Responses to Prospective Offerors Questions Solicitation No 1232SA26Q1197 Amendment 0002.docx

Solicitation Number 1232SA26Q1197 Amendment 0002 Responses to Prospective Offeror’s Questions

Q1. Is demolition, removal, and disposal of the existing casework and countertops in Room B1-433 within the contract scope?

A1. NO.

Q2. Are final plumbing connections for the sinks, mixing valves, and eyewash unit, and any electrical connections at the apron units and service covers, performed by the contractor or by USDA?

A2. USDA.

Q3. The Statement of Work summary lists 18 base cabinets and 6 wall cabinets, while the Attachment 2 items list totals approximately 66 units. Please confirm the Attachment 2 items list with quantities governs.

A3. Not sure who did attachment 2. The Location Technical POC reviewed the SOW and the market research quote we received and confirmed the SOW is correct. The occupant of the space has confirmed the layout and the SOW are correct.

Q4. Is there a basis of design manufacturer or catalog for the listed model numbers, and will equal products matching the listed dimensions and configurations be acceptable? This includes epoxy resin countertops as an equal to the specified phenolic resin.

A4. Basis of design is LOC Scientific, Laboratory Furniture and Fume Hoods catalog. Yes, comparable products are acceptable.

Q5. No basis of design was noted (i.e. manufacturer of choice) for the casework.

A5. Basis of design is LOC Scientific, Laboratory Furniture and Fume Hoods catalog. Yes, comparable products are acceptable.

Q6. The quantity and parts on the SOW does not match what is shown on attachment #3. Examples include:

· Number of sinks, faucets, drying rack

· No reagent uprights or shelf is noted on the SOW even though a reagent shelf is shown on the drawing

· 48" wall cabinets are noted on the SOW but 36" is shown on the drawing

· The drawings note 36" deep countertop along the wall but 30" deep is noted on the SOW.

A6. Not sure who did attachment 2. Location Technical POC reviewed the SOW and the market research quote we received and confirmed the SOW is correct. The occupant of the space has confirmed the layout and the SOW are correct.

Q7. Is there a loading dock to off-load the cabinets and skids of countertops?

A7. We have several loading docks.

Q8. Is there a fork-lift to off-load the skids?

A8. Yes.

Q9. Is the loading dock near the work site?

A9. No.

Q10. Who will move the material to that location?

A10. Contractor will.

Q11. Is there a dumpster for the packing to be disposed of?

A11. No.

Q12. Is this work on the first floor?

A12. Work is on the 4th floor.

Q13. If not, is there an elevator?

A13. Yes.

Q14. Is the labor to be union or non-union?

A14. The federal government does not mandate whether a contractor utilizes union or non-union labor for a contract. Contractors are required to comply with the Standard Wage Determination issued by the U.S. Department of Labor included in the solicitation which determines the mandatory minimum wage rates and fringe benefits that laborers must be paid.

Q15. Either form of laboratory will be non-mechanical?

A15. Do not understand the question.

Division of Responsibility Q16. Could you please clarify the intended division of responsibility between this contract and any other contractor(s) performing work in the area, particularly regarding demolition, asbestos abatement, bio hood removal, flooring, and preparation of the space for cabinet installation?

A16. Just purchase and installation of casework according to the SOW. All other work will be performed by other contractors.

Demolition and Removal Q17. Can you confirm exactly what demolition and removal is included in our scope? Specifically, are we responsible for removal and disposal of the existing cabinets, countertops, sinks, fixtures, equipment, and other existing materials?

A17. Just purchase and installation of casework according to the SOW. All other work will be performed by other contractors.

Asbestos-Containing Materials Q18. We understand that asbestos-containing materials may be present in the existing work area. Will asbestos abatement and any demolition associated with asbestos-containing materials be performed by the Government or another contractor prior to our work?

A18. Just purchase and installation of casework according to the SOW. All other work will be performed by other contractors.

Existing Bio Hood Q19. Can you confirm whether removal, disconnection, and disposal of the existing large biological/bio hood will be performed by others?

A.19 Just purchase and installation of casework according to the SOW. All other work will be performed by other contractors.

Site Preparation Q20. Will the work area be completely cleared and prepared by others prior to our scheduled start of cabinet installation?

A20. Yes.

Flooring Q21. Is removal of the existing flooring and installation of the new flooring included in our contract scope, or will this work be performed by another contractor?

A21. Just purchase and installation of casework according to the SOW. All other work will be performed by other contractors.

Existing Cabinetry Q22. If the existing cabinetry is to be removed, who will be responsible for its removal and disposal?

A22. Just purchase and installation of casework according to the SOW. All other work will be performed by other contractors.

Utility Work Q23. For the new cabinetry and associated equipment, are we responsible only for final utility connections, or does the scope include installation or relocation of plumbing, electrical, gas, vacuum, compressed air, or other utility services?

A23. Just purchase and installation of casework according to the SOW. All other work will be performed by other contractors.

Cabinet Specifications Q24. Are the cabinet dimensions, configurations, materials, and construction requirements shown in the solicitation and drawings considered final, or should we use the contractor field-verify dimensions and conditions prior to fabrication?

A24. Contractor is responsible for verifying all dimensions and conditions.

Cabinet Manufacturer / Equal Products Q25. Is a specific cabinet manufacturer or product required? If so, are "or equal" products acceptable, and what criteria will the Government use to determine equivalency?

A25. No. Specifications will be compared with LOC Scientific products used as basis of design.

Countertops and Accessories Q26. Please confirm whether countertops, sinks, faucets, hardware, shelving, backsplash, and other cabinet accessories are included in our required scope.

A26. Yes. See SOW.

Site Station Q27. Will our contractor have access to a location on site to utilize as a site station for trailers, ETC?

A27. Yes.

Schedule and Working Hours Q28. Are there specific working-hour restrictions or operational requirements that the contractor must follow while performing the work?

A28. Yes, we are open 7:00am – 4:00pm Monday – Friday excluding federal holidays.

Coordination With Other Contractors Q29. Will there be a required sequence of work or coordination schedule between our contractor and the contractor(s) performing demolition, asbestos abatement, bio hood removal, and/or flooring work?

A29. Our hope is that all necessary work prior to your arrival will be completed for you to have clean slate for installation. With all construction jobs, we know things come up and we are grateful for cooperation and patience.

Subs Q30. Will subs need to be registered on sam.gov?

A30. Generally, subcontractors are not required to be registered on SAM.gov, but there are critical exceptions depending on the contract value, agency requirements, and whether you need a Unique Entity ID (UEI). Under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), the strict requirement to fully register on SAM.gov primarily applies to prime contractors.