AMND NO. 3 - Q and A.pdf

1. Is the Contractor responsible for reclaiming the refrigerant? If yes, what type and approximately how much refrigerant?

Answer: Yes, the Contractor is responsible for reclaiming the refrigerant. Two chambers, env. chambers#3 and #4 have R507 refrigerant and chambers #1 and #2 have 404a refrigerant. Attached are pictures with labels on the condenser units.

NIST reasonably anticipates that 5 lbs. per each env. chamber unit is a conservative amount for the size of the equipment.

#1 Typical condenser unit

#2. R507 refrigerant (on 2 env. chambers)

#2. R404a refrigerant (on 2 env. chambers)

2. Can NIST provide a picture of the mechanical equipment on top of the env.

chambers? (Contractors were not allowed to go on top of the env. chambers during side visit, due to safety concerns).

A picture with the mechanical equipment on top of the chamber is attached. It shows dehumidifiers, chillers, water filters, misters, condensers, copper pipes and electrical conduits.

3. Will NIST shops have all utilities disconnected from the chambers (electrical and plumbing)?

Answer: Yes.

4. How much space can be cleared for staging and demo activities inside the labs?

Answer: NIST estimates a rectangular area approx. 700 ft2 near Tinius Olsen frame (B165 lab) and approx. 500 ft2 area in the adjacent lab (A160), next to the high bay door. These areas will be available for the contractor to perform staging and demo activities. The (2) testing frames across the (4) env. chambers will stay in place during demolition activities and Contractor must ensure that these will not be damaged.

Additionally, space can be created for a dumpster container (provided/brought by the contractor) to be situated outside the building to collect debris from demolition activities.

5. Can Contractor use torch for cutting steel inside the lab during demo activities?

Answer: Yes, NIST staff will help Contractor obtain the permit from NIST Fire Department.

6. Does the paint on the frame contain lead (i.e. lead based paint on the frame components)?

Answer: Yes, this is original paint from the early 1960’s, and it contains lead.

Mitigation strategies will need to be addressed in the Safety Plan by the selected Contractor to address the lead paint on the frame. The SOW is revised to reflect this requirement.

7. Can NIST provide a picture of the equipment located in the pit for the optional Task?

Answer: Below are some pictures taken by NIST staff. Please note, this is a Confined Entry Space. The Contractor will need to have its own safety equipment to access the pit (tripod, air meters/detectors, harnesses and PPE, ventilation system etc.). NIST’s Engineering Laboratory Safety Representative will help Contractor fill out the permit for entry. If this optional Task will be exercised by NIST, the selected Contractor will need to include this in the Safety Plan. The SOW is revised to reflect this change.

#1. the transmission shaft from motor into transmission case (directly beneath the TO frame)

#2. transmission shaft inside the transmission case (directly beneath the TO frame).

#3. Bottom of the pit – approx. 3.5 ft wide x 7 ft (underneath the motor).

#4. Underside of steel base plate that the motor is mounted on

#5. NW corner of the pit (just showing that there is no other equipment or items)

8. In the pit below the Olsen, there appears to be a metal box. What is the purpose of this metal box, and should its removal be included in the optional pricing requested?

Answer: The box directly beneath the Tinius Olsen frame contains the transmission shaft and its components (see pictures #1 and #2 above at question #7). The contents inside the box (and the box itself) do not need to be removed (i.e., it is acceptable if they are abandoned in place). The Contractor is required to fill with ¼” steel plates where the (4) steel columns of the frame will be removed to make it safe for pedestrian traffic.

The motor and steel plate supporting it, need to be removed under this optional task (see picture #4 above - @ question #7).

Thick steel plate.

Steel box, housing transmission shaft and its components (see pics. #1 and #2

– at question #7)

Motor and mounting steel plate that need to be removed under optional task.

Additional Questions:

9. Do we need to be certified as a small business to bid on this project, or is it enough that we ARE a small business?

Answer: All contractors submitting a quotation must be registered in SAM.gov as a Small Business under the applicable NAICS code identified in the RFQ.

10. Would we be responsible for pulling freon?

Answer: Yes, see the detailed response to question #1.

11. Would we be responsible for disconnecting sprinklers?

Answer: No (see answer to question #3).

12. Would we need to bring our own electrician to disconnect the electrics more broadly, or is there an electrician on staff who will do this?

Answer: NIST will disconnect the env. chambers from electrical panels and will have no power.

13. Will there be another opportunity to visit the site before bidding?

Answer: No.

14. Can the government clarify the period of performance for this project?

Answer: The Period of Performance will be effective for three (3) months beginning on or around July 23, 2025, once the award is made. This is to allow enough time for badging process and submission of safety plan prior to the starting of demolition activities. The Contractor shall schedule the days and times to perform the Demolition and Removal of the Tinius Olsen Frame and five Environmental Chambers at NIST as mutually agreed upon with the NIST COR within a four-week time period. The Contractor shall complete all tasks and deliverables in the Statement of Work within a period of four consecutive weeks.

15. Will NIST provide a construction cost estimate or a construction cost range for the project.

16. Will NIST release a Plan-holders list/bidders list?