Questions_and_Responses_April_15_2015.pdf

M67001-15-Q-0048 Questions

1. Requesting clarification on both the Harrier APE (page 8 of the solicitation) and Prowler APE (page 10 of the solicitation) dimension requirements.

Harrier APE

- What does the 2 inch dimension shown between shelters on the illustrations represent? Minimum clearance between structural members?

Two inches was used as a planning factor for the draft layout using a maximum-size shelter.

Two inch spacing is not specifically required; however, all shelters must fit within allowable areas. The shelters must be freestanding and not connected or touching each other.

- Width - Please confirm that the 48’ value is for the TOTAL shelter (vertical supports plus minimum required space for aircraft of 42’ 4”.

Yes. The maximum dimensions represent the maximum exterior dimensions. The minimum dimensions represent the minimum interior dimensions. The difference between the two dimensions gives allowance for structural support for the shelter.

- Overall Height – Please confirm that the 23’ value is for the TOTAL shelter (overhead span structure plus minimum required space for aircraft of 19’).

Yes.

- As written, a possible APE could be 42’ 4” wide and 19’ high, implying support structure of zero dimension. For that reason I am asking whether the values given represent the minimum internal envelope or the maximum external envelope, or are BOTH dimensions captured in one range.

The maximum dimensions represent the maximum exterior dimensions. The minimum

- How were the minimum clearance values determined?

Minimum clearance values were determined based on shelters used by other like USMC units, discussion with type/model/series aircraft personnel, design requirements to ensure that the required number of shelters fit on the apron, and parking/taxiway requirements stated in

Navy/Marine Corps specifications (requiring minimum of 10’ clearance between wingtips).

Shelter sizes were also cleared with Airfield Operations, MCAS Cherry Point.

Prowler APE

- What does the 2 inch dimension shown between shelters on the illustrations represent? Minimum clearance between structural members?

Two inches was used as a planning factor for the draft layout using a maximum-size shelter.

Two inch spacing is not specifically required; however, all shelters must fit within allowable areas. The shelters must be freestanding and not connected or touching each other.

- Width - Please confirm that the 70’ value is for the TOTAL shelter (vertical supports plus minimum required space for aircraft of 63’.

Yes. The maximum dimensions represent the maximum exterior dimensions. The minimum

- Height - Please confirm that 26’-7” is the minimum clearance between wing tip in the folded vertical position and the inside of the structure.

26’7” gives the minimum clearance between a folding wingtip and the shelter while the wingtip is at its highest point. When the aircraft is on the centerline of the shelter, there must be 26’7” of clearance from 17’ right to 17’ left of the centerline of the shelter.

- Please confirm that 35 feet is the maximum overall height of the entire APE shelter.

2. Please clarify “Shelter shall be constructed with galvanized steel that is treated for corrosion prevention.” (Page 8 and page 10 of the solicitation). Please confirm that the solicitation is calling for galvanized components that are fabricated in accordance with ASTM A123.

Galvanized steel structure must meet ASTM A123 standards.

3. Will you consider interconnected shelters if they optimize limited flight line space by creating shorter rows of APE’s?

No. Shelters are required to be free standing.

4. Please provide the specifications for the existing concrete aprons. Thickness? Strength? Age?

Reinforcing? Are CAD drawings of the existing flight lines(s) available?

The majority of the apron construction is unreinforced concrete, eleven (11) inches thick. There have been numerous patches and repairs done over the years at various apron locations. Some have been partial depth (2"-4") repairs and others have been full depth repairs. Some apron pavement in areas where the proposed sun shades will be installed may have reinforcement steel in the concrete from relocated equipment stands, etc. We do not have any CAD files available for the apron areas.

5. The RFQ lists first delivery within 6 weeks after Date of Contract. Will review and approval of construction drawings be required before proceeding with fabrication? Is so, will schedule for first delivery be 6 weeks after drawing approval rather than 6 weeks after contract date?

Technical drawings of the shelters and installation method must be certified by a Registered

Professional Engineer that they meet the specifications PRIOR to submission of the quote, and a copy of the certification must be submitted with the quote. Inclusion of certification is a part of the evaluation criteria.

**This is a change to the SOW

6. What is the maximum number of rows of aircraft protection equipment that can be installed simultaneously?

Prowler shelters in front of Bldgs. 1700 and 1701 can be installed simultaneously. At least one row of Harrier shelters will be available for installation at one time. Simultaneous installation of shelters on the Harrier line is dependent on scheduling of installation and operational tempo of

Harrier squadrons. Detailed coordination on this topic will be conducted post-award.

7. What is the warranty requirement for the galvanized steel structure? What is the warranty requirement for the flame retardant opaque fabric? Are there specific tensile strength or coating requirements for the fabric roof panels? Is metal roofing acceptable?

There is no warranty associated with this contract. Galvanized steel structure must meet ASTM

A123 standards. Flame retardant material must pass NFPA 701 Large/Small Scale Self

Extinguishing Test. There are no specific requirements for tensile strength or coating requirements, as long as the fabric meets the requirements set in the Statement of Work (flame retardant, waterproof, qualities not degraded by UV exposure). Vendor must describe the fabric and how it meets those specifications in their proposal. Metal roofing is not acceptable.

8. Is Loctite thread sealant an acceptable fastener locking solution?

This is a performance-based specification. The contractor must provide a complete and usable product that meets all specified performance criteria as certified by a Registered Professional Engineer.

9. Because of the close proximity to a corrosive salt water environment, we assume corrosion protection is important for this project. Please confirm that the requirement for galvanized steel means that post fabrication hot dip galvanizing to ASTM 123 is required.

Galvanized steel structure must meet ASTM A123 standards.

10. Harrier APE Dimension Requirements – page 65-67 – Do the “maximum” dimensions represent the maximum interior envelope dimensions or are these the maximum exterior dimensions?

11. Prowler APE Dimension Requirements – page 68-69 – Do the “maximum” dimensions represent the maximum interior envelope dimensions or are these the maximum exterior dimensions?

12. Page 4 states 63 harrier shelters and on page 5, 15 prowler shelters.

Then on page 64 it states 62 harrier and 25 prowler.

Which is correct?

The requirement is 63 Harrier shades and 15 Prowler shades. The 63rd Harrier shade is not shown on the layout diagram. It will be placed to the east of Building 1701 and will be used to store various ground support equipment items.

13. May we use a powder coating instead of galvanized?

No. Galvanized steel structure must meet ASTM A123 standards.

14. How are progressive payments set up?

This acquisition is being conducted in accordance with FAR Subpart 13.5. Per FAR Subpart 32.003, “contract financing shall not be provided for purchases made under the authority of Part 13”.

15. The 6’ clearance for the Harrier 5’ clearance for the Prowler specified in the solicitation are less than the 10’ clearance required inside hangars as per AFMAN32-1084 20APRIL2012. Are the 5’ and 6’ clearances for a sunshade correct?

Yes, 5’ and 6’ minimum clearances are correct. Minimum clearance values were determined based on shelters used by other like USMC units, discussion with type/model/series aircraft personnel, design requirements to ensure that the required number of shelters fit on the apron, and parking/taxiway requirements stated in Navy/Marine Corps specifications (requiring minimum of 10’ clearance between wingtips). Shelter sizes were also cleared with Airfield

Operations, MCAS Cherry Point.

16. The specification for galvanizing is silent on the quality of galvanizing required. Pre-galvanized (often called “in-line” galvanizing) is fabricated after the galvanizing process and the zinc coating is destroyed by the welding process resulting in the need to paint or re-metallize the weld areas and leaving tube interiors without corrosion protection and un-inspectable. Post-fabrication hot-dip galvanizing in accordance with the ASTM A123 standard should insure proper corrosion protection of both exposed and concealed surfaces. Should galvanizing of structural steel be to the ASTM A123 standard and be performed after the fabrication/process?

Yes, galvanized steel must meet the ASTM A123 standard

17. Is there a minimum thickness requirement for the steel? In our experience a nominal thickness of at least 1/8” should be used for primary structural elements.

This is a performance-based specification. The contractor must provide a complete and usable

Engineer.

18. Specification states that a white or beige colored opaque cover shall be used but there is no specification as to the type or quality of material to be provided. Typically we would recommend a minimum 24 oz/sy PVC coated polyester material with opaque (blackout) layer and PVDF top finish. These materials have documented life expectancy of twenty (20) plus years as compared to lighter weight polyethylene or laminated vinyl fabrics which often fail in less than ten (10) years. Can you provide more guidance as to the minimum quality and specifications of the cover material?

The cover material must be opaque, waterproof, and flame retardant (in compliance with NFPA

701 flame tests), and must maintain those qualities under long term UV exposure and varying humidity conditions. Material must maintain these qualities for the expected service life of the shelter, which is 15 years. Cover material cannot be metal sheeting. The contractor must provide a complete and usable product that meets all specified performance criteria as certified by a Registered Professional Engineer.

19. Specification does not provide a flame test specification other than stating that the cover material must be flame retardant. IBC code requires compliance with NFPA 701 flame tests. Will this be the requirement for this solicitation?

20. Specification requires that the membrane will cover the entire shelter length and width, ending at 8’ above ground level. However if the gable fabric panels terminate at 8’ above ground level how will aircraft enter the shelter? Can you confirm the required clear distance in the gable ends of the shelter?

The shelter cover must span the length of the shelter, and the width when stretched over the shelter frame. The aircraft entry and exits will be OPEN and NOT covered with material. The material can cover any supporting structure, but cannot impede the minimum clearances in the specifications.

21. Specification states a requirement for reflective tape on leg columns, lateral bracing, side cables and X-braces. Can you confirm the spacing between bands assuming that this is wrapped diagonally along the length of these structural members? Can you also confirm that banding is only required in areas below the membrane cover?

Banding is only required in areas below the membrane cover. Per the specifications, ONE band of 2-3” reflective tape is required on leg columns, lateral bracing, side cables, and X-braces.

Depending on the structural design of the shelter, the placement and spacing (and overall amount) of the tape banding may vary. Vendor does not need to specify the placement and spacing of the tape in the proposal, but must include the materials in the proposal that will meet the taping requirement based on the vendor’s design.

Specification requires the shelter to withstand wind loads of at least 130 MPH per UFS3-300- 10N Structural Engineering – Table C-1 and ANSI/SPRI Wind Load Design Manual however the specification is silent on other typical load requirements including dead load, live roof load, collateral loads etc.

Based on 2015 construction, recommend following the Unified Facilities Criteria 3-301-01, 1 June

2013. The sun shade should be designed for Risk Category II with an Ultimate Wind Speed of 138 mph. The sunshade should also be analyzed for its own dead load, the dead load of the associated framing and the code specified uniform minimum roof live load for sun shade type structures. (See Table 1607.1 in IBC 2012 for code specified uniform minimum live loads).

22. Should the shelter also be designed to support its own dead load and to support code required live roof loads which are typically set at a minimum of 12 psf over the projected area of the shelter?

The designer of record should design the sunshade to support all dead and live loads associated with the sun shade. Dead loads shall be the sunshade weight and the weight of any associated framing and the Live Load shall be the uniform minimum load as specified by code. It is the designer’s responsibility to determine the dead and live loads to be used in the design of the sun shades.

23. Can you confirm that the 130 mph wind speed is a gust wind speed as compared to a steady wind?

Per UFC 3-301-01 which references IBC 2012, Ultimate Wind Speed is a 3-second gust.

24. Can you confirm that the shelter is required to withstand these wind speeds with the cover in place?

25. Can you confirm that the concrete apron is structurally sufficient to properly resist foundation reactions imposed by the shelters?

This is a performance-based specification. The contractor must provide a complete and usable

Engineer.

The majority of the construction is unreinforced concrete, eleven (11) inches thick. There have been numerous patches and repairs done over the years at various apron locations. Some have been partial depth (2"-4") repairs and others have been full depth repairs. Some apron pavement in areas where the proposed sun shades will be installed may have reinforcement steel in the concrete from relocated equipment stands, etc.

We do not have any CAD files available for the apron areas.

26. If the answer to Q12 is negative, can you confirm that the government will bear the cost of improving the concrete apron to withstand the foundation reactions?

The contractor must provide a complete and usable product that meets all specified performance criteria as certified by a Registered Professional Engineer. The government will not bear the cost of improving the concrete apron to withstand any foundation reactions.

27. Specification deals with concrete anchors and placement, edge distances, etc. The cost of concrete anchors associated with this construction is minimal compared with potential costs if the concrete apron is not of proper dimensions, sizing, reinforcing, etc. Can you provide data on the concrete slab including thickness; type, size and location of reinforcing, concrete compressive strength and location of expansion joints and/or other discontinuities in the concrete apron?

The majority of the construction is unreinforced concrete, eleven (11) inches thick. There have been numerous patches and repairs done over the years at various apron locations. Some have been partial depth (2"-4") repairs and others have been full depth repairs. Some apron pavement in areas where the proposed sun shades will be installed may have reinforcement steel in the concrete from relocated equipment stands, etc. The proposers design must take this into account in your design. We do not have any CAD files available for the apron areas.

28. There is nothing in the specification regarding desired durability. Has the government established a desired design life for the structure and cladding with a goal to minimize long term maintenance and replacement costs?

Desired durability and expected service life of the shelter is 15 years.

29. Will the government require Professional Engineering certification of the design drawings by an independent third party engineer approved by the government?

The contractor must provide a complete and usable product that meets all specified performance criteria as certified by a Registered Professional Engineer (PE). It is incumbent upon the proposer to select a PE. This does NOT have to be approved by the government.

30. If answer above is yes when are these drawings to be submitted?

Certified drawings of shelter and installation method that meet specifications must be submitted to the Contracting Officer as part of the technical proposal.

31. There are many methods used to prevent birds from nesting i.e. spikes, netting, mechanical movement, sound etc. What has worked best for the government at this location? Does the government have a preference on the mitigation method?

The government requires static mitigation that does not produce sound, chemicals, or mechanical movement. Spikes and or netting are acceptable. Method used must not infringe on minimum dimension requirements.

32. C2.2 Permits and Licenses requires contractor to provide “all required contractor permits, licenses and authorizations” can the government provide a list these requirements?

There are no permits anticipated for this contract.

33. Are the permits and licenses part of the delivery schedule?

All applicable permits (none anticipated, but if any are required) and licenses shall be obtained by the contractor prior to the start of performance.

34. The quote is limited to 75 pages, does this include the past performance forms?

Yes

35. Past performance is limited to contracts that are not over 3 years. Contracts that have been in place many more than 3 years demonstrate durability and long term contractor support. Would the government consider additional past performances that are more than 3 years?

Past Performance References will not be considered if over three (3) years old.

36. Do you require a 10 Feet Clearance Bubble from the edge of the wings of the plane to the interior edge of the structure?

No. Please reference other answers that detail clearance requirement.

37. The RFP indicated that the shelters are to be designed per UFC3-300-10N, but this code has been replaced by UFC3-301-01 Structural Engineering with Change 1. Will the shelters be designed to meet the old UFC3-300-10N or will the shelters need to be designed to meet UFC3-300-01 Structural Engineering with Change 1?

Based on 2015 construction, recommend following the Unified Facilities Criteria 3-301-01, 1 June

2013. The sun shade should be designed for Risk Category II with an Ultimate Wind Speed of 138 mph. The sunshade should also be analyzed for its own dead load, the dead load of the associated framing and the code specified uniform minimum roof live load for sun shade type structures. (See Table 1607.1 in IBC 2012 for code specified uniform minimum live loads).

38. Several locations throughout the contract ask for the shelters to be grounded to 10,000 ohms.

Is this supposed to be 10 ohms? Which is typically what you see.

UFC 3-575-01 and NFPA 70 are applicable.

39. The RFQ ask for an approved MCAS Cherry Point grounding system.

Do you have more information on the approved systems? Will any system do as long as the shelter is designed to meet the contract ohms requirement?

UFC 3-575-01 and NFPA 70 are applicable.

40. We are designing a bird netting system to mitigate birds from roosting inside the shelter.

Can this system terminate at the 8' above ground height? Note: 8' is the same height the fabric stops on the sides of the shelter.

This is acceptable; however, any bird mitigation technique cannot infringe on minimum dimension requirements.

41. SOW: Anchors shall maintain a minimum 6inch from any expansion joint.

Is there a layout of the expansion joint in relation to each shelter layout? We can design a plate to accommodate your request but the only way to determine how many are needed would to know the expansion joint layout at the site.

An expansion joint layout plan is not available. Contractor must field verify existing expansion joints in relation to proposed shelter layout.

42. SOW: columns and any lateral bracing, side cables, or x-braces shall be wrapped with tape per Federal Spec L-S-300C. The shelter has lateral bracing throughout the structure including the roof. Are we only to wrap the bracing cables, and x braces to the height of 8'?

Banding is only required in areas below the membrane cover. Per the specifications, ONE band of 2-3” reflective tape is required on leg columns, lateral bracing, side cables, and X-braces.

Depending on the structural design of the shelter, the placement and spacing (and overall amount) of the tape banding may vary. Vendor does not need to specify the placement and spacing of the tape in the proposal, but must include the materials in the proposal that will meet the taping requirement based on the vendor’s design.

43. Is there a set cost for reinspections? How is this fee determined? I have no concerns other than

I have never seen this clause in a contract.

This is a mandatory clause in all Fixed Price Supply Contracts. It is the discretion of the Contracting Officer to charge the Contractor for any additional cost of inspection(s) or test(s) when prior rejection makes reinspection or retest necessary.

44. Do we have to start delivering both the prowler and harrier shelters in 6 weeks or can we start with the harrier or prowler jets and when those shelters are complete start with the next set of aircraft shelters? Is this possible as long as the project starts in 6 weeks and end in 55 weeks?

Prowler and Harrier shelters do not have to be begin installation simultaneously. The project needs to start in 6 weeks and end in 55 weeks.

45. GOV working hours are from 0700-1630 five days per week. RFP also says you can request weekends to be worked. Can we assume that all weekends can be worked with exception of holidays?

Generally speaking, weekend work, after-hours work and working on Federal Holidays are not authorized due to the requirement for government quality and safety assurance. With a compelling justification, exceptions will be considered.

46. Will we be able to have a dumpster inside the work area?

47. Per the RFQ, page 7, specifies wind loads of at least 130 mph per UFC 3-301-10N…. .

There is no Table C-1 nor any wind speed specification in this document UFC 3-301-10N was replaced by UFC 3-301-01 in 5/2005

Latest versions of UFC 3-301-01 is labeled:

UFC 3-301-01

1 June 2013 Change 1, 15 May 2014

Wind speed requirement on chart E-1 of this document for Cherry Point requires 138 mph wind for Risk Category II.

The Revision Summary Sheet for this document specifies the Wind Load Data Tables, exhibit E- 1, use the basic wind speeds from ASCE/SEI 7-10 .

Question: Is the wind speed requirement for this project 138 mph per current UFC 3-301-01?

Yes, use an Ultimate Wind Speed (3-second Gust) of 138 mph based on Risk Category II per the new Unified Facilities Criteria.