Questions and Answers_1232SA26Q0533.pdf
PDF 109 KB Posted
- Solicitation number
- 1232SA26Q0533
About this file
This is a Questions and Answers (Q&A) document for RFQ# 1232SA26Q0533 regarding the Replacement of Sanitary Drain Piping project at a USDA facility in Athens, Georgia. The document addresses 54 clarifying questions from prospective contractors regarding project requirements, specifications, and execution logistics.
The project requires replacement of existing HDPE drain piping with 316L stainless steel Schedule 10 welded piping in sizes of 2", 4", and 6". Key technical requirements include: Visual Examination (100%) and 5% X-ray radiographic testing for all welds, with dye penetrant testing as needed for surface concerns; PMI verification of stainless alloy grade at fabrication start; passivation of all welds; flange connections for pipe transitions (only if necessary); reinforced Teflon gaskets (PTTE); and as-built drawings upon completion. The project timeline is 180 days from Notice to Proceed, with execution organized into two to three facility sections to minimize operational disruption. The existing pipes are already exposed, and no concrete work, thermal expansion joints, or temporary drainage bypass is required. Contractors must provide roll-off dumpsters, use existing pipe hangers where compatible, and comply with OSHA requirements. Special conditions include mandatory site visits (subcontractor attendance acceptable), continuous escort requirements, floor protection for epoxy coatings, and a comprehensive Site Safety Plan requiring USDA approval. The government declined alternate proposals for sanitary tubing with tri-clamp connections, requiring standard butt-welded construction. Detailed drawings, equipment specifications, and Safety Data Sheets for facility chemicals are provided as attachments.
View the file
Other files
Show all 16
On GovTribe
Work with this file
- Download the original file
- Contacts named in this file
- Similar government files
- Ask GovTribe AI about this file
Text version
Amendment 5
Replacement of Sanitary Drain Piping (Athens, GA)
RFQ# 1232SA26Q0533
Questions and Answers
1. Confirm the requirement for the mandatory site visit. If a key subcontractor (mechanical/plumbing) representing our team attends the site visit and is identified as part of our proposal, will that satisfy the solicitation requirement, or is attendance by a direct representative of the prime contractor also required?
a. ANSWER: Key subcontractor attendance is allowable to fulfill site visit attendance requirement.
2. Will there be another site visit?
a. ANSWER: No
3. Are the pipes already exposed?
a. ANSWER: Yes
4. Will there be concrete work?
5. Can you provide the full as-built drawings?
a. ANSWER: See attached.
6. Can you provide installation drawings?
a. ANSWER: See attached.
7. What is the required timeline for the job?
a. ANSWER: 180 days from Notice to Proceed
8. What kind of downtime will there be to install sections of pipe?
a. ANSWER: To be determined once awarded.
9. Will the existing pipe be cleaned before work begins in each section?
10. What kind of PPE will be required?
a. ANSWER: No facility required PPE. Please follow OHSA requirements for this project.
11. Will temporary wood supports be allowed during installation?
12. Will all piping be sanitary tubing?
13. Can we use ferrules or flanges during installation of new stainless-steel tubing?
a. ANSWER: Flanges can be used for pipe transitions only if necessary.
14. Will we use existing pipe hangers/ supports?
15. What kind of gasket material will we need?
a. ANSWER: Reinforced Teflon Gaskets (PTTE)
16. Do we need to cover the floors to protect the epoxy coating?
17. What kind of permits will be required? Work, hot work, line break, LOTO.
a. ANSWER: No permits required. But all safety procedures should be highlighted in the Site Safety Plan and approved by USDA.
18. Will we have badges to access building doors?
19. How long will it take to get through security each day?
a. ANSWER: We will discuss and lay out a plan to make this process as quick as possible.
20. What type of connection will be required when transitioning from existing pipe to new?
a. ANSWER: Flange will be the preferred method to make the transitions. Any alternative method must be approved by the USDA.
21. Who will be providing roll-off dumpsters?
a. ANSWER: Contractor
22. Please confirm the exact NDT requirements for the stainless-steel welds.
a. ANSWER: Visual Examination is mandatory. Welds must be smooth, crevice-free and fully penetrated. Field welds must be inspected—using borescope or video borescope when direct access to the interior is limited. 5% X ray required.
23. Can you provide the existing drawings and any available pipe schedule showing pipe sizes, routing, slopes, elevations, and tie-in points, or should all final measurements and fabrication details be field verified by the contractor?
a. ANSWER: See attached drawings and Biowaste Piping OM.
24. Please confirm the required pipe wall thickness: Schedule 10, Schedule 40, or another requirement.
a. ANSWER: Schedule 10.
25. Please confirm all site access and biosecurity requirements for contractor and subcontractor personnel before work begins.
a. ANSWER: Please refer to SOW.
26. Will any special PPE be required during the demo phase of the project?
a. ANSWER: No.
27. Can you provide Safety Data Sheet (SDS) documentation for the chemicals present in the drain during normal operations?
a. ANSWER: Yes, see attached SDS for Virkon S and Intervention, which are the disinfectants used at our facility. The piping will be decontaminated using a bleach solution, see attached SDS Bleach.
28. What level of access will the awarded contractor have to the work site? Will escorts be required at all times, or will full access be permitted?
a. ANSWER: Escorts are always required.
29. Will radiographic testing be required for any welds, If so what percentage?
a. ANSWER: Yes. 5%
30. Is passivation required?
31. Are as-built drawings required upon project completion?
32. Can you provide drawings of the existing layout?
a. ANSWER: See attached Drawings.
33. Will the project need to be completed room-by-room, or can multiple areas be worked simultaneously?
a. ANSWER: The project will be completed by isolating the facility into two to three sections.
34. Can you provide additional details on the on-site weld scanning and BIM coordination requirements?
a. ANSWER: Weld Scanning (NDT) Requirements:
i. 100% Visual inspection
ii. 5% X-ray
iii. PT (dye penetrant) as needed for surface concerns
iv. PMI for verifying stainless alloy grade at the start of fabrication
v. Scans tied to Weld IDs for traceability
BIM Coordination Integration:
i. Unique Weld IDs shown in the model
ii. NDT results linked to the weld object
iii. Color-coding welds by status (passed / failed / repair / not inspected)
iv. Uploading RT/UT images, PT reports, repair logs
v. Real-time issue/coordination tagging (e.g., access issues for scans)
vi. Final weld map included in handover
35. Can demolished piping be disposed of in standard dumpsters?
36. What schedule and grade of piping will be required?
a. ANSWER: 316L Schedule 10
37. Can we provide a sanitary tubing alternative? We would suggest Spec A270 Grade
316L?
38. The Statement of Work specifies welded 316L stainless steel drain piping. Would the Government consider an alternate approach using 316L sanitary tubing with tri-clamp (tri-clover) connections in lieu of standard butt-welded pipe and fittings?
Sanitary tubing with tri-clamp connections would offer advantages for future maintenance, inspection, and cleaning within the BSL environment, including the ability to disassemble and reassemble sections without cutting and re-welding. If this alternate is acceptable, would the Government like it submitted as a separate line item or as the base bid approach?
39. Are isometric drawings (ISOs) or Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) available for the existing below-floor drain piping system? Access to these documents prior to quote submission would allow for more accurate material takeoffs and fabrication planning.
40. In an effort to help reduce the overall shutdown duration, we would like to inquire whether it would be permissible to build the scaffold in the mechanical room above the pumps during the week prior to the scheduled shutdown. The concern is that the scaffold installation will require a significant number of wood filler pieces due to the existing all-thread supports for the lower piping. We understand that wood materials are currently not permitted inside the building, and we would like clarification on whether an exception could be made for this specific activity or if there is an approved alternative method that should be used.
a. ANSWER: Yes. Wood boards for the scaffolding is permitted.
41. Provide a total length of pipe for all 2", 4" and 6" piping to be replaced
a. ANSWER: Please refer to the attached drawings to get an estimate of the lengths.
42. Please clarify the process for obtaining a hot work permit
a. ANSWER: No permits required. But all safety procedures should be highlighted in the Site Safety Plan and approved by USDA.
43. Provide pictures of the existing connections from HTP to Stainless Steel piping
a. ANSWER: See attached photos
44. During welding, piping will undergo rapid heating and cooling. Please confirm the welding process will have no adverse affects on chemicals currently existing in drainage piping
a. ANSWER: No chemicals will be present during his time.
45. Can existing hangers be reused?
a. ANSWER: Yes, If possible. All hangers should be compatible and able to support the stainless-steel piping.
46. Can one person "triple hat" as Superintendent, SSHO and QC Manager?
a. ANSWER: Yes, this is allowable so long as the individual is qualified.
47. 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?
a. ANSWER: Vendors should not assume PoP extensions will be provided for the purposes of quote preparation.
48. Are soil boring reports available? If not, confirm discovery of rocks and obstructions during excavation will be treated as differing site conditions under FAR 52.236 2 or addressed as a change under FAR 52.243 4.
a. No. Vendors should have attended the mandatory site visit to become familiar with site conditions.
49. Please confirm the required stainless steel alloy (304 vs 316L) and wall thickness for all 2", 4", and 6" piping.
a. ANSWER: 316L. Schedule 10
50. Confirm whether all HDPE piping is to be removed down to the floor decking only, or if any below slab sections are included.
a. ANSWER: There is no piping above the slab included in this project.
51. Clarify whether any existing supports or anchors must be replaced regardless of condition.
a. ANSWER: Existing supports should be re-used if possible. All hangers should be compatible and be able to support the stainless steel piping.
52. Confirm whether thermal expansion joints or loops are required in the new stainless steel system.
a. ANSWER: No.
53. Confirm whether temporary drainage bypass must be sized for full operational flow or only for specific fixtures.
a. ANSWER: No temporary drainage will be required the area will be shut down during the work process.
54. Clarify whether any sections of the existing HDPE system contain chemicals or residues requiring special handling during demolition.
a. ANSWER: No. Piping will be decontaminated and can be handled like any normal drain piping.
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .