Attachment 4 Questions from Industry REV 1.pdf

Questions from Industry 1232SA26Q0348 As of 6 April 2026

1. Can you tell me if the start date of 6/1/26 is a hard start date? We have the availability to get this done by 5/1/27 but wouldn't be able to accommodate a start that early. Any information that you may be able to provide is greatly appreciated.

Govt Response: This is addressed on Page 22 of the RFQ. You’ll have 180 days from the issuance of the Notice to Proceed. The NTP will not be issued until all required submittals to be on-site have been approved. The Period of Performance (POP) of 6/1/26-5/1/27 is not a hard timeframe and is a guesstimate required by our contract writing system. The 180 days from NTP is a hard timeline, with exception being any documented lead times that may be required if Option 3 is awarded. So, if your NTP is issued on 8/1/2026, your completion date is 29 Jan 2027.

As of 21 April 2026

2. Spec section 01 01 11 Page 3, Paragraph 1.3.9 - Coordination of Work states, “The contractor shall prepare a work sequencing plan and shall submit it to the government for approval with their bid.” This requirement is buried within the specifications and not listed on the Submission Documents for the Proposal. Please confirm this Work Sequencing Plan is required after award and not part of the Proposal Submission.

Govt Response: Work Sequence plan can be provided after award as part of the Construction Kick-off meeting.

3. Drawing Sheet A 501, Door Details and Schedule under Frame Material calls out FRP. Please confirm this should be welded hollow metal frames and not FRP.

Govt Response: FRP doors and Frames are required.

4. Spec section 01 01 00 Page 3 references Pandemic requirements such as testing and quarantine.

Please confirm there are no specific requirements for Pandemic concerns.

Govt Response: No specific requirements for Pandemic concerns.

5. Spec section 01 01 00 1.5.1 C requires continuous monitoring for noise, dust, chemical vapor generation, volatile organic compounds, and vibration. This seems excessive and/or unnecessary for a project of this size and scope. Please confirm there is no need for testing or continuous monitoring for these items.

Govt Response: No need for testing or continuous monitoring for these items.

6. Spec section 01 01 00 Page 6 calls for a Project-Site Fire Prevention Program Manager. This seems excessive and unnecessary for a full-time position to cover this requirement. Please confirm that, if required, this position can be covered by the full-time Superintendent on site.

Govt Response: Position can be covered by the full-time Superintendent on site.

7. Sheet M-101, Mechanical Plan, Note 4 says to provide new HVAC and Lighting control. Since this is on the Mechanical plan, shouldn’t the controls referenced by this note be for HVAC and not for lighting, as stated? Please confirm.

Govt Response: Contractor is to provide controls for both lighting and HVAC. Coordination of sub-contractor scope is the responsibility of the General Contractor. The lighting controller and the HVAC controller must work together based on the schedule required by the user. Many controllers control both lighting and HVAC, that is the reason for the wording.

8. Sheet M-101, Mechanical Plan, Note 7 states to provide a “Weather Station” for Base Bid, but does not mention Option 2. Since the RFP states that the Scope of Work on East Greenhouse for OPTION 2 is the same as the West Greenhouse, should Note 7 Weather Station also apply to the East Greenhouse?

Govt Response: No, only one (1) weather station is needed for both greenhouses. The weather station will provide outdoor weather conditions to more than one controller.

9. Sheet E002, Note 18 states all equipment shall comply with the “Buy American Act”. Does that include the lighting?

Govt Response: Yes

10. The schedule on M-601 calls for a Munters HC-150 and we would like to propose using an Innovative Air Technology Unit Model IAT-150REC which has better casing materials and insulation to combat heat loss and condensation opportunities.

Govt Response: Refer to general note 12 on sheet M-001: “All equipment installed in this project must comply with the "Buy American Act". basis of design shown on schedules is to establish a standard of quality, not to limit competition. Equivalent equipment from another manufacturer is acceptable. Manufacturer name and model numbers are basis of design and are shown for information only. Refer to specifications for complete requirements.”

11. Can we quote a different brand name on ductless mini-split other than Daikin?

Govt Response: Refer to general note 12 on sheet M-001: “All equipment installed in this project must comply with the "Buy American Act". basis of design shown on schedules is to establish a standard of quality, not to limit competition. Equivalent equipment from another manufacturer is acceptable. Manufacturer name and model numbers are basis of design and are shown for information only. Refer to specifications for complete requirements.”

12. Sheet E-210, Lighting schedule, shows a type H1 Parsource Grow light. Sheet E-201, Lighting Plan Part A indicates there are 72 of these type H1 lights to install in the West Greenhouse as part of the Base Bid. However, the Type H1 fixtures are not indicated to be installed in the East Greenhouse as part of the Option 2 work. Please confirm whether or not the Option 2 pricing should include the Type H1 light fixture to be installed in the East Greenhouse as part of Option 2.

Govt Response: It shall not include installation in East Greenhouse.

13. The schedule on M-601 calls for a Daikin FFQ18W2VJU9 and we would like to propose using an LG Unit Model KSUDB181A.

Govt Response: Refer to general note 12 on sheet M-001: “All equipment installed in this project must comply with the "Buy American Act". basis of design shown on schedules is to establish a standard of quality, not to limit competition. Equivalent equipment from another manufacturer is acceptable. Manufacturer name and model numbers are basis of design and are shown for information only. Refer to specifications for complete requirements.”

14. Referencing Sheet P-101 Note 4, what is the linear footage of drain piping from the greenhouse to the lift station? The location of the lift station was not shown to contractors at the site visit.

Govt Response: The lift station is approximately 100 feet south of the south wall of the greenhouses according to google earth.

15. Please provide specifications (make & model) for the eye wash stations and mixing valves. It does not appear any have been provided. For pricing purposes.

Govt Response: Safety Shower equal to Guardian G1950 and mixing valve equal to Guardian G6040.

16. Referencing Note 6 and 7 on P-101, it request for ¾” and 1” freeze damaged copper piping to be replaced. How many feet of piping is damaged and needs replaced?

Govt Response: For bidding purposes, use an allowance of 20 feet of ¾” piping and fittings, and 20 feet of 1” piping and fittings in the Base Bid for the West Greenhouse. Assume the same for Bid Option 2. Include (2) interior hose bibbs in each greenhouse at the south wall. The allowance for both contract line items would be a total of up to 80 feet of piping and a total of 4 hose bibbs.

During construction, survey and document the actual amount of piping and fittings that needs to be replaced and coordinate with the Contracting Officer for a credit or change order as needed.

17. Referencing the same notes on the freeze damaged piping on P-101, is the government wanting any of this piping insulated? If so, how many linear feet?

Govt Response: The greenhouses are heated, so insulation should not be needed.

18. Referencing Note 8 on P-101, how many feet and what size of CTS poly pipe is being replaced?

Govt Response: For bidding purposes, use an allowance of 20 feet of 2” copper piping, 40 feet of 1” copper, 40 feet of ¾” copper and fittings. Include (2) 12 inch Silcock spigots to penetrate the exterior wall and (2) interior spigots. This is for Bid Option 2 (East Greenhouse only). This does not apply to the West Greenhouse (Base bid). During construction, survey and document the actual amount of piping and fittings that need to be replaced and coordinate with the Contracting Officer for a credit or change order as needed.

19. Referencing P-101 Note 9, how many 2” sweat ball valves need replaced?

Govt Response: For bidding purposes, use an allowance of three (3) - 2” ball valves for the West Greenhouse (Base Bid) and three (3) - 2” ball valves for the East Greenhouse (Bid Option 2).

During construction, survey and document the actual quantity of ball valves that need to be replaced and coordinate with the Contracting Officer for a credit or change order as needed.

20. On P-101, Note 3, it states to route overflow and discharge piping to nearest trench drain. Can this piping be routed on the ground with Unistrut?

Govt Response: Yes, but Unistrut and piping cannot impede walkways or work area in greenhouse.

21. Referencing P-101 Note 3, is the contractor to connect new reverse osmosis piping system back to “existing” near to units?

Govt Response: Yes

22. On P-101 Note 4 it calls for the contractor to flush and clean trench drains and piping between greenhouse and lift station. Is removing the grates and power washing be acceptable, or is the government expecting the entire line to be “jetted”? Please confirm.

Govt Response: Removing the grates and power washing be acceptable, but something needs to be done to ensure the piping from the grates to the lift station is draining properly. Minimum would be to use a drain auger to ensure the line is clear.

23. On sheet M-102, Note 1, it states to provide galvanized gas piping. Galvanized piping is against code and is not typically recommended because the zinc coating will flake off inside the pipe and plug the gas train components on the heating equipment. The contractor recommends using carbon steel or stainless steel for the gas piping. Please clarify what piping material to use.

Govt Response: Contractor shall provide information to the specific code that this violates.

Stating “against code” is ambiguous as there are literally thousands of codes. The DOR could not find any reference to this in the International Plumbing Code.

24. Is the contractor required to use the brand names of equipment called out in the equipment schedule or can brands with “equal” equipment be utilized?

Govt Response: Refer to general note 12 on sheet M-001: “All equipment installed in this project must comply with the "Buy American Act". basis of design shown on schedules is to establish a standard of quality, not to limit competition. Equivalent equipment from another manufacturer is acceptable. Manufacturer name and model numbers are basis of design and are shown for information only. Refer to specifications for complete requirements.” (There is a similar note on sheet P-001 for plumbing fixtures.)

25. Referencing Section 13 34 13 page 5, 2.1.8 Sealants this whole section refers to polycarbonate sealants. To clarify there is no polycarbonate on this project. Was this inserted in error? Please confirm.

Govt Response: Yes, delete all reference to section 2.1.8 in spec 13 34 13. Refer to sealants in specification 08 81 00 – GLAZING.

26. Referencing Section 13 34 13 page 6, 2.1.10 Equipment hanging bars, does the USDA want to replace the 2” square galvanized tubing that is already existing in the west greenhouse to support the lights to 1-3/8” round pipe? Please confirm.

Govt Response: Specification provides information if additional bars are needed or if existing require removal or replacement.

27. Referencing Section 13-34-13 page 6, 2.1.11 Pad Vents, does the USDA want to replace existing aluminum intake shutters for evaporative cooling system with exterior swing rack & pinion vent system, or replace Cam Motors on existing aluminum shutters?

Govt Response: See Mechanical Drawings for scope of work. Intent is to keep existing shutters and replace Cam Motors.

28. The schedule on M-601 calls for a Modine gas unit heater model PTX150 at 2778 CFM but this unit will only achieve 2140 CFM. The next size up gas heater model PTX200 will achieve 2870 CFM, Advise which unit to quote.

Govt Response: The schedule on M-601 calls for Modine PDP 150 unit heaters. The correct airflow rating for a PDP 150 unit is 2,180 CFM. Provide unit heaters equivalent to Modine PDP

150. (The drawings erroneously showed the CFM for the blower version of that heater.)

29. Specification Section 2.1.11 – Pad Vents “Provide rack and pinion vent over cooling pad to seal pad when not in use…” Please clarify whether the specified pad vent system is intended to replace the existing louvers located in front of the evaporative cooling pad wall, or if the pad vents are to be installed in addition to the existing louvers. If replacement is intended, please confirm: a)Removal scope of existing louvers and (b) Any required modifications to the pad wall framing or openings.

Govt Response: The design intent is to reuse the existing wall louvers and install the new evaporative cooling pads and water circulation system with no modifications to the existing wall framing or openings.

30. Specification Section 2.1.12 – Insect Screen “Screen fabric shall be white reflective… Opti50- Optinet by GreenTEK…” Specifically, confirm whether insect screens are to be installed at any or all of the following locations: a) Evaporative cooling pad wall openings b) Exhaust fan openings (c) Roof vents / ridge vents.

Govt Response: a) The existing louvers at the evaporative cooling pads are to be reused. They are equipped with insect screens on the outside of the louvers. The insect screens need to be replaced

b) Provide the sidewall fans with factory bird screens to match the existing units. C) Replace the insect screens on the roof vents / ridge vents.

31. Specification Section 2.1.2.2 – Evaporative Cooling System Basis of Design: Kool-Cell by Acme Engineering and Manufacturing. The Basis of Design manufacturer, Acme Engineering, no longer provides stainless steel evaporative cooling system gutters. While stainless steel gutters were previously offered, they were discontinued due to leakage and performance issues. Acme’s current standard is an extruded PVC gutter system. Please confirm if the use of Acme’s standard PVC extruded gutter is acceptable for this project in lieu of a stainless steel gutter. If stainless steel gutters are still required, please advise on an acceptable alternate manufacturer and system.

Govt Response: Provide a closed aluminum top with extruded gutter (PVC) system

32. The schedule on M-601 calls for a Munters HC-150. Do you need an electric humidistat (either wall mounted or in the air duct) monitoring so the unit maintains a setpoint in a room or just on/off, providing the driest air possible? Will this unit sit inside the space that you will be using for process air, or will the process air be ducted to the unit from elsewhere? Standard setup is the process fan turns off when the dehumidifier does. Is that setup good or do you need a constant process fan?

Govt Response: The intent is to replace the existing system in kind or with a system equivalent to the existing. Refer to detail 1 on M-501. The unit is to be mounted above the existing walk in cooler and connected to the existing ductwork that communicates with the interior of the walk in cooler. The fan can turn on and off with the call from the humidistat. The existing system has a wall mounted humidistat inside the cooler. Provide a humidistat equal to the existing.