Pre-Bid Site Visit Memo_W912EP24B0011_07-24-2024.pdf

CESAJ-CD-NJ 25 July 2024

MEMORANDUM FOR CESAJ-CT-C

SUBJECT: Solicitation W912EP24B0011, NAVAL SUBMARINE BASE KINGS BAY -

ENTRANCE CHANNEL MAINTENANCE DREDGING CUT-1N THROUGH RANGE-E

49, 45, AND 44-FOOT PROJECT CAMDEN COUNTY, GEORGIA & NASSAU

COUNTY, FLORIDA

Pre-Bid Site Visit

1. A pre-bid site visit for subject project was conducted on 24 July 2024, from 0900 to 1030 hours. The contractor and USACE participants are included on the roster attached to this memorandum.

2. The participants met at the Dolphin Ave. staging area shown on Drawing Sheet ID C- 34 where a brief overview of the project was conducted. The Project Engineer highlighted that the new EM 385-1-1 Health and Safety Manual was in effect for this project. Also noted were the new Munitions and Explosives of Concern (MEC) screening requirements. The Project Engineer also highlighted some environmental requirements related to endangered species, particularly the trawling requirements, whale speed restrictions and monitoring requirements. The order of placement at the beach placement areas was discussed, as well as the hopper window and harbor specific dredging restrictions, tilling and the Fort Clinch State Park Use Agreement.

3. Participants traveled to North Beach Park near W. 9th St. to view the North Beach placement area shown on Drawing Sheet IDs C-33 and C-34. Next, participants traveled to the Fort Clinch staging area shown on Drawing Sheet ID C-36. From there, participants walked to view the beach placement area shown on Drawing Sheet IDs C- 35 thru C-37. Finally, participants traveled to the handicap access ramp depicted on Drawing Sheet ID C-32 and walked out to the beach to view the pipeline access easement and the jetty where the pipeline will need to cross. It was noted that the handicap access ramp was still blocked off due to storm damage.

4. Questions from the participants that were not answered on site were directed to the Contracting Officer through PROJNET/Dr. Checks.

5. If you have any questions or require additional information regarding this matter, please contact the undersigned at (561) 379-2854.

Jennifer L. Tyler Project Engineer

Enclosure:

Site Visit Handout & Roster

**All Questions regarding this solicitation should be referred to Tim Humphrey, Contract Specialist at (904) 232-1022 or via email at

TIMOTHY.G.HUMPHREY@USACE.ARMY.MIL

PREBID SITE VISIT

SOLICITATION NUMBER: W912EP24B0011, NAVAL SUBMARINE BASE KINGS BAY - ENTRANCE

CHANNEL MAINTENANCE DREDGING CUT-1N THROUGH RANGE-E 49, 45, AND 44-FOOT

PROJECT CAMDEN COUNTY, GEORGIA & NASSAU COUNTY, FLORIDA

Date: July 24, 2024 Time: 09:00 AM Location: Dolphin St. Staging Area

Purpose: Allow prospective contractors access to the sites, formulate questions and make appropriate considerations in their proposal preparations. Questions that arise on-site should be entered through Projnet or brought up on the bidder inquiry teleconference so that responses can be posted as required.

Summary of Work: Base project work involves maintenance dredging of the Kings Bay Entrance Channel Cut-1N through Range- E. The excavated material will be distributed among the Fernandina Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Site (ODMDS)(D/A-O), the Fernandina Nearshore Placement Area (P/A-N), the Fort Clinch Placement Area (P/A-F), and the North Beach Placement Area (P/A-NB). Incidental work includes turbidity monitoring, environmental species monitoring, vibration monitoring, beach fill quality control, beach tilling, screening, MEC construction support, and sea turtle and sturgeon trawling. Option A project work consists of Fort Clinch pre-placement debris removal.

mailto:TIMOTHY.G.HUMPHREY@USACE.ARMY.MIL

**All Questions regarding this solicitation should be referred to Tim Humphrey, Contract Specialist at (904) 232-1022 or via email at

Key Contract Requirements:

Specification Section 01 35 26:

1.5 REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the detailed requirements included in the provisions of this Contract, comply with the most recent edition of USACE EM 385-1-1.

1.6.1.1 Site Safety and Health Officer (SSHO)

Provide a Level 1 SSHO that meets the requirements of EM 385-1-1 Section 2-3.

1.6.1.1.1 Additional Site Safety and Health Officer (SSHO) Requirements and Duties The Level 1 SSHO may not serve as the Quality Control Manager. The Level 1 SSHO may not serve as the Superintendent.

**All Questions regarding this solicitation should be referred to Tim Humphrey, Contract Specialist at (904) 232-1022 or via email at

Specification Section 01 35 30:

1.4.2 MEC at Project Site

A site-history and past use review was completed for this project (See Appendix A - Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay Entrance Channel, Probability Assessment For Munitions and Explosives of Concern). A review of Formerly Used Defense Sites (FUDS) records found Fort Clinch had Gunnery emplacements during the Civil and Spanish-American Wars. A review of USACE archives found no results or reports of MEC or munitions debris (MD) indicative of MEC were made during any past operations. A search of the Joint Explosive Ordnance Disposal (JEOD) Portal found no records of EOD incident reports for the Kings Bay Entrance Channel.

There are no known military munitions use, range fans or dump sites within the boundaries of this project. However, Fort Clinch has a history of use during the Civil war and Spanish-American War. In 1997 15 fused cannon balls were located at Fort Clinch. After reviewing all historical documents and conducting records search for military munitions use, the only MEC was on land at Fort Clinch. There is no further evidence of MEC during dredging operations.

1.5 MEC SAFETY AND WORK PLAN

Submit a MEC Safety and Work Plan in accordance with EM 385-1-97 (including Errata sheets) and EM 385-1-1. The MEC Safety and Work Plan will consist of the items as specified herein, including UXO personnel qualifications.

1.6 UXO TECHNICIANS

a. During beach fill operations, provide at a minimum one Qualified Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) Technician. One of the assigned UXO Technicians will be a Qualified UXO Technician III (as specified in DDESB TP-18). The UXO Technician will provide 24-hour, 7-days per week MEC support on the beach. The UXO Technician will provide MEC Training and will inspect the screening devices for damage and presence of MEC.

b. The UXO Technician III will determine the classification of suspect MEC, dislodge MEC from the draghead(s) if required, and properly safeguard the MEC. Provide transportation of the Technician and MEC to a location as directed by the OESS. No persons other than the boat crew and UXO Technicians will be permitted on the crew boat during transportation of MEC.

c. If UXO Technicians are required onboard the dredge, do not continue/commence dredging until the UXO Technicians are onboard the dredge.

d. Provide operational training to UXO Technicians immediately when they report aboard the dredge. This training consists of basic training that the Contractor provides to regular crew members (i.e. man overboard, fire, and inclement weather). UXO Technicians must comply with the dredge Captain's orders while aboard the dredge.

1.7 GOVERNMENT-PROVIDED MEC SPECIALIST (OESS)

The Corps of Engineers Military Munitions Design Center will provide an Ordnance and Explosives Safety Specialist(s) (OESS) to oversee overall MEC safety and training. The OESS will be on-site or on call in the vicinity to address problems as they arise during the duration of the placement of beach fill. The UXO Technician will contact the OESS in the event that a MEC or MEC-like item is located. The OESS will provide guidance and coordinate emergency response. Stop dredging work immediately upon notification by

**All Questions regarding this solicitation should be referred to Tim Humphrey, Contract Specialist at (904) 232-1022 or via email at the OESS of the need for inspection of discharge screening devices during material placement operations to prevent MEC from being placed on the beach.

1.7.3 Training

1.7.3.1 MEC Recognition and Safety Training

In accordance with EM 385-1-97 Change 1 Paragraph III.A.03.- All personnel involved in the operation need to receive UXO/3Rs awareness training prior to the start of work.

The OESS will conduct or task the UXO Technicians to conduct 3R/MEC Awareness training for the Contractor's dredging vessel and shore-based workers, as well as Corps personnel. Provide this training prior to resuming dredging/beach fill activities, and to all newly reporting personnel assigned to the project who have not attended MEC training in the previous twelve months. The MEC Training video can be found at https://youtu.be/bGr4K_v6NjA. Maintain a legible roster of MEC Training attendees.

3.2 SCREENING DEVICES

a. Prevent MEC from being placed on the beach by a screening device placed at the discharge end of the pipeline on the beach. The required screening devices must meet the following requirements:

(1) Pass all material through a screen with opening size no greater than 2 inches by 2 inches such that all items 2 inches and larger are retained. The openings on the screening device will be of uniform dimension (i.e. a grid or a series of round holes; slotted openings will not be permitted).

(2) Construct the screening devices using rugged steel or composite material, one-piece or welded members. The devices will cover the entire cross-sectional area, except where basket type devices are used on the discharge end. Relief windows in basket type devices may be permitted following evaluation of dredging operations and material quality by the OESS and approved by the KO.

Size and locate windows to prevent large items, and MEC items from escaping the basket during pumping operations. Keep basket type devices in a level and horizontal position when using relief windows, during pumping operations.

(3) Ensure screening devices provide a production rate that allows completion of all dredging and beach placement within the contract duration.

(4) Maintain adequate replacement parts and additional screening devices on site to ensure production for the work does not stop due to damaged devices or delays in the inspection process.

3.2.1 Inspection of Oversized Material

a. Design a method for inspection of oversized material collected during beach fill pumping operations. Every effort will be made to flush all sand out of the residual material to allow for 100 percent inspection. Spread all oversized material to a single item thickness for inspection by the UXO Technician. Spread the material either inside the discharge end screening device, in secondary containment, or on the beach on top of a liner, in a location above the high water line.

(1) Design any system that involves inspection of the oversized material inside the discharge end screening device with the following requirements:

(i.) allow unrestricted entry or exit during times of inspector access, and

**All Questions regarding this solicitation should be referred to Tim Humphrey, Contract Specialist at (904) 232-1022 or via email at

(ii.) be of sufficient size to allow the inspector to move around and rake through the material to inspect for MEC in the screening device.

(2) Ensure no loss of oversized material from any system that involves the movement of the screening device or removing or rehandling of the oversized material to another location for inspection. Minimize the shock of the contents during the transfer to a secondary basket (in the event MEC is present). In addition, move all oversized material removed for inspection from the current operation area, and relocate to a remote area of the project site within the Contractor Work Limits for inspection. Keep uninspected material separate from previously inspected material.

(3) Design any system that involves inspection of the oversized material inside a secondary containment with the following requirements:

(i.) allow unrestricted entry or exit during times of inspector access, (ii.) be of sufficient size to allow the inspector to move around and rake through the material to inspect for MEC in the screening device, and (iii.) place material in the secondary basket for inspection at a thickness that will allow for 100percent visual inspection.

Additional baskets, pans or other methods may be required to ensure a manageable 100 percent visual inspection.

b. Upon 100 percent inspection of the material by the UXO Technicianan, dispose of all oversized material in accordance with Section 35 20 23 DREDGING.

APPENDIX A

5.0 Recommendations

It is the recommendation of CENAB Military Munitions Design Center that Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay Navigational dredging project be classified as “Low Probability” of encountering MEC.

Specification Section 01 57 20:

3.1.5.4 Endangered Species Observers (Hopper Dredge Only)

During dredging operations, two observers approved by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - Fisheries (NOAA- Fisheries/NMFS) must be aboard the dredge and the trawler to monitor for the presence of the listed species. Observer coverage must be 100 percent (24hr/day) and is to be conducted year-round. During transit to and from the disposal area, the observer is to monitor from the bridge during daylight hours for the presence of E&T species, especially the North Atlantic right whale, during the period November 1 through April 30.

3.1.5.6 Hopper Dredge Equipment

Hopper dredge dragheads shall be equipped with rigid sea turtle deflectors which are rigidly attached. Deflectors shall be solid with no openings in the face.

**All Questions regarding this solicitation should be referred to Tim Humphrey, Contract Specialist at (904) 232-1022 or via email at

For each dredge operating on the project, dredging operations must not begin until the Hopper Dredge Deflector Device Checklist and the Hopper Dredge Pre-Dredge Inspection Checklist have been completed by a USACE-approved inspector and submitted to the Contracting Officer. The Hopper Dredge Startup Inspection Checklist will be completed by USACE prior to commencement of dredging operations.

3.1.5.7 Sea Turtle/Sturgeon Trawl Sweeping and Relocation (For Hopper Dredges Only)

b. Sea Turtle/Sturgeon Trawling and Relocation:

(1) Initiation of Trawling: Relocation trawling is to start at commencement of dredging and work continuously until the completion of dredging operations. In the event multiple hopper dredges are utilized to execute the work, one trawler for each hopper dredge is required.

3.1.5.9 Sea Turtle Beach Nest Monitoring

a. Sea Turtle (Work Stoppage) Window and Monitoring: If dredging and placement of material in the beach fill area along Florida Beaches has commenced on or before April 15th, turtle monitoring and nest location shall commence on April 15th and continue concurrently with the performance of work. If dredging and placement of material on Florida Beaches has not commenced prior to April 15th, the Contractor shall commence turtle monitoring and nest location activities for a period of 65 days prior to performing any work (including movement of equipment) in the beach fill area or commence turtle monitoring on March 1st whichever date is later. In such case, after turtle monitoring and nest location activities have been performed for a period of 65 days, the Contractor shall commence work in the beach fill area and continue the monitoring activities concurrently with performance of the work. In any case turtle monitoring and nest location/relocation activities are required through October 24th or until completion of the work on Florida Beaches, whichever is earlier.

3.1.5.12 Protection of Migratory Bird Species

a. Monitoring of Construction Area: The Contractor shall conduct monitoring of the construction area beginning 15 March or 10 days prior to project commencement through 31 August, if construction activities occur during that period.

Specification Section 35 20 23:

1.5.1 Order of Work

There is no specific order of work for this project.

1.5.2 Hopper Restriction

Use hopper dredges to perform maintenance dredging on this project according to subparagraph "Harbor Specific Dredging Restrictions". The use of hopper dredges within Kings Bay Entrance Channel is prohibited from 01 April through 14 December.

1.6.2 Security Operations

Be able to move the dredge(s) and all attendant and support plant completely out of the channel within 6 hours of first notification. All

**All Questions regarding this solicitation should be referred to Tim Humphrey, Contract Specialist at (904) 232-1022 or via email at anchors and wires need to be clear of the channel. Be able to demonstrate capabilities during an unscheduled drill at the Contracting Officer's discretion.

3.5.2.4 Order of Placement

Complete placement as the Fort Clinch Placement Area (P/A-F) prior to placement at North Beach (P/A-NB). Unless otherwise directed by the Contracting Officer, fill P/A-F placement area located west of FDEP Monument R-002 prior to the area located east of FDEP Monument R-002. Then place dredged material in P/A-NB commencing at FDEP Monument R-016 and proceeding southerly until all dredged material has been placed to the sections and limits shown on the contract drawings.

Screen all material placed in the beach placement area and dispose of unacceptable material. Screening and disposal of unacceptable material must meet the requirements detailed in Section 01 35 30 MUNITIONS AND EXPLOSIVES OF CONCERN (MEC) CONSTRUCTION SUPPORT and in accordance with the Unacceptable Material Disposal Plan (below).

3.5.2.5 Disposal of Unacceptable Material

Submit an Unacceptable Material Disposal Plan detailing the method by which the quantity of removed material is measured and the location of disposal for acceptance by the Contracting Officer.

3.5.2.7.1 Handicap Beach Access Area

Provide unencumbered beach access at the Park's handicap beach access area as shown in the drawings. Bury the length of shore pipeline specified in the drawings sufficiently deep to result in a crossover at the grade and slope of the existing beach surface.

3.5.2.16 Fort Clinch Beach Tilling

Tilling at Fort Clinch placement area (P/A-F) is to be performed on the beach portion only, not within in the groins. Tillings should be performed from Fort Clinch construction baseline Station 25+00 to Station 62+00 (from the end of the groins, approximately 750 feet west of R-001, to approximately R-004). Beach tilling will be performed at this location between March 1st and March 15th or as directed by the Contracting Officer.

3.5.2.17 Fort Clinch State Park Use Agreement Special Conditions

d. Conduct routine sand placement operations in the areas north and west of the South Jetty between October 1st and March 15th for each placement event, to minimize resource management impacts including marine sea turtle nesting and shorebird nesting, as well as visitor service programs and access. All demobilization activities, including the presence of the pipeline on the beach at this location will be concluded by March 15th per each placement event.

e. Any pipeline which is placed south of the South Jetty, for sand placement on the City of Fernandina Beach Property, all demobilization activities, including the presence of the pipeline on the beach must be concluded and removed from the Park by April 15th per each placement event.

**All Questions regarding this solicitation should be referred to Tim Humphrey, Contract Specialist at (904) 232-1022 or via email at

3.13.4 Harbor Specific Dredging Restrictions

3.13.4.1 Kings Bay Entrance Channel

A CRL-H is established at Navigation Aid R-20 (approximate Cut-lN, Sta. 71+00) of the project channel. The following guidance, in order of application, will be standard practice when maintenance dredging this channel.

a. Seaward of the CRL-H: Use of a hopper dredge to perform the maintenance dredging will be standard practice.

b. If dredging cannot be performed or completed during the allowable winter dredging window, which is currently from 15 December through 31 March, a request for hopper dredge exemption will be made by the Government to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (Ga. DNR) to allow dredging outside of the window.

c. Should Ga. DNR reject the request for a dredging window extension beyond 31 March, then a cutter-suction dredge or mechanical dredge will be allowed to work in the entrance channel. In this event or otherwise during the time from 1 April through 14 December, the CRL-H identified above will automatically be converted to CRL-C.