Buildign 3 -- Questions and Answers

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

SOLICITATION #NIHOF2010210

As of: 03/25/2010

REPLY

BY

QUESTIONS RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS

1. Sheet A3.03 Note #3 requests that you reference the Project Specifications for skylights manufacturers, details, etc. No specification has been provided for information regarding skylights. Please advise.

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2. Detail 4/A5.20 indicates the stair from the North Lobby down to the first floor level comprises of 9 equal treads. In reviewing detail 2/A5.21, there appears to be 10 equal treads. Please advise.

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3. Ceramic Tile details on Sheet A5.50 provide details regarding the wall elevation tile pattern, but do not include any details associated with the floor tile pattern. Please provide a pattern for the floor tiling and base.

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4. Please review and provide interior elevations, schedule of finishes for both elevator cabs, as none have been identified by the Contract Documents.

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5. Detail 2/S3.04 indicates details the elevation for the elevator machine room. Please review and advise where this steel slab is being constructed, please provide a connection detail for the new masonry to the existing to remain roof structure. If the steel slab is being placed above the elevator shaft, does this elevation allow for sufficient overrun space?, and if so, what is the access to the elevator hoisting equipment and control panels.

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6. If the contractor is to receive electronic CAD files prepared by the A/E and be required to create &

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maintain complete & full construction BIM Model…will the CAD files be provided in 2-D or 3-D? Or...will the provided files already be in a 3-D BIM Model format?

This will have a huge impact on the initial cost to set up the BIM Model for this project.

7. Will electronic CAD files be provided by each of the design disciplines, i.e. Civil, Structural, Architectural, and MPE? Will the software be compatible / consistent to integrate to the BIM Model software or should we expect to utilize NAVIS for the integration?

7.

CO

8. In the RFP / Part IV Representations And Instructions

- Section K - Representations, Certifications and Other Statements of Offerors: there are parts that should be completed by the Contracting Officer.

When will this be completed, and will it be sent out as an addendum?

8. See Section L for the Business Size and NAICS Code.

Additionally, see Paragraph 1.(b)(2) which indicates that FAR Clause 52.204-7 applies. You must therefore go to Paragraph 1.(d) page 4 of the Section K document, which directs that you go to the hyperlink to the ORCA site and complete the Online Representation and Certification Application.

9. Other than the Pre Proposal Conference scheduled for March 24th I do not see any meetings scheduled for a walk through of the facility.

Due to the number of subcontractors involved I would hope to have at least two opportunities made available.

9.

10. Spec Section 01270 -- Unit Price Item # 9 asks for pricing for "additional shoring and bracing" with a unit of measurement per LINEAR METER. Specification Section 02300 does not address this"unit price" or provide a height. Since this unit of measurement is normally provided as a per square unit measure instead of linear…do you have a unit height to correspond with the linear meter length so the contractor can properly quantify the item? Or should this item be provided per square meter?

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11. Spec Sections 03300 & 03720 -- Unit Price Item # 12 Concrete Repair refers to providing unit prices for additions and deductions for each of the repair quantities identified in the Concrete Repair notes on sheet S4.11 and per Division 03. The three REPAIR NOTES specific to concrete repairs are detailed on:

4/S4.11, 5/S4.11 & 7/S4.11. The additional concrete repair references in Divison 03300 Part 3 - Execution, Section 3.15 that refer to Concrete Surface Repairs for the following: A. Defective Concrete, B. Patching Mortar, C. Repairing Formed Surfaces, D. Repairing Unformed Surfaces, & E. structural repairs of concrete. Should the contractor assume the three details shown on sheet S4.11 are the only requested Unit Prices for this item?

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12. Spec Section 17723 - The Electrical drawings on sheet E0.02 refer to Specification Section 17723, regarding the Mass Evacuation System. Has this specification section been released yet? Where can I get a copy?

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13. The RFP - Section F - Deliveries of Performance, Article F.3 Time of Delivery, (a) states the delivery of the services described in Section C within 540 days.

The Solicitation, Offer, and Award Form 1442 issued on March 11, 2010 indicates a completion within 502 days. Please provide correct project period/duration for this solicitation / work.

13. The performance period is actually 365 working days which is 511 calendar days (365/(5/7)

14. Spec Section 01222 - I can find no reference to Cost Breakdown Item # CB27 on the plans. Please identify the work and location of the work in the contract document.

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15. Spec Section 01222 - The Cost Breakdown Items stop at Item # CB33. On drawing sheets A2.01 &

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A3.01 a Cost Breakdown designation CB34 appears on each drawing with a different description at each location. How shall the contractor proceed with the two distinct CB items? Are they supposed to be included with the other breakdown items?

16. Divisions 8 & 13 -- Line Item No. CB28 within the proposed alternates for the Project identified within the formal RFP, as well as on sheet A8.05 of the Contract Documents, identifies that there should be a blast resistant laminated glass. Please review and advise the specifications and criteria that should be utilzied.

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17. Article B. 3 Prices -- The statement at the bottom of Table B-1 -- Schedule Of Charges For The Basic Award Period instructs the contractor to provide back-up pricing information to support each CSI Division.

Are you asking for the individual Subcontractor bid quotations for each trade we submit? When is the "back-up" documentation due? Given the MEP trades "last minute" pricing due to supply houses not releasing material quotations, it is not expected we will know which subcontractor we will use, or have a completed subcontractor proposal in time to turn in our proposal. Can we have 48 to 72 hours to review subcontractor scopes and quotes prior to this disclosure?

17. We will accept back up calculations showing how you arrive at the B.3 pricing (unit pricing and quantities). Prior to award, the selected offeror must provide the subcontractor written quotes to support the calculations.

18. Article B.3 Prices -- Table B-1 -- Schedule Of Charges For The Basic Award Period is different from Attachment 6 - Pricing Schedule. Which Pricing Schedule do you wish the contractor to submit for this proposal?

18. Please disregard Attachment #6 – Provide your individual pricing calculations to support you B.3 pricing. See #17 above.

19. Article B.3 Pricing - Are we expected to include the Owner Contingency at $2,000,000 in the Pricing

19. You may; however, this amount may go up or down based on the selected offeror’s award price.

Schedule we turn in?

20. Spec Section 02620 -- Structural Drawing S3.01 indicates that the existing subdrainage lines shall be cleaned, serviced and utilized for the renovated building. Drawing Note #2 on sheet DP2.01 states that all plumbing utilities within the building shall be removed in their entirety and replaced with new piping. Please advise which note shall take precedence.

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21. Please review and confirm that it shall be the General Contractors responsibility to design, furnish and install a permanent ground water system for the sub-basement level. Please advise if there is a current system in place, and if the Engineer of record has sized the new building systems to receive additional water from the dewatering system. Also, if there is a current system in place, will you provide all of the calculations and information downstream of the proposed work? If it is a CG responsibility to design are we precluded from using the Engineer of record as the designer? Since the Engineer of record already has the baseline studies and records it should be significantly less expensive and faster to produce the design.

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22. The Contract Documents indicate that there is an Opaque Film to be applied to several of the window openings. Please review and advise what type of film, thickness and manufacturer should be utilized.

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23. Article H.6. Wage Rates -- Can you confirm that the Wage Rate Decision to be implemented for this project is, in fact, the General Wage Decision (Montgomery County, MD) No. MD080056, Modification No. 22, dated 02/05/2010?

23. Note that there is a new Davis Bacon Wage Determination for Montgomery County, Maryland. The Wage Determination number is MD100056, dated 03/12/2010 and may be accessed at http://www.wdol.gov/wdol/scafiles/davisbacon/MD56.dvb http://www.wdol.gov/wdol/scafiles/davisbacon/MD56.dvb�

24. Sheet A3.03 Note #3 requests that you reference the Project Specifications for skylights manufacturers, details, etc. No specification has been provided for information regarding skylights. Please advise.

24.

25. Sheet A5.20/A5.21 - Detail 4/A5.20 indicates the stair from the North Lobby down to the first floor level comprises of 9 equal treads. In reviewing detail 2/A5.21, there appears to be 10 equal treads. Please advise.

25.

26. Sheet A5.50 - Ceramic Tile details on Sheet A5.50 provide details regarding the wall elevation tile pattern, but do not include any details associated with the floor tile pattern. Please provide a pattern for the floor tiling and base.

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27. Please review and provide interior elevations, schedule of finishes for both elevator cabs, as none have been identified by the Contract Documents.

27.

28. Sheet S3.04 - Detail 2/S3.04 indicates details the elevation for the elevator machine room. Please review and advise where this steel slab is being constructed, please provide a connection detail for the new masonry to the existing to remain roof structure. If the steel slab is being placed above the elevator shaft, does this elevation allow for sufficient overrun space?, and if so, what is the access to the elevator hoisting equipment and control panels.

28.

29. Div 1 -- If the contractor is to receive electronic CAD files prepared by the A/E and be required to create & maintain complete & full construction BIM Model…will the CAD files be provided in 2-D or 3-D? Or...will the provided files already be in a 3-D BIM Model format?

This will have a huge impact on the initial cost to set up the BIM Model for this project.

29.

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Div 1. - Will electronic CAD files be provided by each of the design disciplines, i.e. Civil, Structural, Architectural, and MPE? Will the software be compatible / consistent to integrate to the BIM Model software or should we expect to utilize NAVIS for the integration?

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31. Our firm “An 8(a) firm” is Teaming with “Large Firm”, under written teaming agreement to submit proposal for NIH Bldg 3, and would like to use “Large Firms Resources, Past Performance & Relevant Experience” in our Technical Proposal, We have the following Questions:

1. WILL NIH ACCEPT LARGE FIRMS EXPERIENCE AS

“OFFERORS RELEVENT EPERIENCE?”

2. WILL NIH ACCEPT LARGE FIRMS PAST

PERFORMANCE AS “OFFERORS PAST

PERFORMACNE?”

3. IS HASCON CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT FOR

FEE EXPERIENCE ACCEPTABLE AS “OF

OFERORS RELEVENT EPERIENCE?”

4. Will NIH “Accept combined team of 8(a) Firm and Large Firm as Key Personnel” as “OFFERORS KEY

PERSONNEL”?

31. The solicitation doesn’t restrict a firm from teaming with another form (large or small); however, please see FAR Clause 52.219-14 (Limitations on Subcontracting). This clause was erroneously left out of Article I.3 of the Solicitation and will be added via an amendment. FAR Clause 52.219-14 requires that the prime contractor performs at least 15 percent of the work with his own staff.

32. We are submitting the following questions for the pre-proposal conference for the above-referenced solicitation:

1. Has the LEED charette been completed? If so, what will be required of the construction contractor?

2. Past Performance: Please clarify the past

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performance requirements. The requirements as stated on pages 74 and 77 do not match.

Page 74, Item 10: “A list of the last 3 contracts completed during the past 7 years and or currently being performed…”

Page 77, Item a: “A list of the last contracts completed during the past Seven (7) years and THE LAST THREE CONTRACTS AWARDED currently being performed…”

Delete Paragraph 10, page 74. It is a duplicate of the Past Performance Information on page 77. In the 2nd sentence in Paragraph “a.” under Past Performance, change the first part of the sentence to read “A list of all contracts completed during the past Seven (7) years….

33. Drawing A4.03- Please confirm that projection screens will go in rooms 4E04 and 5E04. They are shown graphically, but they are not noted with section 5/A4.12.

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34. Will there be a cap on the number of days for the liquidated damages stated in item 52.211-12, Item (a), on page 19 of the RFP?

34. There is no Cap. Liquidated damaged will be assessed beginning the day after the performance period ends. See #13 above for performance period and will depend on the contract performance period.

35. 01310-6 (1.9A) Is the Environmental Safety Officer / Industrial Hygienist required as a full time employee throughout the duration of the project or only when needed?

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36. 01500-3 (D2) Is the Integrated Pest Management Quality

Control Supervisor required as a fulltime employee throughout the duration of the project or only as needed?

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37. Specification section 15900 - Building Automation and

Temperature Controls calls for Siemens to be the only acceptable controls vendor. As one of two approved controls companies on the NIH Bethesda campus, and in

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the spirit of competition, Johnson Controls requests to be added as an acceptable controls vendor for this project.

38. Solicitation- Page 69- Please confirm that RFIs can be sent in until noon on 4/9/10.

38. Solicitation questions can only be sent thru March 29, 2010 at 12 noon. Note that Section L, Paragraph 1.e.

(page 68) has been changed to read:

……..”In addition you may sent written questions after the 3/22/2010 thru noon 03/29/2010. Answers to all question will be consolidated and posted as an amendment to this solicitation. The 03/29/2010 cut-off will allow time for any addendum to the drawings/specifications.” ……

39. Please confirm that the schedule to be submitted with the bid need not be on Primavera P6, but can be on any software.

39.

40. Solicitation- Page 18- Article F.1- “The period of performance of this contract shall be from 4/27/10 through 10/19/11.” Please confirm that the dates shown supersede all other references to project duration.

40. The period of performance shall be 511 calendar days after Award/Notice to Proceed. The April 27th date is an estimated award date.

41. Please provide a list of the current bid documents including the dates.

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42. Specification section 02111- All H Drawings- Please confirm whether or not the soffit and/or fascia at the roof overhang and dormers shown on drawings A8.03 and A8.04 have lead-based paint on them.

42.

43. Solicitation- Page 6- The note at the bottom of the table reads..”Provide back-up pricing information to support each CSI division.” Please provide a description of what is required.

43. Show your calculations (i.e., other works sheets to show how you arrived at proposed price for each division -- show unit prices, quantities; RS Means). You must provide supporting subcontractor quotes to support subcontractor pricing prior to contract award.

44. Solicitation – Page 30- Will AIS be required? If so, is there a specific software program we should use?

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45. Should we include any roof work in our bid? If so, please provide roof specs.

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46. C5.01- Section 5- Please provide spec for the stone, geo fabric and edging material. Please provide depth and width of stone strip.

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47. Please provide a specification for site restoration, i.e., Can disturbed areas of grass be re-seeded or will it be required to be sodded?

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48. We have submitted several RFIs and wanted to confirm that we have submitted them properly. Please let me know if we should re-submit them in a different format.

48. See the list of RFI. We are working on the responses and will update this list shortly.

49. I was hoping that you would be able to provide me with a list of interested bidders, planholders or Pre-Bid attendees so that we can submit our pricing for signage. Thanks so much in advance for your assistance.

49. A copy of t he Pre-proposal sign-in sheet is attached to Amendment #000001. You can also view the list of interested party list under this solicitation number at the FBO site.

50. Plan Sheet: A8.05 -- Specification Section: 08550

a. In the Pre-Conference yesterday it was mentioned that the windows will need to have a blast rating, but none are shown on the drawings or specs. If a blast rating is required will it fall under UFC-4-010-01. Can an all aluminum window be used in lieu of the aluminum clad?

b. On the window schedule notes some windows are scheduled to receive opaque film can acid etched or obscure glass be used in lieu of the opaque?

c. Can we rely on the window quantity noted on the schedule on sheet A8.05 or must we got individual

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floor plans?

d. Is the design intent to have a double hung window that is in operable or can a fixed window to simulate a double hung be used instead?

51. 51.