FPL- Starkville Sewer Replacement

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the FPL Starkville Sewer Replacement Solicitation.

• Site Visit: No site visit has been scheduled, but vendors can schedule one.
• Sewer Line Status: The two sewer lines feeding into Manhole #1 are active.
• Pipe Sizing: The size of the pipe to replace the existing gravity sewer line is unknown and requires field verification; it should be replaced with the same size as existing.
• Invert Elevations: Existing invert elevations for Manholes and sewer pipes are unknown and must be measured by the contractor.
• Permits: No permits are required as this is a project within federal property.
• Bid Bond: A bid bond is not required for this work.
• Service Continuity: Sewage from both buildings must remain active via bypass. Temporary shutdowns are permitted with a 2-business-day notice.

A vendor noted that the sewer line length is 165', not 65', from manhole to manhole, which may impact proposals.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items for the FPL- Starkville Sewer Replacement project. The government intends to make one award for this solicitation. A separate written solicitation will not be issued.

• The core requirement is the Starkville Sewer Replacement.

• Specific details regarding the Statement of Work (SOW) are provided in Attachment 3.

• Davis-Bacon Act Wage Determination (WD # MS20260072) is provided in Attachment 2.

• Statement of Intent (SOI) is provided in Attachment 4.

• The anticipated award type is a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) purchase order.

• The period of performance is 90 days after the contractor receives the Notice To Proceed (NTP). Early completion is acceptable.

• Offers must include pricing for all items to be considered responsive.

• Quotes will be evaluated based on lowest price. Award will be made to the responsible and acceptable contractor providing the lowest price.

• Acceptability is determined by compliance with the solicitation; responsibility is determined by the Contracting Officer, considering factors like past performance and financial health.

• Pricing must be submitted as requested in "Attachment 04 Schedule of Items." Total price evaluation includes all base and option items.

• Quotes must be emailed to marquez.weldon@usda.gov no later than 5:00 P.M. (Eastern) on 03/16/2026.

• The offeror agrees to hold prices firm for 90 calendar days from the offer receipt date.

• The document lists numerous FAR clauses related to small business concerns, including "Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns" and "Notice of Total Small Business Aside."

• Questions must be submitted via email to marquez.weldon@usda.gov no later than March 06th, 2026, at 12:00 PM Eastern Time.

• This solicitation incorporates many FAR and AGAR clauses by reference. Full text is available upon request or electronically via the provided link.

• Specific clauses related to construction wage rates, Buy American requirements, and payment terms are detailed.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "General Decision Number" (MS20260072) which establishes the prevailing wage rates and fringe benefits for various construction crafts in Mississippi for heavy construction projects. It is used to ensure that laborers and mechanics employed on federally funded or assisted construction projects are paid wages at least equal to the locally prevailing wages.

• General Decision Number: MS20260072, dated 01/02/2026.
• State: Mississippi.
• Construction Type: Heavy Construction Projects (including those excluding flood control).
• Counties Covered: Alcorn, Calhoun, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Itawamba, Lee, Lowndes, Monroe, Noxubee, Oktibbeha, Pontotoc, Prentiss, Tippah, Tishomingo, Union, Webster, and Winston.
• Crafts and Rates: Lists specific wage rates and fringe benefits for various trades, including Ironworker (Structural), Carpenter, Cement Mason/Concrete Finisher, Electrician, Ironworker (Reinforcing), Laborer (Common/General and Pipelayer), Operator (Backhoe/Excavator/Trackhoe and Bulldozer), Truck Driver, and Welders.
• Executive Order 13706: Requires contractors to provide 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 56 hours annually.
• Executive Order 13658: Sets a minimum wage rate for covered workers (at least $13.30 per hour or the applicable wage rate, whichever is higher) for contracts awarded on or after January 1, 2015, and not renewed or extended after January 30, 2022.
• Union Rate Identifiers: Explains how to interpret different identifiers (e.g., "SU", "UAVG", "SA") used to denote the source of the prevailing wage rates.
• Appeals Process: Outlines the procedure for appealing wage determination decisions.

Bidders must use these prevailing wage rates when preparing their proposals for relevant construction projects in the specified counties of Mississippi. Failure to comply with these wage and hour requirements can lead to contract violations. The document also informs bidders about paid sick leave and minimum wage requirements mandated by Executive Orders.

Statement of Work (SOW)

To replace a blocked sewer line at the USDA Forest Service research site in Starkville, MS, due to unsuccessful attempts to clear the existing line.

• Excavate and remove approximately 65 linear feet of existing sewer line between Manholes #1 and #2 (MH-1 and MH-2).
• Perform alterations at MH-1, including clearing, cleaning, preparation, and filling with 5' of 3000PSI concrete to raise the effective bottom. A new exit port will be cut in MH-1 to match the existing sewer pipe size, immediately above the new concrete bottom.
• Furnish and install new PVC sewer pipe between MH-1 and MH-2, maintaining a slope of 1" per 12" on lateral sections. Two 22.5-degree drop/fall sections will be utilized to achieve the correct elevation change. The new pipe will be installed in the existing port in MH-2.
• Place the new pipe in 3/4" crushed stone (4" deep below the pipe barrel) and backfill with 1/4" crushed stone (12" above the pipe barrel).
• Grade and reseed the area to match existing landscaping.

Project to be completed within 90 calendar days from the Notice to Proceed.

• Construction debris must be hauled off-site to an approved landfill and disposed of by the Contractor. Recycling or reuse of materials is encouraged.
• Contractor shall protect existing structures and features, remove all debris and unused materials, and restore the site to its original condition upon completion. Any damage to structures, facilities, landscaping, or features must be repaired at the Contractor's expense.
• Contractor is responsible for compliance with all applicable Federal, State, and local safety regulations. A basic first aid kit, necessary first aid supplies, and non-freezing fire extinguishers must be provided.
• Work hour limits are Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., unless otherwise approved in writing by the Contracting Officer. Construction is not allowed on Saturdays, Sundays, or Government holidays without prior permission.
• Submittals, including shop drawings, manufacturer's literature, and physical samples, must be submitted electronically and/or physically as specified. The Government will have up to fifteen (15) business days to review each submission.
• A proposed schedule, including a Gantt chart or precedence diagram, must be provided. Coordination with the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) for utility shutdowns is required.
• A preconstruction conference will be scheduled after contract award.
• Weekly progress meetings will be held on-site.
• Final inspection requires at least three (3) days' written notice. The Contractor must certify all work is operating properly and in compliance with contract terms.
• Cleanup includes removing all construction debris and excess/stockpiled material.
• Final payment is contingent upon fulfillment of all contract requirements, including satisfactory completion of punch list items and submission of a final release of claims.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the schedule of items for the Starkville Sewer Replacement project, detailing the specific tasks and estimated quantities required for the work.

• Project Title: Starkville Sewer Replacement
• Activity: Forest Products Laboratory DISTRICT/FOREST/STATION/ACTIVITY
• Items:
  • 0001: Sewer line excavation & removal (LS, Est Qty: 1)
  • 0002: Manhole alterations (LS, Est Qty: 1)
  • 0003: Place new sewer pipe (LS, Est Qty: 1)
  • 0004: Grade & reseed landscaping (LS, Est Qty: 1)
• Anticipated Delivery Date: Jun-26
• Contract Type: Award anticipated to be a firm fixed price contract.

This schedule provides potential bidders with a clear understanding of the specific services and materials required for the sewer replacement project, including the scope of work for each item and the anticipated delivery timeline. It serves as a basis for preparing cost proposals for a firm fixed price contract.