2026-06-11 PN 2533105 ALF - Ph1 Early Site Bid RFI Responses (FOR REF ONLY).pdf

Confidential

RFI

Dwg/Spec

Category Question Response Date In Date Out

C001CS

Note 7

General Note 7 on Sheet C001CS states that all sediment and erosion control methods shall be installed before the start and of any excavation and/or demolition. The Site DWG Clarification file states that the GC shall obtain the SEC permit. Please confirm that the permit has been applied for and that the GC is only responsible to pay for the permit. If this is the case, please provide an allowance to carry for the cost of the permit. Please also provide an anticipated date that the permit will be ready.

Correct. Contractor is responsible for payment of permit per the specifications. Owner will apply for permit.

5/8/2026 5/14/2026

C001CS

Note 1

Demolition note 1 on C110DP states that the GC should remove the irrigation controller and install temporary wiring to keep existing irrigation to remain operational if it controls zones outside of the site. Additionally, irrigation lines are not shown on the plans and cannot be located in the field.

Since the extent of the irrigation impacted by the construction activities and the extent of temporary wiring to keep existing irrigation operational cannot be determined, please advise if an allowance can be provided for all bidders to carry.

Bid Addendum 1 includes shifting the permanent location of the irrigation backflow preventer and controller across Olmstead to allow demolition of on-site irrigation without impact to downstream irrigation.

5/8/2026 5/14/2026

C110DP

Note 2

Demolition note 2 on C110DP states that there may be additional site electric not delineated on this plan that shall be rerouted as a result of site/civil work. The site contractor shall perform a through survey and ensure all electrical and miscellaneous re routing have been captured in the bid. There is no way to determine the extent of this note during the bid phase. Please advise if an allowance can be provided for all bidders to carry.

No allowance. Unforeseen conditions will be addressed as defined in the specifications.

However, all clearly visible utilities shall be traced back to the source identify shutoff valves or disconnects to insure the sysems are off-line.

5/8/2026 5/14/2026

C130, C136, &

GE003CS

Sheets C130 through C136 are shown as for reference only on GE003CS, but do not contain a strike through on each sheet indicating that they are for reference only. Please confirm.

The Phase 1 - Early Site Drawing Clarifications provide the follwing note: Drawing provided for information only. Grading work shall be performed by the Phase 2 Above Grade Contractor.

5/8/2026 5/14/2026

C160UP

through

C166UP

There are keynotes on C160UP through C166UP that do not seem to apply to this phase of the project, or reference drawings not included. Examples are below. Please strike through or grayscale any keynotes that do not apply to this phase of the project, or provide the drawings that they reference if they are included

• W14 See plumbing for continuation. No plumbing provided

• W17 See fire protection for continuation. No fire protection provided

• W18 See plumbing for continuation. No plumbing provided

• W20 Hose Bib. See exhibit for details. No exhibit provided

• W21 Drinker. See exhibit for details. No exhibit provided

• W23 Pool Supply. See exhibit for details. No exhibit provided

• W24 Mechanical Equipment. See mechanical for details. No mechanical provided

• E1 no electrical plans provided

• E2 no electrical plans provided

• E3 no electrical plans provided

• E4 no electrical plans provided

• E5 Emergency Generator (no electrical plans provided)

• T1 No telecommunication plans provided

• G3 - See plumbing for continuation. No plumbing provided

Keynote E1, E2, and E3 will be addressed by providing Electrical Plans with the Phase 1

Addendum 01 package. The other keynotes are referring to Plumbing, Electrical, Fire

Protection, Exhibit, and Telecommunication scope that is being documented as part of the

Phase 2 Care Building and Habitat Package and will be installed by the Above Grade

Contractor

5/11/2026 5/14/2026

6 Specs Pg. 8 Can you please confirm if the superintendent dual hat as a SSHO? [Specs Pp. 8]

The superintrendent may serve as the safety manager for the project as long as the person meets the specified requirements for both positions.

5/11/2026 5/14/2026

2533105 RENEW ARABIAN LEOPARD FACILITY - PHASE 1 EARLY SITE

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

2533105 Construct Arabian Leopard Facility, RFIs 5/14/26 (Rev. 6/11/26) Page 1

Dwg/Spec

Category Question Response Date In Date Out

2533105 RENEW ARABIAN LEOPARD FACILITY - PHASE 1 EARLY SITE

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

Specs Pg. 101, Section 1.2 part B

Specs Pp101 – Section 1.2 part B - Contract Arborist. Is the contractor to engage the services of a professional arborist or does the Smithsonian responsible for engaging a professional arborist?

The Contractor shall engage a Certified Arborist to complete the drawing and specification requirements as well as any clarifications.

5/11/2026 5/14/2026

Specs Pg. 159, Section 1.2 part A

Specs Pg. 159 – Section 1.2 part A - Project to obtain LEED Gold certification. Can you please confirm if this pertain to this contract?

Yes, LEED is a requirement for this Early Package primarily associated with tracking waste dispoal

5/11/2026 5/14/2026

9 General Please confirm that all work marked “reference only” is excluded from this contract.

Confirmed. 5/11/2026 5/14/2026

10 Div 1000

Clarification notes indicate the GC shall obtain the SEC permit and transfer it to the Above Grade Contractor. Please clarify which contractor is financially responsible for permit maintenance after transfer and if the permit closeout remains with this contract or future contractor.

Permit maintenance and close out will be the responsiblity of the contractor holding the permit at the time of the action.

5/11/2026 5/14/2026

11 Div 1000

Clarification notes state all soil shall be considered “unclassified” and contractor shall provide off-site disposal and imported backfill. Please clarify whether contractors may reuse suitable excavated material onsite. What are disposal classification assumptions for bidding purposes?

Contractors can utilize the existing material if it meets the specification requirements. The material is unclassified.

5/11/2026 5/14/2026

Geotech Report

The geotechnical report identifies uncontrolled fill varying from less than 1 ft to 8 ft thick across the site. Please clarify anticipated quantity of unsuitable material under this contract?

All material is unclassified. The quantity of spoils relates to the Contractors means and methods for installing the work.

5/11/2026 5/14/2026

Geotech Report

Based on the geotechnical report please clarify whether undercut quantities should be included in base bid.

Unforeseen conditions will be addressed as defined in the specifications. 5/11/2026 5/14/2026

Geotech Report

Please clarify whether recompaction and replacement of unsuitable soils is anticipated below utility trenches or structures.

Unforeseen conditions will be addressed as defined in the specifications. 5/11/2026 5/14/2026

15 Div 1000 Please clarify whether a unit price schedule will be provided for undercut/export/import work.

Unforeseen conditions will be addressed as defined in the specifications. There will not be any unit prices for excavation and backfill

5/11/2026 5/14/2026

Geotech Report

Geotechnical report states groundwater was not encountered during borings; however, fluctuating conditions are possible. Please clarify whether temporary dewatering should be anticipated in base bid.

Ground water is not anticipated. Unforeseen conditions will be addressed as defined in the specifications.

5/11/2026 5/14/2026

17 General

Clarifications state that several utilities cannot be abandoned until the future Above Grade work is complete. Please clarify the Early Site Contractor is responsible for maintaining temporary service until the future contractor mobilizes. Also, please clarify if the temporary systems remain the property of the Early Site Contractor or are transferred to the future contractor.

Phase 1 Bid Addendum 1 permanently relocates all on-site utilities that previously required extended temporary relocations during Phase 1 and Phase 2 construction. Brief temporary rerouting may still be required to facilitate utility switchover to the new utility runs; however, once the switchover is complete, no further temporary rerouting shall be required. Any existing utility discovered in the field that must remain operational but requires demolition to facilitate the project, and for which no associated utility relocation scope is identified on the Utility Plan, shall not be removed without prior notification to and direction from the COTR.

5/11/2026

5/14/2026 & Updated on 5/26/2026

18 General

Clarification note states that the hydrant cannot be removed until operable replacement of the hydrant is installed. Please clarify which contractor installs the replacement hydrant and if the temporary fire protection systems are required. Are phased utility outages permitted?

The new hydrant shall be installed with the waterline by-pass as indicated on C 164 UP, note

22. No special phasing is required. The hydrant shall be ready to be pressurized when the new by-pass is pressurized and the old line abandoned.

5/11/2026 5/14/2026

19 General Multiple notes require salvaging benches, rails, sewer grates, drinking fountains, pavers, and miscellaneous site items. Please clarify that SI is responsible for the storage location.

SI will provide a location on the NZP Rock Creek property to relocate any salvaged materials. 5/11/2026 5/14/2026

Acoustic Narrative

Acoustic narrative recommends a temporary 15-foot-high acoustic barrier adjacent to Panda House. Please clarify whether noise monitoring is mandatory and if vibration monitoring instrumentation is required.

Noise monitoring, if required, will be performed by SI. No vibration monitoring required. The acoustic barrier is mandatory - bidders should carry an allowance in the amount of $350,000.

This allowance will include cost of partition, installation, material, labor and all contractor associated markups. The allowance will be processed as a standard change order upon costs being equitably determined.

5/11/2026 5/14/2026

2533105 Construct Arabian Leopard Facility, RFIs 5/14/26 (Rev. 6/11/26) Page 2

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Category Question Response Date In Date Out

2533105 RENEW ARABIAN LEOPARD FACILITY - PHASE 1 EARLY SITE

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

21 Div 1000 Please clarify whether third-party monitoring consultants are owner-provided or contractor-provided.

Vibration monitoring is not required. If noise monitoring is performed, it will be provided by the Smithsonian

5/11/2026 5/14/2026

22 Div 1000 Please clarify if work stoppages may be mandated based on animal sensitivity.

Yes. 5/11/2026 5/14/2026

23 Div 1000

Contract documents require maintaining a 6-10 foot pedestrian path at all times along Olmsted Walk, Asia Trail, and Panda Trail. Please clarify if temporary closures are ever permitted and if there are anticipated Zoo block out dates of events?

See updated note 23 on drawing C 001 CS. Temporary closures will be required for material delivery and handling. All temporary closures shall be coordinated with the COTR. There are no blockout dates anticipated.

5/11/2026 5/14/2026

24 Div 1000 Temporary Traffic Control Scope, please clarify if the flaggers, or dedicated pedestrian control personnel are required.

The contractor shall provide a safety and traffic control plan per the specifications. 5/11/2026 5/14/2026

25 Div 1000

In the context of existing utility accuracy please clarify whether utility conflicts identified during construction qualify for change order consideration. This is in reference to the text, “Existing utilities shown are approximate.”

Unforeseen conditions will be addressed as defined in the specifications. 5/11/2026 5/14/2026

Geotech Report

Geotechnical report recommends micropiles for enclosure foundations.

Please whether micropile work is excluded from this Early Site Package.

Micro piles and other strucutral foundation work is excluded from phase 01 and will be performed in phase 02.

5/11/2026 5/14/2026

27 General Please clarify scope responsibility for waterline A bypass, Western storm bypass, Sanitary bypass beneath new building, and Temporary irrigation bypass.

Contractor is responsible for constructing the water line, storm water, sanitary, electrical duct bank, and irrigation controller/associated infrastructure per phase 01 contract documents, addendum 01 and clarifications. These will all be the permanent relocation, not temporary bypasses.

5/11/2026 5/14/2026

28 General Clarification notes state irrigation bypass details will be provided later.

Please clarify whether bidders should include an allowance.

Irrigation Scope is now shown on the Civil Drawings and Irrigation Drawings in the Ph 01 Addendum 01 Package.

5/11/2026 5/14/2026

29 General Several clarifications state structures will be “set to grade” by future Above Grade Contractor. Please clarify whether this contractor should leave structures rough-set. What is the required elevation tolerance at turnover?

Manholes and utilities relocations on Olmstead or Asia Trail will be set to hit an existing elevation that is not changing. Manholes and other utilities not on Olmsted walk or Asia Trail shall be set to within +/-0.02 feet of the final elevation. This work will be coordinated in the field.

5/11/2026 5/14/2026

30 Div 1000 Please clarify the responsibility for temporary stabilization/protection of structures awaiting future adjustment.

Contractor shall be responsible for any damage caused by the execution of thier work per the specifications and drawings.

5/11/2026 5/14/2026

C001CS

Note 7

Follow up on RFI #1 response dated 5/14/26.

- How much should contractor carry for payment of DC ESC permit?

- Who will maintain the requirements of the ESC permit between phases?

- Will the owner assume responsibilities once work of phase 1 is complete until phase 2 starts?

- If GC is to maintain ESC requirements between phases, how much time is expected between phase 1 completion and mobilization of phase 2?

- Contractor shall carry a $7000 allowance.

- The phase one general contractor is expected to maintain the erosion control until contract substantial completion.

- There will be no gap between contracts. The above grade contractor will be mobilized as the below grade contractor is completing punchlist and demobilizing.

5/22/2026 5/26/2026

32 ED-100SP

The addendum 1 clarifications document note for sheet ED-100SP is cut off mid sentence. Please clarify the note stating to submit a coordinated plan showing the temporary generator location, cable routing, operational requirements, etc. and confirm if this was to be shown on this sheet. The sizing of the generator can not be determined with out load information for the building it is serving. The location of the generator would also need to be shown to determine cable lengths.

Electrical Contractor to coordinate with SI and submit a coordinated plan showing the temporary generator location, cable routing, operational requirements, and any additional information to be performed prior to shut down. The temporary generator sizing shall be determined before demolition of existing ductbank by surveying and confirming all feeder feeding from the existing Manhole MV-LV-7 feeding all existing buildings and determined the exact load required at each affected building.

A 56kw diesel generator with an ultra-quite enclosure should be adequate for powering the existing building panels while the new service is connected. At the Contractor’s options, the building power can be switch over at one time transferring all three panels at once or sequentially, switching one building service at a time.

6/2/2026 6/4/2026

2533105 Construct Arabian Leopard Facility, RFIs 5/14/26 (Rev. 6/11/26) Page 3

Dwg/Spec

Category Question Response Date In Date Out

2533105 RENEW ARABIAN LEOPARD FACILITY - PHASE 1 EARLY SITE

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

E-600SH &

E-100SP

The electrical one line diagram on Sheet E-600SH shows removal and replacement of feeders 1A, 2A, and 3A back to source, however drawing E- 100SP indicates these feeders stopping at an existing unnamed manhole.

Please confirm where these feeders are to terminate. If they are to terminate back to the source, please provide the location on the electrical plan in order to determine feeder lengths and also confirm pathways are existing to remain from the unnamed manhole to the source.

As shown on sheet E-600SH detail #1 (Existing electrical one line/riser diagram SWBD ‘PH' demolition) dashed lines indicate the feeders 1A, 2A and 3A that shall be replaced/demolished back to source. All approximate distances obtained from the existing drawings are also shown in the same detail in addition to the source.

- Per existing drawings feeders 1A and 2A have an approximate 330’ and they are fed from the existing 400A panelboard named ‘Concession/Restroom’. The exact location of the ‘Concession/Restroom’ panelboard is unknown. However, is expected to be near the Panda House main electrical room.

- Feeders 3A has an approximate 390’ and it’s been fed from the existing 800A SWBD ‘MDP’.

The exact location of the ‘MDP’ SWBD is unknown. However, existing drawings indicate that ‘MDP’ SWBD is located at the Panda House main electrical room.

Due to the new route of the ductbank from the ‘Concession/Restroom’ panelboard and the ‘MDP’ SWBD to the existing manhole 'LV-7' we added about 60’ of additional feeder. This new additional feeder length is shown in the voltage drop calculation sheet E-601SH.

However, electrical contractor should survey and confirm the exact length.

6/2/2026 6/4/2026

34 E600-SH

On Drawing E600-SH it is unclear if 1B, 2B, and 3B are existing to remain and being spliced to feeders 1A, 2A, and 3A in existing manhole LV-7 or if they are new. IF they are new, please provide locations and confirm if pathways are existing.

All new feeders from ‘Concession/Restroom’ panelboard shown as 1A and 2A in addition to the new feeders from ‘MDP’ SWBD shown as 3A to the existing manhole ‘LV-7’ should be spliced at the existing manhole ‘LV-7’ with the existing feeders 1B, 2B and 3B respectively.

6/2/2026 6/4/2026

35 RFI #33

The response to RFI 033 did not address if the conduits from the existing manhole to the source are existing to remain. Please confirm.

Existing conduits that are outside the limit of disturbance shall be capped and abandoned in place. Existing conduits underneath Olmstead walk shall also be abandoned.

6/5/2026 6/5/2026

36 RFI #33 & 35

Feeder schedule on Detail 2/E600 shows feeders 1A, 2A, 3A as 350S which corresponds to 4#500KCMIL + 1#3 G, 4” conduit. RFI 033 states the feeders are to continue to the source, but did not address if the pathways are existing to remain. RFI 035 states to abandon the conduits outside of the LOD, which would eliminate the pathway for these feeders to the source from the existing manhole. Please confirm that these existing conduits are to remain and be used to provide a pathway for feeders 1A, 2A, and 3A to their respective source from the existing manhole. New conduits are not shown on the site plan even though the feeder schedule on E600 states a 4” conduit. Please note, new conduits would be outside of the LOD.

The conduits are existing to remain and to be reused. 6/5/2026 6/5/2026

37 None provided Please confirm that the electrical contractor under Phase 1 is to provide an 800A Distribution Panel. The bid package does not have panelboard specs or a panel schedule on the drawings.

800A Distribution panelboard to be provided in phase 2. Specs for panelboards will be provided as part of phase 2.

6/8/2026 6/10/2026

38 None provided Please confirm that the electrical contractor is to provide manhole grounding.

Yes, refer to sheet E-503DT for manhole details. 6/8/2026 6/10/2026

39 None provided Please confirm that a docking station is to be provided under Phase 1. If it is required, provide us with pertinent specs

Docking Station not required in phase 1. Phase 1 contractor shall validate temporary power requirements for outages associated with phase 1 electrical switchover from existing to new electrical feeders and provide temporary equipment and generator/s necessary for powering impacted facilities during the duration of the outage/s.

6/8/2026 6/10/2026

40 C110DP

The early site clarification document for sheet C110DP note for legend hatch states that “the domestic water line that supplies the new building will not be installed under this contract. Reduce LOD”. While no utilities are shown on C110DP, the water line serving the new building is still shown on C163UP. Please confirm if this water line is to be installed.

Confirmed - water line to new building to be installed by phase 2 contractor and NIC for phase

1. LOD on C163UP can be reduced accordingly.

6/9/2026 6/10/2026

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Category Question Response Date In Date Out

2533105 RENEW ARABIAN LEOPARD FACILITY - PHASE 1 EARLY SITE

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

41 C110DP

The early site clarification document for sheet C110DP note “NEW COMMENT Note 6 include demolition and removal of the entire interior to include all steel cages or steel restraints related to animal programs. The addendum 1 sheet C110DP note 6 was not updated to state this. Please confirm which document is to be followed.

Early site clarification document dated May 12, 2026 to be followed. 6/9/2026 6/10/2026

42 C112DP

The early site clarification document for sheet C112DP note 29 states that “the sanitary bypass will be installed as part of the early release package and demolished once complete. The expanded note added via the addendum is not correct.” The note 29 on C112DP of the addendum 1 document does not address the bypass, however pre bid RFI 27 states that all bypasses are permanent and not to be removed at the end of phase 1.

Please confirm which document is correct .

This is an exception to response to RFI 37. A temporary bypass for sanitary to service panda and panda overlook may be required when connecting new sanitary loop, unless contractor can perform sanitary loop connection within an approved shutdown duration, as approved by the COTR.

6/9/2026 6/10/2026

43 C112DP

The early site clarification document for sheet C112DP note 19 states that eh existing drinking fountain shall be salvaged and turned over to the COTR for reinstallation by the above grade contractor. However, the actual note 19 on the addendum 1 document states to remove and replace this drinking fountain. Please confirm which document is to be followed. If a new drinker is required, please provide a specification with a manufacturer and model number.

Drinking fountain shall be removed and provided to SI. New drinking fountain will be procured and installed by phase 2 contractor.

6/9/2026 6/10/2026

C165, C166, C210, C211, C212, C216, C217, C218, C525

The early site clarification document states that sheets C165, C166, C210, C211, C212, C216, C217, C218, C525 are all provided for information only, however it appears that these sheets have scope to be performed as part of the below grade project. Please confirm.

Please include any overlapping scope that is clearly deliniated in other drawings communicating Phase 1 scope. These drawings were provided to offer more context and are not intended to add scope beyond what what was communicated in the early site clarification document or other phase 1 sheets or specs for bid.

6/9/2026 6/10/2026

45 C112DP

Please clarify which utilities shown on C112DP are to be removed by the underground contractor. Are all utilities shown on this sheet to be removed, or only those for which a bypass is being installed.

All existing utilities inside the LOD are to be demolished after they are disconnected and made safe. There are a few utilities that will require a new by-pass and rerouting before the existing can be demolished.

6/11/2026 6/11/2026

2533105 Construct Arabian Leopard Facility, RFIs 5/14/26 (Rev. 6/11/26) Page 5