127EAW26Q0003 - Plumas NF Bear Boxes

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides official responses to a Request for Information (RFI) regarding "Compaction Testing Requirements for Bear Locker Installation" for solicitation 127EAW26Q0003 - Plumas NF Bear Boxes.

• Compaction Testing Method: The USFS confirmed that representative testing is acceptable rather than density testing at each individual locker location. The specified testing frequency is one test required for approximately every 350 CY, or as directed before the next lift.
• Testing Personnel: Contractors can perform their own testing if they have a certified tester. Alternatively, a third-party testing company can administer the tests. This is not considered full-time third-party testing if performed intermittently.

These clarifications address vendor questions about the Statement of Work (SOW) requirements for compaction verification, aiming to ensure compliance while optimizing efficiency and minimizing site disturbance. Responses will be posted as an amendment to the solicitation.

Amendment / Modification

• This amendment posts "RFI Official Responses" which are incorporated into any subsequent contract award.

• Failure to use the revised documents and requirements within will result in proposals being non-responsive.

• "RFI Official Responses" attachment is incorporated.

• Bidders must use the revised documents and requirements to avoid their proposal being deemed non-responsive.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document, Solicitation 127EAW26Q0003, pertains to "Plumas National Forest (NF) Bear Boxes" and is issued by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). It outlines contract administration data, including invoicing procedures and requirements for contract changes and personnel.

• Invoicing: All invoices must be submitted electronically via the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) System. Offerors must register and establish an account with IPP prior to commencing work. Itemized invoices must include contractor name/address, contract/PO numbers, invoice number, description of services, and date of services/completion.

• Contract Award & Changes: A written award or acceptance creates a binding contract. Work commences upon receipt of a Notice to Proceed. Only the Contracting Officer (CO) can approve changes; unauthorized changes will not adjust contract price. Instructions must come only from the CO or their authorized representative.

• Personnel: A Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) will be designated. The Contractor must designate a Project Manager, Project Superintendent, Quality Control Manager, Project Safety Manager, After-Hours Emergency Contact, and a Signature Authority for Contract Modifications. A post-award conference is required within 10 days of award, to be held virtually.

• Utility Services: Contractor is responsible for water, electricity, and restrooms.

• Telephone: Cell phone or wireless access may not be available at remote/isolated sites.

• Loss, Damage or Destruction: The Government is not liable for loss/damage to contractor equipment unless caused by Government employees. The Government is not liable for injury to contractor personnel or third parties, or damage to third-party property, unless resulting from negligent acts of Government employees.

• Archaeological and Historic Sites: Locations will be identified before work commences.

• Spill Plan: Required if storing over 1,320 gallons of oil products or if any single container exceeds 660 gallons. Must meet EPA requirements and be certified by a professional engineer. Contractor is liable for cleanup costs and damages from spills caused by their operations.

• Site Security: Contractor is responsible for securing their equipment and materials. All equipment must be secured daily.

• Adverse Weather: Work may be suspended due to dangerous weather conditions.

• Storage: Storage sites will be determined at a pre-work meeting. Contractor is responsible for keeping the area clean. Government is not responsible for stored materials.

• Barricades, Warning Signs, and Other Devices: Contractor must provide and maintain necessary safety devices for traffic control and public protection.

• Prohibition Against Lead-Based Paint: Use of paints containing more than 0.06 of 1 percent lead is prohibited.

• Control of Erosion, Sedimentation and Pollution: Operations must minimize erosion and prevent pollution of waterways. Mechanized equipment cannot operate in flowing streams without CO approval.

• Samples and Certificates: Samples, certificates, and test data must be submitted as required after award for approval by the CO.

• Emergency Response, Fire Suppression, and Liability: Contractor is responsible for fires started by their operations and may be liable for damages, with responsibility varying based on fire classification (operations vs. negligent).

• Superintendence: Foreman or superintendent must be designated in writing to the CO. A person conversant in English must be on-site whenever work is performed.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Request for Information (RFI) Form intended for potential bidders to submit questions regarding solicitation 127EAW26Q0003 for Plumas NF Bear Boxes. Responses to these RFIs will be provided in an amendment format posted to beta.SAM.gov.

• Submission Method: All RFIs must be submitted in writing using the attached RFI form, exclusively via email to Gregory.Cunningham@usda.gov. Telephone requests will not be accepted.
• Inquiry Type: Bidders must indicate if their questions pertain to the solicitation/evaluation factors or the statement of work/technical data.
• Required Information: The form requires the Company Name and Offeror, the name of the person submitting the question, the date of inquiry, and a phone number.
• Question Format: A structured format is provided for submitting multiple questions (RFI #1, RFI #2, etc.) and leaving space for the USFS Response to each.

This form is crucial for bidders to ask clarifying questions about the solicitation or the associated statement of work. It outlines the official channel and format for submitting inquiries, ensuring that all questions are properly documented and addressed by the government. Bidders should use this form to seek clarification on any aspect of the opportunity before submitting their proposals.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items, issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for the purchase and installation of 80 bear-proof lockers at two campgrounds on the Plumas National Forest, California. The acquisition is set aside for Total Small Business concerns.

• Provide all management, supervision, labor, personnel, transportation, materials, and supplies necessary to haul, deliver, and install bear lockers.

• Procure bear lockers and precast concrete footings with anchors.

• Perform any excavation and grading needed to ensure bear lockers are level.

• Comply with specifications provided in Attachment 1 (Statement of Work).

• Anticipated Award Type: Firm Fixed Price.

• Period of Performance: Commence work within 10 calendar days after Notice to Proceed (NTP), with completion not later than 120 calendar days after NTP. This includes final cleanup.

• Requests for Information (RFI) are due via email to Gregory.Cunningham@usda.gov by March 30th, 2026, 1:00 PM Pacific Time.

• Quotes are due via email to Gregory.Cunningham@usda.gov by April 8th, 2026, 1:00 PM Pacific Time.

• Quotes must be submitted on all items and include unit pricing.

• Evaluation will be based on Technical Approach, Past Performance, and Price, with award made to the highest technically rated offeror whose price is fair and reasonable and past performance is acceptable or neutral. Tradeoffs will not be conducted.

• Total Small Business Set-Aside.

• Offerors must have an active entity registration at SAM.gov.

• A pre-proposal site visit will not be held; offerors are recommended to visit the sites independently.

• Failure to inspect the site will not be grounds for a claim after award.

• The solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses by reference, accessible at www.acquisition.gov.

• Key attachments include Statement of Work, Schedule of Items, Project Location Maps, and Wage Determination.

Statement of Work (SOW)

This project involves the purchase and installation of 80 bear-proof lockers at two campgrounds on the Plumas National Forest: Grasshopper Campground and Lone Rock Campground.

• Procure and install 80 bear lockers and precast concrete footings with anchors.

• Perform necessary excavation and grading to ensure lockers are level.

• Lockers must be ABA Compliant and Universally Accessible.

• Specific locker dimensions: 48 in Width, 47 in Height, 37 in Length.

• Paint finish: UV resistant powder coat forest brown.

• Footings: 2500-4500 PSI precast or cast-in-place concrete.

• Areas around lockers must be graded to Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) standards.

• Contractor is responsible for testing compaction of materials around footings (95% max density).

• Lockers must be installed level.

• Areas around lockers must be graded to ABA standards.

• Minimum 95% max density of compaction for materials around concrete footings.

• Estimated Start Date: August 15th, 2026.

• Lone Rock Campground Availability: Until September 28th, 2026.

• Grasshopper Campground Availability: Until October 12th, 2026.

• End of Performance Period: No later than May 14th, 2027.

• Locations: Grasshopper Campground (near Portola, CA) and Lone Rock Campground (near Taylorsville, CA).

• Work hours: Monday-Friday, 0700-1900, excluding holidays. Work site must be clear by noon the Friday before a Monday holiday if the campground is open.

• Contractor must provide their own restroom facilities and dispose of all garbage/waste.

• No government power or water will be provided.

• Contractor must adhere to the fire plan (Attachment C).

• Contractor is responsible for security of tools and equipment.

• All construction debris must be properly disposed of off National Forest Land.

• A Forest Service issued Yale Key will be provided for access to closed campgrounds and must be returned upon contract completion.

• No pre-proposal site visit will be offered; contractors are recommended to visit the campgrounds prior to bidding.

• Proposed Project Plan (within 10 business days of award).

• Weekly Status Report (every Friday by 5:00 PM PST, once construction begins).

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Schedule of Items," outlines the specific construction items and quantities required for the Plumas NF Bear Boxes project. It serves as a pricing sheet for bidders to submit their unit and total prices.

• Item 001: Mobilization (1 LS)
• Item 002: Grasshopper Campground, Lake Davis, bear locker installation (70 EA)
• Item 003: Lone Rock Campground, Antelope Lake, bear locker installation (10 EA)
• Bidders must provide Unit Price and Total Price for each item.
• Quantities are estimated; contractors must field verify requirements.
• Contractors must submit pricing for all items.

This document is critical for bidders to understand the scope of work in terms of specific deliverables and quantities. It directly informs the pricing strategy and proposal submission, as contractors are required to price all listed items. The note regarding estimated quantities emphasizes the need for thorough site verification before submitting final pricing.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides maps of the Lake Davis and Antelope Lake areas, likely for informational purposes related to a potential opportunity. It includes details on geographical features, access points, campgrounds, and points of interest.

• Lake Davis Map: Shows access roads (e.g., Beckwourth-Taylorsville Rd, Grizzly Rd), points of interest (e.g., Long Point Fishing Access, Lightning Tree campground, Mallard Cove, Coot Bay, Grasshopper Flat, Lake Davis Resort), and nearby geographical features (e.g., Smith Peak, Crocker Mountain).
• Antelope Lake Map: Displays access routes (e.g., to Hwy 89, Road 208), various points within Plumas National Forest, specific locations like Dedication Island, Valley Dam, Lone Rock, Long Point CG, Eagle Lookout, Guiney Point, and Little Antelope Creek. It also indicates the presence of fish species in Antelope Lake.

These maps are relevant for bidders to understand the geographical context, accessibility, and potential operational areas associated with an opportunity. They may be crucial for site assessments, logistical planning, or understanding the environment where services might be performed.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a "Fire Plan for Construction and Service Contracts" that outlines responsibilities and procedures for fire prevention and suppression activities within a contract area. It details requirements for both the Contractor and the Forest Service, defines key terms, and specifies necessary tools and equipment.

This document is crucial for any bidder involved in construction or service contracts that may operate in fire-prone areas, particularly in California during the fire precautionary period (April 1 - December 1). It highlights:

• Contractor Responsibilities: Including preventing fires, extinguishing escaped fires, and designating a fire supervisor.
• Required Equipment: Specifies minimum requirements for fire tools, extinguishers, spark arresters, mufflers, power tools, and crucially, water tank trucks or trailers with specific pump performance standards.
• Fire Precautionary Period: Defines the operational window when these measures are mandatory.
• Project Activity Levels (PAL): Outlines a system of escalating restrictions and requirements based on fire danger, impacting daily operations (e.g., limitations on certain machinery use, required fire patrols).
• General Requirements: Includes compliance with state laws, permit requirements for burning/welding, restrictions on smoking, and reporting procedures for fires.

Bidders must understand these fire safety and operational restrictions to accurately estimate costs, plan logistics, and ensure compliance if awarded a contract.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a "General Decision" from the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, detailing prevailing wage rates for various construction trades in California. It is not a solicitation or SOW but provides wage rate information that would be applicable to construction projects in the specified counties.

This document is crucial for any bidder on a construction-related federal contract in the listed California counties. It specifies the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits that must be paid to laborers and mechanics employed on such projects, as required by the Davis-Bacon Act. Bidders must consult this document to accurately calculate labor costs for their proposals and ensure compliance with federal labor laws.