ADD 001 Bldg. 161 questions and Governments Response.docx

12305B20R0006 07/01/2020

The following are the Government responses to the contractor’s questions for:

Bldg. #161 Heating Hot Water Pipe Replacement Project.

Contractors Question (In Black)

1. Findings at the site visit on 10-Jun-20, potential phasing, construction in an occupied space, and pre-construction requirements that will be required, 90 calendar days working only 40 hrs. per week is not be enough time to complete this scope. Is there any possibility to extend the period of performance?

Governments Response (In Red) The period of performance will be changed to 120 days and 40 hours a week. The contractor shall have enough personal in the work force to complete the Governments requirement on schedule within the 120 Calendar Days after the Notice to proceed.

2. During the site visit it was stated that the small mechanical room the Optional Heating Hot Water Manifold System will be done in 2 optional parts as funding permits.

Governments Response The Optional part #1 is the small Heat Exchanger (HX-1) and Manifold System on back wall as shown on drawing M-2 Mechanical Plan which shall be replaced with a direct replacement piping, materials, and equipment or approved equal. The optional part #2 the manifold which has the two pumps connected to it, piping, valves, strainer and associated materials and equipment shall be replaced with direct replacement or approved equal. See pictures stating part #1 for the small Heat Exchanger (HX-1) and Manifold System and pictures stating part #2 for Manifold with the pumps,. The Optional part #1 & #2 shall be priced out as separate options.

3. Page 2 of the scope of work references a section on Domestic Water piping to be removed and replaced. This was not shown during the site visit. Does the Government intend this to be part of the base scope or an option?

Governments Response The Optional work as funding permits on the Domestic Hot Water System was shown to each Contractor that came for the site visit. The contractor shall price the option to replace the Domestic Hot Water Manifold as shown in part #3 pictures. Everything shall be replaced with like kind materials and equipment such as piping, valves, pumps, air separator, gauges and other associated materials. The Domestic Hot Water Piping is more associated to the manifold as shown in the picture and the limit of disturbance or limits of work area is shown with the (X) indicating the termination point. See pictures stating part #3.

4. The SOW states to replace the HHW piping with schedule 40 Black Steel Pipe. Will the Government consider the use of copper as an alternate? The black steel is more likely to leak, it is more expensive, and it will require longer installation period.

Governments Response The contractor shall submit a price for the work to be done with Schedule 40 Black Steel Pipe and as an option provide a price for the Heating Hot Water Pipe using (L) Type Copper Pipe. It is permissible to utilizes approved Press fittings or Victaulic’s QuickVic SD fittings or approved equal fitting that is designed for Schedule 40 Black Steel Pipe and (L) Copper Pipe. The contractor shall be price out the schedule 40 Black Steel and approved alternative as a separate priced out line item.

5. The HHW piping in the attic seems to be in good condition. Does the Government expect this piping to be replace?

Governments Response The HHW Piping in the attic is in good condition and need not be replaced. The pipe in the attic is not pert of the Governments requirement.

6. Does the HHW piping on the exterior of the building need to be replaced?

Governments Response The HHW Piping on the exterior of the Building is not a part of the Government Requirements or scope of work.

7. The SOW calls for the use of threaded black steal for the mechanical distribution piping and will the Government allow soldered copper pipe or Copper pressed of appropriate size?

Governments Response It is permissible to utilizes approved Press fittings or Victaulic’s QuickVic SD fittings or approved equal fitting that is designed for Schedule 40 Black Steel Pipe and (L) Copper Pipe. The contractor shall state within their proposal if the going to use Schedule 40 Black steel Pipe or (L) Copper pipe. Because of the tight spaces of the work that will have to be performed open flame Soldering is not permissible.

8. Will the Building Be full occupied while the work is being performed?

Governments Response The Building will be in operation and occupied while the work is being performed. The contractor is required to keep the HHW system in operation while performing the work. Section of the system can be isolated and turned off so that the work can be performed.

9. The Standard form 1442 (rev. 4-85), block# 13 advises bid submission in a sealed envelope to be delivered to the address in block #8 but block #8 is empty. Where/how do we submit our bid?

Governments Response The Bids shall be sent to the Contract officer electronically. Mark.Volk@usda.gov

10. The SOW calls for the use of threaded black steel for the mechanical distribution piping. Will the government allow the use of soldered copper pipe of appropriate size?

Governments Response It is permissible to utilizes approved Press fittings or Victaulic’s QuickVic SD fittings or approved equal fitting that is designed for Schedule 40 Black Steel Pipe and (L) Copper Pipe. The contractor shall state within their proposal if the going to use Schedule 40 Black steel Pipe or (L) Copper pipe. Because of the tight spaces of the work that will have to be performed open flame Soldering is not permissible.