Attachment_No._1_Questions_&_Answers_.pdf

REQUESTR FOR QUOTE NO. 12F430-19-Q-0001

REPLACE FIVE (5) UNITARY ROOFTOP COOLING UNITS

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS:

1. The request of a mechanical engineer is to determine what type of units are recommended for the buildings space. It was a unanimous from all prospective bidders at the site visit that this request is advisable, but not recommended that each prospective bidder use their own engineer to perform this work individually. They all have different points of views and recommendations, it will be difficult that all will have the same ideas or strategies. A simple change of a unit either to improve capacity, minimize capacity, improve efficiency, etc. can affect the current capacity of pipelines, the size of existing nozzles and in other areas that would entail additional expenses than just replacing the unit. If this happens, prospective bidders will be quoting different jobs and the Forest Service will not be comparing “apples to apples” making this an unfair solicitation.

Given the above, the most practical solution is for the Forest Service to be responsible for the mechanical engineer assessment and provide that assessment to all prospective bidders in order to compare “apples to apples” making this a fair competition.

Answer:

The Mechanical Engineer’s role is not to determine the type of units. It’s to ensure that replacing existing rooftop units in-kind, with existing ductwork, is adequate.

The project is not intended for re-design nor replace with a more sophisticated HVAC system. The project is to replace in-kind unless the Mechanical Engineer concludes the system is under-capacity or a major default exists with the ductwork layout and related components.

The Engineer shall verify the existing design is appropriate, capable of providing the correct amount of fresh air, exhaust air, and system balance to ensure proper air circulation per Industry Standards. The contractor shall make all adjustments required to provide air testing & balancing (T&B).

The Mechanical Engineer will provide quality control, contractor oversight and write the T&B report. The T&B report shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer.

Some prospective bidders were concerned about expenditures related to a Mechanical Engineer, if they didn’t have one on staff prior to contract award. However, the initial assessment that is required is relatively minor. It can be performed using existing drawings and estimated heat loads.

If the mechanical engineer finds a major deficiency with the existing design, they should submit findings to the CO for engineering review. Otherwise, the contractor shall submit proposal for replacement in-kind.

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If the replaced equipment fails to provide adequate cooling and comfort, the contractor shall correct deficiencies or provide improvements at no additional cost to the government.

All work shall be warrantied for one year.

2. Who made mechanical design for the GIS Building? The drawings did not have any engineering firm stamp at all.

Answer: Agency Architects and Engineers (Southern Region).

3. How many Square Feet does the GIS building have?

Answer: 2,810

4. Does the existing roof impermeabilization still under warranty?

Answer: No.

5. What is the classification or intended use of the GIS Building, is it a Library? Is it a paper document control archive?

Answer: Office/digital mapping use. No. No.

6. In the solicitation the 45 days performance period seems difficult to achieve, since the process of submittals preparation and approval plus the purchasing period after the submittal approval plus the delivery of the RTU’s will take more than that. We respectfully suggest 90 to 120 days.

Answer: 120 days is acceptable to the government.

7. In the solicitation instruction page 5, New Air Conditioning (A/C) Equipment, section 2.B is requesting Hurricane Tie down/ Wind resistance. In order to comply with this the engineer will need the buildings Category and Risk level as per the 2018 International Building code, chapter 16, section 1609. Since the requirement can fluctuate from 150MPH to 170 MPH.

Answer: Units need to comply with Industry Standards. Use manufacture recommendations for Hurricane site conditions.

8. The solicitation is not mentioning that units need to comply with seismic as well as Wind Resistance. Please clarify and confirm if units will need to be compliant as well based on the 2018 IBC, Chapter 16, section 1613 Earthquake loads.

Answer: Units need to comply with current Industry Standards. Use manufacture recommendations for earthquake site conditions.

9. Please provide existing acoustical tile brand and Model for the GIS and Conference Building Answer: Not available on site. However, we will complete a market research and share information as soon as possible.

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10. Lead times call for 45 days after NTP is given. A/C Units with factory mounted fresh air hoods are not a stock items and deliveries normally 6 to 8 weeks. Should that be the case, can the lead time for the project be extended?

Answer: Please referenced bullet #6.

11. Necesitamos las fichas técnicas de los aires, ya que las placas están borradas.

Translation: We need technical spec sheets of the packages since the plates were erased.

Answer: An air conditioning technician should be able to determine technical information needed by assessing the rooftop unit.

12. El documento de subasta señala que el trabajo tiene que estar certificado por un ingeniero mecánico. Consultamos con los ingenieros y estos notifican que para efectuar tal certificación se necesita hacer un estudio de carga y esto conllevaría costos adicionales.

Necesitamos saber que procede en este caso.

Translation: The auction document states that the work must be certified by a mechanical engineer. We consulted with the engineers and they notified that in order to carry out such certification a load study is needed and this would entail additional costs. We need to know what is going on in this case.

Answer: Please reference bullet #1. Formal certification will not be required.

13. Notificar si se va a posponer la fecha de la subasta.

Translation: Notify if the auction date will be postponed.

Answer: Yes the closing date has been extended through May 9, 2019 at 2:00PM AST (Atlantic Standard Time; Local San Juan, Puerto Rico Time)

14. Will the existing ducts need to be cleaned?

Answer: Contractor shall clean the interior of all existing ducts (proposal needs to include method/process to be used).

15. Will the new units come with a Thermostat?

Answer: All new units will come with a basic “friendly user” programmable Thermostat (details shall be included in the proposal).

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