7-PreProposalQ A.pdf

Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site Rehabilitate Exterior of the Historic Vanderbilt Mansion Dutchess County, New York Solicitation No. P15PS00036

VAMA 152373

Pre-Proposal Conference – Response to Questions February 11, 2015

1. Question: Is window work meant to include both sash and frame?

Answer: The goal is to improve the effectiveness of the building seal. The restoration of the frame and window sash is indicated for the subbasement and basement levels. This restoration is primarily intended for the exterior portions of the frames, not the interior casing and trim. The interior finish of the sash and frames should not be disturbed if possible. Option C indicates restoration of the frames and storm sash for the first and second floor levels as well as restoration of the frames at the third level.

2. Question: Can basement windows be removed for off-site fabrication, and temporarily replaced with wooden cover?

Answer: Yes, basement windows can be removed for repair off-site. Temporary wooden covers to seal the void space are acceptable.

3. Question: Are window sashes to be chemically stripped?

Answer: Not necessarily. Window treatments will require a restoration proposal submittal. See specifications, Section 080150. Paint removal at the exterior of the sash is acceptable. The interior faces of the sashes have a historic decorative finish that should remain. They have a wood grain faux finish. The subbasement sashes do not have this faux finish.

4. Question: Does window repair extend to the exterior window sill?

Answer: Yes, any sills in need of repair are included in the work.

5. Question: What is the extent of the masonry cleaning?

Answer: All masonry below and including the water table should be cleaned according to specification section 040120 and 040140. The top of the water table is indicated as elevation 200’-0” on the elevation drawings. The primary method of cleaning indicated is hot water spray. Cleaning tests completed during the design phase indicated the majority of soiling will be removed with this method. Follow up cleaning methods for more heavily soiled areas are also indicated in the specification, including biocide and detergent.

6. Question: Are the upper floor iron window grilles being restored?

Answer: As indicated on the window schedules and details on A603, the upper floor grilles are being removed and reinstalled to facilitate Option C work.

7. Question: The storm panels for doors D14 and D15 are missing, are they to be restored?

Answer: The door schedule indicates no work to these storm panels.

8. Question: The door latch is missing on door D001? How do we restore it?

Answer: The door schedule indicates providing a mortise lock for this door and is indicated in specification section 087000. The existing hinges should be restored.

Solicitation No. P15PS00036

9. Question: What is the intent of the temporary protection specifications?

Answer: A summary of the major components of work required are indicated in specification section 020550. The primary work of this section includes protecting elements of the building and site to remain in place adjacent to work areas. For example, providing appropriate temporary floor covering in interior work areas to protect flooring from damage, or providing appropriate protection to adjacent stone masonry during structural slab demolition.

10. Question: What is proposed for windows with poor repairs, such as nails which have been used to tighten mortise & tenon joints?

Answer: The intent is to have a well-fitted window and frame combination. If the previous repair fulfills this goal it does not need to be disassembled. However, if the repair was not successful it should be removed and repaired.

11. Question: Why was an estimate attached to the solicitation?

Answer: An estimate was inadvertently included in the Appendix document. This document should be disregarded as it is outdated and is not reflective of the current scope of work.

Solicitation No. P15PS00036