Final Questions and Answers 18 August 2020.pdf

Question Answer

1. Per the solicitation, only 2 representatives per company can participate in the site walk. Can 2 personnel from one company come, along with 2 from a potential subcontractor? Or is the Government only permitting 2 persons per team?

1. The Government is permitting 2 per company, not per team; thus 2 persons from a potential subcontarctor can participate as long as the Government is notified and confirmed by contracting.

2. Are cameras permitted on the site walk? 2. No, no recording media, phones, or cameras are permitted on the site walk.

3. If my company only has 1 relevant project (in accordance with the definition set forth in the soliciation) may we still participate in the RFP? Can the Government provide advice.

3. The solicitation instructions state “Submit no more than three (3) in total relevant projects for the prime and no more than one (1) per critical subcontractor”.

In addition the solicitation also states: “NOTE: In the case of an offeror without a record of relevant past performance or for whom information on past performance is not available or so sparse that no meaningful past performance rating can be reasonably assigned, the offeror may not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably on past performance (see FAR 15.305 (a)(2)(iv)). Therefore, the offeror shall be determined to have unknown (or "neutral") past performance. In the context of acceptability/unacceptability, a neutral rating shall be considered "acceptable."” The Government reserves the right to consider Past Performance Information in the aggregate in addition to an individual basis.

Therefore, three projects would be the absolute maximum number of references to submit with your proposal. It is the Governments prerogative to make an assessment of whether or not your individually referenced contracts are sufficiently relevant, in the aggregate, to receive a rating of “acceptable” for the past performance factor as a whole. In other words, a single contract reference, not found to be relevant, may not necessarily result in a rating of unacceptable for the past performance factor as a whole.

The Government cannot advise your company as to whether you should submit a proposal in response to the solicitation, that is a business decision your company will have to make.

4. Please confirm that past performance projects MUST be completed prior to submission of this proposal.

4. Projects do not need to be completed prior to submission.

Section M, Volume III Past Performance Factor, section C1. General dictates, “For purposes of this evaluation, recency is defined as active or completed efforts performed within the past five (5) years from the issuance date of this solicitation.”

5. Please confirm that past performance projects MUST be between $5 and $10 million dollars. 5. No.

Section M, Part C Volume III, Past Performance Factor, Number 3, Relevancy Definitions states that if a submitted contract meets essentially the same technical complexities, but involves only some of the programmatic/logistical scope and magnitude of effort, a lesser relevancy rating may be assigned.

6. Are past performance projects acceptable if the contractor was not the prime contractor? 6. The Offeror who is intending to compete for the requirement as the prime contractor cannot submit past performance on work they performed as a subcontractor. Offerors may submit past performance for a proposed critical subcontractor in which the past performance performed was in the role of a subcontractor.

Per Section L, Part D Volume III, Past Performance, section 3 Past Performance Submissions, subsection iii and iv: Projects performed by contractors other than the Offeror (such as teaming partners) will not be evaluated as construction experience by a prime contractor unless those other contractors are part of a joint venture for this solicitation as demonstrated by a signed joint venture agreement. For projects in which your firm or a joint venture partner firm performed the role of a subcontractor, this will not count as experience as a prime contractor.

Per Section L, Part D Volume III, Past Performance, section 3 Past Performance Submissions: Offerors may submit no more than 3 total relevant projects for the prime and no more than 1 per critical subcontractor.

7. Are there any changes to the bid submittal process due to COVID? Will the proposals be required to be hand delivered or is digital or another format acceptable?

7. No, there are no changes to the proposal submission instructions- please see proposal submission instructions on page 1, block 10, #6 and #7 of the solicitation; and Section L, instructions to offerors.

8. Are the 95% drawings we currently have dated 17 June 2020 to be the final set? 8. No – we have a 100% Issued For Construction set which will be the final set.

Questions and Answers Solicitation FA4855-20-R-0012 Modernize Electrical and HVAC Redundancy Bldg 848

9. During our design process, are we required to submit for review and certain landmarks and then for final approval?

9. There isn’t any design required except where there are performance based items such as: remove and replace fire sprinklers, the raised access flooring, and conduit support in the courtyard. Approval should be accomplished via shop drawing reviews / approval during the submittals process.

10. Can you confirm that a PE licensed Arch/Engineer from any state be acceptable? 10. We require any PE that is licensed within the United States.

11. What Arch-Elec-HVAC-Fire Alarm and Fire Protection drawings do you have available upon award for use in design?

11. We will provide the winning offerer all as-builts that the Government has for the original build of the facility and the contract that installed the server room chillers including: architectural, electrical, HVAC, Fire, etc.

12. Drawing A-101, there is a general note 4 symbol with no note information, please clarify. 12. In looking at A101, there is a Key Note 4 referencing acoustical grid ceilings, but no General Note 4.

13. Who is the Utility Company that serves the base? 13. Electric – Xcel Energy; Gas – NM Gas Co; Water – self-produced; Wasterwater – self-ran

14. Has a time frame been allotted for the design and approval process?

14. There isn’t any design required except where there are performance based items such as: remove and replace fire sprinklers, the raised access flooring, and conduit support in the courtyard. Approval should be accomplished via shop drawing reviews / approval during the submittals process.

15. Are CAD backrounds being issued upon award for use in the design and no charge? 15. The installation has CAD backgrounds available at no charge.

16. Are we to assume the ARC Flash requirement is for the systems being worked on only? 16. Yes, the arc flash is required for the entire facility as described in section 1.2 of specification section 26 28 01.00 10.

17. With COVID and some employees working from home, can we email the proposal instead of mailing it? 17. At this time, and in accordance with the solicitation, the decision has been made not accept proposals via email.

18. (With respect to question #8) There are 100% drawings, are we bidding on that set or the 95% set?

18. 100% drawings will be released on 6 August, please see the amended solicitation and updated attachements, offerors will be bidding on the 100% set.

19. (With respect to question #10) What types of engineering is required for the project? 19. Our drawings have been stamped by a mechanical engineer (PE), an electrical engineer (PE), a structural engineer (PE), a fire protection engineer (PE) and a licensed architech. This is the type of engineering work required for this project.

20. (With respect to question #9) How much time is alloted to the engineering phase? 20. There is a phase for submittals listed on the notional construction schedule located at setcion 01 11 00.

21. Will the engineering once complete be required to be submitted for approval? 21. Any engineering that is tied to removing and replacing fire sprinklers, the raised access flooring, and conduit support in the courtyard will be handled during the shop drawing review and approval process. There is a phase for submittals listed on the notional construction schedule located at Section 01 11 00

22. Statement of Work, number 1. Description of Scope of the Electrical Redundancy System, call for the contractor to "provide all engineering" please provide clarification to this statement.

22. SOW statement of “..provide all engineering…” was a catch-all statement up front on the SOW that we generated. It is in reference to the limited engineering required when completing construction that was not already captured in our stamped drawings and specifications:

- As per SECTION 01 45 00.10 20, para 1.6.1, IV. Outside Organizations, there are requirements to submit for approval outside architectural and engineering consulting firms that the Contractor chooses to use.

- As per SECTION 03 30 00, para 1.6.6.1 Quality Manager Qualifications, there are requirements for a licensed professional engineer.

- As per SECTION 03 30 00, para 1.6.8, a. Aggregate Testing and Mix Proportioning, there are requirements for a licensed professional engineer.

- As per SECTION 03 30 00, Part 2 Products, para 2.1 Formwork Materials, part j., describes requirement for design engineer for this type of work.

- As per SECTION 04 20 00, para 3.2.4 Bracing, there are requirements described for engineering.

- As per SECTION 23 00 00, para 3.10 Performance Tests, there are requirements for engineering associated with capacity tests and general operating tests.

- As per SECTION 23 05 93, para 1.2, j. TAB team supervisor is the TAB team engineer.

- As per SECTION 26 12 19.10, para 2.7.2 Design Tests, a. Tests: certified and signed by a registered professional engineer.

- As per SECTION 26 28 01.00, para 1.4.1 System Coordinator: System coordination, there are requirements for a registered professional engineer.

- As per SECTION 26 28 01.00, Part 2, para 2.1 Coordinated Power System Protection, there are requirements for a registered professional engineer.

- As per SECTION 26 32 15.00, para 3.4, there are requirements for a Start-Up Engineer.

- As per SECTION 33 71 02, para 1.5 Submittals, there are requirements for engineering calculations.

23. Statement of Work, Section 3.2 makes the "contractor liable as Engineer of Record," please clarify.

23. Engineers of Record have stamped the engineering drawings associated with the 100% Issued For Construction set that the Government is supplying for this solicitation. Anything outside of this design that requires additional engineering is identified in the Specifications and listed above.

24. Statement of Work, Section 4.4, refers to "design/construction drawings for this project" please clarify.

24. 100% Issued for Construction design drawings are being supplied as an amendment to this solicitation. Any shop drawings that the Contractor develops/acquires in order to complete work shall reference Specification SECTIONS 01 33 00 SUBMITTAL PROCEDURES, and 01 33 00A SUBMITTAL REGISTER for more information.

25. Part C, Description/Specification/Statement of Work of the Solicitation document 1442 (page 5) states "provide for all engineering," please clarify.

25. Addressed in #22's answer.

26. Given the notes found, we need a clear statemenf of work for any engineering required by the contractor with specific items noted.

26. See answer to question #22.

27. Since we are going to get 100% drawings, will they be engineered and will they be available for the site walk on the 10th?

27. 100% drawings have been sealed by Professional Engineers and Licensed Architects. They are available for the bid walk. See Amendment 001 which incorporates 100% drawings and 100% specifications.

28. Referencing page 46 of the solicitiation, Past Performance Submissions: Please clarify if this means an overall total of 3 projects for both the prime and the primes critical subs? For example the prime can submit 1 project, and the prime's critical subs (HVAC, Electrical) can each submit 1 project for an overall total of 3 projects.

See answer to question 29

29. Referencing question 28: If question 28 is incorrectly interpreted, please clarify if this means the prime can submit 3 projects, and in addition to these 3 projects submitted by the prime, the prime's critical subcontractors are to submit 1 project each. For example the prime's HVAC Contractor would submit 1 project, and the prime's Electrical Contractor would submit 1 project.

29. The prime may submit no more than three (3) projects and no more than one (1) per critical subcontracor. For example, the prime may submit up to three (3), and may submit one (1) for their HVAC sub, one (1) for their electrical sub, etc.

30. Was the “Heavy” construction wage decision issued in error? 30. No, this was not issued in error. The heavy wage determiantion was selected as the most applicable WD based on the requirements scope of work, and the overarching defintion of wage category.

31. Is there an official list of the persons who signed up for and attended the August 10, 2020 project job walk? If so; can that list be distributed to all people in attendance?

31. Yes, please see the posted memorandum.

32. Please provide the “Grill, Register and Diffuser” Schedule for this project. 32. Refer to sheet M601

33. What is the Fire Alarm System? Who’s the preferred vendor? 33. The fire alarm system in B848 is an Edwards EST3. It has a Monaco BT-X transceiver that is compatible with the FACC (fire alarm control center) central receiving system. The alarm shop performs basic service to the system, but we do not have the ability to modify the program. EST3 is extremely proprietary, a certified EST technician is REQUIRED to make program modifications. The alarm shop recommends APIC solutions out of Albuquerque, NM.

34. There is no Heat Trace reference on the drawings, are they going to provide it? 34. Section 23 07 00 THERMAL INSULATION FOR MECHANICAL SYSTEMS discusses the insulation requirements for the mechanical systems, and includes outdoor lines. Please clarify where you foresee needing heat trace.

35. What is the Security and access control system and who’s preferred vendor? 35. 27 SOSFS does not have a preferred vendor. We do request that whoever is awarded the contract uses a Vindicator certified tech to remove and reinstall the alarm system. Additionally, depending on the time frame when the contract starts, you may be able to request that our onsite tech (Mr. Rick Smith) aid with the removal and reinstall of the BMS installed on the doors.

36. Where would be the crane location? 36. Crane location will be coordinated with adjacent AGE facility yard where chiller staging yard is shown.

37. How much do the grades weight? 37. See included detail from as-builts on ATFP roof panels over the mechanical yard. Weight of each panel is approximately 4000 pounds.

38. How much do the chillers weight? 38. AAON Model # LZA-200-D-3-FHDOE-000 serial # 201306-BBCS00002 total delivery weight of 22570 lbs.

39. There appears to be no spec section for Fire Alarm and Fire Protection. Will these be provided?

39. No. Any engineering that is tied to removing and replacing fire sprinklers, the raised access flooring, and conduit support in the courtyard will be handled during the shop drawing review and approval process. There is a phase for submittals listed on the notional construction schedule located at Section 01 11 00.

40. Who is the Fire Alarm Vendor currently used by for service, additions or repairs to current system?

40. The fire alarm system in B848 is an Edwards EST3. It has a Monaco BT-X transceiver that is compatible with the FACC (fire alarm control center) central receiving system. Alarm shop performs basic service to the system, but we do not have the ability to modify the program. EST3 is extremely proprietary, a certified EST technician is REQUIRED to make program modifications.

Alarm shop recommends APIC solutions out of Albuquerque, NM.

41. In the equipment area outside, there was a temporary mobile unit assisting the Chillers. Will that be relocated by others for new work in that area?

41. XM102, Keynote 2 COORDINATE WITH THE COR TO HAVE GOVERNMENT REMOVE TEMPORARY CHILLER

WHEN PHASING ALLOWS. CONTRACTOR TO REMOVE PIPING TO BELOW SLAB AND CAP.

Temporary chillers must remain in operation until CH1 & CH2 have been replaced with new units and new units have been placed into operation.

42. Bird Screens over exterior structure. Can that be rolled back for new work and remain rolled back until completed?

42. Yes; the mechanical yard grates can be removed during the phases of construction that take place in the mechanical yard and remain off until complete.

43. Drawing M-101, sheetnotes 1 and 5 are described but not shown at a location on the drawing. Please clarify.

43. Keynote 1 applies to each CRAH unit shown on the drawing. Keynote 5 applies to Room 143 and removal of mini splits in that room.

44. Corridor 142A, B and C. Is the area above the T-bar ceiling a return air plenum? 44. Yes; it’s an open return air plenum. There is transfer duct from rooms into corridor to facilitate return.

45. Can the ceiling in corridor 142A, B and C be removed entirely or as needed for the duration of ceiling work?

45. As needed. Refer to G005, phasing note #6 WORK IN CORRIDORS TO BE GENERALLY COORDINATED WITH ADJACENT PHASING. IF WORK IN ANOTHER CORRIDOR IS REQUIRED IT SHALL BE COORDINATED WITH THE

GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING OFFICER.

46. Can the Transformer pad be precast and is there a particular type that could be specificed as an option?

46. Precast concrete pad is acceptable. Refer to E501 concrete pad detail for requirements.

47. It looks like Fire Alarm design is not complete since no load calculations or wiring diagrams are shown. The stamp on the drawing is a "FireProtection Engineer". Are we to provide a Fire Alarm Engineer?

47. Yes. Additionally, any engineering that is tied to removing and replacing fire sprinklers, the raised access flooring, and conduit support in the courtyard will be handled during the shop drawing review and approval process. There is a phase for submittals listed on the notional construction schedule located at Section 01 11 00.

48. Where the FA devices are removed or bagged during construction, will the building security handle fire watch?

48. Yes; the facility occupants will provide fire watch.

49. E-105, sheetnote 3. Could we get the information on the DDC panel manufacture and model? We did not get into that area at the walk.

49. Allerton is the manufacturer of the current DDC panel within the facility. Will follow up with model number. We use Automated Control Systems out of Albuquerque, NM for modifications to the system.

50. Sheet XM101 Key Note 3 and Sheet M101 Key Note 5 reference the demolition of a wall mount mini-split and condensing unit for Room 143. The drawings do not show this equipment. Are the Key Notes correct?

50. Yes; there are 3 mini-splits in that room that were added by the CE squadron and would not be reflected in the as-built drawings.

These units share a single outdoor unit. Sheet E102 shows the general location of the units.

51. Sheet XM102 Key Note 5 and sheet M102 Key Note 4 reflect to run chilled water pumps and chillers CH-1 and CH-2 at 100% and record flows and pressures. Chillers CH-1 and CH-2 are not operational. Is this note still a requirement?

51. This note is not a requirement for the existing CH-1 and CH-2 which are to be replaced during this project.

52. Sheet XM102 Key Note 1 and M104 Key Note 3. The piping connection from the temporary chiller is on Chiller CH-2 side of the isolation valve (See drawing). The temporary chiller will have to be shut down to remove chiller CH-2. Are additional isolation valves to be installed to allow the temporary chiller to operate while CH-2 is replaced? Please provide guidance.

52. Yes. Temporary chillers must remain in operation until CH1 & CH2 have been replaced with new units and new units have been placed into operation.

53. Sheet M103 Note 4. Is it acceptable for 1-1/2” condensate pipe be exposed surface mounted down the wall to be tied to funnel drain in Room 136

53. This is acceptable as long as condensate pipe is painted to match the existing wall within that restroom.

54. Will the equipment be removed from the specific rooms during construction or will the contractor be required to protect it?

54. The building owners will cover the equipment currently in the rooms and it will not be moved. The Contractor will be required to work with the equipment in the room. The only exception is Room 132 because it is being converted into a new Electrical Room as shown.

55. Sheet XM102 requires the removal of concrete for piping work. Does the government know the thickness of the concrete in that area?

55. As-builts indicate there is a minimum concrete slab thickness of 4” in that area . Concrete Pads underneath equipment have a minimum thickness of 18”.

56. Can the government confirm how many escorts will be available during construction and how many crew members will be allowed per escort?

56. At this point in time, the Government is routing up a Construction Security Plan in which we are estimating 4-5 personnel per escort. We do not have a total number of escorts to provide at this time.

57. SOW section 10 states "Any brand name items listed in this SOW and design drawings are intended as a Basis of Design (BOD) except in the case of TRANE specified products for the HVAC system." Does this mean that only TRANE must be used?

57. Yes. The base has an approved Justification for Sole-Source of TRANE manufactured products. Refer to drawing sheet M601 for schedule showing TRANE specified products.

58. The One-Line drawings show numerous pieces of equipment in dark print. Much of this equipment is not indicated or mentioned on any other sheets. Is it the intent of the Government to have the contractor provide all of the equipment shown in dark print on the one-line drawings?

58. Please clarify the pieces of equipment that are not mentioned elsewhere. E101 through E401 show the new components. The existing one line diagrams are shown on sheets E601, E602 and E603. The subsequent one line diagrams that have bold print (E611 through E616) show new work associated with installing equipment identified in E101 through E401.

Sheet1