70FBR920R00000007 Questions Answers.pdf

70FBR920R00000007 PHC New Housing Q&A’s

SPECIFICATIONS:

There are no Division 1 and 2 on the specifications? For example under Division 1, Substitution, so there will be no substitution allowed? For Division 2, site works excavation, backfilling, embankment, compaction, site utility, etc.? RFI can be utilized to process and evaluate the substitutions. The contractor should clearly identify the RFI as material or process substitution. For Division 2 the contractor shall procure and provide site civil design and 100% construction drawings.

Since the plans and specifications was prepared by the USACE, are bidders obligated to exercise the Three (3) Phases of Control for each DFOW (Definable Feature of Work)?

No – this is not required There is no definite section for door metal frame, welded or knock-out, metal thickness, frame configuration, accessories, etc.? Exterior Doors should be metal encased -with solid core. On the Drawings Sheet A-601 the Door Schedule is calling for Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) doors and frames for exterior and wood door with metal frame for the interior. But on specifications no information is provided about the requirements for the metal frames.

Section 03 30 00:

a) Please advice and confirm that all exposed corners of the wall, inside and outside, are to be chamfer by 0.75-inch? If yes will this include all doors and windows exposed corners, inside and outside? Section 03 30 00 Cast in Place Concrete, part 3.3 FORMS - applies only to all concrete edges exposed above grade. Windows corners are part of the Division 04 - Masonry, this section is to be applied to formed cast in place concrete only.

b) Is it required for any bidders to submit with the proposal intended (QC) quality managers and personnel for qualification review and acceptance? Like for example for entity to do the concrete testing (water content, air, slump and compressive testing), laboratory qualification and accreditation, including the ready concrete personnel and plant – like pre-qualification? This requirement applies to the selected contractor. Not required for bid process.

c) Concrete specs requirements for Fly Ash and Pozzolan, and Blast Furnace Slag were never been used on the island as we recall and will be hard to meet and or comply with?

Concrete mix design does not require using any of these cementitious materials, but if the concrete plant include any of them, then they should comply with specs requirements.

d) Material for forms, would it be acceptable to use plastic forms (it only mentioned above wood, plywood and steel)? Plastic forms is not included on the allowed materials list to be used as concrete forms. The selected contractor can present an RFI to be evaluated by the DOR. For bid process use the specified materials.

e) For slab-on-grade and suspended slab and members (beams), can the slump be increase to 8-inches due to the intended use of pump-crete? Specifications only allow for plus and minus 1 inch so the higher allowed slump is 5 inches.

f) For reinforcement, is it Grade 60 for all sizes of rebar? YES - Correct.

g) Does “Subgrade” means the level right below the foundation or slab on grade, not base

(base course)? Usually we used subgrade on the existing soil underneath the sub-base and base. If this is the case, we will need to get a soil sample for each site for the laboratory to get the control for FDT. Subgrade is the material directly in contact with the surface under the foundation and slabs on grade. On drawings sheet S-001 under Foundation the contractor is required to perform a geotechnical investigation to validate the assumed geotechnical design parameters.

h) The used of “snow” and “ice” were disregarded since it were not relevant to the project.

Correct.

i) Would 4” x 8” test cylinders be acceptable (Part 3, para 3.12, sub-para 3.12.2.3 states 6 inch by 12 inch test cylinders)? The specifications require 6 inches by 12-inch test cylinders.

Section 04 20 00:

a) Kindly clarify and confirm that the grout/ready mix grout compressive strength is 2500psi in 28 days unlike what the plan (Sheet S-001) states which is 3000psi? As per paragraph 2.5.2 grout, required 28 days grout compressive strength of 2,500 psi

b) For reinforcement, is it Grade 60 for all sizes of rebar? Correct

c) Can all lintels be cast-in-place (Part 3, para 3.3, sub-para 3.3.3.1 states “masonry lintels”0)? Correct, all lintels can be cast in place. Please refer to structural drawings.

Section 05 40 00:

a) For metal tracks and Studs, please advise of the gage. There are not metal studs on this project.

b) Do furred wall needs some kind of insulation? No. Furring is to conceal plumbing.

c) What is considered to be “Curtain Wall” in the structure (mentioned under Part 3, para

3.2)? There is no curtain walls on this project.

Section 06 10 00:

a) Part 1, para 1.4, sub-para 1.4.2 and 1.4.3 will be applicable for closet top shelve and bi-fold door framing, please advise. Part 1, para 1.4, sub-para 1.4.3 “Preservative-Treated Lumber and Plywood”, where will be applicable? YES

b) Part 3, para 3.1 states that these rough lumbers are used for joist, rafter and purlins, kindly clarify and advice? There are no joist, rafters or purlins – this is concrete construction.

c) Calls for particle board on wall sheathing, where will it be used (Part 3, para 3.1, sub- para 3.1.2)? We do not have wood structural members on this project.

Section 06 41 16.00 10:

a) Part 3, para 3.1, sub-para 3.1.2 states that “joints between the countertop surface and splash shall be filled with clear silicone caulk in a smooth consistent concave bead”, but the drawing (Sheet A-710) shows the countertop and splash as one piece, please advise? On sheets A-701 and A-701A is showing a one-piece countertop and splash, silicone caulk is not required on this area. Silicone caulk is still required between the splash and the wall.

Section 07 22 10:

a) Part 1, para 1.2, states “design to insulate stud walls and ceilings”, please confirm? No studded walls

b) Can this be substituted with either rigid insulation or glass fiber thermal insulation (provided with a duct pin for anchoring underneath the roof slab) meeting the required thermal resistance R-value of 13? a) This project do not have stud walls, the insulation applies to the ceiling. b) No insulation substitution is allowed by drawings and specifications.

Section: 07 57 13:

a) Part 3, para 3.3, sub-para 3.3.2, not relevant to the project. Correct

b) Part 3, para 3.5, sub-para 3.5.1, first two (2) sentences not relevant to the project.

Correct

c) Part 3, para 3.6(i), the used of “parapets”, “firewall”, “expansion joint curbs”, “mechanical curbs” and “skylights” were disregarded since it were not relevant to the project. All houses have a roof gutter where there is changes in planes. Please see detail D3 on sheet A-501. Section 6.3 (i) shall be applied.

Section 07 92 00:

a) Part 2, para 2.1, sub-para 2.1.2, please provide a copy (catalog cut sheet) of Corps of Engineers CRD, Type II, Class A sealants for exterior as stated. Supporting codes and standards needed for the bid process are under contractor responsibility.

Section 08 51 13:

a) Can bidders use a local contractor who is well versed with proven products installed within the CNMI? Is the question about using a local CNMI window manufacturer?

Any window manufacturer shall meet all requirements on section 08 51 13.

b) Part 1, para 1.4, sub-para 1.4.3 please provide a copy of the “MINIMUM

b) ANTITERRORISM PERFORMANCE CRITERIA” for compliance to this section. Not

Applicable to this project

Section 08 71 00:

a) No deadbolt locks are to be provided on exterior doors. Correct. Please refer to Door Schedule table on sheet A-601 and section 08 71 00 part 3.4.

b) No specs for the peephole/viewer? Please refer to detail E1 on sheet A-601, a standard peephole is specified at two different heights for ADA and non-ADA houses. For bid process use a standard peephole/viewer. The selected contractor should create an RFI is a brand and model is needed from the DOR.

Section 08 81 00:

a) Can bidders use a local contractor who is well versed with proven products installed within the CNMI? Is the question about using a local CNMI grazing manufacturer?

Any glazing manufacturer shall meet all requirements on section 08 81 00.

b) Can laminated glass be used in lieu of tempered? YES

Section 09 24 23:

a) Please clarify and advise Part 3, para 3.7, sub-para 3.7.1 last sentence which states “Exterior corners of skim coat must be slightly rounded”? This means that exterior corners of skim coat shall not have a sharp edge; instead, they should be slightly rounded.

Section 09 29 00:

a) Part 3, para 3.4, any finishing procedure for cementitious backer units? Cementitious baker units will be used. On Drawings is called for Cement Board and Specifications is calling for water resistant gypsum backing board. Drawings are correct

Section 09 30 10:

a) Part 2, para 2.1, please clarify and advice what is to be used for the bathroom/toilet rooms floor finish, will it Unglazed Mosaic Floor Tile (1”x1”) or Unglazed Ceramic Floor Tile (4 ¼” x 4 ¼”)? Drawings calls for 1” x 1” tiles as per finish MT-1A. Please refer to Tables – Finish Schedule and Color and Material Schedule both on sheet A-602.

b) Part 2, para 2.6, please confirm that this occurs only along the restroom/bathroom floor transition? What is the width and thickness of the marble transition strip? Please refer to detail D7 on Sheet A-601 on 2 or 3 bedroom drawings. On 1 bedroom drawings the detail D7 is not complete.

Section 09 90 00:

a) Part 3, para 3.5, sub-para 3.5.2, please confirm that it is not relevant to the project.

Correct.

b) Part 3, para 3.5, sub-para 3.5.3, please confirm that this is the finish (Stain Finish) for doors, or will this be not relevant to the project? This section is not relevant to this project. For door finish, please refer to Division 08 – OPENINGS, part 2.3.6 Finishes.

c) Please advise if all houses will have the same paint finish inside and outside? Please refer to Part 3.12.1 for the exterior paint and Color and Material Schedule table on sheet A-602 for interior paint.

Section 10 28 13:

a) Part 2, para 2.2, sub-para 2.2.1, please clarify and advise if the grab bars are stainless steel plain SATIN Finish or stainless steel with PEENED Grip finish? Specification requires both satin finish and peened non-slip surface.

b) Part 2, para 2.2, sub-para 2.2.1, kindly clarify and advise what is the intended diameter of the grab bars will it be 1 ¼” (B-5806 series) or 1 ½” (B-6806 series)? The Grab Bars will all be B-6806 series.

c) Part 2, para 2.2, sub-para 2.2.2, kindly clarify and advise since the drawings shows this to be Medicine Cabinet/Mirror recessed but this sub-para specify medicine cabinet and mirror separately? Please refer to Bathroom Accessories table on drawing sheet A-602.

Medicine Cabinet/Mirror Manufacturer Pegasus Model SP4582.

d) Part 2, para 2.2, sub-para 2.2.4, kindly clarify and advise since after checking for the specified item (DETILE BA728) in the drawings it shows this to be wall mounted not recessed as stated? Kindly clarify and advise if this is DETILE or DALTILE? This sub-para states it to be “SH” but drawings called for “SD”? DALTILE BA728 is the correct specification. SH and SD refer to the same soap dish accessory.

e) Part 2, para 2.2, sub-para 2.2.5; kindly clarify and advise since after checking for the specified item (30” Towel Bar, MOEN, Banbury) in the drawings, the available length is 18” and 24” and the finished are either Chrome, Brushed Nickel or Mediterranean Bronze contrary to what this sub-para states it to be Bright Polish Finished? Towel Bar should be 24” and the finish should match the bathroom shower and sink fittings.

All bathroom finished should be Crome

f) Part 2, para 2.2, sub-para 2.2.6 Towel Pin (TP) kindly clarify and advise where will this be used? There is a robe/towel hook to be installed on the bathroom door. Identified as RH on detail D9 of sheet A-401 and A-401A.

g) Part 2, para 2.2, sub-para 2.2.7; kindly clarify and advise since after checking for the specified item (SGL Toilet Paper Holder MOEN, Banbury) in the drawings, the only available finished are either Chrome, Brushed Nickel or Mediterranean Bronze contrary to what this sub-para states it to be Bright Chromium Finished? Drawing calls for TPH Toilet Paper Holder versus the specs which states to be TTH Toilet Tissue Holder? All bathroom Accessories shall be Chrome

h) Part 3, para 3.3 Bathroom Accessories Schedule, please advise if this will govern versus what is shown/stated in the drawings (Sheet A-602)? All bathroom Accessories shall be Chrome Any specs for Robe Hook (RH)? There is a robe/towel hook to be installed on the bathroom door. Identified as RH on drawings. Please refer to answer in question f.

Section 10 71 13.13:

a) Can bidders use a local contractor who is well versed with proven products installed within the CNMI? Is the question about using a local CNMI shutter manufacturer? Any shutter manufacturer shall meet all requirements on section 10 71 13.13.

b) Can the shutter configuration be substituted with the accordion type shutters? The selected contractor can submit an RFI presenting a different shutter system to be evaluated by FEMA and the DOR.

Section 22 00 00:

a) Part 1, para 1.2 (SD-07), please clarify that this requirement is not applicable to the project. This requirement applies to the water heater tank.

b) Part 2, para 2.1, sub-para 2.1.2(a) please confirm that this is not relevant to the project.

This requirement is relevant to the project and is specified on detail D6 of drawings sheet M-105.

c) Part 2, para 2.9, water meters are installed only by the utility company (CUC). Site design and construction is under the contractor responsibility. As part of the site design and construction, where needed, the contractor shall provide the meter box and all required accessories to allow CUC to install their meter.

d) Part 3, para 3.1, sub-para 3.1.1.7 please clarify and advise. We are not able to identify the question?

e) Part 3, para 3.3, sub-para 3.3.6 please clarify and advise. We are not able to identify the question?

f) Part 3, para 3.3, sub-para 3.3.7 please clarify and advise where to locate. This question will need to be submitted by the awardee – not required for proposals.

g) Part 3, para 3.6 please clarify and advise if this is a requirement for residential structures? Correct Section 3.6 apply to residential structures.

h) Part 3, para 3.6, sub-para 3.6.4, “hydrant”, “Vacuum breaker”, “backflow preventer”, “water pressure booster system” and “Pump start start-up” were disregarded since it were not relevant to the project. Backflow Preventer are required on this project.

Please see Note 2 on drawings sheets M-102 and M-102A

Section 23 07 00:

a) Part 2, para 2.2, sub-para 2.2.1, Adhesive VOC (volatile organic compound) content should comply with CDPH (California Department of Public Health) and SCAQMD (South Coast Air Quality Management District) for compliance? Correct. This is a requirement by specifications for insulation adhesives.

Section 23 23 00:

a) Part 1, para 1.5, sub-para 1.5.1, please advise in detail the Extra Materials that will need to be submitted or turn over? NONE

b) Part 2, para 2.5, kindly verify and advise if the following are relevant to the project: refrigerant stop valve, liquid solenoid valve, expansion valve, safety relief valve and the evaporator pressure regulator direct-acting? NOT Applicable for this requirement – Split DX 18000 BTU Unit

c) Part 2, para 2.6, kindly verify and advise if the following are relevant to the project: filter drier and sight glass liquid level indicator? NOT Applicable for this requirement – Split DX 18000 BTU Unit

d) Section 23 81 00:

e) Kindly clarify and advise if provisions under Part 2, sub-para 2.4 and 2.5 are applicable to the project? NOT Applicable for this requirement – Split DX 18000 BTU Unit

a) Part 3, para 3.4, kindly advise if it is applicable? NOT Applicable for this requirement

a) Part 3, para 3.5, second and third sentences are not applicable to the project. NOT Applicable for this requirement

b) Part 3, para 3.6, please advise if it still a requirement since the system is only an 18000BTUH split type air conditioner unit? NOT Applicable for this requirement.

c) Part 3, para 3.7, kindly advise in details list of extra materials to be submitted or turn over, can’t think much since this is only an 18000BTUH split type aircon?

NOT Applicable for this requirement

Section 26 20 00:

a) Part 3, para 3.5, sub-para 3.5.2, disregard since it is not relevant to the project. NOT Applicable for this requirement

DRAWINGS:

a) There is no Division 2 in the specification because there is no Civil Drawings included in the bid package which is to be prepared by the winning bidder. Please see the following in relation to this item:

• How much time is to be allotted for the preparation of the Civil Drawings which will include topographic map for each sites (that will reflect the existing grade, existing structure location, existing trees, existing utility lines lot boundaries), grading plan (based on the topographic map and building orientation to see how much embankment will be required for a particular site, finished floor elevation based on plan road location), building orientation (how it will be situated in the lot with its existing features), utility layout (based on the existing site condition, existing utility location for connection, and per building orientation), septic tank and leaching field system location and details. All are needed for the permitting process. That is up to the awardee – all work must be completed within the 180 Period of Performance.

• Will need to design the entrance power pedestal where the KWHM is to be located and where drop line from the existing power pole. Power is connected directly to the weather head without the need for a power pedestal.

• The above is to complete what are not shown on the Plumbing (water line routing and tapping, meter location) and Electrical (conduit routing to concrete pedestal pole where KWHM is to be mounted). Also the conduit routing for the telecommunication and CATV system. The selected contractor is responsible to hire an engineering firm to produce civil site and utilities design drawings.

b) Since there is Civil Drawings in the bid package, what is the intent of the contract when it comes to the accessible concrete walk and ramp? Will it start from the property line all the way to the front and or side entrance? Without the Civil Drawings no one will ever know how much the finished floor line is raised from the road elevation, or even on a site that will require an embankment? This is a property by property determination. This should have been determined at the site visit. Embankment and other site requirements shall be designer as per IBC and IRC 2018 requirements.

c) Sheet S-001: Under Concrete Masonry, Item 3, the grout compressive strength is shown as 3000psi in 28 days but specification Section 04 20 00 states it at 2500psi?

As per USACE, Required grout strength at 28 days is 2,500.

d) Sheet S-0002 (Special Inspection) and Sheet S-801: Will you require bidders to pre- qualify its Special Inspector (SI) so that the submitted cost proposal can be finalized? Special inspector qualifications is a requirement for the bid winner. Not for bid process.

e) Sheet S-801: It was stated that bidders should be familiar with EM 385-1-1 would the project be in compliance with USACE Health and Safety or OSHA? Does the NAVFAC CQM certificate require for bidders personnel? This a knowledge requirement for the Quality Control Manager. The project shall be in compliance with all applying health and safety regulations.

f) Sheet A-101 (typical for the two and three bedrooms): the accessible walk and ramp was called out “By Others” meaning it is not part of the contract? Without the Civil Drawings it can’t be quantified for its total linear feet? Part of the Civil Design requirements. FEMA determination.

g) Sheet A-101A, Concrete Stoop, since it is an ADA house a flat landing is required prior to an entrance complying with maneuvering clearance. The detail for the concrete stoop has a slope ratio of ¼” per 1’-0”? This should be a FLAT – Level Landing – a slight slope to allow drainage is allowable

h) Sheet A-301, without a Civil Drawings (depending on the site condition) please confirmed that the required 6-inches from the existing ground to interior finished floor line should be met? Correct.

i) Sheet A-601, for doors and windows please see comments under Specifications Sections 08 51 13, 08 71 00 and 08 81 00.

j) Sheet A-602, for bathroom accessories please see comments under Specifications Section 10 28 13.

k) Sheet A-701, for comments on Plastic Laminate Counters please see Specification Section 06 41 16. 00 01.

l) Sheet A-701, for furred wall comments please see Specification Section 05 40 00.

m) Sheet M-102, the water line was called out “1” CW line for continuation see utility plan”, where is the utility plan being referred to? The house construction drawings are to be followed in combination with the civil design drawings. The continuation for the water to reach the water meter will be clear on the civil site drawings to be procured by the contractor.

n) Sheet M-102, the sewer line was called out “4-inch waste for continuation see contractor? The house construction drawings are to be followed in combination with the civil design drawings. The continuation for the sanitary line to reach the sewer system or septic tank will be clear on the civil site drawings to be procured by the contractor.

o) Sheet M-103, there is no continuation for the pipe routing of the water and waste line due to the absence of a Civil Drawings? Correct.

p) Sheet E-101, the drawing didn’t show the location for the KWHM since there is no Civil Drawings? Correct

q) Sheet E-101, for bid uniformity any specification for the doorbell? Please see Key Notes on sheet E-101A with doorbell specifications.

r) Sheet E-102, the final locations of the Tel and CATV box will depend on the Civil Drawings? The final location of telephone and CATV are clearly marked on drawings sheet E-102

s) Sheet E-601 (One Line Diagram), the drawing clearly denotes that there is an unknown length/routing because there is no Civil Drawings? Electrical connection will be using a weather head over the roof of the house.

t) Sheet E-601, under Notes #2 it states “Provided by Site Design”? Typical to Notes #4 it state “Site Design”? Correct.

OTHERS:

a) Per Site Walkthrough, please provide an updated list of the houses wherein changes were discussed. Like for example RGSN_ID 39955533, in As Lito, this was changed from 1-Bedroom to 2-Bedroom? Please advise. This was the only change except all 4-bedroom units should be 3-bedroom units

b) I have reviewed the FAR regarding real property to be pledged as assets and will submit such forms accordingly. The real property pledged will comply with the following:

52.228-1 Bid Guarantee. (SEP 1996) c.) The amount of the bid guarantee shall be 20 percent of the bid price or $3M, whichever is less

The proper form for real estate as a bond instrument is at 28.203-3.

c) What is the form of submitting, thru Email or Sealed bid solicitations? Do you have office in

CNMI?

The proper method to submit is via e-mail – Yes, we have an office in the TSL Bldg.

d) Regarding the surety bonding requirements, we are working with our insurance companies in Guam/CNMI, but the capacity to bond US treasury surety bonds may be limited given the small size of our market. Mr. Sheu – I have reduced the bonding requirement to just Sub-CLIN 0001A – the construction portion of the project

e) Would FEMA consider either a cash collateral in lieu of the surety bond, or a surety bond that is not US Treasury listed but from a large South Korean carrier? We have done federal projects before where non-US Treasury listed company bonds were deemed acceptable. I have never accepted a bond from a non-US surety – yes you can do cash or real estate as long as they are in the US.

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