2016.3.23_Q A.pdf

GSA, PBS, Acquisition Management Division

Questions / Answers: RFP GS-05P-16-SC-C-7010 Historic Woodwork Restoration Project March 23, 2016

The following addresses all questions received since March 21, 2016.

Q1. Is it correct to assume that the door part of the project, if done off-site, does not have to be refinished with water-based or low-VOC finishing products?

A1. Correct - off-site refinishing does not pose the same hazard as on-site, so volatile products may be used. With that said, if the doors are being done off-site and with different products than what will be used for the rest of the refinishing on-site, the finish for the doors and the on-site millwork should be compatible, i.e. it will be the contractor’s responsibility to make sure they match.

The following address outstanding question #8 from the Q&A issued on March 21, 2016.

Q8. Is it acceptable to use products similar to those used for the original finish, i.e., shellac?

A8. The response from GSA Facilities is as follows: Denatured alcohol is ethanol with other additives

(methanol, isopropyl alcohol, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone) and is a Class IB flammable liquid (flash point under 100 degree F). Yes, there are several different blended denatured alcohols available, which include different percentage of additives based on the application. In any case, the denatured alcohol solvent suggested for use remains a Class IB flammable liquid and the flammable vapors produced still pose a risk within a closed environment. Therefore; the following fire codes and standards would be applicable with several strict requirements that would apply:

Heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning equipment shall not be operated during the product application and/or within 4 hours of the application.

The finishing/restoration shall not occur during normal business operational hours/when the building is open to the public

All ignition sources, including electric service within the flammable vapor area shall be eliminated

Ventilation shall be provided to prevent the accumulation of flammable vapors, Exhaust systems shall be approved temporary or portable means. Vapors shall be exhausted to the exterior of the building

Storage (or mixing) of the flammable liquids shall not occur within the facility Storage of used rags, rollers, brushes, etc. shall be placed in a sealed air-tight approved container and be removed from the work-site on a daily basis.

A site specific fire safety/health and safety plan would be required (as for all GSA projects) to mitigate the project safety, environmental and fire risks Portable fire extinguishers would need to be provided in the work area Fire protection system(s) shall remain in service during scheduled work activities

This application would be approved by GSA Facilities because of the historic nature of the project, but they would require that all of the above requirements be in place prior to commencing the work.