QAs.pdf

Questions and Answers

Question 1: During the site visit, it was discussed that a “Technical Proposal” was required. Please specify what you are looking for.

a. Layout of the job, materials, oversite, management etc?

b. Submission of Key Personnel to include on-site superintendent?

c. Submission of a potential schedule?

Answer 1: Please refer to “Offer Submission Documents” under Section L of the solicitation (pg. 43).

Question 2: Please clarify the 120 days of performance can begin once the Grain Bins are submitted approved so we can nail down lead times for these items. Possibly a contract award date, then a notice to proceed once we know the arrival date of the Grain Bins.

Answer 2: The contract is to be completed 120 days from receipt of contract award. The contract award represents a notice to proceed. Any potential delays shall be discussed post award.

Question 3: Will certified payrolls be required and if so, who are they either sent to or what system are they to be entered into?

Answer 3: Yes, certified payrolls are required. Payroll shall be emailed to the Contracting Officer. There is no system for payroll to be entered.

Question 4: In executing this project, can one superintendent fulfill the supervision, safety, and QAQC roles?

Answer 4: Yes, provided the person is qualified to fulfill those roles.

Question 5: Are contractors required to issue a contract specific QA/QC Plan?

Answer 5: Yes, a QC plan is required.

Question 6: Are contractors required to issue a contract specific Safety Plan?

Answer 6: Yes, a site-specific safety plan is required

Question 7: Is this project tax exempt?

Answer 7: Tax exemptions are not applicable.

Question 8: Being that this project is not indicated as a Design Build project, is the USDA going to provide some basic design parameters or take responsibility for considerations of soil compaction requirements, load bearing capacity of native soil, specifications for concrete strength, structural components capacity, wind load resistance of structures and miscellaneous conveyors which will supported, be on the concrete or suspended between grain storage silos or any other electrical or mechanical requirements that may require engineering in order for the facility to be built?

Answer 8: The intent is for the project to be satisfied with pre-engineered components that already includes defined engineering parameters, as those listed in the question, to be taken in consideration during construction. All the design parameters listed in the question, (i.e. required soil compaction, soil bearing capacity of in situ soils, required concrete strength, structural capacity, wind load resistance, grain conveyance apparatus, etc.) are all valid and necessary components of the design.

Question 9: Please define t he distance between the storage bins as the sketches have no dimensions.

Answer 9: There are no defined distances at this time. These will be dependent on contractor’s selected grain bin and auger system makes, models, and manufacturer clearance/installation recommendations and requirements.

Question 10: How much distance would you like to have between the storage bins and the edge of concrete for walkways?

Answer 10: There are no defined distances at this time. These will be dependent on contractor’s selected grain bin and auger system makes, models, and manufacturer clearance/installation recommendations and requirements.

Question 11: The plan view sketch provided is for visualization purposes only as stated on the legend, to what degree will drawings have to be developed for red-line /as built purposes that will satisfy these standard construction requirements for substantial completion and close out of the project?

Answer 11: At a minimum, redline drawings shall define overall dimensions and characteristics of slabs/foundations, dump pit, underground utility (drains, electrical, etc.) depths/locations, and electrical service

Question 12: Will the USDA expect the contractor to act on behalf of the USDA for installation of required meter pan, transformer (s) for power feeds to equipment or will?

Answer 12: Contractor is expected to work with local electrical utility for installation of the infrastructure in question. USDA will take over associated utility account at time of project completion.

Question 13: Will the USDA be specifying any of the equipment other than capacity of the grain storage bins?

Answer 13: Relevant specifications are in the Statement of Work.

Question 14: Will the USDA be defining any output requirements for loading out from the storage bins?

Answer 14: Apparatus shall consist of a 6 inch auger for the load out/reclaim setup on each grain storage bin.

Question 15: Will the USDA define tie-in point for other utilities?

Answer 15: If any utilities other than listed in SOW are necessary for installation of contractor’s proposed grain storage system, details will be discussed during submittal/plan approval.

Question 16: Do any of the installations require engineered stamped drawings?

Answer 16: Yes, the intent is for the project to be satisfied with pre-engineered components that already includes defined engineering parameters to be taken in consideration during construction. These pre-engineered components are known to be available with engineering stamps or certifications that will be considered acceptable.

Question 17: Does the USDA have a preferred vendor for supply of all of the mechanical and electrical components for this facility as a system?

Answer 17: No