FA446027Q0006 -RFIs Question and Answers .pdf

RFI Answers: FA446027Q0006, Refrigerant Detectors

1. The PWS requires each detector to have both audio and visual notification at 1,000 ppm. Must each detector's alarm activate only in its own room (1:1 per-room alarming), or is a system where detectors also report to a common or centralized controller acceptable?

Each Room has its own alarm – it is not being tied into any system – stand-alone.

2. The PWS describes each detector hard-wired from the nearest wall receptacle in its own room. Is a centralized controller acceptable as an alternative, or must each detector be hard-wired standalone per room?

Each Room is hardwired into the outlet as specified – it is not being tied into any system – stand-alone.

3. How should quotes be submitted: by email (and to which address), or through PIEE?

Quotes should be submitted via email to the contracts listed in the SAM.gov solicitation posting

(abigail.turek@us.af.mil AND lucas.navas@us.af.mil).

4. Can I submit material only quote, and startup programming and testing directly to you? We do not perform installation labor but can supply the material and programming testing labor.

Only quotations that include all work outlined in the PWS will be considered for award. Each facility listed will have a Material Quote and a Labor Quote as specified in PWS.

5. Does a Davis-Bacon or Service Contract Act wage determination apply? If so, please provide it.

They do not apply.

6. Does FAR 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting, apply? Please provide the 52.212-5 clause checklist referenced in the solicitation.

52.219-14 does not apply. 52.212-5 is reserved in accordance with the revolutionary FAR overhaul.

7. Is an Arkansas state contractor or electrician license required for this work, or does a licensed

Master Electrician from any state satisfy PWS 4.1.5?

A licensed Electrical Contractor is required – state does not matter but a copy of their current license is required for proof.

8. Can the Government share an estimated magnitude or price range for this requirement?

The government will not be providing a magnitude or price range for this requirement.

9. PWS specifies flush-mounted metal gang boxes. However, a commercially available R-410A detector meeting the specified alarm and electrical requirements is manufacturer-approved for installation in a PVC two-gang electrical box only. Would the Government accept a manufacturer-approved PVC two-gang enclosure in lieu of a metal gang box, provided all other technical, safety, installation, and warranty requirements are satisfied?

Metal Gang Box is required – 2/3/4” metal gang box is acceptable if the detector selected meets specifications and fits flush with the wall inside the gang box.

10. Are the PWS, drawings, addendum and supplemental clauses on SAM.gov the complete current package, or is there another official download location?

All PWS, drawings, addendum, and supplemental clauses will be posted in SAM. There is no separate official download location?

11. Does the requirement include any bid or offer guarantee, or performance/payment bond requirements?

No

12. Must the prime offeror itself hold an Arkansas HVAC/electrical contractor license, or may the properly licensed performing subcontractor hold the trade license?

Yes - properly licensed performing subcontractors hold the current trade license.

13. Is there a specific brand leak detector that is requested?

No specific brand – Detector must meet the specifications in the PWS.

14. How flush does the detector need to be to the wall. The example used in the solicitation is that they are flush like an outlet cover but most leak detectors I have seen stick out 1/2" to inch from the wall.

Detector must not exceed ½” protrusion from the wall.

15. Is there any specific type of visual indicators other than LED?

The visual & alarm functions shall be incorporated in the detector – type of light used for visual notification is up to the manufacture.

16. Is there a certain audio level that is required from the audio alarm?

Listed below are common industry practice/guidelines for refrigerant leak detectors – use these guidelines when selecting detector.

The ambient noise level in residential living quarters typically ranges from 30 to 45 dBA (A-weighted decibels) during quiet times and 40 to 55 dBA during the day

Status Indication / Color Coding (Common Industry Practice / Guidelines):

• Amber / Yellow: Low refrigerant concentration or pre-alarm.

• Red: High refrigerant concentration or emergency condition.

• Blue: System malfunction or power/trouble status.

• General building and mechanical codes (such as standard safety/fire provisions referenced via

UpCodes and industrial guidelines) generally mandate that the audible alarm must be at least 15 dB above the ambient noise level of the machinery room.

17. The detector we have identified that meets PWS 4.1.3 and 4.2.2 (flush mount, 120V line voltage, audible and visual alarm at 1,000 ppm R-410A) is manufactured in Ireland. Will a detector of foreign origin be acceptable, and will an evaluation factor be applied under FAR 52.225-1 and

DFARS 252.225-7001? Is the Government aware of a domestic product that meets the requirement?

A detector manufactured in Ireland may be acceptable in accordance with RFO 25.1. R-DFARS

252.225-7001, Buy American and Balance of Payments Program, applies and RFO 52.225-1 is being removed and does not apply. BACHARACH MVR-300 is made in the U.S. and meets both visual and audible requirements.

18. The manufacturer requires a 3 gang back box for its flush mount detector. Is a flush mounted 3 gang metal box acceptable under PWS 4.2.2?

Metal Gang Box is required – 2/3/4” metal gang box is acceptable if the detector selected meets specifications and fits flush with the wall inside the gang box.

19. May detectors be delivered in lots by building, with the 90-day period of performance running from receipt of all material as stated in PWS 4.4.1?

The contractor should wait until all detectors are on site and start the project at that time with a

90-day completion time.

20. Please confirm the method and address for quote submission, and any file size limits. SAM.gov lists Lucas Navas and Abigail Turek, while the SF 1449 lists Joshua Duval; please confirm which contacts should receive the quote.

Please send all quote submissions to both Lucas Navas and Abigail Turek.

21. Will the leak detector be required to shut down the HVAC Unit?

NO – This is a warning only standalone system.

22. Will 3rd party testing be required?

NO – Testing will be completed according to manufacturer specifications with AGR Present.

23. Will the leak detectors be standalone units or networked?

Standalone

24. Will the leak detectors be connected to any network?

No Networking – Standalone.

25. Can the leak detectors be installed behind the bed.

We cannot dictate where the occupant places their furniture, so yes if there is a bed covering the designated outlet (or any other type of furniture) the detector will be placed “Outlet Located

Directly Below or Closest To Evaporator Head”.

26. Will any certifications be required for testing the leak detector?

Testing will be completed according to manufacturer specifications with an authorized government representative present. No certificates required, only AGRs approval.

27. How many units will be available per day for installing the leak detectors?

Contractor, Facility Manager, and AGR will determine a schedule per facility. At that time, it cannot be determined how many rooms are available at one time.

28. PWS 4.2.2 requires a "metal gang box" that is flush with the wall. Is steel required, or are other metals (e.g., die-cast or aluminum) acceptable? If steel, is there a required gauge, depth, or finish

(galvanized/zinc)?

Metal Gang Box Only.

Flush Alignment: In walls composed of combustible materials (wood, fabric), the front edge of the box must sit perfectly flush with the finished surface. In non-combustible walls (concrete, drywall), it can be recessed no more than 1/8 inch (3 mm).

Zinc-Coating Method: Sheet steel gang boxes must be hot-dip galvanized or pre-galvanized zinc-coated in accordance with ASTM A653/A653M or ASTM A780/A780M. Electro-galvanized

(zinc-plated) coatings are rarely permitted for structural or wet area boxes due to thinner layer protections.

Dry / Concealed Interior – Box Type Requirement - Sheet Steel Box – Coating/Material – Hot-

Dip galvanized or pre-galvanized galvanized steel. This is interior so contractors can use either.

29. Is there a paint specification(s) (color, sheen, texture) for the finish restoration?

B750-751 is new and has a paint schedule of those facilities. B750-751 has smooth finished walls, B768 has a textured wall – requirements are to meet existing wall and match color – B768 is aged and will be a “Best Paint Match”

30. For the three-calendar-day room restoration requirement (Addendum 3.1.2), must the room be suitable for occupancy within that period, including any required paint drying or cure time? May furniture remain in the room during repair?

The intention of this contract is to be expedient – the contractor should select a method of installation that requires the least amount of repair. Sanding and painting should be done such that the furniture be covered and be protected from sheetrock dust and paint – it is up to the contractor to select the “Best Method” to achieve this. If a contractor is creating a mess the authorized government representative will report to the contracting officer for corrective measures.

31. Please identify the authorized working days and hours, the anticipated number of rooms available to the contractor each workday, and any Government escort or supervision requirements that may limit concurrent work. How will access be coordinated for rooms occupied by Airmen working day, evening, and overnight shifts, including weekends? If Government-controlled access or supervision limits production, how will the required period of performance be adjusted?

Contractor, Facility Manager, and authorized government representative (AGR) will determine a schedule per facility. At that time, it cannot be determined how many rooms are available at one time. Facility Manager will have a list of shift workers and discuss work procedures for those individual rooms. Escorts will be discussed at that time as well. Start Time will be 8AM - this gives the occupants time to get ready for work – Quitting time will be 1530 (3:30PM) – this allows time for the contractor to have the space prepared such the occupant can return form work.

Mon-Fri – No Weekends of Holidays. The success of the process will be determined by the coordination efforts of the contractor, AGR and Facility Manager. If the AGR determines “Work” was hindered by scheduling, they will contact the KO and discuss a resolution.

32. PWS 4.6 requires a material delivery estimate within seven working days of award. Is there a required material delivery deadline or maximum allowable procurement lead time? Please confirm how the required completion date will be established in relation to material delivery.

There is not a required material delivery deadline or maximum allowable procurement lead time.

The required completion date will be established 90 days after ALL materials have been delivered.

33. What lead time should we plan for base passes for our personnel?

5.2.7 Outlines the requirements for base passes. Real ID a must – Proof of Insurance per vehicle can be digital – Vehicle Registration Current Hard Copy a must – AGR will provide the ‘Site

Project Manager” paperwork for a DBIDS Card. Project managers will have escort privileges meaning they can sponsor 5 workers and 2 vehicles on base. Project manager will get with the

AGR to discuss pass needs prior to work starting.

34. Set-aside: the SF 1449 and SAM.gov indicate a 100% small business set-aside under NAICS

238220, while the posted solicitation summary reads as unrestricted. Please confirm the set-aside status.

This is a 100% small business set-aside.

35. The solicitation states funds are not presently available. What is the anticipated date of funding, and is it expected that the options (CLINs 0003–0006, Buildings 750 and 768) will be exercised at or near award?

Funding will be made at time of award. Option CLINS will be exercised at time of award.

36. The solicitation lists FAR 52.225-3 and 52.225-5. Please clarify which domestic-preference or trade-agreement requirements apply to the proposed detectors and identify any applicable exceptions, country-of-origin restrictions, and required certifications. i.e. BAA compliant or grater.

52.225-3 and 52.225-5 do not apply because this acquisition is a 100% total small business set-aside.

37. May the quote be submitted on our own pricing document that follows the CLIN structure (labor and material shown separately for each building), or must SF 1449 be used?

IAW Addendum 52.212-1, 2.2, Offers may be submitted pricing on the solicitation SF 1449 or their own internal document, but the structure must match the CLIN structure on the SF 1449.

38. Please confirm that relevant commercial/private-sector projects are acceptable past-performance references and clarify whether they will be evaluated using the same relevance and performance criteria as Federal projects. May relevant past performance of the proposed electrical subcontractor be submitted and considered, and if so, what supporting information is required?

All past performance will be evaluated using the recency and relevancy adjectival ratings and descriptions outlined in Addendum 52.212-2. IAW Addendum 52.212-1, Subcontractor past performance can only be disclosed with the subcontractor’s consent. Provide a letter from all subcontractors that will perform major or critical aspects of the requirement, consenting to the release of their past performance information to the prime contractor, only if it is being used as part of the past performance evaluation.

39. Schedule: does the 90 day performance period apply to each building separately or to all three buildings together? Also, does “within 7 working days” in the PWS mean we send you the estimated delivery date by then, or that the material must arrive by then?

The 90 days applies to all three buildings together. Within seven (7) working days, the estimated delivery date needs to be submitted.

40. Options: Building 751 is the base and Buildings 750 and 768 are options. FAR 52.217-4 says options exercised at award are evaluated, but the Addendum says all six CLINs are added together. Which one applies, and when will the options be exercised?

All six (6) CLINs are added together to evaluate the Total Evaluated Price (TEP), which is used in the evaluation process as described in the addendum. Options will be exercised at award as stated. Both apply.