QA - Questions.docx

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Siding at FSD ATCT (Sioux Falls, S. D. )
Solicitation number
697DCK-25-R-00245
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About this file

The document is a Questions and Answers (Q&A) file for a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) solicitation (No. 697DCK-25-R-00245) for siding replacement at the Sioux Falls Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) in South Dakota. The Q&A covers extensive technical details about the project, including clarifications on roofing, siding, windows, electrical, and mechanical system requirements. Key project specifications include replacing the tower cab walkway roofing, removing vinyl siding, installing insulated metal panel siding, replacing windows with new double-pane casement windows (specifically Pella Impervia or equivalent), and reinstalling exterior utilities and HVAC components.

The document provides critical insights into project constraints, such as maintaining Air Traffic Control operations during construction, working between 6:00 PM and 5:30 AM to avoid interfering with cab window views, and addressing potential asbestos presence. The FAA will be responsible for providing sales tax exemption documentation and holds existing roof warranties. Contractors must coordinate closely with local FAA personnel, submit necessary documentation like FAA Form 7460-1 for crane usage, and ensure critical air traffic control systems remain uninterrupted throughout the renovation process. The project requires careful planning for material selection, system compatibility, and minimizing operational disruptions in an active air traffic control environment.

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Firm 1

(Q1) Do the Superintendent, SSHO and QC Manager need to be 3 separate individuals?

(A1) No, they can be one person as long as they meet required qualifications.

(Q2) 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?

(A2) Period of Performance can be started at a later date to allow for long lead time items. Will be worked at preconstruction conference.

(Q3) Please provide the site visit attendee sign in sheet.

(A3) Please see the attached site visit lists.

(Q4) If the building is occupied, how many people will be in the building and are there any temporary heating/cooling requirements?

(A4) Yes, the ATCT will be manned during construction up to 25 people in various areas of the facility and ambient temperatures will need to be maintained.

(Q5) Please provide bidding quantities for deteriorated underlayment (roofing)/base course (paving).

(A5) The entire ATCT catwalk roofing is to be replaced. No paving is included in this project.

(Q6) Please confirm the manufacturer of the existing roofing system and who carries the current warranty of the roofing system.

(A6) The FAA holds the warranties on all of the roofs. ATCT is a Sarnafil roof. The Base Building is a TPO roof, product unknown.

(Q7) Please confirm whether asbestos or lead is present on this project, and if so, provide the relevant documentation.

(A7) The ATCT has asbestos inside the ATCT which will not be disturbed by this project.

(Q8) Does this project require phasing?

(A8) While there are no mandatory ‘phasing requirements’, the Contractor will need to coordinate work with local FAA to ensure operations inside the ATCT will continue.

(Q9) Is this project tax exempt?

(A9) We can provide a sales tax exemption memo at time of award issuance. Please reference this document at that time.

(Q10) 01 10 00 Summary of Work. The specification describes the replacement of the “cab catwalk roofing membrane” as part of the work. Please clarify whether this refers to a specific product, system, or assembly, and provide details on expected material performance requirements or referenced standard details.

(A10) Section 07 54 23 for TPO roofing requirements has been added.

(Q11) 01 10 00 Summary of Work. The specification includes “removal of and/or replacement of windows and other appurtenant features.” Could you please define or list what qualifies as “appurtenant features” for the purposes of pricing and scope coverage?

(A11) Any hardware that comes with the Casement windows i.e., cranks, and blinds for the new windows. All final finishes shall be similar to existing.

(Q12) 01 10 00 Summary of Work. The section notes that certain work must be done between 6:00 PM and 5:30 AM. Please specify which portions of the scope this applies to, and whether any additional compensation or schedule extension will be considered due to the requirement for off-hours work.

(A12) All work that will interfere with Air Traffic Control Operations from the Cab windows shall be completed during these hours. Costs to block the Cab sight lines shall be built into the proposal.

(Q13) 01 10 00 Summary of Work. Since “loss of FAA equipment” may result in severe consequences, please identify what systems or utilities are considered critical and what temporary measures are required for maintaining continuity.

(A13) Every system inside the ATCT that controls traffic is considered critical.

(Q14) 01 10 00 Summary of Work. The specification mentions that FAA Form 7460-1 must be submitted for any crane usage, with a minimum 60-day processing time. Can the FAA confirm whether any previous crane airspace studies have been submitted for this location that may be reused, or should we assume this will be a new submittal with full wait time?

(A14) As each study is based on a specific location of the obstruction all projects are considered unique. Ensure to fill out 1A Accuracy on the request (Q15) 01 10 00 Summary of Work. FAA reserves the right to occupy completed areas prior to substantial completion. Will a phased turnover plan be provided as part of the drawings, or should bidders propose one in their pricing package.

(A15) This will not apply to our external construction project.

(Q16) 01 32 10 Construction Progress Documentation. Please confirm if daily reports are to be submitted to the COR or only maintained on site, and specify the required format.

(A16) Spec 01 32 10 (Construction Progress Documentation) section 1.1.A.4 discusses Daily Construction Reports frequency expectation; and section 2.6.A lists the daily Construction Report contents.

Spec 01 35 29 (Health, Safety and Emergency Response Procedures) section 1.6.2.1.a discusses daily safety and health inspections and to maintain a written log.

(Q17) 01 33 00 Submittal Procedures. Please confirm whether CAD files will be made available for submittal background use or if all drawings must be developed from scratch.

(A17) Refer to Spec 07 78 39 (Project Records Documents) for ‘As Built Drawings’ submittals. Electronic PDF version of drawings may be used for redlines.

(Q18) 01 33 00 Submittal Procedures. Please confirm the standard review period for submittals and resubmittals to ensure accurate project scheduling.

(A18) Allowable review periods are stated in spec 01 33 00 (Submittal Procedures) for baseline project scheduling purposes.

(Q19) 01 40 00 Construction Quality Requirements. Please clarify which quality control tests must be conducted by an independent third party versus those acceptable from manufacturer reps or internal personnel.

(A19) The approved Quality Control Manager cannot perform independent testing. Manufacturers’ reps or trained contractor personnel may perform independent quality control testing.

(Q20) 06 10 00 Rough Carpentry. Please confirm whether engineered wood products are to be used in exterior wall framing, or only for interior structural elements.

(A20) Only for interior structural elements.

(Q21) 06 10 00 Rough Carpentry. Please clarify which rough carpentry components require fire-retardant treatment (e.g., blocking, nailers, sheathing).

(A21) Only for exterior wall framing.

(Q22) 06 16 00 Sheathing. Please confirm which substrate (gypsum, plywood, cement board) is required behind each siding type.

(A22) All siding will be attached the original existing tower steel siding.

(Q23) 06 16 00 Sheathing. Please clarify which trade is responsible for transition flashing between sheathing, air barrier, and adjacent assemblies.

(A23) General Contractor is responsible for trades.

(Q24) 06 40 23 Interior Architectural Woodwork. Please confirm whether any architectural woodwork is impacted by envelope repair and requires reinstallation or replacement.

(A24) Window installation will require new finish carpentry casing around windows, similar in kind.

(Q25) 06 40 23 Interior Architectural Woodwork. Please confirm veneer matching requirements for wood doors and adjacent casework, and if mockups will be required.

(A25) No wood door work is included.

(Q26) 07 27 26 Fluid-Applied Membrane Air Barrier. Please clarify whether the existing substrate is to be reused, cleaned, or replaced prior to installation. If reused, are there acceptable moisture content limits or adhesion tests?

(A26) Per Manufacturer’s instructions.

(Q27) 07 42 13 Metal Wall Panels. The specification outlines metal wall panels but does not clearly define whether these are standing seam, snap-lock, or corrugated profiles. Please confirm the required system type, panel profile, and any preferred manufacturers that should be assumed for the base bid.

(A27) Metal wall panel is per contractor submitted system. No preferred manufacturers are listed.

(Q29) 07 42 13 Metal Wall Panels. The specifications do not clearly indicate whether a continuous or intermittent subframing system is required. Please clarify if hat channels, Z-girts, or direct attachment to studs is anticipated.

(A29) All attachment methods are specified and shall be pertinent to the type of panel selected.

(Q30) 07 92 00 Joint Sealants. Please provide required performance criteria for sealants, especially in high-altitude, high-wind, or extreme temperature exposure as present at the ATCT.

(A30) Specification section 07 92 00 has been added.

(Q31) 07 41 13 Metal Roof Panels. Please confirm whether the roofing system is standing seam, snap-lock, or corrugated, and provide basis-of-design.

(A31) Not applicable to this project.

(Q32) 07 62 00 Sheet Metal Flashing and Trim. Please confirm the material, thickness, and finish for sheet metal flashing and trim.

(A32) Specification section 07 42 13.19 INSULATING METAL WALL PANELS has been added.

(Q33) 07 71 29 Manufactured Roof Expansion Joints. Please confirm roof expansion joint system locations and required performance.

(A33) At this time the expansion joint between the tower and the base building is assumed to be undamaged and no rework is required.

(Q34) 07 84 13 Penetration Firestopping. The firestop schedule is not included. Please provide the complete firestop system list and corresponding UL assemblies.

(A34) If a UL Listed assembly is required to penetrate a fire rated wall or floor etc the contractor shall choose the listed assembly and submit for approval.

(Q35) 07 95 00 Expansion Control. Please confirm the type, finish, and design movement criteria for each expansion joint.

(A35) Refer to manufacturer’s recommendations for either Fiber Cement Board or Insulated Metal Wall Panels for expansion control. Provide as part of Contractor Quality Plan.

(Q36) 07 52 16 SBS Modified Bituminous Membrane Roofing. Please confirm the required base and cap sheet layers and substrate preparation.

(A36) Base Building roof is EPDM.

(Q37) 07 53 23 EPDM Roofing. Please confirm whether a fully adhered or mechanically attached system should be used.

(A37) The Base Building roof is a 090 EPDM Roof work to reflash siding shall utilize similar materials. Manufacturer unknown to locals.

(Q38) 07 54 23 TPO Roofing. Please confirm the specified membrane thickness and color.

(A38) Existing membrane thickness is unknown. See TPO roofing specification.

(Q39) 07 55 56 Fluid-Applied Protected Membrane Roofing. Please clarify if a traffic-bearing coating or pavers are required on top of the membrane.

(A39) A fluid-applied protected membrane roofing system will not be accepted for the catwalk. This specification section will be deleted. Walkway pads to be included in a single path around the catwalk; see TPO roofing specification now included.

(Q40) 07 42 13 Metal Wall Panels. Some drawings indicate composite panels, but no basis-of-design, gauge, or fastening method is given. Please confirm whether ACM or single-skin panels are to be used.

(A40) Drawings provided for informational representation. Contractor shall elect either ‘Metal Siding’ or ‘Fiber Reinforced Siding’ as a basis-of-design per manufacturers’ recommendations for the application. In the case of metal siding, ACM (Aluminum Composite Material) specification now included.

(Q41) 07 21 00 Thermal Insulation. Drawings show batt and rigid insulation but do not provide R-values or vapor control. Please clarify.

(A41) Section 07 21 00 for Thermal Insulation has been added.

(Q42) 07 27 26 Air Barrier. Please confirm air barrier product and whether it is integral to sheathing or a separate membrane.

(A42) Air barrier to be installed around the new windows. No air barrier installed on the original metal siding.

(Q43) 08 51 13 Windows. Elevation tags show operation and size, but not frame material or performance criteria. Please confirm glazing type and requirements.

(A43) Use PELLA® IMPERVIA® (Products #400003, #401003) Fiberglass Casement Windows or Equal, to match existing.

(Q44) 09 91 00 Painting. Please confirm limits of repainting on adjacent surfaces disturbed by new siding or patching.

(A44) As required to cover demolition areas (Q45) 26 05 00 Common Work Results for Electrical. Please confirm the handling of conduit and devices that conflict with new siding. Will these be relocated or protected in place?

(A45) Devices on the outside of the ATCT shall be relocated to the surface of the new siding.

(Q46) 22 11 16 Domestic Water Piping. Please clarify acceptable joining methods for transitions between copper, PEX, and CPVC.

(A46) Copper.

(Q47) 23 21 13 Hydronic Piping. Please confirm whether the hydronic piping is a two-pipe or four-pipe configuration.

(A47) Two-pipe.

(Q48) 26 24 13 Switchboards. Please confirm the required bus rating, configuration, and fault capacity.

(A48) No new circuits are being added.

(Q49) 28 30 00 Master Fire Alarm System. Please confirm compatibility with FAA proprietary systems and whether approved vendors must be used.

(A49) No new FA devices are being added (Q50) 33 41 00 Storm Utility Drainage Piping. Please confirm tie-in points to existing drainage and required slope/materials for piping.

(A50) N/A Roof drain assemblies are not being removed. Only install drain cover at walkway level once roof is completed.

Firm 2

(Q51) Siding: I believe the best option for siding is LP Diamond Kote – RigidStack. It’s specifically designed for high-wind and harsh weather environments, making it ideal for a location like the airport.

More info: diamondkotesiding.com Key benefits:

· 30-Year No Fade Warranty+

· Will not peel, chalk, or fade

· Wind resistance up to 200 MPH

· Engineered wood withstands hail up to 1.75"

· Proven durability (NASA impact tested) Roofing:

For flat roofing, I highly recommend Storm Cure – Liquid Applied Membranes. In my opinion, it's the best flat roof material on the market. I’ve installed it on several local businesses and stand behind it 100%.

More info: stormcure.com

· 25-Year Warranty

· Long-lasting, reliable protection Windows:

Do you have a specific type or brand of windows in mind? I’d love to hear your preferences.

(A51) All materials must meet specifications. FAA cannot approve a specific material brand.

File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .