Lone Mt. Material Site Development & Stockpile, Coronado NF

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document contains responses to questions submitted by potential bidders regarding Solicitation No. 127EAX26Q0021 for the Lone Mountain Material Source Site Development & Stockpiling project.

• Road Improvement: Contractors may improve the new road punched in by USFS to access the pit area, provided improvements do not damage FS resources. Significant modifications require coordination with the Contracting Officer (CO).
• Material Sufficiency: The contractor is responsible for developing the Lone Mountain Quarry to produce the specified 8,000 CY (base) plus additive quantities of G-grade surface aggregate. The government does not guarantee material sufficiency, and the contractor must develop the source even if material is not obtained as expected, per FSSS 105.02(a).
• Geotechnical Guarantees: Neither the SOW nor FSSS provides geotechnical guarantees. Contractors are instructed to produce the required quantity and develop the quarry accordingly.
• Fuel Tank: A fully contained fuel tank is permissible on-site if it is permitted and included in the approved Spill Plan.
• Specific Gravity: Specific gravity values for the in-situ rock at Lone Mountain are not provided in the SOW or FSSS.
• Water Source: No on-site water source is identified. Contractors must provide water from an off-site source, subject to COR review and approval.
• Geotech Report/Bedrock: No Geotechnical report or bedrock estimate was included in the RFP documents.

These clarifications address potential bidder concerns regarding site access, material availability, and required resources. Bidders should consider these responses when developing their proposals and understanding their responsibilities for site development and material sourcing.

Amendment / Modification

• This amendment provides responses to contractor questions.

• The original close date for offers has been extended.

• The close date for receipt of offers has been modified.

• Original close date: 14:00, June 1, 2026.

• New close date: 14:00, June 5, 2026.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Table 703-3 Target Value Ranges for Surface Gradation," provides target value ranges for surface gradation of aggregate materials, as determined by AASHTO T 27 and T 11 testing methods. It is intended to define acceptable material specifications for bidders to meet.

• Sieve Sizes: Lists standard sieve sizes from 1 1/2 inch down to No. 200.
• Grading Designations: Includes various grading designations (F, G, H, S, T, U) representing different aggregate gradations.
• Percent by Mass Passing: For each sieve size and grading designation, the table specifies the target percentage range of material that should pass through the sieve.
• Allowable Deviation: Values in parentheses indicate the allowable deviation (±) from the target values.
• Plasticity Index Note: A special condition is noted for the No. 200 sieve size if the plasticity index (PI) is greater than 0.

This table is crucial for bidders to understand the required material properties for aggregate specified in the opportunity. Bidders must ensure that the materials they propose to supply or use conform to the specified grading designations and their associated target value ranges and allowable deviations. Failure to meet these specifications could result in non-compliance.

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

The objective of this project is to develop the Lone Mountain Quarry for the production of road surfacing aggregate.

• Develop the Lone Mountain Quarry, located on previously undisturbed land within the Sierra Vista Ranger District of the Coronado National Forest.

• Perform rock blasting and excavating.

• Crush and stockpile aggregate.

• Produce "G" grading surface course aggregate as defined in Table 703-3 of the Forest Service Supplemental Specifications (FSSS).

• Comply with Standard Specifications For Construction of Roads and Bridges on Federal Highway Projects (FP-14) and Forest Service Supplemental Specifications (FSSS).

• Contractor is responsible for all equipment, supplies, labor, and incidentals.

• Contractor must obtain all necessary permits from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality for their operation methods.

• Base Bid: Clearing and grubbing, topsoil stripping and stockpiling for the bid aggregate quantity, and crushing/stockpiling 11,000 CY of "G" grading aggregate.

• Additive Bids: Additional quantities of "G" grading aggregate to be crushed and stockpiled (2,200 CY, 1,200 CY, 1,200 CY, and 1,000 CY).

• Total contract time from Notice to Proceed to completion shall not exceed 60 days.

• Location: Lone Mountain Quarry, Sierra Vista Ranger District, Coronado National Forest.

• Travel directions from Tucson, AZ are provided.

• A pre-construction meeting in the field is required within 14 days of contract award.

• Notice to Proceed will be issued after receipt of required deliverables.

• Deliverables include: Project Schedule, Blasting operation plan, Crushing and stockpiling plan, Spill Plan, Quality control qualifications and plan, Erosion control plan or SWPPP.

• Allow 14 days for review of deliverables prior to the pre-construction meeting.

• No water or utilities are available within the quarry boundary.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 2 SOI LoneMountainMaterialSourceSite_SOI0126.xlsx", appears to be a Schedule of Items (SOI) or an Independent Government Cost Estimate (IGCE) related to the Lone Mountain Material Source Site Development & Aggregate Stockpiling project. It outlines the estimated quantities, pay units, and costs for various bid items, including base bid and additive bid items.

• Base Bid Item: Establishment of a quarry, crushing, and stockpiling of aggregate. Includes mobilization, topsoil stripping, and the primary crushing and stockpiling of 'G' Grading aggregate.
• Additive Bid Items (1-4): These items detail additional quantities of crushing and stockpiling 'G' Grading aggregate beyond the base bid.
• Estimated Quantities: Quantities are provided in various units such as LSQ (Lump Sum), ACRE, and CY (Cubic Yards).
• Cost Information: Estimated Unit Cost and Total columns are present, though the total costs are listed as 0.0 in the provided text, suggesting this may be a template or an initial estimate.

This document provides potential bidders with insight into the anticipated scope of work and the estimated quantities of materials and services required for the project. It serves as a basis for understanding the potential scale of operations, particularly concerning aggregate production and stockpiling. Bidders can use this information to prepare their own cost estimates and assess the project's suitability for their capabilities.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a map illustrating the location of the Lone Mountain Pit within the Coronado National Forest, Southwestern Region. It serves to visually define the geographical area relevant to the opportunity.

• Location: The map clearly delineates the Lone Mountain Pit area, highlighted in orange.
• Access: The "Lone Mountain Road" is shown, with a segment highlighted in red, indicating a primary access route.
• Surrounding Area: The map displays the broader context of the Coronado National Forest, including roads, canyons, and creeks.
• Geographic Coordinates: Grid lines and labels (e.g., GILA-SALT RIVER MERIDIAN, 23S 19E) provide locational reference.
• Scale and Projection: Includes a map scale bar and notes on the geographic coordinate system (GCS North American 1983).

This map is crucial for bidders to understand the physical location and accessibility of the Lone Mountain Pit. It helps in assessing logistical requirements, site conditions, and the scope of operations related to the opportunity.

Other / Unclassified

This document contains Forest Service Supplemental Specifications (FSSS) that modify or supplement standard specifications for construction contracts. It details changes to various sections, including definitions, bid procedures, scope of work, control of materials, acceptance of work, legal relations, prosecution and progress, measurement and payment, construction survey and staking, contractor quality control, public traffic, soil erosion and sediment control, clearing and grubbing, removal of structures, excavation and embankment, rock blasting, untreated aggregate courses, minor crushed aggregate, road reconditioning, culverts and drains, and aggregate specifications.

This document is crucial for bidders as it outlines specific technical requirements, material standards, construction methods, and tolerances that deviate from or add to general specifications. Key areas of interest for bidders include:

• Definitions and Terms: Clarifications on terms like "Contractor," "Purchaser," "Solicitation," and "Right-of-Way" are provided, with specific instructions to delete references to FAR and TAR in certain contract types.
• Construction Requirements: Detailed specifications for excavation, embankment construction, compaction methods, aggregate properties (subbase, base, surface course), and blasting regulations are modified.
• Survey and Staking: Updated tolerances and methods for construction survey and staking are specified.
• Quality Control: Qualifications for quality control personnel and procedures for testing are outlined.
• Public Traffic: New section detailing requirements for controlling and protecting public traffic, including traffic control plans and temporary closures.
• Measurement and Payment: Modifications to measurement terms, decimal accuracy for quantities, and weighing procedures.
• Material Specifications: Revisions to aggregate gradation requirements for subbase, base, and surface courses, including specific tables and plastic index limits.

Bidders must carefully review these supplemental specifications to understand the exact requirements and standards applicable to the opportunity, as they supersede or amend the base specifications.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines fire precaution guidelines and requirements for contractors operating on the Coronado National Forest. It details measures to reduce the risk of human-caused fires stemming from contractor operations and must be followed year-round.

• Applicability: Applies to all contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and service personnel performing work under contract with the Coronado National Forest or Southwestern Regional Office.
• General Precautions: Includes requirements for communication systems (cell phone, satellite, radio), fire tools on equipment (shovels, extinguishers), spark arresters and mufflers on engines, powered hand tool safety, gas/oil storage area clearing, and restrictions on burning refuse and blasting.
• Specific Operations: Details fire precautions for welding (clearing area, fireguard presence, equipment) and blasting (no fuses, water availability, fireguard presence).
• Staged Fire Precaution Levels: Outlines different restriction levels (No Restrictions, Stage I, Stage II, Partial/Complete Forest Closure, Red Flag Warning) and the corresponding required precautions, including the need for and duration of a fireguard.
• Fireguards: Specifies the role, responsibilities, and required equipment for fireguards, including their presence during operating hours and for a specified period after operations cease, depending on the restriction level.

Potential bidders must understand these fire safety requirements as they will be incorporated into the contract. Compliance is mandatory and failure to adhere can lead to operational shutdowns or other penalties. Bidders should assess their ability to meet these stringent fire prevention and suppression measures, particularly concerning equipment, personnel (fireguards), and operational limitations during high fire danger periods.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a General Decision Number (AZ20260055) issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, establishing prevailing wage rates for various construction crafts and laborers in Cochise County, Arizona. It supersedes a previous decision (AZ20250055).

• General Decision Number: AZ20260055
• State: Arizona
• County: Cochise County
• Construction Type: Heavy
• Publication Date: 01/02/2026
• Classifications: Lists specific job classifications (e.g., Electrician, Power Equipment Operator, Laborer, Truck Driver, Carpenter, Welder) with their corresponding prevailing hourly wage rates and fringe benefits.
• Effective Dates: Dates associated with each classification's rate (e.g., 06/01/2025, 12/01/2024, 08/04/2025).
• Executive Orders: Notes applicability of Executive Order (EO) 13706 (Establishing Paid Sick Leave for Federal Contractors) and EO 13658 (Establishing a Minimum Wage for Federal Contractors).
• Appeals Process: Outlines the process for appealing wage determination decisions.

Bidders responding to solicitations for heavy construction projects in Cochise County, Arizona, must use these prevailing wage rates to accurately calculate labor costs for their proposals. Compliance with these rates is a standard requirement for federal and federally-assisted construction contracts subject to the Davis-Bacon Act.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for construction services to develop and stockpile material at the Lone Mountain Material Source Site on the Sierra Vista Ranger District of the Coronado National Forest. The project involves rock blasting, excavating, crushing, and stockpiling for road surfacing aggregate production.

• Development of the Lone Mountain Quarry for road surfacing aggregate production.

• Rock blasting, excavating, crushing, and stockpiling.

• Work to be performed in accordance with provided plans and specifications.

• Anticipated Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price.

• Period of Performance: Work to commence within 10 calendar days after Notice to Proceed (NTP), with the entire work to be ready for use no later than 60 calendar days after NTP. This includes final cleanup.

• Requests for Information (RFIs) are due via email by Tuesday, 19 May 2026, at 2:00 PM Pacific Time.

• Offers must be submitted by 06/01/2026.

• Offerors must hold prices for 60 calendar days from the offer due date.

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government, based on the following:

  • Technical Approach: Ability to meet schedule requirements and thorough understanding of requirements.
  • Price: Must be fair and reasonable.
  • Past Performance: Must be acceptable or neutral.

• Award will be made to the highest technically rated offeror, provided price is fair and reasonable and past performance is acceptable or neutral. Tradeoffs will not be conducted.

• The document references "Notice of Total Small Business Aside (Nov 2025)" (52.219-6) and "Utilization of Small Business Concerns (Nov 2025)" (52.219-8), indicating a potential small business set-aside.

• There will be no organized site visit.

• The solicitation includes numerous FAR and AGAR clauses related to construction, labor standards, environmental compliance, and contract administration.

• Technical data and supporting documentation are available via attachments, including SOW, SOI, Map, Table 703-3, FSSS, Fire Plan Guidelines, and General Decision No. AZ20260055.