Q_and_A-12445527Q0003.xlsx
XLSX spreadsheet 41 KB Posted
- Attached to
- Doniphan and Salem Drop Ceilings Installation
- Solicitation number
- 12445527Q0003
- Issued by
-
Department of Agriculture Forest Service
About this file
This is a Questions and Answers (Q&A) file associated with a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ceiling installation and removal services. The file contains inquiries submitted by potential bidders and corresponding responses from the contracting officer regarding the solicitation details and requirements.
The underlying RFQ (Solicitation Number 12445527Q0003) is issued by the Department of Agriculture Forest Service for commercial construction work set-aside for small business concerns under FAR Parts 12 and 36. The scope includes removal and replacement of ceiling tiles on the main floor and basement of the Salem Ranger District office, and installation of ceiling tiles and track system at the Eleven Point Ranger District office in Donaphan. The applicable NAICS code is 238390 (Other Building Finishing Contractors) with a small business size standard of $19,000,000.00. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside, allowing all responsible sources to submit quotations for consideration. The Q&A file serves as a clarification mechanism for potential bidders seeking guidance on solicitation requirements, specifications, or administrative procedures prior to submitting their quotations.
View the file
Other files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| Att 05_Design Clarification_261013.docx | DOCX document | |
| Att 02_Specifications_261015.pdf | ||
| Amd-0002_12445527Q0003.pdf | ||
| Q_and_A-12445527Q0003.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet | |
| Exhibit D_Salem Asbestos Report.pdf | ||
| Exhibit B_Doniphan Photos.pdf | ||
| Exhibit C_Salem Office Existing.pdf | ||
| Amd-0001_12445527Q0003.pdf | ||
| Exhibit A_Additional Salem photos.pdf | ||
| Q_and_A-12445527Q0003.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet | |
| Att 01_Schedule of Items_260820.docx | DOCX document | |
| Att 04_Wage Rates-Ripley_260518.pdf | ||
| Att 03_Wage Rates-Dent_260518.pdf | ||
| Att 02_Specifications_260929.pdf | ||
| Sol_12445527Q0003.pdf | ||
| HOW TO FOLLOW PROJECTS ON SAM FOR EMAIL ALERTS.pdf |
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Text version
Sheet1
| RFQ | 12445527Q0003 | Doniphan and Salem Drop Ceilings Installation | |||
| Last Updated | 2026-10-08 | ||||
| Question | |||||
| Number | Date Received | Question | FS Response | ||
| 1 | 2026-10-06 | Is there a set of drawings that accompanies this solicitation? | Site plans, and pictures are included in atachment 02 Specifications. |
Additionally contractors may schedule a site visit to inspect the conditions at both locations.
| 2 | 2026-10-06 | How do we schedule a site survey? | Refer to "Site Visits" on Pg 19 of the document Sol_12445527Q0003." |
| 3 | 2026-10-06 | SF-1442 Item 12 indicates “YES” concerning performance and payment bonds and identifies a 10-calendar-day furnishing period. However: FAR 52.228-15, Performance and Payment Bonds – Construction, does not appear to be selected; FAR 52.228-13, Alternative Payment Protections, is included; and the Schedule of Items states that when the awarded price exceeds $35,000, alternative payment protection applies. Please confirm whether an award exceeding $35,000 but not exceeding $150,000 requires: |
1. Alternative payment protection only under FAR 52.228-13; or
2. Both a performance bond and payment protection.
Please also confirm whether any bonding/payment-protection requirement is intended solely for the prime contractor or whether the Government expects corresponding bonding from lower-tier subcontractors. Awards exceeding $35,000 and less than $150,000 will only require payment protections IAW 52.228-13.
Alternative Payment Protections are required from the prime contractor.
4 2026-10-06 The specifications state: "Superintendent for prime contractor shall be on site at all times as work is completed if subcontracted." Please clarify:
1. Whether the superintendent must be a direct employee of the prime contractor;
2. Whether a prime-contractor representative must be physically present during every hour subcontractor personnel are performing work;
3. Whether an approved superintendent or representative arrangement may satisfy this requirement; and
| 4. Whether one superintendent may coordinate both Salem and Doniphan if work occurs concurrently. | [Response Pending] | ||
| 5 | 2026-10-06 | The specifications require light fixtures to be independently supported from joists, furring strips, structural framing, or other suitable structural supports and not from ceiling tile. Please confirm whether the ceiling contractor is responsible for: |
1. Disconnecting existing light fixtures;
2. Reconnecting fixtures;
3. Relocating fixtures;
4. Modifying wiring;
5. Performing electrical trade work;
| or whether the ceiling contractor’s responsibility is limited to required structural support/bracing and ceiling-system coordination. | [Response Pending] | ||
| 6 | 2026-10-06 | The specifications state that Keith Holland’s office requires fire-rated acoustic ceiling tile because of the mechanical-room features. Please identify: |
1. The required fire-resistance/fire-rating classification;
2. The applicable testing standard;
3. Whether a specific UL-listed or other rated ceiling assembly is required; and
| 4. Whether the requirement refers only to a Class A surface-burning characteristic or to a complete fire-resistance-rated ceiling assembly. | [Response Pending] | ||
| 7 | 2026-10-06 | The specifications identify a metal direct-mount system as the preferred approach and also reference CeilingMAX PVC or approved equal. |
Please confirm whether bidders should price the metal direct-mount system as the required base installation, with CeilingMAX PVC or the shortest-practicable suspended/drop-ceiling system considered only when field conditions prevent satisfactory use of the metal direct-mount system.
| Please also confirm whether an alternate ceiling system requires Government approval before inclusion in the contractor’s final installation plan. | [Response Pending] | |||
| 8 | 2026-10-06 | The SF-1442 identifies October 21, 2026 at 1400 local time. Please confirm the exact controlling: Date; Time; and Time zone for final quotation submission. | Local time for this acquisition is Central Daylight Time (CDT). | |
| 9 | 2026-10-07 | Salem grid system: Specification page 7 identifies metal direct-mount grid with a maximum 2-inch drop where feasible, with CeilingMAX PVC considered if the metal option is insufficient. The repeated section on page 13 identifies CeilingMAX PVC without that preference. Which requirement controls, and which system should bidders include in the base price? | [Response Pending] | |
| 10 | 2026-10-07 | Doniphan ceiling tile acoustics: The specifications name Armstrong Tundra and require NRC of at least 0.55. Armstrong Tundra item 303 matches the specified size, thickness, and 15/16-inch beveled tegular edge, but the manufacturer lists NRC of 0.50. Is this product acceptable, or must bidders provide an approved equal meeting NRC of at least 0.55? | [Response Pending] | |
| 11 | 2026-10-07 | Fire rating: For Keith Holland’s office, does “fire-rated acoustic ceiling tiles” mean Class A surface-burning performance, or is an hourly fire-resistance-rated ceiling assembly required? If an assembly is required, please provide the required rating and assembly details. | [Response Pending] | |
| 12 | 2026-10-07 | Fixtures and overhead services: Does the scope include disconnecting, reconnecting, relocating, or replacing light fixtures, or only providing independent supports for existing fixtures? Are fixture counts or additional details available? Please also clarify any required modifications to ductwork or other overhead services and requirements for maintenance access above the new ceilings. | [Response Pending] | |
| 13 | 2026-10-07 | Occupied-space phasing and schedule: How will rooms and work areas be released to the contractor? May field verification, product approvals, material procurement, and the required two-week furniture-move notice occur before the Notice to Proceed? Please confirm whether all three bid items must be completed within the same 30-calendar-day period. | [Response Pending] | |
| 14 | 2026-10-07 | Existing conditions and trim: Are hazardous-material surveys or known substrate-condition reports available for the Salem ceilings? Should existing wood trim be salvaged and reinstalled wherever possible, with new trim supplied where missing or damaged? Is painting or staining that trim included? | [Response Pending] | |
| 15 | 2026-10-07 | Prime superintendent: Would a designated local superintendent retained by us satisfy the requirement for the prime contractor’s superintendent to be on site whenever subcontracted work is performed? Could the ceiling subcontractor’s foreman also serve as the prime’s designated superintendent, subject to approval? Please identify any qualifications or approval requirements and the required coverage if both locations are active simultaneously. | [Refer to pending response for question #4.] | |
| 16 | 2026-10-07 | Payment protection and bonds: For an award above $35,000 within the stated estimated range, please confirm the required payment-protection amount and whether a payment bond on SF-25A or an irrevocable letter of credit must be furnished within 10 days after award. SF-1442 marks required performance/payment bonds “Yes,” while the detailed clauses identify alternative payment protection and leave 52.228-15 unchecked. Is a separate performance bond required? | Performance bonds will not be required for awards below $150,000. |
Payment protections must cover 100% of the award price, and be furnished within 10 calendar days IAW 52.228-13.
| 17 | 2026-10-07 | Site-visit availability: Please provide available inspection dates and access requirements for both locations so we can coordinate attendance with a prospective local subcontractor. Does the contact listed in the RFQ coordinate access to both offices, and should scheduling requests be directed to her separately? | Yes, the contact listed in the RFQ for site visits will coordinate both locations, and should be contacted directly to schedule a date/time. | |
| 18 | 2026-10-07 | Please confirm that quotations are due October 21, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Central Time, as SF-1442 states 1400 local time. | Yes, refer to response for question 8. | |
| 19 | 2026-10-07 | May the Salem and Doniphan locations be completed sequentially, with one location completed before work begins at the other, provided all work is completed within the 30-calendar-day performance period? | Yes | |
| 20 | 2026-10-07 | Have the existing Salem ceiling materials been tested for asbestos or other hazardous materials, and are any hazardous materials currently known to be present? | [Response Pending] | |
| 21 | 2026-10-07 | Please confirm whether a separate technical approach is a mandatory quotation submission. If so, please identify the required content and whether an alternate ceiling system must be separately priced. | [Response Pending] | |
| 22 | 2026-10-07 | The specifications state that the prime contractor's superintendent shall be onsite at all times while subcontracted work is being performed. Does the superintendent have to be a direct employee of the prime contractor, or may an authorized representative of the prime contractor serve in this role? Additionally, if work is performed at Salem and Doniphan at different times, may the same superintendent cover both locations? | [Refer to pending responses for Questions 4, and 15.] | |
| 23 | 2026-10-07 | The specifications require light fixtures to be secured to joists or furring strips and not supported by the ceiling tile. Please confirm whether the ceiling contractor is responsible only for providing the required structural support/bracing around existing fixtures, or whether the contractor is also responsible for disconnecting, relocating, rewiring, or reconnecting electrical fixtures as necessary for the new ceiling installation. | [Refer to pending responses for Questions 5, and 12.] | |
| 24 | 2026-10-07 | The specifications identify the Keith Holland Office at Doniphan as requiring fire-rated acoustic ceiling tiles due to the mechanical room features. Please clarify whether this requirement is for Class A flame-spread-rated acoustical ceiling tile, or whether a complete tested fire-resistance-rated ceiling assembly is required. If a specific UL or other tested assembly is required, please provide the required rating and assembly designation. | [Refer to pending responses for Questions 6, and 11.] | |
| 25 | 2026-10-07 | The specifications appear to reference both a metal direct-mount grid system with a maximum approximately 2-inch total drop and a CeilingMAX PVC Grid System or approved equal. Please confirm the required basis of design for the Salem main floor and basement. Is CeilingMAX PVC acceptable as the intended system, or is a metal direct-mount grid system preferred/required? | [Refer to pending responses for Questions 7, and 9.] | |
| 26 | 2026-10-07 | Prime Contractor Self-Performance | ||
| FAR 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting, does not appear to be selected in the solicitation. Please confirm whether there is any minimum percentage of the field installation work that the prime contractor must self-perform, or whether the prime contractor may subcontract the ceiling installation work while remaining responsible for overall contract management, supervision, compliance, and performance. | [Response Pending] |
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .