Questions and Answers_1232SA26Q0870.pdf

Amendment 4

Solicitation No. 1232SA26Q0870

NCSL Greenhouse Phase V Renovation (Fargo, ND)

Questions and Answers

1. Do you want us to use the same projects to demonstrate “(6) Technical Experience” and “(07) Past Performance”? Or the projects utilized between the two sections can differ? Please clarify your intent.

ANSWER: The projects do not have to be the same, but they can be. They can also all be different, or a mix. In short, Technical Experience measures what you have done. Past Performance measures how well you did it (customer satisfaction).

2. As it relates to section (07) Past Performance – would it be acceptable to submit previously completed PPQ’s? Or do you prefer we simply respond in narrative format and the requested information? Note some of our submitted projects may not be federal which means a CPARS evaluation would not be available.

ANSWER: Please submit information requested in the Quote Submission Instructions. CPARS may be submitted to satisfy the requirement but not required.

3. The solicitation requests that offerors provide examples of similar projects completed within the past five (5) years. Given the specialized nature of greenhouse renovation and environmental control systems, would the Government permit the prime contractor to include the experience and past performance of a major subcontractor (e.g., the proposed greenhouse systems subcontractor) that will perform a significant portion of the specialized work under this contract? If so, may the subcontractor's relevant project experience and past performance be submitted as part of the prime contractor's quotation to demonstrate the team's overall technical capability, provided the quotation clearly identifies the subcontractor's role and confirms its commitment to perform that portion of the work?

ANSWER: This is acceptable.

4. Can major subcontractor experience and past performance satisfy the Technical Experience requirement?

ANSWER: See Q3.

5. Can the same three projects satisfy both the Technical Experience and Past Performance requirements?

ANSWER: See Q1

6. Would the Government like offerors to include a preliminary schedule and construction approach, or is the requested narrative sufficient?

ANSWER: See Quote Submission Instructions for description of what quote submission must include.

7. I looked through the specs on this project and I cannot find where to send a bid to.

Also I cannot seem to find the Bid form in the Spec’s.

ANSWER: See Attachment 1

8. The plans state these are 95% design and not for construction, will the USDA provide 100% for construction drawings to accurately review this project?

ANSWER: See Amendment 1

9. The Specifications state they are also 95% and not for construction, will the USDA provide 100% for construction Specification to accurately review this project?

10. Section 01-01-00 General Requirements 1.01 General Intention subsection (B) states “All employees of general contractor and subcontractors shall comply with ARS security management program, obtain permission of the ARS Location Manager, be identified by project and employer by wearing contractor issued identification badges at all times on ARS property, and restricted from unauthorized access.”

a. The ARS security management program has not been provided

i. What are all of the requirements included in the ARS security management program the contractors are to include and follow for this project?

ANSWER: The site superintendent is required to complete fingerprinting and background check. If not complete prior to mobilization, will require USDA escort.

ii. Will the USDA provide the ARS security management program to review for bidding this project?

ANSWER: The site superintendent is required to complete fingerprinting and background check. If not complete prior to mobilization, will require USDA escort.

iii. Will the ARS security management program require background checks?

ANSWER: The site superintendent is required to complete fingerprinting and background check. If not complete prior to mobilization, will require USDA escort.

iv. Does the ARS security management program require a tier 2 public trust background check such as the SF-85P? (This process can take over 6 months to complete) Physical security process is faster currently.

ANSWER: The site superintendent is required to complete fingerprinting and background check. If not complete prior to mobilization, will require USDA escort.

11. If background checks are required, what specific background check will be required?

ANSWER: It will be an online questionnaire, TBD.

12. If background checks are required, who will be required to receive the badging and go through the background check process?

ANSWER: Site superintendent

13. If background checks are required, will every individual person on site be required to go through the background process and receive a badge?

ANSWER: Just the site superintendent

14. In lieu of a background check on every individual if required, would a background check and badging for each foreman of each crew be acceptable?

ANSWER: Just the site superintendent

15. Will the USDA be providing badging at the local facility in Fargo ND?

ANSWER: There is a station located at 1616 Albrecht Blvd which will assist with badging and fingerprinting.

16. Will the Superintendent be required to be badged?

ANSWER: Yes

17. Will the Superintendent onsite be allowed to escort unbadged workers on and off site for each working day?

ANSWER: Yes, if superintendent is badged.

18. What period of performance (Number of days) on site by a contractor would require them to go through the background check / badging process?

ANSWER: N/A

19. For contractors that will not be onsite for an extended period of time (less than 30 days), will they also be required to go through the background check process?

ANSWER: No; site superintendent can provide the escort.

20. Optional Form 336 states an address for delivery of 1616 Albrecht Blvd North Fargo ND 58102 US, and page (1) of the RFQ# 1232SA26Q0870 document states the projects location is at 1307 18th Street North Fargo ND 58102. Will the USDA please clarify nothing will be required of the contractor at the 1616 Albrecht address?

ANSWER: Only badging and fingerprinting requirements will be at the 1616 Albrecht address.

21. When does the USDA anticipate awarding this project?

ANSWER: Within 90 days after quote submission.

22. Will Microsoft Project be acceptable for project scheduling?

23. Given the requirement for demolition of the existing greenhouse range F and potentially Range G, which would expose the headhouse door directly to winter conditions and not allow us to complete many of the required tasks due to the temperature required for installation of various materials, would an LNTP for administrative tasks such as submittals / samples / background checks / Etc. be granted over the winter months until spring to complete submittals allowing for a spring 2027 start to demolition and the follow-on construction tasks?

a. With the proposal being submitted late July 2026 and the requirement to hold pricing for 90 days, we do not anticipate enough time for award, submittals, and mobilization in order to complete demolition and re-enclose the greenhouse prior to winter this year.

ANSWER: PoP is 365 days after NTP.

b. Would an LNTP after project award be given to allow for administrative tasks while preserving our period of performance be acceptable?

ANSWER: PoP is 365 days after NTP.

24. Is this project Tax exempt?

a. ANSWER: Vendors should check North Dakota Office of State Commissioner to determine what tax requirements may exist for contractors working on federal projects.

25. If this project is Tax Exempt, will the USDA provide an updated Tax Exemption Certificate?

ANSWER: Vendors should check North Dakota Office of State Commissioner to determine what tax requirements may exist for contractors working on federal projects and request accordingly.

26. The specifications state in 01-10-00 1.05 CONTRACTOR USE OF SITE AND PREMISES D. Time Restrictions: 1. Limit conduct of the hours of 7:00 am to 4:30 pm Mon thru Fri excluding Federal holidays. Will the contractor be able to work from 6am to 5pm Monday to Friday?

ANSWER: Provided the site superintendent is badged and will escort during these hours. Set hours must be solidified with USDA prior to mobilization and after contract award.

27. Will the USDA please confirm that only a site superintendent is required on site during construction activities who can perform duties of superintendent, quality control, and site safety officer?

ANSWER: One qualified person is acceptable with the emphasis on “qualified”.

28. In section 01 25 00 SUBSTITUTION PROCEDURES subsection 3.01 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS states several items regarding substitutions, Item #6 states that the submitter agrees to reimburse owner and architect for review or redesign services associated with re-approval by authorities.

a. Please advise that if the change is needed due to but not limited to an error, omission, etc in the provided design that the submitter would not be held to any of these qualifiers listed in 3.01.

ANSWER: Contractor will not be subject to any costs if there is an error or omission in the design.

b. If what is designed does not work, the contractor will not be held liable for any changes required.

ANSWER: Contractor will not be subject to any costs if there is an error or omission in the design.

29. Section 01 40 00 QUALITY REQUIREMENTS subsection 1.01 item E. “Contractors design-related professional design services” and again under 1.04 “Contractors design related professional design services” Item A and B discussing contractors design services. Please clarify what design requirements are needed from the contractor?

i. This project is not solicitated as a design build contract, rather it has been designed from the AE, and released for bid, to then build the project.

ANSWER: The project is Design-Bid-Build. Contractor will provide design for any delegated design items; examples may be lighting support structures and system controls.

ii. The contractor will not hold any design liability for a project or portion thereof that the contractor has not designed.

ANSWER: Correct, if the contractor was not responsible for the design they would not have design liability.

30. Will the contractor be allowed space for trailers and stored materials on the NDSU property similar to previous Greenhouse Phases for construction material storage?

ANSWER: Upon contract award, laydown area will be established.

31. Will the USDA please define where the laydown area will be located?

ANSWER: Upon contract award, laydown area will be established.

32. Will the contractors need parking passes? If so, what is the process for obtaining them?

ANSWER: Upon contract award, parking will be established. Parking on NDSU property requires NDSU parking permits which is not included in this contract.

33. Will the contractor be able to use the same area as phase four for our jobsite trailer?

ANSWER: Upon contract award, jobsite trailer location will be established.

34. Have cells indicated in range F and G as ADA and or ABA been verified dimensionally that there is enough room to meet the requirements?

35. Will the contractor or the USDA be responsible for moving all existing equipment and materials out of the construction areas (Computers, electronics, Pots, Chairs, Tables, Seeds, Dirt, Carts, Equipment, Refrigeration equipment, etc.)?

ANSWER: USDA will turn over an empty space for construction.

36. If the USDA does not remove all of the existing equipment / materials, who is responsible for protecting this equipment through the construction process?

ANSWER: USDA will have it relocated as needed.

37. Will the USDA please clarify who is responsible for protecting all of the finishes in the headhouse during the roof replacement (lights, drywall, ACT, Mech Room, Pipe and Duct Insulation, Panelboards, etc.)?

ANSWER: Construction Contractor

38. Will the Prime Contractor be responsible for Greenhouse bench storage?

ANSWER: Yes, for the benches which will be reinstalled. Storage can be onsite with the contractor placing the benches on pallets / dunnage to keep them off the ground.

39. Will the USDA please clarify that both Greenhouses (F & G) are from the same manufacturer originally and are constructed the same?

a. This will affect demolition, saving and reusable parts given that the new materials will likely be coming from a different entity than what was originally built and if both Greenhouses were the same there would be some efficiencies in the area of manufacturing the same panels for both Greenhouses that both have the same supportive structure and connections.

ANSWER: Greenhouses F and G were built at different times and are from different manufacturers.

40. Will the contractors be allowed to use installed in place mockups in lieu of separately constructed mockups based on the principle that the same materials used in previous phases are essentially being used again for Greenhouse phase 5?

ANSWER: Installed will be used for a mockup scenario, but not based on previous work history. This is a new Construction contract.

41. Specification section 00-31-26 Asbestos Containing Materials states under the section of ASBESTOS CONTAINING MATERIAL STATEMENT the following, “Further, the owner shall not be responsible for any extra cost to the bidder or contractor beyond that specified and included in the bid resulting directly or indirectly from handling of or proximity to these materials”

a. Will the USDA please clarify that if additional hazardous materials are found and deemed to be a hazardous substance such as asbestos that is beyond what is specified or shown on the plans that the USDA will in fact be liable for the additional cost required to remove and properly dispose of the materials?

ANSWER: The construction contractor will not be responsible for the cost of removing any asbestos which was not identified in the drawings.

42. Specification section 01-01-00-General Requirements section 1.01 item (B) states that the contractor is required to issue badges to all subcontractors on site and that all working on the site shall wear this badge in order to identify them.

a. Will the USDA please provide an example of an acceptable badge? Or please clarify if this is required.

ANSWER: All employees will have a contractor construction company provided badge or shirt identifying the company they work for.

43. Specification section 01-01-00-General Requirements states the following in section 1.05 subsection (C) item 3, “No photography of ARS premises is allowed without written permission of the contracting officer or COR”.

a. Will the USDA grant this permission?

ANSWER: USDA will grant permission for the construction contractor to take pictures required for documenting the construction.

44. Specification section 01-01-00-General Requirements subsection 1.04 Safety submittals item (C) states that, Contractor to provide continuous noise monitoring and at no time shall noise exposure to any ARS staff exceed 75 dB and that a written report shall be generated weekly of all noise testing results.

a. Will the USDA please clarify if we can strike this requirement from the specification book or adjust it to a much higher decibel as 75dB is equivalent to a vacuum cleaner and laughter is around 65dB, the issue with this is a lot of construction tasks will generate more than 75dB noise and it will be highly unlikely to keep the noise to below 75dB.

ANSWER: The requirement can be removed from this project.

45. Specification section 01-01-00-General Requirements states the following in subsection 1.17 Construction Waste Management subsection (B) there is a minimum percentage of 40% to be diverted from landfill.

Given the nature of this project some items will not be able to divert and in addition or as a result this percentage may not be attainable, will the USDA please clarify the percentage or change this specification to the overall intent is to divert as much waste as possible from entering a landfill?

a. ANSWER: Contractor to provide a waste diversion plan identifying as much waste as possible to be diverted.

46. The following specifications are called out on the drawings: 05 21 00, 05 31 00, 05 50 00, 05 51 33, 06 10 00, 07 31 13, 07 53 00, 09 84 30 – none of which are included in the specification book. Will the USDA please provide an updated specification book to review that includes all of the specifications noted on the plans?

ANSWER: See Attachment 5 for combined and bookmarked document of these specification sections.

47. Have the existing roofing materials been tested for asbestos?

ANSWER: Yes, See Attachment 6 Limited Asbestos Survey dated 15 Apr 2025.

48. 02-41-00 3.04 Debris and waste removal subsection (D) states the following “clean up spillage and wind blown debris from public and private lands”. Will the USDA please clarify this applies only to the contract site within the contractors temp construction fence?

ANSWER: This also includes any construction materials on the roads, parking, and areas around the site where construction debris from the project were blown to or spilled.

49. 07 92 00 1.05 Quality Assurance subsection (B) states the following “Preconstruction Laboratory Testing: Arrange for sealant manufacturer(s) to test each combination of sealant, substrate, backing, and accessories.

Adhesion Testing: In accordance with ASTM C794.

Compatibility Testing: In accordance with ASTM C1087.

Allow sufficient time for testing to avoid delaying the work.

Deliver sufficient samples to manufacturer for testing.

Report manufacturer's recommended corrective measures, if any, including primers or techniques not indicated in product data submittals.”

a. Will the USDA please clarify that if the product already meets the ASTM C794 and C1087 would the contractor need to arrange for this additional preconstruction laboratory testing?

ANSWER: No additional testing required if the sealant meets ASTM C794 and C1087.

50. 08 71 00.01 Door Hardware Schedule shows different ranges than what the plans show. This specification appears to be duplicate of the previous phase. Will the USDA please provide an updated door hardware schedule for ranges F and G?

51. 13 34 13 subsection 2.12 Doors and Frames subsection (G) calls out hardware for range “D”. Range “D” is not part of this project/solicitation. Will the USDA please provide an updated specification for ranges “F” and “G”?

ANSWER: Change range D to range F in this specification section.

52. Page G001 on the contract drawings shows us replacing door AB#1, this door was replaced during Greenhouse Phase 4. Will the USDA please clarify if we are to replace this door again and where to include this cost (base bid, alt 1, or alt 2)?

ANSWER: This door is not to be replaced again. Delete door replacement from Alternate 2.

53. Drawing Sheet A112 General note 9 states “see sheet A001 regarding acoustical panel scope” and drawing sheet AD122 states the following “SEE SHEET A001 FOR

EXISTING ELEMENTS AND SYSTEMS THAT MUST EITHER BE REESTABLISHED AFTER

CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES OR MAINTAINED DURING CONSTRUCTION

ACTIVITIES.”

b. Sheet A001 is not included in the drawings provided, will the USDA please provide drawing A001?

ANSWER: Revise sheet reference to be Sheet A000.

54. Drawing A235-F1 shows door F101-A on the drawing however, the door schedule states door F101 as being replaced. Will the USDA please clarify which doors are being replaced in range F?

ANSWER: Replace doors F101-A (pair of doors) and F102 (door with leaf).

55. Drawing A235-F1 in the door schedule states “PR” but does not show a door panel type as “PR”, will the USDA please provide an updated drawing or clarify what “PR” means in the door schedule?

ANSWER: Per Sheet A000, PR is an abbreviation for “Pair”. The PR designates that the opening is a pair of doors or double doors.

56. On drawing A521 Keynote 04 20 00.H3 states the following “Grout fill between steel joists as shown; existing to remain” Will the USDA please clarify that all spaces between the existing steel joists are filled with grout?

ANSWER: All spaces between the existing steel joist shall be filled with grout.

57. On drawing A521 several keynotes state existing materials, are all existing materials noted as existing supposed to remain?

ANSWER: Yes, unless otherwise noted on demolition drawings.

58. Regarding 04 20 00.H1 Concrete Masonry units, are these to remain?

59. Regarding 04 20 00.H2 Clay Brick Masonry, are these to remain?

60. Regarding 05 21 00.H1 Steel Joist Framing, are these to remain?

61. Regarding 05 31 00.H3 Steel Decking, are these to remain?

62. Regarding 06 10 00.H5 Cover board, are these to remain?

63. Regarding 07 21 00.H1 rigid insulation, are these to remain?

64. Regarding 07 27 00.H7 Vapor barrier, are these to remain?

65. Drawing A531 shows range “A”, Will the USDA please update the drawings to show wall sections of Ranges G and F?

ANSWER: Wall sections are typical of all ranges as noted.

66. Are the wall sections in range G and F the same?

ANSWER: Contractor to assume wall sections are the same.

67. If the wall sections are different, will the USDA provide details on each range?

ANSWER: N/A

68. On drawing Q501 Detail 1 Section Through New Bench Type Fix-1 states to see detail 10/Q501. This detail does not exist on drawing Q501, will the USDA provide this missing detail?

69. On drawing Q501 the missing detail 10/Q501 indicates that it is the 10th detail on that page, however the drawing only shows 5 different details, are we also missing details 6, 7, 8, and 9?

70. Note DH5 on AD122 states “REMOVE PIPING & CONDUITS SERVING EXTERIOR

MECHANICAL UNIT GOING THROUGH EXISTING FASCIA CONDITION;

REESTABLISH AT LOWER ELEVATION THROUGH MASONRY WALL & REESTABLISH

FUNCTIONALITY OF SYSTEM”

a. How far back does this conduit need to be demo’d?

ANSWER: Demo far enough to allow penetration through the exterior wall below the fascia.

b. What is the new desired elevation? The note only states “lower elevation”.

ANSWER: Approximately 1 ft below the roof eve.

71. What are the required elevations of the fans in the hallway in Ranges F & G?

ANSWER: The fans shall be mounted tight to the structure to allow for unimpeded movement beneath them.

72. Will the USDA provide a detail on how the Unistrut is attached for the sound absorbing ceiling units?

c. Where is the Unistrut being attached?

ANSWER: This is a contractor’s means and methods.

d. How is the Unistrut being attached?

ANSWER: This is a contractor’s means and methods.

73. Do the Superintendent, SSHO and QC Manager need to be 3 separate individuals?

ANSWER: No

74. 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?

ANSWER: PoP extensions should not be assumed for purposes of quote submission.

75. Please provide the site visit attendee sign in sheet.

ANSWER: See Amendment 2

76. When do you anticipate on site work starting?

ANSWER: TBD based on date of award

77. Are third party inspections required?

ANSWER: Yes, see sections 01 40 00, 07 84 00, 23 05 93, and 31 23 23.43.

Commissioning will be provided by a USDA hired commissioning agent.

78. Is permitting required?

79. Please provide bidding quantities for deteriorated roofing underlayment.

ANSWER: Roof type A is complete replacement, assume replacement of 25% of underlayment for roof types B and C.

80. Please confirm the manufacturer of the existing roofing system and who carries the current warranty of the roofing system.

ANSWER: Roof type A is to be replaced in its entirety and Roof type B and C will have the surface replaced. Thus roof warranty info is N/A.

81. The drawings and specifications indicated "95% Design - Not For Construction";

please confirm if the for-construction documents will be distributed prior to the bid date?

82. What access routes, staging areas, storage areas, and dumpster locations will be available to the contractor?

ANSWER: Laydown area, access routes and dumpster locations to be negotiated after contract award.

83. Please clarify the controls scope for this project. Johnson Controls has indicated that they currently provide the building controls/BAS for the facility. However, they advised that the controls shown for this project appear to be a specialized greenhouse control system that is outside their scope.

ANSWER: Greenhouse ranges are controlled by Microgrow Controllers.

84. Are the Micro-Grow controls to be included in the mechanical contractor’s scope or provided by the greenhouse equipment contractor?

ANSWER: General Contractor to answer.

85. Detail 09 84 30 on Sheet A521 identifies 2-inch-thick fabric-covered sound-absorbing ceiling units, but no corresponding specifications, product information, or installation requirements were found in the project documents. Are these units existing or new? If new, please provide the applicable specification section and clarify an approved manufacturer, product type, finish, dimensions, mounting system, attachment method, layout, and installation requirements.

ANSWER: Sound-absorbing panels are new. See specification section 09 84 30 issued with the addendum.

86. Specification section 00 31 26 references South Dakota Codified Law, including SDCL §34-44, although the project is located in North Dakota. Please advise if there are differences between the two states.

ANSWER: Assume the same requirements apply for this project located in North Dakota.

87. Several architectural details reference specification sections that were not in the project manual, including Sections 05 31 00, 05 50 00, 06 10 00, and 07 31 13.

Please provide the missing specification sections or confirm the product, material, fabrication, finish, and installation requirements applicable to these items.

ANSWER: Specification sections are being issued with the addendum.

88. Detail 05 31 00.H1 on page A521 indicates to “see structural” drawings, but no structural drawing sheets have been provided. Please provide, if available.

ANSWER: There are no structural drawings. All structural details are included in the details provided on sheet A521 and the corresponding Specification Sections are attached.

89. Plumbing Spec: Does the RO (Reverse Osmosis) water need to be insulated?

90. Plumbing Spec: Sanitary Waste where heat tracing is installed: Spec has this as being insulated, but the plans don’t specify what part of the sanitary waste is heat traced and what is not? I was wondering if you could give me some answers on what is heat traced and what is not?

ANSWER: For the purpose of the bid, use 0% heat tracing.

91. Duct Spec: Tells you what items need to be insulated and what items don’t need insulation, but doesn’t give you the type of insulation it needs. There is no schedule on the duct insulation as far as what supply air needs and what exhaust/return air needs.

ANSWER: No ductwork on project.

92. Is all the plumbing/mechanical piping inside the greenhouses exposed?

93. Please confirm the specification requirements for Section 09 84 30 Sound

Absorbing Ceiling Units, including manufacturer/product basis of design, NRC/acoustic performance, fire rating/flame spread, fabric finish, moisture/humidity suitability for greenhouse use, panel dimensions, mounting requirements, and required quantities/locations.

ANSWER: Confirmed

94. Please also confirm which trade is responsible for furnishing and installing the Unistrut system used to support the 09 84 30.H1 panels. If the acoustic panel contractor is responsible, please provide a clearer detail showing the connection between the Unistrut, the sound absorbing panels, and the existing 05 21 00 steel joist framing.

ANSWER: General contractor to determine.

95. Finally, please confirm whether the sound absorbing panels are intended only at the detailed roof/wall locations shown, or if they are intended to run the full width and/or full length of Range F and Alternate Range G.

ANSWER: See specification section 09 84 30 issued with the addendum.

96. The documents reference greenhouse controls and the Micro-Grow system. Please confirm who is responsible for furnishing the Micro-Grow greenhouse controls equipment. Specifically, please clarify whether the Micro-Grow equipment is:

a. Government furnished / contractor installed;

b. Furnished by a greenhouse controls vendor;

c. Furnished by the electrical contractor under Division 26;

d. Furnished by the mechanical controls / BAS contractor under Division 23; or

e. Furnished by another party.

ANSWER: General contractor to determine; not government furnished.

97. Please also confirm who is responsible for providing the associated control panels, controllers, sensors, software/licensing, programming, startup, commissioning support, and owner training for the greenhouse control system.

ANSWER: Commissioning to be provided by a third party vendor at government expense, all else determined by general contractor.

98. What is the maximum number of projects offerors are allowed to submit under Technical Experience?

ANSWER: A maximum is not stated. List a minimum of three.

99. For Technical Experience, it reads that “Quote shall adequately describe your company’s technical experience in performing similar projects” How are we to provide the project details? Is there a project experience form that needs to be completed or a list of the project details that are required?

ANSWER: There is no project experience form. Adequately describe by writing.

100. How are we to provide past performance if no CPARS are available? Is there a required PPQ? Requesting that offerors be permitted to submit PPQs submitted for previous solicitations.

ANSWER: There is no Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) for this project.

Also see Question 2.