RFIs and Responses 2.docx

Questions/Answers, Solicitation 12639525Q0168 Repair Epoxy Floor

1. Will USDA personnel be responsible for moving equipment in areas to be worked on once a work schedule has been worked out and approved?

Yes, but there may be some fixed systems that may require contractor’s help.

2. Does the USDA facility have climate-controlled storage available for storing flooring product during the project?

No

3. If no climate-controlled storage within the USDA Facility is available, is there a space available with 240V Electric available for contractor to drop a climate controlled connex box for storage of flooring product?

Yes, depending on what type of connection is used and the length of the cord.

1. Will the USDA confirm that a bid bond is not necessary for this requirement?

No bid bond is required.

2. Will the USDA confirm that offerors should omit sales tax from their bids, per page 4, paragraph 4 of the solicitation?

The federal government is exempt from sales tax.

3. Will the USDA extend the bid due date by two weeks after all RFI responses are provided, allowing time to review RFI answers and provide the best price possible?

An extension will be considered, but not necessarily for two weeks.

4. Will the USDA supply the plans for the Mexican Fruit Fly Rearing Facility? Contractors need to confirm the dimensions of each room to ensure accurate pricing, as the work will be completed one room at a time.

No engineering plans are available. The site visit allowed for confirming dimensions.

5. Will the USDA permit construction activities to be performed outside of regular business hours, including evenings and weekends?

Yes, depending on the schedule and availability of USDA staff.

6. Has the USDA completed a VHA Pre-Construction Risk Assessment (PCRA)? If so, will it be provided? Not applicable.

7. Will the USDA clarify if there is any lead-based paint and/or asbestos in the areas proposed to have new floors installed?

We know of no lead-based paint or asbestos.

8. When was the most recent asbestos survey completed?

Approximately eight years ago, and nothing was found.

9. Will the USDA provide the most recent asbestos abatement survey for the affected areas?

Yes, test was negative.

10. During the site visit, it was stated that citric acid is being used as a washdown chemical.

Not on the floors. It’s not being used for anything related to washdown or cleaning.

a. What is the percentage dilution of the citric acid to water is being used?

b. Will the Accelera 4850 topcoat be able to withstand the percent dilution of citric acid being used without damaging the topcoat?

11. The existing topcoat, Accelera 4850, is a polyaspartic, which will not withstand long-term exposure to citric acid. A Novolac topcoat can sustain citric acid mix ratios up to 50%. Will a Novolac topcoat system be accepted as an alternate to the Accelera 4850? Below is a link to an article outlining its resistance to various chemicals and acids.

https://www.chem-crete.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/Chem-Novolac/CHEM-NOVOLAC_TDS_AM22319.pdf No acid or chemicals are being used on the floors.

12. During the site visit, it was observed that there are wood boards on the edge of hallways and some rooms, picture below for reference.

a. Does the USDA want these boards to be removed before the epoxy is installed on the floor?

This will be done by USDA staff.

b. Does the USDA want these boards to be coated in the same epoxy as the floors?

No

13. Will shot blasting the existing epoxy to prepare the floor be accepted in lieu of diamond grinding?

It depends on the amount of dust and other waste generated by the system used.

14. The solicitation specifies that work will be performed one room at a time. Upon completion of a room, what is the anticipated time frame before the subsequent room will be vacated and ready for work to commence?

The bigger rooms will be done one at a time depending on the schedule. Other rooms can be made available to allow for constant workflow for both the project and the operation.

15. What is the square footage of each individual room that has tiles?

The site visit provided an opportunity to measure the spaces.

16. Urethane mortar will not apply to a wet surface. Will the facility be able to isolate themselves from future workspace areas for a few days prior to work starting in order to allow rooms with wet floors an opportunity to dry out?

Yes, please include that in your project assumptions.

17. What other chemicals in the facility come into contact with the floor?

Clorox in small concentration and betasept.

18. What percentage of water dilution is used for these chemicals?

About 80 to 90%.

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