QUESTIONS_AND_ANSWERS_for_Tunnel_Washers__2.doc

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS-Tunnel Washers #2

SOLICITATION NUMBER #FDA-15-1146408

Question 01 On page 3 of the original FDA specifications, reference is made to:

"control panel to be isolated with access door to protect from heat and moisture".

Was "isolated" meant to be "insulated," or does "isolated" imply that the control panel should be remote mounted?

Answer 01 The control panel needs to be insulated to protect controls from heat and moisture (heat- and moisture-resistant).

Question 02 At the pre-bid site visit we noticed that there is one 18" diameter exhaust duct connection. Should all washer exhaust vents be connected to a header, or plenum, and then connected to the existing single 18" exhaust duct?

The original FDA specification notes "direct connection exhaust vent collars with direct connection to HVAC", implying that there is more than one connection.

Additional clarification would be appreciated.

Answer 02 There is one direct connect exhaust duct for tunnel washer exhaust for use.

Question 03 Our site visit attendees note that a temporary barrier is to be erected on the clean side during site work.

Who will be installing this temporary wall?

Answer 03 The contractor will install a temporary dust barrier on the clean side to allow normal operations of the rest of clean side wash.

Question 04 Our service technicians also note a "clean side hood." Is this hood located over the discharge opening to collect steam vapors? Will this hood be re-used or replaced with a new one?

Answer 04 Intent is to continue to use this hood as is; any modification of this hood (clean or dirty side) will be coordinated with FDA Facilities and the Animal Program Manager and expense should be included in the bid.

Question 05 There is no mention of such a hood in the original FDA specifications, so we don't know if a "hood" would be part of this project's scope. Please comment, and also comment whether or not there is a hood on the infeed, or dirty, side of the washer.

Answer 05 It is not part of the scope, as it is a passive hood providing exhaust venting to the clean and dirty side cage wash rooms. Placement and function is to remove errant steam that might exit the load or unload end of the washer.

Question 06 In either, or both cases, does the hood(s) connect into that common 18" diameter exhaust duct?

Answer 06 Will have to check with Facilities.

Question 07

- Per the original FDA specification, a range of distinct functional sections is described, adding up to between 21' and 28' overall length.

The probability that the new washer's dirty and clean side surfaces will match the washer being replaced is remote.

Will the FDA be modifying the wall penetration on either or both ends in such a manner as to enable washers of varying lengths to fit into the available space?

Answer 07 Any modification to the clean and/or dirty side trim wall should be included in the bid. It is the intent that the contractor will build a replacement washer to fit in the same footprint of the existing washer. A modification to extend a few inches on either side may be acceptable, but trim will finished to get a like finish to the current washer and wall.

Question 08 Will the manufacturer be allowed to provide a modified "stainless steel trim" in order to accommodate any differences in their product's length versus the dimensions of the present washer?

Answer 08 Yes.

Question 09 Clarification on the front end washer… Answer 09 Needs to have automated effluent control to temper and neutralize water going to drain to meet local requirements and a descale cycle that includes the wash and rinse sections.