B09 - Amendment4Atch23QuestionsandAnswers_0004.pdf

Question: Will the NPS expect the Prime Contractor to have a full-time, dedicated site superintendent on the project at all times?

Answer: Per FAR: 52.236-6 Superintendence by the Contractor (APR 1984) At all times during performance of this contract and until the work is completed and accepted, the Contractor shall directly superintend the work or assign and have on the worksite a competent superintendent who is satisfactory to the Contracting Officer and has authority to act for the Contractor.

Question: Will the NPS require this person to hold an OSHA 30 Card?

Answer: There is not a specific requirement for the superintendent to hold an OSHA 30 card.

Question: Does the NPS want the gas line for the boiler run through the inside of the building or underground and around the outside of the building?

Answer: Run inside the building

Question: Are there any liquidated damages to this contract?

Answer: No. Liquidated Damages are not used in this solicitation.

Question: Is there any penalty if the contractor is unable to finish the mechanical installation upon the completion of the two-week shutdown time frame?

Answer: The contractor is required to provide a schedule that will show the work requirements for a given time period. The schedule is to show the work for the time frame mentioned. Should the contractor not be able to complete the work as schedule, the government has available the same remedies as when falling behind during any other part of the work scheduled for this project.

Question: Is this project tax exempt?

Answer: The contract price is to include all applicable taxes. The contractor is responsible for contacting the State and Local taxing authority to determine if a tax exemption exists. If an exemption exists, the contractor is to request the necessary documentation from the CO. If the tax-exempt amount is more than $250.00 the contract price will be adjusted.

Question: Will the NPS provide a tax exemption certificate for the state of Arkansas?

Answer: The contractor is responsible for contacting the State and Local taxing authority to determine if a tax exemption exists. If an exemption exists, the contractor is to request the necessary documentation from the CO. If the tax-exempt amount is more than $250.00 the contract price will be adjusted.

Question: Following completion of the project, is the contractor expected to provide as-builts for all new construction?

Answer: As-Builts are required. Redlined by field staff are acceptable.

Question: Specifications page 01 79 00-3 para 3.2 state to provide a training video. Is this video required or can the requirement be waived?

No training video is required if hands on training is provided.

Question: What is the maximum response time to the facility that the installer should maintain for warranty services?

Answer: Within 24 hours of notification of a warranty call by the CO.

Question: What response time does the NPS expect for repair work inside the warranty period?

Answer: Within 24 hours of notification of a warranty call by the CO.

140P6220B0002 Attachment 23 Amendment 4

Question: Will the NPS contracting staff consider adding a CLIN to include a multi-year service agreement/warranty option?

Answer: No.

Question: The specifications section 01 40 00 “Quality” call for daily CQC reports per 1.4F. Can the contractor combine the Quality Control Manager with the roles and responsibilities of the Site Superintendent, or should these two roles be filled by different personnel?

Answer: Per the specifications:

B. Contractors Quality Control Staff:

1. The Contractor's Quality Control Supervisor may also perform other duties.

2. The Contractor's designated Quality Control Supervisor shall be on the project site whenever contract work is in progress.

3. The Contractor's job supervisory staff may be used to assist the Quality Control Supervisor supplemented, as necessary, by additional certified testing technicians.

Question: If combined, can the site super combine the daily report to include the construction report and also the CQC report?

Answer: No. If the question is understood correctly, the CQC report is a product of the contractor and is included with their Quality Control Plan. The construction report is assumed to be the Daily Progress Report, which is a report form provided by the government. The two reports are different and are used in different programs within the contract. One is for quality control and one is for progress and daily activity, employee’s on site, deliveries, etc.

Question: Does the NPS want to have a dedicated Site Safety Health Officer, or can the Site Super fill that role as well?

Answer: There was not a specific referenced paragraph mentioned in the question and search of the specifications did not locate a requirement for a Safety Health Officer. However, the specifications do indicate the following in Section 01-35-23, Paragraph 3.4,A:

A. As a minimum, conduct one weekly 15-minute "toolbox" safety meetings. These meetings shall be conducted by a foreman or supervisor and attended by all construction personnel at the worksite. Topics need to coincide with work scheduled for the following week. Document and submit meeting minutes to the Contracting Officer within one day after the meeting.

Question: Are there any restrictions that the NPS knows of regarding the placement of a crane on the SW side of the maintenance building (i.e. Parker Ave) and flying equipment over top of the building and onto the concrete pad?

Answer: The contractor is responsible for checking with the City of Fort Smith for any permits required to block off public roads.

Question: Refer to the specs page 01 35 13.22-2 para 3.4 “work stoppage”. If during the course of excavation and digging the contractor finds an archaeological artifact and subsequently the job is shut down for a week or longer and the contractor is at a critical path item, will the NPS authorize a funded extension to makeup that time and the loss in general conditions?

Answer: See Section 01 11 00, Paragraph 1.8,D:

D. Contractor shall schedule work such that equipment lead times do not impede overall work flow.

Contractor shall have contingency plan prepared to continue work in other areas or begin other workflows should archeological materials be located during construction activities or if equipment deliveries are delayed to preserve the construction completion deadline.

Question: There is a sizeable homeless population in the vicinity of the visitor center and they tend to wreck things that they can access (i.e. portable toilets). Knowing these threats exist, will the NPS allow the contractor to utilize the visitor center or maintenance building restrooms or will the contractors be mandated to provide their own porta-potties?

Answer: The contractor is expected to provide portable restroom units for their employees. No government restrooms are available.

Question: Will the NPS provide a few days to the bid due date after RFIs are published?

Answer: See Amendment 03.

Question: Does the NPS know the thickness of the wall where the HPWS/R lines penetrate the maintenance room?

Answer: It is estimated the wall thickness where the piping enters the building to be up to 36” in width.

Question: Does the NPS want to keep any of the old geothermal air handlers (those that are functioning) or should the contractor haul them away?

Answer: The Government does not want the old geothermal air handlers. The Government will retain the Mini Split units in park. Keep in mind, the Government does require proof of recycling with weights of the recycled items.

Question: Can the NPS coordinate to allow the contractor to work after hours, weekends, and double shifts during the two week down time period so as not to delay or extend the two week completion time?

If so, will the NPS state if 12-16 hour shifts are allowed 7 days a week?

Answer: All bids are to use the normal work hours as stated in the solicitation. Any hours outside of these hours should not be anticipated. See Section 01-11-00, Paragraph 1.7,A:

On-Site Work Hours: Work shall be generally performed during normal business working hours of 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except when otherwise indicated.

Question: Will the NPS please clarify the parking availability for contractors?

Answer: Parking is available in the visitor center main parking area located South of the Historic Courthouse Building. The main parking area is first come first serve, being mindful of the handicap spaces and leaving them and the fire lanes open at all time. It is recommended to limit the number of vehicles as much as possible. See Attachment 13 for diagram.

Can the contractors park for free in the North end parking lot?

Answer: Yes. See Attachment 13 for Diagram

Question: Can painting CMU be sprayed?

Answer: Yes, contractor must put mitigation measures in place to prevent drift and over spray of surrounding features.

Question: Will onsite storage be provided, or will we be allowed to store a conex onsite?

Answer: On site storage will be provided inside (200 – 250 Sq. Ft.) the maintenance shop to allow prep work to be completed. The shop area must remain accessible for daily operations to continue uninterrupted. The area is a working shop, the contractor must not interfere with local operational duties.

One conex storage or office trailer can be brought on site (not both). No utilities for the storage or office space is provided by the Government. A temporary surface mount security fence is allowed for security (no holes are allowed on the parking lot in any form). See attachment 13 for locations.

Question: If the contractor is to provide an equal system, should that system be approved during the initial RFI phase and published for all contractors to see or is it acceptable to seek approval for a different system after the project is awarded?

Answer: In order to maintain compatibility with existing system components to remain, replacement heat pumps and associated controls shall be Trane brand products compatible with existing control system. See the attached Brand Name justification. All submittals to be provided according to project specifications following project award."

Question: Will the NPS Please advise as to the product substitution requirements and how to submit that?

Answer: Any “or equal” product substitutions shall meet or exceed the basis of design product specifications. See specifications section 01 33 23-2, 1.3 E for Approved Equal Submittal Procedures.

Question: Spec section 235216 for the boilers only lists Riello. Is an Aerco boiler an acceptable Manufacturer?

Answer: Other manufacturers are acceptable, provided they can provide similar internal modularity for system redundancy. Any “or equal” product substitutions shall meet or exceed the basis of design product specifications. See specifications section 01 33 23-2, 1.3 E for Approved Equal Submittal Procedures.

Question: Spec section 230923 for the DDC controls states that the new controls must be compatible with the existing Trane controls, is replacing the entire system of existing controls acceptable and if so, is Alerton or Siemens an approved manufacturer?

Answer In order to maintain compatibility with existing system components to remain, replacement heat pumps and associated controls shall be Trane brand products compatible with existing control system. See the attached Brand Name justification.

Question: Spec section 238146 for the heat pumps only lists Trane, would Climate Master be considered an approved manufacturer?

Answer: Trane heat pumps and controls are required in order to maintain compatibility with existing Trane controls system. See attached Brand Name Justification.

Question: The specifications, 01 67 00-4 para B.9.a, call for Part 2 “product substitutions” but there are no references to product substitutions anywhere else in the spec book. Will the NPS please provide an expanded Part 2?

Answer: Any “or equal” product substitutions shall meet or exceed the basis of design product specifications See 01 33 23-2: 1.3: E. for approved equal submittal process.

Question: Page 19, M200, detail 3 shows the pipe trench. When the pipe enters the historical building, is the contractor required to maintain the same separation inside as outside in the trench?

Answer: Pipe separation is not required to be maintained at penetration or within the building.

Question: Does the NPS want the gas line for the boiler run through the inside of the building or underground and around the outside of the building?

Answer: Gas line to run within building.

Question: If the gas line is to be routed from the manifold and through the building then the contractor will need to core drill the wall in two places. Is that core drill approved if necessary?

Answer: Core drill through exterior wall is acceptable

Question: Detail 1 on M501 shows the water lines from the cooling tower, through the pumps, to the boiler being routed above the slab. Is this the intent or does the NPS want the water line for the new tower and boiler to be routed below grade?

Answer: Install lines above grade from tower to mechanical room.

Question: A question was brought up during the site visit as to whether or not the plumbing crew can tie onto the 1-1/2" water line or should they specifically need to tie onto the 2" line?

Answer: Tap off 1-1/2” copper water line is acceptable.

Question: For the HDPE capping off underground in the historical building, Can the mechanical contractor use a Victaulic dresser coupling with sch. 40 pvc and a glue cap?

Answer: That is acceptable.

Question: Does the park want to issue hot permits for soldering inside the visitor center or should the contractor utilize a different method for connecting pipe and fittings?

Answer: Hot permits will be issued by park as necessary. Both solder and press fittings are allowed for fittings within visitor center.

Question: Is there any penalty if the contractor is unable to finish the mechanical installation upon the completion of the two-week shutdown time frame?

Answer: No penalty is anticipated however contractor should refer to specification section 01 1100-2:

1.4,A.

Question: Regarding Phasing. The COR mentioned during this site visit that the intention of the NPS was not to mix the new systems with the water from the old systems. That the problem with the old systems was partially caused from debris inside the pipes and it caused terminal failure of some of the air handlers. To prevent this from occurring, the contractor was advised to initiate a phasing plan. Is this the intention of the park or is it acceptable to connect the new systems to the old piping?

Answer: If new units are connected to old piping during the phasing of construction, a fine mesh strainer should be installed at the transition between new and old and inspected on a regular basis until final system flush is completed.

Question: The plans state to wash and completely flush out the air handlers that are to remain.

Are there any chemical companies recommended for monitoring the cleaning and flushing the existing system for use inside equipment or the NPS historic buildings?

Answer: No recommendations will be made.

Question: There are three types of piping for the HPWS/R. CVPC, Copper, and Steel. Per the specifications section 232113-3 para 3.1C, and the drawings page M201, once the pipe enters the visitor center it should transition to steel, run 25’, then tie into copper. Is it acceptable to retain the use of the CPVC until termination into the copper or transition to copper once inside the maintenance room?

Answer: Continuation of CPVC is acceptable.

Question: Is it necessary to demo out all the hydronic piping in the attic space? Will the NPS accept this method in lieu of tearing everything out?

Answer: Piping to be replaced as outlined in the construction documents.

Question: Sheet E201, note #15, has the fiber conduit installed in the mechanical ditch. Please confirm that the electrical contractor can install the 1” fiber conduit in the same excavation as the mechanical piping.

Answer: Yes, you may use the same trench as the note states, but you must follow the depth and offset guidelines stated in the note. You must stay minimum 36” away from the plumbing:

“ROUTE CONDUIT AT A MINIMUM DEPTH OF 18" BELOW GRADE, AND OFFSET FROM ANY

EXISTING/NEW PLUMBING/CONDUIT IN TRENCH BY A MINIMUM OF 36".”

The Referenced Note 15 on the Plan takes precedence, and the above quotation is only for clarification. Follow all other stipulations and requirements listed in Referenced Note 15.

Question: Please refer to Specifications section 232113-3 3.1 – C. Will weld fittings be allowed on the 4" HPS and HPR in the new boiler room and cooling tower yard?

Answer: Welded joints is acceptable.

Question: Please refer to Specification 232113-4 3.2 – 0. Are Thread-O-Lets permitted for the small diameter branches and instrumentation?

Answer: Yes.

Question: The COR mentioned during the site visit that earthquakes possibly caused the breaking of the HDMI piping for the geothermal system. Is it possible that the underground CPVC hydronic piping could do the same thing over time?

Answer: CPVC to remain as specified for direct buried piping.

Question: Due to space constraints and how the underground hydronic piping may have to be configured to go through the historic wall, the minimum penetration of 4’ depth may not be possible. If the contractor needs to reduce this to a lesser amount, is this permissible?

Answer: Piping penetration to occur below grade line.

Questions: Regarding the roof relief vent, can it be sealed from the bottom or will the NPS require it to be sealed from top?

Answer: Bottom of vent can be caped and sealed watertight.

Question: Regarding the shutoff valves in the lower level closet unit, are they included in demo of hydronic piping or should they remain?

Answer: Piping from mechanical room to valves, including valves, to remain.

Question: Does the NPS have any specific requirement for the type of plywood sheeting and/or rubber matting that will need to be used while the multi-ton deck crane is being brought inside the building?

Answer: Protective floor matting shall be non-marring to existing VC floors. COR to approve matting prior to use.

Question: Are there any temporary heating or cooling requirements inside the visitor center and museum necessary to maintain the integrity of the artifacts?

Answer: No temporary heating or cooling requirements are required at this time.

Question: Does the NPS require a Glycol Mixture system in the cooling tower?

Answer: No glycol mixture required.

Question: If so, what is the type and percentage?

Answer: No glycol mixture required.

Question: If not, what is the requirement to prevent the tower from freezing?

Answer: Coil to be drained during winter as necessary according to manufacturer’s operation and maintenance requirements.

Question: It is understood that the HPWS/R units that are to remain will require the mechanical contractor to flush the coils, but will the building require a flush before final filling since some of the piping throughout the building will be pre-existing?

Answer: A complete system flush to be completed and strainers cleaned prior to turnover.

Question: Is there a “not to exceed” engineered length on the refrigerant lines for the two units (behind the maintenance building) that require being moved?

Answer: New refrigerant lines to run shortest distance between indoor and outdoor unit. New penetrations through exterior wall near new unit locations. Lines should not run along exterior of building from existing to new location.

Question: Will the new water line for the tower plant go through the collection storage or can the contractor re-route around the room and down the adjacent hall?

Answer: Piping to run down corridor to avoid collection storage.

Question: Refer to page M002, ref demo note 7. In regard to the pressure relief damper at the ceiling. It was mentioned that water or birds could find their way in and/or make nests if not sealed from the outside. However, unless there is a screen of some sort covering the openings in the cupola above it then water and birds can access it currently. This does not appear to be the case because the damper was open during the site visit and there were no birds flying around, no appearance of water damage inside the building, and there were no bird nests viewable from the mezzanine. The fore the cupola must have a screen installed blocking birds and water from accessing the inside of the damper flu. Knowing this, will the NPS allow the contractor to seal this damper from the inside the building versus using a crane to fly up to the cupola, remove the cupola, and sealing it off from the top?

Answer: Existing drawings indicate cupola is already equipped with internal screens. Unused openings to be caped and sealed from below the roof.

Question: Can the water tap be performed as a hot tap or will a water shut down be required?

Answer: Shutdown building water for tap.

Question: Is there any water treatment or testing required with the water tap?

Answer: No

Question: Is there a permit required for the gas meter?

Answer: No

Question: Will a permit be required for the new sewer tap?

AnswerNo. New direction from the City has been given to not connect to the existing sanitary sewer system. See revised plan M200 regarding the use of existing building storm and sanitary systems."

Question: What does the existing sewer main consist of…PVC or clay tile or brick flume or?

Answer: In discussion with utility on permit, new direction has been given to not connect to existing sewer system. Plans to be revised to utilize existing building storm and sanitary systems in upcoming amendment.

Question: The specs call for a Chemical-Free Water Treatment System…the vendor/subcontractor is worried that the PH is so far off from where the final reading should be that some chemical treatment is inevitable….is there a variance for this spec?

Answer: Yes, chemical may be used if necessary, to achieve acceptable operating PH. Spec section will be provided for chemical treatment as an amendment to the solicitation.

Question: Will a SWPPP be required for the land disturbance?

Answer: No. Disturbed area is well below 1-acre threshold for SWPPP to be in place.

Question: The specs call for the duct work that is remaining to be cleaned, but this is not mentioned in the plans anywhere. Will the NPS please clarify if they want the existing duct to remain cleaned?

Answer: Existing ductwork that is not protected during construction to be cleaned to remove dust and construction debris.

Question: When the doors and frames are installed into the back of the maintenance building and the blocks are toothed in, will the NPS want the entire back wall to be painted to match the new paint at the modification or will a spot paint be acceptable?

Answer: Contractor to paint entire back wall.

Question: Will the NPS please provide the as-builts of the visitor center?

Answer: No as-builts are available. The NPS can provide some plans from the Visitor Center renovation that took place in approximately 2000.

Question: Will the NPS please advise as to what their intentions are for blending the new paint into the old wall?

Answer: The new mechanical enclosure walls and the existing rear maintenance building wall shall be painted to match and maintain color consistency.

Question: Will the new water line for the tower plant go through the collection storage or can the contractor re-route around the room and down the adjacent hall?

Answer: The new water line is to go around the collections storage area to mitigate any possible damage from water line breaks or leaks occurring inside the collection’s storage area. Routing down the adjacent hall is acceptable.

Question: Please refer to Drawing sheet M200 Note 2. Does the contractor need to coordinate the upsizing of the NG manifold with the city?

Answer: The natural gas utility is Arkansas Oklahoma Gas (AOG) not the City of Fort Smith. Coordinate gas meter work with AOG.

Question: (pertaining to the prior question) Will the NPS fund this or is the contractor to provide the funding for it?

Answer: Work shall be included in the contractor cost for meter replacement. M200 Note 2 requires contractor to coordinate meter replacement with utility provider at contractor expense.

Question: Please refer to the drawings Page M003, Ref Demo Note 3. Does the NPS want the Pit infilled with concrete after the pipes are capped and abandoned?

Answer: Do not infill. Provide solid steel lid over pit to allow for future access if necessary. Lid to be flush with existing floor level as to not create tripping hazard.

Question: Please refer to M401 Detail 2. This drawing shows the insulation terminating at the wall penetration and a mechanical seal being used on the OD of the bare pipe as it passes through the wall. Is this correct?

Answer: The specified mechanical seal is correct. No additional means of water protection is anticipated.

Question: Regarding the underground hydronic pipe trench, there will be left over dirt after back filling the underground pipe. Does the facility want to keep the extra dirt, or should the contractor haul it off?

Answer: Facility will retain extra dirt not used for back fill. Contractor to coordinate site placement with

COR.

Question: For the two pre-existing condensing units behind the MX building, does the NPS want new line sets to the air handler or shall the contractor weld new onto the existing via extensions? Are the extensions required to be on the inside or the outside of the brick building?

Answer: New refrigerant lines to run shortest distance between indoor and outdoor unit. New penetrations through exterior wall near new unit locations. In regard to the relocated condensing units, Note 6/M200 requires the contractor to provide new refrigerant line sets between the indoor and outdoor units. Welded extensions from the existing unit locations to the new locations are not acceptable.

Question: (referencing the prior question) Are the extensions required to be on the inside or the outside of the brick building?

Answer: Lines should not run along exterior of building from existing to new location.

Question: Will a permit be required for the water service tap since it is on the customer loop and not the main?

Answer: Permit is not required.

Question: Has the facility performed a gas pressure requirement/calculation for the new gas meter requirements?

Answer: Existing utility has medium gas pressure. Gas load within existing building is approximately 450 MBH. Total connected load is 1,950 MBH. Section 231123, paragraphs 3.8 A and B requires “Test, inspect, and purge natural gas according to NFPA 54 and authorities having jurisdiction.” and “Natural Gas piping will be considered defective if it does not pass tests and inspections”. This language would require the contractor to coordinate testing and inspections with the utility. Utility will need to witness pressure test.

Question: What does the existing sewer main consist of…PVC or clay tile or brick flume or? City is now indicating that a second tap is not allowed and we will need to tap existing building tap Answer: New direction from the City has been given to not connect to the existing sanitary sewer system. See revised plan M200 regarding the use of existing building storm and sanitary systems.

The pipe material of the existing perimeter storm drainage is unknown but is expected to be PVC or cast iron. Spec section 221316 covers connections for both PVC and cast-iron pipe systems.

Question: Is the existing geothermal loop require any other demolition other than disconnect?

Answer: No. Abandon in place.

Question: Is the intent to add additional air vents on the heat pump piping coming off the main branch as shown on detail 1 on M402, or will a combined vent as currently installed be suitable?

Answer: Additional air vents to be provided. Existing combined air vents will be removed with piping demolition scope of project.