RFI Questions and Answers 12405B25R0003.pdf

RFIs – Solicitation # 12405B25R0003

Repair Hurricane Francine Damage to Houma Station and Schriever Ardoyne Farm, USDA-ARS

1. What is the existing bulkhead sheet depth? Unavailable. It was installed before current personnel arrived.

2. What are the dimensions of new bulkhead depth and total linear footage? Information not available.

3. Will the bulkhead need to be engineered? No.

4. What is the suction pipe size? 20 inches in diameter.

5. Are there any plans on pump design or product data? Unavailable. Pump is a pre 1950s lift pump.

6. Will any special paint be needed? If suction pipe must be replaced, will this be considered an unforeseen condition? Anti-corrosive, yes. Yes, it will be an unforeseen condition, and we can do a change order if needed.

7. Is there a PDF for plans for the existing greenhouse needing repairs and of the building with insulated concealed panel building? Yes, see attached.

8. Will the entire bulkhead get replaced since some of the stringers are broken at the corner?

Yes, entire bulkhead.

9. Could you kindly provide the pump's model number and manufacturer? The pump repair is no longer in the SOW.

10. Could you confirm the type of material used in the construction of the crossing house building? This information will help us ensure that the repairs and replacements are performed with appropriate materials. The crossing house roof is metal with aluminum framing.

The side vents are aluminum and polycarbonate (Lexan) sheeting.

11. Diameter and type of intake pipe? We believe it is 20 inches in diameter.

12. Is it welded or flanged? Unknown.

13. Depth of pipe? Unknown, but probably less than 5 feet.

14. Is a temporary pump required while repairs are being done? We have a tractor PTO pump we could use if necessary, so no.

15. Description, type, model, distributer of pump (any information will help)? Low-lift pump.

16. In executing this project, can one superintendent fulfill the supervision, safety, and QAQC roles? Contractor makes decisions on staffing the project that meets the SOW and requirement.

17. Are contractors required to issue a contract specific QA/QC Plan? The plan should address the needs of the requirement.

18. Are contractors required to issue a contract specific Safety Plan? The plan should address the needs of the requirement.

19. Is this project tax exempt? The federal government is tax exempt.

20. Will the USDA provide quantities to replace items defined in Statement of Work or will the contractor be responsible to verify all quantities during the site visit? This will need to be verified during site visit. We’ve reserved a man-lift to view the greenhouse roof.

21. Does the USDA want an engineered solution for the crossing station bulkhead? Not necessary.

22. Are there construction drawings for the Houma Station agronomy greenhouse? Are there construction drawings for the Ardoyne Farm crossing house?

Plans available to view during the site of the Ardoyne Farm crossing house. We haven’t located plans for the Houma agronomy greenhouse, but contractors will have access to the building to get information needed for their proposals.

23. Is there a damage assessment of the pump station? We removed the pump repair from project. There is no need for quotes on this item. We’ve amended the statement of work to reflect this change.

24. Can subcontractor’s previous experience be used to fulfill the past performance requirements? Yes, this is acceptable.

25. Are contractors to use the experience sheet provided for past performance section of the proposal or corporate experience section? The experience sheet or equivalent document that captures the requested information can be used.

26. One possible approach could be the installation of a retaining wall, or alternatively, it might be sufficient to excavate and compact the affected area. Please let us know which option you would prefer or if you have other requirements in mind.

The bulkhead/crossing area will need to be excavated and backfilled. We do not know the condition of the pipe going through the bulkhead and it may need repair as well. It could be the source of the wash-out under the expanded metal plates.

27. Additionally, we would like to clarify what is located beneath the metal plates in the area.

Are the pumps mentioned for servicing located there? If so, we would appreciate further details about this part of the scope of work to ensure proper planning and execution.

Nothing is under the metal plates as the area is mostly washed out. The plates were installed for safety reasons to prevent anyone from falling into the canal area. The pumps no longer need servicing (removed from scope of project).