Bakersfield Pre-Bid RFIs-2 .docx

Pre-Bid RFI’s [Sol. No.36C7862B0029:] – [Bakersfield National Cemetery Expansion] Question/Clarification

BQ RFI 001.

GI001 and the General Requirements assign existing roadway pavement repairs to Bid Option 2, while CP101 identifies the work as Bid Option 3. Please confirm by addendum that all work shown on CP101—including crack sealing, seal coat, pavement repair, curb replacement, traffic control, lighting, and pavement markings—is priced under Bid Option 2, or provide a marked scope split between options.

RESPONSE: Pavement improvements to be under Bid Option 2.

If Government water is unavailable, confirm whether off-site water and hauling are required and identify the approved source.

RESPONSE: Government does not provide water.

BQ RFI 003

CJ501 contains an incomplete reference to 'sheet #####,' cites WVDOH Class B concrete and New Mexico DOT riprap, and requires contractor PE/geotechnical verification for the permanent SW1/SW2 works without complete design criteria or acceptance authority. Please issue corrected governing details and California-applicable material standards. Confirm whether SW1/SW2 are fully designed Government work or delegated design. If delegated, provide design loads, hydraulic criteria, geotechnical parameters, factors of safety, submittal/review duration, permit authority, and limits of the contractor engineer's design and certification responsibility.

RESPONSE:

Detail 1 and 4 on CJ501, note 1 should refer to note 2(B), and note 2 should state “Contractor shall submit structural design shop drawings of riser structure stamped by a licensed professional engineer to COR for approval prior to fabrication”. Structures are to be pre-cast, cast-in-place note to be removed from plan. Note 2H shall state rip-rap shall meet the requirements of California Department of Transportation.

Amended drawings to be provided for construction.

BQ RFI 004

Two nitrate-treatment systems must achieve a stated outlet target and interface with existing softeners, meters, drains, power, controls, and piping, but the bid documents do not provide a warranted influent-water envelope or complete acceptance-test protocol. Please provide certified influent-water analyses and the design range for nitrate, hardness, TDS, iron/manganese, temperature, pressure, and peak/continuous flow. Define resin/vessel sizing basis, regeneration/backwash volume and disposal acceptance, utility capacities, sampling points, test duration, laboratory method, and pass/fail criteria. Confirm performance outside the stated influent/utility envelope is not contractor risk.

RESPONSE: Refer to updated specification section 22 31 11 and refer to PP101 coded note 2. System shall be sized for 75 gpm and shall use an anion exchange filter resin.

BQ RFI 005

Six tensioned membrane panels are shown for replacement, but no dedicated membrane specification or basis-of-design defines fabric properties, loading, attachments, tensioning, color, warranty, engineering responsibility, or compatibility with the existing stainless frame. Existing attachment/frame conditions are partly concealed. Please provide the basis-of-design membrane system and performance criteria, including wind/rain loads, material/coating, color, attachment/tensioning details, field measurement, delegated engineering, review duration, watertightness test, and warranty. Confirm concealed deterioration or required frame/member/connection replacement beyond shown repairs will be handled as a change.

Response: Please refer to the specification section 10 73 13 Fabric Skylights.

BQ RFI 006

CD103 directs coordination of telecom-box relocation with the utility provider, but it does not identify the provider, contracting party, fees, design lead time, outage restrictions, or responsibility for provider-caused delay. Please identify the telecom owner/provider and confirm whether the Government or Contractor will execute and pay the provider agreement. Provide the required relocation design, contact, application status, estimated lead time, and outage window. Confirm provider fees and delays beyond the disclosed baseline are compensable and receive schedule relief when not caused by Contractor.

RESPONSE: Indicated telecom box does not require relocation but adjustment to finished grade within new roadway. Coordination with telecom provider (AT&T) is not anticipated. Fees, design lead time, outage restrictions, and provider agreements are not anticipated to be needed.

BQ RFI 007

The new irrigation work must tie into and modify an operating existing system while coordinating shutdowns with cemetery maintenance. Existing flow/pressure, controller/two-wire condition, valve operability, and allowable outage durations are not warranted. Please provide current irrigation as-builts, available static/dynamic pressure and flow, controller/decoder inventory, recent operational test records, approved shutdown windows, and owner response time for inspections. Confirm failed or undocumented existing components, insufficient existing capacity, and owner-directed shutdown/resequencing beyond the stated baseline are changes, not contractor repair responsibility.

RESPONSE: The as built drawings are available and will be provided after award.

BQ RFI 008

Working and storage space is limited to areas shown or subsequently approved by the RE/COR, while the work requires RE Trailer, Contractor Trailer, laydown, heavy equipment, unloading and staging crypts, columbarium units, Government-furnished covers, aggregates, and lifting equipment. Please identify the staging, delivery, unloading, crane-access, employee-parking, and material-storage areas that will be continuously available. Confirm the designated areas will remain available through crypt and columbarium installation and are suitable for anticipated loads. If the Government reduces, relocates, or phases an approved staging area, confirm resulting rehandling, additional mobilization, temporary surfacing, restoration, and schedule impacts will be treated as a change.

RESPONSE: The area that shown on the Bid Document will be available until end of project.

Question/Clarification

Please verify the access route to the new landscape areas located between Sections 15 & 16 and Sections 16 & 17, as shown on sheet LP101 Landscape Overall Plan.

RESPONSE: Construction access to the landscape areas between existing burial sections 15 & 16 and 16 & 17 should be via the existing and/or refurbished gravel/dirt cemetery operations road plan-west of the burial sections (as seen on sheet LP101). Access to these areas via White Wolfe Drive should be avoided to the extent feasible, and any access/staging via the main boulevard shall be coordinated with and approved by the Cemetery Director.

Refer to the legend on sheet IR100, where the backflow preventer is indicated. However, no model is specified on the plans, and Specification 328400 also does not identify a model. Please provide the required backflow preventer model.

RESPONSE: No basis of design model has been provided. Provide 2” RPZ meeting BAA requirements or one that meets the trade agreements.

Please see the spec details section below showing galvanized rebar and wire mesh material. Our concrete trade partner is telling me that this material is not even available. Can you please confirm this is the correct material required for this project?

RESPONSE: Galvanized rebar and wire mesh are not required for this project.

Is there either more information you can provide about the existing gates that show the systems are currently Tymetal Corp, or are there other acceptable manufacturers for the gate operators/openers that we can use for pricing this scope?

RESPONSE: The supplied specification shall be used as a Performance Specification, allowing for alternative manufacturers and products that meet or exceed the specified Basis of Design requirements.

For reference and to provide additional information, the 2009 Specification for the Ornamental Gate and a Copy of the Gate detail from the original project is included.

The SOW and solicitation price schedule appear to use different numbering for the Base Bid and Options. Please confirm the correct item/CLIN numbering and price-entry locations for the Base Bid, Option 2 – Roadway, and Option 3 – FCA Deficiencies. Please also confirm whether the evaluated bid price will include the Base Bid plus Option 2 and Option 3.

RESPONSE: Refer to Bid Document for Base Bid and Options.

The seeding specification identifies three seed mixtures (Mix A, Mix B, and Mix C); however, we were unable to locate any information within the plans or specifications indicating which mix is to be applied to specific areas of the project.

RESPONSE: Mix A per Section 32 90 00 - Planting, paragraph 2.15.C is equivalent to the “Native Grass Seed” areas identified on the landscape plans. Mixes B and C are from a prior site project and will not be used for this project.

Please provide the required landscape maintenance period for this project.

RESPONSE: Landscape maintenance requirements are addressed under “Landscape Plant Establishment Period”, Section 32 90 00 - Planting, paragraph 3.14. Per paragraph 3.14.A, the Landscape Plant Establishment Period begins immediately after installation and continues for one (1) growing season, provided that the plant materials have become sufficiently established. Plant materials that are not sufficiently established per “Landscape Plant Establishment Period”, Section 32 90 00 - Planting, paragraph 3.14 may require an extended maintenance period until established and accepted by the District Agronomist.

Refer to spec 3.2/329000-17, which requires amended planting of soil. However, spec 2.7/329000 states that native plantings shall be planted in 100% native on-site soil and shall not be amended. Since most of the shrubs, cacti, and succulents specified for this project are native plants, please clarify which requirement governs the installation of native shrubs, cacti, and succulents.

RESPONSE: Use of unamended on-site soils is acceptable provided the on-site soils meet the specified topsoil requirements per Section 32 90 00 - Planting, paragraph 2.5 and minimum organic matter content identified in paragraph 2.2.D. Amended planting soils per paragraph 2.7.A shall be provided for all tree plantings.

Refer to spec 2.15/329000-15, Please confirm which seed mixes will be applied for this project. If multiple seed mixes are required, please provide a plan or identify the specific areas where each seed mix is applied.

RESPONSE: Mix A per Section 32 90 00 - Planting, paragraph 2.15.C is equivalent to the “Native Grass Seed” areas identified on the landscape plans. Mixes B and C are erroneous relics from a prior site project and will not be used for this project.

Please confirm whether root barriers are required for all trees or only for those trees indicated with root barriers on the plans. If root barriers are required for all trees, please provide the required root barrier length and installation distance.

RESPONSE: Root barriers are only required where shown on the landscape plans (columbarium plaza planting beds).

Refer to Detail 8/LP501, the callout shows four boulder sizes, but the boulder sizes calculated from the plan differ from those indicated in the detail. Please confirm which sizes we should follow.

RESPONSE: Boulder sizes shown on the landscape plans are symbolic in nature and are for reference purposes only to illustrate approximate installation locations. A total of 58 boulders is shown in the contract drawings. We suggest a breakdown of boulder sizes of 14 small, 14 medium, 15 large and 15 extra-large. Boulders are to be evenly distributed and installed per guidelines in Detail 8/LP501.

Refer to details 1 and 5/LP501, please confirm if irregular granite cobble shall be used as edging typically between different gravel types 1, 2, 3 and between gravel types and native grass seed.

RESPONSE: Yes, the irregular granite cobbles shall be used as edging between different gravel types (1, 2, 3 & 4) and between gravel types and native grass seed areas. Cobbles are not intended for installation where landscape surfacing materials abut concrete pavements.

Refer to the spec 2.6/328400-12, please confirm whether all valves on this project are required to be installed in traffic-rated concrete valve boxes.

RESPONSE: Confirmed

Refer to the legend on sheet IR100, the sprinkler is identified as Rain Bird 1804-SAM-PRS with 1402 bubbler, but per spec 2.7/328400-18 specifies the sprinkler model as Toro 570Z-6P-PR. Please clarify which product shall govern.

RESPONSE: Toro Eagle

Refer to the legend on sheet IR100, the controller is identified as a Toro Eagle Plus EGP-TW-SPED (200 stations expandable from 36 stations), but per spec 2.8/328400-20 specifies a Rain Bird ESP-LXD two-wire decoder controller. Please clarify which controller shall govern.

RESPONSE: Rain Bird

Refer to Sheets IR100-IR202, there is no irrigation shown for the native seed areas. Please confirm whether hand watering or temporary irrigation system is required for those areas.

RESPONSE: Temporary irrigation for establishment.

Refer to Sheet LP101 Landscape Overall Plan. The native grass seed (highlighted in yellow below) is called out but is not included in the planting sheets. Please confirm that the native grass seed outside the planting plan is not part of the project scope.

RESPONSE: All disturbed areas not receiving other landscape surfacing materials (such as Gravel Types 1, 2, 3 & 4) as shown on the plans are intended to receive the native grass seed. This includes the disturbed areas plan-west of sheets LP102 and LP104 on sheet LP101

1Refer to the legend on sheet IR100, where an air/vacuum relief valve is indicated. However, no model is specified on the plans, and Specification Section 2.6/328400 also does not identify a model. Please provide the required air/vacuum relief valve model.

RESPONSE: Continuous acting Air Vacuum Relief that meets BABAA Standards. Crispin AL20 is one example.

Please verify the access route to the new landscape areas located between Sections 15 & 16 and Sections 16 & 17, as shown on sheet LP101 Landscape Overall Plan.

RESPONSE: Construction access to the landscape areas between existing burial sections 15 & 16 and 16 & 17 should be via the existing and/or refurbished gravel/dirt cemetery operations road plan-west of the burial sections (as seen on sheet LP101). Access to these areas via White Wolfe Drive should be avoided to the extent feasible, and any access/staging via the main boulevard shall be coordinated with and approved by the Cemetery Director.

The compost application rate. Please clarify the required application rate for organic soil amendment (compost) in planting areas. Specification Section 32 90 00 references incorporation of organic soil amendments and achieving required soil organic matter content but does not clearly indicate a unit quantity (CY per 1,000 SF) for bidding purposes.

RESPONSE: Per Section 32 90 00 - Planting, paragraph 2.2.C-D, the rate of soil amendments required is to be based upon test results of stockpiled on-site soils material. This testing is the responsibility of the Contractor and is typically conducted during the construction period. The Contractor shall make whatever assumptions are deemed appropriate to account for the supply of amendments to bring on-site soils in compliance with the specifications.

The contract drawings call for installation of (7) new 3/4” x 3” stainless-steel plates and indicate full/continuous welding of the existing stainless-steel tube framing around the screen/panel areas, and A-501 depicts welds at the underside support fins/support structure. A separate existing committal shelter in the field (not part of this work) does not exhibit these conditions: its canopy plates are not welded to the underside support fins, the tube framing is not continuously welded around the perimeter, and the underside maintains a uniform stainless finish without the welds or heat-affected areas the detailed work would produce. Continuous welding of the tube framing in particular may cause visible heat discoloration on the underside (which can be cleaned/blended, but the existing reference shelter does not have this welded condition). Please clarify: (1) Is the intent for the modified shelter to match the construction and finished appearance of the existing reference shelter? (2) If so, should the canopy plates remain unwelded to the underside support fins, consistent with the existing shelter? (3) Is the tube framing around the screens/panels required to be continuously/full welded even though the existing shelter is not? (4) If the additional welding is required, please confirm the resulting appearance may differ from the existing shelter and provide the required weld size, extent, and post-weld finish. (5) Please confirm whether the new stainless material consists only of the (7) 3/4” x 3” plates, or whether the separate 3/4” stainless-steel infill plate noted on A-102 represents additional material.

RESPONSE: (1) No, the intent for the modified shelter is not to match the construction and finished appearance of the existing reference shelter (2) N/A (3) Yes, the tube framing around the screens/panels is required to be continuously/full welded. (4) Confirmed, the resulting appearance may differ from the existing shelter. (5) The new stainless material consists only of the (7) 3/4” x 3” plates. The separate 3/4” stainless-steel infill plate noted on A-102 is not to be included in the scope of work.

Will an alternate manufacturer for camera systems be considered?

RESPONSE: Alternate camera systems may be submitted for consideration with supporting data demonstrating equivalent or better specifications than basis of design.

For bidding purposes, what exists and will be new for the trench work involving the conduit work to the gate openers?

RESPONSE: All electrical trench work for the gate conduit is new.

All electrical work was not mentioned or pointed out during the site walk, Option 3 has electrical for two gate motors.

Can we get photos of the panel feeding the gate motors; Panel MPA-SEC2?

RESPONSE: No photo is available.

Given the arid Kern County site and active-cemetery constraints, please confirm whether water for construction (dust control, compaction moisture-conditioning, cleaning) will be made available from the Cemetery and, if so, whether at the Contractor’s or the Government’s expense, and identify acceptable connection point(s).

RESPONSE: The Cemetery will not provide water for construction.

confirm whether additional area outside the limits of work may be disturbed for topsoil processing/stockpiling and staging.

RESPONSE: No area outside the identified limits of construction may be disturbed for topsoil processing or stockpiling.

Please confirm the availability and location of temporary power, potable water, and internet/telecom for the Contractor’s field office, and confirm whether generators are permitted if utilities are not readily available near the staging area.

RESPONSE: The temporary power, potable water, and internet/telecom is not available.

The construction fence is specified at 7-ft minimum height. Please confirm whether privacy screening/slats are required on the temporary fence and, if so, the acceptable color(s), given the active-cemetery setting.

RESPONSE: Privacy screening fabric shall be provided for the construction fence. Defer to VA for acceptable colors.

Please confirm whether a fugitive-dust control plan/permit (e.g., SJVAPCD Regulation VIII) is required for this project and, if so, whether obtaining and maintaining it is a Contractor responsibility to be carried in the Base Bid.

RESPONSE: Yes, fugitive-dust control plan per SJVAPCD Regulation VIII is required for this project. Obtaining and maintaining plan is a Contractor responsibility and shall be carried in the Base Bid.

The SOW states the project is categorically excluded from NEPA documentation, while a SWPPP is included in the specification appendix. Please confirm the Contractor’s responsibility as the NPDES permittee / legally responsible person (obtaining coverage under the California Construction General Permit, WDID, and providing QSD/QSP services), and provide a permit matrix identifying all permits applicable to the construction team.

RESPONSE: The VA is the LRP and NPDES Permit will be submitted by VA. Contractor is responsible to operate and abide by permit conditions per the SWPPP and provide QSP services. Project required permits are NPDES Construction Stormwater Permit to be submitted by Government & SJVAPCD Regulation VIII fugitive-dust control plan to be obtained by Contractor.

The cemetery is NRHP-listed and the work is subject to Section 106. Please confirm whether the Government will provide cultural-resources and/or biological monitoring during earthwork, provide the required monitoring and inadvertent-discovery / stop-work procedures, and confirm whether a monitoring plan or ARPA permit will be furnished.

RESPONSE: Cultural resources monitoring is to be provided by Government during earthwork. Defer to VA to provide required monitoring and inadvertent-discovery / stop-work procedures and provide monitoring plan.

All electrical drawings (ES101 / EP601) are Bid Option 3, yet Base-Bid work includes irrigation controller(s) / two-wire decoders, new WiFi/Bluetooth water meters, and the nitrate-treatment system. Please identify the electrical power source, circuiting, and point(s) of connection for this Base-Bid equipment.

RESPONSE: For irrigation, new controller is next to an existing controller and may use the existing power source.

For water meters, meters are 9V-50V DC power with a 20 milliamp draw. A small transformer will need to be provided to step down from the 120V, 20A circuit. Contractor will need to coordinate with final selections. Power can be connected to adjacent building normal power circuits.

For the nitrate treatment system, system will have 120V, 20A circuit, assume a 5 amp draw per valve (2 valves total per building). Power can be connected to adjacent building normal power circuits.

Sheet ES101, General Note 2 states: “Underground ducts and conduits shall be encased in concrete. Direct burial conduit may be allowed only for outdoor lighting and power branch circuits per PG 18-10 – Electrical Design Manual.” Please verify that the automatic gate motor (operator) circuit is considered non-essential and is therefore permitted to be direct-buried without concrete encasement per this note.

RESPONSE: Direct-buried without concrete encasement is permitted for this branch circuit.

Section 32 31 00 retrofits operators to the existing decorative metal cantilevered slide gates with power per Division 26, while the drawing keynote reads “install automated cemetery entrance gates.” Please confirm the gate leaves are existing (operator retrofit only), confirm the make/model basis for the operators (UL 325 / ASTM F2200, operable in winds up to 30 mph), and identify the power source and routing to the gate operators.

RESPONSE: This project includes the supply and installation of automated gate operators to operate the existing manual cantilevered slide gates located at the cemetery’s main entrance. Work shall include retrofit of the existing cantilevered slide gates as necessary to provide gate performance conforming to Section 32 31 00 – Cantilevered Decorative Metal Gate Operator System. Power source and routing to gate operators is shown on sheet ES101.

Please define the extent of the security/technology upgrades under Bid Option 3 (intrusion detection, video surveillance, communications), confirm whether the work integrates with existing VA head-end/monitoring systems, and identify any required VA IT approvals or existing equipment to be reused.

RESPONSE: Refer to sheet TN-101 for systems (intrusion detection, video surveillance) equipment information. New intrusion detection equipment is indicated on sheet TN-101 as stand alone.

Please provide contact information for the current service provider(s) for the existing Security Surveillance Television (SSTV) and Intrusion Detection System (IDS), to support coordination of the Bid Option 3 security-system equipment upgrades and integration with the existing systems.

RESPONSE: There is no service provider for existing Security Surveillance Television (SSTV) and Intrusion Detection System (IDS).

Please identify the irrigation point(s) of connection to the existing system, the available static pressure and flow (GPM), and confirm the Cemetery’s seasonal winterization/shutdown window, which may affect irrigation testing and turnover.

RESPONSE: Pressure is 65 PSI and a flow of 200 GPM. Points of connection sheet IR200 grid 4B adjacent to Flag Note 1 and Sheet IR202 grid 2C adjacent to Flag Note 1. Defer to Cemetery to confirm seasonal winterization/shutdown window.

Please confirm the required plant establishment period(s) and confirm that the one-year plant warranty commences upon Government acceptance following the establishment period, acknowledging that the contract completion date (730 days from NTP) may fall before or after establishment. Please also clarify responsibility for maintenance/fertilization of existing trees vs. NCA’s maintenance forces.

RESPONSE: Confirmed. Maintenance of existing trees is not part of scope of work on this project.

C-200 requires existing-pavement repair to be “performed at night,” while the SOW limits all work to normal hours (M–F 8:00–4:30, after-hours by written approval). Please confirm night work is permitted/required for pavement repair and clarify any prevailing-wage shift-premium impact.

RESPONSE: Work should be completed during normal hours (M-F 8:00 to 4:30).

Drawings show new roadways (CT101/CT102/CT501) as Base Bid and existing-pavement repair (CP101) as Bid Option 2. Please confirm Option 2 comprises only the CP101 pavement repair and that new road construction is Base Bid.

RESPONSE: Confirmed.

Please confirm the required pavement-marking material (thermoplastic vs. paint) and standard (MUTCD/Caltrans), and confirm the extent of markings/striping under the Base Bid vs. Bid Option 2 (CP101).

RESPONSE: See Specification 32 17 23 for pavement marking material requirements. No pavement markings are included in the Base Bid. Bid Option 2 includes re-striping parking areas at Maintenance Yard and Administration Building after seal coat operations.

Section 03 48 24 ¶2.13.A.4.b requires that all fastener/anchor location holes — including those for anchoring the units and for attaching niche covers — be cast into the units, and expressly states that drilling into the precast columbarium units after fabrication is NOT acceptable, except where pins are inserted through the tops of the units into the caps above or through the bottoms of the precast niche units into the foundation below (and such pin holes shall be located to the sides of the niche, not centered). Drawing S-501, however, depicts a connection between units noted “(BY OTHERS), TYP.” that appears to rely on a field-drilled connection of back-to-back units, a method expressly prohibited by ¶2.13.A.4.b. Please reconcile the S-501 detail with ¶2.13.A.4.b, and confirm the required unit-to-unit connection method (embedded weld plates vs. field-drilled) and that this connection work is within the Base-Bid Contractor’s scope (see also RFI No. 31).

RESPONSE: The LA Group - Structural connections between back-to-back/side-to-side niche units and between niche units and adjacent concrete piers shall be via embedded weld plates per detail 3/CI703. See detail 3/CI704 for additional context regarding embedded weld plate locations. All work and materials necessary to properly install and secure the complete columbarium assemblies are included in the Base-Bid and are the responsibility of the Contractor.

The precast columbarium design-criteria requirements (03 48 24 ¶1.3) include showing the structural design of the complete columbarium, including dimensions, methods of construction, and calculations. Beyond the general design loads on S-001, please confirm any additional performance/acceptance criteria for the contractor-furnished engineering package (embed calculations, weld-plate locations, and cap connections) and confirm these items are within the Base-Bid Contractor’s scope. Given that the structural drawings depict a connection expressly forbidden by the specification (see RFI No. 30), please also confirm that the general design loads on S-001 are contemplated in the typical (allowable-per-spec) connections depicted on the columbarium detail sheets — e.g.:

• unit-to-unit weld plate;

• unit-to-CIP-pier weld plate;

• field-drilled stainless-steel pin cap connections; and

• field-drilled stainless-steel pin foundation connections.

RESPONSE: All work and materials necessary to properly install and secure the complete columbarium assemblies are included in the Base-Bid and are the responsibility of the Contractor. This includes providing a contractor-furnished engineering package confirming conformance with the minimum requirements outlined in Section 03 48 24 – Precast Concrete Columbarium Units. Contractor shall provide engineering package including design calculations for all elements in the load-path of the columbarium assembly up the connection to the foundation (including anchor embeds, weld-plate and cap connections). Design calculations should use the load criteria specified in general notes on S-001, including wind and seismic demands.

The columbarium functional load test is required only “if required by the RE/COR.” Please confirm whether a functional load test will be required for the precast columbarium units, provided that the fabricator can demonstrate 3+ years of experience providing Niche Units to National Cemetery. This requirement affects both cost and schedule and so if relevant to a low price bid evaluation.

RESPONSE: Functional load test shall be required.

Full-size on-site mockups are required for the columbarium units and niche covers. Please confirm the required number and extent of the columbarium and niche-cover mockups, whether an in-situ (in-place) mockup is acceptable, and whether the mockups and any sample precast columbarium units may be incorporated into the permanent work.

RESPONSE: Mockups shall be provided in accordance with Section 01 43 39 – Mockup Requirements. In-situ mockups and reuse of mockup materials/products in the finished work is prohibited. (However, niche covers used in the mockup may be turned over to the cemetery following final acceptance and may count toward the required number of spare covers to be provided as part of this project.) At minimum, the columbarium mockup shall encompass an area equivalent to that shown from the lefthand pier to the breakline on the columbarium elevation shown on detail 1/CI701. The mockup is to represent a complete columbarium installation, including but not limited to necessary footings/foundations, full pier (face shown on detail 2/CI701), back-to-back niche unit installation, weld plates, installation of a minimum of (2) caps, anchorage, sealant joints, EPDM membrane, niche covers and hardware assemblies, aluminum letter/number installations, etc.

The granite niche covers are Government-furnished (GFP). Please confirm the quantity of niche covers and spare covers to be furnished, the delivery schedule relative to columbarium installation, and the Contractor’s inspection/acceptance sampling procedure (e.g., whether inspecting one pallet / 100 covers is sufficient to establish an acceptance percentage).

RESPONSE: All the niches cover will be provided by government, and delivery to the Cemetery Maintenance Supervisor.

The section requires permanent/sacrificial anti-graffiti coating, but no drawing identifies the surfaces or elements to receive it. Please identify the locations/elements requiring anti-graffiti coating.

RESPONSE: All new landscape concrete elements with exposed surfaces receiving stain shall receive a non-yellowing permanent anti-graffiti coating. This requirement includes Rostrum Pillars, Rostrum Concrete Walls, Columbarium Piers, Columbarium Seat Walls. Contractor shall provide a sample application of the proposed anti-graffiti coating on a new exposed, stained concrete surface for review and approval prior to full application. The sample shall demonstrate the appearance of the coated surface and verify that any resulting color difference or change in the stain finish is limited and acceptable to Architect/Owner The anti-graffiti coating is applied to all surfaces that are identified as “Refinish the cast-in-place concrete wall – C1 stain color,” shown in the ‘limits of work’ detail 1/A-101 (Public Restroom wall – full height); and, detail 3/A-102 (Committal Shelter wall – full height)

Section 03 48 21 ¶3.7.F requires rounded gravel of the specified gradation between crypts (angular/non-rounded stone permitted only upon demonstration that rounded stone is not available for less than 4x the cost of angular) and states “no sand allowed.” Please confirm whether the crypt-detail note on CS501/CS502 conflicts with this requirement and whether angular (non-rounded) stone is acceptable without the cost demonstration.

RESPONSE: Rounded gravel of the specified gradation between crypts per specification 03 48 21 Paragraph 3.7.F is required. Angular/non-rounded stone to be permitted only with cost demonstration noted.

The section requires that no material over 4 ft high and no equipment be placed within 9 m (10 yards) of installed crypts (“keep 10 yards away”). This setback restricts access for placing backfill around the crypt field. Please confirm whether the setback may be reduced (e.g., to allow backfill placement) provided the design axle/point loads (12,000-lb axle) are not exceeded.

RESPONSE: The crypt setback restriction shall be observed.

Please confirm the required qualifications for the precast crypt manufacturer (minimum 3 years’ experience and current plant certification) and installer (regularly engaged ≥ 3 years)?

RESPONSE: See specification 03 48 21 Paragraph 1.6.A for required manufacturer’s qualifications and Paragraph 1.6.C for required installer’s qualifications.

Please provide the required character height and method for crypt lid and inside-wall numbering (e.g., confirm stencil height), and confirm whether numbering inspection/certification is performed concurrently with installation rather than as a separate hold activity.

RESPONSE: See specification 03 48 21 Paragraph 3.4.5 for crypt numbering requirements.

The Base Bid includes “water system nitrate treatment improvements” — shown as a new ion-exchange nitrate treatment system (PP101 / P-601) — but no specification section governs the treatment equipment (Division 22 addresses water distribution only). Please provide the governing specification / basis-of-design, including make/model, media type, treatment capacity (GPM), backwash/regeneration waste handling and disposal, controls, and the power source for the system.

RESPONSE: Refer to updated specification section 22 31 11 and refer to PP101 coded note 2. System shall be sized for 75 gpm and shall use an anion exchange filter resin. Nitrate treatment system will have 120V, 20A circuit, assume a 5-amp draw per valve (2 valves total per building). Power can be connected to adjacent building normal power circuits.

The upgraded water meters are specified with native Bluetooth/WiFi remote-read registers. Please provide the required make/model (or performance basis), confirm whether the meters must integrate with an existing VA/Cemetery meter-reading or SCADA system, and identify the power source for the meters.

RESPONSE: Meters do not need to connect to an existing meter reading or SCADA system. Meters must be provided with encoder that connects to a remote readout register. Meter shall be capable of transmitting readouts through Bluetooth or cellular network. Water meters are 9V-50V DC power with a 20-milliamp draw. A small transformer will need to be provided to step down from the 120V, 20A circuit. Contractor will need to coordinate with final selections. Power can be connected to adjacent building normal power circuits.

Section 22 11 00 specifies copper (Type K/L). Please identify the required material and class for the site water main/distribution piping (e.g., PVC C900), confirm the point(s) of connection, and confirm the procedure and notice period for any water-service shutdown, given the requirement to maintain uninterrupted service to the active cemetery.

RESPONSE: No site water main or distribution piping is proposed as part of this project.

Please confirm the required backflow-prevention / cross-connection assemblies and their locations for the domestic, irrigation, and nitrate-treatment systems, and identify the governing specification for testing and certification.

RESPONSE: For irrigation, use RPZ meeting BABAA requirements or one that meets the trade agreements. There are no backflow-prevention / cross-connection assemblies for the domestic or nitrate-treatment systems.

Section 33 40 00 specifies corrugated PE per ASTM F714 SDR-21 for NPS 3-10 and AASHTO M294 Type S for NPS 12-60. F714 SDR-21 is uncommon for small-diameter drainage. Please confirm whether AASHTO M252 corrugated PE and/or PVC SDR-35 (ASTM D3034) is acceptable for the 4”-10” storm and underdrain runs.

RESPONSE: ASTM F714 SDR-21 reference for small diameter corrugated PE pipe was provided in error. Small diameter corrugated PE pipe (NPS 3-10) shall be AASHTO M252 Type S.

Please specify the required acceptance testing for the storm and underdrain system (e.g., low-pressure air test, mandrel/deflection test) and confirm what percentage, if any, of the burial-section underdrain piping is to be CCTV-inspected.

RESPONSE: CCTV inspection for acceptance of all main storm lines is required. CCTV of burial-section underdrain piping is not required. Low-pressure air test is not required.

Several details call for geotextile / filter fabric between subgrade or fill and the drainage stone, but no geotextile specification section is provided. Please specify the required geotextile type (woven vs. non-woven) and physical properties for each application (crypt underdrain, typical pavement section, and gravel access drive).

RESPONSE: For crypt underdrain, asphalt pavement and gravel access drive, use non-woven geotextile conforming to CALTRANS Specification Section 96-1.02O, Class B2 Subgrade Enhancement Geotextile.

The design calls for impervious fill in the stormwater-management pond embankment. Please confirm whether the SWM pond (CJ501) includes an embankment/dam requiring impervious fill, and provide the embankment fill criteria (gradation, compaction, permeability), whether on-site excavated/clay material meets the impervious-fill requirement or import is required, and any liner, spillway, or freeboard requirements. Please also confirm whether jurisdictional dam-safety review applies.

RESPONSE: Impervious fill material for the stormwater pond embankment shall conform to Unified Soil Classification GC, SC, CH, or CL and must have at least 30% passing the #200 sieve. Consideration may be given to the use of other materials in the embankment per recommendation of the third-party geotechnical engineer.

Section 31 20 00 references Section 31 23 19 “Dewatering,” which is neither listed in the Table of Contents nor included in the specifications, while the Terracon report states groundwater was not encountered in any boring. Please confirm dewatering is not anticipated, or provide Section 31 23 19 and identify the design groundwater elevations.

RESPONSE: Dewatering is not anticipated.

Section 31 20 00 requires satisfactory fill to be ≤ 3-inch particle size, Plasticity Index ≤ 15, Liquid Limit ≤ 30, and minimum dry density 110 pcf, while the SWPPP states grading balances on site (approx. 71,000 CY) with no imported fill. Please confirm whether on-site soils qualify as “General Fill,” or whether import is required, and reconcile the 31 20 00 fill parameters with the Terracon report’s earthwork / structural-fill recommendations (please confirm which governs where they conflict).

RESPONSE: Per Geotechnical Report, it is anticipated that clean on-site soils may be used as fill material. Material test confirming on-site soil properties shall be submitted per Specification 01 45 29. In conflicts between specification and geotechnical report, specification shall govern.

Excavation is classified as “Unclassified,” blasting is prohibited, and CI001 notes the location of underlying rock is not certified. For purposes of excavation, please define what is considered “rock” (e.g., material requiring a specified size of ripping equipment or a minimum volume), confirm whether rock excavation is separately compensable or would be treated as a differing site condition, and confirm the means of rock removal (ripping) contemplated by the design and the Terracon report.

RESPONSE: Rock is not defined in an unclassified excavation condition. Anticipated excavation shall be based on review of information provided in the geotechnical report. Per the geotechnical report, it is anticipated that excavations for the proposed construction can be accomplished with conventional earthmoving equipment.

Please confirm the earthwork is intended to balance on site — the SWPPP indicates grading balances with no imported fill (approx. 71,000 CY) — and provide the estimated cut/fill quantities. Please also confirm whether excess/unsuitable material is to be placed on site or disposed of off site, whether any on-site area is designated for surplus disposal or topsoil stockpiling/processing, and, if off site, whether hauling and disposal are the Contractor’s responsibility.

RESPONSE: Earthwork is intended to balance on site. Unsuitable material must be disposed of off site. Excess suitable material is to be placed on-site within the limits of construction in the graded areas outside of the burial sections. Topsoil stockpiling/processing may be performed within the area of the limits of construction. Hauling and disposal of unsuitable material is the Contractor’s responsibility.

The topsoil requirements appear to differ among Section 31 20 00 (loamy, strip/stockpile), Section 32 90 00 (imported topsoil testing/amendment), and the civil notes. Please confirm the governing topsoil gradation/organic-content criteria and whether on-site stripped topsoil may be reused (with amendment) or must be imported.

RESPONSE: Specification 32 90 00 governs for topsoil requirements. For planting/landscape purposes, use of unamended on-site soils for seeding, cacti, succulent and shrub planting is acceptable provided the on-site soils meet the specified topsoil requirements per Section 32 90 00 - Planting, paragraph 2.5 and minimum organic matter content identified in paragraph 2.2.D. On-site soils may be amended to comply with the referenced requirements and used for seeding, cacti, succulent and shrub planting provided adequate soils testing is provided to confirm amended soils are in conformance with the requirements. Amended planting soils per paragraph 2.7.A shall be provided for all tree plantings.

Section 01 45 29 states the construction-materials testing laboratory is retained by the General Contractor (and must be accredited by a recognized accreditation authority), while ¶1.3 assigns the Owner responsibility for the geotechnical engineer and structural testing laboratory, and Section 03 30 00 repeatedly refers to the “Owner’s Testing Agency” with Owner back-charges. Please confirm which construction-materials testing and special inspections are Contractor-furnished vs. Owner-furnished, confirm the acceptable accreditation authorities (e.g., NVLAP, AASHTO resource, A2LA) and their regional availability, and confirm who bears the cost of re-tests for non-conforming work.

RESPONSE: All construction materials testing and special inspections shall be Contractor-furnished. Acceptable accreditation authorities include NVLAP, AASHTO re:source, and A2LA. Contractor bears the cost of re-tests for non-conforming work.

Please confirm the required on-site staffing (Quality Control Manager, Superintendent, Site Safety and Health Officer) for this minor NCA project, whether these roles must be full-time on site, and which roles, if any, may be combined/dual-hatted.

RESPONSE: Dual hatted is acceptable.

The Division 03 concrete sections cite “Specification 014529 – Structural Testing and Inspections,” but 01 45 29 is titled “Testing Laboratory Services” and Structural Testing/Inspections is Section 01 45 33. Section 01 45 33 is listed (undated) in the Table of Contents and is cross-referenced by the concrete sections, but the section body is not included in the specification book. Please confirm the correct section reference and issue Section 01 45 33 (statement of special inspections / structural tests) so bidders can price the required special inspections.

RESPONSE: Correct section reference is 01 45 33 Structural Testing and Inspections. It is included in the Specification Manual at PDF page 147.

Several Table-of-Contents sections carry no date (01 45 33, 03 01 00, 03 01 01, 03 10 00, 03 20 00, 03 30 10, 04 40 10, 05 52 00, 07 92 20, 09 97 24, and 32 31 00). Please confirm all listed sections are in force at their current NCA/VA master editions and that no dated amendment is pending.

RESPONSE: All listed specification sections are in force at their current NCA/VA master editions, and no dated amendment is pending.

The listed quantities (2,152 + 1,560 + 1,444 + 1,500 + 1,500) total 8,156, but the table’s “Total Interment Sites” shows 8,152. Please confirm the correct component quantities and total.

RESPONSE: Total interment sites are 8,156.

SOW ¶8 requires a detailed price/cost breakdown whose line items match the performance-schedule line items. Please confirm the required format and level of detail for the cost breakdown, provide a schedule spreadsheet to be complete and included with the submission of our bid and confirm whether it is to be submitted with the sealed bid or after award.

RESPONSE: cost schedule breakdown to be provided after award.

The precast crypts and columbarium units are made-to-order, long-lead items fabricated well in advance of installation. Please confirm the Government will allow progress payments for these materials when properly stored (on-site or at an approved and protected off-site location) under VAAR 852.232-71, Alternate I, and identify any surety-concurrence or bonding requirements for off-site stored materials.

RESPONSE: Confirmed.

The scheduling section is titled for small Design/Bid/Build projects. Please confirm the required scheduling software and whether Primavera P6 is acceptable in lieu of Microsoft Project, and confirm the required schedule submittal level (summary CPM vs. full cost-loaded P6 submittal).

RESPONSE: Microsoft project/CPM.

Please identify the electronic submittal and RFI management system to be used during construction (e.g., Kahua, Procore, or e-mail) so bidders can account for licensing and administrative costs.

RESPONSE: Procore.

Please confirm the treatment of California State and local (Kern County) sales/use tax on materials and equipment incorporated into the work for this federal project, and the combined tax rate bidders should assume for pricing purposes.

RESPONSE: All sales tax to be included in final price

To support accurate earthwork and layout takeoffs, please confirm whether the Government will provide the civil CAD files and digital survey/surface (DTM) files to bidders during the bid period or to the successful bidder (with a signed waiver if required).

RESPONSE: files will be provided after award.

Please confirm the attached Davis-Bacon wage determination(s) govern all Base-Bid and Option work, and clarify whether the post-construction landscape/turf establishment and maintenance period is subject to Davis-Bacon (construction) wage rates or Service Contract Act rates.

RESPONSE: Yes all work adheres to Davis-Bacon (construction) wage rates

Finish C1 that is referenced in the spec section 09 06 00 and drawings might be incorrect as the Lithocrete sample #08-066E is as per below and does not look like what is existing and is typically not intended for a vertically application (walls, and seatwalls) RESPONSE: All new architectural and landscape concrete elements with exposed surfaces to receive stain C3 - Antique Amber. These elements include the Rostrum Pillars, Rostrum Concrete Walls, Columbarium Piers, Columbarium Seat Walls, Public Restroom Wall (detail 1/A-101), and Committal Shelter Wall (detail 3/A-102). Contractor shall provide a sample application of the proposed stain on a new exposed concrete surface for review and approval by Architect/Owner, prior to full application.

TB Penick Lithocrete sample 08-066E

If you could also include what type of valves in the risers for the nitrate system per sheet P-601 they are wanting us to provide that would be great.

RESPONSE: Valves shall be provided per specification section 22 05 23.

Plumbing Sheets P-001, PS101, PP101, P-501, and P-601; we cannot locate a complete ION exchange or nitrate filter specification, equipment schedule, or product data in the bid documents, so please confirm the required system type, manufacturer and model, vessel quantity and size, media, design flow and capacity, whether the equipment is Contractor-furnished or Government-furnished, the valve types required in the nitrate system risers on Sheet P-601, any waste or regeneration discharge requirements, and which Bid Item this work is to be included in.

RESPONSE: Refer to updated specification section 22 31 11 and refer to PP101 coded note 2. System shall be sized for 75 gpm and shall use an anion exchange filter resin provided by contractor. The nitrate treatment system will have a 120V, 20A circuit, assume a 5-amp draw per valve (2 valves total per building).