Responses to Questions - 26 Mar 09.doc

FA4460-09-B-0001

NKAK 09-1025

Repair/Renovate Dorm 748 (USMC)

Little Rock AFB, AR

Responses to Questions

26 March 2009

RFI #5: Will a “State of Arkansas” contractor’s license be required for the above mentioned project?

Response # 5 No, but it is highly recommended.

RFI #6: We would like to know if there are any Fire Alarm specifications on this job?

Response # 6 Yes. Section 28 31 00 “Fire Detection and Alarm Systems” should have been included in the specifications. A copy will be available on www.fbo.gov on or about 26 March 2009.

RFI #7: Reference Sheet EO6-Typical Room Lighting and Comm. Detail. Is this detail indicating new conduit or is it just showing the existing routing?

Response # 7 Both. It shows the existing conduit and how the Government expects the new devices to be wired in.

RFI#8: Reference Sheet E11, Picture # 12. What is that a picture of? Is it the existing FCU’s above the ceilings?

Response # 8 Picture 12 shows the non code compliant wiring above the hallway ceiling most of which is associated with the FCU. This includes the outlets and cords connecting the FCU. This space is an air plenum and this must be corrected to meet code.

RFI #9: Are there any specifications on the new Fire Alarm Devices?

Response # 9 See answer to RFI #6

RFI #10: What brand is the existing Fire Alarm System?

Response # 10 Opportunity for contractors to visit the site was provided. Per demolition note 5 on sheet E02, all fire alarm devices are required to be returned to the Government unless noted on the drawing (fire alarm antenna and mount). Per note 1 on sheet E09 a new system is required.

RFI #11: Is it acceptable to install plenum rated fire alarm cable above the corridor ceilings in lieu of conduit?

Response # 11 No.

RFI #12: Request that the sign in sheets for both visits be posted so we will know who has visited the site.

Response # 12 The sign in sheets will be posted to www.FBO.gov on or about 26 March 09.

RFI #13: Most hallway doors and bathroom doors are 1-3/8 “and have two hinges. Will the new doors be required to have 3 hinges?

Response # 13. If we are replacing the frames, then yes three hinges. If we are reusing the frames then two is sufficient.

RFI #14: It appears that the furr down for the fire sprinkler pipe being added in the dorm rooms will interfere with the existing A/C grills. Need direction.

Response # 14 See answer to RFI # 21.

RFI #15: Looking above the ceiling in the hallways there appears to be a lot of old abandoned wiring and electrical boxes with out covers. Will we be required to deal with these items?

Response # 15 No. Only removal of abandoned devices, conduit and wiring shown on the drawings to be removed in the mechanical rooms need be removed. This abandoned conduit and wiring is to be removed back to the serving panel. Final installation must meet NFPA code requirements. Picture 12 shows a box without a cover. I believe that this is part of the control wiring to the fan coil units so it would require a cover and the unused hole plugged to meet code.

RFI #16: Will the bids for FA4460-09-B-0001 be publicly opened? If so, at what date and time will they be opened?

Response # 16 The bids will be publicly opened on 6 April 2009 at 2:00PM Central Time (Bid due date/time) at the Little Rock AFB Contracting Office, BLDG 642, Thomas Avenue, Little Rock AFB, AR. If you plan to attend, please arrive no later than 1:45 PM.

RFI #17: Is it possible to schedule another site visit? An asbestos abatement contractor currently working in the building is removing base, carpet, tile, etc. that has been called to be removed in the specifications of this project. It would be beneficial to schedule another site visit so all bidders may see what was actually removed.

Response # 17 The asbestos abatement contract is set to run all the way up to the bid opening day and possibly later. It is unlikely that the facility will be available for inspection again before the bid due date. We will attempt to provide a description of what is being removed under the abatement.

RFI #18: Demo Sheet D-1 Note #9 states to remove all mold found during renovation. This item should have an allowance for everyone to use. This could be a lump sum or per square foot price.

Response # 18 During your walk through of the facility your professional estimate of quantity should be sufficient. The Mold in the facility is not hazardous and can be removed with normal demolition practices. Cleaning of the remaining substrate is the only additional item required.

RFI #19: There are numerous items (pay phones, military phones, fixtures, appliances, etc.) that are called out to remove, clean and re-install or have the base store them. These items are already gone and we need to know who has them and what shape they are in. We also need to know about reinstalling them.

Response # 19 If the items are not on the job site they cannot be reinstalled. Provide work box and blank plate if device is missing. Do not anticipate there return of items either.

RFI #20: Should the sheetrock behind the vinyl wall covering be figured as all new to be replaced or figured to float out before new coverings go on the walls. There are numerous locations where there is no doubt that new drywall is required but most of the building could go either way. What is the Government’s decision on this?

Response # 20 Your professional estimate of quantity for both methods should be sufficient. The government will accept both methods at the contractor’s discretion.

RFI #21: Fire suppression lines that are shown on detail 2/A-3 shows a new fur down to be built on the inside of the occupant walls at the ceiling. There are a couple of problems with this: (a) in some of the rooms the 7” dimension shown from the ceiling to the bottom of the fur down will cover a portion of the air grill in those rooms and (b) where the new ductwork from the new air handling unit runs through the chase, the new line shows going through it. Where should the line be ran instead of what is shown?

Response # 21 We are currently working on a response.

RFI #22: For the fragmentation retention film, (a) what is the thickness of the film required, (b) Should the film be tinted or clear, (c) Does the attachment system have to be used, (d) is the usage of equals approved?

Response # 22 Specification 08 87 16 Fragmentation Retention Film For Glass will be posted to www.fbo.gov on or about 26 March 2009.

RFI #23: Notes on the drawings call for all ceramic tile to be regrouted. Most of the tile is fine with the exception of most of the tile floors in the showers need to be re-worked. Should we figure all of the tile in the complete bathrooms or just the shower floors and the tiles that have been damaged?

Response # 23 The goal is to have clean serviceable grout. Only rake out the bad areas of grout and regrout. Then seal everything.

RFI #24: Will the base provide fire extinguishers to go in cabinets where they have been removed? They are called out for the contractor to clean and reuse.

Response # 24 No, if they are missing plan on new 9.9 pound ABC Extinguishers.

RFI #25: Most door closers have already been removed. Does the base have them in storage? We can only provide what is left in the building.

Response # 25 If they are missing, provide new.

RFI #26: The wood called out for cabinets is birch in one location and oak in another. Please advise which will be required.

Response # 26 Contractor’s option. Goal is to have all wood colors as close as possible. Close is all we can ask for though, because we will never get an exact match.

RFI #27: The attic area has remained locked at the entry hatch door. Are we to assume that no work is to be done there with the exception of the new fire suppression lines that are shown to be installed?

Response # 27 If there is work to be done in the attic called out in the plans and specs then it needs to be accomplished. Government representatives were available to open up the attic door if necessary during the site visit.

RFI #28: Does the new concrete pad for the air handling unit require reinforcing steel or wire mesh? Does the pad need to be doweled into the existing slab that it goes against?

Response # 28 No doweling required. Follow Section 32 13 14 for concrete.

RFI #29: Note #29 on sheet M-O states to install a new 1 ½” line. The existing lines appear to be only ¾” or no larger than 1”. Can you provide drawings from original installation and clarify what to use?

Response # 29 No drawing exist for the original installation. Provide minimum 1 ½” p-trapped line copper.

RFI #30: When the water closets are to be removed, do all the floor flanges need to be replaced? There is no way to know if they are broken until the water closet is removed.

Response # 30 From your professional past experiences with toilet resetting you will have to make an educated guess as to how many will probably be bad.

RFI #31: Occupant room vanities: are the existing bowls to be cleaned and re-used or are there new integral sinks to be figured?

Response # 31 Scrap the existing and go with the integral bowls.

RFI #32: There are 2 M-1 sheets included in the package. which should be used?

Response # 32 Use the M-1 sheet dated 9 January 2009. The other sheet is outdated and has been revised.

RFI #33: What carpet will be removed under the asbestos abatement contract?

Response # 33 Only carpet with VAT beneath RFI #34: Where would lead based paint most likely be found?

Response # 34: Most likely on painted steel railings and door frames.