Q&A.pdf

Contractor Questions & Government Answers

1. After approval of the initial submission of work plans, may construction begin on facilities while awaiting additional work plans to be approved?

ANSWER: Work Plans may be submitted separately for each facility. The Government will review each plan as they are submitted. Upon approval, coordination with the facility users, and dig permits (if required), construction may begin.

2. During the site visit, it was stated that there was a particular make of Backflow Preventer to be used. Please provide the specification of the desired RP Backflow Assemblies, Hose Bibb Vacuum Breakers, Shut Off Valves and Double Check Valve Assemblies?

ANSWER: Per Section 2.2 of the Statement of Work, new backflow preventer devices shall be lead free, serviceable, Watts models with a hazard rating appropriate for each site specific application. Hose bib devices, shut off valves and double check valve assemblies are to be high quality devices typical to the commercial industry that will result in compliance with water system regulations & codes.

3. Is there a known number of corroded valves or an approximate number for us to use in our estimate?

ANSWER: No. Government knowledge of the water system conditions is limited to that which was seen during the site visit and the field reports from the 2016 Cross Connection and Backflow Prevention Device Survey (Appendix B) which was posted to FedBizOpps.Gov on 28 August 2018.

4. Please provide the cross connection survey.

ANSWER: The field reports from the 2016 Cross Connection and Backflow Prevention Device Survey (Appendix B) is available for download from FedBizOpps.Gov (posted 28 August 2018).

5. Please clarify that there will be no asbestos abatement required?

ANSWER: The Government is not aware of any project elements containing asbestos. In the event that asbestos is suspected or identified during development of the contractor’s work plan, the contractor shall notify the government immediately. This project does not include any testing or abatement in the base bid.

6. As of this time on Tuesday afternoon (2:30 pm) the Survey of the Backflow Preventers still has not been posted on FBO. Please post this Survey ASAP or extend the Deadline for the Submission of Bids.

ANSWER: The field reports from the 2016 Cross Connection and Backflow Prevention Device Survey (Appendix B) is available for download from FedBizOpps.Gov (posted 28 August 2018).

7. What Series do the Watts BFP need to be?

9/6/2018

ANSWER: Per Section 2.2 of the Statement of Work, new backflow preventer devices shall be lead free, serviceable, Watts models with a hazard rating appropriate for each site specific application.

8. If asbestos is encountered in the performance of the Contract, what is to be done? Who is responsible for any Asbestos testing?

ANSWER: In the event that asbestos is suspected or identified during development of the contractor’s work plan, the contractor shall notify the government immediately. This project does not include any testing or abatement in the base bid.

9. If lead paint is encountered in the performance of the Contract, what is to be done? Who is responsible for any Lead Paint testing?

ANSWER: In the event that lead paint is suspected or identified during development of the contractor’s work plan, the contractor shall notify the government immediately. This project does not include any testing or abatement in the base bid.

10. Can backflow preventer installation begin before the completion and approval of the entire new Survey and Contractor Work Plan?

ANSWER: No work may be started at a facility prior to approval of the Contractor’s Work Plan for the respective facility. Work Plans may be submitted separately for each facility. The Government will review each plan as they are submitted. Upon approval, coordination with the facility users, and dig permits (if required), construction may begin.

11. After a quick check, it is our understanding that each backflow preventer assembly costs about $2,000. Along with the costs of other materials, the material cost alone for this project will run well in excess of the published range of $250,000 to $500,000. Will Tyndall AFB please provide a more realistic cost estimate of this project?

ANSWER: Please provide bids based on your own material and labor estimates regardless of the solicitation value range. The Contractor may provide documents detailing material and labor costs to support the bid at his/her discretion.

The Government utilizes industry standard cost estimating reference materials, Utilities Group materials purchase data, historical project data from previous projects, manufacturer catalog values, and other published sources to develop estimates for material and labor costs for the local market. The Government understands that actual means and methods, material supplier selection, workforce availability and other factors can vary greatly from one Contractor to the next which results in varying bid values.

12. Will the newly installed material need to be flushed with chlorine or will a flushing with water only be acceptable?

ANSWER: Per Unified Facility Criteria (UFC) 3-420-01, the DoD adopts the latest International Code Council – International Plumbing Code (IPC) as the primary consensus standard. Please follow IPC and the respective UFC Supplements for all plumbing work. The UFC’s may be found at http://www.WBDG.org.

13. Are there existing tie ins on the Fire Water System being used as Potable Water taps?

ANSWER: Yes. The total quantity is unknown.

14. Do plumbers have to be licensed in the State of Florida or can they be licensed elsewhere like the state of domicile?

ANSWER: In order to meet local regulation/code, the plumbing contractor (or subcontractor) is required to be registered locally or certified by the State of Florida.

15. Do the Certified Backflow Preventer Testers have to be licensed by the State of Florida or just hold a Certification that is recognized by the State of Florida?

ANSWER: Personnel performing backflow preventer testing are required to have current certification recognized by the State of Florida.

16. Does a Contractor who holds a Certified Mechanical Contractor license issued by the State of Florida have to use plumbers in the performance of this Contract who are licensed plumbers?"

ANSWER: In order to meet local regulation/code, the plumbing contractor (or subcontractor) is required to be registered locally or certified by the State of Florida.

17. Is there are a way to determine the size of BFP required or are we to bid the items that show a size and assume that all of the others that do not show a size are 2" ?

ANSWER: The Contractor shall use his/her professional experience in the industry and knowledge of Tyndall AFB to develop estimated quantities and device sizes required to complete the project scope. At the site visit, Tyndall Utilities Group suggested that assuming an average size of 2” for all of the domestic containment devices noted in the Corrective Action Recommendations may be a safe assumption. The Contractor may, at their discretion, use this assumption.

18. What Type and Model of closure is needed when there is an outside BFP?

ANSWER: The Contractor shall use his/her experience in the plumbing field to select an appropriate make and model of closure for the specific device and field conditions.