GAOA Bell Smith Springs Repaving and Parking

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides answers to vendor questions regarding the Bell Smith Springs project, clarifying various aspects of the solicitation.

• Staffing: The Superintendent, SSHO, and QC Manager can be the same individual. The QCM and Tester can also be the same individual.
• Period of Performance: Extensions may be possible due to material lead times, subject to Contracting Officer approval.
• Soil Boring Reports: Not available. Excavation will be assumed clear of rocks and obstructions.
• Bidding Quantities: Specific lengths and widths for deteriorated base course (paving) on Bell Smith Springs Rd and Redbud Campground Rd are provided, along with approximate square yardage for parking areas. Hunting Branch Rd has no existing paved sections.
• Roofing: No roofing is involved in this project.
• Bulk Water Source: No bulk water fill source (hydrant) is available near grading operations.
• Hazardous Materials: No asbestos or lead is present.
• Phasing: Not required.
• Tax Exempt: The project is not tax exempt.
• On-Site Work Start: Work begins within 10 days after the Notice to Proceed.
• Third-Party Inspections: Not required.
• Permitting: Not required.
• Landscaping Restoration: Required for all disturbed areas, including seeding and mulching, incidental to 60230 pay items. Refer to specific drawings and specifications.
• Staking Data: No staking data points are provided. Red, yellow, and blue tops are not required.
• Pavement Markings: Not required.
• Surveying: The Government will stake project limits and key areas. The contractor is responsible for maintaining and replacing stakes per Specification 152.
• Project Limits Map: Refer to Attachment 8 (Road Log Work Descriptions) and Attachment 4 (Proposed Typical Road Cross Section).
• Chipseal: Required on all existing roads and parking lots. Newly constructed gravel lots do not require chipseal. Refer to Attachment 8 for road lengths and widths.
• Underdrains: Refer to Attachment 8 for quantities and locations.
• Recondition of Roadbed and Roadside Ditches: Required over the entire project area.
• Pay Factors/PWL: Generally, no pay factors or statistical evaluation for Pay Within Limits (PWL) are anticipated. Payment is based on work performed. Refer to Section 109 of Specifications. Material must meet specifications or be replaced at contractor's expense. Contractor must submit certification that material meets State of Illinois gradation specifications.
• Public Traffic: Refer to Section 156 of Specifications.
• Estimated Dimensions Table: Refer to Attachment 8.

These clarifications provide essential details for accurate bidding, particularly regarding quantities, material requirements, staking, and payment terms. Bidders should review these answers carefully to ensure their proposals reflect the clarified requirements.

Amendment / Modification

• The purpose of this amendment is to extend the bid due date to allow additional time for RFI responses.

• The due date has been changed to March 31, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET.

• All other terms and conditions remain unchanged.

• The bid due date is the primary section affected.

• The proposal submission deadline has been extended to March 31, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, titled "General Notes," provides specific instructions and requirements for contractors performing work related to the SAM.gov opportunity. It outlines critical pre-work activities, safety measures, and site management protocols.

• Utility Locates: Contractors must call JULIE (800-892-0123 or 811) before any earth-disturbing activities to identify underground utility lines.
• Traffic Control: The contractor is responsible for furnishing, erecting, and maintaining barricades and warning signs as per Special Project Specifications and the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). "ROAD CONSTRUCTION AHEAD" signs are required, and the sign plan needs Forest Service approval.
• Drainage: Roads must be constructed to prevent water ponding on the roadbed or in ditch lines.
• Culvert Removal: Removed corrugated metal pipe culverts become the property of the contractor, to be hauled off Federal lands unless otherwise indicated for salvage.
• Site Restoration: Contouring, topsoil re-spreading, seeding, and mulching of disturbed areas are required as determined by the Forest Service. These activities are considered incidental to specific pay items, and the contractor is responsible for repairing any other areas damaged by their operations, including seeding and mulching.

This document details essential operational requirements and responsibilities that bidders must consider when developing their proposals and planning their execution strategies. Adherence to these notes is crucial for compliance and successful project completion.

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

This Statement of Work outlines the requirements for a construction project involving roadwork and related improvements within the Shawnee National Forest.

• Mobilization

• Drainage excavation

• Brushing, clearing, and grubbing

• Aggregate base and surface placement

• Roadway reconditioning

• Roadway excavation and new roadway construction

• Culvert removal and new installation

• Small culvert headwall removal and installation

• Specialty masonry to remove and replace a historic stone headwall

• The project is located in the Shawnee National Forest on the Hidden Springs Ranger District.

• Contractor shall have full use of Forest roads for construction operations, limited only by the Government's right to perform work or retain other contractors.

• Operations must ensure minimal inconvenience to the public and employees.

• Road closures require written approval from the Contracting Officer (CO).

• Material storage must be confined to areas approved by the CO.

• Contractor shall provide adequate signing and barricades, and implement safety measures to protect the public.

• Contractor shall minimize disturbance of undisturbed areas.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 8 Road Log Work Descriptions.pdf," provides a detailed breakdown of proposed work for specific forest roads within the Shawnee National Forest, likely as part of the "BSS Repaving and Parking" project. It serves as a technical specification for road maintenance and reconstruction activities.

• Road Identification: Specifies Forest Roads 848, 848A, and 849.
• Work Descriptions: Details specific tasks at various mile posts along each road, including:
  • Existing road surface conditions (gravel, chip seal).
  • Proposed actions such as chip sealing, repaving, and widening.
  • Replacement of culverts with specific dimensions (e.g., 18x40, 24x36).
  • Installation of new features like french drains and parking areas.
  • Removal and replacement of headwalls.
• Mile Post Markers: Each action is tied to a specific mile post for precise location.
• Road Widths: Indicates the proposed width of the road after work completion.
• Map References: Includes a vicinity map and references to other relevant maps and data.

This attachment is crucial for bidders to understand the scope and technical requirements of the road work involved in the "BSS Repaving and Parking" opportunity. It outlines the specific locations, types of work, and materials (e.g., culvert sizes) required, which directly impacts bidding, resource allocation, and execution planning. Bidders must review these detailed descriptions to accurately estimate costs and timelines and to ensure they can meet all specified requirements.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment incorporates attachments 7, 8, and 9 into the solicitation.

• Attachment 7: General Notes
• Attachment 8: Road Log Work Descriptions
• Attachment 9: Statement of Work

The Period of Performance has been updated to 04/01/2026 to 10/30/2026.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document contains standard detail drawings for various construction elements related to the "BSS Repaving and Parking" project. These details are intended to guide the contractor in the proper installation and construction of specified components.

• Culvert Installation Details: Includes cross-section and skew diagrams for culvert installation, specifying bedding requirements and incidental pay items.
• French Drain Details: Provides a cross-section of a typical French drain, outlining materials and incidental pay items.
• Typical Road Cross Section: Details the layers and materials for a typical road crown, including oil and chip surfacing, crushed aggregate base, and seeding/mulching. Specific road widths are noted for different segments.
• Typical Chip Seal Section: Illustrates the layers for a chip seal application, including prime coat, seal coat emulsion, and aggregate chips.
• Concrete Headwall Details: Provides front and side elevations, along with tables for dimensions and concrete quantities for headwalls for both circular and elliptical pipes.
• Silt Fence Details: Shows front, side, and plan views of silt fence installation, including notes on material, post spacing, and burial depth.
• Parking Area Details: Includes plan views and cross-sections for the Hunting Branch and Bell Smith Springs parking areas, detailing excavation, base stone, and geotextile fabric installation. Specific lengths and widths for parking areas are provided.

These drawings are critical for bidders to understand the specific construction methods, materials, and dimensions required for various elements of the "BSS Repaving and Parking" project. They directly inform the scope of work, material quantities, and potential construction challenges, impacting bid preparation and pricing.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a General Decision Number (GDN) for the state of Illinois, specifically detailing prevailing wage rates for Heavy and Highway Construction types. It is used to ensure that laborers and mechanics employed on construction projects funded by federal dollars are paid at least the locally prevailing wage rate.

• General Decision Number: IL20260016
• State: Illinois
• Construction Types: Heavy and Highway
• Counties Covered: A comprehensive list of Illinois counties is provided, with specific wage rates detailed for various trades (e.g., Carpenter, Piledriverman, Electrician, Ironworker, Laborer, Painter, Cement Mason/Concrete Finisher, Truck Driver, Power Equipment Operator).
• Wage Rates: Includes base hourly rates and fringe benefits for numerous job classifications.
• Effective Dates: Each wage determination has a specific effective date.
• Footnotes and Classifications: Provides detailed descriptions of job classifications and any applicable footnotes or special conditions (e.g., hazardous waste premiums, specific equipment operation).

Bidders must use this document to determine the minimum wage rates they are required to pay laborers and mechanics on the associated federal or federally-funded construction project. Failure to comply with these prevailing wage rates can result in penalties and contract violations. This document is crucial for accurate cost estimation and labor planning during the bidding process.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides location maps relevant to the "Bell Smith Springs Road Reconstruction" project. It includes a vicinity map of Illinois, Missouri, and Kentucky, highlighting the project area and surrounding National Forest lands, as well as detailed maps of the project area itself.

• Legend: Defines various map features including roads (open and seasonally closed), streams, water bodies, natural areas, wilderness areas, and different land ownership types (National Forest, State, Fish and Wildlife, Municipal).
• Vicinity Map: Shows the general location of the project area within the broader region.
• Detailed Project Area Maps: Provide more granular views of the specific roads and terrain within the project site, including "Bell Smith Springs EA" and "Project Area" designations.
• References and Disclaimer: Includes information on map sources and a disclaimer regarding the accuracy and warranty of the map data.

These maps are crucial for bidders to understand the geographical context and specific locations of the road reconstruction work. They help in visualizing the project site, identifying access routes, understanding the surrounding environment (e.g., wilderness areas, natural areas), and assessing potential logistical challenges. This information is essential for accurate bidding and project planning.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document contains "Specifications" for the FP-14 Forest Service Supplement, which supplements or changes the standard "Standard Specifications for Construction of Roads and Bridges on Federal Highway Projects – FP-14 U.S. Customary Units." It also includes "Special Project Specifications" designated SPS, prepared for the Shawnee National Forest.

• Table of Contents: Outlines various specification sections, including Terms, Format, and Definitions; Bid, Award, and Execution of Contract; Scope of Work; Control of Work; Acceptance of Work; Legal Relations; Prosecution and Progress; Measurement and Payment; Contractor Quality Control; Schedules; Public Traffic; Clearing and Grubbing; Removal of Structures; Excavation and Embankment; Aggregate Courses; Road Reconditioning; Chip Seal; Micro Surfacing; Asphalt Prime Coat; Culverts and Drains; Underdrains, Sheet Drains, and Pavement Edge Drains; Stone Masonry; General Labor; Asphalt Material; Aggregate; and Roadside Improvement Material.
• Detailed Specifications: Provides specific requirements, definitions, and modifications for each listed section. This includes details on materials, construction methods, testing, acceptance criteria, and payment.
• Tables: Includes tables for construction tolerances, approximate quantities of material for chip seals, and sampling, testing, and acceptance requirements.

This document is critical for bidders as it defines the technical specifications and standards for the construction work. It details the materials to be used, the methods of construction, quality control requirements, and how the work will be measured and paid for. Understanding these specifications is essential for preparing an accurate bid and for successful project execution.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, titled "Schedule of Items," lists the various pay items, their descriptions, units of measure, estimated quantities, and unit prices required for a construction project. It serves as a pricing sheet and a detailed breakdown of the work to be performed.

• Pay Item: Unique identifier for each task or material.
• Description: Detailed explanation of the work or material (e.g., Mobilization, Clearing and Grubbing, Aggregate Base, Pipe installation, Furnishing and installing Underdrains).
• Pay Unit: Unit of measure for the item (e.g., Lump Sum, Each, Ton, Linear Foot, Cu. Yd., Pound, Sq. Yd.).
• Estimated Quantity: The projected amount of work or material needed.
• Unit Price: The cost per unit (to be filled in by the bidder).
• Total: The total cost for the item (Estimated Quantity * Unit Price, to be filled in by the bidder).

This document is crucial for bidders as it forms the basis for preparing their price proposals. Bidders must carefully review each item, understand the scope of work associated with it, and provide competitive unit pricing. The total price submitted will be a key factor in the evaluation of their bid.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for construction services to repave and provide parking at GAOA Bell Smith Springs. The work includes, but is not limited to, mobilization, drainage excavation, clearing and grubbing, aggregate base and surface placement, roadway reconditioning, roadway excavation/new roadway construction, culvert removal and installation, small culvert headwall removal and installation, and specialty masonry for removal and replacement of a historic stone headwall.

• Repaving and parking construction services.

• Specific tasks include mobilization, drainage excavation, clearing, grubbing, aggregate base and surface placement, roadway reconditioning, roadway excavation/construction, culvert work, and historic stone headwall repair/replacement.

• The project magnitude is estimated between $1,000,000 and $5,000,000.

• Anticipated contract type: Firm Fixed Price (FFP).

• Period of Performance: 04/01/2026 to 10/30/2026.

• Delivery: 180 Days After Award.

• Bids are due via email to paula.sales@usda.gov and CC bradley.higley@usda.gov by 2:00 P.M. Eastern Time on 03/26/2026.

• Award will be made to the lowest priced, responsible offeror who is responsive to the solicitation.

• Offerors must hold prices firm for 90 calendar days from the bid receipt date.

• Questions are due by March 12, 2026, at 12:00 PM Eastern Time.

• This acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-Aside.

• The applicable North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) Code is 237310, Highway, Street and Bridge Construction, with a small business size standard of $45.0M.

• A bid bond of 20% of the total is required for quote/offer submission (FAR 52.228-1).

• Performance and Payment Bonds (100% of original contract award price) are required within 10 days after award.

• The solicitation incorporates numerous FAR clauses by reference, including those related to construction, labor standards, and payment terms.

• Offerors are urged to inspect the site.

• Attachments include Schedule of Items, Specifications, Drawings, Location Maps, and Wage Determination.