Questions and Answers 4.doc

Question: I work for a manufactured Home builder - New River Homes. I have a question concerning the specifications for the rugged manufactured home southern unit. Page 20 stated that the contractor must have the capability to build 125 units per week, no exceptions. Is it permissible for two more companies to work together to meet the 125 units per week requirement?

Answer: Yes as long as they can adequately demonstrate this approach can be met using a partnership.

Question: The manufacturer has inquired as to the answer given regarding walls and the exception that allows commercial grade sheet rock. The commercial grade sheet rock that has been used in past products does have paper but only on one side. This is so that the sheet rock tape has a similar surface to adhere to. We are able to get third party IH approval and can submit an MSDS sheet. Is the manufacturer allowed to use this commercial grade sheet rock with the paper only on one side as this is the normal process that covers up the seams?

Answer: Submit this approach and demonstrate it meets our specifications.

Question: Page 3 of the Park Model specifications states “No Lofts/Slide Outs.” Can you please clarify the intent of this statement? Our unit is basically 1 large slide out, but does not exceed the maximum 399.99sf when fully opened. Is this acceptable?

Answer: Slide outs and Lofts are not acceptable.

Question: Is there a definition for Slide Outs that I can refer too?

Answer: The unit shall not be able to expand or extract using a slide out or similar approach. The unit shall be a fixed configuration from the onset of construction. Other words cannot be "opened". The width, length, height of the unit shall be the same as it was when the unit was delivered. Please verify you have a fixed box that cannot expand/extract/open.

Question: Is this also true for the 3 bedroom model?

Answer: Yes

Question: have some questions about the water supply lines. Please refer to page 10 - Drainage system. Do the water lines have to be above the floor and are not allowed below the floor? Do the water lines have to be run inside of the walls or can they be run along the walls? If it is okay to run the water lines along the walls is it a way that they need to be covered?

Answer: Water lines shall be installed below the finish floor. Water lines shall be inside the walls, not on the outside.

Question: I see Q&A’s posted but don’t see anything reference the appropriate standard for fire retardancy on the insulation. Could you please let us know what standard is being used to determine whether an insulation is fire retardant? We need this in order to ensure the insulation we use meets this requirement because there is a difference between resistance and retardant.

Answer: Certified letter from vendor stating the product is fire retardant, based on industry code, will be accepted Pre- Solicitation #0073 Two-Bedroom Park Model Questions

Question: Frame - Solicitation states that outriggers to be lagged and 5/16” x 6-1/2” bolts. Which is it?

Answer: If bolts are used, they shall be what is stated in the SOW.

Question: Will FEMA consider time lag for vendors to gear up to meet production needs?

Answer: All orders shall be delivered as stated by each task order, no exceptions.

Question : Final Inspection & Acceptance:

Final Acceptance by FEMA at destination –

a. Will FEMA complete their acceptance within a maximum of 48 hours after unit is PDI ready? yes

b. If not, will FEMA accept additional charges for failure to do so? Depends on situation.

Question: Will there be an absolute payment time frame set forth by FEMA after the date of accepting the unit?

Answer: This is stated in the contract, 30 days

If so, will it be in the contract award information? yes

Question: Under “floor decking”, states min. 23/32” Plywood thick panels, but under “floor & ceiling” states 5/8” tongue & groove plywood. Which is correct?

Answer: 23/32 for Flooring

Question: Under “plumbing controls and faucet assemblies” states, all faucet assemblies shall be of the dual shutoff valve type.

Answer: Must comply with relevant provisions of UFAS 4.16 to 4.24 and 4.27.

Question: Can single lever faucets that comply be used?

Answer: Please submit your design approach with your proposal and clearly identify how it will meet the SOW.

Question: Under “axles” & “Tires and rims” states, must meet commercial grade quality, but does not say must be new. Can recycled axles and tires that are “commercial grade quality” be used?

Answer: yes

Question: We would like some direction concerning IAQ testing. Some contractors have been testing indoors. In the past, we have tested our units outdoors due to the natural levels of exterior formaldehyde. What is FEMA’s position on indoor vs. outdoor IAQ testing?

Answer: Please submit your design approach with your proposal and clearly identify how it will meet the SOW. Both are acceptable locations.

Question: Procurement specifications state that exterior widths should be a minimum of 8’ and a minimum 32’ exterior length. In order to comply with RPTIA guidelines, a true park model should fall between a minimum of 320 s.f. to 399 s.f. In order to achieve RPTIA compliance, it would require that the interior box dimension of the unit to be 8’ wide by 40’ long and thus an overall length of 44’ including hitch. Is it your intention to procure the 8’ wide by 44’ overall or is it your intension to procure a traditional park model that is 11’ to 12’ wide?

Answer: the stated values in the SOW are minimums, any combinations resulting in 320 to less than 400 sq ft will be considered. Please submit your design approach with your proposal and clearly identify how it will meet the SOW.

Questions: Unit specifications state that units could be occupied in the field for a period of as much as 18 months. Are we to understand that the minimum warranty period shall be 18 months or is there a specific requirement for warranty duration?

Answer: Please submit your design approach with your proposal and clearly identify how it will meet the SOW.

Question: Will there be adjustments made in the price evaluation for units that are bigger than the minimum 320 s.f. (i.e. If a floor plan of 399 s.f. is submitted, will FEMA provide a price off-set against units that are only 320 s.f.)?

Answer: This will be especially appropriate for the UFAS compliant two-bedroom park models. Please submit your design approach with your proposal and clearly identify how it will meet the SOW. We will evaluate all factors.

Question: We have noticed an additional item that needs to be clarified please. Under Air Conditioner, it states that it needs automatic settings from heat/cool. This was not required under your last solicitation. Will they be required to switch automatically from a/c to heat with temperature fluctuations?

Answer: yes Question: Under FEMA acceptance, specifically PDI, it would appear that you require the PDI process prior to the IAQ testing. Typically, a QA and final manufacturer’s inspection is performed prior to the IAQ testing. The PDI process should occur at the final staging area. This is due to the fact that some damage can occur during the transit of the unit from the factory to FEMA’s designated staging area. We recommend the actual PDI process be performed after transit, not prior to. The PDI process should occur just prior to Item #4, Final Inspection and Acceptance. Please clarify as to your actual expectations.

Answer: We will inspect prior to delivery and after delivery for gov’acceptnance Question: Under the specifications, dining room table states a requirement for seating 4 people. The next item under bedrooms, it requires the unit be able to sleep 4-6 people. Does FEMA desire the prospective vendor show the ability to seat an additional 2 members and how that would be accomplished?

Answer: The model is required to seat the appropriate size of the unit make-up. Please submit your design approach with your proposal and clearly identify how it will meet the SOW.

Question: Under the microwave requirement it states that a 1.2 c.f. microwave is the minimum acceptable size. It goes on to state that a 2 c.f. convection oven can be utilized in lieu of a traditional oven. Can we imply from this that a 2 c.f. combination microwave/oven is acceptable?

Answer: yes Question:

Would we use basically the same print that we built your first unit off of since the solicitation seems to spell it out as basically the same unit?

Answer:

Changes have been incorporated. Please submit your design approach with your proposal and clearly identify how it will meet the SOW.

Question: Floor decking: can we use 8' wide OSB floor decking which is still 3/4" thick but full width of the home and would be laid parallel to floor joist?.

Answer: Please submit your design approach with your proposal and clearly identify how it will meet the SOW.

Question: Plumbing system: can we use brass connections hooked to brass fixtures or stems on lavs & kitchen sink & shower and tub fixtures?

We were allowed to do this last time but there was much confusion so we would just like clarification.

Answer:

Please submit your design approach with your proposal and clearly identify how it will meet the SOW.

Question:

Shower: can we use the 35" x 62" roll in shower as we did before? We could not find a roll in shower less than 35" deep.

Answer:

Please submit your design approach with your proposal and clearly identify how it will meet the SOW.

Question: Exterior water heater access door: The most recent FEMA project officer required water heater access doors to be on the interior due to mold problems associated with exterior access doors. Do they want an exterior water heater door or an interior access panel? Please clarify.

Answer: Please submit your design approach with your proposal and clearly identify how it will meet the SOW.

Question: Roof coverings: the specs call for non-rust rain channels. Will they require them this time?

Answer: required Question: Anchor straps: can we use the BP-10 tie down straps as before in lieu of anchor straps?

Answer:

no Question: Furnace: will it be possible to use both the Marvaire and the Bard furnace/air as long as they meet the specs? Supplies could be a problem.

Answer: Please submit your design approach with your proposal and clearly identify how it will meet the SOW.

Question:

Electrical system: calls for trip indicators on breakers. Is this going to be r required or will the switch being in the tripped position be good enough?

Answer:

This will be required Question:

Service entrance junction box: can this box be heavy duty plastic as before? Specs call for metal.

Answer:

No plastic is allowed

Question:

Range: Just need to clarify that ranges will need an indicator light. We don't believe the last batch called for this.

Answer:

Yes, light is required Question: Furnishings: will mattresses be required to have plastic off or can it remain on for sanitary reasons?

Answer:

Off for testing, on for transport

Questions:

Windows (Egress windows): calls for minimum size to be approximately 30" x 54". I believe the minimum size has to be at least 36" x 56" to meet Egress standard. Also the mini blinds are no longer child resistant. If this is required we will search for child resistant blinds. Please clarify.

Answer: Child Resistant blinds are required.