Request for Clarification Responses

24-22-C Houghton Canal at N Chateau Fresno Avenue Tree Removal

Supplemental Information - Not Part of the Contract Documents

The following list is comprised of paraphrased Requests for Clarification (RFC) submitted by potential bidders or sub-bidders in writing via email, letter, and this form:

24-22-C Request for Clarification Form

 

 

Will a C61/D49 license work to bid on this job as current license holders do not have to get the new C49 license? (RFC 2422-2, RFC 2422-4 submitted 1/15/2025)

Yes, the C-61/D-49 will be added in an upcoming addendum. Response date: 01/16/2025

Section 2.-1.04 notes requirements to attend if a pre-bid meeting is outlined in Notice to Bidders. I did not identify a pre-bid meeting option or requirement in the Notice to Bidders. Will there be a pre-bid meeting, either optional or mandatory? (RFC 2422-3 submitted 1/15/2025)

There will not be an on-site pre-bid conference, however, the County will be conducting an online informational session on January 29th on Zoom regarding bidding electronically and DBE/Good Faith Efforts that we encourage Contractors to attend. For more information, see the Bidding Information Session page. Response date: 01/21/2025

 

In the Notice to builders it states "complete all work for submittals and ordering materials/equipment within 15 working days (Specifications Special Provisions Section 8-1.04B). Are the working days supposed to be included within those 15 days? If not, what are the amount of working days on this project? (RFC 2422-5 submitted 1/17/2025)

Fifteen(15) is the total number of working days for all work. Refer to clarification in an upcoming addendum. Response date: 01/21/2025

 

Is it required for the bidding contractor to be a DBE? (RFC 2422-6 submitted 1/22/2025)

No, the bidding/prime contractor is not required to be a DBE. If the prime contractor is a DBE, their portion of the work would count in the total DBE commitment to the goal, in addition to the work of DBE subcontractors and part of the work of DBE suppliers and DBE truckers. For more information about the bidding on a contract with a DBE goal, there is a DBE and Electronic Bidding Info Session on Jan 29 at 10am on Zoom. Response date: 01/23/2025

 

If we submit a check as the Bid Bond, should it be sent to Design Services or the Department of Public Works and Planning? (RFC 2422-7 submitted 1/22/2025)

If submitting a check as the bid bond, it must be either a certified check or cashier’s check made out to the “County of Fresno.” We prefer it to be hand delivered to the office located at 2220 Tulare Street, Fresno, CA 93721 on the 7th floor and call (559) 353-4919 before arrival to coordinate receipt. Refer to the Notice to Bidders for further instructions regarding the envelope. Response date: 01/27/2025

 

Will a C-12 license work for this project? (RFC 2422-8 submitted 1/22/2025)

No, per CFR 635.116(a), a prime contractor must self-perform at least 30 percent of the total contract price and the total amount of earthwork is about 5 percent for this project. Response date: 01/23/2025

 

Since there is no on-site pre-bid, is there any restriction if we want to visit the site ourselves? (RFC 2422-9 submitted 1/23/2025)

Contractors may visit the site on their own, but must stay on the road, off of private property, and must not contact property owners. Note that Chateau Fresno Avenue is closed to through traffic due to bridge closure. Response date: 01/23/2025

 

Is the contractor to abandon existing irrigation system or replace the irrigation system? (RFC 2422-11 , 2422-12, 2422-13 submitted 1/24/2025)

All existing irrigation systems are to be protected in place. The southeast property owner is responsible for relocating the drip lines that are in conflict with the project area. The contractor is responsible for repair or replacement of any irrigation systems damaged in the course of their work. See revisions to the bid items in Addendum 1. Response date: 01/24/2025

 

Is the contractor to rough grade to match existing grade (removing stumps, etc.)? Or are we to assume to laser/compact/ and conform for fine grade? (RFC 2422-14 submitted 1/24/2025)

The areas shaded in yellow in the exhibit in the project details are to be fine graded. The rest can be rough graded. Response date: 01/28/2025

 

Regarding a previous question asked (RFC 2422-8), the prime contractor will self-perform the entire project with the C-12 license. Will this be acceptable? (RFC 2422-15 submitted 1/27/2025)

No, the work involving the movement of earth is less than the thirty percent required for the prime contractor to only hold a C-12 license. Response date: 01/27/2025

 

Specification No. 17-3.01 E & 17-3.01 F
In the special provisions section 17-3.01 E Construction & 17-3.01 F Tree Removal/ Trimming Rule - it says all tree stumps to be ground 6-8 inches in depth and anything over 12 inches is to be grubbed. Is this correct and what we are trying to achieve? (RFC 2422-16 , 2422-17, 2422-18 submitted 1/28/2025)

The wording in 17-3.01E in the specs is incorrect/misleading. The tree with a diameter greater than 12” is to be grubbed, and does not need to be ground down. See Addendum 2. Response date: 01/30/2025

 

Do precision rows have to be re-created after grubbing operations? (RFC 2422-19 submitted 1/28/2025)

As stated on the Tree Removal Exhibit in the Project Details, the flowlines for the southwest property, including the rows, shall remain intact after the tree removal operation. The northwest and southeast properties do not require recreation of precision rows. Response date: 01/30/2025

 

After grubbing operations, is remaining dirt to be flattened? (RFC 2422-20 submitted 1/28/2025)

Yes, as stated in section 17-3.01F of the project special provisions, holes created from stump removal or grinding shall be backfilled and restored to existing grade. Response date: 01/30/2025

 

Will the road closure still be in effect during the time work will be performed? (RFC 2422-21 submitted 1/29/2025)

Yes, it will continue to be closed for the duration of the project. Response date: 01/29/2025

 

If we are not a DBE, do we need a subcontractor who can fulfill the 14% DBE goal? (RFC 2422-22 , 2422-23, 2422-24 submitted 1/30/2025)

The Prime Contractor should meet the goal through making work available to DBE subcontractors, suppliers and truckers to collectively meet the goal. If the prime contractor cannot meet the goal, they should document their efforts, demonstrating a good faith effort to meet the goal. If the goal is not met, the documentation and Exhibit 15-H (Proposer/Contractor Good Faith Effort) is required as part of the DBE packet due within 5 calendar days of the bid opening. 

For more information, refer to the Caltrans DBE website and the CFR Title 49 A Part 26 Appendix A Guidance Concerning Good Faith Efforts. Response date: 01/30/2025

 

Is an A-General Engineering or D-49 license required for a subcontractor completing a line item that does not require that license, for example, traffic control? (RFC 2422-25 submitted 1/30/2025)

The prime contractor must meet the license requirements listed in the Notice to Bidders. Subcontractors need to be licensed for the specific work they will perform. In general, if a prime contractor does not have a license for specialty work on a contract, the work must be performed by a subcontractor licensed for that specialty work. Response date: 01/31/2025