Q___A_0001.docx

Questions and Answers from Site Visit:

1. Can additional visits be scheduled before bid?

An additional site visit is scheduled for Thursday, July 14, 2022 between the hours of 10:00 am to 3:00 PM at the Deshler Morris House. See Paul Stephens from the National Park Service at the site. Contractors will have the opportunity to see the site conditions and building interior during this time.

2. Can the contract work schedule be adjusted/extended due to material lead times or supply disruptions?

In the past, if there is reasonable cause due to material lead times, NPS has generally addressed the issue by adjusting the period of performance with the approval of the Contracting Officer.

3. Can the existing metal roof hatches be salvaged and reused?

If it is in suitable condition, the wood framing may be reused for the roof hatches, but the sheet metal of the hatches is expected to be replaced.

4. Is privy work required?

If option #1 is accepted by the government then the work outlined in the plans and specifications will be required on the privy.

5. Do the drains need to be unclogged/cleaned?

No, underground drains must be water tested with a hose opened to full flow for at least 10 mins. to see if they are functioning and the contractor is required to state the results of the test to the CO & COR, but the unclogging and cleaning of drainpipes is not included in the work.

6. Can existing unhung shutter be taken as a model for new fabrication or reuse?

Yes, the existing unhung shutter may be used as reference during the fabrication of new shutters after award of contract as may the shutters that are still hung. Repair and replacement where called for must be in kind, paneled shutter for paneled shutter and louvered blind for louvered blind, sized to fit the window in which it is to be hung.

7. Does work include all windows?

See window schedule in drawings for work. But in general, all windows are to be prepped and painted at a minimum with reglazing as required by the documents.

8. Where is interior plaster work required?

Plaster work is required on the I st floor of Bringhurst House primarily along the rear half of the courtyard facing wall. Additional interior plaster repair work is required in the Deshler Morris House on the I st and 2nd floors. This is primarily in the rear wing but there is some in the stairway. Required square footage of plaster repairs included in the basis of bid. Dust protection and containment for both houses is required for this work.

9. Where is parking permitted?

There is a designated gate access and vehicle parking for material drop off for one vehicle indicated on the drawings. However, there is no parking allowed on site beyond the material delivery and access must be maintained for the Park's ground crew.

Contractor's must make arrangements for parking with the city of Philadelphia Parking Authority or others.

10. Will contractors have free and clear access to the buildings during work hours?

Contractors will have free and clear access to limited interior areas requiring work during that time. This is why the schedule is important, so the park may coordinate access with the contractor when work is going to take place.

11. Is there water and electricity access?

Yes, water and electricity provided by NPS are on-site.

12. What is the disclosed budget amount?

Budget information is included in the Solicitation that was listed in SAM.Gov.

13. How old is the existing EPDM roof?

It is estimated to have been installed in 2007, making the roof about 15 years old. This is the reason that except for the work indicated for the Bringhurst House the contractor is only required to report on the condition of the EPDM with no other work required under the contract.

14. What size shingles are required?

See specifications for job requirements. The shingles as installed are expected to be 3½+/- inches wide to a maximum 6½+/- inches wide to accurately reflect the period of historic construction.

15. Is cedar breather used?

Yes, see flashing drawing. In general cedar breather is placed over solid sheathing areas of the roofs.

16. Can chimney caps be visible from the ground?

Chimney caps must be installed as indicated in the drawings and specifications and should limit their visual appearance from ground level. They are not intended to be seen, but some visibility from the ground may be approved

17. Is the bid date firm?

The bid due date may only be changed by the Contracting Officer and request for changes with justifications should be sent to the CO as listed in the Solicitation. The bid due date is set for Tuesday, July 26th, 2022.

18. What is the preferred repair method for cracks on stucco?

See specifications for requirements. The contractor is expected to cut a "V" groove along stucco cracking and patch to match existing color, and texture This includes the ashlar pattern where found on the Deshler Morris House.

Additional Clarifications:

1. French drain is in the area of the geothermal wells and care must be taken to prevent damage to the system. Digging of the French drain may need to be hand dug, a drawing of the geothermal layout will be made available to the contractor prior to the work starting.

2. Interior demo and plaster work dust containment is needed in both houses.

3. Portable bathroom facilities are required. Inside bathroom facilities are not to be used in either building. A jobsite trailer is not allowed for this project.