Contract 10-1J970(10A2137)

The responses to bidder's inquiries, unless incorporated into a formal addendum 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.

Inquiry 1)

Cal-Trans has denied award to the lowest bidder on a prior Minor B contract and the reason stated by Cal-Trans for not awarding that prior contract to the lowest bidder was that the bidder did not have their DVBE supplier's supporting quote signed by the DVBE supplier (as required in the special provisions). On a separate Minor B contract (more recently awarded) Cal-Trans has awarded that contract to the lowest bidder and that lowest bidder did NOT have their supporting DVBE quote signed by the DVBE supplier (even though this was called out on the special provisions). There seems to be some inconsistency in applying the special provision requirements concerning DVBE subcontractors and suppliers where the required signature is concerned. Please provide a detailed outline of the criteria Cal-Trans will be using when evaluating bidders' compliance with the DVBE subcontractor/supplier Requirements in Section 2-1.15A of the special provision for this project (which specifically states "Each quote should be signed by the DVBE subcontractor or supplier." ). Please also clarify if the referenced "signature" required by the bidders' DVBE subcontractor or supplier must be a hand-written signature by the DVBE supplier/subcontractor (or does Cal-Trans accept a typed name  (in lieu of hand-written signature) for the DVBE subcontractor/supplier)?

Response 1)

Per Standard Specifications 2-1.07, Bidders are to “examine the job site and bid documents. Failure to do so may result in rejection of a bid or rescission of an award.” Sections 2-1.15A is part of these documents and the language varied between previous bid Minor B contracts. Currently, the quote must be on the subcontractor's company letterhead.

Inquiry 2)

Looking thru the documents and the Bid Items we did not see any requirements that calls out the need of Temp. Chain link fence to secure the site once the existing fence is removed. Is Temp fencing required around the maintenance yard for security, once the existing fence is removed while the new fence and gates are being installed?

Response 2)

Temporary fencing is required around the maintenance yard for security once the existing fence is removed and is included in the payment for wrought iron fence. Refer to Standard Specifications 7-1.04 Public Safety, paragraph 5.

Inquiry 3)

At the existing fence line along 11 Street the existing fence is up against a existing concrete mow strip. To remove the existing chain link fence footings the existing concrete mow strip will be badly damaged or destroyed. Would it be acceptable to cut-off the existing chain link fence posts at ground level and leave the old concrete footings in place to avoid damaging the existing concrete mow strip? If the cutting- off the existing chain link fence posts and leaving the existing concrete footings in place is acceptable. Would it be possible/acceptable to move the fence line along 11th street inside about 12" of the existing fence line so that the new wrought iron fence footings would clear any of the old existing fence footings?

Response 3)

Bidders should bid the project as shown in the current contract documents. After contract is awarded, if a Change Order is approved for extra work or changes, work described in the Change Order may begin.

Inquiry 4)

It states you are looking for an A contractors License, Please confirm a B license would be acceptable to bid the project as well?

Response 4)

Only a Class A or any applicable Class C can bid. So yes a C-13 Fencing Contractor can bid. Class B does not fall into that as stated in the contract documents.

Inquiry 5)

Please confirm the 25 working days does not include the 6-7 weeks lead time on the fabrication and coating of fencing & gates themselves?

Response 5)

The working days is strictly for construction.