Bidder Inquiries

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Viewing inquiries for 03-1H6304

Inquiry #1: Bid Item 33 indicates that there are 6 tree removals. However, the drawings only indicate 5 removals. Please clarify how many trees are to be removed for this project.
Inquiry submitted 09/11/2023

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

Response posted 09/11/2023

Response #2:(BI#1) “Sheet L-1 shows five trees to be removed and sheet L-12 shows one tree to be removed. Please bid per the current contract documents.”
Response posted 09/11/2023

Inquiry #2: Plan Sheet SC-1, Stage Construction general notes direct Contractors to "construct Temporary Striping" within 3 of the Stages. Please clarify if Stage 1 - Phase 1 will also require Temporary Striping to be placed, as the general notes do not direct Contractors to place any for this phase.
Inquiry submitted 09/20/2023

Response #1:(BI#2)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.
Response posted 09/20/2023

Response #2:(BI#2)-Please refer to Addendum No. 1, dated October 19, 2023.
Response posted 10/19/2023

Inquiry #3: We need clarification on Bid item #84 - Chain Link Fence (TYPE CL-3, Vinyl-Clad) (MOD) fencing. We know the chain link fabric is PVC vinyl coated chain link fabric. We need to know if the posts and framework are also vinyl coated material or are they to be powder coated and not vinyl coated material like the chain link fabric. Please clarify.
Inquiry submitted 09/26/2023

Response #1:(BI#3)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.
Response posted 09/26/2023

Response #2:(BI#3) Please refer to section 80-3.02B of the Standard Specifications for posts and braces coatings.
Response posted 09/26/2023

Inquiry #4: Bid Item #34 - Roadway Excavation, please confirm the total quantity of Cubic Yards listed for this item is correct for this project bid.
Inquiry submitted 09/26/2023

Response #1:(BI#4)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.
Response posted 09/26/2023

Response #2:(BI#4)-Please refer to Addendum No. 1, dated October 19, 2023.
Response posted 10/19/2023

Inquiry #5: Bid Item #64 - Cold Plane Asphalt Concrete Pavement, please confirm the total quantity of Square Yards listed for this item is correct for this project bid.
Inquiry submitted 09/26/2023

Response #1:(BI#5)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.
Response posted 09/26/2023

Response #2:(BI#5)-Please refer to Addendum No. 1, dated October 19, 2023.
Response posted 10/19/2023

Inquiry #6:
We need clarification on Bid item #84 - Chain Link Fence (TYPE CL-3, Vinyl-Clad) (MOD) fencing. We know the chain link fabric is PVC vinyl coated chain link fabric. We need to know if the posts and framework are also vinyl coated material or are they to be powder coated and not vinyl coated material like the chain link fabric. Please clarify.

Inquiry submitted 09/26/2023

Response #1:(BI#6)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.
Response posted 09/26/2023

Response #2:(BI#6) Please refer to section 80-3.02B of the Standard Specifications for posts and braces coatings.
Response posted 09/26/2023

Inquiry #7: Plan Sheets DD-7 and DD-8 appear to be identical sheets, both for the Junction Box for Drainage System #9b. Please clarify.
Inquiry submitted 10/05/2023

Response #1:(BI#7)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.
Response posted 10/05/2023

Response #2:(BI#7)-Please refer to Addendum No. 1, dated October 19, 2023.
Response posted 10/19/2023

Inquiry #8: There are no profile elevations provided for the median section, north bound and south bound. These elevations are required to accurately figure the cost of the Concrete Barrier Rail construction. Please provide these elevations.
Inquiry submitted 10/06/2023

Response #1:(BI#8)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.
Response posted 10/06/2023

Response #2:(BI#8)-Please refer to Addendum No. 1, dated October 19, 2023.
Response posted 10/19/2023

Inquiry #9: Please provide accessible file giving left and right elevations of "SR99" Line for MC and MGC Barrier Variables.
Inquiry submitted 10/06/2023

Response #1:(BI#9)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.
Response posted 10/06/2023

Response #2:(BI#9)-Please refer to Addendum No. 1, dated October 19, 2023.
Response posted 10/19/2023

Inquiry #10: For bid item 85 reset chain link fence, is it to remove existing chain link fence and reinstall the existing chain link fence in the same fence line?

Inquiry submitted 10/12/2023

Response #1:(BI#10)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.
Response posted 10/12/2023

Response #2:(BI#10)-Yes, the Reset Chain Link Fence bid item is to remove existing chain link fence and reinstall the existing chain link fence in the same fence line.

Response posted 10/13/2023

Inquiry #11: Quantities on ECQ-1 do not correlate with the quantities for bid item no. 52(Bonded Fiber Matrix), 53 (Rolled Erosion Control Product (Netting), 55 (Compost), and 56 (Incorporate Materials). Please confirm the total quantities for those bid items.
Inquiry submitted 10/13/2023

Response #1:(BI#11)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.
Response posted 10/13/2023

Response #2:(BI#11)-An addendum will be issued in response to the Bidder Inquiry.
Response posted 10/14/2023

Response #3:(BI#11)-Please refer to Addendum No. 2, dated November 9, 2023.
Response posted 11/09/2023

Inquiry #12: There is no bid item for Soil amendment item. Can you provide bid item for soil amendment item?
Inquiry submitted 10/13/2023

Response #1:(BI#12)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.
Response posted 10/13/2023

Response #2:(BI#12)-Please refer to Addendum No. 1, dated October 19, 2023.

Response posted 10/19/2023

Inquiry #13: Irrigation quantities sheet IQ-1 shows one number of Quick coupling valve but there doesn’t show the size of the quick coupling valve. Can you provide the size of Quick coupling valve?
Inquiry submitted 10/13/2023

Response #1:(BI#13)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.
Response posted 10/13/2023

Response #2:(BI#13)-Please refer to Addendum No. 1, dated October 19, 2023.
Response posted 10/19/2023

Inquiry #14: Item 84 Chain Link Fence
The stud bolt size of 3/4" does not come in anything longer than 6.625" in order to be used with the resin capsule, will they allow regular epoxy with all thread?
Inquiry submitted 10/16/2023

Response #1:(BI#14)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.
Response posted 10/16/2023

Response #2:(BI#14)-Please refer to Addendum No. 2, dated November 9, 2023.
Response posted 11/09/2023

Inquiry #15: Are there any fees that the Contractor will be required to pay in regards to the City of Elk Grove Encroachment Permit? If so, please provide the amount.
Inquiry submitted 10/19/2023

Response #1:(BI#15)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.
Response posted 10/19/2023

Response #2:(BI#15)-The Contractor should contact the local agency to gain information on any applicable fees for an encroachment permit.

Response posted 10/20/2023

Inquiry #16: The thermoplastic that is called out in the bid items list matches the permanent striping quantities. The bid items list does not include items for temporary thermoplastic (EWNV) striping. How is this work getting paid?
Inquiry submitted 10/19/2023

Response #1:(BI#16)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.
Response posted 10/19/2023

Response #2:(BI#16)-Your attention is directed to sheets SCQ-1 and PDQ-1. The temporary striping is paid as thermoplastic (EWNV) stripe. See the asterisk on sheet PDQ-1.

Response posted 11/01/2023

Inquiry #17: It is understood that Caltrans includes all work codes associated with the bid items on this contract to identify DBE firms certified in the CUCP that could perform work on this project to help establish the 21% DBE goal. When Caltrans calculated the 21% DBE Goal for this project, what work codes were identified as contributing to $4.4 million value of potential DBE participation? What methodologies / calculations were employed to take into account the current capacity of those potential DBE’s to handle this much work in this geographic area?
Inquiry submitted 10/19/2023

Response #1:(BI#17)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.
Response posted 10/19/2023

Response #2:(BI#17)-A determination was made regarding the DBE Goal based on a review of all the bid items on the contract. The bid item list was compared to DBE firms that are certified in the CUCP/B2Gnow database to perform the work items for this contract and indicated an interest to work in the district where the construction will occur. Nonetheless, bidders are required to select portions of work to be performed by DBEs in order to increase the likelihood that the DBE goals will be achieved. This includes, where appropriate, breaking out contract work items into economically feasible units (for example, smaller tasks or quantities), beyond those listed bid items, to facilitate DBE participation, even when the prime contractor might otherwise prefer to perform these work items with its own forces.

Please refer to the contract documents, special provisions, and Standard Specifications 2-1.12 for the DBE requirements on this contract. You may find 49 CFR Appendix A to Part 26 I. DBE Regulation on Guidance Concerning Good Faith Effort helpful.

Response posted 10/20/2023

Inquiry #18: Are the 60" Sign CIDH Foundations designed as end bearing piles or side friction piles ?
Inquiry submitted 10/22/2023

Response #1:(BI#18)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.
Response posted 10/23/2023

Response #2:(BI#18)-Please bid per the current contract documents. Your attention is directed to Standard Plans S104 and S105.
Response posted 11/01/2023

Inquiry #19: For Bid Item #29 (Treated Wood Waste) - Does the bid item quantity of 7,800 LB include LB for sign removal also, or does the item quantity only represent wood waste for guardrail removal?
Inquiry submitted 10/23/2023

Response #1:(BI#19)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.
Response posted 10/23/2023

Response #2:(BI#19)-Please refer to Addendum No. 2, dated November 9, 2023.
Response posted 11/09/2023

Inquiry #20: Please provide the lateral/moment demand curve for the 60" CIDH Sign Foundations
Inquiry submitted 10/26/2023

Response #1:(BI#20) - Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.
Response posted 10/26/2023

Response #2:(BI#20)-Please bid per the current contract documents. Your attention is directed to Standard Plans S104 and S105.
Response posted 11/03/2023

Inquiry #21: Please provide the lateral/moment demand curve for the 60" CIDH Sign Foundations
Inquiry submitted 10/26/2023

Response #1:(BI#21) Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.
Response posted 10/26/2023

Response #2:(BI#21)-Please bid per the current contract documents. Your attention is directed to Standard Plans S104 and S105.
Response posted 11/03/2023

Inquiry #22: Would Caltrans allow as a design build value engineering proposal to provide a structurally equivalent 4' diameter CIDH Sign Foundation in Lieu of the original 5' diameter design ? We would become the Engineer of Record for the 4' diameter CIDH Sign Foundation.

The 4' diameter CIDH would provide the equivalent or greater skin friction area than the original 5' diameter design and would have equivalent or greater moment capacity.

Inquiry submitted 10/26/2023

Response #1:(BI#22)- Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.
Response posted 10/26/2023

Response #2:(BI#22)-Please bid per the current contract documents.

Response posted 11/03/2023

Inquiry #23: Please provide locations for the Capped Stakes necessary for the Temporary Barrier System shown on standard detail T3B. The drawings do not show enough detail to determine where they are required.
Inquiry submitted 10/26/2023

Response #1:(BI#23) Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.
Response posted 10/30/2023

Response #2:(BI#23)-Please bid per the current contract documents.
Response posted 11/02/2023

Inquiry #24: This bid has 1 Qty. x CMS 800 Changeable Message Sign in it.
This bid says that the General Contractors bidding this job MUST purchase the CMS 800 Changeable Message Sign ONLY from SWARCO McCain.
There are total of 5 Caltrans approved manufacturers in AFAL list, including Optec Displays, Inc.
This being a government bid, can Caltrans specify ONLY one particular company in the bid and specifically ask all the General Contractors bidding the job that they MUST buy CMS 800 sign ONLY from SWARCO McCain? Aren't all the Caltrans approved manufacturers in AFAL list supposed to get the opportunity to bid on this? Could you please explain and clarify on this?

Inquiry submitted 10/27/2023

Response #1:
Response posted 10/30/2023

Response #2:(BI#24) Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.
Response posted 10/30/2023

Response #3:(BI#24) Bid per contract. The best interest is to procure SWARCO-McCain Inc. to match other products in use. Caltrans has approved this item as sole source on this project. Reasons include compatible with traffic management software and familiarity with maintenance.
Response posted 10/30/2023

Inquiry #25: Would Caltrans allow as a design build substitute to provide a structurally equivalent 4' diameter CIDH Sign Foundation with the top 5 ft being the original diameter in lieu of the original diameter full depth design ? We would become the Engineer of Record for the 4' diameter with larger diameter CIDH Sign Foundation at the top 5 ft. This way all of the hardware and embed requirements are not affected by our design build approach.

The 4' diameter CIDH would provide the equivalent or greater skin friction area than the original design and would have equivalent or greater moment capacity.
Inquiry submitted 10/30/2023

Response #1:(BI#25) Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.
Response posted 10/30/2023

Response #2:(BI#25) Refer to Standard Specification 4-1.07 Value Engineering. The Department makes every effort to consider a Value Engineering Change Proposal. VECP are evaluated, accepted, and rejected by the Department. From 4-1.07B Value Engineering Change Proposal, “The Department may require you to accept a share of the investigation cost as a condition of reviewing a VECP. In determining the estimated net construction-cost savings, the Department excludes your VECP preparation cost and the Department's VECP investigation costs, including parts paid by you. After written acceptance, the Department considers the VECP and deducts the agreed cost of the investigation.”
Response posted 10/31/2023

Inquiry #26: Please Note: The upper 5 ft of the CIDH would be the original diameter therefore your concern would be mitigated. Whatever the original diameter is called out for in the contract drawings would be provided for the upper 5' of the CIDH.

Original question below:

Would Caltrans allow as a design build substitute to provide a structurally equivalent 4' diameter CIDH Sign Foundation with the top 5 ft being the original diameter in lieu of the original diameter full depth design ? We would become the Engineer of Record for the 4' diameter with larger diameter CIDH Sign Foundation at the top 5 ft. This way all of the hardware and embed requirements are not affected by our design build approach.

The 4' diameter CIDH would provide the equivalent or greater skin friction area than the original design and would have equivalent or greater moment capacity.
Inquiry submitted 11/02/2023

Response #1:(BI#26) - Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.
Response posted 11/02/2023

Response #2:(BI#26)-Please bid per the current contract documents.
Response posted 11/03/2023

Inquiry #27: If a subcontractor does not operate any vehicles with a diesel-fueled or alternative diesel fueled off-road compression-ignition engine with maximum power (max hp) of 25 horsepower (hp), how is the Bidder to list those companies on the In-Use Off-Road Diesel-Fueled Vehicle List Form?
Inquiry submitted 11/06/2023

Response #1:(BI#27)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.
Response posted 11/06/2023

Response #2:(BI#27)-If a subcontractor will not be using equipment from a “fleet” as defined in the regulation to perform work; it is acceptable to not list a subcontractor whose “fleet” is not subject to the Title 13 regulation on the In-Use Off-Road Diesel-Fueled Vehicle List form.

Bidders are to only list fleets subject to the regulation. If none of the fleets being used on the project are subject to 13 CCR § 2449 et seq., bidders must submit the completed form and check the ”Check here if all fleets used to perform work are not subject to 13 CCR § 2449 et seq. Submit the blank form as part of the bid.” check box.

Response posted 11/08/2023

Inquiry #28: Has this project received any state funds and therefore the mandatory 25% SBE participation required by AB2019 applies ?
Inquiry submitted 11/15/2023

Response #1:(BI#28)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.
Response posted 11/15/2023

Response #2:(BI#28) - AB 2019 does NOT require a contract-specific goal of 25% participation for small business (SB) firms. It does establish a 25% cumulative (overall) participation goal for SB firms. Since 2017, however, SB103 established a similar 25% goal across all Caltrans state only funded projects for small business participation, and primes are encouraged to engage SB firms as much as possible to assist Caltrans in meeting its goal.
Response posted 12/01/2023

Inquiry #29: The quantity (15 CY) for Bid Item 67 (F) Minor Concrete (Minor Structure) appears to be extremely understated based on the details provided on sheet DD-7 of the project plans. Our quantity takeoff shows approximately 35 CY for this Bid Item. Since this item is final pay, please correct the quantity based on the design as shown.
Inquiry submitted 11/16/2023

Response #1:(BI#29)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.
Response posted 11/16/2023

Response #2:(BI#29) - Please refer to Addendum No. 3, dated December 8, 2023.
Response posted 12/08/2023

Inquiry #30: Good morning,

Is there anything that would prevent us from using only 3/8 Pea Gravel and Sand aggregates to make all the different mix designs Caltrans specifies ? We are looking to use a portable batch plant system and it only has 2 aggregate bins and using 3/8 Pea Gravel allows for more mix designs.

I looked and couldn't find anything in the 2023 Standard Specifications that would prevent me from using only 3/8 Pea Gravel and Sand Aggregates.
Inquiry submitted 11/20/2023

Response #1:(BI#30) - Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.
Response posted 11/20/2023

Response #2:(BI#30)-Please bid per the current contract documents.
Response posted 12/01/2023

Inquiry #31: Good morning,

Is there anything that would prevent us from using only 3/8 Pea Gravel and Sand aggregates to make all the different mix designs Caltrans specifies ? We are looking to use a portable batch plant system and it only has 2 aggregate bins and using 3/8 Pea Gravel allows for more mix designs.

I looked and couldn't find anything in the 2023 Standard Specifications that would prevent me from using only 3/8 Pea Gravel and Sand Aggregates.
Inquiry submitted 11/20/2023

Response #1:(BI#31) - Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.
Response posted 11/20/2023

Response #2:(BI#30)-Please bid per the current contract documents.
Response posted 12/01/2023

Inquiry #32: Project plan sheet C-7 indicates the CMS Model 800 to be State Furnished, however, special provisions section 87 includes language requiring the contractor to furnish and warranty the CMS for a period of 5 years. Further, the quoted price provided by the State expired on 10/15/2023.

Please clarify: is the State furnishing the CMS 800 or is the contractor to include the quoted price in its bid?
Inquiry submitted 11/28/2023

Response #1:(BI#32)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.
Response posted 11/28/2023

Response #2:(BI#32) - Please refer to Addendum No. 3, dated December 8, 2023.
Response posted 12/08/2023

Inquiry #33: Special Provisions call for 120 min. Plant Establishment period, will there be a separate bid item for this...which is typical.

Also will there be a separate bid item for Maintain Existing Planted Area as part of the contract period?
Inquiry submitted 11/29/2023

Response #1:(BI#33) - Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.
Response posted 11/29/2023

Response #2:(BI#33)-Section 20-3.01C(5) does not refer to plant establishment work. There will not be a bid item for plant establishment work. Also, there will not be a bid item for maintain existing planted areas. Please refer to the 5th paragraph of section 20-10.03C(4) of the Standard Specifications. Please bid per the current contract documents.
Response posted 12/01/2023

Inquiry #34: On the Construction Details C-2, sheet 33, shows the detail for the Concrete Barrier (Type 60MCG). On the upper roadbed side of the concrete barrier, it shows a variable structural section of 1.5” to 18”. The Typical Cross Sections X-1 thru X-3 shows the new barrier built on a new 4’ wide structural section below the barrier. Please clarify how the contractor will be paid for the variable asphalt patch and what material will be used. Will it be paid under bid item 60 Minor Hot Mix Asphalt”?
Inquiry submitted 11/30/2023

Response #1:(BI#34)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.
Response posted 11/30/2023

Response #2:(BI#34) - The pavement section adjacent to the barrier on either side will be the same structural section thickness; there is no variable AC patchwork associated with the offset roadbed surfaces. The ‘1.5” to 18” & Varies’ callout is referencing the differential in roadbed surface, not a difference in structural section depths.

The Offset Roadbed Surfaces shall be offset using the native subgrade, and will have the appropriate structural section applied to either side and below the barrier. In instances where there is a TYPE 60MGC, or other offset roadbed surface barrier types, the pavement section may not extend as a continuous pavement section under the barrier due to the offset of the FG elevations on either side.

Response posted 12/06/2023

Inquiry #35: Please review the quantity for bid item 64 COLD PLANE ASPHALT CONCRETE PAVEMENT. It appears as though the pavement conform grinding shown on sheet C-8 has not been included. The bid quantity should be over 7,000 SY.
Inquiry submitted 12/01/2023

Response #1:(BI#35) - Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.
Response posted 12/01/2023

Response #2:(BI#35) - Please refer to Addendum No. 3, dated December 8, 2023.
Response posted 12/08/2023

Inquiry #36: Please provide left and right median profiles/elevations for the 60MGC and 60MG Barrier Variables.
Inquiry submitted 12/02/2023

Response #1:(BI#36)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.
Response posted 12/04/2023

Response #2:(BI#36)-Please refer to Addendum No. 1, dated October 19, 2023.
Response posted 12/08/2023

Inquiry #37: Please clarify the finish coat of the posts and accessories for the 3' high chain link fence for Item 84. - Chain Link Fence (Type CL-3 Vinyl-Clad ) Please clarify if the final coat is vinyl coated, powder coated or galvanized.
Inquiry submitted 12/06/2023

Response #1:(BI#37)-Please refer to section 80-3.02B of the Standard Specifications for posts and braces coatings.
Response posted 12/08/2023

Inquiry #38: As a follow up to your response #2 for question #34. Please provide a detail drawing showing how you want the step subgrade /structural section constructed for the 10,500 LF of the Type 60MCG concrete barrier.
Inquiry submitted 12/06/2023

Response #1:(BI#38)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.
Response posted 12/06/2023

Response #2:(BI#38) - Please refer to Addendum No. 3, dated December 8, 2023.
Response posted 12/08/2023

Inquiry #39: Please review and correct your Roadway Excavation quantity for the Median work. The roadway excavation quantity shown on Q-1 is 3,225.1 CY. The total structural section quantities add up to over 9,000 cy of materials.
Inquiry submitted 12/06/2023

Response #1:(BI#39)-Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.
Response posted 12/06/2023

Response #2:(BI#39) - Please refer to Addendum No. 3, dated December 8, 2023.
Response posted 12/08/2023

Inquiry #40: Please be aware that Addendum 3 sheet C-7 did not resolve the design problems for this sign structure. It is being called out as a versatile truss but the details above are for a 24" x 1/2" post which definitely is NOT a versatile truss. Also no span is provided for the truss length. Assuming the 24" x 1/2" post design is incorrect what versatile post type is wanted? If nothing is provided then we will have to bid this with the called out 24" x 1/2" post meaning a standard truss design since that is the only design that uses this post size.

Inquiry submitted 12/11/2023

Response #1:(BI#40) - Your inquiry has been received and is being reviewed.
Response posted 12/11/2023

Response #2:(BI#40)-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 12/12/2023

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.