Questions_and_Answers_Amendment_2_0002.pdf

Amendment 2; Attachment 1

Luster Heights Multipurpose Building, Maintenance Shop, Cold Storage Building, and Maintenance Yard at National Wildlife Refuge

Solicitation # 140FGA24R0003

Questions and Answers

1. Referencing the Cold Storage Building, Drawing 4/Detail 5 and Note 2, there is a callout for 6“ fiberglass roof insulation and white liner panel. Please clarify the insulation and liner panel requirement for the walls, if any. The Specs appear to be silent.

Response: Wall insulation and interior liner panels are not required for the Cold Storage Building.

2. Referencing Maintenance Shop Foundation Note 14/S13 and Cold Storage Drawing Note 1/Sheet 5 , which state: FOUNDATION SYSTEM SHOWN IS FOR BIDDING

PURPOSES ONLY. FINAL FOUNDATION DESIGN IS DEPENDENT ON SELECTED

BUILDING SYSTEM AND REACTIONS PROVIDED BY BUILDING MFR. FINAL

FOUNDATION DESIGN, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, FOOTINGS,

PILASTERS, ANCHORS, AND REINFORCING WILL BE REVIEWED FOR

ACCURACY AND MODIFIED AS NECESSARY FOLLOWING FINAL ACCEPTANCE

OF THE METAL BUILDING SYSTEM.

Please clarify if bidder is responsible and should account for the preparation, design, and cost of the foundation designs in its bid, or whether the Government will prepare and stamp/seal the foundation designs based on reactions furnished by the Contractor.

Additionally, please confirm that the Government will address any differences between the as-bid foundation system and the resultant final foundation design via change order.

Response: Bidder is not responsible for the final coordination of drawings. Engineer of record will review approved shop drawings and make modifications as necessary to foundation design to accommodate selected building. The Government is not planning to issue any change order for changes resulting in metal building coordination. Coordination should be limited to location, diameter, number, and length of anchors along with some rebar coordination.

3. I couldn't find what the wind load is per the shop drawings. I did see the wind criteria is 3 sec. peak gust wind speed =108mph. Is that for just the building or doors as well? Or do we go by state and or local code where there are no wind load requirements?

Response: Design wind speed and criteria is in section B.6 on sheet S1. Pressures for MWFRS as well as specific components and cladding shall be derived from this criteria as required by ASCE 7-16.

4. Drawings are asking for 1 1/2" thick doors and specs are asking for 2" thick doors, which one?

Response: Provide 2” thick sectional doors.

5. Specs are saying polyurethane or polystyrene insulated doors. It should be one or the other or there should be a certain R-value requirement. The reason is, I would prefer to bid a sandwich steel, polyurethane insulated door because it is stronger, quieter, and has a better 18.4 R-value. Someone else could bid a less insulated polystyrene door in the 2" thick is only 9.0 R-value. We are not bidding apples for apples at that point.

Response: Provide sectional overhead door with a U-value of 0.130 BTU/sq. ft. x h x deg F. per specification 083613 2.3.D. Either polyurethane or polystyrene insulation is acceptable provided the U-value requirements are met.

6. Windows: drawings say insulated tempered glass and bird control glass glazing? Specs say Insulating Glass Units: Manufacturing standard. Which one?

Response: For wood framed windows w/ aluminum clad exterior windows provide glazing per specification 085200 as shown on sheet A17. For storefront aluminum frame types provide glazing per sheet A17. If note reads two glazing types, provide both.

7. Are the doors to come primed or Factory Finished with standard paint color? What color?

Response: IHM doors identified on sheet A16 Door, Frame, and Hardware Schedule shall be factory primed for field finish. Per specification 081113 2.8 prime finish door for field finish.

Government will select field applied finish color during submittal process.

IHM doors identified on drawing sheet A38 Door, Frame, and Hardware Schedule shall be factory primed for field finishing. Per specification 081113 2.8 prime finish door for field finish.

Government will select field applied finish color during submittal process.

Overhead doors identified on drawing sheet A38 Door, Frame, and Hardware Schedule shall be factory primed and finished. Government will select factory applied finish color from manufacturer’s standard colors during submittal process. Finish shall be manufacturer’s standard.

IHM doors identified on drawing sheet UMR1145A0 Door, Frame, and Hardware Schedule shall be factory primed for field finishing. Per specification 081113 2.8 prime finish door for field finish. Government will select field applied finish color during submittal process.

Overhead doors identified on drawing sheet UMR1145A0 Door, Frame, and Hardware Schedule shall be factory primed and finished. Government will select factory applied finish color from manufacturer’s standard colors during submittal process. Finish shall be manufacturer’s standard.

8. Section 9 Operator control station, specs are asking for open and close button.

Standard control box comes with a stop button is that okay to have with this or just stick with the specs?

Response: Provide two position (open and close) control per specification 083613 section 2.3.L.9. Stick with the specs.

9. Section 9 c. Operator features:

1. Vehicle detection operation: is this a exterior sensor above the door or a mechanism called a D-Loop under the concrete?

2. Radio control operation: Remotes/ Transmitters? How many per door?

3. Card reader control?

4. Explosion – and dust Proof- Ignition- proof control wiring. Is this saying the operators need to be explosion proof as well as the control box and the other features?

5. Audible and visual signals? What exactly are they asking for? A light for visual and some sound to go off for audible when the door is moving? Not Sure.

Response: Provide 2 remotes/transmitters per overhead door.

The following sections are deleted from specification 083613:

- 2.3.L.9.c.1) Vehicle detection operation.

- 2.3.L.9.c.3) Card-reader control.

- 2.3.L.9.c.5) Door-timer operation.

- 2.3.L.9.c.7) Explosion-and dust-ignition-proof control wiring.

- 2.3.L.9.c.7) Audible and visual signals that comply with regulatory requirements for accessibility.

10. Please confirm whether the Contractor is to include tax on materials in its bid or if the Owner will issue a Tax-Exempt certificate for the Contractor’s (and its Sub’s) use.

Response: While the Government is tax exempt, the firm that wins the award for this project is not tax-exempt on the purchase of materials for the project since it is not a purchase of a final product made on the behalf of the Federal Government.

Explanation: If firm “ABCDEFG” was purchasing items and handing them directly off to the Federal Government then that would be tax exempt. However, the materials you are purchasing are part of a larger project and not an end deliverable. For instance, when the Federal Government purchases computers from Dell, the materials Dell purchases that go into the computers (circuit boards, processors, video cards, software, etc) are not tax-exempt purchases for Dell. However, if the Federal Government was purchasing the computer from a vendor which was purchasing the computer from Dell on behalf of the Federal Government that would be tax exempt to the Federal Government and flow down to the vendor making the purchase from Dell. This is because the vendor would be making the purchase for the Federal Government and handing directly off to Federal Government as the final product.

11. Questions on the utilization of the stone on the project. On the Multipurpose Building there is an area with a wall that has a greater than 90-degree angle. Did you want us to plan on the mason butting flats together to bridge that corner, or should we send regular 90-degree corners that the mason will need to cut and miter, then re-epoxy on site to make work?

Response: At the 110-degree angle identified on the northwest corner of Exhibit Area Rm. 105 the exterior stone veneer butts into the corner per Detail 1/A3. It doesn’t wrap around the corner.

12. Questions on the utilization of the stone on the project. There are two signs (the Entry Sign and the Headquarters Sign) that have tapered pillars. Our thin veneer is noted on these areas. Thin veneer will contour to the angle of the taper, which causes issues for the mason and will create gaps between each piece. We typically see full veneer being applied to tapered columns in these circumstances. Should we plan on quoting full veneer in these areas, or will the mason be hand working the material again (sawing, hand dressing, and re-epoxying pieces back together). If full veneer is selected, please add the needed concrete ledge 6” wide around those areas and account for wall ties for support.

Response: Bidders shall quote stone veneer as shown on drawing sheet L13.

13. There are a lot of products called out on the plans. These are basis of design products, correct? We are allowed to use products that are equal or better, correct?

Response: Please reference specification 016000 section 1.3. Products identified as basis of design shall be used to establish salient characteristics of products. Products that are equal or better may be used.

14. Is there any specific vendors they are requesting for cameras, door access, security?

Response: Bidders shall provide equipment manufactured by the companies listed in division 28 specifications or an approved equal, except as noted. Specification 282300 section 2.1.B prohibits the purchase of telecommunications equipment from Huawei Technologies Company, ZTE Corporation, or entities that the Secretary of Defense, Director of National Intelligence, or FBI reasonably believes to be an entity owned or controlled by, or connected to, the government of a covered foreign country.

15. Who are the utility companies for this area?

Response: Allamakee Clayton Electric Cooperative.

16. Page 35, 52.204-8 Annual Representations and Certifications (a)(1) the NAICS Code is listed as 236220. Under (3) of the same section it states the NAICS Code is 541519 and the Revised Notice to Offerors the NAICS Code is 236220. Can the government please confirm that the NAICS Code is 236220?

Response: The NAICS Code is correct as 236220.

17. Could you clarify the type of acoustical ceiling suspension system you would like?

Specifications 095113 call out for Stainless steel material, and the finish legend call for white. The stainless steel has a chrome looking finish.

Response: Provide white finish per specification 095112 section 2.4.D.5 and drawing sheet A14 Materials List.

18. Also, the finish legend calls for the ACT to be 2x2 ceiling tile and the RCP shows ACT as 2x4 in most areas and 2x2 in rm 101 EE Storage. Specifications 095113 do call for 2x4 ACT. Should all areas be 2x2?

Response: Provide 2x2 ACT in all areas.

19. My only question would be for clarification on MDP. Are they looking for a metering switchboard or modular metering. In my opinion modular metering is the better option.

Response: Modular metering is acceptable.

20. Will the gov’t be issuing tax exempt certificates?

Response: While the Government is tax exempt, that exemption does not trickle down to the contractors that we work with, so we do not have any tax-exempt information to provide. This is also why tax-exempt information is not included in the solicitation. Please also see Question #10.

21. Has the site been reviewed and cleared all cultural and historical preservation requirements?

Response: The site went through a Phase 1 Archaeological Survey. The sparse prehistoric components discovered were confined to the plow zone. For this reason, the survey concluded the site does not appear to meet eligibility requirements for possible nomination to the National Register of Historic Places and no additional investigations were recommended.

22. Are building permits required? If so, who is responsible for the costs?

Response: Per specification 014200 section 1.5 “All permits required to support construction activities shall be obtained and paid for by the Contractor.” Bidders shall contact local entities to determine which permits are required for the project.

23. Are any permits required to be paid for and provided by the contractor?

Response: Per specification 014200 section 1.5 “All permits required to support construction activities shall be obtained and paid for by the Contractor.”

24. Please confirm the gov’t intends to award all items #1-6 at minimum as the base bid/contract? (i.e. Items #1-6 will not be broken apart as a means of reducing the base bid amount). Item #7 is the only “add option” – Correct?

Response: That is correct.

25. Can AutoCad (.dwg files) be supplied for the civil drawings? This will assist with calculating import/export for the site?

Response: Per specification 013000 section 1.15.A “Government’s Digital Data Files: Electronic digital data files of the Contract Drawings will not be provided by the Government for Contractor’s use in preparing submittals.”

26. Commissioning - The specification references commissioning in several places however the commissioning process is not outlined in detail. Is full commissioning of this project required?

1. If so, for what divisions or activities?

2. If so, who will hire the commissioning agent, the contractor or government?

Response: Full commissioning is not required. The Contractor is responsible for performing commissioning identified in each specification section.

27. Is fall protection intended for roof maintenance/access at any of the buildings?

Response: Fall protection for maintenance access is not required.

28. Are specifications available for Division 33 sanitary sewer scope?

Response: The sanitary sewer specifications are in Division 22. Please refer to:

- Section 221313 Facility Sanitary Sewers

- Section 221329 Sanitary Sewerage Pumps

- Section 221353 Facility Septic Tanks

29. There is a conflict between the Price Schedule and Bid Solicitation (page 3) with Spec 011000, para 1.2 – bid item description numbers. Does the Price Schedule govern?

Response: The SOW and Price Schedule not being in the same order should not change the pricing in any way. Please complete the Price Schedule as stated.

30. Please clarify engineered fill requirements under each of the three building SOGs. Does 2’ apply to all?

Response: Per Geotechnical recommendations, all foundations are to be placed on minimum 2’- 0” of engineered fill over native soils. For slabs on grade, it recommends at least 12” of engineered fill. Detail 5/S19 uses geotechnical parameters and includes a 6” drainage course over the 12” engineered fill for slabs on grade; 18” total soil section. Please see 5/S19 for slab on grade construction and subgrade preparation requirements.

31. The spec calls out a three-rail system with color inserts (Spec 077253-3, Para 2.2 A).

Specified supplier LM Curbs does not have a three-rail system with color inserts. We could supply a “Colorgard” system, which is a single rail/fence with the color insert.

The fence/rail is 2.18” tall and starts about 3” from the flat of the panel. Top of the fence is about 5” from the flat of the panel. Would this be acceptable?

Response: Bidders shall provide a three rail snow guard from one of the listed manufacturer’s or an approved equal from another manufacturer per specification 016000 section 1.3.

32. With respect to the 1000 gallon tank, a supplier stated: you can’t put internal valves in the top of the tank. They can put a liquid service valve in the top, but you wouldn’t have the emergency shut down capabilities. They recommend a standard 1000 gallon tank with a liquid opening on the bottom and the internal valve in with cable pull actuation. This would make the pad for the tank taller where the legs sit so, they can pipe from the tank directly to the vaporizer. Also with the vaporizer being electric, they can slide the vaporizer closer to the tank since it is Div 1 and maybe have one pad to encompass both pieces of equipment. Are they tying to 1 line or 2 at the outlet of the first stage regulator or will there be one pipe stubbed up? Assuming the tank would need to be new…

Response: Supplier/gas utility may be different than detailed. Provide per utility/supplier availability/recommendations. Detail is for reference only. Utility can/may override. Tank shall be new.

33. Do you know when the start and completion date would be for this job?

Response: Please refer to the SF-1442 provided with all solicitation documents for this project via SAM.gov.

34. Is there Davis bacon wages?

Response: Yes, they are provided with the solicitation documents for this project via SAM.gov.

35. Section 260513 Medium -Voltage Cables and Section 261219 Pad -Mounted Liquid Filled Transformers. Both of these products will be supplies by the Serving Electric Utility to their standards. Can these 2 section be deleted from this project to avoid conflicting and confusing information?

Response: Agreed, these two sections, 260513 Medium -Voltage Cables and Section 261219 Pad -Mounted Liquid Filled Transformers will be deleted from this project.

The following sections are deleted from the specifications:

- 260513 Medium Voltage Cables

- 261219 Pad Mounted, Liquid Filled, Medium Voltage Transformers.

36. Section 260519 3.2 D Low Voltage Electrical Power and Cables refer to “Romex”.

“Romex” is a trade name for a specific manufacture’s product and not defined under Part 2 products. Will Nonmettalic-Sheathed Cable as defined by Article 334 of the National Electrical Code be allowed on this project?

Response: Nonmettalic-Sheathed Cable as defined by Article 334 of the National Electrical Code will not be allowed on this project and will be removed from specifications.

Specification 260519 section 3.2.D shall be changed to: “Branch Circuits Concealed in Ceilings, Walls, and Partitions: For receptacles Type THHN/THWN-2, single conductors in raceway or Metal-clad cable, Type MC. Lighting circuits shall be similar with the exception of using MC cable between fixtures with homeruns to the panel as Type THHN/THWN-2, single conductors in raceway or Metal-clad cable, Type MC.

37. Section 260553 3.2 E Identification for Electrical Systems Item 1 and 2 are conflicting.

Response: Warning tape for both direct-buried cables and cables in raceway are specified.

38. Division 28 Multiple sections. Many of the sections under products make reference to an existing system in the Multipurpose Building. Not aware of an existing Multipurpose Building at this site. Does that change the requirements for the effected sections allowing other possible vendors/systems? If not, can any additional contact information be provided of an existing servicing vendor?

Response: References to an existing system in the Multipurpose Building is admittedly misleading. The design intent is to only allow the “existing system specified” in the construction documents and specifications. This does not change the requirements for the affected sections.

No existing servicing vendor exists as this is a new system.

39. Question for #6 Cold Storage Building Electrical plan as I do not see a panel schedule. Can you tell us if we can use a load center or a panel board? And also, can a 100amp panel or 200amp panel be supplied?

Response: Provide 200 amp, 3 phase, 42 space electric panel per drawing sheet UMR1148E0 note 1.

40. Specifications Section 329115 Soil Preparation (Performance Specification) outlines testing requirements for onsite soils and goes on to state the requirements for amended soils.

Drawings state in Planting Note #4 on L5, L6, & L7 states:

“Prior to planting, contractor shall collect soil samples of native soil on site, and test for growing properties. Amend soils as recommended from soil tests.”

The cost for “preconstruction testing” can easily be included, however, with having no information on the existing soil the level of effort needed to amend the soil to the requirements of the specifications cannot be determined.

Will the government issue a change order to the contract based on the soil analysis results should soil amendments be needed?

OR

Can the government specify baseline soil amendment/fertilization amounts for bidding purposes?

OR

Can the government have contractors include a specified dollar allowance for soil amendments?

This is important to know given the size of the site and potential magnitude of this work.

Response: The Government will review the soil analysis provided by the contractor. If the Government decides amendments are needed a change order will be issued.