B09_Attachment_4_Question_and_Answers_Amd_001_0002.docx

140G0126Q0146 Amd 001 Q&A

1. Transportation of Tools and Equipment to Building 3 The SOW requires contractors to park at the Building 8 lot and carry all tools and equipment to Building 3 on foot due to the 600-foot vehicle exclusion zone around Buildings 1 and 3. Please clarify whether the use of a non-motorized cart, wheelbarrow, or similar hand-transport device is permitted to move materials and equipment between the parking area and Building 3, provided it remains outside the exclusion zone boundaries.

Yes, a cart, wheelbarrow, or hand-transport device will be fine to use within the exclusion zone boundary.

2. Asbestos Survey – Prior Testing and Results Building 3 was constructed in 1955. During our site review, we observed that the exterior wood siding appears to have been installed over original existing siding. Once interior work begins, this underlying siding layer will be exposed. If the original siding contains asbestos-containing materials (ACM), all work would be required to stop until abatement is completed, which would significantly impact the schedule and cost. Please advise whether a certified asbestos survey has been conducted on Building 3, and if so, whether the results can be made available to offerors prior to award.

We are not aware of a certified asbestos survey being conducted on Building 3.

3. Electrical Outlets in the Crawl Space – Dehumidifier and Sump Pump Proper crawl space encapsulation requires both a dehumidifier and a sump pump to maintain moisture control and protect the encapsulation barrier long-term. Our site review indicates there are currently no electrical outlets in the crawl space to support either unit. As mold remediation contractors, we are not licensed to perform electrical work. Please clarify:

a) Whether USGS will arrange for a licensed electrician to install the necessary outlet(s) in the crawl space prior to or concurrent with our performance, and

b) If electrical installation is not within scope or feasibility, please confirm whether the government will accept a modified scope that includes mold treatment and insulation of the crawl space without full encapsulation, with that limitation clearly noted in the proposal.

A modified scope that includes mold treatment and insulation of the crawl space without full encapsulation will be acceptable. Additional treatments should be provided as non-priced recommendations.

4. Attic Blown-In Insulation – Removal and Replacement The attic contains blown-in insulation. Mold remediation of the attic rafters requires direct access to all surfaces, which may necessitate removal of the existing insulation. Please confirm whether the government expects the contractor to remove and replace the blown-in insulation as part of this scope, or whether insulation work is considered outside the current requirement.

Vendor should include all costs that are expected to be required to remediate the issue as described in the Statement of Work.

1. Please confirm the correct email address for final quote submission and RFQ questions. Section E lists krschneider@usgs.gov for quote submission, while other RFQ sections list kimberly_schneider@ios.doi.gov.

Both emails go to the same inbox. Current email: Kimberly_schneider@ios.doi.gov but any emails sent to krschneider@usgs.gov will be received.

2. Because award is Lowest Price Technically Acceptable, should bidder-recommended mold-regrowth prevention measures be included in the base quote, priced separately as optional/additive work, or provided only as non-priced recommendations in the technical narrative?

Proposals should include all tasks specified in the Statement of Work. Additional treatments can be provided as non-priced recommendations but will not be considered in regards to technical acceptability.

3. Has a mold remediation protocol, industrial hygienist protocol, mold assessment, lab report, moisture report, corrective action plan, or similar environmental assessment been developed for Building 3? If yes, please provide all available documents. If no, please confirm whether the contractor should develop its own IICRC S520-aligned remediation approach based on site conditions and the SOW.

None of these assessments have been completed to our knowledge. Yes, the contractor can develop its own IICRC S520-aligned remediation approach based on site conditions and the SOW.

4. Has environmental testing for lead-based paint, asbestos-containing material, or other regulated materials been completed for Building 3? If yes, please provide all reports.

Neither lead-based paint nor asbestos-containing material testing has been completed.

If required, include this cost in your submission and then provide an option line item for potential costs if testing is positive and requires additional work.

5. If lead-containing coatings, asbestos-containing materials, or other regulated materials are present, should bidders include applicable OSHA, EPA, state, and local controls for any removal, cleaning, sanding, scraping, window repair, wood repair, repainting, or other disturbance activities?

Yes. As noted in #4, If testing is required, include this remediation cost in your submission as an option item that would only be funded if the required testing results is positive.

6. If lead/asbestos testing has not been completed, should bidders assume no disturbance of suspect materials, or should bidders include testing and related controls in the base quote?

Bidders should assume no disturbance of suspect materials.

7. Please confirm the required post-remediation verification and clearance standard. Should bidders assume visual inspection only by the Facility Manager/Site Representative, or will air sampling, surface sampling, tape-lift sampling, wipe sampling, or third-party clearance be required? If testing is required, please identify who will procure and pay for it, the required sample types and locations, the pass/fail criteria, and whether failed clearance requires recleaning and retesting at the contractor’s cost.

Only visual inspection by the Facility Manager/Site Representative will be required.

8. Please confirm whether the contractor is required to provide a final remediation report, photo log, moisture readings, negative-air or air-scrubbing logs, disposal documentation, SDS closeout package, warranty closeout document, or other closeout deliverables.

Yes, the vendor should provide a final report of the work completed and any supporting documentation for that work.

9. During the site visit, the crawl space was observed to have insulation between the floor joists with plywood installed beneath it. From a practical remediation standpoint, the framing cannot be effectively cleaned, treated, or verified with those concealed materials in place. Consistent with IICRC S520 principles and EPA mold-remediation guidance regarding impacted porous/concealing materials, please confirm that bidders should include removal and disposal of the crawl-space plywood and insulation to expose the affected framing before remediation.

Vendor should include all costs that are expected to be required to remediate the issue as described in the Statement of Work.

10. If crawl-space plywood and insulation are removed, should bidders include reconstruction/reinstallation after remediation? If yes, please provide the required insulation R-value, insulation type, vapor-retarder requirements, plywood/covering requirements, and installation standard.

Yes, vendors should include reconstruction/reinstallation after remediation. Replacement materials should be equivalent to original materials.

11. Please confirm that the crawl-space encapsulation is intended to include a continuous Class I vapor retarder over exposed ground, sealed seams, sealed penetrations, sealed terminations at foundation walls/piers, and appropriate access-hatch detailing. If USGS requires a specific liner thickness or product durability standard, such as reinforced 10 mil, 12 mil, 20 mil, or another standard, please identify the requirement.

It is up to the vendor to determine what materials are necessary to meet the crawl space requirements listed in the Statement of Work. The goal for the crawl space encapsulation is to remediate any existing mold and prevent conditions that foster mold growth in the crawl space.

12. Should crawl-space vents remain open, be sealed, or be otherwise modified as part of the encapsulation and mold-regrowth prevention strategy?

It is up to the vendor to determine what specifications/procedures are necessary to meet the crawl space requirements listed in the Statement of Work. The goal for the crawl space encapsulation is to remediate any existing mold and prevent conditions that foster mold growth in the crawl space.

13. Should bidders include crawl-space humidity control, dehumidification, mechanical ventilation, drainage improvements, or other moisture-control measures in the base quote, or should those be listed as recommendations only?

Proposals should address all tasks specified in the Statement of Work. Additional treatments should be provided as non-priced recommendations.

14. The attic appears to contain both strip insulation and blown insulation. Similar to the crawl space, affected attic framing and roof components cannot be effectively cleaned, treated, or verified if insulation remains in place over or against impacted materials. Please confirm that bidders should include removal and disposal of attic insulation necessary to expose and remediate affected wood framing, rafters, roof sheathing, and related components.

Vendors should include all costs that are expected to be required to remediate the issue as described in the Statement of Work.

15. If attic insulation is removed, should bidders include replacement? If yes, please provide the required insulation type, R-value, and installation standard.

Vendors should include all costs that are expected to be required to remediate the issue as described in the Statement of Work. Replacement materials should be equivalent to original materials.

16. The SOW requires crawl-space encapsulation but does not mention attic encapsulation. Does USGS want an attic encapsulant/sealer applied after cleaning and treatment, or should attic work be limited to cleaning, stain lifting where appropriate, mold-growth retardant, and air disinfection?

Proposals should include all tasks specified in the Statement of Work. Additional treatments should be provided as non-priced recommendations.

17. The SOW specifically references cleaning mold from attic rafters. Please confirm whether attic remediation is limited to rafters, or whether it also includes roof sheathing/decking, gable ends, blocking, vent components, attic access components, and other wood surfaces where mold or suspect fungal growth is present.

Vendors should include all tasks that are expected to be required to remediate the issue as described in the Statement of Work.

18. Water damage was observed around multiple windows, and termite damage was observed around at least one window. Should bidders include sealing window perimeters and repairing or replacing damaged surrounding wood in the base quote?

No, bidders should only include pricing related to the requirements listed in the Statement of Work.

19. Has any active termite condition been identified or treated? If active termite activity or concealed termite damage is discovered, should pest treatment or structural wood repair be included in this scope, priced separately, or treated as out-of-scope work?

No active termite condition has been identified or treated. Bidders should only include pricing related to the requirements listed in the Statement of Work.

20. Damage was observed at the front soffit/fascia. Should bidders include soffit/fascia repair in the base quote, price it separately, or list it as a recommendation only?

Bidders should only include pricing related to the requirements listed in the Statement of Work. Recommended work may be listed but not included in the base quote.

21. During the site visit, the lower exterior concrete/foundation area appeared to be a potential contributor to moisture intrusion. We recommend coating/repainting the lower exterior concrete/foundation section, approximately the lower two feet above grade, with an appropriate masonry encapsulant or moisture-resistant coating to help reduce moisture intrusion. Should this be included in the base quote, priced separately, or listed only as a recommendation?

Bidders should only include pricing related to the requirements listed in the Statement of Work. Recommended work may be listed but not included in the base quote.

22. Are there known roof leaks, window leaks, drainage issues, grading issues, gutter/downspout issues, crawl-space humidity issues, or other moisture sources that remain unresolved?

As stated on pg. 4 of the Statement of Work, the contractor shall be responsible for visiting and inspecting the site to verify measurements, ascertain the nature and quality of the work to be performed, inform themselves of the general and local conditions (which can affect the work or the cost thereof), and compare the specifications with the work to be performed. Failure to do so will not relieve the successful contractor of their responsibility for estimating properly the difficulty or cost of furnishing materials and successfully performing the work in accordance with the true meaning of the specifications without additional costs to the government. We are not aware of any ongoing leaks or other issues at the building.

23. If moisture sources remain unresolved and are not included in the contractor’s scope, please confirm that the 1-year warranty is limited to the contractor’s workmanship and treated areas, and does not warrant against mold recurrence caused by new or continuing water intrusion, elevated humidity, leaks, termite damage, building-envelope defects, or other owner-controlled building conditions.

The specified warranty is for the work completed through this project and is not expected to be a guarantee of future conditions.

24. Please confirm whether the contents and scientific equipment inside Building 3 may be moved, manipulated, or temporarily removed from the building. If contents or scientific equipment must be moved, will USGS handle the movement, or should bidders include that work?

Scientific instrumentation will be removed from the building prior to remediation, but furniture and fixed equipment will remain. Furniture may be moved or manipulated as needed for completion of the project. The vendor is responsible for ensuring that all furniture is adequately protected from damage.

25. If contents and scientific equipment are to remain in place, are there specific protection requirements, or may the contractor wrap, seal, and protect them in place using standard protective materials?

Scientific instrumentation will be removed from the building prior to remediation. Remaining contents may be protected using standard protective materials.

26. If scientific equipment remains in place, please identify any sensitivities, prohibited contact surfaces, cleaning restrictions, required protection methods, wrapping limitations, corrosion concerns, odor/VOC limitations, or other special precautions that should be followed when cleaning and disinfecting adjacent surfaces.

Scientific instrumentation will be removed from the building prior to remediation.

27. We anticipate using MMR Mold and Mildew Remover, or comparable approved product, as a primary cleaning/stain-removal product, with SDS included in the quote package. Please advise whether there are any issues with the use of this product at Building 3, particularly due to scientific equipment, sensitive surfaces, corrosion concerns, odor/VOC concerns, or observatory operations. I have attached the MMR SDS for your convenience.

Scientific instrumentation will be removed from the building prior to remediation. The vendor is responsible for ensuring that building contents are adequately protected from damage.

28. The SOW requires air disinfection in the crawl space, main floor, and attic, but does not define the required method. Should bidders include containment and HEPA air-scrubbing/negative-air equipment as part of the base scope?

It is up to the vendor to determine what specifications/procedures are necessary to meet the requirements listed in the Statement of Work.

29. For an IICRC-aligned remediation approach, continuous HEPA filtration, air scrubbing, negative air, or drying equipment may need to operate after active work stops, including overnight, to maintain containment conditions, dry affected areas, and complete post-remediation air cleaning. Given the site’s magnetic sensitivity and the requirement that ferrous materials be removed daily, are there circumstances where equipment may be left running overnight inside Building 3 if necessary for remediation effectiveness?

Those metal or ferrous materials that are used for the completion of the project will need to be removed from the site daily and positioned outside the exclusion zone, unless it is something that cannot be removed due to the nature of use. Examples of such items include equipment that is required to run outside of the normal working hours (such as filtration devices) or equipment that cannot be removed daily (such as scaffolding). Large metallic items, including but not limited to, such as trailers, vehicles, dumpster, and similar are not permitted in the exclusion zone.

30. If equipment containing ferrous components cannot remain in Building 3 overnight, please identify the acceptable alternate approach for maintaining containment, air scrubbing, drying, or post-remediation air cleaning without continuous overnight equipment operation.

Please see response to previous question.

31. Please clarify whether the restriction on metallic/ferrous materials includes HEPA air scrubbers, negative-air machines, dehumidifiers, temporary lights, extension cords, ladders, carts, hand tools, fasteners, and related work equipment.

The contractor shall be aware that all metallic (ferrous) materials used in this project will have a direct effect on the data quality of this observatory. Those metal or ferrous materials that are used for the completion of the project will need to be removed from the site daily and positioned outside the exclusion zone, unless it is something that cannot be removed due to the nature of use. Examples of such items include equipment that is required to run outside of the normal working hours (such as filtration devices) or equipment that cannot be removed daily (such as scaffolding). Large metallic items, including but not limited to, such as trailers, vehicles, dumpster, and similar are not permitted in the exclusion zone.

32. Please clarify whether non-ferrous carts, dollies, ladders, fasteners, and temporary work equipment are permitted for transporting and staging materials from Building 8 to Building 3.

Yes, a non-ferrous carts, dollies, ladders, fasteners, and temporary work equipment will be fine to use within the exclusion zone boundary.

33. Where may equipment and materials be staged during the workday, and where may equipment be stored after hours if daily removal from the exclusion zone is required?

The USGS will identify areas where the Contractor can store or place materials and equipment for short-term storage in preparation for work. Storage and security of materials and equipment as required for the performance of the contract is the responsibility of the Contractor. The Contractor shall be responsible for the cleanliness of these areas.

34. Is there a phone number available for Krissy Lewis or another designated technical/site POC for logistical coordination, understanding that all scope-related direction and binding clarifications must still be issued in writing through the Contracting Officer?

During the solicitation phase, questions need to be submitted in writing to Contracting Officer. Upon award, the technical POC will be provided.

1. Question: Will the building contents, scientific instruments, furniture, and equipment remain in place during remediation, or will the Government remove/protect them prior to contractor mobilization?

Scientific instrumentation will be removed from the building prior to remediation, but furniture and fixed equipment will remain.

2. Question: Is containment with negative air pressure and HEPA-filtered air scrubbers required for any portion of the remediation work?

As stated in the Statement of Work, it will be the responsibility of the contractor to inspect the site, determine the quantity of work involved, compare the specifications with the work to be done, and inform themselves as to all conditions, including other work, if any, being performed. Failure to do so will in no way relieve the successful contractor from the necessity of furnishing any materials or performing any work that may be required to carry out the contract in accordance with the true intent and meaning of the specifications without additional cost to the Government.

3. Question: Can the Government provide any existing mold assessment reports, moisture investigation reports, indoor air quality reports, or laboratory testing results related to Building 3?

None of these assessments have been completed to our knowledge.

4. Question: Is this contract limited strictly to mold remediation activities, or does the scope also include moisture correction, repairs, or replacement of damaged materials?

This contract is limited strictly to mold remediation.

5. Question: Are there any requirements for removal and replacement of building materials such as insulation, drywall, framing, ceiling materials, or flooring if contamination is discovered to be severe?

Vendor should include all costs that are expected to be required to remediate the issue as described in the Statement of Work.

6. Question: Are there any known asbestos-containing materials (ACM), lead-based paint (LBP), or other hazardous materials present within the work areas that may impact remediation activities?

Neither lead-based paint nor asbestos-containing material testing has been completed.

7. Question: Is mold-contaminated waste to be handled as standard construction debris, or are there any special disposal, transportation, or environmental requirements?

As stated on pg. 3 of the Statement of Work, all construction debris and rubbish shall be removed from the site daily and disposed of properly according to local, State, and federal guidelines.

8. Question: Are there any restrictions regarding the types of antimicrobial chemicals, disinfectants, encapsulants, fogging agents, or cleaning products permitted for use inside the facility?

Treatment should follow the IICRC guidelines. There are no specific restrictions as long as the materials used do not prevent immediate occupation of the building upon completion of the project.

9. Question: Are there any occupancy restrictions or sensitive operations within adjacent buildings that may affect work hours, noise levels, chemical use, or equipment operation?

All restrictions and requirements are listed in the Statement of Work. In particular, please review the Special Site Considerations section.

10. Question: Can the Government clarify whether all work areas will be fully accessible to the contractor during normal working hours?

Yes, all work areas in Building 3 will be fully accessible to the contractor.

11. Question: Will uninterrupted electrical power be available throughout the remediation project for operation of remediation equipment, air scrubbers, lighting, and dehumidification equipment?

Yes, please see pg. 4 of the Statement of Work for additional information.

12. Question: Are water sources available on-site for cleaning and remediation activities?

A water spigot is located on the exterior of Building 8. Please note that the facility water is provided by a well, not a municipal water system. It is the contractor's responsibility to ensure that the work for this project does not exceed the capability of the well and cause damage to the facility’s water system.

13. Question: Is the contractor responsible for protecting sensitive scientific equipment from dust, airborne mold spores, vibration, or accidental damage during remediation activities?

Sensitive scientific instrumentation will be removed from the building prior to the start of the project.

14. Question: Can the Government clarify if temporary containment barriers are required in the crawl space, attic, or main occupied areas?

The building will be unoccupied throughout the remediation, but, as stated on pg. 3 of the Statement of Work, the vendor must keep dust and dirt pollution to a minimum and ensure safety of persons in the work area. Also from the Statement of Work, the vendor must take all necessary precautions to prevent fires or injury to the public, building occupant(s), or damage to property of others during the performance of this contract and comply with any Federal, State, and Municipal laws, codes, and regulations in connection with the execution of the work.

15. Question: Are there any limitations regarding storage or staging of materials and equipment on-site overnight?

The USGS will identify areas where the Contractor can store or place materials and equipment for short-term storage in preparation for work. Storage and security of materials and equipment as required for the performance of the contract is the responsibility of the Contractor. The Contractor shall be responsible for the cleanliness of these areas.

16. Question: Can dumpsters, trailers, and remediation equipment remain on-site during the project duration?

As stated on pg. 3 of the Statement of Work, all construction debris and rubbish shall be removed from the site daily and disposed of properly according to local, State, and federal guidelines. Also see the answer to the previous question.

17. Question: Can the Government designate approved locations for contractor parking, dumpster placement, material staging, and portable toilet placement?

This is addressed in the Statement of Work on page 4.

18. Question: Are contractors permitted to work after-hours or weekends if necessary to maintain schedule?

This is addressed in the Statement of Work on page 3.

19. Question: Will Government personnel require daily progress updates, safety meetings, inspection sign-offs, or progress photographs during performance of the work?

Daily progress updates via email will be required. Progress photos would be appreciated.

20. Question: Will final acceptance require visual inspection only, or will acceptance also depend on moisture readings, air sampling, or laboratory clearance results?

Only visual inspection by the Facility Manager/Site Representative will be required.

21. Question: Can the Government clarify the expected level of cleanliness required upon completion, including any HEPA vacuuming standards or white-glove expectations?

The level of cleanliness should be, at the minimum, that safe human occupation of the building is possible when the remediation is completed. Contractor shall comply with any Federal, State, and Municipal laws, codes, and regulations in connection with the execution of the work.

22. Question: Are there any security, badging, escort, or site access requirements for contractor personnel?

There are no site access requirements for contractor personnel. Vehicles shall be limited to only those vehicles established and marked for contractor operations and supervisor use. Egress and ingress routes shall remain clear at all times to allow for emergency access to the site.

23. Question: Can the Government confirm whether all metallic tools and equipment must be removed from the exclusion zone daily, including ladders, scaffolding, and remediation machinery?

The contractor shall be aware that all metallic (ferrous) materials used in this project will have a direct effect on the data quality of this observatory. Those metal or ferrous materials that are used for the completion of the project will need to be removed from the site daily and positioned outside the exclusion zone, unless it is something that cannot be removed due to the nature of use. Examples of such items include equipment that is required to run outside of the normal working hours (such as filtration devices) or equipment that cannot be removed daily (such as scaffolding). Large metallic items, including but not limited to, such as trailers, vehicles, dumpster, and similar are not permitted in the exclusion zone.

24. Question: Will the Government allow temporary non-ferrous staging equipment within the exclusion zone during active work hours?

Potentially, depending on the size in consultation with representatives from the USGS. Large metallic items, including but not limited to, such as trailers, vehicles, dumpster, and similar are not permitted in the exclusion zone.

25. Question: Can the Government provide estimated contamination severity for the crawl space, attic, and main floor areas?

As stated on pg. 4 of the Statement of Work, the contractor shall be responsible for visiting and inspecting the site to verify measurements, ascertain the nature and quality of the work to be performed, inform themselves of the general and local conditions (which can affect the work or the cost thereof), and compare the specifications with the work to be performed. Failure to do so will not relieve the successful contractor of their responsibility for estimating properly the difficulty or cost of furnishing materials and successfully performing the work in accordance with the true meaning of the specifications without additional costs to the government.

26. Question: Are there any concerns regarding structural integrity, confined space hazards, pest infestation, or unsafe access conditions within the crawl space or attic?

As stated on pg. 4 of the Statement of Work, the contractor shall be responsible for visiting and inspecting the site to verify measurements, ascertain the nature and quality of the work to be performed, inform themselves of the general and local conditions (which can affect the work or the cost thereof), and compare the specifications with the work to be performed. Failure to do so will not relieve the successful contractor of their responsibility for estimating properly the difficulty or cost of furnishing materials and successfully performing the work in accordance with the true meaning of the specifications without additional costs to the government.

27. Question: Can the Government clarify what specific elements are expected in the 2-page technical narrative to provide our capabilities? (e.g., methodology, staffing, schedule, safety plan, past performance, etc.)

Please see the technical non-price evaluation factors listed in the solicitation. Page 12.

28. Question: Will past performance be evaluated as part of Technical Capability?

Please see the technical non-price evaluation factors listed in the solicitation. Page 12.

29. Question: If so, are there minimum experience thresholds (years, similar projects, etc.) that the referenced project must meet?

a. Question: Are there any details/topics you would like addressed in the two-page narrative? (i.e., personnel, past performance)

Please see the technical non-price evaluation factors listed in the solicitation. Page 12.

30. Question: Do we need to provide a screenshot of our SAM.gov registration or just state if our registration is active?

No. Provide your UEI with your submission and the Contracting Officer will validate if your registration is active.

31. Question: What criteria will be used to determine if our proposal response is “Technically Acceptable”?

Please refer to the solicitation. Page 12.

32. Question: Is IICRC certification alone sufficient, or are additional qualifications expected?

Please see pg. 4 of the Statement of Work.

33. Question: Will post-remediation verification, clearance testing, environmental sampling, and/or air sampling be required upon completion of the work? If so, who will be responsible for providing and paying for these services?

Reference: SOW – Section E/F Page(s): Pages 2–3 Reason for Clarification: The SOW requires remediation and disinfection activities but does not define clearance testing requirements.

Only visual inspection by the Facility Manager/Site Representative will be required.

34. Question: Has the source of the moisture intrusion or elevated humidity been identified and corrected?

Reference: SOW – Sections B & E Page(s): Pages 1–2 Reason for Clarification: The project objective includes preventing future mold growth, but no root-cause information is provided.

Reason for Clarification: The observatory environment contains magnetic sensitivity restrictions that may affect equipment selection and staging.

We believe so. The moisture intrusion was believed to come from the attic access door blowing open during a storm and remaining open for an unspecified amount of time.

35. Question:

Section E of the SOW requires the contractor to “Provide a 1-year warranty on work carried out.” Because mold remediation effectiveness is dependent upon correction of the underlying moisture or environmental conditions causing mold growth, and the solicitation does not identify the root cause of the mold condition or confirm that it has been permanently corrected, please clarify the Government’s expectations regarding the warranty requirement.

Would the Government consider removing this requirement because there is always the possibility of future mold growth resulting from existing or future moisture intrusion, humidity conditions, building defects, or other environmental conditions beyond the contractor’s control? All of which are beyond the contractors’ control.

Reference: SOW – Section E Page(s): Pages 2 Reason for Clarification: The project objective includes preventing future mold growth, but no root-cause information is provided. The contractor does not have control over existing or future building moisture conditions that may contribute to mold regrowth. The SOW identifies remediation and preventative treatment requirements but does not define the source of the moisture intrusion or confirm that the underlying cause has been permanently resolved.

The moisture intrusion was believed to come from the attic access door blowing open during a storm and remaining open for an unspecified amount of time. The situation has been remedied. The specified warranty is for the work completed through this project and is not expected to be a guarantee of future conditions.

36. Question: Can temporary material staging areas be designated on-site for storage of equipment and remediation materials?

Reference: SOW – Section I / Figure 1 Page(s): Pages 4 & 6 Reason for Clarification: Vehicle parking restrictions may significantly affect logistics and labor productivity.

The USGS will identify areas where the Contractor can store or place materials and equipment for short-term storage in preparation for work. Storage and security of materials and equipment as required for the performance of the contract is the responsibility of the Contractor. The Contractor shall be responsible for the cleanliness of these areas.

37. Question: Does the scope of 'clean mold from every surface' include scientific instruments, cabinetry, electrical equipment, concealed cavities, or specialty finishes?

Reference: SOW – Section F Page(s): Page 2 Reason for Clarification: The current wording may be interpreted broadly and could affect pricing and remediation procedures.

Scientific instrumentation will be removed from the building prior to remediation, but furniture will remain. “Clean mold from every surface” shall include cabinetry, permanent electrical equipment, and other fixed surfaces.

38. Question: Please clarify the crawl space encapsulation requirements, including vapor barrier thickness, wall coverage requirements, seam sealing requirements, and whether dehumidification is required.

Reference: SOW – Sections E/F Page(s): Page 2 Reason for Clarification: The encapsulation scope is not fully defined.

It is up to the vendor to determine what materials are required to meet the crawl space requirements listed in the Statement of Work. The goal for the crawl space encapsulation is to remediate any existing mold and prevent conditions that foster mold growth in the crawl space.

39. Question: Has asbestos-containing material (ACM) and/or lead-based paint testing been completed for the 1955 structure?

Reference: SOW – Section A Page(s): Page 1 Reason for Clarification: The building age suggests potential hazardous materials concerns that may impact remediation activities.

Neither lead-based paint nor asbestos-containing material testing has been completed.

40. Question: May the contractor include a cover page, transmittal letter, table of contents, and tab/divider pages in its proposal submission for organizational purposes?

Reference: Evaluation Criteria – Section E Page(s): Page 12 Reason for Clarification: The solicitation identifies required proposal contents but does not specify whether additional organizational or formatting materials are permitted.

Yes

41. Question: Can the SDS forms, IICRC certifications, and COI be added as appendices?

Reference: SOW – Section J Page(s): Page 4 Reason for Clarification: The solicitation identifies required proposal contents but does not specify whether additional organizational or formatting materials are permitted.

Yes

42. Question: Section C – Contract Clauses – In addition to completing Section E’s Representations & Certification under Tab C, should complete contract Clauses (Section C) and submit under Tab C?

No. Representations and Certifications in Section E. If SAM registration is completed in full, this section does not need to be provided.