RFIs.pdf

Requests for Information Solicitation 1232SA26Q1229

Question 1: Are approximate square footage or dimensions available for the 1st-floor hallway, Lab 3215, and Lab 3217?

Answer 1: No. This is a repair of existing flooring and the area to be repaired was shown during the site visit.

Question 2: Is the contractor expected to move laboratory equipment, furniture, refrigerators, cabinets, or other contents to access the flooring, or will those areas be cleared by the Government?

Answer 2: No.

Question 3: Is there any known extent of subfloor damage, or should contractors carry an allowance for repairs discovered after removal of the existing flooring?

Answer 3: Any subfloor damage that needs to be repaired will be handled in accordance with

FAR clause 52.236-2, Differing Site Conditions.

Question 4: Are there any restrictions on work hours or requirements to perform portions of the work after normal operating hours?

Answer 4: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Question 5: Would USDA be open to LVT vs. VCT for this opportunity?

Answer 5: See answer to question 1.

Question 6: Could you please confirm whether an offeror may use the relevant past performance of a proposed major subcontractor to satisfy the past performance/experience requirements?

Answer 6: Subcontractor past performance and experience can be used as long as there is a teaming agreement or similar included with the submission.

Question 7: Are there architectural drawings or as-built floor plans available that include room dimensions for the affected areas? If so, could those be made available to prospective offerors?

Answer 7: See answer to question 1.

Question 8: Given the facility's age, has any asbestos testing been performed on the existing

VCT flooring? If asbestos is present, will abatement be the responsibility of the contractor or will it be handled separately by the Government?

Answer 8: Any asbestos abatement will be handled in accordance with FAR clause 52.236-2, Differing Site Conditions.

Question 9: Will the labs and hallway be occupied or in active use during the performance period?

Answer 9: No.

Question 10: Could you please provide the total square footage of the VCT and the linear footage of the molding that needs to be replaced?

Answer 10: See answer to question 1.

Question 11: Does the contractor need to install ICRA containment? If so, please specify which

ICRA level is required.

Answer 11: No.

Question 12: Has the existing flooring and adhesive/mastic been tested for asbestos or other hazardous materials? If yes, please provide the survey or laboratory results.

Answer 12: Any asbestos abatement will be handled in accordance with FAR clause 52.236-2, Differing Site Conditions.

Question 13: Please provide floor plans to measure the square footage of the rooms and to define a work plan.

Answer 13: See answer to question 1.

Question 14: Is the Government expecting the contractor to perform substrate leveling, patching, and crack repairs?

Answer 14: See answer to question 1.

Question 15: Are there any special warranty requirements for labor or materials beyond the standard one-year warranty?

Answer 15: No.

Question 16: Please clarify the required skim-coat thickness and the standards for substrate repair.

Answer 16: See answer to question 1.

Question 17: Assuming we are able to use elevators to move material, does the elevator go to ground level or does it start on the elevated first floor of building?

Answer 17: Elevators go to ground floor.

Question 18: Will a dumpster be provided? If not, are we able to get a dumpster set on site close to an exit door near the work?

Answer 18: No, then yes.

Question 19: For bidding purposes can you state the extent of the plywood replacement?

• The first floor we were shown a room off the main hallway that was to get replaced with same color vct as hallway (noted on pictures as 1st floor crosswalk) – should we assume plywood will all need to be replaced? No.

• We were shown a long hallway – it was stated that we could leave the last piece of vct on each side of the hallway and just replace the middle – should we assume any plywood replacement in this long hallway and if so to what extent? No.

• Lab 3217 we were told the plywood was to be replaced in its entirety – please confirm. Replacement of sub floor was limited to the area that is damaged. Flooring in entire room to be replaced.

• Lab 3215 (a small approx 6’x5’ entrance section to lab 3217) we were told would need plywood replaced – please confirm. The entire area had damaged sub and should be replaced.

Answer 19:

Question 20: Are we allowed to use restrooms at the facility or will we need a port o let?

Answer 20: Yes, but not for equipment clean up.

Question 21: Confirm the current substrate is plywood is 1 layer of ¾”.

Answer 21: Substrate is ¾ inch plywood.

Question 22: Is this work phased or can it be worked on consecutively/concurrently?

Answer 22: Either way is acceptable.

Question 23: Can you provide the approximate square footage for:

• The Industrial Wing 1st floor hallway

• Lab 3215

• Lab 3217

Answer 23: See answer to question 1.

Question 24: Can you provide the approximate linear footage of molding/base that is expected to be replaced?

Answer 24: See answer to question 1.

Question 25: Can you confirm the manufacturer, product number, and color for the existing light and dark VCT shown in the Statement of Work, or confirm whether an equivalent matching product is acceptable?

Answer 25: This information was provided in the solicitation.

Question 26: Were any floor measurements, quantities, or additional scope details provided during the August 18 or August 19 site visits that could be shared with contractors who were unable to attend?

Answer 26: See answer to question 1.

Question 27: Areas. The Statement of Work doesn't give square footage. Can you provide the approximate square feet for the 1st floor Industrial Wing hallway, Lab 3217, and Lab 3215?

Answer 37: See answer to question 1.

Question 28: Asbestos. The building's age and the reference to existing VCT raise the question, and the SOW doesn't address it either way. Has the existing flooring and mastic been surveyed, and is any of it asbestos-containing?

Answer 28: See answer to question 8.

Question 29: Existing material. What size and pattern is the existing VCT we're matching, and does the Government have a manufacturer and product number on file?

Answer 29: This information was provided in the solicitation.

Question 30: Sub-floor. How much sub-floor repair do you expect under the damaged areas, and has there been any moisture testing?

Answer 30: See answer to question 1, and no.

Question 31: Molding. Approximate linear footage to be replaced, and is it rubber cove base or wood?

Answer 31: Rubber.

Question 32: Please confirm the approximate square footage of VCT replacement required in each area identified in the Statement of Work.

Answer 32: See answer to question 1.

Question 33: Please confirm which rooms/areas require 3/4” plywood subfloor replacement.

Answer 33: See answer to question 21.

Question 34: Please confirm that the following are the correct VCT products for the light and dark tiles shown in the Statement of Work:

• Armstrong Premium Excelon Stonetex – Desert Dust, Mfr. Model:

52128031

• Armstrong Premium Excelon Stonetex – Granite Gray, Mfr. Model:

52125031 Answer 34: Confirmed.

Question 35: During the site walkthrough, it was stated that the existing perimeter tiles along the walls throughout the long hallway are to remain in place. Please confirm.

Answer 35: That is permissible.

Question 36: During the site walkthrough, it was also stated that the laboratory equipment in the rooms receiving flooring work will be removed prior to construction and that the flooring contractor will not be responsible for moving this equipment. Please confirm.

Answer 36: Yes, it will be moved.

Question 37: Please confirm the applicable limitation on subcontracting for this acquisition and the percentage that applies.

Answer 37: No set percentage; however, see FAR clause 52.236-6.

Question 38: Is there a Government estimate or magnitude range available for this project?

Answer 38: Estimated magnitude of construction is no longer provided.

Question 39: Is there a required completion period in calendar days from notice to proceed?

Answer 39: See box 11 on the SF-1442.

Question 40: Is a site visit still available, given the published site visit dates have passed?

Answer 40: No additional site visits are scheduled.

Question 41: Will the Government accept certified payrolls submitted through the subcontractor's payroll provider, countersigned by the prime?

Answer 41: Certified payrolls must be signed by an owner, corporate officer, principal, or designated employee who actively oversees or distributes wage payments.