Amendment 2: Questions and Answers 0002

Solicitation 140P4226R0026 – Amendment 0002
RFP

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS REGARDING:

SOLICITATION/REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS NO. 120P4226R0026 Amendment 0002

Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historical Site (ALPO) – Stabilization of the Staple Bend Tunnel

QUESTIONS RECEIVED

1. Question: The plans mention seasonal restriction for bats and that it will be defined by the NPS Contract. We see no mention of it in the documents. Can you clarify if there are restrictions and what those restrictions will be?
ANSWER: Yes – No work inside the tunnel can occur between October 15, 2026 and May 15, 2027 (this applies each year). Actual “boots on the ground” is restricted from May 1, 2027 (mobilization to site), actual work in tunnel is restricted from May 16, 2027 to October 15, 2027. Small punch list items inside the tunnel and demobilization can occur until October 31, 2027. Additionally as a result of this question the Government recognized there is a lack of information about the Bat House requirements as well. The Schedule of Items has been updated to include the following: 00120 Optional Item 2 – Bat Houst – 3 Chamber House Mounted on Post (updated language from original) 00130 Optional Item 3 – Bat House – Artificial Roost Simulated Roost/Crevice Mounted on Post (new Line Item)
Additional language regarding the Bat Houses has been added under Section C.3 A – Supplemental Information

1. BAT HOUSES

a. The contractor shall install two (2) temporary bat houses at either end of the tunnel, prior to any construction work beginning. The bat houses must be Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) (i.e. Bat Conservation and Management, Inc or equivalent) and approved by Bat Conservation International as stated in Attachment 1 – ALPO Staple Bend Tunnel-Specs – Final 7.12.2026. i.
The Bat Houses must be suitable for Indiana, Tri-Colored and Northern Long-Eared Bats. ii.
They must be installed in locations that receive morning sun and are shaded by afternoon. iii.
One (1) bat house shall be installed on either end of the tunnel mounted on posts. iv.
Coordinate with the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) and/or Point-of-Contact (POC) for the type of Bat House to be installed at each specific location at the end of each side of the tunnel prior to installation.
b. Types of Bat Houses Required
i. 3-Chamber Bat House mounted on post which must include, but not limited to: 1. Heavy duty no maintenance UV-resistant resin exterior (black in color)

2. Multiple Crevice sizes