Questions_ _Answers_19_Jul_2013.docx

1. The SOW states the building must be completed prior to October 30, 2013. What is the expected contract issue/Notice to proceed date? The solicitation states the period of performance is 08/05/2013 – 10/30/2013, will the contract be issued by 08/05/2013?

A. We hope to make an award by 2 Aug, with a notice to proceed the same day.

1. Is a bid bond required?

A. No.

1. Will payment and/or performance bonds be required?

A. No.

1. Will the government require that the pre-engineered building supplier provide design drawings for government review prior to fabrication of the building? Based on our conversation with three of our suppliers the only way to meet the governments time frame is to order the building immediately at issue of contract (August 5, 2013) and go directly into production. If a review must take place there is no way to meet the time frame. We can provide stamped erection drawings prior to actual installation? At this point any changes to the building would have to be made in the field but this would be the only way to meet the governments stated time frame for this project.

A. We are requesting that bidders submit sufficient descriptive literature to evaluate and award from that literature. We do not intend to conduct discussions or obtain additional information after receipt of bids. If we cannot determine your bid is acceptable from what you provide, you will be disqualified and we will award to someone else. Providing the stamped erection drawings after award, prior to installation is acceptable.

1. What roof slope is needed for the building?

A. Must conform to the building code, other than that we are flexible.

1. What type of roof/wall panels are needed?

A. SOW Para 9, third bullet – “Metal exterior will be constructed of a minimum 26 gauge steel and be fastened with corrosion resistant screws.” As long as you meet or exceed that, we are good.

1. Page 1, note 4 states: “Gables and ends will be covered with metal.” Being that this is an open air shed, do they mean that the gables will be sheeted and open below to the finish floor?

A. Gable end will be covered with metal down to the finished floor on end where the enclosure is. The other gable end will be closed all the way down to the finished floor if X bracing is required. Any area that is at least 16 feet between x braces can be left open from bottom of gable down to finished floor to allow for equipment to enter.

1. Will we need to obtain/pay for a local building permit? Will the local authority be conducting inspections?

A. No building permit required, no inspection other than our quality assurance.

1. Does the government have a geotechnical report for the location of this barn? If not what is the existing soil type in the area?

A. No – Soil is generally sandy, but we do not have a geotechnical report.

1. Note 5 states: “Plans for the Barn and foundation shall be signed and sealed by an engineer licensed to practice in the State of Texas.” We are assuming that this means that the erection drawings and concrete/ footings must be designed and stamped. Please confirm.

A. Yes.

9. Will we need to provide plans or and engineered design on the electrical portion of this project?

A. No, electrical on this is very simple, and any qualified electrician should be able to install. Sealed electrical design is not necessary.

9. Will we need to provide a civil / site work design for this project?

A. No.

1. What pre-construction plans need to be provided for review/approval? (i.e.: SWPPP, Safety Plan, QC Plan, Etc.)

A. None of the above – just the erection drawings and concrete/footing.

1. Since this site is less than one acre of soil disturbance the state allows for SWPPP to fall under the general permit, however in some cases the government requires us to provide a SWPPP sealed by a professional engineer. Will we need to provide a stamped SWPPP?

A. No, not required (see 11).

1. Who owns the building? Is it private owned or is the federal government the owner of the end product?

A. USDA/NRCS – Federal Government will own the building.

1. Will a state ADA review be required for the completed product? (Page 3 item 11 requires that we meet ADA specs. If this is a private owned building state law requires that we have an ADA review, if it is government owned this “can” be waved.)

A. The design must meet ADA specs, but we do not have any outside review requirement. Our Quality Assurance will check compliance.

1. Concrete diagram for option #1 shows adding 5’ to one side and end to conform to the new building size. Is it acceptable to add 2.5 around the perimeter of the building to include new footings to the building and not have to remove the existing concrete for the new footings?

A. Yes this is acceptable, but will require moving the existing water and electrical as shown at the site showing.

1. What is the thickness and configuration of the existing concrete?

A. 6” thick, configured basically as shown in the attached drawings

1. Is there existing electrical service for the building?

16. If so where is the location?

16. Are we to bring in a new service? From what location?

16. If new is required, do we deal with the provider? Do we need to include supplier connection fees?

A. Yes, there is a junction box at the SW corner of the existing slab.

1. What are the submittal requirements for doors, electrical fixtures, windows, hardware louvers and etc.?

A. Provide descriptive literature sufficient for us to evaluate and make a determination of the best value bid.

1. Are there liquidated damages for this project? If so in what amount?

A. No, actual damages – which will include labor hours for the COR.

1. Will construction power and water be provided at the site or will we need to provide?

A. Both are available on site for use – NOTE water is not potable.

1. Page 3 Item #3 discusses the requirement of a Project Manager. Is the project manager required to be on site? We will provide a site superintendent on site at all time work is taking place. We can meet the requirement of the PM except being onsite at all time if required.

A. Project manager is not required to be on site.

1. Can we work extended hours and weekends on the site?

A. Yes, with advanced notice to the PMC manager so that he can schedule inspections as needed during extended hours or weekends.

1. Can we get a copy of the site visit sign in sheet?

A. Yes, it is posted with the amendment on www.fbo.gov.

1. Please confirm that the use of cable “X’ bracing in the side or end walls is not allowed?

A. Cable X bracing is allowed on gable ends. It is preferred not to have cable X bracing on non gable sides but if necessary they should be kept to a minimum to allow for 16ft equipment to enter from both sides.

1. What direction should the roof pitch run?

A. The gable ends should be on the north and south. The roof pitch should be east and west to match existing buildings.