C05_Attachment 4 - Consolidated RFI Questions and Answers 1232SA26Q0642.pdf
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- Attached to
- Replacement of Cooling Tower Base
- Solicitation number
- 1232SA26Q0642
About this file
This document is a Questions and Answers (Q&A) file providing clarifications from the Government regarding a cooling tower structure replacement project at a USDA facility in Florida.
The project involves removing an existing cooling tower structure and replacing it with a new replica that matches the existing configuration. Key requirements include: stamped drawings by a licensed professional engineer; manufacture of the new structure to match existing dimensions; certified welders per USDA requirements; and a galvanized finish (Hot-Dip Galvanizing is acceptable). The contractor is responsible for removal and recycling of the old steel structure, with a dumpster available for demolition debris. The existing concrete foundation pads and anchoring pattern should be reused where possible to control costs. New anchors are required and must match the existing installation. The contractor must ensure correct piping reconnection with existing systems. The Government will handle water treatment/drainage and electrical disconnect/reconnect operations. The cooling tower operating weight is 33,380 lbs (4 sections, heaviest section 6,180 lbs), and the tower can be taken offline for a maximum of three days, with potential for 60 hours of simultaneous downtime (Friday 4:00 PM to Monday 7:00 AM) if coordinated with facility personnel. A second site visit with additional contractors is permitted to ensure comprehensive knowledge of project scope. A laydown area has been designated on the provided site map for logistics coordination, with temporary greenhouses available to be moved to accommodate crane access.
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1. Is engineered temporary shoring required? The chiller can be moved off existing structure by crane long enough for the existing structure to be removed and the new one replaced.
2. Are stamped drawings required? Yes
3. Is structural engineering included or by owner? No. manufacture new structure to match existing.
4. Is crane access available?
We would have move some temporary greenhouses, but yes.
5. Can the tower be shut down fully?
It can be, but a full shutdown will affect operations. If required, I recommend opening up the onsite work for contractors on the weekends. We can work out scheduling one of our staff to be here with Scott.
6. Is water treatment/drainage Government responsibility? Yes.
7. Is electrical disconnect/reconnect included? Location will disconnect and reconnect.
8. Is piping reconnection included? Yes to ensure correct replacement with existing piping.
9. Does the USDA require certified welders? Yes
10. Is there a concern about asbestos/lead paint on the old steel?
No. Old steel is to be recycled by Contractor and Contractor is responsible for removal of all of the old structure from site.
11. Is there a required coating system specification?
Hot-Dip Galvanizing (HDG) is the industry standard for steel in Florida, but not sure what that would do to cost of project. Paint structure with appropriate what paint
12. Will a temporary cooling tower be needed during shutdown?
This would be optimum, but again, not sure how it will affect price. The Cooling Tower can be taken down and moved for the very limited time required to move out the old structure and place the new structure before the Cooling Tower is placed on the new structure and hooked back up into running condition. No longer than three days max with the down time to be coordinated with the Lab personnel.
13. Can you provide the estimated weight of each individual cooling tower? 4 sections, the heaviest section is 6180 lbs. Total weight 18860 lbs. Operating weight 33380 lbs.
14. How long can the units be taken offline? Three days maximum unless Facility personnel at site can agree to more.
15. Is a galvanized finish acceptable for this project? Yes.
16. Can both units be taken offline for approximately 60 hours simultaneously? Perhaps from Friday afternoon at 4:00 pm continuing to Monday morning at 7:00 am?
Yes, we can coordinate with Dr. Adkins for weekend coverage to reduce downtime.
17. Will new anchors be required for the new cooling tower stand? Yes. New installation will match existing.
18. The current concrete raised section off the floor may need to be enlarged to accept a greater size plate and different bolting pattern. The existing section is to be re-used to mount the new replica of the cooling tower structure. Why would a greater size plate than existing be required when we are on a tight budget with this project?
Mimic the existing bolting pattern or place new bolts into existing pad and repair any damage caused by removing or placing the new structure.
19. Assuming there is rebar around the footers for the existing concrete pads, would drilling through rebar for epoxy anchors be acceptable? If you use the same pattern for the new support structure, that should not be required. If there is a differing site condition, we can address that when it arises.
20. Would it be acceptable to have a 20- or 30-yard dumpster dropped off at the project site for disposal of the existing frame? Or would it be required to be taken away by other means?
Yes, a dumpster can be staged for demolition
21. How big is a lay-down area available for our use? Can it be highlighted on a site map so we can coordinate logistics? See below.
22. Would it be possible to make another site visit with additional contractors from other trades to review the scope with them?
Yes, we will allow a 2nd site visit to ensure the Contractor is highly knowledgeable of the site.
TOWER
GHs can be moved
Laydown
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .