QandA_2015-02-26_VAMA_152373.pdf

Amendment 0003 Attachment 1

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 26, 2015

1. Question: Also the stone company is not finding the limestone called out in the spec. Can Indiana limestone be substituted?

Answer: Indiana limestone is not an acceptable substitute for the portico paving. Joliet stone is the stone used at the Mansion for the portico paving and bottom tread of the steps, and any required Dutchman or replacement must match this stone. There is no known substitute that will match this stone. Bromberek’s Flagstone is the only known supplier of the Joliet stone.

Bromberek’s Flagstone Co.

910 Singer Ave.

Lemont, IL 60439 Office Phone: 630-257-0686 http://www.bromberekflagstone.com/index.htm

Larry Bromberek, owner Cell Phone: 630-461-8000 Email: larrytherockman@yahoo.com

2. Question: Cleaning masonry-is that in work areas only? First floor down? or entire building?

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.

3. Question: In reference the vertical wheelchair lift project at Vanderbilt Mansion, located in Hyde Park, NY. After reviewing the drawings # A511, A512 and Specifications – Section 144216, I have the following concerns:

The location of the custom design upper landing gate (which is part of the new railing design) is located too far from the platform and is not complying to Section 2.1.3.1 of ASME A18.1 Code;

Answer: It is understood that due to the unique limitations of building, the wheelchair lift will not comply with every aspect of the building code or ADA requirements.

4. Question: There is issue with the headroom clearance, when the platform reaches the upper landing in violation of Section 2.1.9 of ASME A18.1 Code;

Answer: The headroom conflict noted is only at the extreme edge of the platform. The stone lintel overlaps the platform approximately 2 inches. It is unlikely that the head of anyone seated in a wheelchair on the platform would be able to contact the stone lintel at any point of the lift’s operation. It is understood that due to the unique limitations of building, the wheelchair lift will not

Solicitation No. P15PS00036

VAMA 152373

http://www.bromberekflagstone.com/index.htm mailto:larrytherockman@yahoo.com comply with every aspect of the building code or ADA requirements; as a result, the lift is not intended to be used by the general public without a member of park staff present.

5. Question: There is a possible pinching, shearing issues between the non-entrance side of the platform and railing of the staircase – ref. Section 2.1.3.5 of ASME A18.1 Code;

Answer: This issue will be reviewed at the shop drawing phase once a lift manufacturer and model are selected. It is understood that due to the unique limitations of building, the wheelchair lift will not comply with every aspect of the building code or ADA requirements; as a result, the lift is not intended to be used by the general public without a member of park staff present.

6. Question: On any of the architectural drawings with masonry rest key notes (like A201), note D- tool back stone face surface. Does this mean tool back to make a complete new face? Hard to visualize for there was two feet of snow on all the porticos except one?

Answer: Some of the portico paving stones are partially delaminated or otherwise damaged on their surface. The conditions of the visible east portico paving are similar to the conditions of the other porticos. The intention is to tool the surface of the existing stones to create a flat surface.

7. Question: I was wondering if it would possible to get a bidders list for this project or if you could put me in contact with a site or person from which I could get the list.

Answer: The Federal Government no longer maintains a “bidders mailing list”; However, there is a list of vendors who have selected to register themselves with this particular solicitation called the Interested Parties List. This list is available electronically at www.fbo.gov from within the solicitation announcement. Note: You must become a registered user to access this information electronically.

8. Question: Are there any details showing the proposed construction and installation of the “Fixed” windows? These windows are the majority of the storm window portion of the project. Having seen the existing conditions and sizes, we suggest the use of a window construction similar to the double hung windows (with mounting frame expanders) as shown on the bid details (A604/2) at any “Fixed” windows over 36” wide. We also suggest that these windows be of a “Fixed Removable” design to allow for the easy removal of the exterior sash for washing and maintenance.

Answer: Fixed removable is acceptable at all locations designated to be fixed.

9. Question: Due to the size and sash weight of most of the operable double hung storm windows, we suggest the inclusion of sash assist balances at any bottom sash in excess of 15 lbs., this will provide for improved ease of operation.

Answer: This is acceptable.

10. Question: At all double hung storm windows, we suggest that the top sash must be removable to allow for washing and maintenance between the prime and storm window.

Answer: This is acceptable, but not required.

11. Question: The window Warranty (specification page 5, 2.5, B 1) is for a 10-year period, we suggest the use of higher quality paint finish such as a Kynar (or equal) paint, in lieu of a Baked Enamel paint, as it will also provide a 10-year warranty.

Answer: This is an acceptable substitution, but not required.

Solicitation No. P15PS00036

12. Question: Please kindly point out where in the drawings there are details about cleaning of masonry, including areas to be cleaned.

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.

Solicitation No. P15PS00036