Contract 09-313705 (09A0229)

The responses to bidder's inquiries, unless incorporated into a formal addendem to the contract, are not a part of the contract and are provided for the bidder's convenience only. In some instances, the question and answer may represent a summary of the matters discussed rather than a word-for-word recitation. The availability or use of information provided in the responses to bidder's inquiries is not to be construed in any way as a waiver of the provisions of Section 2-1.03 of the Standard Specifications or any other provision of the contract, the plans, Standard Specifications or Special Provisions, nor to excuse the contractor from full compliance with those contract requirements. Bidders are cautioned that subsequent responses or contract addenda may affect or vary a response previously given.

Q) Approximately how much time will be allowed between award and the start of field work on this project, for submittal preparation, transmittal and review?

A) Caltrans will issue an addendum which should address your concerns.

Q) Although the Notice to Contractors (NTC) requires that the paint used "...meet the drinking water standards of the National Science Foundation...", the paints specified do not meet said standards. What is Caltrans' intent?

A) Caltrans is reviewing the issue and will respond with an addendum.

Q) Additionally, the NTC states that "...parts of the bridge may be in contact with the water...", while the specified grade of surface preparation (ie. Standard Specification Section 59-2.03, "Blast Cleaning") is not suitable for substrates which may be immersed in water, and the specified paint system (ie. Special Provision Section 10-1.11) is not suitable for substrates which may be immersed in water. What is Caltrans' intent?

A) No part of the bridge painted surface is in contact with the water.

Q) What is the normal clearance from the bottom of the bridge girders to the water line?

A) There is no "normal" clearance from the bottom of the bridge to the water as the water rises and falls daily depending on how much water is being let into the aqueduct on a given day by the DWP. The DWP will lower the water to the "lowest allowable flow" for this work for a period of only seven days but there will still be water in the aqueduct. That level is an unknown.

Q) May the bidders visit the site, including access through the locked gates, so that they view the existing condition of the structure, and how may they arrange such a visit? If not, are drawings available so that the bidders may perform a quantity take-off, and if so, how may they be obtained?

A) Bidders may visit the site. For access through the locked gates the contractors shall notify the District 9 Construction Branch at 760-872-0656, at least 72 hours in advance.