RFP Questions and Answers.pdf

1. On page 1 of 9 STANDARD FORM 1449 in box 19. ITEM NO. 1, what does “TBD” mean in the sentence “The period of performance is Date of Award through TBD.”

Answer: TBD means To Be Determined, since we are not positive about the time frame for this work. The date will be negotiated and will be placed in the contract.

2. On page 1 of 9 STANDARD FORM 1449 box 27a is checked. FAR 52.212-4 starts on page 3 but

FAR 52.212-3 does not seem to be attached. Please clarify.

Answer: Block 27a should not have been checked, and FAR clauses are not attached.

3. On page 1 of 9 STANDARD FORM 1449 box 28 is not checked. Does the offeror need to complete any boxes on page 1 or sign and include page 1 in the Submission package?

Answer: Yes, the offeror should complete prices in block 19 together with submitting a cost/price proposal. Block 28 should have been checked. Also, please sign in block 30a, and complete block 30b.

4. Would the American Battle Monuments Commission consider a Design/Build proposal with a firm-fixed price? Using the Design/Build process will better ensure that the final product’s quality and scheduled completion date can be achieved.

Answer: Yes, as long as that offer is submitted as an alternate proposal accompanied by a proposal for the work in accordance with ABMC’s RFP.

5. What has the ABMC has gathered in the way of Earley Studio documents for the original 1971 maps? Do you have the studio’s specifications, drawings, and material information? Does this include actual material samples, like aggregates, and color additives for the matrix? I’d be most interesting in knowing what the studio used for the “matrix” or solid body of the panels, and whether it was cementitious or epoxy‐based.

Answer: We have found 3 drawings in the National Archives. These drawings mainly show the location and sizes of the original battle maps. However, the third drawing also contains some reinforcement/design information. This drawing is attached. We do not have any material samples or source information on the different components of the existing battle maps.

However, the artist, who worked with Earley Studios on the project has a mosaic sample of an eagle that was used over text panels. She is familiar with the general procedures used by Earley Studios but does not know the detailed information on where any of the material was procured.

From all indications, we believe that the “matrix” was cementitious.

6. Has anyone evaluated how well the 1971 panels have performed, suggesting whether the mix design is still performing well, and whether this same mix will be suitable for the new maps? Is there any weather deterioration, separate from any degradation of the mix, to warrant a shift in specifications for the new panels?

Answer: No restoration expert has evaluated the performance of the panels. However, it is the opinion of ABMC that they have performed well. Other than some minor fading of the colors, there does not seem to be any real weather deterioration.

7. Will you be sharing the pavilion drawings during the project as they are being developed, or is the pavilion design on a different schedule? Who is responsible for the mounting system and structural support of the new panels on the new structure? Is there a structural engineer working for any of the teams, or for ABMC directly, or do we need to include that in our proposal?

Answer: The A&E hired for this work under this solicitation will be an important member of the entire project team. The pavilion drawings will be shared as they are developed. The plan is to use a mounting system similar to the existing one. The pavilion architects will be responsible for designing the structural gaps that will house the new battle maps. However, the mechanical fixation system used to hold the battle maps in place, would be designed by the A&E hired under this solicitation and its building requirements coordinated with the pavilion architects.

The pavilion architects will have the structural engineer expertise that they need for the design of the new pavilions. However, any structural engineering support required for the design of the new battle maps, will be the responsibility of the A&E hired under this solicitation.