCO buckets and installing new wear materials to extend service life and protect both buckets from further deterioration.

The contractor shall install AR450 or AR500 wear plates on the sides where cutter bits are, and wear strips on the back, and bottom of the buckets. Installation shall include new side-cutter bits, weld on corner wear shoe protectors, and reinforcement along the side corners and bottom. Hard-facing material shall be applied to rebuild and properly fit the bucket teeth on the existing shanks, to expect the U-45 ESCO U-45 bucket teeth on both buckets.

Also ensuring correct engagement and restoring original functionality.

16. Please confirm whether the spud is currently installed inside the spud well or has already been removed. This clarification is required to determine whether spud removal is included within our scope of work.

Answer: The Spud is currently in the spud well and will stay in the spud well. No need to remove the spud.

17. Please confirm the material grade and thickness of the buckets reinfoment material. This information is required to ensure proper material matching and welding procedures for the repairs.

Answer: The contractor shall install AR450 or AR500 wear plates on the sides where cutter bits are, and wear strips on the back, and bottom of the buckets.