Questions_Terra_Cotta.pdf

Terra Cotta Repair & Restoration

47PF0019R0055

G.W.Heaney Federal Building & U.S. Courthouse

Questions & Answers

1. For the initial sampling after award in order to match terra cotta, etc what submittals are needed?

a. Drawings/specifications should be reviewed in order to glean this information.

Submittal requirements are noted in the specifications, Section 013300. Sample requirements can be found in multiple specification sections.

2. May we propose a different schedule?

a. Contractors may suggest and outline changes to the schedule. Schedules shall take into consideration all aspects of the specification and terms and conditions of the RFP to include GSAM 552.236-15 Schedules for Construction Contracts.

3. Are any of the sidewalks vaulted? Are there drawings for any structures underneath the sidewalks around the building?

a. Original site, basement and first floor assignment plans are available. Contractor is responsible for verifying site conditions.

4. Are there drawings for underneath or around the buildings? Steam lines, utilities?

a. Utility drawings are not available. Original site, basement and first floor assignment plans are available. Contractor is responsible for verifying site conditions.

5. Are there City regulations on noise?

a. GSA spoke with the City and the City stated there is no noise regulation for the neighborhood where the building is located.

6. Can noise producing work occur as long as court is not in progress?

a. The courtrooms on the 4th floor are the only areas that are potentially sensitive to noise. There are three courtrooms used either regularly (but not daily), approximately 1-2 days/month, or 1 day/quarter. Most work can be completed during normal business hours. GSA can share Court schedules with contractor as they become available and will assist in coordinating noisy work with contractor and tenants.

7. Can scaffolding occupy parking spaces around the building?

a. Contractors may propose scaffolding plans; vehicular and pedestrian circulation patterns must be addressed. Circulation patterns cannot be closed off entirely, and in places can be only temporarily redirected around small areas of work.

Contractor is required to make arrangements for building occupant vehicles if employee parking is disrupted due to construction related activities. Notice of building employee parking disruption shall be given to the Property Manager 14 days in advance.

8. Are there drawings of the roof structure?

a. There are limited drawings available from a roof replacement project in 1990.

Contractors are responsible for verifying site conditions.

9. What is the capacity of the roof structure?

a. Structural drawings are not available. Contractors are responsible for verifying site conditions.

10. What is the condition of the brick behind the cornice?

a. The drawings for the brick behind the cornice are diagrammatic. Limited investigation uncovered deteriorated backup brick. The extent and severity of damage in remaining concealed locations is unknown at this time, but significant brick replacement is anticipated.

11. Is this a small business solicitation?

a. It is full and open, prevailing wages are in the RFP. Large businesses need to submit a subcontracting plan.

12. Drawing A001 notes, under the scope summary, that stainless steel or lead coated copper thru wall flashing is recommended. All of the flashing on the drawings is listed as copper. Please advise on the thru wall flashing material.

a. The thru wall flashing material is freedom grey copper.

13. The project is noted to run (2) seasons, in 2020 and 2021. Due to terra cotta lead times, please advise if molds / fragments can be harvested in fall of 2019 to ensure they are available to install in the 2020 construction season.

a. That is for the contractor to determine. Materials can be procured following award once the “interim” notice to proceed is issued by the Contracting Officer.

Full, onsite notice to proceed will be issued by the Contracting Officer once submittals are approved and security clearances are complete.

14. Please advise if there is storage, on site for the new terra cotta pieces, from season to season.

a. Onsite storage is available from season to season. There are a number of storage areas in the basement that can be used. Final storage location will be dependent on the volume of salvaged materials.

15. If work can be completed in a single, 2020 season, is this an option to the GSA?

a. Contractors may suggest and outline changes to the schedule. Schedules shall

16. Specification section 013591 Paragraph 1.3B states that the employee parking lots on the South and West sides of the building will remain in use during construction. Does this statement assume that these parking spaces cannot be used for any construction equipment such as scaffolding for the full duration of both work phases of the project?

a. Contractors may propose scaffolding plans; vehicular and pedestrian circulation patterns must be addressed. Circulation patterns cannot be closed off entirely, and in places can be only temporarily redirected around small areas of work.

Contractor is required to make arrangements for building occupant vehicles if employee parking is disrupted due to construction related activities. Notice of

17. Could you confirm that new Terra Cotta could be ordered and fabricated in calendar year 2019?

a. That is for the contractor to determine. Materials can be procured following award once the “interim” notice to proceed is issued by the Contracting Officer.

Full, onsite notice to proceed will be issued by the Contracting Officer once submittals are approved and security clearances are complete.

18. Please confirm this solicitation is a full & open competitive RFP with no small business set aside?

a. This is a full and open unrestricted procurement.

19. Solicitation provides requirements for submission of a Small Business Subcontracting

Plan with the RFP submission. If an offeror is a small business (WOSB), is a Small Business Subcontracting Plan required for submission of the Proposal for this contract?

a. Review subcontract plan template which provides full guidance regarding this. A subcontracting plan is only required to be submitted if an offeror is a large business.

20. What is the expected date of contract award?

a. Fiscal year 2019.

21. If there will be an interim NTP, what is the expected or anticipated date of the interim

NTP?

a. The “interim” notice to proceed (NTP) is issued by the Contracting Officer at the time of award. Full, onsite notice to proceed will be issued by the Contracting Officer once submittals are approved and security clearances are complete.

22. Lead times for reproduction of new terra cotta units present challenges and risks to this project. The process starts with removal of existing terra cotta units that need to be replicated for making of shop drawings and to begin the submittal/mockup process. Shop drawings will take 3-6 weeks to prepare by the manufacturer. Shop drawings and other action submittals required by section 040326, paragraph 1.6, then must be submitted for approval. Approval may take from 2-6 weeks. After approval of shop drawings and other action submittals, sample mockup units must be made for each unit. That can be expected to take 8-12 weeks. Once terra cotta mock-ups are approved the full-scale order for new terra cotta units can be released into production. This assumes a complete and thorough field survey has been completed during the mockup process to give accurate quantities of terra units for reproduction. Once the factory has received a complete order, production and delivery of new terra cotta units for reconstruction will take from 8-20+ weeks depending on a variety of factors beyond the control of the contractor. Total time from taking the first terra cotta samples to receiving delivery of new terra cotta units for reconstruction could be as long as 9-10 months or longer. Project schedule must account for these factors otherwise the project is setup to fail.

Accordingly, will GSA authorize or release the contractor to extract needed terra cotta samples from the cornice no later than October 2019? (Extraction of TC units can be accomplished with manlift(s) and from the roof level.)

a. Material lead time coordination is for the contractor to determine. Materials can be procured following award once the “interim” notice to proceed is issued by the Contracting Officer. Full, onsite notice to proceed will be issued by the Contracting Officer once all submittals are approved and security clearances are complete.

23. It is further recommended that requirements for paragraph 1.5.C in section 024296 be required at the time of extracting TC samples as stated in above question. Given there has been no exploratory efforts made to date to understand extent of deterioration of backup masonry, including ferrous anchors and other steel structural items gaining knowledge of these “unforeseen conditions” at the earliest possible stage of the project will tremendously benefit the project. Please confirm if GSA will make requirements of paragraph 1.5.C in section 024296 to be executed as exploratory efforts in autumn of 2019 and prior to the primary construction NTP in spring of 2020.

a. A quality assurance plan and mock up schedule is for the contractor to determine. The interim notice to proceed (NTP) is issued by the Contracting Officer at the time of award. Full, onsite notice to proceed will be issued by the Contracting Officer once submittals are approved and security clearances are complete. A contractor will not be permitted access within the building until their security clearance is approved.

24. Specification section 011000, Summary, paragraph 1.2 states that phase or season one mobilization will address south & west elevations. The description does not state when north and east will be complete, though it is assumed it will be in phase or season two mobilization. Please clarify work areas by phase?

a. It is expected that the first mobilization includes repair and restoration of the terra cotta cornice and associated flashing on the south and west sides of the building.

The second mobilization includes the repair and restoration of the terra cotta cornice and associated flashing on the north and east sides of the building. The Contractor shall schedule and coordinate the duration required for each mobilization with GSA.

25. Please state if contractor may be permitted to determine the project phasing schedule of the work for best performance of the job? Or is it required to perform south and west elevations in the 2020 season?

a. Contractors may suggest and outline changes to the schedule. Schedules shall

26. Technical proposal past experience requirements state that the total project contract cost at award is within the estimated range of this project. Is it acceptable for the offeror to submit projects for past experience that are larger, or have greater costs than this project?

a. Yes, this is acceptable.

27. Section 013353 Security Regulations contains provisions that appear to be intended for contractor employees working inside the building or inside controlled/secured spaces with strict requirements or restrictions for use of phones, overtime work and other restrictions. It is stated in other sections of the specification that the contractor will access all work areas from the exterior of the building. With that understanding, do the restrictions on use of cell phones and overtime apply to security requirements of this contract?

a. Section 013353 Security Regulations are GSA’s security requirements for all projects.

28. Pursuant to working hour requirements stated in section 011400, paragraph 1.3, what are areas, floors or elevations of the building that will generally be disrupted by noisy operations such as scaffold erection, removal of masonry TC or brick units or other noisy activities that require after hours work? a. Are there areas of the building that are not sensitive or less sensitive to noise that the contractor can be expected to work during normal business hours?

a. The courtrooms on the 4th floor are the only areas that are potentially sensitive to noise. There are three courtrooms used either regularly (but not daily), approximately 1-2 days/month, or 1 day/quarter. Most work can be completed during normal business hours. GSA can share Court schedules with contractor as they become available and will assist in coordinating noisy work with contractor and tenants.

29. Can the project superintendent also serve other duties such as site safety officer and/or site quality control officer? Or are these roles required to be filled full time onsite by separate persons?

a. Key team members may be represented by the same individual; however, the documents submitted must clearly show each key team member’s role.

30. Section 013591, paragraph 1.8 states that contractor will package and crate salvaged materials for secure storage at Owner's storage area. Please designate or clarify storage locations either onsite or offsite for all salvaged materials for this project to be delivered?

a. Onsite storage is available from season to season. There are a number of storage areas in the basement that can be used. Final storage location will be dependent on the volume of salvaged materials.

31. Are removed terra cotta units required to be reinstalled to precise locations they were removed, or can like units be re-installed in alternate locations? This is an important issue that can benefit or restrict the flow of work based on needs to strictly use terra cotta units in precise locations or ability to dismantle areas and reconstruct them expeditiously with available units while waiting for replacement units to be fabricated that will be used later in the project.

a. Alternate locations are acceptable as long as the running pattern is maintained.

The preference is to group historic materials where possible in order to minimize disruption in the future if replacement of historic material is required.

32. Scaffold is required to access all work areas for execution of the work. No reference is found in the solicitation documents for scaffold requirements or if the scaffold working levels are to be enclosed with scrim. Until scaffold engineered plans and calculations are performed for stamped engineered plans, wind forces acting on the scaffold structure are not known. It cannot be assumed that a free-standing scaffold wrapped in scrim at working level(s) can withstand wind forces acting on it. Understanding this requirement, please state any limitations or special instructions in attaching to (anchoring into mortar joints of the granite masonry) or bracing against the historic masonry building structure for support of scaffold as needed.

a. Anchors may be placed in mortar joints. Care should be taken to avoid damage to granite.

33. Scaffold will require attachment of anchorage and bracing into masonry regardless of scrim. Scrim will increase the quantity and strength requirements for each anchor location. Please clarify any limitations or special instructions on anchorage into the historic building masonry regardless of the use of scrim or not.

a. Anchors may be placed in mortar joints. Care should be taken to avoid damage to granite.

34. No provisions are included in solicitation documents on design requirements of scaffold erected to access the structure. For determining wind forces on the temporary scaffold structure, please clarify design requirements per ASCE standards; and if any reductions per ASCE 37 in wind forces are permitted on the basis of the scaffold being a temporary structure.

a. This is considered contractor means and methods.

35. Are engineered stamped scaffold plans a required submittal for approval by GSA?

a. Access to the structure is considered contractor means and methods. If the contractor proposes scaffolding, the contractor must demonstrate the plans are appropriately engineered for the site.

36. If so, please state who (what company) will review and make recommendations for approval of engineered scaffold plans?

a. Undetermined at this time.

37. Staging designated on sheet A002 is quite small (approx. 2,230 SF) for the magnitude of the project. Is it possible for GSA to permit the contractor use of more space for project staging? If so, where would that space be located and how much additional space can be provided?

a. Contractors may propose staging plans; vehicular and pedestrian circulation patterns must be addressed. Circulation patterns cannot be closed off entirely, and in places can be only temporarily redirected around small areas of work.

Contractor is required to make arrangements for building occupant vehicles if employee parking is disrupted due to construction related activities. Notice of

38. At the site visit it was discussed that all parking spaces are closely held by tenants and that spaces on the south elevation parking lot are particularly sensitive. Erection of scaffold along the south elevation will displace all parking spots closest to the building.

Please clarify if this is acceptable? Or, please state if further measures are needed to construct steel support structure or canopy to carry scaffold load while allowing space for parking in those spots?

a. Steel support structure or canopy are not required. Contractors may propose scaffolding plans; vehicular and pedestrian circulation patterns must be addressed. Circulation patterns cannot be closed off entirely, and in places can be only temporarily redirected around small areas of work. Contractor is required to make arrangements for building occupant vehicles if employee parking is disrupted due to construction related activities. Notice of building employee parking disruption shall be given to the Property Manager 14 days in advance.

39. Total parking spaces displaced by the currently assigned staging area and those needed on the south elevation for erection of scaffold access to the TC cornice will be approximately 25 spaces. Given the quantity of spaces and total duration of displacement, the requirement that the contractor pay for alternate parking for each space will be a substantial amount of money. Understanding this, please state if this requirement remains, or will GSA assume responsibility for the displaced parking spaces?

a. Contractor is required to make arrangements for building occupant vehicles if employee parking is disrupted due to construction related activities. Notice of

40. Loading dock canopy or overhang roof on the west elevation will require shoring to support scaffold load for scaffold erected over top of it along the entire west elevation.

Can GSA provide as-built drawings of the west elevation canopy roof to help determine requirements for necessary shoring?

a. Original elevation drawings are available. Contractor is responsible for verifying site conditions.

41. East elevation terrace will bear load of scaffold needed to reach east elevation for repairs of the terra cotta. Can GSA provide drawings of the terrace to determine if there are rooms or vaults beneath the terrace walking level, or if the terrace is built on compacted fill? This information will dramatically affect price.

a. Original site, basement and first floor assignment plans are available.

Contractors are responsible for verifying site conditions.

42. Are there any vaults or tunnels in proximity to the building structure or on the courthouse property that have weight restrictions or limitations for operating heavy equipment or support of scaffolding?

a. Original site, basement and first floor assignment plans are available.

43. If existing terra cotta units subject to testing as identified in above question do not demonstrate sufficient compressive strength for re-use on the project will additional samples be tested? If so, how many and should those costs be included in this proposal?

a. No.

44. If existing terra cotta units subject to testing as identified in above question do not demonstrate sufficient compressive strength for re-use or continued service on the building will that trigger additional testing and replacement of further terra cotta units? If so, how many and should those costs be included in this proposal?

a. No.

45. On sheet A001 note 3 under project narrative is not clear if it is 3C or 3S. Please clarify?

a. 3C

46. Are there any as-built or original section drawings of the terra cotta cornice that can be shared with the contractor at this time?

a. There are limited drawings available from a roof replacement project in 1990.

47. Detail 9/A601 shows expansion joint detail for the copper bay cap flashing as shown on detail 3/A601. A more appropriate expansion joint detail is detail 11.1C (Building Expansion Joint at Parapet) in Copper in Architecture Design Handbook/CDA Publication A4050-04/16. Please clarify how appropriate details for copper flashings will be adopted for the project given the sensitive nature of this installation?

a. Onsite conditions will be reviewed with the contractor. Contractor suggestions will be considered and, where appropriate, revisions will be formally issued.

48. Please confirm level 4 and 5 terra cotta units (modillion blocks and ogee band) are not intended for reconstruction on any elevation? (It is noted that at select locations on the south and west elevation particular units are called out for replacement.)

a. Units that cannot be repaired shall be replaced as indicated on the drawings, including modillion blocks.

49. General Note #1 on sheet A202 states to remove all units in the reconstruction zone and replace with new terra cotta units. This note is not consistent with represented areas for replacement show on the same sheet with red coloration and noted with an "A". Please clarify extent of terra unit replacement and which notes rule.

a. All units in the reconstruction zone (the reconstruction zone is indicated graphically on the right margin) are to be removed and replaced. As indicated in Note #2, units removed from the reconstruction zone that are designated with the letter “S” and indicated with a hatch pattern should be salvaged for reuse. Units removed from the reconstruction zone that have a solid red hatch pattern are to be disposed of.

50. Please confirm if brick removed for reconstruction of the parapet can be or should be re-used, or if all brick used for reconstruction must be new brick?

a. Provide new brick

51. Are there original drawings available showing the back-up wall construction ? or do we know what it is ?

a. Original drawings are not available. The drawings for the brick behind the cornice are diagrammatic. Limited investigation uncovered deteriorated backup brick.

The extent and severity of damage in remaining concealed locations is unknown at this time, but significant brick replacement is anticipated.