A003 Questions regarding the referenced solicitation in Franklin JMc.docx

Questions regarding the referenced solicitation in Franklin, ME: 12305B22R0004 STRUCTURAL STEEL BEAM RUST REMEDIATION USDA-ARS NATIONAL COLD WATER MARINE AQUACULTURE CENTER FRANKLIN, MAINE

06/21/0222

1. Specification section 05 12 00, section 1.3 requires the use of an AISC certified steel fabricator as well as an AISC certified steel erector. Due to the limited nature of the structural steel work required on this project we ask that this requirement be waived. Please advise.

A/E Answer: AISC certification not required.

2. Regarding Bid Options 1-5 (Work Zones 2-6): The line items on the SF1442 state 0 days after award on each option however Section I.2 references FAR 52.217-7 and states options may be exercised within 60 days from the time of award. Due to the current volatility with material pricing and lead times we would ask that the base bid and all desired options be awarded at once as a complete package. Please confirm this is acceptable.

USDA Response: The government cannot enter into contractual obligations without having the funds obligated. Funding for this project will be in stages. The USDA acknowledges that steel prices are highly volatile and will consider Contractor requests for an equitable adjustment if the options are exercised at a later date.

3. The architectural drawings are calling for the metal wall panels to have an exterior color of desert beige. This color is no longer available, please confirm that a similar color from the manufacturers stand color options is acceptable.

USDA Response: The USDA will select an appropriate color from the manufacturer’s standard color options.

4. The drawings call for a 24 gauge interior and exterior face for the insulated metal roof panels and a 26 gauge interior and exterior face for insulated metal wall panels however specification section 07 42 63, section 2.1.1 is calling for 22 gauge. 22 gauge is not standard on an insulated metal panel, please confirm that the gauges specified in the drawings take precedence and are correct.

USDA Response: The gauges specified in the drawings take precedence; 22- gauge metal is not required.

5. Para. 1.3 of Spec. Section 262000 requires that we provide a submittal for marking strips drawings. The marking strips would be used in conjunction with the installation of terminal blocks. We find nothing on the plans that would indicate that terminal blocks are necessary. If this is indeed the case, why are we required to provide a submittal for marking strips drawings?

A/E Response: Marking strips and associated submittal will not be required.

6. Who is the manufacturer of panelboards P-B, P-C, and P-D?

A/E Response: The A/E does not have this information. See photos of panel provided by location.

7. Note 5 of the Circulating Fan Schedule on Dwg. M201 states that The NEMA 4X disconnects for the fans are shipped loose. Please confirm that the heavy duty NEMA 4X fused disconnect switches and fuses as called for in Keynote 1 on Dwg. E101 are the same switches and that they will be provided by the exhaust fan vendor.

A/E Response: Yes, they are the same switches. However, coordination of which discipline is furnishing them is not the responsibility of the DOR. This should be coordinated by the vendors with the general contractor who is providing the bid to USDA.

06/22/2022

1. Panel PB is on the left side of zone 4 which feeds the fan in zone 4 as well as zone 3 which is right of zone 4. For our work, zone 4 will have to be 90% completed to enable us working and completing the zone 3 fan connection.

A/E Response: Fans do not have to be immediately operational. Coordinate work phasing with the site. Phasing is to maintain functionality to the majority of the building and may require some additional coordination with the contracting officer.

2. E201; can you tell me the make/model of the existing panels? Or provide a breaker part# that is required?

A/E Response: The A/E does not have this information. If possible, USDA site contact can provide photos of the panels to supplement the drawings.

3. E101, keynote, says to provide NEMA 4X disconnect but the fan schedule on M201 (note 5) instructs the vendor to provide a loose disconnect with each fan. Please confirm who is to furnish the disconnects.

A/E Response: This is to be coordinated by the General Contractor.

4. 262000, section 3.1.1 or 3.1.2 do not clearly indicate the type of conduit that shall be used. I don’t understand the space well enough to determine if it may be hazardous of subject to physical damage. Given the damp and possibly corrosive nature of other wet labs that we have worked in, PVC is often desired as it wont rust, or possibly PVC-coated RMC (RobRoy) if its corrosive and subject to physical damage. Is EMT allowed; or RMC required, or other conduit?

A/E Response: For damp/wet spaces, PVC is acceptable 7’ A.F.F. All other conduit in damp/wet spaces must be PVC-coated RMC. EMT is allowed for spaces that are not damp/wet.