Responses to Questions_0002.pdf

CHRI 243913 & 244552 RFP Question Summary Date: 09/04/20

Bronze Reproduction Historic Hardware Questions and Answers

Date: September 4th, 2020

Question 1: We are interested in the project but do not have a contracting arm and would not be able to satisfy all aspects of the (Request for Proposals) RFP. Is there some way we can work out being a part of the project? Is there a way we can be listed as a resource or have access to the successful bidder’s name?

Answer: In the past in scenarios like this, companies work with a past partner business that does have the capability to satisfy the other aspects of the RFP. Companies are encouraged to work together when appropriate to achieve the required specializations to complete the projects.

Additionally, the Government can assist with sharing market research names of sub-contractors, but does not recommend or verify sub-contractor qualifications.

Question 2: What date are proposals for the project due?

Answer: The proposal due date was extended from September 8th to September 11th at 4pm eastern time.

Question 3: The photos allude to the hardware being a wrought iron. Don’t you need a blacksmith for that project?

Answer: The point of the project is to produce a product that is able to be produced repeatedly via permanent casting molds with some limited machining on some items if needed. The project is to use a casting grade Aluminum Bronze C95400, not a wrought grade metal nor an iron. The strength of C95400 cast Bronze shall meet historic wrought iron strengths in both tensile and yield strength. Further, there has been interest in other historic building owners on-island looking to use this project’s hardware molds as well as other future replacements on National Park Service (NPS) historic structures.

Question 4: How thick is the strap hinge-straps?

Answer: Per the RFP, on page 5, Section 4, 3rd bullet; “All straps and door plates shall be a minimum of ¼-inch in thickness.” All hinge hardware and plates shall be a minimum of ¼-inch thick.

Question 5: In Attachment A, what is meant by dimension 2 and 3?

Answer: All dimensions listed in Attachment A, are the longest dimensional measurements on that particular piece of hardware. The 1st dimension is the longest measurement, the 2nd dimension is the 2nd longest measurement, and the 3rd dimension is the shortest measurement on that particular piece of hardware. Similar to a 3D measurement set with measurements in the X, Y, and Z axis in order of longest to shortest. Of course, the pieces are not perfect cubes or rectangles, so consider that when evaluating the table.

Question 6: Are any photos of the Slide and Handles?

Answer: In Attachment B, page 2 there is a drawing of the slide lock. In Attachment C, page 2 there is a photo of the inside handle set.

Question 7: How will the parts be installed?

Answer: All hardware will be installed “by others,” with a separate contract, or by NPS staff.

Question 8: Are the bolts and nuts able to be store bought? If so, how many parts are required to be cast?

Answer: The RFP requires the bolts be cast of a specific bronze alloy. These bolts are not available to be store bought. The parts are intended to be reproduced through the casting molds for future hardware needs of the park. Further, the RFP requires that only minor machining be used to make the parts.

Question 9: The RFP says there are samples required. Is a sample part required for each casting?

Answer: These are example/sample pieces will most likely be the hardware of the greatest quality requirements for economical purposes. Not all pieces will require examples. The purpose of the example pieces is to demonstrate the offerors capability to make the hardware required under the RFP.

Question 10: How would you like the proposal cost structured, as piece by piece or by sets shown on pages 3 and 4, or as one total lump sum?

Answer: RFP cost structure shall break the proposal down by each part, with a separate mold construction/tooling cost and the casting cost per part with a quantity multiplier. If any machining is required for the part, also include that for each part. The cost for the site visit shall be a lump sum to include travel, per-diem, shipping, (if required, for any loaned parts), any time taking measurements and anything else needed during the site visit. Also, separate out as a lump sum, the shipping and customs shall be included in the price to ship the completed parts to the Park in St. Croix.

Question 11: What required finish is required?

Answer: The finish shall be a surface prepped for priming and painting. Too smooth a surface will not be acceptable.

Question 12: Are washers required on the carriage bolt sets? If not, I recommend them.

Answer: Washers are required with the nut on the carriage bolt sets, but not on the bolt head side of the set.

Question 13: Is there a way to schedule or set up a time to talk about the project a little bit more? We would like to understand the process a little better.

Answer: Meetings with contractors separately would be inappropriate for an RPF in the solicitation phase. Questions were due September 3rd, 2020 at 5 pm eastern. Also, a post-award site visit is required to physically see the existing hardware and some hardware that may be temporarily loaned out for reproduction purposes with an approved Hardware Lending Plan, which may be helpful to answer those questions for the awardee.

Question 14: What if the Island shuts down for COVID or the pandemic affects travel in some other way?

Answer: COVID related issues will be worked out on a case by case basis with the government being understanding to impacts and time extensions.

Question 15: Will you accept and alternative to the specified grade of Aluminum Bronze?

Answer: The project requires casting grade C95400 Aluminum Bronze to meet the strength and corrosion resistance requirements for the project. The project proposals shall be for casting with C95400 Aluminum Bronze.

Question 16: In our experience a 90 day Period of Performance is not a reasonable time allowed for the scope of this project? Can the Period of Performance be extended?

Answer: The Government understands your concerns and feels they are reasonable. As a result the Period of Performance is being extended to 200 days.

Question 17: Is shipping and customs required for delivery to the park?

Answer: Yes, all shipping and customs are required for delivery to the park property address.