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COUNCIL MOUNTAIN TRAIL RE-ROUTE ANSWERS & QUESTIONS

The project to reroute the Council Mountain Trail in the Council District of the Payette National Forest is scheduled to commence on August 28, 2023, and conclude on October 5, 2024. This project aims to shift the trailhead nearer to Cabin Creek Campground to enable access without trespassing private land. The scope of work entails equipment mobilization, excavation, clearance and grubbing, brushing, seeding, the creation of fords, climbing turns, and drain dips, as well as all related tasks. This project will be executed as a firm fixed price contract.

Questions Due Date to 8/9/2023 1630 MDT.

Solicitation Due/Close Date to 8/11/2023 1630 MDT.

COUNCIL MOUNTAIN TRAIL RE-ROUTE (1240LT23R0061)

CONTRACTOR QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

What is the condition and width of tread on trail 198, in order to use upper elevation access from Forest Road 51444?

The condition is relatively good. It is single track trail approx. 18-24” in width with a concrete barrier preventing vehicles over approx. 36” from entering. These could be moved for construction, but the trail may not be accessible to vehicles (i.e., mini excavator) depending on its size – at least without additional clearing. As of my last visit, there were no windfalls or other obstructions to the segment of existing trail that connects to the new construction from 51444. There is very limited parking/loading area at this location. Land in the vicinity is mostly private (DF Development Corp) though the road is public (USFS easement or cost-share).

The construction team set up a spike camp at the Cabin Creek Campground with 2 - 30' Travel trailers for the duration of the project.

Cabin Creek Campground is likely to be closed during summer of 2024 for a reconstruction project. The trailers can be parked at dispersed sites in the area including the new trailhead.

Please clarify expected construction methodology- Sheet 3 of 20 of Trail Plans Set says "Location of Drivable Dips will be decided by COR after initial excavation." This is outside SOP for linear trail construction. Are contractors expected to bench and excavate the entire length of tread, wait for the COR and then return to finish final tread work?

That is correct. The COR would stake the location of the dips after the clearing, brushing and rough excavation for a section is complete. The location of the dips was not previously selected so the COR will stake them as the project progresses.

Will USFS and ranger district be providing the seed mixture for seeding of trail construction? Or does the contractor need to procure this specific mixture?

The contractor will be responsible for purchasing the seed.

For planning and estimating purposes, is there an equipment width and weight restriction? For example, a SWECO would be relatively fast, but is 48" wide and 8-10K lbs. Can it safely access trail 198?

There is not a limit on the equipment width or weight, so long as the finished tread is the proper width. There are a few rocky areas on the upper end of the trail that may be difficult for a SWECO dozer to pass.

Requested seed sources in the area:

Provided attached seed source document. Stated that the list is from 2020 and may not be all inclusive and that the Forest has worked with Benson Farms and L&H within the last year. See “Sources for Idaho native Seeds and Plants Colson” attachment.

Can’t find upper connection to existing trail.

See “Trails 198 Hansen” attachment.

Trail 24” width spec confirmation?

This is the minimal width and we would prefer wider due to sloughing and would not be adverse at all to wider tread (32-36”)

Shoulder width specification confirmation please?

This is a standard drawing and not critical – what is critical is an angle of the shoulder close to 45 degrees.

How is the trail construction marked?

It is marked with a flag line. The line had been surveyed broadly and was not indicative of inside or outside trail edge but general alignment with reasonable flexibility.

Does the bidding date & time remains the same?

The solicitation (RFP) closes on 08/11/2023 at 1630 PM MDT.

Can I ask for a copy of the plant holders list?

See “Sources for Idaho native Seeds and Plants Colson” attachment.

Are addendums issued to date?

Please see the attached documents, three modifications have been released.

When would be the best time to follow up for the preliminary bid tabulation/result?

We will review/compare all bids, and reach out to the bidders that did not win the bid as well as the winner via email in the next few weeks.

Is the project duration 90 calendar days, or 90 working days? Is this timeline negotiable?

The period of performance is 8/28/2023 to 10/5/2024, which is more than 90 days.

Is there designated camping on site? or where do you recommend our crews camp/lodge? Is there a town near the project site?

Please review the solicitation documents, information on campsites is included there. We cannot make recommendations on whether you should camp/lodge. Please research the location, to find the nearest town, etc.

Is the project magnitude a budget or just an estimate?

Please review the solicitation documents, this information is included in the first page of the 1442 document.

Attachments/Links