FY24 Grave Creek Road Maintenance
(i) This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in subpart 12.6 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.
(ii) This solicitation is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ).
(iii) The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2024-05.
(iv) This procurement is a total small business set aside. The NAICS code is 115310 and the Small Business Size Standard is $11.5 million.
(vi) Description of Requirement (including a list of any attachments)
Project Title
FY24 Grave Creek Road Maintenance
General Information
1.0 Background and Purpose
The Forest Service requires road maintenance for approximately 36 miles of roads located within the Rexford / Fortine Ranger Districts of the Kootenai National Forest. The road maintenance consists of a combination of grading and shaping, roller compaction, road reshaping, excavator use, and heavy brushing.
2.0 Definitions
Heavy Brushing: The cutting of vegetative growth including trees six (6) inches or less in diameter (when measured 6 inches above the ground) which interferes with the sight distance and drainage features along the roadway. Removing all logs and windfall within the specified clearing limits. The clearing limits are shown in the attached typical section. This includes a horizontal distance of ten (10) feet, (or a slope distance of 12 feet) from the bottom of the ditch for the roads with ditches, eight (8) feet horizontal distance (or a slope distance of 12 feet) from hinge without ditch, and a horizontal distance of four (4) feet (or a slope distance of six (6) feet) from the shoulder of the fill side.
Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR): The onsite contract administrator for the Contracting Officer. The duties and responsibilities of the COR are defined in the letter of designation issued by the Contracting Officer.
Contracting Officer (CO) — An official of the Government with the authority to enter into, administer, and terminate contracts and make related determinations and findings. The term includes certain authorized representatives of the CO acting within the limits of their authority as delegated by the CO.
3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks
3.1 Grading and Shaping:
Surface blading is keeping the native or aggregate surfaced road in a condition to facilitate traffic, minimize additional future maintenance, reduce erosion, and provide proper drainage. It includes maintaining the crown, inslope or outslope of the traveled way and shoulders, drainage dips, leadoff ditches, berms, turnouts, removal of minor slides and slumps, and other irregularities that prevent normal runoff from the road surface.
3.1.1 The contractor shall blade road to remove surface irregularities and shape to provide a uniform surface without loss of aggregate surfacing or disturbance or loss of road base material. The blading shall be performed in such a manner as to preserve the existing cross section and to conserve surface materials. Maintain the existing cross slope or crown unless directed otherwise by the COR.
3.1.2 On gravel surfaced roads the base must not be disturbed and no surface material may be bladed into the ditch or over the road shoulders. Blading of native surface roads shall be performed so no base material under four (4) inches in the greatest dimension is lost. All ruts, holes, etc., shall be removed by scarifying and/or cutting to the bottom of any surface irregularities. Oversize material brought to the surface in the scarification process shall be removed from the roadway. Surface material which has been displaced to the shoulders, turnouts, outside of curves, etc., shall be brought back so as to leave a uniform depth on the traveled way at completion of blading. Surface material shall be bladed from one edge of the road to the other in a berm in order to eliminate any segregation prior to spreading. Sections having segregated materials after spreading shall be reprocessed and spread. Remove all organic, deleterious material larger than 6 inches from the top 6 inches of subgrade.
3.1.3 Elimination of ruts, chuckholes, and washes. These defects shall be repaired by scarifying or cutting to the bottom of such defects to provide for uniform compaction of roadbed material. High grading, or any method which merely fills depressions with loose material, does not eliminate the defect or provide for uniform compaction and is therefore not acceptable. Dispose of rocks larger than 4 inches brought to the surface during scarification in areas designated by the COR. For portions of road not requiring scarification, the roadbed may contain rocks larger than 4 inches provided they do not extend above the finished roadbed surface. Reduce in place or remove rock extending above the finished roadbed surface. Dispose of rocks in areas designated by the COR.
3.1.4 Repair of Settlement sections shall be performed where possible by cutting from the roadbed on each end of the settled area and filling into the settled area to provide smooth transitions to adjacent road grades. If this will not accomplish the objective, the COR shall be informed.
3.1.5 Grading and shaping operations shall not undercut road backslopes.
3.1.6 At intersections, the roadbeds of side roads shall be graded for a reasonable distance to assure proper blending of the two riding surfaces.
3.1.7 Existing drainage dips shall be cleaned and the outslope grade restored to equal or exceed the gradient of the road.
3.1.8 At the conclusion of the grading and shaping operations the roadbed shall be smoothed and dressed to produce a uniform grade and cross section and a surface free of hollows, depressions, and projections above the adjacent roadbed surface. No berm or ridge or any material shall be left along either shoulder of the roadbed unless directed by the COR.
3.1.9 Wood, rocks, and other debris shall be removed from roadside drainage ditches to provide unobstructed flow of water. All ditches will be pulled unless otherwise instructed by the COR. The backslope of the ditch shall not be undercut by ditch cleaning operations; and the slope to road shoulder shall be maintained at an approximate ratio of 3:1 from the bottom of the ditch to the edge of the roadbed. Roadside ditches shall not be excavated to a depth of greater than 2 feet below roadbed grade. Typical depth of roadside drainage ditches below roadbed is one foot.
3.1.10 Wood, rocks and other debris resulting from the cleaning of drainage ditches shall be removed and disposed of on the jobsite as directed by the Contracting Officer's Representative. On aggregate-surfaced roads, material may be bladed across the road provided it is not deposited in ruts, washes, or chuckholes in the road surface. Such material shall be sidecast on stable fill slopes or natural ground out of streambeds, streams, or other waterways. No sidecasting will be permitted within 300 feet of a stream. On roads without aggregate surfacing, surface soil with rocks less than 2 inches in greatest dimension may be spread evenly over the adjacent roadbed.
3.2 Roller Compaction:
Road shall be compacted shoulder to shoulder, to uniform density that does not deform under passenger vehicle traffic.
3.2.1 Compaction requirements:
- Steel wheeled rollers, other than vibratory, capable of exerting a force of not less than 250 pounds per inch (4.5 kilogram/millimeter) of width of the compression roll or rolls.
- Vibratory steel wheeled rollers equipped with amplitude and frequency controls with a minimum dynamic force of 30,000 pounds (130 kilonewtons) impact per vibration, specifically designed to compact the material on which it is used.
- Pneumatic-tired rollers with smooth tread tires of equal size that will provide a uniform compacting pressure for the full width of the roller and capable of exerting a ground pressure of at least 80 psi (550 Kilopascals).
- Sheepsfoot, tamping, or grid rollers capable of exerting a force of 250 pounds per inch (4.5 kilogram/millimeter) of width of roller drum.
3.3 Heavy Brushing:
The contractor shall cut vegetative growth including trees six (6) inches or less in diameter (when measured 6 inches above the ground) which interferes with the sight distance and drainage features along the roadway. The contractor shall remove all logs and windfall within the specified clearing limits. The clearing limits are shown in the attached typical section. This includes a horizontal distance of ten (10) feet, (or a slope distance of 12 feet) from the bottom of the ditch for the roads with ditches, eight (8) feet horizontal distance (or a slope distance of 12 feet) from hinge without ditch, and a horizontal distance of four (4) feet (or a slope distance of six (6) feet) from the shoulder of the fill side. Clearing shall include turnouts and curves. The clearing limits are shown in the attachment 1.
3.3.1 If brush cutting is needed within riparian areas (particularly stream crossings) heavy machinery shall be used only from the established road prism and only to the shoulder. Riparian areas are any road or road segment 20 feet or closer to a live stream.
3.3.2 Heavy Maintenance Brushing shall require removal of heavier brush and small trees with stems up to approximately 2” diameter encroach into the shoulders reducing the travel width.
3.3.3 Brush cutting Methods:
3.3.3.1 All material:
3.3.3.1.1 - All brush, slash, trees, herbaceous plants (grass and weeds), etc., shall be cut off cleanly, with no material left partially cut, bent over, or matted down.
3.3.3.1.2 - No brush, slash, or other material shall be disposed of in creeks or streams and shall not interfere with or obstruct drainage facilities.
3.3.3.1.3 - All slash having a diameter greater than two (2) inches and a length greater than two (2) feet or a length greater than three (3) feet regardless of diameter shall be disposed of by scattering downslope from the roadbed and outside the clearing limits so that no material extends above the roadway elevation. Fragmented debris of smaller dimension may remain within the clearing limits but must be removed from roadbed surfaces. Scattered debris in roadbed is acceptable in minor amounts that will not contaminate aggregate surfacing or may readily be incorporated into native surface materials. On all open roads contractor shall maintain the roadway to a condition that is safe for public traffic to pass which may require removing all brush that is a driving hazard within the same day it was cut from the roadbed. All other brush shall be picked and scattered within 7 consecutive days of being cut.
3.3.3.2 Logs and windfalls:
3.3.3.2.1 - Logs and windfalls lying within or across the clearing limits shall be cut off at the top of the cut-slope and moved to the lower side of the road beyond the clearing limits. Logs placed on the fill-slope of the road shall be outside the clearing limits and at least two feet below the shoulder elevation. The remaining portion of a log or windfall that lies on the upper side of the road shall either be firmly anchored to prevent sliding inside the clearing limits or moved across the road as described above.
3.3.3.2.2 - Windfalls on the fill-slope side which extend above the road elevation shall be cut off at least two (2) feet below the road elevation and disposed of as outlined above. Logs shall be placed, limbed, or scattered so that limbs do not extend above the roadway elevations.
3.3.3.2.3 - No windfalls or logs shall be disposed of in creeks or streams and shall not interfere with or obstruct drainage facilities.
3.3.3.3: Brush and trees six (6) inches or less in diameter
3.3.3.3.1 - All brush and trees with a stump diameter of six (6) inches or less located inside the clearing limits, (with exception of the roadbed) shall be cut off no higher than six (6) inches above the ground level, as measured on the uphill side. The tree diameter shall be measured on the uphill side. Roadbed clearing limit vegetation stump height shall not exceed two (2) inches and shall be cut as not to create a hazard to foot or vehicle traffic.
3.3.3.4: Trees more than six (6) inches in diameter.
3.3.3.4.1 - Trees more than six (6) inches in diameter, when measured six (6) inches above the ground, shall be limbed so that no limb extends within a clear height of 14 feet directly above the traveled way, or within 10 feet in elevation of the road surface within the cutting limits. Limbs shall be cut to within six (6) inches of the trunk to produce a reasonably smooth vertical face.
3.3.3.4.2 - Slash and debris shall be scattered downslope from the roadbed and outside of the clearing limits, avoiding any concentration.
3.3.3.5 - Piling. Will not be required under this contract, however, may be approved by COR. The Forest Service (FS) will cover and burn such approved piles.
3.3 Pollution and Erosion Control:
During all operations under this contract, the Contractor shall exercise reasonable measures to direct surface runoff water to stabilized waterways and to keep the drainage systems functioning effectively to prevent or minimize soil erosion and pollution of water and other resources. All refuse, including garbage, rubbish, and solid or liquid wastes from the Contractor's operations, including camps, parking areas, and equipment maintenance areas shall be stored and collected in a sanitary manner and disposed of in a State- approved sanitary landfill.
Oil from crankcases or gear boxes, equipment waste or spilled or excess fuel shall be placed in containers and removed from the work site and disposed of as approved and required by Federal, State and Local laws.
Equipment ordered for operations near streams or bodies of water will be required to meet more stringent requirements regarding seals and fittings that prevent the leaking of hydraulic fluids, lubricants and fuels. Failure to comply will result in immediate rejection of equipment.
3.4 Noxious Weed Control:
Prior to moving of the equipment to the worksite, the Contractor shall be required to clean all equipment prior to entry on to the project area. This cleaning shall remove all dirt and plant parts and material that could carry noxious weed seeds into the project area. Failure to provide clean equipment may result in the rejection of equipment.
3.5 Maintenance of Traffic and Use of Warning Devices:
The Contractor shall provide signs, other devices, and traffic control for occupied work areas in accordance with National standards as contained in Part VI of the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), current edition, and these specifications. All signs and devices remain the property and responsibility of the Contractor.
3.5.1 - Traffic Conditions
3.5.1.1 - Roads shall be open to traffic unless otherwise provided.
3.6.1.2 - One lane roads shall always be available for one lane channelized passage of traffic unless approved in writing by the COR.
3.5.2 - Devices
3.5.2.1 - Required signs can be mounted on portable or temporary mountings. Standard MUTCD legends shall be used.
3.5.2.2 - Traffic approaching the work area from either direction and/or side approaches shall be warned by signing.
3.5.2.3 - Signs will always be within one mile of the operating equipment or personnel.
3.5.2.4 - Hazards incidental to the work within or on the traveled way, shoulders, or turnouts shall be marked with hazard identification, illuminated beacons, or other MUTCD devices to safely guide road users through the area. Work shall be scheduled to provide for completion of segments daily.
3.5.2.5 - Advisory speed plates may be used to control traffic through the work area.
3.5.3 – Equipment
3.5.3.1 - All vehicles and machinery operating on or from the traveled way or road shoulder shall have flashing 4-way or top mounted flashing amber lights or rotary beacons operated continuously while work is in progress.
3.5.3.2 - Vehicles and machinery not directly used in the maintenance operation shall be parked off the traveled way to minimize interference with the normal use of the road.
3.5.3.3 - Use of motorized equipment other than handheld equipment such as power saws and brush cutters will not be permitted off designated roads in the project area without approval of the Contracting Officer.
3.6 Acceptance Requirements:
3.6.1 Government Quality Assurance Inspection:
The Government will, at its convenience, make periodic inspections of the work to assure contract compliance and will perform Quality Assurance Inspections to determine the Contractor is performing quality control in accordance with their Quality Control Plan. Methods may include visual survey and review of Contractor quality control documents, procedures, plan inspection reports and/or customer comments.
3.6.2 Acceptance:
Acceptance of the work under the contract will be made after the CO has made the determination of satisfactory acceptable compliance with the specifications. For acceptance purposes, complete an entire road or road segment otherwise approved by the CO. Acceptance will not be made for segments broken by unacceptable portions. The Government will inspect completed section of the road within 3 consecutive business days following the Contractor’s written notification of completion of the work. A business day is defined as Monday through Friday, excluding Holidays.
When inspection indicates the performance objectives were not met, work will be deemed unacceptable, and payment will not be made until the Contractor has assured the Government that its Quality Control measures have corrected the deficiencies. Inspections after re-work will be made in the same manner as the first inspection and the Contractor may be charged for actual costs incurred by the Government for re-inspection of rework and deducted from the Contractors payment.
Restrictions: Bridge overload permits are required for any vehicle which exceeds the maximum allowable gross vehicle weight of 80,000 pounds; if axle weight limitations dictated by the Bridge Formula result in a lower gross vehicle weight; if single axle loads exceed 20,000 pounds or tandem axle loads exceed 34,000 pounds, if the vehicle exceeds the posted load limits for the bridge. The Bridge Formula can be found in Forest Service Handbook 7709.56b – TRANSPORTATION STURCTURES HANDBOOK, CHAPTER 90 – ROAD BRIDGE OPERATION.92 – BRIDGE MANAGEMENT.
4.0 Deliverable / Schedule
The period of performance will be from October 1st,2024 through September 30th, 2025.
5.0 Government Furnished: N/A
6.0 Travel: N/A
7.0 Contractor’s Key Personnel:
The contractor shall maintain a Heavy Equipment Operator throughout the period of performance of the contract.
8.0 Security Requirements:
The contractor is responsible for its equipment during and after operation of the equipment.
9.0 Data Rights: N/A
10.0 Section 508 - Electronic and Information Technology Standards: N/A
Attachment
- Attachment 1: Typical Brushing Limits
- Attachment 2: Maps
- Attachment 3: Food Storage
- Attachment 4: Wage Determination
- Attachment 5: Experience Questionnaire
(vii) Date(s) and Place(s) of Delivery and Acceptance/Location
Acceptance will be performed at the location of the work.
The period of performance will be from October 1st,2024 through September 30th, 2025.
Please see the attached combined solicitation synopsis for full details on the requirement as well as quote submission instructions.
