127EAX26Q0016 Nogales Waterline Connection - Coronado NF

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the "127EAX26Q0016 Nogales Waterline Connection–Coronado NF" opportunity.

• Contract Type: The requirement is for a new contract, not an existing one.
• Incumbent: There is no incumbent performing these services as this is a new requirement.

This clarification confirms the "new requirement" status of the contract, indicating it is a first-time procurement for these services. No changes to solicitation deadlines or submission rules are indicated.

Attachment / Other

This document, titled "CORONADO FIRE PLAN," outlines the fire prevention and suppression requirements that a contractor must adhere to during contract performance. It details responsibilities for fire suppression costs, damage, and coordination with the USDA Forest Service. This plan is a part of the solicitation and any resultant contract.

• Fire Prevention: Contractor must meet fire requirements during contract performance.
• Execution of Fire Plan: Contractor must designate a fire plan representative, include fire requirements in subcontracts, and ensure all employees are informed.
• Compliance Inspection: Forest Service will inspect for compliance; deficiencies must be corrected within 24 hours, halting fire-starting activities until corrected.
• Fire Repression Requirements:
  • Fire Tool Box: Contractor must furnish and maintain a fire toolbox with specific tools (shovels, axes, Pulaski, canteens) based on workforce size, replenished after each fire use.
  • Work Hours: Operations must be restricted according to an emergency fire precaution schedule, with daily notifications from the Forest Service.
  • Blasting: Restricted under certain fire precaution plans (C, D), requires a fire guard.
  • Welding: Requires cleared areas, written permission from COR during specific fire precaution plans, and water availability.
  • Fire Guard: Contractor must designate and train personnel for fire prevention, detection, and suppression, equipped with necessary tools and vehicles.
• Fire Suppression: Contractor must take independent action on fires within a 1/4 mile vicinity of operations and report all Forest fires to the District Ranger's Office.
• Equipment Requirements: All gasoline/diesel equipment must have approved spark arresters. Internal combustion engines require inspection. Equipment service/storage areas need clearing. Specific tools (shovels, axes, extinguishers) are required for various equipment and work camps. Power saws must be maintained safely with specific refueling and operational restrictions.
• Smoking and Fires: Smoking is restricted while traveling and prohibited while working, except in designated cleared areas. Warming, burning debris, or cooking fires are prohibited during high fire danger periods without written permission.

Violations of smoking or fire requirements can result in criminal action or immediate suspension of operations, with repetitive violations leading to default termination.

Provides historical data on the total fire season and average number of days for different Industrial Fire Precaution Plans (A, B, C, D) over the past 10 years.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the specifications for the "Nogales Ranger Station – Waterline Extension to Connect to Valle Verde Water Company" project in Nogales, Arizona. The project aims to replace the existing 1-inch water meter with a new 6-inch meter to accommodate the ranger station's existing 6-inch water main, which serves both potable water and fire protection systems. The existing well at the Nogales Ranger Station will be disconnected as the water source.

• Installation of approximately 115 lineal feet of new 6-inch potable waterline.

• Connection to the Valle Verde Water Company main.

• Replacement of the existing 1-inch water meter with a new 6-inch meter.

• Capping of existing 8-inch and 4-inch waterlines.

• Installation of a 2-inch double check valve assembly (DCVA) for the warehouse overhead fill station.

• Installation of a 2-inch air release valve and a 2-inch post flushing hydrant.

• Removal and replacement of existing fencing that crosses the new waterline installation.

• Optional bid item for the installation of a 6-inch Reduced Pressure Principle Zone (RPZ) assembly, including an enclosure.

• The project includes a BASE BID and an OPTIONAL BID.

• Bidders are encouraged to visit the site for field verification.

• The document details various sections related to general requirements, existing conditions, concrete work, plumbing, earthwork, utilities, valves, and meters.

• Not specified in the provided sections.

• The document references numerous sections of specifications (e.g., Division 1, 2, 3, 22, 31, 33) that provide detailed requirements for materials, installation, measurement, and payment.

• Coordination with Valle Verde Water Company and the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) is emphasized throughout the document.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document contains the detailed engineering drawings and specifications for the Nogales Ranger Station Waterline Connection project. It outlines the proposed waterline route, connection points, and all necessary components for installation.

• Index of Sheets: Lists all drawings included in the set, detailing the scope of each sheet (e.g., Site Plan, Details, Valve Specifications, Meter Vaults, Hydrants).
• Site Plan (C-01): Shows the overall layout of the project area, including existing infrastructure, proposed waterline route, and connection points to existing water systems.
• Details (C-02 to C-15): Provides specific technical drawings for various components such as thrust blocks, joint restraints, air release valves, double check valve assemblies, water meter vaults, and post hydrants.
• Specifications: Includes details on materials, installation methods, and performance standards for all components.

This document is critical for bidders to understand the full scope of work, the technical requirements, and the specific materials and methods needed for the waterline connection project. It forms the basis for estimating costs, planning execution, and ensuring compliance with engineering standards.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items, issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for a Waterline Connection in the Coronado National Forest. The government is procuring the extension of a new 6-inch potable waterline from the existing Nogales Ranger Station to connect to the Valle Verde Water Company. The project also involves abandoning the current well and water treatment building and capping/abandoning sections of the existing waterline.

• Extend a new 6-inch potable waterline.

• Connect to Valle Verde Water Company's water source.

• Abandon existing well and water treatment building.

• Cap and abandon sections of existing waterline.

• Work is to be completed within 60 calendar days after Notice to Proceed.

• Anticipated contract type: Firm-Fixed-Price.

• Period of Performance: Commence work within 10 days of Notice to Proceed, completion within 60 days.

• Site Visit: March 27, 2026, 10:00 AM Pacific Time at Nogales Ranger Station.

• Questions Due: March 30, 2026, 3:00 PM Pacific Time via email to blaine.greenwalt@usda.gov.

• Quotes Due: April 3, 2026, 1:00 PM Pacific Time, to be emailed to the Contracting Officer.

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value, based on Technical Approach, Past Performance, and Price. Technical approach will be evaluated on the ability to provide a sound, compliant approach. Past performance will be rated as Acceptable or Neutral. Price will be evaluated for fairness and reasonableness.

• This acquisition is set-aside for small business concerns.

• Applicable NAICS Code: 237110 (Water and Sewer Line and Related Structure Construction).

• Small business size standard: $45M.

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

• Required submission documents include: Completed SF1442, Price Proposal (Schedule of Items), Technical Proposal (approach and past performance), and Bid Guarantee.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To extend an existing 6-inch potable waterline from the Nogales Ranger Station to connect to a new water source provided by Valle Verde Water Company.

• Furnish all supervision, materials, equipment, labor, transportation, permits, and miscellaneous items.
• Construct approximately 115 lineal feet of 6-inch new waterline.
• Connect the new waterline to the existing Nogales Ranger Station distribution system and the new water source from Valle Verde Water Company.
• Cap and abandon sections of the existing waterline no longer needed from the existing well and storage tank.
• Install new cross-connection control devices, a new meter approved by the water company, an air release valve, a flushing hydrant, and all necessary plumbing and appurtenances.

60 days from Notice to Proceed.

Nogales Ranger Station, 303 Old Tucson Road, Nogales, Arizona.

• Contracting Officer: To Be Determined.

• Contracting Officer's Representative: To Be Determined.

• Forest Contact: Gerardo Pedrego (Gerardo.pedrego@usda.gov, (520) 388-8410 office, (520) 343-0152 cell).

• Exhibit A – Drawings (16 sheets)

• Exhibit B – Specifications (57 pages)

Includes definitions for measurement units such as Actual Quantity (AQ), Estimated Quantity (EQ), Lump Sum Quantity (LSQ), Lineal Feet (LF), Cubic Yards (CY), Each (EA), Loose Cubic Yards (LCY), Lump Sum (LS), and Square Feet (SF).

Other / Unclassified

This document is a General Decision Number (GDN) for wage determination in Arizona, specifically for building construction projects in Santa Cruz County. It outlines prevailing wage rates and fringe benefits for various trades, including Bricklayer, Carpenter, Electrician, Power Equipment Operator, Ironworker, Laborer, Drywall Finisher/Taper, Cement Mason/Concrete Finisher, Floor Layer, Glazier, Painter, Pipefitter, Plumber, Roofer, Sheet Metal Worker, Sprinkler Fitter, Tile Setter, and Welders. The document also includes provisions for zone pay based on proximity to Phoenix and Tucson, and details on Executive Orders 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and 13658 (Minimum Wage).

This wage determination is crucial for bidders on federal construction projects in the specified area. It establishes the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits that must be paid to laborers and mechanics employed on the contract. Bidders must use this information to accurately estimate labor costs for their proposals and ensure compliance with federal labor laws. The document also provides information on how to appeal wage determinations and where to find additional resources.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Schedule of Items" for the "New Waterline Connection" project at the Nogales Ranger Station, Coronado National Forest. It details the "Base Bid Items" and an "Optional Bid Item" that bidders must price.

Base Bid Items:

• Mobilization
• Selective Demolition (4-inch waterline cap, 6-inch waterline cap, Fence Removal and Replacement)
• 2-inch Double Check Valve Assembly
• 2-inch Post Flushing Hydrant
• 6-inch Waterline (fittings, trenching & backfill)
• 4-inch Valve & Valve Box
• 6-inch Valve & Valve Box
• 2-inch Air Release Valve & Valve Box
• 6-inch Water Meter (concrete vault & plumbing)

Optional Bid Item:

• 6-inch Reduced Pressure Principle Zone Assembly (incl. concrete slab, aggregate, wrap, testing & lockable enclosure)

Each item includes a "Pay Item No.", "Description", "Estimated Quantity", and "Method of Measurement". Bidders are expected to provide "Unit Price" and "Total" for each.

This document is crucial for bidders as it outlines the specific materials, labor, and services required for the project. Bidders must use this schedule to calculate their proposed pricing for both the base bid and any optional items, which will form the basis of their proposal submission.