FAQ - Selma THU.docx

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will there be additional days added if weather prevents outside work? Any written request on this subject by the contractor that the Contracting Officer will be considered.

2. Can existing FEMA warehouse space be used if bad weather? If so how many THU's can fit in warehouse? Please see the statement of work regarding the note under “Place of Performance” which states: “Note: FEMA anticipates that the contractor will work outside in the open air to perform the tasks required under this contract. FEMA does have a facility that can accommodate up to 8 park models at a time inside. The contractor may bring a temporary structure on to FEMA property to provide additional enclosed space. The location and type of temporary structure will need to be approved in advance by the FEMA Selma THSS Site Manager.”

3. Who makes the determination of what plywood needs to be replaced? The FEMA Site Manager will make the determination.

4. Once units are accepted, is contractor released from liability if future problems occur? The contractor shall state the length of their commercial warranty in their Statement of Capabilities.

5. There are existing holes in vinyl; will those holes need to be caulked? The existing holes will need to be caulked or the vinyl will need to be replaced in order to have the THU function as intended. FEMA would not want the contractor to repair the plywood and leave then leave the new plywood exposed through a defect in the vinyl such as a whole.

6. What are consequences for not completing work within outlined time frame? Please see the liquidated damages clause included in the solicitation. Additionally Performance is always included in the contractor’s review after the Contract closes

7. What will inspection process be? FEMA will provide an inspector to work full time with the contractor. The inspector shall be available to make decisions on the spot.

8. How many FEMA inspectors? Based on the level of effort FEMA anticipates that a single inspector will be able to provide adequate coverage. Based on staffing requirements for FEMA’s other mission additional staff will be available to assist the primary inspector. If inspection becomes an issue the contractor shall notify the contracting officer as soon as they become aware of the issue.

9. Can we expect quick response as not to slow down process? See the answer to question 8

10. What is the standard for reusable vinyl siding and who makes that decision? The government will allow the contractor to make the decision on what vinyl to reuse until and unless there is an issue with the decisions that the contractor makes. FEMA is allowing the contractor to reuse vinyl to help keep the cost of the program down, however the contractor shall keep in mind that the THUs shall look like they are in new, stored condition after the process is complete and vinyl shall not be damaged or bent after being reinstalled.

11. What if there is floor damage as a result of the sidewall water intrusion? Are we expected to correct that as well or will a change order be allowed? There is no way to tell if there is possible damage until the vinyl is removed. This could be extensive if there is a major problem. If there is damage that of this nature then the contractor shall notify the inspector and FEMA will determine if work shall continue on the THU or the THU will be declared in such condition that the THU is not repairable or that addition work is authorized to complete the repairs.

12. What if there is floor damage as a result of the sidewall water intrusion? Are we expected to correct that as well or will a change order be allowed? There is no way to tell if there is possible damage until the vinyl is removed. This could be extensive if there is a major problem. Question for the Program Office

13. Will the CO authorize contractor to invoice weekly? No, payment will be the standard Net 30.

14. Due to the quantity of units and speed with which FEMA seeks the repairs to be completed, does FEMA agree to Fast Payment Procedures authorized under Far 52:213-1 Fast Payment Procedures? No. Fast Payment Procedures apply under FAR Part 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures (which we are not using) and they apply only to supplies (this has been determined to be a services contract)

15. The units we inspected have some discoloration in the sheathing under the vinyl siding. Some of the discolored sheathing is not delaminating and therefore may not need replacement. Will FEMA have an inspector on site to direct the contractor to remove and replace specific sheathing and insulation, or will that decision be made by the contractor? Question for the Program Office

16. The Statement of Objectives states that the contractor will be expected to provide equipment to move the units in the form of a truck or tractor. The purpose of this question is to determine the equipment needs associated with the project. FEMA staging yard personnel stated that he was unclear as to exactly what movements of units the contractor will be expected to perform and what movements will FEMA staging yard personnel perform. Can you please provide clarification and direction as to what movement of housing units the contractor will be responsible for?

17. Will the contractor be permitted to have solid waste dumpsters dropped in the work area and serviced weekly for the contractor to place the damaged sheathing, insulation, and other waste?

Yes, the contractor is responsible for the removal of all the waste they create.

18. Due to the quick response required and in an effort to determine the number of mattresses and other fabric items needed, does the government have an estimate of the number of units that it will require Clean and Recondition for Reuse?

19. House Wrap is utilized for wrapping the vertical walls of a structure whereas Ice/Water Shield is used for Roof structures, roof valleys, flashings, roof protusions such as vent pipes etc.

a) Is it the intention for the contractor to install Ice/Water Shield on the roofing structure items?

Question for the Program Office

b) Is the contractor required to perform any work on the roof or roofing components?

Question for the Program Office

20. SOW Section 2.1 line 7 of the repair procedure process outlined describes "installing the wrap into all openings including windows, doors, lights, vents, etc" This will involve removal on the doors, windows, lights, vents, etc to accomplish this work. Is this the intention of the SOW and has this been considered in the production targets reflected in the SOW?

Question for the Program Office

21. What will be the process each morning to get all personal onto the site and what is the estimated time per vehicle to get them through this process? When we visited the site it took approx. 5-10 minutes/car.

Our concern is that we will have a large number of crews in order to meet the time line and there will be an extended wait time with a large number of people coming on site at the same time.

Question for the Program Office