RFI_Answers-Amendment3.pdf

1) Question: We were not able to find a specification for the overall Plant SCADA system. Could you help direct us to the appropriate spec section and block diagram for the SCADA system? We noticed a reference to a "Systems Integrator" that would be retained by the I&C Subcontractor to "coordinate" the SCADA interface. Perhaps this implies that you already have a SCADA system in place. If so, could you please let us know what this system is and what the interface requirements are.

Response: Spec section for the SCADA system can be found in Section 25 20 15, Programmable Controller System, Section 2.9. Diagrams can be found in PLC Architecture drawings.

2) Question: Sheets M713G & M713C in respect to the PA Line on M713C shows to install a blind flange on the end of the 42” x 16” cross and not to continue the 42” across tanks 8 and 9. However, on sheet M713G there is a 42” x 16” cross and blind flange with the balance of the smaller diameter piping. Does the 42” pipe need to be added to connect tanks 7-9 or does the piping on tank 9 need to be deleted?

Response: Drawings have been modified to show the piping extended across the tanks 8 and 9 for Bid Option 2 and were issued under Amendment 3.

3) Question: Where is the Limits of IMLR equipment supplier at the IMLR Pumps in tanks 1-9?

Response: Limits of IMLR equipment supplier are not defined on the drawings.

4) Question: C-1 drawing has a list of IBWC Reference drawings that can be viewed at the Owners office. Can all the drawings referenced be made available electronically? Additionally, can as-built drawings from all previous contracts be provided electronically as well.

Response: No, drawings can be viewed at Owner’s office.

5) Question: Division 02.22.00 DDC Section : The Dynamic Compaction Contractors have a concern that the Effluent Blending Structure and possibly other nearby structures may be damaged during the dynamic compaction of the site. Please provide criteria that would govern the work.

Response: See Section 02 22 00 –Paragraphs 1.5 A.3 and 3.1A.3 for information on monitoring nearby structures.

6) Question: On the Yard piping drawings there is a 42” TD (tank drain) line that runs just north of the new Secondary and “A” basin and throughout the plant.

What type of pipe is this and what is it’s current use? It appears to be within excavation of the new structure. What is the criteria for supporting it in place?

Response: TD runs north of new Secondary and “A” basin and throughout the plant. Construction is RCPP and is used for both return of raw sewage from canyon collector facilities and for drainage of plant tankage. It is an active pipe and should be protected in place. Refer to Section 31 23 00 Excavation and Backfill.

7) Question: On drawing C-17 the 72” PE-RCPP pipe, the bolded angle portion needs to be removed. Does this pipe end at this location, or if not where does it end? Is this 72” line in service and if it is in service is it easily shutdown for an extended period of time? If it can be shutdown what is entailed in shutting it down and at what location along the pipe can it be shutdown?

Response: 72” RCPP ends at the location shown. Line contains primary effluent. A blind flange is available for closure of the 72” pipe at the Primary Effluent Bypass Structure. Flow to plant can be shut down for installation of the flange. The 72” pipe will then need to be pumped dry. Coordination with the O&M contractor is required. Refer to Section 02 41 00 Demolition.

8) Question: Division 31.23.00-10 3.4C(1) The Contractor shall discharge the dewatering water into the Tijuana River. The Contractor is to follow the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Order No. 91. If required, please provide specific water quality requirements for discharge water.

Additionally please provide recommended BMPs for this discharge and identify if BMPs are in place before or after the sampling point.?

Response: Order 91-10 has been superseded by “General Waste Discharge Requirements and NPDES Permit for discharges from groundwater extraction waste to surface waters within the San Diego Region except for San Diego Bay”. (Order No. R9-2008-0002, NPDES No. CAG919002).

Revised Section 31 23 00 is included.

9) Question: Division 31.23.00-11.3.4 C(2) is concerning the NPDES permit. The Contractor is to comply with Order No. 91-10 in the permit for dewatering of groundwater material. We don’t find this Permit as part of the specifications.

Please provide. Also, in this section there is a note of determining pH and for total petroleum hydrocarbons. Is the groundwater contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons?

Response: See response for Comment 5.

10) Question: Section F.5 of IBM08C0005 requires the Contractor to pay actual damages to the Government for each calendar day the project is not complete within the 730 days specified. This project appears to meet the criteria identified in FAR Subpart 11.5 which states that Liquidated Damages may be used when:

a) The time or delivery or timely performance is so important that the Government may reasonable expect to suffer damage if the delivery or performance is delinquent; and b) The extent or amount of such damage would be difficult or impossible to estimate accurately or prove. It will be very difficult for contractors to assess the risk associated with actual damages due to failure to meet the specified schedule. It would be much more beneficial for the Government to identify the magnitude of their damages associated with late delivery of the project and include Section 52.211-12 Liquidated Damages- Construction in the requirements instead of the Actual Damages clause in Section F.5. Can this change be made?

Response: See Amendment No. 2 dated September 2, 2008. The Actual Damages clause has been removed and liquidated damages are now applicable.

11) Question: Section H.12 of IBM 08C0005 limits the amount of overhead allowed to be included in change orders. The definition of overhead in Section H.12(b)(3) includes many items that would typically be included as direct cost. For example, small tools can typically be 20-30% of direct labor cost. The use of unfair limits on costs associated with change order work guarantees any work performed for change orders will cause the contractor to lose money. Can Section H.12 be deleted? If not, can the overhead and profit percentages be negotiated after award of the contract?

Response: Paragraph H.12 shall remain and may be negotiated after award of contract. Contractor may propose alternate values in their proposal.

12) Question: In Section B.1 of IBM 08C0005, for the Base Offer, is the value of the work entitled “Entire Project” to include the value of the Administration Building, Tank and Blower? Or should the Entire Project exclude the value of the Administration Building, Tanks nd Blower? Additionally, it is not clear what components and appurtenances are to be included in the unit price entry for the “tank install and blower install items. Please provide a detailed listing by equipment and name for these items.

Response: See Amendment 2 dated September 2, 2008.

13) Question: Section 00.31.43 states that the Contractor is responsible for obtaining permits. Please provide a list of all required permits. We assume that the Owner has made all necessary applications and has paid all associated Plan check fees if applicable. Please confirm.

Response: Permits the Contractor is responsible for obtaining and paying for include Order R9 2008-0002 noted above in Question No. 8 and General Permit for Storm Water Discharges Associated with Construction Activity (General Permit) Water Quality Order 99-08 DWQ. Section 31 23 00 has been revised and is included. USIBWC will be responsible for Air Pollution Control District permit application for the diesel generator.

14) Question: Please identify the location of connections for temp power, water, phone, and internet connections.

Response: Connection and location for temporary power, water, phone, and internet will be through the individual utility agencies.

15) Question: Please provide the SBE/minority requirements and goals for this project. Please identify if “Good Faith Effort” satisfies your requirements or if goals must be met.

Response: See Amendment No. 2 dated September 2, 2008.

16) Question: Section 01.11.00 – 1.8B.1.D states that all tanks, structures, channels, etc are to be filled. Please confirm that the existing temporary water connection available on site can provide this large amount of water.

Response: Contractor is responsible for obtaining water for testing.

Reclaimed effluent may be available at the nearby City of San Diego Water Reclamation Plant.

17) Question: Please provide the protocol for asking questions during the bidding period. When is the final date to ask pre-bid questions. Additionally clarify if questions and answers will be distributed to all bidders.

Response: The deadline for asking pre-bid questions was noted in the solicitation paragraph L.2. Questions and answers shall be posted on the solicitation website.

18) Question: Will the CAD drawings be made available? As explained at the job walk, by having access to these drawings we will be able to accurately determine quantities, layouts and locations and eliminate any assumptions and potential contingencies. This will allow us to price much closer and tighter since we will be dealing with very accurate information. The ultimate beneficiary will be the government.

Response: CAD drawings will be provided in Amendment 3.

19) Question: We respectfully request an extension of 1 to 2 weeks in the due date to enable us to circulate documents, etc… to potential subcontractors. Since the documents are not publicly available we need to both find potential subs and then circulate docs, amendments, etc… to them. We understand the urgency of this project to the government but feel you will better served and very minimally impacted if you were to grant an extension. Please give this request your utmost attention.

Response: At this time, no extension will be granted due to the importance of this project to the U.S. Government and its environmental importance.

20) Question: At the Administration / Laboratory / Control building and Operations building, do the restroom walls not shown by corresponding elevations, receive 5’4” ceramic tile wainscots or only ceramic tile sanitary base?

Response: 5’4” ceramic tile wainscots.

21) Question: Do the rooms 103,104,125,126,127,131, & 132 in the administration / laboratory / control building actually receive 5’ 4” wainscot walls as directed by line item G in partial finish schedule on page A.3101? We do not typically see wainscot tile walls in these types of rooms, typically we would see these in restrooms.

Response: Finish schedule is correct.

22) Question: I have a question regarding (OGW) Other Government work which is identified against many items on several drawings (Example Sheet C14 Page 26 of 500) 42” TD (OGW) my take on this item and others with the (OGW) next to the call out would be that this work is not part of the Project…..is this a true Statement? Also on the same subject on Sheet C14 there is a building which is called as Effluent Blending Structure (OGW). Will this mean there is no take off required for all materials for this Building and others with the (OGW)?

Response: Refer to drawings for specific requirements. There may be some modifications to components of OGW, such as the Effluent Blending Structure, that are required as part of this contract, such as those described under Drawing M1503.

23) Question: Again we ask for the release of the CAD drawings. These apparent errors will be easily overcome if we had the original CAD layouts. Please assist in this matter.

Response : See Response to Question 18.

24) Question: Subject: New Conduits Vs. Existing Conduits, Drawing Reference:

N/A, Specification Reference: Rigid Conduit 26.61.01-8 K Moisture Protection Note 3 - The above mentioned specification section reads “Install for all conduits passing through concrete slabs, floors, walls or concrete block walls”.

Paragraphs A through D that follows clarifies what seals are to be installed in what location. Are all conduits that pass through slabs and below grade concrete structures required to have a Conduit Through Wall Seal? This would include “all” conduits stubbing up through slabs at or under equipment and all conduits entering underground Manholes and Handholes. Please clarify.

Response: Yes. All conduits passing through concrete shall have seals. Refer to Section 26 64 04, Manholes and Handholes.

25) Question: Subject: Duct Bank Warning Tape, Drawing Reference: E12, Specification Reference: Underground Duct Banks 26.64.02-4 N – The above mentioned specification requires a 3” wide caution tape to be installed above every duct bank carrying cable 480 volt and higher. The Typical Underground Duct Banks Detail on sheet E12 has a note that reads “warning tape shall be 6” wider than duct dank”. The same detail shows a solid piece of warning tape above the concrete encased duct banks. On a 100’ duct bank that is 24” wide this would require 1000’ feet of 3” wide yellow caution tape laid side by side to be installed over the duct bank. Please clarify if this is the intent of the detail and specification.

Response: Yes, intent is to completely cover duct bank and 6” wider than duct bank.

26) Question: On Drawing # M710 the 72” SI Line is called out as being “FRP”. On Drawing # M716 the same line is called out as “RCPP”. Which drawing is correct? Is the existing line “FRP” or “RCPP”?

Response: The referenced pipe should be 72-inch FRP; the following drawings have been corrected to show 72-inch FRP, and have been included in Amendment 2: M713A and M716A. The specification for FRP has been included in SPECIFICATION 40 00 84, and is attached for issue under Amendment 3.

27) Question: What volume of flow is in the existing 42” DI line that runs along the East and North faces of the proposed Activated Sludge Tanks?

Response: Design flow can vary from 0 mgd to 21 mgd. Normally the flow does not exceed 2-3 mgd.

28) Question: Can the existing 72” SI line be shut down to allow new work to proceed at tie in.?

Response: See response for Question No. 7.

29) Question: Note 7 on sheet A1 states we must obtain a local building permit for this project. Since the project is funded by the federal government on federal land will we still need to obtain the local permits or is this note an oversight?

Response: This note is an oversight. A local building permit is not required.

30) Question: Section H on page 17 makes reference to Section M in titled Schedule of Construction however our documents that were provided concludes at Section L. Does Section M pertain to this project and if so can we get a copy of Section M?

Response: There is no section M. The contract will be updated delete the reference to section M. The paragraph shall state “The Contractor shall submit a schedule of construction in accordance with the requirements set forth in the specifications.”

31) Question: In reference to the above project and the Amendment #2 Section C page 6 which states that updated drawings J-5, specifications and two (2) project options were included J-6 & J-7. Will these documents be forwarded at a later date as they were not included in the Amendment #2?

Response: Drawings and specs have been sent under separate cover.

32) Question: On Standard Form 1442, in the Solicitation section, item 13, 4 originals are required with 2 of the 4 being submitted to the location in Block item 7 (El Paso) and the other 2 of the 4 being delivered to the location specified in contract clause F.3 (San Ysidro). The Offer has to coordinate two bid proposal turning simultaneously. Is this correct? Which location will they be publically read?

Response: Proposals must be received at both the San Ysidro and El Paso office as noted in the solicitation. IBWC shall consider proposals submitted as long as one of the two office locations receives the packages before the submission deadline. There will be no public reading as this procurement is not using the sealed bid process.

33) Question: On Standard Form 1442, in the Award section, item 28, refers to the submission of 3 copies. Does the Offer ignore this Award section completely?

Does this section get filled out on a later date, after the bid during award stage of the project? Or does the Offer turn in 3 signed Standard Form 1442 with each 4 originals?

Response: The offeror shall submit 4 signed copies of their proposal. Upon selection and Award, the contractor shall be required to sign 3 copies of the contract. Block 28 has been updated.

34) Question: Section K.2 does not designate the small business size standard. Does this mean there are no Small Business Concern goals? What about other SB category goals (i.e. HUBZone, Veteran owned,etc.)?

Response: See Amendment No. 2 dated September 2, 2008.

35) Question: Page 00.31.32-01GeoTechnical Report, Can you please provide as mentioned in specs?

Response: Geotechnical Reports have been provided under Amendment 2 issued September 2, 2008.

36) Question: Can you please provide a section view of the aggregate material requirement underneath the structures. The note in the drawings states uppermost 12” of select material to be compacted to 95%, but what is total thickness of select material?

Response: For clarification, refer to Section 31 23 00 3.1 B.

37) Question: Sheet M801 & M802 shows #29 as a 48” 304SS Elbow with 48” pipe.

Note says see DWG M704 for continuation on M704 #11 shows needing a 60” VIC coupling ring on pipe also #10 is a 60” x 60” x 16” x 16” cross. Where does the pipe change from 48” to 60”. M701 plan view does not show a length or size if it is to be 48” or 60”.

Response: Drawings have been changed to delete references to 60” pipe and to indicate all 48” pipe and connections under Amendment 3.

38) Question: Spec 11 82 14 Paragraph 3.2 indicates Contractor is responsible for fuel. Is the Contractor responsible to provide the entire initial fill of 10,000 gallons?

Response: Contractor is responsible for entire initial fill of 10,000 gallons.

39) Question : DWG M450 – 72” slide gate at PEG – Is there an existing thimble in the wall for gate to mount to?

Response: Yes, see response to Question No. 7.

40) Question: On Contract Drawing C14, the 84-inch SE line is shown as FRP pipe.

Contract Drawing M1503 showns the 84- inch SE line as RCPP. However Specification 40 00 51, Buried Piping Installation, specifies the Secondary

Effluent to be AWWA C200 pipe. What is the correct pipe material for the 84 – inch SE line.

Response The referenced pipe should be 84-inch SE STEEL, C200; the following drawing has been corrected to show 84-inch SE STEEL, C200, and has been included in Amendment 3: C14; the following drawings have been corrected to show 84-inch SE STEEL, C200, and is attached for issue under Amendment 3: M1503.

41) Question: Might you be able to tell me if there will be any chemical resistant coatings required on the project?

Response: Chemical resistant coatings are specified in Section 09 97 02 Protective Coating of Concrete types include: polyester,epoxy, vinyl ester, water repellant penetrating sealer, non slip epoxy, capillary waterproofing and cementitious finish.

42) Question: Regarding the laboratory equipment, there is a note on drawing #

A3104 telling us to reference Spec Section 11.82.78. Should this read 11.82.28 or is there a section missing?

Response: Dwg #A3104 is incorrect; Dwg #A3104 has been revised to read 11 82 28, and will be re-issued under Amendment 3.

43) Question: Subject: Use of EMT (Electro-metallic Tubing) Conduit Drawing Reference: Admin Building and Operations Area Specification Reference:

26.61.01-2 (1.2) (A) (2) (F) The above mentioned electrical specification allows for EMT Conduit to be run in the hung ceiling space of the Administration Building for lighting only. Please confirm that EMT conduit will not be allowed to be run in the walls below the hung ceiling for Lighting, power or low voltage circuits. Also confirm that there is to be “no” EMT installed in the Operations Area for lighting, power or low voltage circuits.

Response: Confirmed; as per the plans & specifications, EMT conduit will not be allowed to be run in the walls below the hung ceiling for Lighting, power or low voltage circuits. Confirmed; there is to be “no” EMT installed in the Operations Area for lighting, power or low voltage circuits. Also please also refer to 26.61 1.2A(2)(f) which states in part ”… Type EMT conduit shall not be acceptable in any other area of the plant.”

44) Question: On page 25 – H13 refers to a subcontracting goal of 10%, but doe not identify details of the goal any further.

Response: Due to the type of facility, IBWC shall not have definitive goals for each small business type. However, contractors shall be required to report monthly small business subcontracting achievements by sub-type (i.e.

Percentage of WOSB, Disadvantage Business awards, etc.).

45) Question: Item K.2(1) and K.3(a)(1) (2) reference an applicable NAICS code and small business size standard for this project, but does not have any data populated in the fields.

Response: Please see solicitation posting for NAICS code and small business size.

46) Question: A bid bond specific to this project was not provided. We can use a standard Federal form unless the owner wishes to provide one.

Response: Standard Federal form is acceptable.

47) Question: Amendment #2 asks us to break up the 9 sludge tanks into 7 as base bid and 2 as Option #2. How is the connection of the base to the option going to be handled? Please provide details for future connections of slabs, walls, piping, etc.

Is the architectural finish to be on the outside of tank #7 or only tank #9? Please provide details for the 72” line entering the 7 tank configuration. When can we expect an amendment with our question responses?

Response: Option 2 is hereby changed as follows: IBWC shall only exercise Option 2 at award. In the event Option 2 is not exercised at award, it shall be deleted in its entirety from the contract. The overall package shall be evaluated including Option 2.

48) Question: The total firm fixed price of this contract is $ __________is this the sum of base bid, option 1 and option 2?

Response: Total firm fixed price will be the value of the base bid. The cost of options shall be noted in the space provided below the line. Should the Government elect to exercise an option, at that time the total firm fixed price shall be increased by that amount. Again, IBWC shall only exercise Option 2 at award. In the event Option 2 is not exercised at award, it shall be deleted in its entirety from the contract. The overall package shall be evaluated including Option 2.

49) Question: How is the lowest most responsive bidder going to be determined?

Will it be a combination of all three prices, base plus option 1 base plus option 2 or base bid only?

Response: Lowest most responsive bidder does not require determination since this is a best value, qualitative cost tradeoff procurement. The cost evaluation for each proposal shall take into consideration the costs of the base bid and both options.

50) Question : Drawings E705 and E707 do not show the correct inlet pipe and riser structures to the ASTs.

Response: Drawings E705 and E707 have been modified to correctly show the inlet pipe and riser structures to the ASTs, and are attached for issue under Amendment 3.

51) Question : Drawing M 716, Plan at Elev 42.5, and Drawing M714 Section 2 – Opening in riser structure into AST influent channel is not clear, needs additional cross section or clarification.

Response: Additional cross-section / references have been added;

modifications were made to Drawings M701, M706, M714, and M716, and the revised drawings are attached for issue under Amendment 3.

52) Question : Drawing M702 – Note 3, there is no drawing S3901 and S3902, the correct drawings should be referenced.

Response: Drawing M702 has been modified to reference the correct drawing (which is S3936), and the revised drawing is attached for issue in Amendment 3.

53) Question: Will there be discussions with the contractor prior to contract award?

Response: There may be discussions, but Government may award without discussions.

54) Section H.7 of the Solicitation, Offer and Award entitled Extended Warranties -

Construction indicates that extended warranties required by the specifications shall be construed as being in addition to the standard one-year warranty clause for warranty of construction. Some of these warranties are as follows: Fencing and Gates (10 years on vinyl coating), Modified Bitumen Roofing (10 years on workmanship), Flashing and Trim (20 years on coating), Glazing (10 years), Resilient Tile (5 years), Carpet (10 years), and Lockers (5 years). Is it possible for the Contractor to provide the benefit or pass through of the applicable manufacturers' warranties to the Government instead?

Response: The contractor may pass through the manufacturer’s warranties as long as they meet the minimum requirements. In the event a warranty does not exist, the contractor shall procure equipment or a warranty which meets the specification requirements.

55) Question: The 4000A Bus Duct, (2) between 12KV Substation “ASTN” and Switchgear “SG ASTN” does not appear to have drawings showing routing, method of support and its relations to the Blower Piping, roll up door at west end of Blower Building, etc. Please provide routing, and support detail drawings.

Response: A clarification was provided to SPECIFICATION 26 11 00 under

1.4 Submittals, added a new paragraph D that states: “Routing and support details of 4000A Bus Duct, (2) between 12KV Substation “ASTN” and Switchgear “SG ASTN”, shall be as per the manufacturer’s specifications and requirements.”, and is attached for issue under Amendment 3.

56) Question: (note) Architectural, Mechanical, and Structural drawings show three

Different sizes of roll up door.

Response: Doors are 16’x16’; revised drawings will be prepared for future amendment.

57) Question: Sht. E3103 shows fixtures defined as “LV” Please clarify fixture type.

Response: LV means “low voltage down light fixture”.

58) Question: Note #11 on Sheet S1 indicates a specific method of construction for the “Knock Out Walls”. We are referred to Detail #11 on S5 which does not match the description from note #11 on S1. Please provide a detail of the proposed method of construction for a “future knock out wall” Response: Drawing S1 has been modified, and the revised drawing is attached for issue under Amendment 3

59) Question: Reference Specification Section 26.61.01-2 – Paragraph 1.2 #D states “ rigid galvanized steel factory coated, PVC outer, urethane inner, for instrumentation individual or multi-conduit runs exposed in wet areas, outdoor areas or encased in concrete.” Please advise as to what is classified as

INSTRUMENTATION CONDUITS?

Response: Instrumentation conduit is identified in the conduit schedule.

60) Question: Spec. Section 11.82.03 1.2 E (Progressive Cavity Pumping Equipment) states “All VFD shall be furnished under Division 26”. Division 26 does not contain a section for VFD’s. Please provide specification section for VFD’s. Is it the owners intent for the Electrical Contractors to provide the VFD’s ?

Response: A specification has been developed for variable frequency drives, SPECIFICATION 26 29 23 Low Voltage Variable Frequency Drives, and is attached for issue under Amendment 3. As far as the last question regarding the “owner’s intent for the electrical contractor to provide the VFD”, it is the General Contractor’s (GC) responsibility to determine whether he wants to use subs, and what their responsibilities will be.

61) Question : Drawing Reference: E8 Specification Reference: N/A. On Sheet E8 there is a note that points to a Ground Grid Cable Connection, Welded. That note reads “Test Well (NTS) 10’ Equidistant (Typ)”. Is it the design intent to have a Cadweld connection and a test well every 10 feet where the cadweld connections are shown? Please advise.

Response: Yes

62) Question: Drawings E8, 9 and 10 show layouts with the same scale. It is obvious however that they are NOT the same. Please verify the scales of these drawings.

Response: See Question No. 18.

63) Question: Regarding the above drawings – the sizes and shapes of the structures shown are not as they should be. Please clarify.

Response: See Question No. 18.