Solicitation QA 1-24-2024.docx

1/24/2024 Project 660-22-108 Replace Propane Tanks Solicitation Q&A

1. Will the prime contractor be required to have a separate SSHO for this project, or can the SSHO work on multiple projects?

Response: The prime contractor is required to have a separate SSHO for this project. The SOW states: “In order to comply with above, please do NOT bid for same SSHO that would or would potentially cover multiple projects on the campus.” Also see the specifications section 01 35 26, paragraph 1.7 “Site Safety and Health Officer” (SSHO) and “Competent Person” (CP).

2. Is the SSHO required to be onsite full time with no other duties?

Response: Yes. See the specifications section 01 35 26, paragraph 1.7 “Site Safety and Health Officer” (SSHO) and “Competent Person” (CP) – C. “The SSHO has to be a separate qualified individual from the Prime Contractor’s Superintendent and/or Quality Control Manager with duties only as the SSHO.”

3. Does the CQCM have to be on site full time?

Response: Yes. Please review specification section 01 45 00 Quality Control, regarding the CQC System Manager. Specifically, section 1.4.

4. Can the CQCM be the Superintendent?

Response: Yes. Please review specification section 01 45 00 Quality Control regarding the CQC System Manager. Specifically, sections, 1.4 & 3.2.

5. Can the Superintendent be the SSHO and CQCM?

Response: No. Please review the SOW and specification section 01 35 26, section 1.7.

6. Is this a design build project?

Response: It was planned as a construction project, however, some design may be needed.

7. Is this a design/bid/build project?

Response: No. It was planned as a construction project, however, some design may be needed.

8. Is the contractor allowed to remove the chain link fence to gain access to the project location?

Response: Yes. The SOW states: “The contractor will need to remove a section of the surrounding fence to perform the work. The contractor shall replace the fence that was removed with an equal or better fence. During construction, the contractor shall provide a temporary construction area fence.”

9. Will the VA be responsible for moving equipment around the project location?

Response: The VA will relocate portable equipment outside the fenced area as necessary. The Contractor must communicate in advance with the COR, and work with Maintenance & Operations via the COR.

10. Can this work be done during normal business hours?

Response: Yes. The SOW states: “The work shall be done during normal business hours of Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Any work outside these hours will require an advance written request from the contractor to the COR, and approval by the COR in writing. Requests shall be submitted a minimum of 1 week in advance.”

11. Does the contractor need to provide temporary construction fencing when a section of the chain link fence is removed?

Response: Yes, temporary fencing controls during construction are required. The SOW states: “During construction, the contractor shall provide a temporary construction area fence.”

12. What will be the process to have a crane on site?

Response: Refer to the specifications for Crane requirements. See 01 35 26 SAFETY REQUIRMENTS– 1.19 CRANES.

13. Does the shoring need to be engineered?

Response: Response: All excavation work, to include the protective systems shall be OSHA approved. Any bracing needed shall be approved by a Professional Engineer P.E. registered in Utah.

14. What kind of dewatering will be required for this location?

Response: See the specifications, Section 31 23 19 DEWATERING, for details.

15. Does the VA have a soils report for this project?

Response: No Geotech reports were found for this exact area, however, the VA has some older Geotech reports from other areas on the campus.

16. Is there any asbestos or lead paint on this project?

Response: It’s unlikely, however, is not known for sure. If the contractor comes across any potential asbestos containing material, the contractor shall promptly notify the COR of a, “Differing Site Condition.”

17. Will the contractor need to figure in winter protection for this project?

Response: Yes.

18. Will there be any contaminated soil that will need to be hauled off?

Response: We are not aware of any contamination around the propane tanks. Refer to specifications section 02 65 00 Underground Storage Tank Removal, for details about soil testing and removal. Inspecting & testing is required by the contractor. “Collect appropriate amount of soil samples from UST excavation area after tank removal.” Contaminated Soil Removal, if encountered, will be a, “Differing Site Condition.”

19. Section 26 42 00 cathodic protection Part 1 – General references the use of galvanic cathodic protection for these tanks. However, the recently installed (8-28-2021) cathodic protection system is a rectifier based impressed current system. Both of these type systems are acceptable for cathodic protection of STIP3 tanks, per Steel Tank Institute. We would recommend utilizing the existing cathodic protection rectifier (once verified for proper operation) and complete an Impressed Cathodic Protection System Design (for the anode ground-bed location, quantity, material, etc.) and installation to properly protect these assets.

Response: That is allowable.

20. How much of the chain link fence are we able to remove?

Response: The minimum amount necessary. Please submit the contractor’s proposal plan to the COR for review/approval.

21. Item C under basic outline of work asks for the existing tanks to be inspected for Structural Integrity and check to see if the outer coating can receive a 10 year warranty. Why are these items needed if the tanks are supposed to be removed and demolished under the Scope of Work instructions?

Response: This is a mistake in the SOW. It should say, “C. The contractor shall bring in trained personal to test the new tanks for structural integrity and to make sure the outer coating has not been degraded. The outer coating shall have a 30-year warranty. The SOW has been revised.

22. The scope of work states the aboveground piping/pumps on the skid is to be removed and reinstalled over the new tanks. Item D in the outline of work states that all piping and pumps are to be replaced with new. Please clarify if new material is required or reinstalling the existing items.

Response: The SOW has been revised to state: “The aboveground piping/pumps will need to be disconnected, and temporarily removed during demolition and installation of the two new propane tanks. The piping is on skids which will all need to be put back into place upon installation of the new underground propane tanks.” Also, according to O&M the piping & pumps were replaced during the addition of the 3rd propane tank. They were purposefully put on skids so they could be moved for this next phase of construction and reinstalled when complete.

23. Outline item E states that a maximum down time of 4 hours is allowed on the fuel line to the boiler plant. Please clarify which line this is referring to and how to accomplish this since the tanks and piping will be removed in more than a month.

Response: If the entire propane system needs to be down for more than 4 hours, please notify the COR a minimum of 21 days in advance and we will work with M&O to do a risk assessment ahead of time. The system is more critical in the winter months, so the VA may be more flexible with this during the warmer months of the year. Hopefully the 3rd (West) propane tank will be operational during replacement of the other two tanks.

24. Is the correct specification for the propane tanks, 23 10 00 FACILITY FUEL SYSTEMS? If not, please provide the correct specification section.

Response: Yes, the specification can apply to underground propane tanks also. Please also see specification section 23 11 23 for facility gas piping. We will also add specification section 23 21 11 for gas pressure regulators, and meter stations.

25. The requirement to backfill with sand for a minimum of 2-ft around the tank leaves little to no space for any flowable fill backfill. Is it acceptable to backfill 100% with sand?

Response: Yes. Any alternatives for backfill, shall be submitted to the COR in writing as a Submittal for review/approval. We just need to make sure it meets the specifications, and the tank manufacturers requirements. Some companies now recommend to use sand, or a stone dust instead of a flowable fill.

26. Is the Contractor to provide a certified storm water inspector? 8. Is the contractor to provide the SWPP?

Response: Yes. Yes. The revised SOW now states: “A Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) permit is required to be provided to the COR and kept on-site. Regardless of project size or proximity to surface water, due to proximity to Red Butte Creek the Contractor shall file a Notice of Intent (NOI) and obtain coverage for the project under the Utah Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (UPDES) General Permit for Storm Water Discharge from Construction Activities (CGP). A “Low Erosivity Waiver (LEW) Certification” for this project is not acceptable. The Contractor shall provide a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) prepared by a “qualified SWPPP writer”, as defined in the UPDES CGP. The Contractor shall provide a “qualified person” as defined in UPDES CGP to conduct weekly inspections of the project and provide weekly inspection reports to the COR. Any deficiencies noted during weekly inspections shall be verbally reported immediately to the COR and in writing within 2 hours. The Contractor shall install and maintain any erosion and sediment controls and pollution prevention Best Management Practices (BMPs) described in the SWPPP to prevent the discharge of pollutants to surface water. Upon completion of the project and approval from the COR, the Contractor shall file a Notice of Termination (NOT) with Utah DEQ to cease coverage under the UPDES CGP.”

27. Can the VA use up the propane that is left in the one tank or does the contractor need to have a company reclaim it?

Response: The VA can use up most of the propane ahead of time, however, there will be a residual amount left that will need to be pumped out or flamed off by the contractor/sub.

28. Is the contractor to include in the price to fill the two new tanks?

Response: Yes. This will be added to the SOW.

29. It stated in the SOW to replace pumps. Does this include the motors also?

Response: The existing pumps/motors are fairly new, so the VA does not see a need to replace them at this time, however, if the contractor damages them, then they need to be replaced.

30. Are all the controls in place to tie in the new tanks? If not, what is needed and does it need to be ran to the pump house or back to the Boiler Plant?

Response: The new propane tanks will require level sensors, and gas leak detectors, etc. The existing sensors should be evaluated, salvaged, and re-used on the new tanks, if possible. If communication/electrical needs to be ran, then it would go to the panel in the outdoor propane shed.

31. What sensors are needed on the tanks?

Response: Level sensors and gas leak detectors, etc. The new propane tanks will require level sensors, and gas leak detectors, etc. The existing sensors should be evaluated, salvaged, and re-used on the new tanks, if possible. Or new can be provided with the new tanks.

32. Does all work in the propane yard need to be explosion proof?

Response: Yes. All electrical shall meet Class 1, Div II National Electric Code (NFPA 70), and be explosion proof.

33. Is the 30,000 gallons of propane that’s in the existing tank enough for the VA back-up requirements or does there need to be additional back-up propane on site?

Response: It should be okay temporarily during the summer(warmer months) when less heat is needed. We do need all (3) tanks to meet the VA backup requirement. We will definitely need the additional 30,000 gallons onsite backup during the winter months. A risk assessment would need to be done by the VA to determine for sure.

34. Does the VA have any drawings for the project?

Response: No, except for the details at the end of the SOW. The VA does however, have As-Built drawings of the new propane tank (west) that was installed a few years back. These can be provided to the contractor upon Award.

35. Please confirm shoring requirements for the propane tanks removal & replacement?

Response: In regards to shoring, all excavation shall be OSHA approved. In addition, any bracing needed shall be approved by a Professional Engineer P.E. registered in the state of Utah. Shoring designs shall be submitted to the COR as a Submittal for approval prior to starting construction.

36. Please confirm the fill around the tanks is to be a flowable slurry fill per specification section 31 23 23.33.

Response: The SOW states: “When installing the new propane tanks, sand and flowable fill shall be used to backfill.” Any alternatives for backfill, shall be submitted to the COR in writing as a Submittal for review/approval. We just need to make sure it meets the specifications, and the tank manufacturers requirements. Some companies now recommend to use sand, or a stone dust instead of a flowable fill.

37. Please provide coating requirements for the new tanks?

Response: The SOW states: “The outer coating shall protect the Underground Storage Tank (UST) from moisture & corrosion and have a minimum of a 30-year warranty.” The contractor shall submit a submittal on the coating with application and performance data as stated in the specifications. Also see section 23 10 00 of the specs:

“D. Factory Applied Exterior Corrosion Protection Systems: Steel Tank Institute (STI) ACT-100 steel/FRP composite (STI F894) ACT-100-U urethane coating (STI F961) STI P3 coating/cathodic protection (STI F841 technology). Tank shall be labeled to indicate compliance. Provide signed holiday test results. Provide STI standard limited 30-year warranty against internal and external corrosion penetrating the tank.”

38. Please confirm the tank requirements are to conform to NFPA 58 and not NFPA 30 as mentioned in spec section 23 10 00 – 10, Part 2 - Products 2.1, Item B line item #2. FYI AFPA 30 is a spec for diesel style tank and not a pressure sensitive tank?

Response: Yes, tank requirements shall conform to NFPA 58, the “Liquiefied Petroleum Gas Code.” The project shall also conform to NFPA 54, the “National Fuel Gas Code.”

The SOW states: “The contractor shall adhere to NFPA 58, NFPA 54, along with all other required codes & standards. Use dielectric flanges to minimize corrosion. Any Electrical shall meet Class 1, Div II National Electric Code (NFPA 70), and be explosion proof. The new LPG vessel(s) shall be designed, constructed, and installed to ASME, Section VIII, Division I and NFPA 58 “Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code” underground stationary use. Minimum spacing between propane tanks shall be 5 feet. The propane tanks shall be 50 feet away from any building, or property line. “

39. Please advise on the required density of the rubber pad required per detail 9 on sheet 11/75 figure 4 – Tank Detail.

Response: This will be determined by the Tank Manufacturer and submitted to the Government by the contractor as a submittal.

40. How much of the piping needs to be replaced, to outside of the fiberglass stacks seems unnecessary at least or if not to the shutoff valves before Tank #3?

Response: Not known.

41. What was the last backfill on the 3rd reserve tank?

Response: Sand & Flowable Fill

42. New replacement pump? Do you have an actual pump requirement, i.e. output performance, power requirements?

Response: We should not need to replace the existing pumps in the propane yard, unless they are damaged by the contractor. Both pumps are fairly new from a previous project.

43. Bid Date: Can you please extend the due date due to Holidays, & 2nd Site Visit?

Response: Yes, please see contracting’s amendments. Site visit occurred.

44. Please provide an SDS for the contents of the tanks. This will be necessary for disposal after cleaning.

Response: The SDS is attached. The contractor will most likely need to flare-off the residual propane from the tank.

45. Sub Grade: The tank manufacturer would be supplying pre-cast concrete saddles. Can the lower concrete be eliminated wit the add of extra sand and/or rock?

Response: No. The contractor is however, encouraged to submit alternate designs to the COR as a Submittal for review during the Submittal phase. These would need to have proper engineering and manufacturers approval. For Example, need to show that the saddles would prevent sinking, or lifting (buoyancy), etc.

46. Soils Report: Can we use the soils report that was supplied for the fuel tank demo project?

Response: No. After talking to our Environmental Division, they said no.

47. Please provide more details on what testing is required on the existing tank’s structural integrity and exterior coating per note C.

Response: This is a mistake in the SOW. It should say, “C. The contractor shall bring in trained personal to test the new tanks for structural integrity and to make sure the outer coating has not been degraded. The outer coating shall have a 30-year warranty. The SOW has been revised.

48. Soils report(s) may need to be provided to produce a responsible estimating fee for the engineering of the shoring system. Pile and Plate is the recommended system and embedment for the piles will need to be established for budgeting and constructability.

Response: A Geotechnical Exploration Report Dated March of 2023 was completed with two test pits in the gravel parking lot at the Valor House, which is nearby the propane yard. This could be provided to the contractor after award for reference.