SQA_140D0425Q0621_QA_responses_revised_0002.pdf

National Park Service (NPS) Declaration House Scaffolding

Solicitation 140D0425Q0621 Questions & Answers (Q&A):

1. Will scaffold design submissions to the City of Philadelphia require separate stamped drawings for the pedestrian canopy and scaffold, or can these be submitted as a combined set?

Scaffold design submissions can be submitted as a combined set.

2. Is there a preferred format for submitting the phase-based pricing breakdown (e.g., Excel or PDF)?

Per the solicitation, there is no required format for the price proposal, but it must include the required details in the "Price Submission" section. Excel or PDF is acceptable.

3. Are there any mandatory historical preservation subcontractors or vendors the NPS requires or recommends for this project?

NPS does not have mandatory subcontractors or vendors, we're unable to provide recommendations. Contractor must be able to successfully complete the work and provide qualification information. Qualifications must be accepted prior to work starting onsite. Qualification requirements are outlined under specifications sections.

4. What is the expected turnaround time for NPS review and acceptance of the scaffold after erection?

48 hours by a competent person as appointed by the HPTC Safety Officer.

5. Will the Government provide storage for materials or tools during the 90-day usage period, or must the contractor account for mobile/street loading only?

The contractor may use a temporary onsite laydown area during erection and removal of the scaffolding. The building's first floor interior may be used during work. No storage during the 90-day usage period will be permitted. No parking will be provided, and materials may not be stored in the recently repaired courtyard area. A temporary lane closure must be coordinated in advance of mobilization for unloading.

6. If anchoring is required (with approval), what is the expected timeline for obtaining that written permission from both NPS and the Philadelphia Historical Commission?

Contract documents allow for 30 calendar days for NPS review following shop drawings and product data submission. However, other recent scaffolding review periods have provided an approximately 7-day turn around. Submission to Philadelphia Historical Commission is not needed here.

7. Is it permissible for the contractor to include scaffolding design and permitting services as a subcontracted line item, or must these be performed by the prime?

It is permissible for the scaffolding deign and permitting services to be subcontracted.

8. Will scaffold inspections post-installation be coordinated by NPS or must the contractor arrange third-party inspections directly with L&I?

NPS will conduct post-installation inspections during the “Base Use Period” after Government Acceptance. Inspections during all other periods are the responsibility of the contractor.

9. Can a recent CPARS report be submitted in lieu of the Attachment B questionnaire for all past performance projects?

Yes, per the solicitation, "A finalized report from the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) for the project can be submitted in lieu of the Past Performance Questionnaire."

10. Is the use of union labor required or preferred under the wage determination provided?

There is no requirement to use union labor. If you use union labor, the wage rates must be in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

11. As we reviewed the solicitation documents, we noticed that a site visit date was not included. Could you please confirm whether a site visit is scheduled, and if so, provide the date and time?

There is no site visit scheduled.