B09_Amendment0003_Questions&Answers_Set1.pdf

Questions & Answers Set 1 – Amendment 0002

Question 1: In the solicitation, Section L, paragraph D.3.d.1, in reference to Past Performance Questionnaires, client references are instructed to “submit the survey to the address and point of contact in paragraph B above”. Referenced paragraph B shows a mailing address for Contracting Specialist, John Babcock, but no email or phone number. Please confirm client references are to MAIL their PPQs to Mr. Babcock at PO Box 25287, Denver, CO 80225.

a. Or will an email address be provided for submission of PPQs?

Answer 1: You may email Past Performance Questionnaires to John Babcock at john_babcock@nps.gov and Frank Camacho at frank_camacho@nps.gov or mail them to the address listed in the solicitation

Question 2: At the site visit it was discussed that the RFP due date of July 10 will be extended to allow for questions to be answered and provide time for contractors to process answers in preparation of their price and technical proposals. We respectfully request a minimum of 10 days following return of answers for the due of the proposals. Please confirm if NPS will extend the RFP due date?

Answer 2: Per Amendment 0002 for solicitation 140P2019R0029, the response date has been extended July 23, 2019

Question 3: SF1442 states the period of performance is 365 days and more specifically that dates of commencement and completion are 9/30/2019 to 9/29/2020 respectively. Project plan sheets G4 & G6 reference date ranges in 2021 as if the project will be performed over two years.

a. What is the correct period of performance?

b. Is the project to be phased? Or is the project to be performed continuously from start to finish until complete?

c. What is anticipated award date?

d. What is the anticipated NTP date for onsite construction?

Answer 3:

a.) Current estimated Period of Performance is 9/30/2019 – 9/29/2020 b.) Project is to be performed continuously from start to completion c.) Anticipated date of award is final week of September (2019) mailto:john_babcock@nps.gov mailto:frank_camacho@nps.gov d.) Anticipated NTP date for onsite construction is estimated to be is 30 days from date of contract award.

Question 4: Depending on correct period of performance and phasing plans for the project, please provide revised plans sheets with correct notations for limitations on parking at Frozen Niagra Entrance as designated on sheets G4.

Answer 4: Timeline indicate on drawings is park operational needs. The time of construction is anticipated to be 9/2019 thru 9/2020.

Question 5: Depending on correct period of performance and phasing plans for the project, please provide revised plans sheets with correct notations for Contractor Access Limitations designated on sheets G6.

Answer 5: Timeline indicate on drawings is park operational needs. The time of construction is anticipated to be 9/2019 thru 9/2020.

Question 6: Sheet G6 designates Grand Central Station as having limited use by the contractor, except for time period from Sept, 2020 to May 27, 2021 with use only afterhours. During the time period of permitted use the elevator is designated as not being available to the contractor. It must be assumed that all materials, equipment and personnel for work at Grand Central Station must enter and exit through Frozen Niagra Entrance during this time period. Please confirm this is consistent with intended phasing plan for the project.

Answer 6: To provide answer at later time.

Question 7: 7. Section 011100 Summary of Work states that contractor is not permitted to disturb cave wildlife in execution of the work. On that basis please respond to the following questions:

a. What wildlife commonly resides or in the sections of cave from Snowball Dining Room to Grand Central Station that could be disturbed during construction operations?

b. Are there periods of time when there is greater risk of disturbing cave wildlife that would limit construction activities?

c. No limitations were found in the specification for vibrations caused by construction activities including demolition operations. Please confirm if the contractor will have limitations on vibrations caused by construction?

d. Section 015719.12, Noise & Acoustics Management, is a general noise specification for a standard construction project and not specific to this project in the cave environment. Please designate specifically what limitations on noise should be expected for construction activities in the cave environment?

Answer 7:

A. Primary wildlife in this area of the cave that are of concern at bats and cave crickets. Bat are generally very uncommon in this section of the cave in all seasons. One or two may be seen on the route. Cave Crickets are common near the Elevator/Snowball and near the Frozen Niagara Section, although they may be seen throughout the construction zone.

Bats should not be touched or harassed. To the extent possible, crickets should not be killed or injured; however, it is recognized that they may be crawling/hopping along on trail, and could be killed by normal walking. Several types of spiders may also be seen near the entrances, while non-venomous, they should also be avoided and not harmed if possible. None of these should significantly impact construction operations.

B. For this section there are no specific periods that will be of greater risk for disturbing wildlife.

There are no known bat hibernation roosts in this section that will need to be avoided.

C. There are no vibration limitations that will be related to wildlife for this section.

D. No further limitations that what is specified.

Question 8: No reference was found in the specification for limitations on wet cutting in the cave for demolition or core drilling. Please confirm any limitations on wet cutting in the cave?

Answer 8: Wet cutting is allowed within the cave if the contractor is able to collect the water used for the process. All water shall be disposed outside the cave.

Question 9: Section 011100, paragraphs 1.5 and 1.6 place restrictions on the contractor for after hour and weekend work. At the time of preparation of these questions viability of the project schedule has not been evaluated. It is possible that weekend and/or afterhours work will be necessary with split shifts to accomplish all work in the specified period of performance. Please confirm if NPS will permit the contractor access to the construction areas as needed to complete all work in the period of performance if it is demonstrated that such access is vital to completion of the work on time?

Answer 9: To provide answer at later time.

Question 10: At the time of preparation of these questions schedule viability has not been determined for the designated period of performance of this project. If contractors determine after questions and answers that the designated period of performance is a serious risk of the project, meaning it may not be possible to complete in the designated time frame, will NPS consider offering an extended duration or alternate phasing plan to complete the project?

Answer 10: NPS will consider extending the duration of the contract but remains as is for now.

Question 11: Sheet G3 Photo #1 is not clear in the scanned version of this file provided in the plan set.

Please provide clear image to reference provided long term staging area for clarity to the contractor.

Answer 11: Attached is clear image of Photo #1. File labeled as “B09_Photo1_Amendment0003_140P2019R0029.pdf” in amendment 0003 attachments.

Question 12: Can project superintendent also serve as the project (site) safety officer?

Answer 12: No

Question 13: Section 015719.11, Indoor Air Quality Management, is a standard specification for general building construction and not specific or applicable to work in the cave environment. If there are specific indoor air quality tests and monitoring required for this project, please designate those tests and/or monitoring specifically?

Answer 13: To provide answer at later time.

Question 14: Section 015719.12, Noise & Acoustics Management, is a general noise control specification for general construction and not specific or necessarily applicable to work in a cave environment. If there are specific noise restrictions for work in the cave on this project, please designate those restrictions and how they relate to execution of this specific project?

Answer 14: To provide answer at later time.

Question 15: Waste management and recycling requirements of Section 017419 will require multiple dumpsters (up to five) for the contractor to comply with recycling requirements. Where should contractor plan to stage all required dumpsters?

Answer 15: To provide answer at later time.

Question 16: Section 0188113.13, Sustainable Design Requirements for Non-LEED Projects contains requirements for submittals related to an Indoor Air Quality Management Plan that are intended for conventional construction project involving a building and are not applicable for this project in the cave.

Please clarify what are specific requirements for submittals or other requirements related this section that are applicable to this cave project?

Answer 16: To provide answer at later time.

Question 17: Specification section 033053 states requirements for rebar in paragraph 2.3 but does not include provisions for hot dipped galvanized rebar. Plan sheet S0.0 states hot dipped galvanized rebar is required. Please clarify the discrepancy and if hot dipped galvanized rebar is to be used?

Answer 17: The construction documents have been revised to indicate that there is no hot dipped galvanized rebar required on the project. See revised Sheet “B09_S0.0 REVISED_Amendment0003_140P2019R0029.pdf” attached to Amendment 0003.

Question 18: Section 033053 states requirements for color pigment to provide color concrete but does not state which color. Color can affect price. What color concrete should be anticipated for selection?

Answer 18: Contractor shall submit for approval in proposal.

Question 19: Please confirm mixing of concrete in the cave in a suitable enclosure with dust containment and air filtration and with suitable methodology to meet all specification and testing requirements as approved by NPS is permitted?

Answer 19: Mixing concrete within the cave is allowed if the contractor meets the requirements above and are in accordance with the specifications.

Question 20: Detail F/C7.02 designates a slip resistant concrete finish that is achieved by saw cutting a grooved finish into the concrete. If a grooved finish can be tooled into wet concrete and demonstrated to have equal or better slip resistance, will that finishing technique be permitted in lieu of cutting a grooved finish after concrete cure?

Answer 20: To provide answer at later time.

Question 21: Section 312000 states requirements for excavation and includes a statement that excavation is to be completed by hand and that no changes in contract will be permitted for rock excavation or obstruction removal is that is required to complete required excavation. On that basis, is use of electric jack hammers and/or rotary hammer demolition permitted for demolition/removal of rock and similar conditions?

Answer 21: To provide answer at later time.

Question 22:The callout box on c2.39 shows the outline of a handrail on the steps next to the benches but there is no start or end designation. Please confirm if new handrails get installed in this location.

Answer 22: Yes, a new handrail will be required at this location. Sheet C2.39 has been revised including the requested start and stop northing and easting information. See attached revised Sheet labeled “B09_C2.39 REVISED_Amendment0003_140P2019R0029.pdf” in amendment 0003 attachments.

Question 23: Page S1.0 Detail 1 Type 1 and Type 2 states to "see civil plans for handrail locations". The civil plans and the finished material plans to not specify where each type of post embedment is to be used. Is the use of each embedment type based on the contractor’s choice?

Answer 23: Type 2 shall be the primary embedded handrail post detail. Type 1 is intended to be used where a 6” thickened slab is not feasible due to constraints in the caves geological features. The exposed Stainless Steel plate for Type 1 shall be beveled on all four sides to avoid any tripping hazards.

Question 24: Page S1.0 Detail 2 and Detail 3 states to "see civil plans for handrail locations". The civil plans and the finished material plans to not specify where each type of post embedment is to be used. Is the use of each embedment type based on the contractor’s choice?

Answer 24: Detail 3 on S1.0 removable handrail detail into concrete shall be the primary removable post detail. Detail 2 on S1.0 is intended to be used where the 8” thickened slab is not feasible due to constraints in the caves geological features.