RFI_Clarification Log - Pre-Bid RFI.pdf

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) LOG

Solicitation No: 47PF0025R0021

Project Title: Nitrogen Generator Replacement Location: Kinneary Courthouse

Master No.

Submission Date

Doc. Ref.

(page, detail or paragraph number)

RFI / Clarification Response

3 3/18/25 Is it acceptable to use previously completed PPQ's to satisfy the past performance requirements?

Yes, using previously completed PPQs is compliant as long as the project is similar in size, scope, and cost.

4 3/18/25 Do the projects used for past experience and past performance have to be the same projects?

They do not have to be the same projects but all projects referenced must be aligned with the project being solicited with regard to size, scope, and cost.

5 04/01/25

Section 11400

Section 11400 notes general contractor working hours shall be during government occupied hours, however drawings and comments made as part of the pre bid site visit indicated all work would occur after hours. Please confirm general working hours for the project.

Any work related to abatement will occur after hours. Any work that is disruptive will occur after hours.

6 04/01/25 Section 12400

Section 12400 provides narratives for option pricing. The difference between Option 1 and Option 2 appears to only be regarding stabilization vs encapsulation as the area of work remains the same. Typically in order to stabilize LBP or LCP per Option 1, the lose flakes would all be removed and the edges of any paint encapsulated. Please confirm that Option 1 has no encapsulation and we are being directed to prime / paint directly over the remaining lead paint.

Section 012400 is a summary of the base bid and options that directs bidders to drawing sheet A101 where each work summary is described and defined in more detail. LBP stabilization involves both removal of all loose flakes and encapsulant coating application to affected areas. The base bid for limited area LBP Stabilization note 1) LBP MOBILIZATION #1 states that all loose LBP shall be removed with any sound material remaining and contractor shall apply encapsulant coating to all affected areas. This same note is subsequently used in Option #1, thus both the base bid and Option #1 direct bidders to apply encapsulant coating to all affected areas.

Thus, Option #1 does require encapsulation of the affected areas.

Both the Base Bid and Option #1 note 4) directs the paint contractor to prime/paint the stabilized areas which will have received encapsulant coating applied over remaining sound LBP.

Regarding Option #2, this option is for full LBP Remediation which is directing bidders to completely remove all LBP from the defined work areas.

7 04/01/25 Section 013220 Photographic Documentation

If section 013220 Photographic Documentation is required, it contains conflicting information regarding construction photographs. Section 1.1.A references weekly photographs and Section 3.1.B.1 references monthly photographs coinciding with payment applications. Please confirm intent.

Pre-alteration photographs of all the work areas is a submittal requirement. Progress photos with payment applications are required. Photo documentation in relation to RFIs and Change Orders are required.

8 04/01/25 Section 013220 Photographic Documentation

If Section 013220 Photographic Documentation is required, it notes birds eye aerial photographs from a drone, helicopter or low flying airplane are required on a monthly basis. Please confirm this is not required.

This is not required.

9 04/01/25 Section 013510

Given the limited nature and location of work, please confirm whether or not Section 013510 Historic Building Treatment Procedures is applicable, and a Historic Treatment Specialist will be required for this project. The project area is limited to a renovated basement area, an unfinished basement garage, and the open garage on the first level. There is limited impact if any to the historic fabric of the facility.

Section 013510 is required.

10 04/01/25 Section 013525

Section 013525 Fire Prevention & Protection in Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Projects item 3.1.E.1 notes “Contractor is responsible for costs of shutdowns including assistance by the building O&M service contractor.” Given the extent of services required is unknown, and hourly rates as well as O&M protocol for providing said services is unavailable, please provide an allowance value for all bidders to carry.

This is part of the Contractor's cost and the efficiency of the Contractor and the level of coordination will greatly affect this cost.

It will be up to the bidding contractors to clearly indicate the amount that is carried for these services.

11 04/01/25 Section 013525

Section 013525 Fire Prevention & Protection in Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Projects item 3.1.E.2.a notes “O&M service contractor is to be hired as a subcontractor to provide assistance and to perform any building system shutdowns.” Please provide contact information for the building O&M.

This will be provided to the winning bidder.

12 04/01/25 Section 013525

Section 013525 Fire Prevention & Protection in Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Projects item 3.1.E.3.a notes “O&M service contractor is to be hired as a subcontractor to provide assistance and to perform any building system shutdowns.” Given work is being performed on behalf of the Federal government, please confirm Government O&M rates would apply.

The approximate rate for the O&M for after hours assistance is $120.00 per hour.

13 04/01/25 Sections 017700 & 017810

Sections 017700 & 017810 references BIM requirements for closeout. Given the limited nature of work, please confirm BIM is not required.

BIM is not required. Red lines will be AutoCad.

14 04/01/25 Please confirm the Government or Architect of Record will provide baseline CAD files for use by the contractor as a basis to compile shop drawings and closeout documents.

Confirmed. These will be delivered to the winning bidder.

15 04/01/25

Section 018200

Reference Section 018200 Demonstration & Training. The training outlined indicates that this is specific to new pieces of major equipment, which is limited to the Nitrogen Generator for the project. Please confirm and specify if additional training will be requested.

Nitrogen generator is the only obvious training requirement.

16 04/01/25 Section 028300 Part 3 Execution

Item 1.B

Section 028300 Part 3 Execution Item 1.B contains a clarification regarding potential difficulties with existing conditions and the area where LBP work will occur. This will affect cleaning and clearances during the LBP work. Please confirm whether or not lead wipe clearance testing is required, or if the owner has elected to only conduct visual observations of the work area, where at a minimum, paint chips and associated debris should not be readily visible within the designated work areas upon completion of work practices.

Correct, the specification notes the Owner MAY elect visual vs lead wipe testing however sheet A101 LBP Repair/Stabilization Work Visual Inspection notes that the 3rd party monitor shall visually inspect both the structural overhead areas and ground work area and that no testing shall be required. Bidders shall assume that sheet A101 process for visual clearance only will be acceptable to the Government and no lead wipe clearance testing will be required.

17 04/01/25 Section 028300 Part 3 Execution

Item 1.B

Section 028300 directs contractor to utilize level 2 and level 3 methods of LBP/LCP removal for this scope of work. The Level 2 and Level 3 methods specifically include language for complete poly barriers and negative air to be provided as required. Please confirm removal of these requirements, or update section to be project specific and modify language for "outdoor" LCP/LBP work to occur.

These are basic lead safe work practices per EPA for outdoor work.

The contractor shall poly the floor and as a measure to control dust from migrating outside of the work area where the public will be and sidewalks, they should establish poly sheeting walls, to also keep heavy debris paint ships from blowing in the air to sidewalk areas as dust control measures and not negative air requirements

18 04/01/25

In regards to the LBP/LCP clearances, please provide further direction on how this will occur with an active garage. The mobilization/sequencing indicated in the drawings has this work scheduled to occur overnight in sections as phased with the facility. Is the intent to have one final clearance upon completion of the work or will there be multiple clearances required?

Drawing sheet A101 ‘LBP Repair / Stabilization Work Visual Inspection notes that ‘Upon work completion in each area, the 3rd party monitor will inspect, thus multiple clearances will be required.

Clear each work area as completed, so that the work area can be tore down at the end of the phase

19 04/01/25

Section 078400

Section 078400 Installer Qualifications notes installers must be FM Global 4991 certified. The Firestop Contractors International Association does not evidenced any FM Global 4991 certified installers in the Columbus Ohio Area.

Due to the unavailability of FM Global certified firestop contractors in the area, please confirm that installers who are certified by the manufacturer are acceptable

Robert Mathes "That is acceptable as long as the manufacturer has properly trained the contractor. They must be trained to use the product they presented to seal the penetrations."

20 04/01/25 Section 211317

2.4 F

Section 211317 2.4 F Supervision of Nitrogen Generator describes 5 options that must be able to be monitored, however Section 2.5 only indicates 3 alarm initiating and supervisory devices; (2.5.A) Sprinkler Waterflow, (2.5.B) High/Low-Nitrogen Pressure Supervisory Switch, and (2.5.C) Valve Supervisory (Tamper) Switch. Please confirm scope of fire alarm work and what is being monitored by the Fire Alarm System.

Robert Mathes "These are talking about two different things. The five points that need to be monitored are by the Nitrogen generator itself, and the three points initiating/supervisory alarms are required to be monitored by the fire alarm system. Therefore, when they tie the nitrogen generator into the fire alarm system to be monitored, those three items need to be addressed."

21 04/01/25 Section 283164 Section 283164 is identified on the Table of Contents and specifications, however that section has footnotes referencing section 213164. Please confirm intent.

Section 283164 footer reference # 2131364 is incorrect and will be revised to match the correct section number.

22 04/01/25 Section 283164 (213164)

Section 283164 (213164) indicates the current fire control unit is a GE EST 3 as part of an Edwards System. Please provide contact information for entity that has been maintaining / providing functional testing of the system.

This will be provided to the winning bidder.

23 04/01/25 Section 283164 (213164)

Section 283164 (213164) indicates spare parts are to be provided based on the devices installed, however the drawings and specifications are unclear what new devices are being installed. Please specify scope of fire alarm work and specifically indicate what spare devices will be required.

Robert Mathes "In order to monitor the new nitrogen generator, you have to install monitoring modules, fire alarm wiring, tamper switches, flow switches, pressure gauges, and other pieces of equipment as outlined by NFPA 13, NFPA 72, and GSA specifications. This material shall require additional spare parts as outlined by GSA specifications and contract documents. I recommend that the contractor consult a fire alarm subcontractor, fire sprinkler contractor, and the Nitrogen generator manufacturer to ensure that they are made aware of what is needed when installing a new dry pipe sprinkler system with a nitrogen generator. I recommend that the subcontractors read the GSA specifications pertaining to Division 21 and Division 28."

24 04/01/25 Specification

283164 / Section 211317

The drawings do not reference any Fire Alarm work as part of the contract, however specification 283164 references fire alarm work as indicated on the drawings. Please provide fire alarm drawings indicating fire alarm work to be provided including removal of any existing points for the compressor and associated sprinkler system as well as new points being requested such as those outlined in Section 211317.

Fire alarm scope of work is provided on EP100 (connection of nitrogen generator into the fire alarm system and connection of purge valve).

Point 77 is an existing point located in the same room as the existing compressor that is used for an existing pressure switch, this point can be used for the supervisory signal for the new generator.

This is based on the proposed generator make and model.

25 4/7/25 NA

Please provide direction on how the bid form needs to reflect the pricing options as shown on sheet A101. Please confirm the bid form provided in the solicitation will be applied to each CLIN.

Please confirm Base Construction Services, Base Bid - Limited LBP Stabilization and Option #3 - Lead Paint Removal are to be priced. Option #1 - Lead Stabilization and Option #2 - Lead Encapsulation are not priced.

Base bid, Option #1, Option #2, and Option #3 are to be priced.

26 4/7/25 NA Do the Superintendent, SSHO and QC Manager need to be 3 separate individuals?

No

27 4/7/25 NA Are there any phasing requirements? Yes, there are complicated phasing needs of this effort.

28 4/7/25 NA Please confirm unoccupied hours for required after hours work. Confirmed.

29 4/7/25 NA If the building and parking area remains occupied, how many people will be in the building?

During Government occupied hours there are upwards of 300 people in the building. During unoccupied hours there are less than 20 people in the building.

30 4/7/25 NA Are there any temporary heating/cooling requirements? No.

31 4/7/25 NA

Can the period of performance be extended after award once the material/equipment lead times are confirmed due to current market conditions for the equipment for this project?

The period of performance is from onsite notice to proceed (Onsite NTP) to substantial completion. Onsite NTP is only issued after the schedule is coordinated and materials are in hand.

32 4/7/25 NA Are soil boring reports available? If not, it will be assumed that excavation will be clear of rocks and obstructions.

No, any assumptions would be the bidding contractors.

33 4/7/25 NA Please provide all relevant documentation for asbestos and lead present in the project.

That is included in the solicitation package already.

34 4/7/25 NA

Please provide the contact information for the building management controls contractor or confirm the existing system with contact information.

Will be provided to the winning bidder.

35 4/7/25 NA

Please provide the contact information for the building fire alarm company. Will be provided to the winning bidder.

36 4/7/25 NA

Please provide the site visit attendee sign-in sheet. Will be sent out to the bidding contractors.

37 4/7/25 NA

Please provide photos of the job site and existing conditions. See attached file

38 4/7/25 NA

Please provide approved paint manufacturer and colors to match existing as listed on the plans and specifications.

Paint specification is included in the solicitation package. Any areas damaged by the project will be repaired in kind.

39 4/9/25 NA

Reviewing the scope of work, please confirm if the lead remediation contractor will be able to power wash as a removal method.

This is not a normal practice. Power washing would be an aggressive method and disperse the debris all over and would not be controlled and the water runoff would be contaminated. A product is usually applied to the metal to delaminate the paint from the substrate.

40 4/9/25 NA

For base bid lead stabilization activities, please confirm if encapsulating the edges of paint removed will be required.

Yes, encapsulation of LBP edges are required. Reference sheet A101 Base Bid – Limited LBP Stabilization note 1) LBP Mobilization #1 that states ‘CONTRACTOR SHALL APPLY ENCAPSULANT

COATING TO ALL AFFECTED AREAS’.

41 4/9/25 NA

Referencing the laboratory and testing information provided, please verify whether or not the window glazing on upper portion of the parking garage been tested for Asbestos.

Work related to ACM abatement and the existing window frames be struck from the design documents via an amendment.

42 4/9/25 NA

For Clarification, 24" width in hangers means 1' each direction and entirety of beam. Please verify.

Please refer to sheet A101 Base Bid note at bottom of scope notes that indicates the entire length of the beams shall require stabilization in lieu of spot treating individual hanger locations due to the infeasibility of coordinating new hanger locations with the sprinkler contractor.

43 4/9/25 NA

Please confirm space will be provide for the contractor to have a dumpster on site.

Confirmed with Karen Beaty, Supervisory Property Manager, that space will be coordinated with the winning bidder.

44 4/9/25 NA

Please confirm space will be provided for the temporary storage of lifts on site for sue as part of the subject project.

Confirmed with Karen Beaty, Supervisory Property Manager, that space will be coordinated with the winning bidder.

45 4/14/25 Section 013525 1.4.B

Section 013525 1.4.B notes a fire patrol is required when the life safety system is impaired. Once pre-testing has occurred as part of construction, the new system will be providing coverage for the upper garage level. In the interim between pretesting of the new system and final acceptance / approval by the Authority Having Jurisdiction, please conform whether or not a full time fire patrol will be required.

The existing fire suppression system will protect the garage until the final acceptance of the new system by the AHJ.

46 4/14/25 NA

Work is scheduled to occur after hours, and activities will likely require the installation of barriers for lead remediation activities proposed to occur. If barriers are required, it is assumed they will need to remain in place for independent testing clearances to be provided by others. Please confirm how much of the upper garage may be phased at a time for work to occur.

These are basic lead safe work practices per EPA for outdoor work.

The contractor shall poly the floor and as a measure to control dust from migrating outside of the work area where the public will be and sidewalks, they should establish poly sheeting walls, to also keep heavy debris paint ships from blowing in the air to sidewalk areas as dust control measures and not negative air requirements

47 4/14/25 NA

Since work is occurring outside normal hours of building operation, please confirm whether or not the contractor can be provided with several parking spots for their use during government unoccupied hours.

This would have to be coordinated with GSA Property Management.

In the past one or two parking spaces outside of the garage in lot next to the river have been provided.