RFIs_5-47_0002.pdf

RFIs 5 – 47

Question 5 - Please provide clarification regarding the Period of Performance. In the solicitation documents, the period of performance is stated as 90 days. In the Scope of Work, it is stated as 60 days after the Notice to Proceed is issued. Will material lead times, submittal approval processes, and mortar sample analysis all be expected to occur within this time frame, or does this time frame refer to the on-site work performance period?

Depending on the level of testing required for the mortar analysis, results may take up to 8 weeks to be received. Assuming 2 weeks for submittal for approvals/mock-ups, we have already lost 70 days from contract award. We suggest allowing a minimum of 150 Calendar Days from contract award for completion, including required sampling, testing, mock-ups, approvals, on-site performance, and closeout procedures.

Answer 5 - The period of performance in the scope of work is wrong. The intent was to have the combined period of performance at both locations to 90-days. However, given feedback received, the period of performance shall be increased to 120 days.

Questions 6-18 are all George Washington Birthplace (GEWA) RFIs

Question 6 - Please clarify the intended extent of the mortar joint repointing scope. The Scope of Work states that the “primary focus will be to repair decayed mortar joints”;

however, it is unclear whether the work is intended to consist solely of selective repointing of visibly deteriorated mortar joints or if the contractor is to assume a comprehensive inspection and full repointing of all mortar joints throughout the structure.

Answer 6 - Repointing is 100% not selective. All proposals should bid 100% repointing.

Question 7 - Please clarify the requirements for the mortar analysis referenced within the Scope of Work. The Scope of Work states that the contractor shall “analyze mortar samples on both buildings to determine proportions of constituent parts”; however, it is unclear whether laboratory testing is required, the number of samples anticipated, and whether a specific testing standard or qualified laboratory is to be utilized. Please confirm the required mortar analysis procedures and submission requirements.

Answer 7 - Analyzing mortar should be performed by qualified laboratory.

Question 8 - Please clarify the required mortar joint profile and finish for the repointing work. The Scope of Work states that the mortar joints shall “match the historic mortar joints and brush finished”; however, it is unclear what specific joint tooling profile and final appearance are required for acceptance. Please confirm the required joint profile, finish, and anticipated mockup requirements for approval.

Answer 8 - All mortar joints must match the existing joint profile on both buildings. If the contractor cannot find a joint strike tool that will give them the correct profile, the contractor will have to make the tool or come up with an alternative solution.

Question 9 - Please clarify the acceptable methods for mortar joint removal during the repointing process. The Scope of Work states that “power tools, grinders, or impact tools” are not permitted unless an approved method is provided that will not damage the historic masonry; however, it is unclear whether limited-use specialty mortar removal tools, oscillating tools, or controlled low-impact pneumatic tools may be considered acceptable upon review. Please confirm the acceptable mortar removal methods for bidding purposes.

Answer 9 - Power tools may be used to remove the old mortar, but the contractor's proposed method must be approved by the COR. To be clear, regardless of method used to remove the old mortar joints, the brick cannot be damaged what's so ever. Even after COR approval of the method, if this procedure is causing damage to the brick, the COR will stop the process and the contractor will have to come up with a remedy the to eliminate damaging the historic bricks.

Question 10 - Please confirm if the extent of the biological cleaning scope is for a full cleaning of the entirety of the brick surfaces on both structures.

Answer 10 - Yes, 100% of the brick surface on both buildings.

Question 11 - Please clarify the contractor’s responsibility regarding concealed or unforeseen masonry deterioration encountered during the repointing operations. The Scope of Work addresses visible mortar deterioration; however, it is unclear how concealed voids, loose masonry units, or additional substrate deterioration discovered during mortar removal are to be addressed. Please confirm whether such conditions are to be considered part of the base scope or handled as additional work upon discovery.

Answer 11 - Unforeseen deterioration of the masonry is not part of the contractor's proposal. This will have to be addressed at the time it's discovered.

Question 12 - Please clarify the intended scope of the chimney mortar cap replacement work. The Scope of Work states that the contractor shall “replace the mortar caps” on six chimneys; however, it is unclear whether full demolition and reconstruction of the chimney crowns is anticipated, including thickness, reinforcing requirements, drip edge requirements, and interface with existing flashing conditions. Please provide additional detail regarding the intended chimney cap replacement scope.

Answer 12 - The scope of work is only for replacing the chimney mortar caps with a new mortar cap on all chimneys. I have no information of the mortar thickness, reinforcing wire or flashing.

Question 13 - Please clarify the environmental and curing protection requirements associated with the lime-based mortar installation. The Scope of Work states that the contractor shall allow the mortar to cure slowly and protect it from direct sun, wind, and heavy rain; however, no specific temperature limitations, moisture protection durations, or cold weather installation requirements are identified. Please confirm the required environmental protection and curing procedures for the repointing work.

Answer 13 - Protect the mortar from Flash-Drying. Freshly applied mortar should be protected from drying winds, direct sunlight, and any environmental condition that causes rapid evaporation. Plastic or burlap can be used to break wind and shade a wall.

The best policy is to follow the sun around a building rather than letting the sun follow you. In other words, work on the south and west sides early in the day, and on the east side in the afternoon. Protect the sun side during the heat of the day, and mist areas that are drying too quickly. Always be alert for your material “flash-drying” once it is applied. Flash drying refers to the surface turning white and becoming dry to the touch quickly (within a few hours or less of) when it is applied. This is a failed installation and should be removed and redone. The new mortar should dry out slowly and evenly over a 24–48-hour period. Start with a small area to get the correct amount of moisture, and don’t be afraid to start over if it flash-dries. If areas of the installation are drying faster than others, mist with pure water. Often in the summer, surface misting should be done a few times over the first 24 hours depending on environmental conditions.

Question 14 - Please clarify whether the masonry restoration work is required to comply with any specific historic preservation standards or guidelines. The project is located at a National Park Service historic property; however, the Scope of Work does not specifically reference the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Historic Preservation or other applicable restoration guidelines. Please confirm the applicable preservation standards governing the repointing work.

Answer 14 - Yes, the work shall meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Historic Preservation.

Question 15 - Please clarify the required warranty duration applicable to the masonry repointing scope. The Warranty section references both a “one-year on-call basis warranty” and a “two years from date of substantial completion” workmanship warranty;

however, it is unclear which duration governs the masonry restoration work. Please confirm the required warranty period for the project.

Answer 15 - It should be a one-year warranty from date of substantial completion. Not two-year.

Question 16 - Please clarify the intended scope and quantity of brick replacement associated with the masonry restoration work. The Scope of Work states that “damaged, fractured or broken brick replacements will be evaluated with COR prior to removal and replacement”; however, it is unclear whether the contractor is to include brick replacement within the base bid scope, and no estimated replacement quantities or unit pricing requirements have been identified. Please confirm the anticipated extent of brick replacement work and how additional replacement quantities beyond visibly identified conditions are to be addressed.

Answer 16 - Contractor should estimate a percentage of brick replacement in their proposals. Based on visual inspections, it's expected to be a small percentage. Any replacement brick shall match existing.

Question 17 - Please confirm whether gutters and downspouts are required for the smaller structures, “Dog House” on the memorial house & Kitchen buildings, or if the gutters are only required on the main structures.

Answer 17 - Not required for the "Dog Houses". Install gutters only on the Main Structures.

Question 18 - Please clarify whether 16 oz. copper gutters and downspouts may be considered acceptable in lieu of the specified 20 oz. copper system. The Scope of Work specifies “20 oz. copper 6-inch reverse bead half round seamless gutters” and “20 oz.

copper 3-inch plain round downspouts”; however, it is unclear whether equivalent 16 oz.

copper components may be submitted for consideration as an approved alternate.

Please confirm whether 16 oz. copper material thickness will be acceptable for this project.

Answer 18 - 16 oz. copper is not acceptable. Only 20 oz. copper is acceptable.

Questions 19-23 are all specific to the Thomas Stone (THST) site

Question 19 - Please confirm whether any facia board is expected to be replaced as part of this scope. During the site visit, extensive fascia rot was documented, which could pose issues with installing new flashings and gutters.

Answer 19 - The facia board is not included in the scope.

Question 20 - In regard to the two flat sections on the back side of the structure, the scope of work states to increase the pitch and use “A custom metal pan of the same metal as the new roofing”. Would an alternative material, such as TPO or EPDM, be an acceptable product to use for this condition? Please confirm.

Answer 20 - Alternative material, such as TPO or EPDM is not acceptable.

Question 21 - Please provide clarity into the intended extent of the reframing of the flat roofing areas on the backside of the structure. What pitch are these to be framed to?

Answer 21 - The existing flat roof areas shall be reframed at a minimum of 3:12 pitch.

Question 22 - Please provide clarity as to the intended extent of sheathing board replacement. Is 10% of the total roofing area an acceptable figure to assume for this task?

Answer 22 - Yes

Question 23 - Please provide clarity on the accepted paint warranty for the metal panels. The scope of work refers to “Painted Snap Seam Standing Seam” having a 50-year paint warranty. While this specific manufacturer, “Best Buy Metals,” offers a 50-year paint warranty, the standard warranty across most manufacturers is 30-40 years.

Please confirm whether any other warranty durations would be accepted.

Answer 23 - 50-year paint warranty is acceptable. 30-40 years is not acceptable.

Questions 24-26 are General RFIs

Question 24 - Site Superintendent/Competent Person Will the Government require the prime contractor to have a full-time site superintendent, competent person, or other designated supervisory personnel present on-site at all times during work activities? If so, please clarify any required qualifications, certifications, or experience levels for this individual. Additionally, please confirm whether a subcontractor may serve as the site superintendent or competent person.

Answer 24 - The site superintendent or designated competent individual is required to possess a minimum of three years’ experience managing or working on projects comparable to this one. It is essential that they demonstrate the capability to guide team members, respond effectively to technical inquiries, and exhibit comprehensive knowledge of OSHA construction standards. Additionally, they must consistently enforce safety protocols and promptly address any safety-related issues that arise. Clear communication with the COR is crucial, including the ability to convey important information via email in a timely and professional manner.

Question 25 - Site Safety and Health Officer Will the Government require the contractor to provide a dedicated Site Safety and Health Officer (SSHO) for this project? If so, please specify the required qualifications, certifications (such as OSHA 30-hour Construction), and whether the SSHO must always be on-site during work activities.

Answer 25 - No, the site superintendent can take on this task.

Question 26 - Quality Control Manager (QCM) Is the contractor required to designate a Quality Control Manager (QCM) for this project? If so, please clarify the minimum qualifications, responsibilities, and whether the QCM role can be combined with other supervisory positions or must be a dedicated individual.

Answer 26 - No, Quality Control can be done by the site superintendent.

Questions 27-34 are Mortar Repair and D2 Biological Solution RFIs

Question 27 - Brick Replacement Quantity How many bricks should be included for replacement?

Answer 27 – Contractor should estimate a percentage of brick replacement in their proposals. Based on visual inspections, it's expected to be a small percentage. Any replacement brick shall match existing.

Question 28 - Repointing Quantity How many square feet of repointing should be included, or should contractors assume total repointing?

Answer 28 – Repointing is 100% not selective. All proposals should bid 100% repointing.

Question 29 - Scaffolding for Survey and Inspection Is the contractor required to provide scaffolding for the Park Service to survey and inspect the work?

Answer 29 - Yes, if available the NPS COR will utilize the contractor's scaffolding to perform inspections throughout the project. Also, the site superintendent can provide the COR photos of the completed work for approval.

Question 30 - Existing Brick Availability/Manufacturer Does the Park Service have any existing brick on-site, or does the Park Service know the manufacturer of the existing brick?

Answer 30 – The park doesn't have any brick. Original manufacturer of existing brick:

Riverside Brick & Supply. Address: 3519 Shannon Park Dr. Fredericksburg, VA 22408 Riverside Brick & Supply Company - Riverside Brick

Question 31 - Mortar Match Mock-Up Area What size mock-up area will be required for the mortar match?

Answer 31 – 1ft. X 1ft.

Question 32 - Mortar Sample Requirements Is the mortar sample required for mix, sand sieve, and color?

Answer 32 – The mortar sample is required to determine proportions of constituent parts and to develop a mortar mix that will match the most prevalent mortar in color and texture.

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Friversidebrick.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7Csamuel_mckenzie%40ios.doi.gov%7Cd26dd46e76b8477bbcaa08deb1b7bde9%7C0693b5ba4b184d7b9341f32f400a5494%7C0%7C0%7C639143599879924786%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Z%2Fm1soqxpzPdohYSLkXXzMoQPoUIlgcclH9qUu7Pwns%3D&reserved=0

Question 33 - Number of Samples How many samples are required to be taken?

Answer 33 - One

Question 34 - Shutter Removal and Reinstallation Is the contractor required to remove and reinstall the shutters in order to complete the repointing and D2 biological solution work?

Answer 34 – No, the park will remove the shutters before work begins and reinstall the shutters when the work is completed.

Question 35 - Site Water Availability Is water available at the site?

Answer 35 – Yes, water is available.

Questions 36-38 are Gutter and Downspout RFIs

Question 36 - Gutter Hanger Spacing What is the required gutter hanger spacing?

Answer 36 – The contractor shall mark the location of the roof’s rafter tails. Make every effort to position and secure the gutter brackets/hangers at the rafter tail marks for maximum support, spacing between hangers must be no more than 24-inches apart for proper support.

Question 37 - Hinged Downspout Hanger Spacing What is the required hinged downspout hanger spacing?

Answer 37 – Contractor shall install a minimum of two (2) downspout supports, but if more is needed three (3) is the maximum allowed. These supports should be spaced evenly along the downspout to provide balanced stability and maintain optimal performance and appearance.

Question 38 - Copper Half-Round Gutter Availability We have had difficulty finding a supplier capable of running seamless 20 oz. copper half-round gutter. Please confirm whether 16 oz. seamless copper gutter is acceptable, or whether 20 oz. copper gutter in 20-foot lengths may be soldered together.

Answer 38 - 16 oz. Copper and 20-foot lengths is not acceptable. Must be 20 oz.

Copper seamless.

Questions 39-47 are Thomas Stone House Roofing RFIs

Question 39 - Overhead Protection at Main Entrance Is overhead protection required at the main entrance?

Answer 39 – Yes

Question 40 - Finish Warranty Requirement The specifications state a 50-year finish warranty; however, manufacturers will only supply a 35-year finish warranty. Please confirm whether a 35-year finish warranty is acceptable.

Answer 40 – 35-year finish warranty is unacceptable.

Question 41 - Galvalume Material Warranty Manufacturers will supply a 50-year materials-only warranty on the galvalume metal.

Please confirm whether this meets the project warranty requirements.

Answer 41 – The 50-year materials-only warranty on the galvalume metal does meet the project warranty requirements.

Question 42 - Plywood Replacement Allowance How many square feet, or what percentage, of damaged plywood should be included for replacement in the base bid?

Answer 42 – 10% of the total roofing area is an acceptable figure to assume for this task.

Question 43 - Ridge Ventilation Requirements Is any ventilation required at the ridges?

Answer 43 – Yes

Question 44 - Snow Guard Locations on Standing Seams Are snow guards required on all standing seams, or only on the seams that terminate at eave edges?

Answer 44 – Install the snow guards in a staggered pattern only along the eaves for optimal performance.

Question 45 - Snow Guard Row Requirements Are snow guards required only at the eave edges, or is a second row required midway up the roof on the long runs?

Answer 45 – Installed in a staggered pattern only along the eaves.

Question 46 - Splash Blocks at Downspouts Are splash blocks required at the bottom of all downspouts?

Answer 46 – Yes

Question 47 – Existing Lightning Protection Please clarify the contractor’s responsibilities regarding the existing lightning protection system. Are we to carefully remove and temporarily store the existing lightning protection components, including rods, cables, connectors, and related accessories, and then reinstall them in their original locations upon completion of the roofing work?

Additionally, please confirm whether the lightning protection system is required to be reinstalled by a certified lightning protection contractor and whether the completed system must be inspected, tested, and recertified after reinstallation.

Answer 47 - Yes, the contractor shall carefully remove the existing lightning protection components, including rods, cables, connectors, and related accessories and temporarily store it. Reinstall once new metal roof is completed. It doesn't need to be reinstalled by certified technician and doesn't need to be inspected, tested, and recertified after reinstallation.