140P2021R0055-0004_Att02-QuestionsAndResponses_01-24_210702_0004.pdf

140P2021R0055 Questions and Answers – Amendment #0004 07/02/2021

The following is a consolidated list vendor questions submitted to date. Responses in red address questions from this amendment. Please note that some questions are still pending responses and will be addressed in a future amendment.

1. Specification calls for new sash to be counterweighted within 5 lbs. of original weight. Given that they will be Sapele with IGU it is unlikely this will work. We usually fix the top sash in place and hang the bottom sash only which gives us room to add enough weight to make the bottom sash operational. Please advise.

Response: If operable double-hung windows cannot be achieved, NPS will accept a fixed top sash and operable bottom sash as an alternative.

2. What is the weight limit on the elevated pavers around the building? Is it acceptable to forklift a

4500 lb. boom lift onto the platform to access the windows?

Response: Spec section 01 11 00 states “Contractor to evaluate the weight limits of the existing pavers and pedestal prior to construction activity. Contractor to provide these weight limits in writing to the Contracting Officer if the Contractor intends to store materials or place equipment (including scaffolding) on the pavers or pedestal.” Previously, during the condition assessment survey, a Skyjack SJ46 Articulating Boom, 52’-3” working height and a JLG 800AJ Articulating Boom, 86’-6” working height were used with TrakMat, heavy duty polymer mats made to protect hard and soft scape surfaces from heavy duty construction equipment. This equipment fit through the gate openings and was only driven at the sidewalk level, not on the elevated fiberglass pavers around the building. Contractors are welcome to evaluate with their own engineer if they feel they cannot avoid putting weight on the pavers in their staging and in the performance of the construction work.

3. Lead is mentioned in the contract docs, are they calling for abatement on the window frames or just “lead in construction” care to be taken?

Response: The hazardous materials approach for the lead paint at all wood elements not being replaced is encapsulation. All construction activities related to the elements with hazardous materials should follow the requirements of the specifications for lead and asbestos-containing materials handled during construction.

4. Spec section 10 81 13-4, part 2.1A states: Manufacturer and System: Provide PermaNet plastic netting bird control system as made by BirdMaster, 13 Linnell Circle, Billerica, MA 01821 (800-562- 2473), or approved equal. Do you have a list of approved equals that you are able to provide? We have 2 other bird netting companies stating that they can provide the exact specified netting and associated materials but will not bid because with their past experience, the NPS will only accept BirdMaster. Can you please confirm?

Response: NPS will accept alternative bird netting products as long as they meet the performance criteria in the Specifications, Section 10 81 13 and fulfill the warranty with respect to the use of existing anchors.

5. I was hoping someone would be better able to explain the Report on Limitations on Subcontracting form that is to be submitted with our bid for the above project. What is the participation % we are required to meet? It says the percent is noted in line 4, but there is no percent there.

Response: Per the line below the Corrective Action Plan in the “Report on Limitations on Subcontracting” worksheet. the Participation Percentage noted in Line 4 should calculate to be “at least 15% of the cost of the contract, not including the cost of materials, with its own employees” as described for general contractors, paragraph (c)(3) in FAR 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting, which was incorporated into the contract clauses by reference.

6. CLIN 22 Says to replace selected wood window in basement and CLIN 28 says to replace the basement windows.

Response: The windows are identified in Specification Section 01 27 00, Definition of Contract Line Items. CLIN 22 identifies the windows as follows: “This item consists of replacing two of the wood window sashes at the basement (windows 008 and 009) including glazing, surrounding trim, and sills and providing treatment as defined on the Drawings.” CLIN 28 identifies the windows as follows:

This item consists of replacing the wood window sashes at the basement (windows 001 through 007 and windows 010 through 014B) including glazing, surrounding trim, and sills and providing treatment as defined on the Drawings.

7. What is the size and weight limit of the elevator mentioned?

Response: The interior of the elevator cab measures approximately 80” wide by 42” deep. Signage in the cab states that the elevator capacity is 3,000 lbs.

8. How long will the items be in storage off site for?

Response: The items will be in storage for the duration of the construction project, and will then be returned to the park at the end of construction. The contract price schedule has this broken out in months to allow for the potential to extend the storage period. Refer to the Specifications, Section 01 35 92.

9. To clarify, NPS does not want the collection to be stored off site in general storage?

a. Would a locked, caged off area in general storage be ok, semi-private?

Response: A locked, caged-off area in general storage is okay, but it must be dedicated to Independence material, i.e. the locked, caged-off area in general storage cannot be shared with other clients. Refer to the Specifications, Section 01 35 92.

b. If not, would a shared private room be ok, or does the client require a private room with no other clients?

Response: No sharing. Refer to the Specifications, Section 01 35 92.

10. What is the loading area like? Is there a dock? Where is it located in the building?

Response: There is no loading dock. The Site Plan shows the contractor’s designated staging area on Library Street to the south of Second Bank. Contractor may use the south steps and/or the west ADA accessible ramp to access this area.

11. Which of the below specifications is being requested, the RFQ lists 2 different climate requests?

a. Temperature range of 65-72 degrees and 45%-60% relative humidity

Response: These parameters are wrong. See revised Specification Section 01 35 92, provided in Attachment 03 to Amendment 0004 and answer 11b., below, for the correct parameters.

b. Temperature must range between 55-70 degrees (+- 5 degrees) and relative humidity range between 40-65% (+- 5%)

Response: Temperature must range between 55-70 degrees (+- 5 degrees) and relative humidity range between 40-65% (+- 5%).

12. The RFQ says no plastic and that newsprint should be used.

a. Does this mean Kraft paper rolls or corrugated rolls?

Response: Kraft paper rolls.

b. Does this mean just the interior packing materials, or does the tape have to be paper based too for sealing boxes?

Response: Just the interior packing materials. See revised Specification Section 01 35 92, Attachment 03 to Amendment 0004.

c. Does the ban on plastics extend to cushioning foam typically used in crates? Is PE foam

(polyethylene) acceptable as cushioning?

Response: The ban on plastics includes the cushioning. No polyethelene foam. See revised Specification Section 01 35 92, Attachment 03 to Amendment 0004.

d. Is plastic in the form of stretch wrap allowed on transit materials like Cbins?

Response: Stretch/shrink wrap is allowed on transit materials. See revised Specification Section 01 35 92, Attachment 03 to Amendment 0004.

13. Will the 214 exhibited works of art be deinstalled already or will the contractor be responsible for deinstallation (removing the pieces from the wall)?

Response: Contractor is responsible for deinstallation.

14. In specification section 1.1, SUMMARY, #3, Pack, transport, store offsite, return, unpack, and reinstall stored reproduction furniture, lighting equipment and supplies, boxed and rolled fabric, equipment crates, boxed wallpaper rolls, boxed carpet tiles, industrial-sized rolls and large boxes of paper and packing material, ladders, and small supplies from second floor rooms prior to start of Construction and then return at the conclusion of Construction. Remove and legally dispose of all related trash from the facility.

a. Are the objects listed above part of the 1435 collections objects, or are these different objects?

Response: This refers to the contents of Rooms 201, 204 and 205-6 only. These are NOT the 1,435 collection items in Rooms 214-215 and 229.

b. If different, is an itemized list available/ inventory of these objects?

Response: See inventories provided in the revised Specification Section 01 35 92, Attachment 03 to Amendment 0004. Please note that the items in Room 201 have been added to this scope of work and are to be treated similarly to the objects in Rooms 204, 205 and 206 (see 2.2.C. of Specification Section 01 35 92).

NOTE: THESE PHOTOS SUPPLEMENT THE INVENTORY LISTS IN SPECIFICATION SECTION

01 35 92. THE ITEMS ON THE INVENTORY LISTS ARE THE ONLY ITEMS THAT WILL NEED

TO BE MOVED, AS SOME OBJECTS IN THESE PHOTOS WILL BE RELOCATED BY NPS

PRIOR TO THE START OF THIS PROJECT.

Photos of Room 201

Photos of Room 204

Photos of Room 205-206

Photos of Room 214-215

Photos of Room 229

c. When it says reinstall, does that mean we are responsible for putting them back into storage or installing the objects?

Response: “Reinstall” means returning all material to their original storage location, i.e. on shelves or on the floor.

15. In specification section 1.2, SUBMITTALS, B. In advance of the move, the Contractor shall submit a proposed procedure and schedule of housekeeping which will occur in the storage space where the Second Bank museum collection, equipment, and supplies are stored to the COR. Housekeeping and inspection of storage spaces shall be performed according to an established and approved schedule.

Is this in reference to the off-site storage or the onsite storage area in the bank?

Response: Off-site storage. Note that the Second Bank building will be operating their HVAC system continuously throughout the duration of this project and that NPS HVAC mechanics will need periodic access throughout the building in order to monitor and service equipment.

16. From specification section 1.2, E, 3 Demonstrated proficiency in transporting heavy museum antiques (e.g., pianos). Is there a piano that needs to be moved?

Response: There are no pianos, but there are large furniture items. See inventories provided in the revised Specification Section 01 35 92, Attachment 03 to Amendment 0004.

17. From specification section 2.2, CRATING, PACKING AND MOVING, B. STORED MUSEUM COLLECTION

OBJECTS (ROOMS 214-215, 229):

a. Is there an inventory list for these 1435 objects?

Response: An inventory of those items is provided in Attachment 03 to Amendment 0004.

b. The RFQ mentions heavy museum artifacts, can you please elaborate?

Response: See inventories provided in Attachment 03 to Amendment 0004.

c. Does every object have to be in its own box? Can small framed pieces be wrapped in newsprint and then grouped into commercial bins, separated by dividers? Can the commercial bin be covered in plastic?

Response: No. Small objects must be individually wrapped, but they can be packed together in boxes. Small framed pieces can be wrapped in newsprint and then grouped in commercial bins, separated by dividers. Commercial bins can be covered in plastic.

d. Do all of these objects need packing or are some already in storage containers? If so, which objects and how many?

18. From specification section 2.2, CRATING, PACKING AND MOVING,C. Reproductions, Supply, and

Equipment Rooms (Rooms 204, 205-6):

a. Are these objects included in the 1435 objects listed, or are these different objects?

Response: See inventories provided in the revised Specification Section 01 35 92, Attachment 03 to Amendment 0004. Please note that the items in Room 201 have been added to this scope of work and are to be treated similarly to the objects in Rooms 204, 205 and 206 (see 2.2.C. of Specification Section 01 35 92).

b. If they are different, is there an inventory list? With weights and sizes?

c. How many objects will need to be hand carried downstairs due to their location?

Response: Everything in Room 229 must be carried downstairs. Rooms 201, 204, 205-206, and 214-215 have access to an elevator, which may be available to the Contractor.

19. It is mentioned that the contractor shall cover and protect in place all shelving, flat files and cabinets once the collections objects are removed.

a. Does the client have a preference for what the contractor uses to protect these? Is plastic sheeting ok?

Response: Bottom layer kraft paper or cardboard. Top layer plastic sheeting.

b. Is there an inventory list of these storage furniture objects? Type, size, and quantity?

Response:

• There are ten (10) flat files each measuring H 35.5 x L 54 x D 42.5 inches placed back to back in two rows.

• There are twenty-four (24) specimen cabinets each measuring H 37 x L 29 x D 32 inches stacked two high side by side in four groups.

• There are three (3) textile cabinets each measuring H 37 x L 58 x D 32 inches placed on top of two specimen cabinets.

• There are five (5) visible storage cabinets each measuring H 84 x L 36 x D 18 inches placed side by side.

20. As part of the technical proposal we are required to submit PROJECT EXPERIENCE forms of which key subcontractors can also submit up to three (3) relevant project completed in the last seven (7) years. When key subcontractors are submitting relevant projects should they just submit the SUBCONTRACTOR REFERENCE form for each relevant project or should subcontractors also submit PROJECT EXPEREINCE forms that are accompanied by corresponding PAST PERFORMANCE

QUESTIONNAIRES?

Response: The Subcontractor Reference form will not be required in your Proposal Submission Package. Please note the comments in the amendment form for Amendment 0004.

21. We would like to submit questions in regards to SECTION 01 35 92 – COLLECTION MOVE AND STORAGE PROCEDURES. Please see our questions below:

a. For “A. Exhibited Artworks (First Floor Galleries)”:

i. Is there a defined crate specification?

Response: No. Refer to Specification Section 01 35 92 for crate requirements.

ii. What should these crate exterior shells be constructed of MDO, plywood, or other materials?

Response: Plywood or MDO are acceptable. No foam core or MDF.

iii. Should these crates have insulation and shock absorption or just shock absorption?

Response: The crates should meet the performance criteria in Specification Section 01

35 92.

iv. With the lockable requirement - is this a bolt system or a hasp system?

v. Should the crates be waterproofed with paint and rain shelf top?

b. It is stated that there are a total of 25 crates estimated. Is there a packing list per crate or could we schedule a meeting to review which crates should hold designated objects?

Response: Inventory provided in Specification Section 01 35 92 lists each exhibited artwork by size so that Contractor can propose what goes into each crate. The park does not have a required crate content list.

c. Are these crates to be designed to be left onsite only? Or should they be designed to be relocated to offsite storage in the event of an emergency?

Response: The crates should be designed to withstand an emergency move.

d. Wrapping of works: Is there an alternative to a newsprint paper? Is the intention to allow for variability in temp/RH or breathability? Could another alternative such as soft Tyvek or Dartek be proposed?

Response: The intention is to allow for slight variability over time in RH and for breathability/air circulation.

e. Could a site visit be provided the week of July 4th for review of packing methods and design?

Response: Unfortunately, we’re unable to arrange further visits at this time due to staff limitations and fair opportunity to other contractors. The second floor is closed to the public; however, the portrait galleries on the first floor are available.

f. For “B. Stored Museum Collection Objects (Rooms 214-15, 229)”:

i. Is there a list of the 1,435 objects that is available to review?

Response: Yes. See Matrix of Items to Be Moved, provided in Attachment 03 to Amendment 0004.

ii. What will be the registration process for the packing of the 1435 objects? Will these be verified by NPS staff, or should the vendor bring onsite registrars for the process?

Pending Response

iii. Can the furniture that is wrapped in paper also be wrapped in pads/blankets for transport and storage? Additionally, would soft Tyvek be an alternative?

Response: Pads/blankets are an acceptable alternative. No Tyvek.

iv. Could a site visit be accommodated the week of July 4th for review of packing methods and design? A design designation for the ceramics, metals, glass, textiles, and paintings would be beneficial.

Response: Please see response to Question 21.e.

v. Clarify if cardboard boxes are to be made from archival materials (Blue board or the like)?

Response: Archival cardboard boxes are not required.

vi. It is noted that all objects are to be stored together. Does this require a private room or is managed storage with a designated location acceptable?

Response: See answers to Question 9.

g. For “C. Reproductions, Supply, and Equipment Rooms (Rooms 204, 205-6)”:

i. Are there any special requirements for the packing of the lighting equipment?

Response: No

ii. Could a site visit be provided the week of July 4th for review of packing methods and

iii. Does the estimated 2000 square feet of storage from Bid Option 8 – Contract Line Item No. 0031 Storage Space Rental for Second Floor Contents include the items in section C?

Response: Yes.

h. Overall access questions:

i. Will the awarded vendor have access to truck parking in a close proximity to the main doorway?

Response: Per the answer to Question 10, the Site Plan shows the contractor’s designated staging area on Library Street to the south of Second Bank. Contractor may use the south steps and/or the west ADA accessible ramp to access this area.

ii. Does the elevator capacity/frequency of use have any restrictions?

Response: Per the answer to Question 7, the interior of the elevator cab measures approximately 80” wide by 42” deep. Signage in the cab states that the elevator capacity is 3,000 lbs. Please refer to Specification Section 01 50 00 for additional requirements pertaining to the use of existing elevators.

iii. Could a site visit be provided the week of July 4th for review of packing methods and

22. Is the report for previous repairs (ca. 2005) to the Pennsylvania Blue marble columns available? If so, please provide. Are there any other pertinent reports for previous work available?

Response: See Attachment 04 to Amendment 0004: The Pennsylvania Blue Report Documentation and Conditions Survey of the Exterior Marble Masonry (2004).

23. In preparing our bid a number of questions have come up regarding the windows:

a. 028200-1.2B Asbestos Abatement: For Asbestos abatement- if we coordinate containment with our abatement contractor can the sash be removed offsite for disposal or is it a requirement that the glazing be removed from the sash in situ before removal of the sash?

b. 028313-3 1.3A Lead Based Paint: Is the intent to abate Lead based paint by removing trim, sills as well as complete removal of LBP from all surfaces? Can the removal of trim/sills be done by certified RRP personnel or does it need to be removed by a licensed abatement contractor?

Response: See response to Question 3: The hazardous materials approach for the lead paint at all wood elements not being replaced is encapsulation.

c. 085200-1.4D Wood Window design:

i. Type D should be within 5 lbs. of original sash weight. We don’t think this is feasible given that the new sash will be a dense hardwood (Sapele) and have an IGU.

ii. Type D should be operable- given that additional counterweights will be required to make the bottom sash operable, it is unlikely there will be enough room in the weight cavity for the top sash to also be operable. Is it acceptable to fix the top sash and counterweight the bottom only?

Response: If operable double-hung windows cannot be achieved, NPS will accept a fixed top sash and operable bottom sash as an alternative.

d. 085200-2.6B Wood Window design/installation; Sash chain is specified to be restored-given the additional weight of the new sash we recommend replacing the chain with heavier gauge. Is this acceptable?

e. Sheet AD8.1 Demolition/Sash removal: Details 1-8 note to remove insulated glazing. If we are removing the sash entirely do need to remove glazing prior to sash removal? If so won’t this make the requirement to weigh each sash superfluous?

Response: The entire existing sash is to be removed – refer to drawings and specifications.

Existing glazing does not need to be removed prior to sash removal.

f. Sheet A8.2 Wood window design:

i. Sash thickness of 1 ½” Can these be 1 ¾” sash- would make for a much stronger build and allow for thicker IGUs

ii. Detail 11- Steel support at windows 205 and 216? Spec 085200 doesn’t elaborate on this- are there any details on how this should be integrated into the wood window design? Why are there structural requirements at these two windows but not at Window Type D?

iii. Casement windows-according to these details the entire casement frame, sill and sash is to be removed. This seems to conflict with the directive on the window schedule to restore various components of the Basement window frames. (Note 8.4)

24. Is it possible to walk the existing roof?

Response: Unfortunately, we’re unable to arrange a roof walk at this time due to staff limitations and fair opportunity to other contractors. Attachment 05 to Amendment 0004 provides vendor information regarding the existing roof.

(End of Amendment 0004 Q&As)

140P2021R0055