RFQ - RFI Set 1.pdf

FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION MAY 22, 2025

HOOKS (DWH) ATCT REPLACEMENT

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

Set 1

697DCK-25-R-00189

1. I am looking at this project for cementitious and intumescent fireproofing. Will there be any structural drawings provided before the bid date? Or any sort of structural narrative?

FAA RESPONSE: The intent will be for the Design-Build contractor to complete the FAA’s conceptual design.

2. How will the owner deal with the cost associated with tariffs after the contract award?

FAA RESPONSE: AMS clause 3.2.4-4, Fixed-Price Contracts with Economic Price Adjustments-Labor and Material (Jul 2024) is included in the SIR to mitigate economic impacts during the course of the contract.

3. I had a question regarding the DBIA requirement outlined in the solicitation. This requirement was not included in the original market survey details. Is this a firm directive?

FAA RESPONSE: DBIA certification is required per the RFQ for Key Personnel; Integrated Project Manager, Designer of Record, and the Project Estimator. Alternatively, Key personnel will be considered proficient if they can demonstrate a minimum 5 years of Design-Build experience for projects of similar size and scope.

4. We have a question regarding the DBIA Certification for Key Personnel requirement stated in the RFQ. Will these individuals be generally accepted if they are undergoing certification and will be certified by the time construction starts, or does the certification need to be in place at the time of the RFQ Phase 1 submittal on May 30th?

FAA RESPONSE: DBIA Certification must be completed by May 30, 2025. However, refer to alternative experience clarification in Response 3.

5. The RFQ indicates that several “Key Personnel” need to meet specific requirements, including DBIA Certification. However, under Section 4.2.2. – 1. e. Lead Structural Engineer, DBIA is not mentioned. Does this mean DBIA certification is not required for the structural engineering role?

FAA RESPONSE: DBIA certification is not required for the Lead Structural Engineer.

6. What are the Airport badging and escorting requirements?

FAA RESPONSE: Airport badging will not be required. Contractor site access will be via gate 5 on the northwest side of the airport off of Texas 99 Frontage Road. Large deliveries may need to come through alternate route Gate 8. This gate requires escorting on the active taxi way. FAA contractor badging may be required per contract clause 3.14-2.

7. What is the current Airport Fire Systems?

FAA RESPONSE: Not applicable. FAA ATCT fire alarm system is not required to meet the Airport owner system requirements.

8. New Tower Location?

FAA RESPONSE: Approximately 600 feet south of the existing ATCT. Refer to survey document in the RFQ attachments for exact location.

9. What is the intent for demolition of existing ATCT?

FAA RESPONSE: Demolition of existing tower will be a separate contract from the new tower.

10. Are there any requirements for Turtle migration/breeding during the construction performance?

FAA RESPONSE: The FAA will address any protected species in its environmental assessment.

11. What are the existing ATCT operational hours?

FAA RESOPNSE: Existing ATCT Operational Hours are from 0700-2200 local time. If an impact to the operational facility is required during construction, it must be scheduled between 2200 – 0700 local when operations are closed.

12. Is there a Storm Water Plan for the site?

FAA RESEPONSE: Design-Build contractor must refer to FAA Environmental assessment.

13. During the site visit, the FAA indicated that a road would need to be extended to the tower.

Can the FAA please provide scope definition around the expectations for roadway extension.

FAA RESEPONSE: Roadway extension survey is included in the SIR attachments. Roadways and parking lot scope can be found in the SoW Section G20 paragraph 6.

14. It is our understanding that the design documents are a part of the prototype tower design.

Has the design been advanced to a higher level at other sites, and if so, can those documents be provided for reference?

FAA RESEPONSE: Yes, ATCT design packages that have been advanced to a higher level at other sites will be provided for reference. However, the design contractor will be obligated and responsible for all design and stamping for the DWH ATCT replacement.

15. Can the FAA provide further definition on the utility scope – specifically power, sanitary sewer, water and fiber? Specific information on the proposed tie in points would be appreciated.

FAA RESEPONSE: As an aspect of design-build; these items will be the responsibility of the contractor to propose appropriate cost-efficient solutions.

16. Can a Revit model of the design be provided?

FAA RESEPONSE: Any FAA project drawings, models, or calculations will be for reference only. The contractor will be responsible for all project specific documentation.

Similar to Response 14 above, the Revit models of ATCT designs can be provided.

17. Please confirm if the demolition of the existing ATCT is to be included FAA RESEPONSE: Refer to response 9 above.

18. Can the FAA provide insight into the permitting process for this project – specifically the storm drainage permitting.

FAA RESEPONSE: Refer to the Scope of Work section G30 paragraph 10.

19. Is any wetlands protection or remediation work expected as a part of this project?

FAA RESEPONSE: Refer to the Scope of Work section G10 paragraph 5.

20. What are the requirements for badging and escorting?

FAA RESEPONSE: Refer to response 6 above.

21. Please confirm the applicable TFDS for the DWH project is version 2.4. Standard documents refer to versions 2.2 and 2.3.

FAA RESEPONSE: Contract will utilize latest version of the FAA TFDS 2.4.

22. Is it a requirement to provide Type IB construction or can a reduced construction type be employed if permitted by the ATCT Cab Floor Height per IBC-2024 412.2?

FAA RESEPONSE: Refer to Scope of Work for building construction requirements.

23. Will standard specifications / template specifications/basis of design for the architectural systems be provided?

FAA RESEPONSE: Yes, a set of template specifications will be provided. The Contractor is required to site adapt them to this project. Any FAA project templates, specifications, or calculations will be for reference only. The contractor will be responsible for all project specific documentation.

24. Is an architectural rendering required within the drawing package?

FAA RESEPONSE: Yes, provide a “photo-real” computer rendering of the facilities (24” x 36”). Provide two full-sized framed and matted prints along with electronic “.jpg” version of the rendering.

25. Is FFE required to be included as part of the package?

FAA RESEPONSE: Yes, Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment will be required. Refer to SOW Section E20 for details.

26. What is the desired cab look down angle?

FAA RESEPONSE: Line of Site Angle of Incidence is included in the FAA Siting Report.

27. The TFDS requires actual samples within a 3-ring binder for exterior finishes. The exterior finish samples will not fit within a binder. Are photographs for initial selection acceptable for the binder and larger, physical samples acceptable for final selection?

FAA RESEPONSE: TFDS 45% design phase color boards may be provided in digital format for FAA consideration. Physical samples will be provided for final selection.

28. For Accessibility, is A117.1-2019 applicable? Are other, local jurisdictional accessibility requirements applicable?

FAA RESEPONSE: Yes, the design must comply with ANSI A117.1. Contractor must comply with local recommendations per TFDS 2.3.

29. Is access to the void area at the subgrade level (bottom of electrical chase) required?

FAA RESEPONSE: No. The space under the corridor on the ground level will not require access.

30. If the concrete core walls are required to be thicker to accommodate lateral loads, is the preference to increase the footprint or reduce the width of the adjacent corridor/rooms?

FAA RESEPONSE: Refer to SOW Section C10 Interior Construction for details.

31. Please confirm who is responsible for retaining cab console manufacturer to provide the cab consoles? Will the consoles be included in the construction contract?

FAA RESEPONSE: Design-Build contractor. Yes.

32. The standard drawings show a combined Lactation/Quiet Room at the Junction Level. Must these two functions be combined, or can separate rooms be provided?

FAA RESEPONSE: Requirement is for a Lactation room. If the function is not required for a period of time, it may be used as a Quiet Room.

33. Please confirm the required Cab floor level. Per the RFQ, the Cab AGL is 90.58’ but the concept drawings show 90.58’ above the first floor plus an additional 1’-6” to grade?

FAA RESEPONSE: Cab floor height is 90.58’ above grade (or 90’-7”)

34. Are room locations and footprint modifications acceptable (e.g. if an electrical room or cable chase needs to be relocated or resized for constructability reasons) as long as the structural column grid remains unchanged?

FAA RESEPONSE: Room locations and footprints are fixed per the standard design.

However, some changes to function and dimensions may be proposed for FAA review and approval during the design phase.

35. Per TFDS, architecture must provide details of penetrations through smoke/fire rated barriers. Is this required or can performance-based specifications be used to allow for Design-Builder flexibility of selected systems?

FAA RESEPONSE: Contractor must meet the requirements of TFDS Chapter 12. Deviations may be requested but are at the sole discretion of the FAA for review and approval.

36. The SOW states the cab floor height is set at 90.58 feet; confirm whether wind tunnel test/analysis is required due to building height.

FAA RESEPONSE: The FAA will clarify the need for wind tunnel analysis during the RFP (Phase II) portion of the solicitation.

37. Must external fire events be considered that would increase the required fire resistance ratings of the structure beyond those required for the given type (e.g., IB) of construction?

FAA RESEPONSE: Refer to the Scope of Work section B20 paragraph 3.

38. The SOW assigns the tower to FSL-2. This security level does not require blast loading or disproportionate collapse be considered in the design. Please confirm this is the correct intent for design.

FAA RESEPONSE: Refer the Scope of work section B10 and B20.

39. Must air source heat pumps be used in the DWH design, or may the Design-Builder consider select an alternate mechanical system?

FAA RESEPONSE: Alternate methods may be proposed but are at the sole discretion of the FAA for review and approval.

40. Is an LCCA required for DWH mechanical system selection?

FAA RESEPONSE: Refer to the Scope of Work section D30 paragraph 7.

41. With the recent recission of HVAC Electrification, is natural gas usage acceptable for the DWH design? Is natural gas readily available at the site?

FAA RESEPONSE: Alternates methods may be considered. Natural gas is not readily available at the site.

42. Please confirm ceiling mounted mechanical units are acceptable to the FAA (historically there are functional, maintenance, and serviceability concerns).

FAA RESEPONSE: Design-Build contractor must include design aspects that prioritize ease of serviceability. Anything that requires periodic maintenance must be easily accessible. Air Handling units will be floor mounted. Other mechanical units, such as VAVs or exhaust fans may be mounted above the ceiling.

43. Is pipe routing into or over electrical rooms and equipment acceptable to the FAA? If yes, are there any additional requirements for pipe routing in those spaces (e.g. supplement drain pans)?

FAA RESEPONSE: Mechanical system or plumbing pipe routing about electrical equipment must not violate the National Electrical Code dedicated space requirements. FAA does not generally support wet pipe routing over electrical equipment if alternative means are available.

44. Is underground pipe routing acceptable to the FAA?

FAA RESEPONSE: Mechanical system piping may be installed underground, if necessary, due to site conditions. Where glycol systems may not be provided, heat tracing must be used for outdoor piping freeze protection. Underground methods may be proposed, but are at the sole discretion of the FAA for review and approval.

45. Are the mechanical room & door dimensions fixed, or can they be adjusted based on site and system requirements/selections?

FAA RESEPONSE: Alternate methods may be considered.

46. Does the FAA have a preference between holding the mechanical room dimensions or changing the AHU type/configuration?

FAA RESEPONSE: Keeping room dimensions would be the FAAs preference and allowing for different AHU configurations.

47. Does wildfire smoke or other specialized filtration need to be provided at DWH?

FAA RESEPONSE: Refer to TFDS Chapter 9 for special considerations.

48. Please confirm the Design-Builder must engage a qualified seismic engineer for stamped calculations of the mechanical equipment, ductwork, and piping supports.

FAA RESEPONSE: Yes.

49. Please confirm FAA standard controls diagrams will be used for the DWH design package or provide go-by controls diagrams.

FAA RESEPONSE: Mechanical system controls must be site specific to meet the requirements of the design.

50. The standard PAU Mechanical Air Riser Diagram (M800) shows a net negative building pressurization on the ground floor. Are the airflow values and building pressurization shown fixed or are they adjustable on a site-by-site basis? Please confirm acceptability to adjust airflows as needed for overall positive building pressurization, especially at the ground level where the building opens to the exterior.

FAA RESEPONSE: Mechanical systems must be site specific to meet the requirements of the design.

51. The standard PAU Mechanical Air Riser Diagram (M800) shows two independent OAHU systems, however the airflows shown by the DOAU boxes exceed the airflows for a single OAHU. Is it the design intent for both OAHUs to operate at once (no redundancy) or is one system meant to be redundant?

FAA RESEPONSE: Redundancy is required for critical areas per the TFDS.

52. Please confirm the list of equipment or systems intended to be procured via Government furnished and Design- Builder installed agreements related to power, communication, access control, and video surveillance infrastructure.

FAA RESEPONSE: GFE equipment will be subject to overall design. Refer to the SoW for systems that will include GFE.

53. Can you please confirm if projects that are still under construction (with performance of greater than 1 year) are acceptable to submit as a part of our PPQ’s FAA RESEPONSE: No.

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