B09_AM_005_Att_Q-and-A_07-23-25_0005.xlsx
XLSX spreadsheet 27 KB Posted
- Solicitation number
- 140P2025R0032
About this file
This document is a Questions and Answers (Q&A) spreadsheet for the ACAD 309000 Harden Farm Employee Housing Phase 1C project, Solicitation #140P2025R0032. The solicitation is a Total Small Business Set-Aside procurement by the Department of the Interior National Park Service for constructing employee housing at Acadia National Park. The project involves building multiple residential structures, including 6-plex and 8-bedroom dormitory buildings, with specific requirements for electrical, plumbing, and construction details.
Key project details include an anticipated contract award before September 2025, with a Notice to Proceed (NTP) date of November 1st, and an expected completion date of February 2026. The project requires third-party inspections, specific electrical and plumbing specifications, and compliance with various technical requirements such as fire alarm systems, sprinkler systems, and utility connections. The Q&A document provides extensive clarifications on technical specifications, including acceptable wiring methods, panel configurations, appliance installations, and construction materials, helping potential bidders understand the precise project requirements.
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Sheet1
| ACAD 309000 - Harden Farm Employee Housing Phase 1C |
| Solicitation # 140P2025R0032 |
| # | Offeror Question | NPS Response | |
| 1 | Does this project require any design services on behalf of the contractor? | Project design is complete, but if you choose to use modular design (volumuized or panelized) as a reminder shop drawings will require full coordination and approval. | |
| 2 | Please provide the specs for the sealed concrete as called out on the plans. | See Specification 03 30 00 – Cast-in-place concrete. Site concrete sidewalks are to be sealed with a silane-siloxane product. | |
| 3 | Please confirm the showers are to be 1 solid piece and no tiling is required on the shower walls or floor. | The basis of design for the 6-plex is a one piece shower :30"x60" Shower - Aquatic model 16030STT, etc. See sheet P5. The basis of design for the 8-BDRM dorms is also a one piece showr: 3'x3' shower - Aquatic model 1363BFRF with grab bars, etc. See sheet P7 for for Plumbing Fixtures. | |
| 4 | Please confirm that no Division 11 appliances are contractor-furnished, and that all listed kitchen and laundry appliances will be provided by the NPS for contractor installation. | Confirmed - NPS furnished, contractor installed. 11 30 13 Residential Appliances are government furnished per specs: Ranges, Microwave ovens, Hood, Refrigerator/Freezer unit, Dishwashers, Clothes washer-dryers. | |
| 5 | Please confirm the scheduled completion and operational readiness date of the pump station project. Will permanent sewer service be available prior to Phase 1C utility tie-ins? | The schedule for this work depends on the contract award. The expected completion date is February 2026. The existing sewer system will remain functioning until the pump station is complete. | |
| 6 | Please confirm whether septic system demolition and disposal—including tanks, leach fields, and any associated backfill—is entirely under the scope of the separate NPS-managed sewer project. | The tanks will remain in place. The Leach field will be removed. The work is entirely included in the separate sewer project. | |
| 7 | Please provide confirmed as-built locations and invert elevations for all sanitary sewer stubs provided by the NPS project. If final stub locations differ from Sheets C1A–C14, will the government issue revised design details? | It should be assumed that stub locations shown are accurate (same AE for design of phase 1a/b and phase 1c), but the work has not been completed. If final stub locations differ from sheets C1A-C14 the government will issue revised information at that time. | |
| 8 | Please confirm that the planned routing of clothes dryer exhaust ducts complies with the maximum allowable length per the selected appliance manufacturer’s installation requirements. If the duct routing exceeds allowable limits, please confirm whether booster fans are required and if their use is acceptable within the design intent. Also, please confirm that exterior terminations (e.g., wall caps with backdraft dampers) are acceptable as shown and meet all applicable code and energy performance requirements. | The dryer length is limited to 35ft in accordance with mechanical code. If the field installed length is greater than 35ft including all elbows, 90’s, 45’s, etc. then dryer booster fan shall be installed. All installed products should meet all code requirements and shall be listed for intended purpose. | |
| 9 | Please confirm that the BMS specified in Section 23 09 00 is limited to Phase 1C buildings only, and is not required to communicate with any existing BMS from Phases 1A/1B or any NPS-wide management platform. | Phase 1C buildings do not need to communicate directly with phase 1A/1B buildings. | |
| 10 | Please confirm that there are no government-mandated BMS or controls vendors (e.g., Johnson Controls, Honeywell, Trane) required for this project. If any preference or NPS standard product exists for future system integration, please advise. | No government mandated control vendors are required. | |
| 11 | Please confirm whether any components of the NFPA 13D wet-pipe sprinkler system—such as waterflow switches, tamper switches, or pressure monitoring—are required to be monitored by the fire alarm system. If so, please identify the points of interface and expected input types. | Yes, all sprinkler alarm components such as flow, tamper, and pressure switches shall be monitored by the fire alarm system as noted on the fire protection plans. | |
| 12 | Please confirm that the fire alarm system is a local-only (non-monitored) system as described, and that no offsite reporting to a central station or emergency responder is required. | The fire alarm system and devices shall be fully addressable NFPA 72 system. Monitoring of the system is not required unless specifically requested by Owner. | |
| 13 | Do the Superintendent, SSHO and QC Manager need to be 3 separate individuals? | The Superintendent role must be performed by one individual who solely |
has that responsibility. The Site Safety and Health Officer and Quality Control Manager roles may be performed by one individual with those combined responsibilities.
| 14 | Can the period of performance be extended after award once the material/equipment lead times are confirmed due to current market conditions for the equipment for this project? | Please prepare your proposal using the period of performance as listed in the solicitation. | ||
| 15 | Please provide the site visit attendee sign in sheet. | Provided on July 15, 2025 on SAM. | ||
| 16 | Will Phases 1A & 1B be complete prior to the start of 1C? | Phase 1a/b are not anticipated to be complete prior to start of 1c. PoP for the Phase 1a/b contract ends 6/30/2026 | ||
| 17 | Are soil boring reports available? If not, it will be assumed that excavation will be clear of rocks and obstructions. | Boring logs are provided in "ACAD 309000 Harden Farm Housing Specifications - Final CD - Appendix B.pdf" | ||
| 18 | Is there a bulk water fill i.e. a hydrant or water source we can pump from for grading operations in close proximity? | There is an existing hydrant near the entrance closest to the existing housing. | ||
| 19 | Please confirm whether asbestos or lead is present on this project, and if so, provide the relevant documentation. | Asbestos may be contacted during site preparation and removal of existing water and sewer pipe on property. See sheet C3A for more information. | ||
| 20 | Is this project tax exempt? | It is the responsibility of the contractor to work with local and state governments in order to determine whether the project is tax-exempt or not. | ||
| 21 | Is there an anticipated start date? | Anticipate an award before the end of September, 2025 and an NTP date of November 1st. | ||
| 22 | Are third party inspections required? | Yes. See specifications for requirements. NPS building code official and fire code official inspections will also be required. | ||
| 23 | Is permitting required? | Yes. See 01 31 00 1.8 for permit expectations including NPS provided permits. | ||
| 24 | Will a smoke test be required to test radon piping? | Yes. | ||
| 25 | Will rigid insulation be required beneath the entirety of the slab on grade? | No. Just 2' inside the footing around the perimeter. | ||
| 26 | Would it be appropriate for the questions and answers from the last bid be reissued here as an amendment? | Provided on July 17, 2025 on SAM. | ||
| 27 | Will the Northern Long-Eared Bat cause delays to this project? | Proper planning should allow no delays to the project to address bats. Per 01 11 00 Cutting/clearing trees at the project site shall not be performed between April 15 and October 31. | ||
| 28 | The plans call for Plastic Laminate tops but drawing cabinet sections calls out solid surface tops. Which is correct? | Assume plastic laminate countertops. | ||
| 29 | The basis of design is Certainteed XT30 three tab shingle. However the spec also states that an approved equal will be considered. If we were to submit on an architectural shingle would it be accepted? | A substitute material cannot be reviewed and approved through this pre-bid question-answer process. If a product meets the salient characteristics listed in 07 31 13 2.1 it would be considered. | ||
| 30 | Please verify that cordless lift with wand tilt is ok for the mini blinds as the specified cord pull is no longer legal to purchase in the US. | NPS to provide the blinds, GC is only installing. | ||
| 31 | Window schedule indicates that interior and exterior finish is TBD, please confirm colors will be chosen from manuf. Standard options. | Colors to be white, inside and out. | ||
| 32 | Please confirm that the Owner will pay for all utility costs including poles, transformers, etc. Contractor will coordinate. | See CLN structure as included in 01 27 00. | ||
| 33 | Tag FF4 is indicated on G3, sheet 26/131 but no corresponding information is given about it on G1. | Typo. Should read “FT4” | ||
| 34 | Drawing A6, Sheet 32/131.On the top right of page it notes “Shingles”, to the right of that it calls out “ALT1: Pre-Finished, Stained Semi�Transparent”. Please clarify | Shingles to be clear, no stain. No Alt 1 required. | ||
| 35 | Drawing A6, Sheet 32/131. On the top right of the page next to prompts Trim and Shiplap it indicates material to be composite. The spec 074600 “Siding and Soffits” indicates both are to be Fiber Cement Collection by Allura. Please clarify. | Fiber Cement by Allura, or equal is correct. | ||
| 36 | There is no mention in the specs of NMB or MC Cable as a wiring method. Is it the intent that these residential units be wired in EMT conduit? Likewise, are non-metallic device boxes allowed if NMB is? | It is acceptable to run branch circuits in MC (metal-clad) cable. All feeders must be installed in conduit. All feeders must be installed in conduit. | ||
| 37 | Please refer to specification section 26 05 33, par. 3.1.B.4 - "Comply with the following indoor (wiring) applications, unless otherwise indicated: 4) Concealed (wiring) in ceilings and Interior Walls and Partitions: EMT (only)" | |||
| At the 7/9/25 pre-bid conference site visit, we observed MC armored cable in widespread use for this application concealed in walls and above ceilings. Electrical Power Note number 15 on electrical drawing E1 states: "MC/AC shall not be utilized". Will NMB (plastic jacketed) or MC (armored metal) cable be permitted for VE savings on this project? | It is acceptable to run branch circuits in MC (metal-clad) cable. All feeders must be installed in EMT (electrical metallic tubing) conduit. | |||
| 38 | Please refer to specification section 26 05 33, par. 3.1.B.6 - "Comply with the following indoor (wiring) applications, unless otherwise indicated: 6) Damp or Wet Locations: Rigid Steel Conduit (only)". At the 7/9/25 pre-bid conference site visit, we observed PVC40 plastic conduit in widespread use for this application for feeder and branch circuits buried in, under and projecting through concrete slabs. Will PVC40 plastic conduit be permitted in, under and projecting through (stub up) the concrete slab for VE savings on this project? Please also consider deleting the requirement mentioned in 26 05 41-3.3.A.4 & 5 for PVC Coated rigid metal conduit beneath and stubbing up through the slabs on grade. | It is acceptable to use PVC40 plastic conduit for feeder and branch circuits buried in, under and projecting through the concrete slabs. PVC80 shall be used where the conduit is exposed and prone to physical damage. | ||
| 39 | Please refer to Electrical Power Note number 14 on electrical drawing E1 which states: "All wiring shall be copper...Feeder wiring shall utilize copper THWN/THHN. Underground wiring shall utilize copper THWN/XHHW". Will customary aluminum secondary entrance conductors in conduit, and SER (plastic jacketed) aluminum apartment panel feeder cables for these applications be permitted for VE savings? | All feeder wiring shall be installed within EMT. All feeder wiring shall be THWN/THHN. SER will not be acceptable for this project. | ||
| 40 | Please refer to Electrical drawing E4 (6-PLEX, sheet 58 of 131). All of the apartment panels and house panel are 3 phase. Will customary single phase apartment panels and house panel be permitted for VE savings (vs. 3 phase)? | The water heater is sized for three phase breaker. The panels are utilizing three phase for several factors. One being, the AIC ratings are able to utilize 22k rated panelboards and associated breakers with three phase wiring. If this were to be switched to single phase, the required AIC rating would have to increase. Therefore, the project shall utilize three phase panels. | ||
| 41 | Please refer to specification section 26 24 16, par. 2.1.D - "All panelboards shall be completely factory assembled with molded case breakers". Will customary residential style load | |||
| centers be permitted for VE savings? | No, the project standards require commercial listed panelboards. | |||
| 42 | lease refer to Electrical Power Note 16 on electrical drawing E1 which states: "Panel and equipment busses shall utilize copper". Will customary aluminum busses be permitted within all factory assembled panelboards and/or within all load centers for VE savings? | No, copper busses are required for NPS projects. | ||
| 43 | In order that electrical bidders are all bidding on the same specifications and project requirements, are any other VE savings applicable to this project which have not been enumerated above? For example, have any other light fixture substitutions, digital private | |||
| owner metering, or other electrical features been deleted from the electrical drawings or electrical specifications on this project, in order that Phase 1C requirements follow suit with Phase 1A & 1B requirements? | Adhere to the specifications. Government is not allowed to sole source products in this manner. | |||
| 44 | Please confirm what is required to be in conduit. It appears that feeders, branch circuits, and data need to be in conduit but fire alarm does not. | Feeders and data shall be in conduit. It is acceptable to run branch circuits in MC (metal-clad) cable. For fire alarm per Specifications Section 28 31 00 3.1.B, any wiring exposed or concealed lower than 7 feet from the floor shall be in EMT. | ||
| 45 | Can section 2.1 of this spec be changed so the contractor needs to meet the quality requirements of AWI but does not need to be a member. | This is acceptable. | ||
| 46 | Page 8 of the solicitation is the contract price schedule. (CLIN) Items 1 thru 6 are listed as base bid. Are all six items to be awarded or will NPS pick and choose? | All CLNs will be awarded. | ||
| 47 | If NPS is going to pick and choose the CLIN items will they be awarded in any special order? | All CLNs will be awarded. | ||
| 48 | 2.2B is a contracting officer’s office required for this project? Is there already an office from Phase 1A and 1B? | This is a separate contract and a CO trailer is expected. | ||
| 49 | Drawing P6, 6-PLEX Building, PLUMBING DETAILS 3-P6 says the hot water line to be run from end of line back to the hot water tank but shows going back to mixing valve but does not show this on the P4 drawing. Which is correct? | Plumbing detail three indicates the manufacturer’s suggested piping for the TMV-1 hot water to be piped back to the tank. Final layout shall be in accordance with TMV and HW tank manufacturer’s requirements. Domestic hot water return throughout the building or each unit is not required as the hot water line is being served via heat trace. | ||
| 50 | There are 3 mixing valves shown, one off the water heater and one under each lavatory and kitchen sink as shown on drawing P6 detail 4- P6? Are all 3 required? This is for both buildings. | The TMV-1 is the master mixing valve which is required to be installed per code requirements. The master mixing valve ensures proper temperature of hot water is delivered to fixtures while eliminated legionaries concerns. The lavatory/sink mixing valves are required by plumbing code to be installed. The point of use mixing valves are required for scald protection, while still maintaining high water temperatures in the hot water piping to help eliminate legionaries. | ||
| 51 | Will the main water meters for all 4 buildings be provided by local utility? | The contractor shall coordinate with the local utility for water meters. In most situations, water utilities provide a single meter for the building. The contractor will still be required to install. The contractor is responsible to provide all additional water meters as required per construction documents. | ||
| 52 | Spec section 310000 – 1.4A indicates that contractor is to carry costs for testing, paragraph 1.4-C calls for contractor to pay for re-test, which would indicate that the owner is carrying testing, please confirm who is to carry costs for earthwork testing for the entirety of this project. | Contractor to carry cost of testing. If a test fails or needs to be completed again, contract requires contractor to carry cost of re-test. | ||
| 53 | Does Kebo Street get posted for heavy trucks in the winter? | Kebo gets "posted" for heavy trucks in winter. It is a "posting" of not more than 23,000 lbs and starts and ends based on the spring thaw. Some limited exceptions can be granted by the town of Bar Harbor Highway Dept. |
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