Attachment 4 - Questions and Answers.pdf

Questions and Answers for RFQ# 1232SA26Q0332

Q: Our calculations show that the wall benches are 24" deep. Typically benches along the wall are 30" deep especially with they include sinks. The reason is this gives a space of 7" between the back of the cabinet and wall to run piping for the drains and water. Also, the 30” of counter gives work depth for any instruments that are placed on the countertop. Would 30” deep wall benches be acceptable?

A: Wall bench depth should be 30 in, per Section 3.0 on page 1 of Attachment 2, Layout Specifications, bullet #7.

Q: Our maximum single-piece fabrication depth is 48”. To meet the required 54”, we can propose a two-piece configuration with a seamless joint, maintaining full functionality and structural integrity. Would this be acceptable?

A: To avoid complex installations and potential breakage during installation, seamless joints are not preferred. If fabrication width (as opposed to depth) greater than 48 in can be achieved, peninsula countertops can be rotated to achieve maximum peninsula “depth.” Overall, seams are to be kept to a minimum.

Q: Our scope primarily focuses on horizontal work surfaces. However, we can supply matching resin backsplash sections as part of the package, fabricated in segments for installation along the walls. Would this be acceptable?

A: Yes, but quotes should be according to the specifications and any additions listed as a separately priced line item. Quotes will be evaluated from lowest to highest for technical acceptability with the award being made to the lowest priced, technically acceptable quote received.

Q: The scullery sink is an item that is usually provided by the plumbing contractor because it is found in most plumbing specifications. It is also something that most laboratory manufacturers do not make or provide. In addition, the faucet is not a typical laboratory faucet. Something to take into consideration is that the lead-times for an item like this is about 80 - 120 days and stainless prices are only good for 10 - 15 days. So, is this something that you could remove and possibly have the plumber provide? Doing so would help expedite the pricing process.

A: No, as all-in-one acquisition streamlines the process, eliminates multiple vendors, and allows for an apples-to-apples comparison for all items required in the project.

Q: The cabinets are noted as 36" wide. Can they be 35" high with a countertop since this is the standard height that we build and it has to go under a stairwell? If so, can we put a countertop on it to create another work area and place bottles on when retrieving bottles or restoring them?

A: Some cabinets are proposed to be 3-ft wide and some 2.5-ft, per the Layout Specifications, bullet points 4, 5, 8 etc. Cabinet heights of 35” are acceptable.

Q: For the North Wall, it is mentioned that the space between the cabinets are to be open for chairs. We read a note about legs. What about a table frame to set the legs in and support the countertop?

A: The north wall bench cabinets would include a portion with cabinets and also a wide section that is open underneath for chairs and leg space when working on specific tasks. How the benchtop is supported would probably depend on the casework manufacturer. The supports could perhaps be vertical metal supports or perhaps some variation on table legs. This would have to be explained in the bid through supporting documentation about the cabinet manufacturer and the specific cabinet system construction and then evaluated by the end-user for utility in the proposed space.

Q: The short Peninsula is labeled 5.33 Ft in the plan view, but the description calls for 36” cabinets (dark green). What should we do with the extra 2 ft?

A: Please see Layout Specifications bullet point 5 on page 1 of Attachment 2.

Q: What is the exact sink and fixture cutout locations and specifications?

A: The sink on the west wall does not have a specific location requirement because plumbing can easily be run to this spot. As for its approximate location on the west wall, it should simply be far enough to the right of Office 2 (shown on aerial sketch) so as not to make a mess in that space and still line up with the open walkway that leads up to that sink. So perhaps that puts it equidistant between Office 2 and the south edge of Peninsula 3. An estimated west sink location is either 12-18 in to the north of Office 2 or 12-18 in to the south of Peninsula 3.

The sink on the east wall should be centered in that approx. 4.f-ft open space between Peninsulas 4 and 5.

The fixtures will go behind the sink (between the wall and sink).

Q: What is the preferred seam/joint placement for countertops?

A: Countertop arrangement/placement which minimizes the number of seams and avoids placement near sinks, to the extent possible, are preferred, as large amounts of chemicals, water and fine particles are to be handled.

Q: Are there any installation tolerances or overhang requirements?

A: This is a complete remodel. No new casework needs to be abutted to existing casework, so the tolerances of plus/minus one inch will be sufficient. There are no overhang requirements.

The dimensions listed in the specifications include any excess requirement.

Q: What are the final dimensions for each cabinet type (height, width, depth)?

A: This is detailed as fully as possible in the Layout Specifications and Deliverables section.

Q: What are the desired drawer layouts for 4, 6, and 8 drawer units (e.g., 4-drawer unit: 1 column of 4; 6-drawer unit: 2 columns of 3 drawers each, etc.)?

A: Specific drawer layouts for the 4, 6 and 8 drawer units are not set in stone. These layouts will depend on the vendor and could vary widely and this criterion would not be a deal-breaker.

However, the end-user would simply evaluate the specific finer cabinet layouts based on utility for storage and everyday use in a working soil laboratory, hopefully by examination of vendor catalogs or technical data sheets that are provided.

Q: What is the required drawer thickness? It is believed to be 5/8”.

A: Whereas drawer front thickness is specified at 3/4/ in, inside drawer thickness is not specified. This is somewhat undetermined but would hopefully be of a sufficient gauge so as not to be flimsy and is sufficiently workable for a soil health laboratory or any high quality laboratory, for that matter.

Q: Do the doors and drawers need to be locking?

A: Doors and drawers do not need to be locking.

Q: Are there any tolerances or adjustments required for site conditions?

A: No

Q: Can you confirm that all cabinets are to be powder-coated steel as specified?

A: Yes

Q: Are there any specific color or finish requirements for the casework and countertops?

A: The specific color/finish is not required for the quote. However, to match existing steel casework in other parts of the building, something in the tan or mocha family would be ideal.

If the color is able to be selected when the order is awarded that would be preferred.

Countertop color should be black.

Q: Do you require Epoxy tops or is Phenolic an option?

A: Epoxy is preferred. To our knowledge, the existing phenolic tops in the building are approx.

forty years old. No phenolic tops have been installed on site in recent memory. So, epoxy is preferred, unless it can be proven that one material has superior performance over another in terms of chemical and heat resistance.

Q: Could you please provide Floor Plans and Elevations?

A: There is no architectural design team on site, so the only drawings are the aerial sketch included as an attachment.

Q: Are there any detailed shop drawings, elevations, or section views available beyond the provided layout to ensure full compliance with the project requirements?

A: No, see above.

Q: They mentioned that the sink size that is mentioned is not a standard size so they show the closets one possible (25x15x10). The next size closest size is an 18x14x10.5. Either way, you leave very little room for a faucet using a 24" deep countertop. We would recommend a 30" deep countertop there is plenty of room.

A: Wall bench depth should be 30 in, per Section 3.0 on page 1 of Attachment 2, Layout Specifications, bullet #7. It is assumed that this coincides with a countertop depth of at least 30 in, plus whatever is provided for an undercut and a standard overhang. Insect sink dimensions are specified as 24 x 14 x 10 in L x W x D, where 14 inches (in this case) is the front to back dimension. This should fit in an approx. 30 in depth countertop.

Q: This project needs an eyes on meeting to make sure that it will be properly layout. Would it be possible to schedule a site visit? If we do a site visit, we would also provide a drawing including elevations of what we are proposing for the laboratory. We would be happy to send in a laboratory designer to meet with the onsite user.

A: A site visit cannot be provided. This is a material only requirement. As such, consultation on the design/layout is unnecessary.

Q: What is the expected or desired delivery date?

A: Per Section 4.0 on page 4 of Attachment 2, delivery of all items is to be made within 90 days of award and this must be met for a quote to be deemed acceptable.

Q: Is the delivery address: 590 Woody Hayes Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43210?

A: Yes, per Section 4.0 on page 4 of Attachment 2.

Q: Should the items be delivered into the space or to the loading dock?

A: Items shall be delivered to the loading dock.

Q: It is mentioned that an estimated amount is requested for delivery. We typically provide that as a separate line item. However, there is not a line for that on the form provided that item.

A: Attachment 3 has been updated to include a separate line item for delivery.

Q: Could you please confirm if installation is required or just delivery of materials?

A: The requirement is only to provide and deliver materials that meet the requirements outlined on Attachment 2.

Q: Is this a direct purchase or a bidding situation?

A: This is a Request for Quotation (RFQ).

Q: When do you anticipate a decision being made?

A: The decision on whether an award can be issued from the quotes received in response to this solicitation will be made within 90 days of the “Dates Offers Due”.