Dam Valve Replacement/Repair for the Hoosier National Forest

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding Solicitation # 12444526Q0013, Amendment # 2, for the Celina Dam Valve Replacement project.

• Site Visit: A site visit is scheduled for March 12th at the Saddle Lake dam. Interested contractors must email Joseph.Neukam@usda.gov to schedule.
• Operational Restrictions: There are no operational or outage restrictions on onsite work performance.
• Dam Water Levels: Water levels vary but generally remain near design pool levels. A cofferdam is not anticipated.
• Concrete Repair: Concrete repair on existing frame to concrete connections is currently unknown but will meet manufacturer requirements per the SOW.
• Confined Space Rescue: A qualified confined space rescue team is required, adhering to OSHA requirements (29 CFR 1910.146(d)(9)).
• Working Hours: Allowable working hours are 6 am to 6 pm, Monday-Friday. Extended hours require COR approval.
• Pricing Hold: Contractors must hold pricing for approximately 30 days after solicitation close.
• Lake Drawdown: The contractor is responsible for the actual drawdown action to specified elevations. Valve assemblies at Celina and U38 may have functionality limitations.
• Attachment A: References to Indian and Tipsaw Dams have been removed from Attachment A; a new revision is provided.
• Water Inflow: Information on assumed water inflow during construction is not available.
• Award Date: Award is anticipated in April.
• Materials Lead Time: A 180-day lead time from award is requested due to material lead times.
• Contract Duration: The contract duration is 365 days from award, which accommodates material lead times. This period of performance can be discussed further.

This Q&A document clarifies operational details, requirements for specific tasks (like confined space rescue), and provides updates to attachments. It also adjusts expectations regarding contract duration to accommodate material lead times.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to questions submitted by potential bidders regarding an upcoming contract opportunity.

• Site Visit: A site visit can be arranged on March 10th, 12th, or 13th.
• As-Built Drawings: As-built drawings are available for Celina and Saddle locations. Drawings for U-38 are not available, and the available drawings are scanned hardcopies from the 1960s and are very large files.
• Actual Pictures: Pictures of the gate assemblies at the repair sites are not available.
• Technical Questions: All technical questions should be submitted through the SAM.gov listed primary POC to ensure all interested parties receive the answers.
• Work Start Estimate: The estimated start date is the date of award, with a completion date of 09/01/2026.
• Lake Drawdown: The lake may be drawn down below the primary inlet elevation but will not be emptied.
• Ground Conditions: Ground conditions do not need to be dry for access via the dam crest. However, the contractor will be responsible for repairing any damage to Forest Service property.
• COR Information: The Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) information will be provided upon award.

This Q&A document clarifies details regarding site visits, available documentation, technical question submission, project timelines, site conditions, and personnel. Bidders should review these clarifications to ensure their proposals accurately address the requirements.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation (RFQ) for dam valve replacement and repair services for the Hoosier National Forest, Tell City Ranger District. The acquisition is set-aside for small business concerns. The NAICS code is 237990 with a Small Business Size Standard of $45.0.

• Replacement of dam valve assemblies at Celina Lake and Saddle Lake dams.

• Repair of the dam valve assembly at the U-38 dam.

• The project involves three earthen dams with different existing valve systems.

• Known equipment and diagrams for each dam are included as attachments.

• As-built drawings can be acquired upon request.

• Award anticipated to be a firm fixed price contract.

• Period of Performance: 04/01/2026 - 09/01/2026.

• Offers must be submitted via email to Michael.Wheelock@usda.gov by 03/20/2026 at 05:00 PM EST.

• Submissions must include a technical proposal, a price proposal, and contractor representations and certifications.

• Evaluation factors, in order of descending importance, are: Technical Capability, Past Performance, Management Plan, and Cost/Price.

• The government may perform a comparative evaluation to select the best value.

• This acquisition is set-aside for small business concerns.

• Offerors must have an active entity registration in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• Specific requirements for workforce certification (MSPA, FLC, H-2B) are detailed.

• The solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses by reference, with full text available electronically.

• Questions regarding the solicitation should be sent to Michael.Wheelock@usda.gov.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides "as-built" details for Structure No. 1, specifically focusing on the Slide Headgate. It serves as a record of the final construction of this component within the Middle Fork of Anderson River Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Project.

• Detailed diagrams and sections of the slide headgate, including its operating mechanism, floor box, and stem.
• Specifications for materials such as corrugated iron or steel pipe, concrete base, and cast iron headgate.
• Notes on installation requirements, including cleaning, painting, caulking, and concrete specifications.
• Dimensions and specific details for components like the operating wrench, floor box, and bell wall fitting.

This "as-built" drawing is crucial for understanding the exact specifications and construction of a specific structure. Bidders involved in any related maintenance, repair, or future construction within this project area would need to refer to these details to ensure compatibility and adherence to existing infrastructure. It provides a factual record of what was built, which is essential for accurate bidding on work that interfaces with this structure.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Register of Wage Determinations Under the Service Contract Act" issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division. It provides the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations in the specified geographic area (Indiana Counties of Perry, Spencer) for contracts subject to the Service Contract Act.

• Lists numerous occupational codes and titles.
• Specifies the minimum hourly wage rate for each occupation.
• Indicates that "Fringe Benefits Required Follow the Occupational Listing."
• Includes notes on Executive Orders 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and 13658 (Minimum Wage), detailing their applicability and requirements.
• Outlines general benefits such as vacation and holidays.
• Provides information on hazardous pay differentials and uniform allowances.
• Explains the conformance process for additional classifications and wage rates.

This document is critical for bidders responding to solicitations that incorporate Service Contract Act wage determinations. It establishes the minimum labor costs that must be factored into proposals for covered service contracts. Bidders must ensure their proposed wages and benefits meet or exceed these requirements to be compliant. The document also details specific benefit provisions like paid sick leave, vacation, and holidays, which impact overall compensation and labor costs.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides detailed engineering drawings and material specifications for a Hydro Gate Corporation sluice gate, specifically the Series 501, with a 20x20 HDSG (Heavy Duty Sluice Gate) configuration. It serves as a technical specification for procurement or manufacturing.

• Drawing M0549001: Details the physical dimensions, assembly, and installation of the 20x20 sluice gate, including stem length, wall bracket, and anchor bolt layout.
• Drawing M0549500: Outlines the material specifications for various components (gate, frame, stem, fasteners, etc.) and coating specifications, including cleaning methods and coating types (e.g., TNEMEC 46H-413, ROCKHARD POLY-ENAMEL #649).
• Identification Tag Information: Specifies the dimensions and etching details for the stainless steel identification tag.
• Customer Information: Includes customer number (LX2000000P11) and sales order number (00-0549).

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the exact technical requirements, materials, and specifications of the sluice gate being procured. It informs the bidder about:

• The physical size and configuration of the gate.
• The specific materials and coatings required for durability and performance.
• Installation details and potential site requirements.
• Compliance with Hydro Gate Corporation's proprietary design standards.

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

To replace dam valve assemblies at Celina Lake and Saddle Lake dams, and repair the dam valve assembly at the U-38 dam, all located within the Hoosier National Forest.

• Celina Lake Dam: Replace existing gate and lift assembly with a Hydro Gate gate and CPS series lift assembly (or approved alternative).
• Saddle Lake Dam: Replace existing gate and lift assembly with a Hydro Gate gate and CPS series lift assembly (or approved alternative).
• U-38 Dam: Re-secure the valve lift-stem system, which has come loose from the inlet structure wall.

Work is to be performed at Celina Lake, Saddle Lake, and U-38 dams within the Hoosier National Forest.

• All work within the inlet structures is considered a permit-required confined space.
• Personnel entering these spaces must be currently confined space certified and adhere to OSHA 29 CFR 1910 regulations.
• Valves for Celina and Saddle Lake dams are located in wet chambers; U-38 has one chamber.

Functional gate and lift assemblies that allow for draw-down pipes to be operated in fully open, closed, or intermediate positions.

• As-built drawings for valve structures are available upon request.

• Access keys to the dam valve structures will be provided.

• Maps and directions to Celina Lake Dam, Saddle Lake Dam, and U-38 Dam are provided.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a technical drawing and parts list for a 12" Series 20 valve with a 120" extended handwheel operator. It provides detailed specifications and material information for the valve components.

• Diagrams: Includes overall views of the valve with extended operator, and detailed views (Det. A and Det. B) showing internal components and connections.
• Dimensions: Key dimensions are provided, including overall height (120" Ext.), flange dimensions (13.75", 10.75"), and bolt circle diameter (17" B.C.D.).
• Parts List: A table lists 14 items with their part names, quantities, and materials. Notable materials include PTFE for packing, EPDM for O-ring, CF8M for body, 316 SS for the gate, and Stainless Steel for various other components.
• Model Information: Identifies the model as "20-3636M-12.0" and "12" SER. 20 VALVE 120"Ext. HANDWHEEL OPERATOR".
• Testing & Standards: Indicates that valves are tested to conform to "TIS405-8 and MSS-SP81" standards.

This attachment provides critical technical details about a specific valve assembly. Bidders should use this information to understand the exact specifications, materials, and dimensions of the valve required, which is essential for accurate proposal preparation and ensuring compliance with technical requirements.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides project specifications for the Saddle Lake Slide Gate Replacement, specifically for the Celina Dam Structure #1 Valve Replacement. It details the requirements for fabricating, installing, and testing new stainless steel slide gate assemblies and associated components.

• General Conditions: Outlines fabrication, installation, and operational conformity requirements, including adherence to AWWA C561 standards unless modified.
• Section Requirements: Specifies the removal of existing valve systems and installation of new stainless steel sluice gates with rising stem operator systems at Celina Dam. It also covers trash rack replacement and requires confined space entry certification.
• Submittals: Requires contractors to submit drawings, manufacturer's information, installation diagrams, and certifications for approval.
• Performance: Details leakage requirements (not to exceed 0.05 U.S. gallons per minute of seating perimeter) and mandates a post-installation leakage test.
• Warranties: Requires a one-year manufacturer's warranty for materials and workmanship, and a one-year workmanship warranty for installation.
• Products (Materials): Specifies 20"x20" slide gates for Celina Lake (55 ft head) and 18"x18" for Saddle Lake (30 ft head). Materials include specific grades of stainless steel (ASTM A240/A240M, Type 304L or 316L) for gates, frames, and fasteners, and UHMW polymer for seals and guides.
• Execution: Covers the removal of existing gates and stems, proper disposal of debris, and installation procedures, including the need for "As Built" drawings and field verification of dimensions.

This document is crucial for bidders as it defines the technical specifications, materials, performance standards, and installation requirements for the slide gate replacement project. It directly impacts the scope of work, material sourcing, compliance obligations, and proposal development. Bidders must carefully review these specifications to ensure their proposed solution meets all stated requirements, including specific dimensions, material grades, leakage rates, and warranty provisions.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an Experience Questionnaire (FS-6300-27) required for bidders to complete as part of the solicitation process. It is designed to gather information about a contractor's experience, capabilities, and resources relevant to the opportunity.

• Contractor Information: Name, address, DUNS #, email.
• Business Type: Classification of the business (Company, Corporation, etc.).
• Years of Experience: In the line of work and in contracting (prime/sub).
• Past Projects: Details of projects completed within the last three years, including contract amount, type, date completed, and owner contact information.
• Current Commitments: Concurrent contractual commitments, including contract number, dollar amount, agency involved, and completion status.
• Past Performance: Questions regarding failure to complete work or work completed by performance bond, with a request for details if "Yes".
• Organization & Work Availability: Minimum/maximum employees, payroll status, and estimated rates of progress.
• Principal Individuals' Experience: Details on key personnel, their roles, years of experience, and magnitude/type of work.
• Equipment: List of planned equipment, including vehicles, with maintenance plans.
• Plans & Procedures: Description of contractor inspection, safety plan, proposed schedule, and use of bio-based products.
• Remarks: Section for additional information.
• Certification: A statement by the certifying official confirming the accuracy of the information provided.

Bidders must complete this questionnaire thoroughly and accurately to demonstrate their experience and capability to perform the work required by the solicitation. The information provided will be used by the government to evaluate the bidder's qualifications and past performance.