B09_Att_17_RFIs_4-24-24_0002.pdf

RFIs

GRCA 250440 Shuttle Bus Facility

Solicitation 140P2024R0028

4-24-24

1. Question: I noticed that in the RFI’s posted on 4/15/24 that most of the questions seemed to be asked by a large business looking for potential subcontracting opportunities. One question was asked on whether or not there was a list of bidders.

Since there is no “Interested Vendors” list available on SAM, are you able to share the contact information for the company who asked the question? If that is not allowed, then could you send them contact information?

Answer: Firms are allowed to view the Interested Vendors List in SAM.gov when firms have responded so it is available for viewing. A company must have an account with

SAM.gov to view since this information is not available via a public search for privacy protection. This is the avenue to obtain vendor information.

2. Question: Factor 2 – Technical Qualifications states “Submit projects that are currently well underway (designed and at least 50% construction progress completed) or completed and turned over no longer than five (5) years preceding the date of this solicitation.” While the relevancy/similarity criteria states “Design and construction of a minimum of three (3) prefabricated metal buildings within the last ten (10) years.”

Please clarify which is correct. Do projects we submit have to be completed or underway within the last 5 years or can we go back 10 years?

Answer: Submit projects are currently well underway (designed and at least 50% construction progress completed) or completed and turned over no longer than ten (10) years preceding the date of this solicitation. This time frame aligns with the project submittal of design and construction of a minimum of three (3) prefabricated metal buildings within the last ten (10) years…et al.

In the Solicitation Section M Evaluation Criteria, Definitions, Recent is defined as a project completed or at least 50% construction progress within ten (10) years from the issuance date of this solicitation.

3. Question: Does the "Designer of Record" on numbered page 16 of the solicitation need to be a licensed engineer? Or can it be an architect?

Answer: The Designer of Record (DOR) can be either discipline.

4. Question: On numbered page 17 of the solicitation, Special Requirement 5, the language in the section is a bit unclear. Is the intent that the architects and engineers need to be licensed within the State of Arizona?

Answer: The primary stamping authority (DOR) shall be licensed in Arizona. The other key discipline leads shall be a licensed professional in their discipline with preference for

Arizona.

5. Question: Please confirm the "Buy American" requirement rather than Build America

Buy America Act.

Answer: Please refer to FAR clause 52.225-11 Buy American – Construction Materials

Under Trade Agreements (Nov 2023) in the solicitation.

6. Question: Please confirm the construction cost vs. project cost. On numbered page 55 of the solicitation, base plus options are mentioned. Please elaborate.

Answer: Construction cost vs project cost are reflected in the ceiling limit stated in

Section L of the solicitation which covers all costs to deliver the project requirements.

Att 18 Division 1 Specifications (rev), Section 01 27 00 Definition of Contract Line Items and Att 11 Contract Price Schedule which coincides with the mentioned Att 18 Division 1

Specifications (rev), Section 01 27 00 describes the contract line items.

7. Question: Is this to be designed to LEED Silver, or does it need to be designed and certified as LEED Silver?

Answer: Please refer to Att 18 Division 1 Specifications (rev), Section 01 81 13

Sustainable Design Requirements for Non-LEED Projects.

8. Question: Will SITES/LEED certification be required, or does the NPS want the firm to design with those strategies in mind?

Answer: Please refer to Att 18 Division 1 Specifications (rev), Section 01 81 13

Sustainable Design Requirements for Non-LEED Projects.

9. Question: Extensive bridging documents were provided. Is there any design needed in either Phase I or Phase II? What is the $10k stipend meant to cover?

Answer: Documents were provided for information only and do not serve as bridging documents. In the solicitation, please review Section J – List of Attachments in the solicitation for descriptions of the attachments; Section L Instructions for the Submission of Offers and Other Information – Competitive Source Selection and Section M

Evaluation Criteria that describes Phase I and Phase II; and Section L Phase II Volume I –

Technical Proposal for a description of the $10,000 stipend.

10. Question: Conflicting information was noticed on numbered page 57 of the solicitation.

In one location, the prompt asks for prior project experience within the last 5 years and further down on the page it asks for experience within the past 10 years. Do all projects under Technical Qualifications need to be completed within the past 10 years?

Answer: Yes, under Technical Qualifications, it shall be no longer than ten (10) years preceding the date of this solicitation.

11. Question: On numbered page 58 of the solicitation, Factor 3, Question ii asks that we submit blank copies of the questionnaire within our solicitation. Can you please confirm if the blank PPQs are excluded from the Phase I Volume I, 40-page count limit?

Answer: Please refer to Section L Factor 3 – Past Performance i for instructions of the solicitation and Att 13 Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) instructions to the offeror which requires information. The PPQs shall not be counted toward the Phase I Volume I

– Technical Proposal 40-page count limit.

12. Question: As per Addendum 1, we acknowledge that a clarification was made and existing CAD SD Drawings and Topo Survey will be provided to the Phase II offerors only.

In addition to that, are tree surveys (to include caliper, location, and species) being provided by the Park Service or will that need to be provided by the Offeror?

Answer: The provided survey is for information only. Refer to specification section 01 27

00 CLIN 001 stating that the contractor shall provide an existing conditions survey.

13. Question: Is there any “special status vegetation” within the area of the new facility?

Answer: None were identified during the NEPA/process.

14. Question: Can graphics be included within the Proposal that access external web links?

Answer: No, we need all proposal information submitted as stated in Section L Phase I

Volume I – Technical Proposal description of the solicitation.

15. Question: Can the electronic section dividers (excluded from page count) include photographs?

Answer: No, please refer to Section L Phase I Volume I – Technical Proposal that describes the use of pictures.

16. Question: Please confirm that the facility will be used by a third party stakeholder?

Specifically, Paul Rever Transportation?

Answer: The facility will be used by both NPS and third-party stakeholders; Paul Revere

Transportation is the current concession holder.

17. Question: Section K – Oral Presentations on solicitation page 62 states, “The

Government may request Phase II Offerors to conduct oral presentations of the information presented in their written Phase II Proposal”. However, Section M –

Evaluation Factors for Award, Part A.3 on solicitation page 64 states, “The Government intends to evaluate proposals and award a contract without discussions with Offeror”.

Please confirm if interviews may be part of the evaluation process.

Answer: The government reserves the right to request oral presentations in Phase II as needed.

18. Question: Are photos allowed to exceed the one-inch margin requirement?

Answer: No, per Section L Phase I Volume I – Technical Proposal of the solicitation.

19. Question: The ‘Vegetation Salvage and Revegetation Plan’ indicates the park will grow and provide seed and plants for this work. Will the park provide trees as well? Related, will salvaging (boxing and storing) existing trees on the site be possible for reuse within the project site?

Answer: Trees will not be provided by NPS. It is possible for the contractor to attempt to salvage/transplant in areas of actual required disturbance. However, no vegetation will be allowed to be harvested from undisturbed areas or from elsewhere within the park.

20. Question: Is roof water to be collected for reuse? There are some indications of

‘alternative’ water use in the BOD. It is noted that irrigation will be from a reclaimed source and used for a three-year establishment period.

Answer: The park has not captured nor required roof water capture. The administrative area which also encompasses this project site uses reclaimed water for irrigation. The

NPS will coordinate with the winning bidder to determine access to this system for vegetation establishment only.

21. Question: Basis of design referenced IBC 2018, and DSC references IBC 2024; which will be used?

Answer: The most recent IBC and other applicable codes shall be used.

22. Question: DSC Structural Requirements – o Anchor Rods are stated to be ASTM F1554 Grade 55. Will Grade 36 be accepted?

o Can Maximum 25% flyash content be exceeded to achieve sustainability goals?

BOD references 15% Minimum, but no maximum.

Answer: Since this is a Design-Build Contract, the contractor team is to provide design of all elements meeting the general programmatic needs for the facility and its usage as outlined in the specifications per NPS approval.

23. Question: Technical Requirements – Superstructure – “The scope of the project and construction will include design and installation of structural elements pre-manufactured metal building and bus wash station shell.” Will alternate structural systems be considered?

Answer: NPS will consider alternatives. Since this is a Design-Build Contract, the contractor team is to provide design of all elements meeting the general programmatic needs for the facility and its usage as outlined in the specifications per NPS approval.

24. Question: Numbered page 38 of Attachment 1, Scope of Work, notes that “Propane tank to serve the Bus Maintenance Facility located in the utility yard.” With government executive orders to minimize/eliminate the use of fossil fuels, are certain pieces of equipment required to use propane in lieu of all-electric buildings?

Answer: Refer to Att 18 Div 1 Specifications (rev), Section 01 27 00 Contract Line Items, and Att 1 Scope of Work 4.0 Technical for requirements. Currently most of the buildings in the administrative area are propane based and not electric based heating. Since this is a Design-Build Contract, the contractor team is to provide design of all elements meeting the general programmatic needs for the facility and its usage as outlined in the specifications per NPS approval.

25. Question: Numbered page 38 of Attachment 1, Scope of Work, Bus Wash, Question b.

indicates that the Bus Wash “Building shall be constructed of similar material as administration/maintenance building (CMU wainscot 4’-0” with horizontal metal paneling above…”. Does the Contractor have flexibility to utilize a different building system(s), such as full height CMU bearing walls, if it reduces overall costs and potentially increases the service-life of the building?

Answer: The contractor has flexibility in the materials provided they fit in the architectural context of the maintenance building and surrounding elements. Since this is a Design-Build Contract, the contractor team is to provide design of all elements meeting the general programmatic needs for the facility and its usage as outlined in the specifications per NPS approval.

26. Question: Page 39 of 48 in the Attachment 1, Scope of Work document, states, “refer to

Basis of Design Report for additional information” and Page 42 or 48 states “Special

Considerations refer to Basis of Design Report” and Specification Section 01 11 00 –

1.11.A notes BODR as an attachment with this package, which would imply that the requirements stated in the BODR are part of the Scope of Work. However, numbered page 39 of the Solicitation, Section J, indicates that the “Schematic Design (SD) Basis of

Design Report” is “for information only”. Is the BODR intended to be part of the Scope of

Work or is it truly for information only?

Answer: The Basis of Design is for information only. Utilize Att 18 Division 1

Specifications (rev) requirements and Att 1 Scope of Work 4.0 for Technical

Requirements.

27. Question: Numbered page 42 of Attachment 1, Scope of Work under “Bus Charging

Infrastructure”, all bullets are listed as “Base Bid” elements. Are some of these intended to be Bid Options in lieu of Base Bid elements?

Answer: Att 18 Division 1 Specifications (rev), Section 01 27 00 Definition of Contract

Line Items defines contract line items as well as options. Att 11 Contract Price Schedule coincides with Att 18 Division 1 Specifications (rev), Section 01 27 00.

28. Question: How soon after NTP can the Contractor perform on-site geotechnical investigations and borings? And what is the procedure for coordinating with NPS to obtain site access for the geotechnical explorations?

Answer: Section L Phase II Volume I Technical Proposal Factor 3 – Schedule explains the submittal requirement. The awardee will have site access once the NTP is issued. Refer to Att 18 Div 1 Specifications (rev), Section 01 27 00 Contract Line Items for the requirements of the geotechnical investigation requiring a boring plan for approval.

29. Question: Drawing A1.0 and Numbered Page 23 of the BODR, page 23 of the PDF

Attachment 3 Basis of Design Final, indicates a mechanical mezzanine in the

Maintenance Building. However, Page 38 notes “there is a potential for a mezzanine to support mechanical equipment between Grids 2 and 3…”. Is the mechanical mezzanine a requirement of the project? Or can the Contractor evaluate other locations for mechanical equipment in and around the building?

Answer: Basis of Design Report is for information only and is not a bridging document;

please review Section J – List of Attachments in the solicitation for descriptions of the attachments. As this is a Design-Build Contract, the contractor team is to provide design of all elements meeting the general programmatic needs for the facility and its usage as

30. Question: Numbered Page 39 of the BODR, page 47 of the PDF Attachment 3 Basis of

Design Final, indicates that “[maintenance building] facility is planned for a small crane in the western work bay that runs the full length of the building…”. What is the required capacity of the crane? And what is the required hook coverage area?

Answer: The crane shall be capable of safely lifting a Battery Electric Bus and an LNG bus.

Regarding hook coverage area, this is a Design-Build Contract, the contractor team is to provide design of all elements meeting the general programmatic needs for the facility and its usage as outlined in the specifications per NPS approval.

31. Question: Numbered Page 40 of the BODR, page 48 of the PDF Attachment 3 Basis of

Design Final: Wind load and seismic load both indicate ASCE 7-10. Should this be ASCE 7-

16 to be consistent with the Building Codes referenced on Page 39?

Answer: Current building codes shall be utilized.

32. Question: Numbered Page 40 of the BODR, page 48 of the PDF Attachment 3 Basis of

Design Final: Assumed concrete strengths have been provided along with minimum fly ash content. Given the remote site and the travel distance from the nearest ready-mix plant, does the Contractor have flexibility in providing alternative concrete mix designs with potentially different supplementary cementitious materials to allow for proper mixing, transporting, and placing of concrete, within what is acceptable per the Building

Code and ACI 318?

33. Question: Numbered Page 41 of the BODR, page 47 of the PDF Attachment 3 Basis of

Design Final: Anchor rod material is listed as ASTM F1554, Grade 55. Is it acceptable to provide ASTM F1544, Grade 36 anchor rods if designed to be in compliance with the

Building Code and ACI 318?

34. Question: Numbered Page 47 of the BODR, page 55 of the PDF Attachment 3 Basis of

Design Final, notes “A wet-pipe sprinkler shall be provided for both the Maintenance

Areas and Administrative Areas per NFPA 13.” Is it anticipated that the Maintenance

Area is to be conditioned and will always operate at or above 40°F as that is required for a wet-pipe system?

all elements meeting the general programmatic needs for the facility and its usage including spatial requirements for the equipment as outlined in the specifications.

Design and construction shall meet all applicable codes.

35. Question: Special Requirements 2: Key Personnel (pg. 16) indicates under Design and

Construction Key Personnel “Designer of Record – The Offeror’s single point of responsibility for all design procedures and decisions. This individual shall be a register, licensed professional engineer in the State of Arizona.”

a. Can the Designer of Record be a registered licensed Architect?

b. Our past experience on government projects on federal owned land, has been that a registered licensed architect or engineer in any State can be a design professional for the project. Please confirm.

Answer: Yes, the DOR can either be a licensed Architect or Engineer. The primary stamping authority (DOR) shall be licensed in Arizona. The other key discipline leads shall be a licensed professional in their discipline with preference for Arizona.

36. Question: Special Requirement 5: Requirements for registrations of Designers (pg.17) indicates “Architects or engineers registered to practice in the particular professional field involved in a State, the District of Columbia, or any outlying area of the United State the state where the construction work shall be performed shall prepare or review and approve the design of architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, civil, or other architectural and engineering features of the work.”

a. Our past experience on government projects on federal owned land, has been that registered licensed architects or engineers in any State can be a design professional for the project. Please confirm.

Answer: The primary stamping authority (DOR) shall be licensed in Arizona. The other key discipline leads shall be a licensed professional in their discipline with preference for

Arizona.

37. Question: Factor 3 – Past performance indicates “Submit Past Performance information for the same projects submitted under Technical Qualifications Factor 2 using the Past

Performance Questionnaires (Attachment 13).”

a. Are Past Performance Questionnaires completed by the Department of Defense acceptable?

b. Can the past performance for construction projects for a Joint Venture be from the

Mentor only under SBA Mentor Protégé Agreement?

Answer: Please refer to Section M Phase I – Evaluation Criteria Factor 3 – Past

Performance regarding contracts with the Federal Government. Because Section M of the solicitation states a Joint Venture Agreement is required, not a SBA Mentor Protégé

Agreement, past performance shall apply to a joint venture only and is deemed relevant per Definitions stated in Section M Phase I – Evaluation Criteria Factor 3 – Past

Performance of the solicitation.

38. Question: Basis of Design drawing sheet A1.0 Overall Floor Plan – Keynote F2 indicates

Acoustic 10’ CMU wall. Sheet A5.1 Building Section 1 shows 8’ CMU wall. Please clarify.

Answer: The Basis of Design is for information only. Since this is a Design-Build Contract, the contractor team is to provide design of all elements meeting the general programmatic needs for the facility and its usage as outlined in the specifications.

39. Question: Basis of Design drawing sheet A1.0 Overall Floor Plan – Room 231 Unisex RR w/ Shower. Being this bathroom for a single user (handicap accessible). Shower partitions should not be required. The Architectural Narrative indicates “An ABA transfer shower…” Please clarify.

Answer: The standards are to meet ABA for single user bathrooms.

40. Question: Basis of Design drawing sheet A4.2 Exterior Elevations – Keynote E7 on both

North and South Elevations indicates “Heavy Duty Overhead Garage Door”. Are garage doors to be motorized and insulated?

41. Question: Basis of Design drawing sheet A6.0 Bus Wash Plan & Elevations – North

Elevation Keynote 7 indicates “Heavy Duty Overhead Garage Door”. Are garage doors to be motorized and insulated?

42. Question: Basis of Design drawing sheet A6.0 Bus Wash Plan & Elevations – Bus Wash

Floor Plan shows a 60’ long internal division wall. Please provide wall specific requirements (height, material, finish, etc.).

43. Question: Basis of Design – Architectural Narrative. Please confirm ceiling finishes for room 234 Admin Break Room, room 232 Mech. Break Area, and admin corridors.

44. Question: Basis of Design – Are roof snow guards required?

45. Question: Basis of Design – Is roof lightning protection required for both maintenance facility and bus wash?

programmatic needs for the facility and its usage as outlined in the specifications. Design and construction shall meet all applicable codes.

46. Question: Basis of design – Is the batt roof insulation acceptable? Will batt insulation in spaces exposed to the structure required to be vinyl faced? Please confirm roof insulation requirements.

programmatic needs for the facility and its usage as outlined in the specifications. Design and construction shall meet all applicable codes.

47. Question: Basis of Design drawing sheets A1.0 Overall Floor Plan and A5.1 Building

Sections show a mechanical mezzanine over work bays 210 and 220. What is the clear height required under the mezzanine?

programmatic needs for the facility and its usage including spatial requirements for the equipment as outlined in the specifications. Design and construction shall meet all applicable codes.