USDA_Building_6403_RFI_Log.xlsx
XLSX spreadsheet 30 KB Posted
- Attached to
- Renovate Building 6403 Containment Lab
- Solicitation number
- 12639526Q0184
About this file
This file is a Request for Information (RFI) log in Excel format related to a USDA renovation project for Building 6403, an Arthropod Quarantine (AQ) Facility operated by the Science and Technology Mission Lab under the Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). The RFI log documents inquiries and responses from potential bidders regarding solicitation number 12639526Q0184 for the renovation of this high-security containment facility.
The project scope involves major renovation of the AQ Facility, which encompasses an AQ office, receiving lab, identification lab, three additional laboratories, three main hallways, twelve walk-in environmental growth chambers, two EGC walkways, a headhouse/potting area with five separately controlled greenhouses, extended greenhouse foyer, pot and clothing washing area, storage area, lunchroom, emergency exit room, secured-access exterior autoclave room, interior autoclave room, dressing rooms with showers, bathrooms, ante-room, sign-in room, and foyer. Primary work includes upgrading mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems and refreshing interior finishes throughout the facility. The RFI log serves as a repository for prospective contractors' questions and the government's clarifying responses to support informed proposal development. Site visit attendance documentation and amendment materials are referenced as supporting documents for this solicitation.
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Other files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| 12639526Q0184-0005.pdf | ||
| Attachment 2 to addendum 3_specs.pdf | ||
| Attachment 1 to addendum 3_dwgs.pdf | ||
| 12639526Q0184-0004.pdf | ||
| First asbestos test results.pdf | ||
| A04_Attachment 5_Price Schedule for Add Alternates.docx | DOCX document | |
| 12639526Q0184-0003.pdf | ||
| Attachment 2 to Addendum 2_drawings.pdf | ||
| USDA Building 6403 RFI Log.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet | |
| Attachment 1 to Addendum 2_specs.pdf | ||
| 12639526Q0184-0002.pdf | ||
| RFIs and Responses.docx | DOCX document | |
| 12639526Q0184-0001.pdf | ||
| Attachemnt 2 to Addendum 1_Specs.pdf | ||
| Attachment 1 to Addendum 1_Drawings.pdf | ||
| 6403 Bldg Ronovation Walkthrough Sign In Sheet.pdf | ||
| Attachment 5_Price Schedule for Add Alternates.docx | DOCX document | |
| 12639526Q0184.docx | DOCX document | |
| Attachment 4_Federal Construction Wage Rates_Hidalgo County.txt | TXT text file | |
| Attachment 2_Specifications.pdf | ||
| Attachment 3_Drawings.pdf | ||
| Attachment 1_Statement of Work.doc | DOC document |
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RFI Log
| USDA/APHIS MAB Building 6403 Renovation – Pre-Bid RFI Log | |||||||||
| Moore Air Base, Edinburg, Texas | Based on Specifications dated 10/17/2025 and 83-sheet Drawing Set | |||||||||
| RFI No. | Discipline | Subject | References | Question / Clarification | Priority | Status | Response | Date Submitted | Date Answered |
| RFI-001 | General Conditions | Interior Work Versus Limits on Contractor’s Use | Spec 011000 §1.4.A.1; Drawings A-101, A-111 and MEP sheets | Specification 011000 states that construction operations are to be confined to the building exterior unless otherwise requested for approval. However, the contract documents include extensive interior demolition and renovation throughout laboratories, restrooms, dressing rooms, corridors, mechanical rooms, the headhouse, and other occupied spaces. Please confirm that interior construction shown in the drawings is authorized contract work and provide the required process for obtaining access to each interior work area. Also provide any room-by-room access restrictions or required advance notice. | High | Closed | As stated during the prebid meeting, the building will be unoccupied during construction. | 08.06.2026 | 08.12.2026 |
| RFI-002 | General Conditions | Required Construction Phasing Plan | Spec 011000 §1.5; Project scope narrative | The Owner will occupy the building throughout construction, while the project requires replacement of the chilled-water system, air-handling units, exhaust systems, ductwork, controls, boiler system, ceilings, lighting, doors, plumbing fixtures, and laboratory systems. Please provide the required construction phasing sequence, including areas that may be taken out of service simultaneously, maximum allowable duration of each phase, required temporary laboratory relocations, rooms or systems that must remain continuously operational, and turnover criteria before proceeding to the next phase. | High | Closed | Building will be unoccupied during construction, no phasing requirements. | 08.06.2026 | 08.12.2026 |
| RFI-003 | General Conditions | Maintaining Arthropod Containment | Spec 011000; Drawing G-001; Mechanical plans | Please provide the specific USDA/APHIS containment requirements that must remain in effect during demolition and construction, including temporary pressure relationships, temporary barriers and airlocks, pest-proof construction, sealing of penetrations, negative- or positive-pressure requirements, HEPA filtration requirements, and inspection and approval procedures before barriers are removed. | High | Closed | Not required as the building will be unoccupied during construction. | 08.06.2026 | 08.12.2026 |
| RFI-004 | General Conditions | Temporary HVAC and Environmental Control | Spec 011000 utility interruption requirements; Division 23 | The work requires replacement of essentially the entire HVAC, chilled-water, exhaust, boiler, and controls systems while the Owner remains in occupancy. The documents identify temporary power requirements but do not clearly define temporary cooling, heating, exhaust, pressure-control, or humidity-control requirements. Please confirm whether temporary HVAC and laboratory exhaust systems are required. If required, provide required temperatures, humidity ranges, room-pressure relationships, air-change rates, filtration levels, and anticipated duration. | High | Closed | Building will be unoccupied during construction. | 08.06.2026 | 08.12.2026 |
| RFI-005 | General Conditions | Utility Shutdown Durations | Spec 011000 §1.6 | Please provide the maximum allowable outage duration for normal and emergency electrical power, chilled water, heating water or steam, domestic water, sanitary service, laboratory exhaust, building controls, access control and security systems, and fire alarm systems. Please also confirm whether temporary services other than electrical power are required when shutdowns exceed the approved duration. | High | Closed | Building will be unoccupied during construction. | 08.06.2026 | 08.12.2026 |
| RFI-006 | General Conditions | Work Hours and Weekend Work | Spec 011000 | Please identify normal permissible work hours, restrictions on noisy or disruptive work, available weekend work periods, holiday restrictions, and whether premium-time work required to accommodate Owner operations is to be included in the base bid. | Medium | Closed | Covered in the prebid meeting. Building will be unoccupied during construction. | 08.06.2026 | 08.12.2026 |
| RFI-007 | General Conditions | Hazardous Materials Survey | Spec 024119; Demolition drawings | Please confirm whether asbestos, lead-based paint, PCB, mercury, mold, or other hazardous-material surveys have been completed and provide all available reports. If hazardous materials are encountered but are not identified in the contract documents, please confirm that investigation, abatement, disposal, schedule impact, and associated costs will be handled by contract modification. | High | Closed | APHIS is working on getting a survey completed. | 08.06.2026 | |
| RFI-008 | General Conditions | Site Security and Personnel Requirements | Spec 011000; Drawing G-001 | Please provide requirements for background checks, security badges, escorts, vehicle inspections, restricted tools or electronic devices, photography restrictions, worker access hours, material delivery procedures, secure storage, and access to occupied laboratory areas. Please confirm whether costs and lead time for these requirements must be included in the base bid. | Medium | Closed | Requirements for site access were covered in the prebid meeting. All costs need to be included in the contractors bid proposal. These topics will be covered in the pre-con. | 08.06.2026 | 08.12.2026 |
| RFI-009 | General Conditions | Contract Document Identification | Specification cover and drawing title blocks | The specification manual identifies CEI Project No. 212431, while several architectural sheets identify CEI Project No. 8050.07. Please confirm that both project numbers refer to the same contract and identify the controlling project number for submittals, RFIs, pay applications, correspondence, and record documents. | Medium | Closed | Project No. 212431 is Coffman internal project number, Project No. 8050.07 is KZF internal project number. APHIS will have their own contract number for this work. | 08.06.2026 | |
| RFI-010 | Alternates | Alternate 02 Scope Conflict | Specification scope narrative, Alternate 02; Drawing A-101 | The specification narrative states that Alternate 02 includes demolition of the exterior electrical panelboard by the greenhouses and repainting the entire building exterior. Drawing A-101 appears to state “Demo exterior greenhouse panel bd,” which could be interpreted as greenhouse panel board rather than electrical panelboard. Please confirm that Alternate 02 requires demolition of the exterior electrical panelboard, identify the exact panel designation and location, and clarify all associated feeder removal, branch-circuit rerouting, equipment reconnection, patching, and disposal. | High | Closed | Alternate 02 scope is to demolish the exterior electrical panelboard identified as "Greenhouse Panel" and the adjacent panel meter. Equipment locations and demolition requirements are noted in the electrical demolition drawings. Refer to Addendum #1 for additional clarification. | 08.06.2026 | 08.12.2026 |
| RFI-011 | Alternates | Alternate 02 Electrical Panel Loads | Electrical drawings; Alternate 02 | Please provide a list of all circuits and equipment presently served by the exterior panelboard included in Alternate 02. Confirm whether the loads are to be abandoned, reconnected to another panel, temporarily powered, or replaced under another scope item. Please provide revised panel schedules and feeder information where required. | High | Closed | The only active branch circuit load in panelboard "greenhouse" is an exterior light fixture noted to be re-circuited on ED111 as part of the base bid. Alternate 02 scope is demoltion only as noted in the electrical demolition drawings. Refer to Addendum #1 for additional clarification. | 08.06.2026 | 08.12.2026 |
| RFI-012 | Alternates | Alternate 03 Growth Chamber Identification | Specification scope narrative, Alternate 03; Drawing A-101; Mechanical drawings | Alternate 03 requires repairs to six environmental growth chambers, but the architectural plan identifies twelve chambers, EGC-1 through EGC-12. Please identify by equipment number the six chambers included in Alternate 03. | High | Closed | EGC 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12 are in-scope for the alternate. Other EGC are existing to remain. | 08.06.2026 | |
| RFI-013 | Alternates | Alternate 03 Existing Equipment Information | Alternate 03; Division 23 drawings and specifications | Please provide existing manufacturer, model, serial number, capacity, electrical characteristics, control diagrams, pump information, and current operating condition for each environmental growth chamber included in Alternate 03. Also provide final performance criteria including temperature and humidity range and tolerance, steam requirements, chilled-water flow and pressure, alarm functions, controls integration, and testing and commissioning requirements. | High | Closed | Contact equipment manufacturer for equipment data. | 08.06.2026 | |
| RFI-014 | Alternates | Alternate 03 Controls Responsibility | Alternate 03; Spec 230900 | Please clarify whether growth-chamber controls are to be standalone, connected to the building DDC system, or connected to an existing proprietary control platform. Identify the required controls manufacturer and responsibility for programming, graphics, trend logs, alarms, licensing, and network connections. | High | Closed | Connect to the new DDC being installed as a part of this project. Also maintain existing connection to the existing MAB Niagra system that monitors select items in this building. | 08.06.2026 | |
| RFI-015 | Alternates | Alternate 04 Drawing Identification | Specification scope narrative, Alternate 04; Drawings A-101 and A-201 | The specification identifies Alternate 04 as relocating the Maintenance Room 105 doorway, including removal and infill of the existing opening and installation of a new north-wall opening. Portions of this work appear on architectural plans and elevations without a clear Alternate 04 boundary. Please identify every drawing note, detail, door, wall infill, electrical relocation, finish repair, and mechanical modification included in Alternate 04, and confirm that none of this work is included in the base bid. | High | Closed | Refer to Addendum #1 for clarification. See architectural drawing note D40 added to Sheet AD101 and see additional door schedule remark for Door 105. | 08.06.2026 | 08.12.2026 |
| RFI-016 | Alternates | Alternates Pricing and Award | Spec 012300 | Please confirm whether alternates are additive or deductive, the required order of acceptance, whether overhead, profit, bond, insurance, mobilization, commissioning, and closeout costs are to be included in each alternate, how long alternate prices must remain valid, and whether an accepted alternate may be added after Notice to Proceed. | Medium | Closed | 08.06.2026 | ||
| RFI-017 | Roofing | Existing Roof Deck Replacement | Drawings A-301, A-302 and A-567; Specs 070150.19 and 075423 | The drawings require damaged roof panels, sheathing, blocking, and framing to be replaced as needed, but no quantity or allowance is provided. Please provide anticipated quantities or establish unit prices for roof sheathing or plank replacement, wood blocking, wood joist or framing repair, metal deck repair where applicable, and deteriorated fascia blocking. Please confirm how concealed deterioration beyond the bid quantity will be measured and compensated. | High | Closed | No allowance. Assume replacement of 20% of sheathing and framing with 50 linear feet of blocking. | 08.06.2026 | |
| RFI-018 | Roofing | Roof Insulation Material Conflict | Drawings A-301, A-302 and A-567; Spec 075423 | Some drawing notes call for XPS roof insulation, while typical roof details reference polyiso/XPS and identify an R-20 minimum. Please confirm the required insulation material for each roof area, including base insulation type, tapered insulation type, required total R-value, minimum thickness, number of layers, attachment method, and cover-board type and thickness. | High | Closed | R-20 is minium requirement. Tapered insulation by contractor will be required for existing flat roofs as shown on Sheet A-110. | 08.06.2026 | |
| RFI-019 | Roofing | Existing Roof Warranty Requirement | Spec 075423 Closeout Submittals | Specification 075423 requires a certified statement from the existing roof membrane manufacturer confirming that the existing roof warranty has not been affected. The project scope calls for complete roof replacement. Please confirm whether this requirement applies. If it does, provide the existing roof manufacturer, warranty number, expiration date, and areas of roofing intended to remain. | Medium | Closed | See Addendum 1. In Specification 075423 delete 1.6, B. This is a full roof replacement. | 08.06.2026 | |
| RFI-020 | Roofing | New Roofing Warranty Period | Spec 075423 §1.10 and installer warranty form | Please confirm the required manufacturer’s warranty and installer’s warranty periods. Also confirm required wind-speed coverage, hail coverage, puncture coverage, and whether a no-dollar-limit warranty is required. | Medium | Closed | Provide Warranty per Specification 075423 1.10 WARRANTY, A and B. This does not include wind and hail. | 08.06.2026 | |
| RFI-021 | Roofing | Roofing Specification Cross-References | Spec 075423 | Specification 075423 references sections including 053100 Steel Decking, 061600 Sheathing, and 078443 Roof Accessories. These sections do not appear in the project table of contents as listed; Section 078443 is identified elsewhere as Joint Firestopping, while Roof Accessories appears as Section 077200. Please confirm the intended specification sections and issue corrected cross-references. | Medium | Closed | See Addendum 1. Specification Section 075423 Section 1.1C Related requirements. Section 061000 is an added Specification Section. Section Roof Accessories which should read 077220. Metal deck is not a Releated Requirment. | 08.06.2026 | |
| RFI-022 | Roofing | Roof Drainage Configuration | Drawing A-110 and roof details | The roof plan identifies gutters, existing downspouts, open scuppers, roof slopes, and existing roof cants. Please provide design drainage calculations, required gutter slopes, new gutter and downspout sizes, scupper dimensions and elevations, overflow drainage requirements, locations requiring new downspouts, and confirmation that existing underground or surface drainage can accept the revised flow. | High | Closed | The scope of the project is one for one replacement of the existing roof system including new gutters and existing downspouts as noted. | 08.06.2026 | |
| RFI-023 | Roofing | Roof-Mounted Piping Supports | Drawing A-110; Mechanical roof plans; Specs 232100, 232213 and 075423 | Please provide complete support details for chilled-water, steam, condensate, electrical, and control systems routed across the new roof, including support spacing, support manufacturer or basis of design, maximum point loading, walk pads, thermal expansion provisions, anchorage, flashing, required clearance above the roof, and coordination with tapered insulation and drainage paths. | High | Closed | Provided specifications and drawings together cover support requirements. Not every support required is detailed. Not all items listed in RFI-023 are routed on the roof. Some supports require a delegated design and are contractor’s responsibility. | 08.06.2026 | |
| RFI-024 | Structural | Structural Capacity for New Roof Loads | Mechanical plans and roof details | Please confirm that the existing roof framing has been evaluated for all new equipment, piping, fluid weight, guardrails, ductwork, supports, and construction loads. Provide structural details for any required reinforcement. | High | Closed | Structural assessment of mechancial equipment and piping on the roof was completed with some updates in Addendum 1. Mechanical bid drawings show notes and shaded areas for support reinforcement. Contractor is responsible for delegated design where noted, such as the guardrails. Construction loads are contractor's responsibility. | 08.06.2026 | 08.12.2026 |
| RFI-025 | Structural | Roof Guardrail Anchorage | Drawing A-110 Note R07; Drawing A-201 Note E37 | The drawings require new utility safety guardrails mounted to the top of exterior CMU walls. Please provide engineered anchorage details, post spacing, design loads, reinforcing requirements, corrosion protection, and required testing. Please also confirm whether existing CMU bond beams have been investigated and are adequate for the proposed anchorage. | High | Closed | Railings are delegated design. See new Specification Section 055213 in Addendum 1. | 08.06.2026 | |
| RFI-026 | Exterior Envelope | Greenhouse-to-Building Sealant Work | Drawing A-101 Notes A12 and A13; Spec 079200 | Please identify the full limits and approximate linear footage of greenhouse perimeter and expansion-joint sealant replacement. Confirm required sealant type, joint preparation, backer rod, primer, color, and whether existing sealant must be tested for hazardous constituents before removal. | Medium | Closed | Replace per existing condition and noted on Sheet A-101. Coded Note 13 is an existing vertical joint. Coded Note 63 added to Sheet A-201, Elevation 03 in Addendum 1. See also Response RFI-007. | 08.06.2026 | |
| RFI-027 | Exterior Envelope | Exterior Painting Limits | Alternate 02; Drawing A-201; Spec 099113 | Please confirm whether Alternate 02 exterior painting includes brick veneer, CMU, decorative brick, existing and new hollow-metal doors and frames, existing gutters and downspouts, existing metal fascia and trim, new guardrails, louvers, conduit and exterior electrical equipment, greenhouse support framing, and previously coated and uncoated masonry. Please provide final color selections or basis-of-bid colors and required coating systems for each substrate. | Medium | Closed | See Sheet A-201, Note ALTERNATE #2. See Specification Section 099113 - Exterior Painting. See Sheet A-604 for selected colors. | 08.06.2026 | |
| RFI-028 | Architectural | Floor Preparation and Leveling | Architectural demolition plans, wall sections and finish plans; Specs 096516 and 096519 | The drawings indicate lightweight concrete infill or leveling in certain areas but do not clearly define the full limits, depth, or required substrate remediation. Please identify all areas requiring lightweight concrete fill, self-leveling underlayment, crack repair, moisture mitigation, adhesive removal, slab grinding, and patching of abandoned penetrations. Please provide acceptable floor-flatness and moisture limits for each flooring system. | High | Closed | See Sheet G-001, Demolition General Notes F, G and H. Level/patch floors as required for new floor finishes. | 08.06.2026 | |
| RFI-029 | Architectural | Existing Flooring Hazardous-Material Testing | Finish demolition drawings; Specs 024119, 096516 and 096519 | Please confirm whether existing flooring, adhesive, wall base, mastics, or leveling materials have been tested for asbestos or other regulated materials. Provide reports before bid. | High | Closed | See RFI-007 response above | 08.06.2026 | 08.12.2026 |
| RFI-030 | Architectural | Finish Transitions | Finish plans and finish specifications | Please provide transition details between new flooring and existing flooring at the limits of construction, including reducer strips, thresholds, expansion-joint covers, termination locations, and responsibility for repair where adjacent existing finishes are damaged during demolition. | Medium | Closed | See Floor Transitions Details 01,02,03 Sheet A-603. | 08.06.2026 | |
| RFI-031 | Doors/Security | Door Hardware and Access-Control Scope Split | Spec 087100; Drawings E-131 and E-132 | Please provide a complete responsibility matrix identifying who furnishes, installs, wires, programs, tests, and commissions card readers, electric locks, door-position switches, request-to-exit devices, interlock controllers, access-control panel, power supplies, signal strobes, emergency override pushbutton, fire-alarm interface, security software, cabling and conduit, and final programming and credentialing. | High | Closed | Owner's security contractor to provide and install access control system including all device and equipment listed in RFI-031. Security contractor scope includes wiring and terminations, programming, and commissioning of the access control system. GC is responsible for rough-in and raceway as noted in the contract drawings. GC is additionally responsible for coordination of scheduling with security contractor activities and for coordination of commissioning activities and training. Secuirty contractor scope of work and system commissioning must be completed as part of overall commissioning agent approval and prior to Owner acceptance of project completion. | 08.06.2026 | 08.12.2026 |
| RFI-032 | Doors/Security | Door Interlock Operation | Drawings E-131 and E-132 | The drawings indicate that interlocked doors fail secure upon power loss or fire alarm while allowing free egress. Please provide the approved sequence of operations for each door group, including normal operation, fire alarm, loss of normal power, loss of access-control power, emergency override, egress from each side, door release timing, audible or visual indication, and reset procedures. Please confirm compliance with applicable egress and life-safety requirements. | High | Closed | No response, not relevant to project scope. | 08.06.2026 | |
| RFI-033 | Fire Alarm | Fire Alarm Scope | Electrical systems drawings; Specification table of contents | The drawings require interfaces between door controls and the existing fire alarm, but a dedicated fire-alarm specification section is not listed. Please clarify the fire-alarm scope, required manufacturer, existing system model, required devices, programming, testing, permits, certification, and responsibility for coordination with the Owner’s fire-alarm vendor. | High | Closed | GC is responsible for identifying existing fire alarm controller and fire alarm system modificaitons required to provide the noted access control system interconnections. Acess control interconnection requirements to be specified by Security Contractor. | 08.06.2026 | 08.12.2026 |
| RFI-034 | Security | Security Camera | Drawing A-201 Note E62 | The drawings identify a new security camera to be coordinated with APHIS, but camera specifications and system requirements are not clearly provided. Please confirm whether the camera is Contractor-furnished or Owner-furnished and provide manufacturer and model, mounting height and location, power requirements, data cabling, network connection, recording-system interface, licensing, programming, and testing responsibility. | Medium | Closed | Camera is existing. A-201 revised in addendum #1. | 08.06.2026 | 08.12.2026 |
| RFI-035 | Laboratory | Laboratory Fume Hood Responsibility | Spec 115313; Laboratory and mechanical drawings | Please confirm whether the new fume hood is Contractor-furnished and Contractor-installed. Provide the final basis-of-design manufacturer and model, sash configuration, liner material, service fixtures, controls, alarm, airflow-monitoring requirements, exhaust volume, duct connection size, electrical requirements, and testing standard. | High | Closed | Fume hood is owner provided and to be contractor installed. See keynote 3 on sheet M-101 and electrical equipment schedule E-711 for requirements. | 08.06.2026 | 08.12.2026 |
| RFI-036 | Laboratory | Fume Hood Certification | Spec 115313; Division 23 commissioning requirements | Please confirm the required field-certification standard and party responsible for testing the new fume hood. Identify required face velocity, containment test method, alarm setpoints, reporting requirements, and whether ASHRAE 110 testing is required. | High | Closed | The local APHIS program will directly contract for the fume hood certification. GC needs to coordinate with the overall schedule. | 08.06.2026 | |
| RFI-037 | Laboratory | Laboratory Casework Coordination | Specs 123553.13 and 123661.16; Architectural, plumbing and electrical drawings | Please provide coordinated casework shop-drawing requirements showing all plumbing, electrical, data, equipment, sink, eyewash, water-heater, and countertop penetrations. Please confirm whether removal and temporary storage of existing laboratory contents are by the Owner or Contractor. | Medium | Closed | See Addendum 1. Section 123661.16, 1.2, B. to read "B. Shop Drawings: For countertops. Show materials, finishes, edge and backsplash profiles, methods of joining, and cutouts for plumbing fixtures, and equipment". Temp storage not required - unoccupied during construction. | 08.06.2026 | |
| RFI-038 | Plumbing/Electrical | Point-of-Use Water Heater Electrical Requirements | Spec 223000; Plumbing and electrical drawings | Please confirm voltage, phase, wattage, circuit size, disconnect requirements, and exact quantity for all point-of-use water heaters. Where electrical plans and plumbing equipment schedules differ, identify the governing requirement. | High | Closed | See Sheets P-701 and E-711 for equipment specifications and electrical requirements. Equipment information is consistent between mechanical and electrical drawings. Any discrepancies in specified equipment shall be reviewed and approved by engineer. | 08.06.2026 | 08.12.2026 |
| RFI-039 | Plumbing | Head House RO Water Connection | Project scope narrative; Plumbing drawings | Please identify the source and connection point for the new RO piping serving the Head House sink. Confirm available pressure and flow, pipe material and size, required backflow protection, water-quality requirements, sanitization requirements, whether the existing RO system has sufficient capacity, and responsibility for modifications to the existing RO system. | High | Closed | RO piping connects to existing, relocated, RO system in the boiler room. New piping is shown on P-102 to include routing and pipes sizes. | 08.06.2026 | |
| RFI-040 | Plumbing | Emergency Shower and Drench Hose Drainage | Laboratory 114 and Head House plumbing scope | Please confirm drainage requirements for the new emergency shower and detachable drench hose, including floor slope, floor-drain capacity, trap-primer requirements, waterproofing, containment, and whether discharge testing may be performed at full flow. | Medium | Closed | Drainage is provided for the emergency shower on sheets P-101/P-102. No drainage is required for the drench hose. Floor sloping will be added to architectural sheets in addendum 1. | 08.06.2026 | 08.12.2026 |
| RFI-041 | HVAC | Required Laboratory Pressure Relationships | Spec 011000 project background; Division 23 drawings | The project background states that the existing HVAC system does not provide pressure zones required to meet ARS standards. Please provide the required room-by-room pressure relationship schedule, acceptable pressure differential, airflow direction, alarm thresholds, monitoring requirements, and applicable ARS or USDA criteria. | High | Closed | Air balance schedule added to drawings for Addendum #1. | 08.06.2026 | 08.12.2026 |
| RFI-042 | Controls | HVAC Sequence of Operations | Spec 230900; Mechanical control drawings | Please provide a complete final sequence of operations covering chillers, primary and secondary pumps, boilers, feedwater system, air-handling units, energy-recovery unit, exhaust fans, air curtains, terminal units, reheat coils, growth chambers, laboratory pressure control, emergency modes, freeze protection, alarms, and trend logs. Please identify any controls narrative that supersedes the drawings. | High | Closed | Drawings have sequences. Some modifications were made in Addendum 1. | 08.06.2026 | |
| RFI-043 | Controls | Existing DDC System Interface | Spec 230900 | Please identify the existing DDC manufacturer, software version, communication protocol, server location, and available network infrastructure. Confirm whether the new system must be an extension of an existing campus standard or may be provided by any approved manufacturer. Please identify responsibility for licensing, graphics, integration, cybersecurity review, user accounts, and remote access. | High | Closed | Some updates to the spec were made in Addendum 1. | 08.06.2026 | |
| RFI-044 | Controls | Temporary Controls During Phasing | Division 23; Occupied-building requirements | Please confirm whether temporary controls, sensors, actuators, or standalone operation are required to keep existing systems functional while new DDC controls are installed. Provide required transition and cutover procedures. | High | Closed | Building will be unoccupied during construction. | 08.06.2026 | 08.12.2026 |
| RFI-045 | HVAC | TAB Acceptance Criteria | Spec 230590 | Please provide final acceptance tolerances for supply airflow, exhaust airflow, outside air, room pressurization, hydronic flow, steam flow, equipment capacity, noise, and vibration. Please confirm whether TAB must be completed by phase and approved before each area is returned to the Owner. | Medium | Closed | Tolerances are per AABC or NEEB except where specified in 230590 or on the drawings. Phased TAB is not required because the buidling will be unoccupied during construction. | 08.06.2026 | 08.12.2026 |
| RFI-046 | Commissioning | Commissioning Specification Conflict | Specs 230800, 260923, 260943 and other equipment sections | Several technical sections refer to a Commissioning Agent and reference Section 019113, but Section 019113 does not appear in the project table of contents. Section 230800 is included. Please provide the complete governing commissioning requirements and identify the Commissioning Authority, systems to be commissioned, contractor testing responsibilities, required prefunctional checklists, functional test scripts, seasonal testing, deferred testing, training requirements, required documentation, and costs to be included in the bid. | High | Closed | Specification section 019113 has been added in Addendum 1 that supplements 220800, 230816, 260816, 270816, and 280816. | 08.06.2026 | |
| RFI-047 | Mechanical | Chiller and Boiler Lead-Time Substitutions | Specs 235200 and 236400; Spec 012500 | Due to the operational nature of the facility and potential equipment lead times, please confirm the approved basis-of-design manufacturers and whether pre-bid substitutions are required. Provide the deadline and required documentation for substitution requests. | High | Closed | Specifications require prior approval requests for substitutions be submitted no later than 10 days before the bid date. | 08.06.2026 | 08.12.2026 |
| RFI-048 | Mechanical | Existing Mechanical Equipment Disposal | Demolition drawings; Spec 024119 | Please identify which chillers, pumps, boilers, air-handling units, exhaust fans, controls, piping, and accessories are to be salvaged for Owner, turned over to Owner, reused, refrigerant-recovered and disposed of, or removed as scrap by Contractor. Please identify the required storage and turnover location. | Medium | Closed | Contractor to dispose of all demolition materials. Nothing is to be turned over to the Owner or reused. | 08.06.2026 | 08.12.2026 |
| RFI-049 | Electrical | Existing Electrical Capacity | Electrical one-line diagrams and mechanical equipment schedules | Please confirm that the existing electrical service, transformers, panels, and feeders have adequate capacity for all new chillers, boilers, pumps, air handlers, energy-recovery equipment, point-of-use water heaters, air curtains, controls, laboratory equipment, and lighting. Provide final connected-load and demand-load calculations and identify any service upgrades required. | High | Closed | 08.06.2026 | ||
| RFI-050 | Electrical | Lighting-Control Commissioning | Specs 260923 and 260943 | Specification 260943 requires factory commissioning and project commissioning, while Section 260923 refers to commissioning requirements under Section 019113. Please confirm whether one manufacturer is required for standalone and networked controls, identify the required network architecture, and clarify whether factory commissioning, third-party commissioning, or both are required. | Medium | Closed | Networked lighting controls are not required. Specification section 260943 to be removed in Addendum #1. Commissioning specification section 019113 added in Addendum #1 for clarification. | 08.06.2026 | 08.12.2026 |
| RFI-051 | Electrical | Existing Devices Above New Ceilings | Electrical demolition and reflected-ceiling plans | The drawings require existing fire alarm, security, technology, and other devices to be removed, salvaged, and reinstalled at new ceiling elevations. Please provide an inventory of devices to be reinstalled and confirm who is responsible for testing, programming, recertification, and replacement of devices found damaged or incompatible with the new ceiling layout. | Medium | Closed | Contractor is responsible for re-installation of relocated devices shown on drawings and for verification of device functionality. Any existing devices that are found to be damaged and non-functional in their existing condition, prior to commencement of demolition activities, must be identified and documented to Owner and Engineer or shall be replaced at contractor expense. No programming is anticipated for relocation. | 08.06.2026 | 08.12.2026 |
| RFI-052 | Quality Control | Owner-Paid Versus Contractor-Paid Testing | Spec 014000 and individual technical sections | Please provide a testing responsibility matrix identifying which inspections and tests are paid directly by the Owner and which are included in the Contractor’s bid, including concrete testing, masonry testing, roofing inspections, electronic roof leak detection, TAB, controls testing, electrical testing, water testing, fume-hood certification, commissioning, indoor-air-quality testing, and special inspections. | High | Closed | A/E will conduct site observations on joint sealants, rated doors, ceilings, and painting. Drawings and specs cover roof manufacturer's inspection for warranty and other testing requirements such as TAB and controls. | 08.06.2026 | |
| RFI-053 | Roofing | Electronic Leak Detection | Spec 075423 | The roofing specification includes electronic leak-detection materials. Please confirm whether permanent electronic leak detection or temporary post-installation testing is required, identify the system type, required roof areas, monitoring equipment, and responsibility for testing. | Medium | Closed | See Addendum 1. Specification 075423 delete 1.4, A,7. Electronic leak detection (ELD) materials. | 08.06.2026 | |
| RFI-054 | General Conditions | Unforeseen Existing Conditions | Division 01 and demolition requirements | Because extensive concealed work is involved, please confirm whether the bid is to include an Owner-controlled allowance for unforeseen conditions such as deteriorated roof decking, concealed piping, abandoned utilities, damaged masonry, unusable electrical feeders, undocumented hazardous materials, hidden structural deterioration, and incompatible existing controls. If no allowance is intended, please confirm that such conditions will be handled through the contract-modification process. | High | Closed | Covered by the differing site conditions clause. | 08.06.2026 | 08.12.2026 |
| RFI-055 | Closeout | Final Turnover and Training Duration | Specs 017823, 017900 and individual equipment sections | Please provide the required number of training hours and number of sessions for mechanical, plumbing, electrical, lighting controls, DDC, access control, laboratory equipment, and roofing systems. Please also confirm whether training must be video-recorded and whether repeat training after seasonal operation is required. | Medium | Closed | Owner can record if they want. DDC controls training is included in that specification section. | 08.06.2026 |
Priority Summary
| USDA/APHIS Building 6403 – RFI Priority Summary | |||
| Metric | Count | ||
| Total RFIs | 55 | ||
| High Priority | 36 | ||
| Medium Priority | 19 | ||
| Low Priority | 0 | ||
| RFI No. | Discipline | Subject | Reference |
| RFI-001 | General Conditions | Interior Work Versus Limits on Contractor’s Use | Spec 011000 §1.4.A.1; Drawings A-101, A-111 and MEP sheets |
| RFI-002 | General Conditions | Required Construction Phasing Plan | Spec 011000 §1.5; Project scope narrative |
| RFI-003 | General Conditions | Maintaining Arthropod Containment | Spec 011000; Drawing G-001; Mechanical plans |
| RFI-004 | General Conditions | Temporary HVAC and Environmental Control | Spec 011000 utility interruption requirements; Division 23 |
| RFI-005 | General Conditions | Utility Shutdown Durations | Spec 011000 §1.6 |
| RFI-007 | General Conditions | Hazardous Materials Survey | Spec 024119; Demolition drawings |
| RFI-010 | Alternates | Alternate 02 Scope Conflict | Specification scope narrative, Alternate 02; Drawing A-101 |
| RFI-011 | Alternates | Alternate 02 Electrical Panel Loads | Electrical drawings; Alternate 02 |
| RFI-012 | Alternates | Alternate 03 Growth Chamber Identification | Specification scope narrative, Alternate 03; Drawing A-101; Mechanical drawings |
| RFI-013 | Alternates | Alternate 03 Existing Equipment Information | Alternate 03; Division 23 drawings and specifications |
| RFI-014 | Alternates | Alternate 03 Controls Responsibility | Alternate 03; Spec 230900 |
| RFI-015 | Alternates | Alternate 04 Drawing Identification | Specification scope narrative, Alternate 04; Drawings A-101 and A-201 |
| RFI-017 | Roofing | Existing Roof Deck Replacement | Drawings A-301, A-302 and A-567; Specs 070150.19 and 075423 |
| RFI-018 | Roofing | Roof Insulation Material Conflict | Drawings A-301, A-302 and A-567; Spec 075423 |
| RFI-022 | Roofing | Roof Drainage Configuration | Drawing A-110 and roof details |
| RFI-023 | Roofing | Roof-Mounted Piping Supports | Drawing A-110; Mechanical roof plans; Specs 232100, 232213 and 075423 |
| RFI-024 | Structural | Structural Capacity for New Roof Loads | Mechanical plans and roof details |
| RFI-025 | Structural | Roof Guardrail Anchorage | Drawing A-110 Note R07; Drawing A-201 Note E37 |
| RFI-028 | Architectural | Floor Preparation and Leveling | Architectural demolition plans, wall sections and finish plans; Specs 096516 and 096519 |
| RFI-029 | Architectural | Existing Flooring Hazardous-Material Testing | Finish demolition drawings; Specs 024119, 096516 and 096519 |
| RFI-031 | Doors/Security | Door Hardware and Access-Control Scope Split | Spec 087100; Drawings E-131 and E-132 |
| RFI-032 | Doors/Security | Door Interlock Operation | Drawings E-131 and E-132 |
| RFI-033 | Fire Alarm | Fire Alarm Scope | Electrical systems drawings; Specification table of contents |
| RFI-035 | Laboratory | Laboratory Fume Hood Responsibility | Spec 115313; Laboratory and mechanical drawings |
| RFI-036 | Laboratory | Fume Hood Certification | Spec 115313; Division 23 commissioning requirements |
| RFI-038 | Plumbing/Electrical | Point-of-Use Water Heater Electrical Requirements | Spec 223000; Plumbing and electrical drawings |
| RFI-039 | Plumbing | Head House RO Water Connection | Project scope narrative; Plumbing drawings |
| RFI-041 | HVAC | Required Laboratory Pressure Relationships | Spec 011000 project background; Division 23 drawings |
| RFI-042 | Controls | HVAC Sequence of Operations | Spec 230900; Mechanical control drawings |
| RFI-043 | Controls | Existing DDC System Interface | Spec 230900 |
| RFI-044 | Controls | Temporary Controls During Phasing | Division 23; Occupied-building requirements |
| RFI-046 | Commissioning | Commissioning Specification Conflict | Specs 230800, 260923, 260943 and other equipment sections |
| RFI-047 | Mechanical | Chiller and Boiler Lead-Time Substitutions | Specs 235200 and 236400; Spec 012500 |
| RFI-049 | Electrical | Existing Electrical Capacity | Electrical one-line diagrams and mechanical equipment schedules |
| RFI-052 | Quality Control | Owner-Paid Versus Contractor-Paid Testing | Spec 014000 and individual technical sections |
| RFI-054 | General Conditions | Unforeseen Existing Conditions | Division 01 and demolition requirements |
RFIs by Priority
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .