Response_to_Questions___Gauley_Office_HVAC_Prequote_notes.docx

Solicitation No. 12343418Q0003 Pre-Quote Notes

Gauley Office HVAC Prebid 2/15 at 10AM Question: Are we keeping the LP fuel source?

Answer: Electric and LP are the fuel sources.

Question: Any electrical work needed?

Answer: Yes, contractor will need to connect the new units to power as specified in the specifications.

Question: What will the path be like? Gravel, dirt, etc?

Answer: The path will be hardened enough to facilitate the equipment to the unit location.

Question: Are we (contractors) required to replace the LP line if it is bad.

Answer: No, the Forest Service will be replacing the LP line along with the correct size and fittings to hook up to the existing unit. The contractor will have exactly what is at the location now except with new fittings and LP line to the units.

Question: Will we (contractors) be installing new duct detectors.

Answer: As per page 7 in the specifications Section 23 74 13, Part 2 – Product, C. Other Items, Number 5. States “Provide and install duct smoke detectors in the return air duct.”

Question: Can the timeline between the access path and HVAC contract cause an issue with the hard dates set by the contract? Also, can we adjust the Notice to Proceed date if this happens?

Answer: If our (Forest Service) work of building the access path due to inclement weather delays the start of work then yes the Notice to Proceed can be adjusted.

Clarifications

Page 8 of specifications, Part 3-Installation, Part C Reads “The contractor shall complete all work necessary to repair the hole left by the removed A/C unit which includes fabrication, sealing, insulation, etc. The completed hole repair should exactly match the walls surrounding it.”

This statement shall be replaced with “The contractor shall complete all work necessary to repair the hole left by the removed A/C unit which includes fabrication, sealing, insulation, etc. to industry standards for buildings. The contractor will NOT be responsible for the stonework associated with repairing the hole.”

Concerns from contractors

· These are the concerns with the source of AAON. AAON is not a horizontal unit therefore it needs a side curb. According to contractors on site, other brand of units are vertical and would not need a side curb. Specifying a side curb limits to AAON.

· Contractors mentioned that the only reason a side curb is needed on a vertical unit is to prevent rust and moisture from the ground, can be substituted with blocks or other material to elevate the unit.

· Specifying the double cabinet wall limits to AAON, most companies do not use these for commercial use. Page 9 in specs

· Specifying the LP and heat pump is not common in commercial use but rather more common in residential use. AAON was the only manufacture the contractors thought made the unit in a commercial use application.

Reply to the above concerns:

The specifications in Section 23 74 13, Part 4 – Product Information, 4.06 Manufacturer states, “ Substitute equipment may be considered for approval that includes at a minimum… d. Double wall cabinet construction.”

An electric heat pump with LP backup was specified in part because the existing electrical service to the units is not large enough to support electric back up heat.

If a vertical unit is submitted it would be approved if the requirements of the specifications were met and the unit was elevated off the concrete slab with blocks or other devices.