Questions and Answers_20260813.pdf

Questions and Answers for

W91QF426BA004

B52 Windows Northside

1. Have asbestos and/or lead surveys or testing been completed for the existing window caulking, glazing compounds, painted window components, or adjacent materials? If so, could the applicable reports or test results be provided?

Answer: A percentage of the windows have been tested. The survey will be provided.

2. For bidding purposes, should contractors assume asbestos abatement will be required at all affected window openings, or only at locations where asbestos-containing material is confirmed?

Answer: The SOW has been revised. The contractor is responsible for testing all windows for asbestos. The contractor shall then provide a per unit price for abatement (demo) of a window on the bid documents for reference after award. The sub-contractor collecting the samples and testing them shall not be the contractor performing the abatement (demo).

3. The SOW and drawings state that window dimensions shown are for reference and that actual dimensions and existing conditions must be field verified. Would the Government permit an additional pre-bid site access opportunity for field verification for bidders who were unable to attend the August 6 site visit?

Answer: The window dimensions were taken as part of a whole building survey. The Government believes they are accurate enough for bidding purposes.

4. Are there any restrictions on the use of boom lifts, scaffolding, or other exterior access equipment along the affected elevations?

Answer: No

5. Were any designated staging areas, haul routes, turf restrictions, or equipment-access limitations identified during the site visit that are not shown in the solicitation documents?

Answer: The contractor shall use the west half of the parking lot east of the Frontier Army Museum as a laydown/staging area.

6. Are any rooms or areas included in the project subject to special security restrictions, escorts, restricted working hours, or access limitations beyond those stated in the SOW?

Answer: All work must be conducted during regular business hours. A few rooms (telecom) will need an escort and require to be coordinated a few days in advance.

7. Were any significant interior obstructions, including furniture, built-ins, window treatments, or similar conditions identified during the walkthrough that bidders should account for in their pricing?

Answer: All furniture needs to be moved by the contractor. One room does have vending machines and a rack.

8. Section L.3(e) identifies Tab 4 as “Responsibility Documents (Bonding Capacity, Creditor, and Project References).” However, the detailed instructions in Section L.4 describe the requirements for bonding capacity and a financial reference but do not provide instructions for the project references. Please confirm whether project references are required with the bid submission. If they are required, please confirm number of projects and project details that are required.

Answer: At least two references are prefered. Projects that were done with federal agencies. Bids are going to be good even if there are no references.

9. Please confirm whether an alternate window manufacturer may be proposed, subject to NPS/SHPO approval.

Answer: No, this is a continuation of a window replacement project. In order to maintain consistency on the building with the windows that were installed on the south elevation, the windows (reference SOW SW-2 a.4.e) are the only ones authorized.

10. Please provide any available asbestos survey or testing results and confirm whether bidders should presume all existing window caulk to be asbestos containing for pricing purposes.

Answer: Surveys will be provided. The SOW has been revised. The contractor is responsible for testing all windows for asbestos and providing a per unit price for abatement (demo) of a window on the bid documents. Following award, that price will be used for a modification to demo the windows containing asbestos

11. Will Pella Reserve Traditional be accepted as a substitute for windows to be installed?

Answer: No, this is a continuation of a window replacement project. In order to maintain consistency on the building with the windows that were installed on the south elevation, the window (reference SOW SW-2 a.4.e ) are the only ones authorized.

12. For the windows that are specified to be “Oak”, will Douglas Fir or Mahogany be accepted as a substitute?

Answer: No

13. Are there restrictions to scheduling or amount of areas we could work in at any given time?

Answer: There are no restrictions as long as the contractor fully completes the window installations before moving to a new section of the building (Wagner, Sherman, Grant, Sheridan). Areas must be on the contractors lookahead schedule and coordinated in advance.

14. The RFP does not state what is required for onsite supervision such as QC Manager, SSHO, and/or Superintendent. Please advise which roles are required and if any of these roles can be dual-hat or if separate individuals are required and what experience level is required.

Answer: All three roles are required. The Superintendent or Quality Control can “dual-hat” as the SSHO.

15. Depending on anticipated lead times for the windows, which we are in process of determining with the specified manufacturer, the POP may not be adequate if there are longer than normal lead times. Please advise if the POP may be extended pending determination of equipment/materials lead times.

Answer: Yes, it would be possible to extend, although 365 days after award is more than enough time to complete the project.

16. There is no Project Schedule specification provided in the RFP. Please advise which or if a UFGS Project Schedule spec, format, and software applies to this contract.

Answer: Project schedules can be submitted in pdf format. There are no specific UFGS specs or software required.

17. Please confirm the Government will allow bidders a minimum of 15 working days to respond to this RFP starting from the date the government responds to 100% of all RFIs.

Answer: Once the Questions are answered and the amendment is posted. The bid will take place on 27 August 2026, at 2pm CST. In the event that the Bid Opening changes, you will be notified via the Amendment posted at SAM.gov. Please continue to monitor SAM.gov for the latest information.

18. There is no Commissioning specified or stated in the RFP. Is 3rd party commissioning required for this project? If so, please provide spec and a scope.

Answer: Commissioning is not required.

19. There is no mention of Cybersecurity in this RFP. Please confirm that none is required for this project. If required, please provide specification and scope.

Answer: Cybersecurity is not required.

20. There is no mention of Sustainability in this RFP. Please confirm that none is required for this project. If required, please provide specification and scope.

Answer: Sustainability is not required.

21. To satisfy the AutoCAD requirement for As-Builts in the RFP, please confirm the government will provide the CAD files for this project in order for us to transfer the red-lines into AutoCAD.

Answer: CAD files will be provided.

22. Please confirm whether any third-party special inspections are required for this contract scope of work. If required, please provide specifications and scope.

Answer: Third party inspections are not required.

23. Are there any special permits required?

Answer: No special permits are required.

24. Please provide the list of attendees from the site visit.

Answer: An opportunity to get this list was provided at the site visit and will not be sent out.

25. Please provide the current HazMat Survey/Report for this building. There is no mention in this RFP for the GC to provide a HazMat Survey/Reporting for this project. HazMat removal scope cannot be determined nor included in bid without there first being a HazMat Survey/Reporting provided or performed so that GCs know what to bid. How would you like to address the potential of Hazardous Materials and its Reporting? Are contractors supposed to plan for performing a survey and depending on the results any findings would be addressed by contract modification for any remediation efforts needed?

Answer: The SOW has been revised. The contractor is responsible for testing all windows for asbestos. The contractor shall then provide a per unit price for abatement (demo) of a window on the bid documents for reference after award. The sub-contractor collecting the samples and testing them shall not be the contractor performing the abatement (demo).

26. The SOW, SW-1 Description of Work, a, states "15 mechanical openings that will be replaced or repaired in-kind with MAPES Panels or louvers. However, the Window Schedule, sheet A-109 only calls out (13) with Note 3 or 4 for the mechanical openings.

Please clarify quantity of this type openings for bidding purposes.

Answer: Note 1 on the window schedule should also be included. Note 1,3,4 differentiate between louvers and MAPES Panels and is a total of 15.

27. Please provide a specification for the requested MAPES-R type panels as stated in the RFP drawings and SOW.

Answer: Refer to Type “G” Window on Sheet A-113.

28. Section L.4. SUBMISSIONS OF BID CONTENT notes under Tab #3 that Offerors should provide a "Bid Sheet Cover Page." Is the Bid Sheet Cover Page provided in the solicitation? If so, where is it located?

Answer: Just place a page with your company (contrator’s) information on top of the bid sheet.

29. L.3. BID SUBMISSION includes a table with "Project References" as a requirement in Tab #4, but later under L.4., Tab #4 Project References are not included. Is there a requirement for Project References? If so, please detail what information is required for submission.

Answer: See answer to question number eight (8).

30. Will a winter exclusion period be factored into the period of performance?

Answer: No, 365 days after delivery of contract is plenty of time to complete this project.

31. Do the existing storm windows need to be reused or replaced with new?

Answer: Existing storm windows will be demo’d. The new windows will not have storm windows.

32. L.4., Tab #2 requires a "hardcopy bid guarantee." Is a copy of the bid guarantee acceptable?

Answer: No, the original is required at the bid opening.

33. "The contract documents indicate that existing windows are to be treated as containing lead-based paint and that some existing caulking may contain asbestos. Has a hazardous materials survey and/or sampling been performed for the existing windows, glazing compounds, perimeter sealants/caulking, and adjacent materials? If so, please provide the applicable reports.

Answer: The SOW has been revised. The contractor is responsible for testing all windows for asbestos. The contractor shall then provide a per unit price for abatement (demo) of a window on the bid documents for reference after award. The sub-contractor collecting the samples and testing them shall not be the contractor performing the abatement (demo).

34. Please also clarify whether removal, abatement, handling, and disposal of asbestos-containing materials are to be included in the base bid. If asbestos-containing material is encountered that was not specifically identified prior to bid, please clarify how this work will be handled."

Answer: The SOW has been revised. The contractor is responsible for testing all windows for asbestos. The contractor shall then provide a per unit price for abatement (demo) of a window on the bid documents for reference after award. The sub-contractor collecting the samples and testing them shall not be the contractor performing the abatement (demo).

35. "Please identify the required treatment for each of the fifteen (15) mechanical openings, including which openings are to receive MAPES panels, louvers, repaired/reused components, or new components.

Answer: Refer to the window schedule on sheet A-109. Notes 1,3,4 differentiate between MAPES Panel and louvers. All existing fans, ductwork, equipment, etc shall be reinstalled. Grilles, louvers, security screens can either be taken off and powder-coated or new fixtures (color matched & matching existing) can be supplied and installed. Whichever is more cost-effective.

36. Please also clarify which existing fans, louvers, ductwork, equipment, penetrations, etc.

are to be removed and reinstalled versus replaced."

Answer: All existing fans, ductwork, equipment, etc shall be reinstalled. Grilles, louvers, security screens can either be taken off and powder-coated or new fixtures (color matched & matching existing) can be supplied and installed. Whichever is more cost-effective.

38. "Where existing mechanical equipment, fans, ductwork, electrical wiring, controls, piping, or other systems must be removed or disturbed to complete the window/MAPES panel work, please clarify which trade is responsible for:

• Disconnecting existing equipment

• Temporary removal

• Modification as required for the new opening

• Reinstallation

• Electrical reconnection

• Mechanical reconnection

• Testing and commissioning

Answer: All work must be performed by a qualified technician in each field. Function testing will be done by the Government.

39. Please confirm whether this work will be performed by the GC's mechanical/electrical subcontractors or is intended to be included in the window subcontractor's scope.

Answer: All work must be performed by a qualified technician in each field.

40. The specifications require penetrations through MAPES panels to be sealed and structurally reinforced. Please provide typical details and/or design criteria for the required reinforcement, particularly at exhaust fans, louvers, duct penetrations, and other equipment supported by or passing through the panels.

Answer: All cases will be different. The MAPES panels typically have a frame that is secured in the opening similar to the windows. The exhaust fans, duct penetrations, louvers must be securely fastened to the panel.

42. Please clarify whether engineered reinforcement calculations or stamped shop drawings will be required."

Answer: Reinforcement calculations and stamped drawings will not. Shop drawings from the window manufacturer with ordering details (dimensions, finish, hardware, glass type) are.

43. "Please clarify the intended interior trim scope at each window opening, including:

1. Existing casing/trim that is to be removed, protected, and reinstalled.

2. Existing trim that is to remain in place.

3. New trim required between the replacement window and existing interior trim.

4. Locations where existing trim is to be replaced with new material.

Answer: New trim needs to be added on the interior as shown on Sheet A-111. The contractor shall determine if the existing casing/trim needs to be removed and reinstalled. The previous window replacement project did not require removal of the interior trim.

44. Please confirm whether a window-by-window trim schedule will be provided."

Answer: The window schedule on Sheet A-109 has a column for window type which then references the wood and finish on sheets A-112 and A-113.

45. "The contract documents reference multiple interior wood species and finishes, including Oak, Walnut, Pine, Fir, Toffee stain, clear finish, and painted finishes, while portions of the window schedule generally identify conditions as "PAINT" or "STAIN."

Answer: Refer to sheet A-109, 112, and 113. The window schedule on Sheet A-109 has a column for window type which then references the wood and finish on sheets A-112 and A-113.

46. Please provide or confirm a window-by-window matrix identifying the required wood species and finish for each opening.

Answer: Refer to sheet A-109, 112, and 113. The window schedule on Sheet A-109 has a column for window type which then references the wood and finish on sheets A-112 and A-113.

47. Where the documents indicate “match existing," please clarify the required approval/sample process.

Answer: Window details will be a submittal. Paint/stain color samples will also be submitted for approval.

48. Please provide the approved manufacturer color name/code and/or approved color sample for the specified Colonial Red exterior finish.

Answer: The south elevation windows are Sierra Pacific ColorStay Collection – Colonial Red 054.

The contractor will need to submit the color for approval.

49. Please confirm whether Sierra Pacific's standard factory-applied Colonial Red finish is acceptable without custom color matching.

Answer: The south elevation windows are Sierra Pacific ColorStay Collection – Colonial Red 054.

The contractor will need to submit the color for approval.

50. For the six (6) repair-only non-standard/lunette/multi-lite windows, please clarify the extent of required restoration.

Answer: SOW has been revised for the 3 repair windows above the doors. They shall be stripped of any peeling paint and touched up/painted to match the new window color. The other 3 repair windows shall have the paint stripped and wood sanded. The windows shall be completely reglazed in-situ, primed, and painted. Exterior to be colonial red. Interior to match the existing finish. Refer to note 2 on Sheet A-109.

51. Please confirm whether bidders are to assume 100% removal and replacement of existing glazing compound at these windows regardless of existing condition.

Answer: SOW has been revised for the 3 repair windows above the doors. They shall be stripped of any peeling paint and touched up/painted to match the new window color. The other 3 repair windows shall have the paint stripped and wood sanded. The windows shall be completely reglazed in-situ, primed, and painted. Exterior to be colonial red. Interior to match the existing finish. Refer to note 2 on Sheet A-109.

52. Please also identify the required replacement glass type and thickness for broken/cracked panes.

Answer: SOW and drawings were revised. Glass panes were found to be in good shape and shall remain in place.

53. "The SOW requires replacement of existing window-weight cavity material where it is found to be rotted or structurally unsound.

54. Since the extent of concealed deterioration cannot be determined prior to demolition, please clarify whether bidders should include a specific allowance or quantity of wood replacement in the base bid.

Answer: To clarify, the windows will be getting new 2x pressure treated bucks/frames to structurally fasten the window to the existing masonry opening. The window weight cavities will be infilled with 2x pressure treated material as well and secured to the structure. For the previous south elevation window project, the majority of the 1x material of the jamb assembly, which enclosed the window weights, was found to be in good condition with approximately 10% of the outer assembly (the part next to the structure) chosen to be replaced due to bad structural integrity. Refer to detail B1 and B3 on Sheet A-111.

55. Please also clarify how concealed deterioration exceeding the established base-bid allowance, if any, will be handled.

Answer: To clarify, the windows will be getting new 2x pressure treated bucks/frames to structurally fasten the window to the existing masonry opening. The window weight cavities will be infilled with 2x pressure treated material as well and secured to the structure. For the previous south elevation window project, the majority of the 1x material of the jamb assembly, which enclosed the window weights, was found to be in good condition with approximately 10% of the outer assembly (the part next to the structure) chosen to be replaced due to bad structural integrity. Refer to detail B1 and B3 on Sheet A-111.

56. Please clarify the required extent of plaster, drywall, and painting repairs associated with window replacement.

Answer: The contractor shall repair any plaster and drywall that was damaged due to the window replacement. The contractor is also responsible for painting any repairs to a clearly defined transition point as approved by the COR.

57. Where painting is required to extend to a “clearly defined transition point as approved by the COR," please define the anticipated limits of painting, such as:

• Window trim to window trim

• Corner to corner

• Entire wall

• Other defined architectural break

Answer: If it exceeds the window trim, then it must be painted to another defined architectural break (corner of a wall) unless it can be properly blended but must be approved by the COR.

58. Please clarify whether pre-existing plaster/drywall damage is excluded from the window subcontractor's responsibility.

Answer: Pre-existing plaster/drywall damage is excluded from the scope. However, there is a pre-construction site photo submittal requirement to identify these locations prior to replacement.

59. Please clarify whether rooms/offices will remain occupied while active window demolition and replacement occurring.

Answer: Rooms will be vacant, but the building will be occupied. Advanced scheduling is required to reduce conflicts.

60. Considering the requirements associated with presumed lead-based paint and potentially asbestos-containing sealants, please confirm whether individual rooms will be vacated during demolition and installation and identify any required containment, dust-control, or occupant-protection procedures beyond those stated in the contract documents.

Answer: Rooms will be vacated during demolition and install. Contractor shall keep the door shut to prevent dust spreading and clean-up after the demolition for non-hazardous windows.

For windows containing hazardous material the contractor shall adhere to all applicable regulations. No occupant shall be exposed to hazardous materials.

61. Please clarify the window subcontractor's responsibility for existing shades, blinds, security screens, grilles, and similar accessories.

Answer: Contractor shall remove and reinstall.

62. Please confirm that existing items are to be removed, protected, and reinstalled where required and that replacement of pre-existing damaged or nonfunctional components is excluded unless specifically identified in the contract documents.

Answer: Yes, but the contractor must document damaged items prior to removal.

63. The contract documents indicate that window schedule dimensions are representational and that final opening dimensions, jamb widths, and existing conditions are to be field verified.

64. Please confirm that the dimensions and configurations shown in the bid documents may be used as the basis for bidding, with final fabrication dimensions established by field measurement after award.

Answer: Yes

65. Please clarify how material differences in opening size, configuration, or construction discovered during post-award field verification will be addressed.

Answer: The contractor shall field verify all measurements prior to the ordering of the windows.

66. Please clarify who is responsible for preparing occupied rooms for window replacement such as relocating desks, furniture, electronics, wall-mounted items, blinds, personal belongings, and other obstructions sufficiently to provide a clear work area at each window?

Answer: The occupants will remove electronics and personal items. The contractor is responsible for moving furniture, desks, blinds, etc.

67. If the window subcontractor is expected to move and replace furniture or other contents, please define the required scope.

Answer: The contractor is responsible for moving furniture, desks, blinds, etc as necessary to replace the window.

68. Please clarify what access will be available for aerial lifts and other installation equipment along the north side of Building 52.

Answer: Lifts and other equipment will be able to access whichever area of the building is being worked on. Parking spots and sidewalks need to be coned off (contractor responsible) prior to work starting and must be coordinated with DPW.

69. Please identify any restrictions related to:

• Lift size or type

• Ground loading

• Sidewalks or landscaped areas

• Building setbacks

• Fencing/security

• Underground utilities

• Hours of equipment operation

• Equipment staging

• Overnight equipment storage

• Barricades and pedestrian protection

Answer: The contractor shall use the west half of the parking lot east of the Frontier Army Museum as a laydown/staging area.

70. Please also clarify whether there are any areas where lift access will not be available and scaffolding or other means of access will be required.

Answer: Lifts will be able to access whichever area of the building is being worked on. Parking spots and sidewalks need to be coned off (contractor responsible) prior to work starting and must be coordinated with DPW. Contractor to determine if a lift or scaffolding is required.

71. Please clarify how interior access to individual offices/rooms will be coordinated during construction. Specifically, will the window subcontractor be provided unrestricted access to an entire designated work area/floor/wing, or will access be limited to a predetermined number of offices/windows per day?

Answer: DPW plans to get unrestricted access to sections of the building at a time depending on the contractors’ proposed schedule. Areas like IT closets will need to be coordinated in advance.

73. If access will be "metered” or limited, please provide the anticipated number of offices or window openings that will be made available per working day. This information is necessary to accurately determine crew size, production rates, mobilization, equipment requirements, and project duration.

Answer: Access will be based on the contractors proposed schedule and how many windows can be replaced in a day. The facility can have a few rooms open or potentially a larger part of the building open. However, the facility will not have large parts of the building open if there is no work taking place in them.

75. Please provide the anticipated phasing and sequencing requirements for the window replacement work.

Answer: Refer to SOW SW-2 a.4.j and the question above.

76. Please clarify whether the GC/Government will establish the daily sequence of rooms/openings or whether the window subcontractor will be permitted to establish its own efficient work sequence subject to coordination with building occupants.

Answer: The contractor can make their schedule in the section that they are working in but they are required to give the government time to coordinate access. Minimum 3 days in advance for moving to another room. 1 week for moving to another section of the building (Wagner, Sherman, Sheridan, or Grant).

77. If there are restrictions on the number of windows that may be removed/replaced during a workday, please identify those restrictions.

Answer: There are no restrictions. Areas must be on the contractors lookahead schedule and coordinated in advance. The facility will not have large parts of the building open if there is no work taking place in them.

78. Please clarify whether work may be performed outside normal occupied hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends.

Answer: No, refer to SOW, Section SW-3 Project Instructions (b)

79. If after-hours work is required due to occupant restrictions, please identify the required work hours so the associated labor costs can be included in the bid.

Answer: See question 78. After-hours work is not required.

80. "Please identify the area(s), if any, that will be made available for:

• Window delivery and unloading

• Material storage

• Dumpster/debris containers

• Aerial lift storage

• Tool/equipment storage

• Temporary jobsite container

Answer: The contractor shall use the west half of the parking lot east of the Frontier Army Museum as a laydown/staging area.

81. Please clarify whether stored materials and equipment may remain on site overnight.

Answer: Lifts can be left at the building overnight.

82. Please confirm whether each existing window removed must have the replacement window completely installed and the opening made weather-tight during the same working day. If so, please clarify whether temporary closures are permitted when unforeseen existing conditions prevent completion of an opening within the same workday.

Answer: Refer to SOW, Section SW-2 a.2.e. Ideally the window gets replaced within the same day. However, we understand that unforeseen circumstances happen. A temporary weather tight seal (plywood and sealed) shall be placed over the opening until the new window is installed within the following 24 hours.

84. Due to the occupied nature of the building and the potential for existing damage to interior finishes, trim, plaster, shades, furnishings, and adjacent construction, please confirm whether a joint preconstruction condition survey will be conducted prior to beginning window removal. If not, please confirm that the window subcontractor may photograph and document existing conditions prior to beginning work in each area.

Answer: There is an existing site condition photo submittal required prior to construction. DPW can participate in a walkthrough as well.

86. Please clarify whether a window installation mock-up or first-installation review will be required prior to proceeding with production installation. If required, please identify the window/opening to be used for the mock-up and the parties required to approve the installation before production work proceeds.

Answer: First-installation review will be required for a 2/2 window (any) and one of the group of 6 windows that are typical at Wagner Hall (WS201-206).

88. Please clarify any specific security requirements associated with temporarily open window openings during removal and replacement.

Answer: We do not want openings left open all day without any work going on. If it has to stay open we ask that the door to the room be shut. If it’s overnight then a temporary weather tight seal (plywood and sealed) shall be placed over the opening until the new window is installed within the following 24 hours.

89. Please identify whether temporary security panels, barriers, or other measures are required whenever an opening cannot be permanently completed during the same working shift.

Answer: Refer to SOW, Section SW-2 a.2.e. Ideally the window gets replaced within the same day. However, we understand that unforeseen circumstances happen. A temporary weather tight seal (plywood and sealed) shall be placed over the opening until the new window is installed within the following 24 hours.