Q_A_6_4_24_0005.pdf

YELL 312116

Rehabilitate Historic Laurel Dorm

Solicita on 140P2024R0009 – Ques ons and Answers

Amendment 5, issued: 06/04/2024

1. What category does Abatement fall under for Davis Bacon Wage Rate as there are none listed within the documents?

A er review the SCA nor DBA have a specific rate for Asbestos workers for the Yellowstone Region. For bidding purpose offerors shall use the average hourly rate in accordance with the Bureau of Labor Sta s cs of $25.69. Per Department of Labor procedures, the contrac ng officer will request a specific wage rate and classifica on.

2. For final clarifica on: does the NPS want the selected GC to provide a site trailer specifically for the NPS?

Yes, in accordance with Specifica on Sec on 01 50 00 (2.2)(B) and (2.3)(D).

3. Can the NPS provide where e-in loca ons are for temporary Power & Water? The ques on was asked at the site visit, but no answer provided.

Photo/Note B on Sheet C1.1 shows the loca on of the exis ng electrical transformer that provides power to the Laurel Dorm. Temp power can be arranged with the electric u lity (NorthWestern Energy), u lizing this transformer. However, as described on Sheet C3.2, the exis ng transformer will be de-energized and – in a coordinated effort between the contractor and NorthWestern Energy – a new transformer will be installed at the loca on shown. So the loca on from which temp power can be provided will move over the course of the project.

Sheet C1.1 shows the loca on of a hydrant that can be used for bulk water near the southernmost extent of the Project Limits hatched line. Use of this hydrant will be allowed by the Contrac ng Officer under the following condi ons: a park-approved backflow preventer and meter must be installed. Water use through September 30, 2024, will be billed at $22.16 per 1,000 gallons, with a likely 10 percent annual cost increase beginning each October 1.

4. Regarding the contract schedule, we would like to inquire whether the 549 days specified in the specs are consecu ve days or counted solely as working days. This clarifica on is crucial for our planning purposes and ensuring alignment with project melines. There are mul ple ways to look at comple ng the work: solely summer work, working year-round as allowed, or a combina on there of. These difference strategies will impact the move in date for NPS.

The 549 days are consecu ve (working and non-working) except as provided in Amendment 4, Answer 5.

5. We would appreciate clarifica on on the selec on procedure for the project. Could you kindly specify if the evalua on criteria are primarily cost-based, me-based, focused on previous experience, or a weighted combina on of the three? Understanding the weigh ng of these factors will enable us to tailor our proposal accordingly and ensure that we address the key criteria emphasized in the selec on process.

Offerors shall refer to Sec on L&M of the solicita on for selec on procedures. The selec on process is a best value process where the CO will analyze technical and costs proposals to determine the best value to the Government.

6. Are there liquidated damages on this project? If there is not a consequence for allo ed construc on days, how will the bids submi ed be fairly compared to the different General Contractors’ approach? In summary, Winter work is going to be more challenging and cost prohibi ve for the project as a whole to NPS and if contractors bid their scope of work solely in the summer months, bid will be all over the board.

Yes, please refer to the solicita on package and applicable clauses.

7. Has a TCLP for lead waste categoriza on been performed?

No.

8. Will lead waste go out as Construc on debris or Lead waste? (wood)?

Refer to sec on 02 11 00, 1.1, B, 2. “Abatement of LBP.”

9. What are the lead clearance requirement? There are different Lead Clearance requirements.

Which one are we to follow? Are we to follow RRP, EPA, HUD rules? Which agency trumps on this project? EPA, HUD, State?

Refer to sec on 02 11 00, 1.1, B, 2. “Abatement of LBP.”

10. What’s the Federal Davis Bacon -Wage rates and Fringes- for Asbestos Abatement and Lead

Abatement?

See answer to Ques on 1.

11. Who shall cover the expense of an Industrial Hygiene Consultant and all its Cost?

Refer to sec on 02 82 13, 1.2, E, 3. “The Contractor shall employ an independent Industrial Hygiene Consultant…”

12. Can we extend the outside work area to accommodate a JLG Boom Li for roof work?

Project Limits boundary shown on Sheet C1.1 can be extended to 18’ from the face of the building on the dorm’s northwest wall. All other Project Limits will remain as shown in the construc on documents. Reminder: contractor is responsible for repairing any damage to the ground surface caused by construc on equipment as communicated in other sec ons of the bidding documents.

13. U lity Cost Verifica on C3.2, Keynote #4 states, “Final power service plan will be designed by the u lity provider and shall be coordinated by the contractor.” Keynote #6 states, “Contractor to pay any and all connec on and permit fees for u li es.” A/E please confirm GC to include all u li es costs in our bids.

GC will include all u li es costs included in their scope of work in their bids. NorthWestern Energy will be installing a new electrical line between junc on boxes bracke ng the Laurel Dorm.

GC is not responsible for any costs associated with re-rou ng this line, but will need to coordinate with the u lity if the work will take place while Laurel Dorm construc on is under way. All work “downstream” of the Sheet C3.2 callout that says “Contractor to coordinate with NorthWestern Energy on the connec on route from the new transformer to the exis ng energy main” is within the GC’s scope of work.

14. A/E please confirm the General Contractor is responsible for designing and installing Temporary Bracing and Shoring and stamped by Register Professional Engineer.

A bracing and shoring plan has not been completed by the Government. Demoli on Note 2 on Sheet SD2.0 requires that the GC is responsible for shoring the building during demoli on work.

Spec 02 41 19 (3.4)(B) requires the GC to design “shoring, bracing, and structural supports as required …” to protect the building during demoli on.

15. Plan Sheet D7.2 refers to Keynote D-40 but the descrip on is not provided in the Keynote legend. Can you please elaborate on this note?

Please note the following clarifica on : D-40: Protect exis ng mansard planking, coordinate replacement in-kind of damaged and deteriorated materials. See structural for addi onal informa on on upgrades required.

16. Spec 015000- states that we are to provide a field office for both the contractor and the contrac ng officer. Please confirm that there is adequate electrical service that can power the trailers in either Staging Area A or B.

Coordina on for temp power or job trailer power is the responsibility of the Contractor and the power company. The Contractor has the best knowledge of what kind and how many trailers they plan to u lize on the project. It is an cipated, based on knowledge of the site, temp. power (assuming no large loads needed) would be available at both staging areas. It is recommended that the successful contractor coordinate with Northwestern Energy to determine points of connec ons and any addi onal requirements that NW Energy may require. NEW POC : Dus n Workman : Dus n.Workman@northwestern.com

17. Spec 05 12 00, para 1.6 states that the structural steel must be from an AISC fabricator and installer. This requirement will greatly limit the available number of steel subcontractors to choose from. Can this requirement be waived?

The AISC Cer fica on requirement is in place to ensure that the fabricator is providing quality control procedures during the fabrica on processes that are in concurrence with the standards set forth by AISC. AISC has predetermined that these standards meet the special inspec on(s) requirements for fabrica on set in place within Chapter 17 of the Interna onal Building Code (IBC). The referenced standards in Table 1704.3 (AWS D1.1 and AISC 360) have addi onal inspec ons not specifically noted within the IBC.

To meet the requirements for special inspec ons, a non-AISC cer fied fabricator is required to provide all of the required documenta on according to AISC’s “Applica on Document Submi al for AISC Cer fica on - Fabricators and Manufacturers” document. This requires an upfront quality control plan to be submi ed for review, an onsite inspector to perform all inspec ons during fabrica on to meet these same requirements, submission of weekly reports, and other noted administra ve paperwork in order to comprehensively comply with the requirements noted within AISC’s “Applica on Document Submi al for AISC Cer fica on - Fabricators and Manufacturers” document.

All of the above would be required to be submi ed to the NPS team for review 10 days prior to any steel fabrica on being performed. Inspec ons and all costs associated with conforming with these requirements are at the full expense of the Contractor.

18. In the specified sec ons: 06 10 53 Rough Carpentry, 06 16 00 Sheathing, 06 17 53 Wood Trusses, 06 18 00 Glued Laminated Timber, 06 20 13 Exterior Finish Carpentry, 06 40 23 Interior Architectural Woodwork, 06 41 13 Wood-Veneer-Faced Architectural Cabinets, 07 31 29 Wood Shingles for Roofs, 07 31 29.13 Wood Shingles for Walls, 08 14 16 Flush Wood Doors, 08 14 33 S le and Rail Wood Doors, 08 52 00 Wood Windows , 09 64 00 Wood Flooring, it is stated under “Regional Materials” and/or “Cer fied Wood” that the manufacture of such products must occur within 200 miles of the project site. Furthermore, materials must be extracted, harvested, or recovered, as well as manufactured, within this 200-mile radius. We are encountering difficul es in mee ng some of these requirements and therefore request that the regional materials por on of the specifica ons be either eliminated or revised. Similarly, for Cer fied Wood, most of the aforemen oned specifica ons mandate the provision of “FSC Pure or FSC Mixed Credit” wood. Not only is this lumber costly, but it also entails long lead mes. Could the A/E confirm if FSC,SFI, or CSA lumber is indeed required for the above-men oned specifica on sec ons? Addi onally, could you please advise on poten al revisions or alterna ves to mee ng the regional materials requirement? The manufacture of such products must occur within 500 miles in lieu of 200 miles of the project site.

Disregard requirements for regional procurement of materials referenced in these specifica ons.

Disregard requirements for FSC, SFA or CSA lumber procurement referenced in these specifica ons.

19. Plans do not show details for reattaching existing logs to be salvaged. A/E, please provide details to reinstall existing logs.

All exterior log work to be removed, re-installed or replaced to accommodate exterior envelope modifica ons shall u lize log-work structural details on Sheet S2.8. Field-coordinate unique condi ons to match in-kind exis ng as necessary.

20. Spec Section 061000 - 20142.10 Rough Carpentry, 06 16 00 Sheathing, 06 18 00Glued-Laminate Construction, 06 20 13 Exterior Finish Carpentry, 06 40 23 Interior Architectural Woodwork, and 06 41 13 Wood-Veneer-Faced Architectural Cabinets, states, “Fire-Retardant-Treated Material are indicated”, and the plans do not indicate whether lumber and plywood should be fire-retardant. A/E, please advise lumber and plywood to be fire-retardant-treated. –

Extents of fire-retardant lumber would be limited to a fire-retardant plywood backboard for moun ng of voice/data equipment in 112; this is noted in specifica on “271500 Voice and Data Wiring Systems” sec on 2.2 paragraph A.

21. Sheet A2.5 Building Plans - Option A, keynote G-28 states, "(N) Chain-link fencing storage lockers." However, there is no spec section for Chain-link Fence. A/E, please provide specifications and details for chain-link fencing.

A separate Technical Specifica on for 32 31 13 “Chain Link Fences and Gates” is included with this amendment as a separate a achment.

22. Sheet S2.2, General Notes #8 states, “Balloon Frame all walls greater than one level 10’-0” with

(2) 2x @ 16” OC.” The documents do not clearly show if the existing structure is a balloon frame structure or provide details for framing the walls at these locations.

a. A/E, please verify the existing structure is a balloon frame.

That is an incorrect note and should not reference balloon framing. The details do not show balloon framing, nor is it intended for the new construc on. Revised note to read as follows:

8. Frame all walls greater than 10’-0” at one level w/ (2) 2x6 at 16” O.C.

b. A/E, please provide framing details.

Framing details are accurate per the above clarification.

23. The specification includes section 072651 - 20142.10 Under slab Waterproofing. However, the plans do not show any waterproofing. A/E, please confirm waterproofing is required. If required, please provide details, and locations required.

Underslab waterproofing shown on Details 10 and 11 on Sheet A8.1.

24. Attachment 03, Geotechnical Evaluation Report, specification section 011100 Summary of Work

AE, 1.11 Geotechnical Services, A. states, “Contractor shall provide all geotechnical engineering services…” A/E, please confirm if an additional geotechnical report is required.

The Contractor is required to procure a geotechnical report to validate the assumed geotechnical soil parameters, namely bearing pressures. Addi onally, the Contractor will be responsible for all QC geotechnical tes ng requirements as required during construc on, including compac on tes ng and concrete tes ng. All geotechnical test results shall be submi ed to the CO per the project specifica ons.

25. Where are we going to stockpile the cut materials as there is not enough room in the designated staging areas.

Ques on to be answered in a future amendment.

26. “Note 9. ELEVATOR STEEL AND CONNECTIONS ARE PROVIDED FOR BUDGET PURPOSES ONLY

AND ARE PRELIMINARY. THE PROPOSED STRUCTURAL MEMBERS AND THEIR CONNECTIONS

SHALL BE CONFIRMED ONCE FINAL ELEVATOR REACTIONS ARE PROVIDED TO THE CONTRACTING

OFFICER.” Does this note mean that the steel and connec ons are considered delegated design?

27. Do you want core samples taken prior to the start of construc on to determine if the exis ng geothermal springs will affect the work areas?

No.

28. Specs 220000, para 1.3.d- states that all the gas lines & meter will be installed by gas company and contrac ng officer is responsible for payment. Does that mean we are not touch any gas but just protec ng it in place.

29. Plans callout "carefully" on almost every other demo line item, is that to maintain structural integrity? Aside from the logs and windows, are there any other demoed items that are to be reinstalled?

This is a historic preserva on project, so we are trying to protect the remaining building fabric as much as possible. The CDs describe what materials are to be retained, re-installed or replaced.

30. Spec 33 05 23.13, para 2.2.A.1 - indicates "Duc le iron pipe shall be 6-inch", but the plans (C3.1) show 8" Duc le Iron pipe for Sewer Line. Is it a typo? please confirm the sewer pipe size.

31. D2.0, note 22 states “remove exis ng wall finish and trim to sound structural sheathing”. Are we demoing any of the walls in the crawl space? From the site visit, there does not appear to be any ‘trim’ or ‘sheathing’ in the crawl space. Please clarify.

32. If there is a conflict on the bid documents, please clarify the order of precedence. Ie. Plans vs specifica ons. Please confirm that the drawings associated with the scope of work will supersede other drawings. Ie. For structural steel, S-drawings will supersede all other drawings.

Refer to specifica on sec on 01 11 00 1.12.

33. S2.0- Geotechnical Report- states that the current design was not completed with the benefit of a geotechnical report. However, a Geotech report was provided in the RFP by Terracon dated 7/30/21.

The referenced report focused exclusively on soil temperatures and gas concentra ons, and did not inform the structural design of the founda on. See answer to Ques on 24.

34. S2.0- Contractor’s Responsibility- states that the contractor is to hire a geotechnical engineer.Is the contractor required to hire and produce a new geotechnical report?

See answer to Ques on 24.

35. Is it the contractor’s responsibility a er the award to redesign the en re founda on system?

Who will determine if the exis ng founda on design is adequate a er comple ng the new Geotech report?

36. 5/D2.5 (Op on A), it is unclear what is being noted on the east side of the building. Is there an exis ng floor or floor finish to be removed? (in contrast, the West side has a note D25)

37. SD2.2, note 2 states “remove exis ng wall framing and associated components. Shore building as required.” This note 2 is indicated on the interior corridor walls. The interior corridors walls appear to be load bearing walls. However, on Sheet D2.1, note 21 it states “Carefully remove wall finish, gypsum and associated accessories down to studs”. Typical for all corridors. This implies that the exis ng studs are to remain. Sheet A3.1, shows wall type 1A-6S for the corridor walls. That wall type shows new studs. If the corridor is not being widened, removing the exis ng studs is not necessary. Please confirm the intent of the interior corridor walls.

38. Sheet D7.1, note D18 states we have to protect the exis ng log column and structure. However, during the prebid walkthrough, we saw that all of the logs associated with this porch have been damaged due to weather and snow. Please revise this scope of work.

Acknowledge that damage occurred a er drawings and prior to the pre-bid mee ng. Assume for bidding purposes that the three easternmost horizontal logs directly suppor ng the roof must be replaced.

39. Sheet D7.2, there is a drawing referencing “D40” however, D40 is not in the legend.

See answer to Ques on 15.

40. Sheet S2.2, note “WHERE MINIMUM HEADER SIZE DOES NOT EXIST PER SD2.2, REPLACE W/ FLAT (2) LVL1 3/4x5 1/2, TYP AT ALL (E) EXTERIOR & INTERIOR WINDOWS, UNO”. It is not possible to properly bid this note. Can NPS provide and assumed number of headers that will require the LVLs?

41. If the bid gets extended, will we have more me to submit addi onal RFIs?

No, ques on deadline has expired as of 6/4/24.

42. Spec 051200-6, para 3.4A states that the Contractor is to engage the special inspector. However, para 3.4B states that the Owner will engage a qualified tes ng agency. Please clarify if the owner will be providing all field inspec ons and tes ng, including special inspec ons tes ng on the project. There appears to be other contradic ons in different specifica on sec ons as well.

43. Please provide the sign in sheet from the prebid mee ng.

Sign in sheet was included in Amendment 4, offerors are responsible to review all contract documents.

44. Can the contractor hire any of the consultants used for the assessments and reports provided by

NPS?

No

45. Will the park provide free park passes to all contractors and their employees?

The contractor and the subs will be provided cost-free access to the park during the dura on of the project in order to allow contract performance.

48. On S2.0, near the intersec on of 2 line and A line, calls out top of foo ng eleva on of 89’-0” Please confirm this is correct.

49. Where is the excavated soil from the crawl space to be stockpiled? Is there an interior (of the building) grading plan for new work?

50. On the Op on A building, the door schedule is calling out for Flush Quarter Sawn Oak exterior doors from Masonite, VT, VT Wisconsin (Eggers), and Oshkosh. These door companies do not offer exterior rated door slabs. The park could u lize the Simpson 49900 series flush door for an exterior rated flush door, but Simpson doesn’t offer the required life me warranty. (this ques on is from our door supplier, please let us know if there is any input at this me)

51. What is the meframe for inspec ons once we request inspec ons from the CO?

52. What Prime Contract will be issued upon award? Is there a Sample Contract Available?

The solicita on documents will become the award documents. Offerors are required to sign the SF 1442 upon award.

53. Is the General Contractor to carry a Builders Risk Policy?

No, not required.

54. Other than the 15 reserved RV sites at Grant Village. Are there other op ons for addi onal RV sites during the summer months of construc on?

Not within Yellowstone Na onal Park.

55. Per the bid solicita on pg. 51 bullet point “B Ques ons” it states that “ques on shall be submi ed a minimum of 7 days prior to the due date and me for proposals” Is May 31st the last day for ques ons per Amendment #4 or does the statement above supersede the May 31st date?

Ques on deadline has now passed.

56. Detail 4/C9.4 is referred to in details B/C4.4. but there is no C9.4 plan sheet. is this a typo? if so, can you please provide the correct reference.

57. Detail 1/C5.0 calls out for both 4’ temp. fence & 6’ temp. fence. Can you please confirm which one to be installed?

58. Note G-33 on Exterior eleva ons plan sheets require to repair damaged & deteriorated concrete founda on. Can you please let us know the es mated percentage of area to be restored?

59. Sheet S2.1, Note 6 requires 2x8 @ 16” OC, but the loca on is not specified. Can you please let us know where these are required?

60. Amendment 04, RFI #5 response, Scenario #3 indicates the contractor may elect to con nue to work the final stage of construc on through winter of 2026 or choose to request a winter shutdown and finish the project next spring. It should have been Spring / Summer 2027 instead of 2026. Can you please revise the response and reissue?

Confirmed, if a second winter shutdown is required in Winter of 2026 ac vi es would resume in Spring of 2027.

61. In Amendment 04, the response to few RFI ques ons was “ques on will be answered in future amendment”. So, when can we expect Amendment 05?

This is Amendment 5. One final amendment will be issued for any remaining ques ons.

Proposal due date is extended to 6/20/24 to answer final ques ons.

62. With the new RFI deadline being today i.e 5/31/2024 and yet to receive further amendments, can we request another bid due date extension?

Due date extended to 6/20/2024 to allow me to answer final ques ons.

63. The amendment documents do not show the new me, except on SAM.gov due at 9am MT. NPS please change submission due me to the original 2pm MT in lieu of 9am MT.

The me in SAM is the correct me. Offerors shall assure that proposals are submi ed per SAM cut off.

64. We respec ully request the NPS delete the requirement for submi ng signed le ers of commitment with the technical proposal. The reason is that pricing from such subcontractors is usually not received un l just before the bid is due. This means general contractors would be obligated to use specific subcontractors even before pricing is received. This, in turn, inflates costs since subcontractors become less mo vated to submit compe ve quotes if they already know the GC will be using them based on a commitment le er that needs to be executed well in advance of the bid date. Unfortunately, these costs will then have to be passed on to the Government, as there won’t be me to enter into other commitment le ers. This situa on essen ally puts the cart before the horse and could jeopardize NPS's ability to award the project due to lack of funding.

Reques ng le ers of commitment will assure that once the contract is awarded the team proposed remains as the team during construc on. If technical proposals represent key subcontractors that demonstrate significant experience they will be rated higher. Changing out key subcontractors a er award results in a bait and switch scenario that we would like to avoid.