1 ALASKA 2020 DIVISION 100 –GENERAL PROVISIONS DEFINITIONS AND TERM S
101-1.01 GENERAL. The following terms and definitions apply in these Specifications. If a term is
not defined, the ordinary, technical, or trade meanings for that term shall apply, within the context in which it is used. Titles and headings of sections, subsections, and subparts are intended for c onvenience of reference and will not govern their interpretation. Cited publications refer to the most recent issue, including interim publications, in effect on the date of the Invitation To Bid, unless specified by year or date. These Specifications are written to the Bidder or Contractor. Unless otherwise noted, all actions required by the specifications are to be performed by the Bidder, the Contractor, or the Contractor's agent. Beginning in Division 200 we use imperative mood and active voice to com municate the Contractor's responsibilities in a direct and concise manner. Omission of words or phrases such as “a,” “an,” “the,” “the Contractor shall,” “unless otherwise specified,” or “unless otherwise directed” is intentional. Interpret the Contract as if they were included. Beginning in Division 200 whenever anything is, or is to be, done, if, as, or, when, or where “acceptable, accepted, approval, approved, authorized, determined, designated, directed, disapproved, ordered, permitted, rejected, requir ed, satisfactory, specified, submit, sufficient, suitable, suspended, unacceptable, unsatisfactory, or unsuitable,” the expression is to be interpreted as if it were followed by the words “by the Engineer” or “to the Engineer.”
101-1.02 ACRONYMS. Acronyms used in the Contract include the following (publications and
plans are italicized): AAC Alaska Administrative Code AASHTO American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials ACI American Concrete Institute AITC American Institute of Timber Construction ANSI American National Standards Institute AKOSH Alaska Occupational Safety and Health AS Alaska Statute ASDS Alaska Sign Design Specifications ASME American Society of Mechanical Engineers ASTM American Societ y for Testing & Materials ATM Alaska Test Method (see Alaska Test Methods Manual ) ATSSA American Traffic Safety Services Association AWPA American Wood Protection Association AWG American Wire Gage AWS American Welding Society AWWA American Water Works Association CFR Code of Federal Regulations CRSI Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute DOLWD Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development DOT&PF Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities EEI Edison El ectrical Institute EIA Electronic Industries Association FHWA Federal Highway Administration 2 ALASKA 20 20 FM Factory Mutual FOP Field Operating Procedure (see Alaska Test Methods Manual ) FSS Federal Specifications and Standards, General Services Adminis tration IMSA International Municipal Signal Association ICEA Insulated Cable Engineers Association ITE Institute of Transportation Engineers MRP Mining and Reclamation Plan MUTCD Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices NEC National E lectrical Code NESC National Electrical Safety Code NEMA National Electrical Manufacturers Association SAE Society of Automotive Engineers SSHC DOT&PF Standard Specifications for Highway Construction SSPC Steel Structures Painting Counc il SWPPP Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan UL Underwriters Laboratory VAC Voltage Alternating Current WAQTC Western Alliance for Quality Transportation Construction (see Alaska Test Methods Manual )
101-1.03 Definitions .
ADDENDA. Clarifications, corrections, or changes to the Plans, Specifications, or other Contract documents issued graphically or in writing by the Department after the advertisement but prior to bid opening. ADVERTISEMENT. The public announcement, as required by law, inviting bids for specified work or materials. AGREED PRICE. An amount negotiated between the Department and the Contractor after Contract award for additional work performed or additional materials supplied under the Contract. ALASKA STANDARD PLAN. Detail drawing adopted by the Department for repetitive use, showing details to be used where appropriate. Alaska Standard Plans are adopted as Alaska’s accepted standards, in accordance with AS 19.10.160(a), and for use in conformity with 12 AAC 36.185(a)(2). ALASKA TEST METHODS MANUAL. The materials testing manual used by the Department. Contains Alaska Test Methods, WAQTC Test Methods, WAQTC FOPs for AASHTO Test Methods, and Alaska Standard Practices for evaluating test results, calibrating testing equipment. AWARD. Acceptance of the successful bid by the Department. The award is effective upon execution of the Contract by the Contracting Officer. BASE COURSE. One or more layers of specified material placed on a subbase or subgrade to support a surface course. BID (OR PROPOSAL). The bidder’s offer, on the prescribed forms, to perform the specified work at the prices quoted. BID BOND. A type of bid guaranty. BIDDER. An individual, firm, corporation, joint venture, or any acceptable combination of individuals and entities submitting a bid for the advertised work. 3 ALASKA 2020 BID FORMS. Department -furnished forms that a bidder must complete and submit when making a bid in response to an advertised project. Bid forms may include a bid schedule, certification forms, acknowledgment forms , and other documents. BID GUARANTY. The security furnished with a bid to guarantee that the bidder will enter into a contract if the Department accepts the bid. BRIDGE. A structure, including supports, erected over a depression or an obstruction, such as water, highway, or railway; and having a track or passageway for carrying traffic or other moving loads and a length measured along the roadway center of more than 20 feet between undercopings of abutments or spring lines of arches or extreme ends of openi ngs of multiple boxes. The length of a bridge structure is the overall length measured along the line of survey stationing between backs of abutment backwalls or between ends of the bridge floor. CALENDAR DAY. Every day shown on the calendar, beginning and ending at midnight. CHANGE ORDER. A written order by the Department to the Contractor making changes to the Contract, within its general scope, and establishing the basis of payment and time adjustment, if any, for the work affected. COMPLETION DATE. The date on which all Contract work is specified to be completed. CONSTRUCTION. Physical activity by the Contractor or any Subcontractor using labor, materials or equipment within the Project, or within material sources planned for use on the Project . CONTINGE NT SUM. A method for paying for a Contract bid item reserved by the Department for specified contingencies. The Contractor shall perform Contingent Sum work only upon the Directive of the Engineer. The basis of payment for Contingent Sum work shall be spec ified in the Contract or the Directive. CONTRACT. The written agreement between the Department and the Contractor setting forth the obligations of the parties for the performance and completion of the work. The Contract includes the Invitation To Bid, Bid Form, Standard Specifications, Standard Modifications, Special Provisions, Plans, Bid Schedule, Contract Forms, Contract Bonds, Addenda, and any Change Orders, Interim Work Authorizations, Directives, or Supplemental Agreements that are required to complete the work in an acceptable manner, all of which constitute one instrument. CONTRACTING OFFICER (PROCUREMENT OFFICER). The person authorized by the Commissioner of the Department to enter into and administer the Contract on behalf of the Department. The C ontracting Officer has authority to make findings, determinations, and decisions with respect to the Contract and, when necessary, to modify or terminate the Contract. The Contracting Officer is identified on the Invitation To Bid. CONTRACT ITEM (PAY I TEM) . A specifically described item of Contract work listed on the Bid Schedule or in a Change Order. CONTRACTOR. The individual, firm, corporation, joint venture, or any acceptable combination of individuals and entities contracting with the Department for performance of the Contract. CONTRACT TIME. The time allowed under the Contract, including authorized time extensions, for the completion of all work by the Contractor. CONTROLLING ITEM. Any feature of the work considered at the time by the Engineer: (1) essential to the orderly completion of the work and (2) a feature which, if delayed, will delay the time of completion of the Contract (such as an item of work on the critical path of a network schedule). 4 ALASKA 20 20 COST. Amounts actually incurred by the Contractor in the performance of the Contract that are
a.actually reflected in contemporaneously maintained accounting or other financial records and
b.supported by original source documentation. Costs are to be stated in U.S. dollars. CULVERT. Any structure not classified as a bridge that provides an opening under the embankment. DAY. Calendar day unless preceded by the word “working”. DEPARTMENT. The State of Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. DIGITAL SIGNATURE. An electronic signature that conforms to the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, AS 09.80.010 et seq. DIRECTIVE. A written communication to the Contractor from the Engineer enforcing or interpreting a Contract requirement or ordering commencement or suspension of an item of wor k already established in the Contract. ELECTRONIC BID. A bid that a bidder (i) prepares on the Department’s bid forms accessed through the Department’s approved online bidding service and (ii) submits to the Department through use of that bidding service’s online submittal process. ELECTRONIC MAIL (EMA IL). A system for sending messages from one person to another via telecommunications links between computers or terminals using dedicated software. ENGINEER. The authorized representative of the Department's C ontracting Officer. The Engineer is responsible for administration of the Contract. EQUIPMENT. All machinery, tools, apparatus, and supplies necessary to preserve, maintain, construct, and complete the work. EQUITABLE ADJUSTMENT . An increase or decrease i n Contract price or time calculated according to the terms of this Contract. EXTRA WORK. An item of work not provided for in the Contract as awarded but found essential by the Engineer for the satisfactory completion of the Contract within its intended scope. HIGHWAY, STREET, OR ROAD. A general term denoting a public way used by vehicles and pedestrians, including the entire area within the right -of-way. HOLIDAYS. State of Alaska legal holidays are:
1.New Year's Day - January 1
2.Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - Third Monday in January
3.Presidents' Day - Third Monday in February
4.Seward's Day - Last Monday in March
5.Memorial Day - Last Monday in May
6.Independence Day - July 4
7.Labor Day - First Monday in September
8.Alaska Day - October 18
9.Veteran's Day - November 11
10.Thanksgiving Day - Fourth Thursday in November
11.Christmas Day - December 25
12.Every Sunday
13.Every day designated by public proclamation by the President of the United States or the Governor as a legal holiday. 5 ALASKA 2020 If a holiday listed above falls on a Saturday, Saturda y and the preceding Friday are both legal holidays for officers and employees of the State. If the holiday falls on a Sunday, except (12) above, Sunday and the following Monday are both legal holidays . INSPECTOR. The Engineer's representative authorized t o make detailed inspections of Contract performance and materials. INTERIM WORK AUTHORI ZATION. A written order by the Engineer initiating changes to the Contract, within its general scope, until a subsequent Change Order is executed. INVITATION TO BID. The advertisement for bids for all work or materials on which bids are required. MAJOR CONTRACT ITEM. A Contract item for which the Contractor’s bid amount is 5 percent or more of the total Contract award amount. Determination of a Major Contract Item is made at the time of Award. MANUAL BID. A bid that a bidder (i) prepares on the Department’s bid forms accessed either through the Department’s approved online bidding service or obtained from the Department’s Regional Contracts Office and (ii) submits to the D epartment in physical paper form by hand delivery, U.S. Mail, or courier service. MATERIALLY UNBALANCE D BID. A mathematically unbalanced bid that either (a) gives rise to a reasonable doubt that it will ultimately result in the lowest overall cost to the Department, even though it may be the lowest bid or (b) is so unbalanced as to be tantamount to allowing a significant advance payment. MATERIALS. Substances specified for use in the construction of the project. MATERIALS CERTIFICAT ION LIST (MCL). A list of materials for which certifications must be submitted to the Engineer. The MCL will also designate electrical products requiring listing by an approved independent electrical testing laboratory. The MCL is included in the Contract documents as an appendi x. MATHEMATICALLY UNBAL ANCED BID. A bid (a) where each pay item fails to carry its share of the cost of the work plus the bidder’s overhead and profit, or (b) based on nominal prices for some pay items and enhanced prices for other pay items. MEDIAN. The portion of a divided highway separating the traveled ways. MINOR CONTRACT ITEM. A Contract item with a total value of less than 5 percent of the Contract award amount. NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD. The written notice by the Department announcing the apparent successful bidder and establishing the Department's intent to award the Contract when all required conditions are met. NOTICE TO PROCEED. Written notice to the Contractor to begin the Contract work. ORIGINAL GROUND (OG) . The ground surface prior to the st art of work. PATHWAY. A paved or unpaved path for multiple uses. PAVEMENT STRUCTURE. The combination of subbase, base course, and surface course placed on a subgrade to support the traffic load and distribute the traffic load to the roadbed. 6 ALASKA 20 20 PAYMENT BOND. The security furnished by the Contractor and the Contractor’s Surety to guarantee payment of all persons who supply labor and material in prosecution of the work provided for in the contract. PERFORMANCE BOND. The security furnished by the Contractor and t he Contractor’s Surety to guarantee performance and completion of the work provided for in the contract. PLANS. The Department’s contract drawings, profiles, typical cross sections, Alaska Standard Plans, and supplemental drawings or reproductions showing the location, character, dimensions, and details of the work. PRECONSTRUCTION CONF ERENCE. A meeting between the Contractor and the Engineer to discuss the project before the Contractor begins the work. PROFILE. The vertical elevation of the surface of the layer at the location indicated. On a roadbed it is typically indicated at the longitudinal centerline of the top layer of pavement. On a material or fabrication it may be used to indicate a thickness of material or thickness of a coating. PROJECT. (a) The specific section of the highway or other property and related facilities on which construction is to be performed, or (b) the work that is to be performed under the Contract whether completed or partially completed. QUALIFIED PRODUCTS L IST. A list of products that the Department has found conforms to the SSHC, except for Buy America and Alaska Agricultural/Wood Products . The Department makes no guarantee that any product on the Qualified Products List meets the requirements of the Buy America Act, Buy America Provision, or Alaska Agricultural/Wood Products. RESOURCES. Labor, equipment, materials, supplies, tools, transportation, and supervision necessary to perform the work. RESPONSIBLE BIDDER. A bidder that the Department determines has the skill, ability, financial resources, legal capacity to contract, equipment, required licenses, integrity, satisfactory record of performance and that is otherwise fully capable of performing the Contract. RESPONSIVE BID. A bid that the Department determines confor ms in all material respects with the solicitation for bids. RETAINAGE. A percentage of a payment established in advance under a contract or subcontract to be withheld from a progress payment due on the contract or subcontract. Payment or a percentage of payment withheld for unsatisfactory performance is not retainage. RIGHT -OF-WAY. Land or property or an interest in property available for a project. The uses allowed in portions of right -of-way may be restricted. ROADBED. Graded portion of a highway withi n top and side slopes, prepared as a foundation for the pavement structure and shoulders. ROADSIDE. A general term denoting the area adjoining the outer edge of the roadway. Extensive areas between the roadways of a divided highway may also be considered r oadside. ROADWAY. Portion of a highway including shoulders, for vehicular use. SHOULDER. Portion of the roadway adjacent to the traveled way for accommodation of stopped vehicles for emergency use, and for lateral support of base and surface courses. SIDEW ALK. Portion of the project constructed for the exclusive use of pedestrians. 7 ALASKA 2020 SPECIAL PROVISION. Addition or revision that amends or supersedes the Standard Specifications or Standard Modifications, and is applicable to an individual project. SPECIALTY ITE M. A Contract item identified in the Contract that requires highly specialized knowledge, abilities, or equipment not ordinarily available in the type of contracting organizations qualified and expected to bid on the contract. SPECIFICATIONS. General term applied to all Contract terms, conditions, directions, provisions, and requirements. STANDARD MODIFICATIO N. Addition or revision that amends or supersedes the Standard Specification, and is approved by the Department for general application and repetitive use. STANDARD SPECIFICATI ONS. A book or electronic file of specifications approved by the Department for general application and repetitive use. STATE. The State of Alaska, acting through its authorized representative. STATION. A distance of 100 feet meas ured horizontally, usually along centerline. STRUCTURE. Bridge, culvert, catch basin, drop inlet, retaining wall, cribbing, manhole, endwall, building, sewer, service pipe, underdrain, foundation drain, or other similar feature that may be encountered in t he work. SUBBASE. Layer of specified material between the subgrade and base course. SUBCONTRACTOR. Individual or legal entity to whom or to which the Contractor sublets part of the Contract. SUBGRADE. The soil or embankment upon which the pavement struct ure is constructed. SUBSIDIARY. Work or material not measured or paid for directly. Compensation for such work is included in the payment for other items of work. SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETI ON. The point at which the project (1) can be safely and effectively used by the public without further delays, disruption, or other impediments; and (2) pavement structure, shoulder, drainage, sidewalk, permanent signing and markings, guardrail and other traffic barrier, safety appurtenance, utilities, lighting and all bridge deck and parapet work is complete. For projects that will not be opened to the traveling public or are being built in phases, the work is substantially complete when it is ready for the subsequent project. SUBSTRUCTURE. All portions of a bridge below the bearings of simple and continuous spans, skewbacks of arches and tops of footings of rigid frames, including backwalls, wingwalls, and wing protection railings. SUPERINTENDENT. The Contractor's authorized representative in responsible charge of the work. SUPERSTRUCTURE. The entire bridge structure above the substructure. SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT. Negotiated written agreement between the Department and the Contractor authorizing performance of work beyond the general scope of, but in conjunction with, the orig inal Contract. Supplemental agreements are new procurements under the State Procurement Code, AS 36.30. 8 ALASKA 20 20 SURETY. Corporation, partnership, or individual, other than the Contractor, executing a bond furnished by the Contractor. SURFACE COURSE. Top homogenous layer of the pavement structure. It is designed to withstand the wear of traffic and the disintegrating effects of climate. Sometimes called the wearing course. TRAFFIC CONTROL PLAN (TCP). One or more project -specific plans detailing the routing of vehicular or pedestrian traffic through or around a construction area including the location of all traffic control devices. TRAIL. An unpaved path for multiple uses. TRAVELED WAY. Portion of the roadway designed for vehicle use, excluding shoulders. UTILITY. Line, facility, or system for producing, transmitting, or distributing communications, power, electricity, light, heat, gas, oil, crude products, water, steam, waste, storm water not connected with highway drainage, or other similar commodity, including a publicly owned fire or police signal system, street lighting system, or railroad which directly or indirectly serves the public. Also means a utility company, inclusive of any subsidiary. WORK. Depending on the context, (a) The act of furnishing all resources for the project and performing all duties and obligations required by the Contract or (b) the physical construction, facility or end –product that is contemplated under the Contract, whether completed or partially completed. WORKING DAYS. Calendar days , except Saturdays and state holidays. WORKING DRAWINGS. Stress sheets, shop drawings, erection plans, falsework plans, framework plans, cofferdam plans, bending diagrams for reinforcing steel, wiring diagrams and schematics, traffic control plans, night w ork lighting plans, or any other supplementary plans or similar data which the Contractor is required to submit to the Engineer for approval. 9 ALASKA 2020 SECTION 102 BIDDING REQUIREMENTS AND CONDITIONS
102-1.01 QUALIFICATI ON OF BIDDERS. A bidder shall:
1.When requeste d, submit a completed Contractor’s Questionnaire (Form 25D -8) stating previous experience in performing comparable work, business and technical organization, financial resources, and equipment available to be used in performing the work;
2.On wholly state- funded projects, submit evidence of a valid Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development certificate of Contractor Registration (Contractor Registration), under AS 08.18, and submit evidence of a valid Alaska Business License prior to award under AS 36.30.110; and
3.On federal -aid projects, submit evidence of Alaska Business License and Contractor Registration prior to award. All firms desiring to participate in DOT&PF construction projects must register annually by submitting a completed Bidder Registration (Form 25D -6).
102-1.02 CONTENTS OF BID PACKAGE. Upon request, the Department will furnish prospective
bidders with a bid package, at the price stated in the Invitation To Bid. The bid package includes the following:
1.Location and description of the project;
2.Estimates of quantities of work and materials to be furnished;
3.Schedule of contract items for which bid prices are invited;
4.Time in which the work must be completed;
5.Amount of the bid guaranty;
6.Date, time, and place for the bid opening;
7.Plans and specifications; and
8.Bid forms. Unless otherwise stated in the bid package, the Plans, Standard Specifications, Standard Modifications, Special Provisions, permits, forms and any other documents designated in the bid package are considered a part of the bid whether attached or not.
102-1.03 INTERPRETAT ION OF QUANTITIES IN BID SCHEDULE. Bid prices shall be based on
the estimated quantities shown in the bid schedule. Quantities of work to be done and materials to be furnished are approximate and are prepared only for the comparison of bids. These quantities may increase, decrease, or be eliminated as provided. Payment for unit price items will be made for the actual accepted quantities of work performed and materials furnished under the Contract, as determined using the method of measurement specified in the Contract.
102-1.04 Examination of Plans, Specifica Tions, Special Provi Sions, and Work
SITE. Bidders shall examine the work site and all Contract documents before preparing a bid. Submitting a bid is a binding representation that the bidder has examined the work site, is aware of the conditions to be encountered, and has examined and understands all of the Contract documents. Department records of subsurface and hydrological investigations, including but not limited to, boring logs, test results, soil investigation reports, material reports, and other supplemental information are made available for information purposes only. These records are not part of the Contract. These records indicate subsurface conditions only at specific locations at the time sampled, and only to the depths penetrated. They do not necessarily reflect frozen state, or variations in soil, rock or hydrology that may exist between or outside such locations or at other
Source: Alaska Standard Specifications for Highway Construction, 2020 Edition. Pages 29–36 of 584.