Answers to Questions for 2 bedroom Park Model.doc

Questions and Answers to Solicitation HSFEHQ-08-R-0078

1. Will the vendor/manufacturer provide the third part for the air quality test?

Answer: The vendor is required to get third party.

2. During the first 7 days of the test can we go in/out of the unit to install furniture, a/c units, minor repairs, etc.?

Answer: No. During the first 7 days or the second set, no work is to be done on unit.

3. Can the unit be built to HUD code instead of ANSI?

Answer: The unit will need to meet/exceed the specification; building to HUD code is ok.

4. Can you give me more detail on the a/c unit needed? ex. split unit Answer: A/c unit type is up to provider as long as it meets the specification. In this case, will meet HUD code.

5. Does the testing have to be performed at the manufacturing plant?

Answer: The unit will not be accepted until it is tested. They can bring units to a location for testing, but they are responsible for damage.

6. Can paper gypsum be used in place of the vinyl gypsum?

Answer: they will have to demonstrate how paper vinyl meets/exceeds the specifications in the solicitation within their proposal.

7. Would FEMA prefer finished drywall in place of paper covered wall boards?

Answer: This is up to provider.

8. Is there a minimum SEER rating for the air conditioning equipment?

Answer: 13

9. Sidewalls connected to each outrigger with 5/16”x6-1/2” lags – Does this mean that at each outrigger location we need to fasten the exterior wall to the floor framing with a 6-1/2” lag. The lag is not long enough to extend down through the floor and the outrigger. Answer: Please propose how you plan to construct the sidewalls in proposal.

10. Floor decking calls for 23/32” plywood at one location and 5/8” plywood at another. Is the 5/8” plywood used on the underside of floor framing in place of or in addition to traditional bottom board?

Answer: In addition to but can propose another way.

11. In the floor and ceiling section it calls for fastening the 5/8” plywood to the frame with screws at 5” O.C.? Does the reference to frame mean the floor frame or the steel frame, plus is there a size of screw specified?

Answer: No size of screw is specified. Can be either, floor or frame.

12. Outrigger spacing from 9” to 24” O.C.! Is this correct and is it explained this way to cover all combinations of outrigger spacing’s (I.E. some at 16” and some at 24” in the same unit).

Answer: As long as spacing is between 9-24”, it will be ok.

13. On the Hurricane straps we assume the full wrap means one continuous strap that runs over the entire home without splicing? It also mentions diagonal straps, but does not specify spacing or quantities?

Answer: Strapping shall comply with RPTIA. .6 ounces is required. Please propose how you will meet this requirement.

14. We notice this specifications call out for a “roll-in shower”, but does not discuss roll under countertops at the kitchen sink for handicap access. Is the roll-in shower the only handicap access provision in this specification?

Answer: These units are regular park models but we are requesting a “roll in shower”

15. We assume since this is technically a Park Model that only a RPTIA certifying label is required! Do we assume right?

Answer: That is ok.

16. Air Quality testing procedures will create a hardship on any participating manufacturers from producing homes in an expeditious manner. If all units require a 15 day testing program, this will greatly reduce the amount of homes which can be produced to meet a desired need in time of emergency. In addition, the ambient air level of 16 parts per billion will be very hard to meet considering that the home may meet the standard, but the packaging of the furniture may increase the free air formaldehyde levels. The specification requires each home to be tested with the shipped loose furniture still boxed and wrapped for shipment.

Answer: Units cannot be accepted without testing. Specifications advise use of material, which reduces formaldehyde emissions.

17. We currently operate 3 manufacturing facilities (2 in Texas and one in Alabama). Can we place our bid as Oak Creek Homes with a single quotation, but produce the homes from all 3 factories.

Answer: Yes

18. While these are not labeled as UFAS compliant units, the procurement specifications are very close to the specifications for the UFAS compliant rugged park model. Please confirm that these units are not required to be UFAS compliant.

Answer: Regular units with some recommendations.

19. Roof Trusses: Are the roof trusses to be built to wind zone 3 standards?

Answer: Use this as guidance.

20. Shower: What is the minimum size shower requested in this unit?

Answer: 30x60 as written in specification.

21. Pocket door hardware: Are pocket doors required inside the unit or are swing interior doors permitted as long as the manufacturer provides a 32" opening?

Answer: Either

22. Indoor air quality testing: Is the manufacturer required to contract with the independent IH to perform the IAQ test on the unit and accordingly pay for the indoor air quality testing or will the government be contracting directly for the IAQ testing?

Answer: The manufacturer is responsible for this.

23. We would like to know if the government will be the party responsible to attain the IAQ testing services and pay for the costs incurred for the necessary testing of the units? If not, is there a list of those technicians or firms already approved by the government to complete such tests.

Answer: The contractor is responsible for coordinating inspections with a third party who must be certified by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA). The contractor will be able to submit invoices for testing expenses. At this time, there is no list of accepted technicians of firms approved to conduct testing. In addition, the cost of testing is part of the proposal.

24. Is there a floor plan that is available rather than just the verbiage used to describe the layout?

Answer: No floor plan is available.

25. A/C will be tested at Plant but can only be installed on site. I assume FEMA will provide installation. Please correct of otherwise.

Answer: The A/C will need to connected to conduct the IAQ testing before acceptance.

26. Bedroom size, if equivalent to HUD Zone 3, and total 399 sq. ft., can be approx. 11' x 7' Exterior (not Interior) dimensions. Please advise if must be otherwise.

Answer: Please submit your design of the unit, with size dimensions, with proposal.

27. Is this project to be premanufactured/ modular built?

Answer: Should be in compliance with RPTIA but can submit something which they feel exceeds this requirement.