B09_Q_A_for_Solicitation_140P1424Q0068_0001.docx

Questions for Solicitation 140P1424Q0068 – Restore Historic Masonry – Glacier National Park List of changes to the bid documents from the original –

· Scope of Work

· Added note to Section 3.4.1. 5) that the repairs at B#17 shall include masonry rebuilding an estimated four brick courses below the roof line. See revised Scope Sheet for this building.

· Added note to Section 3.4.1. 3) and 3.4.2. 3) to allow reuse of chimney flues that are in good condition, and replacement in-kind of chimney flues that are in poor condition.

· Added note to Section 6.6.1. to state that most buildings have an exterior water spigot that would be available for Contractor use.

· Scope Sheets

· Revised B#17 Scope Sheet (page 13 to 17) for to include masonry rebuilding an estimated four brick courses below the roof line.

· Added a sheet for B#222 West Lakes District Office (page 41). This building is not included in this contract, but an architectural detail and photo is provided as a loose reference for the “Install New Sheet Metal Cap” item.

Contractor seeking clarification on several key points pertaining to the project.

1. First, I would appreciate confirmation on whether each individual cabin affected by this undertaking is duly registered as a historical structure?

a. The 13 buildings located on Albright Circle, Mather Drive, Ruhle Drive, and Scoyen Circle are included in the Headquarters Historic District and are considered a “contributing element” to this Historic District. None of the buildings are explicitly registered as Historic Structures, however.

2. Second, I would like to understand if contractors participating in the bidding process are expected to adhere to the guidelines prescribed by the Department of the Interior concerning historical restoration efforts?

a. The provided NPS Preservation Briefs are general guidelines for historic preservation work and should be followed. Consult with NPS if the contractor wishes to apply methods outside of the recommendations of the NPS Preservation Briefs.

3. Building 168 appears to have a broken antenna attached to it. During the site visit the COR noted the antenna could be removed and did not need to be reinstalled on the chimney. Please confirm how the antenna should be handled during construction.

a. Yes, the contractor shall remove and dispose of this broken antenna. Do not reinstall. See B#168 Scope Sheet.

4. At the site visit, the specifications requiring testing of mortar and mockups of mortar type and color required on each chimney were discussed. The contractors suggested this would take an extensive amount of time mobilizing to each chimney. It was suggested, to avoid these costs in the proposals, the park service could specify a specific mortar (type N was suggested) and the color match could be done in the field at each location. Additionally, everyone at the site visit noted even on the chimneys that were just a cleaning and repoint, they would repoint from the roof line to the top so no differences in color would be visible. Is specifying the mortar mix and allowing the masons to color match in the field during construction something the park service would consider?

a. Please see revisions to the Scope of Work Section 3.5.2. NPS will no longer require a separate mortar sample for each chimney prior to work. Instead, color and texture matching shall be done during work in the field – the contractor will provide a “mock-up” sample of the proposed mortar for selection by NPS.

b. Considering the wide range of age and material composition of existing masonry units, NPS anticipates that both Type S and Type N mortar may be required for this project. Scope of Work Section 3.5.2.a. of the directs use of a soft, high-lime content mortar – both Type S and Type N fit this description. For most structures, NPS anticipates that the contractor could use a standard mortar mix and adjust color and texture accordingly.

c. Yes, it is acceptable to repoint all mortar from the roof line up. This method would eliminate the risk of differing appearances between new and old mortar.

5. At the site visit it was observed that many of the chimneys had been repaired previously. Some of them had three or four different colors of brick. We are assuming we need to match the brick based on what was used for the majority of the chimney. Please confirm this is a correct assumption.

a. Yes, the contractor should best-match the predominate brick appearance in each chimney. B#212 is the best example of a building with a mix of brick types. At this building, the contractor should use a best-match to the smooth, lighter-colored red bricks that make up the majority of these structures.

b. The contractor should provide a best-match brick and mortar appearance to the existing. Greater leeway will be allowed for structures that are to be fully rebuilt.

c. The contractor may choose to salvage bricks from this project or another, provided that the salvaged bricks are free of deterioration as defined in Section 3.3.1. of the Scope of Work.

6. Some of the chimneys had yellow brick in them. The COR noted these did not need to be reused and should be replaced with a matching brick for the rest of the chimney. Please confirm.

a. Yes, the yellow bricks should not be replaced. See B#11 Scope Sheet. The B#11 chimney shall be rebuilt from the roof line up using only red bricks that are a best-match to the existing red bricks of this chimney.

7. A couple of the chimneys have visible damaged brick right down to the roof line of the house and the damage could go into the attic space or even further into the house. The COR noted that any damage below the roof line would be handled by change order and not included in our current bid. Please confirm this.

a. During the site visit, B#17 was noted to have severely deteriorated bricks down to the roof line. NPS later completed an inspection of the masonry from within the attic and found that roughly four brick courses below the roof line are severely deteriorated. The contractor shall include the rebuilding of these brick courses in their quote. See revised Scope Sheet for this building, and revised Scope of Work Section 3.4.1. It is not anticipated that the contractor would need access inside the house to complete this work. Should the contractor require access, coordinate with NPS.

b. Significant damage below the roof line is not anticipated on any other building. If this is encountered after contract award, we will handle the changes with a contract modification.

8. There was a question asked at the site visit about the flues. Whether the flues could be reused or had to be replaced. Our current assumption is the flue would only be replaced if they were cracked or otherwise damaged. Please confirm if this assumption is correct.

a. Yes, flues that are in good condition may be reused. Flues that are in poor condition shall be replaced. See revisions to Scope of Work Section 3.4.1. 3) and 3.4.2. 3).

9. Design and construction of the sheet metal cap?

a. During the site visit, the sheet metal chimney cap on the chimney of B#222 West Lakes District Office was pointed out. This building was recently renovated, including chimney work and the addition of a sheet metal cap. The description in Section 3.4.10 “Install New Sheet Metal Cap” was derived from the architectural detail included on page 41 of the Scope Sheets. All chimney structures in this project are unique, but this detail can be referenced as a general guideline. The cap must be securely fastened to the masonry to resist extreme winds.

10. Chimney usage?

a. None of these chimneys are used for wood-burning fireplaces (anymore). Some chimneys are unused. Others have furnace or appliance vents.

11. Water and utility availability on site?

a. Most buildings have an exterior spigot that the contractor may use to draw water. Sewer or electric is not available. See revised note in Scope of Work Section 6.6.1.

12. Extent of roofing demolition for flashing/counterflashing installation?

a. NPS does not anticipate the need to replace metal roofing panels or wood shakes/shingles; however, metal roofing fasteners or wood shakes/shingles may have to be carefully removed and replaced or lifted up for proper installation of flashing/counterflashing.