South Fork Trail Construction
Request for Proposal
Project Description: The proposed South Fork Trail is part of the Big Sky Community
Corporation (BSCC) multi-use trail system. Primary uses include hiking and biking with limited
equestrian use anticipated. When completed, the South Fork Trail will connect the existing
Uplands Trail to the existing Ousel Falls Trail. The scope of this RFP is to invite qualified
contractors to submit a formal proposal to construct the South Fork Trail, an approximate
distance of 2.2 miles (11,472 feet) with an elevation gain/loss of 515/807 feet (see Attachment 2)
including design of trail structures. Trail construction shall meet the design criteria set forth in
this document.
Location: Private lands in Sections 1, 10, 11, Township 7 South, Range 3 East, in Big Sky,
Montana (see map, Attachment 1).
Timing: TBD (anticipated start date is Summer 2015).
Completed proposals must be delivered by 5 p.m. on Monday March 30, 2015 to:
Emily O’Connor, Project Coordinator
Big Sky Community Corporation
PO Box 161404
Big Sky, MT 59716
[email protected]
(406) 993-2112
Proposals sent via email should be attached as one .pdf document. Submittals delivered after the
deadline will not be considered. All questions shall be e-mailed to [email protected] , and must
be received by 5 p.m. local time on Monday March 23, 2015 in order to assure that any
responses or changes can be properly disseminated to all interested parties.
SCOPE OF SERVICES
The contractor shall provide trail construction services for this project that will include, but not be
limited to, the following:
1. Project Meetings and Inspections
a. Meetings and field walks – the following meetings and field walks are required, including
preparation and attendance at:
 One field walk with BSCC staff prior to beginning construction.
 Field inspections with BSCC staff during construction to ensure trail design standards
and specifications as outline in the RFP are met. When possible, inspections will
occur following precipitation or runoff periods to observe the effectiveness of
drainage provisions.
 Final trail inspection with BSCC staff upon completion of trail construction.
 Site inspection for 310 Permit.
2. Trail Construction
Shall include but is not limited to:
a. Build a natural surface, full bench trail with a tread width of approximately 30 inches
using the criteria outlined in Table 1: Trail Construction Standards.
b. Submit a written explanation and proposed construction standards for areas where site
conditions prevent the trail from being constructed to the standards in Table 1.
c. Ensure the trail footprint is built within 12.5 feet on either side of the centerline marked
with pink flagging.
d. Incorporate erosion and sedimentation control devices as needed.
e. Develop screening/buffering recommendations and details as needed.
f. Identify locations and develop specifications for blocking unauthorized trails and/or
logging roads that intersect the trail as needed.
g. Provide weekly progress reports to BSCC staff.
3. Trail Structure Design/Build
Shall include but is not limited to:
a. Evaluate locations where the trail corridor passes through wet areas, seasonal or year
round streams.
b. Determine the type of structure needed per crossing including size, type of materials, and
design.
c. Develop plans and specifications for each structure using the criteria outlined in Table 2:
Trail Structure Design Standards.
d. Construct crossing approaches at no more than an 8 percent grade.
e. Construct trail dips/grade reversals on both sides of crossings to ensure runoff is directed
to vegetated areas.
Additional Considerations:
- BSCC has identified locations (see Attachment 3) where the trail corridor passes
through wet areas, seasonal or year round streams.
- Seasonal conditions may warrant additional crossings.
- For the purposes of the bid estimate, contractors shall assume maximum dimensions
(height, width, depth in feet) of trail structures.
- Final structure design and specifications shall be determined on site prior to
construction.
- BSCC will provide bridge material for water crossing #5.
- BSCC staff will be available to assist the contractor in identifying wetland
boundaries.
4. Roadway Crossings
The trail crosses the road at the intersection of Streamside Way and Greathorn Road. To
address trail user safety, the following work shall be completed:
a. Evaluate the need for selective clearing and limbing within the trail corridor to
improve sight distance.
b. Evaluate potential constraints including existing utilities, right of way, drainage and
structures.
c. Ensure the trail intersects the road at 90 degrees or as close to this as possible.
d. Consider widening the tread width near the intersection to reduce conflicts among
the users, such as stopping and grouping of cyclists.
e. Ensure the trail meets the road at the same elevation, with sufficient landing areas
for the user.
f. Develop plans and specifications addressing the above criteria.
g. Trail signs will be provided and installed by BSCC.
5. Best Management Practices (BMPs)
The contractor shall be responsible for installing and/or utilizing the following Best
Management Practices during construction:
a. Contractor shall wash all equipment to be used on the job prior to mobilizing to
site.
b. Stabilize areas of disturbance by seeding with a native seed mixture provided by
BSCC.
c. Install erosion control blankets over newly seeded areas with grade potential for
erosion.
d. Install and maintain structural BMP’s for erosion and sediment control. Such
measures may include:
o Install straw wattles or sediment logs as sediment barrier/perimeter control for
small drainage areas;
o Install erosion control blankets at bridge abutments near drainage crossings to
limit sediment;
e.
f.
g.
h.
o Install trail dips/grade reversals along the trail and at bridge crossings to slow
runoff and ensure runoff is directed to vegetated areas;
o Install silt fencing to protect wetlands and streams from sediment runoff
during construction.
Install and maintain non-structural BMPs for erosion and sediment control. Such
measures may include:
o Maintain vegetative buffers to provide natural erosion control protection;
o Utilize low impact construction vehicles and hand build the trail in highly
sensitive areas to limit disturbance.
Utilize temporary structural crossings (i.e. planking, plywood, etc.) at drainages to
ensure vehicles do not disturb native vegetation.
Sweep project entrance to clean up any tracked sediment into the roadway.
Ensure proper materials handling and waste management measures are in place.
6. Environmental Permitting
A Gallatin Conservation District, 310 Permit, is required for bridges that span the unnamed
tributary of the South Fork of the West Fork of the Gallatin River for the purposes of minimizing
soil erosion and sedimentation and protecting the stream.
BSCC will submit the permit application, however, the contractor shall provide the following
services:
o Submit bridge plans including: dimensions (height, width, depth in feet), a cross section
elevation and profile view, dimensions and location of fill or excavation sites.
o Installation and maintenance of BMP’s to mitigate impacts.
o Attendance at site inspection with BSCC staff, conservation district representative and
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks biologist.
A wetland and non-wetland waterway delineation was conducted by Trec, Inc. along the
proposed South Fork Trail to provide assistance in moving the trail to avoid wetland impacts and
identify suitable crossings for bridges or boardwalks. The contractor shall ensure that bridges
span the bed and banks of waterways and that no construction activities occur within the
streambed.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
• Final trail alignment is subject to landowner approval and may change prior to
construction.
• Property boundaries and survey markers have been flagged with orange flagging.
• Contractor shall clean up all stakes and flagging after construction.
• Clearing and grubbing on this project will be difficult in some areas due to thick
stands, deadfall and steep terrain.
• No rock blasting is anticipated. No separate pay for rock removal.
• Primary access points will be the Hummocks and Uplands Trailhead and Ousel Falls
Trailhead. Additional access from subdivision roads and lots will need to be arranged
•
through BSCC.
Contractors may not bring mechanized equipment down the Ousel Falls Trail due to
potential for trail damage and conflicts with trail users (an exception may be made with a
contract provision that requires the contractor to repair damage to the trail and transport
equipment prior to 8am).
PROPOSAL SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
The proposals shall include as a minimum, the following information:
•
Transmittal Letter: A brief letter summarizing company and project team's
qualifications, project understanding and project approach.
•
Experience Questionnaire: Complete Attachment 4: Big Sky Community Corporation
Contractor Experience Questionnaire.
•
Cost Estimate: Direct Labor Costs, Overhead Costs, Profit, and Direct Expenses. Person
Hour Assignments: Total work hours that project manager and relevant team members will
spend on the project, preferably in tabular form.
•
Plans: Plan sheets, drawings, and other documents detailing the work to be completed for the
trail including but not limited to:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
Trail plans for sections of the trail built outside of BSCC Design Standards
Details for proposed erosion and sedimentation control
Road crossing and approach details
Wet areas/water crossing plan
Dimensions of structures
Cross section, elevation and profile view of structures
Additional Data: Provide any additional data you consider essential to the submittal.
SELECTION PROCESS AND CRITERIA
The proposal review team will include but not be limited to BSCC staff, BSCC Board of
Directors and BSCC Trails Committee members. The following guidelines will be used when
reviewing and ranking the contractor submittals with points being assigned in increments of 5:
Selection Criteria
Assigned Points
Experience with project type
Building approach and quality control process
Owners level of involvement
Utilization of local labor force
Experienced support staff/subcontractors
20
20
20
20
20
Availability and project timeline
Overall fee
20
20
Total Possible Points
140
The proposal from the selected contractor will be subject to contract negotiation for the services
if the Selection Committee finds everything satisfactory and within budget funding. If an
acceptable contract cannot be negotiated with the finalist, the second ranking contractor will be
contacted and the same process applied.
A final selection is expected to be made no later than Monday April 13, 2015.
Following final selection, the parties shall execute a contract based on this RFP. Project work
under this proposal may not begin until final trail alignment is determined and funding is
secured.
GENERAL CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
General Contract Provisions: The Contractor shall ensure compliance with the required
contract provisions under the Big Sky Community Corporations Construction Service Agreement
and shall provide BSCC with the following documentation:



Form W-9, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification
Certificate of Liability Insurance
Certificate of Contractor Registration
Indemnification and Insurance:
The selected contractor shall agree to indemnify and hold the BSCC harmless from claims,
demands, suits, causes of action and judgments arising from the Contractor's performance,
including claims of professional malpractice or negligence.
The BSCC reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.
TABLE 1
TRAIL CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS
Clearing
Vegetation
Broadcasting
Finished Tread
Outslope
Grade Reversals
Percent Grade
Clear vegetation 2 feet uphill and downhill on either side of trail tread to a
height of 10 feet. Cut shrubs and small trees flush with the ground; avoid
cutting healthy trees larger than 7 inches in stem diameter. Prune overhanging
branches cleanly at the branch collar on the tree trunk or where a branch forks.
Do not place clearing slash, logs, stumps, brush, or roots in concentrated piles.
Scatter all logs, limbs, lopped tops, brush, and grubbed stumps and roots below
the trailway and outside the clearing limits, widely distributing so as to blend in
with the natural soil contours and vegetation and be as inconspicuous as
possible.
The following exceptions apply:
(a) Where the sideslope above the trail is less than 10 percent, material may be
scattered above the trail.
(b) Logs may be left on the uphill side of the trail if they are placed so that they
will not move into the clearing limits.
Do not place clearing and grubbing debris in water courses, snow ponds, lakes,
meadows, or in locations where it could impede the flows to, though, or from
drainage structures.
Tread may be reduced to avoid or preserve significant trail features such as rock
formations and important vegetation. Remove rocks, roots and fallen logs from
the trail. Natural obstacles that are incorporated into the tread surface should be
no more than 2 inches high. Compact and rake finished tread. Machine
compaction versus hand compaction is preferred in areas with soft soils.
The trail surface shall tilt to the downhill side of the trail to shed water. The
finished tread shall have an outlsope of 3-5%.
Note: Trails should be constructed with a greater percent outslope (1-2” of drop
per 12” of tread width) so that they will age to hold 3-5%. Less durable soils
require greater outslope.
Use grade reversals to divide the trail into narrow watersheds with undulating
crests and dips. Grade reversals shall be incorporated every 20-50 feet and have
a minimum 15 foot section with a grade no less than 5% in the opposite
direction of prevailing trail grade. Ensure that water drains off at the dips by
outsloping the bottom of each dip and making the outlet wide enough to drain
off water without clogging.
Grade reversals are most appropriate when traversing hill slopes (fall lines) of
20 to 70 percent. On hill slopes less than 20 percent, water does not drain well
at the dips. Also use grade reversals to ascend/descend hillsides. As the trail
climbs/descends, periodically reverse the grade downhill/uphill for a few steps
to create a dip that allows water to drain off.
Vertical grades should be a maximum of 5% when possible.
Desired Grade: 0 to 5 percent
Maximum Grade:
5 to 6% for up to 800 feet
Percent Slope
(Half Rule)
Back slopes
Climbing Turns
Switchbacks
Retaining Walls
Sight Distance
Passing Spaces
7% for up to 400 feet
8% for up to 300 feet
9% for up to 200 feet
10% for up to 100 feet
11+% for up to 50 feet
Average Grade: The trail’s average grade should be maintained at a
sustainable grade of 10% or less. Short sections can exceed 10% as long as the
half rule is used.
The trails grade should not exceed half the grade of the sideslope the trail is
traversing (15% trail grades can be used for short sections as long as the
sideslope is greater than 30%).
Back slopes should be 1 to 1
Climbing turns should be built on shallow slopes of 7 percent or less with
minimum radius of at least 10-12 feet and up to 20 feet or more when
possible. Grade reversals above and below turns with maximum grade of
5% in 20 foot approach. Maximum grade of 10% and in-sloped throughout
turn.
Switchbacks should be built when slopes are steeper than 7 percent. The turning
platform should have a radius of at least 10-12 feet and up to 20 feet or more
when possible. Bench cuts and retaining walls are combined as needed. Locate
grade reversals above and below turns. The upper leg should be insloped at 5
percent beginning about 30 feet above the turning platform. The lower leg
should be outsloped at 5 percent.
For every 8 to 10 percent a foot of elevation is needed on the retaining wall.
Rocks are the preferred material. Place a header every 4 to 6 feet. Inslope the
wall with a batter no shallower than 4:1.
Forward sight distances of 100 feet (50 minimum).
Incorporate passing spaces at least every 1,000 feet. Passing spaces must be at
least 60 inches wide (including the trail width) by 60 inches long. The cross
slope of a passing space should not exceed 5 percent. An exemption is allowed
if a passing space can't be provided due to limitations imposed by the
environment.
TABLE 2
TRAIL STRUCTURE DESIGN STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS
Stepping Stones
Geotextile
Turnpike
French Drain or
Rock Underdrain
Puncheon
Boardwalk
Bridges
Stepping stones can be used to harden the trail tread across short wet areas
or mud-holes.
• Use large, flat stones that are firmly set.
• Stepping stones should not be used to cross streams.
Geotextile materials may be used in areas that are poorly drained, marshy
or wet. If applicable, please specify location, type of material and
quantity.
The trail tread can be elevated through poorly drained areas by using a
turnpike in flat areas of wet or boggy ground with a 0- to 20-percent
sideslope.
A french drain can be used to drain a spring or seep from under the trail
bed.
A Puncheon may be used to elevate the trail tread above wet areas that are
not feasible to drain or to cross small streams (less than 10 feet).
• Minimum width shall be 40 inches.
• The trail tread at both ends of the puncheon must be solid and dry.
• Construct using solid logs or split logs.
Boardwalks may be used within designated wetland areas or areas with
wetland characteristics.
• Minimum width shall be 48 inches.
• If the length of the boardwalk cannot span from upland to upland, the
boardwalk design shall include pilings that are driven into the ground
to avoid the need for excavation.
• Install a 4 inch high curb on both sides along entire length of
boardwalk with spacing between the deck and curb to prevent rot.
• Boardwalk shall be constructed of lumber for below ground/wet
applications.
• Orient deck boards at a 45 to 90 degree angle to the direction of travel
with gaps between boards not exceeding .375 inch.
• Deck of boardwalk shall not exceed a 12 to 1 slope along any part of
its length.
• The deck surface between the ends of the bridge shall not vary from a
flat plane by more than a ½ inch.
• Cross slope of the deck shall not exceed 3%.
The vertical approach at either end of a boardwalk shall not exceed 1 inch.
Make approaches straight, level and when possible, at least 100 feet long.
Bridges must be designed to provide for visitor safety, withstand snow
loads, accommodate flood waters and should meet the following criteria:
• Minimum width shall be 48 inches.
• Bridges should span bank to bank on ephemeral or year round streams.
• Contractor shall consult with an engineer for bridges 25+ft in length or
greater than 5ft in height and provide BSCC with proof of review and
approval prior to installation.
• BSCC in coordination with the contractor shall determine if a
protective rail is necessary. As a general rule, a bridge with a drop of 4
feet or more should have a pedestrian railing system.
• Rails are to be at least 54 inches high.
• Railings should have intermediate rails with the following spacing: a 6
inch sphere must not pass through the lower 27 inches of the rail
system and an 8 inch sphere must not pass through the upper part of
the rail system, higher than 27 inches.
• If bridge does not require a rail, it must have a 4 inch high curb on
both sides along entire length of bridge with spacing between the deck
and curb to prevent rot.
• Bridge should be constructed of pressure treated or naturally rot
resistant wood.
• Orient deck boards at a 45 to 90 degree angle to the direction of travel
with gaps between boards not exceeding .375 inch.
• Deck of bridge shall not exceed a 12 to 1 slope along any part of its
length.
• The deck surface between the ends of the bridge shall not vary from a
flat plane by more than a ½ inch.
• Cross slope of the deck shall not exceed 3%.
The vertical approach at either end of a bridge shall not exceed 1 inch.
Make approaches straight, level and when possible, at least 100 feet long.
Attachment 1
Legend
BSCC_trails
NAME
HUMMOCKS TRAIL
Big Sky Town Center
OUSEL FALLS TRAIL
SOUTH FORK TRAIL (PROPOSED)
UPLANDS TRAIL
Hummocks and Uplands
Trailhead
Ousel Falls Trailhead
µ
Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, i-cubed, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP,
swisstopo, and the GIS User Community
Attachment 2
February 16, 2015
Memo
TO: Big Sky Community Corp
FROM: Tony Thatcher
RE: South Fork Trail Profile and Statistics
The following statistics and graph were generated from the South_Fork_Trail_21315.shp file.
The file was provided as a multi-part shape with some overlapping segments. As such, it was
edited to create a single polyline representing the entire trail length. Elevation Gain/Loss reflects
the cumulative gain or loss as reflected from the input data and could be influenced by noise in
the data that may inflate these numbers slightly.
Trail Length: 11,472’
Elevation Gain/Loss: 515’/807’
Maximum Elevation: 6,815’
Minimum Elevation: 6,355’
Elevation (ft)
South Fork Trail
6,800
6,780
6,760
6,740
6,720
6,700
6,680
6,660
6,640
6,620
6,600
6,580
6,560
6,540
6,520
6,500
6,480
6,460
6,440
6,420
6,400
6,380
6,360
0
1,000
2,000
3,000
4,000
5,000
6,000
7,000
8,000
Trail Distance (ft)
DTM Consulting, Inc.
211 N. Grand Ave., Suite J • Bozeman, MT 59715
406-585-5322 • Fax: 406-585-0764
www.dtmgis.com
9,000
10,000
11,000
8
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Attachment 2 - South Fork Trail Water Crossings
11
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Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, i-cubed, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP,
swisstopo, and the GIS User Community
Water Crossing ID
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
NOTES
w et in spring may need stepping stones
seasonal stream; 5-10ft crossing
potential to be w et in spring may need stepping stones
potential to be w et in spring may need stepping stones
seasonal stream; 10-15ft crossing (bridge materials provided)
w et area (some w etland characteristics); 10-15ft puncheon or french drain
year round stream; 5-10ft crossing
year round stream w ithin steep ravine; stone stairw ay and rock w all sw itchbacks approximately 600ft
year round stream; 30-35ft crossing
year round stream; 5-10ft crossing
w et in spring (some w etland characteristics); 15-20ft puncheon or boardw alk
Legend
%
Water Crossings
streams
BSCC_trails
STATUS
BSCC Trail
SF Trail Proposed
Attachment 4
Big Sky Community Corporation
Contractor Experience Questionnaire
1. Describe your company’s profile (Firm size, qualifications and services).
2. List similar projects your business has completed within the past three years and contact
information for the group that contracted you.
3. Describe your companies building approach, quality control process and equipment
available for this contract.
4. How involved will the business owner be in this project?
5. Is your company based in Big Sky, MT and/or do you employ staff who live in Big Sky?
6. Describe the number of employees available for this project and their experience with
similar projects.
7. Describe your availability, estimated rate of progress and time required for completion of
the project.