Attachment_9_-_Sol_Q_A_140L0625B0010_0002.pdf

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Attached to
GAOA-HENRY MOUNTAINS FIELD STATION, UT Federal contract opportunity
Solicitation number
140L0625B0010
Issued by
Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management National Office

About this file

This document is a Questions and Answers (Q&A) file for the Bureau of Land Management's Henry Mountains Field Station Replacement project in Utah. The solicitation (Contract #140L0625B0010) covers a federal construction project with detailed technical specifications and clarifications. Key details include a 400-calendar day Period of Performance, requirements for a pre-engineered metal building, and specific technical specifications for various building systems including domestic water piping, electrical, HVAC, and structural components.

The Q&A addresses numerous technical and procedural aspects of the project, such as site access during construction, government-occupied facilities, submittal requirements, and design delegations. Notable requirements include separate individuals for Superintendent, Site Safety and Health Officer (SSHO), and Quality Control Manager roles, third-party inspections for several building aspects, and specific certifications for subcontractors. The project involves constructing a new field station with complexities around design submissions, material procurement, and coordination with government representatives. Bids are due by 2:00 PM Mountain Time, with the exact start date to be determined between the contractor and government after award.

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United States Department of the Interior

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

National Operations Center

Denver Federal Center, Building 85

P.O. Box 25047

Denver, Colorado 80225-0047 http://www.blm.gov

140L0625B0010

GAOA – Henry Mountains Field Station Replacement, UT

Questions and Answers

1. The specifications call for government furnished tables, fire rings etc. Where would we pick them up?

A: Refer to amendment 01 supplemental drawings. These items have been removed from this contract.

2. There are several things in the specifications that do not seem to be part of this contract. Is this correct?

A: That is correct, the plans and specifications have been changed to more represent the work on this project. Please refer to the supplemental drawings in amendment 01.

3. Is the picnic-shelter roof to be COR-TEN steel or powder coated?

A: All picnic-shelters were deleted in the supplemental drawings in amendment 1.

4. It appears that the domestic water piping materials type is missing from the specifications, it is shown as section 221116 on table of contents, but I can't seem to find it. Can I get clarification on piping material type for the domestic water distribution, within the building?

A: See attached specification, Attachment 10 - Section 221116 – Domestic Water

Piping.

5. Will a safety barricade be required for the public?

A: Yes, the contractor shall provide any safety measures needed to protect the public and employees.

6. No finish of the flagpole (detail 4/C501) is noted or specification found. Please provide.?

A: Refer to Detail 24 on sheet C507 noted the model number of the flagpole as a basis of design. The pole is to have the standard satin finish.

7. Are bids due by 1700 on 9/5/25 per section 13 of the solicitation or 2:00pm Mountain

Time as listed on the IFB??

A: The IFB is the correct time. Bids are due by 2:00pm (1400) MT.

8. Please provide specifications for the Pet Waste Station.

A: Please delete any reference to a pet waste station. A pet waste station will not be required. Please delete Keynote 13 on sheet C103.

9. Please provide additional information regarding what is involved with the interpretive display to be installed by the GC (Note 3/C103).

A: Interpretive signs have been removed from this project and will be installed by the

Government at a later date.

10. Note 8 on sheet AE101 states that all division 10 and 11 equipment are CFCI but the

Keynotes on sheet AE251 Note items to be NIC. Please clarify what is to be included in the GC's proposal (supply and/or installation).

A: The notes on AE251 note the towel dispenser and soap dispenser to be

Government Furnished Government Installed (the specifications provide information for the towel dispenser but not the soap dispenser). The contractor is to provide and install all other items noted in the plans and specs.

11. Door 121B shows 0' - 0" x 0' - 0". Please clarify the size of this Type E door.

A: The overhead sectional door 121B is to be 14’ wide x 14’ tall.

12. Please provide more information regarding the type of countertop material to be used.

All that could be found in the specifications was 1/2" solid surface.

A: Refer to specification section 064023 for solid surface countertop materials.

Solid-Surfacing Material: Homogeneous solid sheets of filled plastic resin complying with ISSFA-2.

13. Is there a preference on what material is used for the security glass at the reception desk and what material is used to brace it?

A: Products – Bullet-resistant barrier system which maintains an open environment.

For use in applications where optical quality, cleanability and long-term performance are important.

Glazing – Meets ULS 75s standard for bullet resistant for the following

▪ Glazing Type – tempered Laminated polycarbonate

▪ Glazing Thickness – 1/2” minimum

▪ Rating – UL 752 level 1.

▪ Impact Resistance – Withstand an impact of 200 lbs

Fasteners / pipe supports – Fasteners, glass clamps, mounting brackets, and pipe support shall be stainless steel. Engineering to be done by glazing contractor for appropriate size and mounting procedures to be verified to withstand and meet the following security measures:

▪ Rating – level 1 security

▪ Impact resistance – Withstand an impact of 200 lbs.

14. Please provide the dimensions for the OH coiling security door at Reception.

A: Please see details 04/AE251, 03/AE511, and 01/AE110A for receptionist window opening sizes. Work with OH coiling door manufacture for exact size to cover opening.

15. Will any above ceiling support or additional wall backing be required in the Shop?

A: Refer to the drawings for ceiling requirements. The roof system for the Shop building is R1. Provide blocking in the wall behind wall mounted cabinets, grab bars, etc., as needed to allow for a solid, sturdy mount.

16. Were any metal building manufacturers engaged during the design of this project?

A: This is unknown as the government contracted out the design of this building.

17. Please provide specification for composite deck to be used at the mezzanine (3/S105).

A: The structure plans describe the composite floor deck comprised of, among other things, steel decking and a concrete infill.

18. How will phasing and access be maintained during demolition and new construction while keeping the visitor center and restrooms operational?

A: The government will work with the contractor to come up with a reasonable plan after an award is made. The public restrooms will not be kept open during operation.

The government will need to maintain access to the vehicle/storage shelter on the east side of the ware yard as much as possible. The parking lot on the east side of the building will be used for parking along with the front of the building. The

Government will use the east side of the dirt road past the restrooms and the contractor on the west side. Remember these are details that are subject to change as the construction progresses.

19. What facilities must remain occupied by the Government during construction, and what temporary facilities are acceptable?

A: The existing building, vehicle shelter, and east side of the ware yard need to remain occupied by the government. Office trailers and other needs of the contractor will be discussed after the award is made.

20. Which long-lead items require early submittals to avoid schedule delays?

A: The contractor is expected to work with their subs to determine this information and schedule as needed.

21. What formats are acceptable for digital files provided by the Government, and how should coordination be handled?

A: It is assumed that it is meant that the format provided by the contractor to the

Government. The format for submitted documents to be a PDF document as per

Sections 013200, 013300, etc. Required photographs to be provided by the contractor to the Government at to be in a JPEG format.

22. Where do existing utilities conflict with design drawings, and how should discrepancies be resolved?

A: This will have to be done on a case-by-case basis with the contractor.

23. What are the final locations and sizes of stormwater infiltration basins in landscaped areas?

A: Please refer to the grading and stormwater plan and specifications.

24. Where is the point of connection for the non-potable irrigation system?

A: The irrigation system runs on the west side of the warehouse and goes towards the outside hydrant at the SE corner of the existing building. This is believed to be a 3”

PVC line.

25. What benchmarks and tolerances should be used for survey control?

A: Benchmarks with elevation which will be used for control are found on sheet

C101.

26. What imported fill materials and onsite soils are acceptable for structural fill?

A: Refer to specifications section 31200 among other specifications and design drawing references.

27. Is pavement subgrade treatment required, or are untreated sections acceptable?

A: Refer to specifications section 31200 among other specifications and design drawing references.

28. Is dewatering anticipated, or can groundwater be disregarded based on geotechnical findings?

A: No there is no dewatering is anticipated.

29. What are the design criteria and acceptable manufacturers for the pre-engineered shelters?

A: The pre-engineered shelters were removed from the contract in the supplemental drawings found in the amendment 1.

30. What siding type and color selections are required for exterior finishes?

A: All colors will be chosen from the manufactures standard color choices in the submittal process. Please refer to the specifications for all exterior types and finishes.

31. What are the security hardware and card access requirements for doors and windows?

A: Please refer to the specifications.

32. What are the ADA compliance requirements for parking, ramps, and walkway slopes where field grades vary?

A: Please refer to the plans and specifications for all requirements.

33. How should the sequence of operations and controls integration be handled for HVAC

VRF and energy recovery systems?

A: Please refer to the plans and specifications.

34. What plumbing fixture models, manufacturers, and trim are required for restrooms?

35. What are the procedures for water outages, testing, and sterilization of new potable mains?

A: Please refer to Utah water standards. The water for government homes will not be allowed to be interrupted.

36. What size, inverter type, and interconnection requirements apply to the photovoltaic system?

A: All photovoltaic systems have been deleted from this project. Please refer to the supplemental drawings in amendment 1.

37. What electrical and low-voltage requirements apply to the gate keypad pedestal and loop detector?

A: Please refer to the plans and specifications. The contractor will be responsible for reviewing manufacturers’ gate requirements when bidding on the project.

38. Should the fire alarm system be monitored locally only, or also connected to remote monitoring?

39. What daylight and occupancy sensor requirements apply for interior lighting controls?

40. What substitutions are acceptable for plant species not available locally?

A: This will be worked out in the submittal process. There are local nurseries that will provide starters if ordered in advance. Please reach out to them for more information.

41. What soil amendment and preparation requirements apply compared with geotechnical recommendations?

42. What are the proper wage classifications for siding installers, equipment operators, and low-voltage electricians?

A: Please refer to Attachment 4 – Wage Determinations for the proper wage classifications for each position.

43. What are the self-performance requirements and reporting obligations under subcontracting limitations?

A: Self-performance requirements are 15%. Please see Attachment 6.

44. What pipe material and jointing method should be used for domestic water and sanitary systems where plans and specifications differ?

45. Is insulation required for both domestic cold and hot water systems in unconditioned spaces?

A: Please refer to plans and specifications.

46. Where are the exact locations and sizes of backflow preventers and cleanouts not shown on the plumbing plans?

47. What fixture schedule details (manufacturer, model, trim) apply for lavatories, toilets, and sinks?

48. What are the correct tonnage and CFM data for the HVAC units where plan callouts and schedule tables differ?

A: Please refer to plans and specifications. Go with the higher performance requirements.

49. Is independent TAB certification required, and should water-side balancing be included in TAB scope?

50. How should VRF controls be integrated with building systems, and are there manufacturer or protocol requirements?

51. Should duct insulation meet IECC R-values for this project’s climate zone?

52. What grounding and bonding requirements apply at the service entrance and main distribution panels?

53. What conductor and conduit sizes should be used where schedules show “typical” rather than explicit values?

A: Refer to electrical plans and specifications.

54. Are arc-flash coordination and selective coordination studies required as part of the scope?

A: Refer to electrical specifications for requirements.

55. What exterior lighting controls are required — photocell, timeclock, or advanced lighting controls?

A: Refer to electrical site plans E101 and specifications.

56. Should the structured cabling system be Cat 6 or Cat 6A, and is testing/certification required?

A: Refer to the drawings and specifications. See specifications for testing / certification requirements.

57. Where is the telecom service entry, and who is responsible for coordination with the service provider?

A: Refer to the drawings and specifications. Contractor is responsible for coordination for all utilities.

58. What specifications apply to racks, patch panels, and termination hardware for telecom systems?

A: Refer to the drawings and specifications.

59. Are spare conduit sleeves required for future expansion between telecom spaces?

A: Refer to the drawings and specifications.

60. Do the Superintendent, SSHO, and QC Manager need to be three separate individuals?

A: The contractor should provide separate individuals for these positions to allow for independent oversight of the project space. At a minimum. The Quality Control manager shall be a separate individual.

61. Can the period of performance be extended after award once material and equipment lead times are confirmed due to market conditions?

A: The contractor is required to follow the requirements contained within Section F of the solicitation and specifically FAR 52.211-10. The government will work with the contractor regarding any delays due to supply chain issues.

62. Can you provide the site visit attendee sign-in sheet?

A: The Site Visit sign-in sheet is included as an attachment in Amendment 02.

63. Are soil boring reports available? If not, can it be assumed that excavation will be free of rocks and obstructions?

A: It isn’t anticipated that there are any rocks and obstructions.

64. Is there a bulk water fill source, such as a hydrant, available nearby for construction operations?

A: Yes, there are hydrants near the site. However, coordination with Hanksville City will need to be made to use them.

65. Is asbestos or lead present on this project, and if so, can you provide the relevant documentation?

A: See attached asbestos reports, Attachments 11 and 12.

66. Does this project require phasing, and if so, what are the requirements?

A: Refer to question 18 above.

67. Is the project tax exempt?

A: No, this project is not tax-exempt.

68. When do you anticipate onsite work starting?

A: This will be determined between the contractor and government upon award.

69. Are third-party inspections required?

A: Please refer to specifications. Several aspects of the building are required to be certified by 3rd party inspector.

70. Is permitting required for this project?

A: No, the federal government is the acting authority on federal lands. However, there may be permitting fees, etc., required for work on and connection to any utilities entering the BLM grounds. The Contractor is responsible for coordination and payment of any such fees.

71. Within the “Project Management and Coordination” specification section or included within the solicitation we are unable to find any reference to site supervision requirements. Please confirm whether the requirements for the site superintendent, Quality Control Manager, and Site Safety Supervisor can be one individual?

A: Refer to question 60 above.

72. Please confirm if there are specific resume requirements for a single individual to meet the SSHO/Site Superintendent and QCM requirements?

A: Refer to question 60 above.

73. The specification references commissioning to be included within the progress schedule but there are no specific guidelines prescribed. Please confirm if the requirements for UFC 019100.15 is the Government’s intent for total building commissioning and the awarded contractor shall be required to employ a 3rd party commissioning agent to review all systems and equipment submittals prior to submission to the Government or if standard start-up services are all that is required?

A: Please refer to specifications. Several aspects of the building are required to be certified by 3rd party inspector.

74. Per the specifications, the structural steel Fabricator must participate in the AISC

Quality Certification Program and must be accredited by the IAS Fabricator

Inspection Program for Structural Steel; The installer must be designated as an AISC-

Certified Erector. Due to the remote location of the project this requirement will severely limit ability to find competitive suppliers and installers. Please confirm if steel subcontractors with Los Angeles City Certification or other similar industry certifications can be considered in lieu of AISC Certification if the certification meets or exceeds AISC quality safety standards?

A: Certified fabricator that "meets or exceeds" AISC standards would be considered.

Preferred suppliers for the premanufactured engineered metal building (PEMB) should be submitted for approval prior to procuring the building.

75. Per the specifications the irrigation subcontractor used must be a certified irrigation contractor in good standing as set forth by the Irrigation Association and staff must hold very specific certifications. Due to the remote location of the project this requirement will severely limit ability to find competitive suppliers and installers.

Will the Government consider removing the restrictive requirements for the irrigation subcontractor and consider that an organization and foreman with at least 2 years of irrigation experience on commercial or Federal projects of similar scope would be considered acceptable?

A: Provide an irrigation designer with 5 years’ experience in design in southern

Utah.

76. Per the specifications delegated design is required for aluminum-framed entrances and storefronts. Please confirm if the requirement is for “stamped” design documents by a PE or registered architect?

A: Refer to specifications section 084113.

77. Please confirm the Government review time for delegated design documents and if this additional design effort was considered when establishing the 400-calendar day

PoP?

A: Any item to be reviewed by the Government is to be provided by the Contractor.

The Contractor is responsible for obtaining, assembling and reviewing all material prior to submitting to the Government including anything requiring delegated design.

All construction activities are to be within the given Period of Performance.

78. Per the specifications delegated design (including design of seismic restraints) and mock-ups are required for linear metal ceilings. Please confirm if the requirement is for “stamped” design documents by a PE or registered architect?

A: Refer to the specifications section 095423.

79. Per the specifications delegated design is required for metal building systems, footings and foundations. Since the building design would need to be complete before the final loads can be determined and the foundation designed there is a significant amount of design and potential for Government comments during review. Please confirm if the requirement is for “stamped” design documents by a PE or registered architect?

A: A pre-engineered metal building (PEMB) will need to be designed, engineered and stamped by the PEMB manufacturer for the given use and location.

80. Please confirm how many days of review the Government will be allowed for the metal building and foundation design?

A: All submittals for Government review are allowed a minimum of 15 calendar days as per Section 01330-Submittal Procedures. The Government will accept and process the submittals as quickly as possible but is allowed the 15 days as needed.

81. Based on the complexity of the project and current vendor backlog, it would be in the best interest of the Government to extend the submission date by 14 calendar days to obtain the most competitive pricing?

A: Please see Amendment 02 for more information about solicitation extensions.

82. The awarded contractor would need to assume approximately: 141 calendar days from NTP before the building(s) can even be placed into production (Assume 3-4 months fabrication and delivery best case). With 15 days required by the specifications for start-up and 15 days required by the specifications for commissioning along with an anticipated 30 days for close-out. This equates to 321 calendar days of the 400-calendar day PoP. We would recommend the Government consider adjusting the PoP to 520 calendar days if this designated design requirement isn’t changed via amendment.?

A: The contractor is required to follow the requirements contained within Section F of the solicitation and specifically FAR 52.211-10. The government will work with the contractor regarding any delays due to supply chain issues.

83. Our subcontractor just said there are no specifications on water lines in the building. He didn't know if they are copper or pex.

84. Buffalo grass sod is hard to get; would it be acceptable to use buffalo grass hydroseed?

A: No, hydroseed is not acceptable.

File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .