RFIs and Responses.docx

1. The Title Sheet states that the Base Bid consists of all air infiltration and shaft work with no curtain wall work included, however the project description indicates the primary purpose of the project is replacement of all window systems. Please clarify the intended scope of the Base Bid and confirm whether curtain wall replacement will be included in the award or evaluated as optional work only. RESPONSE: Curtain wall will NOT be evaluated as optional work. This project will ONLY consist of the base bid.

2. Please clarify how the Government intends to evaluate and award the Bid Options. Specifically confirm whether the contract award will be based on Base Bid only, Base Bid plus selected options, or Base Bid plus all options. RESPONSE: The project will ONLY consist of the base bid, no bid options are being considered/evaluated.

3. Please provide a detailed scope narrative for the Base Bid, identifying each specific work item included under the air infiltration and shaft sealing scope, including floors, wall assemblies, mechanical rooms, and other areas requiring sealing. RESPONSE: Review of the drawings and specifications is required for the air‑infiltration mitigation work. The description below offers a general outline but is not all‑inclusive.

Demolition: The architectural work associated with demolition will be minimal except where full replacement of existing components (such as door systems) will be done.

New Work: Work to seal and mitigate air infiltration will be done per the following categories:

-Seal intake housing at the Annex basement level where possible.

- Seal existing pedestrian doors with additional hardware to prevent air/light gaps at the Tower and Annex basement level.

- Replace the existing coiling doors in basement of the Tower and Annex with insulated doors that are fully sealed around the perimeter.

- Seal off open utility air shafts that take air from basement up through the Tower.

- Seal around all pipe penetrations into utility air shafts at the Tower basement level.

- Seal around the existing chimney shaft at the Tower basement.

- Seal around all Tower doors attached to utility shafts and service rooms by adding additional hardware to prevent air gaps.

- Seal penetrations to walls at Tower utility shafts where gaps exist between the closets and shafts on all levels.

4. Several drawings note “Seal all gaps and penetrations along entire perimeter of this wall typical on all floors – provide 400 LF of sealant per floor.” Please confirm the exact floors and wall assemblies where this requirement applies, and confirm whether the quantity of 400 LF per floor is an estimate or a fixed quantity. RESPONSE: Mechanical basement, ground floor, first floor, second floor, third floor, fourth floor, Fifth thru Fourteenth floor, and Mechanical Penthouse floor. 400LF per floor is an estimate.

5. Mechanical penthouse drawings indicate 800 LF of sealant at CMU to concrete joints across approximately 25 joints (field verify). Please clarify whether the 800 LF quantity is an allowance or an exact required quantity, and confirm whether adjustments will be addressed by change order if field conditions differ. RESPONSE: 800LF is an estimate, differing conditions will be addressed by change order.

6. The Mechanical Basement plan indicates sealing of pipe and duct penetrations with 25 LF of sealant in certain rooms. Please confirm the exact rooms and penetration quantities included in the Base Bid scope and whether contractors are expected to survey and seal all penetrations not specifically shown. RESPONSE: 25LF is an estimate. Number of penetrations may vary, field verification required.

7. Multiple notes indicate installation of door perimeter gasketing and bottom sweeps with approximately 40 LF of sealant per door frame, however no door schedule or quantity is provided. Please identify the specific doors included in this work and provide a total door count. RESPONSE: The doors are identified on the drawings.

8. Drawings require replacement of existing coiling doors with insulated, airtight coiling doors at two locations, however specifications for the door system are not included in the drawing set. Please provide coiling door specifications including insulation value, wind load requirements, and motorized operation requirements. RESPONSE: refer to specification

9. The coiling door notes indicate electrical service exists and should be reused for electric operation of the new door, however no electrical drawings are included in the set. Please clarify whether electrical reconnection, wiring modifications, or controls work are required under this contract. RESPONSE: Electrical service is in place for existing coiling door utilize this service for electric operation of new coiling door installation as indicated on the drawings.

10. The drawings state that existing conduits attached to the window system must be removed and reattached to the new curtain wall system under Bid Option #3. Please clarify the extent of electrical work required and whether replacement of conduits, supports, or wiring will be required if existing components are damaged during removal. RESPONSE: Bid options will not be evaluated.

11. Please provide structural design criteria for the curtain wall system, including design wind loads, structural performance requirements, and allowable deflection limits. RESPONSE: Curtain wall options will not be evaluated.

12. Please confirm whether the curtain wall system must be engineered and stamped by the contractor’s curtain wall manufacturer, and whether delegated design calculations are required as part of the submittal. RESPONSE: Curtain wall option will not be evaluated.

13. The window schedule identifies glazing type IG-1, however no performance specification is provided. Please provide the complete glazing specification including glass thickness, coatings, thermal performance requirements, safety glazing requirements, and energy code compliance criteria. RESPONSE: Curtain wall option will not be evaluated.

14. Please provide structural attachment details for the curtain wall system, including anchorage to slab edges, steel embeds, and any reinforcement required at existing structure interfaces. RESPONSE: Curtain wall option will not be evaluated.

15. Bid Option #3 requires removal and reinstallation of an existing catwalk, however no structural details, dimensions, or connection drawings are provided. Please provide structural drawings showing catwalk construction, connections, and load capacity. RESPONSE: Curtain wall option will not be evaluated.

16. Please clarify whether the contractor is responsible for engineering the removal and reinstallation of the catwalk, including any temporary structural support required during curtain wall replacement. RESPONSE: Curtain wall option will not be evaluated.

17. Please confirm whether temporary weather protection is required during curtain wall removal and installation, and whether curtain wall openings must be closed within the same work shift or may remain open overnight. RESPONSE: Curtain wall option will not be evaluated.

18. The drawings indicate existing curtain wall systems will be replaced, however demolition scope is not defined. Please clarify whether the contractor is responsible for complete removal, disposal, and recycling of existing curtain wall components including frames, glazing, and sealants. RESPONSE: Curtain wall option will not be evaluated.

19. Please clarify whether interior finishes adjacent to curtain wall systems are to be protected only or repaired/replaced if damaged during demolition and installation. RESPONSE: Curtain wall option will not be evaluated.

20. Please confirm whether hazardous materials surveys have been completed for the building, and provide reports identifying any asbestos-containing materials, lead-based paint, or PCB-containing sealants that may be encountered during curtain wall removal. RESPONSE: Survey has not been conducted.

21. Please confirm whether as-built drawings for the existing curtain wall system are available and can be provided to bidders to assist in estimating demolition and replacement work. RESPONSE: Curtain wall option will not be evaluated.

22. Several notes throughout the drawings indicate “field verify” conditions for existing openings, penetrations, and door dimensions. Please clarify whether the contractor will be responsible for all field verification and design adjustments if dimensions differ from drawings, and whether such adjustments will be considered compensable changes. RESPONSE: Yes contractor will be responsible for field verification.

23. Please confirm whether the National Agricultural Library building will remain occupied during construction, and identify any restrictions related to work hours, noise, dust control, or access to occupied spaces. RESPONSE: Yes building will remain operational and occupied. Working hours are listed in the specifications.

24. Please identify designated contractor staging areas, material storage areas, and waste disposal locations within the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center campus. RESPONSE: A laydown area will be provided, if needed, once the contractor is ready to mobilize.

25. Please confirm whether roof access is permitted for installation of swing stages or other façade access equipment required for curtain wall replacement. RESPONSE: Curtain wall option will not be evaluated.

26. Please clarify whether crane operations are permitted on site for curtain wall installation, and identify any restrictions related to crane placement or site access. RESPONSE: Curtain wall option will not be evaluated.

27. Please confirm the required construction duration and project completion timeline, including any interim milestones or phasing requirements for the curtain wall replacement work. RESPONSE: 90days PoP for base.

28. Please clarify whether the Government anticipates phased replacement of curtain wall systems by elevation or floor, or whether contractors may propose their own installation sequence. RESPONSE: Curtain wall option will not be evaluated.

29. Please confirm whether performance testing of the curtain wall system is required, including air infiltration testing, water penetration testing, or commissioning procedures. RESPONSE: Curtain wall option will not be evaluated.

30. Please confirm the required warranty period for curtain wall systems, glazing, sealants, and other envelope components installed under this contract. RESPONSE: Curtain wall option will not be evaluated.

31. Would the government consider moving the bid time to 2:00 p.m. instead of 6:30 a.m. CST?

RESPONSE: Quotes shall be submitted no later than 3/23/26 @0630 am CST.

32. Can you please provide the government estimate value of this project? We will need to provide this information to our bonding company for the bid bond required. RESPONSE: Bid Bond will need to cover the amount of the Contractor’s quote.

33. How many floors is the contractor allowed to work on simultaneously? RESPONSE: regarding the base, it will be determined on a floor by floor bases.

34. Will the USDA provide a phasing plane to drive the work? RESPONSE: Contractor’s may submit a phasing plan for evaluation.

35. During the site visit, it was observed that there are obstructions to areas of proposed work, for instance stored materials and shelving in front of windows. Is the USDA responsible for removing the obstructions to allow access? RESPONSE: Curtain wall option will not be evaluated.

36. Is replacement of existing blinds in the scope of this project? What is the quantity? RESPONSE: Curtain wall option will not be evaluated.

37. Is the USDA providing Commissioning Agent services (both CxA and BECxA)? RESPONSE: No

38. Has a hazardous material survey been conducted? If so, please provide a report. RESPONSE: No it has not been conducted.

39. Do the Superintendent, SSHO and QC Manager need to be 3 separate individuals? RESPONSE: No

40. 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? RESPONSE: Excusable delays will be evaluated as needed.

41. Are there any phasing requirements? How many people will be in the building? Are there any temporary heating/cooling requirements? RESPONSE: Phasing will not be required for the base bid, if the contractor would like to provide a plan it will be evaluated.

42. Please confirm whether asbestos or lead is present on this project, and if so, provide the relevant documentation. RESPONSE: this should not impact the base bid.

43. Is this project tax exempt? RESPONSE: See solicitation

44. When do you anticipate on site work starting? RESPONSE: no later then 30 days after NTP.

45. Are third party inspections required? RESPONSE: No

46. Is permitting required? RESPONSE: No

47. Are partitioning, dust containment, and/or negative air machines required for this project? RESPONSE: We do not anticipate dust impacting the building occupants for the base bid

48. Is any landscaping restoration required for this project? For example; topsoil, seeding, and fertilizer. RESPONSE: Not for the base bid.

49. Please provide the existing manufacturer and finish of the door hardware. RESPONSE: See the door hardware specifications.

50. Please provide a door hardware schedule RESPONSE: See the door hardware specifications.

51. Will anchoring into the roof for a suspended platform be acceptable to access exterior of windows on higher floors? RESPONSE: Curtain wall option will not be evaluated.

52. Please confirm that windows on the 3rd floor and up will remain. Are only interior and exterior gaskets to be replaced? RESPONSE: Curtain wall option will not be evaluated.

53. Please confirm types of windows on 3rd flr up. Single pane or Dual pane? RESPONSE: Curtain wall option will not be evaluated.

54. Section 019125 / 3.1 clarifies the systems to be commissioned for BECx to include the glazed curtain walls. This is the only system listed in this section. Please confirm if BECx should also review EPDM roofing and insulation systems, joint sealants, and/or storefront systems that are specified. RESPONSE: Spec and drawings should be followed

55. Section 075323 / 3.7.2 requires roof drain testing for 8 hours. Please clarify if BECx is required to witness this test. RESPONSE: Spec and drawings should be followed

56. Section 079200 / 3.1 requires ASTM C1193 adhesion testing of joint sealants. Please clarify if BECx is required to witness this test. RESPONSE: Spec and drawings should be followed

57. Section 074213 / 3.7.2 clarifies that the metal wall panel system may be subject to leakage testing but does not define a testing standard or if the testing is mandatory. Additionally, please clarify if BECx is required to witness this test and how many visits should be scheduled for witnessing this testing. RESPONSE: Spec and drawings should be followed

58. Section 0119125/1.5a indicates that the Owner will hire the BECxA. Is the contractor just to include pricing/scope for BETA (Testing Agency)? RESPONSE: Spec and drawings should be followed

59. Sheet A301, Window schedule, Ground floor, tags HG1, HG2, HG3 & HG4 . The dimensions for these tags do not match the dimension listed on Sheet A302 for the stated items. Should we use the dimensions on Sheet A302 instead of the dimensions on the window schedule? RESPONSE: Curtain wall option will not be evaluated

60. Perimeter door gasketing, Specification sections 08 71 00, item 2.3.15, Weather stripping gasketing. What items in the section are required to satisfy the requirements, for this section? RESPONSE: See door hardware schedule spec section

61. Sheet A-301, Glazing Type Legend – IG-1 – Total glazing thickness 1-5/16”. Most standard Commercial store front systems are designed for a maximum IGU thickness of 1-1/8”. The store front glazing pocket will need to be modified to accept a 1-5/16 “ glazing. Is this required glazing size made for a specific store front? RESPONSE: Curtain wall option will not be evaluated.

62. Specification section 08 41 13 Aluminum Storefront, lists performance requirements but does not identify a specific storefront system or series to be used. Are the contractors to base their product selection only on the performance specification in section 08 41 13? RESPONSE: Curtain wall option will not be evaluated.

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