Kimball Creek Culvert Replacement FR-304

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides clarifications and answers to questions submitted by potential bidders regarding the solicitation for an aluminum structural plate arch project.

• Build America, Buy America: Requirements will NOT be in effect for this contract.
• Structural Plate Arch Size: The 25’ Span x 8’-5” Rise is an estimated size. Alternate aluminum box culvert or structural plate arch sizes are acceptable. The contractor is responsible for the design and cost of spread footings if required. The approximate waterway area is 180 sq ft before stream simulation material.
• Geotechnical Report: The December 5, 2011, Braun Intertec geotechnical report is now available on SAM.gov and includes bearing capacity recommendations.
• Load Ratings: A calculated load rating based on the structure's design is required, similar to MNDNR and MNDOT requirements. A physical load rating after construction is not necessary.
• Design Load: The 250-kip load requirement is disregarded. The structure shall be designed for HL93 vehicles and all Minnesota standard permit vehicles, including seasonal weight increases.
• Bid Guarantee: The solicitation indicates an offer guarantee is required, but the specific amount is not detailed. Bidders should note this lack of specificity.
• Liquidated Damages: No liquidated damages are specified for this project.
• Government Pit Materials: The Osprey and Thompson Lake Pits are available, but the contractor is responsible for finding and obtaining suitable material. No material quantities are earmarked or guaranteed. Suitability for specific pay items (sandbag fill, riprap, aggregate) has not been tested by the government.
• Manufacturer Equivalency: No specific manufacturer is required. Aluminum box culverts or structural plate arches meeting contract requirements are acceptable.
• Progress Payments: Payments will be considered based on percentage of completion. Payment for materials can be made once they are onsite.
• Subsurface Assumptions: The structure excavation pay item accounts for all excavation and dewatering. The IGCE used information from the solicitation documents.
• Material Source Assumptions: The IGCE used regional historical pricing, not specific government or commercial sources.
• Quantity Sensitivity: This is a fixed-price contract. Equitable adjustments may be made per FAR 52.211-18 if estimated quantities vary by more than 15%. Unexpected subsurface conditions require contractor notification to the Contracting Officer for potential contract modification.

These clarifications address specific bidder questions, confirm the non-applicability of Buy America requirements, provide details on acceptable structures and design loads, and clarify the availability and suitability of government-provided materials. Bidders should incorporate this information into their bid preparation.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document provides detailed reinforcing steel schedules and typical bar bend diagrams for the Kimball Creek Road culvert project. It specifies the types, quantities, sizes, lengths, and weights of reinforcing steel bars required for the South Headwall and Wingwalls, North Headwall, and miscellaneous components. It also illustrates standard bar bends used in the project.

• Reinforcing Steel Schedules (Pages 1-2): Detail specific rebar items (Itm), quantity (Qty), diameter (Dia), length, mark, shape, weight (lbs), and various dimension measurements (A through K) for different structural components.
• Total Weight: Summarizes the total weight of reinforcing steel required for each section and a grand total.
• Typical Bar Bends (Pages 3-4): Illustrates and labels various standard bar bend shapes and types (e.g., S1-S15, T1-T16) with corresponding dimensions and notes on their application.

This document is crucial for bidders to accurately estimate the quantity and type of reinforcing steel needed for the project. It directly impacts material procurement, fabrication, and installation costs. The bar bend diagrams ensure correct fabrication of rebar according to project specifications.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides standard details and specifications for temporary diversion channels, including plastic-lined diversion channels, riprap-lined diversion channels, and temporary culverts. It is intended to guide contractors in designing and constructing these temporary diversions.

• Plastic Lined Diversion Channel: Details cross-sections (A-A and B-B) showing liner placement, securing methods (sandbags, riprap), and dimensions (w, d).
• Riprap Lined Diversion Channel: Details cross-sections (A-A and B-B) showing riprap lining, geotextile filter, and dimensions (w, d).
• Temporary Culvert: Illustrates a plan view and cross-section (B-B) of a temporary culvert installation, including subgrade, backfill, and surrounding ground.
• Notes: Provides critical design considerations, including:
  • Contractor responsibility for designing temporary diversions based on provided peak flow data.
  • Requirement for plastic liner or riprap along the entire channel length and width.
  • Minimum channel grade of 0.5 percent.
  • Specific instructions for burying upstream liner edges.
  • Use of pipes for stream diversion during construction.
  • Requirement for geotextile filter.
• Table: Presents adjusted peak flow rates (cfs) for various flow events (e.g., 2-year, 10-year, 100-year).

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the technical requirements and standards for temporary erosion and sediment control measures that may be required as part of the overall project. It outlines the acceptable methods and materials for managing water flow during construction, which will impact project planning, execution, and cost estimation.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the replacement of the Kimball Creek Culvert on low volume Forest Road 304. The project involves traffic control, demolition and removal of the existing culvert and debris, dewatering, and installation of a new structural plate arch culvert. It also includes furnishing and installing rip rap, headwall and wing walls, aggregate for the road grade, regrading approaches, installing permanent traffic signs, and seeding/mulching disturbed areas. The project aims to protect Kimball Creek and associated wetlands from siltation.

• Replacement of storm-damaged structural culvert.

• Demolition and removal of existing culvert and creek debris.

• Dewatering operations.

• Furnish and install new structural plate arch (corrugated aluminum or alternate-corrugated galvanized steel) with all components and installation hardware.

• Furnish and install rip rap.

• Installation of headwall and wing walls.

• Furnish and place aggregate to final road grade.

• Regrading structural plate arch approaches.

• Install permanent traffic signs.

• Seed and mulch all disturbed areas.

• Protect Kimball Creek and associated wetlands from siltation.

• Instream work must be completed outside of the stream restriction time period.

• Anticipated contract type: Firm-fixed price.

• The Government reserves the right to make multiple awards if it determines it to be in the best interest of the Government, though the intent is to make one award.

• Administrative cost of awarding and administering a purchase order is assumed to be $500 for evaluation purposes.

• Offers are due by 1:00 PM CST on January 16, 2026.

• Questions are due no later than January 16, 2026, via email to michelle.r.reed@usda.gov.

• Offers must be held firm for 90 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers.

• Evaluation will be based on the lowest price technically acceptable criteria.

• Offerors must provide: Past Performance, Technical Capability, Quality Control and Safety Plan, and Project Schedule.

• Past Performance will be rated as Acceptable, Neutral, or Unacceptable.

• Price will be evaluated to determine if it is fair and reasonable.

• This acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-Aside.

• The applicable North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) Code is 237310.

• The small business size standard is $45 million.

• All responsible sources may submit a quotation.

• This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; offers are being requested, and a separate written solicitation will not be issued.

• The solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses by reference, accessible at www.acquisition.gov.

• Attachments include: Solicitation Terms and Conditions, Statement of Work, Plans, Specifications, Schedule of Items, Map, and Davis Bacon.

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

This Statement of Work (SOW) details the requirements for the replacement of the Kimball Creek Culvert on low volume Forest Road 304, MP 4.285, within the Superior National Forest.

• Replace the existing elliptical corrugated metal pipe culvert with a new 25'-0" span x 8'-6" rise x 45'-0" long structural plate arch culvert made of corrugated aluminum alloy.

• Install concrete upstream and downstream headwalls and concrete downstream wing walls.

• Furnish and install rip rap, aggregate to final road grade, and regrade structural plate arch approaches.

• Install permanent traffic signs.

• Seed and mulch all disturbed areas.

• Protect Kimball Creek and associated wetlands from siltation and other destructive impacts of construction.

• The contractor shall furnish all labor, materials, equipment, tools, transportation, and supplies.

• All materials and workmanship must comply with FHWA Standard Specifications for Construction of Roads and Bridges on Federal Highway Projects, FP-14, and project supplemental specifications.

• The new culvert shall be designed to AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, 9th edition, 2020, with a design load of HL93, accommodating Minnesota Statute 169.826 and 169.8261.

• The structural plate structure shall conform to AASHTO M 219, and backfill to AASHTO M 145 or manufacturer's requirements.

• Traffic control must be established before commencing work.

• A temporary diversion of the creek and culvert bedding design must be approved by the Forest Service.

• The project is intended to be completed during the FY 2026 construction season.

• All in-stream work must be performed between June 30th and September 15th.

• Kimball Creek is a designated trout stream.

• The contractor shall assign experienced personnel for culvert installation, bolted connections, concrete work, stream work, and site grading.

• There are no security requirements for this project.

• Section 508 requirements for all project communication and documents shall be followed.

Other / Unclassified

This document contains supplemental specifications (FSSS) for the "FR 304 MP 4.285 Kimball Creek Culvert Replacement" project. It amends and supplements the "Standard Specifications for Construction of Roads and Bridges on Federal Highway Projects FP-14". The document details numerous modifications and additions to various sections of the standard specifications, covering aspects such as terms and definitions, scope of work, control of work and materials, acceptance, 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, earthwork geotextiles, structural excavation and backfill, subgrade stabilization, aggregate courses, structural concrete, structural plate structures, topsoil, turf establishment, permanent and temporary traffic control, and various material specifications.

This document is crucial for bidders as it outlines the specific technical requirements, standards, and procedures that will govern the Kimball Creek Culvert Replacement project. It details how work will be measured and paid for, quality control expectations, and specific construction methods. Understanding these supplemental specifications is essential for accurately estimating costs, developing a compliant bid, and planning project execution. Bidders must carefully review these specifications to ensure their proposed approach meets all government requirements.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a General Decision Number (GDN) for wage determination, specifically MN20260231, effective 01/02/2026. It supersedes MN20250231. The determination applies to Heavy and Highway construction types in specific counties within Minnesota (Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, Pine, and St. Louis). It provides prevailing wage rates and fringes for various labor classifications.

This document is crucial for bidders on federal or federally-funded construction projects in the specified geographic area and construction types. It establishes the minimum wage rates that must be paid to laborers and mechanics employed on such projects, as required by the Davis-Bacon Act and related legislation. Bidders must use these rates to accurately calculate labor costs in their proposals and ensure compliance with labor standards. The document also references relevant Minnesota Rules for labor classifications and provides contact information for the Branch of Construction Wage Determinations for any questions.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a map illustrating the location of a project and related points of interest. It serves to visually guide potential bidders to the project site and surrounding areas.

• Project Location: Marked with a star and a callout box.
• Roads: Identifies Forest Road 304, Gunflint Trail (CR 12), and Mn Hwy 61.
• Landmarks: Includes Grand Marais, Lake Superior, Elbow Lake, Dead Duck Lake, Thompson Lake Pit, and Osprey Pit.
• Scale: A mileage scale is provided for spatial reference.

This map is crucial for understanding the geographical context of the opportunity. Bidders can use it to assess logistical challenges, travel routes, and the proximity of the project site to key infrastructure and resources.

Plans / Drawings

This document contains engineering plans and drawings for Project MN ERFO FS SPERI909 2022-1(1), which involves the replacement of a flood-damaged culvert on Kimball Creek Road (Route FR-304) at Milepost 4.285 in Superior National Forest, Cook County, Minnesota. The project includes traffic control, dewatering, installation of a structural plate arch culvert (25' span x 8.5' rise x 45' length) with concrete headwalls and wingwalls, riprap, and regrading of approaches.

• Culvert Replacement: A 25' span x 8.5' rise x 45' length structural plate arch culvert made of corrugated aluminum will replace the existing culvert.

• Headwalls & Wingwalls: Concrete headwalls and wingwalls will be constructed.

• Roadway Work: Includes approach regrading, aggregate surface course, and potential use of local pits for embankment and riprap materials.

• Traffic Control: Temporary traffic control measures will be implemented.

• Environmental Considerations: Work is restricted between September 15 and June 30 due to Kimball Creek trout stream restrictions. Erosion and sediment control measures are detailed, including silt fence, filter bags, and rolled erosion control products.

• Project Location: Kimball Creek Road (Route FR-304), Superior National Forest, Cook County, Minnesota.

• Specifications: "Standard Specifications for Construction of Roads and Bridges on Federal Highway Projects", FP-14.

• Design Standards: AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, 9th Edition, 2020.

This set of plans includes:

• Title Sheet
• Symbols and Abbreviations
• Location Map & Temporary Traffic Control Plan
• Survey Information Sheet
• Typical Section
• Tabulation of Quantities
• Summaries and Schedules
• Plan and Profile
• Drainage Cross Sections
• Erosion and Sediment Control Narrative and Plan
• Bridge Plans (General Notes, Headwall/Wingwall Details, Reinforcement Schedules, Typical Bar Bends)
• Standard Details (Silt Fence, Diversion Channels, Filter Bags, RECP, Sign Structures, Breakaway Sign Supports)
• Cross Sections

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Schedule of Items" for the Kimball Creek Culvert Replacement FR304 @ MP 4.285 project, located in Cook County, MN, within the Superior National Forest. It details the various line items, item codes, estimated quantities, and units of measure for the work to be performed.

• Mobilization
• Construction Survey and Staking
• Soil Erosion Control (Filter Bag, Silt Fence, Temporary Diversion Channel)
• Clearing and Grubbing
• Culvert Removal and Replacement
• Embankment Construction
• Structure Excavation and Backfill
• Placed Riprap (Method A, Class 1 and Class 3)
• Aggregate Surface Course
• Structural Concrete (Class A (AE))
• Reinforcing Steel
• Structural Plate Arch (Corrugated Aluminum, 25 ft span, 8.5 ft rise)
• Topsoil Furnishing and Placing
• Turf Establishment
• Rolled Erosion Control Product (Type 1.C)
• Signs (Aluminum Panels, Type 3 Sheeting)
• Temporary Traffic Control

This schedule provides a detailed breakdown of the anticipated work items and their estimated quantities. Bidders will use this information to develop their proposals, estimate costs, and understand the scope of the project. The "Unit Price" and "Amount" columns are left blank, indicating they are to be filled in by the bidder.