127EAW25R0058 - RFI Official Responses.pdf

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) OFFICIAL RESPONSES

127EAW25R0058 - El Dorado HotShot HVAC

RFI responses will be responded to as necessary in amendment format which will be posted to the solicitation via beta.SAM.gov

Telephone requests for information will not be accepted or returned.

RFI #1 – Indoor unit locations & ceiling types: confirm intended locations and ceiling types

(T‑grid or hard lid), clearances, and any required structural support/access panels.

USFS Response – Ceiling type is a mix of both, contractor to verify per installation instructions.

RFI #2 – Refrigerant line set lengths & routing: provide acceptable/maximum lengths and elevation differences, and any preferred routing/penetration restrictions.

USFS Response – Line sets lengths and elevations must be within manufacturer’s specifications for system to function, the government has no restrictions as long as the units work as intended.

Government would prefer routing and penetrations to make the most sense and as few penetrations as possible without affecting unit operation.

RFI #3 – Condensate management: confirm routing/termination requirements (approved discharge locations, traps/neutralizers if required, insulation, gravity drain limitations).

USFS Response – Condensate lines to be gravity drain and plumbed into sink drains

RFI #4 – Outdoor pad requirements: specify concrete pad dimensions, thickness, reinforcement/anchors, housekeeping vs. slab‑on‑grade, and aggregate base depth; confirm if pre‑fab pad is acceptable.

USFS Response – Prefab is acceptable. Slab should be large enough to support outdoor unit and can be placed on compacted AB. Must meet manufacturer specifications.

RFI #5 – Electrical tie‑ins & disconnects: confirm available voltage/phase, breaker/fuse sizing, NEMA ratings, lockable disconnects, conduit pathways, panel updates, and any arc‑flash/coordination needs.

USFS Response – No arc-flash. 120/240. 200 amp panel with space

RFI #6 – Exhaust fan scope (~200 CFM time‑clock): confirm mounting location, duct path, termination (wall/roof cap), backdraft damper, and any acoustical or fire/smoke damper requirements.

USFS Response – Contractor to determine best location for installation. No dampers necessary

RFI #7 – Controls & thermostat compatibility: clarify whether manufacturer‑native controls are required; whether a centralized controller or BAS tie‑in is desired; if BAS exists, provide protocol and point expectations.

USFS Response – Manufacturer-native controls are not required but whatever is installed needs to be fully compatible with the system. There is no BAS

RFI #8 – “Or Equal” approval process: confirm submittal content/timeline for pre‑approval of equivalents to the listed Carrier models and when equivalency decisions will be issued.

USFS Response – Contractor awarded contract can submit an “or equal” option during the submittal process.

RFI #9 – Work hours & after‑hours access: SOW lists 0700–1700, Mon–Fri; confirm whether after‑hours/weekend work can be authorized for noisy or shutdown activities, and approval process.

USFS Response – Work can be done outside of scheduled hours/days but any work outside of it needs to be coordinated with COR minimum of 3 business days prior to work beginning.

RFI #10 – Site logistics (staging, laydown, security): confirm laydown/staging areas, parking, access/badging, escort requirements, and photography/measurement rules.

USFS Response – Laydown and staging areas are available, coordinate with COR after award for specific location. No badging or escort needed. No restrictions on photography

RFI #11 – Permits & inspections: confirm whether contractor pulls mechanical/electrical permits with El Dorado County or USFS handles; identify commissioning/inspection milestones.

USFS Response – No permits required. See addendum reference testing.

RFI #12 – Disposal documentation: confirm disposal facility requirements and which receipts/manifests must be included in closeout.

USFS Response – Contractor to dispose of demolition materials and provide a receipt showing it has been disposed of properly.

RFI #13 – Davis‑Bacon classification: confirm labor classifications you expect to apply for this scope (e.g., HVAC Mechanic, Electrician, Sheet Metal Worker) under WD CA20250007.

USFS Response – Classification of labor shall coincide with the work being performed.

RFI #14 – Pre‑award walkthrough coordination: a prospective subcontractor seeks a brief site walkthrough to finalize estimating; prime cannot attend in person pre‑award. If an organized site visit occurs (referenced Thu, Aug 28, 2025, 10:00 AM PT), may the subcontractor attend without us present? If not, is a facility‑escorted pre‑award walkthrough permissible? If neither, would USFS prefer virtual walkthrough/photos/as‑builts?

USFS Response – The Forest Service site visit will the only opportunity to visit the site.

RFI #15 – Could you please confirm location of panel location and distance between the equipment?

USFS Response – The panel is located at the south end of the building and distance between equipment to be determined at installation.

RFI #16 – The SOW mentions natural gas piping – please confirm if there is an existing gas service at the building and if its capacity is adequate for this project or we need to replace approx. How many ft do we need to consider?

USFS Response – There is propane on site.

RFI #17 – Please confirm condensate line termination requirements (gravity vs. pumped, insulation required?).

USFS Response – Gravity discharge with insulation as required per manufacturer.

RFI #18 – Are third-party TAB (Testing, Adjusting, Balancing) services required for the equipment’s test?

USFS Response – No

RFI #19 – Regarding the fire plan, for the activity that we will execute applied to provide a

300-gallon water tank truck at all times?

USFS Response – No

RFI #20 – Will power and water utilities be available on-site, or must contractor provide temporary hookups?

USFS Response – Utilities are available.

RFI #21 – Veren Industries is very much interested in bidding this project. We would like to know can we use Mitsubishi brand? It's 23seer the Carrier is 22seer.

USFS Response – Contractor awarded contract can submit an “or equal” option during the submittal process. Offerors shall submit proposal as currently solicited.

RFI #22 – In an effort to minimize drywall repair, texturing and painting may wall units be installed instead of ceiling mounted?

USFS Response – This would be discussed after award. Offerors shall submit proposal as currently solicited.

RFI #23 – If ceiling mounited cassets are required is exposed 5/8” and 5/16” copper piping with armorflex insulation(white) acceptable surface mounted on ceiling acceptable?

USFS Response – Ceiling mounted cassettes are not required but if installed, the armorflex insulation (white) surface mounted is acceptable

RFI #24 – Do existing wall mounted units need to be removed? Followed by drywall repair, testuring to match and painting?

USFS Response – Unclear which wall units are being referred to but any damage or exposed penetrations need to be patched/repaired and painted to match. Texturing is not required.

RFI #25 – If yes to #3 does drywall repair, texturing and painting need to be done?

USFS Response – If drywall is damaged during installation, it will need to be patched/repaired and then painted to match. Texturing is not required