B08_Attachment_10_140P4226R0005_Q_A_Document_INDE_responses_0005.xlsx
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- INDE-CONGRESS HALL MASONRY (CONSTR)
- Solicitation number
- 140P4226R0005
About this file
This is a Questions and Answers (Q&A) document for a federal masonry construction contract opportunity at Congress Hall in Philadelphia. The Q&A addresses 56 contractor questions regarding project scope, specifications, performance requirements, personnel qualifications, and administrative procedures for the restoration and repair of masonry, chimneys, roofing, and gutters at a historic property.
Key scope clarifications include: masonry repointing and cleaning apply to exposed and concealed surfaces with mockup approval required before production work; chimney grouting depths are assumed at 7 feet (chimneys #1-#2) and 5 feet (chimneys #3-#6) with final depths determined post-scoping under unit pricing; gutter reconstruction totals 128 linear feet separate from temporary removal/reinstallation probing; exterior cleaning is limited to localized areas addressing efflorescence, biological growth, and repair areas rather than full facade washing; and interior plaster removal is not included in the base scope. Critical specifications require contractor responsibility for all temporary works design and engineering (including scaffolding and protective systems subject to approval), waste management with pH neutralization (5-9.5) and permitting, adherence to Secretary of Interior Standards with final acceptance by the Contracting Officer, and compliance with seasonal work restrictions (Memorial Day through Labor Day 2026 only; standard July 4 restrictions in 2027). Personnel requirements mandate a Safety Officer meeting OSHA "competent person" standards and qualified Quality Control staff, with specific role combinations and certifications to be evaluated through submitted plans. Additional guidance addresses mortar mix design hierarchy (Contract Documents controlling over referenced standards), power tool use restrictions, acceptance criteria based on approved mockups and conformance to specifications without quantitative tolerances, weather limitations (cleaning restricted below 40°F or above 90°F), background check processing, and coordination with existing utilities and MEP systems within chimney flues. The document clarifies that sister company experience is acceptable if documented with corporate structure and relationship details, and projects below $1 million in magnitude may qualify as relevant past performance if they meet scope and complexity requirements.
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Sheet1 Questions & Answers Document 140P4226R0005
| # | Contractor Question | Reference | Government Response | Reference |
| Example: The specifications state that wiring is to be used inside of the conduit. What type of wiring is to be used? | SOW 1.7.12, Drawings pg2 | Example: Wiring is to be copper AWG 12. SOW has been updated. | SOW 1.7.12 | |
| 1 | Does item #04-05 refer to all elevations? If so, what is the desired access for the North & South elevations? | Drawings Page R3.2 | Item #04-05 refers to all elevations. Access to the north elevation can be at the contractor's discretion, pending NPS approval of all necessary submittals. Desired access for the south elevation is scaffolding due to the presence of subgrade archaeological structures. | |
| 2 | Drawing AS1.0 provides approximate areas for manlift access & overhead protection along 6th street. Can scaffolding be built on top of the overhead protection at this location? | Drawings Page AS1.0 | The question is unclear, as it mentions 6th street (which identifies access by lift) and asks about scaffolding at that location. Please note that the area shown along 6th Street, hatched with diagnoal lines, represents lift access, not scaffolding. If the contractor proposes scaffolding along 6th Street, that would be considered if full pedestrian access is maintained on that sidewalk for the duration while the scaffolding is in place. | |
| 3 | We did not see any language that either restricted the use of, or allowed the use of, sister company experience. Would NPS allow the use of sister company experience to demonstrate relevant experience, if the examples meet the RFP requirements? | FOPR | Yes, past experience from sister company would be allowed.To meet the requirement, the offeror should include a short narrative that clearly describes: Corporate Structure, Operational Relationship, Relevance to Past Performance, Commitment of Resources and/or Evidence of Relationship (optional) | |
| 4 | Per the RFP, relevant experience includes: "…..projects similar in scope, magnitude, and complexity." Can the government confirm that if a project falls below $1M in magnitude, would it still be considered relevant? | FOPR, E. Volume I, Technical Proposal, 3. Factor 1 - Past Performance Experience | Yes, project that falls below $1M in magnitude, would it still be considered relevant | |
| 5 | If a contractor has three masonry repointing / restoration projects, but they do not involve chimney flue lining, would they still be considered relevant, if they fall within the last five years and meet other relevancies such as listed in the National Register of Historic Places, urban setting, limited staging, on-going work to adjacent client/operations, etc.? | FOPR, E. Volume I, Technical Proposal, 3. Factor 1 - Past Performance Experience | Offerors are directed to FOPR, Section E, Volume I, Technical Proposal, Factor 1 – Past Performance Experience (3) and the Instructions for Submission of Offers and Other Information, Section E.3: Factor 1 – Past Project Experience (last bullet point). | |
| 6 | It was noted during the site visit that the reference to plaster should be removed from the RFP. Can the government please confirm this statement is accurate? If this is accurate, and we are to remove references to plaster, does the offeror still need to provide resumes for a Restoration Specialist - Plasterer, or should that requirement be removed as well? | FOPR, E. Volume I, Technical Proposal, 3. Factor 3 - Proposesd Personnel and Qualifications | All plaster repair has been removed from the scope of work for the project. References to the repair of interior plaster damage are deleted from the solicitation. | |
| 7 | The specification indicates assumed base grouting depths of - 7 feet for chimneys #1 & #2 and 5 feet for Chimneys #3 thru #6. However, final depths are to be determined after chimney scoping. Please confirm: Will actual measured depths be paid under the unit price (CLIN 5)? Should bidders carry full assumed depths regardless of inspection findings? | SPEC REF 01 11 00/01 27 00 | Offerors are directed to the solicitation and Contract Documents, including the CLIN schedule and applicable specification sections governing unit pricing, measurement, and quantity assumptions. Offerors shall also refer to the stated NTE (Not To Exceed) quantity of 250 LF identified in the solicitation and associated bid instructions. | |
| 8 | Specifications states: East Side is scaffolding and West Side is Lift. Are contractors required to use these access methods? Can alternative means be proposed? Who is responsible for design/engineering of scaffold? | SPEC REF 01 1100 | Offerors shall refer to Specification Section 01 11 00 and the Contract Drawings. The Contract Documents indicate assumed access methods (scaffolding and lift) and allow for contractor-proposed alternative means and methods subject to approval, with responsibility for scaffold design and engineering assigned to the contractor where scaffolding is utilized. | |
| 9 | The specification prohibits work Memorial Day through Labor Day 2026, the week before and during July 4th. Has the contract duration accounted for this shutdown period? Will time extensions be granted if project start overlaps restricted dates? Can off site work (submittals, engineering) continue during shutdown? | SPEC REF 01 11 00 | Offerors are directed to the solicitation, including Item No. 00010 (Period of Performance) and Specification Section 01 11 00, for all requirements related to seasonal work restrictions and contract time. Off-site work, including submittals, engineering, and administrative activities, is expected to proceed during periods when on-site work is restricted, in accordance with the Contract Documents. | |
| 10 | Work includes probing gutters, requiring removal/reinstallation of wood shakes. Please confirm: How should unforeseen deterioration be handled? Is additional repair work covered under base scope or handle as a contract modification? Are replacement materials (wood shakes) to match exactly? | REF 01 11 00 ( line item 2) | Offerors are directed to Specification Section 01 11 00, CLIN 2 in the solicitation, Drawing R3.3, and all applicable Contract Documents governing scope of work, probing requirements, roof and gutter repairs, and material replacement. All work within the defined scope of CLIN 2, including gutter, flashing, and roofing repairs shown on Drawing R3.3, shall be included in the base bid, and replacement materials, including wood shakes, shall match existing materials as required by the Contract Documents. Unforeseen conditions shall be administered in accordance with the Contract Documents. | |
| 11 | The project requires adherence to Secretary of the Interior Standards. Please clarify: Are Mockups required for masonry repointing? What level of approval is required before proceeding with full production work? Who is the final authority for historic acceptance (NPS, Architect, Preservation Officer)? | SPEC REF 01 11 00/ 01 35 91 | Offerors are directed to the Contract Documents, including Specification Sections 01 35 91, 04 01 20.91, 04 01 10, and 04 01 40.91, for requirements regarding mockups, including masonry cleaning and repointing mockups, approval prior to full production work, and the submittal and acceptance process. Final acceptance will be made by the Contracting Officer in consultation with the Contracting Officer’s Representative and applicable preservation staff, in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and the Contract Documents. | |
| 12 | Cleaning cannot occur below 40 degrees F or above 90 degrees F with forecast restrictions. Please Confirm: How will weather delays be handled contractually? Are temporary enclosures or heating allowed to maintain work progress? Will approved protection methods allow work outside limits? | SPEC REF 01 11 00/ 04 01 10 | Offerors are directed to Specification Sections 01 11 00 and 04 01 10 and all applicable Contract Documents governing environmental limitations, weather restrictions, cleaning conditions, and protective measures. Temporary enclosures, heating, and other proposed means and methods to maintain work progress may be submitted for consideration; however, all such measures are subject to review and approval in accordance with the Contract Documents and applicable requirements. | |
| 13 | Specifications states: "No Shutdowns are Expected." Please clarify If shutdowns become necessary, will they be treated as contract modifications? What are allowable working hours for utility interruptions if approved? | SPEC REF 01 11 00 | Offerors are directed to Specification Section 01 11 00 and all applicable Contract Documents governing utility coordination, shutdown assumptions, and performance requirements. Utility interruptions are not anticipated as part of the Work, and all work shall be performed in accordance with the Contract Documents without disruption to existing utilities unless otherwise approved in accordance with contract requirements. | |
| 14 | Site use is highly restricted with limited staging areas. Please confirm exact limits (requested marked-up drawing if available). Are off-site staging yards permitted? Are there any restrictions on crane or hoisting operations? | SPEC REF 01 11 00 | Offerors are directed to Specification Section 01 11 00 and the Contract Drawings for all requirements governing site access, staging limitations, and construction logistics. The Contract Documents identify the available site access and staging constraints, and no additional marked-up drawings are available. Site logistics and staging coordination will be addressed in accordance with the Contract Documents and coordinated post-award based on concurrent site activities. Off-site staging or fabrication, if utilized, is the responsibility of the Contractor and subject to applicable requirements and approvals under the Contract Documents. Crane and hoisting operations, if proposed, shall comply with all applicable safety regulations and site constraints and shall be submitted for review and approval in accordance with the Contract Documents prior to implementation. | |
| 15 | Specification requires pedestrian protection but lacks detail. Please clarify if a full sidewalk shed is required or just overhead protections will be acceptable. Are there any design criteria or loading requirements? Who reviews/approves protections systems? | SPEC REF 01 11 00 | Offerors are directed to Specification Section 01 11 00, paragraph 1.4:D, and all applicable Contract Documents governing pedestrian protection requirements, design criteria, loading requirements, and approval procedures for protective systems. All pedestrian protection systems shall be submitted for review and approval in accordance with the Contract Documents prior to installation. | |
| 16 | Background checks are required for site personnel. Please confirm expected duration for approval process. Will delays in approval impact contract time? What is the maximum number of personnel allowed under escort access? | SPEC REF 01 11 00 | Offerors are directed to Specification Section 01 11 00, paragraph 1.10, and all applicable Contract Documents governing background check requirements, site access procedures, credentialing, and administrative processing requirements. The Contract Documents do not establish a maximum number of personnel allowed under escort access; all non-cleared personnel access and escort requirements are governed by the Contract Documents. | |
| 17 | Specification states works includes all surfaces, including concealed and not shown areas. Please confirm: Is the contractor to include 100% of all exposed and concealed masonry surfaces, regardless of drawing limits? Can owner provide quantified limits (SF/LF) for cleaning and repointing? | SPEC REF 04 01 10/ 04 01 20.91 | Offerors are directed to Specification Sections 04 01 10, 04 01 20.91, and the Contract Drawings for requirements governing masonry scope of work, including surfaces to receive cleaning and repointing, returns, reveals, and associated work on exposed and concealed conditions. The Contract Documents define the extent of work to be included, including all areas necessary to complete the Work in accordance with the Contract Documents. Quantified limits (SF/LF) are not provided, and offerors are responsible for determining the quantities necessary to comply with the Contract Documents. | |
| 18 | How many mockups are required for cleaning types (biological, efflorescence, staining) and mortar/repointing? Where will mockups be located? Can mockups become part of final work? | SPEC REF 04 01 10 | Offerors are directed to Specification Section 04 01 10 and all applicable Contract Documents governing mockups and test panels for masonry cleaning and restoration work, including requirements for biological growth removal, efflorescence, staining, and repointing. The Contract Documents define requirements for mockup quantity, size, and location, which shall be coordinated with the Contracting Officer’s Representative. Approved mockups may be incorporated into the Work in accordance with the Contract Documents. | |
| 19 | Is mortar mix strictly dictated by lab analysis, or is field match to approved mockup the government requirement? Who has final authority if they conflict? | SPEC REF APP B/ 04 01 20.91 | Offerors are directed to Specification Sections 04 01 20.01 and 04 01 40.91 and all applicable Contract Documents governing mortar mix design, laboratory testing, field evaluation, mockup approval, and acceptance criteria. Mortar mix design, testing, and field performance requirements are defined in the Contract Documents, and acceptance shall be in accordance with those provisions under the authority of the Contracting Officer. | |
| 20 | Cleaning methods are determined by testing plus mockups. Please clarify should the contractor carry cost for all cleaning methods, or assume baseline method for bid? Will a change order be issued if more aggressive cleaning is required? | SPEC REF 04 01 10 | Offerors are directed to Specification Section 04 01 10, Paragraph 2.02 – Cleaning Materials, which identifies multiple cleaning materials and systems to be used for testing and evaluation for different substrate conditions, including general soiling, biological growth, efflorescence, and ferrous staining. The Contract Documents require that selected products and approved dilutions established through testing and mockups be used for the Work. Offerors shall include in their bid the cost to furnish and apply the cleaning systems necessary to achieve the specified results in accordance with the Contract Documents, including all required testing and mockups. The use of approved materials and methods selected during testing does not constitute separate bid items. | |
| 21 | Specification states Contractor must repair ALL damage at no cost, Please confirm limits of responsibility for pre-existing fragile masonry along with hidden deterioration exposed during work. | SPEC REF 04 01 20.91 | Offerors are directed to Specification Section 04 01 20.01, Paragraph 1.3:I, which requires repair or replacement of masonry units damaged as a result of the Contractor’s work under this Section at no additional cost. This requirement applies to damage caused by Contractor operations. Existing fragile conditions and concealed or latent deterioration are governed by the applicable Contract Documents addressing pre-existing conditions and differing site conditions. | |
| 22 | Please clarify: How many pull tests are required? Who pays for failed tests and retesting? Are design loads specified? | SPEC REF 04 01 20.91 | The Contract Documents do not establish requirements for masonry anchors or pullout testing as a standard requirement of the Work. If the Contractor proposes the use of masonry anchors as part of its means and methods, temporary works, or construction operations, the Contractor is responsible for all design, installation, and any required testing necessary to demonstrate performance and obtain approval in accordance with the Contract Documents and the Contracting Officer’s requirements. | |
| 23 | Minimum Depth 3/4" or 2.5x joint width, what if existing joints cannot achieve this depth without damage? Is partial- depth acceptable with approval? | SPEC REF 04 01 20.91 | Offerors are directed to the Contract Documents, including the applicable masonry repointing specification sections, for requirements governing joint preparation, tooling, and minimum repointing depth. All repointing work shall be performed in accordance with the Contract Documents and approved mockups. Any deviations from specified requirements, including conditions where full depth cannot be achieved without damage to existing masonry, shall be addressed only through approval in accordance with the Contract Documents prior to proceeding. | |
| 24 | Power tools allowed only with approval and must stop if damage occurs. Please clarify: can the Contractor assume use of power tools for production, or should our bid assume hand tooling only? | SPEC REF 04 01 20.91 | Offerors are directed to Specification Section 04 01 20.91, Section 2.07 – Tools for Joint Preparation, and Section 3.04 – Preparing and Pointing Joints, including paragraph 4 addressing Mortar Removal Using Power Tools, and the Contract Drawings (e.g., Detail 2/R3.1), which govern allowable tools, limitations on use, and conditions for approval; bids shall be based on full compliance with these requirements, including that power tools are only permitted where specifically allowed and approved and must be discontinued if damage to masonry occurs. | |
| 25 | Spec states: Improper wetting = full rejection of work. Are there measurable acceptance criteria? Who determines adequacy in field? | SPEC REF 04 01 20.91 | Offerors are directed to Specification Section 04 01 20.91, paragraph 3.04:C.1 and Section 04 01 40.91, paragraph 3.08:B.1, which establish the required substrate condition as damp (saturated surface-dry with no standing water) and provide for rejection of work where masonry has not been wetted as required. No specific measurable moisture content is defined in the Contract Documents, and adequacy of wetting will be determined in the field by the Contracting Officer based on compliance with these requirements and approved mockups. | |
| 26 | Where existing sealants exist, is full removal required at all joints? Is this included in base bid or ONLY where shown? | SPEC REF 04 01 20.91 | Offerors are directed to the Contract Documents, including the masonry specification sections and Contract Drawings, which govern the use of sealants as incidental materials where required for specific joint conditions. The Contract Documents do not identify locations for wholesale sealant removal or installation; therefore, offerors shall base their bids only on sealant work where indicated or reasonably required to complete the specified work, such as localized applications associated with wood cornice preparation for painting, in accordance with the Contract Documents. | |
| 27 | What percentage of brick replacement should be carried? Is salvaged required or new only? | SPEC REF 04 01 20.91 | Offerors are directed to the Contract Documents, including Specification Section 01 35 91, paragraph 3.5, Specification Section 04 01 20.91 (Brick), and the Contract Drawings (including R3.1–R3.2 and associated Exterior Treatment Notes), which define requirements for brick replacement, including use of salvaged and/or new brick and identified locations of replacement work. The Contract Documents do not establish a percentage of brick replacement; offerors shall base their bids on the work indicated in the drawings and specifications, including identified unit quantities and requirements for removal and replacement of damaged masonry units as necessary to complete the Work in accordance with the Contract Documents. | |
| 28 | What are the limits of dutchman repair vs full stone replacement? Are sizes defined? | SPEC REF 04 01 40.91 | Offerors are directed to the Contract Documents, including the stone masonry restoration specification sections and Contract Drawings, which govern the extent and methods of stone repair. The stone restoration specification is included due to the adjacency of stone and brick masonry and to address incidental conditions that may arise during the Work; however, the Contract Documents do not identify locations or requirements for dutchman repairs or establish size limits. Accordingly, no such work is defined as part of the base scope, and any stone repair shall be performed only as required to complete the Work in accordance with the Contract Documents and subject to approval. | |
| 29 | Is stone to be sourced locally or approved quarry? Who approves color/texture match? | Stone Matching Requirements | See response to question #28 above. | |
| 30 | Specification states provide full hands on inspection access. How many inspection cycles should be assumed? Will additional access be compensated? | SPEC REF 04 01 40.91 | Inspection and access requirements are as defined in the Contract Documents and are not limited to a specified number of inspection cycles; the Contractor shall provide access as required for mock-ups, progress inspections (including those associated with applications for payment), and final acceptance, as well as any re-inspections necessary to verify correction of rejected or nonconforming work, and all requirements for providing, relocating, and reconfiguring access, including scaffolding, lifts, manpower, and incidental services, are included in the Contract price with no additional compensation for repeated or additional access required to complete inspection and approval in accordance with the Contract Documents. | |
| 31 | Specification states Cleaning must occur before restoration. Can sequencing be adjusted for access/logistics? What happens if re-cleaning is required? | SPEC REF 04 01 10 | Sequence and cleaning requirements are as specified in Section 04 01 10, paragraph 1.08.E.1, and Section 04 01 20.91, paragraphs 3.04.D and 3.06, and the Contractor shall comply with these requirements as written, including any required cleaning prior to restoration, cleaning during the course of the Work, and final cleaning after mortar has cured, with any re-cleaning or additional cleaning necessary to achieve compliance considered incidental to the Work and included in the Contract price. | |
| 32 | Specification states strict run off collection, filtering, neutralization (pH 5-9.5). Where is the discharge point? Are permits already obtained? Who is responsible for testing? | SPEC REF 04 01 10 | Waste collection, treatment, neutralization, testing, disposal, and permitting requirements are as specified in Sections 04 01 10 (including paragraphs 1.10, 1.40, and 2.04), 01 57 23, and 01 31 00, and the Contractor is responsible for providing all necessary means and methods, including collection systems, neutralization to required pH range, on-site testing, and legal offsite disposal in accordance with applicable laws and the approved Waste Disposal Program and Pollution Prevention Plan; permits are the responsibility of the Contractor as stated in the Contract Documents, and no additional information regarding discharge points or separate testing responsibility is required beyond compliance with the specified submittals, plans, and regulatory requirements. | |
| 33 | Acceptance = match approved mock up. Is there any objective criteria beyond visual approval? Who signs off? | SPEC REF 04 01 10 | Acceptance criteria are as specified in the Contract Documents, including conformance with the approved mock-up and applicable requirements within Sections governing masonry restoration, cleaning, and finishes; acceptance is determined by the Contracting Officer (or COR as designated) based on conformance with the approved submittals, mock-up, and specified workmanship requirements, and no additional or separate objective acceptance criteria beyond those contained in the Contract Documents will be applied unless expressly stated therein. | |
| 34 | Flues contain: HVAC, electrical, other obstructions. Who is responsible for removal/relocation? Is access guaranteed? | SPEC REF APP A | Responsibility for existing conditions within flues and required access is as indicated in the Contract Documents, including Drawings 1 & 2/S3.0 (note to verify no MEP, fire protection, or electrical interference with grout locations and requirement to provide top access to every flue with removal and reinstallation of stone caps), and the Contractor shall coordinate means and methods accordingly, including scoping and execution of the Work in accordance with the Contract requirements. | |
| 35 | With the heavy internal deterioration, what is the assumed structural condition? How are unforeseen structural repairs handled? | Condition of Existing Masonry | Structural conditions and internal deterioration of chimneys are as indicated in the Contract Documents, including the specified internal grouting work which is intended to address such conditions; bidders shall base their proposals on the information provided, and handling of any unforeseen conditions is governed by the applicable provisions of the Contract, including those related to differing site conditions and changes. | |
| 36 | Please clarify hierarchy between: Manufacturer requirements, BIA Standards and Contract specs? | SPEC REF 04 01 20.91 | Hierarchy of requirements is as established in the Contract Documents; in general, the Contract Documents, including specifications and drawings, govern, and referenced standards (including manufacturer requirements and BIA standards) are incorporated to the extent specified. In the event of a conflict, the more stringent requirement, as determined by the Contracting Officer, shall apply unless otherwise directed in the Contract Documents. | |
| 37 | Rejected work must be removed and replaced at no cost. What tolerance defines rejection? Is there a limit to rework cycles? | SPEC DIV 4 | Acceptance criteria and determination of conforming work are as specified in the Contract Documents, including applicable specification requirements, approved submittals, and mock-ups, and rejection is based on nonconformance with those requirements as determined by the Contracting Officer (or COR as designated); no additional quantitative tolerance or limit on rework cycles is established unless expressly stated in the Contract Documents, and all rework, removal, and replacement necessary to achieve compliance and acceptance is included in the Contract price. | |
| 38 | Please confirm minimum qualification requirements for the SSHO, including required certifications, minimum years of experience on similar projects, and whether experience on historic preservation projects is required. | SPEC 01 35 26 | SSHO qualification requirements are as specified in Section 01 26 01, paragraph 1.2.B.3, and the Contractor shall provide a Safety Officer meeting, at minimum, the requirements of a “competent person” as defined by Occupational Safety and Health Administration, capable of identifying and correcting hazards and implementing the required safety program in accordance with the Contract Documents and applicable regulations; no additional minimum certifications, years of experience, or project-specific qualifications are specified beyond those stated in the Contract Documents. | |
| 39 | Please confirm whether the SSHO is required to be on-site full-time during all construction activities, or only during work involving safety-sensitive operations. | SPEC 01 35 26 | SSHO staffing and on-site presence requirements are as specified in Section 01 26 01, paragraph 1.2.B.3, the applicable Contract clauses (including FAR 52.236-6 Superintendence by the Contractor), and Factor 3 – Proposed Personnel and Qualifications; the Contractor shall provide on-site supervision and safety oversight sufficient to comply with the Contract Documents and maintain safe operations at all times during performance of the Work, and no additional or alternative SSHO presence requirements beyond those stated in the Contract Documents are specified. | |
| 40 | Please confirm whether the following roles maybe combined, SSHO, CQM, Superintendent. If allowed, please identify any restrictions or approval requirements. | DIV 1 | Role assignments and any combination of SSHO, CQM, and Superintendent are as specified in Section 01 26 01, paragraph 1.2.B.3, and Factor 3 – Proposed Personnel and Qualifications of the solicitation. | |
| 41 | Please confirm minimum qualifications for the CQM, including required Certifications and required experience with masonry restoration or historic work. | SPEC REF 01 45 00/ 01 45 04 | Minimum qualifications for the Contractor’s Quality Control (CQM/QC) personnel are not further defined in the Contract Documents beyond the requirement to provide qualified QC staff and an acceptable Quality Control Plan, including identification of personnel and their qualifications as part of that submittal; no specific certifications, years of experience, or masonry/historic preservation experience requirements are specified, and qualifications will be evaluated through review and acceptance of the submitted Quality Control Plan in accordance with the Contract Documents. | |
| 42 | Please confirm whether the CQM must be on-site full time, may perform additional roles. and required level of authority to stop work. | SPEC REF 01 45 00 | CQM requirements, including on-site presence, assigned duties, and authority, are as specified in Section 01 26 01, paragraph 1.2.B.3, and the approved Quality Control Plan within the Contract Documents. | |
| 43 | Please confirm requirements for daily reporting, including required format, whether reports must be submitted by SSHO, CQM, or Superintendent, along with submission deadlines. | DIV 1 | Daily reporting requirements, including format, responsible party, and submission timing, are as specified in Section 01 40 00, paragraph 1.4.C (Contractor Quality Control Daily Reports). | |
| 44 | Please confirm whether a preliminary list of DFOW will be provided, or if the contractor is responsible for developing and submitting the list. | SPEC REF 01 45 00 | DFOW requirements are as specified in Factor 2 – Construction Schedule and Narrative, which requires the Contractor to develop and include DFOW-level detail in the submitted schedule. | |
| 45 | Please confirm required attendees and deliverables for the pre-construction conference, including required plans (APP, QC plan, Schedule, submittal register) and approval status required prior to meeting. | DIV 1 | Pre-construction conference requirements, including attendees and required submittals, are as specified in FAR 52.236-26 and Section 01 31 00, paragraph 1.4 of the Contract Documents. | |
| 46 | Are there any page restrictions for Factor 1? | FOPR, E. Volume I, Technical Proposal, 3. Factor 1 - Past Performance Experience | There are no page restrictions specified for Factor 1; however, respondents must use the attached “Project Experience” form and may submit up to three (3) relevant projects only completed within the last five years (with separate forms required for each project), and submissions should not exceed this limit, as additional projects beyond the three allowed will not be considered. | |
| 47 | In addition to providing up to three relevant projects, can the offeror provide a summary narrative to highlight experience in all reference components of the Past Performance Experience section? | FOPR, E. Volume I, Technical Proposal, 3. Factor 1 - Past Performance Experience | Please refer back to Factor 2 in the solicitation, which already specifies the required construction schedule, accompanying schedule narrative, and the 10-page technical approach narrative. | |
| 48 | Does the project schedule count towards the 10 page limitation for this section? | FOPR, E. Volume I, Technical Proposal, 3. Factor 2 - Construction and Schedule Narrative | Please refer back to Factor 2 in the solicitation, which already specifies the required construction schedule, accompanying schedule narrative, and the 10-page technical approach narrative. | |
| 49 | Amendment 0003, clarifies that a bid guarantee is required to be apart of our submission for this solicitation. Per FAR 52.228-1 (Bid Guarantee), please provide the percent and the amount in which our bid guarantee should be ordered in. | Bid Guarantee | Bid guarantee is required. See amendment 0003 | |
| 50 | Specification Section 1.8.A.2 states: “No work will be permitted from Memorial Day to Labor Day 2026.” Please confirm whether this seasonal restriction applies only to the 2026 calendar year or if it is intended to recur in 2027. For reference, Section 1.8.A.1 identifies a specific one-week restriction around July 4, 2027. This appears to indicate a limited restriction period for 2027 rather than a full summer blackout. Please confirm the applicable restriction period for 2027. Clarification will help the contractor ensure there are no impacts to the project scheduling and sequencing. Additionally, without clarification this could be a potential impact to pricing and resource allocation. | Specification Section 1.8.A.2 | The restriction identified in Specification Section 1.8.A.2 (no work permitted from Memorial Day through Labor Day) applies to the 2026 calendar year only and is associated with activities related to the 250th anniversary; for 2027, work restrictions revert to standard park operating conditions, which include the limited restriction during the July 4 holiday period (“Freedom Week”) as identified in Section 1.8.A.1, and no full summer seasonal restriction is intended for 2027. | |
| 51 | Under specification 04 01 40.91 (Stone Masonry Restoration) it calls out providing granite dutchmen’s, plugs, repointing & cleaning. The drawings and price schedule has nothing pertaining to this work. What is the intent for this work? Can the Architect quantify these locations? | Spec 04 01 40.91 | The intent of Specification 04 01 40.91 is to establish requirements and methods for potential, incidental stone masonry restoration that may be encountered during the Work, particularly at conditions of adjacent or interfacing stone elements; however, the Contract Drawings and Price Schedule do not identify quantified or specifically located dutchman, plug, repointing, or cleaning work, and therefore no discrete bid quantities or locations are established for these items, and such work is not intended to be a separately measured or pre-quantified scope but shall only be performed as directed or approved by the Contracting Officer/Architect if and when necessary to properly complete adjacent work in accordance with the Contract Documents. | |
| 52 | Is the intent to have the exterior of the building washed 100%? | Spec 04 01 10 | The intent is not to require 100% full exterior washing of the building; exterior cleaning is limited to localized areas as required to address identified conditions including, but not limited to, efflorescence, biological growth, and areas of masonry repair/repointing, as indicated in the Contract Drawings and Specification Sections 04 01 10 and 04 01 40.91, and cleaning shall be performed as necessary to properly complete adjacent restoration work rather than as a full façade-wide cleaning requirement. | |
| 53 | It may be necessary to remove some of the interior plaster to gain access to the chimneys. There is no specification section related to plaster. Can we assume that the costs for any plaster removal and repair will not be included in this proposal? | Drawing S3.0 | The Contract Documents do not include requirements for removal or replacement of interior plaster, and such work is not part of the base scope; access to chimneys is anticipated to be achieved through existing features such as fireplaces and cleanouts, as well as by removal of chimney caps as specified, and the Contractor shall plan and execute the Work accordingly, and any additional access methods not indicated in the Contract Documents, including disturbance of interior finishes, would require prior approval and direction. | |
| 54 | CLIN 20 - The last two items of the cost breakdown refer to probes of the existing gutters. Can we assume the 128 Lf of gutter reconstruction cost is to be included in the "Remove a portion of the existing roofing materials to allow for probe to be completed. Reinstall when completed"? | CLIN 20 and Drawing R3.3 | No. The 128 LF of gutter reconstruction is not included in the item “Remove a portion of the existing roofing materials to allow for probe to be completed. Reinstall when completed.” That work item is limited to temporary selective removal and reinstallation of roofing materials necessary to facilitate the required probe and document existing conditions, not to perform gutter reconstruction or slope correction. The 128 LF of gutter reconstruction is part of the separate CLIN 20 gutter correction scope and shall be included in that line item as shown in the contract documents. | |
| 55 | CLIN 20 - The last item of the cost breakdown, "Probe the existing gutter to confirm the installation method, document results." Does this apply to the 128 LF of gutter reconstruction only? If so, shouldn't the cost be included in the item above? | CLIN 20 | No. The item “Probe the existing gutter to confirm the installation method, document results” is not limited to the 128 LF of gutter reconstruction. The probe requirement is part of the overall CLIN 20 scope and is intended to verify and document existing gutter installation conditions at required locations as directed by the specifications, which may include, but is not restricted to, areas scheduled for reconstruction. It is a separate required task within CLIN 20 and should not be merged into the item for removing and reinstalling roofing materials, as that item is limited to selective removal/reinstallation necessary to physically access the gutter for inspection and does not include the documentation or investigative scope of the probe requirement. | |
| 56 | The note states to "…prepare and paint entire element section after repair is complete." What is the entire element section? Is it the rest of the elevation, all elevations, or so many feet on each side of the repair? | Drawing R3.1 Exterior Treatment Notes 06-01 | “Entire element section” is intended to mean the continuous cornice segment in which the repair occurs, bounded by natural architectural breaks (i.e., modillions). Each affected segment shall be prepared and painted in its entirety to the next adjacent modillion beyond the repair location as required to achieve a uniform finish; work does not extend beyond that cornice segment or to other portions of the elevation. |
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