B09_VAMA_Carpet_Q_A_0002.docx

140P4522Q0026: REPLACE SECOND FLOOR HALL CARPET, VANDERBILT MANSION NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE, HYDE PARK, NY - Questions and Answers

Question 1: Wanted to mention a few items in the bid document that need to be addressed: Stainmaster carpet is now available only at Lowe's, and the original company that made the yarn is getting out of the yarn business. The equivalent product is 100% EnVision66 Type 6,6 BCFNylon. This product has the same low-luster quality that the Stainmaster product has, and so most of the major carpet mills have moved to this yarn.

The bid package specifies that the yarn must be solution-dyed; however, solution-dyed nylon does not have the characteristics of the EnVision66 product. It's shiny, which is exactly what Frank Futral doesn't want because the new carpet will be installed next to a wool runner. The EnVision66 carpet is tufted, and then before the backing is added, the carpet is piece dyed. This eliminates streaking in solid colors, which is especially important in a velvet (a cut-pile like the carpet that you are requesting).

Answer 1: We have had successful solution-dyed nylon in the past. If the EnVision66 is piece dyed, and has the low-luster quality we require, then piece dyed will be acceptable. This low-luster quality should be evident in the sample submitted with your proposal for evaluation.

Question 2: The existing padding is a needlepunch type, but it has to be in several different weights to avoid making the carpet too high for the double doors at the end of the room opposite the main staircase.

Answer 2: Yes. We are accustomed to using different weights. This carpet will be heavily used, if we need to use lower weight in the vestibule with the French doors, that is fine, but if higher weight is better for life span of the carpet, you could specify a higher weight for the rest of the installation.

Question 3: One last thing: 5% should be added on to the yardage for attic stock

Answer 3: We do not maintain attic stock. But if you wish to include it in your bid, just be sure to specify what that additional cost is.

Question 4: Would you please tell me what type of padding is being specified for this project?

Answer 4: For padding, we require synthetic. Generally, a “green label” product will be acceptable, but we do want to see MSDS or product information that our conservators can review to verify that no harmful adhesives are used in the processing.

Question 5: I had the pleasure of visiting the Vanderbilt Mansion on Friday to confirm the measurements for the carpet replacement job you are looking to have performed. I am working on preparing a proposal to submit to you in a few days. During the visit I was informed that you would be able to provide the information of the make and color of the carpet on the main staircase that we would be required to match.

Answer 5: The staircase carpet was a full custom job and the specifications for that manufacture are very different from the present project. Historically, the hall carpet and the staircase carpet were not a perfect match, and we have no remnants of the original carpet, so we have no historic color to match, and an exact match to the staircase carpet would not be historically correct. A range of red tones would be acceptable—preference is for warmer tones.

Note: The samples of the carpet and the padding should be sent to:

Frank Futral National Park Service 4097 Albany Post Rd Hyde Park, NY 12538 845-444-9114