Elwood IL RFI 03.26.25.pdf

Elwood, IL RFI - 03/26/2025

1. Permits and inspections are mentioned throughout the specification. We normally obtain our approvals of work plans, materials, methods, etc. from the FAA based on FAA standards. Please confirm that no local permits will be required for this work.

None that I am aware of, although each local jurisdiction has their own sets of requirements and specifications for contractors to perform work legally. The FAA expects the prime contractor to meet those requirements whatever they me. As for the FAA, we would do our own vetting as well before the contract is awarded to you.

2. The lighting layout in the storage room adjacent to the Office at the North end of the building shows the new lights be installed in a different orientation than the existing lights. Can we install the new lights in the same orientation as the existing lights to avoid rework of the ceiling grid?

Yes, as long as the room has sufficient illumination.

3. If the answer to question 13 is, “No”, should we plan to replace the ceiling grid completely in the storage space adjacent to the office?

No, you should not have to, just re-arrangement as practical.

4. The lighting layout in the Maintenance Room at the top of the tower shown in the drawings appears to be different than the actual layout. It appears the new layout shown on the drawings will cause conflicts with existing conditions. Please confirm that the intent in this area is to install the new lights in the same location as the existing lights.

The intent is to replace existing fluorescent lights with LED lights. Configuration can remain the same or altered slightly based on field conditions as applicable.

5. The drawings specify “security” wires bonded to fence posts at intervals not to exceed 100ft. Discussions onsite indicated that there is no existing security system attached to the fence. Is this wiring part of the requirement? If so, can you clarify the scope of work?

Must be a typo, what you are describing sounds like bonding grounding wires from security fence posts to ground rods.

6. While onsite it was indicated that the existing fence has a counterpoise installed. A new counterpoise is not indicated on the drawings. Please confirm that a new counterpoise is not required.

Leave the existing counterpoise in place and bond the new fence ground rods to it.

7. If a counterpoise exists, it is likely that pulling the posts for the existing fence will damage the counterpoise. Please confirm that the intention is to install a system that will not utilize a counterpoise, and that it will be acceptable to abandon the existing counterpoise in place.

The new counterpoise should be protected in place and re-used for the new fence. If damaged during demolition, the damaged portion will be replaced to the satisfaction of the FAA resident engineer at no additional cost to the client.

8. If the existing ground rods can be salvaged, is it acceptable to re-use the existing rods and install new to meet the max 100’ distance between rods indicated in the drawings?

No, the existing ground rods should not be salvaged, unless approved by the FAA resident engineer indicating that they still have useful life (have not deteriorated overtime).

9. Please confirm that GPRS of the entire fence perimeter, inside and out, is required prior to performing any work.

Yes, a third party GPR is required anywhere near excavation is expected to the extent practical.

10. The spec requires an erosion and sediment control plan. Is the extent of this scope to install a silt fence on the east side of the existing fence prior to work being performed to avoid impacting the existing drainage ditch, and to cover any stormwater inlets with burlap and sandbags?

Yes, this scope of work is intended to protect already existing controls, such as that ditch by the gate and south of the facility there is another drainage culvert.

Since this project involves excavations, it could end up hindering those, plus the curb along south Rowell Rd.

11. The concrete spec indicates a 4000psi mix, the drawings indicate a 3000psi mix.

Please confirm which requirement is applicable.

3000 Psi mix is acceptable

12. We did not see a wage determination for an electrician in the Wage Determination released with the SIR. Can you confirm the wage rate for an electrician for this project?

An updated Wage Determination has been attached. IL20250001 as of 03/21/2025

13. Scope of work refers contractor to consult on site rep / RE on how to handle soil excavated for footings. Can contractor store on site or is the soil to be hauled away and consider waste?

All waste resulted from construction activities is the prime contractor’s responsibility to haul off site, site should be restored to original conditions or better, there should be no piles of any kind on the ground or buried. And since we are removing existing footings for the old fence, there should not be any soil left for this project. RE will be there for FAA quality control, but they do not replace the prime contractor’s quality control.

14. Is a GES/ohms test necessary for all grounding rods installed around perimeter?

No, it is not required, test points should be selected randomly around the fence.

If the results lead to require testing of each ground rod, then we might go there but this is not typical.