Amd_0003_Atch_1_Questions__Answers_0003.pdf
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- Solicitation number
- 140P6325B0004
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This document is a Questions and Answers (Q&A) file for the Jewel Cave National Monument Visitor Center Restroom Remodel and Airlock Door Hinges project (Solicitation Number 140P6325B0004). The document contains 36 detailed questions from potential contractors and corresponding government responses covering various aspects of the project, including technical specifications, site conditions, utility requirements, and construction logistics. Key topics include crawl space dimensions, electrical and plumbing requirements, temporary facilities, elevator hinge replacement, fire alarm systems, and construction scheduling constraints.
Significant details include the project requiring 180-calendar-day performance period, maintaining visitor center operations during construction with 5-7 staff and 3,000-5,000 monthly visitors, and strict utility interruption limitations (maximum 3-hour shutdowns). The government indicates flexibility on equipment lead times and potential period of performance adjustments. Contractors must provide temporary heating, maintain space temperatures above 50°F, ensure no utility service interruptions without advance notice, and comply with specific technical requirements for materials, installations, and site conditions, with references to be found in Addendum No. 1 and original project drawings.
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140P6325B0004 Jewel Cave National Monument - Visitor Center Restroom Remodel and Airlock Door Hinges
Questions and Answers
Question 1.
Hardware Set #1 (A301) for the aluminum entrance doors.
Hardware Set #1 (A301) appears appropriate for outswing door 150-A, as it includes an exit device or lockset. However, this same hardware configuration does not appear suitable for inswing doors.
Please clarify the intended hardware for the inswing aluminum entrance doors. Should a different hardware set be used for inswing conditions, or will a revised configuration be issued for these door types?
Government Response:
Please refer to the updated floor plan and door hardware schedule in Addendum No. 1.
Question 2.
Note 27 on Drawing A301 specifies that the doors require Swing Door Operators; however, Surface Closers are also referenced in the specifications. Please confirm that Swing Door Operators are the sole hardware intended for these doors and that Surface Closers are not required.
Please refer to the updated floor plan and door hardware schedule in Addendum No. 1.
Question 3.
The opening to the crawl space was shown, no offer to inspect the space was offered. What are the actual dimensions (width, height, length) of the crawl space?
See Pictures below and the original VC drawings (drawing set from 1969). The dimensions provided are approximate and intended for reference only.
Manhole Patio. Access approximately 7’ deep. Approximately 21” x 24” wide. Approximate dimensions provided for reference only.
Tunnel under Patio. Approximately 4’ diameter. Distance to 90-degree bend towards VC is approximately 17’. Approximate dimensions provided for reference only.
Tunnel under Patio. Approximately 4’ diameter. Distance to 90-degree bend towards VC is approximately 17’. Approximate dimensions provided for reference only.
Tunnel after 90-degree turn facing VC bathrooms. Same culvert size. Approximately 19’ long to vertical water pipe in custodial closet. White pipe is for air movement. Yellow pipe is water supply. The opening is directly below the double doors to the public bathrooms. Approximate dimensions provided for reference only.
Room directly under the double doors and custodial closet. Approximately 4’ wide X 12’ deep x 6’ tall. Yellow pipe/Red pipe is water supply in custodial closet. White pipe is open and is used for ventilation. It also is in the custodial closet by the shelves. The crawl space ends approximately 1’ from the end of the pipes. The rest of the bathroom is believed to be slab on grade. Please see original VC drawings attached. Approximate dimensions provided for reference only.
Question 4.
We were shown only the exterior manhole cover as an access point. Is the exterior manhole cover the only access to the crawl space? Is there another way in or out? Is there any ventilation?
Please see response to question #3 and original VC drawings. Exterior manhole is the only access to the crawl space. Which is the only way in or out of the crawl space. The white pipe is open and is used for ventilation. There is no forced air for ventilation.
Question 5.
Does the slab on grade in the restroom areas bridge the crawl space below?
Government Response:
Please see response to question #3 and original VC drawings. Yes. The room directly under the double doors and custodial closet is approximately 4’ wide X 12’ deep x 6’ tall. Approximate dimensions provided for reference only.
Question 6.
How thick is the slab we are removing?
Government Response:
Approximately 6 inches. For slab and foundation information See sheet 45-53 of original VC drawings. Approximate dimensions provided for reference only.
Question 7.
In removing the existing slab is there a danger of disturbing the existing crawl space structure?
Yes, see approximate dimensions of crawl space in question #3 response and original VC drawings. Approximate dimensions provided for reference only. See Statement of Work; Item 1 – Description of work, Section 1.3A.
Question 8.
Is there a detailed drawing that clearly shows the crawl space layout for construction clarity?
Please see attached original VC drawings. Approximate dimensions provided for reference only.
Question 9.
Do the Superintendent, Site Safety and Health Officer (SSHO), and Quality Control (QC) need to be three (3) separate individuals?
Government Response:
No
Question 10.
Are there any phasing requirements?
Government Response:
Refer to the Solicitation Construction Schedule Requirements.
Question 11.
If the building remains occupied, how many people will be in the building?
Government Response:
Depends on Visitation during the construction period. The visitor center will be fully staffed at approximately 5-7 people. Approximately 3,000 to 5,000 visitors per month.
Question 12.
Are there any temporary heating/cooling requirements?
Government Response:
Contractor shall provide temporary heating in areas of construction. Heating shall be capable of maintaining space temperature above 50ºF and shall not create any noxious fumes or hazards in the building.
Question 13.
Can the period of performance be extended after award once the material/equipment lead times are confirmed due to current market conditions for the equipment for this project?
Government Response:
The Government understands that current lead times on equipment may extend beyond the 180-calendar-day period of performance. The period of performance is contingent upon the issuance of the Notice to Proceed (NTP).
If the contractor provides documentation demonstrating unavoidable manufacturer or supply chain delays, the park/contracting is willing to work collaboratively to assess the situation.
Adjustments may be considered on a case-by-case basis, such as modifying the period of performance or issuing the NTP in alignment with delivery timelines.
However, any adjustments must be formally requested in writing, justified, and approved prior to issuance of the NTP.
Question 14.
Are soil boring reports available?
• If not, it will be assumed that excavation will be clear of rocks and obstructions.
Government Response:
There is no soils report. Assume the presence of some rock that is typical for excavation in this region, as well as the use of standard equipment expected for such conditions.
Question 15.
Please provide bidding quantities for deteriorated underlayment (roofing)/base course (paving).
Government Response:
Refer to the provided specifications and drawings.
Question 16.
Please confirm the manufacturer of the existing roofing system and who carries the current warranty of the roofing system.
Government Response:
Black Hills Roofing installed the current roofing system. SIKA Corporation carries the current roofing warranty.
Question 17.
Please confirm whether asbestos or lead is present on this project, and if so, provide the relevant documentation.
Government Response:
Please see General Demo Notes (F) sheet 3 of 31.
Question 18.
Please provide the contact information for the building controls contractor.
Government Response:
If this is in reference to our heating/cooling controls the local contractor is TemTech. (605) 343- 1144.
Question 19.
Please provide photos of the job site and existing conditions.
Government Response:
The provided specifications/drawings and additional information provided on amendments provides information of condition of site.
Question 20:
Is this project tax exempt?
Government Response:
Construction projects in the state of South Dakota are not tax exempt. Offerors are to include all applicable federal, state, local taxes including South Dakota excise tax in bid pricing.
Question 21:
Please confirm whether the contractor is required to provide a separate job site trailer (field office) for use by the contractor, COR, or NPS staff during the construction period. If not required, please confirm that on-site coordination may occur via mobile means or in designated NPS-provided areas.
Government Response:
Yes, it is to be located at the contractor laydown area.
Question 22:
Per specification Section 01 10 00, Item 3.3.D.4, the contractor is to provide a trailer restroom for the duration of the construction of the new restrooms, with 5 fixtures each in men’s and women’s sides, including lighting, ventilation, heating/cooling, and running water. It is also noted that 3-stall accessible and 6-stall standard trailers are to be provided. Please confirm the following:
• Are all of these temporary restroom trailers intended exclusively for public use, or is one designated specifically for contractor use?
• Is a separate portable toilet facility still required for construction crews as outlined in Item 3.3.D.4.a?
• Please clarify whether the contractor may use any of the public trailers for occasional crew access or if this is prohibited.
All temporary restroom trailers are intended solely for public use. Contractor to provide separate restroom or portable toilet (e.g. Porta John) for contractor employees.
Specifications are clear on Contractor toilets for contractor personnel and restrooms for public use. Reference Waste Operations in Specifications.
Question 23:
Please confirm the scheduling limitations, access restrictions, and coordination requirements for performing the elevator door hinge replacement. Specifically:
• Will the elevator remain operational during construction?
• Is shutdown required, and if so, who is responsible for elevator controls and coordination?
• Are there time-of-day restrictions for this work (e.g., after hours or weekends only)?
The elevators will remain operational. It is suggested that the contractor completes elevator #1 first and elevator #2 second. The public and employees will not have access to elevator #1 or #2 while the contractor is working on replacing the hinges for each elevator. Contractor can work after normal operating hours at no additional cost to the Government. Verify with COR. Please see ITEM 3 - CONTRACTOR’S USE OF PREMISES 3.1 3.2
Question 24:
Please confirm whether any fire alarm devices will be affected by the restroom and ceiling demolition. Additionally:
• Who is the current fire alarm monitoring provider?
• What is the required protocol for temporary device removal, deactivation, or zone impairment during construction?
• Is a final inspection or functional test required by a fire marshal or other AHJ upon project completion?
Please see Sheet No. P00. General Demolition Notes Letter C. Current alarm monitoring provider is WHIRC (1-800-858-7811). Protocol for temp removal, deactivation, and zone impairment is to contact Park Law Enforcement. A final inspection is required with local fire marshal.
Question 25:
Please confirm the location and electrical panel to which the temporary restroom trailers shall be connected. Also provide:
• The available voltage and amperage capacity at the specified connection point
• Whether the contractor must provide a load calculation or temporary distribution panel
• Clarify if ground fault protection is required for this connection
Yes, all temporary service and connections need to meet NEC requirements. Refer to Sheet E00 Ref Notes (specifically Note #1 and 20), Ref Demo Notes and E601.
Question 26:
Please confirm the substrate preparation required for installation of new fiberglass-reinforced panels (FRP) in the restroom areas. Specifically:
• If an existing gypsum or tile substrate is removed, must new cement board or smooth drywall be installed behind FRP?
• If the existing substrate is sound and undamaged, is adhesive-only installation permitted over it?
• Is a mock-up of wall finish or transition required prior to full installation?
Government Response:
Yes, if existing gypsum or tile substrate is removed, FRP must be installed with new cement board or smooth drywall. Material selection and preparation to be based on manufacturer’s instructions.
See Sheet No. A 01 Spec Section 06-8316 Part 2.01-3.02. for requirements.
No mock-up required.
Question 27:
The site walk and Solicitation Document (page 32) mention a “statement of work”, yet no “statement of work” document seems to exist. Will this be released in an addendum?
Government Response:
Page 39 of Solicitation 140P6325B0004 List of Attachments: Attachment 1 Specifications should reflect Attachment 1 Statement of Work(SOW)/Specifications.
Question 28:
The blueprint pages P101 and P401 do not mention a water service riser. The site visit revealed that there is a water service riser with water meters and check valves. Can the engineer add a detail on P401 showing the layout of the new water riser?
Government Response:
Refer to updated drawings in Addendum No. 1.
Question 29:
The specifications mention that the temporary restrooms are to be supplied with water from an existing wall hydrant. That wall hydrant will be removed during the plumbing demolition. Please advise on a different solution for the water supply.
Government Response:
Refer to Ref. Demo Note 11 on sheet P101.
Question 30:
On the plans for the Jewel Cave Visitor Center Project, I noticed that both Sheet A00 (Drawing No. 000/80005) and Sheet A101 (Drawing No. 000/80005) indicate the inclusion of an adult changing table in the women's restroom. However, no specific product or manufacturer is identified. Can you confirm whether the Ascent Universal Adult Changing Table would be considered an acceptable product or an "equal" for this requirement?
Government Response:
Approved equals will be verified during the submittal process and after award of contract.
All approved equal products are to meet the Adult Changing Station requirements in Specification Section 10-2800 paragraph 2.05.B.
Question 31:
While I understand the requirement for Type K soft copper tubing for underground domestic cold water (DCW) piping, can PEX piping and fittings be used in lieu of Type K tubing specifically for the runs from the automatic trap primer (TP-1) to the floor drains?
Government Response:
No.
Question 32:
Detail #2 on the First Floor Sanitary Plumbing Plan (Sheet P101) does not indicate the sizes of the new piping to be installed. Will a revised drawing with pipe sizes be issued to allow for an accurate bid?
Government Response:
See page 18 of 31 Detail #3 and riser diagram on P401.
Question 33:
Reference Note #9 on Sheet P101 indicates that the new piping is to tie into the existing sanitary main below the floor. Can you please confirm the size of the existing pipe at the point of connection?
Refer to riser diagram on P401.
Question 34:
P101 indicates the disconnection of existing drain piping and the connection of new piping. Can you please clarify which fixtures are served by this drain line and how long it will be permitted to remain out of service during construction?
Only full-tone (black) lines on the demolition plan on P101 are to be removed.
All sanitary drains must remain active. Existing Utility Interruptions: Do not interrupt utilities serving facilities occupied by Government or others unless permitted under the following conditions and then only after arranging to provide temporary utility services according to requirements indicated below:
A. Notify CO and COR not less than two business days in advance of proposed utility interruptions.
B. Hours for Utility Shutdowns: Shutdowns shall not exceed 3 hours. Temporary provisions will be needed by the Contractor for periods longer than stated allowance or if required for critical systems as determined by COR.
Question 35:
Ceiling detail on sheet A-101 shows wood studs 16” O.C. used for ceiling framing. Could 1-1/2” metal hat channel be used in this application rather than 2x material?
Government Response:
No.
Question 36:
Can the airlock hinges be tapped to the next size up and modify the hinge countersink to accept a slightly larger screw? This would allow us to avoid any welding on the stripped locations.
Government Response:
Refer to updated plans and specifications in Addendum No. 1.
Based on contractor interest at the site visit where multiple vendors attended and submitted detailed questions, the Government does not anticipate another amendment will be issued.
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .