Blast Shield solicitation questions-(10-15-26).pdf

Dyess AFB

Construction South Apron Blast Shield

FA466126R0008

Questions and Answers

1) Question: BDI is the engineering and material supplier for the specified afterburner-rated GS20-2EW system and has supplied this model for B-1B operations at both Dyess AFB and Ellsworth AFB. The SOW requires installation on existing concrete with a minimum thickness of 16 inches, and the available record drawings date to 1985. Please provide available foundation details, reinforcing steel layouts, pavement sections, and other relevant information for the proposed JBD locations. Typical BDI foundations for this system include a deepened reinforced-concrete grade beam at the leading edge, often approximately 4 ft × 4 ft, to resist sliding and overturning forces.

Answer: Existing blast shields are installed/mounted directly to apron concrete pavements. As-builts of the existing parking apron are included at the end of this document. Photos of existing shields are also included.

- B-1B’s only test/run one engine at a time for full afterburner runs.

- Blast Shields are located a minimum of 225’ from B-1B engines.

2) Question: Please confirm whether the Government and/or Designer of Record has determined that the existing pavement/foundation is structurally adequate for the GS20-2EW reactions and anchorage associated with B-1B afterburner operations. If not, please clarify who is responsible for evaluating the existing pavement and designing any required foundation or pavement modifications.

Answer: See Question #1 answer.

3) Question: If sufficient existing pavement/foundation information is not available to complete that evaluation, please clarify whether the Contractor is responsible for field verification or investigation, such as coring, GPR/reinforcement scanning, or other condition assessment.

4) Question: The solicitation provides 60 calendar days for the base requirement and 14 days for Option #1. The GS20-2EW requires approximately 14 weeks for fabrication after approved submittals, plus typically about one week per deflector for installation. Please clarify how the stated periods of performance are intended to accommodate submittals, fabrication, delivery, installation, and closeout.

Answer: A Period of Performance extension will be considered based on the manufacturer’s fabrication timeline and installation timelines.

5) Question The as-built drawings (Sheet 2) show existing blast deflectors bonded with #4/#6 ground wire via lug bolt to a 5/8" × 8'-0" copper-clad ground rod and associated telephone/conduit system. Please confirm whether the new blast deflectors are required to be electrically grounded/bonded. If yes, shall the grounding method match the existing as-built details, or is a different standard (e.g., UFC or NEC) applicable? Please provide any additional grounding specifications.

Answer: Yes. Grounding required. Please reference attached Sheet 2 of 2 (Sequence No.

2) Detail “A”. Any application UFC. NEC, etc. specifications shall me followed.

Contractor shall submit grounding plan to the Government for review.

6) Question The performance period is 60 calendar days for the Base Bid (5 deflectors) and 14 calendar days for Option 1 (2 deflectors). Given the restricted-area access requirements, escort scheduling, and the need for shop drawings, material submittals (AF Form 3000), and fabrication of large galvanized steel structures, does the Government consider this schedule realistic, or will additional time be allowed for material lead times and restricted-area coordination?

7) Question: What is the anticipated Government review period for shop drawings, and will concurrent review of multiple submittals be allowed to support the tight schedule?

Answer: Specification SUBMITTAL PROCEDURES Section 03 33 00 para. 1.8b “Typical contractor submittal & return time is 14 calendar days, unless noted otherwise.”

A Period of Performance extension will be considered based on the manufacturers fabrication timeline and installation timelines.

8) Question: The solicitation inmanufacturer’sthe deflectors will be installed on existing 16-inch concrete. However, without additional information regarding the pavement section, reinforcement, joints, subbase, and any existing thickened sections or grade beams, our engineers cannot confirm that the existing pavement is suitable for the GS20-2 anchorage and design loads.

For reference, the typical foundation configuration for this model includes an approximately 4-foot-by-4-foot grade beam along the leading edge to resist the significant sliding and overturning forces generated by B-1B afterburner operations.

I understand the SOW states the existing apron foundation shall be used; however, since the typical foundation includes a sizable 4’x4’ grade beam at the leading edge and a slab thickness of 18”, I would like confirmation that they are aware of this and are accepting the risk.

9) Question: Pavement adequacy - Section 4.1.1 states the deflectors will be installed on existing concrete with a minimum thickness of 16 inches. Has the Government verified that the existing pavement at the installation locations is structurally adequate to support the blast deflector anchorage and operational loads? If core samples or pavement evaluations are available, can they be shared with offerors?

10) Question: Period of performance - The solicitation requires base work complete within 60 calendar days of Notice to Proceed. Given the restricted flightline area, escort requirements, and scheduling constraints, is the 60-day period firm, or would the Government consider an extended schedule?

Answer: A Period of Performance extension will be considered based on the manufacturer’s fabrication timeline and installation timelines.

11) Question: If the existing pavement is found inadequate at any location, will the Government issue a modification for foundation remediation, or should offerors include contingency for potential pavement work in their pricing?

12) Question: Shop Drawings provided indicate an Allen Tel Enclosure with plywood backboard. Will the contractor be required to install this equipment mounted behind deflectors? This scope is not specified in the written SOW.

Answer: Telephone Box not required.

13) Question: If Tel Enclosure required, will this equipment be Owner Furnished contractor installed?

14) Question: If Tel Enclosure required, will telephone cabling be supplied and installed by contractor?

15) Question: What would be the routing and termination point for telephone cabling?

16) Question: Would you please indicate or describe if a “CASS System” is required for the project? This is shown on the shop drawings provided on note 11.

Answer: CASS System not required.

17) Question: Please indicate if Obstruction lights are needed for each deflector.

Answer: Obstruction Lights not required.

18) Question: Please indicate the power source and routing for obstruction lights if needed.

Answer: Obstruction Lights not required.

19) Question: The shop drawing provided indicates grounding in a kerf trench. Please indicate if grounding/lightning protection will be need for these structures and what detail is to be used to ground the structure.

Answer: See Question #5 answer.

20) Question: The Statement of Work states that the blast deflectors are to be installed on existing concrete with a minimum thickness of 16 inches and references Lynnco "Epoxy-Locked" anchors with Lynnco No. 22 Epoxy Resin. Please confirm whether the Government has determined that the existing minimum 16-inch concrete pavement is structurally adequate for the specified blast-deflector system and that the contractor is to anchor directly into the existing pavement in accordance with the manufacturer's engineered anchorage design. If a new grade beam, foundation, pavement modification, or other structural concrete work is required, please provide the applicable design criteria and dimensions/details, or clarify whether design of that foundation is the contractor's responsibility.

21) Question: Attachment B establishes a 60-calendar-day period of performance for the Base Bid and states that this period includes mobilization, submittal approval, material delivery, construction, and closeout. The specified manufacturer's current planning information indicates that fabrication of the afterburner-rated blast-deflector system may exceed 60 calendar days after approval/release of required submittals, before delivery and field installation. Please confirm whether the Government intends to maintain the 60-calendar-day period of performance as written or whether the schedule may be revised or otherwise accommodated based on the manufacturer's documented fabrication lead time for the specified system.

22) Question: For purposes of satisfying the applicable blast-deflector installation/experience requirements, please confirm whether the following team structure is acceptable: LLC as prime contractor and overall project manager; the specified manufacturer providing structural engineering, blast-deflector systems/materials, shop drawings/submittals, and an on-site manufacturer Field Advisor for installation oversight; and qualified subcontractors providing installation labor, tools, equipment, and any required civil/foundation work under management and the manufacturer's technical requirements

Answer: The Means and Methods shall be the contractor’s responsibility. All contract drawings, specifications, etc. shall be adhered to too.