W9128F26QA099 7-October-2026 site visit questions.pdf

1. Does the prime contractor need to be bonded? How can a subcontractor ensure that they will be paid by the prime contractor at the conclusion of the job?

The prime contractor does not need bonding for this requirement since it is for a service. As far as payment for service provided from the sub, under federal procurement guidelines, a lack of privity of contract exists between the government and subcontractors. The government's contractual agreement and financial obligations are strictly with the prime contractor. Consequently, the government has no legal authority or responsibility to ensure, manage, or facilitate payments to subcontractors. Any failure of the prime contractor to pay its subcontractor is a private civil matter.

2. What is the load limit on the bridge to the Intake Building?

The bridge is rated for all NDDOT legal loads. ND's maximum axle loading without a permit is 20,000 lbs. There are also limits on total weight based on vehicle length. If the contractor transports the crane across the bridge with another vehicle, adhere to NDDOT limits. If an overweight permit is required, provide to the Government so USACE Structural Engineering can review it.

If the crane itself will be driven across the bridge, use the previous crane (Terex RT 555-1) as the basis for an upper limit, but provide the crane data to the Government so USACE Structural Engineering can review it.

3. What are the weights of the individual components to be lifted: each individual trash rack section, the lifting beam, an individual modified trash rack (with plywood installed)? Does the “14,000” stamped on the lifting beam indicate the capacity rating of the lifting beam?

Weight of each trash rack section is estimated at 14,000 lbs, weight of the wood to be installed on each trash rack section is estimated at 2,000 lbs, weight of the lifting beam is approximately 3,300 lbs. Structural analysis of the lifting beam indicates a rating of 20,000 lbs for the lifting beam (limiting factor is the hook on the trash rack).

This does not leave a large margin for sediment loading (possibly up to 4,000 lbs) or friction, so the contractor must closely monitor the load during the lift to ensure safe capacities of the crane and other components are not exceeded. Note that these loads are best estimates.

4. Is portable secondary containment required for refueling the crane?

The contractor must use portable secondary containment when refueling the crane on the operating deck on the north side of the Intake structure. Under USACE safety requirements, any fueling operation adjacent to or over water requires active spill prevention and containment measures. Under EM 385-1-1 and 40 CFR 112 (SPCC), the contractor must ensure that any portable fuel transfer equipment or temporary staging has a secondary means of containment capable of holding spills. “Storage areas/tanks shall be surrounded by a curb, earthen dike or other equivalent means of containment of at least 6 in (15 cm) in height and higher as needed to contain the contents in the event of a leak.” If the crane is driven across the bridge to the west and refueled a sufficient distance away from the water (such that spilled fuel could not enter the water), secondary containment would not be required. In the event of a spill, the contractor shall be responsible for cleaning it up, and shall notify the Government immediately.

5. What bathroom facilities are available at the Intake Building?

Answer: The Government will provide portable restroom facilities as noted in Part 2 of the Performance Work Statement.

6. What is the load limit on the operating deck?

Answer: This was already answered in the previous Q&A uploaded to the solicitation site. The crane used when this same work was completed approximately 20 years ago was a Terex RT 555-1. The gross weight of this crane (including 14,200 lb counterweight) was 76,832 lbs. This should be considered an upper weight limit for the deck. The contractor’s proposed crane will be evaluated by USACE Structural Engineering for approval and to confirm that allowable deck loading is not exceeded.