Amendment 0008.pdf

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

30-105-04EXCEPTION TO SF 30

APPROVED BY OIRM 11-84

STANDARD FORM 30 (Rev. 10-83) Prescribed by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

This amendment is issued to extend the bid due date, update the Contracting Officer information, update the bid opening call in information, provide Specification Changes, and Responses to RFIs, All other terms and conditions remain unchanged.

1. CONTRACT ID CODE PAGE OF PAGES

1 14

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

16C. DATE SIGNED

BY 10-Dec-2020

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA15C. DATE SIGNED15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

(Signature of Contracting Officer)(Signature of person authorized to sign)

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., Street , County, State and Zip Code) X W912WJ21B0001

X 9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

14-Oct-2020

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

X The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offer X is extended, is not extended.

Offer must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended by one of the following methods:

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning 1 copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted;

or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN

REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required)

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS.

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE

CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(B).

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not, is required to sign this document and return copies to the issuing office.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

10A. MOD. OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO. 5. PROJECT NO.(If applicable)

6. ISSUED BY

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

10-Dec-2020

CODE

US ARMY ENGR DISTRICT, NEW ENGLAND

696 VIRGINIA ROAD

CONCORD MA 01742-2751

W912WJ 7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than item 6)

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.

CODE

See Item 6

FACILITY CODECODE

EMAIL:TEL:

W912WJ21B0001

SECTION SF 30 BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

The following have been added by full text:

AMENDMENT 0008

SPECIFICATION CHANGES

1. Amend Section 35 30 00 UNDERWATER DRILLING AND CONFINED BLASTING as follows:

A. Under subparagraph 1.9.3, titled “Operations Blasting Plan” delete the following:

Submit the Operational Blasting Plan for review. No blasting, including the Test Blasting, may differ from the approved Operational Blasting Plan.

Following completion of the Test Blasts, the Contractor shall submit to the Contracting Officer revisions to the Operational Blasting Plan, based on the recommendations developed as part of the Test Blast Plan Report. The Contracting Officer shall have 30 days for review after receipt. The Contractor may be required to revise and resubmit the plan. The Contracting Officer shall have 10 days to review the revised plan.

No drilling shall be started before the Contracting Officer reviews and concurs with the Operational Blasting Plan or any revisions to that plan.

Any changes to the blasting or monitoring procedures, equipment, plant, products or personnel must be reflected in a revised Operational Blasting Plan or supplement and must be approved by the Contracting Officer prior to implementation.

B. Under subparagraph 1.9.3, titled “Operations Blasting Plan” add the following:

Submit the Operational Blasting Plan for review and approval. No blasting, including the Test Blasting, may differ from the approved Operational Blasting Plan.

Following completion of the Test Blasts, the Contractor shall submit to the Contracting Officer revisions to the Operational Blasting Plan, based on the recommendations developed as part of the Test Blast Plan Report. The Contractor may be required to revise and resubmit the plan.

The Contractor may commence operational blasting after submittal of the Operational Blasting Plan and prior to approval provided they: 1. meet all performance criterial of this contract, 2. provide the Government with real-time blast reports and monitoring reports (e.g.

vibration, sound, hydroacoustic, pressure, fish and mammal observations) after each test blast and, 3. ensure that production blasts do not exceed the largest acceptable test blast.

Any changes to the blasting or monitoring procedures, equipment, plant, products or personnel must be reflected in a revised Operational Blasting Plan or supplement and must be approved by the Contracting Officer prior to implementation.

2. Amend Section 35 30 00 UNDERWATER DRILLING AND CONFINED BLASTING as follows:

A. Under subparagraph 1.9.2, titled “Test Blasting” delete the following:

Use the type of explosives and firing systems that adhere to all applicable codes and regulations including, but not limited to, those cited in subpart "PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS". A minimum of three shots are required for the Test Blasting. Complete a Shot Plan, which is referenced in Subpart "Shot Plan", for every shot, including these test blasts. Increase the number of shot holes loaded and the maximum charge weight per delay of subsequent test and production shot patterns only if the early shot pattern was apparently successful. An apparently successful shot pattern is defined as a properly fired pattern that has seemed to have been effective prior to spoil excavation and has remained below both the maximum and peak particle velocity value, as prescribed in Subpart "Vibration Control" of this specification section.

For the next immediate next shot pattern, use a smaller number of loaded drill holes and a smaller maximum charge weight per delay, if the prior shot pattern had a rifling plume or under estimated the recorded, peak particle velocity by 25% at any monitoring location or had any type of misfire, damage or injury or accident.

Limit the first test shot to three drilled shot holes in a single row and have a maximum charge weight per delay of 6 pounds of explosive materials per 25-ms delay. Limit the second test shot to nine holes in a shot pattern of the Contractor's choosing and to a maximum charge weight per delay of double the first shot's maximum charge weight per delay, as long as the first test shot was completely satisfactory. The third test and other production shot patterns may use any number of drilled holes and a maximum charge weight per delay of double the pounds of explosives and blasting agents per 25-ms delay to the limit of 25 pounds, as long as the preceding test shot was completely satisfactory.

A. Under subparagraph 1.9.2, titled “Test Blasting” add the following:

Use the type of explosives and firing systems that adhere to all applicable codes and regulations including, but not limited to, those cited in subpart "PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS". A minimum of three shots are required for the Test Blasting. Complete a Shot Plan, which is referenced in Subpart "Shot Plan", for every shot, including these test blasts. Increase the number of shot holes loaded and the maximum charge weight per delay of subsequent test and production shot patterns only if the early shot pattern was apparently successful. An apparently successful shot pattern is defined as a properly fired pattern that has seemed to have been effective prior to spoil excavation and has remained below both the maximum and peak particle velocity value, as prescribed in Subpart "Vibration Control" of this specification section.

For the next immediate shot pattern, use a smaller number of loaded drill holes and a smaller maximum charge weight per delay, if the prior shot pattern had a rifling plume or underestimated the recorded, peak particle velocity by 25% at any monitoring location or had any type of misfire, damage or injury or accident.

Limit the first test shot to three drilled shot holes in a single row and an initial charge weight per 25 m/s delay. Limit the second test shot to nine holes in a shot pattern of the Contractor's choosing and to a maximum charge weight per delay of double the first shot's maximum charge weight per delay, as long as the first test shot was completely satisfactory. The third test shot may use any number of drilled holes and a maximum charge weight per delay of double the second shot’s maximum charge weight per delay, as long as the preceding test shot was completely satisfactory.

RFI Questions and Responses:

1. Regarding the Government response to Question #5 of Amendment 0002, it is stated that any “heave” from blasting that rests above the Government pre-dredge surveys is a hazard to navigation and must be removed immediately. Heaving materials above the pre-dredge surveys will occur on every blast. It is our experience on multiple Corps projects that a hazard to navigation occurs when heave exists above the current advertised navigational depth, not above the pre-dredge surveys.

Please consider revising this to relate to the current advertised navigational depth.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Amendment #3; Question/Response # 5 is revised to the following and changes the depth above which heaving materials may be considered a hazard to navigation.

The Contractor shall assume that a hazard to navigation is any object that presents sufficient danger to navigation so as to require expeditious, affirmative action such as marking, removal, or redefinition of a designated waterway to provide for navigational safety. This is partly defined by CFR, 33, PART

64. Refer to section 35 20 23 “DREDGING”, subpart 3.1.1 “Disposal of Excavated Material”.

Due to the nature of the work, materials that are displaced which create shoal material above the Federal Navigation Channel’s authorized depth as a result of the Contractor’s drilling and blasting efforts (e.g. heaves) should also be considered hazards to navigation and must be removed immediately, by dredging or other means to be determined by the Contractor that are acceptable to the Contracting Officer.

Because users of the channel may be aware of the current depths of the channel, that are in many parts well below the authorized channel depths, it is imperative that discussion of potential heaving be a part of the daily coordination calls that are required per Spec Section 01 11 00 1.7.1 Waterways Navigation and Marine Traffic Management Plan.

2. Regarding the Government response to Question #16 of Amendment 0002, should contractors include pricing impacts for a 40-day delay during the Government review of the Test Blast Program?

Is the Government including this delay within the Government Estimate? Contractors and Government must mutually understand large impacts to pricing such as this.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: See specification change #1 above.

3. Are structural surveys under pier decks to be included?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: A structural engineering survey of the pier decks is not required;

however, as noted in the contract specifications, a comprehensive conditions survey (videos and photographs) IS required both prior to- and post- blasting.

4. On multi story buildings do we need individual reports for each tenant or is a single report per building sufficient?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: A single report per building is sufficient assuming that the Contractor can confirm that each tenant/occupant was contacted as required.

5. Confirm that there is no structural inspection of the Ted Williams Tunnel.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: No structural inspection of the Ted Williams Tunnel is required.

6. Specifications Section 02 32 00 Sub Surface Borings

From the discussion of paragraph 1.8 Work Plan, page 4:

“The borings will be located within a Federal Government maintained navigational channel and rights-of-entry are not required”

Specifications Section 35 30 00 Underwater Drilling and Confined Blasting From the discussion of paragraph 3.1.4.2 Underwater Vibration Monitoring Equipment, page 24 “This shall require utilizing underwater locations and shall include drilling and installing a 3-axis borehole vibration monitor adjacent to the elevations of the Eversource horizontal direction drill (HDD) electric cable and Central Artery Tunnel …” also “Monitoring shall commence during the blasting test program to confirm that the peak particle velocity value is not exceeded. Monitoring shall continue during the production blasting…”

The requirements for 3-axis borehole vibration monitor as noted would require a permanent installation of the sensor itself in the bedrock, to ensure good coupling with the surrounding rock mass resulting in good quality measurements of the blasting ground vibrations. A signal cable will be attached on the one side to the sensor installed below grade in the bedrock, and on the other side to a connector, which must be kept dry and accessible, to connect the sensor cable on a daily basis over the contract drilling and blasting duration to the data collection device (blasting seismograph).

On past experience, this has been accomplished by float or above surface floating platform to provide reasonable cost-effective access. However, the current location of the subsurface borings and therefore the electronics themselves to facilitate monitoring as required are presently located in the navigational ship channel. The current location as such would make it impractical to access once established as any above surface access would be hindrance to navigation. Would the Corps pursue consider an alternate means, or different location for subsurface outside of navigable water and or accept an alternate means and methodology to verify that blasting plan would not impact structures that the subsurface monitoring is intended to verify?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Yes, the Government may consider an alternative location for the vibration monitor as well as an alternate method for vibration monitoring. The Contractor shall propose these alternatives for approval in the 35 30 00 Pre-construction submittal “Vibration Monitoring Plan”.

7. Specifications Section 35 30 00 Underwater Drilling & Confined Blasting Part 1.9.2 – Test Blasting

We have a follow-up question as a result of the government response to RFI 11 in Amendment 4.

The implication of the language on page 10 in the abovementioned part of the blasting specifications, is that the explosives weight for production blasting is limited to 25 lbs per 25-ms delay”: ‘The third test and other production shot patterns may use any number of drilled holes and a maximum charge weight per delay of double the pounds of explosives and blasting agents per 25-ms delay to the limit of 25 pounds …’

According to guidance from paragraph 7.11 c. (2) on page 7-30 of the USACE Engineering Manual EM 1110-2-3800 (2018), and our own experience in underwater blasting of bedrock similar to what is required for this project, the powder factor necessary to efficiently fracture the rock for subsequent mechanical excavation is about 2 pounds of explosives per cubic yard of material blasted.

The USACE safety manual EM 385-1-1 (2014) specifies in paragraph 29.J.07 (a) on page 29-16 that ‘the distance between a loaded hole and one being drilled shall be 1/3 the depth of the hole, with a minimum of 8 ft (2.4 m) between the loaded hole and the one being drilled.’ When one applies the blast design formulas as described in paragraph 7.11 d. on page 7-30 to 7-35 of EM 1110-2-3800, and incorporate the 8 ft minimum distance between holes, the result is that an explosive material with a diameter of at least 3.5” must be selected to achieve the necessary powder factor. The typical density for explosives suitable for underwater blasting of bedrock is about 1.25 g/cc. This means that an explosives charge measuring one foot in length will weigh about 5.2 pounds.

The most optimistic case for depth of rock cut is where the rock is at grade. In order to efficiently break the rock between holes which are 8 foot apart and not leave high spots between holes after blasting, each blast hole must be drilled between 9 and 12 foot deeper than the over dredge elevation. The top 2 foot or so of each blast hole will be filled with inert stemming material, which means that 7 to 10 foot of the blast hole must be filled with explosives to achieve the target powder factor. Using the 5.2 lbs per foot from the above paragraph, this equates to an explosives charge in each hole of 36.4 to 52.0 lbs. This is an underestimation of the actual amount of explosives needed, because this example is for rock at grade – most of the rock to be remove on this project is several feet above grade.

In addition to the above, most contractors would want to optimize the distance between blast holes and match the fragmentation of the blasted muck pile with the size dredging equipment they selected for the project. In practice, this means that blast holes may be drilled up to 14 feet apart. Because the necessary powder factor remains 2.0 pounds per cubic yard of rock blasted, the only way to provide sufficient energy to break the rock, is to increase the diameter of the explosives charge, sometimes to as large as 5.0 inches. A 5.0-inch diameter charge implies an explosives charge weight of 10.6 lbs per foot.

The above illustrates that the limit of 25 pounds of explosives per delay directed by the USACE may result in an unconstructable project.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The Government has removed the 25lbs. explosives limit for test blasts. The specifications do not set a pre-determined charge weight per delay for production blasting. Prior to blasting, the contractor must submit a test blast plan and an operational blast plan for USACE approval. All performance criteria must be met during both test and production blasts.

Refer to specification change #2 above.

8. Specifications Section 01 57 19 Temporary Environmental Controls Part 3.1.3 d. – Protection of Fish and Marine Mammals During Blasting Events

‘Blast pressure waves and blast noise shall be monitored through the use of appropriate hydroacoustic monitoring equipment. Reporting requirements can be found in Section 35 30 00, Subpart "Underwater Overpressure Monitoring Report". An upstream station and a downstream station, located approximately 250 feet from the edges of the blasting area will be monitored.’

AND

Specifications Section 35 30 00 Underwater Drilling & Confined Blasting Part 1.9.5 – Underwater Overpressure Monitoring Plan

‘Perform overpressure monitoring and properly record two early, production shot patterns with three, widely-s paced, calibrated sensors.’

The part on underwater overpressure monitoring goes on to explain the location and installation of underwater overpressure sensors, and the test protocol and deliverables, but there are no performance criteria for underwater overpressure.

ALSO IN

Part 1.10.8 – Underwater Overpressure Monitoring Report The specifications describe the deliverables for the underwater overpressure monitoring program, but again there are no performance criteria.

QUESTION: Is it the government’s intention that peak underwater overpressure must only be monitored and reported, or is the intention to have the contractor comply with certain performance criteria for underwater overpressure?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The Government’s intent is to monitor and report underwater overpressure. There is no performance criteria associated with this specification.

9. Could the Corps please provide xyz data of the most recent hydrographic surveys as presented in the solicitation plan documents/drawings.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Hydrographic survey data used for plans are attached.

10. Plan drawings C-101, C-102, C-103 and C-104 show darker shaded areas within the respective work area having a contour labeled at -49’ MLLW Can Corps please review as the contour lines plotted seem to be more consistent with a contour depth of -47’ MLLW based on the plotted soundings

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Survey data shown as plotted soundings on the plans are heavily sorted and averaged so that they are legible on the plans. Contours and volume calculation data are a much more dense data set. It is not uncommon for plotted soundings to appear slightly inconsistent when plotted together with contours. Actual bathymetric survey confirms that the -49 foot MLLW contour shown on the plans is correct. Previous contract allowed for 2-foot allowable overdepth, which created an almost vertical drop between hard material and ordinary material.

11. Can Corps confirm that required depth is -49’ with 2’ allowable overdepth for both pay and acceptance for work areas 1, 2, 3 and option work area 5 for areas that have rock present above -49’ MLLW. Can Corps confirm that required depth is -42’ with 2’ allowable overdepth for both pay and acceptance for areas that have rock present above -42’.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: For work areas 1, 2, 3: A CAD file with the -49 foot MLLW Contour Limits will be provided to the Contractor. The Contractor shall be required to remove all material within that limit to -49 feet MLLW, with an allowable 2-foot overdepth.

If exercised, for work area 5: A CAD file with the -49 foot MLLW Contour Limits will be provided to the Contractor. The Contractor shall be required to remove all material within that limit to -49 feet MLLW, with an allowable 2-foot overdepth.

For work area 4: A CAD file with the -42 foot MLLW Contour Limit will be provided, and the Contractor shall be required to remove material within that limit to -42 feet MLLW, with an allowable 2-foot overdepth.

12. Specifications Section 35 30 00 Underwater Drilling and Confined Blasting

From the discussion of test blasting on pages 9 and 10:

“Additionally, the test blast shall be used to develop a maximum charge weight per delay, which is efficient for performing rock breakage for production blasting …” and “An apparently successful shot pattern is defined as a properly fired pattern that has seemed to have been effective prior to spoil excavation and has remained below both the maximum and peak particle velocity value …” also “The third test and other production shot patterns may use any number of drilled holes and a maximum charge weight per delay of double the pounds of explosives and blasting agents per 25-ms delay to the limit of 25 pounds …”

Does the government want the contractor to perform test blasting to optimize the blasting parameters, or is blasting capped at 25 lbs per delay for ongoing production blasting? At the explosives charge diameters practicable in successfully implementing an underwater blasting program to remove the rock above grade, this amount of explosives equates to an explosives charge between 2 and 5 foot long. With the grade of rock required to blast being between 0 to 8 feet, and an additional 6 to 9 feet of sub-drill required, we anticipate the depth of a typical blast hole to be 9 to 17 below the seabed.

Therefore, the requirement of a 2 to 5-foot-long charge will not be sufficient to fragment the rock, making the project unconstructable in our opinion. We respectfully request that the government remove the limit s on the maximum explosives charge weight from the specifications and allow the contractor to determine the optimal blasting parameters to efficiently break and excavate the bedrock, while staying in compliance with the performance parameters already established for the PPV and the underwater overpressure requirements.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: See response to question #7 of this amendment.

13. We have a follow-up question as a result of the government response to RFI 11 in Amendment 4.

The implication of the language on page 10 in the abovementioned part of the blasting specifications, is that the explosives weight for production blasting is limited to 25 lbs per 25-ms delay”: ‘The third test and other production shot patterns may use any number of drilled holes and a maximum charge weight per delay of double the pounds of explosives and blasting agents per 25-ms delay to the limit of 25 pounds …’

According to guidance from paragraph 7.11 c. (2) on page 7-30 of the USACE Engineering Manual EM 1110-2-3800 (2018), and our own experience in underwater blasting of bedrock similar to what is required for this project, the powder factor necessary to efficiently fracture the rock for subsequent mechanical excavation is about 2 pounds of explosives per cubic yard of material blasted.

The USACE safety manual EM 385-1-1 (2014) specifies in paragraph 29.J.07 (a) on page 29-16 that ‘the distance between a loaded hole and one being drilled shall be 1/3 the depth of the hole, with a minimum of 8 ft (2.4 m) between the loaded hole and the one being drilled.’

When one applies the blast design formulas as described in paragraph 7.11 d. on page 7-30 to 7-35 of EM 1110-2-3800, and incorporate the 8 ft minimum distance between holes, the result is that an explosive material with a diameter of at least 3.5” must be selected to achieve the necessary powder factor. The typical density for explosives suitable for underwater blasting of bedrock is about 1.25 g/cc. This means that an explosives charge measuring one foot in length will weigh about 5.2 pounds.

The most optimistic case for depth of rock cut is where the rock is at grade. In order to efficiently break the rock between holes which are 8 foot apart and not leave high spots between holes after blasting, each blast hole must be drilled between 9 and 12 foot deeper than the overdredge elevation.

The top 2 foot or so of each blast hole will be filled with inert stemming material, which means that 7 to 10 foot of the blast hole must be filled with explosives to achieve the target powder factor. Using the 5.2 lbs per foot from the above paragraph, this equates to an explosives charge in each hole of

36.4 to 52.0 lbs. This is an underestimation of the actual amount of explosives needed, because this example is for rock at grade – most of the rock to be remove on this project is several feet above grade.

In addition to the above, most contractors would want to optimize the distance between blast holes, and match the fragmentation of the blasted muck pile with the size dredging equipment they selected for the project. In practice, this means that blast holes may be drilled up to 14 feet apart. Because the necessary powder factor remains 2.0 pounds per cubic yard of rock blasted, the only way to provide sufficient energy to break the rock, is to increase the diameter of the explosives charge, sometimes to as large as 5.0 inches. A 5.0 inch diameter charge implies an explosives charge weight of 10.6 lbs per foot.

The above illustrates that the limit of 25 pounds of explosives per delay directed by the USACE may result in an unconstructable project.

We respectfully request that the government only provides the performance criteria for the blasting work (ground vibrations in PPV, peak underwater overpressure in psi and other criteria), and let the contractor design and implement the drilling and blasting work in a manner protective of the public, nearby structures and marine life, and in accordance with the stated performance criteria and other regulatory requirements which may apply. Therefore, we request that the government considers removing the language from the description of the (test) blast program which directs the contractor to limit the maximum amount of explosives per delay to 25 pounds.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Please see response to question #1 of this amendment.

14. Specifications Section 01 57 19 Temporary Environmental Controls

Part 3.1.4.3 – Vibration Limits

Thank you for providing the additional information about the construction of the cruise port seawall and support dock structure, and clarifying the 1.0 in/sec PPV limit on the seawall and 0.5 in/sec PPV on the support dock.

These limits impose severe restrictions on the blast design and implementation, and we want to clarify the specific location of the historic area at the address provided in Amendment 4: 1 Black Falcon Ave, Boston. Is the historic structure which must be protected along the entire northern limit of the Reserved Channel, i.e. along Berth 4, 5, 6 and 7 or only along the Berth 7 area? The eastern area of the pier (along berths 4, 5 and perhaps 6) seems to have an address of 88 Black Falcon Ave, whereas the area in front of Berth 7 and a portion of berth 6 has the address of 1 Black Falcon Ave.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Yes, the structure extends the full length of the northern side of the Reserved Channel and wraps around the east side of the 88 Black Falcon Building and on the northern side of the 88 Black Falcon building as well.

Berths 1 and 2 (north side of 88 Black Falcon), Berth 3 (east side of 88 Black Falcon), Berths 4-5 (South side of 88 Black Falcon/Open Berth of BFCT), Berths 6-7 (Warehouse Berth of Black Falcon), and Berths 8-9 (Main Berth of Black Falcon). See image below.

15. RFI question 7 in Amendment 7 reads: “… blasting to occur in the Reserved Channel while ships are berthed so long as blasting occurs at least 7500’ from the berthed ships

We believe that the answer to this question may contain an inadvertent typographical error, the wording may have to read ‘… at least 1,500 ft (one thousand five hundred feet) from the berthed ships …’

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Correct. 7500’ is a typo. The response to RFI question 7 in Amendment 7 should read: “… blasting to occur in the Reserved Channel while ships are berthed so long as blasting occurs at least 750’ (seven hundred and fifty feet) from the berthed ships …”

SECTION 00010 - SOLICITATION CONTRACT FORM

The required response date/time has changed from 15-Dec-2020 01:00 PM to 22-Dec-2020 01:00 PM.

SECTION 00100 - BIDDING SCHEDULE/INSTRUCTIONS TO BIDDERS

The following have been modified:

52.003-4021 PLACE OF BID OPENING

VIRTUAL BID OPENING SOLICITATION INSTRUCTIONS

Due to COVID-19 health concerns, bids submitted in response to this solicitation will be submitted electronically. The bid opening will be conducted via a telephone conference call that is open to the public.

Electronic Bid Submission

WHAT - Bids shall be submitted electronically, as described. The bid shall not contain classified data.

The use of hyperlinks in bids is prohibited.

NOTE: The only authorized transmission method for bids in response to this solicitation is electronically via SAFE online submission. NO OTHER TRANSMISSION METHODS (E-MAIL, FACSIMILE, REGULAR MAIL, HAND CARRIED, ETC.) WILL BE ACCEPTED.

WHEN - Bids must be submitted not later than one (1) hour before the time designated for bid opening.

Bids submitted after the bid submission time will be considered late bids.

THE BID SUBMISSION TIME IS 1:00 PM Eastern Time.

Bids must be received by the Government by the date/time specified in the solicitation.

HOW - Bidders shall electronically send their bids using the following link:

https://safe.apps.mil/

WHO -

The SAFE site will require contacts for bid submission to be provided. All requests for information and the bid submission must be sent to BOTH of the below contacts to ensure timely receipt of bids. Please use the following contact information to submit bids:

Contract Specialist elizabeth.k.glasgow@usace.army.mil

Contracting Officer benjamin.g.hoell@usace.army.mil

BIDDERS MUST REQUEST AN UPLOAD CODE: Bidders must e-mail the Contract Specialist and the Contracting Officer liste above no later than five (5) working days prior to the bid opening date to receive a request code which will allow for file uploads via the SAFE site. Bidders that fail to request a code at least five

(5) working days before bid opening date may not be able to receive a request code in time to upload their bids.

SUBMISSION FORMAT: Submission shall be in Adobe PDF format. You are limited to five (5) maximum files per upload (total size cannot exceed 2GB). If you have a large number of files, recommend that you combine or ZIP your files before uploading to the SAFE site. Bidders may use compression utility software such as WinZip or PKZip to reduce file size and facilitate transmission.

BID GUARANTEE: This solicitation requires submission of a bid guarantee in accordance with FAR 52.228-1. Electronic bid submissions must include a scanned copy of the original bid guarantee. The original bid guarantee with “wet” signature and raised seal (if applicable) must be mailed or delivered to the below and received by the bid opening time and date:

Bid Opening Official – Contracting Division U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 696 Virginia Road Concord, MA 01742

Minor discrepancies in receipt of the original bid guarantee due to COVID-19 related impacts may be waived solely at the discretion of the Contracting Officer. For example, there are guards who are stationed at the 696 Virginia Road location who can take receipt of guarantees. If no guard is available to sign for packages at the time of delivery and a package is not delivered, the Contracting Officer may allow for delayed delivery of the original bid guarantee. A scanned copy of the original bid guarantee must be included in the electronic bid submission for the bid to be considered responsive.

FILE DESCRIPTION: Include a “File Description” for each file you upload. The “File Description” will be included in the e-mail notice to each of the recipients you choose to have access your file(s). NOTE: Do NOT enter Privacy Act Data (Personal Identification Information (PII)) in the File Description.

INSTRUCTIONS TO FOLLOW ON THE SAFE WEBSITE:

1. Once at the SAFE website, select the “Drop-off” icon. This allows users without a Common Access Card (CAC, an ID issued to certain Government users), or users whose computer is not configured to read a CAC the option to access the SAFE site as a guest.

2. After selecting the “Click Here” link, you will be prompted to add your personal information, file information, recipient (Government points of contact) information and e-mail settings.

3. When completing your file information, you will be required to enter the e-mail addresses for all recipients. For this solicitation, the recipients are the Contract Specialist and the Contracting Officer, listed above. Although the e-mail address of the Government employee who initiated the request code will be automatically entered, this address may not be correct. The Bidder must enter and add the e-mail addresses for both the Contracting Officer and Specialist listed above to the Recipient List. The Bidder can enter an additional e-mail address if desired. After entering the e-mail address, click the ADD button to add the e-mail to the “Recipients List” for your response. When your bid is submitted, a notification will be sent to the selected recipients.

NOTE: Do NOT send the SAFE site packages to group e-mail accounts.

Even if you successfully upload your bid to the SAFE site, notification will not be sent to the Government recipients until you verify your e-mail address. Entering an incorrect e-mail may result in the rejection of your submission for lateness. A Bidder can confirm proper submission by the ‘Drop-Off Completed” screen which generates based on proper file submission.

NOTE: It has been reported that documents are more quickly uploaded into the SAFE website when using a Firefox web browser. The Government cannot verify that this is true and offers no guarantee that Bidders will have more success utilizing any particular browser.

TIMELINES OF BIDS:

For the purposes of establishing whether a bid submission is considered timely, the Government considers the date and time the submission is completely uploaded into the SAFE website. For bids larger than the 2GB capacity of the SAFE website and require multiple submissions, the Government will consider the date and time the last submission is completely uploaded into the SAFE website. Do not assume that electronic communication is instantaneous. It can take several minutes or even hours in some cases.

The Government will not be responsible for bids delivered to any location or to anyone other than those designated to receive bids. Bidders are responsible for ensuring that bids are submitted so as to reach the designated recipient. Bidders are responsible for allowing sufficient time for the bid to be received in accordance with the instructions provided.

Bid Opening

Bids will be opened one hour after the time for bid submission noted above. This one hour delay is necessary to allow for technical delays. The Bid Opening Official or Contract Specialist may open electronic documents before the bid opening to prepare for the bid opening, but will not record or communicate bid prices with any other individual until the bid opening. No Government officials will open electronic documents until the independent government estimate is finalized and received by the Bid Opening Official.

THE BID OPENING TIME IS 2:00 PM Eastern Time.

The bid opening will be conducted via public conference call. Bidders and members of the public may use the below information to access the conference call:

When it's time, join the Webex meeting here.

Meeting number (access code): 199 007 9819 Meeting password: dBc7dSMd*48

OR

Join by phone +1-844-800-2712 US Toll Free +1-669-234-1177 US Toll

During the bid opening, the Bid Opening Official will read the bid totals in the order received electronically. The Bid Opening Official will then read the total amount of the independent government estimate and announce the apparent low bidder. If requested, the Bid Opening Official may read the line item prices of the apparent low bidder. The Contract Specialist will record the bid opening results, which will be posted to www.beta.SAM.gov as quickly as practicable following the bid opening.

In accordance with FAR 14.402-1(c), interested persons may examine the bids after the bid opening. Interested persons may contact the Contract Specialist identified above following the bid opening to request an electronic copy of the bid(s). Please be considerate of limited Government resources and request bid copies only as necessary.

To preserve conference line stability, bidders are asked to limit the number of individual calls to the conference line to the minimum needed for participation. The bid opening will proceed as scheduled even if individual bidders or members of the public are not able to access the telephone line at the bid opening time. Any interested party may access the results of the bid opening on www.beta.SAM.gov shortly after the bid opening.

(End of Summary of Changes)