PR9353415_QA.pdf

SBU - CONTRACTING AND ACQUISITIONS

REFERENCE: 19PM0720Q0107

TEMPORATY LIVING UNITS

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Question 1: Please advise when can we start manufacture, construction and when do you require the buildings to be completed?

Answer to Question 1: Please refer to Amendment 1 to the solicitation. Delivery should be 60 days after award.

Manufacture can start as soon as awarded.

Question 2: Also please advise longitude/latitude to determine seismic/wind loads.

Answer to Question 2: The longitude/latitude is: N08 33.14 W78 01.16

Question 3: When you listed as “TEMPORARY”, please qualify: will the location of the units be temporarily at that location, or will the personnel occupying the units be temporary (transient)?

Answer to Question 3: Yes, all units are temporary and should be able to move or be disassembled.

Question 4: I’m not sure about the documentation we have to send before the dead line on Sep 04.

Answer to Question 4: Please refer to page 1 of the Request for Quotation document, Section 1 and Section 3 where all requirements are listed. All interested bidders are reminded to read the whole solicitation document, and follow all instructions to submit a complete proposal, including: a financial proposal in Section 1, SF1448 Cover Page, list of clients for the past 5 years, evidence to have necessary resources, workplan, strategic plan and Section 5 duly signed.

Question 5: Is a 120 day ARO delivery timeframe acceptable? The below states 30 days and it would be impossible to have built and shipped within the spec. time frame.

Answer to Question 5: No. Please refer to Amendment 2. The delivery time is 60 days after award.

Question 6: We do have some questions, in the specifications for Option 1, it says that All materials, equipment and components, locally recognized brand, in new condition, with applicable manufacturers warranty. I guess my question would be besides the equipment and electrical components which are recognized brands. The materials would not be specific to any brands besides that of the manufacturer. Can you clarify this.

Answer to Question 6: We clarify this refers to brands recognized to be fit for the purpose of this procurement action.

Need to be serviceable and repairable locally as well as replaceable with equal or equivalent locally.

Question 7: Also, we have manufacturers all over the world ( specifically in Europe) that would comply with the buy America Act, On another US Government project we are currently working on in Naples Italy The Contracting officer has mandated that all material be manufactured in The US. Is this the case for this project? Or is it it okay that it complies with the BUY America act with a country that has this type approval?

Answer to Question 7: Please refer to Section 2, Contract Clauses of the RFQ, where this issue is explained in detail. We require strict compliance with all contract clauses marked in the RFQ document. Origin should be US made, or from designated countries, as explained in 52.225-5(b).

Question 8: Finally, is it possible to get this opportunity sole sourced as I had requested in a previous email.

Answer to Question 8: This is an open competition. No sole source is being considered at this time.

Question 9.Is there going to be a walk thru on the designated delivery site? In lieu of a walk thru, is the government providing terrain/elevation maps of the designated delivery site or offerors should assume that the installation site is firm and level, as stated in the solicitation documents, and no additional work will be required?

Answer: Yes. Please refer to Amendment 1 to the solicitation.

Question 10. Pursuant to Section 3 - Solicitation Provisions, item 4 under Option 1 that states “If offeror already possesses the locally required licenses and permits,” are you referring to the Aviso de Operaciones and the applicable professional license for plumbers, electricians, etc.

Answer: Potential offerors are required to comply with all locally required licenses and permits in the Republic of Panama necessary to provide the temporary structures. For the particular case of Aviso de Operaciones, we clarify, that each offeror should assess their own particular situation and determine if this is a requirement or not to provide the services.

Question 11. Is an approved environmental impact study required to be submitted with the design?

Answer: For the purpose of the contract, the design does not consider the submission of any additional documents.

However, all interested offerors are reminded that is a requirement to comply with applicable local laws and regulations.

Question 12. Is the offeror exempt from the construction and occupancy municipality taxes?

Answer: No. US Embassy is tax exempted for ITBMS/VAT and import taxes. Any other expenses related to the provision of the temporary living structures should be considered/included.

Question 13. Does the 30 days delivery time include securing the occupancy permit issued by the local municipality after a review from the local Fire Marshall (Oficina de Seguridad del Cuerpo de Bomberos de Panamá)?

Answer: No.

Question 14. Will the government coordinate security escort to transport the containers to Meteti?

Answer: No. We clarify that any expenses related to the transport of items, materials to the delivery place are the responsibility of the selected contractor.

Question 15. Will the government or SENAN/SENAFRONT/National Police provide onsite perimeter and personnel security during the construction period?

Answer: No.

Question 16. The 30 day period seems unreasonable considering the local construction permitting involved. Will the government consider extending the delivery date to 60 days?

Answer: Refer to Amendment 2. Delivery date is 60 days.

Question 17. Will the government consider an EDWOSB/WOSB set-aside for this opportunity?

Answer: This is an open competition opportunity.

Question 18. Does the government have a specific format for the work plan, e.g. Gantt Chart, CPM, PERT?

Answer: No. Interested offerors may submit any format.

Question 19. Will the government arrange for the offeror to have an area to keep all equipment, tools, and supplies?

Answer: Yes.

Question 20. Does the offeror have to provide furniture, e.g. bed, nightstand, bed linen, etc. as part of the components that must be delivered?

Answer: No.

Question 21. Does the offeror have to provide containers made with fire retardant materials?

Answer: Yes. As indicated in the RFQ document, the selected contractor must meet all applicable codes and local regulations, including safety standards.

Question 22. Should the offeror include fire sprinklers and/or fire extinguishers with the containers?

Answer: As indicated in the RFQ document, the selected contractor must meet all applicable codes and local regulations, including safety standards.

Question 23 Do offerors have to submit the preliminary design signed by SPIA-registered professionals or the signature of these professionals is only required for the AS BUILD documents, or no SPIA-registered professionals signatures are required at all?

Answer: As indicated in the RFQ document, the selected contractor must meet all applicable codes and local regulations.

If that is a local regulation, you must comply with it.

Question 24. Is the offeror responsible for Vector Control during the construction? Is a Vector Control Plan required with the proposal?

Answer: No.

Question 25. Could you provide the independent government cost estimate (IGCE) for this effort?

Answer: No. As per US Government regulations, this estimate will not be provided.

Question 26. Please confirm do you accept the required units manufactured in China ?

Answer: Please refer to Section 2, Contract Clauses 52.225-5 of the RFQ. All items must be from the US or designated countries.

Question 27. Do you have a preferred timeline for this project?

Answer: No.

Question 28. would you be willing to change the 40' Containers to 53' Containers ? as they are much more effective in reaching your target number of living units and cost almost the same.

Answer: No.

Question 29: Is this solicitation restricted to American Companies or are Panamanian local companies free to bid on this?

Answer: No, is not restricted.

Question 30: What does “area cleaning” entail?

Answer: We clarify that the awarded contractor shall at all times keep the work area, including storage areas, free from accumulation of waste materials. Upon completing the work, the Contractor shall leave the work area in a clean, neat, and orderly condition. All waste materials should be disposed correctly, also in accordance with local laws.

Question 31: What do the sites look like? Trees, foliage, uneven ground?

Answer: The area is even ground, no trees or foliage.

Question 32: Can contact information for a local GC be provided that can cover on site services, such as cranes, electrical extension, site preparation?

Answer: No.

Question 33: What are the buildings going to sit on? The ground or a concrete pad?

Answer: The temporary structures will be sitting on level ground.

Question 34: Does the frame have to be galvanized if our prime and paint process is equal to or better than?

Answer: Frame needs to be galvanized.

Question 35: Where in relation to the structures is the electrical primary? How far is it from the each structure?

Answer: The electrical primary is located no more than 75 feet from the structure.

Question 36: Will it be an underground or aerial connection to the electric primary?

Answer: This has not yet been determined. Please prepare your quote for any of the two options.

Question 37: Can each room have its own electrical panel or does there need to be only one for all rooms? If the latter, where would it preferably be set for access?

Answer: Bidders may choose either both options.

Question 38: Is a fire sprinkler system required?

Answer: No, however, bidders are expected to comply with all local regulations and good practices for these temporary structures.

Question 39: Is it okay for the bathroom doors to open into the bedrooms?

Answer: Yes.

Question 40: Are we to provide connection to a water service or waste water drain lines?

Answer: yes.

Question 41: -“Is a 120-day ARO delivery timeframe acceptable? Specs state 30 days ARO and it would be impossible to have built and shipped within the spec time frame.” - “In our opinion 30 days is an overly aggressive and unrealistic schedule. We base this opinion on our years of construction and manufacturing experience and the COVID 19 supply chain disruption. We would like to suggest 45 to 50 days to complete this project.” -“The Contractor shall deliver all items not later than 30 days after date of contract award: what does “after contract award” mean exactly? Or are you refering to “after contract sign”? Anyway, according our experience that time would be really tight for doing this kind of job succesfully. In addition, could that means only the deliver not the ending works?”

Answer: Please Refer to Amendment 2 of the solicitation. Delivery time has been modified to 60 days.

Question 42: All materials, equipment, and components, locally recognized brand, in new condition, with applicable manufacturer’s warranty: We always use new condition and guaranteed equipments and materials but one possibility we are analysing is delivering them from Spain but according to Panama technical specifications. Would be that possible?

Answer: Country of Origin Spain is acceptable, as long as contractor equals or exceeds the guarantee requirements and quality standards indicated in the RFQ.

Question 43: Include opening glass windows with screen for each unit: Are you considering any windows size in particular?

Answer: No particular size has been considered.

Question 44: Meet or exceed: fiber-cement floorboards with wood or faux wood finish. all floorboards will be of commercial grade and support a high volume of pedestrian traffic: In case we use container shipping 40” units also for option 1, could we keep the container original floor? It is an excellent wooden floor.

Answer: Yes

Question 45: Exterior frame fabricated with galvanized steel construction, with epoxy enamel coating, and “walls” fabricated with a mineral-based thermo-acoustic insulation material: In case we use container shipping 40” units for option 1, according our experience, keeping the original structure, sealing and painting it using base polyurethane products it would be enough. Inside, R-13 insulation layer would be applied. I suppose we have to offer outer and inner painting works… any particular colour?

Answer: Please provide the stated specification. Yes, the units should be painted in White.

Question 46: Specify number of leveling block per unit: In case we use container shipping 40” units for option 1, at least another level story could be added in future. For that, some reinforcement elements have to be mounted, also the stairs and maybe a walkway. The reinforcements could be done now or later (more expensive in later case). Would you like we add these reinforcements (for one level) as an option?

Answer: One level for the containers

Question 47: All electrical connections from the units to the main source of electrical power, inclusive of labor and materials: How far the main source is? How would you like to connect to the units… directly to the electrical panel or using a wall socket? Is there a pipe to drive the wires or they must be placed hanging? In this case should we offer this work?

Answer:

· How far the electrical panel: No more than 75 feet

· How connected: According to local code

· Is there a pipe to drive the wires or placed hanging: No

· In this case we should offer this work: yes

Question 48: Do we offer Air Conditioning as an option? Individually for each bedroom?

Answer: Yes, individually per bedroom

Question 49: Include opening glass windows with screen for each unit: Are you considering any windows size in particular?

Answer: No specific sizes for windows have been provided.

Question 50: Can you please share a google image of the installation site so we can check road accessibility?

Answer: The longitude/latitude is: N08 33.14 W78 01.16 to get a satellite map.

Question 51: Will the living quarters sit on the ground or should we plan to elevate them?

Answer: Please plan to elevate them.

Question 52: How far is the installation site from the main power supply?

Answer: No more than 75 feet

Question 53: How far is the installation site from the main water supply?

Answer: No more than 75 feet

Question 54: Who will handle Panamanian customs upon arrival?

Answer: The contractor.

Question 55: Regarding septic system, is the installation site near a creek or river? Answer: No

QUESTIONS RELATED TO OPTION 1:

Question 56: For the first Option, we would like to give you 2 proposals to choose from.

We would like to verify if the 10 bedrooms Fit inside (4) 40'x8'x8'6 Containers ?

Answer: Please refer to amendment 2, with an updated Option 1 layout.

Question 57: Please advise the preferred room sizes and/or space allotment for Option 1.

Answer: Bidders should propose the room sizes, complying with an end result of 10 rooms as indicated in the documents.

Question 58 If each unit is to have a window, it is to go by the entry door and look out onto the hallway? Or is the hallway no longer a requirement and each room’s entry door opens into the yard?

Answer: Yes, each unit is to have a window and look out onto the hallway.

Question 59: Are the hallways to be cooled/heated?

Answer: No. Preferred option has no hallways

Question 60: Does coaxial cable need run to the televisions shown on the floor plan?

Question 61: Does there need to be any data or phone outlets in the units?

Answer: Yes. We remind vendors just a basic data pass through for each container or temporary structure is needed

Question 62: What is the requested dimensions of the building and rooms?

Answer: Bidders should propose the room sizes, complying with an end result of 10 rooms as indicated in the documents.

Question 63: Related to Option 1 only: The foundations must withstand rain forest conditions (frequent rain, high humidity, and soft soil): In order to offer the best solution could be possible to get a soil test?

Answer: There is no soil test available for this site. The awarded contractor can

QUESTIONS RELATED TO OPTION 2:

Question 64: Do the exterior walls need to have the same mineral-based thermo-acoustic insulation material as in option 1?

Answer: Yes.

Question 65: Containers are not constructed from galvanized steel. Nor are they coated with epoxy. Coating with epoxy is not an issue. However galvanized steel is not possible. We suggest standard single use shipping containers?

Answer: Shipping container does not need to be galvanized.

Question 66: Related to Option 2, Eight three-bedroom, three- bathroom, 40-foot marine shipping container living units: Could be another kind of modular construction instead marine shipping containers?

Answer: Yes, other modular constructions, temporary structures may be offered, as long as they meet the conditions of the solicitation.

Question 67: installation site is firm and level: That means we don´t need to consider any foundation works?

Answer: Propose an off ground installation

Question 68: External doors: We suppose the same requirements for both options (not specified in Option 1).

Answer: Yes, in general the requirements of quality standards are the same. Please review each option and make sure to comply with the requirements for the option selected.

Question 69: Ventilation system: Also for option 1? (not specified).

Answer: yes.

Question 70: Waterproof flooring in the bathroom: Also for option 1? (not specified).

End of document.