Questions and Answers.pdf

Seal Exterior Walls HQ Building

Questions & Answers for Solicitation Modification; FA3101-08-B-0018

8-29-08

Group One of Questions:

1. Will the replacement brick price be a line item unit (per brick) price on the bid form?

Answer: No unit price line items.

Use 2% of the total brick area to be replaced in the scope of work. Remove and reset/replace cracked or displaced brick. Reset all areas where loose bricks are uncovered during re-pointing operations. Finish tool all rebuilt work to match original joint detail and to blend fully with adjoining areas.

Mortar used to re-point shall be of the same composition, joint detail and appearance and face mortar as the existing building. Provide Type N mortar for all re-pointing and repairs. Pigments are to match color of the original mortar.

Measurements of pigments shall be accurate and record shall be made of exact amount of pigment added to each approved mix.

The intent is to provide a sound and watertight building shell utilizing repair methods and materials that are compatible with the physical characteristics of the existing materials and which visually blend with the surrounding materials when viewed from twenty (20) feet.

Masonry restoration specialist: Work shall be performed by a firm having not less than five years successful experience in comparable masonry restoration projects and employing personnel skilled in the processes and operations indicated and required.

Stain all new brick to match the existing brick after cleaning. Use a masonry staining process that can produce an exact match to existing brick. The stain is to be comprised of a combination of pigments and binders that are mixed on-site, tested on the new masonry and modified until the match can be approved by the government representative. The stain is to be color permanent, light fast, UV resistant, unaffected by frost and is to have a minimum 25 year warranty.

Provide a written warranty ensuring that all replacement masonry units, patching materials, rebuilt work, sealants and mortar joints that are determined to become displaced, cracked, spalled, hairlined, delaminated, discolored or otherwise unacceptable within a period of two (2) years from the date of substantial completion will be replaced in a manner conforming with the requirements of this specification.

2. Will the metal flashing over the windows be a separate line item also? We understand that it may be taken out of the project.

Answer: The requirement for installation of new flashing over all the windows is deleted. Disregard all references to this requirement, including “Detail G” on drawing sheet AF2.

3. Will the limestone joints be 100% cut out and re-caulked or tuckpointed?

Our concern is that the new joints will not match if it isn’t done 100%.

Answer: Cut out and re-point with mortar all existing joints in the limestone panels. Replace with mortar at the vertical building walls and with polyurethane caulk at areas on the entry steps, wing walls and landings.

4. Are you certain that you want the lintel-to-brick joints caulked shut?

Shouldn’t there be weep holes installed here whether the joint is caulked or not?

Answer: No, do not caulk or put mortar back in the gap between the steel lintel and the brick at all the window heads. Remove existing material (caulk/mortar) and paint all exposed surfaces of the steel lintels.

5. Will the bid date for this project be extended at all?

Answer: The execution time should change to 210 calendar days.

6. We feel that 120 days is not enough time to properly perform this project.

Will you consider extending the duration?

Answer: The execution time should change to 210 calendar days.

7. We will need to schedule another site visit after the questions from us and the other bidders are addressed.

Answer: Schedule with purchasing agent.

Group Two of Questions:

1. Limestone panels: Are limestone panel joints to be tuckpointed or caulked with sealant.

Answer: Cut out and re-point with mortar all existing joints in the limestone panels. Replace with mortar at the vertical building walls and with polyurethane caulk at areas on the entry steps and landings.

2. Cracked brickwork: Are cracked bricks at corners to be tuckpointed or replaced?

Answer: Use 2% of the total brick area to be replaced in the scope of work.

Remove and reset/replace cracked or displaced brick.

3. Penthouse: In lieu of tuckpointing, can horizontal control joint be caulked with sealant?

Answer: Yes, this is at the west (rear) of the penthouse only, at one place. The sealant must match the color of the surrounding mortar.

4. Equipment screen wall: In lieu of tuckpointing the interior walls (one wall has been previously coated) can they be waterproofed with an elastomeric coating that provides a 5-year warranty?

Answer: Yes, paint all walls at this location (inside walls of open-air mechanical penthouse) with “Sherlastic” elastomeric coating, by Sherwin Williams, or approved equal. Provide one coat “Loxon” acrylic primer and 2 top-coats, with minimum mil thickness recommended by the manufacturer.

Paint adjacent metal exhaust roof hoods (six total; approx. 200 SF total).

1. At the pre bid meeting they were told to clean the building with a detergant like Tide, or something similar In the Requirements, it states TAZ-MMR, & TAZ-Efflorescence.

Answer: Use the products as specified in Spec. Section 04900.

2. Do they want a total of Three Complete Seperate Cleanings? (Two Cleanings, One Water Repellent)

Answer: As per manufacturers recommendations; 1. Clean with mold and mildew remover, 2. Clean with efflorescence remover, 3. Rinse with water only after each chemical application, 4. Apply water repellent treatment.

Group Three of Questions:

1. With the upcoming colder weather is the 122 calendar days sufficient to perform the project? Will there be a winter shut-down where project time will stop and start again in the spring?

Answer: The execution time should change to 210 calendar days.

Clean masonry surfaces only when air temperatures are 45F and above and will remain 40F or above until masonry has dried out and for not less than 7 days after completion of cleaning, and masonry rebuilding, re-pointing and patching may be carried out only when air temperatures are 45F and above and will remain 40F for not less than 14 days after completion of work.

The contract time of 210 calendar days shall be extended by verifiable/justifiable weather delays.

2. Is there a list of attendees and/or plan holders that could be included in the addendum?

Answer: By purchasing agent.

3. In Section 01010, 1.1 it refers to visiting both sites...what is the other site?

Answer: The work is at one site only, Facility 100 (A & E Building).

4. In Section 07900 the sealant to be used is polyurethane but manufacturers that are listed produce silicone sealants. Are the current joints silicone or polyurethane and which one is to be used?

Answer: Polyurethane sealants as specified may be used in all locations.

5. Following the walk-through I am confused if Section 08800 is part of the project or not. Does this section accurately describe the intended work (remove and reset glass) on the north elevation of the building that was discussed or has it changed to remove and replace existing sealant that was installed previously by others. Please clarify.

Answer: Remove the existing caulking/sealants around all existing windows and replace with polyurethane sealant/caulking. No other window glazing/caulking at the glass edges is to be performed, as some windows have additional existing glazing/caulk that is to remain in place (especially at the north side of the building).

6. In section 09900, 3.8.A it references painting trim, door or window frames that are damaged by this work. Is this still the case or are we to paint all ferrous metal that is currently brown (doors, railings, canopies, etc.)

Answer: All ferrous metal is to be painted.

7. Are the lintels to be painted?

Answer: Yes.

8. Is the pre-finished sheetmetal window drip necessary since the installation of the new roof?

Answer: The requirement for installation of new flashing over all the windows is deleted. Disregard all references to this requirement, including “Detail G” on drawing sheet AF2.

9. Is the tar to be removed from the building? Is there going to be a product specified?

Answer: Yes; clean masonry surfaces using the gentlest materials and methods which produce acceptable cleaning without damaging the substrate.

It is understood that some “dirt” may not be cleaned by gentle materials and methods and, when approved, shall remain after cleaning is complete. For each surface and soiling condition, use only the least aggressive methods or materials necessary to produce acceptable cleaning and uniform appearance.

Do not use wire brushes or steel wool; use only “Tampico” fiber bristle brushes, or equal.

10. In a few areas there are trees close to the building. Will the owner trim these back?

Answer: The contractor is responsible for trimming trees and shrubs as required away from the building to do the work. All trimming shall be approved by the government representative prior to the work.

Protect persons, motor vehicles, grills, vents, street furniture, landscaping, surrounding buildings, signage, flagpoles, light poles, lighting fixtures, signals, canopies, etc., and related materials from damage resulting from masonry cleaning work. Any surface or items damaged as a result of this Contract shall be restored to its preconstruction condition at no additional cost to the owner.

Protect all intake vent and grills from water spray, fumes or chemicals.

11. It is specified that 10% of the brick are to be re-pointed. Is there a percentage for the limestone panels and the exterior window seals?

Answer: Cut out and re-point with mortar all existing joints in the limestone panels. Replace with mortar at the vertical building walls and with polyurethane caulk at areas on the entry steps and landings.

Remove the existing caulking/sealants around all existing windows and replace with polyurethane sealant/caulking. No other window glazing/caulking at the glass edges is to be performed, as some windows have additional existing glazing/caulk that is to remain in place (especially at the north side of the building).

12. Is the 10% including the areas on the roof that are inside the HVAC area?

Answer: No; although, fill all voids and cracks with mortar prior to coating.

Paint all walls at this location (inside walls of open-air mechanical penthouse) with “Sherlastic” elastomeric coating, by Sherwin Williams, or approved equal.

Provide one coat “Loxon” acrylic primer and 2 top-coats, with minimum mil thickness recommended by the manufacturer.

13. In Section 01010 it states that "hazardous material abatement does not constitute any portion of this project" but the walk-through seemed to contradict this statement. Please verify.

Answer: Each type of paint and caulking removed during the work is to be tested for lead or asbestos. If either is present, then abatement and disposal requirements are to meet OSHA and AEDC requirements.

14. Are the grounds going to be re-seeded prior to this project so we don't need to worry about driving lifts on the grass or will we have to include protection of the grass?

Answer: The contractor is to provide protection to the grounds and landscaping during the work.

15. Is there a landscape irrigation system currently in place?

Answer: No; although there are other underground utilities so the contractor is to provide protection as required during the work. The government representative will assist in locating any areas as per a “Master Work Permit”.

16. Are we to remove and replace the caulking around the perimeter of the windows AND the joint that is between the lintel and the brick? In most cases, this joint has failed and I'm not sure if it is necessary. Please clarify.

Answer: No, do not caulk or put mortar back in the gap between the steel lintel and the brick at all the window heads. Remove existing material (caulk/mortar) and paint all exposed surfaces of the steel lintels.

17. Will the bid date be moved back in light of the anticipated changes to the scope of work?

Answer: The execution time should change to 210 calendar days.

18. Are the steps and wing walls included in this project on the front of the building?

Answer: Cut out and re-point with mortar all existing joints in the limestone panels. Replace with mortar at the vertical building walls and with polyurethane caulk at areas on the entry steps, wing walls and landings.

19. There was some discussion regarding concrete repair and elastomeric coatings being implemented. Please clarify and provide additional information.

Answer: All concrete on the building, steps, stairs, landings, canopies, and any other miscellaneous masonry attached to the building is to be cleaned, repaired and receive water repellent treatment.

Paint all inside walls of open-air mechanical penthouse with “Sherlastic” elastomeric coating, by Sherwin Williams, or approved equal. Provide one coat “Loxon” acrylic primer and 2 top-coats, with minimum mil thickness recommended by the manufacturer.

20. What is the intended scope of work for the loading docks on the back of the building.

Answer: At the rear of the building (west side) the concrete canopies, columns, landings, retaining walls at ramps, and steps are to be cleaned, repaired and receive water repellent treatment. All ferrous metal is to be painted, including the canopy underside at the kitchen loading dock.

Remove existing floor striping and install new “DuraStripe Lean: 30 mils” (approx. 200 LF).

The underside of four, 4’ x 8’ prefinished metal canopies on the rear of the building (west side) of the building are to have new soffit undersides installed.

Use prefinished, perforated, 20 gauge aluminum panels.

The wood screen walls surrounding the HVAC units on the rear of the building (west side) of the building are to be primed and painted (approximately 250 SF total, all sides).

Replace deteriorated wooden loading dock vehicle stops (approximately 100 LF) with new 6” x 8” pressure treated wooden loading dock vehicle stops. Paint all steel lifts, plates and brackets.

Paint all steel handrails at landings, steps and the handicap ramp.

At the rear of the building near the fenced-in emergency generators, windows have been filled-in with brick that do not match the original brick. Stain all brick that does not currently match the existing brick to match (after cleaning).

This area is approximately 300 SF. Use a masonry staining process that can produce an exact match to existing brick. The stain is to be comprised of a combination of pigments and binders that are mixed on-site, tested on the new masonry and modified until the match can be approved by the government representative. The stain is to be color permanent, light fast, UV resistant, unaffected by frost and is to have a minimum 25 year warranty.

Group Four of Questions:

1. In the building process do you expect three individual passes on each elevation?

Answer: As per manufacturers recommendations; 1. Clean with mold and mildew remover, 2. Clean with efflorescence remover, 3. Rinse with water only after each chemical application, 4. Apply water repellent treatment.

2. Does the Limestone entry repoint or caulk?

Answer: Cut out and re-point with mortar all existing joints in the limestone panels. Replace with mortar at the vertical building walls and with polyurethane caulk at areas on the entry steps, wing walls and landings.

3. Is brick replacement in the bid? If so, is there a count?

Answer: Use 2% of the total brick area to be replaced in the scope of work.

Remove and reset/replace cracked or displaced brick.

4. Is there a maximum time for this job to be awarded?

Answer: The execution time should change to 210 calendar days.