Attachment_7_Clarifications.pdf

FY15 Replace HVAC system at visitor center North Cascades NPS Complex Attachment 7: Clarifications

This document is provided with Amendment 2 to answer questions posed by potential Offerors.

1) Will the park camping areas be made available for contractor to house personnel during the time of this project?

As stated in Attachment 5 Q & A 6, 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. While some campgrounds close in the fall, Goodell Creek Campground and Gorge Lake Campground are open year-round but do not have water, garbage and recycling services, or fees during the off-season, as posted. Restrictions on the timing and duration of camping within the park is described in Section 2.3.3 Construction Support.

2) The wage determination does not include HVAC installers. Is it assumed that they would fall under the Plumbers and Pipefitters?

It depends. Offerors will need to use their judgement and knowledge to determine which wage classifications are most appropriate. The Department of Labor is the authority and final arbiter on this subject, but the following information is provided.

If it is common local practice for HVAC installers to be classified as Plumbers and Pipefitters and/or Sheet Metal Workers, then you may do so. Refer to Page 14 of the U.S. Department of Labor Prevailing Wage Resource Book, DBA/DBRA Compliance Principles, which states, “To determine proper classifications for workers employed on a Davis-Bacon covered project, it may be necessary to examine local area practice. There are no nationwide standard classification definitions under the DBA.” http://www.dol.gov/whd/recovery/pwrb/Tab9.pdf

A different edition of the same Resource Book, 2010 Conformances, indicates a preference to use a more general similar category of construction worker when possible (Page 21), rather than pursue a conformance for a specialty trade. It states that the categories of Sheet metal workers, Plumbers, Pipe fitters/steam fitters, and/or Electricians may be used in lieu of HVAC mechanics (heating, ventilation and air conditioning mechanics), Refrigeration mechanics/workers, Furnace installers, and/or Burner repairmen. Note that this edition is in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) section of the DOL website and this project is not funded by ARRA.

http://www.dol.gov/whd/recovery/pwrb/Tab14DBConformances.pdf

Finally, the wage determination describes the conformance process to add specific classifications if the contractor and Contracting Officer wish to pursue a separate wage rate for HVAC installer.

3) Will the contractor need to have a National Park Pass for vehicles while doing the work?

No park-issued vehicle passes will be required for contractor vehicles or equipment during the period of performance. The park does not have an entry gate or entrance fee.

FY15 Replace HVAC system at visitor center North Cascades NPS Complex Attachment 7: Clarifications

4) I assume that all the required engineering has been completed and existing equipment is sized properly to provide the heating and cooling of this space and does not need to be confirmed by Contractor. I further assume any inabilities to satisfy temperatures based on undersized or oversized equipment is not the responsibility of contractor, and service calls associated with these issues will be billable to NPS. Are these assumptions correct?

While the various system components are extant and the replacement units are expected to be of similar sizes, this solicitation is a design-build; thus the contractor is responsible for confirming sizing and providing a fully designed construction document set for NPS review and approval.

The completed project must be fully functional and meet ASHREA standards and building/operational demands.

5. Section 2.1.3, item 2 does not specifically indicate if the electric duct heater for the air handler is to be replaced. Please clarify if it is to be replaced.

See Scope of Work (SOW) Section 6.4 for electric heating coils requirement.

6. Can other brands of DDC equipment manufacturers be used, as long as all other specification requirements are met? Is the same true for other manufacturers of the heat pump, air handlers, VAV boxes, and heaters?

Yes, we will consider products from other manufacturers than those listed in the Statement of Work. If your proposal will include products other than those specified, your proposal and the products must comply with all aspects of FAR provision 52.211-6, Brand Name or Equal.

7. Please clarify if the Contractor may perform on-site work between December 21, 2015 and January 1, 2016.

The following sentence is added to SOW Section 2.3.7 Working Hour Restrictions: “No on-site work shall occur on or after December 21, 2015; except that work may resume on January 4, 2016 for the remaining days in the period of performance.” The period of performance for the construction phase is increased to 134 calendar days to accommodate this closure; SOW Section

1.6 and FAR clause 52.211-10 will be so updated in the contract award. The Contractor’s project schedule described in SOW Section 2.1.6 should factor in this closure.

Note that we are not accelerating performance, nor will there be a penalty for not completing on-site work by Friday, December 18, 2015.