Bridge Inspection and Assessment - Prescott NF

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the Prescott NF Bridge Inspections and Assessment opportunity.

• SF 330 Requirement: The Standard Form 330 is not required for this acquisition, but bidders may submit it voluntarily. Bidders must ensure their qualifications are clearly communicated in their offer.
• Proposal Due Date & Period of Performance: The proposal due date is March 27, 2026. The tentative period of performance for contracting work is April 3, 2026, to July 2, 2026. The government clarified that while work should commence shortly after award, final dates will be discussed with the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR).

This Q&A clarifies submission requirements and provides context on tentative dates, but does not appear to alter the core requirements or deadlines of the original solicitation.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the Bridge Inspections and Assessment – Prescott NF opportunity.

• Maintenance of Traffic (MOT): MOT will be required as these are open roads, in accordance with MUTCD. Traffic volume is expected to be minimal on these low-volume roads.
• Slab Accessibility:
  • Bridges #9 and #10 cross creeks. Access to the underside of the slabs might be achievable with a 10-12’ ladder, though the exact height from the slab bottom to the channel bed is unmeasured. Pictures suggest this is possible.
  • For the Crooks Canyon Bridge, specific measurements or pictures are unavailable. Satellite imagery indicates it crosses a non-perennial stream. Based on similar structures, low clearance is likely, and a small ladder (approx. 6’) may suffice for underside slab access.

No specific impact on solicitation requirements, due dates, or submission rules is mentioned in this Q&A document. Bidders should incorporate the need for MOT and consider the described access challenges for slab inspections.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides clarification regarding the Period of Performance (POP) for the Bridge Inspections and Assessment – Prescott NF opportunity.

• Question: The solicitation requires proposal submission of the inspection schedule 60 days prior to field inspections and completion of all work within 90 days of the Notice to Proceed (NTP). This leaves approximately 30 days for field inspections and final deliverables. Would the government consider extending the project completion period to 120 days from the NTP?
• Answer: The Government will accept offers with up to a 120-day period of performance (POP). However, offers proposing a 120-day POP may be rated lower in the technical area compared to those offering a 90-day POP.

Bidders can propose a Period of Performance of up to 120 days from the Notice to Proceed. However, choosing a longer POP may negatively impact the technical evaluation of the offer.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the Bridge Inspections and Assessment – Prescott NF opportunity.

• Structure Coordinates: Coordinates and descriptions for three bridges (Bridge #9, Bridge #10, and Crooks Canyon) are provided, along with a reference to an attached 'kmz' file.
• Past Inspection Reports: Basic sketches and summaries are available for Bridges #9 and #10. No inspection reports are available for Crooks Canyon.
• Construction Year: Bridges #9 and #10 were built in 1955. The construction year for Crooks Canyon is unknown but estimated to be around 1955.
• Required Drawings & Testing: Detailed drawings of main load-carrying elements are requested. Non-destructive and destructive testing (e.g., coring) are required to map reinforcement in high-stress zones. Inspections must adhere to the latest Specifications for the National Bridge Inventory (SNBI) and be performed by a qualified Bridge Inspection Team Leader (BITL) meeting NBIS qualifications.
• Underside Features: Bridges #9 and #10 cross creeks (non-perennial). Access to the underside may require a 10-12’ ladder. Crooks Canyon also crosses a stream, likely with low clearance, possibly accessible by a 6’ ladder.
• PE License: Load ratings must be performed under the supervision of a Professional Engineer (PE) with any state registration. The PE's seal is required on the load rating calculations.
• Technical Proposal Page Limit: No specific page limit is stated, but proposals should be reasonable in size relative to project complexity.

These clarifications provide essential details regarding structure locations, available data, inspection methodologies, personnel qualifications, and submission requirements, which bidders must consider when preparing their proposals.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a Bridge Summary Report for a structure located in Arizona. It provides detailed information about the bridge's identification, location, structure type and materials, dimensions and clearances, inspection history, condition ratings, load ratings, traffic data, and relevant political districts. The report was generated in September 2011.

This document is highly relevant for bidders interested in opportunities related to the maintenance, repair, or replacement of this specific bridge. It offers critical data points such as:

• Physical Characteristics: Main span material, deck type, dimensions (length, width, clearances), and approach roadway width.
• Condition: Detailed ratings for deck, superstructure, substructure, railings, and scour.
• Load Capacity: Inventory and operating ratings.
• Traffic Data: Average daily traffic, truck traffic percentage, and future traffic projections.
• Historical Context: Year built and last reconstruction.

This information is essential for bidders to assess the scope of work, understand existing conditions, and develop accurate proposals for any related contracting opportunities.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a Bridge Summary Report for Structure Number 8251, located in Arizona. It provides detailed information about the bridge's identification, location, structure type and materials, dimensions, clearances, condition ratings, load ratings, traffic data, and inspection history.

This report is relevant to bidders as it contains critical data about an existing infrastructure asset. Understanding the bridge's specifications, condition, and traffic usage can inform bidders about the scope, potential challenges, and requirements for any future work related to this structure, such as maintenance, repair, or replacement projects. The detailed inspection and condition ratings (e.g., Deck Condition, Superstructure Condition) are particularly important for assessing the current state of the bridge.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document appears to be a computation sheet and a bridge data form related to "Bridge #10". The computation sheet provides a sketch with dimensions for a single-span concrete bridge, including bearing seats, pier, and slab details. The second page is a "Single Span Concrete Bridge" form that captures various structural details and dimensions.

Computation Sheet:

• Bridge Name: BRIDGE #10
• Bearing Seat Dimensions: 18"
• Span Length: 46'6"
• Pier Details: 30" Top of Pier
• Slab Details: Cast-in-place slab 14"
• Abutment/Pier labels: A1, A2, PIER 1

Bridge Data Form:

• Structure Type: Single Span Concrete Bridge
• Out-to-Out Width: 16 FT 3 IN
• Travel Width: 14 FT 2 IN
• Deck Thickness: 14 IN
• Bridge Full Length: 46 FT 6 IN
• NBIS Length: 43 FT 6 IN
• Bearing Distance: 22 FT 6 IN (two spans indicated, though sketch shows single span)
• Superstructure: Longitudinal Slab (Depth) 14 IN
• Wearing Surface: Other 14 IN
• Curb/Railing: W-Beam Ht 24 IN
• Deck: Cast In Place (Depth) 14 IN
• Substructure: Wall (indicated with 'X'), Reinforced Concrete (indicated with 'X')

These documents provide critical design and dimension information for "Bridge #10". Bidders should use this data to understand the physical characteristics of the bridge, which will be essential for developing proposals related to its construction, repair, or maintenance. The dimensions and material specifications are key inputs for cost estimation, material procurement, and construction planning.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides detailed dimensions and specifications for two bridges, "Bridge #9" and "Bridge #10", and a "Single Span Concrete Bridge" template. It appears to be a computation sheet and a bridge data form used for recording bridge characteristics.

• Bridge #9 Dimensions: Overall length of 43' 10", with specific dimensions for bearing seats, spans (18' 10"), pier top (24"), and cast-in-place slab (14").
• Bridge #10 Dimensions: Overall length of 46' 6", with specific dimensions for bearing seats, spans (20' 6"), pier top (30"), and cast-in-place slab (14").
• Single Span Concrete Bridge Template: Includes fields for Out-to-Out Width (16' 6"), Travel Width (14' 6"), Curb Width (12"), Deck Thickness (14"), Bridge Full Length (43' 10"), NBIS Length (39' 8"), and # Beam/Slabs (1).
• Superstructure: Specifies Longitudinal Slab Depth (14"), Wearing Surface Asphalt Depth (14"), and W-Beam Ht (25").
• Substructure: Indicates Reinforced Concrete as the material type and notes a "Wall" type.

This document provides critical dimensional data and specifications for bridge structures. Bidders involved in construction, repair, or maintenance of bridges should use this information to understand the physical characteristics of the structures, estimate material quantities, and ensure compliance with specified dimensions and materials. It is essential for accurate bidding and project planning.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides clarifications and answers to vendor questions regarding the "127EAX26Q0013 Bridge Inspections and Assessment – Prescott NF" solicitation.

• Pricing Component: The government confirms that pricing is a required component of the response. The services are being procured as professional services, not as a construction A&E project, and bridge inspections are classified as professional engineering or technical services.
• Incumbent Contractor: The government has no history of prior contracts for these services, indicating this is a new contract.
• Previous Contract Number: As there is no prior contract history, a previous contract number cannot be provided.

This Q&A confirms that pricing is required and clarifies that this is a new contract, not a re-procurement of incumbent services.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items, issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for Bridge Inspections and Assessments in the Prescott National Forest. The acquisition is set-aside for small business concerns. The government intends to make one Firm-Fixed-Price Contract award.

• Safety inspection of three bridges in accordance with the March 2022 Specifications for the National Bridge Inventory (SNBI).

• Load ratings in accordance with AASHTO's Manual for Bridge Evaluation (MBE), 3rd ed., 2018.

• The work involves architect and engineering services for general inspection (non-construction).

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price.

• Period of Performance: 90 calendar days after award (estimated 04/03/2026 to 07/02/2026).

• Questions are due via email to blaine.greenwalt@usda.gov by March 20th, 2026, 3:00 PM Pacific Time.

• Quotes are due via email to blaine.greenwalt@usda.gov by March 27th, 2026, 1:00 PM Pacific Time.

• Quotes will be evaluated based on Technical Approach, Technical Qualifications, Experience, Capacity to Complete the Inspection, Inspection and Load Rating Data, Past Performance, and Price.

• Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government, based on the highest technically rated offeror whose price is fair and reasonable, and whose past performance is acceptable or neutral. Tradeoffs will not be conducted.

• Total Small Business Set-Aside.

• Applicable NAICS Code: 541330 (Engineering Services).

• Small business size standard: $25.5M.

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

• The solicitation incorporates FAR provisions and clauses by reference; full text is available upon request or electronically at www.acquisition.gov.

• Offerors must submit completed SF1449, Price Proposal (Schedule of Items), and Technical Proposal as separate PDF documents.

Statement of Work (SOW)

To ensure the safety and structural integrity of three bridges within the Prescott National Forest through comprehensive inspections and load rating assessments.

• Bridge Inspections: Conduct safety inspections for three specific bridges (Bridge #9, Bridge #10, and Crooks Canyon Crossing) in accordance with the Specifications for the National Bridge Inventory (SNBI), March 2022.

• Load Ratings: Perform load ratings (Design Load Rating HL-93 and Legal Load Ratings for various AASHTO and FHWA vehicle types) in accordance with AASHTO’s Manual for Bridge Evaluation (MBE), 3rd ed., 2018.

• Data Collection: Gather all necessary data, including dimensions, deterioration details, and photographic evidence, to support inspection and load rating requirements.

• Reporting: Provide detailed inspection reports including condition assessments, recommended work items with cost estimates, and load rating results. All reports must be signed by a qualified Bridge Inspection Team Leader (BITL) and a registered Professional Engineer, respectively.

• Hidden Reinforcement: Determine the location, size, and extent of reinforcement in bridges where plans are unavailable, potentially using destructive and non-destructive techniques. A plan and equipment list for this task must be submitted.

• Inspections must adhere to SNBI standards.

• Load ratings must comply with AASHTO MBE and LRFD specifications.

• Reports must include specific details on dimensions, deterioration, pictures, work item cost estimates, and load rating calculations.

• A two-person inspection team is required, including a qualified BITL.

• All work must be completed within 90 days from the date of notice to proceed.

• Field inspections require coordination with the Forest Service regarding current road conditions and access needs.

• Bridge locations are specified by NFSR and milepost, with latitude/longitude coordinates provided.

• A proposed bridge inspection schedule must be submitted to the Contracting Officer at least 60 days prior to field inspections.

• Proof of BITL training must be submitted.

• Load ratings must be performed by or under the supervision of a registered Professional Engineer.

• No plans are available for the structures; bidders must account for determining hidden reinforcement.

• Payment is on a per-structure basis.