QA 12805B23R0011.docx

Questions and Answers to 12805B23R0011

1. Scope of work item 7(a) states “Demolish existing epoxy flooring and cove base in all spaces…”. Please confirm that would mean entirely removing the existing epoxy covering down to bare concrete (on the floor) and down to bare drywall on the wall. Further, most likely the epoxy will not be able to be removed off the wall without damaging the drywall, therefore, the drywall need to be removed and replaced with new before the epoxy can be applied. Please confirm the contractor is responsible for patching/replacing drywall if damaged during cove removal process. What level of drywall finish is required (i.e. level 3,4,5, etc.)?

RESPONSE: Reference up-dated scoping requirements 1/9/23.

2. Is contractor responsible for forced air requirements to bring in fresh air to spaces and exhaust fumes to the outside of the building? Or are we to assume the fumes can remain within the space without ventilation?

RESPONSE: No, contractor is not responsible to provide fresh air into the spaces. The space will be exhausted using the existing HVAC system. Exhaust vents shall be covered with MERV-11 filter/material.

3. Given there will be an odor associated with the epoxy installation and considerable noise and dust during the removal process, is work to take place after normal business hours or during normal business hours? Will dust need to be vacuumed and treated in compliance with new OSHA silica dust standards?

RESPONSE: Work will be conducted during normal business hours. Fine particulate matter (dust) removal shall comply with OSHA standards.

4. Regarding scope of work item 11(a) it states “Contractor shall modify existing installations as needed to accommodate the new installation. Where applicable contractor shall coordinate demolition or modification of existing installations with the owner….”. Please confirm the contractor is responsible for removing doors, cabinets, lockers, etc. for existing cove removal and new installation, and for putting cabinets/lockers back upon completion of new epoxy coatings.

RESPONSE: Contractor is responsible for removal and reinstall of existing equipment to install new flooring and cove base systems.

5. Associated with the removal of cabinets is disconnection of plumbing (water supply lines and drain piping) and electrical. Please confirm the contractor is responsible for disconnecting and re-terminating these items once the cabinets are re-installed. Further please also confirm the contractor is responsible for replacing new p-traps, water lines, countertops, etc. if damaged during the removal process.

RESPONSE: Contractor is responsible for disconnection of any existing plumbing systems which interface the construction area.

6. During the site visit it was noted many of the rooms are filled with additional equipment such as biosafety cabinets, autoclaves, shelving, microscopes, washers/dryers, animal cages, items within cabinets, etc. Is it the responsibility of the contractor or the USDA to remove/replace these items (including electrical/plumbing/HVAC connections) to perform this project?

RESPONSE: USDA is responsible for removal and replacement of non-fixed collateral equipment.

7. Due to the lack of storage space, where are removed items to be placed during the renovation and who is responsible for storage, contractor or USDA? Are items to be stored inside the facility (if so, where) or in exterior storage containers (i.e. connex containers, storage facility, etc.)?

RESPONSE: Storage space will be provided for any removed items during the construction performance.

8. Will work have to be phased to account for lack of storage space? This will require many more mobilizations if phasing is required.

RESPONSE: No phasing plan will be requried causing multiple mobilizations.

9. Some of the rooms to receive new flooring have long stainless-steel countertops with built in sinks that cannot be taken through the door/turned down the hallway. Is the USDA amenable to cutting these tops for removal and then welding them back together upon completion? Or are the support legs to be cut off and reinstalled once the flooring is complete? Or are these specific types of counter/sink units to be left in place and the epoxy installed around the support legs?

RESPONSE: USDA is amenable to the aforementioned approach to sink removal.

10. Is the contractor or USDA responsible for rubber cove base removal and installation of new?

RESPONSE: All new cove base systems shall adhere to the scope of work and conform the scoped epoxy cove systems.

11. Referencing the Solicitation Section H.17, there is a Biobased product requirement for this project. Is USDA amenable to the use of the specified Sherwin Williams products even if they do not meet the biobased requirements? Or is it a requirement that a compliant product be used? Further, please confirm if Biobased product reporting will be required for this contract as indicated in the Solicitation.

RESPONSE: USDA is amenable to the SW products stated in the scope of work or equivalent. No Biobased product reporting is required for this project.

12. Please confirm all materials/equipment purchased for this contract must adhere to Buy American compliance as outlined in Section I.3 of the Solicitation (FAR 52.225-9).

RESPONSE: All materials must adhere to the Buy American Act (BAA).

13. Please confirm contractor is required to have a full-time Superintendent on site for the duration of the project.

RESPONSE: Contractor is required to provide a full-time Superintendent on site for the duration of the project.