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Viewing inquiries for 03-3F5604

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Inquiry #1: SP Section 14-6.03D(1) states that the Contractor-Supplied Biologist must implement requirements described in the Natural Resources Protection Plan.

SS Section 14-6.03D(2) Natural Resources Protection Plan states that Section 14-6.03D(2) applies if a bid item for natural resources protection plan is shown in the Bid Item List. There is no such item in the Bid Item List.

Please clarify.

Inquiry submitted 12/18/2020

Response #1:
(BI#1)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.

Response posted 12/18/2020


Response #2:
(BI#1)-Please refer to addendum #1, dated December 22, 2020.
Response posted 12/23/2020




Inquiry #2: SP Section 14-6.03C(1) Sound Attenuation does not specify exactly which piles require hydroacoustic monitoring.

The CDFW Incidental Take Permit Condition Of Approval #8.7 and #8.9 require hydroacoustic monitoring of piles driven within within 200 feet of water's edge.

The NMFS permit Section 2.9.4 Item 1f states that sound monitoring shall occur for all in-water pile driving.

Please clarify exactly which piles will require hydroacoustic monitoring.

Inquiry submitted 12/22/2020

Response #1:
(BI#2)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.

Response posted 12/22/2020


Response #2:(BI#2)-You must comply with the measures in both permits. The CDFW Incidental Take Permit requires additional monitoring not required in the NMFS Biological Opinion. Section 8.7 of the Incidental Take Permit requires hydroacoustic monitoring during impact pile driving activities within the river channel and within 200 feet of the edge of water in the active channel.

Response posted 12/23/2020




Inquiry #3: Plan Sheet 9 of 47 shows a longitudinal section thru Pier 23 indicating the limits of the 1 ton RSP that extends into the river 65.5 feet past the edge of new pile cap which is to "L" Line Station 115+00. The plan view on Sheet 6 of 47 does not show limits of RSP extending into the river past "L" Line Station 114+47.

Does the 1 ton RSP in front of the pile cap extend transversely to the ROW line left and right of "L" Line and to a point on the ROW lines left and right of Station 115+00?

To what "L" Line Station does the existing RSP extend into the river (past Station 114+47) and how far transversely left and right of "L" Line?

Inquiry submitted 12/22/2020

Response #1:
(BI#3)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.

Response posted 12/22/2020


Response #2:
(BI#3)-An addendum has been issued in response to this inquiry. Please see addendum #3, dated January 8, 2021.
Response posted 01/19/2021




Inquiry #4: The note at the top of plan sheet DD-4 says the temporary earthen berm is to be a minimum of 8" high by 36" wide constructed with native soil or select material. The details show different dimensions and call out import borrow for this temp berm. Please clarify the dimensions and what kind of material the contractor is to use for the temp berm. Also please indicated where this work is to be paid.
Inquiry submitted 12/23/2020

Response #1:
(BI#4)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.

Response posted 12/23/2020


Response #2:
(BI#4)-An addendum has been issued in response to this inquiry. Please see addendum #3, dated January 8, 2021.
Response posted 01/19/2021




Inquiry #5: Reference note 2 on plan sheet 33. To splice existing reinforcing around access openings using couplers we must have the size and spacing of existing reinforcing.
Inquiry submitted 12/23/2020

Response #1:
(BI#5)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.

Response posted 12/23/2020


Response #2:
(BI#5)-Please refer to section 2-1.06B of the Standard Specifications regarding as-built drawings and bid per current contract documents.

Response posted 12/30/2020




Inquiry #6: How did Caltrans calculate the estimated quantities for Bid Items 12, 13, 26 and 27?
Inquiry submitted 12/29/2020

Response #1:
(BI#6)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.

Response posted 12/29/2020


Response #2:
(BI#6)-The items are calculated using historical data, months from begin to end of construction and permit mandates. Your attention is directed to section 13-3 of the Standard Specifications for additional information regarding these items. Please bid per current contract documents.
Response posted 01/19/2021




Inquiry #7: We are requesting the bid date be postponed for 1 week. Contract 04-0A7714 is also bidding on January 13. Due to the current COVID lockdown orders and the end of year holidays, we are unable to complete our estimate for both projects by the current bid date. Several subcontractors and/or suppliers are encountering the same problem.
Inquiry submitted 12/30/2020

Response #1:
(BI#7)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.

Response posted 12/30/2020


Response #2:
(BI#7)-An addendum has been issued in response to this inquiry. Please see addendum #3, dated January 8, 2021
Response posted 01/19/2021




Inquiry #8: Reference Sheet 37 of 47, Pile Details. The elevation view references Detail A on the same sheet. This detail calls out for a "1.25" Square Bar @ 1'-6" Weld to inside of Steel Shell, Total 8". The elevation view appears to show 7 rows of this bar at the top of the pile.

Is the bar continuous around the interior circumference of the pile? If not, what is the length of the square bar and spacing of the bars along the circumference?

How many rows of this spacer are required along the length of the pile, 7 or 8?

Inquiry submitted 12/30/2020

Response #1:
(BI#8)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.

Response posted 12/31/2020


Response #2:
(BI#8)-Please refer to Addendum #3 dated January 8, 2021 and bid per current contract documents.
Response posted 01/13/2021




Inquiry #9: What is Top of Pierwall Elevation for Pier 23? (similar to the top of Pierwall Elevations table on Sheet 32 of 47).
Inquiry submitted 01/04/2021

Response #1:
(BI#9)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.

Response posted 01/04/2021


Response #2:
(BI#9)-Please refer to section 2-1.06B of the Standard Specifications regarding as-built drawings and bid per current contract documents.
Response posted 01/08/2021




Inquiry #10: Would an alternate foundation system be considered besides CISS pile? There are other methods that would be faster, more economical, and with less risk to the environment.
Inquiry submitted 01/04/2021

Response #1:
(BI#10)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.

Response posted 01/04/2021


Response #2:
(BI#10)-Please bid per the current contract documents.
Response posted 01/05/2021




Inquiry #11: On drawing 37 of 47 of the plans, a seal course is shown from +10 to +4 on piers 17-20 and +2 to -4 at pier 23. In the Special Provisions, Division VI 49 Piling, page 31 (41 of 270 of the pdf) Item 4 restricts cleaning out soil below +10 on piers 17-20 and +2 at pier 23. Please clarify how the seal course is built if we cannot dig below these elevations.
Inquiry submitted 01/04/2021

Response #1:
(BI#11)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.

Response posted 01/04/2021


Response #2:
(BI#11)-Please refer to Addendum #3 dated January 8, 2021 and bid per current contract documents.
Response posted 01/13/2021




Inquiry #12: In the Special Provisions, page 29 (39 of 270 of the pdf) Division VI 49 Piling, it states the Department performs dynamic monitoring of the first production pile driven at each control zone. Then in the table, there is a column for Dynamic Monitoring Support Location, and it shows Pier 20. Could we get more information on this column? What does this entail for bidding purposes? Is this monitoring cost on the Department or part of our bid? What time frame can bidders schedule for Caltrans to setup and complete the testing?
Inquiry submitted 01/04/2021

Response #1:
(BI#12)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.

Response posted 01/04/2021


Response #2:
(BI#12)-Please refer to section 49-1.01D(4) of the Standard Specifications regarding Dynamic Monitoring and bid per current contract documents.
Response posted 01/08/2021




Inquiry #13: Caltrans Specs for steel piling 49-2.02B(1)(a) it states “Piles not specified as Class N in the special Provisions must comply with Class R.” Since the special provisions do not specify Class N, is Class R acceptable for the steel piling?
Inquiry submitted 01/05/2021

Response #1:
(BI#13)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.

Response posted 01/05/2021


Response #2:
(BI#13)-Please refer to Addendum #3 dated January 8, 2021 and bid per current contract documents.
Response posted 01/12/2021




Inquiry #14: Please confirm Spec 6-1.06 Buy Clean California Act does not apply to the steel CISS pile.
Inquiry submitted 01/05/2021

Response #1:
(BI#14)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.

Response posted 01/05/2021


Response #2:
(BI#14)-Section 6-1.06A of the Special Provisions lists applicable materials and products that are subject to the Buy Clean California Act. Please bid per the current contract documents.
Response posted 01/19/2021




Inquiry #15: Is this project Buy America?
Inquiry submitted 01/05/2021

Response #1:
(BI#15)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.

Response posted 01/05/2021


Response #2:
(BI#15)-All projects are Buy America. See Section 6-1.04 of the Standard Specifications for clarification regarding which bid items are subject to Buy America. Please bid per the current contract documents.
Response posted 01/19/2021




Inquiry #16: The Notice to Bidders says that "For Federal Training Program, the number of trainees or apprentices is 17". It is unclear to us what this requirement means. Can you please clarify.
Inquiry submitted 01/05/2021

Response #1:
(BI#16)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.

Response posted 01/05/2021


Response #2:
(BI#16)-Your attention is directed to section 7-1.11, FEDERAL LAWS FOR FEDERAL-AID CONTRACTS, of the Standard Specifications. Please bid per the current contract documents
Response posted 01/19/2021




Inquiry #17: "NOTES:" on the Foundation Plans provides a symbol and the following description: "... the bottom of the new pile cap shall match the top of existing footing"

The Sections on Sheet 33 and 36 show the bottom of new pile cap elevation above the top of the existing footing.

Please clarify.



Inquiry submitted 01/05/2021

Response #1:(BI#17)-No response is required as per BI #18.

Response posted 01/05/2021




Inquiry #18: You can pull my earlier bidder inquiry about the bottom of pile cap elevation relative to the top of existing footing.

I see now that there is a step in the existing footing so the Sections on Sheets 33 and 36 look correct.

Inquiry submitted 01/05/2021

Response #1:
(BI#18)-No response is required as per the above.
Response posted 01/05/2021




Inquiry #19: Will be Builder's Risk Insurance be required for this project?
Inquiry submitted 01/05/2021

Response #1:
(BI#19)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.

Response posted 01/05/2021


Response #2:
(BI#19)-Your attention is directed to sections 3-1.07 and 7-1.06 of the Standard Specification. Please bid per current contract documents.
Response posted 01/19/2021




Inquiry #20: Please verify section 25 of the CVFPB permit of the Information Handout, that there is NO construction of any kind allowed between November 1 and April 15 of each year. Also, will seasonal mobe and demobe be considered "construction"?
Inquiry submitted 01/06/2021

Response #1:
(BI#20)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.

Response posted 01/06/2021


Response #2:
(BI#20)-1. Per section 25 of the CVFPB permit, “No construction work of any kind shall be done during the flood season from November 1 to April 15 without prior approval from the Board.” 2. Your attention is directed to section 1-1.07, “DEFINITIONS” of the Standard Specifications for the definition of mobilization. Please bid per current contract documents.
Response posted 01/19/2021




Inquiry #21: During the CVFPB No-Work window of November 1 through April 15, are working days (m-f) of the non work periods counted against the contract working days? This is a factor on the cost + plus award analysis.
Inquiry submitted 01/06/2021

Response #1:
(BI#21)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.

Response posted 01/06/2021


Response #2:
(BI#21)-Your attention is directed to section 1-1.07, “DEFINITIONS” of the Standard Specifications for the definition of a working day. Please bid per current contract documents.
Response posted 01/19/2021




Inquiry #22: In the Informational Handout, in the ESA Attachment A, on page 10, it states a cofferdam assembly will be installed around piers 17 thru 20. Please verify cofferdams are required at these locations. If required, can they remain in place during the Non-work windows of Nov 1 through April 15?
Inquiry submitted 01/06/2021

Response #1:
(BI#22)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.

Response posted 01/07/2021


Response #2:
(BI#22)-Any changes to permit conditions must be approved by the permitting agency after Contract award. Please bid per current contract documents.
Response posted 01/19/2021




Inquiry #23: On page 25 of Exhibit A in the Information Handout, it states "No attenuation is proposed for the trestle piles". Please confirm.
Inquiry submitted 01/07/2021

Response #1:
(BI#23)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.

Response posted 01/07/2021


Response #2:
(BI#23)-Your attention is directed to section 8.6 of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Incidental Take Permit, which requires “a sound attenuation system for all piles installed in water by impact hammer to reduce noise generated into the water.” Please bid per current contract documents.
Response posted 01/19/2021




Inquiry #24: Please clarify what activities are to be included in Item 57 Bridge Removal (partial).
Inquiry submitted 01/07/2021

Response #1:
(BI#24)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.

Response posted 01/07/2021


Response #2:
(BI#24)-Attention is directed to project plans and section 60-2.01A of the specifications for limits of bridge removal (portion). Please bid per current contract documents.
Response posted 01/08/2021




Inquiry #25: Item 64, Minor Concrete (Miscellaneous Construction) is for the approximately 24 foot long little reinforced concrete swale of Drainage System 1. The bid item quantity appears to be way overstated at 150 CY. Please correct the item quantity.
Inquiry submitted 01/11/2021

Response #1:
(BI#25)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.

Response posted 01/12/2021


Response #2:
(BI#25)-An addendum has been issued in response to this inquiry. Please see addendum #5, dated January 22, 2021.
Response posted 01/22/2021




Inquiry #26: Addendum 3 effectively changed the steel piling to a Class N, which brings with it an entirely different set of requirements, most notably the requirement for NDT testing on each weld. Given the overhead restrictions and the substantial amount of welding on this project, is CalTrans aware of the cost and schedule impact created by changing to a Class N pile?
Inquiry submitted 01/13/2021

Response #1:
(BI#26)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.

Response posted 01/13/2021


Response #2:
(BI#26)-An addendum has been issued in response to this inquiry. Please see addendum #5, dated January 22, 2021.

Response posted 01/22/2021




Inquiry #27: Due to the volatility in the steel market, vendors are not going to be able to hold their steel prices for more than a couple of weeks. Will Caltrans consider an expedited award process to avoid substantial steel escalations if the contract award is delayed at all?
Inquiry submitted 01/13/2021

Response #1:
(BI#27)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.

Response posted 01/13/2021


Response #2:
(BI#27)-The Department is aware of the situation and will work as quickly as possible to award the contract. However, there are too many parameters dependent on outside entities to guarantee an expedited process.
Response posted 01/19/2021




Inquiry #28: Section 49-2.01(C)2 states that vibratory hammers are not allowed to be used for driven piling. Please clarify if this requirement will apply to this project. We understand that the piling for the adjacent foundations were partially driven with a vibratory hammer, followed by an impact hammer. Will the same procedure be allowed on this contract? Due to the limited overhead, the exclusive use of impact hammers will greatly increase the number of splices and the associated cost.

Inquiry submitted 01/13/2021

Response #1:
(BI#28)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.

Response posted 01/13/2021


Response #2:
(BI#28)-No vibrators, oscillators or rotators are allowed for driven piling. Please bid per the current contract documents.
Response posted 01/15/2021


Response #3:
(BI#28)-An addendum has been issued in response to this inquiry. Please see addendum #5, dated January 22, 2021.
Response posted 01/22/2021




Inquiry #29: There are two different Caltrans projects of similar size and complexity that we are bidding on the same day. Due to government-mandated COVID lockdown and social distancing requirements, bidding two complicated and large projects on the same day is not possible. Please consider postponing the bid opening date by 1 week.
Inquiry submitted 01/14/2021

Response #1:
(BI#29)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.

Response posted 01/15/2021


Response #2:
(BI#29)-An addendum has been issued in response to this inquiry. Please see addendum #4, dated January 15, 2021
Response posted 01/19/2021




Inquiry #30: There are currently 13 unanswered bidder's inquiries, several of which will have significant impact on bid pricing or have requested a postponement of the bid date. The project bids in 4 working days. Please answer these questions, or consider postponing the bid until the answers are forthcoming.
Inquiry submitted 01/15/2021

Response #1:
(BI#30)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.

Response posted 01/15/2021


Response #2:
(BI#30)-Responses have been posted to the extent possible at this time.
Response posted 01/19/2021


Response #3:
(BI#30)-An addendum has been issued in response to this inquiry. Please see addendum #5, dated January 22, 2021.
Response posted 01/22/2021




Inquiry #31: This is a follow up to question #22. Question 22 asked to confirm whether cofferdams were required on the land based piers for pile and footing installation and whether or not they could be left in place during the no-work windows. The question was not answered but stated "changes to permit conditions must be approved ...after award". The ESA discussed cofferdams being required, however the Terms & Conditions of section 2.9.4 do not mention the need. To level the playing field for the bidders, please confirm or verify the need for temporary cofferdams around piers 17-20.
Inquiry submitted 01/20/2021

Response #1:
(BI#31)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.

Response posted 01/20/2021


Response #2:
(BI#31)-An addendum has been issued in response to this inquiry. Please see addendum #5, dated January 22, 2021.
Response posted 01/22/2021




Inquiry #32: This is a follow up to Question 28. The question is whether vibratory hammers would be allowed to partially install the piling prior to using impact hammers. The permits allow (and recommend) vibrator usage for pile installation. Caltrans has previously stated (for instance in question 22 response) that the permits cannot be changed until after award. In this case, the permits and Caltrans are providing two different answers. Please confirm what is allowable so all bidders price the same project scope.
Inquiry submitted 01/20/2021

Response #1:
(BI#32)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.

Response posted 01/20/2021


Response #2:
(BI#32)-An addendum has been issued in response to this inquiry. Please see addendum #5, dated January 22, 2021.
Response posted 01/25/2021




Inquiry #33: The specs state a 6% DBE contract GOAL, however on the caltrans website for the project it states it as being a REQUIREMENT. Please clarify if this is indeed a goal or a requirement to meet in order for bid to be considered responsive.
Inquiry submitted 01/22/2021

Response #1:
(BI#33)-Your inquiry has been received. However, please be aware due to the short time frame between when this inquiry was received and the bid opening, there may not be time to provide a response. If no additional response is posted please bid per the current contract documents.

Response posted 01/22/2021


Response #2:
(BI#33)-Your attention is directed to section 2-1.12 of the Standard Specifications for information regarding DBE. Please bid per Contract documents.
Response posted 01/27/2021


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.