AMENDMENT 0002 - 12505B23R0010 - RFIs dated 8.30.23.pdf

Requests for Information Solicitation 12505B23R0010 Building 1: Repair Building Exterior Envelope – Phase 2, 3, and 4 National Center of Agricultural Utilization Research (NCAUR) USDA-ARS, Peoria, IL

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Question 1: Solicitation/Page 41: States "Provide Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) evaluations or Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQ) for up to five (5) prior contracts of similar size and scope." Whereas Solicitation/Page 45: states Offeror(s) shall submit documentation on past performance and relevant technical experience on a minimum of three (3) projects and up to six (6) projects within the last five (5) years.” Is the project limit five (5) or six (6)?

Answer 1: USDA: Project limit is six (6).

Question 2: Please clarify which section of the proposal the Prime Identification information listed on Solicitation/Page 41 should be included in. Is this information included in the Price Proposal or Technical Proposal? Does all information listed not count towards the page count?

Answer 2: USDA: Include in the Technical Proposal. Correct as listed in the paragraph under Prime Identification.

Question 3: Is this project tax exempt?

Answer 3: USDA: Yes

Question 4: Specification Section 01 35 26/Paragraph 1.6.1.2/Page 48: states "During the solicitation process, the Government clarified that the Site Super, QC, and SSHO shall all be (3) three different people." Specification Section 01 45 00/Paragraph CQC System Manager/Page 67: states "The CQC System Manager is assigned as CQC System Manager but has duties as project superintendent in addition to quality control." Solicitation/Page 15: states a site superintendent and project manager will be assigned to the project. Please advise what project team will need to be assigned to the project.

Answer 4: USDA: Three (3) individuals are required. However, all three individuals are not required to be on site full time. The only individual required to be on site full time is the Site Superintendent. The Quality Control and SSHO shall be on site, as required per the Contractor’s QC and Safety plans.

Question 5: Is Submittal Exchange required for this project? If not, what file sharing system will need to be used and who is to carry the cost if any?

Answer 5: USDA: Except for physical samples, shop Drawings and project submittals shall be submitted electronically (in “pdf” format) via email to designated USDA personnel. All project submittals shall include Material Submittal Form, see Attachments in Scope of Work Description. Designated USDA personnel will be provided to the awarded offeror. The use of file sharing system is not required.

Question 6: Please confirm commissioning is not required for this project.

Answer 6: USDA: The scope of work shall include field testing and field quality control

(e,g. air infiltration testing of doors and windows, water penetration testing for

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door and windows, door hardware testing, acoustical tile ceiling testing, etc.) as indicated in the Project Specifications and Project Drawings. See specification sections and drawings for additional information.

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Question 7: Please clarify requirements for recoating and cleaning of embedded steel. Is sandblasting required?

Answer 7: USDA: Embedded steel shall be cleaned and prepared for recoating to a SSPC SP-3 Power Tool Clean Finish or better finish. Offerors shall determine the means and methods to obtain this finish, sandblasting is not specifically required. See Section 03 01 00 of Project Specifications for additional information.

Government Clarification 8:

USDA: USDA has not tested window caulking of Phase 2, 3, and 4 windows for asbestos. For bidding purposes, Offerors shall assume that asbestos is not present at the window caulking of Phase 2, 3, and 4 windows. Offerors shall include in their proposal:

Base Bid: The sampling and testing of six (6) locations at Phase 4 windows for asbestos containing materials. This sampling and testing shall occur prior to disturbing the windows. Test results shall be submitted to USDA for review and record.

Bid Option 01: The sampling and testing of six (6) locations at Phase 3 windows for asbestos containing materials. This sampling and testing shall occur prior to disturbing the windows. Test results shall be submitted to USDA for review and record.

Bid Option 02: The sampling and testing of six (6) locations at Phase 3 windows for asbestos containing materials. This sampling and testing shall occur prior to disturbing the windows. Test results shall be submitted to USDA for review and record.

Government Clarification 9:

USDA: Reference page 08 41 13-10, paragraph 3.4.B. (Field Quality Control). Testing shall be performed on fixed and operable windows and doors.

Government Clarification 10:

USDA: Reference page 08 51 13-9, paragraph 3.3.B. (Field Quality Control). Testing shall be performed on fixed and operable windows and doors.

Government Clarification 11:

USDA: Regarding Window Treatment: For Bidding Purposes, Contractor shall remove and re-install existing window treatments at windows. New window treatments will not be furnished by the Contractor.

Government Clarification 12:

USDA: Reference Sheet A.P2.31 of Project Drawings. Delete replacement of two (2) Type S-R1 windows on basement level (east window and center window, there are not existing windows at these locations).

Government Clarification 13:

USDA: Reference Sheet A.P2.21 through A.P2.24 – Work Item Note 06; Reference Sheet A.P2.31 through A.P2.34 – Work Item Note 06. Repair of concrete spalls shall comply with requirements indicated in Detail 21/A.P2.42.

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Government Clarification 14:

USDA: Reference Sheet A.P3.21 through A.P3.25 – Work Item Note 06; Reference Sheet A.P3.31 through A.P3.35 – Work Item Note 06. Repair of concrete spalls shall comply with requirements indicated in Detail 21/A.P3.42.

Government Clarification 15:

USDA: Reference Sheet A.P4.21 through A.P4.25 – Work Item Note 06; Reference Sheet A.P4.31 through A.P4.35 – Work Item Note 06. Repair of concrete spalls shall comply with requirements indicated in Detail 21/A.P4.42.

Government Clarification 16:

USDA: Exterior side of basement concrete wall shall have high-performance coating applied after specified brick improvements, concrete wall repairs, and window replacement are completed. High-performance coating application shall be in accordance with Section 09 96 00 of Project Specifications and shall be applied from finished grade level to first floor (elevation of 12’-0” nominal - where brick exterior envelope starts).

Government Clarification 17:

USDA: In previous completed phases, construction debris was captured at facility air handler intakes (between air filter and intake louver). For this project, Contractor shall employ means and methods to limit the capture of construction debris by air handlers. For bidding purposes, Offerors shall assume that facility air handlers shall remain running during specified brick demolition and repairs and that facility air handlers may be shut down during specified window replacement. Contractor shall provide thorough / completed cleaning of interior of the air intake ductwork / louver along with cleaning exterior side of louver to remove construction debris. This cleaning may be performed during normal working hours of the facility and shall be performed using HEPA filtered vacuums and other means to prevent creating air-borne dust. Contractor shall provide all PPE needed for the cleaning.

Base Bid: Perform the above air intake cleaning at four (4) air handlers.

Bid Option 01: Perform the above air intake cleaning at five (5) air handlers.

Bid Option 02: Perform the above air intake cleaning at six (6) air handlers.

For bidding purposes, Offerors shall assume that access panels are available to access the interior of air handler intake ductwork and four (4) “on-site” labor hours will be needed to clean each air handler.

Filter replacement at the air handlers will be performed by the Owner.

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Government Clarification 18:

USDA: In previous completed phases, exhaust fumes from motorized lifting equipment was captured by facility air handlers. In this project, Contractor shall employ means and methods to limit the capture of exhaust fumes including, but not limited to: confirming that lifting equipment is in good working condition with limited exhaust odors, operating lifting equipment only as needed – run to position lift for work being performed and shutdown lift – do not leave running.

For bidding purposes, Offerors shall assume that facility air handlers shall remain running during specified brick demolition and repairs and that facility air handlers may be shut down during specified window replacement.

Government Clarification 19:

USDA: Contractor shall provide all means and methods to protect furniture, fixtures, furnishings, and equipment (FFE) in offices, laboratories, and other spaces from dust and debris created by the performance of the scope of work. USDA will be responsible for removing and resetting the FFE to provide nominal four (4) of clear space in front of windows. Contractor shall provide all barriers and coverings of FFE to protect from dust and debris (note: laboratory spaces contain sensitive / expensive equipment; the dust and debris control in laboratory spaces shall include, but not limited to, providing coverings on all lab equipment and lab benches – the covering of lab benches and equipment and lab shall be thoroughly coordinated with USDA).

For bidding purposes, Offerors shall assume:

Base Bid: Three windows shown on South Elevation -Phase 4 – Area A (Sheet A.P4.31) are in corridor space.

Base Bid: Three window shown on first, second, and third floor levels on West Elevation

– Phase 4 – Area A (Sheet A.P4.31) are in laboratory space. Fourth window on basement level of West Elevation is in office space.

Base Bid: All windows shown on North Elevation – Phase 4 (Sheet A.P4.32 through A.P4.35) are in office space.

Bid Option 01: All windows shown on South Elevation – Phase 3 – Area A (Sheet A.P3.31) are in laboratory spaces.

Bid Option 01: All windows shown on the west side of stairwell in South Elevation – Phase 3 – Area B (Sheet A.P3.32) are in corridor spaces.

Bid Option 01: All windows shown on the east side of stairwell in South Elevation – Phase 3 – Area B (Sheet A.P3.32) are in laboratory spaces.

Bid Option 01: All windows shown on South Elevation – Phase 3 – Area C (Sheet A.P3.34) are in laboratory spaces.

Bid Option 01: All windows shown on West Elevation – Phase 3 Area D (Sheet A.P3.35) are in office spaces.

Bid Option 02: All windows shown on North Elevation – Phase 2 Area C (Sheet A.P2.31) are in laboratory spaces.

Bid Option 02: All windows shown on North Elevation – Phase 2 Area B (Sheet A.P2.32) are in corridor spaces.

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Bid Option 02: All windows shown on North Elevation – Phase 2 Area A (Sheet A.P2.33) are in laboratory spaces.

Bid Option 02: All windows shown on West Elevation – Phase 2 Area A (Sheet A.P2.34) are in laboratory spaces.

Government Clarification 20:

USDA: Contractor shall provide all means, methods, and project sequencing such that disruption to office spaces, laboratory spaces, and other spaces is minimized to the greatest extent possible.

Window replacement shall be performed in manner such that window(s) are removed and replaced in the same day with associated exterior / interior caulking and final trim out of windows following as soon as possible (overtime hours are not required - all materials to perform a complete window replacement and final trim out shall be on site prior to removing the window). After complete window replacement has been performed, removal of protective coverings and protective barriers along with the cleaning of any intrusion of dust and debris shall follow as soon as possible (overtime hours are not required).

Government Clarification 21:

USDA: Please see photographs that follow. Photographs show existing exterior installations that will be encountered during the performance of the work. Existing installations shall be protected and maintained.

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Photographs:

Photograph 1 – North Elevation - Phase 2 Area C – View of three outside air louvers for North Wing air handlers and associated fencing around the intakes.

Photograph 2 – North Elevation - Phase 2 Area B - View of North Wing handicapped entrance.

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Photograph 3 – North Elevation - Phase 2 Area B - View of existing utility gas meter installation with associated fencing and vent piping. Vent piping riser extends to roof level of North Wing.

Photograph 4 – North Elevation - Phase 2 Area A - View of existing conduit riser.

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Photograph 5 – Phase 2 - View of two-story addition (Extruder Lab) at west end of North Wing – Three HVAC condensing units are located on the roof of the two-story addition.

Photograph 6 – West Elevation - Phase 2 Area A – View of west basement entrance and curtain wall system. Curtain wall system shall be replaced / repair as indicated in SOW.

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Photograph 7 – West Elevation - Phase 2 Area A – View of west elevation near chiller equipment and associated chiller piping / pumping motors.

Photograph 8 – South Elevation - Phase 3 Area A – View of south elevation (west end) near Building 8.

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Photograph 9 – Stair West Elevation - Phase 3 Area B – View of basement entrance at stairwell and curtain wall system. Curtain wall system shall be replaced / repaired as indicated in SOW.

Photograph 10 – South Elevation - Phase 3 Area B – View of emergency generator and exhaust riser, exhaust riser extends to roof level.

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Photograph 11 – Stair East Elevation - Phase 3 Area B – View of emergency generator and exhaust riser, exhaust riser extends to roof level.

Photograph 12 – South Elevation - Phase 3 Area C – View of make-up air unit that serves NMR Addition.

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Photograph 13 – West Elevation - Phase 3 Area D – View of exhaust riser and electrical conduit installations on north side of west elevation.

Photograph 14 – West Elevation - Phase 3 Area D – View of “single story” NMR Addition.

elevation.

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Photograph 15 – West Elevation - Phase 3 Area D – View of exhaust riser and electrical installations on south side of west elevation.

Please note that there is an exposed electrical cable riser located near corner of Phase 3 and Phase 4 areas, routed along Phase 4 – North Elevation. The exposed electrical cable is routed to roof level and is connected to the Center Wing lightning protection system.

Photograph 16 – West Elevation - Phase 4 Area A – View of “single story” canopy at west end of Center Wing.

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Photograph 17 – North Elevation - Phase 4 Area A – View of north elevation near Building 9 (Garage). Please note exposed electrical cabling installation near the corner of the north and west elevation. The exposed electrical cabling is routed to roof level and is connected to the Center Wing lightning protection system.

Photograph 18 – North Elevation - Phase 4 Area B – View of exposed electrical cable riser at north elevation of Center Wing. The exposed electrical cable is routed to roof level and is connected to the Center Wing lightning protection system.

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Photograph 19 – Stair West Elevation - Phase 4 Area B – View of basement entrance at stairwell and curtain wall system.

Photograph 20 – North Elevation - Phase 4 Area B – View of bulk nitrogen storage tank installation and exterior condensing units serving Center Wing cold rooms. Please note exposed electrical cabling installation near the corner of the main building and stairwell. The exposed electrical cabling is routed to roof level and is connected to the Center Wing lightning protection system.

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Photograph 21 – North Elevation - Phase 4 Area C – View of exposed electrical cable riser at north elevation of Center Wing. The exposed electrical cable is routed to roof level and is connected to the Center Wing lightning protection system.

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UPDATED 8/30/23

Question 22: Please clarify fragmentation / blast requirements for windows.

Answer 22: USDA: Reference paragraph 3.2.K. of Specification Section 08 51 13 (page 08

51 13-5). Delete paragraph K. However, insulated glazing unit performance shall comply with Specification Section 08 80 00, including paragraph 2.3 (out pane and inner laminated pane along with installation procedures shall be provided to achieve the intended GSA window performance condition 3B).

Question 23: Please clarify tinting at windows.

Answer 23: USDA: Glazing shall be clear type with visual light transmittance (VLT) of at least 70% and with exterior light reflectance (ELR) that does not exceed 15%.

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