Bidder Inquiries

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Viewing inquiries for 01-262044

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Inquiry #1: The sixth paragraph of Page 47 of the Special Provisions includes a few sentences related to an Ethernet switch, but we
cannot find any reference to Ethernet switches on the Plans. Are Ethernet switches required on this project? If so, how
many, and are there any more specifications?
Inquiry submitted 01/16/2018

Response #1:
Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.
Response posted 01/16/2018


Response #2:
An addendum has been issued to address this bidder inquiry. Please refer to Addendum No. 1, issued on Wednesday, February 21, 2018.
Please bid per the current contract documents.
Response posted 02/21/2018



Inquiry #2: Caltrans Standard Specifications 2015, Section 6-1.05 Specific Brand or Trade Name and Substitution states "reference to a specific brand or trade name establishes a quality standard and is not intended to limit competition. You may use a product that is equal to or better than the specified trade name if authorized".

Further, FHWA Title 23 CFR 635.411 states Federal Funds shall not participate, directly or indirectly, in payment for any premium or royalty on any patented or proprietary material, specification, or process.

The MSKT is a Caltrans approved in-line terminal and we believe it should be allowed for use on this project.

Please review and clarify why Caltrans will only allow the proprietary Softstop on this federally funded project.


Inquiry submitted 01/25/2018

Response #1:
Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.
Response posted 01/25/2018


Response #2:
Your attention is directed to Section 6-1.05, Specific Brand or Trade Name and Substitution, of the 2015 Standard Specifications. Please bid per the current contract documents.
Response posted 02/02/2018



Inquiry #3: Bid Item #35 is for Rolled Erosion Control Product (BLANKET), Sheet ECL-1 of the Plans in the Bottom box shows 57,450 SQFT, in the upper Left Hand box is a reference to Rolled Erosion Control Product (NETTING) Type B. Do you want (NETTING) or (BLANKET) for this job? If you want the (BLANKET) will you want Type A,B, or C?
Inquiry submitted 02/07/2018

Response #1:
Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.
Response posted 02/07/2018


Response #2:
An addendum has been issued to address this bidder inquiry. Please refer to Addendum No. 1, issued on Wednesday, February 21, 2018.
Please bid per the current contract documents.
Response posted 02/21/2018



Inquiry #4: Item 99 in the project Specials is calling for Two-component material. On Pg. 43 of the plans the only Broken Traffic Stripe (36-12) is in Thermoplastic (Under Detail 32). The corresponding solid is in Thermoplastic. This appears to be an error. Can Caltrans please issue an addendum to change this item to thermoplastic.
Inquiry submitted 02/20/2018

Response #1:
Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.
Response posted 02/20/2018


Response #2:
An addendum has been issued to address this bidder inquiry. Please refer to Addendum No. 3, issued on Wednesday, March 7, 2018.
Please bid per the current contract documents.
Response posted 03/07/2018



Inquiry #5: The stage constuction plans show "Type Soft Stop Terminal Systems" at the ends of the temporary k-rail. The Soft Stop is a guardrail terminal system not a crash cushion. Bid Item #10 is "Alt. Temporary Crash Cushion" which is what is typically used to protect the ends of k-rail, however none are shown on the plans or in the quantity sheets. It appears the the stage construction plans have mis labeled the crash cushion at the ends of the temp. k-rail. Please clarify what is to be used to protect the ends of the k-rail.
Inquiry submitted 02/21/2018

Response #1:
Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.
Response posted 02/21/2018


Response #2:
An addendum has been issued to address this bidder inquiry. Please refer to Addendum No. 3, issued on Wednesday, March 7, 2018.
Please bid per the current contract documents.
Response posted 03/07/2018



Inquiry #6: Pgs 6 and 10 of 12 of the Soil Nail Wall show the 9" structural and the 6" (max) sculpted/stained shotcrete layer placing in separate "pours". Can the 9" structural wall be shot monolithic with the 6" sculpted layer to eliminate the cold joint plane between them, potentially reducing cost and schedule as well as efflorescence and differential cracking of the sculpted layer?
Inquiry submitted 02/26/2018

Response #1:
Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.
Response posted 02/26/2018


Response #2:
Yes, it can be a monolithic pour for the 9" structural section and the 6" (max) architectural treatment section. That was the intent, and the separate layers shown are just to show the respective thickness of each layer. The only layers which have to be separate "pours" is the initial facing (4") and the other two layers (structural 9" section and architectural 6" section).
Response posted 03/05/2018


Response #3:
No. Section 53-3 of the Special Provisions includes specifications for placing sculpted shotcrete on structural shotcrete surfaces. Please bid per the current contract documents.
Response posted 03/08/2018


Response #4:
Yes, you may place the sculpted shotcrete layer monolithic with the 9? final shotcrete facing.
Response posted 03/13/2018



Inquiry #7: 1) What continuous reinforcing ties the sculpted/stained layer (2-6" thick, varies) to the 9" primary shotcrete? Details on P. 10/12 show stirrup reinforcing at the rock bulges only and no other mechanical attachment between the sculpted and primary layers, 2) When shooting a thin section (2-3") of concrete over the existing 9" primary, moisture from the sculpted overlay will wick into the 9" primary concrete, accelerating crazing/shrinkage cracking - is this the intent?

(Ref. recently completed CALTRANS Job 04-4K8004 Los Gatos Slide Repair where sculpted 6" layer and 9" primary shotcrete were placed monolithic, eliminating these concerns)
Inquiry submitted 03/09/2018

Response #1:
Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed. If a response is not posted before bid opening addressing your inquiry, please bid per the current contract documents.
Response posted 03/09/2018


Response #2:
Please bid per the current contract bid documents.
Response posted 03/13/2018

The information provided in the responses to bidder inquiries is not a waiver of Section 2-1.07, "JOB SITE AND DOCUMENT EXAMINATION" of the Standard Specifications or any other provision of the contract, nor to excuse the contractor from full compliance with the contract. Bidders are cautioned that subsequent responses or contract addenda may change a previous response.