23R1302_Notice4-Issued.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY

NAVAL FACILITIES ENGINEERING SYSTEMS COMMAND PACIFIC

258 MAKALAPA DR STE 100

PEARL HARBOR HI 96860-3134

RFP N62742-23-R-1302

Notice No. 4

13 July 2023

PRE-PROPOSAL QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

WON 1663847, FY24 MCAF PROJECT PAF180500, BOMBER APRON,

ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE (RAAF) BASE TINDAL,

AUSTRALIA

NOTE: The following questions and answers are provided for INFORMATION ONLY. The RFP remains unchanged unless it is amended in writing on a Standard Form 30.

RESPONSES DEFERRED FROM NOTICE NO. 2 DATED JULY 5, 2023:

7. Drawing MP011 shows three (3) each Double HPV Pits (Unpaved Areas) and one (1) each

HPV Pit (Paved Areas) for the new DN250-SS Hydrant Loop Piping, while drawings CX101, CX104, CX107, and CX108 show two (2) each Double HPV Pits (Unpaved Areas) and three (3) each HPV Pits (Paved Areas). Please confirm the correct quantities for the Double HPV Pits (Unpaved Areas) and HPV Pits (Paved Areas) required for the new DN250-SS Hydrant Loop Piping.

ANSWER: Drawing MP502 will be revised in forthcoming Amendment No. 0002 to match the

CX sheets for the HPV pits.

8. In Detail C4/MP502, there are two (2) “Note 9” shown at the new DN250 flanged connection inside the crossover valve pit. Please clarify “Note 9.” Note #9 currently does not exist in the Sheet Notes for Drawing MP502.

ANSWER: “Note 9” should state “Note 8” and should be pointing to the DN40 HPV’s (typ of

2) that are approximately 400mm to the right of the referenced DN250 flanges.

Revised drawings to be issued in forthcoming Amendment No. 0002.

9. Specification Section 33 52 43.13, Paragraph 2.1.3.3, is calling out insulating gaskets with fluoroelastomer (FKM), commonly referred to as Viton, O-ring sealing surfaces, mylar insulating sleeves, and phenolic insulating washers. The Insulating Flange Kit Detail on C3/EK502 shows G10 insulating gasket, G10 insulating sleeves, and G10 insulating washers, which is different than Specification Section 33 52 43.13, Paragraph 2.1.5.4.

Please clarify and confirm if the contractor is to provide insulating flange kits per Specification Section 33 52 43.13, Paragraph 2.1.3.3, or per Detail C3/EK502 with all G10 material.

ANSWER: Contractor to provide insulating flanges per Specification 26 42 17, Paragraph 2.8 for flange kits consistent with Detail C3/EK502, consisting of G-10 gaskets, sleeves and washers. This type of flange kit is to be furnished for all insulating kits on fuel piping. Sheet C3/EK502 has been revised to reference specification section 26 42 17 and will be issued in forthcoming Amendment No. 0002.

15. P500 Final Design Specifications, Section 3.1.3.3, RFP Page 204 of 1278 and Section

1.6.10.2 PFAS Contamination, RFP Page 365 of 1278

The RFP specification references the PFAS Construction Risk Assessment (GHD 2022) and the Preliminary Construction Environmental Management Plan. Can you please provide a copy of these two plans?

ANSWER: Additional reports will not be provided.

22. Drawing CM107 and CM108 - Please provide additional detail for the dashed line marking on the apron as detailed in drawing CM107 and CM108. Please supply line details for the black dash lines (point A20 to A24) and grey dash lines (point A21 to A23).

ANSWER: Grey dash line (point A21 to A23) is a white dashed line on black background (push back line) as per detail A1 on CM503. Please note that A31-A32, A36-A37, A47- A48, A65-A66, A76-A77 and A87-A88 are also detail A1 but have plotted incorrectly (should be plotted as grey dashed line). Black dash line (point A20 to A24) is a yellow dashed line on black background (lead out line). A specific detail has not been included but other than colour it will be the same dimensioning as per Detail A1 on CM503. Revised drawings will be issued with forthcoming Amendment No. 0002.

26. Drawing CR506, sealing detail C2 - Drawing CR506 for the Concrete Pavement Joints: For the sealing detail C2, please confirm that the joint sealing depth is 10mm rather than 100mm.

ANSWER: Drawing detail incorrect, joint sealing depth should be 10 mm. Revised drawing will be issued in forthcoming Amendment No. 0002.

27. Drawing CP501 - Please provide geotextile strength and class for Pavement Type 6

(Unsealed Access Tracks) on drawing CP501?

ANSWER: Please note that Pavement Type 6 detail on drawing CP-501 detail A1 and C-501 detail C1 incorrectly references a woven geotextile. Geotextile is to be non-woven as indicated in the specification. Please refer to Specification Section 31 32 19.16 GEOTEXTILE SOIL STABILIZATION, paragraph “2.1.1 Geotextile” and Table 1 for the strength requirements. Revised drawing will be issued in forthcoming Amendment No. 0002.

RESPONSES DEFERRED FROM NOTICE NO. 3 DATED JULY 11, 2023:

41. Drawing MP506. Please confirm that the fuel line vesselets shown on drawing MP506 can be substituted with weldolets as is standard practice in Australia.

ANSWER: Vesselets as shown on MP506 are required for buried piping. Buried weldolets are not permitted.

42. Specification section 26 42 17, Clause 2.2.1. Please confirm if PVC/Nylon/PVC anode cable is an acceptable replacement for the specified AWG#8 HMWPE anode cable, as this type of cable is vulnerable to termite attack in the RAFF Base Tidal region.

ANSWER: PVC/Nylon/PVC anode cable is acceptable.

43. Drawing EK501 and specification section 26 42 17, clause 2.5. Please confirm the material type for the "Anode Junction Box". Drawing EK501 notes a galvanized box and the specification section 26 42 17 clause 2.5 states stainless steel.

ANSWER: Anode Junction Box must be Stainless steel per Section 26 42 17, clause 2.5.

44. Drawing CR516, drawing SP502. Please confirm that the pit detail shown in Section D3 on

Drawing CR516, relates to the Hydrant Outlet Pit in the pavement as shown Section A1 on Drawing MP503. The current description of Section D3 on Drawing CR516 appears to be incorrectly labeled.

ANSWER: Detail D3 on CR516 relates to the Fuel Hydrant outlet shown in Section A1 of

MP503, the Section D3 label on CR516 is incorrect. Drawing CR516 will be revised in a forthcoming amendment.

45. Drawings CR127 & CR128. The subsoil drainage shown on drawings CR127 & CR128: The drainpipe is shown as 225mm diameter RCP on the drawings, however, is detailed in the drawing legend as 150mm PVC. Please confirm what pipe material type and size is to be installed.

ANSWER: The pipe is required to be 225 mm diameter SN8 PVC, not RCP as written on the notes. Only the pipe sections referred to as 225 mm diameter are required to be that size, all other PVC pipes are to be 150 mm diameter as noted in the Legend.

Revised drawings forthcoming in Amendment No. 0002.

47. Drawing CS510, Drawing CS511, and detailed in Specification 44 41 00 Design and the performance requirements of the 2 penstocks as referenced on drawing CS510 and CS511 and detailed in specification 44 41 00:

a) The penstocks as specified are not a standard design supplied by Australian manufacturers.

Current work at RAAF Base Tindal (T018/T020 project) requires the supply and installation of penstocks that meet the same design criteria associated with this solicitation. It is requested that NAVFAC consider a specification and design change to accept an Australian manufactured product that is in line with the current projects at RAAF Base Tindal. Not only will this provide cost and time savings for this project, but it will also provide continuity of equipment across the Base.

b) If the change in design is unacceptable, the following queries need to be addressed:

(i) The closing requirement for the penstocks as designed is 30 seconds. Advice from penstock manufacturers is that this cannot be achieved with a multi-turn actuator as designed.

This will require a pneumatic cylinder arrangement similar to the current penstocks installed at RAAF Base Tindal. Please advise if the current design can be changed to meet the closing time requirement.

(ii) The current design has the penstock installed in an OFF-seated position. Penstock manufacturers recommend the penstock should be moved to the outlet of each pit. Please advise.

Section 44 41 00 clause 2.1.5.9 of the specification references an air compressor in drawing CS509. Please confirm what is the air compressor used for as there is no detail of the air compressor on Drawing CS509.

ANSWER: The time taken for the penstock to close shall be increased to a maximum time of one minute. A multi-turn actuator will be required to drive the penstocks. The penstocks can also be shifted to the OFF-seated position for both Penstocks 01 and

02. Revised specification will be issued in forthcoming Amendment No. 0002.

50. Drawing S-001. Note C.19 on Drawing S-001 Notes test HB69 for testing the aggregate alkali reactivity. We are seeking confirmation that HB79 rather than HB69 is the correct reference for this test.

ANSWER: Correct the drawing reference should read “HB-79 Appendix B3.2”. Further information on all testing methods for aggregates are contained in AS 1141 (various sections) as referenced in the specification. Revised drawing will be issued in forthcoming Amendment No. 0002.

53. SECTION 01 14 00 - The specification in 01 14 00 Work Restrictions states that the

Contractor will not be able to work during exercises including Exercise Pitch Black. This has a significant time and cost impact as Pitch Black goes for over 5 to 6 weeks in the middle of the 2024 and 2026 dry seasons. Our current experience in building the adjacent KC-30 aircraft apron is that while exercises do result in increased air traffic, our work outside of operational runways and aprons is unimpeded. Can NAVFAC confirm that where work can be safely undertaken outside of operational areas it can continue concurrently with exercises on a similar basis.

ANSWER: The Contractor may be able to continue work during Exercise Pitch Black, however this will be dependent on approval from Tindal Base Management. Make allowance as per specification 01 14 00.

54. SECTION 01 32 17.00 20, clause 1.10.2. The specification in 01 32 17.00 20 Cost-Loaded

Network Analysis Schedule (NAS) specifies the use of a 5 day per week calendar in the programme. Elsewhere in 01 14 00 Work Restrictions it states that work can be undertaken 6 days per week if away from accommodations areas (which this project is), and 7 days per week if permission is granted by the Contracting Officer. This is consistent with the approach taken for our current works at RAAF Base Tindal and we are interpreting this to mean we can work six days a week and seek permission to work seven days, where needed. Will NAVFAC please confirm if this is correct and that our programme can reflect this approach?

ANSWER: While there is no opposition to the contractor working in excess of 5 working days, it will need to be requested in accordance with the Specification 01 32 17.00 20.

There may be isolated dates or instances where working in excess of 5 working days per week my conflict with base operations.

55. Drawing E-516 Please provide the length of the earth stake for the static earth points on drawing E-516. The drawing refers to note 6 which is not provided.

ANSWER: Per NT Worksafe requirements all vertical-type electrodes must be driven to a minimum depth of 1.2 meters, as per AS/NZS 3000 Clause 5.3.6.3.

59. In Specification Section 01 35 13.43 10, Paragraph 3.1.3.3, Contaminant Characterization, you mention two reports: PFAS Construction Risk Assessment (GHD 2022) and PFAS Construction Risk Assessment and Preliminary Construction Environmental Management Plan. Could you please provide us a copy of each of these reports?

ANSWER: The reports will not be provided. Pertinent information from the reports is found on drawing G-105, drawing C-002 and CE-501.

RESPONSE REVISED FROM NOTICE NO. 2 DATED JULY 5, 2023:

11. On Drawing CD501 in the demolition sections shown on Detail A1 there is a note on each of the details that states “salvage existing subbase for reuse.” Are we required to remove all of this material if not required in the replacement of the new sections? One of the details shows 400 to 600 mm of this material; what are we to assume?

ANSWER: Material will need to be removed to construct/accommodate the pavement profile shown. Per note 2 on CD501, Detail A1, depth presented is based on boring data shown on B-001 through B-605.

RESPONSE REVISED FROM NOTICE NO. 3 DATED JULY 11, 2023:

61. On Drawing CR107 you show a darkened area and define it as a thickened slab. Please provide the detail of how thick that portion of the slab is to be

ANSWER: The complete slab has to be thickened to 1.25 x D as per Section D2 on CR503 where D is the thickness of the JOINTED PLAIN CONCRETE of Pavement Type 1.

RESPONSES FOR NOTICE NO. 4:

62. Drawing MP506. Please confirm the fuel line vesselets shown on drawing MP506 can be substituted with weldolets as is standard practice in Australia.

ANSWER: See response to question 41.

63. Specification section 26 42 17, Clause 2.2.1. Please confirm if PVC/Nylon/PVC anode cable is an acceptable replacement for the specified AWG#8 HMWPE anode cable, as this type of cable is vulnerable to termite attack in the RAFF Base Tindal region.

ANSWER: See response to question 42.

64. Drawing EK501 and specification section 26 42 17, clause 2.5. Please confirm the material type for the the "Anode Junction Box". Drawing EK501 notes a galvanised box and the specification section 26 42 17 clause 2.5 states stainless steel.

ANSWER: See response to question 43.

65. Drawing CR516, drawing SP502. Drawing CR516 (section D3 and A1) and Drawing SP502

(section C1 and B1) both show differing footing details for the fuel hydrant high point vent and low point drain concrete surround. Please confirm which detail is correct.

ANSWER: Response deferred.

66. Specification section 33 52 43.13, Clause 3.8. Please confirm if the fuel line subcontractor can test the line to AS2885.5, and clean and dry as per EI1594. We would not recommend introducing fuel into the system without an adequate strength test which can only be done with water. This test would be a replacement to the Pneumatic and Hydrostatic test with fuel.

ANSWER: Pipeline must be pneumatically tested and hydrostatically tested with fuel to ASME B31.3 per contract specifications.

67. Specification 23 11 36.13, Clause 2.3.2. We note that in the specification under 2.3.2

Mechanical Spreader, it refers to a spreader with a hopper and adjustable screed mechanism to spread the cement treated base material in the shoulder pavement and the open drain area.

We advise that the use of a mechanical spreader is not safe nor practical in the open drain areas due to the excessive cross-fall slope. This leaves only a small shoulder area to do with the mechanical spreader. Given this spreader would need to be sourced from Queensland (there are none based in the Northern Territory), the cost to mobilise and demobilize the spreader 3,000km each way is prohibitive for such a small area. We propose the use of a motor grader be permitted as with the other granular pavements on the project and in keeping with the current practice on site at RAAF Tindal and other airfield pavement projects in Australia. Segregation tests conducted on the placed material can be used to confirm the methodology does not segregate the material.

ANSWER: Response deferred.

68. RFP Page 10 of 82, Section 00 21 16, Paragraph 1.6: Should the listed information on

Partnerships, JVs, LLCs, LPs, etc. be submitted as part of the Preaward Survey/Responsibility Determination information requested in Paragraph 1.5 or is it a separate submittal requirement?

ANSWER: Yes, submit as a part of the Preaward Survey/Responsibility Determination information.

69. RFP Page 5 of 82, Price Proposal Schedule: Price Item Number 0001AB refers to a quantity of ‘mass rock excavation’ being 7600m3. Please confirm whether the definition of mass rock excavation includes such rock excavation as trenches or trenching through rock. Please confirm the basis for measurement of rock.

ANSWER: The volume of rock excavation is based on an estimate of the volume of limestone pinnacles that is likely to be encountered in all excavations. The measurement is based on the approximate volume of rock excavation from a geophysical survey that will require excavation by drilling and expansion jacks or rock breakers. Hard material and rock excavation is defined in Specification 31 23 00.00 20, paragraph 3.3.4.

70. Amendment 0001, Section 00 22 00, Page 4 of 8, Factor 2 Past Performance: The RFP states, “Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) shall be completed and signed by the contracting agent and/or their representative responsible for the construction contract administration.” In Australia, it is common business practice for a client to employ a Managing Contractor as their representative to provide contract administration services, including the solicitation and award of trade contracts. Will the GOVT amend the requirement or will it be acceptable to allow PPQs to be signed by a Managing Contractor for the projects provided in Factor 1?

ANSWER: In accordance with the RFP, please submit PPQs “completed and signed by the contracting agent and/or their representative responsible for the construction contract administration.”

71. Amendment 0001, Section 00 21 16, Paragraphs 1.1.a and 1.1.b: We request the Government reconsider its request for hard copy proposals and instead allow for electronic proposals to be submitted via the DoD SAFE site or via email. This has been the common practice for proposals submitted to the DoD since the onset of COVID in March of 2020.

ANSWER: RFP remains unchanged.

72. Amendment 0001, Section 00 21 16, Paragraph 1.1.d: Will the GOVT reconsider its request for an electronic copy of the proposal on CD-ROM? Or allow bidders to provide a CD-ROM within 5 days following the bid due date? This will allow bidders to work pricing right up to the due date and time, without having to cut off bid preparations early just to burn a CD- ROM. This will result in the most up to date and competitive pricing for the Navy.

ANSWER: RFP remains unchanged.

73. Design Models: Will the Navy provide the design 12d models from the designers to allow accurate volume checks of earthworks and pavements?

ANSWER: The model will not be released.

74. Joint Sealant Restrictions: Design Note C81 states that sealants cannot be installed if the

Maximum Daily Temperature exceeds 30 degrees. Refer below -

We have completed a weather assessment and it indicates the maximum temperatures at Tindal are regularly above 30 degrees. Should Note C81 state, “Do not install sealants if the actual air temperature is above 30 degrees”?

ANSWER: Note C81 to be changed to "Do not install sealants if the actual air temperature is above 30 degrees Celsius or outside the temperature application range specified by the manufacturer of the sealant." A revision will be issued in a forthcoming amendment.

75. Drawing CD502, Existing Bldg 725 and Bldg 830 Demolition Details: Concerning the restrictions for Demolition of Existing Air Movements Terminal, we understand that the existing Air Movements Terminal Building (BLDG 830) and Strarch Hangar (BLDG 725) can only be demolished once the new Air Movements Terminal is completed and commissioned. Can you confirm when the new Air Movements Building and associated works are expected to be completed so that decommissioning and demolition works for BLDG 830 and BLDG 725 can commence?

ANSWER: The scheduling of KC-30 project works (being undertaken by others) and the P-500 project works have been coordinated with recognition that demolition of the existing AMT is on the critical path. Accordingly, the P-500 program has been established with the understanding that the new AMT will be operational by April 2024 to allow P-500 contractor to progress demolition of existing AMT and associated strarch hangar.

76. Drawing G-105: The notes on Drawing G-105 concerning available land for site amenities and accommodation show locations for potential contractor laydown and site facilities. Given the close proximity of these sites to aircraft movements, significant noise can be expected.

Are other locations available that will allow to establish site facilities farther away from the runway and airfield?

ANSWER: The areas nominated for potential contractor laydown and site facilities are within the site selection board and boundary of works. Different site facilities may be established by the contractor but the contractor would need to request and coordinate this with the Contracting Officer and Tindal Base Management.

77. Drawing G-105: The Accommodation Notes on Drawing G-105 state, “Allowance to be made for accommodation to be based offsite from RAAF Tindal’. Will land outside RAAF Tindal be made available for establishing a Workers Accommodation camp for the project nearby (e.g., next to the Lendlease Workers Camp by the main gate at Tindal)?

ANSWER: No land will be made available outside of RAAF Tindal by the Government.

The establishment of workers accommodation offsite from RAAF Tindal is the responsibility of the contractor. The P500 project has made contact with Katherine Local Council and they are aware of the upcoming needs for accommodation associated with this project. The contractor will need to liaise and establish a suitable location with Katherine Local Council, or alternatively make use of available existing accommodation options.

78. Drawing G-102 (concerning Work Restriction – Taxiway Alpha (Emergency Runway

Operations): We understand the EST00346 RAAF Base Tindal Redevelopment - Stage 6 Project is intending to utilize Taxiway Alpha as the main runway while reconstruction of the Main Runway 14/32 is underway. Given Taxiway Alpha is in close proximity to the Bomber

Apron worksite, will there be any restrictions during aircraft movements and compliance issues with CASA standards and MOS139?

ANSWER: A Code 2B instrumented Temporary Runway will be established on TWY A for a period of P-500 project works being undertaken. During this period the Temporary Runway will be activated with an 80 metre strip distance from the taxiway/runway centreline and an inclined (20%; 1 in 5) transitional surface. Works can be undertaken with the worksite established to prevent breach of this Obstacle Limitation Surface. Refer to the draft staging plans on drawing G-105 for further details, noting that the successful Contractor is responsible for finalizing the staging plans and associated Method of Work Plan (MOWP) reflecting their final works methodology, durations etc and having it approved by the appropriate authorities.

79. Amendment 0001, Document 00 22 00, Section 2.3(a) Factor 1 – Experience, Paragraphs 1 and 2: Request the GOVT amend the definition of “substantially complete” to mean “at least 50% physically complete,” which will allow the GOVT the opportunity to assess our most recent and relevant experience for this project.

80. Amendment 0001, Document 00 21 16, Section 1.1: We request an extension of 30 days, which will allow contractors sufficient time to develop the most cost-competitive price and technically sound approach for this logistically challenging project.

81. Standard Form 1442, Item 13.D: The GOVT requests that proposals be valid for 180 calendar days. We request the GOVT reconsider this length of time and opt for a 90-day validity. This reduction in bid validity has potential to save the GOVT a significant amount of money, as contractors will reduce contingency monies to cover currency fluctuations.

82. Document 00 21 16, Section 1.3: Please confirm the last day to submit questions is 19 July

2023.

ANSWER: In accordance with Document 00 21 16, paragraph 1.3 of the RFP, “The

Government may not respond to questions submitted less than 10 business days before the proposal receipt due date.”