Attachment_0010__Questions_and_Answers_140P5126R0004_0001.docx

Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, Rehabilitation of the Maintenance Complex Roofs project Questions and Answers Solicitation 140P5126R0004

Question 1: L.4 52.211-3 Availability of Specifications Not Listed in the GSA Index of Federal Specifications, Standards and Commercial Item Descriptions (June 1988) Answer: There is not any additional specification listing for this project.

Question 2: Contractor Licensing Requirement Reference: Statement of Work – Section 4, Contractor Qualifications Section 4 of the Statement of Work states that the contractor must be a “licensed and insured general contractor with experience in masonry and structural reinforcement.” Please confirm whether the Government requires the contractor to hold a Georgia State General Contractor license in order to submit a proposal or receive award for this project. For many National Park Service and other federal construction projects, contractors are not required to hold a state General Contractor license in the state where the project is located, provided the contractor is otherwise qualified and properly insured. Please clarify whether the intent of this requirement is to mandate a Georgia State contractor license, or if the requirement is intended more generally to ensure the contractor is appropriately qualified and insured to perform the work.

Answer: The intent of Section 4 is to ensure the contractor is appropriately licensed and insured as a general contractor and demonstrably experienced in masonry and structural reinforcement. A Georgia State General Contractor license is not required solely to submit a proposal or to receive award. However, if any portion of the work necessitates actions that, by law or by coordinating authority, require a Georgia-licensed contractor (e.g., obtaining local permits, signing/sealing permit applications, or performing offsite work within State or City jurisdiction), the contractor must ensure the appropriate state-licensed personnel are engaged to meet those requirements.

Question 3: Local Permits and Inspections Reference: Statement of Work – Section 3, Deliverables / Compliance Section 3 states that the contractor must comply with the International Building Code (IBC), local Atlanta building codes, and National Park Service standards. Please confirm whether this project will require the contractor to obtain local City of Atlanta building permits and inspections, or if the work will be performed solely under federal authority and National Park Service oversight without local permitting requirements.

Answer:

Work will be performed under federal authority with National Park Service (NPS) oversight. Compliance with the International Building Code (IBC), applicable local Atlanta building codes, and NPS standards is required for design and construction quality; however, City of Atlanta building permits and municipal inspections are not anticipated for work executed solely on federal property under NPS jurisdiction.

If the scope includes activities that interface with municipal systems or rights-of-way (e.g., new utility service connections in City-managed infrastructure, street closures, or public sidewalk work), the contractor must coordinate with the Contracting Officer (CO) and obtain any specific permits or approvals required by the City for those interfaces. In such cases, permit responsibilities and fees will be handled as directed by the CO.

Question 4: Pricing Format / Profit Reference: Statement of Work – Section 5, Proposal Requirements Section 5 requires submission of detailed pricing including Labor, Materials, Equipment, Overhead, and Total. The pricing format provided does not include a separate line item for Profit. Please confirm whether the Government intends for profit to be included within the Overhead line item, or if profit should be accounted for separately within the pricing structure.

Answer: Profit should be accounted for separately from Overhead. Please provide a distinct line item labeled “Profit/Fee” in your pricing structure, in addition to Labor, Materials, Equipment, Overhead, and Total. Overhead should exclude profit.

If your pricing system uses fully burdened rates that already include profit, clearly disclose the methodology and provide a roll-up that shows how profit is included so evaluators can readily identify the profit component within your total.

Question 5: Site Utilities and Facilities Reference: Statement of Work – Section 2, Scope of Work Please confirm whether the contractor will have access to existing site utilities and facilities, including water, electrical power, and restroom facilities, during the performance of the work. If these utilities are not available, please confirm whether the contractor will be required to provide temporary utilities and sanitation facilities as part of the project scope.

Answer: Contractor should not assume access to existing site utilities or facilities. Unless otherwise stated in the SOW or provided in a future amendment, the contractor is responsible for furnishing all temporary utilities and sanitation, including:

· Temporary electrical power sufficient for construction operations,

· Potable water for construction needs, and

· Sanitation facilities (e.g., portable restrooms and handwashing stations) for the workforce.

If limited access to existing power or water can be safely accommodated without disrupting NPS operations, such access may be authorized by the CO and coordinated on-site; any such access will be for convenience only and not guaranteed. Access to NPS restroom facilities for construction personnel is generally not provided; plan to furnish temporary sanitation. All temporary services must meet applicable health, safety, and environmental requirements and be removed at project completion.

Question 6: Temporary Safety Barriers and Site Controls Reference: Solicitation Section H.2 – Safety and Section H.4 – Operation of Facility During Construction Section H.2 requires the contractor to comply with all applicable safety regulations, including OSHA. Section H.4 states that construction activities must not interrupt facility operations and that any temporary measures required to maintain operations will be at the contractor’s expense. The solicitation does not specify whether the contractor will be required to provide temporary fencing, barricades, pedestrian barriers, or other safety controls to separate the work area from park visitors or the public. To ensure all offerors are bidding on a consistent scope of work, please clarify whether the contractor will be required to provide temporary fencing, barriers, pedestrian control measures, or other site safety controls, and if so, the extent and type of measures expected.

Answer: All temporary measures employed shall be at the Contractor’s expense. Contractors must coordinate with the COR for any temporary measures.

Question 7: Referenced Building Codes and NPS Standards Reference: Statement of Work – Section 3, Deliverables / Compliance and Section 4, Contractor Qualifications The Statement of Work references the following documents, but the hyperlinks appear inactive. Can you provide the documents? • Technical Preservation Services (U.S. National Park Service) • Denver Service Center (DSC) Workflow.

Answer:

Answer https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1739/tps-publications.htm https://www.nps.gov/tps/ https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1739/preservation-by-topic.htm

Technical Preservation Services (TPS) – U.S. National Park Service The TPS office provides extensive guidance, including the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Preservation Briefs:

· Main TPS portal (overview and guidance):

https://www.nps.gov/tps/

· Publications page (Preservation Briefs, Technical Notes, Case Studies):

https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1739/tps-publications.htm

· Index of Standards & Guidelines, including:

· The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties (Parts 1–2)

· Guidelines for preservation, rehabilitation, restoration, reconstruction https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1739/preservation-by-topic.htm

Denver Service Center (DSC) Workflow Guide – NPS The DSC provides workflow guidance for partners working on planning and construction projects:

· DSC Workflows overview page (with links to sub-process templates):

https://www.nps.gov/dsc/workflows/index.htm

· Forms, templates, and guidelines repository (Design & Construction related):

https://www.nps.gov/dscw/publicforms.htm These include specific items like:

· Design deliverable checklists

· Construction forms (e.g., inspection checklists, structural test statements)

· Permitting folder & file templates Question 8: Proposal Submission Format Reference: Statement of Work – Section 5, Proposal Requirements Section 5 outlines the required proposal volumes and administrative documentation but does not specify the preferred electronic submission format. Please confirm whether the Government prefers the entire quote package to be submitted as one consolidated PDF, or if offerors should submit separate PDF files for the Administrative Documents and Volumes 1, 2, and 3 Answer: Refer to Solicitation Section L.17, Instructions to Offerors for Proposal Submission.

Question 9: The SOW specifies installing #4 reinforcing bars embedded 3 inches into the driveway slab. Please confirm if 3 inches is the correct embedment depth, as this depth appears insufficient to develop anchorage for epoxy-set reinforcing steel.

Answer: The Government acknowledges that 3 inches of embedment is not sufficient to develop the required anchorage for #4 reinforcing bars when installed using epoxy adhesive. The embedment depth indicated in the SOW should be considered a placeholder and not a finalized engineering requirement.

The contractor should propose an embedment depth that complies with:

· The selected epoxy manufacturer’s engineered embedment requirements,

· ACI 318 anchoring provisions (as applicable), and

· The structural performance requirements of the connection.

A corrected or confirmed embedment depth will be provided through an amendment or clarification to the SOW after review of manufacturer data and engineering recommendations.

Question 10: Please provide the approved epoxy adhesive specification or manufacturer requirements for anchoring the vertical reinforcing bars.

Answer: The Government will identify an approved epoxy adhesive product or accept a contractor-submitted equivalent meeting federal standard. Acceptable products typically include ICCE Sevaluated structural anchoring adhesives suitable for reinforcing steel anchorage.

An official specification or approved manufacturer list will be issued via solicitation amendment. Until then, the contractor may propose epoxy systems that meet the following minimum criteria:

· ICCES approval for post installed reinforcing bar anchorage,

· Compliance with ACI 318 Chapter 17 anchoring requirements,

· Published load tables and embedment requirements for #4 rebar,

· Installation requirements suitable for drilled holes in existing concrete.

Submittals will be reviewed and approved by the Government prior to installation.

Question 11: Please clarify whether all cells of the masonry wall are to be grout filled or only the cells containing reinforcing steel.

Answer: Only the cells containing reinforcing steel are required to be grout filled unless otherwise noted in future structural detail clarifications. At a minimum, all reinforced cells must be fully grouted to ensure proper bond, cover, and load transfer. Nonreinforced cells may remain unfilled unless the forthcoming amendment indicates a need for full cell grouting for stability or preservation reasons.

Question 12: Please confirm whether the existing masonry wall cap is to be salvaged and reinstalled or replaced with new matching masonry units.

Answer: Unless otherwise directed by amendment, the existing masonry wall cap is to be salvaged and reinstalled where feasible. If sections of the cap are damaged, deteriorated, or unsuitable for reuse, they should be replaced with new units matching the original in dimension, material, texture, and appearance. Proposed replacement units will require Government approval prior to installation.

Question 13: Please confirm if the project must comply with Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Historic Preservation, and whether any special restoration procedures or material compatibility requirements apply to masonry repairs.

Answer: Yes. The project must comply with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties to the extent applicable to the work. Masonry repairs must follow preservation appropriate practices, including:

· Using materials compatible in composition, strength, color, texture, and vapor permeability,

· Matching existing mortar profiles and joint widths,

· Avoiding Portland cement–rich mortars unless specifically approved, and

· Employing minimally invasive repair procedures to preserve existing historic fabric.

Any specialized procedures or materials beyond standard masonry practice will be clarified or specified in a subsequent amendment if needed.

Question 14: The SOW indicates posts will bear on 10-3/4” x 10-3/4” concrete deck blocks. Please confirm if the deck blocks are to be installed directly on grade or on a prepared compacted base or concrete pad.

Answer: The concrete deck blocks are to be installed on a prepared, compacted granular base, not directly on undisturbed or loose grade. The base must be level, compacted, and capable of providing uniform bearing to prevent settlement. If site conditions indicate inadequate soil support, the Government may require a concrete pad or alternative footing solution, to be clarified during construction or via amendment.

Question 15: Please confirm whether the contractor should assume the existing porch framing is structurally sound for attachment of the new beams and posts, or if additional structural repairs may be required.

Answer: For bidding purposes, the contractor may assume the existing porch framing is structurally sound for attachment of new components. However, the Government reserves the right to require additional structural repairs if concealed conditions or deterioration are discovered during work. Any such repairs will be addressed by the Contracting Officer through a change order or directive.

Question 16: The SOW specifies (3) 1/4” diameter x 4-1/2” screws for beam connections. Please confirm whether these are intended to be: Structural wood screws, lag screws, or through-bolt washers.

Answer: The specified fasteners are intended to be structural wood screws (e.g., Simpson Strong Tie or equivalent), sized to provide sufficient shear and withdrawal capacity for the connection. Lag screws or through bolts are not required unless noted in a future structural amendment. The contractor shall submit the manufacturer’s data for approval.

Question 17: Please confirm the following logistics: Approved staging area, work hours restrictions, any visitor protection or barricade requirements.

Answer:

· Staging Area: A designated staging area will be identified by the Government during the preconstruction meeting. Staging is limited to the agreed upon footprint and must not impede visitor access.

· Work Hours: Standard work hours are typically Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, unless otherwise restricted by park operations. Weekend or extended hours require prior approval from the Contracting Officer.

· Visitor Protection: The contractor must provide all necessary barricades, cones, signage, and controlled access measures to protect visitors and staff during construction. All safety measures must comply with NPS guidelines and OSHA standards.

Question 18: Beyond photographic documentation, please confirm if the following submittals are required: PDS for epoxy anchoring, pressure treated lumber certification, fastener specifications, and concrete deck blocks.

Answer: Yes, the following submittals will be required in addition to photographic documentation:

· Product Data Sheets (PDS) for epoxy anchoring systems,

· Certification for pressure treated lumber (indicating treatment type and retention level),

· Manufacturer specifications for all structural fasteners,

· Product information for concrete deck blocks (including dimensions and load capacity).

Additional submittals may be requested if needed to verify compliance with structural, historic preservation, or material requirements.

Question 19: Please confirm whether construction permitting with the City of Atlanta will be obtained by the National Park Service or the contractor.

Answer: At this time, the project is expected to be performed under federal authority and does not require City of Atlanta construction permits unless work interacts with municipal systems or rights of way.

If any permits are ultimately required, the National Park Service (NPS) will coordinate jurisdictional determination, and the contractor will be informed whether NPS or the contractor must obtain the permit. No city permit work shall be undertaken without written instruction from the Contracting Officer.

Question 20: Is the contractor required to perform pre-construction photographic or video documentation of existing site conditions (adjacent structures, sidewalks, landscape features, etc.) prior to beginning work?

Answer: Yes. The contractor must perform comprehensive preconstruction photographic or video documentation of all existing site conditions, including adjacent structures, pavement, landscaping, and any potentially affected features. Documentation must be submitted to the Government for record prior to mobilization.

Question 21: Please confirm whether utility locating services (811 or private locator) will be required prior to drilling operations and whether utilities are known to exist within the work area.

Answer: The contractor is required to request 811 utility locating services and perform additional private locating as needed prior to any drilling, excavation, or penetrations. While no known active utilities are expected to be within the immediate work area, the Government does not guarantee absence of underground utilities. The contractor must verify all locations in the field before work begins.

Question 22: Please provide any available as-built drawings or utility mapping indicating underground utilities near the driveway slab and porch areas Answer: Any available asbuilt drawings, utility sketches, or historical mapping will be provided as part of a forthcoming solicitation amendment or during the preconstruction meeting. If existing records are incomplete or outdated, the contractor must proceed with caution and perform field verification.

Question 23: Please confirm whether a hazardous materials survey (lead-based paint, asbestos, etc.) has been performed for the existing structure.

Answer: A hazardous materials assessment has either been completed or is currently under review. Any available lead based paint or asbestos survey results will be provided to the contractor. If existing materials cannot be conclusively verified as hazard free, the contractor must follow applicable OSHA and EPA protocols for assumed hazard conditions until confirmed otherwise.

Question 24: Please confirm where contractor vehicles and equipment may be parked during construction operations. 17 Please confirm the approved delivery routes and access points for bringing materials and equipment to the project site.

Answer:

· Parking: Contractor vehicles and equipment must be parked only in the designated area identified by NPS during the preconstruction meeting. Parking in visitor areas or blocking access routes is not permitted.

· Delivery Routes and Access: Approved access routes and delivery paths will be identified by NPS. The contractor must adhere strictly to these routes to avoid impact on visitor circulation and protected areas. Any deviations require prior approval from the Contracting Officer.

Question 25: Please confirm whether temporary power and water will be provided by the National Park Service or if the contractor is responsible for providing these utilities.

Answer: Unless specifically authorized by the Contracting Officer, the contractor should assume temporary power and water must be provided by the contractor. If limited access to existing power or water is available without affecting operations, NPS may authorize usage for convenience only, but such access is not guaranteed.

Question 26: Please clarify whether demolition debris may be disposed of at standard construction waste facilities or if the National Park Service requires use of specific disposal locations.

Answer: Demolition debris may be disposed of at standard, legally permitted construction waste facilities. If materials are identified as regulated waste (hazardous, lead containing, or otherwise restricted), the contractor must comply with all federal, state, and local disposal requirements. NPS does not require use of a specific disposal facility unless otherwise directed in writing.

Question 27: Please confirm if there are noise restrictions or limitations on construction hours due to the site's public use.

Answer: Yes. Construction activities must be planned to minimize noise and public disruption. Standard work hours are Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM. Activities generating elevated noise (e.g., hammer drilling, saw cutting) should be scheduled during midday hours when visitor traffic is lowest, and require prior coordination with the Contracting Officer (CO). Weekend or extended hours are not permitted unless approved in writing by the CO. Employ noise reducing practices (mufflers, acoustic barriers where practical) and post advance notices/signage when high noise work is scheduled.

Question 28; Please clarify whether any specific protection measures are required for landscaping, walkways, or historic site features within the construction area.

Answer:

Yes. The contractor must implement the following protection measures:

· Landscaping: Establish Tree/Plant Protection Zones with fencing at drip lines; no storage, mixing, or vehicle traffic within fenced areas. Use rootzone plywood paths or geotextile/rigid mats when equipment must pass nearby.

· Walkways: Install temporary barriers and edge protection, maintain ADA access where required, and provide pedestrian detours with clear signage.

· Historic Features: Use noninvasive protection (soft coverings, standoff barriers) and do not fasten temporary work to historic fabric. Avoid excessive vibration; where risk exists, provide vibration monitoring and adjust methods accordingly.

Protective measures must be in place before mobilization and maintained throughout the project.

Question 29: Please confirm whether the Contractor will be required to prepare and submit a Submittal Register or Submittal Log identifying all required project submittals for Government review prior to construction.

Answer: Yes. The contractor must prepare a Submittal Register/Submittal Log identifying all required submittals and their planned dates, and submit it to the Government prior to construction. Maintain the log throughout the project, tracking status, revisions, and approvals, and update it with each progress meeting

Question 30: Please confirm the Government review duration for submittals (e.g., 10, 14, or 30 calendar days).

Answer: Unless otherwise stated, the standard Government review duration is 14 calendar days per submittal package. Submittals of greater technical complexity (e.g., structural anchorage systems) may require up to 30 calendar days; the CO will inform the contractor when extended review applies. Include these durations in your submittal schedule and plan work sequencing accordingly.

Question 31: Please confirm whether resubmittals will receive the same review duration as initial submittals.

Answer: Yes. Resubmittals generally receive the same review duration as initial submittals (typically 14 calendar days). Minor corrections that do not affect scope or compliance may be reviewed on an expedited basis when coordinated with the CO; however, expedited review is not guaranteed and should not be assumed in the schedule.

Question 32: Please confirm whether shop drawings or installation details will be required for: Reinforcing steel installation, porch post and beam configuration, and masonry cap reconstruction.

Answer: Yes. Provide shop drawings/installation details for each of the following:

· Reinforcing Steel Installation: Bar sizes, locations, embedment/anchorage, hole diameters, edge distances, spacing, adhesive product and installation procedure, and any special inspections required.

· Porch Post & Beam Configuration: Member sizes/species/grades, connection hardware, fastener types and patterns, bearing details at deck blocks, and load path/attachment to existing framing.

· Masonry Cap Reconstruction: Unit dimensions and profile, salvage/reuse plan (where applicable), mortar type and joint finish, compatibility with existing masonry, and protection measures during installation.

Submittals must be coordinated across trades and reflect the final field conditions. No fabrication or installation may begin until Government approval is issued.

Question 33: Please confirm whether material procurement lead times will be considered in the construction schedule or if the project duration begins immediately upon Notice to Proceed.

Answer: The project duration will commence upon issuance of the Notice to Proceed. Lead times for material procurement will be integrated into the construction schedule accordingly.

Question 34: Please clarify the expected timeframe between Notice to Proceed (NTP) and required mobilization.

Answer: Refer to the solicitation F.2 52.211-10 Commencement, Prosecution, and Completion of Work.

Question 35: Please confirm the required project duration (calendar days) and whether the duration includes: Submittal preparation and review, material procurement, mobilization.

Answer: Refer to the solicitation F.2 52.211-10 Commencement, Prosecution, and Completion of Work.

Question 36: Please provide the required masonry grout specification, including: Minium compressive strength, ASTM standard, and grout type (fine or coarse grout).

Answer: Masonry grout shall comply with ASTM C476. Provide fine grout unless project conditions (e.g., large cell dimensions) require coarse grout and the CO approves it. Minimum compressive strength shall be 2,000 psi at 28 days, unless a higher strength is required by the reinforcing anchorage design or manufacturer requirements.

Question 37: Please confirm whether grout placement must follow a specific standard, such as ASTM C476 or TMS 602, and whether low-lift or high-lift grouting procedures are required.

Answer: Yes. Grout placement must comply with ASTM C476 and TMS 602 (Specification for Masonry Structures). This project will utilize low lift grouting, unless otherwise approved by the CO. Lift heights and consolidation requirements must follow TMS 602, including rodding or mechanical vibration and top off grouting where required.

Question 38: Please confirm whether field testing of masonry grout will be required, such as compressive strength testing or grout sampling Answer: Yes. Field testing of grout will be required. At minimum:

· Compressive strength cylinders shall be taken for each day’s grout placement or every 5 cubic yards, whichever occurs first.

· Sampling and testing shall comply with ASTM C1019.

Testing frequency or scope may be increased if required by field conditions or CO direction.

Question 39: Please provide the minimum compressive strength requirement for the specified concrete deck blocks supporting porch posts.

Answer: Concrete deck blocks shall have a minimum compressive strength of 2,500 psi in accordance with typical residential grade precast pier block standards. Higher strength units (e.g., 3,000 psi) may be submitted as acceptable or superior alternatives.

Question 40: Please confirm whether the contractor must submit a Contractor Quality Control (CQC) Plan for Government approval prior to beginning work.

Answer: Yes. A Contractor Quality Control (CQC) Plan is required and must be submitted for Government review and approval prior to the start of construction. Work may not proceed until approval is received.

Question 41: Please confirm whether the contractor is required to designate a Quality Control Manager independent of the project superintendent.

Answer: Yes. The contractor must designate a Quality Control Manager (QCM) who is independent of the superintendent and has authority to enforce quality standards. On small projects, the CO may approve a dualrole position if qualifications are adequate; however, independence is preferred.

Question 42: Please confirm whether a Site Safety and Health Officer (SSHO) meeting federal safety requirements will be required for this project.

Answer: The SSHO remains responsible for daily safety oversight, site inspections, hazard mitigation, and ensuring compliance with all NPS and OSHA standards.

Question 43: Please confirm whether a Site-Specific Health and Safety Plan (SSHP) must be submitted and approved prior to commencement of work.

Answer: Yes. A Site Specific Health and Safety Plan (SSHP) is required and must be submitted for review and approval before mobilization. The SSHP shall include hazard analysis, PPE requirements, emergency procedures, equipment safety practices, and subcontractor coordination provisions.

Question 44: Please confirm whether the contractor must submit daily construction reports documenting manpower, work activities, and site conditions.

Answer: Yes. The contractor is required to submit Daily Construction Reports documenting manpower, work performed, equipment on site, weather conditions, safety observations, visitor impacts, and any issues affecting schedule or quality. Reports shall be submitted to the Government each workday or as otherwise directed by the Contracting Officer (CO).

Question 45: Please confirm whether regular progress meetings will be required during the project and identify the expected frequency (weekly, bi-weekly, etc.).

Answer: Yes. Regular progress meetings will be required for coordination, schedule updates, submittal tracking, and safety review. Meetings are expected to occur weekly, unless the CO determines that biweekly meetings are sufficient based on project progress and complexity. The contractor shall have key personnel available, including the Superintendent, QCM, and SSHO.

Question 46: Please confirm whether the Government will provide Quality Assurance (QA) oversight personnel or if the contractor must retain third-party inspection services.

Answer: The Government will provide Quality Assurance (QA) personnel to perform oversight, inspections, and compliance verification. The contractor remains responsible for Quality Control (QC) and may be required to retain thirdparty special inspection services when specified by code, by structural requirements, or when directed by the CO (e.g., grout testing, anchorage verification). All thirdparty services must be included in the contractor’s proposal unless otherwise stated.

Question 47: Please confirm the required closeout documentation, including but not limited to: final inspections, material certifications, as built documentation, and warranty information.

Answer: H.12 Completion of Work , FAR 52.211-10 (APR 1984) Section F.

Question 48: Please confirm whether Government inspection hold points will be required prior to proceeding with the following activities: Drilling and installation of reinforcing steel, placement of masonry grout, installation of porch support posts, and final masonry cap installation.

Answer: Yes. The following activities will require Government inspection hold points before work may proceed:

· Drilling and Installation of Reinforcing Steel:

Inspection of drilled hole dimensions, cleanliness, embedment depth, adhesive preparation, and bar placement.

Question 49: Please confirm the required advance notice period for Government inspections (e.g., 24, 48, or 72 hours).

Answer: A minimum of 48 hours advance notice is required for all Government inspections, including holdpoint activities. The Government may accept shorter notice at its discretion, but this should not be assumed in the contractor’s scheduling. The contractor must coordinate inspection timing in the Quality Control Plan and maintain communication with the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).

· Masonry Grout Placement:

Inspection of clean, properly prepared cells, bar placement, lift height, consolidation method, and formwork (if applicable).

· Installation of Porch Support Posts:

Inspection of deck block bearing surface, base preparation, post alignment, and attachment details.

· Final Masonry Cap Installation:

Inspection of cap unit condition, mortar, alignment, and compliance with preservation standards.

The contractor must notify the Government and receive approval to proceed at each hold point.

Question 50: Please confirm whether weather-related delays will be considered excusable delays under the contract.

Answer: Refer to FAR Clause 52.242-17 Government Delay of Work.

Question 51: Please clarify whether there are restricted access periods due to park events, visitor activity, or special programming that may limit construction operations.

Answer: Yes. Construction operations may be restricted during periods of high visitor activity, scheduled park events, or special programming. The National Park Service (NPS) will provide a schedule of any known events during the preconstruction meeting. The contractor must coordinate all work activities with the Contracting Officer (CO) to avoid conflicts with public use and may be required to adjust working hours, access, or noise levels during these periods. Additional restrictions may be issued by NPS with reasonable notice.

Question 52: Please confirm whether any erosion control, stormwater protection measures will be required during construction activities.

Answer: Yes. The contractor is required to implement erosion control, stormwater protection, and general environmental protection measures throughout all construction activities. At a minimum, the following requirements apply:

· Erosion and Sediment Control:

Install and maintain appropriate BMPs such as silt fence, straw wattles, filter fabric, inlet protection, and stabilized work areas where soil disturbance occurs.

· Stormwater Protection:

Prevent sediment, debris, or construction materials from entering drainage structures, natural water paths, or landscaped areas. Maintain clean work zones and control washout activities.

· Environmental Protection:

Protect adjacent vegetation, root zones, historic site features, and sensitive areas from disturbance, runoff, and equipment impact. Store chemicals, adhesives, and fuels in secondary containment.

All measures must comply with NPS environmental standards, OSHA requirements, and any regional or federal environmental protection guidelines. The contractor must include environmental protection plans within the CQC Plan and Site Safety documentation, and maintain BMPs until project completion.

Question 53: Please confirm whether the contractor will be required to coordinate work activities with adjacent park facilities or building occupants.

Answer: Yes. The contractor must coordinate all work activities with adjacent park facilities, NPS site staff, and any building occupants that could be affected by construction operations. Coordination includes scheduling noisy work, managing access paths, protecting visitor zones, and communicating any temporary disruptions. The CO or designated NPS representative will serve as the primary coordination point.

Question 54: Please clarify the required notification procedure if differing site conditions are encountered, such as deteriorated masonry or structural deficiencies.

Answer: Refer to the clauses 52.236-2, Differing Site Conditions, and 52.236-3, Site Investigations and Conditions Affecting the Work, will be included in any contract awarded as a result of this solicitation. Accordingly, Offerors are urged and expected to inspect the site where the work will be performed.

Question 55: Please confirm whether any erosion control, stormwater protection, or environmental protection measures will be required during construction activities.

Answer: Yes. The contractor must coordinate all work activities with adjacent park facilities, NPS site staff, and any building occupants that could be affected by construction operations. Coordination includes scheduling noisy work, managing access paths, protecting visitor zones, and communicating any temporary disruptions. The CO or designated NPS representative will serve as the primary coordination point.

Question 56: Confirm that the Government will allow proposer a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days to respond to the RFP starting from the date that the Government responds to 100% of the RFIs received.

Answer: All dates regarding the solicitation and the proposal due dates are listed on the solicitation contract form. Offerors are cautioned to review acceptance date/time stated in solicitation. Proposals received after the date/time listed will cause proposal to be rejected. Check solicitation for any amendments reference to proposal date changes.

Question 57: The SF1442 indicates that a bid bond is not required; however, Section L.9 52.228-1 Bid Guarantee on page 50-51 indicates a bid guarantee of 20% or $3M. Please clarify if a bid guarantee is required.

Answer: A bid guarantee is not required.

Question 58: Please clarify the period of performance for the project. The SF-1442 states 180 calendar days and the Statement of Work indicates that the Government estimate is 90 calendar days. Please confirm that 180 calendar days is the correct period of performance Answer: The period of performance is 180 calendar days.

Question 59: The Section (B), Supplies and Services, of the SF1442 lists “Period of Performance: 04/06/2026 to 11/05/2026” and “Period of Performance: 04/06/2026 to 11/05/2027.” Do these dates apply to this project? If so, do they override the 180 Calendar Day period of performance listed previously on the SF1442? Do these separate periods indicate two separate phases for the project?

Answer: The period of performance is 180 calendar days.

Question 60: Section A of the Solicitation states that proposals are due on March 30, 2025. Please clarify if this should be March 30, 2026 or some other date.

Answer: March 30, 2026. Monitor sam.gov for any potential for a date/time extension

Question 61: Section L of the Solicitation (page 54) states, “proposals shall be organized into two (2) volumes”; however, the list following the paragraph indicates three Volumes. Please clarify the correct number of volumes.

Answer: Three (3) Volumes.

Question 62: Please clarify the specific requirements for Factor 2 – Past Performance. Is there a minimum or maximum number or projects required? What information should be included for each project? Is there a page limitation to this section or for each project provided?

Answer: See subfactor Experience in the solicitation, Section M Evaluation Factors for Award. Recent past performance is defined as not more than three (3) years from the request for proposal release date. There is no limitation, but relevant in terms of similar nature of work, size and scope.

Question 63: Please confirm that the provision of relevant project descriptions with customer references is sufficient to meet the past performance requirements.

Answer: The Government will conduct an in-depth evaluation of all recent performance information obtained to determine if it is the same or similar in nature of work, size, and scope to the services/products being procured under this solicitation.

Question 64: Will the Government recognize past performance of sister companies to the submitting offeror (subsidiaries with the same parent company who share executive leadership, follow similar policies and procedures for business operations, and utilize the same business management systems) as equivalent to that of the offering firm?

Answer: Yes

Question 65: Please indicate which proposal Volume should include the following items: SF1442, SAM registration, Section K, Buy American Act Notice, and Authorized Signature.

Volume I: Technical Proposal and all supporting documents.

Volume II: Past Performance Volume III: Price Proposal and add SF1442.

Question 66: Do any page limitations apply to any sections of the proposal?

Answer: No page limit. Evaluation will be conducted only on project related information from the past three years.

Question 67: Solicitation, Section L.18. Determination of Responsibility – Please confirm that any requirements related to this section would be a post-award submission and not required at the time of initial proposal.

Answer: This section refers to the award of a contract which will be subject to the Contracting Officer's determination that the offeror meets the Responsibility Determination requirement. Refer to Section 9.104 of the Federal Acquisition Regulations.

Question 68: The Statement of Work references recommendations based on a site review conducted by PES Structural Engineers. Can the review report and recommendations be provided to bidders?

Answer: Yes. Any available PES Structural Engineers site review documentation, including recommendations or observations referenced in the Statement of Work, will be provided to bidders via a forthcoming amendment or as an attachment issued by the Contracting Officer. If portions of the review contain internal government deliberative material, a redacted version will be provided containing all information relevant to the scope of work.

Question 69: Attachment 0003, SK1 and SK2 both indicate a new driveway pour and the photos indicate that the driveway has been removed. The Statement of Work does not include driveway replacement as part of the scope of work. Please clarify.

Answer: The inclusion of a new driveway pour shown in Attachment 0003 (SK1 and SK2) is not part of the contractor’s scope unless specifically added by amendment. The driveway replacement depicted in the sketches represents contextual or reference information only and is not included in the current Statement of Work. The contractor is responsible only for the work explicitly identified in the SOW.

If the Government intends to include driveway replacement in the contract, a formal clarification or scope amendment will be issued.

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