Requests for Information Solicitation 1232SA26Q0972

Question 1: Can an alternative manufacturer be used for the Kewaunee Evolution table if the design and construction is comparable?

Answer 1: Yes.

Question 2: How thick are the lab countertops?

Answer 2: ~3 cm.

Question 3: Electrostatic painting should be sprayed and baked on for metal cabinets which would need to take place at a painting facility. Are the cabinets to be removed for painting?

Answer 3: No, direct to metal paint is also OK.

Question 4: Can touch up paint in similar color to Kewaunee 61 Light Neutral be used.

Answer 4: Yes, but should the color should coordinate the color of the Kewaunee

Evolution table.

Question 5: Will the install be prevailing wages?

Answer 5: Yes.

Question 6: Will this project be Tax exempt?

Answer 6: Yes.

Question 7: Can we an alternative to the Epoxy resin (Kem resin) be used such as phenolic resin?

Answer 7: Phenolic resin is acceptable, but Epoxy resin is preferred

Question 8: Will drawings be made available for this project?

Answer 8: No.

Question 9: Please provide a plan view of the Double Sided Evolution Table showing the spatial relation between the table and the ceiling service panel.

Answer 9: We do not have this information.

Question 10: Please provide cut sheets of the Double Sided Evolution Table and the ceiling service panel. We need to know how many outlets are in each (table and ceiling panel).

Answer 10: We do not have this information.

Question 11: The description of work item e states “The contractor will tie into existing pipe runs that are able to isolated”. Can we get a plan view showing this pipe the existing valves so we can understand where we are to tie in at.

Answer 11: The tie ins will be from the coreway right behind lab. See attached photo.

Question 12: What pipe sizes for compressed air, natural gas, and vacuum lines are we to install?

Answer 12: ¾ lines

Question 13: Please clarify the specification for natural gas pipe and fittings. It is not appropriate to use copper pipe for natural gas. Typically, black steel pipe is used.

If the natural gas is to be piped with black steel pipe can it be threaded or does in need to be welded. If the lab is an open return air plenum, local code may not allow threaded fittings to be used.

Answer 13: Threaded black pipe is what is currently used through the labs.

Question 14: The Statement of Work references specific part numbers for the Evolution workstation product line (for example FV40M846072, FV64M, FV50M030272, FV50M030260, SC10M02248-00) with a Kemresin worksurface finish. Is this a brand name requirement for the Kewaunee Evolution system specifically, or will an equivalent product meeting the same functional specifications (SEFA Class 8 adaptable casework system, comparable dimensions, power/task light/shelving configuration, and pre-piped air, gas, and vacuum service) be accepted as an equal? If substitutions are allowed, please let me know whether a formal substitution request needs to be submitted with our quote or after award in accordance with FAR 52.236-21.

Answer 14: Yes.

Question 15: Are partitioning, dust containment, and/or negative air machines required for this project?

Answer 15: Yes, dust containment is required within the current lab where work is done.

Question 16: 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 16: Yes.

Question 17: Please provide the site visit attendee sign in sheet.

Answer 17: Added as an attachment on sam.gov.

Question 18: (If building is occupied) Are there any phasing requirements? How many people will be in the building? Are there any temporary heating/cooling requirements?

Answer 18: Each space has its own control. Labs where work is being done will be vacant during project.

Question 19: Please confirm whether asbestos or lead is present on this project, and if so, provide the relevant documentation.

Answer 19: None that we are aware of.

Question 20: Is this project tax exempt?

Answer 20: Yes.

Question 21: When do you anticipate on site work starting?

Answer 21: As soon as materials for the project can be acquired by the awardee (lab benches, etc), but preferably between October 2026 and February 2027.

Question 22: Are third party inspections required?

Answer 22: No.

Question 23: Lab 118 – Are the Air/Gas/Vac points of connection in the mechanical corridor to the west?

Answer 23: Yes. Must have individual shutoff for new added piping to isolation of service panel. Direct connection points are in the ceiling on either side of the of the main table (sink or door) in 118. These lines feed into Coreway B (mechanical corridor) adjacent to the laboratory.

Question 24: Lab 118 – Referring to the ceiling service panel, will the USDA be providing the model number or configuration that is acceptable?

Answer 24: Yes.

Question 25: Lab 118 – Will the ceiling service panel require a dedicated electrical circuit?

Answer 25: Yes, in the corridor.

Question 26: Lab 118 – Is the USDA requesting isolation valves to the Air/Gas/Vac supply lines in the mechanical corridor? If not in desired or alternate location is requested, please elaborate.

Answer 26: Yes, in the corridor.

Question 27: Lab 118 – Regarding testing, the nitrogen was specified as determined by the authority having jurisdiction. Is that the licensed contractor or a third party?

Please elaborate on the authority having jurisdiction.

Answer 27: Licensed contractor would be sufficient.

Question 28: Painting – Will the USDA be removing all counter and cabinet furnishings prior to work commencing?

Answer 28: No, but USDA will remove all contents of cabinets and items on counters.

Question 29: Painting – Please define the level or expectation of refurbishing the cabinets.

Answer 29: Cabinets should be painted inside and outside with either electrostatic paint or direct-to-metal paint.

Question 30: Painting – Does the USDA require the cabinet faces or the interior or both included in the painting process? Please clarify Answer 30: Both.

Question 31: Painting – Electrostatic paining process will be quite involved. Will it be acceptable to use DTM (Direct To Metal) paint in lieu of the electrostatic process?

Answer 31: DTM paint is acceptable.

Question 32: Painting – Will the paint fumes be harmful to the research being performed in the

(2) rooms?

Answer 32: Yes. Paint fumes should be minimized to avoid long-term disruption to lab work. If paint fumes can dissipate in 24 hours, this would be acceptable.

Question 33: Painting – The venting of the laboratory’s for fumes will be a point of discussion.

Can the existing direct venting exhaust cabinets be used for venting fumes? We can add a filter to protect the inner filters as an added measure of protection.

Answer 33: Yes, the lab’s fume hood can be used for venting fumes with proper filtration.

Question 34: Painting – Will evening or weekend work be allowed for painting to reduce the nuisance of the fumes?

Answer 34: Work must be completed from 6am-6pm M-F during normal business hours.

Question 35: Painting – The color of paint was defined as 61 Light Neutral for the existing cabinets. The manufacturer of the Evolution Table will most likely have list of colors available. Will a pre-selected manufactures color be sufficient? Or will the government require the new cabinets to be custom matched to the existing?

Answer 35: Colors matching the evolution table are acceptable even if not exactly 61 Light Neutral.

Question 36: Lab 120 – In SOW 1.a for room 120, is the smaller table being removed by the

USDA, and referenced as side table in 118 meant to be room 120?

Answer 36: Yes 118 was a typo. The small table will be removed by USDA staff.

Question 37: Lab 120 – There are (2) tables in the NW corner of room 120. Will USDA be removing both of those?

Answer 37: Yes, both tables will be removed by USDA.

Question 38: Lab 120 – What are the power requirements for room 120 Evolution table?

Existing or will new circuitry be required?

Answer 38: New circuits will be required.

Question 39: Lab 120 – Is electric the only utility required for the table in room 120? Will this require a dedicated circuit?

Answer 39: Yes, only electric and a dedicated circuit.

Question 40: Lab 120 – There are existing airlines that will be very close to the new cabinet’s left edge. Will the contractor or the USDA relocate those if necessary?

Answer 40: USDA staff will modify if necessary.