Responses_to_Draft_RFP_Comments_HSFE70-14-R-0005.pdf

Item Document Name Document subsection Page # Start Line # End Line # Section Comment Column1

1 Solicitation SF33 Form 1(#4) 1 RFP "Negotiated" is checked

At the Government's discretion, negotiations can be conducted with offerors determined to be in the competitive range. As indicated in the

SF33, by checking the Negotiated RFP, this is not an invitation for bids.

2 Solicitation: Form Contract Clauses (Section I) 1 13 13

This appears to be a new payment option. Is the Offerer required to offer this option?

SEE FAR 52.232-8

Solicitation: Deliverables and Required Reports

F.5.3 Deliverables and

Required Reports Table F-8 17 17

Does the Quality Control

Form need to be pre-approved?

See Revised Solicitation

Solicitation: Deliverables and Required Reports

F.5.3 Deliverables and

Required Reports Table F-8 18 18

This option, per online research of notable shrink wrap suppliers says the shrink wrap can't meet a 3 year life cycle with any confidence. Max life for 7 mil is reflected at 1 yr in

Southern climate at best.

Additional problems may occur with this option as vinyl components (such as siding) are restricted from expansion and contraction during climate changes. This may permanently distort the vinyl products under the shrink wrap. Can

FEMA provide any documentation showing the successful use of this type of product on

MHU in the life cycle it is requesting? If not, will

FEMA bare the warranty cost to the MHU related to requesting this option?

See Revised Solicitation

Solicitation: Deliverables and Required Reports

F.5.3 Deliverables and

Required Reports Table F-10 21 21

Are these Piers(Jack

Stands) to be shipped loose or attached to the frame?

Jackstands shall not be attached to the frame. They are either shipped secure inside the MHU or via freight separately.

Solicitation: Supplies or

Services and Price/Costs

Minimum and Maximum

Ordering Limitation B-1 28 28

"..20 units base year and option years" See Revised Solicitation

Answer to be published Comment Matrix

Solicitation: Supplies or

Services and Price/Costs

Minimum and Maximum

Ordering Limitation B-1 28 28

Please clarify the number of minimum units per year. Are the

20 units per year for the base period year and 20 units per year for each of the option years, or 20 units in total for the base year and all option years, if exercised

See Revised Solicitation

Solicitation: Supplies or

Services and Price/Costs

Minimum and Maximum

Ordering Limitation B-1 29 30

"…$ 517 million base year and option years" See Revised Solicitation

Solicitation: Supplies or

Services and Price/Costs

Minimum and Maximum

Ordering Limitation B-1 29 30

Please clarify if the $

517 million is per year for the base year and $

517 million per year for each option year, or is the $ 517 million in total for the base year and all option years, if exercised?

See Revised Solicitation

Solicitation: General

Requirements Background C-1 60 62

"MHUs are constructed to meet the Housing and

Urban Development

(HUD) standards as set forth in 24CFR 3280.."

24 CFR 3280 is a living code Offerors and Contractors are responsible for keeping current on the code as of the manufacturing date of the

MHU.

Solicitation: General

Requirements Background C-1 60 62

78FR73984, issued 9

December 2013 and effective 9 June 2014, has substantive changes to 24CFR3280.

24 CFR 3280 is a living code Offerors and Contractors are responsible for keeping current on the code as of the manufacturing date of the

MHU.

Solicitation: General

Requirements Background C-1 60 62

Are MHUs to be delivered under this contract to meet the changes required in

78FR73984?

24 CFR 3280 is a living code Offerors and Contractors are responsible for keeping current on the code as of the manufacturing date of the

MHU.

Solicitation: General

Requirements Background C-1 60 62

78FR73984 also states

"HUD has also decided not to move forward with its proposal to establish maximum formaldehyde emissions standards for particleboard materials used in MH flooring applications so that HUD can consider standards for formaldehyde being tested by the EPA under the Toxic Substance

Control Act."

24 CFR 3280 is a living code Offerors and Contractors are responsible for keeping current on the code as of the manufacturing date of the

MHU.

Solicitation: General

Requirements Background C-1 60 62

FEMA issued formaldehyde limits of

16 parts per billion or

0.016 ppm on 12

November 2007 for

FEMA Temporary

Housing Supplier contractors along with

FEMA mandated testing for formaldehyde at 8 and 16 hour intervals.

As the NIOSH standard for formaldehyde maximum exposure in the workplace environment is also

0.016 ppm, is FEMA issuing the 8 and 16 hour testing requirement before or after a contract award?

The only terms and conditions applicable to this solicitation are the terms and conditions contained within the solicitation.

Solicitation: General

Requirements MHU Units C-2 111 113

Is the offeror required to offer a Conus Unit See Revised language

Requirements MHU Units C-3 117 118

The term "Fit and Finish" is subjective. The inspection process at the staging lots in the past has been been beyond industry standards.

Example: 6 FEMA inspectors using halogen lights looking through the interior of the MHU for construction or paint flaws. 4 FEMA inspectors crawling around under the MHU on creepers. This is not industry standard. How does FEMA train their inspectors to determine whether a MHU qualifies for acceptance or not regarding "Fit and

Finish"?

See Revised Solicitation

Solicitation: General

Requirements MHU Units C-3 117 117

The term "Quality Fit and

Finish "appears several places. These are very subjective terms.

Please clarify with specific requirements.

See Revised Solicitation

Solicitation: General

Requirements General Requirements C-3 128 134

These DAPIA certified

MHU designs shall be submitted to FEMA as part of the contractor’s proposal as described in

Section L. In addition, the contractor shall submit a revised certified design whenever a modification of structural design occurs

At the time of proposal the offeror shall submit DAPIA approved drawings for each design. If a change is made that requires DAPIA approval, the offeror will have to submit the new applicable drawings.

Requirements Documentation Required C-4 151

Cost/Timeliness 7.0 "A statement describing how the substitution could adversely or positively affect ramp-up time, production schedule and/or delivery schedule"

See response below (Item 21)

Solicitation: General

Requirements Documentation Required C-4 151

At what point in time are the Design/Material

Changes/Variances to be submitted to FEMA.

i.e., with the proposal, after receipt of a Task

Order, prior to the start of production, or while in production of 150 MHUs per week?

The Change request form is to be submitted at any point in the life of the contract where the contractor is looking to make a change to what was previously proposed and approved.

Solicitation: General

Requirements Warranty C-5 155 166

The paragraph does not identify the period of the manufacturers warranty.

See Revised Solicitation

Solicitation: General

Requirements Warranty C-5 155 155

Most manufacturers provide a 1 year limited warranty with their products. Is FEMA requiring a longer term warranty?

See Revised Solicitation

Solicitation: General

Requirements Warranty C-4,C-5 155 217

Solicitation: General

Requirements Warranty C-4,C-5 155 217

How long is the warranty period on the MHUs?

See Revised Solicitation

Solicitation: General

Requirements Warranty C-4,C-5 155 217

When does the warranty period start?

See Revised Solicitation

Solicitation: General

Requirements Warranty C-4,C-5 155 217

What systems in the

MHU must be covered by a warranty?

Requirements Warranty C-5 156 166

This warranty information does not specifically apply a timeframe, except that it meets the HUD Code.

Since the HUD code specifies One Year, are we to assume the warranty period for these units are also One Year?

See Revised Solicitation

Solicitation: General

Requirements Warranty C-5 176 180

Furniture and

Appliance's come with their own warranties.

These items typically come with a 1 year factory warranty but none of them offer an additional year on repaired items. Do you expect the offeror to pick up the extended warranty after repairs are done beyond the appliance or furniture company's limited warranty ends?

See Revised Solicitation

Solicitation: General

Requirements Warranty C-5 176 180

This states that the funiture and appliances need to be warranted for

One Year. How will defective furniture and appliances be distinquished from abuse or neglect?

Most units bought by FEMA go to the Storage or Staging prior the

Installation Location. The contractor will be notified if the Furniture is defective at Storage or Staging prior a Disaster Survivor living on it. tor will be notified.

Requirements MHU Production C-6 232 235

The total HUD MHUs for the entire year of 2013 amounted to 60,120 units which included both modular (multi-floor units) and manufactured units (single floor units).

This is an average of

489 MHUs per year for each production facility, or approximately 40

MHUs per month per production facility. As the ramp up requirement is

600 MHUs per month -

Do the 150 MHUs per week all have to be produced at a contractor's single production facility?

No. The Units can be produced in separate production facilities as long as the Prime Contractor includes that in the Production Capability Plan and provide adequate and appropriate documentation to support the requirement

Solicitation: General

Requirements MHU Production C-6 232 235

Can the contractor use multiple production facilities to meet the 150

MHUs per week requirement?

Yes

Solicitation: General

Requirements MHU Production C-6 232 235

Can the contractor include new, previously produced HUD units, located on a manufacturer's dealer lot in meeting the 150

MHUs per week requirement?

Only if they meet the terms and conditions of this Contract

Solicitation: General

Requirements MHU Production C-6 232 235

Will the previously produced HUD units have to meet the requirements stated in

78FR73984?

24 CFR 3280 is a living code. Offerors are responsible for keeping current on the code as of the manufacturing date of the MHU.

Solicitation: General

Requirements MHU Production C-6 232 235

Will FEMA provide advance payments as the contractor will have to produce more MHUs in 1 month than they normally produce in1 year?

No

Requirements MHU Production C-6 232 235

Has FEMA during the last three (3) years had any

MHU contractor who delivered 600 MHUs per month from a single production facility?

No

Solicitation: General

Requirements C-7 244 245

This section is confusing for what the meaning of

Non-Full and Open

(small business) means.

If a company bids Non-

Full and Open, does this mean they have to be certified as "Small

Business" or is this section saying that both

Small Business and

Large Business who can only meet a lesser amount of production

(60 per week) fit into the

Non-Full and Open classification?

See Revised Language

Solicitation: General

Requirements MHU Delivery C-8 268 271

If a unit is rejected initially and requires a reinspection, will upon the second inspection

FEMA only review the item or items that were rejected?

In the Reinspection, FEMA will perform the full inspection.

Solicitation: General

Requirements MHU Delivery C-8 268 271

This paragraph inconsistent with E.2.1 See Revised Language

Solicitation: Inspection and Acceptance Inspection at Delivery Location E-1 327 333

The statement within lines 327-333 conflicts with lines 268 thru 271.

the statement on lines

268 -271 says units have 2 chances for acceptance (1 initial and

1 reinspection. Lines

327 thru 333 suggest that the offeror has 3 chances for passing inspection.

See Revised Language

Solicitation: Inspection and Acceptance First Article Inspection E-1 327 333

This paragraph inconsistent with C.II.7.B See Revised Language

Solicitation: Inspection and Acceptance First Article Inspection E-1 334 344 First Article Testing See Revised Language

Solicitation: Inspection and Acceptance First Article Inspection E-1 338 344

Please explain the difference between a

First Article Inspection and " any other type " inspections. If a first

Article Inspection unit is approved to ship to the staging lot, what would hinder the acceptance at the staging lots in

Cumberland or Selma beyond road damage?

Past experience suggests the inspections are very subjective and not consistent.

See FAR Subpart 9.3 First Article Testing and Approval and FAR Clause 52.209-4 for First Article Testing. See Section E:I inspection and Acceptance.

Solicitation: Inspection and Acceptance

Contracting Officer's

Representative E-5 447 447

How will the COR accomplish this task?

See Section E : Inspection and Acceptance

Solicitation: Inspection and Acceptance

Contracting Officer's

Representative E-5 448 448

Will this recommendation take place in the factory or in the field?

First Article Testing will take place at the factory.

Solicitation: Inspection and Acceptance

Contracting Officer's

Representative E-5 452 453

Who will monitor this process? Will it be the

COR or a designate in the field?

COR or Designee

Solicitation: Inspection and Acceptance Contractor E - 3.5 463 467

"the contractor must develop a QCP…the

QCP shall indicate the process for ensuring the manufactured homes are in compliance with the HUD code"

See Revised Language and Acceptance Contractor E - 3.5 463 467

In order to provide a manufactured home to the HUD code a manufacturer already has to be compliant with

CFR 3280 and CFR

3282. This compliance requires each manufacturer to have a design of each home and have a quality assurance manual approved by a Design

Approval Primary

Inspection Agency

(DAPIA). In addition, each manufacturer has in each of its plants the quality assurance and control plan utilized by the plants In-House

Primary Inspection

Agency (IPIA). Only after the inspection in accordance with the design and quality plan of each home by the

IPIA can a HUD certification label be

See responses below (Item X X X)

Solicitation: Inspection and Acceptance Contractor E - 3.5 463 467

Why is FEMA requiring an additional Quality control Plan?

FEMA required additional Quality Control Plan is to ensure that the units meet the Solicitation requirements.

Solicitation: Inspection and Acceptance Contractor E - 3.5 463 467

Has FEMA experienced non-compliant or deficient HUD units in the past?

Yes

Solicitation: Inspection and Acceptance Contractor E - 3.5 463 467

If so, please provide which plants these failures were encountered

This question is not Relevant for the RFP.

and Acceptance Monitoring Techniques E-7 510 510

Based on previous experiences, inspections by FEMA are inconsistent. We would recommend FEMA install personnel at the plant to inspect and approve units prior to delivery. This would expedite staging lot acceptance.

Inspection will be in accordance with Section E: Inspection and

Acceptance

Solicitation: Inspection and Acceptance Surveillance Intervals (Periods) E-7 523 531

This surveillance should be done at the contractor's plant in an effort to expedite delivery to the staging areas and and to establish a FEMA acceptance level that will be reflective of the staging lots exceptance criteria.

Inspection will be in accordance with Section E: Inspection and

Acceptance

Solicitation: Inspection and Acceptance

Contractor Notification of

Surveillance Outcomes E-9 584 592

Will this Discrepancy

Report be issued for each and every item found during the staging lot inspection per unit?

No

Solicitation: Inspection and Acceptance Nonconforming Outcomes E-10 604 609

Minor nonconformances in the past have been subjective at times. How will FEMA monitor these?

See Revised Language

Solicitation: Inspection and Acceptance

Appendix #1: Task Order

Performance Requirement QUA

Matrix

E-11 631 631

TOPA#1 Material procurment is at times out of the contractors hands if supplies are not sufficiently on hand. This would provide the contractor with a poor rating out of his control.

See Section B.3 and Section C.

and Acceptance

Appendix #1: Task Order

Performance Requirement QUA

Matrix

E-12 631 TOPA#3

In the past, the TOPA#2

(First Article) "Fit and

Finish" inspection acceptance

(Representatives from both lots and 1 representative from

FEMA) differed from the

TOPA#3 (Staging Site) "

Fit and Finish" inspection. How will

Fema achieve continuity with this inspection.

Units approved for " Fit and Finish" at a manufactures facilty in

First Article inspection should not be rejected in the staging lot for "Fit and Finish", particularly when a representative from the staging lot has given the approval to ship the MHU.

See Revised Solicitation

Solicitation: Inspection and Acceptance

Appendix #1: Task Order

Performance Requirement QUA

Matrix

E-13 631 TOPA#5

Should read "All units that fail inspection are returned to FEMA for reinspection and acceptance within 24 business hours"

See Revised Solicitation

Solicitation: Inspection and Acceptance Discrepancy Report (DR) E 631 864 See Item 64

Solicitation: Section E

Appendix 2 E -20 634 14 TOPA Categories See Item 64

Solicitation: Section E

Appendix 2 E -20 634 7 CPA Categories See Item 64

Solicitation: Section E

Appendix 2 E -20 634

"Contract annual scores will be calculated based on a calculation that includes the contract performance areas and the task order scores>"

This is an annual rating

Yes

Solicitation: Section E

Appendix 2 E -20 634

The SOW performance is to manufacture and deliver HUD units to two

(2) delivery points. HUD units are accepted at either the manufacturer's plant prior to shipment on a fixed price basis or at the two (2) delivery points noted in the

DRAFT RFP on a fixed unit price basis by model type.

First Article Inspections will occur at Contractors Factory

(Manufacturing Plant). Acceptance inspections will occur at delivery locations. Same as above

Solicitation: Section E

Appendix 2 E -20 634

Is it FEMA's intent to award a cost type contract rather than a fixed unit price contract?

FEMA intent is to award Fixed Price contracts

Solicitation: Section E

Appendix 2 E -20 634

Will FEMA terminate a contractor when the contractor fails to meet the TOPA & CPA category requirements?

FEMA will take appropriate action to preserve the government's rights

Solicitation: Section E

Appendix 2 E -20 634

Will FEMA terminate a contractor when the contractor fails to meet the production schedule of 150 MHUs per week after the ramp up period of four (4) weeks?

FEMA will take appropriate action to preserve the government's rights

Solicitation: Section E

Appendix 2 E -20 634

If more than one (1) contract is awarded will the other contractor(s) be allowed to re-price their units of one (1) contractor is terminated, either for cause, or for default?

This is a firm fixed price contract with each CLIN being awarded as a

Not to exceed (NTE) item cost. Offerors are able to offer a discount to the government at any time

Solicitation: Section E

Appendix 2 E -20 634

If one (1) contractor is terminated, either for cause or for default, will the remaining contractor(s) have to provide MHUs at their existing unit price?

This is a firm fixed price contract with each CLIN being awarded as a

NTE item cost. Offerors are able to offer a discount to the government at any time

Solicitation: Deliveries or

Performance

F.5.3 Deliverables and

Required Reports Table F-1 900

Does the Quality Control

Form need to be pre-approved?

Yes. See Revised Solicitation

Solicitation: Contract

Clauses

Option to Extend the Term of the Contract I-3 1191 1192

Does the Government have full control and authority to extend the contract regardless if the

Contractor does not wish to extend the contract?

See FAR Subpart 17.2—Options and FAR Clause 52-217-9

Solicitation: Contract

Clauses

First Article Approval -

Government Testing I-9 1301 1303

How will the

Government determine an equitable adjustment of the contract price for any extention of delivery schedule or any additional costs to the

Government related to testing?

See FAR Clause 52.212-4 Contract Terms and

Conditions—Commercial Items.

Solicitation: Contract

Clauses

First Article Approval -

Government Testing I-9 1301 1303

How will the

Government determine an equitable adjustment of the contract price for any extention of delivery schedule or any additional costs to the

Government related to testing?

See FAR Clause 52.212-4 Contract Terms and

Conditions—Commercial Items.

Solicitation: Contract

Clauses Key Personnel or Facilities I -11 1414 1418

Although notification to

FEMA of a Contractor's change in management personnel directly involved with the task order is appropriate, the personnel change should not be governed or dependant upon approval by the

Governments

Contracting Officer approval.

Solicitation: List of

Attachments List of Attachments J-1 1476 1477 14.13

Attachment 3 Indicates the number of pages at

67 for the Rugged Base

Performance

Requirements Matrix.

Why is the quantity of 67 pages listed here?

See Revised Solicitation

Solicitation: Instructions, Conditions and Notices to Offerers

Proposal Submition L-6 2022 2024

The paragraph references FAR part

19.502-4 stating that some of the awards under this solicitation will be set aside for small business. To date the

SBA has not granted any class waivers of the Non-

Manufacturer Rule for

NAICS code 321991 nor has this solicitation indicated that the

Contracting Officer is waiving the non-manufacturer rule for this solicitation.

Offerors bidding as a small business will be required to produce the number of units determined for a small business. Contracts awarded under Small Business reserve will have comply with FAR Subpart FAR

Subpart 19.102(f) "Non Manufacturer Rule"

Solicitation: Instructions, Conditions and Notices to Offerers

Proposal Submition L-6 2036 2076

Section L and M are not symetric. It appears that the evaluation factors have changed from the old draft RFP HSFE70-

13-R-00066 to the new draft proposal HSFE70-

14-R-0005 but the section L stayed the same.

See Revised Solicitation

78 Solicitation: CONUS L-15 2301 2305 Is the Offeror required to offer a CONUS unit?

Either Northern and Southern OR CONUS . See Revised Solicitation

Solicitation: Evaluation

Factors for Award Evaluation Approach M-1 2446 2454

Section L and M are not symetric. It appears that the evaluation factors have changed form the old draft RFP HSFE70-

13-R-00066 to the new draft proposal HSFE70-

14-R-0005 but the section L stayed the same.

See Revised Solicitation

Solicitation: Evaluation

Factors for Award Factors and Subfactors M-3 2520 2523

In reference to the large and small business minimum production capacity and the non-manufacturer rule.

Small business prime's will be required to meet the non-manufacturer rule.

Solicitation: Evaluation

Factors for Award M-4 2520 2523

Minimum Production

Rates will be very dependant upon material availabilty from the

Contractors vendors.

Minimum production levels must be determined at the time the task order is issued.

See Section B.3

Solicitation: Evaluation

Factors for Award

Corporate Qualifications and

Experience M-6 2589 2589

Solicitation Section M

Line 2589 states “In addition, the Offeror shall provide information on their use of the quality control form

(Attachment: )”.The attachment reference is blank and there is not a

“Quality Control

Form”attachment.

See Revised Solicitation

Solicitation: Evaluation

Factors for Award

Corporate Qualifications and

Experience M-6 2594 2623

Does the Government have a rating for past performance already established if the contractor had been given a task order in the past? If so how would the contractor find out his rating?

Refer to CPARS

Solicitation: Evaluation

Factors for Award

Corporate Qualifications and

Experience M-7 2634 2634

Solicitation Section M

Line 2634 seems to be incomplete “2) the contribution, involvement and success of the senior technical and management personnel at their…” the sentence is not completed on the following line.

See Revised Solicitation

Solicitation: Evaluation

Factors for Award M-7 2641 2641

Does the Government expect the Contractor's key personnel to provide resumes to be prequalified and approved thru the

Government?

See Revised Solicitation

Please advise if contractor is permitted one or two reinspections after initial rejections.

88 Attachment 2: SCOPE 2 50 52

FEMA requests the

Contractor to fill out section J: attachment 3 for every shall() and there are 632 (shall#) numbers in the Rugged

Base Performance

Spec. This appears to be a redundant process as most of this information can be found in the submitted specifications or the approved design plan.

Example: All units shall

(1) be built to HUD Code as defined in 24 CFR

3280 & 3282. This is documented by the submitted and approved

DAPIA design. The sink shall (134) include a properly plumbed faucet.

This would have been inspected prior to a HUD label being issued.

Distribution lines shall

(187) comply with HUD code. Again approval is

This approach will facilitate and ensure that all requirements in the solicitation are met .

89 Attachment 2: SCOPE 10 50 7.2

The manufacturer shall(54) provide and install upper and lower cabinets shall(55) be equal to or better than

Kitchen Cabinet

Manufacturers

Association(KCMA) certified cabinets. This is an example of material that could be a long lead time that may prohibit a minimum required production level in 4 weeks. FEMA needs to remember that not only the Contractor but all of their vendors need to be able to meet the timeline you request.

FEMA will accept self certification with appropriate documentation that the requirement is met.

Attachment 2 FRB

Performance

Requirements

Living Room: Furnishing 8 149 6.1

Is the "sofa" mentioned in the second paragraph of this requirement meant to be a "futon" as mentioned in the fourth paragraph of the same requirement?

See Revised Solicitation

Attachment 2 FRB

Performance

Requirements

Kitchen and Dining Room:

Furnishing 9 149 7.1

This requirement states that all furniture should adhere to the national standards of the appropriate furniture industry. Could this standard be further clarified?

Appropriate National Standards include but are not limited to NFPA

Attachment 2 FRB

Performance

Requirements

Plumbing System 20 149 12.1

The home shall be delivered to FEMA with the entire water system drained. However it can be expected, after a proper full-system test, that residual traces of test water may be found in commode bowls and p-traps, etc. Should these items be "winterized" by applying a small amount of antifreeze as a precautionary measure to insurance against freezing in extreme climate conditions?

Performance

Requirements

Water Heater 22 149 12.4

A 40-gallon electric dual-element quick recovery water heater shall be installed. It has been our experience that single-element provide equivalent energy savings for Energy Star rated appliances. May a single-element quick recovery water heater be used in lieu of this requirement?

See Revised Language. Offerors can utilize the Change Request process to submit this type of changes, however, documentation shall be submitted to support that the proposed alternative performance is equivalent than the requirement.

Attachment 2 FRB

Performance

Requirements

Transportation System and

Mainframe 23 149 14.1

Is the Express model, with it's sustantially smaller size and lesser weight, required to meet the same Main Frame design criteria as the other larger units?

(Such as 12" I-beam, double beams in axle area, etc.)

See Attachment 2: Section 5.4

Attachment 2 FRB

Performance

Requirements

Floor Joists 24 149 14.7

Is the Express model, with it's sustantially smaller size and lesser weight, required to meet the same floor joists

(2x8 @ 16" o.c.) design criteria as the other larger units?

See Attachment 2: Section 5.4

Attachment 2 FRB

Performance

Requirements

Exterior Walls 26 149 14.13

Is the Express model, with it's sustantially smaller size and lesser weight, required to meet the same exterior wall

(2x6 @ 16" o.c.) design criteria as the other larger units?

See Attachment 2: Section 5.4

Performance

Requirements

Exterior Walls 26 149 14.13

"Anchoring strap shall be secured to each full length stud…" Does this possibly refer to a 26ga x 1-1/2" strap to secure the wall stud to the joists for uplift or does the government intend that studs next to window/door openings be anchored directly into the ground at these locations?

Yes. See Revised Solicitation

Attachment 2 FRB

Performance

Requirements

Brakes 29 149 15.5

Are all axles required to be brake axles (no

"idler" axles) as implied?

See Revised Solicitation

Attachment 2 FRB

Performance

Requirements

Smoke Alarms 28 149 20.1

Is only one strobe component required for the MHU as a whole, or shall a strobe component be provided for each detector. If only one strobe is acceptable, where would the government wish that the component be placed?

See Revised Solicitation

Attachment 2 FRB

Performance

Requirements

Exterior Door 39 149 21.1

Are the exterior doors required to use passage locks with no key (only key provided will be deadbolt key) as implied?

See Revised Solicitation

Attachment 2 FRB

Performance

Requirements

Exterior Door 39 149 21.1

Both the front and rear doors are required to

"swing out-ward". In the past, FEMA has required at least one door to swing in-ward to avoid the possibility of the door swing becoming obstructed in heavy snow conditions. Please advise.

Performance

Requirements

Transponder Location 41 149 22.3

Is the transponder mount intended to be permanently affixed to the home?

See Revised Solicitation

Attachment 2 FRB

Performance

Requirements

Transponder Location 41 149 22.3

Will the transponder itself be provided by the governement or the contractor?

The Transponder is going to be provided by the government. However, The Transponder is not going to be attached to the unit until government acceptance.

Attachment 2 FRB

Performance

Requirements

Transponder Location 41 149 22.3

Please clarify what is meant by a "special tool" referencing the removal of the transponder from it's mount. Would a common tool, such as a screwdriver, be considered a "special tool" in this context?

See Revised Solicitation

Attachment 2 FRB

Performance

Requirements

Transportation System and

Mainframe 23 149 14.1

Will FEMA reconsider the requirement of 12" I-

Beam on the main frame of the 8.5' wide CONUS unit?

See Attachment 2: Section 5.4

Attachment 2 FRB

Performance

Requirements

Transportation System and

Mainframe 23 149 14.1

Will FEMA reconsider the requirement of 12" I-

Beam being doubled on the main frame in the axel areas of the 8.5' wide CONUS unit?

See Attachment 2: Section 5.4

Attachment 2 FRB

Performance

Requirements

Floor Joists 24 149 14.7

Will FEMA consider the use of SYP in lieu of

SPF for floor joist?

No

Attachment 2 FRB

Performance

Requirements

Building Area Definition 8 149 5.5

Does the over all width measurement include vinyl siding and corner post?

Yes. Only for the Express unit.

Attachment 2 FRB

Performance

Requirements

Walls 32 149 17.2

Will FEMA allow the use of 1/2" gypsum wall covering?

See Attachment 2: Section 5.4

Attachment 2 FRB

Performance

Requirements

Walls 32 149 17.3 Can wood moldings be wrapped?

See Attachment 2: Section 5.4

Attachment 2 FRB

Performance

Requirements

Interior Receptacles 37 149 19.2

Will FEMA reconsider the height requirement for light switch and thermostat placement?

See Attachment 2: Section 5.4

Performance

Requirements

Exterior Walls 26 149 14.13

Will FEMA reconsider and allow 2x4 exterior walls and R-15 wall insulation for the 8.5' wide CONUS unit?

See Attachment 2: Section 5.4

Attachment 2 FRB

Performance

Requirements

Laundry Area: Washer and

Dryer Hookup 14 149 7.6

Will FEMA consider not requiring washer/dryer space in the 8.5' wide

CONUS Unit?

See Attachment 2: Section 5.4

Attachment 2 FRB

Performance

Requirements

Furnishing 15 149 8.1

Is all the furniture required under this section for the master bedroom required in the

8.5' wide CONUS unit?

See Attachment 2: Section 5.4

Attachment 2 FRB

Performance

Requirements

26 149 16.3

Will FEMA reconsider the requirement of painting galvanized metal roof caps?

See Attachment 2: Section 5.4

Attachment 2 FRB

Performance

Requirements

Exterior Width 7 149

Express unit - Exterior width - *Final dimensions shall(22) be proposed by manufacturer, but not be less than eight (8’) and not to exceed eight feet and one half (8.5’)(box width) - There is a concern for transportation safety for a unit that is only 8.5' wide. If HUD requirements are met the unit will be almost

14' tall and only 8.5' wide the unit becomes very top heavy and could easily roll over in transport.

See Attachment 2: Section 5.4

Attachment 2 FRB

Performance

Requirements

Exterior Width 7 149

Express Unit - Exterior

Width...not to exceed eight feet and one half

(8.5’)(box width).

Yes. FEMA refers to "transport width" See Revised

Attachment 2 FRB

Performance

Requirements

Exterior Width 7 149

Express Unit - Exterior

Width...not to exceed eight feet and one half

(8.5’)(box width).

Yes

Performance

Requirements

Exterior Width 7 149

Express Unit - Exterior

Width...not to exceed eight feet and one half

(8.5’)(box width).

Yes

Attachment 2 FRB

Performance

Requirements

Zoning Requirements 6 149 4.3

FEMA "CONUS" Unit shall be able to be deployable in

Contiguous United

States in the USA

See Revised Language

Attachment 2 FRB

Performance Requirements

Uniform Federal Accessability

Standards 5 149 3.1

This section refers to the requirement for "Full

Compliance with UFAS".

UFAS includes a number of requirements for all sorts of disabilities that may not apply to residential or for very special circumstances of disability.

See Revised Solicitation

Attachment 2 FRB

Performance Requirements Express Unit (One Bedroom) 7 149 5.4

Although the Express

Unit will meet the HUD

Code with the details in the Rugged Based document, many of the construction items are not required to meet the

HUD code (I.E 2x6 exterior walls, 2x8 floor joists, etc). What flexibility is there for changing the "over-building" of the units?

See Attachment 2: Section 5.4

Attachment 2 FRB

Performance Requirements Living Room: Furnishing 8 149 6.1

The 2nd paragraph refers to "Sofa" and not a sofa sleeper.In the 4th paragraph it states

"Futon". Please clarify

See Revised Solicitation

Attachment 2 FRB

Performance Requirements Living Room: Furnishing 8 149 6.1

In the 2nd paragraph it also refers to an "Arm

Chair", is there a stated minimum size

There is no stated minimum size, but furniture should be provided for an average sized US Adult.

Performance Requirements Cabinetry 10 149 7.2

KCMA Certified

Cabinets. Is this requirement open for discussion? Certifying a facility to meet the standards or using purchased pre-approved

KCMA cabinetry is time sensitive and expensive.

FEMA will accept self certification with appropriate documentation that the requirement is met.

Attachment 2 FRB

Performance Requirements Kitchen Countertops 11 149 7.3

The written description calls for "Rounded

Edge" countertops, however, the diagram shows 2 different edge treatments. Which is preferred?

No Preference as long as It meets the requirements

Attachment 2 FRB

Performance Requirements Shower and Tub 16 149 9.1.1

Are there preferred locations sizes of the grab bars in the Non-

UFAS Tub/Showers?

Approximately same location as required by UFAS

Attachment 2 FRB

Performance Requirements Commode 16 149 9.1.2

Are there preferred locations sizes of the grab bars in the Non-

UFAS commode areas?

Approximately same location as required by UFAS

Attachment 2 FRB

Performance Requirements Plumbing System 20 149 12.1

The 6th paragraph states " Access panels shall match the wall and finish". Will purchased access panels (usually acrylic) be acceptable althought the color would match, but the finish may not?

Other materials are acceptable as long as it is included in response to

RFP with appropriate documentation and meets HUD requirements

Attachment 2 FRB

Performance Requirements

Water Heater/Furnace

Compartment 22 149 12.3

In the 3rd paragraph it states a light and bulb, although earlier in the document it states "All light fixures to be 2-bulb". Can this fixture be a single bulb type?

Performance Requirements

Water Heater/Furnace

Compartment 22 149 12.3

The 4th paragraph references a special lock and include an example of (e.g. fire spinkler compartment) that is the only reference to a fire sprinkler anywhere in this document and it should be omitted or a better explanation.

See Revised Solicitation

Attachment 2 FRB

Performance Requirements Exterior Walls 26 149 14.13

Paragraph #1 describes the type and gauge of the strap for wall to roof truss connection. In paragraph #2 it goes on to require a 'Hurricane

Strap or Clip". Is this an additional requirement to the strapping to achieve

WZ-III rating?

See Revised Language

Attachment 2 FRB

Performance Requirements Anchor Straps 27 149 14.16

This section describes the required vertical and diagonal straps. Can these straps be shipped loose in each unit or do they need to be attached to the unit for the locations they are needed at?

They can be shipped with each unit. However, they shall be shipped securely so it does not move and cause damage to the MHU during transport.

Attachment 2 FRB

Performance Requirements Walls 32 149 17.2

A level 5 drywall finish is required, but this method of repeated coats of drywall mud to seams and nail heads will add extra days to the drywall finishing process. For units this size a level 4 should be suitable.

Consider this revision.

See Revised Solicitation

Attachment 2 FRB

Performance Requirements Dehumidifier 35 149 18.6

Dehumidifier (if required). We would appreciate more information to determine if a dehumidifier is required.

Offerors choice. FEMA is only adding this option to allow the offeror more options for the CONUS units.

Performance Requirements Transponder Location 41 149 22.3

Is there a preferred standard location for all

Transponders?

See Revised Solicitation

Attachment 2 FRB

Performance

Requirements

Living Room: Furnishing 8 149 6.1

Please clarify definition of rough & tumble usage; or where the definition can be found.

Proposed approach: The furniture shall be called: Furniture Suitable for Every Day Living.

Attachment 2 FRB

Performance

Requirements

Walls 32 149 17.2

Please confirm that

FEMA requires and is willing to pay for Level 5

Drywall finish throughout the manufactured home.

Level 5 Drywall finish is expensive and requires a very high skill level that most manufacturing plant personnel don’t possess. Al Level 5 finish may require the use of a subcontractor to perform.

See Revised Solicitation

Attachment 2 FRB

Performance

Requirements

Exterior Door 39 149 1 21.1 The front door shall swing outward from MH See Revised Solicitation

Attachment 2 FRB

Performance

Requirements

Exterior Door 39 149 21.1 The rear door shall swing outward to MH See Revised Solicitation

Attachment 2 FRB

Performance

Requirements

Exterior Door 39 149 21.1

Contractor shall install weather proof covering on interior swinging door.

See Revised Solicitation

Attachment 2 FRB

Performance

Requirements

Exterior Door 39 149 21.1

Please confirm which door is the "interior swinging door" as both exterior doors are referenced to "swing outward".

See Revised Solicitation

Attachment 2 FRB

Performance

Requirements

Telephone and Cable

Television Outlets 9 149 6.2

Define "Pre-Wired

Television and

Telephone Jack" 6.2

Telephone & Cable TV

Outlets

That all outlets cable and telephone jacks are wired to the cable/telephone junction boxes. Previous experience, FEMA found even that the cable/telephone outlets exist, they didn’t have the internal cabling.

Performance

Requirements

Exterior Walls 26 149 14.13

"Ice and Water Shield is a peel and stick product." Our question,can approved

Ice Dam materials be used other than peel and stick?

Yes. If approved by the DAPIA.

Attachment 2 FRB

Performance

Requirements

Interior Receptacles 37 149 19.2

"Units shall be equippedwith a side by side electric washer and dryer hook up." Does this requirement apply to the Express Unit?

See Revised Solicitation

Attachment 2 FRB

Performance

Requirements

Exterior Receptacles 37 149 19.3

RBPR states "All

Northern and "CONUS"

Units shall (458) have one weatherproof outdoor duplex receptable ----- No less than 3 duplex outlets shall be available under the unit and within 2 feet of the water pipe inlet."

Three duplex receptacles would permit six possible connections.

Do you really want 6 connections (3 duplex receptacles) or just 3 connections?

Yes. FEMA requires 3 duplex receptacles to allow for 6 connections.

Performance

Requirements

MHU Tasc Order Options 53 152 O1.6

RBPR requires Shrink

Wrap to have Passive ventilation and Active

Ventilation. Passive

Ventilation - 2 on each long side, 1 on each short side. Active

Ventilation - 2 on each long side. Accordingly this is 6 passive vents and 2 active vents. The requirement states that all passive vents should be below below any proud object. (e.g.

HVAV). Please clarify definition of "proud" and if "proud" should be protruding. Also please clarify intent of statement that all passive vents should be placed below any proud object as we cannot identify 5 more protruding objects (other than HVAC) located on the units.

See Revised Solicitation

Attachment 2 FRB

Performance

Requirements

There are 686

Numbered "Shalls".

There has to be a better way to assure that manufacturers comply with the requirements.

This approach will facilitate and ensure that all requirements in the solicitation are met .