Q_As H8 FA875126Q0013 Oct 22.xlsx
XLSX spreadsheet 2 MB Posted
- Attached to
- Renovate Suite H8, Building 3
- Solicitation number
- FA875126Q0013
About this file
This is a Questions and Answers (Q&A) document for federal contract solicitation FA875126Q0013, which addresses inquiries from contractors regarding the renovation of Suite H8 in Building 3 at Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). The Q&A document provides clarifications on technical specifications, design requirements, materials, and project logistics submitted during the pre-bid phase.
The solicitation pertains to comprehensive renovation work including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and structural systems for cleanroom and support areas. Key technical requirements clarified include: 316 stainless steel piping for chilled water and heating water systems using approved Victaulic fittings; stainless steel piping, conduit, and supports throughout cleanroom environments (Classes 100 and 1000); welded stainless steel ductwork for cleanroom spaces; and specific materials for gas piping systems, with exceptions for chlorine gas requiring carbon or alloy steel per Chlorine Institute specifications. Material specifications address domestic water (Type L copper), sanitary piping (PVC or cast iron), and storm piping (PVC or cast iron) for non-cleanroom environments. The government confirmed equipment provisions including floor-mounted vibration isolation systems (TCM Vibration Controls or equal) for sensitive equipment weighing 1,800-2,536 pounds. Additional clarifications address missing drawings (S-4, S-7, S-11 provided); missing specification sections (22 00 00, 05 12 00, 05 30 00, 05 40 00, 07 42 13 provided); product substitutions such as Wiremold AL5200 surface raceway in place of discontinued Starline systems; and project logistics including delivery restrictions, debris removal procedures, and site access requirements. The document confirms that no bid bonds are required for the Request for Quotation (RFQ) process, though 100% Performance and Payment Bonds (SF 25 and SF 25A) are required upon award. The RFI period closed on September 25, 2026, with final proposal responses extended to November 2, 2026, via Amendment 0003.
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Sheet1
| Question | Government Response |
| It appears that drawings S-4, S-7 and S-11 are missing. Can you those be provided? | See attachments S-4, S-7, S-11 |
| Are Victaulic Fittings acceptable for the chilled water and heating water in the H8 Suite Area? | Mechanical pipe joining (Victaulic) is listed as an approved pipe joining method in the specifications, therefore, it is approved for the HWS/R and CHWS/R |
| Does the piping in the Plenum above the Clean areas required to be 316 Stainless Steel? | Piping/Utilities (including all supports, hangers, etc.) touching the cleanroom envelope (within, above or below H8-K, H8-L, & H8-M) need to be Stainless Steel |
| Does the 1/2" 'Various Gas' lines required to be 316 Stainless Steel in the trench from Tank Storage H8-E Dirty Room H8-K? | Yes, Gas storage manifold detail states: “gas piping, except CL2, to be brazed stainless steel”. That means all of the various gas piping needs to be SS. General note off to the right side of sheet P-1 also includes DCW, DHW, DHWR, SAN & VENT within the cleanroom envelope |
| Are we required to provide a unit price per foot for final connections per Note on drawing P-1? | Yes, a unit price for ½” SS & Carbon/Alloy Steel is required to make final field routing as field directed by Owner |
| The entire CSI section 22 "Plumbing" is missing from the contract documents, could you kindly provide that specification section? | See attachment Spec section 22 00 00 |
| Drawing P-1 shows a note for use of 316 stainless steel for all piping in the clean room environment. Is this limited to the Class 100 clean room, or is the dirty room (Class 1000) included as well? | Exposed to the cleanroom environment” means anything in, under or above (based on the airside mechanical scheme) rooms H8-K, H8-L, and H8-M (all three cleanroom areas). Also noted - Chlorine gas is not compatible with 316 SS and will need a carbon or alloy steel pipe rated for service Class 1 Dry Gas Chlorine. See Chlorine Institutes Pamphlet 6, “Piping Systems for Dry Chlorine”. This is stated on the Gas Storage Manifold Detail and is the exception that was noted by the general notes off to the right side of Sheet P-1. |
| In the Auxiliary Equipment Room H8-H, the domestic water line is shown coming into an apparatus labeled "1." I cannot find what that item references on the schedule | Text wouldn’t fit in the spot of “1” on the floor plan and is shown just up and to the right, same sheet. Note reads: “Fleck / 2815 Backwashing Sediment Filter (40 gpm)” |
| The plans call for two 2’2”w x 5’0”l Bilco hatches. |
The sizes for this type of hatch are limited to the following for a single leaf door:
2’x2’ 2’6” x2’6” 3’0” x 2’6” 3’0” x 3’0” 3’6” x 3’6”
In a double leaf door the sizes are:
4’x4’ 4’x6’ 5’x5’
| Can you let us know if the size of the door can change - or the other option would be to change the type of door to just a diamond plate cover instead of receiving VCT flooring? | Hatches indicated in the plans in Passage H8-C – the intent is a BILCO Type T access door – to accept floor finish. Plans indicate 2’-2” x 60”. This is correct – provide custom size indicated. | |
| Are there any restrictions on deliveries into the site? | All deliveries must be searched by entering the right lane at the entrance gate. Suggest avoiding the ‘rush hour’ of 0600 – 0800. Standard site access ID requirements are in place as detailed in the solicitation. | |
| What are your thoughts on the columns to the penthouse? | Need to penetrate the roof with the column. There is a lot of sensitivity to vibration which is the reason for the penthouse. Everything coming into the facility is taking vibration into account. The instruments that will be used in the facility are very sensitive to vibration. | |
| What is the RFI period? | RFI’s will be accepted until 1600 on 25 September 2026 | |
| Can the door by the boilers be used to remove debris and concrete? | Likely not as it is a temporary door and may not be there when this project commences. An alternate route will have to be used | |
| Is the slab floor coming out and what is the thickness? | Yes, a large portion of the slab will need to be removed. Approximately 8” thick | |
| Can propane minis be used for debris removal? | Yes | |
| Has the FRP color and type been selected already? | Unknown at this time but not applicable | |
| Can you provide the cost range of this project? | No, we don’t provide that information | |
| When does the ‘clock start’ on this project? | We will issue the award and hold a pre-con meeting. Then a notice to proceed will be issued with likely a 10-day window | |
| Can long lead time items be done ahead of the ‘clock start’ | Yes | |
| Will the roofing and boiler projects be on-going during this project? | The roofing should be complete. The boiler will be on-going | |
| Are pictures allowed to be taken? | No, but we may be able to provide specific pictures upon request (see excel sheets) | |
| Drawing S-2 indicates a sizable amount of hatched area where we are reinforcing the existing roof with 2x12’s @ 16” O.C. (note 1, ~ 1200 SF) and reinforcing the existing roof with 11 ¼” LVL @ 16” O.C. (note 2, ~ 2300 SF). Other than these two notes, is there additional information or details regarding the reinforcing? Please provide more information | Refer to Job Drawing JD-001 | |
| Spec section 2.8.1.a references Appendix D of Section 23 05 93 for duct system static pressure requirements. Appendix D seems to be missing and the spec section stops at Appendix C. Please provide static pressures requirements for duct fabrication. | AHU’s and EF’s are all categorized as low pressure (under 2.0 inwg and 2,000 fpm), ductwork should be constructed to current SMACNA Standards for 2.0 inwg static pressure. Please disregard the reference to Appendix D. | |
| It is noted that all duct associate with the cleanroom space is welded SS 316 per notes 1 on the central station air handling schedule. Power ventilator schedule has a note 2 in the title, but it is not shown in each line item for the individual fans. Can it be assumed that all duct with the power ventilators is welded 316 SS? What material are the remaining ductwork systems? | This will be clarified via Addendum. Ductwork serving AHU-H8-MEL and EF-H8-MEL can be galvanized sheet metal constructed to current SMACNA Standards for 2.0 inwg static pressure. | |
| Is it the intent that the owner will provide all equipment shown on drawing G-2? | All equipment indicated on Dwg G-2 is by the Government - except plumbing fixtures (ie: sink and eye wash) | |
| Is there a preferred cleanroom consultant contractor within the AFRL? | We don’t have a preferred cleanroom consultant | |
| Who is responsible for installation of access card readers on the doors? | Access Control is detailed on Dwg E-23, sheet 65– the contractor provides conduit and boxes, as illustrated, as well as coordination with the Government contractor as the government has a separate contract for access card readers | |
| Is there a contract that does the phone and intercom maintenance? | This is an internal function performed by government employees | |
| You are asking for ISO class 5 and 6, but show the construction as drywall and FRP with epoxy paint in the interstitial? Do you have any desire to build these out of the typical cleanroom wall panels that are aluminum, typical of microelectronic facilities? | Provide for bidding as per the Construction documents. Alternatives are not being considered during bidding | |
| Stainless Steel conduit and supports can be found BABA but the fittings are not. Are there exceptions to the BABA requirements? | Please review and comply with RFO 52.225-11 Buy American - Construction Materials under Trade Agreements | |
| Boxes, straps and fittings inside of clean room wall doesn’t need to be stainless? Only exposed raceways? | Boxes, straps and fittings inside of clean room wall need to be stainless steel as they are exposed to the cleanroom environment | |
| Statement to be addressed: | ||
| It’s noticed that there wasn't a specification for the walkable ceiling system. | The walkable cleanroom spec section is 13 21 13, which is at the very end of Spec Book Volume 1 | |
| Please verify there is no E Drawing E-24? E6 Note inside of E-Drawing says to reference clean room grounding system detail on drawing E-24. We assume this is an error and should read E-22, that shows grounding details | There is no Drawing E-24. Note on Drawing E-6 should refer to Sheet E-22 where the corresponding Details are located | |
| Is the past performance of major subs acceptable/will GOV consider it if highly relevant to the work at hand? | The government is unable to force a contractor to use a specific sub, therefore it is difficult for the government to evaluate a sub’s past performance as part of the overall evaluation | |
| Please provide a spec section for the Exterior Metal Wall Panels | See specification 07 42 13 Metal Wall Panels (Added to SAM.gov on 2 October) | |
| Is a Bid Bond (SF 24) or other bid guarantee required to be submitted with our proposal? | Bid bonds are not required with submission of your quote, as this is not an Invitation for Bids using Part 14 procedures, but a Request for Quotes using Part 12 procedures | |
| Will Performance (SF 25) and Payment (SF25A) Bonds be required upon contract award, and if so, at what percentage of the total contract price? | Yes, Payment and Performance bonds are required for the awardee in the amount of 100% of the contract price | |
| Starline surface raceway on Drawing E-5 Equipment notes is being discontinued December 31st 2026 per distributor. Distributor has not heard back if Starline will quote this project with it being cIose to its end date. Is there an alternate system the owner would want in its place? | In the Construction Documents, the design product is Starline - or approved equal. An alternative Wiremold AL5200 may be utilized with adjustments to LVP-H8-1 as follows: - Refer to drawing E-5, sheet 47 under equipment notes for surface raceway SR-1, SR-2 and SR-3: | |
| Surface raceway, SR-1 | ||
| Wiremold AL5200 series, two compartment, aluminum raceway | ||
| 6’-0” long | ||
| four duplex TVSS receptacles with 8-#12 plus 1-#12 ground | ||
| In 1” conduit to four 20A-1P circuit breakers in panel LVP-H8-1 and | ||
| four cat 6 data jacks with four cat 6 data cables in 1 ¼” conduit to patch panel | ||
| Complete with base, cover, divider wire clips, device cover plates, | ||
| And all required accessories for a complete installation |
| Surface raceway, SR-2 |
| Wiremold AL5200 series, two compartment, aluminum raceway |
| 8’-0” long |
| six duplex TVSS receptacles with two feeders, each feeder with 6-#12 plus 1-#12 ground |
| In 1 ¼” conduit to three (six total) 20A-1P circuit breakers in panel LVP-H8-1 and |
| six cat 6 data jacks with six cat 6 data cables in 1 ¼” conduit to patch panel |
| Complete with base, cover, divider wire clips, device cover plates, |
| And all required accessories for a complete installation |
| Surface raceway, SR-3A |
| Wiremold AL5200 series, two compartment, aluminum raceway |
| 7’-0” long |
| six duplex TVSS receptacles with two feeders, each feeder with 6-#12 plus 1-#12 ground |
| In 1 ¼” conduit to three (six total) 20A-1P circuit breakers in panel LVP-H8-1 and |
| five cat 6 data jacks with five cat 6 data cables in 1 ¼” conduit to patch panel |
| Complete with base, cover, divider wire clips, device cover plates, |
| And all required accessories for a complete installation |
| Surface raceway, SR-3B |
| Wiremold AL5200 series, two compartment, aluminum raceway |
| 7’-0” long |
| six duplex TVSS receptacles with two feeders, each feeder with 6-#12 plus 1-#12 ground |
| In 1 ¼” conduit to three (six total) 20A-1P circuit breakers in panel LVP-H8-1 and |
| five cat 6 data jacks with five cat 6 data cables in 1 ¼” conduit to patch panel |
| Complete with base, cover, divider wire clips, device cover plates, |
| And all required accessories for a complete installation |
Due to the surface raceway changes to SR-1, SR-2 and SR-3, make the following changes to LVP-H8-1 on drawing E-18, sheet 60 under equipment notes:
| Delete two 20A-3P and one 60A-3P circuit breakers and provide twenty-two 20A-1P circuit breakers. | |
| Provide two enclosures 42 poles each in lieu of two enclosures 36 poles each noted. | |
| Can you confirm that no bid security is required to accompany proposals? | Confirmed. The Government is soliciting quotes as opposed to bids, no bid security is required with your quote submission |
| Can device boxes and conduit be concealed in Clean/Dirty/Gowning rooms walls or does it need to be surface mounted? | All conduits and associated junction boxes shall be recessed in any new partition/wall. Conduits and associated junction boxes may be surface mounted to existing masonry walls |
| Can Stainless steel EMT be used for Clean/Dirty/Gowning rooms, in place of stainless steel Rigid conduit? | Conduits located within Dirty Room H8-K, Gowning Room H8-L, and Clean Room H8-M can be constructed with 316 stainless steel electrical metallic tubing. |
| For bid purposes, will there be a ceiling when this project begins? | The room will likely look like it does now, but that is not guaranteed as this is a active construction area |
| In reference to Page A-1 First Floor plan in the drawings, are there doors missing from Gowning Room H8-L? They are not currently listed on the door schedule on page A-7 | Refer to sheet H-3 (34 of 65) for the air shower to be furnished and installed by the Mechanical Contractor |
| Roof Hatch: As shown on A-6 Detail 7, please specify the make/model/size | The basis of design is a Bilco, Type S, 30” x 36” hatch for ladder access with insulated curb |
| Roof Drain: As shown on A-5 Detail 1, please specify the make/model/size | Refer to the plumbing drawings and specs |
| Roof Walkway Pads: As shown on A-5 Detail 1, please specify the make/model/size | Refer to 07 53 23, 2.1.11. What we call on the drawings as “walkway pads” are identified as “rubber walkboards” in the spec. However, they are the same thing. |
| FRP Panels: As shown on Room schedule A-7 Rooms H8-K, L, M require FRP panels on walls, please specify make, model, thickness, texture | Refer to specification section 06 83 16 |
| Is the fiber cable in the corner to be dealt with on this project? It’s not shown in the specs | These lines are no longer in service – remove visible above grade portions in our work area along with regular demolition, and upon excavation for the loading dock, cut and cap 2 underground conduits, running toward the perimeter fence / Ottis Street. Document on your as-builts |
| In existing LAB H8-A East Wall there is cable tray & conduit going down to a 24” junction box with Communication cables( Fiber/Copper). None of the Demo drawings show removals, does this need to be removed/relocated? | These lines are no longer in service – remove visible above grade portions in our work area along with regular demolition, and upon excavation for the loading dock, cut and cap 2 underground conduits, running toward the perimeter fence / Ottis Street. Document on your as-builts |
| Is fire suppression part of the PC bid or the GC bid? | Project is not for separate prime bids and the Government anticipates the GC’s will assemble all the sub parts |
| Will a doorway in the existing exterior CMU wall need to be constructed to bring gas-powered heavy equipment into the room for excavation or will the removal of debris be conducted through the hallways? | Contractor is to determine preferred means and methods for removal of debris |
| In regards to the vibration canceling system flooring: | |
| - Page A1 shows 3 vibration cancelling system floors in the clean room | The TCM Vibration Controls - or equal- are a requirement of these Construction Documents by the GC - for 3 pieces of equipment |
| - Page S1 shows that vibration isolation system is by others | Notes on Dwg S-1 should read "refer to Dwg A-1 for vibration isolation requirements |
| - Page S8 states "coordinate final dimensions with vibration isolation submittal" | self explanatory |
| Can you please confirm that TMC vibration cancelling flooring system is by the GC? Or is it Air Force supplied and installed? | The TCM Vibration Controls - or equal- are a requirement of these Construction Documents by the GC - for 3 pieces of equipment |
| Please confirm that the existing wall just west of column line "EX 10/1" is currently 2-hour fire rated with no unprotected openings. Also, please provide a code justification for the 2-hour rating of this wall | The existing wall is 2 hr per Dwg G-1 – and is required per the UFCs, as the adjacent space houses an Anechoic Chamber |
| Please confirm that the existing building is slab-on-grade construction | The existing Building 3 is of slab on grade construction |
| A firm alarm and mass notification specification section 23 31 76 was provided, but no fire alarm system drawings are included. Please confirm that no fire alarm or mass notification modification is required or provide the appropriate drawings | Fire Alarm needs are addressed in the Electric drawings |
| Will it be allowed that the Superintendent can be the SSHO and a QCM will be separate? | Refer to Specification 01 30 00, Article 1.6.2, as well as Specification 01 35 26, Article 1.6.1.1.1, – the Superintendent can be the SSHO and the QCM and the QP – or they can be separate roles. |
| Can the too names, dimensions, footprints and weights that are being supported by the 3 vibration floors be provided for accuracy of product selection in the bid? | Refer to Equipment listed on Dwg E-5. Vibration isolation is required on SEM Zeiss Gemini 560 (approximate weight 2,000 lbs); Lesker PVD 75 (approximate weight 1,800lbs); Heidelberg DWL 66+ (approximate weight 2,536 lbs) |
| Dwg S-1 Foundation Plan: Indicates Vibration Isolation is “By Others” for the SEM pedestal, laser writer pedestal and Lesker pedestal. Please validate the vibration isolation is the Government? | The TCM Vibration Controls - or equal- are a requirement of these Construction Documents by the GC - for 3 pieces of equipment |
| Notes on Dwg S-1 should read "refer to Dwg A-1 for vibration isolation requirements | |
| If the above is not by the Government, please provide the equipment weights that will be in these areas requiring the vibration isolation. | The TCM Vibration Controls - or equal- are a requirement of these Construction Documents by the GC - for 3 pieces of equipment |
| Dwg: S-6 and General Comment: Missing Penthouse Roof framing plan view | Penthouse roof framing is detailed at A/S-4 on Dwg S-4 |
| Please provide the make and model numbers of the Dicing Saw, Lesker, Scanning Electron Microscope, and Laser Writer | Refer to Equipment listed on Dwg E-5. Vibration isolation is required on SEM Zeiss Gemini 560 (approximate weight 2,000 lbs); Lesker PVD 75 (approximate weight 1,800lbs); Heidelberg DWL 66+ (approximate weight 2,536 lbs) |
| Can you confirm an offer guarantee is not required to be submitted with the bid as stated in block 13B of the subject project? | Confirmed, it is not required |
| The amendment 2 mentions a revised set of drawings, we do no see those drawings unless they are the 3 S series drawings. Please provide clarification. | Solicitation Amendment 0002 (24 Sep 2026) added Attachment 9 to the solicitation. Attachment 9 is titled “FA875126Q0013 Attachment 9 Final Submission Complete Set Addendum 1” and is posted on SAM.gov |
| Dwg S-1 : Footer FE/P1 on the south wall column EX Q and PH 2- the cut through detail is missing. Please provide missing detail | This section tag can be deleted |
| On the fan/filter units - there isn't a spec on them, can you give more info on what they're looking for? | Sheet H-4, calls out FFU-1 & FFU-2 on the floor plans. Sheet H-10 has a schedule calling out FFU-1&2 to be Terra Universal / Smart Whisperflow Series and the selection parameters |
| Please provide the missing spec sections 05 12 00 Structural Steel, 05 30 00 Steel Decks, 05 40 00 Cold Formed Metal Framing. | Refer to documents '03 30 00.pdf'; '05 12 00.pdf'; '05 30 00.pdf'; '05 40 00.pdf' |
| Please provide a pipe material specification for the following systems: | |
| Domestic Water (non-cleanroom environment) | Type L Copper |
| Above and below ground sanitary piping (non-cleanroom environment) | Only either PVC or Cast Iron acceptable |
| Above and below ground storm piping (non-cleanroom environment) | Only either PVC or Cast Iron acceptable |
| Refer to document "Pipe Material Specification 22 00 00 2.1.4 replacement language | |
| Manifold gas piping is noted to be “brazed stainless steel”. This is not a typical piping method. Would welded stainless steel piping be acceptable (orbital or socket)? |
Provide specification and details on the double walled hazardous gases.
| Provide specifications on what specific steel piping is acceptable for chlorine gas piping. | |
| The ceiling above the deck calls for epoxy but no epoxy is listed in the materials list. What is the requirement? If it is epoxy, which one? | Provide paint conforming to spec section 09 90 00 - pages 34 and 35 |
| Unanswered Questions |
Photo Electric Panels Existing electric panels/disconnects in H8 corridor
Photo switchgear Existing electric switchgear illustrated on Dwg E-14 for feeder connection:
image1.jpeg image2.jpeg
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