RFIs for 697DCK-24-R-00085 - FE.docx

1. Please provide the Site Visit Attendee List?

There was no one who attended the site visit.

2. Please confirm whether ASME 17.1 (2022), ASME 17.1 (2019), or ASME 17.1 (2016) is the applicable code Proposals are to be based upon.

DISCUSSION: "Latest Code" doesn’t provide the needed specificity. State of California recognizes 2019 code. 2019 introduced ADA Accessible Phone, Camera, and 2 way text communication require data connections through external servers that may be off putting to Facility management.

2019. However, ADA accessibility is not required.

3. Please identify the maximum number of days acceptable for the elevator to be non- operational / out of service.

DISCUSSION: The shorter the non-operational period the greater the manpower cost. To ensure an apples-to-apples comparison among technical proposals, the FAA identifying the number of days the elevator can be ‘hard’ down would ensure the FAA receives the best pricing possible by eliminating this uncertainty that is undefined in the SOW of SF1442.

FAA prefers the shortest non-operational period as possible.

4. Please confirm the Buy American Act applies?

Yes

5. Does the Elevator currently Operate on Emergency Power? If so, does the ATS currently provide the elevator controller a pre-transfer signal via a time delay before initiating a test of the generators? If not present, shall the elevator be provided with battery lowering or shall the contractor be required to run a new ATS signal wire? Is the ATS capable of providing a time delay pretransfer signal? Where is the ATS located in relation to the elevator control room? DISCUSSION: The Scope of Work does not identify the emergency power operation requirement. If the contractor is to provide a homerun ATS Signal wire, it is critical the distance and routing be accounted for so the contractor may appropriately price the wire run. The core question is whether the elevators are to operate off of emergency/back-up power or if they simply require a battery lowering device that returns them to the nearest floor and opens the doors in event of main power failure or if either feature currently exists. NOTE: We have never seen an elevator require both emergency power and battery lowering, and typically, the two systems are incompatible.

Yes. The Auto transfer switch (ATS) is determined and verified in field with the facility, and electrical and fire alarm contractors. No battery lowering device; elevator shall be made to continue operation on emergency power.

6. Who currently services the Fire Alarm System?

DISCUSSION: It is most advantageous to have modifications to the fire alarm system done by the company currently servicing the fire alarm system. Knowledge of who maintains and services the system allows the contractor to identify potentially over looked deficiencies that may be encountered.

Verify in field.

7. What is the make and model of the existing fire panel serving the elevator? Does the current system have available slots or cards to add the specified new devices?

DISCUSSION: It is critical to understand if the current fire alarm panel can support the functions required for the elevator to meet the current code requirements. The addition or replacement of a panel is very costly and the contractor needs to have the appropriate information to price the job.

Verify in field.

8. When was the fire system last tested for the elevator and what were the results of the test? DISCUSSION: Please provide results from the last fire test and last test date. This seeks to identify any deficiencies that may currently exist in the fire system in relation to the elevator. If this information cannot be provided the assumption is that all existing elevator related devices are functional and any integration / replacement / programming is limited to what is explicitly listed in the SOW.

Verify in field.

9. Are we to replace the sump pump in the elevator pit? DISCUSSION: Not addressed in SOW

Yes, if existing.

10. Are we to install cartop railing?

DISCUSSION: Not addressed in SOW, but appears required by ASME 17.1 Code.

Yes, so long it does not interfere with elevator operation, hoistway, and has available space.

11. Are Elevator Lobby Doors to be replaced, repainted or retained without painting? Is the machine Rm door to be repainted?

DISCUSSION: Not addressed in SOW.

All doors to be retained as is.

12. Is the machine room floor to be cleaned and new epoxy coating applied?

Yes

13. Request retention of upper sheaves.

Must replace with new parts or recondition/regroove with new bearings.

14. Please identify the seismic zone for this facility? DISCUSSION: Not identified in the SOW.

Zone 4.

15. Please confirm applicability of PWS SOW bullet point 12 subpoint 9 requiring structural calculations provided by a California Structural Engineer? If applicable, please identify the specifically-required calculations?

DISCUSSION: The Project is to replace like for like related to load bearing and no structural repairs appear required. Shall manufacturer data be sufficient to indicate the ability to support the load given the existing conditions? Please clarify the intent of this design as this request is unusual and SOW is unclear what calculations are required.

New load calculations are required by code and shall be done. Manufacturer data is not sufficient.

16. Please identify if Contractor or Facility is to provide and pay the monthly service fee for the 2nd telephone line required for ASME A17.1 (2019) and beyond communications.

DISCUSSION: Par 2.0(D) does not clarify if the Facility or Contractor is to pay the service fee for the 2nd phone line that is required to meet 2019 code.

Only 1 phone line is required.

17. Does the FAA require the contractor to comply with the work schedule described in the PWS section 1-7.0?

DISCUSSION: Section 1-7.0 indicates that the work shall be performed during normal business hours and not to exceed 40 hrs per week. ATCT projects tend to prefer an accelerated schedule requiring multiple shifts to return the elevator to service. Working 40 hour work weeks will increase the downtime of the elevator but is more cost effective by reducing overtime pay requirements. Please confirm intent (REF Question 2 as well).

Because of the lack of personal able to support his project more than 40 hours a week will most likely not be possible.

18. Please delete PWS 1-9.0. requiring contractor to self-perform 85% of the work, or amend to reflect self-performance consistent with FAR 52.219-14(e)(3) or (4) identified levels of 15% or 25% respectively.

DISCUSSION: We do not believe the FAA’s Acquisition Regulations diverge significantly from the FAR’s 52.219-14(e)(3) and (4) limitations on subcontracting at 85% and 75% respectively.

Likewise, the ancillary and secondary trades of electrical, plumbing, fire/life safety, coatings and Inspections often comprise up to one half of the work on an “elevator” modernization project: work not performed by elevator mechanics. There is no justification for the Prime Contractor to self-perform greater than 15% or 25% percent of the work, and by requiring 85% self- performance creates moral hazard of the bidder falsely attesting to a level of self-performance that is not true given the labor costs in the ancillary and secondary trades work.