Z--JELA 311263 - Canal Backfill Restoration

Amendment / Modification

• This amendment (0001) is issued to post answers to vendor questions regarding solicitation 140P2026R0036.

• The document does not specify which sections of the original solicitation are affected by these answers.

• The amendment does not explicitly state if proposal deadlines or submission requirements have been modified. However, it is crucial for offerors to review the posted answers to understand any potential impact on their proposals.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the Parallel Canal backfill project, clarifying requirements and specifications.

• Canal Backfill Dimensions: The project involves backfilling a 9,200-9,500 foot long section of the Parallel Canal. On-site spoilbank material will be used for backfill, with no external material delivery.
• Gapping Spoilbank: Approximately 25% of the spoilbank (totaling 9,200-9,500 LF) on the east side of the Parallel Canal, between Parallel and Pipeline canals, is to be gapped. The exact number, location, and size of gaps will be determined during preconstruction by the contractor and the NPS. An example provided suggests 24 gaps of approximately 100 ft each could meet the 25% requirement.
• Check Meander: There will be no check meander installed for this project.
• Registration in SAM: Offerors are required to be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) at the time of offer submission and award, as per FAR 52.204-7(b)(1).
• NAICS Code: Bidders must have and represent in good faith the NAICS code 238910 and its corresponding small business size standard as identified in the solicitation to be eligible for award.

This Q&A document clarifies key aspects of the project scope, particularly regarding spoilbank gapping and dimensions, and reinforces the requirement for SAM registration and correct NAICS code representation. It does not appear to alter submission deadlines or evaluation factors.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for "Canal Backfilling" (JELA 311263) for the National Park Service (NPS) – Denver Service Center (DSC). The acquisition is being conducted as a Small Business set-aside. The estimated magnitude of construction is between $1M and $5M.

• Canal restoration within the Barataria unit of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve.

• Approximately 9,500 LF of spoil bank backfilling/dredging to restore natural hydrology and wetland functions.

• May involve removal of vegetation from spoil banks.

• Vegetation will either be placed within canals prior to backfilling or chipped in place.

• Specifications and drawings are attached and incorporated by reference.

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP)

• Period of Performance: 10 calendar days to begin performance after notice to proceed, and 90 calendar days to complete the work.

• Performance Bonds and Payment Bonds are required.

• Offers are due by 05/07/2026 at the time specified in Item 8.

• Proposals and questions must be submitted via email.

• Evaluation will be based on a Best Value Tradeoff Process, considering technical approach, project experience, key personnel experience, past performance, and price. Non-price factors are significantly more important than price.

• A site visit is not officially scheduled, but the canal area is public and accessible.

• Small Business set-aside.

• NAICS Code: 238910

• Small Business Size Standard: $19M

• Offerors must submit pricing for the "Parallel Can" line item.

• All measurement and payment information is in the project specifications, Section 01 27 00.

• Liquidated damages for delay are $3,734.00 per calendar day.

Specifications

This document outlines the specifications for the "Canal Backfilling at Barataria Preserve" project, which involves the development and restoration of the Parallel Canal within the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve in Louisiana. The project aims to restore natural hydrology and wetland functions by degrading or gapping spoil banks associated with canal dredging. The material from the spoil banks will be used to fill the canals, with specific methods for placement depending on whether the canal is to remain navigable.

• Degradation of spoil banks and dikes using marsh buggies, barge-mounted excavators, or similar equipment.

• Placement of spoil bank material into canals, or chipping in place for navigable canals.

• Gapping of spoil banks to restore hydrological connections with surrounding wetlands.

• Revegetation of reclaimed areas adjacent to forested wetlands with native woody species.

• Implementation of erosion and sediment control measures, including temporary floating turbidity curtains.

• Tree planting as specified in Section 32 93 43.

• Compliance with environmental regulations, including waste management, storm water pollution prevention, and protection of natural habitats and wildlife.

• The project will be constructed under a single prime contract.

• Contractor use of the site will be limited to designated areas.

• Work hours are generally from dawn to dusk, Monday through Friday, with restrictions on weekends and federal holidays without prior approval.

• Specific requirements for submittals, including shop drawings, product data, samples, and other documentation, are detailed throughout the specifications.

• A detailed construction schedule is required, utilizing the Critical Path Method (CPM).

• Quality assurance and quality control procedures are outlined, emphasizing compliance with specified standards and requirements.

• Not specified in this document.

• The project is located within the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve.

• The "Geotechnical Data Report" dated September 13, 2021, is referenced.

• The project involves coordination with the National Park Service (NPS) and potentially other contractors.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "General References" form intended for offerors to provide the Government with general references as described in Section L (Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Offerors). It is crucial for offerors to disclose any less-than-satisfactory relationships with references and describe any corrective actions taken. Failure to do so may negatively impact the assessment of the offeror's past performance record.

• Contractor/Offeror Name
• Surety Information: Name, Address, Agent, Telephone Number
• Corporate Bank Information (x2): Name, Address, Agent, Telephone Number, Types and Numbers of Accounts
• Insurance Company Information: Name, Address, Agent, Telephone Number, Types of Policies
• Subcontractor Information (x3): Name, Address, Contact Name, Telephone Number, Area of Specialized Work
• Material Supplier Information (x3): Name, Address, Contact Name, Telephone Number, Types of Material

Offerors must complete this form accurately and legibly, including area codes for all telephone numbers. It is essential for providing information that will be used to assess past performance. The form requires details about business relationships, including financial and insurance entities, as well as subcontractors and material suppliers. Providing explanations for any deficiencies or less-than-satisfactory relationships is strongly advised.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a template for reporting on the "Limitations on Subcontracting" clause, required for small business set-aside service contracts (including construction) priced at or above $150,000. It serves as a standardized method for prime contractors to report their subcontracting activities.

• Contract Information: Fields for Contract Number, Prime Contractor, Current Total Contract Price, Type of Set Aside, and Period of Performance.
• Type of Service (Required Participation): Specifies maximum subcontracting percentages to non-similarly situated subcontractors for different contract types (Services, General Construction, Construction by Special Trade).
• Participation Calculation: Sections to detail amounts invoiced by the prime contractor, portions paid to Similarly Situated Subcontractors (SSS) and Non-Similarly Situated Subcontractors (NSS), and calculated percentages for Prime & SSS Participation and % subcontracted to NSS.
• Definitions: Clarifies what constitutes a "Similarly Situated Subcontractor (SSS)".
• Corrective Action Plan: A section to be completed if the contractor is not in compliance with subcontracting limitations.

Bidders should use this template to understand the reporting requirements related to subcontracting limitations. It outlines the specific percentages that must be met for various contract types and how subcontracting performance will be calculated and reported. This information is crucial for small businesses seeking to participate as subcontractors and for prime contractors to ensure compliance with set-aside requirements.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a General Decision Number (GDN) for wage determination, specifically LA20260007, effective January 2, 2026. It outlines prevailing wage rates for various construction classifications related to heavy dredging projects in Louisiana.

• General Decision Number: LA20260007
• Publication Date: 01/02/2026
• State: Louisiana
• Construction Type: Heavy Dredging
• Counties: Louisiana Statewide
• Scope: Dredging projects along the Gulf Coast area, including the Mississippi River and its tributaries to the Ohio River.
• Classifications and Rates: Lists specific job titles (e.g., Derrick Operator, Deckhand, Welder, Drag Tender) with their corresponding hourly wage rates. Some rates are subject to fringe benefits.
• Footnotes: Includes information on paid holidays and vacation days.
• Executive Orders: References Executive Order 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and Executive Order 13658 (Minimum Wage for Federal Contractors), outlining their applicability and requirements.
• Wage Determination Appeals Process: Provides information on how to appeal wage determinations.

This document is crucial for bidders responding to opportunities involving heavy dredging in Louisiana. It establishes the minimum prevailing wage rates that must be paid to laborers and mechanics employed on the construction, alteration, or repair of public buildings or public works. Bidders must ensure their proposals account for these wage rates to comply with labor standards.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Past Performance Questionnaire intended for use by offerors and references to evaluate a contractor's performance on a previous project. Offerors are to complete Sections A and B and provide the questionnaire to a reference. The reference will then complete Sections C and D and transmit the questionnaire back to the Contracting Officer.

• Offeror Information: Company Name, Address, UEI, Point of Contact.
• Contract Information for Past Project: Project Title, Contract Number, Contract Type, Awarded/Current Price, Award/Completion Dates, Period of Performance, Project Location, Client/Owner, Brief description of work.
• Reference Information: Name, Position/Title, Organization, Phone, Email, Signature, Date.
• Evaluation Areas: Quality, Schedule (& Time Management), Cost Control, Management, Small Business Subcontracting (& Labor Standards), Regulatory Compliance.
• Rating Definitions: Exceptional, Very Good, Satisfactory, Marginal, Unsatisfactory.
• Overall Recommendation and Comments.
• Return Information: Name, Title, Organization, Email of the Contracting Officer.

This questionnaire is crucial for bidders as it outlines the information required to assess past performance, a common evaluation factor in government solicitations. Bidders must ensure they provide accurate information for their references and that their references can provide a comprehensive and favorable evaluation. The evaluation criteria detailed within the questionnaire (Quality, Schedule, Cost Control, Management, etc.) highlight the government's priorities for contractor performance.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document contains detailed engineering drawings and plans related to the "Canal Backfilling at Barataria Preserve" project within the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. It outlines the proposed methods and specifications for backfilling various canals.

• Sheet Overview (G1.0): Provides a general map of the Barataria Preserve unit, highlighting the canals involved and a table of contents for the drawing set.
• Access Plan (G1.1): Details the access routes to the canals, including information on utility crossings and coordination requirements.
• Sequence of Construction (G1.2, G1.3): Outlines the phased approach to construction, emphasizing safety for wildlife and minimizing disturbance to adjacent wetlands. It specifies equipment to be used and procedures for handling potential encounters with marine mammals or cultural artifacts.
• Details (C1.8, C1.9, C4.1-C4.5): Provides specific plans and cross-sections for different canals (e.g., Parallel Canal) and various backfilling techniques, including gap design, plug and check meanders, and backfilling with woody debris. These sheets detail existing and proposed conditions, dimensions, and specific construction notes.

These drawings are critical for any bidder to understand the physical scope, technical requirements, construction methodologies, environmental considerations, and site-specific challenges of the canal backfilling project. They provide the detailed engineering basis for the work described in any associated solicitation or SOW.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a map illustrating the "Area of Potential Effects: Parallel and Upper Kenta Canal backfilling and gapping to restore more natural hydrology." It serves to visually define the project area and related features.

• Legend: Identifies key data layers including HSDRRS Upper Kenta gap points, JELABackfillCandidateCanals (dated 20190226), and CanalBackfilling Completed (dated 2010).
• Map Area: Depicts the geographical location with the Parallel and Upper Kenta Canal system.
• Project Area: Outlined areas indicate potential effects related to backfilling and gapping activities.
• Scale Bar: Provides a visual scale in miles for spatial reference.
• Production Information: Details that the map was produced by the National Park Service, Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, Resource Management Division, in November 2024.

This map is crucial for bidders to understand the geographical scope and specific locations of the proposed canal backfilling and gapping project. It helps visualize the areas where work will be performed and provides context for the project's objectives related to restoring natural hydrology.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Project Experience Questionnaire intended for offerors to detail their relevant project experience. It serves as a template for bidders to submit information that will be evaluated against the Project Experience subfactor outlined in Section L of the solicitation (140P2026R0036).

• Offeror Information: Company Name.
• Referenced Project Information: Includes Project Title, Location, Brief Description, Project Owner, and Point of Contact.
• Contractor List: Details for each contractor (Prime or Sub) involved in the referenced project, including their Trade, Price, and Performance Period (Original and Final).
• Project Experience Questions: Seven specific questions requiring detailed responses about:
  1. Project work performed by all listed contractors.
  2. How each contractor's work addresses Project Experience elements from Section L.
  3. Reasons for changes to original project prices.
  4. Reasons for changes to original project schedules.
  5. Problems encountered and their resolutions, and how the offeror's proposal addresses similar issues.
  6. Successful means and methods used, and their applicability to the proposed project.
  7. Any other relevant project information.

This questionnaire is critical for bidders to demonstrate their qualifications and past performance. Offerors must use this template to structure their responses, ensuring they provide specific details about their experience on relevant projects as required by the solicitation's evaluation criteria. The format guides bidders on the type and depth of information needed regarding project scope, pricing, scheduling, problem resolution, and methodology.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Pre-Solicitation Notice (PSN) announcing the National Park Service's (NPS) intent to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Construction Services related to Canal Backfilling at Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, Louisiana. This notice is a synopsis and not the formal solicitation.

• The primary work required is Canal Backfilling.

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP), Stand-Alone Contract.

• Anticipated Period of Performance: 90 calendar-days from Notice to Proceed (NTP).

• Magnitude of Construction: Estimated between $1 Million - $5 Million.

• Bonding: Bid, Performance, and Payment Bonds will be required.

• The formal RFP (Solicitation No: 140P2026R0036) is anticipated to be issued on or after April 3, 2026.

• Specific proposal submission instructions will be in the formal solicitation documents.

• Proposals will be evaluated based on a Best Value continuum, utilizing a Trade-off process, considering Technical, Past Performance, and Price factors.

• A pre-proposal conference and site visit are anticipated after the RFP issuance and before the proposal due date.

• This requirement is a Small Business Set-Aside.

• The Size Standard is $19 Million.

• North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code: 238910 – Site Preparation Contractors.

• Product Service Code (PSC): Z1KB – Canal Maintenance.

• Offerors must have an active registration in the Systems for Awards Management (SAM) and a UEI number.

• Interested parties should periodically check SAM.gov for amendments and changes.

• Contact: Contracting Officer, Shellie Murphy, shellie_murphy@nps.gov