Attachment_5_Site_Visit_notes.pdf

FY15 Replace HVAC system at visitor center North Cascades NPS Complex Attachment 5: Site Visit Notes

A pre-proposal site visit was conducted on 5/13/15 at the visitor center in Newhalem, WA. The visit was conducted by Sarah Welch, Contracting Officer, assisted by NPS personnel Hoa Lam, COR; Kerri Cook, Inspector; Alan Schoblom, Inspector; and Denton Moore, Electrician.

Sarah Welch welcomed attendees and stated that the purpose of the meeting was to show attendees the existing system, building, and site. We did not review the Scope of Work, but after a brief tour entertained questions related to the site and the solicitation. Ms. Welch also stated:

• Nothing said at the site visit changes the terms, conditions, requirements, or specifications of the solicitation and eventual contract. All changes will be formalized and incorporated by formal written amendment(s) to the RFP and posted at FBO and FedConnect.

• Notes of today’s discussion will be provided in Amendment 1. We will endeavor to find answers to each question within the solicitation documents, but if we are unable to, the official answers will be provided in the amendment.

• Remember to review the information in Sections L (Instructions to Offerors) and M (Evaluation) before submitting the proposal.

• The magnitude of construction range is prescribed by the Federal Acquisition Regulation and is for reference only.

• If you have future questions, e-mail them to me as soon as possible, but no later than May 19, or 10 days prior to the due date if the RFP is extended.

• Due date is Friday, May 29 unless extended by amendment.

The site visit was attended by representatives of the following firms: Ronsons Design & Construction LLC; Blythe Plumbing & Heating Inc.; Mayberry Enterprises; Automated Mechanical; Dark Horse Enterprises; and Air Systems Engineering.

General: Answers below may refer to specific sections of Attachment 1, Scope of Work, for convenience. Offerors are strongly encouraged to review the entire project requirements detailed in the Scope of Work to ensure complete compliance with project requirements.

Q1: The Project Summary (Section 2.1.2) calls for removing the existing outdoor heat pump condensing unit and refrigeration piping. Does this include removal of the concrete pad it’s currently sitting on?

A1: Yes, removal of existing heat pump condensing unit includes removal of all above-ground ancillary components, including the concrete pad. Electrical power to this location should be secured, circuit breakers locked and tagged to de-energize. Conduit shall be capped to prevent water intrusion and can remain in place as the NPS expects to install an electric vehicle charging station at this location in the future.

Q2: Can the elevator be used for transporting materials and equipment between the first and second floors, and what are the restrictions?

A2: The elevator may be used in accordance with manufacturer’s requirements. The posted weight limit is 2000 lbs. Door dimensions are 36” wide by 79” high to a height-restrictive feature. Inside dimensions are approximately 4’ deep by 5’ wide.

Q3: Section 2.3.1 notes that site access to the new heat pump location is limited to a maximum ground-level width of approximately 52” by architectural features. Can the bollard-style path lighting be temporarily removed to widen access?

A3: Yes, the bollard-style path light can be unscrewed at the base and temporarily removed if needed for access. Contractor shall protect lighting base foundation, adjacent exposed aggregate concrete walkway surfaces, and stone wall from damage during access and construction.

Q4: For ALTERNATE B, which requires the Contractor to clean, service and repair as required, all fan-powered VAV boxes, will the NPS provide a list of specific deficiencies?

A4: The NPS will not provide a list of deficiencies associated with the existing VAV boxes.

All VAVs are currently operable and functioning, and the NPS has performed or contracted ongoing preventive maintenance on these units since their original installation.

Q5: Will the NPS remove furnishings from the second floor office space for the Contractor to work on VAV boxes and/or replace the ceiling grid and panel system?

A5: The NPS will remove or relocate most furnishings and appurtenances from the second floor office space with sufficient preparation time based on the proposed and accepted schedule. Contractor will be required to protect remaining built-in work stations and general finishes during construction.

Sidewalk and primary access route to proposed location for new heat pump

Clearance between toe of rock footing and path lighting is approximately

52”

Q6: What are the anticipated 2015 operating hours for the Visitor Center and nearby campground facilities?

A6: Operating hours for the North Cascades Visitor Center can be found on the park website at http://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm. Information on seasonal openings and closures, services, and fees for nearby campgrounds can be found on the park website at http://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/camping.htm.

Q7: Is there an electric baseboard heater in the main entry that needs to be replaced under this contract?

A7: There is not an electric baseboard heater located in the main entry. As stated in 4.0 Technical Requirements, D3020 – 2.0 EXISTING HVAC FACILITIES, Section 2.1, there is one 1,250 watt baseboard heater in the eastern employee entrance. 1.0 Project Introduction, Section 1.4 Background should be edited to read as follows: “There is one 750 watt supplemental radiant ceiling panel in both the Men’s and Women’s bathrooms, one 1,250 watt baseboard heater in the eastern employee entrance, and one 500 watt baseboard heater in both the elevator mechanical room and the fire riser room (italics reflect added text). The work associated with replacing this unit is referenced under Section 2.1.2 vi.

Q8: Section 2.1.2 vi requires wall-mounted unit heaters to be replaced but also include new local thermostat with locking mechanism. How and where do you want these thermostats to be located and the new wiring installed?

A8: Wall-mounted unit heaters can be replaced in-kind with built-in thermostats; no new wiring and locking mechanism is required. Section 2.1.2 vi should be edited as follows:

“Replace wall-mounted unit heaters in fire riser room, elevator mechanical room, and eastern employee entrance. Units shall be replaced in kind with built-in thermostats.”

Section 2.1.3, Item 2 – HVAC System (Basic) should have the associated bullet edited as follows: “Replace wall-mounted unit heaters in elevator mechanical room, fire riser room, and employee entry, and replace in kind with built-in thermostats;”

Q9: Section 2.1.2 vii requires new local thermostats with locking mechanism for the replaced radiant panels in the men’s and women’s restrooms. Since those are currently wired and tied into the main system control, do you still want them to be disconnected and re-wired for new low-voltage local thermostats, or can they be tied to the DDC system?

A9: Since the existing radiant panels are already wired as part of the existing control system, they can and should be controlled as part of the new Direct Digital Controls (DDC) system. Section 2.1.2 vii should be edited as follows: “Replace radiant panel, like for like, in men’s and women’s restroom and provide new wall-mounted sensors for temperature control through the DDC system.” Section 2.1.3, Item 2 – HVAC System (Basic) should have the associated bullet edited as follows: “Replace radiant panel, like for like, in men’s and women’s restroom and provide new wall-mounted sensors;”

http://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm http://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/camping.htm

Q10: Should the CO2 sensors in the Auditorium and Exhibit rooms be located along the walls or within the air return duct?

A10: CO2 sensors should be located only in the Auditorium, not Exhibit room, and should be located to detect presentative CO2 concentration in the room.

Q11: Does the NPS have a specific form that should be used for refrigerant recovery to comply with Section 608 of the Clean Air Act (Refrigerant Recycling Rule)?

A11: No, the NPS does not have a specific form for refrigerant recovery. Contractor shall comply with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulatory requirements for service practices, refrigerant recovery, and recycling equipment certification. A copy of all certification forms and safe reclamation or disposal documentation shall be provided to the NPS.

Q12: Does the NPS want abandoned refrigerant line sets in the utility closet between the men’s and women’s restroom removed?

A12: Yes. As stated in Section 2.1.2 i, “Remove refrigerant piping where accessible and exposed.” This includes all locations where the piping can be accessed without excavation of the ground or demolition of interior walls, floors, or other permanent surfaces that restrict access.

Q13: Can the Contractor use restroom facilities, water fountains, and other facilities available to the public at the Visitor Center?

A13: Yes, restroom facilities, drinking water fountains, and other public facilities are available for use by the Contractor during construction. However, once the Visitor Center is closed to the public in mid-November, the NPS will stop monitoring the water system, and water will be deemed “non-potable”. The Contractor will still be allowed to use the restroom but will need to provide an alternative source of potable drinking water for employees working onsite after the NPS stops monitoring the water supply in mid-November.

Q14: Should the Contractor plan on providing a desktop computer (CPU, monitor, and standard appurtenances) pre-loaded with control software to be installed at the site, and will the NPS provide a static IP address for this computer?

A14: The NPS will provide a network-connected PC with Windows 7 operating system and a static IP number for DDC system control at the Visitor Center. Contractor shall provide and install all software needed for controlling the system on this PC. In addition, Contractor shall provide installation instructions and software to be installed on up to two additional computers at remote locations, to be installed by NPS Information Technology staff. Contractor shall validate or verify functionality of system control software installed on remote computers.

Q15: Will the NPS be able to provide building access within the working hour restrictions (Section 2.3.7), which are limited to weekday hours of 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, for the duration of the project?

A15: The Contractor can expect to have building access Monday through Friday 7:00 am to 5:00 pm through mid-November. After that time, work hours may be changed to Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, or Monday through Thursday 7:00 am to 5:30 pm, due to reduced NPS staff levels. We will make every effort to accommodate the Contractor’s preferred work schedule.

The following questions were submitted by e-mail:

Q16: Can the dis- and re-assembly of the HVAC units occur at night to reduce the impact on NPS staff and visitors?

A16: No. All work must occur within the hours stated above.

Q17: The Scope of Work and drawings show the condenser lines going below the footing yet the geological report says there is rock with sizes over 48” below 24” of the surface, so could we drill through the foundation/footing at 24” to limit the exposure to the solid below the 24” mark?

A17: The geological report indicates the general condition of the area as found during the construction of the VC. The footing area was disturbed in preparation for the bedding and construction, and it is unlikely there is a large boulder right underneath. If a large boulder is encountered during construction, drilling through the foundation/footing is allowed.

The contractor shall ensure flexibility in the penetration and conduits for any differential settlement so as to not place undue stresses on the refrigerant piping and electrical service.

Q18: What is the new expected start date to this project as May is here next week and the design time will take up to 90 days?

A18: As stated in the Schedule, Section 1.6, the design phase is limited to 65 days. The Notice to Proceed with the construction phase will be issued on or after September 7, 2015. We hope to award a contract by June 19, 2015.