RFI_s_Answers_0001.docx

1. What is the shape of the Dutchman, just a rectangular piece? Rectangular block 28” long x 15” wide x 12” thick (approximately).

2. Which of the sides/faces get tooled? On the Dutchman stone, tooling will be performed by others.

3. Does the dutchman get a profiling/molding/carving to match existing shape? No

4. Does this get made and delivered, and someone else will install this on the existing base, epoxy and carve/sandblast to blend the shape and texture to match existing? We need a cut blank delivered to Frederick, MD. No finishing tooling or carving is required on the dutchman block.

5. Dutchman pieces typically need further craving, shaping, sanding, tooling, Sandblasting (any and all of these methods or more) to blend with the existing, if we supply only and someone else installs this, we need to establish acceptable criteria for the dutchman tooling, as it may or may not perfectly match the existing, further treatments may be needed to be performed by the installers in place, and our work should not be rejected for that reason. We will request a sawn blank that will be tooled by others at the site.

6. Can we get pictures of the damaged spot where this dutchman piece will go, for reference? Yes (*see attached photos)

7. “Period of Performance: 08/18/2025 to 09/22/2025” “All work shall be completed and delivered on or before September 22, 2025” – This schedule unfortunately is not realistic to achieve. We are at the end of July, project may be awarded in early August, and a turnaround time of 1 month is not possible to achieve, considering that this project requires extensive templating, 3D scanning, modeling, custom finishing/tooling to match existing, samples, drawings development and approvals etc. Below is a realistic schedule which we can achieve, if this is not acceptable, unfortunately we will not be able to bid this project.

· Submittals – Templating/Scanning, development of drawings/3D model, samples and drawing submittals – 3 to 4 weeks from the date of award.

· Stone Raw material procurement & production – 14 to 16 weeks from the date of approval of samples and drawings.

· Delivery to job site and unloading – 1 day.

· Total duration from start to finish – 20 weeks. Thank you for this information. Please state needed lead time in bid and it will be considered.

8. For clarification of scope – We produce and deliver the (2) stone items, unload on site. The stone will be installed by others? Yes. Deliver to site 1 capstone fully carved and finished, and 1 blank for use as dutchman. Installation of capstone and completion of dutchman repairs performed by others.

9. Would the contractor be responsible for loading the existing base unto a truck to be shipped to facility in order to use for a template and cut the dutchman from that piece?

NPS can load the stone on a truck provided by others at the current storage site in Frederick, MD.

10. Also, unloading of new and existing base when delivered back to the NPS, who is responsible for unloading? NPS will unload completed work at site in Washington, D.C.

11. Are there any specifications for this dutchmen? Shape, what type of smooth, tooled finish? Contractor will provide a sawn, unfinished block, cut from the damaged capstone. The dimensions will be approximately 28” x 15” x 12”. NPS carvers will install and finish the dutchman repair at the site.

12. Where is the current location of the original base stone? 6129 Butterfly Lane, Frederick, MD

13. What kind of access does the current location have? Residential or industrial? Size and weight restrictions for vehicles? Mixed use area. We can accept semi-trucks, but a straight truck is easier.

14. Will the stone be on a pallet and ready for shipping? Yes

15. Does NPS/HPTC have the ability to load a truck and lift the pallet onto it? Yes.

16. HPTC wants the remnants of the original granite base returned to the Frederick facility after the dutchman has been cut out of it? No.

17. Is the contractor for this solicitation responsible only for delivery? Contractor must fabricate/furnish 1 new capstone to match the damaged existing unit, and 1 cut block sourced from the original capstone material for use as a dutchman. Dutchman repair block will be finish carved by others and installed by others.

18. Are the called-out lift point facilities only for use during stone delivery, or are they also intended for use during installation? This can be collaborated between NPS and Contractor during drawing approval process.

19. Collaboration with the installers is necessary to determine lift point facilities? Yes.

20. Does CLIN line 00010 include the dutchman fabrication from the original base, or should that be listed as a separate line item? The contract will be one CLIN for the complete works, but a cost breakdown is encouraged.

21. What are the specifications and requirements for a material to be considered an alternative (re. Milford Pink granite)? Material must be granite and should be a reasonably close color match and grain size when viewed from a distance of 20’.

22. What is the process for approving an alternate material? Awarded contractor will have original physical sample of desired material. Alternative samples of granite will be sent to NPS for approval based upon color and grain size. A reasonable match at a viewing distance of 20’ is acceptable.

23. When is this process to occur? Before bid submission? Approval of samples, alternates, and shop drawings will occur after award.

24. Please provide a picture showing the location of the requested 28”x12”x15” Dutchman and confirm whether this Dutchman is to be furnished and installed by us. A saw cut blank will be provided by the contractor. This blank is to be cut from the original damaged capstone. All further dutchman work will be performed by others.

25. The solicitation states the work must be completed by September 22nd, but the lead time for the material is 14 weeks from release. Please confirm if the completion date is flexible. If not, we may need to decline to bid. Thank you for this information. Please state your lead time in your bid, and it will be considered.

26. Are there any photos showing shape of Dutchman needed? Yes.