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Viewing inquiries for 04-3G4444

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Inquiry #1: Reference is made to section 60-6.03A(4)(b)(iii) of the special provisions -
"Replacement wires are to measure a minimum of 20
feet long. The number of in-situ broken wires to be spliced is estimated and may vary. It is anticipated that
80 wire samples will be taken for testing and spliced, and 35 broken wires will be repaired by splicing.
Provide an additional 25 percent of each fitting type and additional 25 percent new wires above the
estimated number of wires to be spliced."

Is the above quantity expected to be at each location where the main cable assembly inspection takes place or total for the project?

Inquiry submitted 07/31/2023

Response #1:The inquiry has been received and submitted for consideration.
Response posted 08/01/2023


Response #2:Unless an addendum is issued addressing your concern, please bid per current contract bid documents.
Response posted 08/09/2023


Response #3:Above quantities have been revised and they are the total for the project. Refer to section 60-6.03B in Addendum No. 2 dated Oct. 27, 2023.
Response posted 10/31/2023




Inquiry #2: Special provisions section 60 referenced lighting and conduits attached to the main cables and their appurtenances, as it is not shown on the contract drawings - would this work to remove and re-attache the conduits and lighting be considered extra work at force account?
Inquiry submitted 08/01/2023

Response #1:The inquiry has been received and submitted for consideration.
Response posted 08/01/2023


Response #2:Unless an addendum is issued addressing your concern, please bid per current contract bid documents.
Response posted 08/09/2023


Response #3:The work to remove and reattach the lighting and conduits involved in main cable investigation is not considered extra work. Refer to section 60-2.04C(2), 60-6.01A(1), and section 60-8.01A in Addendum No. 2 dated Oct. 27, 2023.
Response posted 10/31/2023




Inquiry #3: FYI. Caltrans to All Bidders - How do I register for Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting?
Inquiry submitted 08/02/2023

Response #1:Please do not use the Bidder Inquiry platform for Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting registration; it is for inquiries related to bidding on the project contract. Register in advance of the Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting, and no later than 1 hour before the meeting time, by sending an email with bidder information to D4.Construction.Duty.Senior@dot.ca.gov Please include the project number & "Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting", within the subject of the email.
Response posted 08/02/2023


Response #2:Companies that attended the Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting:

• AMERICAN BRIDGE COMPANY
• CALIFORNIA ENGINEERING CONTRACTOR INC
• CERTIFIED COATINGS COMPANY
• F.D. THOMAS INC.
• FOOTHILLS BRIDGE
• GOLDEN STATE BRIDGE INC
• GRIGNARD COMPANY LLC
• KWH CONSTRUCTORS INC
• MURPHY INDUSTRIAL COATINGS
• S KWOK ENGINEERS
• SAFESPAN PLATFORM
• SANTAMARIA CONCRETE INC
• SHIMMICK CONSTRUCTION COMPANY INC

Response posted 10/17/2023


Response #3:For the contact list, click on the link below:

http://website.dot.ca.gov/dist4/construction/contracts/04-3G4444/Companies-Contacts-MPBM_3G4444.pdf
Response posted 10/17/2023




Inquiry #4: Bid Item 6 is for "Safety Quality Control Manager" - this contained in Section 5 of the 2022 Standard Specifications - and is standard for all projects - Does the department require additional SQCM on this project? If so, please provide specifications for this Item as the special provisions do not have additional information on this.
Inquiry submitted 08/02/2023

Response #1:The inquiry has been received and submitted for consideration.
Response posted 08/02/2023


Response #2:Refer to Addendum 2, SP 5-1.14, Safety Quality Control Manager.
Response posted 11/01/2023




Inquiry #5: In regard to Bid item 18 Clean and Paint Cable System is it the intention of the Bid Item to Clean and Paint the entire cable and suspender system on the bridge or clean and paint the cable system only at the locations where the cable is being investigated? The notes on General plan #1 can be interpreted ieither way
Inquiry submitted 08/08/2023

Response #1:The inquiry has been received and submitted for consideration.
Response posted 08/08/2023


Response #2:Refer to Section 59-6.01 General of the special provisions for the scope of clean and paint the cable system.
Response posted 08/18/2023




Inquiry #6: Existing Lighting attached to the suspender ropes may impact painting of the suspender ropes. if the lighting is being left in place can the wiring be painted in with the suspender ropes while protecting the bulbs or does the entire system need to be protected from paint application?
Inquiry submitted 08/08/2023

Response #1:The inquiry has been received and submitted for consideration.
Response posted 08/08/2023


Response #2:Refer to Addendum 2, SP 60-8.01A. “Temporarily remove suspender rope lighting during suspender rope replacement as necessary and reinstall when work is complete.” Pictures of existing LED lighting attached to the suspender rope are available from the Mandatory Prebid Meeting PowerPoint.
Response posted 11/01/2023




Inquiry #7: Are as built plans of the bridge available?
Inquiry submitted 08/08/2023

Response #1:For accessing as built plans for this project, bidders are referred to Section 1-1.06B Section 2-1.06Bin the Standard Specifications "Supplemental Project Information" and as referenced in special provisions.

Follow this procedure:

Provide to the Duty Senior email (d4.construction.duty.senior@dot.ca.gov), the Confidentiality Agreement form and copy of your Identification (e.g. Driver's License). See the following link:

http://website.dot.ca.gov/dist4/construction/contracts/04-3G4444/Caltrans_ConfidentialityAgreement_10-2003_.pdf
http://website.dot.ca.gov/dist4/construction/contracts/04-3G4444/ConfidentialityAgreement_forBidders.pdf
Response posted 08/08/2023




Inquiry #8: Spec section 60-6.04B (6) requires that the wrapping machine be able to lay 3 wires at a time; the equipment manufacturer recommends a machine that can wrap 2 wires at a time for this application - would that be acceptable?
Inquiry submitted 08/09/2023

Response #1:The inquiry has been received and submitted for consideration.
Response posted 08/09/2023


Response #2:Unless an addendum is issued addressing your concern, bid under current contract bid documents.
Response posted 08/22/2023


Response #3:Wire wrapping machine that lay 2 wires at a time is acceptable. Refer to section 60-6.04B(6) in Addendum No. 2 dated Oct. 27, 2023.


Response posted 10/31/2023




Inquiry #9: Are there elevators inside the bridge towers and are they available for the contractors use? If so, please provide access requirements, elevator dimensions, and load limits.
Inquiry submitted 08/11/2023

Response #1:The inquiry has been received and submitted for consideration.
Response posted 08/11/2023


Response #2:Refer to Bridge as-builts in section 2-1.06B, Supplemental Project Information,” of the special provisions. There are no elevators inside the bridge towers.
Response posted 08/16/2023




Inquiry #10: We are assuming that the Caltrans yard underneath the western span of the bridge in-between Main St. and Beale St. is available for the contractor’s use. We are to perform work on the main cable in this area. Please confirm we can access the work from this location.
Inquiry submitted 08/11/2023

Response #1:The inquiry has been received and submitted for consideration.
Response posted 08/11/2023


Response #2:Caltrans yard is available for this work location. The contractor is responsible for coordinating with the Resident Engineer and CT yard supervisor (schedule and footprint).
Response posted 11/01/2023




Inquiry #11: The suspender cables on the bridge are armored on the traffic side of the cable. The drawings, cable removal specification, and cable reinstallation specification do not include any information for the existing or new cable armoring. This armoring will interfere with the conceptual clamping system shown in the supplemental drawings. Please confirm if the contractor can clamp directly onto the cable armor, or if the cable armor shall be removed prior to clamping and jacking operations.
Inquiry submitted 08/11/2023

Response #1:The inquiry has been received and submitted for consideration.
Response posted 08/11/2023


Response #2:Unless an addendum is issued addressing your concern, please bid per the current contract bid documents.
Response posted 08/18/2023


Response #3:Split pipe sleeves(cable armors) are to be removed prior to clamping and jacking. Refer to sections 60-8.01A, section 60-8.02B, and section 60-8.03 in Addendum No. 2 dated Oct. 27, 2023.
Response posted 10/31/2023




Inquiry #12: Please provide all details for the existing suspender cable armoring, and a procedure on how to remove the cable armoring if it is required.
Inquiry submitted 08/11/2023

Response #1:Your inquiry has been received and submitted for consideration.
Response posted 08/11/2023


Response #2:Unless an addendum is issued addressing your concern, please bid per the current contract bid documents.
Response posted 08/18/2023


Response #3:Details of existing split pipe sleeves (Cable armors) are to be field measured and details and procedure for replacement split pipe sleeves are to be designed by the Contractor. Refer to sections 60-8.01C(2) and section 60-8.02D in Addendum No. 2 dated Oct. 27, 2023.
Response posted 10/31/2023




Inquiry #13: The drawings and specifications do not mention cable armoring on the new suspender cables. Please confirm that new suspender cables do not require cable armor on the traffic side.
Inquiry submitted 08/11/2023

Response #1:Your inquiry has been received and submitted for consideration.
Response posted 08/11/2023


Response #2:Unless an addendum is issued addressing your concern, please bid per the current contract bid documents.
Response posted 08/18/2023


Response #3:New suspender ropes require split pipe sleeves (cable armor) on inboard suspender legs. Refer to sections 60-8.01A and section 60-8.03 in Addendum No. 2 dated Oct. 27, 2023.
Response posted 10/31/2023




Inquiry #14: Reference SP 60-6.01A(4)(b) Demonstration
What bid item will the demonstration for main cable wedging, compacting and wire wrapping be paid under? Also, shall it be assumed that the location for the main cable wedging demonstration will be one of the investigation areas shown on Drawing Sheet 27?

Inquiry submitted 08/14/2023

Response #1:The inquiry has been received and submitted for consideration.
Response posted 08/15/2023


Response #2: Duplicate Question, see Bider Inquiry # 14.


Response posted 08/15/2023


Response #3:1. Refer to section 9-1.03, Payment Scope of the Standard Specifications. There is no separate payment for the demonstrations.
2. Refer to section 60-6.01A(4)(b) of the special provisions. The location for each demonstration will be authorized by the Engineer.

Response posted 08/18/2023


Response #4:Location for demonstration will be determined by the Engineer. Refer to section 60-6 in addendum No. 2 dated Oct. 27, 2023.
Response posted 10/31/2023




Inquiry #15: Reference SP 60-6.01A(4)(b) Demonstration
What bid item will the demonstration for main cable wedging, compacting and wire wrapping be paid under? Also, shall it be assumed that the location for the main cable wedging demonstration will be one of the investigation areas shown on Drawing Sheet 27?

Inquiry submitted 08/14/2023

Response #1:Duplicate Question, see Bider Inquiry # 14.
Response posted 08/15/2023




Inquiry #16: Reference SP 60-6.01A(4)(b) Demonstration
What bid item will the demonstration for main cable wedging, compacting and wire wrapping be paid under? Also, shall it be assumed that the location for the main cable wedging demonstration will be one of the investigation areas shown on Drawing Sheet 27?

Inquiry submitted 08/14/2023

Response #1:Duplicate Question, see Bider Inquiry # 14.
Response posted 08/15/2023




Inquiry #17: FYI. Caltrans to All Bidders -
Posting Bidder's Question to All Bidders -
"In review of the information provided the as-built set of drawings includes mainly tower and truss drawings. Are there drawing sets that include the cable itself with some missing information that’s typically included for similar projects, i.e. number of wires, strands, suspender details, dead load table, etc.?"

Inquiry submitted 08/16/2023

Response #1:The inquiry has been received and submitted for consideration.
Response posted 08/16/2023


Response #2:The same response as for Bidder Inquiry #7 posted.
Response posted 08/21/2023




Inquiry #18: FYI. Caltrans to All Bidders -
Posting Bidder's Question to All Bidders -
"In review of the information provided the as-built set of drawings includes mainly tower and truss drawings. Are there drawing sets that include the cable itself with some missing information that’s typically included for similar projects, i.e. number of wires, strands, suspender details, dead load table, etc.?"

Inquiry submitted 08/16/2023

Response #1:Duplicate Question, see Bider Inquiry # 17.
Response posted 08/16/2023




Inquiry #19: What are the limits of wire unwrapping at the Backstay Cable Band?
Inquiry submitted 08/17/2023

Response #1:Your inquiry has been received and submitted for consideration.
Response posted 08/18/2023


Response #2:Unless an addendum is issued addressing your concern, please bid under current contract bid documents.
Response posted 08/24/2023


Response #3:The limit of wire unwrapping at the backstay cable band is shown on plan sheet 30 of 49 in Addendum No. 2 dated Oct. 27, 2023.
Response posted 10/31/2023




Inquiry #20: Please reference section 60-6.02C of the contract special provisions. Please indicate the time required for the engineer to perform the inspections.
Inquiry submitted 08/17/2023

Response #1:Your inquiry has been received and submitted for consideration.
Response posted 08/18/2023


Response #2:Unless an addendum is issued addressing your concern, please bid under current contract bid documents.
Response posted 08/25/2023


Response #3:The time required for the engineer to perform the inspections is one working day per wedge line. Refer to section 60-6.02C in Addendum No. 2 dated Oct. 27, 2023.
Response posted 10/31/2023




Inquiry #21: Please reference section 60-6.03A(1) and section 60-8.01A of the contract special provisions. Please provide the location of the testing facility. We assume the Department will coordinate and pay for all testing fees. Please confirm.
Inquiry submitted 08/17/2023

Response #1:Your inquiry has been received and submitted for consideration.
Response posted 08/18/2023


Response #2:1. Refer to section 60-6.03A(1) and section 60-8.01A of the special provisions. Payment for all testing is not included in the bid items Main Cable Wire Splicing or Replace Suspender Rope respectively.

2. Unless an addendum is issued addressing the location of testing facility, please bid under the current contract bid documents.

Response posted 08/22/2023


Response #3:Location of the testing facility will be provided by the Engineer. Refer to section 60-6.03A(3)(f) and section 60-8.03 in Addendum No. 2 dated Oct. 27, 2023.
Response posted 10/31/2023




Inquiry #22: Special Provisions Section 60-6.04C(3) directs the Contractor to anneal the wrapping wire at the splices. It also states that wrapping wire temperature must not exceed 450 degrees F. Will it be necessary to anneal the wrapping wire at the spices?
Inquiry submitted 08/17/2023

Response #1:Your inquiry has been received and submitted for consideration.
Response posted 08/18/2023


Response #2: The temperature limitation referred to only applies to placing of soldering and does not apply to butt weld splicing and annealing the wrapping wire. Wrapping wire must be annealed at the splices.

Response posted 08/22/2023


Response #3:Unless an addendum is issued addressing your concern, please bid under current contract bid documents.
Response posted 08/25/2023


Response #4:Refer to section 60-6.04B and 60-6.04C(3) in Addendum No. 2 dated Oct. 27, 2023.
Response posted 10/31/2023




Inquiry #23: FYI. Caltrans to All Bidders - The Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting has been postponed to October 17, 2023, at 10:00 am. Please see Addendum 1.
Inquiry submitted 08/18/2023

Response #1:
Response posted 08/18/2023




Inquiry #24: FYI. Caltrans to All Bidders - The bid open has been postponed. Bids for this work will be opened on Thursday, November 2, 2023, instead of the original date of Thursday,
August 31, 2023. See Addendum 1.

Inquiry submitted 08/18/2023

Response #1:
Response posted 08/18/2023




Inquiry #25: May we please get a copy of the pre-bid presentation?
Inquiry submitted 10/17/2023

Response #1:The inquiry has been received and submitted for consideration.
Response posted 10/17/2023


Response #2:Please complete a Confidentiality Agreement (CA) and submit it to the Duty Senior (email - D4.Construction.Duty.Senior@dot.ca.gov). Instructions on how to download the files will be provided after your submittal of the CA.

LINK - Confidentiality Agreement
(http://website.dot.ca.gov/dist4/construction/contracts/04-3G4444/ConfidentialityAgreement_forBidders.pdf)
Response posted 10/17/2023




Inquiry #26: With anticipated addendum still outstanding, we kindly request a two week postponement to the current bid date.
Inquiry submitted 10/23/2023

Response #1:The inquiry has been received and submitted for consideration.
Response posted 10/23/2023


Response #2:The anticipated addendum is expected to includes your request for postponement.
Response posted 10/26/2023




Inquiry #27: As the DOT has yet to respond to the majority of bidders questions on this project, or provided the addendum discussed at the prebid call, we are requesting a bid extension to two weeks after the date DOT issues the addendum and provided answers to the contractor’s Q&A.
Inquiry submitted 10/26/2023

Response #1:The inquiry has been received and submitted for consideration.
Response posted 10/26/2023


Response #2:Please see Bidder Inquiry 26.
Response posted 10/26/2023




Inquiry #28: Please provide maximum allowable tension increase at adjacent suspender ropes following detensioning.
Inquiry submitted 10/31/2023

Response #1:The inquiry has been received and submitted for consideration.
Response posted 10/31/2023


Response #2:No tension increase at adjacent suspender ropes is allowed following detentioning. Refer to section 60-8 in addendum No. 2 dated Oct. 27, 2023.


Response posted 11/06/2023




Inquiry #29: In the process of de-tensioning and removing the existing suspender ropes, does the department expect that temporary suspender ropes will be required to take up the tension - or are the adjacent suspender ropes of sufficient strength to absorb this increased load until the new suspender ropes are installed and tensioned?
Inquiry submitted 10/31/2023

Response #1:The inquiry has been received and submitted for consideration.
Response posted 10/31/2023


Response #2:Temporary suspender ropes are required to take up the tension in the process of detensioning and removing the existing suspender ropes. Refer to section 60-8 in addendum No. 2 dated Oct. 27, 2023.
Response posted 11/06/2023




Inquiry #30: Inquiry #1: Under Section 5-1,14 of the Special Provisions - Safety Quality Control Manager; section 5-1.14A(2)(c) requires that the SQCM have - 1. Four-Year College Degree.
Many Safety professionals have training and experience that meets the remainder of the specifications, however they may not have a four-year college degree.
As the four-year college degree is not specified at to the type of degree and is not necessarily anything that may or may not be helpful in the field of Construction Site Safety - can this requirement be waived?

The above questions was asked on a prior bid with the same specification - I understand that the 4 year degree requirement was waived after contract approval -

Pleas advise if the requirement for an unspecified 4 year college degree can be waived from the requirements for the SQCM


Inquiry submitted 11/03/2023

Response #1:The inquiry has been received and submitted for consideration.
Response posted 11/03/2023


Response #2:Bid per current contract documents.
Response posted 11/21/2023




Inquiry #31: The proposal and .EBSX file do not appear to be in Bid Express for the 11/30/23 letting for Proposal ID 04-3G4444_1130. Please post the file.
Inquiry submitted 11/06/2023

Response #1:The inquiry has been received and submitted for consideration.
Response posted 11/06/2023


Response #2:Please refer to Addendum 3.
Response posted 11/21/2023




Inquiry #32: Please refer to Section 60-6.04C(3). What are the requirements for annealing temperature, hold time and rate of cooling for annealing the wrapping wire?
Inquiry submitted 11/16/2023

Response #1:The inquiry has been received and submitted for consideration.
Response posted 11/16/2023


Response #2:The requirements for annealing temperature, hold time and rate of cooling for annealing the wrapping wire are specified by the manufacturer of the wrapping wire as product data that must be submitted by the Contractor. Field splicing and annealing is required to meet the mechanical properties specified for the wrapping wire specified in the revised section 60-6.04B of the special provisions included in Addendum No.2, dated October 27, 2023. Bid per current contract documents.
Response posted 11/22/2023




Inquiry #33: Addendum 2 introduced two temporary bands at each suspender rope replacement location. Please provide all requirements for the installation of these bands including but not limited to removal and replacement of existing wire wrap, and coatings abatement and replacement.
Inquiry submitted 11/16/2023

Response #1:The inquiry has been received and submitted for consideration.
Response posted 11/16/2023


Response #2:Requirements for the work related to installation of these temporary bands are included in the various sections of the special provisions and addendum No 2. Bid per current contract documents.
Response posted 11/22/2023




Inquiry #34: The lead times provided to the Contractor for the wrapping and compacting machines will not allow the work associated with flow testing or the main cable to work start within 180 days after receiving notice of award. Even with acceleration, this equipment will not be available to start the work in the specified time frame. Please extend the 180 day period to allow for procurement of this equipment.
Inquiry submitted 11/16/2023

Response #1:The inquiry has been received and submitted for consideration.
Response posted 11/16/2023


Response #2:The 180 days delayed start is counted by calendar days after the contract has been approved and it is in addition to the 180 working days that are required to complete the project.
Bid per current contract documents.

Response posted 11/22/2023




Inquiry #35: Reference 7-1.02K(6)(g). Is the Contractor required to provide lane closures/traffic control for daytime hour cable inspections? If so, what are the lane closure charts?
Inquiry submitted 11/16/2023

Response #1:The inquiry has been received and submitted for consideration.
Response posted 11/16/2023


Response #2:No daytime lane closures are allowed - see Special Provisions Section 12-4.02C for lane closure restrictions. Contractor shall provide access to main cables for inspection during daytime hours.
Response posted 11/21/2023


Response #3:No daytime lane closures are allowed - see Special Provisions Section 12-4.02C for lane closure restrictions. Contractor shall provide access to main cables for inspection during daytime hours.
Response posted 11/21/2023




Inquiry #36: Addendum 2 increased the amount of work to be performed but did not increase the number of working days. Please increase the number of working days.
Inquiry submitted 11/16/2023

Response #1:The inquiry has been received and submitted for consideration.
Response posted 11/16/2023


Response #2:No change to the number of working days. Bid per current contract documents.
Response posted 11/22/2023




Inquiry #37: Reference special provisions - Add to the end of Section 12-4.05C states "Occupy only 1 side of the bridge at a time." Confirm this only applies to painting and cleaning activities as described in Section 12-4.05C and that all other activities associated with this contract may occupy lanes on both the North and South side of the bridge simultaneously (rope replacement, door replacement, cable repairs and inspection, etc.). If this is not allowed, increase the 180 days to allow the Contractor to schedule the work to be done only on one side of the bridge at a time, as 180 working days is an insufficient number of days to execute the work on only one side of the bridge at a time.
Inquiry submitted 11/16/2023

Response #1:The inquiry has been received and submitted for consideration.
Response posted 11/16/2023


Response #2:Section 12-4.05C is for cleaning and painting activities.
Response posted 11/21/2023




Inquiry #38: How many "special days" should be assumed for the purposes of a baseline schedule?
Inquiry submitted 11/16/2023

Response #1:The inquiry has been received and submitted for consideration.
Response posted 11/16/2023


Response #2:Refer to section 12-4.02A(2) of the special provisions for “special days”
Response posted 11/21/2023




Inquiry #39: Please indicate where the Cross-Bolt Barrier is to be used.
Inquiry submitted 11/16/2023

Response #1:The inquiry has been received and submitted for consideration.
Response posted 11/16/2023


Response #2:The Revised Standard Plans (RSP) are required as part of the contract documents.
Response posted 11/21/2023




Inquiry #40: Please provide details for bolted connection of shroud channel to tower.
Inquiry submitted 11/16/2023

Response #1:The inquiry has been received and submitted for consideration.
Response posted 11/16/2023


Response #2:Refer to Note 1 in plan sheet 46/49 and Section 60-9.03D of the special provisions for the bolted connection of shroud channel to tower. Bid per current contract documents.
Response posted 11/22/2023




Inquiry #41: Please provide the locations of the temporary suspender ropes.
Inquiry submitted 11/16/2023

Response #1:The inquiry has been received and submitted for consideration.
Response posted 11/16/2023


Response #2:Locations of temporary suspender ropes are designed by the Contractor. Refer to section 60-8.01C in Addendum No. 2. Bid per current contract documents.
Response posted 11/22/2023


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.