19AQMM24R0160 Q and A.pdf

19AQMM24R0160 Q and A

Number Question Answer

Section L.18.4.4 Subfactor 4, Pg 97: Business Authorization

Question: Could you please confirm if the requirement is for a Senegal Business

Authorization?

This is a typo and will be corrected to Ghana via an Amendment.

Section L.18.4.4 Subfactor 4, Pg 97: Business Authorization

Question: Additionally, could you allow contractors to submit the Business Authorization before commencing work?

No, as per 19AQMM24R0160-Ghana Warehouse Construction - B-M 0002, Section

L.18.4.4, the contractor must prove they are eligible to work in Ghana during the submission process.

The design doesn't provided by the government doesn't have enough details about the dimensions, building heights, material specifications and other important information.

Does the government require the contractor to determine those factors or will the government provide the design specifics?

The dimensions, material specifications, and other important information are in

Appendices 1, 2, and 3. The contactor is required to provide recommended solutions for all tasks and subtasks in the technical proposal.

4 What is the main criteria for winning this proposal? Isn't the lowest cost?

Per M.1 - Award shall be made to the lowest evaluated price, technically acceptable

Offeror, subject to a positive responsibility determination.

Temporary Office - When in the contracting phase will the government require the contractor to move the temporary office to a suitable room in the building being constructed? Also, for the initial office, is there a requirement regarding proximity to the construction site?

It is very unlikely that the U.S. Government will require the contractor to move the temporary office in the building being constructed.

No, the contractor shall coordinate the location directly with the GAF after award.

In 19AQMM24R0160-Ghana Warehouse Construction-B-M, Section B3-Type of Contract

(Page 10), the clause "Changes in the contract price or time to complete will be made by the Government in the work to be performed, or by delays caused by the Government" is ambiguous. Various sections of the referenced document make specific reference to the

Government of Ghana and/or the U.S Government. Therefore, specificity or qualification of which government referred to would be helpful as there are liability implications given the seeming ambiguity because of the lack of clear association or alignment with any of the government stakeholder for this solicitation.

Section B.3 on Page 10 refers to the U.S. Government.

In 19AQMM24R0160-Ghana Warehouse Construction-B-M, Section E3/Use of equipment by the government (Page 14)/Right to use, the clause "The Government may take over and operate ... as soon as the installation is sufficiently complete to permit operation" seem to have liability implications to the Contractor’s operations as that may constitute and unexpected event which can delay or hinder the project’s progress and thereby pose a risk to the accuracy of the existing critical path schedule. Such an occurrence can have cost implications thus a liability limiting clause which protects and manages expectations accordingly - and in context of the expected/mandated CPM requirements-will be helpful and to categorize such an act as an excusable delay i.e. in addition to all others listed in.

19AQMM24R0160-Ghana Warehouse Construction-B-M, Section F7 – Excusable Delays

(Page 18)

Noted.

Given the possible implications of concerns highlighted in point (B) above and other related ones, is pre-emptive recovery planning of work schedule (and associated mandated human and other resources)-in a manner which is cognizant of the Labor Act of

Ghana and associated working and, complements project execution scheduling as explained in F.5 19AQMM24R0160-Ghana Warehouse Construction-B-M Project execution

Schedule-(Page 17)-permissible without fore notice?

There is no point (B) above.

The Recovery schedule only applies when the contactor is 10% behind schedule.

In 19AQMM24R0160-Ghana Warehouse Construction-B-M, Section G.9 – Tax Relief

Procedures (Page 26) refers to Senegal in lieu of Ghana. There are other sections of the document with the same. Please advise.

This is a typo and will be corrected to Ghana via an Amendment.

In 19AQMM24R0160-Ghana Warehouse Construction-B-M, Section H.32-Contractor

Personnel (Page 40), in context of (i)regional geopolitical realities and possible influence, (ii)arbitrary decisions or assumptions based on personal prejudice and inherent bias, and

(iii) unknown or classified intel which may influence erroneous conclusions or assumptions associated with the afore stated factors in (I &ii), what protectionism reference is recommended to a contractor to ensure that such an occurrence or occurrences (arbitrary or otherwise)is not (unfairly and unrepresentatively blanketed) under a created situation associated with "Act of the Public Enemy" as referred to in 19AQMM24R0160-Ghana

Warehouse Construction-B-M, Section F.7-Excusable Delay (Page 18).

There is no specified protectionism reference for this.

I refer to (E) above in context with the content of 19AQMM24R0160-Ghana Warehouse

Construction-B-M, Section H.35-Materials and Equipment (Page 42) and applicable possibilities. Per discussions with pipeline vendor partners, some of the engineering materials intended to be used meet the highest safety and quality standards-not limited to exceptional fire-retardant ratings- associated with the functional purpose of the infrastructure to be built; per projects associated with this solicitation. Furthermore, it is tested and has been approved for co-related regional and other global projects.

Noted.

On the matter of the project manager (or project managers) having been duly registered as a Professional Engineer in Ghana, please advice if alternative certification specific to sustainable buildings and certification suffice i.e., if qualified personnel opts for such.

Key personnel are required to be able to obtain a Ghanaian license by mobilization.

Contact Ghana's licensing authority for reciprocity requirements.

In 19AQMM24R0160-Ghana Warehouse Construction-B-M, Section F.13-Place of

Performance- (Page 23 of 104), The vicinity of the geographic coordinates for point

5°43’51.4”N , 0°01’37.9”W is identified as the location for this proposed project. During the site visit component of the Pre-Proposal Conference, a project stakeholder representative seemed to have verbally confirmed that the land expanse available for the project is approximately 15 acres. The general locations of utilities (electrical and water) were pointed out. Are precise boundaries of the proposed project’s site available or is there leeway to leverage suitability analysis -within a larger designated expanse ( i.e. more than 15 acres) to facilitate planning and development which ensure a final building system that is fit for purpose?

Refer to Appendix 1 Site Survey and Site Plan for clarification.

In 19AQMM24R0160-Ghana Warehouse Construction-B-M, Section F.6-Work Hours- (Page

18 of 104) the reference to local customs and appropriate compensation issues -although valid locally- may trigger aspects of19AQMM24R0160-Ghana Warehouse Construction-B-

M, Section I.3-Standards of Conduct (Page 52 of 104). Therefore, (i)can there be more clarity or disclosure on any land and/or customary features in proximity and which may require intervention accordingly.(ii) Is there a mechanism (i.e. grievance or compensatory) which the governments will implement should there be land related matters which require compensation as is considered traditionally appropriate in Ghana? i.e. to ensure that the contractor’s operations are not hindered or disrupted.

This should not be an issue since, as noted during the site visit, the land is on the

Ghanaian Armed Forces (GAF) Camp Michel base. Also, the GAF engineers were just finishing removing all the trees and heavy brush from the site during the site visit.

Tasks - Can we get a clarification on what "optional" means in relation to Task B, C, and D on the table titled "Required Tasks" in the SOW shared?

Optional means that these tasks are to be priced and included into the technical and price proposals. However, no construction on these tasks shall occur until the Government gives authorization to do so. So, in this case work will only commence on Task A.

Tasks - During our site visit, we were informed about connections to water and power supply. Can we get a clear information on the source of power and water so we can base our considerations on such?

See the revised SOW.

Drawings and Specifications - Are we going to be furnished with any additional drawings, geo-technical surveys, soil tests results or information other than the documents we have already?

No. It is the contractor responsibility to conduct the geo-tech, soils, and similar as part of the contract.

Drawings and Specifications - Are we going to be furnished with any other materials specifications other than what has been described in the SOW?

No. It is the contractor responsibility to provide a material and specification solution.

Drawings and Specifications - Structural Frame Requirements: Is a 49.5m free span required for the frame, or can mid-span support columns be incorporated without disrupting planned operational activities?

Structural columns can be considered.

Drawings and Specifications - Material Specifications: What are the specific material considerations for steel, including specifications, coatings, and quality standards?

See the answer to Question 18.

Drawings and Specifications - Should the project adhere to American or Ghanaian structural engineering standards?

Assume to adhere to the most stringent of the two requirements.

Drawings and Specifications - Roof and Building Specifications: Is there a specified roof slope and building height for the warehouses and administrative buildings?

Roof slopes shall be per the SOW, 1:10. Wall heights are provided in Appendix 2 Buildings and Structures.

Design Optimization - Will alternative design solutions be considered in lieu of King Post or

Fink trusses to optimize manufacturing, installation, cost efficiency, and schedule acceleration, particularly for long-span structures, for example, using H-beam frames?

Yes, the contractors may provide a design and specification solution.

Vehicle and Container Accommodation - What types of vehicles will be housed in the facility (e.g., cars, armored tankers)?

Assume very heavy military vehicles.

Vehicle and Container Accommodation - Kindly provide details on the dimensions, weight, and form of these vehicles.

This is not available at this time, but assume heavy military vehicles.

Vehicle and Container Accommodation - What design considerations are necessary for static loading, foundation vibration, maximum and minimum loads, wind loading, seismic resistance, and lighting requirements?

It is the contractor responsibility to provide a recommended solution.

Auxiliary Shed & Guard Shack Specifications - What are the required dimensions for the auxiliary sheds housing containers (e.g., 12m x 5m)?

See Appendix 2 Buildings and Structures for required dimensions.

Auxiliary Shed & Guard House Specifications - How many containers need to be accommodated within each shed and what loading should be expected?

The sheds for the containers have been removed.

Auxiliary Shed & Guard House Specifications - What are the dimensions and specifications for the guard shack (e.g. 6m x 4m)?

See Appendix 2 Buildings and Structures.

Aesthetic Specifications - Is there a preferred color for the roof and cladding materials or should it be as indicated in 3d rendered images?

It is the contractor responsibility to provide a recommended solution. However, the GAF

Engineers produced the 3d images and colors.

Access and Structural Components - What types of entry points are required for the sheds? Design considerations like bay spacing for the required vehicle size and use of wind bracing between bays which could interfere with entry points, need to be factored in and so, some clarification would be helpful.

See Appendix 2 Buildings and Structures.

Future Installations - Are there plans for future solar installations on the roof or other load-bearing installations on the rafters, such as special MEP considerations, either now or in the future?

The contractors shall only provide solar solutions as required in the SOW.

33 Structural Longevity - Is there an expected structural lifespan exceeding 50 years?

Use standard construction methods. Structural materials such as steel and masonry can have exceptionally long lifespans.

Environmental and Sustainability Considerations - Are there any environmental sustainability measures to be integrated, such as use of water from roof (rainwater harvesting), waste and sewage disposal, and water treatment systems?

The contractors shall provide solutions as required in the SOW.

Project Documentation and Reporting - Are there standard templates available for project planning, reporting, and invoicing, or should the contractor follow the guidelines provided in the project specifications for reporting and planning?

Follow project specifications.

Aesthetics - Are there any aesthetics and landscaping special requirements that need to be factored into the design process?

The contractors shall provide solutions as required in the revised SOW.

37 Can DBA Insurance be obtained from a local Insurance Broker? The US Government has a list of providers of DBA insurance.

38 Will GAF allow accommodation of workers on site (site residencies)?

Not normally for all personnel working on a project. The winning contractor may ask the

GAF after award if this is a possibility. However, It is the contractor responsibility to provide personnel on-site 24-hours per day to secure the on-going construction and materials.

Tax exemptions usually for a project goes through parliament. Does the US Government have special tax exemptions regime?

All Offerors are reminded per Section 4.2 of the SOW, "The Contractor shall obtain all required licenses to acquire, ship and deliver the supplies and equipment as specified in each task." After contract award, the government will provide, as a courtesy, the contact information for the Embassy Accra Shipping office and Offerors can expect the U.S.

Embassy in Accra to assist with shipping and customs exonerations. The Government otherwise accepts no responsibility for shipping and delivering equipment, nor does the government accept any responsibility for fulfilling any requirements directed by the

Government of Ghana or Ghana Armed Forces with respect to equipment delivery--including those requirements for exoneration of customs imports (including VATs).

Offerors are also reminded that only the COR and CO can provide contract performance direction, and that any performance direction from any individual who is no the COR and

CO (including the Government of Ghana and the Ghana Armed Forces) that is not IAW the

SOW and contract shall be communicated immediately to the COR and COR.

40 We require more information on the Joint Travel Regulation. The JTR is readily available on-line.

Reference: H.32 Contractor Personnel – Qualifications Page 41 of 104.

Can the Government please clarify the qualification requirements for key personnel?

- Is a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering required?

- Will the Government accept similar degrees (e.g., architecture, construction management, etc.)?

- Is an engineering license required for all key personnel (Project Manager and Site

Superintendent)?

- Does the engineering license have to come from Senegal (Ghana), or will the

Government accept any equivalents from other countries?

The wrong country name is a typo and will be corrected to Ghana via an Amendment.

Key personnel are required to be able to obtain a Ghanaian license by the time of mobilization. Contact Ghana's licensing authority for reciprocity requirements.

42 CIVIL - Will advance mobilization be provided and how much? Advance mobilization will not be provided nor authorized

43 CIVIL - Will retention be deducted and at what percentage? Retention will not be deducted.

44 CIVIL - What is the defect liability period?

See FAR 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions—Commercial Products and Commercial

Services.

45 CIVIL - Clarification on insurances for the works and the percentages See solicitation section H for insurance information

46 CIVIL - What is the period of client honoring payment certificate?

See 19AQMM24R0160-Ghana Warehouse Construction - B-M 0002, Section I.17, 52.232-

27 Prompt Payment for Construction Contracts.

47 CIVIL - Will Bill of Quantities be provided for pricing?

For more complete understanding of US Government payments see FAR 52.232-5

Payments under Fixed-Price Construction Contracts.

48 CIVIL - What are the Tax exemptions policy on the project? See the answer to Question 39.

49 CIVIL - When will the detailed drawings be available?

Detailed drawings are available in Appendices 1, 2, and 3, as well as CAD drawings provided by the GAF.

The contractors may produce more detailed drawings and solutions.

CIVIL - Can you confirm if materials on site can be included in payment certificate and the terms associated to that

For more complete understanding of US Government payments see FAR 52.232-5

Payments under Fixed-Price Construction Contracts.

51 CIVIL - Can you explain Irrevocable letter of credit and how does it apply in this contract An Irrevocable Letter of Credit can be used in lieu of Bonds.

CIVIL - What is the limit for LAD on the project since it is a risk in as much as we do not want to default There is no LAD limit. The contract must be performed as awarded.

CIVIL - Can we have any information or report on the ground conditions, historical records etc. pertaining to the site

NO.

MECHANICAL, ELECTRICALS & PLUMBING RELATED QUESTIONS - Do we have a detailed

HVAC, electrical and plumbing design?

No. The contractors shall provide a recommended solution.

MECHANICAL, ELECTRICALS & PLUMBING RELATED QUESTIONS - Is there an existing transformer/RMU close by the project site, if yes what's the approximate distance?

Yes, see the revised SOW, dated August 12, 2024.

MECHANICAL, ELECTRICALS & PLUMBING RELATED QUESTIONS - Is the high tension cable going to be underground or overhead lines?

Assume contractor will bury cables.

MECHANICAL, ELECTRICALS & PLUMBING RELATED QUESTIONS - Will there be a generator set as a requirement for the project or solar, what will be their respective capacities

(KVA)?

Per the revised SOW, dated August 12, 2024.

MECHANICAL, ELECTRICALS & PLUMBING RELATED QUESTIONS - Is there a detailed external electrical designing showing positions of generator sets , transformers and RMU?

No. The contractors shall provide a recommended solution.

MECHANICAL, ELECTRICALS & PLUMBING RELATED QUESTIONS - External plumbing layout indication position of water storage tanks?

No. The contractors shall provide a recommended solution.

MECHANICAL, ELECTRICALS & PLUMBING RELATED QUESTIONS - Specifications for electrical, HVAC and plumbing fittings ?

No. The contractors shall provide a recommended solution.

MECHANICAL, ELECTRICALS & PLUMBING RELATED QUESTIONS - What's the approximate distance of water supply to the site ?

Per the revised SOW, dated August 12, 2024.

MECHANICAL, ELECTRICALS & PLUMBING RELATED QUESTIONS - Will there be a borehole and a treatment plant?

Yes, per the revised SOW there is a borehole.

MECHANICAL, ELECTRICALS & PLUMBING RELATED QUESTIONS - What are the estimated electrical load for the equipment in the workshop?

Not known at this time.

The contractors shall provide a recommended solution.

MECHANICAL, ELECTRICALS & PLUMBING RELATED QUESTIONS - External lighting design(

Street and compound lighting )?

No. The contractors shall provide a recommended solution.

MECHANICAL, ELECTRICALS & PLUMBING RELATED QUESTIONS - Extra low voltage design

(fire alarm, voice and data, CCTV, EVAC system, etc.)?

No. The contractors shall provide a recommended solution.

MECHANICAL, ELECTRICALS & PLUMBING RELATED QUESTIONS - Is there a fire fighting design?

No. The contractors should a recommended solution.

In 19AQMM24R0160-Ghana Warehouse Construction-B-M, Section B.1.4 CONTRACT LINE

ITEM NUMBER (CLIN) 004 PRICING (Page 07 of 104), there is limited information to inform capacity design requirements for ensuring a convenient, safe and compliant end product for the given needs i.e. container yards, including two small overheads to house 20-foot containers. This information is necessary as it affects the labor, materials, equipment and services prices and limited information can hinder progress required to accomplish the construction required by the Contract. Is the required or designed storage capacity (i.e.

number of containers to be stored) known?

See the revised SOW, dated August 12, 2024 and Appendices 1 and 2.

In 19AQMM24R0160-Ghana Warehouse Construction-B-M, Section B.1.4 CONTRACT LINE

ITEM NUMBER (CLIN) 003 PRICING (Page 07 of 104), there is limited information to inform capacity design requirements for ensuring a convenient, safe and compliant end product for the given needs i.e. two large 50-vehicle warehouse sheds. This information is necessary as it affects the labor, materials, equipment and services prices and limited information can hinder progress required to accomplish the construction required by the

Contract. Is there information on the type of vehicles which will be parked ?

See the revised SOW and Appendices 1 and 2.

It is the contractor responsibility to provide a solution.

69 The exact weight and height specifications for the container stack.

The contractors shall provide a container yard as per the revised SOW. See the pictures in Appendix 2. The contractors shall provide a solution for the container yard.

70 The units of measurement used for dimensions in the design drawings. Metric, appropriate to design discipline.

71 Whether the design survey is included within the contractor's scope of work. Yes, the design is part of the contractors SOW.

72 If the design phase is included within the 11-month duration for design and construction. Yes, the 11 month period includes the design.

Regarding Section 3.1.6 of the Statement of Work (SOW) on building site drainage, clarification is needed on whether the measurement stated in sentence three is really 300 meters, or millimeters, or centimeters.

Assume the dimensions in the revised SOW.

74 Additionally, we seek an explanation of the statement that Task B, Task C are optional. See the answer to Question 15.

75 We would like to know what is meant by 'cement posts' as mentioned in Section 3.2.3. Concrete footings for point loads, suitable to the soil conditions.

Concerning the power supply, we need to confirm if the requirements for Task B are identical to those of Task A, or if the contractor is expected to provide the same quantity and specifications for both structures, equating to two units per structure.

Since Task B is a large warehouse shed with capacity to accommodate approximately 100 vehicles, the power requirement will be different from Task A. It is the contractor responsibility to provide a recommended solution.

See the revised SOW.

The provided attachments are missing Appendices 2 and 3. Access to these documents is essential as they are referenced in the SOW.

Appendices 1, 2, and 3 are now provided.

78 We inquire whether the geotechnical report will be made available to us.

No. It is the contractor responsibility to conduct the geo-tech, soils, and similar reports as part of the contract.

It is also unclear whether the contractor is to propose the type of pavement for the facility's roads and drivable areas, or if the client has pre-determined specifications.

As per the revised SOW.

The contractor may provide a recommended solution.

Where would be the place of performance for Task C and Task D since it is not stated in the SOW?

The place of performance for Task A and Task B, as well as all tasks shall be Ghana’s Camp

Michel, town of Tema, Ghana.

Lastly, can the proposal submission deadline will be extended due to these inquiries, which impact the technical design aspects.

the proposal due date has been extended through September 06, 2024 at 12:00 PM EDT.

Should JV firms/parties be registered individually on the SAM platform or the JV should be registered as an entity on the SAM?

for JV participating this requirement, each company under the JV and the JV shall be registered and maintain "active" status on the SAM

83 Is the reference to Senegal under L.18.4.4 a mistake? This is a typo and will be corrected to Ghana via an Amendment.

is the IRS Form W-14 for every vendor or just for US-based companies/vendors? If it is a requirement, how does a local-based company have access to the form?

This only applies to NON-US companies. Forms can be downloaded from www.irs.gov.

85 Are all subcontractors or products to be imported from the US of A? No.

Standard of Quality - All materials and equipment incorporated into the work shall be new and for the purpose intended, Does it mean all equipment of the contractor for the execution of the project should be new or it refers to equipment to be purchased for the completed facility should be new?

The material for the building, equipment and all furnishings shall be new. Tools and equipment used by the contractor do not need to be new.

Will the government pay for the building materials upfront or will the contractor need to be reimbursed for material expenses?

For more complete understanding of US Government payments see FAR 52.232-5

Payments under Fixed-Price Construction Contracts.

88 Will the offeror need to be onsite during the construction? superintendent shall be onsite during the entire period of construction.

Are there any other certifications required outside of the Bachelors degree and valid

Ghanaian engineering license?

No.

90 How often will payment be distributed through the construction?

Payments can be monthly, however read the reference to FAR 52.232-27 Prompt Payment for Construction Contracts

In 19AQMM24R0160-Ghana Warehouse Construction-B-M, Section B.1 [B.1.2 CONTRACT

LINE-ITEM NUMBER (CLIN) 002 PRICING ]CONTRACT LINE-ITEM NUMBER (CLIN) 004

PRICING (Page 07 of 104), the request for pricing to include all labor, materials, equipment, and services necessary to accomplish the construction required by the

Contract requires essential geological data to inform on the subsurface conditions at the site. This is necessary for excavation and foundation design per the space use and planned land use narratives (only) associated with:

- I. Attachment 6 - Appendix 1.3 to COE Warehouse SOW. Project Site Plan

- II. Attachment 5 - Appendix 1.2 to COE Warehouse SOW. Warehouse Floor Plans

Therefore, is there available essential geologic data from previous nearby or onsite similar land development projects -not limited to surface and bedrock information, geological mapping specific to the geographic region or exclusive/customized geospatially modeled output with lithological information, etc.- which can guide the requisite extrapolations needed to design and construct a safe and sustainable infrastructure system that can withstand potential hazards associated with landslides and ground subsidence? The implied concentrated loading in various applicable sections of Attachments 5 and 6.

Both U.S.-based vendors/sellers of building systems and components and Ghanaian-based materials sourcing, steel infrastructure systems design, engineering, and construction stakeholders corroborate the cost implications the lack of such data can have on pricing considerations. Particularly, those that have to be considered to ensure that their respective SOPs for rapid or expedited ground preparation and mounting of their sales and/or customized engineered product systems can be designed to be fit for purposes and constructed accordingly.

Read numerous answers above.

Additionally, there is limited to no data- on current and previous land use-availed for the designated area. Therefore, the is no indication that the project site is a greenfield with no pre-existing factors which will pose a safety risk to site investigation, foundation design, slope stability analysis, ground improvement and environmental impact assessments efforts. All of these are critical to design functionality, space and infrastructure functionality, the long-term sustainability of the infrastructure system to be build and EHS factors associated with human centered design.

Read answers to similar questions above.

Is it acceptable to provide the documents to do business in Ghana within 15 business days if we are awarded?

No, as per 19AQMM24R0160-Ghana Warehouse Construction - B-M 0002, Section

L.18.4.4, the contractor must prove they are eligible to work in Ghana during the submission process.

94 Height of complex perimeter walls

As per the SOW, the wall height above grade shall be no less than three (3) meters to the top of the upper ledger. See the revised SOW dated August 12, 2024 and Appendices 1, 2, and 3.

The contractors shall provide a recommended solution.

95 Are there any drawings showing building sections and details? See the revised SOW and Appendices 1, 2, and 3.

What are the height of vehicle garage buildings and management and administrative buildings?

See the revised SOW and Appendices 1, 2, and 3.

The contractors shall provide a recommended solution.

What is the coating detail of vehicle access roads within the complex (asphalt, concrete, interlocking paving stone)?

See the revised SOW.

The specification foresees 1 month initial preparation + 11 months construction period.

Can it be a minimum of 18 months for such a comprehensive work including design?

The POP will not be changed.

99 Where are the roll-up doors used and how many are required?

See the revised SOW dated August 12, 2024 and Appendices 1, 2, and 3.

The contractors shall provide a recommended solution.

Should sandwich panels for insulation purposes be considered instead of metal sheet on the roof of the management and administrative building?

Price as written. A value engineered solution with pricing may be included in the proposal.

2.2 Required Task / TASK.B (Optional) – Two large 50- vehicle warehouse sheds.

Question: Kindly Clarify the term (Optional)?

See the answer to Question 15.

2.2 Required Task / TASK.C (Optional) – Construct motor pool surface, grading, and container yards, including two small overheads to house 20-foot containers.

Question: Kindly Clarify the term (Optional)?

See the answer to Question 15.

2.2 Required Task / TASK.D (Optional) – Facility Perimeter Walls and Guard Shack.

Question: Kindly Clarify the term (Optional)?

See the answer to Question 15.

2.2 Required Task / 2.2.3. Electrical & Internal Installation, Doors, Doors Hardware, paint finishes. Buildings complied with current country codes & regulations. Doors Shall be made of Metal.

Question: Metal should be used for all doors, both internal and external? Could aluminum serve as a viable alternative material for doors, or should we exclusively consider metal?

Metal doors are required for this building. Steel doors are preferred for high traffic areas and required for any fire resistance applications. Aluminum is considered to be a metal too, and can be considered where appropriate.

2.2 Required Task / 2.2.8. Provide recommended solutions for all tasks and subtasks in their technical proposal.

Question: The technical proposal can vary among contractors, which consequently affects the variation in their offers. Would this factor be given significant consideration?

Yes, recommended solutions are a critical part of this solicitation.

2.3. General Specifications / All work shall be carried out in strict compliance with all contract clauses and these technical specifications. In the event the Contractor discovers discrepancies contained in the various design/ technical documents, the Contractor must immediately notify the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) before taking any other action.

Question: While comprehensive data and technical support documents will be provided to minimize discrepancies, it is essential to acknowledge that elements such as materials and technical designs may require periodic review and resubmission as the project advances.

This flexibility ensures responsiveness to factors such as market shortages and evolving standards of validity.

Noted. It the contractors responsibility to provide a recommended solution.

3- SCOPE OF WORK / 3.1.2 Design following (Appendix 1.2 – Attachment 5) Rooms identity following the Floor Plan

Question: The dimensions of the warehouse are specified as 108189 Length (58927 double height + 49261 closed rooms) by 43998 Width. Kindly confirm that the unit used is

Millimeters. Is it by anyway possible to provide a floor plan with room dimensions?

Dimensions are in millimeters. Room sizes can be scaled easily using Adobe Reader or a product like Bluebeam.

3- SCOPE OF WORK / 3.1.4 First Floor: 1- Classrooms 1-2, 2-Computer laboratory, 3-

Executive conference room, 4-Offices/Workstations 1-17, 5-WCs 1-2, 6-Individual office latrines 1-2, 7-Storage closet.

Question: The drawings show Records, Planning/Operations, Servers/Tech Hub, Reception, and Officer in Charge however they are not mention in the listing, the drawing does not show Offices & Individual Latrines. Should the contractor's proposal encompass a review of all functions, including those not depicted on the drawings?

Yes, provide recommended solutions for all tasks in the technical proposal.

3- SCOPE OF WORK / 3.1.5 Foundation: Building foundation, skirt, and floor will be per specifications described in APPENDIX 1 and the Space Schedule described in FIGURE 2

Question: It is mentioned in Figure 2 for the walls to be plastered with paint, the 2-story part of the building should be a CMU constructed? or it can be replaced with sandwich paneling partition or any other suggestion by the contractor? And concerning the Epoxy

Terrazzo Finish does it mean Tiled with Terrazzo and then painted with epoxy or the epoxy can be directly applicable on the concrete flooring if applicable?

Assume CMU exterior walls with plaster finish. Epoxy based terrazzo is applied directly over concrete, generally by tradesmen skilled in that particular application.

The contractors shall provide a recommended solution.

3- SCOPE OF WORK / Building Foundation is a continuous beam of reinforced 25MPA concrete size 25x60 cm. The contractor shall also …

Question: the sentence is not complete.

See the revised SOW.

3- SCOPE OF WORK / 3.1.7 Floors: The Floors as mentioned in Figure.2

Question: (Refer to question in 3.1.5 concerning the Floors) Including a vapor barrier below foundation.

Include a vapor barrier under the concrete slab.

3- SCOPE OF WORK / 3.1.8 Walls: Walls shall be constructed with Solid CMU (reinforced with rebar when needed) throughout the main office and classrooms including the first story Walls shall be plastered, primed, and painted with water based acrylic paint unless other specified. The Walls of the Second Story open area of the warehouse and maintenance bay shall be constructed with an insulated metal or polymer-based panel design to max. colling efficiency.

Question: Refer to question in 3.1.5 concerning the Walls; if we can propose all of the partitioning wall Internal & External with polymer-based walls (sandwich panels).

Price as written. A value engineered solution with pricing may be included in the proposal.

3- SCOPE OF WORK / 3.1.10. Doors & Window Schedule

Question: The quantity mentioned in the following schedule shall be reviewed by the contractor.

Yes. Contractor is to review the quantities of all materials.

3- SCOPE OF WORK / 3.1.12. Interior Ceiling shall be flat design. Warehouse area (double height) shall be open

Question: Could you please confirm whether the space should remain open due to the absence of a false ceiling?

See the revised SOW and Appendix 2.

3- SCOPE OF WORK / 3.1.14 Roll Up Doors: Galvanized steel (ground floor) 500cm width no less then 375cm height

Question: Since the Height of the Roll up Door is 375cm, the height of the Ground floor should be at least 400cm height? It would be preferable if you can provide a section showing the Heights of the Buildings.

The contractors shall propose their solution for the windows and doors.

3- SCOPE OF WORK / 3.1.18. Fire Protection System, CO2 extinguishers, smoke detectors

& fire alarm.

Question: System and location will be shown in the contractor technical proposal taking into consideration all separate zones? or there are any specific areas to be covered with fire protection systems?

Provide recommended solutions for all tasks in the technical proposal. Use appropriate systems for the various conditions in the warehouse.

3- SCOPE OF WORK / 3.1.20 Water Connection to latrine (water source 50m approx. away) in addition 2 water tanks of 10000 liters as a backup – to be installed on a raised steel structure.

Question: Is there a specific location for the tanks or it should be considered within the contractor design?

Provide recommended location in your proposal.

3- SCOPE OF WORK / 3.1.22 Two standby 150KW Three Phases, encased generators to be manually started Including a Fuel Tank, and all covered with a steel overhead structure.

Question: Advise if there is any specific location for the Generator? Or to be suggested by the Contractor considering his criteria?

Provide recommended location in your proposal.

3- SCOPE OF WORK / 3.1.28 The Contractor shall ensure all requirements necessary for the functionality of the maintenance bay, such as air compressor hoses lines running throughout the bay, vehicle lift, diagnostic machine area (in ground), vehicle under carriage maintenance (fluid drainage, inspection)

Question: Specify the Machinery approx. weight to supply an adequate lift, and advise if any tracks cranes are needed (for lifting and displacing any heavy machinery material)?

Please also advise if & how many maintenance underground pits are needed for machinery maintenance.

The contractors shall provide a recommended solution.

3.2 TASK B Construct two large 50 vehicle warehouse sheds / 3.2.1. Accommodate 50

Vehicles

Question: Precise advice about Vehicle’s type/ size to avoid any structure getting into the circulation.

Task B is now one large 100 vehicle warehouse shed.

The contractors shall provide a recommended solution.

3.2 TASK B Construct two large 50 vehicle warehouse sheds / 3.2.3. Foundation as per specification in appendix.2 The office and tool room foundation shall be continuous beam type

Question: There no Office & Tool Room shown on layout please advise.

See the revised SOW and Appendices 1, 2, and 3.

3.2 TASK B Construct two large 50 vehicle warehouse sheds / 3.2.4. Floor as shown in

Figure.2

Question: Clarify concerning Terrazzo Epoxy (Refer to 3.1.5)

Terrazzo is not required in parking and service areas.

3.3 TASK C Construct motor pool surface, grading, and container yards, including two small overheads to house 20-foot containers / 3.3.3 Foundation, continuous beams 25cm x 60cm. Columns shall sit on cement post.

Question: Confirm that all the space mentioned to be a concrete slab

See the revised SOW.

3.4 TASK D Construct Facility Perimeter Walls and Guard Shack / 3.4.1 Construct a perimeter wall of the facility. (Within Ghana Government property)

Question: Is there any Specific Material? Or the Contractor shall propose best consideration?

See the revised SOW.

The contractors shall provide a recommended solution.

Please clarify the payment request period from submitting request for progress payment -approval of request - payment made?

See 19AQMM24R0160-Ghana Warehouse Construction - B-M 0002, Provision Section I.17, 52.232-27 Prompt Payment for Construction Contracts.

WBS Bid chart description does not cover all the activities required for the scope of works? For example Exterior works (roads, paving, drains, etc.) should be grouped under which description from the WBS bid chart (attachment 2) provided?

WBS examples suitable for contractors use can be found at the Whole Building Design

Guide, search for: Work Breakdown Structures.

Is there a fixed/ predetermined margin/ markup? Bid chart seems to be pre-populated with rates/ formulas?

No, those formulas can be overwritten or modified as needed.

128 Could a firm/ subcontractor be appointed as the project manager?

No. The key personnel shall be appointed from the prime contractor and the project manager is a person, not a company/firm 129 What would be the File format for design submittals? PDFs, along with AutoCAD DWG files saved to 2017 format or earlier.

130 What is your proposed Frequency of facility turnover planning meetings? There are no specified facility turnover meetings at this time.

What is the allowance for design revisions? For example relocation of WC (male and female) to allow for natural ventilation and light.

offerors shall propose based on the scope of works specified in the SOW.

According to Clause H.4 which situates two bond requirements, are we supposed to provide 2 bonds; i.e. 20% of Contract Price for Performance Bond and 20% of Contract price for Payment

Yes. Two (2) twenty percent (20%) bonds are required.

Bond? If this is so then please what exactly is the payment bond? Is it to cover an Advance

Mobilization that Client will be willing to pay Contractor to facilitate early mobilization to

Site?

The bond is held to ensure the project will be completed.

Section L.18 PROPOSAL PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS defines both Hardcopy and

Electronic Submission. Please clarify If the due date and the time of the proposal is applicable for the Hardcopy and/or the Electronic Proposal Submission.

Electronic submissions are preferred.

In document Section B-M, there are section that are referred to “Senegal”. We believe that this is a typo and all of those should be “Ghana”. Please confirm.

This is a typo and will be corrected to Ghana via an Amendment.

H.32 mentions the requirement of a Local engineering license for key personnel. Is it possible revise this requirement as "…Local or other acceptable country engineering license who has similar experience ".

Following update made: Both Project Manager and Site Superintendent require at a minimum a BS degree in an engineering or construction related field and a minimum of ten (10) years experience. At least one member of the team proposed by the bidding firm is required to hold a valid Engineering License from either Ghana or a country recognized by Ghana.

In compliance with Technical Proposal Requirement L.18.4.4. Subfactor 4: Business

Authorization, the offeror shall provide current copy of license/certificate/accreditation which demonstrates that the Offeror is licensed/certified/accredited or otherwise authorized by the government or its agent to provide construction services. Considering that this is an overseas project, and the offeror doesn’t have current license to operate in

Ghana at the meanwhile, can the offeror submit detailed statement illustrates his finding and research detailed about establishing branch office in Ghana and obtaining all necessary licenses for this factor and warranting to the Government that the offeror will obtain such authorization before performance of this contract begin in Compliance with

DOSAR 652.242-73 Authorization and Performance Offeror Alternate I (AUG 1999)

As per 19AQMM24R0160-Ghana Warehouse Construction - B-M 0002, Section L.18.4.4, the contractor must prove they are eligible to work in Ghana during the submission process.

SOW section 2.1 states Summary of Requirements as “The Contractor shall plan, resource, design, supervise, and facilitate the construction of a multifunctional facility…”. Therefore, a design must be developed and submitted to the Government. However, Section F.1 only defines duration for Pre-Construction Survey and Construction for Tasks. Design duration and phases are not defined in Project Durations. Please kindly note that the design will take approximately 4-5 months in total when considering 2 phases of design and review duration (ITR process) of Government. As a conclusion, will there be a single NTP be issued for both Design and construction? or will construction NTP require the design to be fully/Partially completed? Please elaborate.

there may be a LNTP issued for design works prior to issuance of FNTP.

7.7. states that ‘Issued for Construction (IFC) Drawings and Specifications. The contractor shall furnish the COR and the CO the IFC drawings and specifications on or before the record date of Mobilization'' Please elaborate on whether the IFC needs to be submitted before issuance of NTP-Construction or can it be submitted until mobilization since 7.3

Also suggests that Submission of IFC drawings and specifications is a prerequisite of

Issuance for NTP. Please confirm that the NTP - Construction would be issued after the submission of IFC drawings as per SOW Section 7.3.1

NTP will be issued after government receives IFC drawings.

Design stages are not defined. Please define design stages and stage duration as well as total design duration

The Contractor may choose to submit earlier design phases to the COR and CO for feedback, but submission and approval a 100%, Issued for Construction (IFC) set is the only requirement for a Notice to Proceed.

141 Please clarify design duration and phases intent. Both the design and construction must be completed within the 11 month POP.

In ''Section L.18.3.2 SUBFACTOR 2: SCHEDULE'', It asks the bidder to ''anticipate the award date as 120 days from the due date of proposals and the Notice to Proceed - Construction

(F.12) to begin on November 11, 2024'' However upon adding 120 days to the proposal due date, it already goes beyond November 11,2024 NTP anticipated date. Please clarify this.

The anticipating date is calculated based on the Government planning schedule of award

(September 30, 2024): After the award, the Government is expecting 30-35 days for kick-off meetings, collecting delivearbles and issue NTP.

Please confirm 3D drawings, or any BIM related reports or drawings are not required. If required, please specify in detail.

There is no requirement for 3-D or BIM deliverables in this contract.

D.2 mentions shipment of "...paper documents…". Please confirm design or any other documents such as material submittals, handbooks etc. will not be printed by the awardee. If to be printed, then confirm shipment duration is included into Government's review duration.

Electronic files are preferred.

Please advise if it is feasible for the contractor to obtain a general exemption letter for

VAT. Our experience as a DOS contractor in Africa suggests that obtaining individual exemptions for VAT may not be practical. If a general exemption letter is not granted, we may need to include VAT in our pricing to prevent any losses. Your guidance on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

See the answer to Question 39.

Please confirm that only U.S. federal insured financial institutions rated investment grade or higher issued bond will be accepted.

Correct

According to Section H.36 Imported Materials, Equipment and Personnel, it is understood that there will be no Levey exemption for this project, and the contractor shall price all custom taxes for any imported material for this project, please confirm?

See the answer to Question 39.

Please clarify that contractor should not add any TAX or VAT in their price proposal due to which the U.S. Government (USG) is exempt by virtue of agreement between the U.S.

Government and host country.

See the answer to Question 39.

Please confirm material submittal review will be only done by Government and Prime contractor as mentioned in H.26. There is no review requirement for designer.

There is no submittal review requirement by a designer.

Please confirm if a construction permit is needed from any local authority in Ghana, such as the Municipality, Department of Defense, or Military, before starting construction work on site?

Offerors should not anticipate cumbersome permitting processes on the ground in Ghana, if any at all. Offerors should instead ensure that all required NTP documents are submitted to the CO prior to its issuance.

Section H.35 Materials and Equipment, sub paragraph defines "Allowance items". Please confirm allowance items are the only items defined in SOW 1.1 Task A: Rooms, and SOW

Task A: Warehouse. If else, please provide a list or clarify further. For example, can CMU, concrete, steel, cabling, HVAC ... etc. activities be considered as an "allowance item"?

allowance items includes all materials and equipment used for this construction project.

F.9 Submittal list mentions that Quotations will be submitted within 90 days of award.

Please clarify that these are only the quotations of "allowance items" as mentioned in

H.35 / Allowance Items

Correct. As designated in F.9, the quotations only applies to Section H.35.

Please confirm materials can be European or any other standard as well as Ghanaian.

ASTM or any other US standards are not an obligation.

U.S. standard materials are not required. Use of metric sized materials is assumed.

For the design and technical specifications, please confirm ASTM or any other OBO SED standards are not an obligation.

Adherence to ASTM or OBO standards is not required.

Please confirm US registered PE's or architects are not required. Designers to have university degrees that can design and coordinate as per SOW.

US registration is not required. See SOW.

Please clarify if there are any Countries prohibited to perform on this project in any capacity.

None have been noted at this time.

157 Please specify the Government’s material submittal review duration. Material submittal reviews should be done within 15 calendar days.

158 Please specify the Government’s RFI (Request For Information) response duration.

RFIs can generally be responded to within 15 calendar days. Particularly complicated RFIs may take up to 30 calendar days. Best practice is to get your RFIs in early.

159 Please specify the design review duration of Government. Most designs can be reviewed within 15 calendar days.

160 Please specify the Government’s…