Attachment 6 - Pre-bid Q and A.xlsx
XLSX spreadsheet 28 KB Posted
- Attached to
- MAHG251029 Repair Water Tower #8
- Solicitation number
- FA301026Q0033
About this file
This file is a pre-bid questions and answers document for solicitation FA301026Q0033, a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for repair of Water Tower #8 at Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi. The project involves comprehensive restoration of a 400,000-gallon elevated steel potable water tank constructed in 1951, including interior and exterior surface preparation, coating systems, corrosion protection upgrades, lightning protection system replacement, riser rod replacement (up to 5%), and disinfection procedures. The work requires ISO 9001/SSPC QP1 and QS1 certification for painting and coating operations, with performance lasting approximately six months or greater, beginning 10 days after Notice to Proceed. The contractor must provide a superintendent with 10 years' construction experience including 5 years as superintendent on similar elevated steel tank projects, along with a Site Safety Health Officer and Quality Control Manager, with at least one responsible party physically present on-site within 15 minutes during work hours.
The solicitation is a service-disabled veteran-owned small business set-aside evaluated under Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) criteria, with CLIN 0001 structured as a lump-sum lot requiring no schedule of values with the proposal. Award requirements include performance bonds, payment bonds, and offer guarantees, with liquidated damages applicable per clause 52.211-12. The Building wage determination applies with Davis-Bacon wage requirements. Key government responsibilities include draining and refilling the tank, providing makeup water for washdown and disinfection, performing bacteriological testing, and issuing all Notice to Proceed documentation. The contractor must obtain a 45-day FAA NOTAM/7460 approval for any crane operations, coordinate all utility interruptions with 14 days' notice, use dry-fall paint with wind containment, submit a project-specific SWPPP before work begins, maintain CMMC Level 1 (Self) certification, and coordinate all work through the assigned Construction Manager and Contracting Officer.
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Contractor Q&A
| MAHG25-1029 Repair Water Tower 8, Pre-Bid Questions and Answers | |
| Item No. | Drawing Sht. |
SOW Para
| Spec. Para | Question | Answer | ||
| 1 | Specifications | Is the ISO 9001 / SSPC QP1 and QS1 certification requirement in Section 1.4.6.8 a firm, non-waivable requirement for this solicitation, or is there a process by which the Contracting Officer may consider a waiver or alternative demonstration of equivalent qualification? | The ISO standard applies to the painting and coating requirements. | |
| 2 | SF 1442 Block 11; Spec 01 11 00 ¶1.3.3; Section F | Please reconcile performance timing. Block 11 requires start within 10 calendar days and completion in 270 days after award. Spec 01 11 00 says 270 days after award. Section F lists PoP 1 Oct 2026–28 Jun 2027. Does the 270-day clock start on award or NTP? Is the 10-day start mandatory? | Contract has been updated to reflect the Period of Performance starting 10 days after Notice to Proceed. Section F period of performance dates are projected and will be updated after award and Notice to Proceed issuance. | |
| 3 | SF 1442 (missing Block 10 / FAR 36.204) | Please publish the construction magnitude range for this project. | Disclosure of magnitude is no longer a requirement following the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul update | |
| 4 | SF 1442 vs Section L / 52.212-1 | Confirm this is a construction RFQ evaluated LPTA, not a commercial-services buy, and which clause set controls bonds, Davis-Bacon, changes, and liquidated damages. | FA301026Q0033 is a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for a construction requirement. The Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) allows construction requirements to be solicited and awarded using RFO Part 12 Acquisition of Commercial Services procedures. Quotes will be evaluated in accordance with the procedures detailed in Section M of solicitation FA301026Q0033. Please refer to solicitation FA301026Q0033 for all applicable provisions and clauses. As indicated on the SF1442, block 12a., performance and payments bonds are required and as indicated in block 13b., an offer guarantee is required. Solicitation Attachment 5 is the applicable Wage Determination. Clause 52.211-12 includes the specific Liquidated Damages information. | |
| 5 | Attachment 4 header | Submittal Procedures is labeled FA301026R0016. Confirm it applies to FA301026Q0033. | The submittal procedures attachment header has been updated to reflect the correct solicitation number. | |
| 6 | Section L Table 2 | Confirm Attachments L-01 (PPRL) and L-02 (PPQ) dated 18 Aug 2026 were posted and provide the files if missing. | Attachment L-01 Past Performance Reference List and Attachment L-02 Past Performance Questionnaire have been uploaded to SAM. | |
| 7 | Drawings / Specs generally | Will the Government provide the latest tank inspection report, UT thickness map, coating-failure map, as-builts, and existing coating-system data? If not, is a pre-work inspection with a change-order path allowed for unforeseen steel repair? | Government will provide latest inspection report (2024), see Section J. |
8 Dwg M-200 KN 10; Spec 01 11 00; AWWA Who isolates, drains, and disposes of the tank contents (~400,000 gal)? Who provides makeup water for washdown, disinfection, and refill? What disinfection method applies (AWWA C652 spray vs full chlorination)? Who pays for bacteriological testing (AFBIO or State-certified lab)? Government will drain and fill tank. Government provides the makeup water for washdown, disinfection and refill. The washdowns are disposed to the sewer. Contractor is responsible for washdown, full disinfectant, and sealing the tank. Government will perform all bacteriological testing. The full disinfectant is by controlling the concentration of chlorine and discharges are in accordance to the CLIN and State Codes. Spray down method is preferred.
9 Spec 01 14 00 ¶1.3.4; 01 11 00 ¶1.6.1 Spec limits water interruptions to 48 hours including deactivation/reactivation and requires 14-day outage notice. Interior blast, coat, cure, and disinfection cannot fit in 48 hours. Please waive or replace the 48-hour limit for this CLIN and state the approved outage window. This is an a typical utility outage of this water tower. Government anticipates this utility outage to be extensive, lasting the bulk of the contract performance window "potentially 6 month or greater outage window expected".
CTR must provide 14 days notice of any utility interruption, as typical. .
Contractors shall not shut down or start-up any mechanical, electrical and/or plumbing system without the coordination and/or permission of the CO, as typical.
10 Dwg M-200 KN 3 Keynote 3 says remove/replace riser rods “as needed” with no quantity. Will the Government establish a bid allowance (LF or each) and unit prices for over/under? The government has not identified any specific riser rods requiring replacement.
Contractor shall anticipate up to five percent (5%) riser rod replacement.
| 11 | Dwg M-200 / M-201 | Existing antenna remains and existing strobe remains; beacon box and conduit are replaced. Who owns the antenna? Who deconflicts RF/outage? Must the antenna stay energized during blast/paint? Who performs LOTO? | There are currently no working antennas on this water tower. Government will perform LOTO where appropriate. Contractor is responsible to perform their own LOTO in addition to Government LOTO in order to keep the contractor's employees safe. |
| 12 | Spec 26 56 20; 01 11 00 crane/FAA | Is Tower #8 inside an airfield imaginary surface / 14 CFR Part 77 surface? Is a new FAA 7460-1 required for crane use (spec already requires 45-day FAA notice)? Is obstruction lighting in this contract or existing to remain? | Obstruction lighting is to remain. Crane use requires 45 days of approval ahead of use. |
| 13 | Spec 26 42 15; MSS line (unnumbered) | Confirm impressed-current vs sacrificial CP, rectifier location and power source, and correct MSS timing. MSS currently lists the CP submittal “10 days following end of contract,” which appears to be a typo. | 1. Impressed current is to be used for corrosion protection. |
2. No sacrificial electrodes used. Reuse the existing locations for new equipment.
3. Yes, MSS timing was a typo, please reference updated MSS attachment in Section J. Provide submittal 10 days following Notice to Proceed.
| 14 | Spec 26 41 00; Dwg M-200 KN 8 | Is a complete new lightning-protection system required, or only repair of existing down conductors/grounds on four opposite legs? | Government desires a new, complete and functional, Lightning Protection System (LPS). |
| 15 | Dwg M-201 paint template | Confirm logo orientation (which side faces the airfield/road), number of logos, and whether a full-size template mockup must be approved before painting. | One logo per drawing. No mockup required. |
Logo orientation shall be coordinated through assigned construction manager facing the beach for beach approach landing.
| 16 | Spec 09 97 13.16 | Identify the required NSF/AWWA interior coating system (e.g., zinc/epoxy), stripe-coat requirements, and minimum cure-before-fill time. | NSF/AWWA which refer to 09 97 13.27 and 09 97 13.16 coating system specifications apply. Interior coating is to be new per these specification. |
| 17 | Spec 09 97 13.27; Dwg M-200 KN 1, 6–8 | Confirm exterior surface-prep standard (SSPC-SP 10 vs SP 6), containment class, and whether overcoat of sound coating is allowed anywhere. Drawings require bead blast of skirt, service parts, and components. | Surface prep per 09 97 13.27 and 09 97 13.16 coating system specifications for containment, bead blast and coatings . There is no need for sound coating. |
| 18 | Spec 01 11 00 ¶1.3.1 vs ¶1.10; 09 97 13.16 | Paragraph 1.3.1 says hazardous material is “not anticipated,” but ¶1.10 requires full LBP procedures and 09 97 13.16 references Section 02 83 00 Lead Remediation, which is not in the spec book. Please issue existing paint XRF/TCLP data; state whether blast residue is assumed hazardous; identify who signs the waste manifest and who pays disposal if TCLP fails; and reconcile “preferred chemical stripper/wet sanding” with the drawing requirement to bead blast. | The government cannot guarantee the absence of lead or lead based paint. While the possibility does exist, the government does not anticipate a CTR encountering lead, as a hazard as part of this contract. |
If lead is encountered, stop work and immediately notify the CO through the assigned construction manager.
19 Spec 01 11 00 ¶1.8–1.9 Has tank insulation, caulk, gaskets, or coating been surveyed for ACM? If ACM is encountered, will it be treated as a change? 1. The Government does not anticipate the identification of any ACM as part of this contract. If ACM is encountered, follow the procedures outlined within the contract documents.
2. Yes, the government will treat the location and identification of ACM as a change to the contract.
20 Dwg G-001 site plan F6009 sits next to Bldgs 6005, 6006, 6011, and 6012. What blast/paint containment class is required? Are those buildings occupied? Is there flightline or sensitive equipment downwind? The buildings are occupied.
Blast paint containment is required per 09 97 13.27 and 09 97 13.16 coating system specifications . Contractor is required to assess the wind and weather condition to avoid paint drifting to adjacent building or parking lots. Use paint that is quick to fall to the ground (dry fall). There is no flightline sensitive equipment downwind close by.
| 21 | Spec 01 11 00 environmental | Is a project-specific SWPPP required, or only BMPs? Where may wash water and disinfection water be discharged? | Project SWPPP is required to be submitted before work begins. No project specific water discharge permit required. The contractor is required to use the domestic potable water from the fire hydrant. Fire hydrant wrench is required to open or shut. Back flow preventer is required when using fire hydrant. The chlorination concentration of disinfection is required to be monitored and held for the chlorine concentration until acceptable level by natural evaporation and decay before discharge to sewer. |
| 22 | Spec 01 14 00 ¶1.3.1.c–d | Regular hours are a 9-hour window between 0700–1700, Mon–Fri. Blast, coat, and cure often require nights and weekends. Will after-hours and weekend work be approved as a baseline assumption if shown in the technical schedule? | Contractors (CTR) are advised to plan on working within the schedule limitations presented. |
Limited weekend and limited after-hour work may be authorized on a case by case basis. This will require 14 calendar days minimum notice. Coordinate through the Construction Manager to obtain approval from the Contracting Officer.
CTR must highlight the intended purpose of the extended work hours.
23 Spec 01 11 00 ¶1.6 crane; 01 14 00 airfield Confirm maximum allowable boom height, whether a standing NOTAM/7460 is already on file.. FAA requires each NOTAM/7460 be project or incident specific. Multiple phases of crane work could potentially require multiple NOTAM / 7460.
If contractor determines a crane is necessary, he shall anticipate completing the process of FAA notification. This process length is typically 45 days.
24 Spec 01 11 00 ¶1.4 Identify approved laydown acreage, fencing, and whether contractor trailers/parking are allowed at tower site or other. Reasonable areas for contractor activities is/are available and will be provided at the start of the contract. Contractor should be able to define the minimum size(s) required. CTR can anticipate this location to be within a reasonable proximity to the project site.
Exact location to be coordinated with CO through assigned construction manager.
| 25 | Spec 01 14 00 ¶1.4.1 | What is the realistic post-award lead time for DBIDS / KAFB Forms 299 and 298 and AFOSI vetting of non-U.S. persons before crews can work? | For non-US citizens, AFOSI has a 30-day processing window. Processing of KAFB Forms 298 and 299 may take up to 30 days as well. |
| 26 | Dwg M-200 KN 10; utilities | May the contractor use hydrant water at F6009 for blast, wash, and disinfection, and is water metered or charged? | The government will provide hydrant access at no cost the contractor. Coordinate use of hydrant with CO through assigned construction manager. Hydrant water must use hydrant wrench, otherwise it will be shutdown. Contractor must use a currently certified backflow prevention device. |
CTR must provide 14 days notice of any utility interruption / tie-in.
Contractors shall not shut down or start-up any mechanical, electrical and/or plumbing system without the coordination and/or permission of the CO, as typical.
27 Spec 01 30 00 ¶1.4.1 Confirm that “similar work” for the superintendent (10 years construction / 5 years as superintendent) means elevated steel potable-water tanks, or can it be general building construction. Government requires Superintendent to have "1.4.1 ...10 years' experience in construction with at least 5 of those years as a superintendent on projects similar in size and complexity".
Yes, elevated steel potable-water tanks experience is desired.
| 28 | 252.204-7025; Section L Part I.vi | Confirm a construction contractor that only processes FCI (email/files) must still have a current SPRS CMMC Level 1 (Self) UID in the proposal at due date. | Confirmed; a CMMC Level 1 (Self) is required to be eligible for contract award. Please refer to clause R-DFARS 252.204-7021 and provision R-DFARS 252.204-7025 for more information. |
| 29 | Section M Past Performance | Without a published magnitude, what dollar range, tank capacity, and work type (elevated steel potable tank recoating/repair) will be treated as relevant? | IAW Section M of the Solicitation, relevant past performance are stand-alone projects comparable to this requirement in scope and magnitude. Magnitude relevancy will be relative to the offeror's quoted price in response to this solicitation. |
| 30 | Section B CLIN 0001; Section L Part I | CLIN 0001 is one lump-sum lot. Is a schedule of values or bid breakdown (blast/coat/steel/CP/electrical) required with the price proposal, or only after award? | CLIN 0001 is a lump-sum lot. Schedule of values or bid breakdown are not required with the price proposal. The Schedule of Values is included as a pre-construction submittal after award. |
| 31 | SF 1442 / Section F | Are liquidated damages applicable, and at what daily rate? | Liquidated Damages apply. Please refer to clause 52.211-12 Liquidated Damages - Construction, within the solicitation for specific rates. |
| 32 | 52.225-10 / Attachment 4 Buy American letter | Which Buy American clause applies—52.225-9 or 52.225-11—given that magnitude is unpublished? Confirm the certification letter is required with every AF 3000 after award only, or also with the proposal. | Clause 52.225-9 applies and is included within the solicitation. The Buy American Certification is not required with proposal submission. The Certification is to be submitted for post-award submittals. |
| 33 | Attachment 5 WD MS20260050 | Confirm Building (not Heavy) is the correct wage type for an elevated tank in Harrison County, and whether a conformed classification will be needed for tank painter / tower worker. | Building Wage Determination is applicable for the resultant contract. If a conformance is needed, please utilize the conformance request form SF-1444. |
| 34 | Does the Superintendent need to be directly employed by the Prime Contractor, or can a competent subcontractor foreman own this role? | Ideally the superintendent will be directly employed by the prime contractor, however, a competent subcontractor foreman will be acceptable. | |
| 35 | Does the SSHO (Site Safety Health Officer) need to be directly employed by the Prime Contractor, or can a competent subcontractor foreman own this role? | Ideally the SSHO will be directly employed by the prime contractor, however, a competent subcontractor foreman will be acceptable. | |
| 36 | Does the QCM (Quality Control Manager) need to be directly employed by the Prime Contractor, or can a competent subcontractor foreman own this role? | Ideally the QCM will be directly employed by the prime contractor, however, a competent subcontractor foreman will be acceptable. | |
| 37 | Can the Superintendent, SSHO, QCM be a dual/triple-hatted individual assuming that individual is qualified for all roles? | Qualified employees possessing multiple qualifications may serve in multiple roles. |
Quality control and Superintendent roles are to remain separate.
| 38 | Please confirm if some or all of these roles need to be physically present on site at all times while work is commencing. | Yes. Government requires the presence of a "responsible party", to be on site, or be typically within 15 minutes of the physical project location while work is occurring. |
| 39 | Are there any concerns for Asbestos Containing Material or Lead in the areas being worked in? | The Government does not anticipate the identification of any Lead or Asbestos as part of this contract. If ACM or Lead is encountered, follow the procedures outlined within the contract documents. |
| 40 | Is this contract Tax Exempt? | Not tax exempt. |
| 41 | We could not open the Submittal Register Attachment. Could you please repost? | Updated MSS is uploaded, see Section J. |
| 42 | Will the AFB give the contractor room in the area around the tower for staging equipment? If so, how much room will be given? | Reasonable areas for contractor activities is/are available and will be provided at the start of the contract. Contractor should be able to define the minimum size(s) required. CTR can anticipate this location to be within a reasonable proximity to the project site. |
Exact location to be coordinated with CO through assigned construction manager.
| 43 | Is a containment required for this project prior to painting? | Painting will be protected by curtain and wind intensity and direction. Paint must be dry fall paint. |
| 44 | Are there any site photos that can be provided? | Ample photographs are available and provided within the detailed Inspection Report (2024) of the water tower. |
| 45 | Will the AFB be responsible for draining & refilling the tower before and after construction activities? | Yes Keesler Shop operation will supervise the draining and refilling after disinfection and acceptance. |
| 46 | Will the AFB be responsible for providing temporary pressure to the facility? | Water pressure is provided with no interruption by other 4 water towers with the same water head pressure by KAFB. |
| 47 | PPQ & PPRL attachments are noted in the solicitation, but are not provided in the documents on SAM. Please advise. | Attachment L-01 Past Performance Reference List and Attachment L-02 Past Performance Questionnaire have been uploaded to SAM. |
| 48 | If a Prime/Sub Team w/ previous experience together is submitting a proposal, does the AF want 3-5 Past Performance Examples & corresponding PPQs/CPARS total, or 3-5 from each entity? | Per Solicitation Section L, Part III, paragraph i., Provide a list of no more than five of the most recent and relevant contracts. No more than 5 total past performance references are requested to be provided on the PPRL attachment. |
| 49 | Will dehumidification equipment be required during the interior coatings process? | Not required for dehumidification. Ventilation is required for volatile organic. |
| 50 | It is mentioned that lead is not anticipated. Please confirm we are to bid the project as if it does NOT contain lead and that if The project does not contain lead base paint. lead is found later that a change order will be issued. | The Government does not anticipate the identification of any Lead or Asbestos as part of this contract. If ACM or Lead is encountered, follow the procedures outlined within the contract documents. |
This unforeseen condition would be considered a change.
51 Riser rod replacement is mentioned. Is it known how many rods need to be replaced? The government has not identified any specific riser rods requiring replacement.
Contractor shall anticipate up to five percent (5%) riser rod replacement.
| 52 | Can you provide more information on the rivet/seam/plate repairs, such as amount anticipated? | No rivet repair is anticipated as there is no leak at the riveted seams. No shell requires repair. The repair is done by MIG welding anyway. |
| 53 | Can you provide a copy of the last inspection report for the tank? | Government will provide latest inspection report (2024). |
| 54 | Will the antennas be removed by owner prior to the start of work? Can you provide more information on the antennas on the tank? | There are currently no antennas on this water tower per operation. |
| 55 | What year was the tank built? | 1951 |
| 56 | How many gallons is the tank? | 400,000 gallon |
| 57 | During the site visit we notice several large limbs from an adjacent property’s oak tree and a large pine tree that will conflict with the tarps during blasting/painting operations. Can these trees be cut/trimmed and if so, will it be the responsibility of the contractor? | Coordinate any required on-installation tree work with CO through assigned construction manager. |
| 58 | Can the Government provide as-built drawings or more information on the existing stone base under the tower so we can accurately price its repair? | No other record are found for water tower tank, structural support, foundation. No foundation work is needed; however, fresh rocks must be laid to get back to original condition around water tower for lawn care. |
| 59 | What paint products/series would the AF like specifically in regards to the interior and exterior of the tank? | Contractor supply and bid per 09 97 13.27 and 09 97 13.16 coating system specifications |
| END OF COMMENTS | END OF COMMENTS |
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .