Amend04 _RFIsAEresponses 8-7-15.pdf

Solicitation No. AG-32SD-S-15-0024, Amendment 04 Main Building, South Wing Space Modifications/Renovation, Food Safety & Inspection Service (FSIS) USDA ARS WRRC, Albany, CA

RFI #1: Spec section 26 05 00.00 40 (2.1.1.2 EMT) specifies the use of “rain-tight” compression fittings. Rain-tight fittings are expensive and are not required by code, to be installed indoors. Please confirm that conventional compression fittings shall be acceptable where installed in dry locations. Bidder added: The amended spec did not include a change to the requirement of rain tight fittings.

Provide conventional compression fittings.

RFI #2: There are several locations in which new electrical devices are shown to be installed on the perimeter of the areas of construction and they are not shown to be demo’ed or have drywall removed. Please clarify whether the drywall removal will be coordinated. Will we be expected to provide a “cut in” installation, or will a surface mounted raceways (wiremold) will be acceptable? Bidder added: This is a rubber meets the road construction issue that will have to be addressed on an individual basis depending on location. We will provide scope clarification with our bid.

Surface-mounted raceways and wiremold are acceptable and recommended when electrical devices are being installed on concrete walls.

RFI #3: Sheet E3.2 shows several locations in the center of the labs with 6 or more grouped double duplex outlets. Please confirm that these are surface mounted double duplex outlets with industrial raised steel covers, fastened to the face of a service column (not shown on E sheets). Bidder added: Service columns were added to certain locations.

Electrical receptacles shown where service columns are indicated on E or other drawings are to be flush mounted on the face of the service column with conduit contained inside the column.

RFI #4: Please provide a detail of service column. Bidder added: No detail provided.

Service column detail is not required as it is a manufactured product.

RFI #5: Will there be any non-destructive testing required in association with core drilling or the installation of typical fasteners or supports? Are there any existing post tension cables in the walls/columns or decks scheduled to be penetrated? Bidder added:

Additional coring locations were shown on the plans. Did not see any specific clarification with regard to existing structural and did not see additional requirements regarding the procedure to drill these holes. With the added one-line and existing conditions, this would be one of my greatest concerns.

No, non-destructive testing is not required, however, per sheet E01 Note 5, “CONTRACTOR SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PROTECTION AND PROVIDE REPAIR OF ADJACENT EXISTING SURFACES, AREAS AND PROPERTY THAT MAY BE DAMAGED AS A RESULT OF NEW WORK.” And Note 10, “CONTRACTOR TO FIELD VERIFY ALL LOCATIONS EXISTING CONDITIONS.” If the question is whether X-ray scanning is required prior to core drilling the answer is yes. There is no known post-tensioned rebar in the structural components.

EQUIPMENT

RFI #6A: Please provide any available cut sheets (including electrical requirements), for all equipment subject to verification of required breaker size, conduit and conductors. Panel schedules include new equipment noting power requirements to be verified.

Bidder added: There were added notes for connections to the equipment. We will provide a price as shown on the drawings.

The Government will have a finalized list of equipment and electrical equipment ratings that can be provided prior to start of construction. As agreed above, provide price for work as shown on the Bid Set documents.

#6B: The documents indicate various forms of equipment being supplied by the Govt. Is there a specific list other than the drawings identifying the equipment as well as cut sheets for equipment listing any requirements i.e. Electrical, plumbing, mechanical as well as physical size and where said equipment is located which contractor is to install?

See response to RFI #6A above.

#6C: A7.1 –The Equipment that is listed in the Equipment Legend with no note of “Owner Furnished / Contractor Installed” or “ (N) “ is just provided as reference (i.e. BSL-2, FE, EP, SSE, D, AR, N2, HE, VAC, HI-VAC, PW, CW, HW/CW, MC, FLO, MLB, GI, WCAB, DR, SC, ST, FD, FS)? No, see response below.

1. What is the extent of “contractor installed”? Uncrate – assembly – move to location? Yes

2. For the EQ Equipment – What specific equipment will be installed? See response below.

3. Can we please have the specifications for all the equipment that will be “owner furnished/Contractor installed” i.e. DW, LAC, SAC, WP, MP, CENT, FRZ, INC, EQ, CL, REF 2 REF, 3 REF? See response to RFI #6A above.

The equipment questions above have been clarified by the Bid Set documents.

#6D: Sheets A7.1 – A7.14 show several items without a legend and unclear who provides equipment/furniture/other furniture. Please provide schedule clearly indicating if Owner furnished:

• Office furniture, is it G.F.C.I. or G.F.G.I. or N.I.C. See sheets A7.9 and A7.11

• Equipment depicted in light gray lines, is it existing or NIC. Previously, this equipment was shown in dark lines. Please verify that the equipment is N.I.C.

The equipment questions above have been clarified by the Bid Set documents.

#6E: Section 11 23 58 – Laboratory Casework

1. Please provide cut sheets for GFCI equipment to be installed by this section. Size, Manufacturer and location of equipment.

See response to RFI #6A above.

2. Please confirm locks are only to be required at lateral file drawer cabinets as per article 2.6G of the specification.

No, that paragraph has been revised.

3. Elevations on sheet A5.1 at scullery sinks indicate additional fixtures that have not been labeled or identified on floor plans and/or equipment plans. Please confirm only fixtures noted in the sink schedule specification (article 2.8) are to be provided.

Spec Section 11 23 58 governs. Note that there is also a cup sink to be provided (Keynote 15, Sheet A2.1).

RFI #7: There seems to be new casework/cabinetry on the new plan, but there is no reference indicating new or existing. Please clarify.

All casework/cabinetry shown on the new work plans are new. This does not include mobile lab furniture.

RFI #8: Please provide a list of the (e) loads serviced by lighting control panel LC-1 shown on E2.4. Bidder added: There is no schedule provided. We will price installation as shown on the drawings.

The existing loads being serviced by the lighting control panel LC-1 were not available to the AE.

RFI #9: There are several local lighting control components shown on the new lighting sheets. Are there additional network lighting control systems to be integrated that are not shown? Bidder added: No additional clarification. We will price installation as shown on drawings.

The only lighting control that will be applied will be that of the dimmer switches and occupancy controls.

RFI #10: Where are the drawings to identify locations of the scope of work specified in SECTION 40 18 00.00 40 VACUUM SYSTEMS

PROCESS PIPING?

The vacuum piping scope of work is shown on P2.5.

RFI #11: Please provide drawings to identify roofing work per specification SECTION 07 54 00.

A curb detail will be provided but the scope of work for roofing is to cut and patch the (E) Tremco fleece-backed TPA roof under the auspices of the local Tremco representative.

RFI #12: What percentage of the resinous flooring should be repair in Rms I-001, I-002, I-003. From Bidder’s resinous flooring installer below: Do you have any pictures or know how much repair is needed in those areas?

Corridor I-003 does not have epoxy flooring and is not included in the scope of work. The amount of (E) epoxy flooring to be repaired depends on what is discovered when storage items currently in the space are removed and how well the floor is protected during construction. Use an estimate of 75 square feet. However, any repair costs due to damage incurred by the Contractor during construction is the Contractor's responsibility.

RFI #13: Is there an existing controls contractor or manufacturer?

The existing control system that we are to connect is Schneider Controls BACnet and the previous contractor was EMCOR Services Integrated Solutions (Mike Loza: 925-931-9801; cell: 925-519-2202).

RFI #14: Verify duct material to fume hoods.

Galvanized steel ductwork. Please refer to contract specification 23 31 13.00 40.

RFI #15: On sheet G1 Campus Plan & Project Location there is a small square with diagonal lines with “New F.S.I.S. ….” printed next to it. Is this a building that has work required?

The note indicating area of work has been clarified. The smaller rectangle is a graphic key that refers to the diagonal lines in the larger rectangle labeled South Wing, Main Building.

RFI #16: On sheet G2, General Notes item #3 identifies “The contractor and all of its subcontractors shall possess valid California State Contractor’s Licenses for their respective specialty trades.” The specifications make no reference to this requirement; and specifically what is considered a specialty contractor?

The general note means that, for example, a General Contractor must possess a California State General Contractor’s license; an electrical subcontractor must possess a Calif. Electrical Contractor’s license; a plumbing subcontractor must possess a Calif. Plumbing Contractor’s license; and so on, for each specialty trade.

RFI #17: Section 01040 Project Coordination Article 1.1 B- “contractor shall be responsible for all applications and associated fees required for the project construction by state and local governing authorities having jurisdiction at the job site.” Who are the governing authorities having jurisdiction at this job site and is there a schedule of fees these authorities are requiring which need to be included in our bid?

See Division 2 hazardous materials specifications and Section 01560, Environmental Protection for permit requirements. There are no building permit requirements, however the Contractor shall comply with governing building codes, applicable local, regional, State, and Federal regulations. Where one or more codes or regulations conflict, the more stringent shall apply.

RFI #18: On sheet G2, Off-Hours Work, states “construction activities (e.g. Hazmat Abatement, drilling, saw cutting, painting, utility outages, etc.)…..shall be performed outside of “normal business hours….” Is there a hazmat survey available, and are the activities listed specifically listed to occur outside of normal business hours?

No, the Off-Hours Work note on G2 only states that if those activities or any others are disruptive or pose a hazard, they are to be conducted during off hours. The Hazmat Survey is included in the Bid Set Division 2 specifications.

RFI #19: On sheet G2 Definitions it states “remove and salvage means items indicated to be removed and salvaged to remain the Government’s property. Remove, clean and pack or crate items……deliver to designated storage area.” Is there an inventory of items to be salvaged, and what is expected for cleaning, packing and crating of salvaged items and where specifically will salvage materials be delivered?

No, there is no inventory of items to be salvaged. The Government's designee may identify specific items to be salvaged prior to demolition. The Designated storage area is in the Main Building upper (4th floor) level. Pack and crate the salvaged items to protect against damage.

RFI #20: Sheet A1.1- Will elevator be available for construction personnel, and material handling?

The freight elevator is available for said purpose.

RFI #21: Addendum #1 states “Sections to be included in the final specifications are shown in brackets.” Sections:

09 51 00 Acoustical Ceilings is identified by brackets and acoustical ceiling work is identified on sheet 8.1.

Sheet A1.1 & A1.2- In the areas where acoustical ceilings are removed and the structure is left exposed, will the existing exposed structure require paint?

There are no areas where (E) acoustical ceilings are to be removed and the structure is left exposed.

09 65 00 Chemical Resistive Resinous Flooring is identified in brackets and identified on sheet 8.1.

09 90 00 Paints and Coatings is identified in brackets and identified on sheet 8.1.

10 14 00.20 Interior Signage is identified in brackets yet not identified on the drawings, what and where is signage required?

Signage is deleted from the scope of work.

10 22 13 Wire Mesh Partitions is identified by brackets yet not identified on drawings, what and/or where are wire partitions required?

Similar question: We see wire mesh partitions listed in the specs TOC however there are no specs, and we did not see any in the plans. What are the specs for the wire mesh partitions?

10 26 13 Wall and Corner Guards are identified by brackets yet not identified on the drawings, what and/or where are wall and corner guards required?

10 44 16 Fire Extinguishers is identified by brackets and identified on new floor plans 12 21 00 Window Blinds is identified by brackets and identified on sheet 8.1

Related questions: Can the 100% design drawings have a window schedule? There is only replacement of glazing in (E) window frames where louvers and/or sheet metal panels will be removed. and Please provide location for new Window Blinds, per SECTION 12 21 00 WINDOW BLINDS. See Bid Set drawing notes.

07 54 00 Thermoplastic membrane Roofing is identified in brackets yet not identified on the drawings although we assume is applicable to any new roof penetrations. That is correct. See response to RFI #11.

Please clarify the aforementioned accordingly!

The above mentioned specification sections that were bracketed in the 95% set have either been provided in the Bid Set or deleted.

RFI #22: The specifications list a section “Unit Prices” this for removal of ACM. Will the proposal form be revised to include a unit price line item and will a set square footage be identified for bidding purposes?

Related question: Technical Specification listed specification section - 01220 - Unit Price - Schedule of Unit Price list a unit price for asbestos abatement . This unit price is not listed on the Bid Form. Please clarify.

Unit pricing has been eliminated from the specifications.

RFI #23: Discrepancies between the full and half-size drawings:

- Sheet M1.1: Duct risers missing on full size set

- Sheet M1.8, 2.1, 2.4, 2.7, 2.8: key notes are missing on the half-size set.

Corrected by Amendment 03, posted 7/31/2015.

RFI #24: Specification Section 01105 - Special Conditions - Paragraph 1.12. - Staging Area - Subparagraph A states that the staging area is identified on the Contract Drawing. Contract Drawings do not indicate staging area. Please clarify.

The staging area will be determined by the Government's designee after contract award.

RFI #25: Architectural Sheet A8.1 - Room Finish and Door Schedule instruct us to paint room F005 but the door schedule does not include the doors, frames at this room to be painted. Are the doors, frames and exterior windows listed on the room finish schedule to be painted as well? The same occurs for rooms I-001, I-002, I-003, I-004, C-001, 0201, 0206,0207,0206,0208, 101,F106,F107,F109,F110,2200,2201 and 2211. Please clarify.

No, doors, frames and exterior windows are not scheduled to be painted.

RFI #26: Mechanical Sheet M2.4 - Mechanical new work plan basement (Area 1) calls out a Stainless Steel Hood over Autoclave. Is this Stainless Steel hood to be G.F.C.I or C.F.C.I ?

The hoods to be Contractor Furnished and Contractor Installed.

This stainless steel hood is not shown on Architectural Sheet A7.10. Please clarify.

The hoods are shown on the mechanical sheets.

RFI #27: Will the Government be moving personnel items (i.e. computers, personal desk, printers, filing cabinets, chemical solutions, etc.) prior to construction. Please clarify.

Yes, those items are N.I.C.

RFI #28: Plumbing Sheet P1.2 - Plumbing Demolition shows new sanitary sewer lines below the slab on grade. Plans do not show any details on how to patch back this trench. Please review and provide details on how to patch back the trench.

This will be a typical doweled concrete trench patch.

RFI #29: Plumbing Sheets P0.2, P2.1 - Plumbing New Work calls out for a new lab sink & faucets as LS-1 and direct us to the New Plumbing Fixture Schedule. Fixture Schedule on P0.2 under LS-1/ LS-2 references the Laboratory Specifications (11 23 58).

Specification Section 11 23 58 does not call out any LS-1 and LS-2. Are these sinks & faucets to be provided by the laboratory casework subcontractor? Please confirm.

Spec Section 11 23 58 governs. Locations of sinks are noted there. The contractor to determine who supplies sinks and faucets - the plumber or lab casework manufacturer - possibly both for different types of sinks.

RFI #30: Plumbing Sheet P1.2 & P1.3 - Plumbing Demolition Plan show a dashed line (Refer to Attachments ) but it is unlabeled. The Same line is also shown on P1.3. Please clarify.

The perimeter dashed line indicates a key note #1 located near gridlines 9 and F. And the remaining key notes #2 and 3 are shown in the drawing gridlines 11/E and 11/B.6.

RFI #31: Contract Documents do not call out for a site safety and health officer. Will a site safety and health officer be required for this project? If so, what level?

No, a site safety and health officer is not a requirement, with the assumption that all safety and health requirements specified in the contract documents are satisfied.

RFI #32: Contract Documents do not call out for a Contractor Quality Control Manager. Is a Quality Control Manager required?

No, a contractor QC Manager is not a requirement, with the assumption that all quality control requirements specified in the contract documents are satisfied.

RFI #33: E3.3 (marked E3.4) has a note to provide a ¾” conduit from EF 1-3 to the “boiler house pc workstation”. Please provide location of boiler house PC workstation relative to EF 1-3. Bidder added: This question was in regard to the amended drawing. We would need to confirm the location of the boiler house to get accurate pricing.

The location of the pc workstation within the boiler house (the Service Bldg.) and the exhaust fan are shown on the attached image.

RFI #34: E4.1 shows the demo of panel EPB with a sheet note to “verify in field”. Please confirm that the Panel EPB shown to demo on E4.1 is actually panel (E) PB on E1.1. Bidder added: Also a question about the amendment. It may be a typo.

From the As-Built drawings, drawing E4.1, Panel EPB is shown being fed from Emergency Distribution Panel 2 (EDP2). However, from the photos/surveys we took, we were only able to find Panel PB, as shown on drawing E1.1. On Panel PB, below the nameplate there is an explanation that states that it is “EMERGENCY POWER PNL.PB 120/208V. 3PHASE 4W FED FROM EMER.PNL.DP2”. We noted to field verify in order to be certain that the two were indeed the same.