RFIs.pdf

Requests for Information Solicitation 1232SA26Q0889

Question 1: How do we submit an “approved equal” substitution request?

Answer 1: Refer to specification section 013300 Submittal Procedures

Question 2: Age and type of the existing structure may not be up to the task of supporting the additional snow loads that 16mm Polycarbonate are capable of holding vs. the existing glass.

Answer 2: The new glazing system is still classified as a slippery surface in accordance with ASCE 7. Snow loads should load change regardless of capacity of new glazing.

Question 3: Can you provide the anticipated NTP date for the project?

Answer 3: Award is anticipated prior to Sept. 30, 2026, with NTP to be issued after bonds are received.

Question 4: Code editions conflict across documents: Design Analysis (Architectural) cites

IBC 2018; Structural cites IBC 2024 / ASCE 7-22 / ACI 318-25; Greenhouse Spec 13 34 13 cites IBC 2012 for the glazing wind load. Which IBC/ASCE edition governs the work? (Design Analysis pp.2–4; Dwg S-001; Spec 13 34 13 §1.6)

Answer 4: IBC 2024 and ASCE 7-22 govern.

Question 5: Spec §2.17 specifies the glazing by thickness and light transmission only — Roof:

16 mm triple-wall (76%); Exterior walls: 16 mm multi-wall (80%); Interior partitions: 8 mm multi-wall (80%) — but does not state a panel weight or grade.

Please confirm the required panel weight (e.g., 1500 vs 1800 g/m²) / minimum grade for the multi-wall and triple-wall polycarbonate. Can you please confirm.

(Spec 13 34 13 §2.17; Dwgs A-101/A-201/A-301)

Answer 5: 1800 g/m2

Question 6: Greenhouse Spec 13 34 13 states 105 mph, Exposure B (IBC 2012) for the glazing system, while Structural Dwg S-001 lists ultimate 104 mph / nominal 80.6 mph (ASCE 7-22). Please confirm the design wind criteria the greenhouse manufacturer must use for the new glazing/aluminum system. Also confirm that any installation drawings for the glazing system do not need to be stamped and that a licensed engineer has confirmed that the existing structure is structural sound, to accept new glazing system. (Spec 13 34 13 §1.6; Dwg S-001 Table 1)

Answer 6: Loads shown on S-001 govern. Contractor must have a licensed engineer stamp that the greenhouse is structurally sound to accept the new greenhouse glazing.

Question 7: The Design Analysis states the existing foundation system and the support for the interior column pedestals are “unknown,” and the steel frame/foundation are to remain. If unsuitable conditions are found, will the Government treat this under FAR 52.236-2 Differing Site Conditions? (Design Analysis p.4 (Structural); FAR 52.236-2)

Answer 7: Yes

Question 8: SOW §2.1 requires the Contractor to obtain all City and State permits. On federal ARS property, who is the Authority Having Jurisdiction, which specific permits are required (building, electrical, plumbing, grading), and are permit fees the Contractor’s responsibility? (SOW §2.1; FAR 52.236-7)

Answer 8: USDA ARS is AHJ. Permits are contractor’s responsibility.

Question 9: Are “or approved equal” products (including the greenhouse structure manufacturer) required to be approved before bid, or are equals evaluated post-award via SD-01/SD-03 submittals? If pre-approval is required, what is the deadline and required documentation? (Spec 13 34 13 §1.5; Spec 01 33 00)

Answer 9: Refer to specification section 013300 Submittal Procedures

Question 10: Are existing as-built drawings available for review? (Dwgs A-101, S-101) Answer 10: No.

Question 11: Please confirm the size/boundaries of the designated Contractor laydown area

(Dwg G-002) and whether it is adequate for a field office/trailer plus material storage. Where may construction workers park, and are there restrictions on the Curtin St. contractor entrance? (Dwg G-002; SOW §2.0)

Answer 11: Refer to drawing G-002 for contractor laydown space. There are no restrictions at the Curtin Road entrance. The boundary for the laydown area is 15`x100`. 4 parking spaces will be provided for the contractor.

Question 12: The existing Chemical Storage building must be temporarily moved on its slab and kept in service on temporary utilities. Who is responsible for disconnect/reconnect and any hazardous-material handling? Must it remain continuously energized, and are there contents the Government will remove first?

(Dwg A-101 Keynote 12; Design Analysis (Electrical))

Answer 12: Contractor is responsible for disconnect, temporary power supply, and reconnection. The location would handle any moving of hazardous chemicals in the storage buildings if necessary.

Question 13: Motorized operable side-wall vents and the shade/heat-retention curtain systems are shown on the drawings and specified (Spec §2.14/2.15 and §2.23) but are not enumerated with equipment marks or counts in the schedules. Please confirm the required quantity/extent per growth room (side vents and shade systems) (Spec 13 34 13 §2.14/§2.15/§2.23; Dwgs A-201, M-101)

Answer 13: Provide two motors on each end per each side vent assembly.

Question 14: At the site visit, Growth Room 01 (first zone) had no existing evaporative cooling

(wet) wall, yet the Mechanical Plan (M-101) adds ECP-1 there. Please confirm the scope includes all new supporting utilities for ECP-1 — cold-water make-up to the sump, drainage, manufacturer tank/pump, and power/controls — since none currently exist in that zone. (Dwg M-101; P-101 keynote 3; Design Analysis (Mechanical))

Answer 14: Correct, all supporting utilities will be added to create the room into a growth room.

Question 15: Spec 13 34 13 §2.22 references a “Shade System (Plant Room 116),” but this project has Growth Rooms 01–03 and no Room 116. Please confirm the shade-system scope/zones and that the spec section fully applies to this greenhouse (appears carried over from another project). (Spec 13 34 13 §2.22)

Answer 15: Plant Room 116 was not intended to be included. Growth Rooms 01-03 will include shade cloths and specs will be revised.

Question 16: Normal hours are 7:00 AM–3:30 PM, M–F, excluding holidays, at an active research facility. Given the 210-day period of performance, will after-hours or weekend work be permitted (with coordination), particularly for utility tie-ins/outages? (SOW §4.1; §2.0)

Answer 16: Refer to spec section 010100 General Requirements 1.6.C.2

Question 17: The scope includes ceiling WAPs and CAT6A cabling from existing cable in the adjacent lab building. Will ARS IT furnish, terminate, and commission the network drops/WAPs, or is that the Contractor’s responsibility, and who provides the head-end connection? (Design Analysis (Telecom); Dwg EY-101)

Answer 17: Contractor shall be responsible for terminations. All terminations shall be T-568- B. All testing shall be performed by contractor. Head-end equipment is already in place.

Question 18: AGAR 452.204-71 requires PIV/identity verification for personnel with facility access. What is the expected background-check/badging lead time, and can it overlap mobilization so it does not consume the 210-day performance period?

(SF-1442 (AGAR 452.204-71))

Answer 18: Background check/badging lead time is unknown at this time. PoP may need to be extended if background checks are delayed on part due to the government.

Question 19: No engineer’s estimate or magnitude of construction is published. Will the

Government release a magnitude range to assist bidders in scaling their approach?

Answer 19: Estimated magnitude of construction is no longer issued.

Question 20: Can a fixed shade cloth be placed over the unit heaters based on their existing placement? (General) Answer 20: Unit Heaters are to be mounted from the ground, so automatic shade cloths can move freely over the heaters.

Question 21: Is there an opportunity to work four (4) ten hour days to accommodate out of town specialty labor travel? (General) Answer 21: Standard working hours are 7:00am-4:00pm M-F. If a contractor requires work outside normal working hours, it must be requested a minimum of 10 days in advance.

Question 22: Can the period of performance be extended after award once material/equipment lead times are confirmed due to current market conditions for the equipment for this project?

Answer 22: PoP can be reviewed and discussed to address any material delays due to market conditions.

Question 23: Please provide the site visit attendee sign-in sheet.

Answer 23: Posted in the attachment section on sam.gov.

Question 24: Is this project tax exempt?

Answer 24: Yes. Tax exempt certificate can be provided after award as needed.

Question 25: When do you anticipate on-site work starting?

Answer 25: Award is anticipated prior to Sept. 30, 2026, with NTP to be issued after bonds are received.

Question 26: Are third-party inspections required?

Answer 26: Yes, refer to individual spec sections.

Question 27: The drawings and specifications indicate a "95% Submittal"; please confirm if the

100% for-construction documents will be distributed prior to the bid date?

Answer 27: 100% Documents are provided as part of this amendment.

Question 28: Please confirm whether the chemical storage building to be temporarily relocated has any hard-lined utility connections.

Answer 28: Hard-line electrical connection shall be extended from local disconnect located directly inside the greenhouse.

Question 29: A geotechnical report by the "U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Baltimore District in June 2022" is referenced but not provided with the solicitation documents; can it be provided?

Answer 29: Yes, it can be provided.

Question 30: Please identify the Government-designated material laydown, trailer, employee parking, and dumpster locations. (Statement of Work & General Requirements) Answer 30: Reference drawing G-002.

Question 31: Are planned utility shutdown windows available, and what notification period is required? (General Requirements) Answer 31: Refer to spec section 010100 General Requirements 1.6.C.2

Question 32: Please confirm whether Bid, Performance and Payment Bonds are required and identify the applicable FAR clause and bond percentages. (Solicitation Instructions)

Answer 32: See SF-1442 box 13a and pages 7 and 22.

Question 33: Drawing A-301. There is a note "Provide purlins where needed per manufactures requirements. Is there a drawing that shows where existing purlins are located?

Answer 33: Generally, purlins are located at existing column lines, but contractor is to verify.

Question 34: Drawing A-111. Drawing shows double ridge vents. Is there an existing double ridge vent?

Answer 34: There are existing ridge vents, but are manually operated and to be replaced with an automatic double ridge vent system.

Question 35: What are the truss spacings? Are they all the same?

Answer 35: Spacing aligns with the existing columns.

Question 36: Is this greenhouse required to meet any biosafety level?

Answer 36: No.

Question 37: Are all demolished materials Government property, or may recyclable materials be retained by the Contractor?

Answer 37: Refer to specification section 024100 Demolition

Question 38: Are concrete mix designs, curing requirements, and flatness tolerances intended to follow standard ACI requirements? (Concrete Details) Answer 38: Refer to specification section 03 30 53 Misc. Cast-In-Place Concrete

Question 39: Capillary Water Barrier – No material description provided. Typically open-graded aggregate (2B limestone, No. 57 stone, etc.). Please specify required material. (Water Barrier)

Answer 39: Specification will be added to final submittal to address

Question 40: Capillary Water Barrier Thickness – S-001 indicates 12"; S-300 indicates 6".

Please clarify the required thickness. (Water Barrier) Answer 40: 6” is the required thickness ensure use of most recent plans which address this.

Question 41: XPS Insulation – Detail does not specify thickness or performance. S-300 appears to scale to approximately 1". Please confirm thickness and required compressive strength. (Insulation)

Answer 41: Specification will be added in final submittal to cover this and drawings will be updated.

Question 42: XPS Insulation – Please specify the required minimum R-value (or

ASTM/compressive strength) for the insulation. (Insulation) Answer 42: Specification will be added in final submittal to cover this and drawings will be updated.

Question 43: Temporary Construction Fence – Is temporary construction fencing required? If so, please identify required height, screening requirements, access gates, maintenance responsibilities.

Answer 43: Refer to specification section 015000 Temporary Facilities and Control

Question 44: Please identify the approved greenhouse manufacturers or indicate whether equivalent manufacturers will be accepted. (Greenhouse Details) Answer 44: Refer to specification section 133413 Greenhouses and 013300 Submittal

Procedures

Question 45: Are delegated design calculations required for the greenhouse framing and glazing system? If so, shall they be sealed by a Professional Engineer licensed in Pennsylvania?

Answer 45: Yes

Question 46: Are polycarbonate panel thickness, thermal performance, and impact ratings performance-based or proprietary? (Specifications) Answer 46: Performance based.

Question 47: 1.6 Standard Design Criteria. Regarding the loads noted for the glazing system, (also noted on Drawing S-001) Is an engineer's stamp & calculations required to show they are met/designed? (Section 133413)

Answer 47: Yes

Question 48: 2.1 Manufacturer #3. As a listed/approved manufacturer, are our standard materials for glazing (which may vary in ways such as in appearance) acceptable?

(Section 133413)

Answer 48: If glazing materials meet all performance specifications, it would be acceptable.

Question 49: 2.15 Vent Machines. Notes power drives equal to Lock EWA-12. Would

Wadsworth Control Systems VC2000 drive units be an acceptable substitution?

We have used them for years with very good results. Also, they are from an American/woman owned company? (Section 133413)

Answer 49: If the system meets all performance specifications, it would be acceptable.

Question 50: 2.20.2 Hot Water heating. Is the existing hot water boiler to be reused? (Section

133413) Answer 50: Yes, the intent is to connect into the existing hot water heating system. The existing system utilizes university utilities.

Question 51: 2.23 Retractable Shade/Heat Retention Curtain System. In 2.23.2 #1 notes system

"as manufactured by Rough Brothers Inc." required? It is a proprietary system.

We would like to provide a system for a Wadsworth Control Systems that would meet the written spec. They offer a Cable Drive system. (Section 133413)

Answer 51: The spec are referencing a basis of design, any system that meets all performance requirements and specifications would be considered as acceptable during reviews.

Question 52: Will domestic water remain active throughout construction, or should temporary water service be provided? (Plumbing)

Answer 52: The domestic water serving the greenhouse will be capped at the isolation valve.

The plumbing system for the remainder of the adjacent buildings will remain active.

Question 53: Please clarify whether existing HVAC controls are to be integrated with an existing campus BAS or operate as a stand-alone greenhouse system.

(Mechanical)

Answer 53: The HVAC in the greenhouse will be controlled by a standalone greenhouse control system.

Question 54: Who is responsible for TAB (Testing, Adjusting & Balancing), and are TAB reports required at final acceptance? (Mechanical Drawings) Answer 54: Contractor is responsible for TAB of all systems. Provide TAB reports prior to final reports within 14 days of completion of the TAB field work.

Question 55: Please identify the required greenhouse control manufacturer(s) and communication protocol (BACnet, Modbus, proprietary, etc.). (Controls) Answer 55: The greenhouse controls system will be a stand-alone system. Basis of Design is a micro grow system.

Question 56: Has existing electrical service capacity been verified to support the new greenhouse equipment? (Electrical) Answer 56: Yes. Electrical service is near full capacity.

Question 57: Will temporary electrical service be provided by the Government or Contractor?

(Electrical Drawings) Answer 57: Refer to specification section 010100 General Requirements.

Question 58: Are new data drops required to connect the greenhouse controls and weather station to the USDA network, or is a standalone network acceptable?

(Communications)

Answer 58: Data drop required at Greenhouse controls panel for remote monitoring capabilities.

Question 59: Will the Government provide designated haul routes for demolition and delivery vehicles?

Answer 59: Contractor is responsible for means and methods. Contractor laydown area is shown on G-002

Question 60: Please confirm commissioning requirements, owner training duration, warranty period, and required closeout documentation. (General Requirements) Answer 60: Commissioning, owner training, warranty requirements, and closeout documentation are addressed in the specifications. Owner training shall be provided in accordance with section 23 30 00. Warranty requirements are provided in section 01 00 01. Closeout documentation shall be provided in accordance with sections 01 77 01, and 01 78 23.

Question 61: Section 13 34 13 §1.1 states 'A masonry kneewall will be constructed at perimeter and internal walls.' All structural and architectural drawings show the existing concrete stem walls remaining, protected, and patched/repaired, and there is no Division 04 section in the project manual. Confirm that NO new masonry kneewall is required and that the drawings govern. (Spec 13 34 13 §1.1 vs SD101, S-101, A-101 kn.11)

Answer 61: No new masonry knee wall is required. All existing concrete stem walls are to remain.

Question 62: The greenhouse design criteria conflict. §1.6 specifies 16 psf live load and 105 mph wind, exposure B, per IBC 2012; §2.1.2 requires design to ASCE/SEI 7-22, Risk Category II; S-001 specifies IBC 2024 / ASCE 7-22 with a 104 mph ultimate (80.6 mph nominal) wind speed and a 20 psf roof live load. In addition, §1.6 omits SNOW LOAD entirely while the drawings carry ground and flat-roof snow loads. Confirm the governing code edition and the complete design load set (including snow) for the delegated glazing/vent design. (Spec 13 34 13 §1.6 & §2.1.2 vs S-001)

Answer 62: IBC 2024 and ASCE 7-22 governing codes. Roof live load in reducible per structural drawings. Desing must include snow loads.

Question 63: Section 13 34 13 §2.21 specifies 1000W High Pressure Sodium supplemental plant growth lighting. Drawing EL501 (fixture type G) and the Design Analysis specify LED growth fixtures. These are materially different in fixture, connected load, and circuiting. Confirm which governs. (Spec 13 34 13 §2.21 vs EL102, EL501, Design Analysis)

Answer 63: Spec section 13 34 13 will be updated and direct contractor to see the electrical plans for grow lighting requirements. All grow lighting will be LED fixture type G as shown on EL102.

Question 64: Section 13 34 13 §2.17 requires 16 mm multi-wall polycarbonate at exterior walls/partitions, 8 mm at interior walls/partitions, and 16 mm TRIPLE-WALL at the roof (Thermaglas or approved equal), with stated minimum light transmission.

The drawings note '16 MIL' and '8 MIL' and do not distinguish triple-wall at the roof. Confirm §2.17 governs and that the roof is 16 mm triple-wall. (Spec 13 34 13 §2.17 vs A-101, A-201, A-501)

Answer 64: Yes

Question 65: Confirm delegated-design responsibility: does the greenhouse manufacturer's engineer analyze and certify the EXISTING steel frame, columns, and connections for the new glazing, vent, and uplift loads, or does that verification sit with the Government's A/E? The existing foundation system is noted as 'unknown' on S-001 §4.1 and SD101. (A-501 Note 1; Spec §2.1.1/§2.1.2; S-001

§4.1; SD101)

Answer 65: Greenhouse manufacturer’s engineer to analyze and certify the existing steel frame, columns, and connections for new glazing, vent, and uplift loads.

Question 66: The exhaust fan requirements are inconsistent. The M-601 schedule lists 'HP 1.3' with two-speed motors and unit-mounted starters (and the sequence of operation calls for low- and high-speed stages); EP102/EP501 show across-the-line combination magnetic starters, NEMA Size 0, 'for 1.3 HP'; the Greenheck AER- 24-03-0625 cut sheet is a 3 HP single-speed motor 'selected with VFD' operating at 49 Hz (1.3 is the operating brake horsepower, not the motor size). Confirm motor horsepower, two-speed versus VFD speed control, starter/VFD sizing, and furnish/install responsibility. (M-601 EF schedule; EP102 kn.2; EP501;

Greenheck cut sheet)

Answer 66: The intent is to have a fan with a VFD and the greenhouse controller to have setpoints at a high and low speed. The drawings have been updated. EF schedule and electrical notes revised to indicate a 3 HP, 208V, 3-Phase motor with unit-mounted VFD for low/high-speed operation. Separate starter deleted.

Question 67: Section 13 34 13 §2.19.1 describes belt-driven exhaust fans with heavy-duty pulleys and compression spring belt tensioners. The schedule and basis-of-design cut sheet specify a direct-drive sidewall fan. Confirm which governs. (Spec 13 34 13 §2.19.1 vs M-601 / Greenheck cut sheet)

Answer 67: The intent is to provide direct-drive sidewall exhaust fans as shown on the drawings and schedules. Specifications will be revised for the final submittal.

Question 68: The project manual contains no Division 31 earthwork section. S-001 §4.1 requires slab-on-grade construction atop structural fill in accordance with the USACE Baltimore District geotechnical report, and S-300 requires 8 inches of PennDOT 2A aggregate compacted to 95% per ASTM D1557. The terms 'structural fill,' 'PennDOT,' and compaction testing requirements do not appear in the manual. Identify the governing specification for earthwork, structural fill, compaction, and compaction testing. (Project Manual TOC vs S-001 §4.1/§4.2, S-300)

Answer 68: Specification section 31 00 00 Earthwork will be provided in final documents

Question 69: The Design Analysis describes the greenhouse as '3 bays (2 growth rooms with one entrance bay)' and refers throughout to two growth rooms. All drawings show three growth rooms (01/02/03), four evaporative cooling pads (ECP-1 through ECP-4), and controller I/O summaries for Bays 1 & 2 and Bay 3. Confirm three growth rooms per the drawings governs. (Design Analysis pp.1-2 vs A-101, AD101, P-101, M-101, M-601)

Answer 69: Yes, there will be three greenhouse bays. Bay 3 will have 2 evaporative cooling pads and 4 fans.

Question 70: Three items on the retractable shade system require clarification: (a) §2.22 item 6 references a 'Shade System (Plant Room 116)', a room that does not exist on this project — confirm shade extent (all three growth rooms?); (b) §2.23.2 states the system is 'operated by one motor', which conflicts with three independently controlled growth rooms — confirm one motor total or one per room; (c) shade open/close points do not appear in the M-601 controller input/output summaries or sequence of operation — confirm the required controls integration. (Spec §2.22 item 6, §2.23.2 vs M-601, A-301)

Answer 70: Shade systems are to be installed in all three growth rooms. “Plant Room 116” is a typo and not relevant to this project. The retractable shade system will be provided in all three growth rooms. Growth Rooms (bay) 1 and 2 will each have one independent shade system. Growth Room (bay) 3 will have one independent shade system with two motors.

Question 71: Section 13 34 13 §2.20.1 requires the existing hydronic unit heaters and hot water piping to be reconnected 'to provide 100% of the Greenhouse heating load.' This is a performance obligation attached to prescriptive salvaged equipment. Confirm the Government has verified that the four salvaged unit heaters and the existing heating source (temperature and flow at the existing 2-inch isolation valves) satisfy the renovated greenhouse heating load, and identify who maintains the source heating plant. (Spec 13 34 13 §2.20.1 vs M-101, AD101 kn.8, Design Analysis calcs)

Answer 71: Yes, the government requested to reuse the existing unit heaters as they are new.

The capacity of the existing unit heaters are sufficient in providing adequate heating.

Question 72: Will a 100% (Invitation for Bid) drawing and specification set be issued before the bid due date, or is the 95% set dated 06/26/2026 the basis of bid?

Answer 72: Yes. 100% documents are provided as part of this amendment.

Question 73: Please provide the referenced U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Baltimore District geotechnical report (June 2022) cited as the basis for the structural fill and slab-on-grade design. (S-001 §4.1; Design Analysis (Structural))

Answer 73: Geotech report will be provided as appendix in specifications for final submittal

Question 74: Confirm the requirement to temporarily relocate the chemical/hazardous material storage shed and keep it energized on temporary utilities for the entire construction duration, and identify the available utility source for that temporary connection. Also confirm allowable working hours, any research blackout periods or access restrictions associated with the occupied facility, and any site access, identification, or escort requirements for contractor personnel. (AD101 kn.6;

EP101 kn.2; ED101 kn.6; 01 01 00)

Answer 74: Drawings revised to clarify temporary relocation of the chemical storage shed, continuous power from panel GDP2 and required outage coordination. Contractor personnel have been instructed to coordinate requirements.

Question 75: Section 01 35 26 §3.1.3 states that 'Contract documents identify materials such as

PCB, lead paint, and friable and non-friable asbestos.' AD101 addresses lead-based paint only (assume present; OSHA protection for disturbance); no asbestos or PCB survey is included in the bid package. Confirm whether an asbestos and PCB survey exists for Greenhouse #2, and if so provide it. We understand that unforeseen hazardous material is addressed under §3.1.3 by Government modification pursuant to FAR 52.243-4 and FAR 52.236-2. (01 35 26 §3.1.3 vs AD101 General Note B)

Answer 75: An asbestos study was conducted from the USDA.

Question 76: DWH-1 is scheduled as an A.O. Smith UPVA-110E at 208V, 11 kW input, delivering 1.05 GPM at a 70F rise (51F EWT / 121F LWT). The cut sheet rates 11 kW at 240V and notes that connection to 208 VAC yields reduced power output and may require a different breaker and/or wire size; at 208V the unit produces approximately 8.3 kW, which does not achieve the scheduled 1.05 GPM at a 70F rise. The panel schedule also shows a 70A/2P breaker with 2#4 sized for approximately 66A, current the unit will not draw at 208V. Confirm the model, supply voltage, scheduled performance, and branch circuit. (P-601 Water Heater Schedule; E-701 (GDP2-B 30,32); A.O. Smith cut sheet)

Answer 76: The drawings have been updated with a new tank-style electric water heater.

DWH-1 schedule and panel schedule have been revised for 208V operation, including 8.3KW input, 40A/2P breaker with 2#8 conductors, and corresponding reduced flow/temperature performance.

Question 77: Section 13 34 13 §2.19.2 specifies 4-inch thick evaporative cooling pads. The M-

601 schedule lists 4-inch media but identifies the model as 'KOOL-CEL CSBG,' and the basis-of-design Acme OSBG/CSBG cut sheet describes an evaporative cooling system for 6-inch pads. Confirm the required pad thickness and gutter/system model. (Spec 13 34 13 §2.19.2; M-601 ECP schedule; Acme cut sheet)

Answer 77: The intent is to have 4-inch thick media. Cutsheets will be revised for the final submittal.

Question 78: Section 13 34 13 §2.18 requires 1-3/4 inch clear anodized aluminum half-panel doors with 5-inch extruded tube rails, Pemko sliding hardware, 1/4-inch clear safety glazing, and a Sargent lockset at the double doors. The A-101 door schedule lists metal ('MTL') doors with a 1-3/8 inch thickness at the single doors.

Confirm §2.18 governs material, thickness, and hardware. (Spec 13 34 13 §2.18 vs A-101 Door and Frame Schedule)

Answer 78: Correct, the specs list the correct material, thickness, and hardware.

Question 79: Reconcile the capillary water barrier: S-001 §4.2 requires all at-grade slabs to be constructed on a 12-inch capillary water barrier with a 15-mil vapor barrier, while detail S1 on S-300 shows a 6-inch capillary water barrier over 8 inches of PennDOT 2A aggregate. Which governs? (03 30 53; S-001 §3.x; 13 34 13 §2.14)

Answer 79: 6” is the required thickness ensure use of most recent plans which address this.

Question 80: Section 13 34 13 §2.22 specifies the 'Procom' environmental controller by

MicroGrow Control Systems or approved equal; M-101 keynote 4 specifies a

'Micro-Grow Grow Master' controller — a different product line. Confirm the required controller. Additionally, §2.22 requires remote control of set points and data logging 'via remote modem connection' with Microsoft Windows based software, while EY101 provides wireless access points and CAT6A. Confirm the required remote access method and any commissioning or controls-integration testing requirements. (Spec 13 34 13 §2.22 vs M-101 kn.4; EY101)

Answer 80: The intent is to use the Procom by microgrow as specified or approved equal.

Remote access shall be provided through the new network data connection at the grennhouse controls panel. The reference to a remote modem is not applicable and will be revised.

Question 81: G-002 requires the Contractor to restore the site, including pavements, to original condition before completion of the project. The project manual contains no Division 32 exterior improvements section; 01 57 50 addresses erosion control and seeding of disturbed ground only. Identify the governing specification and restoration standard for pavement and site restoration, including the contractor laydown area. (Project Manual TOC vs G-002 note; 01 57 50)

Answer 81: Refer to 01 01 00 – 1.10 Subpart B for requirements.

Question 82: Reconcile trench drain quantities and lengths: the P-601 schedule lists TD-1 at 8'-

0" overall and TD-2 at 32'-0" overall, while the bid narrative describes a trench drain centered in each of the three growth rooms. Confirm the count and lengths, and confirm the trench inverts provide adequate fall to the existing manhole inverts shown on P-501 detail 9. (P-102; P-601 schedule; P-501 detail 9)

Answer 82: The lengths of each trench drain are correct. TD-1 will be 8’ long and TD-2 will be 32’ long. TD-1 will be used in bays 1 and 2 while TD-2 will be used in bay 3.

The trench drains and associated sanitary pipng shall be installed at the elevations and slopes indicated on the drawings. The indicated inverts are intended to provide adequate fall to existing sanitary manhole. The contractor shall field verify the existing manhole invert and connection conditions before installation.

Question 83: Section 02 41 00 requires salvaged equipment and fixtures to be removed as whole units, listed, indexed, tagged and stored, and transported to a storage area designated by the Contracting Officer, and requires a Demolition/Deconstruction Plan identifying materials to be salvaged with reference to 'Existing Facilities to be Removed.' Identify which items are designated for salvage beyond the four unit heaters shown for reinstallation (e.g., evaporative cooling system, exhaust fans, glazing), and identify the location of the designated storage area. (02 41 00 §1.2.2, §3.1.6, §3.1.12)

Answer 83: The four unit heaters are the only elements to be stored and reinstalled – USDA to designate storage location.

Question 84: Confirm the domestic preference regime applicable to this contract (Buy

American Act and/or Build America, Buy America) and identify whether any waiver has been obtained or is contemplated for greenhouse aluminum extrusions and multi-wall polycarbonate glazing. (Note: to be issued only if Section I of the solicitation does not resolve it.) (Solicitation Section I)

Answer 84: See FAR Clause 52.225-9 for Buy American requirements

Question 85: Identify the Authority Having Jurisdiction for permitting and inspection of this work (USDA ARS, Pennsylvania UCC, and/or Penn State University), and confirm which party obtains and pays for permits and arranges required inspections.

Answer 85: USDA ARS is AHJ. Contractor is responsible for any required permits and required inspections.