QandA_2015-02-11_VAMA_152373.pdf

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

VAMA 152373

– Response to Questions – February 11, 2015

1. Question: What level of material testing and analysis are you looking for? We offer different types of testing, from acid digestion to petrographic analysis, and can perform more in depth testing if required. The spec calls for the matching of fibers, shells and other elements which may not be identified without additional in-depth testing

Answer: The intention of the testing requirement is to assist the contractor in identifying and selecting sands and sand sources to achieve an appropriate mortar match. This will primarily require digestion and sand profiling. It is anticipated that multiple samples of sand blends as well as multiple samples of mortar will need to be prepared to find an acceptable combination.

2. Question: The spec has provided laying and pointing formulations that include Portland cement. Based on the age of the building, there is a good chance that it was originally constructed without any Portland cement, and analysis will be required to determine the original mortar mixture. If the building has no Portland cement, then using a cement mortar may cause significant damage to the existing brick and stone.

Answer: The period of construction for this building represents a transitional period as far as mortar composition. Mortar analysis has indicated that the building was originally constructed using mortar that contains a portion of cement. The proposed mix is indicated in specification sections 040120 and 040140.

3. Question: The contractor should not be slaking quicklime on site, as this can be a dangerous process and slaked lime needs to age for months before it is ready for use in mortar mixtures. The contractor should either use slaked lime putty, or use a factory blended mortar custom mixed for the project based on the analysis

Answer: Several types of lime are indicated as being acceptable. There is no expectation or requirement that lime be slaked on site.

4. Question: Will there be a revised bid date for the Vanderbilt project due to the postponement of the site visit? For planning purposes it would be helpful to know in advance.

Answer: Yes, as of this notice we are granting an extension to the proposal due date through February 26, 2015. All proposals must be received at the address provided in the solicitation (Denver Service Center) no later than 4:00 pm Mountain Time, February 26, 2015.

5. Question: Will electronic bid submissions of volume’s #1 & #2 be permitted followed by hard copies?

Answer: In accordance with Clause 52.215-1, Instructions to Offerors - Competitive Acquisition, Offerors are allowed to revise their price proposal prior to the proposal due date. The technical proposal and original price proposal must be received via hard copy mail to the address as indicated in Section L of the Solicitation. Proposal modifications may be submitted via facsimile, sent to (303)987-6608. In case of price revision, Offerors are required to submit a revised Offer (SF-1442, box 17) and revised Contract Price Schedule in its entirety in order for the revision to be considered.

Please note in order to meet the requirements for this solicitation, all amendments must be acknowledged on the SF-1442, box 19, or each amendment document (SF-30) must be signed and submitted with the proposal package.