Request for Proposals - Chehalis Lake Debris Removal - EN09V2H-300

Questions and Answers - The following questions and their answers are provided to give clarification to all proponents regarding certain aspects of this Request for Proposal.

Question #1.

What will the stumpage rate be for material removed?

Answer #1.

Stumpage rates will be determined at the time the Forest Licence to Cut application is processed. For guidance one may reference Table 7-1 of the Coast Appraisal Manual for rates that have been or are being applied in similar salvage operations.

Question #2.

What is the application process for things like Forest Licence to Cut and Special Use Permit?

Answer #2

Detailed instructions outlining the FLTC application requirements can be found on the Chilliwack Forest District webpage under "Small Scale Salvage Program Information and Procedures" http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/dck/OpPlanning/procedures2004.pdf and "Procedures for Salvage Requiring a Professional Application".

Question #3
Will there be a site viewing?

Answer #3
No. There will not be a mandatory site viewing. It it strongly recommended however that proponents view the site on their own accord, in order to determine site conditions and the volume, value and nature of the debris to be removed. Gate key(s) and current access information may be obtained from the Chilliwack Forest District Office (604-702-5700). Refer to Part B, Introduction, Page B2 regarding access to the site. Refer also to Part B, Fact and Assumption #2, page B5 and Fact and Assumption #9, page B7.

Question #4

Is the completion date of October 31/08 a firm date to have completed all debris removal floating in the lake?

Answer #4
Yes. The Ministry would like to have the specified debris removed from the lake before the heavy fall rains begin. October 31 is the target date, however this may be adjusted forward slightly, depending on weather and road conditions.

Question #5
What is the target date to have this contract awarded thereby enabling work to commence?

Answer #5
The Ministry intends to negotiate and enter into a contract after the evaluation process and selection of a frontrunner.   The proposal evaluation process is expected to be completed by June 13, with contract award to be the following week.

Question #6
Has there been a wood debris volume estimate or a wood debris area estimate (i.e. % of the lake currently covered with wood debris) made by the forest service for Chehalis Lake?

Answer #6
No. The Forest Service has not determined a volume estimate. Proponents are reminded, as per Part B, Section 2, Fact/Assumption #2, that they are responsible for their own determination of the volume and value of the woody debris specified for removal.

Question #7
Does the Ministry have a preferred location to use for dewatering the debris from the lake?

Answer #7
No. The Miniistry does not have a preferred location and will consider equally proposals that use any or all of the 3 recreation sites, subject to environmental and any other approvals.

Question #8
Will the roads be gated and closed to the public during the entire time frame of the project?

Answer #8
The 3 recreation sites will remain closed and roads in the immediate vicinity of the sites will remain gated. The gate at the Chehalis Bridge to Chehalis South will remain gated. The contractor will provide continued security for these (4) gates.   The Chehalis Forest Service Road to Skwellipil Creek has a primary industrial user whom may want to have the gate at Statlu bridge closed. Signs have been posted regarding closure to the public and the road on either side of the slide area will be made impassable to vehicles.

Question #9
We are exploring the possibility of bidding on this job and would like to know if the appropriate permits at your end are in place - fisheries, environment etc.

Answer #9
The acquisition of any required permits, authorizations, licences, etc. will be the responsibility of the Contractor. No background work has been done towards any of these as they will be dependent on the specifics of the accepted Proposal. Refer to Part B, Section 2.1, Fact/Assumption 1 and 7.   The Ministries involved with authorizations will process applications in a timely manner.

Question #10
Are the log jambs in the Chehalis River northeast of the Lake to be removed?

Answer #10
No. The only debris to be removed is below normal high water mark of Chehalis Lake.

Question #11
Are the trees washed into the campsites above high water mark to be removed?

Answer #11
The requirement of this contract will be to remove specified debris only from below normal high water mark of Chehalis Lake. In order to facilitate operations some trees/debris may have to be cleared and removed from load-out site(s).

Question #12
Are the log jambs in the Chehalis River southwest of the Lake (river outlet) to be removed?

Answer #12
No. No debris is to be removed from the Chehalis River under this contract, only the Lake. There is a single log boom at this location that can be used to reference the boundary for the contract area.

Question #13
Will you accept a per unit bid instead of a lump sum bid?

Answer #13
No. The bid must be lump sum per phase (phases to be identified by the proponent).

Question #14
What is your best guess as to the minimal cost of putting the Chehalis Fleetwood FSR into shape to haul on?

Answer #14
The Ministry cannot provide any cost estimates. It is known at this time that the Chehalis River bridge requires new guard rails and delineators and that there is a fill slope failure at approximately 2.4km of the Chehalis Fleetwood FSR that may require attention for safety reasons. Refer also to fact/assumption #8 in Part B, Section 2.1.

Question #15
Should the cost of the environmental survey be included in your bid?

Answer #15
Yes. The environmental assessment(s) will be part of the initial phase of the operations and the cost of such should be considered in the bid.

Question #16
Do you think that permitting can be done this year?

Answer #16
Permitting and associated legal requirements must be done expeditiously in the initial phase of operations and it is expected that this will not unduly hamper achievement of deliverables.

Question #17
Has the high water mark for Chehalis Lake been determined?

Answer #17
As of June 3, 2008 the precise HWM has not been determined by MOE. A benchmark has been established at the south end of the lake and a more precise location of HWM will be provided and marked onsite for contract management. . It is known that the lake level does not fluctuate a great deal and the HWM will be within approximately 1 meter of the existing water level. There is a relatively small amount of shoreline debris in this zone.