Questions and Answers on SIR 6973GH-19-R-00174.docx

Questions and Answers on SIR 6973GH-19-R-00174 all work associated with the demolition of four (4) existing RCAG antenna towers and associated infrastructure and the construction of four (4) new RCAG communication antenna towers and their associated infrastructure located at the existing QUL RCAG site in SQUAW BUTTE, ID.

1. We note that member sizes are given in the contract drawings; however, there are no base reactions given in the documentation. Are we to fabricate the tower in accordance with these drawings or are we to provide a new design with PE seal? If we are to fabricate pre these drawings, please provide the base reactions so a foundation can be designed.

Answer: The contractor is responsible to provide a new design with PE seal for review and approval.

2. Ref.: Drawing QUL-1200938-E003 – Detail A – shows the use of fiberglass masts at the antenna swing arms. The 2-7/8” OD is a non-standard size and is very expensive. Also these masts tend to be very brittle and the set screws on the antennas tend to crack the fiberglass under the wind and weather conditions that are common at this site. We recommend steel antenna masts threaded to permit the installation of a protective grommet. Will you allow the steel antenna masts threaded to permit the installation of a protective grommet?

Answer: Steel antenna masts threaded are NOT permit to be use for this project. The contractor can order the fiberglass masts from the following contractors:

1. Star Fiberglass Systems (10k minimum order qty)

1. RAM Fiberglass

1. Paramount Fab.

1. Champion Fiberglass – available from graybar

3. We have a considerable factor as the project will be in several phases, the first being the FAA moving the antenna from the east towers to the west towers and bringing the system back into service, the demo on the east cannot start until this is complete and certified Answer: the initial transition will be completed prior to or at the same week as contractor mobilization.

4. After completion of the East towers, the system and antennas will need to be moved from the existing west to the new East towers and brought back online and certified by the FAA, the length of time for this will depend on the FAA.

Answer: each transition/migration will take a week (five business days) to complete.

5. With the contours of the site we will need to add 45 degree angles to the 4" PVC Coated GRS conduits as they are not noted on the details or the sheets, as the site is not level.

Answer: it is the contractor’s responsibility to route RGSCs as shown on drawings. The FAA does not dictate the mean and method of how the contractor accomplish the work. However, the proposal by contractor is acceptable.

6. On sheets C002 and sheet C004 shows the contour of the site and the main (new) handhole by the building on the west side, with the contour of the site, per sheet C005 detail B, the handhole mostly will be exposed, I know the specs state to bring the site to normal appearance but with the amount of fill needed that is more than cosmetic, what is the suggested fix so we can get it properly added and priced in the proposal.

Answer: the handhold can be mostly exposed. However, the underground RGSCs needs to be at least 24” below finished grade as required per project requirement.

7. On sheet C005 Details A and B shows the antenna J-Box with a single 4" PVC Coated GRS conduit and a PVC Coated LB, it was requested that the j-box be higher and to core drill 4- 4" PVC Coated GRS nipples thru the wall and out the back of the j-box, will this be acceptable as far as service and working in the j-box in the future or does it need 4 of the conduit and LB's as shown on the details.

Answer: it is acceptable to core drill 4” PVC coated GRS nipples thru the wall and out the back of the j-box. For ease of maintenance, the bottom of the j-box cannot be higher than 4’-0”.

8. According to the SSC people there is an asbestos survey but the location is not known, this is needed for the report on the interior/exterior paint so the core drills for the entry nipples can be abated properly and removed.

Answer: FAA Asbestos and Lead report attached.

9. Also requested was the remodel of the interior cable ladder installing at the east and west entry points installing a 3 to 4 foot piece of cable ladder along the wall under the level of the cable ladder for entry cables to be securely run in the building.

Answer: This is acceptable.

10. The other question was whether the site schedule could be, for this project being 6-10 hour days.

Answer: the contractor cannot work on the weekends. The local SSC does not have the resources to support weekend work in case on an emergency. Other options may be explored upon contract award.