B09_-_140P4226Q0048_-_Amendment_0001_-_Questions_and_Answers_0001.pdf

Solicitation 140P4226Q0048 – Amendment 0001

RFQ

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS REGARDING:

SOLICITATION/REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS NO. 120P4226Q0048 -

Amendment 0001

Independence National Historical Park (INDE) – Exterior Painting and Restoration – Merchant’s Exchange

Building

QUESTIONS RECEIVED by last day to receive technical questions Monday, August 24, 2026:

1. Question: Is there a chance offeror submit their proposals entirely via email since it is mentioned sealed bid?

ANSWER: Yes – Everything shall be submitted via email per Section L.1.1. (D) which stated “Electronic proposal must be submitted via email…”

In regard to this being a sealed bid, there is no language aside from standard language included on SF-1442 that references Sealed Bid; however, this is not a FAR Part 14 – Sealed Bid Requirement. Section L.1 and L.2 says exactly what is required, and Section M says how it is going to be evaluated.

With this in mind, when the solicitation closes, there is no public Bid Opening, or Bid Tabulation available, as this in not being solicited under FAR Part 14 – Sealed Bid, as those things only apply there.

2. Question: Optional Item 2 (Lead-Based Paint Remediation) Pricing Baseline: Summary of Work Section

1.1(A)(1)(g) requires the Contractor to include lead-based paint testing of at least 10 locations in the base bid, and Section 1.1(A)(3)(a) states that Optional Item 2 (Lead-Based Paint Remediation) will be exercised only if those base tests conclude lead-based paint (LBP) is present. Section B requires a single Lump Sum price for CLIN 00030 (Optional Item 2). Since the presence, location, and actual quantity of lead-based paint are entirely unknown prior to award and base testing, how should offerors calculate a realistic and competitive Lump Sum price for Option 2? Will the Government provide a standard quantity baseline (e.g., estimated square footage of lead paint removal) for bidding purposes, or will this CLIN be negotiated as an equitable adjustment post-award once test results are finalized?

ANSWER: All contractors can assume 2,100 sqft of lead based paint remediation for all elevations below the roof line that are part of the Base Award Line Item. The contractor can assume up to 1,400 sqft of lead based paint remediation above the roof line for Optional Item 1 – Cupola Restoration.

3. Question: Daily Containment Teardown vs. Scaffolding Permanence: Section 02 83 33, Part 1.2(D)(1)(a) establishes that Contractor responsibilities include the "removal of all temporary containment system structures daily, or as allowed by the CO". Please clarify whether this daily removal requirement applies strictly to the 6-mil fire-retardant polyethylene sheeting and shrouding, or if the physical scaffolding, staging, and work platforms must also be dismantled and removed from the site at the end of each workday. If scaffolding is permitted to remain erected overnight, are there specific security, public safety, or anchoring restrictions that must be followed?

ANSWER: Daily cleanup of LBP debris and containment are required. Containment removal is limited to fire-retardant polyethylene sheeting and shrouding. Scaffolding may stay erected onsite throughout work so long as a pedestrian bridge for clear sidewalk access is provided.

Per specification section 015000.3.3.E, the contractor must fence, barricade, or otherwise block off the immediate work area to prevent unauthorized entry. This shall include the scaffolding.

4. Question – Wood Species for Base Carpentry Repairs: Summary of Work Section 1.1(A)(2)(c) explicitly mandates the use of solid Honduran Mahogany for the cupola column base replacement under Optional Item 1.

However, the specifications for the Base Item Carpentry Repairs—including the replacement of 13 window sills and 30 L.F. of window sashes, muntin’s, and doors—do not identify the wood species or grading required.

Please clarify the required wood species, grade, and treating standards (e.g., AWPA borate treatment) for all Base Item woodwork repairs.

ANSWER: Solid Honduran Mahogany is required for all carpentry repairs.

5. Question: Utility Access and Metering Contradiction: Summary of Work Section 1.2(B) and (C) state that water and electric power from the existing system are available for the Contractor’s use with metering and without payment of use charges. Conversely, Solicitation Section C.14(G) and (H) state that the Government "may not provide connections to existing electrical facilities" and that water "may be available in hose bib attachments". Please clarify whether the Contractor will have guaranteed, no-charge access to the building’s water and electrical utilities, or if we must budget for portable generators, temporary electrical drops, and independent water trucks.

ANSWER: Attachment 1 – Section 01 50 00 -1.2 Utilities and Use Changes (B) and (C) clearly state that water and electric power are available for use with metering and without payment of use changes as stated. Per the Attachment 1, there are no costs for these hook ups.

Further, there are no water spigots or electrical outlets on the exterior of the Merchants' Exchange Building.

NPS will provide contractor with access to the interior of the building for access to water and electricity as necessary. The language in Section C.14 (G) and (H) will be updated to the following at award, so it more consistent with Attachment 1

G. ELECTRIC: Government will provide access to electrical connections from inside of MEB as necessary at no cost to contractor. The COR shall review and approve all electric connections prior to any electric hookups. All electrical connections shall be disconnected daily, unless otherwise stated by the COR in writing.

H. WATER: There is NO direct exterior water connection available on MEB building. Water will be available through hose bib attachments in some irrigation system valve boxes, MEB interior building water connections or outside hose bibs at select walls and buildings not located at MEB. COR shall review and approve all water connections prior to any water hookups. If the use of a fire hydrant is required, the Contractor is responsible for any permits and associated fees pertaining to the use of city fire hydrants. The contractor is responsible for removing all water connections daily, unless otherwise stated by the COR in writing.

6. Question: Contractor Staging and Laydown Space: Summary of Work Section 1.5(C) prohibits the

Contractor from using the interior of the building for access or storage, and Section 1.5(C)(1) notes that on-site field offices or trailers are not permitted on NPS property. Is there a designated exterior staging or laydown area on National Park Service property allocated for the Contractor's secure storage of materials, locking toolboxes, and required temporary toilet facilities? If not, must all staging and temporary facilities be located off-property or within public right-of-ways, requiring municipal permits?

ANSWER: Yes, a staging area on NPS property is dedicated for contractor use along the building's north elevation. Please see drawing sheet G2 - Site Plan for approximate location.

7. Question: Could the Government please clarify the exact dollar threshold being utilized as the SAT for this

RFO-tailored construction procurement?

ANSWER: Current SAT Level is $350K, so quotes that are over that amount are considered over the SAT.

It should be noted that the Bond Requirement, for any quote that is received over $150K, if the contractor is selected for award, the contractor will be required to provide both Payment and Performance Bonds over $150K, anything less than $150K is as stated in Section I under 52.228-13.

RFO under 36 does not include the disclosure of estimated range anymore, it is not included.

8. Question: For the purpose of determining whether a proposal exceeds this threshold and triggers the self-performance worksheet, will the Government evaluate the base items only (CLIN 00010), or will the evaluated total include the optional items (CLIN 00020 and CLIN 00030)?

ANSWER: It applies to the total value (base and all optional items), as all estimated values for government projects that drive the inclusion of clauses and provisions is based on bast and options total.

9. Question: If an offeror's price exceeds this threshold, will the Limitations on Sub-Contracting Compliance

Worksheet be required prior to award as part of the technical evaluation, or is it strictly a post-award administrative deliverable?

ANSWER: This will be post award deliverable, because as written now it is not required so I could not reasonably evaluate something that is not required; however, as noted in Attachment 4 (c) "Contractors may be requested to complete this document later if pricing is over the SAT, and FAR 5.219-14-Limitations on Subcontracting with Deviation will be added to contract at award as required."

As this is stated, contractors are being made aware that their quotes need to comply with the requirement if their quotes are over the SAT, and cannot deny that they did not know when requested after award, and found not compliant with it. For those that are concerned, they should ensure their pricing is consistent with the requirements, and from the interest of transparency, the percentage would be 75% - Construction by special trade contractors, which means no more that 75% of the work can be provided to non-similarly situated subcontractors (NNS).

10. Question: The solicitation dictates that all Exterior Paints and Coatings utilized on this project must contain a minimum of 83% biobased content to conform to the USDA BioPreferred Program updates.

Our project team and technical distributors have conducted extensive market research into commercially available, architectural-grade exterior paints and primers suitable for application to historic exterior wood by brush. To date, we have been unable to identify a readily available, historic-preservation-compliant paint system (including primer and finish coats) that clearly meets or exceeds this 83% minimum threshold.

Could the Government please provide a brand name or a list of certified, commercially available architectural paint systems that meet this metric? Alternatively, if an 83% biobased formulation is commercially unavailable for this specific historical wood application, will the Government consider issuing an amendment to modify the percentage threshold for the paint system?

ANSWER: The percentage listed is just the recommended percentage from the BioPreferred Website, and some product specifics are available here BioPreferred|Catalog. Note the list available through that link is not an endorsement of any specific products, and contractors are reminded that all products must meet the salient characteristics of the materials required or will not be approved during the submittal process.

Contractors shall also review Section L.2 – Factor 1 - Sub-Factor E – Biobased Certification – which reads “The offerors shall identify the Biobased products to be purchased and used under this contract as detailed in Section C.25 using the Biobased Certification (Attachment 8) or equivalent documentation.” Note one https://www.biopreferred.gov/BioPreferred/faces/catalog/Catalog.xhtml correction this should be “Attachment 4,” not “Attachment 8” as indicated in solicitation. The language says contractors shall identify the Biobased products to be purchased and used under this contract. So if contractors find they are not available, or they do not plan on using them, that is fine, you just have to make sure you identify what you are using.

Further in Section M under Sub-Factor E – Biobased Certification

Sub-Factor E – Biobased Certification - The Government will evaluate if the offeror provided the required documentation for Biobased Certifications as stated in L.2.

Sub-Factor E - Biobased Certification Evaluation

Rating Definition Technically Acceptable

Proposal clearly states the utilization/non-utilization of Biobased products, List of products, certification, and operation plan. Note if Biobased products are NOT going to utilized that must also be stated in their response for it to be considered Technically Acceptable.

Technically Unacceptable

There is NO response (meaning any kind of acknowledge, either yes or

no) provided or proposal does not clearly state the utilization/non-utilization of Biobased products, does not include a list of products, lacks certification documentation, and is lacking in clear understanding of operation plan – will not be considered Technically Unacceptable.

To be found Technically Acceptable, your proposal must clearly state the utilization/non-utilization of Biobased products, list of products, certification, and operation plan. If a contractor is NOT using them, they must also state this to be considered technically acceptable. If a contractor says absolutely nothing one way or the other about the use or non-use of biobased products, whether through Attachment 4 or equivalent documentation, the contractor’s proposal will be found technically unacceptable under this sub-factor, which will lead to overall technically unacceptable evaluation as stated in Section M.

11. Question: Will the sign in sheet be posted?

ANSWER: Normally no, unless requested as it is not mandatory, but it is included with Amendment 0001 as B09 – Attachment 3 – sign in sheet – Amend 0001.

12. Question: Has bird netting at the west elevation been removed? Does it still need to be replaced?

ANSWER: Yes, the bird netting from the West Elevation was damaged and has been removed. The contractor will not be responsible for removing bird netting if it is not in place at the time of construction. The contractor shall be responsible for procuring and installing new bird netting and accessories per Section 01 01 10 (1.1)(A)(1)(b) and drawing A1 that meet the project requirements in all areas, including West Elevation.

13. Question: Do we need to wait for nesting birds and eggs to move on before proceeding with work?

ANSWER: It depends on the species of bird and the status of the nest. Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, it is a federal offense to remove, destroy, or actively disturb an active nest (one containing eggs or dependent young) of protected native North American bird species. The law covers over 1,000 native species, but non-native, invasive species lack protection, such as house sparrows, European starlings, and feral pigeons.

As it is unknown at the time of this Amendment 0001, the following language will be added at award under Section C.15:

D. PROTECTED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES - The Government may direct the Contractor to stop work and all operations in the event that listed or proposed threatened or endangered plants or animals protected under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, or Federal candidate (Category 1 and 2), sensitive or state listed species, or under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, as amended (16 U.S.C. 703-

712) are discovered to be present in or adjacent to the project area. Actions taken under this paragraph shall be subject to Special Clause 1 - Stop-Work.

14. Question: Is full scaffolding required?

ANSWER: Scaffolding around the building is not specifically required; however, the sidewalk is to remain open and overhead protections per Section while working at the 2nd floor and above are required at all elevations. See drawing G2 for approximate paths of travel and building entrances to remain open.

15. Question: Can Equipment roll over cobblestone and pavers?

ANSWER: Yes, if any equipment will be driven over surfaces, ground protection is required per specifications.

The contractor will be held accountable for any damage that occurs as a direct result of the work. See specifications section 010110.1.7.D. Please also note that there is an underground utilities vault on the north elevation of the building. Several other vaults are visible around the building, including an electrical transformer vault located under the sidewalk at the southwest corner of the building, metal gratings for air intakes and exhausts at the north elevation, and a cemented metal grating at the east elevation. Additionally, former window wells have since been infilled with bluestone panels and are visible at the north and south elevations. The weight capacity of the vaults and around the building has not been determined and is not known by NPS.

16. Question: Could a lull or scissor lift be positioned on the blue stone pavers at the east elevation of Merchant’s Exchange Building, so that the contractor can lift the scaffolding material up to the roof?

ANSWER: Yes, placing a lull or scissor lift on the blue stone pavers is acceptable. See specification section 010110.1.7.D for ground protection requirements.

17. Question: What is the max load the roof can hold for scaffolding?

ANSWER: "A case history commentary" on the Merchants' Exchange Building, including 1998 structural engineer drawings have been posted to the solicitation for contractor use. Load calculations have not been completed for the project and are the responsibility of the contractor.

Also see the following attachments provided with Amendment 0001 B09 – Attachment 1 – Merchants Exchange vol 1 INDE_391_D311 (24 Pages) B09 – Attachment 2 – Merchants Exchange vol 2 INDE_391_D311 (32 Pages)

18. Question: Can a trailer be placed onsite for storage or removed window sashes?

ANSWER: No – Per specification section 015000.3.3.A, no project field offices or trailers are required or permitted for this project. A contractor staging area is provided and may be enclosed by fencing. If protective storage is required, it may offsite, but also see the answer to Question 19 below.

19. Question: Is there a limit on how many sash can be removed at a time?

ANSWER: Most window sashes below the roof level are painted shut and are to remain in place and inoperable throughout work (see Drawing A2). Windows W231 and W235 are not painted shut and are operable. Do not paint these windows shut. If these window sashes are to be removed, the contractor is responsible for ensuring operable windows remain operable when they are reinstalled. If during removal contractor notice hardware items that need to be replaced, repaired, etc., that shall be addressed through change order as necessary.

Windows at the cupola level will likely need to be removed for work due to the extent of carpentry repairs. There is no limit as to how many sashes can be removed at a time, however all masonry openings must be secured at the end of each workday. See drawing A5 for temporary security panel detail.

20. Question: When are questions and bids due?

ANSWER: All questions were due by the close of business, Monday, August 24, 2026, this Amendment addresses all questions received. The quote is due Friday, September 4, 2026 by no later than 1600 Mountain Time. Contractors shall also reference the response to Question 1 in this document, and this is not a Bid.

Amendment 0001 – Does not extend the Closing Date and Time and remains unchanged from September 4, 2026.