Questions - Answers.pdf

RFQ No. 19MX5326Q0045 for Kitchen & Bathroom Restoration

SBU - CONTRACTING AND ACQUISITIONS

Questions & Answers

Q1. What´s the preferred material and specification for the partition wall?

A1. Moisture/Mold-resistant drywall sheets on a galvanized metal stud framing system.

Q2. The work requirement specifies 80 x 80 porcelain tile while the quantity survey states 60 x 60 (page 73); what´s the correct type of porcelain floor tile to be considered?

A2. Please refer to Amendment 0001. All materials specified in this project may be substituted with products that are equivalent in quality, safety, performance, and appearance, provided they maintain the design intent and comply with the renderings included in this Scope of Work (SOW). An alternative porcelain tile of equivalent quality and appearance may be proposed, but needs to be approved by the COR.

Q3. What are the preferred dimensions and specifications for the Stainless steel protection shelving?

A3. The dimensions of the tray will depend on the sink cabinet size. The floor plan specifies a sink cabinet of 1.00m x 0.60m; see the picture for reference in Attachment 0001.

Q4. The work requirement specifies 60 x 60 porcelain tile light grey while the quantity survey states 60 x 60 Cityline Dark Grey (page 77); wha´s the correct type of porcelain floor tile to be considered?

A4. Please refer to Amendment 0001.

Q5. the work requirement specifies 75 x 150 porcelain tile Anthology Maccia Vecchia while the quantity survey states 60 x 60 Cityline Ivory (page 77); what´s the correct type of porcelain floor tile to be considered?

A5. Please refer to Amendment 0001.

Q6. What´s the countertop sink model to be considered for the MDF vanity furniture – Main Bathroom?

A6. Please refer to Amendment 0001.

Q7. What´s the countertop sink model to be considered for the MDF vanity furniture – Guest Bathroom?

A7. Please refer to Amendment 0001.

Q8. Is there advance payment for this project?

A8. No. There will be no advance payment. Payments will be made in accordance with F.3.2 DETAIL OF PAYMENT REQUESTS, whereby each application for payment shall cover the value of labor and materials completed and in place, including a prorated portion of overhead and profit. The Quantity Survey in Attachment 5 will serve as the basis to calculate the prorated portion to be paid.

Payments will be made no more frequently than monthly.

Q9. Scope / Quantity of Units

RFQ p. 3, Section A.1, Contract Price table; RFQ p. 5, Section B.1; RFQ p. 53, Attachment 3, I.3.1, Introduction/background; Attachment 5, Quantity Survey.

The Statement of Work indicates replacement of one (1) kitchen and two (2) full bathrooms in each of five (5) units, for a total of five (5) kitchens and ten (10) bathrooms. However, Section A.1 Pricing refers to “Total (22 Houses).” Please confirm that the base bid shall be priced for five (5) apartments/units only, and that the reference to twenty-two (22) houses does not modify the intended scope. We also understand that Quantity Survey items shown as “SET 5.00” correspond to one complete set per apartment/unit.

A9. Please refer to Amendment 0001.

Q10. Scope Limits / Adjacent Areas

RFQ p. 5, Section B.1, Character and Scope of Work; RFQ p. 53, Attachment 3, I.3.2, Objectives; RFQ p. 54, I.3.3.1, Kitchen item 1; RFQ p. 58, I.3.3.2, Bathrooms item 1.

Please clarify the limits of the general scope described in the Statement of Work.

Is the Contractor’s responsibility for adjacent or surrounding areas limited to protection and repair of damage caused by the work, or does the base scope include additional repair, restoration, painting, finishing, or cleaning work outside the kitchens and bathrooms specifically identified in the SOW, drawings, and Quantity Survey?

A10. The surrounding responsibility is intended only to safeguard adjacent areas during construction. However, if your company causes any damage to existing property, such as the stairs or other building elements, your company shall be responsible for repairing or replacing the damaged items at no additional cost.

Q11. Temporary Partitions

RFQ p. 5, Section B.1; RFQ p. 53, Attachment 3, I.3.1 and I.3.2; RFQ p. 54, I.3.3.1, Kitchen item 1; RFQ p. 58, I.3.3.2, Bathrooms item 1.

The SOW requires temporary partitions or barriers to isolate the renovation/work areas. Please confirm whether the temporary partitions shall isolate the entire apartment/unit or only the active kitchen and bathroom work areas. Please also confirm whether partitions must be floor-to-ceiling and dust-tight, whether zipper doors or sealed access points are required, whether HVAC grilles/returns must be protected or sealed, and whether residents or occupants may remain in adjacent areas during the work.

A11. There is no HVAC system in the building. The required protection applies to the general work area and is intended to prevent dust and debris from affecting adjacent areas and neighboring tenants.

It is the Contractor's responsibility to perform the work in a professional manner, including providing all necessary protection, containment, and isolation measures to control dust and prevent disturbances to surrounding occupants. The Contractor shall ensure that the work does not generate complaints from neighboring tenants due to dust or debris and shall deliver the project in a clean, dust-free condition upon completion.

Q12. Debris Staging / Disposal

RFQ p. 5, Section B.3(a), daily cleaning; RFQ p. 54, I.3.3.1 items 7-10; RFQ p. 62, I.3.4, General Note 3; RFQ p. 63, I.3.6 item 6(b).

During the site visit, it was noted that available space for debris staging may be limited. The SOW states that there is no place on site to pile debris or materials, while also requiring daily cleaning and debris/garbage removal from the compound at least weekly. Please confirm, in writing, whether a designated area will be provided for temporary staging of demolition debris prior to removal. If so, please identify the location, maximum allowable staging duration, permitted container size, haul-out route, and whether daily debris removal will be required.

A12. A 12 m² area within the parking lot will be designated for the temporary containment of demolition debris for a maximum period of sixty (60) hours. The designated area is located in a low-clearance parking area; therefore, only low-bed or low-clearance trucks can access the site. If larger vehicles are used, the Contractor shall be responsible for hauling the debris from the designated containment area to a location accessible by those vehicles at no additional cost to the Government.

All materials, equipment, and tools required to perform the work shall be stored in a secure lockable storage container or box. The storage container may be placed inside the apartment. The Contractor shall be solely responsible for providing, securing, maintaining, and removing the storage container, as well as safeguarding all stored materials, equipment, and tools throughout the duration of the project.

Q13. Material Staging Area

RFQ p. 7, Section C.1, Materials Delivery; RFQ p. 62, I.3.4, General Note 3; RFQ

p. 63, I.3.6 items 4-6; RFQ p. 64, I.3.6.1 item 3.

Please confirm whether a designated material staging area will be available for installation materials, including tile, cement board/drywall, adhesives, plumbing fixtures, electrical fixtures, cabinetry components, countertops, tools, and consumables. If available, please provide the approximate dimensions, location, access restrictions, and whether the area will be assigned per unit or shared for the entire project.

A13. The Contractor will be assigned a 12 m² area in the parking lot for the storage of materials, equipment, and tools. The designated area is located in a low-clearance parking area; therefore, only low-clearance trucks can access it.

Materials, equipment, and tools may also be stored inside the apartment during the performance of the work.

Q14. Storage of Items to Reinstall

RFQ p. 54, I.3.3.1 items 3 and 4; RFQ p. 58, I.3.3.1 items 33 and 34; RFQ p. 64, I.3.6.1 item 3.

The SOW includes removal, protection, storage, and reinstallation of certain existing items, including blinds and appliances, while other demolished items are to be removed without recovery. Please confirm where items to be protected and reinstalled shall be stored during the work. Will a designated room or storage area be provided by the Government, may such items remain inside the same unit, or shall the Contractor include off-site temporary storage and handling in its proposal?

A14. Items that are required to be reinstalled shall be properly stored in a designated room inside the apartment to protect them from damage, loss, or deterioration during the construction process.

The Contractor may choose to use an off-site storage facility; however, arranging, securing, and covering all costs associated with off-site storage shall be the sole responsibility of the Contractor.

Q15. Access / Loading / HOA Approval

RFQ p. 52, Attachment 3 cover, Address: Musset; RFQ p. 64, I.3.7.1, Security items 2, 4 and 5.

The SOW identifies the project address as Musset; however, the Security section states that truck entry shall be through “Canadas HOA administration approval.”

Please confirm the correct site access point, loading/unloading route, vehicle parking/loading area, responsible administration or HOA approval process, and whether the Contractor shall obtain any separate written approval for vehicles, deliveries, debris removal, and material unloading.

A15. Please refer to Amendment 0001.

Q16. Schedule / Occupancy / Access

RFQ p. 11, Section E.1; RFQ p. 13, Section E.4.2; RFQ p. 12, Section E.3; RFQ p.

64, I.3.7.1, Security/escort requirements.

The RFQ requires completion within 25 business days per unit, with work in up to three (3) units simultaneously, and completion of the entire contract within ten (10) weeks. Please confirm whether the Government will provide uninterrupted access to up to three (3) units simultaneously during the approved working hours. If work is stopped, delayed, or restricted due to resident/occupant requests, Government operations, access limitations, RSO/COR holds, escort availability, or other restrictions not caused by the Contractor, please confirm whether such delays will be treated as Government-caused delays and addressed through a written schedule adjustment or contract modification.

A16. Please refer to Amendment 0001.

Q17. Working Hours / Extended Windows

RFQ p. 12, Section E.4.1, Working Hours; RFQ p. 13, Section E.4.3, Deviation of Working Hours.

The RFQ states that the quote and schedule shall be based on normal working hours, while additional hours or days may be approved by the Facility Manager in coordination with the COR. Please confirm the process, expected review time, and approval criteria for requesting extended work windows, Saturday work, or work outside normal hours if required to maintain the approved schedule and minimize disruption to occupants and Embassy operations.

A17. Normal working hours shall be Monday through Friday during standard business hours. 8:30-17:00

Work outside of these hours, including overtime, evening work, or work on Saturdays, is expected to be exceptional and will only be permitted when deemed necessary by the COR. Any such work must receive prior approval from the COR and the Facility Manager (FM) before it may proceed.

Q18. Worker Support Area / RSO Restrictions

RFQ p. 27, Section G.6.6, Personnel Security Screening; RFQ p. 64, I.3.7.1, Security items 2, 5, and 8.

Considering the RSO access restrictions and the prohibition/restrictions on personal items and electronic devices inside the building, please confirm whether an approved worker support area will be provided for changing into PPE, storing personal belongings, drinking water/meal breaks, and restroom access. If no such area will be provided, please confirm whether the Contractor shall assume that workers must leave the compound or building for these needs.

A18. The Contractor’s personnel will have access to the apartment being remodeled for the purpose of changing into required PPE, taking breaks, eating meals, and temporarily storing personal belongings during working hours.

Personnel may also leave the compound during authorized break periods for the purpose of purchasing food or other necessities, provided they comply with all applicable site access, security, and facility requirements.

Q19. Submittals / Procurement Timing

RFQ p. 13, Section E.4.2, Work Completion Schedule; RFQ p. 28, Section G.7.2, Selection and Approval of Materials; RFQ p. 63, I.3.6 items 2 and 5.

The RFQ requires procurement of materials and components ten (10) days before the start of work on the first designated house, while also requiring COR approval of materials, product data, samples, and submittals. Please confirm the expected Government review period for product data, samples, shop drawings, and material substitutions, and whether procurement may proceed upon written COR approval of equivalent materials submitted after award.

A19. The review and approval process between the COR and the Contractor for submitted materials, product data, and samples will take approximately one (1) week from the date of submission.

Q20. Kitchen Concrete Base

RFQ p. 56, Attachment 3, I.3.3.1, Kitchen item 14; RFQ p. 73, Attachment 5, Quantity Survey, Kitchen item 14.

Please confirm the required concrete compressive strength for the kitchen reinforced concrete base. The SOW references f’c = 150 kg/cm², while the Quantity Survey references f’c = 200 kg/cm². Which value shall govern for pricing and execution?

A20. Please refer to Amendment 0001.

Q21. Kitchen Floor Tile

RFQ p. 56, Attachment 3, I.3.3.1, Kitchen item 16; RFQ p. 73, Attachment 5, Quantity Survey, Kitchen item 16.

Please confirm the final required kitchen floor tile specification. The SOW references 80 × 80 cm Lims Ivory Interceramic, while the Quantity Survey references 60 × 60 cm Geologic Delta Grey Interceramic. Please confirm the governing model, color, format, finish, grout joint, and whether the same specification applies to all five (5) kitchens.

A21. Please refer to Amendment 0001.

Q22. Kitchen Toe-Kick / Plinth

RFQ p. 57, Attachment 3, I.3.3.1, Kitchen item 26; RFQ p. 58, Kitchen item 31;

Attachment 4 drawings/details.

Please confirm whether lower kitchen cabinets and island cabinetry require a toe-kick, plinth, skirting, or baseboard detail at the bottom of the cabinets. This detail is not clearly identified in the current scope, but it may be required to protect the MDF/melamine cabinetry from mopping, vacuuming, moisture, and routine floor cleaning. If required, please confirm the material, height, recess, finish, and whether it shall match the cabinetry, be stainless steel, porcelain, PVC, aluminum, or another COR-approved material.

A22. Not required

Q23. Kitchen Paint Specification

RFQ p. 57, Attachment 3, I.3.3.1, Kitchen item 25; RFQ p. 63, I.3.6 item 3, UL/FM approval requirement.

The kitchen scope references application of Comex Acqua 100 satin finish, color Ostión. Please confirm whether this paint system must meet any fire-retardant, flame-spread, smoke-developed, low-VOC, washable, anti-mold, or moisture-resistant requirements. If a fire-retardant or fire-rated coating is required, please provide the applicable standard, classification, and required areas of application.

A23. The paint system shall be a standard paint application only, without any additional or specialized coating systems.

Q24. Granite Countertop Support

RFQ p. 58, Attachment 3, I.3.3.1, Kitchen item 31; Attachment 4 drawings/details.

The kitchen countertop scope references granite countertops installed over an 18 mm MDF support base. Please confirm whether a dedicated structural support system is required for the granite countertops, island, and any overhangs, such as a steel frame, metal brackets, plywood substrate, reinforced base, or other support system. If required, please provide the minimum structural criteria, maximum allowable deflection, expected countertop thickness/weight, and whether the Contractor shall submit shop drawings or calculations for COR approval prior to fabrication.

A24. Please refer to Amendment 0001.

Q25. Millwork / Field Measurements

RFQ p. 57, Attachment 3, I.3.3.1, Kitchen item 26; RFQ p. 62, I.3.4, General Note 7; RFQ p. 66-69, Attachment 4, drawings/photos/details.

The SOW requires kitchen cabinetry to be manufactured off-site and ready for installation as determined by the COR. Please confirm whether the drawings in Attachment 4 are considered construction-level dimensions, or whether the Contractor shall perform final field measurements after award and submit shop drawings for COR approval prior to fabrication. Please also confirm whether design adjustments resulting from field measurements will be handled as part of the base scope or by written contract modification.

A25. Please refer to Amendment 0001.

Q26. MEP Rough-In Scope

RFQ p. 5, Section B.1; RFQ p. 54-58, Attachment 3, I.3.3.1 Kitchen items 5, 6, 11, 17, 18, and 33; RFQ p. 58-61, I.3.3.2 Bathroom items 3, 13, 15, and 19-22.

Please clarify the extent of plumbing, drainage, electrical, ventilation, and gas work included in the base scope. Shall the Contractor replace complete rough-in lines within the kitchen and bathroom work areas, or only modify/extend from existing connection points to serve the new fixtures, appliances, GFCI outlets, lighting, exhaust fans, mixers, drains, and island outlet?

A26. The Contractor shall only modify existing plumbing water supply lines and gas lines if required to complete the work. Any modifications shall be performed in accordance with applicable codes, manufacturer recommendations, and safety requirements.

Q27. Appliances / Reconnection Testing

RFQ p. 54, Attachment 3, I.3.3.1, Kitchen item 4; RFQ p. 58, Kitchen item 33.

The scope includes reinstallation and reconnection of appliances such as dishwasher, stove, refrigerator, laundry center, extractor hood, and garbage disposal. Please confirm whether all appliances are existing units to be reused, whether new valves, hoses, gas connectors, traps, flexible connections, and testing are included, and whether any certified gas or electrical testing documentation is required upon reconnection.

A27. The existing appliances shall be retained and reinstalled as part of the project. No new appliances will be supplied under this Scope of Work.

Q28. Bathroom Tile Specifications

RFQ p. 59-60, Attachment 3, I.3.3.2, Bathrooms items 9 and 11; RFQ p. 77-78, Attachment 5, Quantity Survey, Bathroom items 9 and 11.

Please confirm the final bathroom tile specifications. The SOW references light grey/off-white 60 × 60 cm non-skid floor tile and Anthology Macchia Vecchia 75 × 150 cm polished tile at shower walls, while the Quantity Survey references

Cityline Dark Grey 60 × 60 cm for floors and Cityline Ivory 60 × 60 cm for walls.

Please confirm the governing models, colors, formats, finish, slip resistance requirement, grout joint width, and application areas.

A28. Please refer to Amendment 0001.

Q29. Shower Conversion / Final Assembly

RFQ p. 58-59, Attachment 3, I.3.3.2, Bathroom items 3, 6, 7, 8, and 12.

The SOW includes removal of bathtubs and shower enclosures, construction of reinforced concrete curbs/linings, waterproofing, drains, floor tile, wall tile, and tempered glass shower doors. Please confirm whether all bathrooms require full tub-to-shower conversion or whether the work applies only to existing shower areas. Please also confirm the required final shower configuration, including curb dimensions, drain location, slope, limits of waterproofing, and glass door location/dimensions.

A29. The intent is to remove the existing tub and convert the area into a shower installation. Please refer to the reference drawing in Amendment 00010

Q30. Waterproofing Limits

RFQ p. 59, Attachment 3, I.3.3.2, Bathroom item 7.

The SOW requires a two-layer waterproofing system over the entire shower floor and extending a minimum of 1.50 m up surrounding walls. Please confirm whether waterproofing is required only up to 1.50 m or behind the full height of the shower wall tile. Please also confirm whether waterproofing is required behind all wet wall areas, including vanity backsplashes, or only within shower areas.

A30. The water proofing is required only up to 1.5 m

Q31. Gypsum / Cement Board Replacement

RFQ p. 58-59, Attachment 3, I.3.3.2, Bathroom item 5; RFQ p. 5, Section B.1, replacement of drywall sheets.

The SOW states that damaged gypsum or cement board panels shall be removed and new cement board installed “as required.” Please clarify whether the Contractor shall assume full replacement of wall/ceiling substrate in all wet areas, or only replacement of visibly damaged areas identified after demolition. Please also confirm the required board type and thickness for wet and non-wet areas.

A31. Only on visible damaged areas.

Q32. Exhaust Fans / Ventilation Ducts

RFQ p. 60, Attachment 3, I.3.3.2, Bathroom item 15; RFQ p. 58, I.3.3.1, Kitchen item 33, extractor hood reconnection.

Please confirm whether existing exhaust ducts, sleeves, penetrations, and exterior terminations are to be reused for the bathroom exhaust fans and kitchen hood/extractor, or whether new ductwork, penetrations, dampers, grilles, or exterior terminations are required as part of the base scope.

A32. Only the existing exhaust fan openings for the bathrooms are included in the Scope of Work. No new exhaust openings, penetrations, or ductwork shall be created or installed.

Q33. Floating Mirrors / LED Integration

RFQ p. 61, Attachment 3, I.3.3.2, Bathroom item 24; RFQ p. 80, Attachment 5, Quantity Survey, Bathroom item 24.

Please confirm the final quantity, size, and location of floating mirrors for guest and master bathrooms. The SOW references one guest bathroom mirror of 80 × 80 cm and two master bathroom vanity mirrors of 120 × 65 cm, while the Quantity Survey references a master bathroom vanity mirror of 170 × 80 cm and a master bathroom door mirror of 180 × 90 cm. Please also clarify whether the LED strip behind the mirror perimeter requires a dedicated power supply, switch, dimmer, driver, junction box, or connection to an existing lighting circuit, and whether these electrical components are included in the base scope.

A33. Please refer to Amendment 0001 for corrections and drawings.

Q34. UL / FM Requirement

RFQ p. 63, Attachment 3, I.3.6, Materials/Equipment/Tools/Specifications, item 3.

The SOW states that all materials must carry UL or FM approval. Please confirm whether this requirement applies to electrical, lighting, mechanical, fire/life safety, and safety-related products where UL/FM listing is customarily available. For architectural finishes and materials where UL/FM approval is not typically applicable, such as porcelain tile, granite, MDF/melamine cabinetry, mirrors, paint, cement board, grout, adhesives, and plumbing fixtures, please confirm whether manufacturer technical data sheets, applicable standards, samples, and COR written approval will be acceptable.

A34. The COR will review and provide approval for all proposed materials, including architectural finishes and materials, as well as electrical, lighting, mechanical, fire/life safety, and other safety-related products.

For products where UL/FM listing is applicable, the Contractor shall provide the required certifications. For architectural finishes and materials where UL/FM approval is not typically applicable, the Contractor shall submit manufacturer technical data sheets, applicable standards, and samples as required for COR review and written approval prior to installation.

Q35. Equivalent Materials / Samples

RFQ p. 28-29, Section G.7.2 through G.7.7; RFQ p. 62, I.3.4, General Note 2; RFQ

p. 63, I.3.6 items 2, 3 and 5.

Several specified materials reference specific brands/models or COR-approved equivalents. Please confirm whether equivalent materials may be submitted with the proposal or only after award, and whether COR approval of samples, technical data sheets, colors, finishes, and mockups will be required before procurement.

Please also confirm the expected review period for material submittals, considering the procurement period required prior to the start of work.

A35. Equivalent materials shall be submitted as part of the proposal, including manufacturer data sheets, product information, and images for COR review and evaluation.

Physical samples, color selections, finishes, and any required mockups shall be submitted by the awarded Contractor after the Notice of Award has been issued to the successful Contractor. These submittals shall be completed during the first week after contract award, in coordination with the COR, while aligning and finalizing the project Gantt chart and overall construction schedule.

Q36. For the kitchen or bathroom cabinets, do you have a specific finish in mind? Could you please share it?

A36. MDF 18 mm with double melamine faces

Q37. Should the bathroom sinks be drop-in or undermount? Do you have a specific design in mind? Could you please share it?

A37. Drop in

Q38. Do you think the bathroom vanity should have drawers or doors? If it has doors, should you consider a push-to-open system?

A38. Drawers, J shape integrated pull. Please refer to picture in Amendment 0001.

Q39. Should handles be included for the doors and drawers of the kitchen cabinets?

A39. J shape integrated finger pull. Please refer to picture in Amendment

Q40. For the kitchen cupboards, should the doors have a push-to-open system, a 45° bevel at the bottom, or handles?

A40. Bottom pull, no handles

Q41. According to the provided rendering, all corner details should be rounded, is that correct?

A41. Not all corners, 2 in the linear kitchen 2 in the island, 2 in each bathroom