Birmingham_Questions-Responses_from_Site_Visit.docx

Questions from Pre-proposal Conference/Site Visit

1. Do we have the correct/updated CAD with correct scale or measurements?

No CAD files are available. Final verification of all measurements will be the responsibility of the contractor.

2. Please specify the surfacing types for each equipment piece or track and any open areas?

Resilient surfacing with the required fall zone based on platform heights.

3. Please provide as-builts for existing storm drains detailing size, location and depth.

As-built drawings for the existing storm drains are not currently available. Final verification of all measurements will be the responsibility of the contractor.

4. Will there be designated parking blocked off for contractor use in the parking deck next to the SSA Building?

No. Parking is on the street around the facility

5. It states in the Basis for Design, 10. a] iv), to move the new panels with appropriate fence and gate 4” to the left to expand the PreK. Did you mean 4 feet?

Yes, four feet.

6. Where can a dumpster be placed during construction for debris?

Dumpster can be placed in the street after obtaining a permit from the City of Birmingham

7. Can we use the playground as a laydown yard to store tools and materials during construction?

Yes, but care should be taken to minimize impeding the main emergency egress from the building if possible.

8. Will the contractor be issued a key to access the parking garage gate and the playground gate once construction begins? Or, will a facility employee unlock/lock these access points each work day?

No keys will be issued for the gates, security will unlock and lock the gates daily or as needed.

9. Where are the locations of the Synlawn artificial turf to be installed on the playground? How many sq. feet of this material?

Synlawn will be placed in areas that currently have artificial grass inside and outside perimeters of the stamped concrete bike tracks (gas pump, pizza garden area and dramatic playhouse area).

10. Where is the location of the new playground water feature? Is there an existing water connection nearby?

It is a water play table which will be placed near the water hose bib on the trex deck at the far end of the playground.

11. Please specify exactly which one is the main playground apparatus with umbrella cover to be removed. (Basis of Design 10.b] x) It is the Pre-School Structure, next to the infant area and before the stamped concrete bike tracks. It can also be found on the 2D Site Diagram.

12. Are we to dispose of the existing drinking fountain and provide a new one? A note on one of the drawings refers to a sun shade column near the drinking fountain, no mention in the basis for design. Please provide more info and specs for each.

There is not a sunshade. Dispose of existing fountain and replace with lower unit that is not encased in metal (See GSA Child Care Design Guide for specifications).

13. What part of the playground does Zone Area 2 encompass?

Starts at existing infant half wall and proceeds through preK area and bike track area and includes emergency egress walkway and small area between fence and deck area at far end of playground. Contractor to verify actual sf and installation measurements.

14. Which apparatus is the middle shade structure to be reset? (Basis of Design 11. b] vii) 14’x14’ single post structure in Zone Area 2, location to be decided.

15. Are we to reuse the Trex deck boards on the trike arch bridge?

No, remove. Bike track will be flat, adding tunnel/arch and gas station for trike area.

16. Are we to assume that Zone Area 1 is the Infant/Toddlers space?

Yes

17. Are we to replace all the Trex decking where the picnic table is located?

No

18. Who is the manufacturer of the existing resilient playground surfacing?

No Fault

19. Is the D-B team responsible for topographic survey or will one be furnished by the owner?

No topographic information is currently available. Final verification of all measurements will be the responsibility of the contractor.

20. Are there any as-built or existing survey drawings available that indicate sub-surface conditions below the existing resilient ground cover?

No as-built information is currently available. Final verification of all measurements will be the responsibility of the contractor.

21. Can you provide a marked-up drawing showing areas of ponding or does the entire playground area pond?

Some of the ponding issues have been addressed, but the selected contractor shall analyze the existing play area and grounds to identify any ongoing drainage, moisture, or safety issues per the SOW Appendix A, Paragraph II.C. Site Investigation.

22. Is the existing concrete bike path to remain? (SOW references resilient bike path…this was concrete right?)

Bike path is currently stamped concrete. Stamped concrete to be prepped to accept resilient surfacing w/pad; or if not possible, provide proper subsurface for resilient bike track path.

23. In statement of work, page 18 section D item #3, is there a SSA report to be issued dated April 2017?

Yes. The inspection report will be shared with the selected contractor, and the contractor may use the report as a supporting document to assist the contractor during their design phase.

24. Please provide existing storm sewer drawings and site civil drawings.

As-built drawings for the existing storm drains are not currently available. Final verification of all measurements will be the responsibility of the contractor.

25. Formal issuance of drawings from pre-bid?

a. Are these the design intent drawings?

No. The PDFs shared during the pre-bid site visit represent the layout of the existing playground. The SOW details the current playground equipment that will be disposed of and the current playground equipment that will remain. The SOW also details the new playground equipment that the selected contractor will be responsible for purchasing and installing.

b. Is the play area to be enlarged with new fence layout?

No. Use existing footprint.

26. Is there a particular manufacturer of playground equipment you want us to consider?

Play World due to availability of requested age-appropriate infant apparatus not available from other manufacturers. SSA would like to keep all apparatus with same manufacturer for warranty purposes.

27. What age range would you like the playground equipment to be suitable for? Each area has specifications: Infant 0-24 months; Zone 2: 2 years to 8 years

28. The outfall underground drainage capacity seems adequate to handle stormwater runoff from playground area. Are you wanting us to redesign the onsite local drainage features (inlets)? It seems the drainage issues are mainly due to the degradation of the rubber surface material?

It will be the selected contractor’s responsibility to identify causes of drainage issues, make recommendations for corrections, and designing and constructing the agreed upon corrective actions.

29. Can you please clearly state the playground features you want to be left in place?

The SOW lists what should remain or what should be removed in Appendix A, Paragraph II.D.10

30. Does the projected bid price include the cost of purchasing the playground equipment, if so is there a playground equipment budget?

Yes, the bid price shall include the cost of purchasing the new playground equipment.