Q_&_A_-_Specifications_-Signin.pdf

Responses to questions

1. Due to noise concerns will you consider working after hours?

An alternate work schedule is possible. It is preferred that the contractor work on the entire HQ Bldg. at one time. This should reduce costs and expedite the project timeline. Employees would be temporarily relocated to other work stations or work at home.

2. Have you any evidence that paint chips to be removed do not contain lead?

Yes.

3. Are you aware that water leakage and unbalanced or insufficient air supply can be the causes of your mold build up?

Yes Do you have plans to address these issues?

Yes, via a different contract, at a later date.

4. Will you remove paperwork and fragile items from areas of concern before our intervention?

Some files, folders, paperwork, etc. will be stored in desks and cabinets. Other paperwork and items will be stored in Government provided plastic storage bins by the Government employees. Contractor will relocate these filled bins to a room designated by the Contracting Officer. Contractor shall return bins to the original office, after final acceptance of the work area.

5. Some fire alarm devices are attached to the ceilings needing repair. Some of these devices can be under warranties or are programmed into the fire alarm system.

Existing fire alarm devices are not under warranty.

Will you remove these devices with your specialized contractor?

No. Remediation contractor shall move these alarms as required to perform specified tasks. Alarms in Chemical Building are currently out of order.

6. Can you provide a copy of pre-bid attendees?

See attached.

7. Can you provide a contact and phone number for Storm King?

Office in Ciales, PR.

Phone (787) 871-3760. E-mail: info@stormkingpr.com

8. Will you provide an allowance for window caulking since it is unknown what Storm King findings will be?

No. Remediation contractor shall furnish and install caulking as required.

9. Do you have any preference for paint treatment after Mold Remediation?

mailto:info@stormkingpr.com

Existing wall finish paint is Sherwin-Williams. Government prefers using the same brand.

Brand or method?

Use application method required to match existing wall color and texture.

10. Will FS employees from adjacent offices/rooms be temporarily relocated while contractor performs work on work areas of the Bldg? For example, can contractor work on the north wing of the 2nd floor of Bldg. in order to work on several areas at the same time?

Yes, provided the contractor give the government enough advance notice. This is the preferred option. See question 1, above.

11. Who will provide paint?

Contractor

12. Is asbestos or lead based paint present?

Neither asbestos nor lead based paint are present.

13. Will rooms be empty?

See questions 1 & 10. No, furniture will remain.

14. Storage of office items?

Employees will store paper files, folders, etc. in their desks or in government provided plastic bins. Government will identify a room for the contractor to move furniture and bins.

15. Specifics on remediation?

See attached document “Specifications and Scope of Work”

16. Paint all areas?

Paint repaired areas as required to match color and texture of existing walls

17. Clean & Patch areas or remediation of entire office?

Patch areas damaged by remediation activities. Clean areas inside Negative Pressure Enclosures (Work areas), per Specifications and Scope of Work Sections 2.4, 3.2, and Section 6

18. Storage for contractor tools?

None provided by Government. Contractor to provide storage for their equipment, tools and materials. Security for these items is the responsibility of the Contractor

SCOPE OF WORK, SPECIFICATIONS

Quantities provided below are approximate. Prospective bidders are responsible for verifying all dimensions and site conditions prior to submitting bids. Refer to Figures 1 through 6 for specific locations of mold-impacted building materials and paint stabilization areas. See Synopsis/Solicitation for site visit information.

1. GENERAL CONDITIONS

1.1 Work Schedule

The work must be performed during normal working hours Monday through Friday between 8 am and 5 pm, unless extended working hours are approved by CO. All remediation work must be completed within 20 work days including post-remediation testing and demobilization.

Contractor shall coordinate with COR to establish a work plan. Work plan must be approved by CO, before Notice To Proceed is issued. Work shall be phased to minimize disruption to employees.

1.2 Building Disruption

Contractor will be allowed to only work on one building at a time. The unaffected portions of the Site may remain active in some areas and must be isolated from each work area where applicable. Contractor employees shall minimize disruption to facility operations and shall be courteous to occupants and visitors at all times. Contractor employees shall not block pathways or other areas at the facility and shall maintain a low profile. Any employee who does not abide by these or any other requirements of this work plan will be subject to removal from the Site.

1.3 Access Restrictions

Access to the work area shall be restricted to authorized employees of the Contractor and authorized employees of COR. No other visitors shall be permitted without prior approval from COR. Warning signs shall be posted at the entrance to each work area to communicate the nature of the hazard(s) that exists and the requirement to wear personal protective equipment before entering the work area.

2. PRE-REMEDIATION ACTIVITIES

2.1 Contractor Qualifications and Submittals

The Contractor should provide copies of the following with their bid package:

a) Mold remediation training certification from ACAC, IICRC, or State licensing program.

b) Industrial Hygienist certification and list of sampling equipment

c) Proposed schedule to complete remediation activities.

The Contractor shall submit the following for review prior to Notice To Proceed: ,

a) Respirator training and fit testing documentation.

b) Physician’s written opinion that employees are physically capable of wearing respirators.

c) Site specific Health and Safety Plan.

2.2 Initial Walk-Through

CO/COR will conduct an initial walk-through with the Contractor prior to the start of work activities to review the scope of work and verify that the referenced areas are ready for work to begin.

2.3 Building Conditions

The HVAC system shall be shut down or isolated from each work area until the Contractor’s Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) has concluded that remediation is complete and is approved by COR.

2.4 Furnishings and Contents

Prior to the commencement of remediation activities, furniture, equipment, contents and/or moveable items located within each room or area where mold remediation will be performed must be pre-cleaned using vacuums equipped with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters and/or wet wiping with a mild detergent. Additional areas at the Site may also require content cleaning. The cleaned items must be stored in a clean area or sealed with plastic sheeting inside the work area. Any items that are relocated for storage outside the work area must be inventoried and labelled to identify the location of origin. Following cleaning, any furniture, fixtures, equipment, or contents that are unable to be restored to a clean condition shall be relocated to a storage area and recommended for disposal. Contractor shall store all retained folders, files, books, etc. sealed in air tight containers. The government shall provide containers and identify materials to be retained. Any personal items, high value items, or items that will require access during remediation activities will be identified by COR prior to commencement of work so that they are properly handled. Contractor shall perform pre-cleaning of any such items prior to removal from the work area. Relocation and moving of furniture, equipment, contents and/or moveable items shall be performed by the Contractor. Items to be cleaned, moved, and stored (including files, folders and books) shall be limited to remediation areas only.

2.5 Containment Preparation

A negative pressure enclosure (NPE) shall be constructed to isolate remediation areas from non-remediation areas. The NPE shall be constructed utilizing 6 mil polyethylene (poly) sheeting to cover all surfaces except those being remediated. Critical barriers consisting of 6 mil poly sheeting shall also be placed around openings in the work area including: doors, windows, A/C vents, power outlets, utility boxes, and any other penetrations that lead outside the NPE.

A single-stage decontamination chamber (decon) shall be constructed at the entrance to each NPE to allow workers to change out of their personal protective equipment. The decon shall contain overlapping curtain flaps or a zipper mechanism at the entrance. The poly sheeting shall be sealed with painters tape to avoid damage to building finishes. Additional support (e.g. poles, wood strips, etc.) shall be used if necessary to maintain the integrity of the NPEs. The Contractor shall take precautions to avoid damage to building finishes and shall be responsible for repairing such damage to the satisfaction of the COR. The Contractor shall notify COR immediately of any damage that does occur.

2.6 Electrical & Fire Safety

Electrical power shall be disconnected if it is possible to do so without disrupting active/occupied areas of the building. Any modifications to the electrical service lines (e.g. connection of temporary electrical panels) shall be performed by a licensed electrician. Electrical equipment used by the Contractor shall be connected to a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) at the power outlet. Electrical cords shall be grounded and neatly organized to prevent tripping hazards. A minimum of two fire extinguishers shall be maintained at each NPE for the duration of the remediation work.

2.7 Personal Protective Equipment

Contractor shall develop and present for Forest Service review a formal employee health and safety plan (HSP) before Notice To Proceed is issued. No work shall begin until the HSP has been approved. Acceptance of the HSP shall in no way imply approval or adequacy by Forest

Service. At a minimum, half-face air purifying respirators with NIOSH approved P-100 filters must be worn by the remediation workers and personnel entering the containment areas. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to ensure that their employees utilize respirators in accordance with a written respiratory protection and medical surveillance program. Remediation workers shall be properly instructed on the use of respirators and at minimum shall receive annual fit-testing with the appropriate respirator and filters. Disposable protective clothing which covers the body, from head to toe, must be worn by personnel entering the containment areas.

Additional PPE must be worn including gloves, safety goggles (non-vented), work boots, and hard hats where applicable. Protective clothing and equipment used by remediation workers and personnel within the containment areas must be properly decontaminated or disposed of prior to exiting the decontamination chamber. At no time may the Contractor leave the work area wearing respirators or protective clothing.

2.8 Air Filtration Devices and Pressure Differential

Once the NPEs are constructed, a negative pressure differential shall be created inside each containment area utilizing air filtration devices (AFDs) with HEPA filters to filter and collect airborne particles. A sufficient number of AFDs must be utilized in order to achieve at least (4) air changes per hour and must be exhausted outside the building away from walkways and areas utilized by occupants and visitors using 6-mil reinforced plastic tubing. A negative air pressure differential of at least negative -0.02 inches of water with respect to the air pressure outside of the containment must be maintained during removal activities. A negative pressure recorder (manometer) must be used to establish and monitor a required negative pressure level of at least -0.02 inches of water during remediation activities, within each containment area. The pressure differential recorder must be set-up and in full view at all times for COR to observe and monitor.

3. REMEDIATION ACTIVITIES

3.1 Removal of Affected Building Materials

Removal of affected gypsum board building materials shall be conducted inside NPEs. Upon verifying the integrity of the NPEs, Owner will authorize the remediation Contractor to proceed with removal of affected building materials as described in the Scope of Work. The removal shall be conducted in a careful and controlled manner to minimize release of dust and mold spores. Mold impacted gypsum board should be removed to approximately two feet beyond signs of visible mold growth. Waste materials should be immediately placed in 6 mil poly disposal bags upon removal. The work areas shall be kept reasonably clean and free of clutter at all times. The remaining wall and ceiling materials shall have a smooth and even cut to facilitate reinstallation work.

3.2 Cleaning Procedures

Following gross removal of impacted building materials, the containment areas shall be thoroughly cleaned using HEPA vacuums, damp cloths, and a mop with a mild detergent solution. No biocides may be used on this project. All work areas must be left dry and visibly free from visible contamination and debris. Any portions of the NPE that are no longer contained following gross removal shall be sealed to prevent air leakage. The NPE repairs shall be performed in such a manner that the affected areas shall remain exposed to the maximum extent possible for inspection and sampling purposes.

3.3 Inspection of Removed Materials

Upon removal of the water-damaged and/or contaminated materials as previously outlined, Contracting Officers’ Representative (COR) will inspect the remediated area. The work area shall be in a clean dust-free condition for the inspection to be deemed satisfactory. If evidence of additional fungal growth and/or water damage is observed that extends beyond the areas outlined, CO will advise Contractor to continue removal of additional materials and the areas will be re-inspected. A change order may be executed to redefine scope of work. This process will be repeated until damaged and/or contaminated materials are no longer observed.

3.4 Disposal

Building materials must be removed and discarded utilizing sealed double-bagged 6-mil polyethylene plastic sheeting or bags sealed with duct tape. Remediated materials must be discarded on a daily basis by the remediation Contractor and transported outside the building for disposal. There are no special requirements for the disposal of water-damaged/mold contaminated materials. The Contractor shall coordinate the placement of any dumpsters with

COR.

4. POST-REMEDIATION ACTIVITIES

4.1 Air-Scrubbing

Once the cleaning procedures in the NPEs have been deemed satisfactorily completed, the exhaust tubing shall be removed by Contractor and any make up air vents must be sealed. The AFDs with HEPA filters must be allowed to run for a period of approximately 24 hours to filter and collect residual airborne particles.

4.2 Final Air Sampling

The Contractor shall retain the services of a qualified Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), and all required testing and lab analysis services. Following the 24 hour air scrubbing process, post-remediation air sampling will be performed inside each NPE and in the outdoor air for comparison purposes. The following criteria will be used to evaluate the sample results:

A. The airborne fungal spore concentration inside the work area must be quantitatively or lower than the fungal spore concentration in the outdoor ambient air. In addition, the types of mold spores identified inside the work areas shall be qualitatively similar to those identified in the outdoor ambient air based on the professional judgement of the CIH. CIH shall present sampling results and findings to the COR.

B. If the post-remediation air sample results are deemed unsatisfactory by the CIH and the COR (i.e. not lower or similar to outdoors) the Contractor will be required to perform additional cleaning of the work area, at no additional cost to the government. Post-remediation air samples will then be recollected upon the completion of an additional 24-hour air scrubbing period. The laboratory results will be analyzed on a same day turnaround basis from the time the samples arrive at the laboratory. The sample results will be available within three working days after the samples are collected (Monday-Friday only).

5. RECONSTRUCTION

Cause(s) of water intrusion should be properly identified and repaired at the s ite prior to reconstruction of the affected areas. Contractor shall bring a representative from Storm King, (the window manufacturer) on site to inspect the Headquarter’s Building window leaks and recommend corrective action. Contractor shall caulk and seal as directed. Any additional corrective actions are not the responsibility of the Contractor.

Reconstruction of gypsum removal shall consist of replacement with in-kind materials.

Professionally patch, prime and paint to match existing surroundings. All areas calling for paint stabilization shall be professionally patched, primed and painted to match existing surroundings.

6. SITE SPECIFIC WORK

6.1 Headquarters Building 1st Floor

a. Install Air Filtration Devices (AFDs) equipped with High Efficiency Particulate Air

(HEPA) filters inside each work area while containment preparation work is in progress and operate in recirculation mode. See Figure 1.

b. Isolate each work area as described in Section 1.3 Access Restrictions.

c. Conduct pre-cleaning of surfaces throughout each work area to remove excess dust and dirt accumulation prior to installing plastic sheeting.

d. Construct Negative Pressure Enclosures (NPE’s) to contain each work area with more than 10 square feet of mold/water damage and/or more than 6 SF of paint damage as described in Section 2.5 Containment Preparation.

e. Remove and dispose of mold-impacted gypsum wallboard including any wall or ceiling cavity insulation and/or perform paint stabilization in the areas listed below:

1. Room 8 – remove gypsum board from the two east windows approximately 8’x5’ per window.

2. Room 9 – remove gypsum board from the north and west windows approximately 8’x5’ per window.

3. 1st Floor Men’s Room - conduct paint stabilization to remove loose and peeling paint from the ceiling.

4. Room 16 – remove gypsum board from the east window approximately 8’x5’.

5. Lounge – remove gypsum board from the east window approximately 8’x5’.

6. 1st Floor South Stairwell – remove gypsum board from the south window approximately 8’x5’.

7. Room 23 – remove gypsum board from the south and west windows approximately

8’x5’ per window.

8. Room 19 – remove gypsum board from the west window approximately 4’x5’.

9. 1st Floor west lobby door - conduct paint stabilization to remove loose and peeling paint from the ceiling area.

10. Room 13 – remove gypsum board from the west window approximately 4’x5’.

f. Following removal of impacted materials, all surfaces within each NPE or work area must be fine cleaned by wet wiping with a mild detergent and/or HEPA vacuuming.

g. After the CIH has tested and cleared the work areas safe for occupancy, the Contractor shall have the window manufacturer’s (Storm King) representative come on site and inspect the locations where the windows were leaking. The representative shall provide corrective action recommendations. Contractor shall caulk and seal areas as recommended. Any recommended repairs beyond caulking and sealing will not be the Contractor’s responsibility.

h. Contractor to repair areas where gypsum board was removed. Patch, prime and paint to match existing.

i. Patch, prime and paint all paint stabilized areas to match existing.

6.2 Headquarters Building 2nd Floor

a. Install AFD’s equipped with HEPA filters inside each work area while containment preparation work is in progress and operate in recirculation mode. See Figure 2.

b. Isolate each work area as described in Section 1.3 Access Restrictions.

c. Conduct pre-cleaning of surfaces throughout each work area to remove excess dust and dirt accumulation prior to installing plastic sheeting.

d. Construct NPEs to contain each work area with more than 10 square feet of mold/water damage and/or more than 6 SF of paint damage as described in Section 2.5 Containment Preparation.

e. Remove and dispose of mold-impacted gypsum wallboard including any wall or ceiling cavity insulation and/or perform paint stabilization in the areas listed below:

1. Room 27 - conduct paint stabilization to remove loose and peeling paint from the ceiling.

2. Room 29 – remove gypsum board from the two east windows approximately 8’x5’ per window.

3. 2nd Floor Men’s Room - conduct paint stabilization to remove loose and peeling paint from the south wall and ceiling.

4. Room 45 – conduct paint stabilization to remove loose and peeling paint from the ceiling.

5. Room 41 – remove gypsum board from the south window approximately 8’x5’ per window; conduct paint stabilization to remove loose and peeling paint from the ceiling.

6. Room 40 – conduct paint stabilization to remove loose and peeling paint from the north and south walls and ceiling.

7. Room 39 – conduct paint stabilization to remove loose and peeling paint from the south wall, and ceiling.

8. Room 38 – conduct paint stabilization to remove loose and peeling paint from the ceiling including wood beam.

9. Room 37 – conduct paint stabilization to remove loose and peeling paint from the south wall, and ceiling.

10. Room 35 – conduct paint stabilization to remove loose and peeling paint from the south and west walls and ceiling; remove gypsum board from the west window approximately 8’x5’ per window.

11. Room 32 – conduct paint stabilization to remove loose and peeling paint from the north and south walls and ceiling.

12. Room 31 – conduct paint stabilization to remove loose and peeling paint from the north wall and ceiling.

13. Room 30 – conduct paint stabilization to remove loose and peeling paint from the north and south walls and ceiling.

f. Following removal of impacted materials, all surfaces within each NPE or work area must be fine cleaned by wet wiping with a mild detergent and/or HEPA vacuuming.

g. After the CIH has tested and cleared the work areas safe for occupancy, the Contractor shall have the window manufacturer’s (Storm King) representative come on site and inspect the locations where the windows were leaking. The representative shall provide corrective action recommendations. Contractor shall caulk and seal areas as recommended. Any recommended repairs beyond caulking and sealing will not be the Contractor’s responsibility.

h. Contractor to repair areas where gypsum board was removed. Patch, prime and paint to match existing.

i. Patch, prime and paint all paint-stabilized areas to match existing.

6.3 Headquarters Building Basement

a. Install AFDs equipped with HEPA filters inside each work area while containment preparation work is in progress and operate in recirculation mode. See Figure 3.

b. Isolate each work area as described in Section 1.3 Access Restrictions.

c. Conduct pre-cleaning of surfaces throughout each work area to remove excess dust and dirt accumulation prior to installing plastic sheeting.

d. Construct NPEs to contain each work area with more than 10 square feet of mold/water damage and/or more than 6 SF of paint damage as described in Section 2.5 Containment Preparation.

e. Perform paint stabilization in the areas listed below:

1. Main hallway east – conduct paint stabilization to remove loose and peeling paint from the east ceiling area.

2. Main hallway north – conduct paint stabilization to remove loose and peeling paint from the north ceiling area.

f. Following removal of impacted materials, all surfaces within each NPE or work area must be fine cleaned by wet wiping with a mild detergent and/or HEPA vacuuming.

g. Patch, prime and paint all paint stabilized areas to match existing.

6.4 Sample Prep & Storage Chemical Lab & Solar Dryer Building

a. Install AFDs equipped with HEPA filters inside work area while containment preparation is in progress and allow to operate in recirculation mode. See Figure 4.

b. Isolate work area as described in Section 1.3 Access Restrictions.

c. Conduct pre-cleaning of surfaces throughout each work area to remove excess dust and dirt accumulation prior to installing poly sheeting.

d. Construct one or more NPEs as described in Section 2.5 Containment Preparation to remove and dispose of mold-impacted gypsum wallboard including any wall or ceiling cavity insulation and/or perform paint stabilization in the areas listed below, refer to Figure 4 for additional information:

1. Balance Room – Remove lower gypsum board portion of north wall to bottom of glass window blocks approximately 3’ x 6’ and above window blocks approximately 1’ x 6’. Remove upper gypsum board northwest wall from floor to bottom of window blocks approximately 5’ x 10’. Conduct paint stabilization to remove loose and peeling paint from the ceiling area.

2. Hallway outside balance room – Remove lower northwest gypsum board wall from floor to between 4’ and 6’ high (bottom of electrical boxes) – approximately 6’ long. Remove upper gypsum board north wall by Packaged Terminal Air Conditioners (PTAC) unit from above doorway to ceiling approximately 4’ x 3’.

Remove upper gypsum board south wall (opposite side of PTAC unit) from above doorway to ceiling approximately 5’ x 3’. Conduct paint stabilization to remove loose and peeling paint from the south wall in stair landing area past hallway.

3. Glassware Room – Remove gypsum board ceiling approximately 20’ x 20’.

4. Global Change Room & Adjacent Hallway – Remove gypsum board ceiling approximately 15’ x 20’ and gypsum board wall from floor to ceiling approximately 40’ x 10’ total in global change room. Remove gypsum board ceiling in adjacent hallway approximately 10’ x 5’.

5. Hallway to Conference Room – Remove and discard approximately five water stained ceiling tiles.

e. Following removal of impacted materials, all surfaces within each NPE or work area must be fine cleaned by wet wiping with a mild detergent and/or HEPA vacuuming.

Inspect the locations where the windows were leaking. Contractor shall caulk and seal areas as recommended. Any recommended repairs beyond caulking and sealing will not be the Contractor’s responsibility.

f. Contractor to repair all (floor and wall) areas where gypsum board was removed. Patch, prime and paint to match existing.

g. Patch, prime and paint all paint stabilized areas to match existing.

h. Contractor will be required to remove and reinstall existing ceiling access panels, light fixtures, speakers, smoke and heat detectors in all rooms requiring gypsum ceiling replacement.

GIS Lab Building

1. Install AFDs equipped with HEPA filters inside work area while containment preparation is in progress and operate in recirculation mode. See Figure 5.

2. Isolate work area as described in Section 1.3 Access Restrictions.

3. Conduct pre-cleaning of surfaces throughout each work area to remove excess dust and dirt accumulation prior to installing poly sheeting.

4. Construct NPE as described in Section 2.5 Containment Preparation to conduct paint stabilization in the areas listed below, refer to Figure 2 for additional information:

a. Southwest storage room south wall – approximately 6’ long x 6’ high.

b. West center office west wall – approximately 5’ x 5’.

5. Following removal of impacted materials, all surfaces within each NPE or work area must be fine cleaned by wet wiping with a mild detergent and/or HEPA vacuuming.

6. Patch, prime and paint all paint-stabilized areas to match existing.

Multi-Purpose Building – East Center Office

1. Install AFDs equipped with HEPA filters inside work area while containment preparation is in progress and operate in recirculation mode during cleaning. (See Figure 6).

2. Isolate work area as described in Section 1.3 Access Restrictions.

3. Install poly sheeting below the east, center, office, wood door:

4. Clean surface mold by wet wiping with a mild detergent

5. Following removal of impacted materials, all surfaces in work area must be fine cleaned by wet wiping with a mild detergent and/or HEPA vacuuming.