RECOVERY - CLEAN AND ALIGN UPRIGHT HEADSTONES AT STONES RIVER NATIONAL CEMETERY

Q559090005 - STRI HeadstonesQuestions and Answers QUESTION 1. The headstones located in the referenced areas F, G, H, K, J, N and O are civil war headstones and differ in dimension from those discussed in the Description of work. The civil war headstones are only 10 inches wide and only extend up from the ground approximately 16 inches and the stone's overall length is only 33 inches. If we hold to the specifications and raise the stones to 25 inches there will not be enough stone in the ground to hold the stone securely in place. ANSWER 1. The Civil War headstones are generally up to 35 inches overall length. These stones should be 18 inches in the ground, and 17 inches above ground. The specification was a reference to the modern stones that are 42 inches long. If we find that the stones are only 33 inches, then we can adjust this depth to bury 16 inches, and leave 17 inches above ground. The square unknown stones length is 29 inches. We think 12 inches above ground is about right. All need to be consistent. QUESTION 2. The ground is very soft due to molls. The specifications call for a one year guarantee against movement with the contractor being responsible for repair in the event that the stones are moved. How can the contractor be responsible for events beyond his control such as undermining by molls, lawnmower strikes, children playing on the stones, ground movement due to freezing, vandalism, etc.? ANSWER 2. The contractor would not be responsible for events beyond his control. QUESTION 3. The stones are very old. The specifications say that the contractor is responsible for any broken stones. I believe that it is quite possible that freezing and weather and possibly past abuse may already have damaged the stones, a condition that will not be discovered until the stones are removed. How will it be determined if the stones were broken prior to removal or were just too weak to be removed without breaking? ANSWER 3. If the contractor damages stones in the process of the project, he is responsible for repairing the stones. We will provide the guidance. If a stone is already damaged, the contractor should bring it to the attention of the COTR. QUESTION 4. Are we realigning and resetting designated headstones that are already in place or all the head stones? ANSWER 4. Each section needs to be aligned in each direction and the stones should be of uniform height at the completion of the project. They will all probably have to be reset with gravel. QUESTION 5. Can we use sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) at 30 to 45 psi this is what was used on the statue of liberty it is Eco friendly and will not harm the headstones or the environment. This is a soft media blasting and is this acceptable type of media to be used? ANSWER 5. We will consult with historic preservation specialists to determine if this is acceptable. If not, pressure washing at the specified pressure will be acceptable.