A21 - Questions and Responses - Brandt Island Geotech Investigation_10-21-2025.xlsx
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- Attached to
- BRANDT ISLAND PUMPOUT SUBSURFACE INVESTIGATION
- Solicitation number
- W912PM25QA020
About this file
This file is a Questions and Responses document for a geotechnical investigation solicitation (W912PM25QA020) issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wilmington District for the Brandt Island Subsurface Investigation. The project involves conducting soil borings and geotechnical analysis on Brandt Island, a 168-acre disposal area located near the Port of Morehead City, North Carolina. The investigation aims to collect soil and strength parameters for slope stability analysis and potential disposal area capacity expansion.
Key details include a planned performance period of 180 days, with an estimated award date of 17 November 2025. The solicitation is a small business set-aside under NAICS code 541360 with a size standard of $28,500,000. Specific requirements include multiple boring types (Standard Penetration Test and Undisturbed Samples), laboratory testing of soil samples, data entry into OpenGround Cloud, site restoration, and use of a USACE-validated laboratory. Contractors must handle all logistics for barging and mobilization, comply with safety requirements, and submit bi-weekly status reports. The Corps will perform the final stability analysis using the collected data.
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Sheet1
| Questions and Responses | |
| Solicitation Number: W912PM25QA020 | |
| 21 October 2025 | 45838 |
| Brandt Island Subsurface Investigation and Soil Analysis, Morehead City Harbor |
| Question # | Question | Response | |
| 1 | Boring Quantity and Depth: Can you confirm the expected number of borings and the required depths for each boring location? | The required boring types, quanities, depths, and proposed locations are outlined in Section 2, Description of Services of the PWS as well as Tables 1 through 5. | |
| 2 | Barge Access and Mobilization: What is the Corps’ expectation for barge access and mobilization — will staging be permitted from the Port of Morehead City, or is an alternate launch site required? | The CORPS expectation is that the contractor handle all logistics for barging and mobilization in compliance with the necessary agencies for water craft safety. | |
| 3 | Overwater vs. Onshore Borings: Of the borings to be drilled, how many are expected to be over water versus on land? | The required boring types, quanities, depths, and proposed locations are outlined in Section 2, Description of Services of the PWS as well as Tables 1 through 5. | |
| 4 | Subsurface Conditions: Does the Corps have prior subsurface data for Brandt Island that can be provided to bidders for planning purposes? | Yes. Historial boring logs are available and can be provided. See Figure 2 in the PWS for the locations. | |
| 5 | Sample Preservation: What are the specific requirements for sample handling, preservation, and transport to the laboratory? | Bulk samples should be placed in a 5 Gallon bucket with a secure top and label the bulk sample number and depths it was taken. Section titled Undisturbed Sampling, section c outlined how to preserve and ship UD samples. | |
| 6 | Laboratory Testing Program: Can you clarify the exact laboratory tests required beyond grain size, Atterberg limits, moisture content, shear strength, and consolidation testing? | Table 6 and 7 in the PWS provide exacting testing and quantities for SPT and UD samples. | |
| 7 | Laboratory Selection: Must testing be performed by a Corps-approved laboratory, or may an accredited private lab be used if it meets ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards? | Yes, testing MUST be done by a USACE validated lab. | |
| 8 | Slope Stability Analysis: Is the contractor expected to perform slope stability calculations, or will the Corps handle the analysis using the data provided? | No. The stability analysis will be performed by The Corps using data data from the subsurface investigation. | |
| 9 | Safety Plan Review: How quickly does the Corps typically review and approve the Accident Prevention Plan, Activity Hazard Analysis, and Site Safety and Health Officer designation after submission? | Table 8 in the PWS provides this information. 10 calendar days. | |
| 10 | Site Access Limitations: Are there seasonal or environmental restrictions on when drilling operations can occur at Brandt Island, such as bird nesting or dredging schedules? | No. | |
| 11 | Permits: Will the Corps provide required environmental or water access permits, or must the contractor obtain them? | No permits are required however the Contractor should double check and be sure. | |
| 12 | Utility Clearance: Has the Corps confirmed that there are no underground utilities or obstructions at the boring sites, or must the contractor perform clearance before drilling? | To the CORPS knowledge there are no underground utilities, however the contractor should confirm with NC811. | |
| 13 | Weather Delays: How does the Corps handle schedule adjustments if drilling operations are delayed due to weather or marine conditions? | Should there be weather delays the KO for the contract should be contacted. | |
| 14 | Deliverables: Besides the final geotechnical report, are interim reports or draft data tables required before project completion? | Bi-Weekly Status Reports is outlined in the PWS. | |
| 15 | Period of Performance: The solicitation states a performance period of 180 days. Is the Corps open to early completion if the contractor finishes drilling, testing, and reporting ahead of schedule? | Yes, if the job is completed satisfactorily and the report and data has been turned over to the CORPS ahead of schedule, that is allowed. | |
| 16 | Are there any environmental restrictions on wildlife? | Will confirm with Environmental but to my knowledge, no. | |
| 17 | Is there any instrumentation? | There is no instrumentation at Brandt Island. | |
| 18 | Are there any sources of fresh water utilities? | See response to question 12. | |
| 19 | Proposed loading point: Can other loading points be used? | Yes, if there are others that will allow equipment to be unloaded and reloaded with greater ease, there are no restrictions. | |
| 20 | Are there any other restrictions for doing other drilling in the water? | No disposing of drilling materials in the water. | |
| 21 | Can the contractor equipment be staged on the disposal area? | Yes, but take the keys when you leave. | |
| 22 | Do we need to do any coordination with the port such as notification? | I would give the Port a heads up on the work taking place as a professional courtesy. | |
| 23 | Is a piece of equipment with a cutterhead to clear be allowed? | Yes | |
| 24 | How much of an offset? | Any boring offset from the proposed boring location plan should be included in the drilling plan submitted to USACE personnel for approval | |
| 25 | Will we be able to use the port or just the boat ramp? | Should be able to use the port with prior coordination with the port. | |
| 26 | Does the government have staging? | The government doesn't have anything. | |
| 27 | Can the slope be modified by the government for equipment use? | Yes but the modified area must be restored to preexisting conditions. | |
| 28 | Are offsets limited? | Offsets of any proposed borings must be submitted to and approved by USACE Personnel. | |
| 29 | Can we cut down anything for clearing? | Yes all modified areas must be restored to preexisting conditions | |
| 30 | Is any restoration needed after the work is complete? | Yes all modified areas must be restored to preexisting conditions | |
| 31 | Can we move the location of borings more than 20' due to the site conditions? | Yes but with approval from USACE personnel. | |
| 32 | Is there any known or suspected contamination of soils or groundwater within and/or around the investigation area? | No. | |
| 33 | Are there any site-specific training meetings required? | Only what's outlined in the PWS. | |
| 34 | The PWS requires a Level 3 SSHO with barge experience and certified first aid/CPR personnel. Are there minimum qualifications for other field personnel, such as OSHA training or certifications? | Only what's outlined in the PWS. | |
| 35 | Are contractors required to use the provided APP and AHA safety forms, or can they be submitted in the firms typical format as long as they meet EM 385-1-1 requirements? | Must use the USACE provided forms. | |
| 36 | The PWS specifies 12 porewater dissipation tests (8 in sand, 4 in fine-grained soils). Is this number flexible based on field conditions, or must all tests be completed as specified? | Completed as specified. | |
| 37 | The PWS requires one hard copy and one digital copy of the final report. Are there any binding or delivery specifications for the hard copy? | At the discrection of the contractor, must be organized. | |
| 38 | Will schedule extensions be allowed for significant delays due to weather, natural disasters, or other events outside of our control? | It can be discussed with the COR. | |
| 39 | Will the contractor be responsible for having any existing private underground utilities located? | Yes. | |
| 40 | Will as-built underground utility plans be made available? | To the CORPS knowledge there are no underground utilities, however the contractor should confirm with NC811. | |
| 41 | Will USACE provide any site improvements including earthmoving that may be required to access boring locations? | No. | |
| 42 | Will matting placement be allowed in areas where drilling equipment may sink into soft soils? | Yes. | |
| 43 | In the Technical Criteria Submission Requirements table, offerors are instructed to "provide a breakdown of costs to include barging costs based on the proposed contract line item (CLIN) structure." Please clarify the expectations for the breakdown of costs. Is the intent of this request that the offeror provide a full breakdown of costs associated with each CLIN's Firm Fixed Price input, or just the costs associated with CLIN 0002 - SPT & UD Investigation (which is where barging costs would be included)? | A full breakdown of costs associated with each CLIN's Firm Fixed Price Input. | |
| 44 | Can you please provide any existing or historical geotechnical boring logs and CPT logs? | Yes, historical borings (SPT) can be provided. | |
| 45 | Can you confirm that we can regrade the site in order to access certain locations? | ||
| 46 | Can you confirm that it would be possible to shift certain transects or drilling locations greater than 20' as specified in the PWS, based on site conditions and accessibility? | Yes , with approval from USACE Personnel. | |
| 47 | Per section 7.d. of the PWS, are “N” rods required for drilling? If so, is there a specific reason AWJ rods would not be acceptable? | Type of rods is at the discretion of the contractor but should be part of the submitted drilling plan. | |
| 48 | Please confirm that site clearing will not be completed by the Corps prior to project award, and that contractors should account for clearing time in their cost proposals. | USACE will NOT be performing any site clearing prior to the project award and contractors should account for the clearing activities in their cost proposals. | |
| 48 | Please confirm that the same geologist/engineer who logs each boring in the field is required to enter the corresponding data into the OpenGround cloud database within 48 hours of drilling completion. | Correct. | |
| 50 | Are there any restrictions on clearing paths through brush and/or on disposal of cleared vegetation? | Disposal of cleared vegetation on site must not interfere with future dredging projects and material storage. | |
| 51 | Are there any restrictions on the disposal of drill mud? | The way you would dispose of drilling mud with a typical drilling project. | |
| 52 | Please confirm that saltwater may be used for drilling and grouting. | Yes. | |
| 53 | In Table 7 – Laboratory Tests for Undisturbed Samples, the table reads: | ||
| a. | ASTM D2850 Quantity=12 points Notes=3 points per tube. | ||
| b. | ASTM D4767 Quantity= 24 points Notes= 3 points per tube. |
Should these testing requirements reflect the following instead?
| a. | ASTM D2850 Quantity= 4 tests Notes=3 points per test | ||
| b. | ASTM D4767 Quantity= 8 tests Notes= 3 points per test | Correct. | |
| 54 | What is the anticipated award date? | The estimated award date is 17 November. However, that could change depending on several factors. | |
| 55 | We have been unable to locate a USACE-validated laboratory within or near the state that can perform the Dispersive Clay Double Hydrometer (ASTM D4221) and Dispersive Clay Pinhole Dispersion (ASTM D4647) tests. Given that this would significantly increase sampling and sample transport costs, would the Corps consider omitting these tests, or should firms factor the associated shipping costs into their proposals? Or would the Corps allow a laboratory that is not USACE-validated, but regularly conducts these tests, to complete ASTM D4647 and ASTM D4221 tests for this project? | A USACE verified lab must be used so please incorporate the costs associated with acquiring use of a USACE verified lab in your proposed bid. | |
| 56 | The PWS specifies that field and lab data “shall be entered into OpenGround Cloud”. Would it be acceptable for us to perform all data entry and management in our own geotechnical database (BoreDM) and then provide an export file for import into OpenGround instead of entering data directly? | ||
| a. | What file formats does OpenGround currently accept for importing boring and laboratory data (e.g., Excel .xlsx, AGS 4.1.1, DIGGS XML, .csv, .gINT, .pLog)? | ||
| b. | Is there a preferred or required format for importing data into the OpenGround Cloud instance configured for this project (e.g., USACE templates or schemas)? | ||
| c. | Through what interface should the import occur—manual upload via the OpenGround web portal, or via the Bentley Data Collector / Data Manager desktop application? | ||
| d. | If data are imported from an external system, are there validation or schema conformance requirements (e.g., specific field names, unit standards, dropdown lists)? | OpenGround must be used. How data is imported into OpenGround is up to the contractor, however they must ensure the data is imported properly. |
Sheet2
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