Shawnee NF Vienna Parking Lot Pavement Preservation

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding Solicitation 12445526Q0054 for Vienna Parking Lot Pavement Preservation.

• Scope of Work: Pavement preservation does not involve milling. Refer to Attachments 1 & 2, and FP-14 for details. Work can be completed during the week with advance notification to office staff, or preferably over a weekend to minimize disruption.
• Site Visit: A site visit is optional. Contractors are requested to inform visitor center staff if they visit the site during the solicitation period.
• Schedule & Deadlines: Key dates are located in Block 13 of the SF-1442 and pages 15-16 of the solicitation document.
• Place of Performance: The project address is on page 4 of the solicitation document.
• Subcontracting: No limitations on subcontracting or required self-performance percentages.
• Traffic Control: Standard taping/barricading of lot entrances is required to protect fresh seal coat or pavement markings.
• Materials: Refer to section 406.02 on page 10 of Attachment 02 for material specifications.
• Pricing: Pricing must be submitted on Attachment 01 (Schedule of Items), providing unit prices and totals for each line item and the overall total.

This Q&A document clarifies existing requirements and directs bidders to specific sections of the solicitation and attachments for detailed information. No changes to due dates or submission rules are indicated.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the Vienna Parking Lot Pavement Preservation project, located at the Hidden Springs Ranger district office in Vienna, Illinois. The contractor will be responsible for providing all labor, materials, and incidentals to complete the pavement repairs.

• Pavement preservation services including:

  • Fog Seal (53,000 SF)
  • Cracks, Cleaning and Sealing (1,500 FT)
  • Pavement Markings Type K (1,600 FT)

• The project location is 602 N. First Street Route 45 North, Vienna, IL 62995.

• The delivery location for Pavement Markings Type K is Shawnee National Forest, 50 HWY 145 S, Harrisburg IL 62946 US.

• Award Type: Firm Fixed Price (FFP) Purchase Order.

• Estimated Magnitude of Construction: Between $25,000.00 and $100,000.00.

• Period of Performance: Must commence within 14 calendar days after notice to proceed and be completed by 09/15/2026.

• Submission Deadline: May 7, 2026, at 1400 local time.

• Submission Method: Email completed quotes to paul.boucher@usda.gov. Quotes must include a completed and signed Schedule of Items (attachment 01) with all items priced, and a signed Standard Form 1442 (blocks 14-20C completed).

• Offer Acceptance Period: Offerors agree to hold prices firm for 45 calendar days from the offer receipt date.

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the lowest priced, responsible, and responsive quoter whose quote is determined fair and reasonable.

• Site Visit: Offerors are urged to inspect the site.

• Not specified in the provided pages, but various small business and other provisions are incorporated by reference.

• Questions are due by April 27, 2026, at 3:00 PM Central Time and should be emailed to paul.boucher@usda.gov.

• Numerous FAR and AGAR clauses are incorporated by reference, covering topics such as construction wage rates, Buy American, labor standards, and DEI compliance.

Amendment / Modification

This document details modifications to various sections of a solicitation, primarily related to definitions, scope of work, control of work, acceptance of work, and specific construction details for fog seal.

Key changes include:

• Preface: Updated to reflect the adoption of FP-14 by the Forest Service for National Forest System Road construction.
• Section 101 (Terms, Format, and Definitions):
  • Removed references to TAR (Transportation Acquisition Regulations).
  • Added and revised acronyms and definitions relevant to Forest Service contracts, including "Forest Service," "Neat Line," "Pioneer Road," "Purchaser," "Protected Streamcourse," "Road Order," "Shop Drawings," and "Utilization Standards."
  • Added Figure 101-1 illustrating road structure terms.
• Section 102 (Bid, Award, and Execution of Contract): Deleted in its entirety.
• Section 103 (Scope of Work): Deleted all subsections except 103.01 (Intent of Contract).
• Section 104 (Control of Work): Deleted Subsections 104.01, 104.02, and 104.04. Added details to 104.06 regarding contractor use of Forest Service roads.
• Section 106 (Acceptance of Work): Revised 106.01 to align with FAR Clause 52.246-12 Inspection of Construction and added details on work conformity, government inspection, and dispute resolution. Replaced 106.02 with "Visual Inspection" criteria.
• Section 107 (Legal Relations and Responsibility to the Public): Deleted Subsection 107.05.
• Section 108 (Prosecution and Progress): Deleted in its entirety.
• Section 109 (Measurement and Payment): Deleted Subsections 109.06, 109.07, 109.08, and 109.09. Added a clause to 109.02(b) regarding contract quantity adjustments.
• Section 155 (Schedules for Construction Contracts): Deleted in its entirety.
• Section 406 (Fog Seal): Significantly revised to detail the description (2 coats), material specifications (ASTM and Federal specs), surface preparation, asphalt application rates and methods, curing times, and acceptance criteria.

Sections 101, 102, 103, 104, 106, 107, 108, 109, 155, and 406 have been modified or deleted.

These changes will impact how bidders understand definitions, scope, contract execution, work control, acceptance, payment, and specific construction methods, particularly for fog seal applications. Bidders must review these modifications carefully to ensure their proposals accurately reflect the updated requirements.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document provides prevailing wage rates for various construction trades in numerous counties across Illinois. It is intended to inform bidders about the minimum wage requirements for laborers and mechanics employed on federal or federally funded construction projects.

• General Decision Numbers: Unique identifiers for each wage determination.
• Superseded General Decision Numbers: Indicates previous wage determinations that have been updated.
• State and Counties: Specifies the geographic area covered by the wage rates.
• Construction Types: Delineates the types of construction projects to which these rates apply (e.g., Heavy and Highway, Building, Line Construction).
• Trade Classifications: Lists various job classifications, such as Carpenter, Electrician, Laborer, Painter, Truck Driver, Ironworker, Cement Mason/Concrete Finisher, and Power Equipment Operator.
• Wage Rates and Fringes: Provides the prevailing hourly wage rate and fringe benefit amounts for each classification.
• Footnotes and Classifications: Offers detailed descriptions of specific job duties, equipment operated, and any special conditions or premiums (e.g., hazardous waste work, height premiums).

Bidders must use this information to accurately estimate labor costs for their proposals. Failure to comply with these prevailing wage rates can lead to penalties and contract non-compliance. The document helps ensure fair wages are paid to workers on covered projects and provides a basis for cost estimation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Schedule of Items" for the Vienna Parking Lot Preservation project at the Shawnee National Forest, Hidden Springs Ranger District in Johnson County, Illinois. It outlines the specific tasks and quantities for which bidders must provide pricing.

• Item No. 0001: (406) Fog Seal, Quantity: 53,000 Sq Ft

• Item No. 0002: (414) Cracks, Cleaning and Sealing, Quantity: 1,500 Ft

• Item No. 0003: (634) Pavement Markings Type K, Quantity: 1,600 Ft

• Bidders are required to enter Unit Prices and Total Prices for all listed items.

• The contract anticipated is a Firm Fixed Price (FFP).

• Bidders must complete pricing for all items listed in this schedule.

• Payment will only be made for items listed in this schedule; any unlisted work is considered incidental.

• Contractors must have an active SAM.gov registration to be eligible for award.

• Alternative Payment Protections will be required if the awarded contract exceeds $35,000.00. Awarded prices are inclusive of any incidental bonding costs.

• Contractors should contact paul.boucher@usda.gov if they believe an item is missing or should be added to the schedule.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Road Design" drawing (Sheet C.105) for the Hidden Springs Administrative Site, part of the Shawnee National Forest in Region 9. It details the proposed layout for roads, parking areas, and related infrastructure.

• Site Layout: Depicts the "New Ranger Station" and "Existing Warehouse" with surrounding roads and parking.
• Parking Areas: Specifies designated parking for visitors (8 spaces, 2 ADA accessible), employees (25 spaces, 2 ADA accessible), and government vehicles (20 spaces, 1 ADA accessible). It also notes temporary parking (8 spaces).
• Road Design: Shows road alignments, curves, and connections, including College Street and Highway 45.
• Utilities and Features: Indicates locations of utility poles, fire hydrants, gas valves, water meters, and other site features.
• Legend: Provides a key for various symbols used on the drawing, such as wood lines, light poles, guy wires, and survey markers.
• General Notes: Includes important information regarding the sequencing of demolition, topsoil stockpiling, seeding disturbed areas, and recycling of asphalt pavement.
• Survey Data: Lists specific survey points with coordinates and elevations.

This drawing is crucial for bidders to understand the physical site layout, the scope of civil engineering work required, and the specific placement of roads and parking facilities. It informs the planning and execution of construction activities, including site access, material staging, and the integration of new infrastructure with existing site conditions. Bidders should pay close attention to the parking requirements, road design details, and general notes pertaining to construction sequencing and site management.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a map providing location context for the Hidden Springs Ranger District Office and the surrounding T13S R3E Section 4 area. It includes a detailed map of the immediate vicinity of the Ranger District Office and a broader regional map showing the project area in relation to surrounding states and major towns.

• Legend: Defines various map features including roads (seasonal roads), streams, waterbodies, National Forest Land, State Land, Fish and Wildlife areas, Municipal areas, and Non-National Forest Land.
• Top Map: Shows the Hidden Springs Ranger District Office, the town of Vienna, and surrounding roads and water features.
• Bottom Map: Displays a larger region including parts of Illinois, Missouri, and Kentucky, highlighting the Project Area, the Shawnee N.F. Supervisor Office, and other points of interest.

This map is crucial for bidders to understand the geographical context of the opportunity. It helps in visualizing the location of the Hidden Springs Ranger District Office, the project area, and surrounding infrastructure, which may be relevant for logistical planning, site visits, or understanding the operational environment.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Road Design" drawing (Sheet C.105) for the Hidden Springs Administrative Site, specifically detailing areas to receive seal coat. It serves as a visual guide for the scope of work related to paving and site improvements.

• Highlighted Areas: The drawing prominently highlights specific road and parking areas in pink, indicating where seal coating is to be applied.
• Parking Areas: Details are provided for Visitor Parking (8 spaces, 1 ADA accessible), Employee Parking (25 spaces, 2 ADA accessible), Government Vehicles (16 spaces, 1 ADA accessible), and Temporary Parking (8 spaces).
• Site Features: Includes existing structures like the Ranger Station, Visitor Center, Equipment Shed, and Warehouse, along with proposed new additions.
• Utilities and Infrastructure: Shows locations of utility poles, light poles, fire hydrants, gas valves, and water meters.
• Construction Limits and Notes: Outlines construction boundaries, silt fence lines, and includes general notes regarding demolition, topsoil stockpiling, seeding, and the removal/recycling of existing asphalt pavement.
• Scale and Legend: Provides a graphic scale and a legend for various site features.

This drawing is crucial for bidders to understand the physical scope of the work, particularly the extent of areas requiring seal coating. It helps in visualizing the site layout, identifying existing and proposed infrastructure, and estimating the labor and materials needed for the paving and related site work. Bidders should use this to assess the complexity and requirements of the project related to road and parking area improvements.

Other / Unclassified

This document provides instructions on how to follow projects on SAM.gov to receive email alerts for any changes made to a project. It details the steps required to enable these notifications, which can be done for any entity's projects, not just those from the Forest Service.

This document is relevant to bidders as it explains a feature on SAM.gov that allows them to stay informed about updates to opportunities they are interested in. By following these instructions, bidders can ensure they receive timely notifications about changes to solicitations, amendments, or other relevant information, which is crucial for preparing accurate and competitive proposals.