B08_-_RFI_1_-_Questions.docx

RFI

1. Utility Routing: The drawings identify proposed potable-water and sanitary-sewer laterals between the modular building and the existing systems. Please confirm that offerors should use the routes and approximate distances shown on the drawings as the basis for pricing.

USFWS Response: The routing shown is approximate and based on the best available data. The contractor shall field‑verify existing conditions and adjust the routing as necessary to accommodate actual site conditions.

Sanitary Sewer: Please provide the existing sanitary-sewer connection-point depth and invert elevation and confirm that sufficient slope is available for a gravity connection from the modular building. If adequate gravity slope is unavailable, will the contractor be required to provide a sewage ejector or lift pump?

USFWS Response: Exact invert elevation and depth at the tie‑in location are not available based on the best available data. The invert elevation leaving the existing Maintenance Shop is 890.4', based on a finished‑floor elevation of 894.90'. The invert elevation into MH‑10 is 881.40'. Because the distance between the existing Maintenance Shop and the temporary modular office building’s proposed sewer connection is greater than the distance between the temporary modular office building and the proposed tie‑in point, adequate gravity slope is assumed.

Potable Water: Please confirm the existing water-line depth, available pressure, and the contractor’s responsibility for the curb stop, riser, backflow prevention, insulation, heat tracing, and freeze protection.

USFWS Response: Exact water‑line depth at the tie‑in location is not available based on the best available data. Since the existing line has not frozen, it is assumed to be buried below the frost depth at a minimum of 4'‑6" below grade. Refer to drawing sheet 4 for curb stop, freeze protection, and other applicable requirements. Please contact the local water utility for water‑line pressure. The station is confident that adequate pressure is available, as the existing Maintenance Shop includes a restroom with a shower, a kitchen, exterior spigots, and other fixtures, and has not experienced pressure issues.

2. Utility Verification: Have the existing water, sewer, and electrical connection points been field verified? Will the Government provide utility locating, surveying, or potholing information, or should those activities be included in the contractor’s scope?

USFWS Response: The contractor is responsible for locating and field‑verifying all existing utilities and connection points. The Government will not provide utility locating, surveying, or potholing information; these activities should be included in the contractor’s scope.

Electrical Route: The electrical drawing appears to show an approximately 387-linear-foot underground service route from the proposed modular building to Main Distribution Center 2. Please confirm that MDC2 is the required point of connection and that offerors should base their proposals on the routing generally depicted in the drawings.

USFWS Response: Refer to drawing sheet 5 for the electrical utility routing. The routing shown indicates the connection to Main Distribution Center 2 (MDC2), which should be used as the point of connection. Offerors should base their proposals on the general routing depicted in the drawings.

3. Alternate Electrical Routing: Will the Government permit an alternate or shorter underground electrical route if existing utilities, site conditions, and code requirements allow?

USFWS Response: Yes, an alternate or shorter underground electrical route will be permitted, provided it does not interfere with existing utilities, roads, or other site features. The contractor is reminded that all disturbed areas must be restored to their original condition, including seeding and landscaping.

4. Electrical Service: Please confirm the voltage, phase, available ampacity, available breaker space, and fault-current information at MDC2. The modular-building basis of design identifies three exterior-mounted 120/240-volt, single-phase panels rated at 150 amps, 125 amps, and 125 amps. Please clarify the required service configuration and whether a transformer or other electrical conversion equipment will be required.

USFWS Response: Refer to the one‑line diagram on drawing sheet 5. The contractor shall provide all components necessary to install electrical service to the temporary modular office building in accordance with the requirements shown on sheet 5, Electrical Note 1.

5. Decks, Ramps, and Stairs: Are the ADA ramp, decks, landings, stairs, guards, and handrails required to be constructed of wood, galvanized steel, aluminum, or another specified material? Will stairs and landings be required at each exterior door?

USFWS Response: The contractor may select the construction materials for the decks, landings, ramps, stairs, guards, and handrails. All materials and construction shall comply with federal, state, and local building codes as well as ADA guidelines. Stairs and landings are required at each egress door.

6. Used or Refurbished Building: May offerors provide a previously used or refurbished modular building, provided it is code compliant and renovated to meet all solicitation requirements? If permitted, will the Government establish a maximum age, minimum condition standard, required certification labels, or warranty period?

USFWS Response: The offeror shall provide a new building or a refurbished building restored to like‑new condition that meets all federal, state, and local requirements, as well as all solicitation specifications.

7. Building Configuration: Is the approximately 36-foot by 56-foot footprint mandatory, or may offerors propose a substantially equivalent building with minor dimensional or layout variations while maintaining the required rooms, functionality, and approximate square footage?

USFWS Response: Minor deviations are permitted, provided the required rooms, functionality, and approximate square footage are maintained.

8. Site Preparation and Foundations: Please clarify the contractor’s responsibility for clearing, grading, drainage, aggregate-pad construction, blocking, anchoring, concrete footings, and restoration. Will the Government provide geotechnical information or an allowable soil-bearing capacity?

USFWS Response: Drawing sheet 2 indicates that the temporary modular office building will be placed within an existing gravel maintenance yard. The scope of work includes delivering and installing the building. The contractor is responsible for determining the appropriate anchoring, blocking, and related foundation methods. Geotechnical information is not available.

9. Site Visit: Will the Government support a formal site visit before proposals are due so offerors can verify utility locations, access conditions, delivery routes, crane setup areas, staging limitations, and the proposed building location?

USFWS Response: Please contact the Contracting Officer to coordinate site visits.

10. Winterization: Please identify the required frost depth and minimum winterization requirements for the water and sewer laterals, including insulation, heat tracing, enclosures, and electrical loads associated with freeze protection.

USFWS Response: Refer to Scope of Work paragraph 3.1 and drawing sheet 4 for winterization requirements. Contractor shall determine minimum frost depth based on federal, state, and local requirements.

11. Maintenance During Rental: Please define the contractor’s required maintenance responsibilities during the rental period, including HVAC service, filter replacement, plumbing repairs, electrical repairs, emergency-response times, and after-hours support.

USFWS Response: The contractor shall maintain and repair the temporary modular office building throughout the contractual rental period. Repairs shall be made in a timely manner commensurate with the issue.

12. Schedule: Is the October 1, 2026, fully operational date firm? Please provide the anticipated solicitation date, award date, and notice-to-proceed date so offerors can evaluate building availability and manufacturing or refurbishment lead times.

USFWS Response: The Contracting Officer will provide the anticipated solicitation, award, and notice‑to‑proceed dates. Regarding the fully operational date, refuge staff would like to occupy the building as soon as possible. Due to contracting constraints, the building and utilities must be installed prior to winter/ground freeze, which typically occurs in mid‑ to late November.

13. Removal and Restoration: At the end of the rental period, should underground utility laterals be fully removed or disconnected and abandoned in place? Please also define the required site-restoration standard.

USFWS Response: Refer to the utility drawings for utility‑removal requirements at the end of the contract. The site shall be restored to the conditions that existed prior to the installation of the temporary modular office building.

14. Are the 36’ X 56’ measurements firm?

USFWS Response: No, however the vendor should be mindful of the total sq footage and not stray too far from what is requested.