EVER_Solicitation_140P5423Q0031_Questions_and_Responses_7-18-2023_0001.pdf

QUESTIONS AND RESPONSES

EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK – PURCHASE OF 500 GALLONS ABOVE GROUND FUEL

STORAGE TANK – 140P5423Q0031

Note: The following questions were received prior to the deadline for questions which was 07/12/2023 at 04:30PM EST as per the solicitation.

1. Is the NPS requesting a concrete lined tank "vaulted", or is the impact resistant, concrete exterior wall to function as existing Bollards?

The scope of work is for a 500-gallon Convault (or similar) double insulated tank. The site is enclosed by a chain link fence; there is no need for bollards.

2. Please confirm that no bid bond is required.

No, the government intends to purchase a supply installed.

3. In reference to SOW Item #3, and the pictures located on Pages 5-7 in the SOW, “Installation of a 12” Gravel Base:” Please expand and/or clarify specifically the intent of the SOW (i.e., what you are specifically asking for the contractor to do). Is the location of this 12” Gravel Base to be underneath the new slab and then compacted; or is it to go up against the side of the new tank slab and outward from the new slab to a certain amount of feet and only on three sides just around the new pad location; or is it to be placed within the entire existing fence line all the way around the building?

The gravel base is being provided as a structural drainage layer for the concrete slab; the gravel layer shall be installed beneath the slab footprint only and compacted.

In reference to SOW Item #5: “The AST shall consist of a primary steel tank, an integral secondary containment system, and an impact resistant, concrete exterior wall.” We have provided similar tanks on projects in the past, concrete exterior tanks that have a concrete exterior wall as denoted in the SOW Item #5. This type of tank is very costly and extremely heavy;

perhaps more importantly, both the manufacturer and the company that provides these tanks (Convault) have been very unreliable on recent projects and have been unable to meet and deliver on contracted deadlines. Based on our professional experience, a more viable and cost-effective solution would be the UL 2085 Fireguard Tank 500-gallon AST which would meet and exceed all SOW requirements; it is also available and commonly accessible through Modern Welding, which would provide timely purchase and delivery. Is this an acceptable option for SOW Item #5, versus the concrete exterior type wall tank?

A 500-gallon UL 2085 AST is an acceptable option for this project as long as it provides secondary containment. Offerors desiring to submit alternate proposals, in addition to requirements listed in the Scope of Work, are encouraged to do so. This means offerors shall provide a proposal to meet the SOW as written AND an alternate proposal for a double-walled steel tank meeting UL 2085 requirements.

4. There are three existing bollards that are adjacent to the existing concrete pad that is to be demolished and removed; these bollards will need to be removed during demolition of the existing pad. The new tank and pad will be a larger footprint and will also be enclosed within a gated secure location; also, these bollards were not included as a tasked item within the SOW.

a. Is the contractor to include the removal of the three existing bollards with the existing pad?

Removal of the existing bollards are a requirement of this contract.

b. Are replacement bollards to be installed by the contractor, or will replacement bollards be installed by others at a later date?

Bollards around the new tank are not required; the site is protected by a chain link fence.

c. If the contractor is to install new bollards, please specify the number, type, and height of bollards to be installed.

Contractor is not required to install new bollards.

5. The notice states “140P5423Q0031 - SERVICE, REPLACE PINE ISLAND ABOVE STORAGE

GROUND.” No Wage Determination appears to be included within the Notice or documents.

Please confirm that this would be considered a “Service Contract” and Certified Payroll is not applicable.

Yes - this is a supply (tank) with installation contract.

6. If this is a Service Contract, and we will be purchasing a new 500 GL Tank, will a Tax Exemption Certificate be provided for submission to our vendor?

Vendor should be able to purchase items under their tax-exempt certifications, if needed, government will provide a Tax-Exempt Certificate for the action.

7. Please provide clarification/specifications and requirements for the “impact resistant, concrete exterior wall” referenced on Item 5 of the Statement of Work.

This contract is a Convault (or similar) manufactured tank. Contractors are allowed to submit alternate proposals, in addition to the primary proposal, as long as alternate proposed tank specifications meet UL 2085 standards and provide secondary containment.

8. Please provide clarification/specifications and 6’ x 12’ reinforced concrete slab referenced on Item 4 of the Statement of Work.

Concrete slab must comply with Miami-Dade minimum regulated size for an Aboveground Storage Tank (AST)

9. Prior to contractor demolition, will the existing fuel tank be emptied by NPS, or is will emptying of the existing tank the responsibility of the contractor?

Contractor shall be responsible for emptying the fuel tank and disposing of all contents.

10. Is the contractor required to provide fuel for the new fuel tank, if so, how many gallons would be required?

No - NPS will provide fuel to the new tank; contractor shall perform satisfactory test run of the system prior to final acceptance.

11. Are there any drainage requirements for the proposed reinforced concrete slab?

Concrete slab shall be broom finished and crowned ¼” per foot to prevent ponding.

12. Is it a requirement that the facility remain operational during the construction?

Contractor shall ensure system is operational at the end of each workday. New tank shall not be removed until new tank is installed and operational.

13. Is it the intent for the new above ground fuel tank to be located in the same location of the existing fuel tank?

New tank shall be installed adjacent to existing tank.

14. Is the contractor required to provide protective bollards? If so, provide specifications and quantity of bollards that to be included.

Contractor is not required to install new bollards.

15. Would you consider a UL2085 ballistic impact resistant "FireGuard" tank in lieu of the concrete vaulted tank you are requesting. The tank will be lighter and most cost effective with the same UL 2085 rating.

An alternate 500-gallon UL 2085 AST option might be an acceptable option for this project as long as it provides secondary containment. Offerors desiring to submit alternate proposals, in addition to requirements listed in the Scope of Work, are encouraged to do so. This means offerors shall provide a proposal to meet the SOW as written AND an alternate proposal for a double-walled steel tank meeting UL 2085 requirements.