02_SPECS_-INDE_BENCH_REPLACEMENT-r4.pdf

INDEPENDENCE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK

REPLACE WOODEN BENCHES AT WASHINGTON SQUARE, INDEPENDENCE SQUARE & MALL

SPECIFICATIONS

SOURCING, REMOVAL OF EXISTING BENCHES, INSTALLATION OF NEW BENCHES

JUNE 21, 2021

SUMMARY OF WORK

The Contractor shall replace existing and missing 6-foot teak benches located throughout Washington Square, Independence Square and Blocks 1 & 2 of Independence Mall. All existing 6-foot benches shall be replaced with three-arm benches of the same or similar dimension and design. The existing 4-foot and 8-foot benches located on Independence Mall are not included in scope for this project. At approximately 40 bench locations, existing bench anchoring is damaged or missing and must be replaced. At the remaining bench locations, existing anchoring brackets are serviceable and shall be reused. Locations of each existing bench are found in the attached Bench Replacement plans, and detail drawings. All work shall be competed in conformance with these drawings and specifications.

PART 1: SCOPE

A. DESCRIPTION: The Contractor shall furnish all equipment and sufficient personnel for replacement of the benches (i.e., bench sourcing, removal and disposal of existing benches, installation of new benches and all related work., in accordance with the specifications, and plans stated herein. Therefore, any items not specifically noted, but necessary for performance in accordance with accepted industry standards, shall be furnished under this contract.

B. BENCH REPLACEMENT LOCATION: Work will be performed at Independence National Historical Park under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service, Northeast Region. All benches are located Within Washington Square, Independence Square and Blocks 1 & 2 of Independence Mall within complex developed areas with a high volume of pedestrians and vehicles occupying a dense built environment of historic and non- historic structures, utility infrastructures, and public landscape Locations are within the blocks bounded by South 6th Street to the east; S. Washington Square to the south; W. Washington Square to the west, and Walnut Street to the north (Washington Square) and the blocks bounded by North/South 5th Street to the east; Walnut Street to the south; North/South 6th Street to the west, and Arch Street to the north (Independence Square and Mall).

Contractor has a responsibility to:

1. Furnish high quality, well-crafted benches without defects. Benches may be sourced from one of the three suggested manufacturers provided in the attached detail drawings or approved equal. Select benches to meet the dimensions and design provided in the attached drawings. Selected benches shall be Teak in material with third arm attachment and fastened per manufacturer specification. Contractor shall transport benches to Independence National Historical Park - (INDE), when ready for assembly and installation.

a. Suggested Bench Models or approved equal (must be furnished with third arm)

a. Monarch 6 ft. Bench – Country Casual Teak

b. Medway 6 ft. Bench- Harlow & MacGregor

c. Estate Classic 6 ft. Bench - Benchsmith

a. Benches shall arrive at the site pre-assembled. The selected contractor is responsible for any damage that may occur during transport. All benches shall be free from damage and constructed of high-quality teak free of cracks, checking or warping.

b. Keep benches clean and dry during transport, storage and assembly.

c. Park staff will inspect all benches prior to installation. The Contractor will replace damaged or defective benches with acceptable benches in a timely manner.

2. Removal Existing benches are fastened to anchor brackets with a variety of fasteners on a variety of paving surfaces. The selected contractor is responsible to remove benches without damaging serviceable anchoring brackets. Once benches are removed, the contractor shall protect the public from exposed metal anchor brackets.

a. Removed benches shall be stockpiled in a designated area within the park and removed at the end of each working day. The selected contractor is responsible for legal disposal of removed benches.

3. Assembly Benches shall be assembled to manufacturers specification with third arm attachment, utilizing provided (or specified) hardware utilizing the tools and methods described in manufacturers assembly instructions.

4. Installation.

a. Inspect paving surface and anchor brackets. Inspect the paving surface where the bench is to be installed. Sweep any dirt and debris from the paving to ensure a clean level surface for the feet of the new benches. Where benches are installed on crushed stone or brick where the anchoring brackets are missing or unserviceable, the stone/brick must be temporarily removed to install below-grade brackets. Clean and dirt or debris from the brackets. If bracket is missing or unserviceable, remove and replace anchoring bracket to manufacturers specification.

b. Place the bench. Place the new bench in the location of the removed bench, using the existing anchoring brackets as a guide.

c. Fasten bench to bracket Fasten bench to bracket utilizing marine-grade adhesive and stainless-steel fasteners.

d. Inspect the bench, making sure the bench is stable and generally plumb and level.

ATTACHMENTS:

Bench Replacement Plan and Details

PART 2: GENERAL PROVISIONS

2.01 PROJECT MEETINGS

A. Preconstruction Conference: Before start of work, the Contracting Officer will arrange an on-site meeting with Contractor which may include visual inspection of the contracted work at the conclusion of the meeting.

2.02 QUALITY ASSURANCE:

202.1 Professional Qualifications:

A. All work shall be under the direction and general supervision of a qualified professional who possesses verifiable experience as a full-time direct supervisor of construction labor. The project supervisor will submit a resume with education, experience, certifications, and any related affiliations.

B. The project supervisor shall be on the job site at all times during performance of work and shall be the primary contact with the Government's technical representative. The technical representative is responsible for inspecting the quality of ongoing work and inspecting all completed work to ensure that contract performance requirements are met.

C. All workers shall be familiar with the technical aspects and hazards of bench assembly and installation and the equipment used in such operations. This will include all safety procedures and requisite protection devices.

D. Proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), will be used while on site, including, but not limited to:

hearing, eye, face, respiratory, foot, head, electric, and hand protection as needed. Also, necessary protections for equipment use (including tools, vehicles, and machinery). PPE and all required equipment used on site will meet all OSHA standards, including OSHA General Industry (29 CFR Part 1910) Standards.

E. A list of all crew supervisors anticipated as part of the work, affiliation with the company, and related training and on the job experience, shall be submitted and approved by the National Park Service.

1. Each crew shall consist of at a minimum:

a. Crew Supervisor

b. Experienced Laborers

F. All workers shall be recognizable as employees of the contractor by wearing distinctive clothing bearing the name of the company or by wearing appropriate badges which show the Contractor's company name and employee name.

G. The Contractor must submit copies of all licenses and certificates necessary for complying with Federal, State, and Municipal laws, codes, and regulations.

H. Prior to bid, the Contractor is encouraged to examine work site with Contracting Officer and/or the designated representative, to determine exact extent of work and the conditions under which this work will be performed. This site visit shall be coordinated with the CO and COR to provide any prospective Contractor the opportunity to review the proposed work in addition to any written questions submitted to the CO.

2.02.2 EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS:

A. All equipment must meet all federal OSHA, state and local safety requirements and must be properly licensed. This includes equipment need to perform bench assembly installation, and removal in accordance with the specifications stated herein.

B. Required Equipment: At a minimum, each crew shall have access to the following equipment or equivalent.

1. Hand and power tools necessary for bench assembly and installation, unit paving and crushed stone replacement.

2. Truck for transportation and disposal of existing benches.

C. The name or logo of the contractor must be clearly displayed on all trucks used on the job. If a rented vehicle is to be used, the vehicle’s make, model and license plate number shall be sent to the COR prior to commencement of work.

D. The following load restrictions shall not be exceeded:

Single Units Gross Vehicle Weight

2 axles 40,000 lbs. (18,100 kg) 3 axles 48,000 lbs. (21,800 kg) 4 axles 52,000 lbs. (23,600 kg)

Combination Units 3 axles 57,000 lbs. (25,900 kg) 4 axles 62,000 lbs. (28,100 kg) 5 or more axles 66,000 lbs. (29,900 kg)

2.02.3 REPORTS:

A. The contractor shall maintain a daily work log during performance. The work log shall include the scope of work performed in accordance with the contract bid schedule. If requested, a copy shall be filed with the COR on a weekly basis.

B. The Contractor shall recycle all waste material collected during the performance of this contract. The contractor will provide a monthly report of the volume and type of material recycled. The report will also include copies of recycling tickets indicating where the material was recycled.

2.02.4 PRE-EXISTING DAMAGE

A. In instances where the contractor finds pre-existing conditions or damage to Park resources which may reflect upon the quality of their work or cause them undue liability, the contractor shall not start work until the contractor and COR have agreed on the responsibility for these pre-existing conditions.

2.03 SCHEDULING AND COORDINATION:

A. The Contracting Officer's Representative will be responsible for acting on behalf of the Contracting Officer on all matters of work within the scope of the contract. Approval of all work beyond the scope of the contract is reserved for the Contracting Officer. The contractor is responsible for notifying the COR in writing all work that is beyond the scope of the contract. The contractor shall not perform work without a modification of the contract in place.

B. Work shall be arranged and scheduled so as not to interfere with normal activities of the Park. The contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer of the proposed work schedule, i.e. typical work day and project timetable, prior to mobilization on site. The contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), one week prior to beginning any work on site, to allow for coordination with any public events and normal Park operations. Work shall be performed between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, federal holidays excluded, unless authorized in writing by the COR.

With advance written notice, “No-Work” days may be established by the Park. Once work begins, the contractor is expected to be on the job site each day in which weather conditions are favorable as determined be the COR or designated Park representative until completion of the project. Work will not be conducted when weather conditions preclude safe operations, such as high winds, moderate to heavy precipitation, slick surfaces due to rainy conditions, and low light levels. Extended daylight hours may be approved by the CO upon request in writing and with 48 hours’ notice.

1. Contractor shall clean site of all construction debris and leave site in a neat and orderly appearance for the duration of any stop work period.

C. Work shall be scheduled and arranged so as not to interfere with or normal activities of the Park. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer of the proposed work schedule, i.e., typical workday and project task timetable, prior to mobilization on site. This is to aid NPS Law Enforcement staff in monitoring the site. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) whenever work will take place on the site so that the work can be monitored and to allow for coordination with Park operations.

Advanced notice will be given to the contractor if a conflict is expected. Any plant debris, personnel, or equipment that would interfere with an activity or event shall be removed prior to the activity. The Contractor will be responsible for coordinating with the City of Philadelphia and for any and all permits and associated expenses.

D. All work within a Washington Square, Independence Square and Independence Mall specified on the plans shall be completed, inspected, and accepted in accordance with the procedures stated herein upon completion.

F. If, at any time, the COR determines that the work is being conducted in an unsafe manner, the contractor will be notified by the Contracting Officer to immediately cease all work activities.

2.04 SAFETY:

A. All operations will follow all Federal, OSHA, State and Local safety requirements.

B. Employees shall wear reflective, bright orange vests while conducting operations in or adjacent to roadways.

D. Safety Plan. Before on-site work begins, submit for approval an accident prevention program. The Contracting Officer will review the proposed program for compliance with OSHA and project requirements.

The program shall include:

1. Name of responsible supervisor to ensure program compliance.

2. Outline of the methods proposed to ensure property protection and safety of the public, National Park Service personnel, and Contractor’s employees.

E. Accident Reporting:

1. Reportable Accidents: A reportable accident is defined as death, occupational disease, traumatic injury to employees or the public, property damage by accident in excess of $100, and fires. Within 7 days of a reportable accident, send a report of the accident to the Contracting Officer.

F. All Other Accidents: The Contractor shall report all other accidents to the Contracting Officer as soon as possible and assist the Contracting Officer and other officials as required in the investigation of the accident.

2.05 WORK AREA:

A. ACCESS: Vehicle access to Washington Square may be possible from the walkways and sidewalks of Washington Square. Blocking of walkways and sidewalks along the street must be kept to a minimum. If vehicle access is required, Contractor shall give COR 48 hours advance notice.

The northern portion of Independence Square is designated as a secure area. Access within the security perimeter is limited. All persons, tools, materials, equipment, etc. must be screened by Law Enforcement personnel prior to entering. Contractor shall coordinate access with COR 48 hours in advance. A Law Enforcement screening may be requested by calling park Dispatch (215-597-7077).

Vehicle access to Independence Square is through a narrow ramp off 6th Street. The Independence Square ramp is located within the security perimeter. The access restrictions described above apply for use of the ramp. If vehicle access is required, Contractor shall give COR 48 hours advance notice. Vehicles must be off Independence Square by 9 AM daily.

Vehicle access to the interior of Independence Mall – Block 1 is via the Ranstead Street ramp. If vehicle access is required, Contractor shall give COR 48 hours advance notice.

Vehicle access to the southern portion of Independence Mall – Block 2 is via the Commerce Street ramp.

Vehicle access to the northern portion of Independence Mall – Block 2 is via the Arch Street gate. If vehicle access is required, Contractor shall give COR 48 hours advance notice. Note that no vehicle access is permitted to the center portion of Block 2 due to the underground parking garage. Access to this area is physically restricted by black metal bollards located on the walkways that traverse this area.

The contractor shall at all times conduct their operations to insure the least inconvenience to the public and Park operations. Blocking of walkways and sidewalks along the street must be kept to a minimum. While walks are to be blocked, signage necessary to direct pedestrians around the obstruction safely will be required. Keep a minimum of two rolls of warning tape on site at all times. There shall be no deviation from the specifications regarding the safety of the Park's staff or visitors. In the event of such an occurrence, the CO will review and determine the timeframe for Contractor compliance. See Section O. below for loading and unloading requirements.

B. PARKING: It is important that the historic scene in the Park be preserved for the enjoyment of the Park’s visitors. For that reason, there is no on-site parking. No parking is allowed on any Park property except to load and unload vehicles. The Contracting Officer’s Representative will provide a Park unloading permit for this purpose. Failure to remove Contractor vehicles after unloading could result in vehicles being ticketed or towed. Only vehicles that are actively employed in loading and unloading of tools or materials are allowed on site. For a possible street parking permit, which allows parking at legal metered spaces, contact the Philadelphia Parking Authority.

C. STORAGE: There will be no on-site storage.

D. CONDUCT: Contractor shall at all times conduct operations to ensure the least inconvenience to occupants and visitors.

1. Contractor will clean site of all construction debris and leave site in a neat and orderly appearance with walkways clean and clear at the end of each work day.

2. Loud noise will be kept at a minimum.

E. RESTROOMS: No private restroom facility is available onsite for the contractor’s use. When the Park is open, public restrooms are available in the Independence Visitor Center, which is located at 599 Market Street.

F. TELEPHONE: No telephone service is available on site for the contractor’s use.

G. ELECTRIC: Government will not provide connections to existing electrical facilities. COR shall review and approve all electric connections prior to any electric hookups.

H. WATER: Water may be available in hose bib attachments in some irrigation system valve boxes, and outside hose bibs at select walls and buildings. COR shall review and approve all water connections prior to any water hookups.

I. EXISTING UTILITIES:

1. Contractor is responsible for locating and preventing damage to known utilities, including irrigation. The existence and location of known utilities shall be investigated and verified in the field by the contractor before starting work. Contractor must call Pennsylvania One Call (811). State law requires a three (3) business days’ notice (does not include state holidays or weekends), for all excavation. A business day begins at 12:00:00 a.m. and ends at 11:59:59 p.m.

2. Interruption of Existing Utility Service: Contractor shall notify CO of intent to disrupt utility services within Park boundaries 48 hours in advance. Interruption shall require prior approval.

J. FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION:

1. Responsible Person: A capable and qualified person shall be placed in charge of fire protection. The responsibilities shall include locating and maintaining fire protective equipment and establishing and maintaining safe procedures.

2. Hazard Control: Take all necessary precautions to prevent fire during construction. Keep flammable substances or materials at a safe distance from use of volatile or noxious substances.

3. Smoking is prohibited in the work areas in sites designated for the contractor’s use. Designate a space away from the work area be used for smoking. Cigarette butts must be disposed of properly.

4. Protection Equipment Required: Furnish a minimum of one extinguisher for each 1,500 square feet of area or major fraction thereof and a sufficient number to meet the requirement that a travel distance from any workstation to the nearest extinguisher shall not exceed 75 feet. Fire extinguisher shall be of type and size appropriate for the work but no less than 10lb.

K. BARRIERS:

1. Furnish, install, and maintain barriers to protect existing facilities and the public from construction operations. Fence, barricade, or otherwise block off the immediate work area to prevent unauthorized entry to the work area and to protect the general public from the construction work.

a. Visitors must be kept a safe distance from construction areas. The Contractor shall provide and maintain barricades between work areas and egress routes. All barricade locations shall be coordinated with Park’s Safety Officer.

b. Fences and barriers shall be structurally adequate and neat in appearance. Fences and barriers shall not injure vegetation, paving or walls.

c. If traffic lane closures are necessary, Contractor shall erect and maintain barricades, lights, danger signals, and warning signs in accordance with ANSI D6.1-78. Barricades and signs shall conform to ANSI D6.1-78, “Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices” (MUTCD), Part VI.

d. Barrier tape shall be imprinted with “CAUTION: CONSTRUCTION AREA”. Install where directed by the COR to insure safe conditions. Keep a minimum of two rolls on site at all times. Direct pedestrians away from work areas.

2. Post signage to route pedestrians around construction.

3. Protect pedestrian traffic by guardrails or fences.

4. Cover pipes, hoses, and power lines crossing sidewalks and walkways with troughs using beveled edge boards.

5. Removal: Completely remove barriers no longer needed and when approved by CO.

L. TEMPORARY CONTROLS:

1. Housekeeping:

a. Keep project neat, orderly, and in a safe condition at all times. The contractor is required to furnish all labor, materials, and equipment for daily cleanup and restoration of all disturbed areas or features, and be prepared to sweep and wash paved surfaces daily.

b. Wet down dry materials and rubbish to prevent blowing dust.

c. Keep volatile wastes in covered containers.

M. DISPOSAL:

1. Unless otherwise specified, all removed material becomes the property of the contractor and shall be recycled or disposed of outside the park. The contractor shall immediately remove hazardous rubbish from project site. Place other construction debris in refuse containers at least daily. Dispose of refuse at least weekly, in a legal manner, at public or private dumping areas outside the park.

2. Do not burn or bury refuse inside the park.

N. EXISTING CONDITIONS: Protect all sidewalks, curbs, manholes, landscape features, buildings and other built features from potential damage resulting from the work of this Project.

O. LOADING: If it is necessary to unload and load or otherwise use vehicles on sidewalks or walkways, the following requirements shall be met:

1. All vehicles shall not exceed a gross weight of 10,000 pounds.

2. All vehicles are required to use pneumatic tires.

3. The contractor will be held responsible for the protection of the pavement, including the brick and stone sidewalks and curbing, and will be held accountable for any damage that occurs as a direct result of the work. Any vehicles that exceed a gross weight of 10,000 pounds must use the protection described below. Using this method does not relieve the Contractor of responsibility to protect the pavement surfaces or to repair any damage.

a. One layer of ¾” plywood, with a layer of 2” rigid foam underneath, laid in such a manner that the surface of the paved area is covered to all extents of its surface.

b. When it becomes apparent that the rigid insulation has become compressed to a height that is less than half its original thickness, or to an extent that the rigid insulation is not protecting the paving, it is to be replaced as described above.

P. PRESERVATION OF NATURAL FEATURES: Confine all operations to work limits of the project.

Prevent damage to all planted vegetation areas, including all beds, containers, shrubs, understory and canopy trees, and turf.

1. Provide temporary barriers to protect existing trees and plants and root zones as directed by contracting officer.

2. Do not tie back, injure remove, or destroy trees or other plants without prior approval. Consult with

Contracting Officer on roots and branches that interfere with project. No roots or branches may be removed without permission of the contracting officer.

3. Do not store equipment, construction materials, excavated material or debris on lawn areas, plant beds, or any unpaved areas except as directed by Contracting Officer. If storage in these areas is approved by the Contracting Officer, 3/4˝plywood must be laid down on all areas before any item is placed.

4. Do not drive vehicles or create pathways on lawn areas, plant beds and tree root protection areas or any unpaved areas except as directed by Contracting Officer. The root protection area is defined as an area equal to a radius of 1.5 feet for each inch of diameter at breast height (dbh) (e.g., a 10 inch dbh tree will have a root protection area equal to 15 feet from the main trunk in all directions). If vehicle traffic or pathway is needed in these areas and approved by the Contracting Officer, 3/4inch plywood must be laid down on all areas before any vehicle is allowed or pathway created.

2.06 AIR AND WATER POLLUTION CONTROL:

A. Take all necessary reasonable measures to reduce air and water pollution by any material or equipment used during construction.

B. Do not dispose of volatile wastes or oils in storm or sanitary drains.

PART 3: EXECUTION

3.01 BENCH FURNISHING, REMOVAL & REPLACEMENT

3.01.1 Scope

A. The work to be performed under this section shall include removing existing benches, sourcing new benches, assembling new benches (if necessary), and installing new benches per manufacturer specification.

3.01.2 General Requirements

A. On the same day a bench is removed the contractor shall remove all benches, and waste and debris associated with removal from the site. Removal and disposal shall be the responsibility of the contractor. There shall be no resale of benches on government property.

3.02 REMOVALS

3.02.1 Scope

The work to be performed under this section shall include removing benches.

3.02.2 General Requirements

A. For benches to be removed, the contractor shall, on the same day the bench is removed, dispose of the existing benches. There shall be no resale of benches on government property.

B. The Contractor shall take all reasonable precautions to avoid damaging surrounding paving, vegetation or lawn areas as a result of bench removal operations.

3.02.3 Execution

A. Benches shall be removed by means of hand and battery-operated hand tools, to remove fasteners attaching existing benches to anchoring brackets.

B. If cutting tools are required to remove existing benches from anchoring brackets, the Contractor is responsible to ensure no damage to existing stone paving and anchoring hardware.

3.03 BENCH ASSEMBLY AND INSTALLATION

3.03.1 Bench assembly and installation shall consist of assembling the new benches per manufacturer specification and fastening benches to existing or new anchoring brackets.

A. Benches shall arrive to the site pre-assembled, per manufacturer specification with third arm attachment centered on bench.

B. Upon removal of existing bench, the area shall be swept free of dirt and debris and anchors cleaned and inspected for serviceability.

C. If anchor bracket is missing or unserviceable install new bracket per manufacturer specification.

D. Fasten bench to brackets with marine-grade adhesive and stainless steel screws.

PART 4: ACCEPTANCE AND PAYMENT

4.01 ACCEPTANCE

A. The Contractor shall include with all invoices for payment an Acceptance Report signed by the Contractor's

Project Supervisor and the designated park representative that all work partially or completely performed conforms to contract requirements. In the event that the designated park representative and the Contractor disagree on work completed and accepted, his or her comments shall be noted thereon or attached thereto.

The Acceptance Report will serve to document in writing completed work and/or deficiencies and to determine whether the provisions for the deduction clause applies.

4.02 PAYMENT

A. The amount to be paid will be based on the actual bid items completed and accepted. Quantities so measured will be paid for at the specified item bid price.

B. The National Park Service reserves the right to conduct any testing or inspection it may deem advisable prior to payment to assure that all work conforms to the specifications herein.

C. Invoices shall be submitted through IPP.