QUESTIONS_&_ANSWERS_MIMA_189409_FINAL_(1).pdf

Solicitation 140P4319R0010 –MIMA 189409 Amendment 0005

Questions & Answers

1. The RFP says that “For purposes of evaluating past performance, the Prime Contractor is defined as the contractor identified in Block 14 of the Standard Form 1442.” More small businesses would be able to submit proposals for this opportunity if the referenced sentence was changed to allow offerors to use projects from predecessor companies (e.g., acquired companies) or sister companies (e.g., subsidiary firms that share a parent and that are managed by the same president) to demonstrate their relevant experience and past performance. Many federal government RFPs for renovation and new construction projects of similar size and complexity to this project allow offerors to use projects from predecessor and sister companies to demonstrate relevant experience and past performance so long as the offeror can clearly explain why the affiliate/subsidiary/parent/predecessor firm’s experience is a reasonable predictor of the offeror’s future performance (i.e., both groups share the same management team, same project personnel, same procedures, etc.). With this approach, the government can evaluate the relevancy of projects performed by a closely-related company that may have a different name or DUNS number than the offeror listed on the SF 1442. The RFP currently says that “experience documentation of a proposed subcontractor may also be submitted.” Would the NPS consider revising the RFP to permit offerors to use projects from sister companies and/or predecessor companies to demonstrate their relevant experience and past performance?

Answer: There is no change to this requirement for the purposes of evaluating past performance.

2. The Section L instructions for Factor 1 say that the offeror shall limit submissions to no more than a total of ten projects, but the instructions on top of the Experience Questionnaire say that the offeror shall provide experience information for up to three projects. Although the maximum number of projects will most likely be limited by the 50-page limit for Volume I, please clarify the maximum allowable number of projects for Factor 1.

Answer: The instructions on the top of the Experience Questionnaire will be updated to match the solicitation. Offerors shall limit submissions to no more than ten projects.

Please note, also, that offerors may elect to present the information in a different format, as long as the format includes the information identified in the “Experience Questionnaire”.

3. If a project has a completed CPARS evaluation, may that be used (and sent to the NPS) in lieu of requesting (and having the reference submit) a past performance questionnaire?

Answer: Offerors are required to submit past performance information on the provided format. As stated in the solicitation, the Government reserves the right to utilize other tools to obtain past performance information. CPARS is a tool available to obtain past performance information that the Government may elect to use to evaluate past performance, which will be in addition to the submitted Past Performance Questionnaires.

4. Within the project requirements/specifications I saw a call out for Modular Wheelchair Ramps. I was wondering if the procurement of these ramps would be through the [Government] directly, or if it would be through the General Contractors that are bidding the total scope of work? Also, I see a particular manufacturer listed for this material (Amramp). If Stepless had a product that met the specification requirement of the proposed product, could we submit a proposal for this?

Answer: The successful offeror will be responsible for providing all labor, equipment and materials to complete the project.

5. On Drawing A-6 detail one of the Stedman Buttrick house it says to solder the existing apron to the newly installed gutter. How is the gutter to be fastened, and how is the apron to be fastened to the newly installed gutter? Is it practical to assume a sound soldered seam can be achieved along the entire perimeter of the roof apron using the existing copper apron or would it be wise to replace the entire apron as well? If the apron should be replaced how far under the slate should it extend? How many rows of slate would need to be removed?

Answer: Drawing A-6 “Enlarged Floor Plans” does not address gutters. Detail 2 on

Drawing A-21 calls for a new continuous (soldered) gutter assembly and references Drawing A-5. Drawing A-5 specifies continuous (soldered) custom-fabricated gutter liner with extension legs, to match original profiles, and Detail 1 on that sheet calls for soldering the new liner to the existing apron. Wholesale removal and reinstallation of starter course and other rows of slate is not anticipated or specified (except as noted on the Drawing). If, during the course of construction, individual apron panels are observed to be deficient (e.g., damaged, worn through), the government may elect to modify the contract to cover additional roofing/flashing materials and labor.

6. The SF 1442 states that the duration of the project is 210 days after award. Given the required time to develop and submit plans and product data, the level of work required, and that this project will extend through the winter, having the duration start from notice of award does not appear achievable. Can the project duration either be significantly extended or be changed to reflect from a notice to proceed based upon approval of conservation related submittals?

Answer: The Period of Performance is hereby adjusted in this amendment from 210 days after the issuance of award to 210 days after the issuance of the Notice to Proceed.

Offerors shall note that Patriots’ Day events may affect phasing during April 2020, and contractors shall anticipate only work on the interior of the building in the non-public portions. Parking may also be limited during this time.

7. It was noted that the building will be occupied during the course of construction.

Given the intensive nature of the work on interior surfaces, how much of the building can be occupied the contractor at a given time? Will the NPS remove their materials from the work areas, such as computers, furniture, etc. from rooms where plaster and painting is occurring on the ceilings?

Answer: In order to facilitate the Work, the Park will coordinate scheduling with the

Contractor by vacating up to 50% of 2nd and 3rd floors at a time; the Park will remove and/or provide protection of the rooms' contents during the course of work. Refer to Section 015000, article 3.3, regarding use of existing interior stairs. Per Section 015000, provide accessible temporary egress as required during the sequencing of work. Due to the complex logistics and public use of interior foyers, corridors and restrooms, contractors are strongly urged to plan to undertake and complete the majority of 1st-floor work when the Visitor Center is closed for the season.

8. Can one person perform the roles of Superintendent, Quality Control Manager, and

Site Safety if they are appropriately qualified?

Answer: The individual proposed for the Superintendent and Safety may be the same individual The Quality Control Manager must be a separate individual.

9. Where is contractor parking and storage to occur?

Answer: There is limited parking at the rear of the building. Also, a few spots at the bottom of the rear driveway and in the main parking lot. Storage areas can be coordinated through the COR.

10. What temporary protection is required for the project? What are the climate control requirements within the building during construction?

Answer: Temporary Protections: Life safety protection beneath the west portico (front entrance) and, as required by construction schedule and sequencing, other entrances/exits. Window boarding during window sash rehabilitation. Temporary partitions and/or enclosures intended to limit dust and dirt migration and to separate areas occupied by staff and visitors from fumes and noise. Protection of historic interior and exterior finishes within and adjacent to limits of work. Standard barricades, lights, warning signs and other protections associated with installation and use of scaffolding, aerial lifts, etc. Climate Control Requirements: Refer to Section 015000, article 3.2, regarding temporary heating and cooling “as required by construction activities… or for protecting installed construction from adverse effects...” and regarding ventilation and humidity control “…for curing or drying of completed installations or for protecting installed construction from adverse effects of high humidity.” The scope of services does not include installation and operation of temporary climate control equipment specifically engineered for occupant comfort. However, it should be understood that temporary shutdowns and disruptions of existing HVAC systems required for alterations and additions to those systems must be kept as brief as possible.

11. Sheet A12 has notes indicating to ‘passivate’ existing steel. Passivation is a process that is applied to stainless steel, but not standard steel. Are these existing steel components stainless? If not, what is the required process in lieu of passivation?

Answer: For this project, the term “passivation” is directed to existing, partially-embedded, iron and carbon steel components (e.g., loose lintels), not to stainless steel.

The intent is to prevent re-oxidation after removal of exposed corrosion by chemical and/or abrasive process, preparing the substrate in situ for coating (as soon as possible) with a zinc-rich primer and topcoat(s). In general and per Section 017240 “Execution,” Install products at the time and under conditions that will ensure the best results.

Preparation of existing steel items and available steel coating systems are detailed in Section 040120.

12. Does the contractor have any responsibility for providing temporary restrooms when the existing restrooms are being renovated?

Answer: No. The Contractor shall delineate in the Construction Schedule submittal the proposed alterations and additions to the public and staff restrooms, and shall update the Schedule as needed. The Contractor shall coordinate with the Park required utility shutdowns associated with these renovations.

13. Sheet E02 has two copies of the demolition notes, and no new work notes, which clearly are keyed on the sheet. Can sheet E02 have the new work notes provided?

Answer: The left-hand block of notes on E02 should be deleted. The six (6) key notes to remain are correct as written; however, the “DEMOLITION KEY NOTES” title should be corrected to read “KEY NOTES”.

14. The bid form provided in Section B of the solicitation in amendment 2, has bid option 2 calling for work on sectional cast iron radiators. No information is provided as to location, size, type, or quantity with regard to these radiators in the bid documents, and the bid form notes E with no quantity. What are the size, type, material, quantity, and location of the valves for replace valves? What are the size, type, quantity and location of the radiators to be repaired? What is the typical repair required for the radiators? Will any radiator or valve work require deconstruction and reconstruction of architectural finishes or walls?

Answer: No comprehensive assessment of the existing sectional cast-iron radiators and the associated valve size/type/material has been undertaken. For bidding purposes, Section 012700 CLIN #11 cited an allowance of 27 radiators valve replacement and 27 radiators for field repairs, e.g., repair of leaking connections, epoxy repair hairline cracks and treatment of the most severe (exterior) surface corrosion. No deconstruction of walls is anticipated, other than removal and reinstallation of cover panels and/or lay-in architectural grilles; see photo 9/A-23 and the attached photos for typical conditions.

15. On architectural drawing A-22: WINDOW REPAIR/RESTORATION SCHEDULE AND

ANNOTATED PHOTOS.

Window 011- Finish, it is noted that the interior paint is "OK" it is also noted that the interior "clear" finish is "OK". Please clarify

Answer: Per the Treatment Key on Drawing A-22, “OK” shall mean existing finishes are acceptable as-is; the Contractor shall provide only dusting and final cleaning of finishes at those window units.

Window 111- Reglaze 100% in order to renew/restore black-painted "spandrel glass" at bottom sash units. Please clarify.

Answer: Window 111 consists of a pair of double-hung wood windows in the Women’s restroom; the ordinary float glass (i.e., not manufactured “spandrel glass per se) lights have been hand-painted for privacy – beige interior finish conceals matte black finish visible from exterior. The design intent is restoration/repair of the “putty” glazing and in-kind replacement of the finishes.

Window 206-Wood muntins-no putty. Replace one pane. Please clarify.

Answer: The pair of casement windows at opening #206 are glazed with mitered wood stops (secured to the sash with brads) at exterior and interior, rather than putty.

16. The drawings utilize the phrases “as indicated” and “as needed” in multiple places.

How should offerors apply these terms?

Answer: “As indicated” refers to notes and graphics in the Drawings and narratives in the Specifications. The term “As indicated or required” is included in keys and certain leader notes to reflect the possibility of minor (up to 10% more or 10% less) variations in surface areas and quantities. Limits of work for masonry stain/soot removal, mortar-joint repointing and brick replacement, etc. illustrated on the drawings are largely based upon careful observation from ground level. Where provided, quantity allowances cited in the Bid Documents were calculated using the graphically hatched and/or enclosed boundaries of work and then conservatively rounded up.

17. What type of temporary protection is acceptable during the window restoration?

Answer: Natural or painted plywood boarding, scribed to fit, clamped to window openings with 2x4 lumber and lag bolts in a manner that avoids damage to historic masonry, wood casings and trim. Incorporating small acrylic vision panels in the plywood, and/or sequencing the window repair/restoration work, maintain at least 50% natural light in each occupied room currently used as an office, at all times.

18. When is the visitor center seasonally closed?

Answer: VC is closed between December 1st and March 31st.

19. When is award anticipated?

Answer: Award is anticipated on or around the week of August 19, 2019 and before the end of Fiscal Year 2019.

20. Is access to the roof at the contractor’s discretion during construction?

Answer: Yes, subject to general work-hour restrictions.

21. Is repointing the brick under either chimney within scope of this contract?

Answer: Although the project drawings are diagrammatic and not meant to show every single detail, the extent of brick masonry repair and repointing is covered as accurately as possible in the elevations and annotated photo details across Drawings A-11, A-12 and A-13.

22. Was a mortar analysis completed? Should the successful contractor expect to perform a mortar analysis? Is the mortar primarily lime? Are there any stockpiles of brick for the contractor to utilize in masonry work?

Answer: Most of the existing mortar is a lime-cement mix of proportions to be determined. Section 040120, Article 1.4 “Preconstruction Testing” describes mortar testing requirements. There is no known “attic stock” of original or replica brick for contractor use.

23. What is the weight limit for placing scaffolding on the concrete pad in order to access the northeast chimney?

Answer: Although a weight limit has not been determined, it has been noted that the northeast veranda slab incorporates integral, reinforced concrete beams spanning interior and exterior basement walls; subject to analysis, any scaffolding should bear on, rather than between, beam lines. Section 013591 “Execution” details required components of the Historic Preservation Quality Assurance Plan (HQPA) , including how the project site will be accessed and how historical resources and materials that may be impacted by the Work will be protected.

24. Do scaffolding plans for this project require an engineer stamp?

Answer: Although Section 014000 “Quality Requirements” delineates general

Professional Engineer qualifications for services “…performed for calculation and installation of systems, assembly, or products,” submission of stamped scaffolding plans is not required.

25. Is there any interior vertical painting in the scope?

Answer: The scope of interior plaster repair and refinishing includes flat and sloping ceilings and associated bead moldings and excludes vertical walls and knee walls.

Window repair and restoration work includes prep and painting of standing and running trim in vertical walls and within dormers.

26. Should the contractor assume any window replacement with a cord or chain?

Answer: Provide braided cotton sash cord sets at designated window openings listed in the Window Repair/Restoration Schedule on Drawing A-22. Use a single product constructed of premium-quality cotton yarn with nylon fiber core for added strength

(minimum working load limit shall be 300 pounds), durability and resistance to stretching; match existing cord diameter. The Basis of Design Product shall be Premium Spot Sash Cord #12, manufactured by House of Antique Hardware, 888-223-2545;

www.houseofantiquehardware.com. Subject to meeting the salient characteristics specified and Government approval, the following sash cord products may also be acceptable:

a. C.R. Laurence Company, CRL Cotton Sash Cord.

b. CWC Premium Sash Cord – Hanks.

c. T.W. Evans Cordage, Buffalo Cotton Sash Cord Hank.

d. Rejuvenation Classic Sash Cord.

e. Samson Rope Spot Cotton Sash Cord (available at The Home Depot).

27. Is future access to the site possible?

Answer: In order to ensure fair opportunity for all offerors, no further site visits will be held. Offerors may visit the site and access any areas open to the general public in accordance with applicable Park rules and regulations. Offerors will not be able to access any areas of the site that are not open to the general public. Offerors are not permitted to directly contact Park personnel for access.

http://www.houseofantiquehardware.com/