B08_Amendment_0002_Attachment_1_Pre-Bid_RFI_and_NPS_Responses_0002.pdf

Solicitation # 140P2023R0022, SEMO 218940 Historic Properties at 2, 4, 5, 8, and 10 Broad Street and 1119 Water Avenue in Selma, Alabama

RFI SET 1

1. It was stated on the site visit that the contractor’s project manager is to be on site at all times as well as the Supt and the QC. Cannot find in the specs nor the solicitations the requirement for the PM to be on site. We find this not being a typical requirement and with the structure of most general contractors, the PM may manage multiple projects.

This requirement will add a significant cost to the project, not only staffing but taking away the contractor’s management of other projects that this project would have to absorb.

a. The General Contactor’s Project Manager IS NOT REQUIRED to be on-site full time. Interested parties should staff the Project Manager position as the determine necessary and location and on-site needs are based on the offeror’s approach.

2. Section 01 31 00 paragraph 1.6 and section 01 33 23 reference NPS/DSC management software. NPS/DSC has not had a software platform for a couple of years, and the specifications elsewhere reference that a Construction Manager will be on the project. Is the Construction Management Firm providing the software, and should the rest of these sections be revised with regards to software usage?

a. The Construction Management Firm hired by separate Task Order through the

Denver Service Center will provide and manage the software referenced in the sections above.

3. Will the contractor be provided with electricity and water from existing building to perform the work and to our jobsite trailer or will we be required to make arrangements with the local providers and include these cost in our proposal?

a. Electricity and water are available from the existing facility as indicated in 3.2.D.

4. Will there be a requirement for the GC to provide additional trailers (office space) for the

CM, architect, or park staff?

a. Two trailers are reflected on drawing C0, one for the General Contractor, the second for the Contracting Officer’s Field Office. Other parties do not require a field office.

5. The RFP states to provide resumes for the management team, (PM, Supt, and QC). If the award date extends past the June date stated in the Power Point, please confirm the GC will be able to change its team do to the likelihood this staff will be assigned to other awarded projects as the year progresses. Please note most contractors cannot and do not keep a staff sitting on the bench for possible work. Please remove this requirement for including staffing resumes from the proposal requirements.

a. The Proposal requires an Offer Guarantee of 90 calendar days after the proposal.

If the award date extends past that the General Contractor who provide bids will be allowed to review or modify prior to execution of the contract award. The staffing resumes showcases and understanding of the requirement and will allow for best value determinations to be made. If staffing is changed from the Key

Personnel they will be able to resubmit in accordance with the Key Personnel

Clause.

6. If the award date extends beyond the stated date of June 2nd, please confirm the completion date with the grand opening date will extend as well.

a. The schedule is based on FAR 52.211-10 and will extend if the award date extends since the awarded contractor will be granted a 520-calendar day Period of

Performance.

7. For clarity, if the funds are not presently available, what are the chances, likelihood, the funds will be available before government year-end in order to award before October timeframe?

a. This project has been approved by the Director for confirmed funding and the intention is to award prior to FY23 end. There is no way to guarantee an amount that is not able to be determined fair and reasonable but award of a proposal that can be determined fair and reasonable will obtain funding prior to the end of the fiscal year.

8. Details 1 and 3, on A21, imply the new foundation will be placed 5’ below the existing walls. As drawn, it is not feasibly possible to accomplish this. We would anticipate these foundations be brought back up to the depth of the existing foundations. Structural drawings provide an elevation of 11’ below the finished floor. Please clarify the depth of the new foundations.

a. See detail 10/S9. New foundations are to be stepped up from the existing foundation at rear of 6 Broad Street.

9. Confirm bid alternate 1 work shown on S4 is not to be provided, as well as any other notes pertaining to bid alternate 1.

a. Bid Alternate 1 has been voided. Work associated with Bid alternate one is excluded from the work scope.

10. The new wall opening widths along column line C on S4 & S5 do not match what is shown on A3 & A4, as well as A11 & A12. Please clarify the opening widths in the existing brick wall.

a. Architectural openings widths are to govern.

11. The new openings in the existing brick wall appear to be stacked and shown to require

W14x159.

A. Please provide the shoring required for the walls and floor to support the walls and floor framing to cut the wall openings and install the beams that will weigh almost 2 ton each. As of yet, have not found another structural engineer who entertain proposing a design.

a. Temporary Shoring is Means and Methods and is the responsibility of the

Contractor.

B. The A drawings do show the first floor as the wider opening an anticipate the stairs will be removed prior to creating the openings. The shoring system will need to be wide enough on the 4 Broad Street side to allow the 25’ +, 2-ton beam to be maneuvered and lifted into place. Anticipate shoring though to the basement floor, will the basement floor support the shoring? Will the existing first floor support the load of two lifts bringing in the beams to lift into place? Each lift will be supporting a ton a piece.

a. Temporary Shoring is Means and Methods and is the responsibility of the

Contractor.

C. The A drawings show the 2nd floor a little smaller than 1st floor; the floor system would not be installed until the lintels are installed. At what heights will these lintels be placed in each wall?

a. Sheet A20, Building Sections, indicate dimensions height and width for the openings. The bottom of lintels scheduled by Structural would be driven by these opening heights

D. Due to the weight of the proposed beams for the stated opening and the 1st floor framing being of wood joist, we suggest this opening be evaluated to see if it really needs to be made as wide as they are shown. This is a lot of weight on wood frame floor system that was not designed for this great of point load, nor the existing wall to be removed, only a suggestion of course.

a. Loads transferred from proposed beams will go through existing brick walls, not the wood floor framing.

12. Detail 3 on A21 shows fluid applied air barrier to the inside of the CMU wall that is being laid adjacent to an existing wall. Is this barrier to be applied to the rigid insulation?

There is not enough space to apply as the blocks are being laid.

a. Agree that the air barrier product will not be feasible to install as shown. It will need to be applied on the insulation (joints taped and sealed) and then transition back to the face of CMU after it clears the top of existing brick wall. A membrane product “transition flashing” will have to lap over and bridge the two sprayed surfaces. Another option is to use a sheet applied vapor barrier product that achieves the same perm rating

13. Please provide the cost if any we are to include in our price for any tap fees and/or charges from any of the utility companies that will be associated with the project. If fees are not available, please provide an allowance we are to include. We do not have the time, nor know the extent of the services, nor know if they know about the project.

a. Tap fees are to be paid by the contractor. NPS will award a Firm Fixed Price construction contract. Allowances for tap fees are not allowed.

14. Spec section 01 35 13.22 Archeological Protection.

A. Please clarify whether the excavation for the new addition and the over excavation for the courtyard will need to file for a permit per this spec section.

a. Permits are required for all excavation

B. If a permit is required, will the contractor be allowed to utilize an excavator and a dump truck to perform the excavation / soils removal work? Smaller equipment and additional handling of the dirt will require an additional cost to be added to the work.

a. Excavation and over excavation will require smaller equipment and additional handling of material.

15. Spec section 01 50 00, 2.2 Temporary facilities – B Contracting Officers Field Office.

States minimum of 300 sf with restroom, also states to provide frig/freezer and 2 desks and chairs, please confirm this is required. Suspect the phone service will not be required since most have cell phones and faxes are not utilized.

a. Temporary facilities described in 01 50 00, 2.2 Temporary Facilities, para. D are required.

16. We are requesting the RFI date be extended to May 2 in order for our subs to review the documents as well to make sure their questions are addressed as well. If RFIs are answered quickly and often, the bid date may not need to extended too much.

a. The NPS is opening an additional round of RFIs through May 10, 2023 by Close of business with Amendment 2 to the solicitation.

17. Lead Paint Removal – Please provide the quantities for the lead paint abatement.

a. The Lead Paint Chip Sample Summary can be found in 02 41 05 - Lead-

Containing Paint Removal, Appendix C - Pre-Renovation Hazardous Materials

Survey Report (Appendix F – Lead paint Chip Sample Summary)

18. PCB Caulk Removal – Please provide the quantities for the PCB caulk removal per area.

a. The PCB Sample Summary can be found in 02 41 05 - Lead-Containing Paint

Removal, Appendix C - Pre-Renovation Hazardous Materials Survey Report

(Appendix H – PCB Caulk Summary)

19. Spec section 03 05 00 – 4, D - 8 Corrosion Inhibiter - Please clarify what the concrete areas are to have the corrosion inhibiter in the concrete pours. Please include the rate per

Cy per 8 d for each area.

a. Corrosion inhibiter is for the existing steel façade beam and angles and plates that are attached to the existing brick façade at 8-10 broad street. Currently no corrosion inhibiter is needed for any concrete pours.

20. The specs call for Commissioning of the "Alternate energy systems" Photovoltaic panels

& propane generator. I don't see these on the drawings, can you confirm?

a. Commissioning of the "Alternate energy systems" is not required.

21. Specs call for Commissioning reviews of manuals, submittals, documents & other reports. Is commissioning required to review the drawings and if so at which stages? The drawings attached to this RFP are not labeled for construction but are signed.

a. Drawing review is not required other than that required for fundamental commissioning during the construction phase.

22. Specs call for referencing LEED. Is this a LEED project? If so, which certification are they aiming for?

a. Contractor to meet sustainability requirements outlined in the drawings and specifications. The project will not be third party certified.

23. Specs call for Building Envelope Commissioning, does the owner require this?

a. Building Envelope Commissioning is not required.

24. Is there an Emergency Power Generator for this building? I don't see one on the drawings

& the specs say 'if required' as well as requiring the contractor to have a Generator factory representative to be on site.

a. The Government will provide the Emergency Power Generator

25. Spec section 07 21 31 implies there may be a requirement for air barrier testing. Please confirm this is not required. There appears to be too many areas where there is not any work to where the test may fail.

a. Air Barrier Testing is not required.

26. After reviewing the photos provided, there appears to be mold in bays 4 and 6. Not knowing when the photos were taken, it is likely the mold may have increased. Please clarify the type of mold and a mold mitigation plan. We feel the demo of the drywall that likely contains lead and mold will need to be removed by an abatement contractor, as well as any other demo items, then the building fogged and wiped clean prior to any other demolition or renovation. How much mold is behind the drywall? Please advise what we are to include in our proposal for mold mitigation.

a. Type of mold is unknown. Contractor is responsible to determine mold migration plan. It is unknow if there is mold behind the drywall.

27. Please clarify the scope of the elevator work if any since bid option 1 has been removed?

There are not any elevator specifications in the documents.

a. The existing elevator and hoist way are to remain.

28. Spec section 32 93 00, 1.1, C makes refence to an allowance for the landscaping material and labor. Please provide the allowance we are to include. Confirm this allowance is to be included in Bid Option 6. Confirm this allowance is to include what is required in this spec section.

a. Contractor to provide Lump Sum for soft scape in in Courtyard (1119 Water

Avenue) per CLIN 4. Contractor to provide Lump Sum for hard scape in in

Courtyard (1119 Water Avenue) per CLIN 5.

29. The geo report states to use a vibratory roller to prep the subgrade and appropriate fill lifts. This type of compaction will vibrate the earth for a good distance away. Recall hearing that NPS will be providing a monitoring service to monitor the vibration on site.

Due to the type of structures adjacent and nearby, we would not think this type of compaction should be performed. Would the same roller without utilizing the vibratory mechanism be acceptable.

a. This is acceptable as long as compaction is reached.

30. Drawing C6 states to connect the new 4” sanitary sewer to sanitary on Water Street and to be included in Bid Option 4. Looking at the survey provided on sheet 1, there is not a sanitary sewer line in Water Ave adjacent to the site. There appears a manhole about

180’ to the west. Please clarify the scope as to where this new sanitary is to be connected.

a. The Water Avenue Utility Relocations plan (attached for reference only) depicts a

24” RC Pipe Sanitary Sewer beneath Water Avenue for Bid Option 4.

31. Will there be any cost paid the contractor to tie into the manhole or line? If so, what are we to include?

a. All tap fees are to be included in the Contractor’s Firm Fixed Price Proposal.

32. Will the contractor make the hole in the manhole or will the city?

a. Contractor to connect utility.

33. The profile chart shows tie in on Broad Street and the profile numbers do not show up on the drawings. Please clarify and show profile location numbers unless all work is done by the city.

a. Profiles are shown on C6.

34. Will the city bring the line to the property? No. Is there a cost we are to include for this?

Costs to be included in Contractor’s bid. If so, provide the amount or an allowance we are to include or the alternate. The contractor contacting the city prior to bid often leads to misunderstanding and a lot of confusion.

a. The National Park Service will issue a Firm Fixed Price Contract for work to be contracted. There are no allowances.

35. At the site visit it was mentioned there will be existing foundations within the courtyard area that will need to be removed. To what depth are we to excavate the courtyard area?

a. All foundations and subsurface utilities are to be removed from the Courtyard

(1119 Water Avenue).

36. How many cubic yards of foundations and slabs should we assume, that will be disposed of?

a. Estimation of material quantities is the responsibility of the Contractor.

37. Will the existing soil that does not contain concrete be able to be reused for the courtyard area or should we assume a specified quantity?

a. No, replace soils as specified.

38. Drawing L7 is showing artwork on the perforated fence panels. Neither of the two spec sections regarding the fence refer to the artwork on the panels. Refer to section 32 32

18. Is the artwork to be included in our cost? Yes. If so, will the artwork be painted on the panels at the factory, or will vinyl be the means for the artwork and applied at the factory? See response below. Will this artwork be in color? Yes. Is artwork required on the fencing at the vehicle storage area and at the fence at the building walkway?

Artwork occurs only along the fence parallel to Water Ave. Will this artwork be handled by NPS and not to be included by the contractor. Artwork is by the Contractor.

a. The digital artwork file shall be provided to the selected contractor by the landscape architect prior to construction once a manufacturer has been selected.

b. The artwork will be applied via varying perforation diameters in the metal panel as specified. This will require a qualified and experience manufacturer in digitization of an image to create a pixelated water jetted, laser etched and cut panel. This process gives the varying colors and textures to create the image. The image is NOT a surface applied vinyl or other material.

c. Hendrick Perf Panel, Landscape Forms or approved equal as outlined in the specifications.

39. Note 12 on L4 states to provide 3’-0” of topsoil at planting locations. Due to the amount of pavers and other site concrete, this means either the topsoil will be need to be placed in the entire courtyard to the dept of 3’ or soil to be removed for the planting areas after the installation of the concrete under the pavers to where the soil will be 1 to 1 fall from the pavers to where compaction of the pavers will not be disturbed. Please clarify.

a. Soil to be removed for the planting areas after the installation of the concrete under the pavers to where the soil will be 1 to 1 fall from the pavers to where compaction of the pavers will not be disturbed is acceptable.

40. Is the topsoil replacement to be included in Bid Option 2 or 5?

a. OPTION 3, Courtyard Planting at 1119 Water Avenue.

41. Detail 7 on L6 shows a 12” wide by 3’-0” tall continuous foundation under the fence. Is this foundation required under all the fencing? If so, the existing sidewalk along Water

Ave will need to be removed in order to install the foundation and at the existing walk to the building. The foundation will not support itself during the backfill due to the requirement of 3’ of topsoil on one side and compacted fill and concrete on the other.

L2 states to install the fence on a 12” band but does not state 3’-0” deep. A suggestion would be to install the post in the concrete then pour say a 6” thick x 12” wide curb after the post are set. Likely the sidewalk would not be undermined at post holes if they are installed in a 6” concrete filled hole and the topsoil is not the full depth of 3’ replaced at the fencing. Please clarify.

a. 12” wide x 3’ tall foundation is required.

42. Is there concrete under the brick paver sidewalks along Water Ave and Broad Street?

a. Sidewalk grates / basement ventilation extend outside basement space which in some instances have been blocked off or filled in. This condition exists for nos. 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 Broad Street, along south elevation of no. 2 Broad Street, and east elevation of 2 and four Broad Street. Refer to drawing A2. It is unknown what foundations exist at 1119 Water Avenue, the former Good Will store.

43. Bid Option 4 – please provide the cost or an allowance if any that is to be paid to the utility companies.

a. The National Park Service will issue a Firm Fixed Price Contract for work to be contracted. There are no allowances.

44. Drawing P20 shows the sanitary lines running through the buildings and connecting to the existing main line and not as shown on C6 showing two locations connecting to a manhole. Please clarify the route of the site sanitary sewer line.

a. Drawing P20 shows the following:

i. Discharge from three sump pumps (SP-1, SP-2 & SP-3) to a common 2” through the north wall and referencing Civil Plans. These are not sanitary lines but sump pump discharges that are directed to the storm drain system, see

INLET-1 on sheet C-4

ii. The only “sanitary” piping is shown connecting to the existing located at 2-

Broad Street basement.

45. The geo report as well as a spec section 33 46 00 Foundation and Under Slab Drainage.

With the foundations at the basement at +10’ deep, where is this foundation drain to connect for discharge?

a. This can connect to the sump pump system in no. 6 Broad Street

46. Drawing S3 shows undercutting the new slab area by 5’ deep. This dept will be under shallower foundations, is this the intent to remove and replace under the foundations that are at 3’-6” as well?

a. Remove and replace the soil in this area

47. Drawings S3-S5 has notes that the pan stairs are by others, please confirm this means the design is by the stair fabricator and the stairs are to be included in the project.

a. Pan Stairs and stringers by stair fabricator installed by the Contractor.

48. Drawings S3 and S4, to determine construction sequencing of subs and for sub pricing, can the south and west new 8” thick CMU walls be backfilled without the steel beams installed, shown on S4?

a. Means and Methods are to be determined by the Contractor.

49. Will there be any requirements to shore the existing north wall at the new stair addition prior excavating approximately 11’ for the new basement area, if so, please provide engineering and design for the shoring? We are still unable to convince another structural engineer to get involved due to the historical aspects of this project.

a. Temporary Shoring is Means and Methods determined by the Contractor.

50. Spec sections 06 10 00 and 06 11 10 reference wood members to be fire-retardant treated. With the existing wood construction framing material likely not meet this requirement and with the buildings being sprinklered, do the new framing members and

LVLs need to be of fire-retardant treated material? Likely this requirement will require a long lead time with a special order for the specific list of items that are not typically treated.

a. New framing members and LVLs are not required to be fire-retardant material.

Refer to drawing LS01 Code Analysis. Building construction is identified as Type

IIIB which requires no fire ratings for primary structural frame, floors, or roofs.

51. Alternate 7 – Sistering framing - The scope of this work is not clear enough to price.

Please clarify the areas where this is to be provided and how the members are to be sistered. Is the area, the entire floor and roof areas not showing new members?

a. For Alternate 7, the area is the entire floor and roof areas not showing new members.

52. How many areas is the testing of the wood system as noted for on note 1 on S4 and S5 to be performed? This note states at areas to be removed but the alternate if for new material.

a. Testing should be performed on roof members that will be removed at the rear of no. 6 Broad Street where the building is open.

53. Note 52 on the A demo drawings stating elevator base bid, while bid alternates #1 is marked out. First thought this bid option is now off the table, but now thinking its to be in the base bid. Have not seen anything yet regarding the work required on the elevator but still reviewing the documents. There is not any specifications for the elevator. Need to know the elevator scope ASAP, to get appropriate subs on board.

a. Enlarging / relocating the elevator and machine room were removed from the project. Contractor to conduct an inspection of existing elevator and elevator equipment and provide a condition assessment identifying all deficiencies. This construction project will not perform repairs identified within the report if any.