RFP 6973GH-25-R-00081 Nome AK RFIs continued Pt 3.pdf

Questions for Solicitation No. 6973GH-25-R-00081

Solicitation Document Title

Section #/Title Page # Question/Comment

Proposal & Pricing Form 5.0 ITEMS REQUIRED

FOR PROJECT

CLOSEOUT (min. 40% of total FFP)

The pricing form asks the contractors to include 40% of the contract value in the close out document line-item no. 5. It is not possible to get paid for the cost of the work as it progresses under this model. It causes the contractor to bill for costs long after the work is complete.

Is this the government’s intent?

A. The Government intends to maintain 15% retainage to ensure project completion in a streamlined and optimal manner.

Solicitation, Offer and Award - 2

Solicitation Notes The Government’s estimated price range of this procurement is between $500,000 and $1,000,000. This project has been solicited twice so far, and the bids were more than $1.5 million both times for the same scope. Does the government have additional funds above and beyond the estimated range?

A. Prior solicitations received responses within the estimated price range but were not executed due to contractor availability.

The goal of the government is to facilitate a competitive solicitation that provides regional self-performing contractors the means to participate. All proposals will be evaluated to price and technical criterial as outline in the bid documents. Valid technical responses can be used as means to budgetary justification should the need arise. Scope has been reduced and consolidated from previous solicitations.

Site Plan OME-D-LIVQ-C001 Is there going to be a section of the FAA living quarters facility that contractors will be allowed to stage equipment and materials during the project?

A. The site can support space for staging material and equipment for the project upon SSC approval. Living quarters are not available for contractor use as housing.

Section #/Title Page # Question/Comment

LIVQ Nome Boiler Replacement Mechanical Specifications

Summary of Work Note 3.

The four-hour cutover period limit is unrealistic with the amount of work needed to replace the piping and electrical and is likely to be exceeded. While all efforts will be made to keep cutover times to a minimum, will phasing plans expecting to exceed the four-hour limit be accepted?

A. The four-hour limit was removed for this solicitation. The goal is to avoid service and disturbance to facility residents. Extended outages or cutovers can be accepted with the proper mitigations in place to ensure occupied units do not go “cold”. All phasing plans will be considered if executed within the conditions identified in the solicitation documents (e.g. maintaining 60-degree temperature.

LIVQ Nome Boiler Replacement Mechanical Specifications

Summary of Work Note 3.

The Government’s plan to phase the project to maintain operation of the existing boiler system during work adds significant time and complexity. Would the government be open to maintaining heat by using electrical heaters in the building and shutting the boiler system down for an extended period to expedite and lower the cost of the project?

A. The government requires the occupied units be kept to a minimum 60-degree temperature. The means and methods of accomplishing this (e.g. electric heaters) should be documented in the contractor’s technical proposal. All plans will be considered if they are executable and comply with solicitation requirements.

LIVQ Nome Boilers Replacement Mechanical Schedules

With the expected long lead times discussed during the virtual site visit and the need to hit barging schedules, would equivalent boiler systems to the Weil Mclain 788 models be acceptable should they be available sooner to meet the summer construction season?

A. Systems and models that meet or exceed the engineered criteria and performance specifications identified in the solicitation documents will be considered. Alternate systems will require additional training for the SSC technicians to operate and maintain as their experience is with the current Weil McLain units.

Section #/Title Page # Question/Comment

LIVQ Nome Boilers Replacement New Mechanical Floor Plan

Is the 8’x9’ garage door operational and available for use by contractors?

A: Yes. Door is operational and available to use.

6973GH-25-R-00081 Section L, Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Bidders

Does the Government want contract documents (Solicitation, Offer and Award; Section K, Section B, Proposal and Pricing Form, etc.)

assembled into a separate volume or attached as separate documents with the Offeror’s technical volume submission?

A: Yes, please provide the pricing and technical volumes as separate submissions. You can include the Sections B & K within the pricing volume.

6973GH-25-R-00081 Section B – Supplies or Services/Prices

5 Is the Offeror required to fill in Section B and submit with its proposal?

A. Yes, please complete Section B and submit it with your proposal.

6973GH-25-R-00081 Section L, Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Bidders

67 In Section L.6, 3.2.3-16 Restricting, Disclosing and Using Data, (c) states, “Use the following space to identify the pages containing the restricted data: Numbers or other identification pages:___.” Is the offeror required to fill this out and submit with its proposal?

A. If there is restricted data in your proposal that is not to be released publicly, this is where you would indicate the page numbers indicating this information.

If an offeror is not on the QVL and did not submit the information required in 6973GH-23-R-00189, is the Offeror required to provide any additional information from that solicitation with its proposal response to 6973GH-25-R-00081 (e.g., QVL Application Form, Bonding Letter, etc.)?

A. Payment and performance bonds will be required for any proposal over $150,000.00 A QVL application form is not needed.

Section #/Title Page # Question/Comment

Per QVL 6973GH-23-R-00189, Submittals more than 20 pages long will not be considered. (AMS 3.2.2.3-11, Unnecessarily Elaborate Submittals (July 2004)) (Past Performance Documentation Forms, Narrative, Work Plan, and Bonding Company Letters are not included in this page limitation.). Does this page limitation/page exclusion list apply to an Offeror’s proposal response to 6973GH-25-R-00081?

A. No, there is not a page limitation or exclusion list.

When can the site visit be scheduled?

A. A visit was coordinated for Feb. 20th. This was posted in Sam.gov several days ago.

Section H Work Hours- Factor 2

Please confirm if the contractor can base the project schedule submitted in Factor 2 on a 6 day work week (Mon-Sat).

A. Confirmed. Solicitation documents required working Monday thru Friday regular working hours 8:00 to 5:00. This schedule can be altered by soliciting in writing to the CO. FAA need to make arrangement to always have escort. Any work schedule of more than 8 regular hours and on weekends is the responsibility of the contractor without any extra charge to the government. Extended hours (10-12 hrs) and work week (6-7 days) can be used if relevant to project delivery.

Proposal & Pricing Form – OPTION 1:

BUILDING LIGHTING &

ENVELOPE

Proposal & Pricing Form – OPTION 1: BUILDING LIGHTING & ENVELOPE has a line item for “Repair and replace building insulation as required”. Please provide a “type” of insulation, required minimum R-value and estimated qty that the contractor should account for repair & replace.

A. R-13 reflective faced fiberglass insulation for spaces above 4’.

Contractor to propose quantity and means and methods required.

Section #/Title Page # Question/Comment

Vendors for the basis of design Weil-McLain boiler have provided an approximate procurement time of 20-24 weeks from date of order.

This time frame and the 80 calendar days provided to complete the work after “full Notice to Proceed” exceeds the desired completion date of 9/27/2025 from the current bid date. Please verify that the desired completion date can be adjusted based on award date.

A. Weil-McLain is specified in the drawing schedule page because is what is currently installed, and our technicians are knowledgeable of their operations and capabilities. But any brand that fulfills and/or exceeds the equipment requirements, specifications, characteristics and capabilities and present a better Leadtime is acceptable. The completion date is a “Hot Target” for the purpose of business metrics of end of fiscal year. Is just and internal business metric. Depending on equipment/material Lead-times this completion day can be adjusted. Training for new equipment is required to capacitate our technicians in the capabilities, maintenance and operation of the equipment.

The SF1442 block 13D The SF1442 block 13D indicates that offers need to be valid for 120 days. This will need to be substantially reduced to meet the desired completion date taking into consideration material availability.

A. This has been lowered down to 60 days.

Can a list be provided indicating components/materials the FAA is expecting to receive submittals for associated with the project?

A. Submittals will be required for all materials and equipment except for COTS if solicitation documents are adhered to.

Section #/Title Page # Question/Comment

Submittals For scheduling purposes what should the contractor anticipate for FAA review times of submittals?

A. Two (2) weeks is the industry standard. With consciousness, FAA will try to turn around the acceptance or rejection of submittals in a very short period due to the tie and short schedule period of this projects, depending in the additional responsibilities and workload of project the project lead engineer.

During the execution of work will the FAA provide fuel oil at no cost to the contractor?

A. Solicitation documents stipulate/specify contractor is responsible to provides all labor and material to this contract. Non-government furnished material (GFM) or government furnished equipment (GFE) is specified.

Drawing M103, sheet note 3

M103 Drawing M103, sheet note 3 indicates the installation of a “Fuel Refill Window”. Please provide a basis of design for the window and desired size.

A. SECTION 306 (IMC)

ACCESS AND SERVICE SPACE

306.1 Access for maintenance and replacement. Appliances

shall be accessible for inspection, service, repair and replacement without disabling the function of a fire-resistance-rated assembly or removing permanent construction, other appliances, venting systems or any other piping or ducts not connected to the appliance being inspected, serviced, repaired or replaced. A level working space at least 30 inches deep and 30 inches wide (762 mm by 762 mm) shall be provided in front of the control side to service an appliance.

“Fuel Refill Window” is for manual tank refill only. Used as secondary system if pump from storage tank fails. Requires ability to pass 1” soft hose from transfer pump into the building for refueling.

Drawing M103 –

LEGEND

M103 Drawing M103 – LEGEND has the following note “HATCH DESIGNATES EQUIPMENT CLEARANCE AREA”. There’s nothing shown on the plan. Is the area similar to that shown on E101?

A. Yes.

Section #/Title Page # Question/Comment

TEAMS CONFERENCE

CALL

During the TEAMs call on February 9th it was mentioned that a “containment needed to be demolished/moved to accommodate the new boiler install.” Is a new containment then required? Nothing is shown on the plan set in reference to containment.

A. The Fuel containment to be eliminated Is a trough in the concrete near Boiler 1. New fuel containment requirements will comply with indoor fuel oil piping consistent with the most recent requirements for the day tank fuel piping. New fuel piping must meet or exceed current installation to existing boilers and current Alaska accepted mechanical code.

Drawing M101 M101 Drawing M101 - Can a size and thickness be provided for the E.G concrete pad?

A. 6” thick 4’6” wide, and 9’ long (6” X 4’-6” X 9’)

Drawing M601 M601 Design Heat Load/Boiler Output: M601 indicates that the design heat load/boiler gross output is 1713 MBH. If a temporary heating system is installed for the duration of the project, does it need to match the I=B=R gross output of 1713 MBH?

A. Contractor is to propose gross output requirements necessary to maintain the 60 degree temperature of occupied units as required in the solicitation documents.

Drawing C001 C001 Epoxy Lining Requirement: C001 mentions that most of the underground HWS/HWR piping is epoxy lined. Are there any epoxy lining requirements for any new piping to be installed as part of this project?

A. If the new piping is iron/steel, it will need to be epoxy lined.

Drawing 601 M601 Heating Fluid: M601 states that the heating fluid is water, not glycol. Can you confirm if this is accurate? If the system does have glycol, please provide type.

A. Confirmed. The heating fluid is water, not glycol.

Section #/Title Page # Question/Comment

Temporary Plans Submittal

Domestic Hot Water Demand: If temporary water heaters are installed during the project, what is the expected domestic hot water demand?

A. Each building is divided up into 4 units. The existing heat system is divided up into paired units (2 units for each hot water generator) Each pair of units should have a 40 gal holding tank capacity with water stored at 140 deg F. Domestic hot water temperatures do not need to be maintained during shorter cutover durations (less than 48 hrs).

Drawing M101 M101 Plan drawing M101 indicates a Veeder Root System, Day tank, & Boiler Alarm panel. These components are not indicated in the Mechanical Specifications under Sequence of Operations. Please advise how these existing components are incorporated.

A. The Veeder Root is a fuel monitoring system for the Fuel tank outside, and the day tank. The operation of this system is not to be affected, only moved to a new location to accommodate a new boiler. The boiler alarm panel is not currently in operation and should be replaced/incorporated with a fault alarm indicator for the new system.

Mechanical Specifications, Sequence of Operations

#37 &

Mechanical Specifications, Sequence of Operations #37 & 38 list Boiler Pumps CP-1A/1B and Circulation Pumps CP-2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, & 4B. None of these pumps are shown on M103. Please provide pump locations and current piping configuration.

A. The Circulation pumps CP-1A/1B, CP-2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, & 4B have been removed from the scope for this project.

Specifications In addition to the specifications provided in the RFP are there any other FAA standard specifications that the contractor should be aware of?

A. No. Other than all mention in the specifications. Contractor must follow current accepted Alaska mechanical and building codes and any authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).

Section #/Title Page # Question/Comment

Specifications- Controls Seq. of Operation

Controls specifications state to monitor flow meters FM-001 & FM 108, this will alternate pumps. Theirs no pumps shown on the pipe loops of the flow meters. Please confirm the flow meters are associated with pumps and the pumps locations.

A. This was in reference to CP-1A and CP-1B which have been removed from the scope of this project.

Drawing M401 Drawing M401 - FM-001 is shown on the ¾” System Fill line for the boilers.

Confirm this location is correct.

A. This is correct.

Specifications- Controls Seq. of Operation

The sequence of operations for FM200 A, B & C lists flow meters for load loops. These flow meters are not indicated on M401. Please advise of their location.

A. Flow meters FM200 A, B, and C have been removed from the scope of this project.

Bid Options Option #1

Bid Option #1 includes replacing existing lighting and controls. Please provide a basis of design for the new LED lighting. Are the associated new controls desired motion sensors to activate operation of the light only when the facility is occupied?

A. Contractor is to propose a lighting plan that results in 800+ Lux luminaire plan for the interior space of the building. Motion sensor controls can be utilized but are not required.

Section #/Title Page # Question/Comment

The special contract requirements document states that no work is to be performed on Saturdays or Sundays without prior written approval. Is that just a boiler plate spec or should we plan on 5 day work weeks even with this job being remote/out of town? Typically, we try to work weekends on remote projects to save on travel and down time.

A. Working weeks days and regular working hours is a requirement of the FAA and the Federal Government in general. Solicitation documents required working Monday thru Friday regular working hours 8:00 to 5:00. This schedule can be altered by requesting in writing to the CO. FAA must make arrangements to provide escort.

Any work schedule of more than 8 regular hours and on weekends is the responsibility of the contractor without any extra charge to the government. 6 or 7 day-10 or 12 hour work week may be used under approval in writing by the CO.

Are there any shut down moratoriums expected during the duration of this project’s construction schedule? Or will it be scheduled to avoid that?

A. Waivers will be issued for relevant moratoriums.

Any hazardous classified areas or work related to the veeder root system/day tank circuitry?

A. No hazardous classified areas are in the scope of work. The day tank will need to be relocated, however the Veeder root system and day tank will not otherwise be altered.

Please confirm project completion date of NTP date + 60 days?

A. Solicitation documents required this time frame and the 80 calendar days provided to complete the work after “full Notice to Proceed”. In case the contractor proof that the equipment/material lead times exceeds the desired completion date of 9/27/2025 from the current bid date, then the desired completion date can be adjusted based on award date. The completion date is a “Hot Target” for the purpose of business metrics of end of fiscal year. Depending on equipment/material Lead-times this completion day can be adjusted.

Section #/Title Page # Question/Comment

RFI Round 2 Sheet Note 1 on drawing M101 states to demolish existing B-1 and B-

2. After removal of B-1 & B-2 from the building are the units to be disposed of by the contractor or will the FAA take possession of the units?

The units B-1 and B-2 are to be removed and disposed of by the contractor

Sheet Note 2 on drawing M101 states to demolish the existing EG and concrete pad. After removal of the EG from the building is it to be disposed of by the contractor or will the FAA take possession of it?

The EG is to be removed and disposed of by the contractor

Please confirm the FAA will provide fuel for the start-up and operation of the new boilers once the units have been installed within the facility.

The FAA will provide fuel for the start-up and operation of the new boilers once the Units have been installed and signed over to the

FAA

Section #/Title Page # Question/Comment

The procurement time for the basis of design boilers does not allow adequate time for installation within the desired completion date.

Other boiler manufacturers are providing much shorter procurement times. Will the FAA entertain units from other manufacturers with comparable specifications to the specified Weil McLain units?

A. Weil-McLain is specified in the drawing schedule page because is what is currently installed, and our technicians are knowledgeable of their operations and capabilities. But any brand that fulfills and/or exceeds the equipment requirements, specifications, characteristics and capabilities and present a better Leadtime is acceptable. The completion date is a “Hot Target” for the purpose of business metrics of end of fiscal year. Depending on equipment/material Lead-times this completion day can be adjusted. Training for new equipment is required to ensure our technicians are capable of maintaining and operating of the equipment.

Drawing M103 does not indicate concrete pads for equipment DT-1 & ET-1. This equipment should be on concrete pads for the same reason that B-1, B-2, & B-3 are designated to be installed on concrete pads. Please confirm if concrete pads should be installed for DT-1 & ET-1.

A concrete pad for DT-1 and ET-1 are preferred. Since these are not included in the original design, bidding on these items should be an optional line item.

Section #/Title Page # Question/Comment

Piping Specification (Drawing G004, Mechanical Specification No. 18) The specification indicates that all piping smaller than 5" should be copper. However, industry standards typically dictate the following:

Piping 2 1/2" and larger is typically welded steel (SCHD 40) Piping 2" and smaller is copper. Please confirm if the specification for copper piping can be changed to align with the industry standards indicated above.

Confirmed. The piping specification can be changed to “Piping 2 1/2" and larger is typically welded steel (SCHD 40) Piping 2" and smaller is copper”

Insulation Specification (Drawings G004, Mechanical Specifications No. 17 & 29) The insulation specification calls for preformed cellular glass insulation (Type II, Class 2) with a factory-applied ASJ jacket.

Currently, the insulation in the mechanical room is fiberglass. Per industry standards, pre-formed fiberglass insulation with a factory-applied vapor barrier jacket and pre-manufactured plastic fitting insulation is typical.

Please verify if cellular glass insulation is required, or can the specification be changed to align with the fiberglass standard?

The specification can be changed to pre-formed fiberglass insulation with factory applied vapor barrier jacket.

Section #/Title Page # Question/Comment

The project design documents are unclear, as they show work in the utilidor, including replacing valves and installing temperature and pressure indicators. Can you please confirm if the scope of work is limited to the boiler building only? Specifically, will there be no installation of new controls, pumps, or valves in the utilidor or any other buildings?

Confirmed. The scope of work is limited to the boiler building only.

There will be no installation of new controls, pumps, or valves in the utilidor or other buildings.

Its required to keep buildings serviced by the boilers at minimum of 60 degrees during construction. Please provide the square footage for the offices and housing units that need to maintain a 60-degree temperature during construction.

There is approximately 30,000 SQFT of living space including the office space to be kept at 60° F

Drawing M103 indicates valves that are not identified on M401 or M602 (e.g 34, 35, 36, & 37). Can these drawings align?

Valves with 2 number identifiers such as 34, 35, 36, and 37 are in existing to remain and are not in the scope of this project. Most of these valves are also in the utilidors which are out of scope of this project. They were added into the drawing set as reference to indicate pipe shutoff locations.

Section #/Title Page # Question/Comment

Can you confirm whether the existing Veeder Root system, day tank, and boiler alarm panel are accounted for in the sequence of operations or control specifications? These components were not referenced in the provided documentation.

The Veeder Root system and Day tank are separate from the sequencing and controls for the Boilers.

The alarm panel is to be replaced for notification of failures in the system such as no flow through the manifolds, temperatures dropping below the set temperature, or the pressure nearing the Pressure relief valve ratings (30 PSIG for existing)

The control specifications reference pumps CP-1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, and 4B. However, the drawings do not indicate the presence of these pumps or pump pairs. Could you clarify how the pumps are configured and piped?

A. The Circulation pumps CP-1A/1B, CP-2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, & 4B have been removed from the scope for this project.

The control specifications suggest using FM-001 and FM-108 flow meters to alternate pumps. However, the flow meters do not appear to be located on the same pipe loops as the pumps. Are the pumps duplex pumps, and if so, could you confirm their configuration?

FM-108 is on the HWR manifold. FM-001 is on the water makeup line. This control specification is part of a system previous design iteration and is no longer relevant as the pumps indicated have been removed from the scope.

Section #/Title Page # Question/Comment

FM-001 is shown on the glycol makeup line. Could you explain how this integrates into the overall system design, particularly regarding its role in the flow metering process?

This system is 100% water. There is no glycol in this hydronic heating system. The purpose of this meter is to monitor how much water is being added to the system in order to assist in leak identification.

The piping diagram does not show dedicated boiler pumps for the new boilers. Given the importance of having dedicated pumps for safe operation, should duplex pumps be included in the proposal?

A Duplex pump on the hot water manifold is preferred. Since this is not included in the original design, bidding on this item should be an optional line item.

Will restrooms be available at the site for contractor use?

Yes, the restroom in the shop will be available for the contractors to use while working on this project

Existing concrete pads for the boilers were painted. Is the new one for B-3 to be painted?

No, the new pad does not need to be painted

Are we able to exclude the electrical portion for panel consolidation from our bid proposal?

As long as the final layout for the boilers and the panels meet current code, (i.e. walking path between the third boiler and the utilidor access, the boiler exhaust stack, the fuel lines for the boilers, and the electrical panels) the panel consolidation may be ignored. All new boilers are to be powered from the main distribution panel (MDP).

Section #/Title Page # Question/Comment

Boiler heat pumps to supply the heating system. A: See M001. The existing system draws water through the boiler room rather than pumping out from the boiler room

System pumps A: See M001

No specs on the domestic hot water heat exchanger and there is not one on the drawings A: the domestic hot water heat exchangers are not in scope for this project. Model numbers can be provided if required for temporary heating.

No specs for the unit heater in the boiler room and nothing on the drawings A: this unit heater is to be removed and not replaced.

Also the bid package states that only 40hr work weeks are allowed. (Pg 11) A: A more aggressive work week can be supported. And has been addressed in previous RFI answers