HSFEHQ-12-R-0002_Attach7.docx

Responses to Vendor Questions from Draft Solicitation HSFEHQ-12-R-0002

Q4. Can the house be transported in the trailer and then assembled on site?

A4. All units procured by FEMA as part of this requirement are required to meet 24 CFR 3280 the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards.

Q5. Item 128 – All corners shall be reinforced metal. Can we use wood molding to reinforce our corners on our painted wall application in lieu of metal corners?

A5. See Final Solicitation

Q6. Item 139 – While the use of in swing exterior doors may help in entering the homes, the use of an out swing exterior door will help minimize the size of the floor plan and would seem to help minimize water leakage. May we substitute out swing exterior doors to help provide the smallest footprint possible while meeting UFAS requirements?

A6. Places manufactured homes used as temporary housing units (THU) in variety of climate conditions. While the Agency agrees that having both doors swing out would allow for a smaller foot print manufactured home the Agency has experience THU occupants having difficulty exiting their THU after a large snow fall which has caused doors that swing out to be blocked.

Q7. Page C 4 states “The Contractor will have 3 weeks to ramp up to full minimum production rate.” Is this “Ramp up” phase subsequent to the process for First Article Approval noted in section E if that option is chosen?

A7. Ramp up time is to produce the first article. If FEMA chooses to exercise its right to first article testing then once the first article is approved production should commence immediately.

Q8. Section F 1 – Liquidated Damages – Is there a list of excusable delays?

A8. Delays will be judged individually. There is no list of excusable delays nor is there a list of circumstances where this clause will be invoked.

Q9. Section F-1 - Are liquated damages only taken as a deduction from payment of an invoice or do the charges become payable by the contractor even if a home is never accepted by FEMA?

A9. YES

Q10. Please clarify the requirement. Is the subcontracting goal 45 % total small business, or 58 % to also include; Total Small Disadvantaged Businesses, Woman-owned Small Businesses; Service Disabled Veterans and Historically Underutilized Empowerment Zone Small Businesses?

A10. Per Section H.13 of the solicitation, the subcontracting goal is 45% of which 16% of it is to include: Total Small Disadvantaged Businesses, Woman-owned Small Businesses; Service Disabled Veterans and Historically Underutilized Empowerment Zone Small Businesses.

Q.11. Could FEMA provide a clarification of what the Contractor and Government obligations are under this order limitation?

A.11. per Section I.6 of the solicitation, FEMA will issue delivery orders requiring the contractor to deliver a specific number of units, in a specific amount of time, delivered to a specific location.

Q.12. Is FEMA requesting elevations or a top view of the home in 3D?

A.12. per Section L.6 of the solicitation FEMA is requesting that a fully rendered plan be provided in AutoCAD so that the agency can use AutoCAD software to view, the manufactured home, and conduct independent measurements.

Q13. Is FEMA’s intent for optional shrink wrap to protect the home from the elements in storage?

A.13. YES

Q14. Will this require 100% cemented underlayment to the roof deck?

A.14. per 24 CFR 3280, FEMA’s requirements indicate cemented underlayment at all roof penetrations.

Q15. This requirement specifies a minimum of a 20 Mil thickness. Will multiple layers of bottom board be allowed to meet this requirement?

A.15. Venders will need to propose a method for meeting the requirements as stated in 24 CFR 3280.

Q16. This paragraph calls for Type L Copper from the distribution lines to the fixture. Please clarify this requirement. Does this represent type L copper from the faucet, usually 6” of copper with a brass male pipe tread fitting, which the Pex water line is attached?

A.16. See Final Solicitation Q17. Are HVAC return air grilles to be installed in the door or above the door?

A17. See Final Solicitation

Q18. This manual is required in PDF and MS Word with all drawings included as editable files.

Is it required to be provided in MS Word and if so, why should the drawings be editable?

Would it be acceptable to give FEMA access to our DAPIA through our third party inspection agency website which includes the Installation Manual?

A18. FEMA requires that they have the documentation outlined in order to ensure that the Agency can provide it to the appropriate parties including the Agency’s installation contractors and others.

Q19. Item #39 states “All faucets in the home shall include secondary shut‐off Valves”. Faucets for the shower or tub/shower and clothes washers to not have Accessible lines for shut‐off valves. Are they exempt from shutoff valves other than the main shutoff valve to the home?

A19. Yes, they are exempt

Q20. Will the use of radiant barrier decking only be considered as the sole element to satisfy this requirement.

A20. As stated earlier, vendors may propose substitutions following the procedure outlined in the statement of work.

Q21. Are frame clips that are not welded to the I‐beams approved if the placement is staggered each side of each I‐beam.

A21. As stated earlier, vendors may propose substitutions following the procedure outlined in the statement of work.

Q22. Page 7 of 41: “The serial number shall be painted with rust resistant black paint” The serial number is traditionally painted on the front cross‐member which is also painted black. Should the serial number be painted black on the draw bar or should the serial number be white on the front cross‐member?

A22. This item will be changed to be consistent with Item number

Q23. Where will the pressure tests be conducted? At the manufacturing facility or at the destination?

A23. See Final Solicitation

Q24. The 3 bedroom unit calls for a minimum of 5 axles. Does that include the extra axle requirement?

A24. FEMA has stated that a 3 bedroom manufactured home shall have a minimum of 5 axels. If the vendor can demonstrate that 5 axels meet all other requirements including the requirement of an extra axel then yes if not then no.

Q25. Are split furnace/AC units acceptable as long as the AC compressor is mounted on the front draw bar or on an extended framed on the rear of the home at the factory?

A25. Venders will need to propose a method for meeting the requirements Q26. It states that one exterior door must swing in and one door swing outward. This will create two different door designs. Can both doors be the same?

A26. FEMA places manufactured homes used as temporary housing units (THU) in variety of climate conditions. While the Agency agrees that having both doors swing out would allow for a smaller foot print manufactured home the Agency has experience THU occupants having difficulty exiting their THU after a large snow fall which has caused doors that swing out to be blocked.

Q27. Will FEMA consider approving small manufacturers to invoice weekly?

A27. No, FEMA will allow small businesses to invoice twice per month.

Q28. Throughout the Rugged Base Performance Requirements a 3/8” sheathing is listed as the minimum required sheathing. 3/8” minimum sheathing is not optimal due to the potential for warpage. Based on past performance 7/16” should be the required minimum.

Does FEMA require 3/8” as the minimum sheathing thickness?

A28. See Final Solicitation

Q29. It may be difficult to design UFAS units to the Rugged Base Requirements that fall within the maximum square footage given. Do the stated square footage requirements also apply to the One, Two, and Three Bedroom UFAS units?

A29. See Final Solicitation

Q30. Does the light grey color requirement include all exterior soffit, trim and J-block as well?

It is significantly easier to obtain white for these items then it is to obtain grey. Would having grey siding and corners and white soffit, trim and J-block be acceptable?

A30. If you are unable to color match the items you have identified please provide an alternative as part of your proposal.

Q31. Item #050 says “The outrigger shall terminate flush with the perimeter floor joist”. The industry standard for outrigger mounting tolerance is +/- 3/8” from the perimeter floor joist, this is because heat from the welding causes oil canning (The I-Beam to move back and forth). Is the industry standard of a 3/8” tolerance acceptable?

A31. Yes, Industry standards are acceptable

Q32. Item #052 requires cross members within 3” of each outrigger, does this include the additional outriggers to be supplied in the axle area as is listed in item #050? This would add additional cross members over and above the standard 48” on center.

A32. See Final Solicitation

Q33. It states “The floor decking shall be composed of 4’ x 8’ x ¾” (23/32) minimum thick plywood”. Is 4’x8’x3/4” Tongue and Groove OSB allowed as the sheathing material?

A33. See Final Solicitation

Q34. Would Aluminum Caps be an acceptable alternative to Galvanized Caps?

A34. No, Aluminum is not an acceptable alternative to Galvanized Caps

Q35. Shingle manufacturers require a drip edge as per their installation instructions, installing a rain gutter would likely cause ice buildup underneath the shingles in the Northern units. Are rain gutters a requirement on units with a drip edge?

A35. See Final Solicitation

Q36. Past experience has demonstrated that shipping the unit with the damper in the fully closed position is not the best practice. If the unit is ran without correcting the damper position the air quality and HVAC performance would suffer and would violate Federal Standard 3280.103(B) regarding the required Whole House Ventilation System. Is shipping the units with the damper in the closed position a mandatory requirement?

A36. If dampers need to be repositioned then the manufactured home vendor needs to include that as part of the installation instructions

Q37. It may be against Federal Standards 3280.203(b)(3) (Flame Spread) and 3280.203 (c)(1)(iii) (Combustibility) to have a light in the water heater compartment. We recommend placing a light just outside of the compartment instead.

A37. See Final Solicitation

Q38. Can the required security light be white (assuming Item #3 is accepted and white soffit and trim is allowed).

A38. There is no color requirement in this section. FEMA would be willing to review any potential vendor’s proposal for specific requirements.

Q39. On the northern specific requirements it lists two additional receptacles are to be added under the unit in the plumbing area. Are these two additional receptacles to be utilized as heat tape connections and not ground fault interrupt protected?

A39. See Final Solicitation

Q40. When it states “The bathroom and washer and dryer shall be located within the same area of the home and back-to-back to the kitchen and water heater”, the statement is not clear about its actual meaning. Does it mean that the bathroom and kitchen must share the same plumbing wall? If so is this mandatory?

A40. The requirements do not specify that the two functions must share common plumbing only that they should be located in proximity to each other. FEMA will review this requirement and make any changes deemed appropriate in the final revision of the requirements.

Q41. The general requirements (not in the UFAS specific section) list that “Hot water and drain pipes must be insulated to protect against contact. Also there shall be no sharp or abrasive surfaces underneath”. This is a UFAS specific requirement and in Attachment 3 The Manufactured Home Inspection Checklist it only states this in the UFAS specific section. Does FEMA intend to extend this requirement to all units or just UFAS units?

A41. See Final Solicitation

Q42. Paragraphs 1 and 2 in the UFAS specific requirements in this section contradict each other on the location of the folding seat. Which is the preferred and required seat location?

A42. See Final Solicitation

Q43. Would a stackable washer/dryer setup of the appropriate width and height be acceptable in a Non UFAS unit?

A43. See Final Solicitation

Q44. An interior locking door on the water heater compartment may be interpreted as a code violation, as per the accessibility requirements of the Federal Standards 3280.607(b) and

3280.602. Do you want an interior locking door on the water heater compartment?

A44. See Final Solicitation

Q45. The 1st paragraph lists that “Range/oven controls shall be located so that the user does not have to reach across burners to use the range/oven”. However in the second part for UFAS specific requirements it lists the same thing. Attachment 3 (The Manufactured Home Inspection Checklist) lists this requirement only under the UFAS specific requirements. Does FEMA intend to extend this requirement to all units or just UFAS units?

A45. See Final Solicitation

Q46. Would a round table with folding extensions and the same total area of the required 3’x5’ table (15 square feet) be an acceptable alternative? Also would folding extensions be allowed on the rectangular table as well.

A46. See Final Solicitation

Q47. Is the metal corner bead required on units even if they have full trim molding on all inside edges and corners? If so, is it required on exterior edges only or interior corners as well? Also would a suitable trim that covers the beading in its entirety be accepted as an alternative to covering it with joint compound?

A47. See Final Solicitation

Q48. Within the “enclosed closet space”, is a door required?

A48. See Final Solicitation

Q49. Would a glazed view panel be acceptable in the exterior doors instead of two peepholes?

If not, is the peephole at the bottom of the door required in the Non UFAS unit as well as the UFAS unit?

A49. See Final Solicitation

Q50.Can the interior doors be undercut (at the top), to facilitate return air circulation?

A50. No, Interior doors cannot be undercut to facilitate return air circulation

Q51. Would pull down Bi-fold night shades be acceptable as an alternative window blind?

A51. See Final Solicitation

Q52. Will you define “Major Systems” so that we know what the base requirements are for contact and manufacturer information?

A52. See Final Solicitation

Q53. It is not appropriate to release editable copies of our installation and storage manuals.

Changes to these manuals should be performed by the manufacturing company and comply with the DAPIA approved installation and storage instructions. Are editable copies of the installation and storage manuals required?

A53. Yes

Q54. Do you expect the manufacturer to place a unit with full shrink wrap under warranty?

A54. See Final Solicitation

Q55. Is it required that the storage tank and water pump be provided inside of the unit by the manufacturer?

A55. YES

Paragraph 119 – Bedrooms – There needs to be either 32” or 36” on at least one open-access on one of the long sides of the bed.

Which is it? 32” or 36”?

See Final Solicitation

Paragraph 142 – Bedrooms – The minimum window size will be approximately 30” x 54”

Paragraph 084 – The air conditioner must be the type that is installed on the side of the home.

Do end walls qualify as “Side of Home”?

See Final Solicitation

Paragraph 110 & 111 – Water Heater Door – Will there be two doors to the water heater compartment, one inside and one outside?

See Final Solicitation

Paragraph 139 – Exterior Door – Can we use an in-swinging door with an out-swinging storm door to meet the requirement for the weather proof covering on the in-swinging door?

See Final Solicitation

Q56. What do the letters “ITMUS” stand for?

A56. ITMUS stands for interim temporary housing manufactured unit supply and is how FEMA identifies the contract when speaking internally.

Q57. Will small business contractors that cannot meet this requirement be considered favorably for award of this contract?

A57. No

Q58. Is the requirement “pass/fail?”

A58. Yes

Q59. The stated subcontracting goal is 45% - is this a goal or a requirement for offerors?

A59. Requirement

Q60. Would the government consider reducing the subcontracting goal to 10%?

A60. No

Q61. How will the subcontracting plan be evaluated?

A61. See Section M of the Solicitation

Q62. How much weight is given to the subcontracting plan?

A62. See Section M of the Solicitation

Q63. Is the subcontracting plan in fact not included as an evaluation factor toward award?

A63. Subcontracting plan evaluation factors will be included in Final Solicitation

Q64. Does 3D model require complete walk-through capability?

A64. Yes

Q65. Does the 3D model only need to include the exterior of home since we’re providing elevations & detailed dimensioning of cabinets and furniture layouts?

A65. Yes

Q66. Please clarify the evaluation process which will be used to determine the contract award.

Please clarify the term of the contract.

Will the contract permit an economic price adjustment in accordance with FAR §16.203 Will award be made to the technically acceptable offeror which provides the “Best Value” to the government?

Will multiple offerors receive the award?

If so, how will the award be made to multiple offerors?

Please describe the specific procedures and techniques to be used in evaluating the proposals.

The Solicitation states the following are the evaluation factors – technical with subfactors of technical approach, past performance and site visit and non-technical with the subfactor of price. What is the relative importance of the technical subfactors when compared to price?

Will the subcontracting plan be a weighted evaluation factor? If so, how much weight will it received and how will it be evaluated?

Will the Government be using a trade-off process?

If so, how will the Source Selection Committee execute this process?

If not, what process will be used to evaluate the proposals?

Will the Government follow the trade-off process provisions of FAR § 15.101-1?

Will the Government follow the technical trade-off process provisions of FAR § 15.305 (a)(3)?

Will the Government evaluate all proposals for technical approach, past performance and site visit before evaluating price?

Please clarify if a cost or price analysis will be performed as this section mentions a price analysis and a cost evaluation.

Will the agency use the proposal analysis techniques of FAR § 15.404-1 (b) for price analysis or FAR § 15.404-1 (c) for cost analysis?

Has the agency established independent government estimate to evaluate (IGE) the proposed prices? If so, how did the agency establish the IGE?

Is price less important than the technical factors?

A66. Please See Section M.2 of the Final Solicitation for all above questions

Q67.

017 Area: Requirement lists acceptable Unit square footage.

Can we exceed the two bedroom limit of 550 sqft and one bedroom of 460sqft requirement to apply to the UFAS units? If units are limited to the sizes in requirement 017, we see no way to meet the UFAS requirements and still maintain the 18 inch clearance on the sides of the bed.

018 Electrical System-AMPS: Requires 200 Amp (3 bedroom) 150 Amp in (1&2 bedroom) Are the requirements for electrical systems absolute or are these minimum requirements?

Is it permissible to install a 200 amp service panel in the one and two bedroom units? 200 Amp service panels are the industry standard.

023 Bedrooms: Requirement lists 24 CFR 3880.109(2).

We assume this is a typographic error and is referring to 24 CFR 3280.109(2)?

028 Washer and Dryer Hook Up: Requires all manufactured homes shall have an area designated for the washer and dryer including plumbing, electrical connections and dryer vent.

Can this requirement be accomplished with stackable washer and dryer units in the non-UFAS units or a single washer/dryer combo unit for UFAS units? While these units are more expensive, this would free up considerable floor space.

045 24 CFR 3280 (a.k.a “HUD code’): A complete set of plans shall be provided for each unit type (Northern and Southern; UFAS and non-UFAS, and 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom). Plans shall include, but not limited to, floor plan, electrical/plumbing diagrams and a Material list with Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) All plans shall demonstrate certification from DAPIA that all plans meet 24 CFR 3280 (Hud Code).

Are DAPIA approved plans and MSDS sheets required to be submitted with the submittal, or are copies only required to be submitted with each unit? There appears to be a little confusion between this and the requirements in C.3 and Section L.

046 International Building Code (IBC): Requirement references 2003 IBC. Most states are using the 2009.

Do you want us to use the 2009 vice 2003?

056 Floor Decking: Requires “(approved sealed, non emitting plywood)”- Does this mean that the plywood must conform to 3280.406 or is a special sealing process required? We are not aware of any structurally rated panel that is “non emitting.”

060 Exterior Walls: Requires “All exterior penetrations (e.g. doors, windows, vents, lighting, and power outlets) shall be equipped with ice and water shield”- Does this refer to a specific detail in the IRC or detail from the building wrap manufacturer?

063 Anchor Straps: Requires each home shall be equipped with vertical and diagonal straps to meet the requirements of 24 CFR 3280.306.

Does this requirement require the anchor strapping to be attached to the I-beams and side rails of the home or can it be shipped loose inside of the home?

Anchoring spacing, length, and design is predicated on floor height above the ground (measured from the top of the grade to the connection point of the tie down strap to the I-beam). Can we assume that max floor height is 25-inches or less? 48-inches or less? 67-inches or less? or 80 inches or less?

FEMA installation requirements call for specific engineering above 48 inches. 48 inches is the maximum height without additional engineering

067 Axles: Requires axles to be equipped with grease fittings.

1. Can this requirement be met with “Bearing Buddies” or a grease zirk fitting in the dust cover? The industry standard is 6000 lb axles but these industry standard axles do not have a grease fitting. The axle supplier tells us that the 7000 lb axle does have a grease fitting, but these are not widely available. With a production rate requiring up to 625 axles per week, these assets are not available for sustained production. 7000-pound axles increase the cost of the home about $ per axle.

A67. See Final Solicitation

Q68. 080 Bottom Board: Requires 20-mil thickness.

Is it acceptable to use two layers of 12.5 mil bottom board to meet this requirement? The industry standard is 10-mil or 12.5-mil. The plastic manufacturer has informed us that there would be a six week back log on the 20-mil material.

A68. Venders will need to propose a method for meeting the requirements.

Q69. 083 Furnace:

Must this be a separate system from the Air Conditioning system?

A69. HVAC can be a single integrated unit

Q70. 085: HVAC Damper: Requirement “the damper should be in the closed or almost closed position when the manufactured home is delivered” 24 CFR 3280.103 requires whole house ventilation to be “In no case shall the installed ventilation capacity be less than 50 cfm nor more than 90 cfm.” Should the damper be adjusted to provide the minimum required whole house ventilation?

A70. See Final Solicitation. However, as is stated in the introduction to Attachment 2 “This specification does not constitute any expressed or implied deviation or waiver of any requirements of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Standards, Regulations, or its amendments or interpretative bulletins thereof. These units must comply with HUD Standards, Regulations, and other appropriate HUD guidance and require a HUD label to be placed inside the unit. All units must comply and meet the HUD approval process. These specifications do not provide the manufacturer with a waiver of the approval process for receiving an “Alternative Construction Letter (ACL).”FEMA anticipates that the manufacturer will have to apply for one or more ACL to meet the requirements of these specifications.

Q71. 086 HVAC Installation: Requirement: Install a weather proof covering on the external mounted portion of the HVAC that shall prevent water penetration during transportation and storage of the manufactured home.”

Is this a one time use cover, or a reusable cover?

Can the cover be held on with tape, verses snaps or cleats?

A71. See Final Solicitation

Q72. 89 Service Entrance Junction Box: Requires each home to be equipped with an appropriate hinged, metal service entrance junction box.

Do you have a desired size?

Do these enclosures need to be NEMA 3 certified?

A72. See Final Solicitation

Q73. 092 Ventilation: Requires each bathroom exhaust fan must exhaust a minimum 50 CFM directly to the outside. This is measured flow, as installed, and not rated flow by the manufacturer.

Does this require each fan to be tested and documented once installed in the home or will one field test apply to the all fans of the same model and manufacturer?

Is there a specific ASTM standard for testing?

A73. See Final Solicitation. However, no matter what a fan is rated at the actual CFM is a function of the length of duct work that the pushes or pulls the air through. FEMA would find a test demonstrating that the fan meets the requirements in first article or initial test satisfactory as long as the construction process does not change.

Q74. 102 Plumbing System: Requires all connection lines from ½” of ¾ “ distribution lines to the fixture it supplies shall be of three-eighth inch (⅜”) I.D. Type “L” copper or brass connectors or appropriate.

Are stub ups to the fixture required to be copper pipe? Yes Can fixtures be plumbed directly to pex? There needs to be a shutoff valve local to all fixtures. PEX can be run to the shutoff valve.

Are Polyalloy fittings allowed? Brass fittings have had some corrosion problems (dezincification) in the past. Due to the corrosion problems and several states requiring lead free fittings, Polyalloy are being widely used in site built commercial and residential buildings and in the manufactured home industry. A vendor can make proposals for alternative installations as is described in section C of the solicitation.

113 Appliances: Requires “high efficiency appliances or Energy Star Qualified in place.” To our knowledge, the only appliance requested in the solicitation that has Energy Star Certification is the refrigerator.

Are there specific performance criteria for the other appliances such as the range and microwave?

Are exhaust vent fans considered appliances?

A74. See Final Solicitation

Q75. 114 Range/Oven: Requirement: “The range/oven shall be secured to the floor with (2) angle gusset type) brackets.” Generally a single anti tip device is provided with the stove.

Is this requirement asking for an additional anti tip device or asking for pieces of strapping to be applied to the frame of the range /oven and attached to a wall or floor?

A.75 Due to the nature and use of the FEMA manufactured homes FEMA requires two anti tipping devices

Q76. 119 Bedrooms: Requires either a one full size bed or two standard twin size beds in bedroom 3 Can bunk beds be used to meet the requirement for two twin beds?

A76. See Final Solicitation

Q77. 119 Bedrooms: Requirement: “In all bedrooms, on three sides of all beds, there shall be both a minimum of 18 inches between the bed and the wall as well as open access to the same three sides of the bed.”

Does this requirement apply to UFAS units? If units are limited to the sizes in requirement 017, we see no way to meet the UFAS requirements and still maintain the 18 inch clearance on the sides of the bed in any bedroom and still meet the 24 CFR 3280.109.

A77. See Final Solicitation

Q78. 128 Walls: Requires “Industry Standard. Paper/vinyl covered gypsum is not permitted”.

Does this preclude the use of standard residential painted drywall?

Does this require the use of “paperless drywall” or specially treated drywall?

A78. See Final Solicitation

Q79. 128 Walls: Requires “all corners shall be reinforced with metal corner bead that is covered by adequate joint compound.

Is this requirement for outside corners or both inside and outside corners?

Can molding strips be used for inside corners? It is understandable that outside corners be reinforced with metal corner bead because these are easily damaged, but inside corners have very little chance for damage. Inside corners may tend to crack during transportation if reinforced with a metal bead, however, inside corners covered with molding will flex during transportation with out damage.

A79. See Final Solicitation

Q80. 129 Molding: Requires “All exposed panel edges, such as access panels, shall be covered with permanently attached non-plastic edging. “ Are flush access panels permitted?

Are painted MDF (with finished edges) access panels permitted?

A80. See Final Solicitation

Q81. 139 Exterior Door: Requires “If FEMA does not exercise the option to shrink wrap the entire manufactured home the contractor shall install a weather proof covering on the interior swing door that shall prevent water penetration during transportation during transportation and storage of the manufactured home.”

Is this a covering on the outside of the door?

Can a storm door be used to meet this requirement?

A81. See Final Solicitation

Q82. 149 Parts and Supplies: Requires the manufacturer shall provide a part description and supplier list, including the company name, address and phone number of the supplier for all major systems, including but not limited to HVAC, appliances, water heater used in the manufactured home.

Is this list required as part of the submission or with each home?

A82. This is required to be provided with the proposal submission.

Q83. 153 Unit Floor Plan and specification sheet:

Is this information required to be provided with the submittal or with each delivery order, or both?

A83. This is required to be provided with the proposal submission

Q84. 179 Sprinkler Heads: Requirement “Sprinklers shall be listed residential sidewall type sprinklers” Can we use ceiling mounted units to meet this requirement?

A84. See Final Solicitation

Q85. 187 Installation: Requirement “Install piping exposed on the interior surface of walls. Install piping as tight to the ceiling and walls as possible while maintaining the required positioning of sprinklers and pipe hangers.”

Can piping be installed in the attic space if adequately insulated?

Can piping be run within interior partition walls? We assume the specification requires the plumbing to exit the floor next to the wall and terminated near the top of the wall. It is our fear that the exposed piping would be very susceptible to damage if exposed at the floor level and fastened to the exterior of the partition wall.

A85. See Final Solicitation

Q86. 190 Weekly Storage Option:

Is there a total number of units we can be expected to store at one time? If we are required to store several weeks of production ( at 125-150 units per week), this will require a significantly more expensive solution than a couple dozen units. Most of our facilities could temporarily store a small number of units, however if we must be able to store several hundred units, this will require locating additional property, provide security, and transportation costs.

A86. See Final Solicitation

Q87. PAST PERFORMANCE QUESTIONAIRE: We will be manufacturing these units at several facilities owned and operated by our company.

Do we need to fill a questionnaire based on our total company performance or the individual performance of each facility?

A87. The Past Performance questionnaire is to be completed by the contractor’s past performance references not by the contractor.

Q88. Section B Price Schedule: CLIN 1049 and CLIN 1050: Require a fixed delivery cost to both Selma and Cumberland. We would be manufacturing these units at several different plants.

Do you want delivery prices from each facility? It is our desire to make this most economical on the government; therefore individual pricing by facility would significantly reduce the transportation cost for the government, as compared to a single fixed price.

A88. The contractor can provide alternatives in order to provide the best value to the government in their proposal.

Q89. Does the shingle need to meet the low slope reflectivity requirement if being placed on a roof pitch that exceeds 2/12 pitch?

A89. See Final Solicitation Q90. Is FEMA asking for Manufactured Mobile Homes?

A90. FEMA requires manufactured homes that are constructed to meet 24 CFR 3280 and are built in HUD certified manufacturing facilities Q91. Is FEMA entertaining new prototypic innovative construction and design solutions for this solicitation?

A91. This solicitation is not for new prototypic innovative construction and design solution unless those solutions meet the requirements to be constructed to 24 CFR 3280 and built in HUD certified manufacturing facilities Q92. For the Innovative Manufactured Home, will FEMA allow certification requirements to be reconsidered to account for the variations of ‘Typical Construction Standards’ in the new structural design (Structurally Integrated Panels) and composite( non-cellulose) construction materials?

A92. FEMA will review all proposals submitted that meet the proposal requirements and will allow any alternative that is in compliance with 24 CFR 3280.

Q93. What are the acceptable UFAS requirements for the non-UFAS Manufactured Home units?

A93. See Section C of the solicitation FEMA has requested two designs for each unit size (1 BR, 2 BR and 3 BR) one to be produced as a standard non-UFAS unit and one to be produced in compliance with UFAS.

Q94. What are the ingress and egress requirements for the home as they pertain to the site / foundation? ADA?

A94. FEMA will install the manufactured home and then provide individual customization to meet any specific user requirement identified. Units that are designated UFAS compliant will be provided with the appropriate access at time of installation.

Q95. Will all of the units have a single standard bathroom?

A95. Yes, all manufactured homes are required to have a single bathroom. UFAS manufactured homes are required to have a bathroom that meets UFAS requirements. UFAS manufactured homes do not have “standard bathrooms.”

Q96. Moving from 10 units a week to 125 units per week is a significantly different production rate. Will the successful bidder have the ability to show changes/plans to their facility without carrying out the new construction and still be awarded a contract?

A96. No, Vendors making proposals are required to have HUD certified facilities which can meet the required ramp up timelines in the solicitation.

Q97. Can the first Unit be considered a prototype with above average development costs?

A97. No, FEMA is not looking to fund the development of prototypes with this solicitation.

Q98. 131 The floor covering spec is described as "non‐foam, non‐skid". All of the commercially available residential resilient vinyl is made with a foamed vinyl base and is not specifically marketed as non‐skid. Products which have no foam content in the construction and are marketed as non‐slip are institutional‐type floorings commonly available in 6' width and seamed with a thermal welding process. Is this the type of flooring that FEMA is expecting?

A98. See Final Solicitation

Q99. 096, 109 Both of these items describe the washer/dryer areas. In 096 the UFAS models indicate the "units shall have hookups for side by side Washers/Dryers". In 109 the standard unit description says that "The area must accommodate a standard size washer and dryer". Is FEMA looking for an area that will acommodate and standard washer and dryer in a side by side configuration in both the standard and UFAS models, or is a stacked washer/dryer assembly acceptable for a standard model?

A99. See Final Solicitation

General Solicitation

Yes they must be disclosed in the initial proposal and they must not do more than 49% of the work.

Yes

Yes

Yes

Rugged Base Performance Requirements ITMUS

Needs to be approved before a Task Order can be issued

See Final Solicitation

FEMA requires that a vendor proposal provide all of the information requested. However, if a vendor can demonstrate that there is no substantive difference and the DAPIA will provide documentation that there is no substantive difference then FEMA will accept fewer documents.

Yes as long as there is a material chance order provided with the proposal

FEMA will require the vendor to have the initial manufactured home weighted at a certified scale. If there are not sufficient axels to carry the manufactured home’s weight then FEMA will require additional axels. FEMA reserves the right to have additional manufactured homes tested during any production run to ensure that the manufactured homes stay within the requirements.

FEMA operates manufactured homes in all 48 states FEMA typically follows HUD guidelines for placing manufactured homes based on the sections of 24 CFR 3280 referenced however there are times when FEMA stretches the locations in order to meet the needs of disaster survivors.

FEMA operates manufactured homes in all 48 states FEMA typically follows HUD guidelines for placing manufactured homes based on the sections of 24 CFR 3280 referenced however there are times when FEMA stretches the locations in order to meet the needs of disaster survivors.

FEMA will review this requirement and make any changes deemed appropriate in the final revision of the requirements. However, no matter what a fan is rated at the actual CFM is a function of the length of duct work that the pushes or pulls the air through. FEMA would find a test demonstrating that the fan meets the requirements in first article or initial test satisfactory as long as the construction process does not change.

See Final Solicitation

Thank you for your response FEMA will consider it as we design the requirements for future manufactured home purchases. However, FEMA has worked with experts at the United States Fire Administration who have provided design assistance to FEMA

Thank you for your response FEMA will consider it as we design the requirements for future manufactured home purchases. However, FEMA has worked with experts at the United States Fire Administration who have provided design assistance to FEMA

Q100. Would flat packs work for you guys?

A100. No, FEMA requires manufactured homes that are constructed to meet 24 CFR 3280 and are built in HUD certified manufacturing facilities

Q101. Will the JHSG (FEMA) consider other types of building technology other than those meeting the HUD manufactured home standards, which meet or exceed them?

(As our units could be sold or passed on to local governments for meeting permanent housing needs in typical neighborhoods and not limited to mobile home parks after a catastrophy knowing that sheltering is a high priority mass care objective for all levels of government and most States have indicated that their shelter capabilities are insufficient to meet the projected need following a disaster)

A101. This solicitation is not part of the JHSG. The JHSG email list was utilized to notify vendors who have self identified that they may have an interest in providing FEMA with temporary housing solutions. However, this solicitation is for manufactured homes that are built to meet 24 CFR 3280 in HUD certified plants

Q102. Can FEMA allow 90 days for a purpose built plant to be fitted for this contract?

(If contractor is willing to have a purpose built facility to meet the governments needs)

A102. No

Q103. Must the contractor submit a proposal for all three floorplans?

A103. Yes

Q104. Is fiberglass bath fixtures required or can ABS be used?

A104. See Final Solicitation

Q105. Can the 9mm x 76mm lag bolt be used? HUD code requires that the screw be listed. The 5/16” screw is not listed but the 9mm is listed.

A105. FEMA has established a process by which a vendor can propose a change to the requirements. Please use that process if your company would like to propose a change.

Q106. Descriptions of wood products most often mean nominal measurements and not precise. May we be allowed to understand that all wood product measurement citations in the specifications be interpreted as nominal, ie, 3/8” plywood as not being the true 3/8’s but the nominal value of 11/32”?

A106. See Final Solicitation

Q107. Under a current FEMA contract (HSFEHQ-09-R-00074), we were approved to use BP-10 Tie Down brackets in addition to the anchor straps.