Questions and Answers (3)_0002.pdf

140D0421R0027 Exterior Wall Patching

Questions and Answers

1. Is the exterior wall patching masonry or concrete related?

A1: We are looking for recommendations for a fix that complements the stone wall. All proposed fixes will need to be approved in advance. Please thoroughly note proposed solution in your proposal.

2. Will contractors be required to provide generators for power tools (required to remove the metal still in place)? Will power be available within 100' of all work areas for extension cords?

A2: Unfortunately, power is limited to these areas of the exterior. The contractor will need to provide a generator for their work. Power is not available within 100’

3. Will contractors be required to provide their own water for cutting tools, mixing the filler agent, etc or will access be given to the building's exterior bibs?

A3: Water will be provided. There are exterior hose-bibs that provide reclaimed water (non-potable) in various locations on the exterior. DOI will provide the adapter as needed.

4. Are areas of rust staining which are in the general vicinity of the holes included in this scope for cleaning, or should they be excluded unless directly related to the holes and mounting hardware? (U shape bump out in East side.)

A4: Exterior wall cleaning and stain removal are not a part of this contract. The contractor is only responsible for issues to the stone created by their work.

5. Can the total number of holes be confirmed?

A5: Negative. A site visit was conducted to allow vendors to see the repairs needed.

6. There is a bottom pivot at the stairs by ramp E. It appears to be part of the same system which left the rectangular metal plugs in the walls but was not cut flush. Is removing this and sealing the hole to be included or excluded?

A6: Unless otherwise advised, the intent is to patch said holes by cutting back any existing steel enough so that the proposed patch will adhere properly to the wall. This should be noted on your proposal.

7. Some areas are in pits above grates (West Side, near ramp C). Can a scaffolding be put on top of the grate?

A7: I am not aware of any holes that would require the set up of scaffolding as the majority of said holes are from the original handrail system, thus they are 4 feet (+/-) above finished grade. This is the case at street level and in the moats.

8. In any circumstance will it be permitted to core drill out the holes larger in order to remove the existing metal and anchors, or is the existing stone to remain as untouched as possible?

A8: The intent is to bore out any existing holes the least amount possible. Since this is a historically registered building all means and methods will need to be approved in advance. It is best to thoroughly note your proposal to initiate any discussions.

9. What level of matching finish is expected? The stone appears to be granite with a speckled appearance which would be difficult to match with mortar. The solicitation specifies providing "samples of mortar that resemble the historic look of the existing stone wall". Does that mean mortar which will match the stone?

Or mortar which would match the historical look?

A9: The intent is to match the existing stone as much as possible.

10. Will parking be made available, either by temporary passes for restricted parking or in a loading dock area?

A10: Parking within the building is not available.

11. Are the holes in the red brick and mortar to be included? This is on the stair set on the West side.

A11: No

12. An additional area was identified during the site visit around the 1600 East area. Is this to be included?

A12: Unfortunately, this question is general in nature but I understand why it is being asked. All areas should be noted in your proposal.

13. Is there a specified or preferred material for patching the holes to keep the historic look?

A13: We will look to the contractor for the best means and methods to resolve the issue with the intent of blending in with the existing stone as best as possible. As such, please note on your proposal.

14. Will you be posting the attendee list from the pre-bid meeting?

A14: Yes. It will be uploaded.

15. The holes will be core drilled and Dutchman patched with stone. In the Scope of Work, it says to patch with an approved mortar. It would look best to patch with stone and mortar. Should we leave out the stone?

A15: We are looking for the best permanent option to match the existing stone. Please note means and methods in your proposal

16. If we patch with the stone, is there stone available in storage that matches the existing or do we supply the stone material and need approval prior to commencing work?

A16: Unfortunately, there is no spare stone available

17. There are some bronze squares in the walls by the steps on 19th Street, it appears gates had been previously removed. Are these to be removed and patched as well?

A17: Yes, please note in your proposal

18. Are there any past water infiltration studies showing that the leaks into the building originate from the holes in the masonry?

A18: No

19. The scope of work simply references a quantity of "East Wing" and "West Wing". Are there any exact quantity counts for either the amount of windows, or holes, or amount of exact locations, where you are expecting work is to be performed, or is the contractor expected to inspect every window at the site visit and determine a quantity or repairs to be made which might vary significantly contractor to contractor?

A19: The contractor should note the locations included in their proposal

20. Based upon the site visit, we counted 72 clusters (2-3x) of holes on the West Wing of the building, and 38 clusters of holes on the East Wing. Is this an accurate quantity of the specified repair locations, and should contractors be providing you the exact same quantity of measures so that the scope of work and quantities are accurate for bid purposes?

A20: The contractor should note the locations included in their proposal

21. Can we assume all work is to be completed from the exterior and if yes are there any certain plans required for exterior work, site security protections, height access, and site and occupant protections?

A21: Yes, all work will be performed from the exterior. No building access will be provided. Because of this no security related requirements are applicable. All related OSHA requirements exist.

22. The scope references "Approved Mortar" and "Historic", and meeting DOI requirements. Will the contractor be required to have mortar constituent testing completed and submit that testing and mortar formula to the DOI or any historic review board for approval? Are there already mortar formulations that the DOI has on file from the 2017 exterior renovation?

A22: There are no mortar formulations available for this project. A finished sample will need to provided to the COR for approval. The contractor will not be needed for any “review board”.

23. The scope simply references "repair to historic look". Should we assume the proposed materials and work must meet historic preservation requirements and will the contractor be required to submit any submittals or documentation to SHPO or Planning Commission? Or will the contractor simply submit to the DOI for approvals?

A23: No SHPO, submit samples and submittals to the COR for approval.

24. DOI did not provide designs or specifications. Can you confirm that the contractor is not required to have a designer involved to create specifications or drawings?

A24: No designer is required provided the contractor can thoroughly submit all data sheets and samples in a timely manner.

25. DOI did not provide designs or specifications. Will the DOI require designs or specifications or will the contractor simply provide technical pages for materials and manufacturer system instructions?

A25: Technical pages along with a narrative for application along with a finished sample is required for approval.

26. The DOI mentioned that exterior restorations occurred in 2017. Are there any types of clear, transparent, or other products and /or materials that were applied to the exterior façade in the areas where repairs are to be made that and have long term warranty and/or maintenance requirements that must be followed?

A26: The building’s modernization project did not include any product application to the exterior stone

27. The instructions for Technical Proposal Volume II Price Proposal states, for the table of contents, " folders and files (assumed must be provided) for electronic formats (assumed submission)". Can the contractor simply submit the Technical Proposal Volume II Price Proposal as a single PDF document, with a table of contents, and with seperator pages between each document ? If not can you describe what is meant by " folders and files for electronic formats".

A27: Yes

28. For the technical proposal, the solictation states "submit proposals in separate volumes (I and II)", and "electronic volumes shall be in separate folders". Can you confirm that we can send you 1 email with 2 separate electronic PDF files attached to that email, one of those files being Volume I, and the file being Volume II?

A28: Yes

29. A part of the scope of work is to remove rust stains surrounding the existing holes. What is the extent of this removal? How will this be evaluated? Will this evaluation be relative to the individual inspector? Will we be able to clean a sample area in order to establish a reasonable expectation on how must rust will be able to be removed?

A29: The removal of rust stains should not have been included in this contract and will be removed.

Please note in your proposal. The contractor is only responsible for stains associated with their work

30. Since all of the scoped repair work will be completed on the exterior to the buiding, will their be a necessary daily sign in process before beginning work?

A30: No, at the beginning of the project the contractor will provide a list of the names of the workers on this project

31. Are there clearance forms required to work on the exterior of the building?

A31: No

32. What is the protocol for site deliveries?

A32: Since this work is all exterior deliveries should be delivered directly to the contractor. If a loading dock is necessary access can be provided with 1 business days’ notice to the COR and all staff requiring access to the loading dock will need proper ID

33. Are there any time restrictions on when sound producing tools & equipment can be used? For example, will our team be asked to suspend work during important meetings or events?

A33: Great question, I don’t envision any issues with noise associated with the project, but the Government reserves the right to suspend work as needed. For instance, 10 minutes of grinding in spurts is manageable while 1 hour of straight hammer drilling would be problematic. Thoroughly noting the proposed solution would help us better understand the impact to the tenant (if any) and better plan for the upcoming work

34. There are a number of storm drains at the base of the exterior stairwells? When completing the rust stain removal process, are there specific grey water protection and mitigation that will need to be followed?

A34: Rust stain removal is not a part of this contact, please note on your proposal

35. Due to the request for information (RFI) period and need to incorporate responses into contractor's technical and volume submissions, will you be extending the submission deadline to at minimum 1 week after RFI's are answered and published on BetaSam, which would allow enough time to consider them in our technical and price proposals?

A35: Due date previously extended.

36. The solicitation calles for a bid quarantee. Can you confirm that regardless of dollar size, that a bid quarantee will be required with the price proposal, and if awarded the project payment and performance bonds will be required?

A36: Bonds will only be required if the proposed amount exceeds the threshold that requires bonds.

37. Can you confirm the daily work times and whether normal or after hours work is required?

A37: Normal business hours are acceptable provided the impact to the tenants is acceptable. After hours work will be supported. Please note which is included in your proposal.