Amendment_No__0001_-_Attachment_1_-_Questions_and_Answers__0001.pdf
PDF 152 KB Posted
- Attached to
- AK-BETHEL ADMIN SITE-WINDOW REPLACEMENT
- Solicitation number
- 140FC326R0002
About this file
This document is a Request for Information (RFI) with Questions and Answers for Solicitation #140FC326R0002, with a response deadline of February 23, 2026. The solicitation concerns window replacement work at residential housing units in Bethel, Alaska, operated by the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge.
The key requirements clarified through the Q&A include: new windows must have vinyl frames (as specified in the Revised Statement of Work dated 3/2/2026 and Specification Sheet); replacement units must match existing windows in turn/tilt direction, size, swing, and thickness ("like windows"); work will occur in occupied housing units; standard work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with no alternate schedules accepted at this time; contractors are not required to move furnishings or perform mold remediation; performance and payment bonds are required; no bid bond is required; Builders Risk Insurance is not a government requirement; no Bethel building permit is required; exposed window openings must be covered with plastic or similar material if left overnight; and incidental vinyl siding replacement due to window removal is part of the scope. Additional specifications address water damage assessment and repair on a per-opening basis, watertight rough openings using self-adhered flashing membranes, interior drywall replacement limited to touch-up painting, window compliance with Buy American Construction Materials requirements (FAR 52.225-9), and pre-installation inspections by Lead Maintenance Workers or the Assistant Refuge Manager to assess moisture damage. Lead-based paint and asbestos testing are not required as the homes were built in 1987 or later.
View the file
Other files
On GovTribe
Work with this file
- Download the original file
- Contacts named in this file
- Similar government files
- Ask GovTribe AI about this file
Text version
Solicitation #140FC326R0002
RFI – Questions (Due February 23, 2026)
1. Do the new windows need to be wood, vinyl, or fiberglass frames? Our experience in Alaskan climates is Vinyl windows seem to be the best option for energy efficiency and weather tightness/longevity.
See Revised Statement of Work (SOW) dated 3/2/2026, Section 3.3 and 3.2.3.
The window frames need to be vinyl.
Also see Specification Sheet.
2. Are the tilt/turn requirements set specifications? We would recommend a casement type operation with the egress leaves swinging out as well as awning types that tilt out and hinge on the top for the kitchen windows. Is this acceptable?
The SOW is for like windows meaning the new units will need to be a match to the turn/tilt direction, size, swing, etc… No, that would not be acceptable.
3. If we were to run into water damage and/or rotten structural framing members, is this an itemized change order with an hourly rate or lump sum cost per window opening area?
We will address every window opening independently. Some rough openings might have worse damage and require more time than others.
4. Often times during window replacements in existing rough openings, we run into different depths/thicknesses of window frames compared to original/existing windows. Usually this requires drywall repairs/replacement of drywall and priming and painting.
a. How would we approach this extra work id encountered?
The SOW is for like windows meaning the new units will need to be a match to the turn/tilt direction, size, swing, etc… This will include thickness. Each window opening will need to be assessed for potential water damage. It is possible that there will be some drywall damage at some window frame openings due to previous water that will require repair work. That will be addressed separately.
b. Would this be an itemized Change Order with time and material included per unit/window opening or lump sum cost?
If additional work needs to occur due to water damage and subsequent repair work, then yes. If the contractor is putting in window frames of different dimensions than what is currently there, then no, that would not be a separate line.
5. Will these housing units be occupied during the scheduled work?
These houses will be occupied.
6. Since this is remote work for Alaska standards and our crews would be traveling by commercial plane to Bethel, AK from Anchorage, AK, can the stipulations for workdays and hours be extended to Monday through Saturday 10 hours per day to minimize travel times and extra non-productive lodging costs?
See Revised Statement of Work (SOW) dated 3/2/2026, Section 2.4. No, this work will be scheduled from Monday through Friday 8am to 4:30pm. Hours outside of that could be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on tenants in the house, staff availability, and contractor communication. We will not accept an alternate work schedule at this time.
1. STANDARD FORM 1442, item #13 indicates that bid bond is not required.
Combined
Synopsis Announcement in the paragraph referencing “Bonds” notes that a bid bond is required. Please verify if a bid bond is required.
Section 13. does not identify bonds. Please review 12a. that requires performance and payment bond that is marked “Yes” for all bonds.
2. Please confirm Builders Risk Insurance is not required.
Builders Risk Insurance is not constituted as government requirement for this project.
See SF1442 and Announcement that illustrate the type of bonds required.
3. Please confirm if these buildings will be occupied during the period of performance? Yes, they will be occupied.
4. Please confirm Contractor will not be required to move (E) furnishings. See Revised
Statement of Work (SOW) dated 3/2/2026, Section 2.3. No, you will not have to move any furnishings.
5. The narrative states work hours to be 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, M – F. Can these work hours be extended to 10 hours a day and 7 days a week?
See Revised Statement of Work (SOW) dated 3/2/2026, Section 2.4. No, this work will be scheduled for Monday through Friday 8am to 4:30pm. Hours outside of that could be considered on a case by case basis depending on tenants in the house, staff availability, and contractor communication. We will not accept an alternate work schedule at this time.
6. There appears to be black mold at many window locations. Will the Owners be performing mold remediation? Any unforeseen issues will be addressed as they are uncovered.
7. Will a Bethel Building Permit be required for this project? No
8. If wood rot is found and wood framing must be replaced, what are the overnight security requirements for the exposed window openings? See Revised
Statement of Work (SOW) dated 3/2/2026, Section 2.3. Efforts should be made to avoid leaving openings. If there are instances of this the opening should be covered with plastic or similar.
9. Does the Owner have the manufacturer and model of the existing vinyl siding? No
10. It is typical to use a self-adhered flashing membrane at window openings. The RFP documents are silent on this. Will this be required? The rough opening needs to be watertight.
11. Will window head drip flashing be required? No
12. Is the contractor expected to repair existing vegetation, that could be damaged during construction with the use of scaffolding and equipment? Not within reason.
1. Will these units be vacant for the duration of work in each unit? These houses will be occupied.
a. If so, please advise whether the Contractor may utilize vacant or designated residential units at the Yukon Delta NWR site for lodging of crew during construction? No
b. If not, are there any phasing requirements? Schedules will be worked out during pre-construction meeting.
2. Section H.1 limits work to one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset and restricts weekend work unless authorized
Please confirm whether overtime, extended daily hours, or weekend work may be authorized in advance to reduce overall project duration. See Revised
Statement of Work (SOW) dated 3/2/2026, Section 2.4.
3. Please confirm whether any existing framing modifications are anticipated. No
Please clarify whether incidental vinyl siding replacement due to window removal is part of CLIN 00010 or limited to structural damage only, CLIN 00020. See
Revised Statement of Work (SOW) dated 3/2/2026, Section 3.7
4. Given age of residence, is there any known lead-based paint testing completed on existing trim and casings? Per EPA, testing is only required for residents built before
1978, these homes were built at or after 1987.
5. Has testing been performed for asbestos containing caulking, glazing compounds, or siding components? Per NESHAP (National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air
Pollutants) under EPA, testing is only required for residents built before 1980. These homes were built at or after 1987.
6. Does interior drywall replacement require full repaint of entire room or limited touch up around window openings? Just touch up
7. Please confirm designated staging area on site? Any restrictions on material storage per Section D marking requirements See Revised Statement of Work (SOW) dated
3/2/2026, Section 5.1.1.
8. Please confirm required warranty duration for windows and installation. Per SOW table 4.1.1 Deliverable table.
9. Confirm window assemblies must comply with Buy American Construction Materials clause a
The contract incorporates FAR 52.225-9, Buy American—Construction Materials. In accordance with this clause, only domestic construction materials may be used unless a formal exception is approved by the Contracting Officer. Windows are considered manufactured construction materials and must be manufactured in the
United States and meet the applicable domestic content requirements.
If your proposed product does not meet these requirements, you must submit a formal request for exception with supporting documentation for review and determination.
10. Is third party inspection or window water infiltration testing required?
Per SOW 6.1 “The rough openings of each window need to be inspected by a Lead Maintenance Worker and/or the Assistant Refuge Manager to assess moisture damage before new window frames are installed. This inspection will be required to ensure that any damage is addressed. Any location with moisture damage will need to have the flashing and water barriers pulled back to assess full damage.”
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .