RFI Question and Answers.docx

RFI Question and Answers

1 - Is any equipment manufacturer acceptable as long as it complies with min. warranty (10 years) and efficiency rates specified (Houses 16 SEER and Cottages 13 SEER)?

If not, please provide list of acceptable manufacturers.

Any manufacturer is acceptable so long as it is within the spec. Buy American Act (BAA) applies to all government projects.

2 - Coil E-Coating is specified on SOW for new Condensing Units. Will other brand of coatings be also accepted?

Attached please find Surfsil R-10 Coating Specs and brochure for your approval. We have been using this coating in our near seashore installations for quite some time already with impressive anti corrosion protection results.

Please clarify if condensing units coating is required on coils only or unit cabinets need to be coated as well.

See SOW at 5.5 and 5.6. Coil coating will be E-Coating, show proof of coating. Coating is required on coils and unit cabinet.

3 - Please clarify if the buy American act applies to this project.

Buy American Act (BAA) applies as per updated solicitation FAR references.

4 - Part 6 item 4 of the most recent SOW is requiring that load calculations be performed for the cottages, are there drawings or floor plans for these units that can be provided to facilitate this? Also, during the walk through today it was stated that the windows may be changed at a later date to smaller windows. Please note that this change may adversely affect the new a/c units installed. If we base our load calculations on the current window sizes there is a higher heat load than with smaller windows. So reducing the heat load at a later date with smaller windows has the potential to cause the new a/c units to over cool the space,(short cycle), this will cause the units to turn on and off repeatedly in a short period of time and also create excessive moisture & condensation on the interior surfaces. To avoid this it is recommended that new windows to be installed at a later date be the same configuration as the existing.

Load calculations are necessary and will be completed with the windows that are currently installed. The windows will be changed to impact windows at a later date.

5 - Part 6 Item 4 of the most recent SOW states that the duct work within the cottages be replaced. It was observed at the walk through today that the existing ductwork within the attic is all flex duct. Flex duct is not recommended for runs over 6' and is prone to crimping which reduces air flow and system efficiency. Therefore, it is recommended that a hard duct main trunk made of fiberglass be installed in the attic with flex duct limited to the drops to the registers.

Agreed. Hard fiberglass ducting shall be installed throughout attic with runs no more than 6 feet.

6 - Part 6 Item 6 of the most recent SOW indicates that the platforms for the new condenser units be anchored to a concrete pad. However during the walk through it was stated that the new condensers at the cottages are to be mounted on elevated platforms attached to the wall on the rear outside corner of the cottages. Please clarify if mounting the elevated platform to the wall of the cottages is acceptable.

I believe this was misunderstood. SOW states “Concrete base”, referencing concrete as a wall. Condensers must be placed on a bracket/stand shall be secured to a concrete wall. Condensers bracket/stand shall be installed on opposite ends of each building parallel to fence behind cottage.

7 - Since the condensers are being relocated at the cottages can the existing concrete condenser pads remain or are we to remove them?

Existing concrete pad will remain in place. Contractor is not responsible for removing existing concrete base. Concrete base will be removed by Coast Guard.

8 - At the cottages the existing return air plenum on the bottom of the air handlers within the closets are made of wood. The SOW does not address this. It is recommended that they be replaced with a return plenum made with a metal stand and filter box with a metal drain pan and safety switch to prevent overflow. If this option is selected will USCG perform any painting and/or wall repairs on the wall area behind the wooden plenum boxes?

Agreed. Existing stands will be replaced with a return plenum made with a metal stand and filter box. A metal drain pan and safety switch as well to prevent overflows. Contractor will not be responsible for painting the wall adjacent to box or wall area. However if wall is damaged and/or in need of repairs due to work contractor is responsible for all repairs including paint.

9 - Please advise if there is a design basis for the replacement units, ie: Lenox, (existing at the houses), Rheem, (existing at the cottages), Carrier, Trane, American Standard , etc.

Contractor shall include a maximum of three comparable units in bid. Any manufacturer is acceptable so long as it is within the spec and Buy American Act (BAA). USCG is looking for best value.

10 - As we suggested during the site visit, both the construction and operating costs for the units at the cottages can be significantly reduced by using mini-split systems in lieu of a ducted system. The only drawback would be that there would be no a/c in the bathrooms. Installing louvered doors to the bathrooms would help alleviate some of that.

Thank you for your input. It was taken into consideration but we will continue with Central AC.

11 - The existing condensers hang over the edge of the existing stands. Is it acceptable for the new condensers to hang over the edge of the existing stands?

Yes, as long as the Condenser is centered, level, and not vibrating while in use. Insert vibration dampers. If any complications arise during install a new bracket must be made and installed.

12 - The question arose on the site visit regarding prevailing rate. Can we assure that all contractors are using prevailing rate?

All contractors shall use prevailing wage rate as listed in the solicitation.

13 - It was stated on the site visit that the coating on the condensers should be an E-coating. This is a high quality coating can we please assure everyone is bidding it the same?

Yes, E-coating. I have changed the scope to reflect that “e-coating” is necessary. See 5.4, 6.5.

14 - We were verbally advised on the site visit to include a per foot price if moldy ductwork needed to be replaced. Can this please be clarified?

The SOW reflects the change. See 5.12, 6.13.

15 - The SOW is not clear on whether or not disconnects and whips need to be replaced, please clarify.

Yes, All Disconnects and whips MUST be replaced.

16 - What form should the proposal/bid be on? Company letterhead or a specific form?

Company letterhead is fine for the bid.

17 - Just to verify what is the actual final count on the units?

See SOW Part 5.4 and Part 6.4.

Houses There are 09 homes, and 01 garage. Each home as 02 air handlers and 02 condensers. This equals out to 18 air handlers, 18 condensers, 01 mini split for the garage/DC Shop (1 unit outside, 02 blowers/fans inside).

Cottages There are 04 cottages. Each cottage has 01 condenser and 01 air handler. This equals out to 04 air handlers and 04 condensers.

See SOW for ton/seer.