Government RFI Responses - 1333ND24RNB1900036.pdf

B302 Major Equipment Upgrades RFI Responses RFP - 1333ND22QNB190072

# ----------- RFI Comment ----------- ------ RFI Answer ------- 1 The specification for this project calls out that all controls will be existing to remain, with modifications made as necessary. Are you able to confirm that the control panels being modified for these units are Alerton panels?

They are Alerton panels. See 230923 NIST Specific DDC Specification.

2 What is the order of magnitude for this project? The rough order of magnitude is between $5M and $10M.

3 Reference Drawing M-703 or 101-1287. Points list, general note #1 states “all points are existing to remain and shown for reference only”. During the site walk on 2/13, the AC units utilize a lot of pneumatic controls and aging end devices. Is the intent to provide new controls and replace the pneumatic control devices for each unit?

Use existing points, but replace pneumatic with digital controls

4 Reference NIST Specific DDC Specifications 230923-10. Please confirm if Siemens is an acceptable BAS controls bidder for the NIST Gaithersburg Building 101 HVAC

Replacement _ Mezzanine A Wing? Siemens is performing control work in building

101 now and the new Siemens ACU controllers for the A Wing will tie into the existing

Siemens system on the NIST campus wide DDC network.

Either Siemens or Alberio are acceptable DDC contractor

5 When the existing ACUs are demoed/removed, the existing water leak detection system and conduits attached to the units will also need to be removed. Do you require new water leak detectors for each unit or make safe and re-use the existing water leak detectors?

Reuse and salvage, if damaged during demo contractor required to replace in-kind

6 Project forms, such as Attachments 6 and 8, are set outside the required one-inch margins for this submission. Are these forms exempt from the margin limitation? Is the required 11x17 schedule required for Factor 4 also exempt from the margin limitation

– as schedules typically don’t not apply to this limitation and typically will not display as well with a one-inch margin requirement?

Government provided forms (ex. Attachments 5 and 8) and offeror schedules submitted for Factor 4 are exempt from the one-inch margin limitation.

7 There are Louvers that could potentially be removed along with a CMU column that divides the louvers to create an opening for demolition activities as well as bringing in new pieces of equipment. Can the CMU columns between the Louvers be removed for easier access to the space?

Louvers can be removed. Louvers are historic and must be replaced with existing.

CMU columns are not to be removed. Basis of design unit was sized for bringing all pieces through the elevator, and building on site. All modifications to exterior profile must meet historic requirements 8 The existing piping does not fully match the printed set of drawings. Is there an As-Built set of drawings that captures the correct routing and valve placements that can be provided?

See attached.

9 Seeing the condition and location of the piping and valves, there may need to be other shutdowns to move sections of piping, relocating valves, and replacing valves. Most of the valves are Gate Valves from the original project. Is it know if these valves will hold pressure?

NIST cannot confirm, but will work during project to assist in the shutdown of building utilities if needed.

10 A second walk (Full Day) would be needed to create an actual plan for this work and identify what other mechanical equipment may need to be touched that is not in the scope. Can a second longer site visit be provided?

No.

11 On the North and South side of the Mezzanine Mechanical room there is a roof (Partial roof on North side). If the Louvers and CMU columns can be removed, what is the weight rating of the roof structure?

Loads are found on drawing 101-1263. A contractor supplied structural engineer will be required to sign off on. CMU Columns are not to be removed as they are historic and structurally significant

12 If the weight rating of the roof is not sufficient can a platform that is structurally designed be installed to get old equipment out and new equipment in safely?

See above

13 There looks to be possible Asbestos Insulation used on the piping, as well as Lead paint on the original AHU’s. Please confirm if this is accurate. If it is please confirm if the abatement scope should be priced as part of the project.

Abatement is listed in SOW and is in the specs.

14 Because of the aggressive phasing needs, tight working conditions, and minimal shut down period.. consecutive day and night shifts will be needed for each AHU and associated return fan. (Drawing 101-1265, Mechanical Phasing Notes: Line 5. A, B, C, D)

Not a question

15 All new piping will most likely need to be fabricated on-site. Not a question

16 There are some removable doors/panels that could be removed as well that lead out to the roof. Dimensions are: 104” Height X 42” Width

Not a question

17 Does the CHW System Contain Glycol? No

18 Can more than one or all AHUs be shut down on any specific days of the year? NIST prefers to have only one unit down at a time, but nights, weekends, and holidays are opportunities for limited shutdowns of multiple units

19 It will be impossible to remove and existing air handler giving the tight spaces / existing conditions and reinstall a new custom air handler including all sections and associated electrical scope over one weekend. A more accurate phasing plan needs to be developed with accurate durations. Based upon our onsite observations each air handler will need to be down for approximately one week at least (pending final schedule). Please advise if this will be acceptable.

The basis of design was for one weekend and manufacturer confirmed units can be built in one weekend. Prep work and minor demo can be done prior to the weekend to assist with schedule crunch.

20 Please advise if a bid extension can be provided. Due date is extended to 1:00 pm ET, March 11, 2025.

Government RFI Responses

1333ND24RNB190036

Building 101 Tower HVAC Renovation

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21 Give the extremely tight spaces is there an adjacent space the new air handlers could be located in lieu of the current locations? If so, this could help to dramatically reduce any downtime as all utilities could be piped prior to cutover to the new ahu locations.

Minor outages and utility work can occur be scheduled prior to taking units fully offline.

22 Please provide a point of contact for the existing fire alarm system manufacturer and maintenance provider.

Simplex/JCI

23 Please provide the manufacturer for motor control center A1 and motor control center

A2.

We will look

24 Is it anticipated that Sprinkler Modifications will be required to accommodate the

HVAC Equipment.

Not planned, but will be accommodated if needed.

25 Reference Work Order #883. Work order notes ductwork/piping insulation as possible

ACM. As well as plaster and other materials. The GC will provide a qualified professional to sample and test for ACM and remove in accordance. We will not know the extent of our asbestos removal until an accurate report has been generated of all areas. Please confirm.

See attached.

26 We have received completed Government past performance questionnaires from recent similar projects and proposals. Will NIST please allow these previously completed Government past performance questionnaires to be submitted to meet the requirements in Evaluation Factor 3:Past Performance in lieu of completing the NIST provided Past Performance Questionnaire?

The Government will review an Offeror's following submissions:

1. CPARS reports for projects completed for the Federal Government, and;

2. Customer completed Past Performance Questionnaires for project where no

CPARS is available.

27 The MCC is very outdated, during the walk our contractors were not able to see any model numbers for the buckets to be replaced, or the amperages for the exhaust fans of buckets being retro fitted. Is it possible for someone to provide this information?

Check design documents, plan to switch all HVAC to VFD.

28 Our suppliers are concerned about the MCC and the ability to find retro kits. Is a total

MCC replacement possible?

Check design documents, plan to switch all HVAC to VFD.

29 The Mechanical Phasing Notes on sheet 101-1265 outline a schedule in which one whole unit and all its components needs to be demolished and replaced so that it is fully operational between Friday at 5pm and Sunday at midnight. After discussion with our mechanical contractors it was determined this would be near impossible to meet.

Major reasons include: Space limitations making loading and unloading material a challenge, as well as limiting man power capabilities. Pouring and curing the concrete for inertia pads as outlined with detail 2 on 101-1271. The ACU's will have to be assembled inside due to space limitations. Asbestos containing material. Etc. Is an alternate phasing schedule possible?

The basis of design was for one weekend and manufacturer confirmed units can be built in one weekend. Prep work and minor demo /abatement can be done prior to the weekend to assist with schedule crunch.

30 The way the Contract Line Items read. It looks as though we are to provide one price for performing the entirety of the project during normal work hours. Then another price to complete the project after hours. I assume this after hour pricing is to be in accordance with the mechanical phasing notes on sheet 101-1265. Please confirm we are in accordance with how you expect pricing. One price to perform the job normally, one price in accordance with phasing requirements (although per RFI 6 we are noting this phasing requirements are unlikely to be achieved. If an alternate phasing is possible, we would price these CLIN' in accordance with new phasing)

Yes. One set of CLINs is price for normal business hours 6-6 (M-F) for the majority of unit down time, some out of hours may still be required. Second set of CLINs is pricing per design drawing phasing.

31 In statement of work it says the design scope is to replace/ refurbish and preserve the ACUs shell and replace the internal components and update the DDC systems to interconnect to with the facility DDC systems. In the drawings and included schedules, the ACU's are to be replaced. Please confirm we are replacing entire ACU's and not just replacing internal components. If we are replacing internal components, we will need as built drawings / submittals that have make and model of old ACU's

Design decision was to replace the units in total. That language in the Design SOW is no longer relevant

32 Is there an existing controls contractor for the building or person that has the facility DDC system? If so, who is this person.

Siemens/Alberio

The project references a temporary heating and cooling system. Please confirm this is for the entirety of building areas that will be shutdown due to our replacement work if we perform the job during normal hours.

Only one unit at a time can be shutdown during normal business, units supply sections of the building. Scheduling and phasing to be determined with awarded contractor. Building areas will not be shutdown during working hours. Temp units will be needed, NIST will allow and suggest using ACU A2 as the temp unit as that unit does not supply an office or continuously occupied area and can be used to temporarily supply the other areas 34 The plan to stage equipment and load into the mezzanine area is to build a crib on the low roof beside the mezzanine area, then knock down a wall/vents (most likely north wall near

ACU-A1 due to spacing constraints) to build a temporary entryway. Please confirm this is acceptable or provide alternative.

Alternatives can be discussed with awarded contractor.

35 Reference Work Order #883. Noted in work order is " All work over 80 DBA must occur after hours". A handheld drill typical operates at 80-90 dba. This will make a huge portion of the demolition and replacement non-performable during normal operating hours. Please confirm for our normal operating hours CLIN we are not to consider this factor.

Contractor to mitigate sound. NIST will provide notice to occupants of work occurring during normal working hours.

36 Is there an asbestos survey for this project? See attached.

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37 Reference: RFP, Page 46, 2.b.i “Offeror shall submit a maximum of five projects”.

Question: Please clarify if there is a minimum number of projects that are required to be submitted, since the maximum number of projects that will be accepted is five.

The Government will evaluate a maximum of five projects. An Offeror with more relevant experience will be evaluated more favorably than Offerors with less relevant experience.

38 Reference: RFP, Page 46, 2.b.ii.1 “Project completed within the previous five (5) years from the date of this solicitation, exclusive of the warranty period.”

Question: Will the Government consider extending the time of projects to six years from the date of the solicitation instead of five?

No.

39 Reference: RFP, Page 46, 2.b.ii.1 “Project completed within the previous five (5) years from the date of this solicitation, exclusive of the warranty period.”

Question: Will the Government consider extending the time of projects to seven years from the date of the solicitation instead of five?

No.

40 Reference: RFP, Page 46, 2.b.ii.4) “Offeror must have performed as either the prime or subcontractor.”

Question: Will Joint Venture offerors submitting projects performed under a previous

Joint Venture held by the two Joint Venture partners be acceptable?

Offerors must have performed as either the prime or subcontractor. All experience must have been performed by the Offeror.

41 Reference: RFP Page 48, d.ii “Offeror shall submit a preliminary schedule highlighting the tasks for completing the project. The schedule shall show the duration of tasks in days.”

Question: Please clarify whether the days featured in the schedule are calendar days or workdays.

Calendar days

42 Reference: Site Conditions

Question: Can we be provided with Structural and MEP as-built drawings.

Attached

43 Reference: Personnel

Question: Please confirm that the Site Superintendent can also be a QCM and Site

Safety Office (Triple Hat).

Site superintendent must be a dedicated position. QCM and Safety officer can be combined but separate from superintendent.

44 Reference: Personnel

Question: Please confirm that the government will only need 1 group of personnel on site.

Please clarify

45 Reference: General

Question: Is the contractor allowed to work in multiple locations concurrently or does it need to be by phase?

Contractor is allowed to work in multiple locations on prep tasks, but the taking offline of the AHUs must be phased.

46 Reference: Period of Performance – Statement of Work Page 7

Question: Paragraph 9.2 says “Period of Performance for this SOW shall be 365 days after notice to proceed but no later than January 01, 2026.” Please confirm that the

Period of Performance is 365 calendar days from NTP and nullify the January 01, 2026, as mandatory finish date.

The period of performance is 365 calendar days after issuance of Notice to Proceed.

47 Reference: Third Party Testing & Inspection

Question: Please confirm that third party testing & inspection is not required.

Contractor is responsible for TAB, NIST will provide a Commissioning Agent.

Contractor is responsible for assisting with commissioning per Specs.

48 Reference: Toilet

Question: Will NIST allow the workers/staff/personnel to use the public toilet facilities?

All Contractors are allowed to use the bathrooms on the first floor and basement of

B101. Certain badges will be required for access to other bathroom locations

49 Reference: Hazmat Testing & Abatement

Question: Please confirm that any Hazmat testing & abatement, if required, is by others and not the responsibility of the awarded contractor.

Abatement is listed in SOW and is in the specs.

50 Reference: Noise

Question: Is there any noise requirement for this project?

See RFI 35

51 Reference: Citizenship

Question: Please confirm that non-US Citizen but legal workers/green card holders can work for this project?

Permanent residents are allowed

52 Reference: Temporary Field Office/Trailer

Question: Does the government require a Temporary Field Office?

There is no requirement from the government.

53 Reference: Parking

Question: Will parking be available for the superintendent free of charge? Please advise

Parking lots are free throughout the Gaithersburg campus

54 Reference: Laydown & Staging

Question: Will the government provide space for laydown & staging area?

Space to be determined with awarded contractor. Please refer to updated contractor Guidelines documents

55 Reference: 101-1266 – Note 3

Question: Can we remove existing louvers to use as access? If yes, can we be provided with dimensions of existing louvers?

Yes, louvers are roughly 4'x9'

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