Contractor_Questions_ _Answers_-_Solicitation_AG-32SC-15-0003_-2-26-2015.docx

Contractor Questions & Answers Solicitation AG-32SC-15-0003 2/26/2015 1.) Who is the manufacturer of the facility building automation system? (Ft. Pierce) Answer: Combination of Siebe Network 8000 and Laboratory Control Systems MicroSmart IV with Seibe Ultavist front end.

2.) Is there a pest control plan and/or contractor ‘scope of services’ currently being utilized at any of the facilities? If so, please provide a copy. What are the names of the contractor utilized at each facility?

Answer: Please see Revised Attachment 6 and PWS. USHRL – Hullete Pest Control. SEPRL – Houseman Pest Control.

3.) Does the facility currently utilize a contracted vendor to service and repair the glass drain piping? What is the name of the contractor utilized? (Ft. Pierce) Answer: Subcontractor, Miranda Plumbing.

4.) Are all materials currently at the facility remaining to be used by the succeeding O&M contractor? This would be all MRO type parts and materials including; air filters, electrical fittings, refrigerant, wood working, sheet metal, repair parts, etc. (Ft. Pierce) Answer: Any such government owned parts, etc., will be available for use by new contractor.

5.) What is the number of janitorial staff currently at the facility? (Ft. Pierce) Answer: Two.

6.) What is the number of operations and maintenance staff currently at the facility, including supervision? (Ft. Pierce) Answer: Seven.

7.) Will the steam boiler which serves the Pilot Plant building require a boiler operator? (Ft. Pierce) Answer: Yes, as needed. Scientists require assistance to fire up boiler and adjust steam pressure on experiments.

8.) There is no mention of backflow test and inspect requirements. Is this a requirement? At what locations?

Answer: Yes, at all locations as per state and local rules.

9.) 2016 is a leap year with an extra day. Is it ok to show more than 2080 hours per FTE for this year in our pricing?

Answer: Yes.

10.) During the walk through it was mentioned the BSL3 labs go down for annual maintenance. Are these considered additional work if it takes more than 40 hours of labor and/or $1500.00 in material cost to complete the work?

Answer: Yes.

11.) 2.1.6.4 States that a 72 hour notice shall be given before any interruption of utilities. At this point, can major systems such as steam, chilled water and A/C systems be shut down for maintenance during normal business hours?

Answer: RRC – No. Notice is required because the facility has experiments running 24/7. The shutdown will still be required to be scheduled to have the least impact on research.

12.) Is the contractor expected to furnish a forklift and tractor at the Athens site?

Answer: Yes.

13.) Are the underground tanks part of the contractor’s responsibility? Operator’s certification, inspections, and leak testing, etc.?

Answer: Yes. Operation of tanks is contractor responsibility and contractor must provide certification for operators. No underground tanks located at USHRL.

14.) Is maintenance at the Picos Farm site included in the base contract? (Ft. Pierce) Answer: Yes 15.) What is the coverage requirement during hurricanes? (Ft. Pierce) Answer: Coverage is required by the contractor as it is a part of the emergency management team.

16.) Is preventive maintenance of laboratory refrigerators, freezers and -80 freezers considered part of the PM requirement? (PWS 3.2.3.1) If yes, is there an inventory of this equipment? (Ft. Pierce) Answer: See attachments. Per the PWS, PM for this equipment is required, with the exception of -80 degree freezers.

17.) How should the building surveillance system be monitored? Does this mean a security guard? (PWS 3.2.3.2) (Ft. Pierce) Answer: The government monitors the USHRL surveillance system. A security guard is not required to be provided by contractor.

18.) Greenhouse evaporative cooling systems have been added to the water treatment list. Currently no water treatment exists. (PWS 3.3.2) (Ft. Pierce) a.) Is installation of treatment equipment to be included in the base contract?

Answer: No, not included in base contract, though contemplated for the future (contract modification would be required).

b.) What treatment chemicals are approved for use?

Answer: Passive encapsulated quaternary amine. Similar chemicals used in cooling tower to fight against algae growth and corrosion. Any proposed chemical use must be approved by equipment/pad manufacturer and USDA prior to use in research greenhouses.

19.) There is a new requirement for building exterior corrosion control. Does this mean cleaning and painting of the building structure? If so, at what intervals? (PWS 3.3.16) (Ft. Pierce) Answer: Corrosion controls covers only equipment exposed to weather conditions such as generator bodies/frames, condensing unit bodies/frames, cooling tower frames, fuel tanks, railings.

20.) There is a new hurricane shutter and roll up door PM requirement. Is this work considered routine even if it requires new subcontractors? (PWS 3.2.1.3) (Ft. Pierce) Answer: Yes. This applies to electrically operated roll up doors and hurricane shutters.

21.) Ft. Pierce, Attachment A-9, Inventory of Government Vehicles-none identified for Ft. Pierce…is this correct?

Answer: Correct.

22.) No housekeeping or grounds keeping identified for Ft. Pierce. Is this correct?

Answer: Correct, no grounds keeping. Contractor is required to maintain housekeeping in its assigned office/shop area, central plant, electrical rooms, and mechanical rooms, only.

23.) Can you provide a comprehensive list of buildings where work will be performed and a map of the sites?

Answer: See original and revised attachments.

24.) Can you provide more details on the trash and recycling services required such as number containers, sizes, and frequency?

Answer: RRC - offices and labs have trash bins that are emptied daily. Sample disposal is already detailed. Contractor has to participate in recycling with their materials but normal recycling of paper and cardboard is not in contract.

USHRL – Waste Pro (County solid waste contractor) takes care of trash and recycling services. (3) 8 cubic yard for trash, (1) 8 cubic yard for recyclables, and (11) 96 gallon recycling toters; twice weekly.

25.) Can you provide more detail on the requirements for the cleaning, a list of buildings and approximate sq. ft. to be cleaned, and maps and floor plans?

Answer: RRC - janitorial service is primarily in Bldg. 1 and Bldg. 19 in the building list. Floor plans for Building 1 in revised attachments. Bldg. 19 floor plans are not available.

USHRL: Bldg. B100 through B107, Contractor responsible for full custodial responsibilities such as emptying trash, vacuuming carpets/floor, dry sweep/wet mop floor, cleaning restroom, supply toiletries, strip and wax floor.

26.) Can you provide maps and areas for mowing?

Answer: See attachments.

27.) Will radios be government provided or contractor provided?

Answer: RRC, SEPRL - Contractor must provide its own radios.

USHRL: (1) Emergency radio provided by government to on site project superintendent, otherwise contractor provides its own radios.

28.) In attachment A.15, there is a list of spaces and the floor surfaces. Can you provide corresponding building numbers for these spaces?

Answer: See original and revised attachments

29.) Is there a CBA for either of these sites? If so, can you provide?

Answer: No

30.) Can you give us an idea of the volume of mail received on a daily basis?

Answer: Estimate of volume of mail received daily - Incoming Mail for delivery to tenants of RRC/SEP: Mail is received in USPS mail totes (12x18x12d) as follows- Monday 2 totes, Tuesday through Friday 1 tote per day and 3 times per year catalogs are received and the volume increases to 4 to 6 totes. Mail delivery to SEPRL takes approximately 20 minutes. Separating and delivery of mail to RRC tenants is approximately 2 hours per day.

Outgoing Mail for FY 2014 was 258 pieces for the year. It takes approximately 30 minutes per day for postage processing by department to prepare outgoing mail.

USHRL: USPS regularly deliver/pick up mails. Mail volume varies.

31.) The 300-600 meat samples that arrive weekly (section 2.6.2.4): are they handled by the contractor for sorting and delivery or are they delivered directly to the appropriate sites?

Answer: Delivered to USDA personnel directly.

32.) At RRC, is the computer inventory system government provided?

Answer: Yes.

33.) Is there a schedule of covered lighting fixtures?

Answer: No.

34.) PWS Paragraphs 3.0 through 3.8 are specific to Fort Pierce, schedule B lines up with paragraph’s requirements for pricing except for 3.6 FDR, 3.7 Utilities Service, 3.8 Transition of Contract, and 3.9 Energy Conservation. Where does the government expect the cost for these PWS disciplines be priced in schedule B under Fort Pierce?

Answer: Solicitation documents will be amended to allow appropriate pricing information.

35.) Does the MP2 reside on the contractor’s network?

Answer: Yes, and contractor provided, (RRC & SEPRL).

36.) Attachment A.4 states that the government will provide MP2. PWS 3.1.1.1 states “Contractor shall provide and maintain an effective automated work management system (such as Infor-Data Stream’s MP2 which includes WebLink software, currently in use)”. PWS 4.1.1.1 implies that the contractor may use its own CMMS or MP2. Please confirm whether MP2 will be provided for all locations.

Answer: No. Only Ft. Pierce provides system. In Athens, both sites require contractor provided system and license to allow government ability to enter work orders from government.

37.) What is the breakdown by location for the given estimated hours of additional work for the base and option years?

Answer: See attachments for historical information on additional work.

38.) What is the current version of the MP2 work management system at USHRL?

Answer: MPS Microsoft Access Edition.

39.) Attachment A.9 – Inventory of Government Owned Vehicles does not indicate there are any government vehicles at the USHRL for which the contractor will be responsible for maintaining. Please verify.

Answer: Correct, maintenance of government vehicles is not a requirement at USHRL.

40.) Please verify that there are custodial closets at each location to be used for storage of contractor supplies, materials, and housekeeping equipment.

Answer: Yes.

41.) Please advise if any housekeeping services currently are, or may be in the future, performed after hours to provide for lesser disruption and more thorough cleaning of facilities at each of the locations.

Answer: RRC, SEPRL - nothing is planned. USHRL – not applicable.

42.) Please verify that fuel for grounds maintenance services is to be Government provided at all locations.

Answer: RRC, SEPRL – yes, from onsite gas and diesel tanks. USHRL - not applicable.

43.) Please indicate if there is government provided space for storage of contractor equipment and supplies for grounds maintenance.

Answer: Yes.

44.) The Performance Work Statement (PWS) for RRC indicates boilers are to be tended 24/7. The PWS for USHRL does not indicate this same level of effort. Please verify.

Answer: 24/7 boiler operators are not required at USHRL.

45.) Please verify that the Government prefers a Project Manager onsite at the RRC/SEPRL and a second onsite PM at the USHRL.

Answer: One PM is required in Athens for RRC & SEPRL. USHRL – project superintendent suggested, but contractor’s proposal discretion.

46.) PWS Section 3.6 Facility Deficiency Report. Please verify that this is applicable to all locations, not just for USHRL.

Answer: All of section 3.0 of the PWS applied to the USHRL, only.

47.) PWS Section 3.7 Utilities Services. Please verify that this is applicable to all locations, not just for USHRL.

Answer: All of section 3.0 of the PWS applies to the USHRL, only.

48.) Please confirm that Section 3.3 Specialized Services in the PWS is applicable only to the USHRL.

Answer: All of section 3.0 of the PWS applied to the USHRL, only.

49.) Section 3.1.9 Contractor-Furnished Property in the PWS section for USRHL states that paragraph 2.8 indicates Government-Furnished Property. However, paragraph 2.8 refers to Administrative Services at the RRC. Please provide a list of GFP for USHRL.

Answer: Provided in original and revised attachments.

50.) Please confirm that there are no housekeeping services to be provided by the contractor at USHRL.

Answer: Correct, no housekeeping services for USHRL.

51.) Please identify any thresholds for minor repairs that the Contractor will be responsible for (i.e. anything up to the first $1,500, etc.). If such thresholds exist, please provide historical information for the number of these minor repairs occurring over the past three years.

Answer: $1,500 as described in PWS. Historical data for minor repairs not available.

52.) At one of the Athens locations, the fire risers all had yellow tags, which generally indicate that repairs are required. Please confirm that these repairs be completed before the new contract begins, or If not, Please elaborate on the extent of the repairs.

Answer: No information available on specific extent of needed repairs; 5 year maintenance is due in 2015.

53.) Please verify what type of PPE must be provided for work that has to take place inside of the BL3 spaces? (These are areas that have restricted access where live exotic viruses are used for research.)

Answer: RRC, SEPRL - any required PPE will be government furnished to enter BSL3 space. (No BSL3 labs at USHRL.)

54.) For filters, please provide a complete list of filters with dimensions or a total annual cost.

Answer: RRC - there are 1 inch filters in some supply grills, 2x2 2” pre-filters and bag filters for AHU. Previous year total annual cost for all 3 sites was approximately $30,000. SEPRL – 69 24x24x12 HEPA Filters ($16,677.00); 24 20x24x12 ($1560.00). This does not include 1” filters.

USHRL – see attached: (cost data not available)

55.) Reference PWS 2.6 Housekeeping and Attachment A.15, Schedule of Flooring Surfaces: This schedule does not identify the Space Square Footage. Please provide the Square Footage of Spaces requiring the specified Housekeeping services.

Answer: See original and revised attachments for all available information on flooring surfaces.

56.) Reference PWS 2.3 Grounds Maintenance: Paragraph 2.3.2 identifies required services for areas identified as Area 1, Area 2, and Area 3 and refers to Attachment A-7 for the size of the areas. However, Attachment A.7 contains Contract Historical Pricing Data, but does not provide any information on Grounds Maintenance Requirements. Please provide the size (Acres or Square Feet) of Areas 1, 2 and 3; the length (Lineal Feet) of required trimming and edging; the number and size of trees; the size of bushes; and the area of flowerbeds.

Answer: Original and revised attachments provide all available information on grounds maintenance.

57.) Reference PWS 2.3.2.6 Snow/Ice Removal: Please provide the areas (Square Feet) of walkways, entrances, parking lots, and roadways that require removal of snow and ice and the historical data on the number of times per year that these services are required.

Answer: Athens locations have historically required these services 2 – 3 times per year. Data on square footage of areas requiring such attention are not available.

58.) Reference PWS 2.2 Maintenance and Repair of Building and Structure: Please provide the historical workload data on the number of service call repairs.

Answer:

59.) Reference PWS 1.1 Background. PWS 1.1 provides the USHRL facility square footage. Please provide the facility square footage for RRC and SEPRL.

Answer: See original and revised attachments.

60.) Regarding Ft. Pierce: there is a line in the pricing proposal for specialized services. There are dashes in this line for RRC and SEPRL but not for Ft. Pierce. Please identify the specialized services required at Ft. Pierce. There are dashes in the lines for Electrician and HVAC at Ft. Pierce. Electrical and HVAC are part of the SOW but there is no place in the current pricing format to put the price and it looks like it is not required. Please clarify.

Answer: Specialized services for USHRL are described in the PWS. Such services are unique to USHRL and therefore pricing is inapplicable to the Athens sites. Electrician and HVAC are required for USHRL, therefore please disregard the referenced ‘dashes’.

61.) Does the current staff have or meet acceptable training/certifications or licenses for their specific craft, i.e.: electrician, plumber, a/c technician, boiler tender/operating engineer, eddy current technician?

Answer: Yes.

62.) Are there any separate USDA contracts for maintenance or repair (boiler, chiller, fire alarm systems) in place that may affect our pricing logic for RRRC, SEPRL, or the USHRL?

Answer: No.

63.) Are there currently any energy shared income agreements with regards to chillers, boilers, air handling units, pumps, motors, cooling towers, or emergency generators in which repairs and preventive maintenance is provided by others?

Answer: No.

64.) Does the specialized scientific laboratory equipment such as Autoclave Maintenance and Repairs apply only to Ft. Pierce?

Answer: Yes.

65.) Attachment A.7 Historically Price Data. Please confirm that this attachment is for the entire contract pricing for Athens, Georgia, & Fort Pierce, Florida sites.

Answer: The ‘additional work’ on this attachment was for RRC, only.

66.) Please provide the quantity (Number) of Autoclaves, their manufacture, model number, for each site.

Answer: RRC, SEPRL - autoclaves not in O&M. Only have to maintain the utilities to the units. USHRL – Six (6) Steris SG120 units. See attachments for further details.

67.) Please provide the type (make) of Fuel Oil Level Monitor, the fuel oil tank capacity for each location, and the current sub-contractor who services and provides inspections on these AGT/UFT items.

Answer: RRC - Veeder Root monitors; 15,000 gallon diesel #2, 2,000 gallon unleaded gasoline. USHRL - See equipment list TMU and Fuel Tank. Lab Site tanks are 10,000 and 706 gal. Farm Site is 8,100 gal. Historical sub-contractor is Wilson’s Petroleum.

68.) Please confirm that the USDA ARS pays for the fuel oil & gas service for the boilers?

Answer: Confirmed.

69.) Please provide the quantity (Number) of Backflow Preventer devices, manufacture, model number, and size of each, for each project site RRB-SPL-USHRC.

Answer: RRC has 12 backflows ranging from 1 ¼” to 8” that require annual testing. USHRL - See equipment list, equipment numbers starting with “BFP”.

70.) Section 2.2.2.2. tasks the contractor to perform Hydrojetting of drainage lines. Please provide the number of drain lines, the size (approximate diameter) of the pipes, approximate linear footage for each site this service is required and the minimum frequency required.

Answer: Hydrojetting is as required when drains begin to back up. Averages about once per year. Drain lines vary from 2” to 4”. Data on linear footage is not available.

71.) The PWS states in 3.3.1. “Location is responsible for the load bank rental to test generator running load capacity”. Please confirm that the contractor is NOT responsible for the rental costs. (USHRL)

Answer: Confirmed. The government is responsible for load bank rental cost.

72.) For grounds maintenance will the USDA ARS provide the herbicides, fertilizers, top cover organic material, and grass seed as necessary to meet the PWS statements?

Answer: No.

73.) Please confirm that Roof Anchor Inspections (OSHA) are the contractor’s responsibility.

Answer: RRC, SEPRL, USHRL – there are no roof anchors.

74.) Is there a requirement for Pressure Vessel Inspections? If so when were that last inspections performed?

Answer: Inspections done annually; RCC last done summer of 2014. Inspections must comply with state and local regulations.

75.) Is there a requirement for Eddy Current Analysis on the condenser side of the centrifugal chillers in the base year, or on the cyclical anniversary?

Answer: RRC - yes, annually during cool weather months. USHRL – Yes, condenser sides every year, evaporators every 3 years.

76.) Does USDA require a manufactures 5 year OEM maintenance on the centrifugal chillers? If so when was the last 5 year maintenance inspection performed?

Answer: RRC - Annual inspections by York. USHRL – No.

77.) When was the last eddy current (non-destructive tube analysis) tests performed at the RRC site, and the SEPRL site?

Answer: March, 2014.

78.) Will the government allow an Initial Deficiency Inspection to identify defects that exist, that the contractor will not be financially responsible for during the first 30 days of the contract?

Answer: Yes.

79.) Will the Government ensure a representative is available for the Initial Deficiency Inspections to allow the contractor to comply with the time limit restrictions?

Answer: Yes

80.) Does the boiler & AST inspections by the State of Georgia & Florida satisfy the pressure vessel inspection requirements of the solicitation?

Answer: RRC - no, annual maintenance by a manufacturer’s recommendations by the manufacturer’s rep required. State inspections currently are scheduled while boiler is open for maintenance. SEPRL, USHRL – yes.

81.) Is fuel oil polishing a contractor obligation if using bio-fuels and the task of polishing the fuel oil becomes necessary?

Answer: RRC, SEPRL - yes. No bio-fuel in use at USHRL.

82.) Will the contractor be allowed to defer Initial Deficiency List inspections on equipment/systems that are seasonally off line or have a later in the year annual preventive maintenance testing date IE: fire alarm system?

Answer: No.

83.) Does the current water treatment equipment convey the incoming contractor or belong to the Government and/or the incumbent contractor?

Answer: RRC, SEPRL - Equipment belongs to water treatment subcontractor. USHRL – water treatment equipment belongs to government.

84.) Are there any unique water treatment specialized electronic devises under warranty?

Answer: No.

85.) Is there a requirement for water treatment corrosion coupon racks for all open & closed loops? Please clarify for each site/center.

Answer: RRC, SEPRL - no. USHRL – open loop only.

86.) Is there any solicitation requirement to power wash the garage parking decks or parking lots? To re-stripe, paint, patch or provide signage?

Answer: Complete restriping would be considered additional work. All signage is a contract requirement. See PWS.

87.) Are there current roof warranties in place for each building? If so please identify each building.

Answer: RRC – none. SEPRL, yes – buildings 1, 4, 34 and 35. USHRL – none.

88.) Can the emergency generators be tested during normal business hours?

Answer: Yes.

89.) Please confirm that heating fuel oil or natural gas will be paid by USDA.

Answer: Confirmed.

90.) Will the GSA 5850 Public Building Maintenance Guides be acceptable for Preventive Maintenance tasks?

Answer: Not applicable.

91.) B.1.2 Additional Work. Are additional work labor, materials, and subcontractor invoices reimbursable to the contractor? What is the reimbursement pay cycle; 30 days, 60 days, or 120 days?

Answer: Yes, partial billing can be done on 30 day intervals. Historically, since the jobs are small, there has only been one payment upon completion.

92.) I.10 Far 52.223-11 Ozone Depleting Substances (May 2001) Are there currently refrigerant inventory and usage logs at the facilities? Will these inventory and usage logs be provided at start of contract?

Answer: Yes.

93.) Section 1 Past Performance/Similar Experience Are there any specific requirements or certifications needed to be held by either the prime of subcontractors to qualify them to work with the BSL3 laboratories?

Answer: No specific certifications required, only relevant past experience as described in PWS/solicitation documents. However, appropriate background investigations must be done on these individuals. (No BSL3 laboratories at USHRL).

94.) 2.1.1.1 Question: Will the data from the MP2 system be made available to succeeding contractor. (RRC)

Answer: Yes. Data entered by the contractor during the performance of this contract will also belong to the government, and copies provided at the end of the contract.

95.) 2.4.2.2 Water Testing and Treatment Question: Will the presently installed feed pumps, controllers, measuring instruments remain for use by the succeeding contractor. (RRC)

Answer: No, equipment is provided by ANCO as the supplier of the chemicals.

96.) 2.4.2.3 Maintenance and Repair BSL3 Lab (PB05) Will the contractor be required to perform decontamination of the lab and HEPA filter housings on an annual basis? (RRC)

Answer: No

Will the contractor be required to perform an annual certification of the BSL3 laboratory? (RRC)

Answer: No

97.) 2.5 Electrical Services Has maintenance been performed on the electrical switchgear? (RRC)

Answer: Yes

Is the contractor responsible for elevator permits and scheduling inspections? (RRC)

Answer: Yes

2.5.2.2 Question: Is the contractor responsible to perform annual load bank testing of the generators? (RRC)

Answer: No – generators are run on building load during monthly PM.

Is the contractor required to run the generators on a monthly basis? (RRC)

Answer: Yes

Do the generators require air permits and is the contractor required to secure the permits? (RRC)

Answer: No permits required, used for emergency only. If load bank testing is performed is the contractor required to connect a standby rental generator in place of the generator under test? (RRC)

Answer: No

98.) 2.9 Automotive and Maintenance Vehicles and Equipment

2.9.2 General

Question: Paragraph states contractor shall provide operators. To clarify does this mean the contractor will provide drivers for transportation? (RRC)

Answer: No

99.) 2.2.2.2 Plumbing and Pipefitting Is the contractor responsible for the backflow preventers? (RRC)

Answer: Yes

What is the number of backflow preventers and size of backflow preventers at the facility? (RRC)

Answer: Answered above.

Is it required to certify the backflow preventers annually? (RRC)

Answer: Yes

Are there any permitted backflow preventers at the facility that require quarterly certification? (RRC)

Answer: No

100.) 2.2.2.4 Fire Alarm (RRC) Does the system require annual horn strobe testing?

Answer: Yes, audible test is to be after hours. 6pm or later.

Is there a list of all of the fire alarm components that require test or maintenance?

Answer: No, the installed system is Notifier and devices are programmed in.

Does the sprinkler system require quarterly and annual inspections?

Answer: Annual inspections.

Does the fire pump require annual flow testing? Is it required to have test witnessed?

Answer: Yes. Test must be performed early before 6am to not disrupt service to building. Report from certified contractor is sufficient

Does the contractor perform flow testing of fire hydrants?

Answer: No

101.) 3.3.2.2 Plumbing and Pipefitting (USHRL) Does the sprinkler system require quarterly and annual inspections?

Answer: Yes.

Does the fire pump require annual flow testing? Is it required to have test witnessed?

Answer: Yes to both.

Does the contractor perform flow testing of fire hydrants?

Answer: Yes.

102.) 3.2.4 Electrical Services (USHRL) Has switchgear maintenance been performed, when was the last occurrence?

Answer: No.

Clarification; types of electrical equipment maintained lists research equipment. Is lab equipment repair and maintenance in scope; this would be scale, meters, diagnostic equipment, UPS, autoclaves, etc.?

Answer: Special research type equipment is not covered under this section.

103.) 3.3.1 Generators and Transfer Switches (USHRL) Is the location responsible for connection of the load bank?

Answer: Load bank rental only, not the connection.

Is the connection of a rental generator required during load bank testing?

Answer: Yes.

104.) 3.3 Specialized Services (USHRL)

3.3.2 Question: will the currently installed feed pumps, control panels; meters for the chemical system remain?

Answer: Yes.

3.3.5 Question: Are past performed eddy current test available for review?

Have any of the chiller tubes been replaced of plugged?

Answer: Data not available for review. One condenser tube has been plugged, none replaced.

3.3.6 Question: Are any past performed photo journal records available for review?

Are chiller maintenance records available for review?

Answer: Data not available for review.

105.) Elevator Services (USHRL)

3.3.7 Question: Is the contractor responsible for any permits?

Answer: No permits required. Inspections are required as part of routine work

106.) Fire Alarm (USHRL)

3.3.8 Question: are there any fire pumps or fire hydrants that require flow testing?

Answer: Yes, as per NFPA requirements.

107.) Boiler Plant (USHRL)

3.3.12 Question: Are past photo journals available for review?

Are past vessel pressure testing reports available?

Answer: Data not available for review.

3.3.13.1 Question: Is the contractor responsible for the air permits?

Answer: No permits required.

108.) 3.3.14 Fire Suppression (USHRL) Are fire extinguisher monthly and annual inspections included to be performed by the contractor?

Answer: No

Are the fire extinguishers due a 6-year inspection?

Answer: This task handled by government at USHRL.

109.) Please provide the make, model #, and serial # for the generators and the generator’s engines, and the generator KW size.

Answer: RRC – 3(each) 3412 Caterpillar Gensets, 800 KW. See attachments for additional information.

110.) Does the current staff have or meet acceptable training / certification for their specific craft?

Answer: Yes.

111.) Does the contractor have to be ISSA certified for the custodial activities?

Answer: No

112.) Are there any USDA master contracts in place that may affect our pricing logic?

Answer: No 113.) The Building Automation System or EMS (Automated Control Logic); what is the solicitation intent – that this control system be monitored at regular intervals or must it be manned 24/7?

Answer: That it is monitored at regular intervals.

114.) Are there currently any energy shared income agreements with regards to chillers, boilers, air handling units, pumps, motors, cooling towers, or emergency generators in which repairs and preventive maintenance is provided by others?

Answer: No 115.) The solicitation is silent on the maintenance and repair of specialized scientific laboratory equipment and cleaning of labs, please clarify if there any protocols, procedures, and/or scopes of work that the contractor is responsible for that is different from standard building operation & maintenance or cleaning? If there is a scope please indicate the requirements and cyclical times for each?

Answer: No special protocols. Lab equipment is not maintained as part of the contract with some exceptions like refrigeration.

116.) Does the specialized scientific laboratory equipment such as Autoclave maintenance & Repairs have temperature, pressure or electrical tolerances that maintenance & repairs have to be performed by the manufacture of the equipment to ensure the integrity? If not how is the equipment being currently maintained, repaired and by what sub-contractor (this task is not listed on the Historically Maintained items)?

Answer: RRC, SEPRL - specialized lab equipment is not part of this solicitation and generally has maintenance agreements with manufacturers. USHRL – Subcontractor, Steris Co.

117.) Is there a cryogenic chiller? If so, does the specialized cryogenic chiller have unique temperature, & pressure tolerances maintenance requirements the contractor is responsible for that is different for standard maintenance? If so is there is a scope? Please indicate the requirements and cyclical times?

Answer: RRC, USHRL – none.

118.) Is there a requirement for HAZMAT training for the O&M and Custodial staffs?

Answer: Any training required for entry to restricted spaces will be provided government.

119.) The solicitation is silent on “Backflow Preventer Inspections”, please clarify that this is a requirement, and if so please identify the current sub-contractor being used.

Answer: Yes, this is a requirement currently performed by contractor employees as per state & local regulations.

120.) Is the contractor required to provide PPE “personal protective equipment” to include HAZMAT suits, shoes, and by respirators or self-contained breathing apparatus?

Answer: Yes for any duties that require such equipment.

121.) Do the staff have to be certified on breathing equipment? If so at what frequencies?

Answer: Only if job duties require.

122.) Is the contractor responsible for the HAZMAT materials or medical waste generated in the labs to be removed from the site?

Answer: No

123.) Please identify by floor plan the specific areas that require Pest Control maintenance.

Answer: See PWS and attachments.

124.) Is there a requirement for the on-site staff to have specific skills/craft such as welder, machinist? If so please clarify by position.

Answer: Performance of maintenance requires most basic construction skills, i.e., welding, sheet metal, HVAC, pipefitting, general carpentry, electricians, mechanics, etc. However, it is within discretion of contractor to propose appropriate skills/mix of skills. See PWS.

125.) Is there a requirement for Pressure Vessel Inspections?

Answer: Yes.

126.) Is the contractor permitted to test the fire alarm systems during normal business hours with the alarm devices (bell, strobes or lights) silenced?

Answer: RRC - audible testing has to be after 6pm. SEPRL, USHRL – yes, with prior coordination with government.

127.) Is the contractor required to have an off-site UL rated fire alarm monitoring center monitor the fire alarm system?

Answer: RRC, SEPRL – monitoring is paid for separately by the government. USHRL – yes.

128.) What areas have smoke detectors and/or beams above 12’ that would require a lift or ladder to reach? How many detectors above 12’ are there in each building?

Answer: Data not available. None known at USHRL.

129.) Are the elevator hoistways wet sprinkled? If so which buildings?

Answer: RRC – yes, Building 1. USHRL – no.

130.) Please clarify the main electrical configuration IE; is it a 1.) Single Main, Main-Tie-Main, 2.) 480V or 208V, 3.) Breakers or switches.

Answer: RRC - 2 feeds from substation 480 v with 1600 amp breakers each. Main-tie-Generator (3)-tie-Main. There are 2 unit substations in RRC fed from the main switch gear.

131.) Please clarify the main electrical disconnect devices; (manufacture, model, frame size, trip unit type, draw out or bolt in type.

Answer: RRC - The main switch gear and substations are square D. The branch panels and many of the motor control centers are still Federal Pacific. USHRL – majority of switch gears are Siemens bolt type.

132.) Is there a requirement for an infrared thermographic analysis aka electrical scans every contract year per NFPA 70?

Answer: Yes. See Revised Attachment 12.

133.) For the monthly & annual load bank generator test, is the O&M contractor required to provide a load bank or can the buildings load be used?

Answer: Monthly tests are run under building load; annual load bank testing is considered additional work.

134.) Are there any UPS & PDU equipment included in the RFP, if so please identify make, model, & manufacture and location for each building.

Answer: No

135.) In order to perform Fire Pump tests, do we need to run hoses for the flow test? What time of day and/or week day restrictions may apply to each building?

Answer: RRC, SEPRL – yes, must be tested prior to 6am. USHRL – yes, coordinate with government.

136.) When was the last year the 6 & 12 year fire extinguisher tests were performed?

Answer: RRC, SEPRL - fire extinguishers are inspected annually as part of contract. Repair and replacements generated from the inspection is done as an additional work order. Any other maintenance repair/replacement on a smaller scale is the contractor’s responsibility. USHRL – not applicable; fire extinguishers are inspected monthly and annually by government Safety Officer. Replacements purchased through outside contractor.

137.) With regard to utilities services, does the Government provide telephones and phone service?

Answer: Yes. Building phone system is provided. No cell phones provided.

138.) Water Treatment, is there any requirement to operate 24/7 that would impact our cost proposal?

Answer: None currently known.

139.) What is the capacity in gallons of the Open water loop, the closed chillwater loop and the closed heating water loop?

Answer: RRC, SEPRL - data not available. USHRL - Exact capacity unknown; estimate - Open Loop ~ 3000, Chilled Water ~ 25000, Heating 10000.

140.) Will the government allow an Initial Deficiency Inspection to identify defects that exist, that the contractor will not be financially responsible for?

Answer: Yes.

141.) Will the Government ensure a representative is available for the Initial Deficiency Inspections to allow the contractor to comply with the time limit restrictions?

Answer: Yes.

142.) Does the contractor have to obtain an “Air Quality Monitoring Permits” or are there permits in place?

Answer: No.

143.) Does the boiler & AST inspections by the State of Georgia & Florida satisfy the pressure vessel inspection requirements of the solicitation?

Answer: RRC, SEPRL - no, contractor will provide a manufacturer certified complete inspection. State inspection is generally scheduled while the boiler is open by the contractor. USHRL – yes.

144.) Will the contractor be allowed to defer Initial Deficiency List inspections on equipment/systems that are seasonally off line or have a later in the year annual preventive maintenance testing date IE: fire alarm system?

Answer: No 145.) Are there any special requirements for any unique water treatment devices? IE high pressure steam treatment & equipment, Ionization, Reverse Osmosis, etc. Are there any unique water treatment specialized electronic devises under warranty?

Answer: No 146.) Are there any spaces that require “confined entry training”?

Answer: Yes.

147.) Please confirm which buildings require compliance with the historical building directives?

Answer: None.

148.) Please clarify the intent as to recycling containers in common areas, labs, and desk stations, is it provided by USDA or does the contractor have to supply?

Answer: For USDA, government employees move to large recycling bins.

149.) Please confirm that Snow Removal is a part of the solicitation requirements.

Answer: Yes, for Athens’ labs.

150.) Will a static pressure industry standard of 1 inch be acceptable for the replacement of high efficiency MERV filters (or PWS specified types) or will there be just a cyclical time required for replacement?

Answer: Stage 1 MERV 8 filter life varies depending on unit and local conditions. Stage 2 MERV 14 filters are changed at 1”DP @ full flow or when physical conditions indicate whichever comes first.

151.) Is there a PWS special type of filter requirement?

Answer: Yes, see PWS, attachments - replace with same type currently used.

image1.emf

Air Filters.pdf

USHRL Air Filters Air Filters 30% Pleated MERV 8 Blue 1" Media

Custom Size 16x27.5x1 12x24x2 16x25x2 20x20x2 20x24x2 24x24x2 16x24x4 29.5x28.5x2 20 x 30 x 1 20x20x1 24 x 24 x 1 SF1 1

AHU1 3 4 SF2 1

AHU2 15 SF3 1

AHU3 12 SF4 1

AHU4 6

AHU5 2 2

AHU6 6

AHU7 15 Blue 2" Media AHU8 6 20x30x2

AHU9 2 AC-A120 1

AHU10 1 1 AC-A121 1

AHU11 1 1 AC-A123 1

AHUF1 1, 21-1/2 x 24 x 3/4 AC-A124 1

AHUML1 1 AC-A125 1

AHUML2 1 AC-A126 1

AHUPP1 21-3/8x16-1/4x1 AC-B101 1 AHUPP2 21-1/2x23-3/8x1 AC-B104 1 AHUPP3 21-1/2x23-3/8x1 AC-E128 1

AC-GHF1 1 AC-E129 1

AC-GHF2 1 AC-E130 1

AC-SHOP-E 1 AC-E131 1

AC-SHOP-W 1 AC-E134 1

AC-1066 1 Frame Size AC-1072 1 19-7/8x29-7/8x2 AC-2032 1 16x30x2

AC-2033 1 J100

AC-2037 1

MAU 2

RTU1 4

65% Pleated MERV 11 20x20x4

MAU 2

Single Header Rigid 95% MERV 14

12x24x12 20x20x12 20x24x12 24x24x12

AHU1 3 4

AHU2 15

AHU3 12

AHU4 6

AHU5 2 2

AHU6 6

AHU7 15

AHU8 6

AHU9 2

AHU10 1 1

Master Filter List