Attachment 3 RFIs 1Aug24.pdf

8/1/24 Request For Information (RFI)

Addition to Cranberry Breeding and Genetics Greenhouses

USDA/ARS Blueberry and Cranberry Research Center, Chatsworth, NJ 12305B24R0030

A total of thirty-two (32) RFIs were received on this project.

RFI #1: Section 13 34 13, Para 2.1 States Greenhouse Basis of Design: Windjammer 5000 manufactured by Prospiant. After speaking with Prospiant they informed us they will not be bidding on this project because they feel it is the wrong application for the project. Please provide an alternate basis of design or approved equal.

USDA Response: The Basis of Design has been revised to a Windjammer 6000 manufactured by Prospiant “OR EQUAL”. See attached Statement of Work and Prospiant Quote for salient features.

RFI #2: Has a survey been conducted? If so, can we have the CAD files upon award.

USDA Response: A survey has not been conducted; the greenhouse is to be installed at a previous greenhouse footprint. The location can provide the exact location.

RFI #3: Has a geotechnical Report been conducted?

USDA Response: A geotechnical report has not been prepared. The assumptive soil bearing pressure has been determined by the Architect and incorporated into the foundation design.

RFI #4: Are 3rd party testing required for compaction, concrete? Anything else?

USDA Response: Third Party testing is only required for soil compaction and concrete reinforcing, placement and break tests.

RFI #5: The footing depth on the plans is 2’2”, however the frost line in NJ is 36”; has this foundation plan been approved by the greenhouse manufacturer? Has a NJ licensed engineer/architect signed off on the foundation plan?

Please advise.

USDA Response: Southern New Jersey has a 30” frost depth. The drawings have been revised to reflect a 30” depth. A NJ licensed architect will stamp a revised set of drawings prior to construction.

RFI #6: Is all equipment specified in the plans/specs confirmed to meet BAA?

USDA Response: Contractor is responsible for confirming that the materials provided meet BAA.

RFI #7: Can PVC be used inside the greenhouse for conduit?

USDA Response: No

RFI #8: Will the controls for the greenhouse have a single controller in the greenhouse? Will the system need to tie into an existing Bacnet and/or similar system?

USDA Response: The Greenhouse will have a single controller in the greenhouse and will have to be capable of connecting to a Bacnet or BAS system to be installed at a future date. .

RFI #9: Are all 69 submittals on the register needed for this project? Or are these a generic list.

USDA Response: The 69 submittals are included in the Project Specifications and will require submittals.

RFI #10: The Windjammer 5000 is the basis for design. Will a stamped design need to be submitted?

USDA Response: The basis for design has been revised to a Windjammer 6000 OR EQUAL. Stamped Drawings from the Greenhouse Manufacturer will be required.

RFI#11: Will any other plans need to be submitted and stamped? Electrical, foundation

USDA Response: Electrical and Foundation drawings have been prepared by USDA Architect and will be stamped by them. Contractor will submit all Material Approvals and Shop Drawings to the Architect for them to review and approve with copies to the CO and COR.

RFI#12: During the site visit, it was stated that the existing greenhouses/structures would be taken down before construction took place on the new greenhouses. It was stated this was not the awarded contractor's responsibility, is this correct?

USDA Response: Yes

RFI #13: Do the Superintendent, SSHO and QC Manager need to be 3 separate individuals?

USDA Response: One (1) qualified individual can perform all three (3) tasks.

RFI #14: Are there any phasing requirements?

USDA Response: Project has been revised to a single stand-alone greenhouse. Phasing is not required at this time.

If Option 1 is awarded it is anticipated that construction for both greenhouses con be executed concurrently.

RFI #15: Can the period of performance be extended after award once the material / equipment lead times are confirmed due to current market conditions for the equipment for this project?

USDA Response: $0 Dollar time extensions can be requested due to current market conditions.

RFI #16: Can you please provide the site visit attendee sign in sheet?

USDA Response: List attached.

RFI #17: Can you please provide any available information on the "equipment being provided by a different contract"?

USDA Response: It is USDA’s desire to have the General Contractor use the Prospiant Quote for a list of equipment that will be provided by their contract.

RFI #18: Where can contractors designate a lay down area along with a site office for work performed?

USDA Response: Laydown area and the location for a site office will be determined at the pre-construction coordination meeting.

RFI #19: Does the soil contain any fertilizer that may present health issues to excavation workers?

USDA Response: No

RFI #20: During concrete pours, do we need to have a designated wash off area? If so, where can we have that area?

USDA Response: A designated wash off area will be determined during the pre-construction coordination meeting.

RFI #21: Do all existing dirt / material need to be taken off site or is there an area onsite where we can dump it?

USDA Response: The location will identify an area where clean fill/dirt is to be placed. All construction/demolition debris is to be removed from the site.

RFI#22: Can you please confirm who must be present for concrete slump tests (QC/CO)?

USDA Response: Concrete slump tests will be performed by a third-party inspector who will provide written reports to the CO and COR. Location monitor is to be informed as to when the tests will be performed.

RFI #23: Can you please confirm that the government is removing the existing pole structures?

USDA Response: The Government will remove the existing greenhouse structures as noted on the plans.

RFI #24: After discussing with Prospiant, Inc. they have declined to bid this project with saying “We believe the greenhouse specified is the wrong greenhouse for the project and see trouble ahead with the current specifications and drawings.” Please advise.

USDA Response: The solicitation has been revised to a Windjammer 6000 model, Prospiant has confirmed that this is an acceptable model for this location.

RFI #25: Will there be a designated lay-down area on site for materials, dumpster, etc.?

USDA Response: See RFI 18

RFI #26: Reference is made to contract drawing E600 when it states the USDA should provide updated as-builts of existing electrical equipment installed on previous contract. Please provide this information.

USDA Response: Information Attached.

RFI #27: Reference is made to solicitation section L.3 factor 4. Please clarify why it states that the contractor shall provide experience information of the A-E firm proposed for design. Our understanding is that this project is only for construction services.

USDA Response: Greenhouse Manufacturer is responsible for providing stamped drawings for the greenhouse ; the request is for information regarding this design professional.

RFI #28: Reference is made to the site visit, please confirm if removal of the existing wooden greenhouse structure and vegetation is the responsibility of the contractor and should be reflected in the price proposal.

USDA Response: Location will remove existing structures. Landscape tie and vegetation removal is part of the Contractor’s responsibility to provide a prepared site for the Greenhouse Manufacturer’s requirements.

RFI #29: Reference is made to solicitation section L.3 factor 1, does the Government have a price schedule they want the contractor to submit?

USDA Response: See SOW for price schedule requirements.

Question #30: Question #7: Reference is made to Page 53 of the solicitation Section L.3 (Factor 1 – Price) it notes to include pricing for breakdown of labor categories and number of hours per category, breakdown of material pricing by category, breakdown of equipment pricing by category, breakdown of all subcontractor proposals, and mobilization and demobilization must be identified. Referencing the price schedule provided in Section B (page 6 of solicitation), the above items are not included in that schedule. Please advise.

USDA Response: Please see RFI 29.

RFI #31: Reference is made to solicitation section L.3 Proposal Submission, is there a form required for the calculation of self-performed work?

USDA Response: There is no required form.

RFI #32: Is there a basis of design for the Inflation Fan Kit referenced on Page A200 detail 4 in the drawings and section 13 34 13 note 2.14 in the specifications?

USDA Response: The model has been revised to a rigidi polycarbonate roof. The inflation fan kit is no longer required.

-End of RFIs-