ALL QUESTIONS.pdf

All Prospective Offerors Re: Boiler Replacement Project Byrne-Green Complex Questions and Responses

1.) Can all of the boilers be taken out of service at the same time?

Response: Yes, all of the boilers can be taken out of service at the same time.

However, the existing boilers can not be taken out of service until May 16, 2009 and the new boilers must be able to provide heating to the building on or before September 7, 2009.

2.) Are the contractors required to get the project LEED certified?

Response: No, that is not required.

3.) Can contractors arrange an additional site visit?

Response: On Monday November 24 at 9:00am all bidders can perform their additional site visit. Please come to the GSA Office in Room 4200 of the Green Building.

4.) What are the contractors working hours?

Response: The contractors working hours are identified in specification section

01140 subsection 1.4.

5.) How are street closings for a crane to be schedule?

Response: The contractor shall make arrangements with the City of Philadelphia and any other party holding jurisdiction to obtain all necessary permits for the street closure.

6.) How do contractors get a copy of the drawings and specifications?

Response: All documents are available through the FedBizOpps website at www.fbo.gov.

7.) Can the boilers be staged on the roof?

Response:

The roof is not to be used as a staging area. It is only to be used to access the boiler room for boiler and equipment removal and load in of new boilers and equipment. GSA will designate a ground level staging area for contractor’s equipment and supplies.

8.) Will a copy of the sign in sheet be available for review?

Response: Yes, the sign in sheet will be posted on FedBizzOpps.

9.) Please confirm the roof area outside the boiler mechanical room is available as a lay down area; advise of any precautions or concerns.

Response:

See answer to question (7). The roofing shall be protected by temporary covering so as to prevent damage during equipment lifts and lay downs. Multiple boiler lay downs on the roof at the same time shall not be permitted.

10.) Concerning the asbestos on the breeching. Is the General Contractor (Division #1) carrying this remediation cost or is this included in the mechanical specialty contractors cost?

Response: The cost of asbestos remediation shall be included in the price from all offerors. The asbestos abatement is part of this contract whether the prime contractor or a sub consultant performs the work is up to each offeror. The abatement firm must meet the qualifications listed in the abatement specification which was created by The Oak Group Inc. This specification is posted to FedBizzOpps as a separate document from VECSIE’s boiler replacement specification

11.) Regarding the Electrical work to be performed on this project, is it Mandatory for the Electrical Contractor to be in possession of a “City of Philadelphia” Electrical License?

Response: All contractors performing work must be licensed in the jurisdiction where the work is to be performed.

12.) Please advise if there is additional specification available on the motorized control valves and balancing valves for the above mentioned project.

Response: Refer to specification sections 230523 and 232113. The following is offered as additional product data specification guidance for control valve actuator and valve body selection for this offering.

ACTUATORS

A. Electric Motors: Size to operate with sufficient reserve power to provide smooth modulating action.

1. Permanent Split-Capacitor or Shaded-Pole Type: Gear trains completely oil immersed and sealed. Equip spring-return motors with integral spiral-spring mechanism in housings designed for easy removal for service or adjustment of limit switches, auxiliary switches, or feedback potentiometer.

2. Nonspring-Return Motors for Valves Larger Than NPS 2-1/2 (DN 65):

Size for running torque of 150 in. x lbf (16.9 N x m) and breakaway torque of 300 in. x lbf (33.9 N x m).

3. Spring-Return Motors for Valves Larger Than NPS 2-1/2 (DN 65): Size for running and breakaway torque of 150 in. x lbf (16.9 N x m).

4. Nonspring-Return Motors for Dampers Larger Than 25 Sq. Ft. (2.3

sq. m): Size for running torque of 150 in. x lbf (16.9 N x m) and breakaway torque of 300 in. x lbf (33.9 N x m).

5. Spring-Return Motors for Dampers Larger Than 25 Sq. Ft. (2.3 sq. m):

Size for running and breakaway torque of 150 in. x lbf (16.9 N x m).

B. Electronic Actuators: Direct-coupled type designed for minimum 60,000 full-stroke cycles at rated torque.

1. Valves: Size for torque required for valve close off at maximum pump differential pressure.

2. Coupling: V-bolt and V-shaped, toothed cradle.

3. Overload Protection: Electronic overload or digital rotation-sensing circuitry.

4. Fail-Safe Operation: Mechanical, spring-return mechanism. Provide external, manual gear release on nonspring-return actuators.

5. Power Requirements (Modulating): Maximum 10 VA at 24-V ac or 8 W at

24-V dc.

6. Proportional Signal: 2- to 10-V dc or 4 to 20 mA, and 2- to 10-V dc position feedback signal.

7. Temperature Rating: Minus 22 to plus 122 deg F (Minus 30 to plus 50 deg C).

8. Run Time: 30 seconds.

CONTROL VALVES

A. Manufacturers:

1. Hayward Industrial Products, Inc.

2. Magnatrol Valve Corporation.

3. Neles-Jamesbury.

4. Parker Hannifin Corporation; Skinner Valve Division.

5. Honeywell

6. Johnson Controls

7. Siemens

8. Or approved equal

B. Control Valves: Factory fabricated, of type, body material, and pressure class based on maximum pressure and temperature rating of piping system, unless otherwise indicated.

C. Hydronic system globe valves shall have the following characteristics:

1. NPS 2 (DN 50) and Smaller: Class 125 bronze body, bronze trim, rising stem, renewable composition disc, and screwed ends with backseating capacity repackable under pressure.

2. NPS 2-1/2 (DN 65) and Larger: Class 125 iron body, bronze trim, rising stem, plug-type disc, flanged ends, and renewable seat and disc.

3. Internal Construction: Replaceable plugs and stainless-steel or brass seats.

a. Single-Seated Valves: Cage trim provides seating and guiding surfaces for plug on top and bottom.

b. Double-Seated Valves: Balanced plug; cage trim provides seating and guiding surfaces for plugs on top and bottom.

4. Sizing: 3-psig (21-kPa) maximum pressure drop at design flow rate or the following:

a. Two Position: Line size.

b. Two-Way Modulating: Either the value specified above or twice the load pressure drop, whichever is more.

c. Three-Way Modulating: Twice the load pressure drop, but not more than value specified above.

5. Flow Characteristics: Two-way valves shall have equal percentage characteristics; three-way valves shall have linear characteristics.

6. Close-Off (Differential) Pressure Rating: Combination of actuator and trim shall provide minimum close-off pressure rating of 150 percent of total system (pump) head for two-way valves and 100 percent of pressure differential across valve or 100 percent of total system (pump) head.

D. Butterfly Valves: 200-psig (1380-kPa), 150-psig (1034-kPa) maximum pressure differential, ASTM A 126 cast-iron or ASTM A 536 ductile-iron body and bonnet, extended neck, stainless-steel stem, field-replaceable EPDM or Buna N sleeve and stem seals.

1. Body Style: Wafer.

2. Disc Type: Nickel-plated ductile iron.

3. Sizing: 1-psig (7-kPa) maximum pressure drop at design flow rate

13.) Please advise if all asbestos abatement will be performed by others?

Response: Asbestos abatement is included in this contract. Whether the prime contractor or a subcontractor performs the work is up to each offeror. The abatement firm must meet the qualifications listed in the abatement specification which was created by The Oak Group Inc. This specification is posted to FedBizzOpps as a separate document from VECSIE’s boiler replacement specification

14.) On drawing MD 106 there is a note stating… “see separate bid package”. This note pertains to asbestos abatement. Is asbestos abatement included in our contract?

Response: YES. Asbestos abatement is included in this contract. The asbestos abatement specification was created by The Oak Group Inc. This specification is posted to FedBizzOpps as a separate document from VECSIE’s boiler replacement specification.

15.) Where is the proposal form? The solicitation, offer and award item 17, is that where the price goes? The Technical Factors - Do you want these written out in brief description or are you just letting one know what's inside the proposal.

Response:

Where is the proposal form?

The proposal form is the Standard Form 1442, Solicitation, Offer, and Award located in Volume II. The Price proposal can also be submitted on a separate document.

However, the Standard Form 1442 must be signed and returned.

The solicitation, offer and award item 17, is that where the price goes?

Please see response above.

The Technical Factors - Do you want these written out in brief description or are you just letting one know what's inside the proposal.

Technical proposals shall be submitted in accordance with the technical factors found in Section 00100 of the solicitation. It is up to the Contractor to determine how brief or expansive the technical proposal will be.

16.) Does the estimate of percentage of recovered material content for epa product sheet, page 10, need to be included with the bid?

Response: No, Contract Clause 52.223-9, states that upon completion of the contract, the Contractor shall estimate the percentage of the total recovered material used in contract performance.

17. Section 01000-SUMMARY

1.3 A.1. Calls for removal of 3-700 HP boilers. The drawings show us removing the fourth smaller boiler. Please clarify.

Response: The contractor shall remove the three existing Cleaver Brooks 700 HP boilers and the existing steam boiler.

18. Section 01140-WORK RESTRICTIONS

1.4 WORKING HOURS 2.0 STATES THE WORKING HOURS ARE BETWEEN 7am AND 6pm. My demolition contractor has indicated a desire to work a second shift in order to remove materials from the building via the service elevator. Will they be able to work a second shift?

Response: All contractors may perform any work off hours that they so desire.

The only requirement is that any work specifically required by the drawings and specifications to be performed off hours must be performed off hours.

19. Section 013100-PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND COORDINATION

7.6 PROJECT WEB SITE. Is a web site required for this project?

Response: No, it is not required

20. Section 232500-BOILER AND WATER TREATMENT

This section call for us to furnish and install chemical shot feeders “where shown on the drawing” I don’t see anything on the drawings? Also, if seems that we should supply water treatment service for a year. Please clarify?

Response: There is no new chemical shot feeder required.

21. PAINTING

As far as I can see so far there is no requirement for painting. So after we install and insulate the new pipe we will just tag it. Is this your intention?

Response: All new insulation shall be installed in a neat and workmanlike manner. All new piping is to be clearly tagged as to its function, service and direction of flow specified.

22. ADDITIONAL ASBESTOS REMOVAL

I have not read the asbestos specification yet, but is there any asbestos associated with the boilers that needs to be abated, i.e. like door rope?

Response: Yes there is asbestos. All asbestos abatement work is identified in the asbestos abatement specification created by The Oak Group, Inc. Please read it.

23. MEZZANINE STRUCTURAL CAPABILITY

My rigging contractor want to be sure the concrete mezzanine leading to the wall louver can support the weight of the old boiler i.e. if we lift it our in one piece can we set it on the Mezzanine for removal by the crane?

Response: Refer to response to question number (9).

24. Can you please provide structural drawings and load calculations for slab above engineering office which will be used extensively for rigging

Response: Refer to response to question number (9). (Structural drawings are available on FedBizOpps.)

25. Can you please provide structural drawings for main roof and roof above boiler room, as a precautionary measure it is very important to have this information prior to any rigging in the event their is a crane or mechanical equipment failure , it may be necessary to set any equipment on roof abruptly for safety reasons , this is essential

Response: Refer to response to question number (24).

26. Cleaver brooks has been speced out as boiler replacement can we use an approved equal as per federal acquisition requirements?

Response: No, this product is a sole source requirement. GSA has legal and technical justification for doing so.

27. Main roof appears to be relatively new , can you please provide the name of manufacturer , and if it is under warranty and if it is who was the installing contractor.

Response: The Green roof is no longer under warranty. The primary roof level break down is as follows: Concrete Deck / Temporary Roof / Lightweight Insulating Concrete / BUR.

28. Please can you clarify the bms system being used, and the name of the service company responsible for programming

Response: The BMS was recently upgraded to the "Tridium 3216" system. The contractor responsible for maintaining the system is Green Energy Controls. Don Rowe is a point of contact. His phone number is 215-364-1482.

29. It was mentioned by the gentleman who represents your facility and orchestrated the site visit, that the items being removed and lifted via crane are NOT to be placed or staged under any circumstances onto the roof but shall be craned & rigged onto the concrete platform once louvers are removed. This is in conflict with the “staging” area as depicted on drawing # M RP101 roof plan. Please clarify.

Response: Refer to response to question number (9).

30. Confirmation regarding the strength of the concrete platform (above Engineer’s office) is desired as there is question of its structural integrity to support a single, two, or even three boilers while staged. Kindly confirm structural integrity of this portion of the building.

Response: Refer to response to question number (9).

31. What is the max. weight capacity of the (2) freight elevators?

Response: Max weight capacity of each freight elevator is 6500 lbs.

32. Crane / lifting is scheduled from early Saturday A.M. thru Sunday P.M. per your specification. Is it acceptable for after hour Friday lifting / crane work?

Response: yes, as long is it is after 7:00 pm and the City of Philadelphia will allow it.

33. In reference to drawing MD 102 in the above mentioned project, please confirm if the interior of the existing breeching to be abated and demolished is lined with asbestos, or if it is the exterior insulation only that contains asbestos.

Response: Please refer to the asbestos abatement specification provided by the Oak Group, Inc.

34. Safety Data - We do have a procedure for Safety and Quality Control. However, what exactly do you mean by a policy letter?

Response: Please provide the reference to a policy letter in the specifications so that GSA can provide you with an accurate response.

35. Amendment 1 states the "offer Guarantee is required in the amount of 20%". Is the offer guarantee the bid bond?

Response: Yes

36. I did not see a bond form in the package. Is an AIA bond from acceptable? Is a consent of surety required?

Response: No, please use the attached Bid Bond Standard Form 24.

37. Is it acceptable to refer to the attached "prepared financial statements" to GSA 527 and not complete Sections III and IV.

Response: Yes

38. Standard form 1442, #13 still shows Dec 2, 2008 as the bid due date. Will this form be revised?

Response: No change will be made to the original SF1442. Amendment 0002 identifies the final proposal due date.

39. Will the bids be read out loud on 12/11/08?

Response: No, this proposed contract is not an Invitation for Bids, this is a

Request for Proposal.

What is the projected time span between request for proposal and final offers?

Response: It is the intention of the Government to make award without discussions, therefore, offerors are requested to submit their initial proposals to the Government on the most favorable terms based on technical factors and price.

40. On drawing M-D-103 it shows the pumps and all associated piping along with the pump bases to be removed, on drawing M-P-107 it shows the pumps as existing and only the boilers as new work. Please clarify – are the pumps being replaced?

Response: No, External recirculating pumps are not required.

41. Please provide the specifications on the new pumps if the existing pumps are being replaced

Response: See Answer to Question 40 above

42. On drawing E-D-101 it shows all conduit and wiring being removed on the existing pumps but there is no new work shown for new pumps, if the pumps are being replaced please provide wiring information---.motor starters, frequency drives controls etc.

Response: See Answer to Question 40 above

43. On drawing M-D-103 and again on drawing M-D-106 it shows the entire steel platform including the columns removed. Will new structural steel drawings be provided for the new platform?

Response: No, There will be no new Platform

44. As part of the control sequence please provide clarification on protection against pump cavitations.

Response: See Answer to Question 40 above

45. Is the control package required by this project totally integrated into the controls provided by the boiler manufacture or are there additional requirements for linking the controls of the new boilers to the front end of the existing building automation system (BAS)

Response: The control package required for full operation of the boilers is included as part of the integrated boiler control package. Refer to Division 23 specification section 235239 paragraph 75.1 sub F for BAS interface requirements.

The BMS was recently upgraded to the "Tridium 3216" system. The contractor responsible for maintaining the system is Green Energy Controls. Don Rowe is a point of contact. His phone number is 215-364-1482

46. Is the control sequence on MP107 in regard to the control of the valves and sequencing of the Boilers provided by the BCMS system or the Boiler Manufacturer?

If control is by the BCMS system is there a requirement for a user interface and graphic pages?

Response: Drawing MP 107 states…” Motorized Flow control Valves shall be controlled by signal from the boiler or Lead/Lag controller.” There is no requirement for BAS (BCMS)Graphics.

The BMS was recently upgraded to the "Tridium 3216" system. The contractor responsible for maintaining the system is Green Energy Controls. Don Rowe is a point of contact. His phone number is 215-364-1482

47. Are the existing controls and conduits for the BCMS system to be removed?

Response: Only that work as outlined on drawings ED101, MP107, and specification Division 23 section 235239.The control package required for full operation of the boilers is included as part of the integrated boiler control package. Refer to Division 23 specification section 235239 paragraph 75.1 sub F for BAS interface requirements.

The BMS was recently upgraded to the "Tridium 3216" system. The contractor responsible for maintaining the system is Green Energy Controls. Don Rowe is a point of contact. His phone number is 215-364-1482

48. Are there any requirements for the Boiler Manufacturer controls to provide alarm points to the BCMS system and will the BCMS system be connected to these points?

Response: Refer to answer to question 45 above.

49. If new pumps are added to the system, is there a control requirement for these pumps to operate with the minimum and maximum flow and the staging through the boilers?

Response: See answer to Question 40

50. Are the house pumps enabled with the Boilers or is there a warm up period for the Boilers before the pumps are enabled

Response: Refer to Sequence of operation on drawing MP107. Motorized Flow control Valves shall be controlled by signal from the boiler or Lead/Lag controller under low fire locked control until boiler meets minimum temperature. This is part of the integrated boiler control ICS system outlined in specification division 23 section 235239.

51. Is there any possibility the bid will be postponed?

Response: Proposal Due Date has been extended to Monday, December 15, 2008. Please see Amendment 0003.

52. Section 235100- Breechings, Chimneys and Stacks

68.1 Listed Chimney Liners. Seems to imply that a new chimney liner is to be supplies and installed.

Drawing MP 104 Detail A This section seems to indicate that we are to tie back into the existing Chimney. Also, the new liner is not shadowed in the exiting chimney. I am not able to find any specific information that directs us to install a new chimney liner.

Response: It is the intent of this project to provide a gasketed flange at the termination of the breech where it meets the existing chimney wall.

53. SECTION 230700-HVAC INSULATION

I am not able to find a specific reference as to what pipe is to be insulated and to what extent.

Response: All new pipe, valves and fittings furnished on both supply and return lines from the reconnect point to the existing piping to final boiler connections are to be insulated in accordance with the Division 23 specification section 230700.

54. In reference to question & answer # 33 regarding Asbestos Removal:

The Oak Group, Inc. states (in Section 01200, A- 2a. of the Asbestos Specification) that the breeching contains asbestos insulation, however it does not appear to define if it is located on the interior or the exterior of the breeching. Please advice.

Response: Only the exterior was tested. Oak believes that the interior is not insulated

55. Please provide information on the manufacturer/contractor for the Building Management Control System.

Response: The BMS was recently upgraded to the "Tridium 3216" system. The contractor responsible for maintaining the system is Green Energy Controls. Don Rowe is a point of contact. His phone number is 215-364-1482

56. Is there a requirement for venting the gas trains on the boilers? If so please provide a sketch.

Response: All gas trains are to be furnished with the boiler by the boiler manufacturer. No venting is required.

57. According to Section 00100 Proposal Instructions and Methods of Award, Submission must be mailed. We were wondering since we are local if we could hand deliver the bid?

Response: Yes

58. Security Clearance Please Clarify : all employees of prime contractors and sub contractor must pass and be approved after a full back ground check in order to be considered and approved for a security clearance , any employee without this cannot be allowed to work on federal property until he or she is approved , is this an accurate statement ?

Response: All contractor employees that will be working onsite at the Federal Building must obtain a security clearance.

59. Without information regarding the structural integrity of the surrounding structures for removal and installation of the boilers, I request an extension of the bid date. This information is critical to the pricing of the demolition and installation of all equipment.

Response: See response to question #51.