Contractor_Questions_-_CEFOP_Popayan_-_Final.doc

Contractor Questions For

Solicitation No. SWHARC-15-R-N0009 Fusion and Operations Center (CEFOP) Construction - Popayan, Colombia Following is a list of the questions that were submitted by prospective offerors for the above solicitation. Each question is followed by the Government’s response.

CIVIL:

Question #1: In dwgs C-101 and C-102 an existing water supply line (“Acueducto 1/2”) is located in the footprint of the building. What is the scope of works related with this line (to remain, or to be removed, or to be relocated, etc)?

Answer: This water supply line shall be relocated if it goes through the foundation.

Question #2: As per drawing C-101 and C-102 an existing water supply line (“Acueducto 1/2” ) runs parallel to the existing sidewalk, cross it and has an end point (circle in yellow) located at the CEFOP footprint. What is the scope of works related with this line (to remain, or to be removed, or to be relocated, etc)?

Answer: This water supply line shall be relocated if it goes through the foundation.

Question #3: Regarding the storm sewer system, dwg C-101 shows “SD” lines in green and 6” storm pipes in purple. Please indicate what kind of drains are the “SD” lines in green (pipes, swales, trenches) and provide details (i.e. size, slope).

Answer: The pipe shall be PVC type, 6-inch size and sloped 1%.

Question #4: As per detail 2 in C-501 sidewalk thickness is 125 mm; however, in dwg A-101 the legend apparently indicates that sidewalk is 0.1 m thick. Please confirm sidewalk thickness.

Answer: The sidewalk thickness is 125 mm.

Question #5: As per detail 2 in C-501 sidewalk reinforcement is wire mesh 100x100x3; however, general note 6 in dwg P-200 states sidewalk reinforcement is wwf 150x150x4. Please clarify.

Answer: The reinforcement shall be 100 x 100 x 3 mm.

Question #6: Dwgs C-101 and C-102 show a helicopter pad outside the project area. However, in the site visit it was noted that another concrete pad with walkway is located in the building footprint. Please indicate the scope of works regarding the mentioned pads and walkway.

Answer: The only concrete pad to be demolished following section 024100 of the technical specifications is the concrete pad shown during the site visit.

Question #7: In dwg C-102 the section indicates that CEFOP floor finish is 0.53m above the level of the existing sidewalk and the plan shows the contour 1758.50 m cross the existing sidewalk in front of the main entrance of the building. Therefore, it seems that level of CEFOP floor finish is 1759.03 m. Please confirm if this assumption is correct.

Answer: The height of the finished floor shown on the drawings is an approximate value; however the contractor shall verify these levels on site with the survey study that is part of the scope of the project.

Question #8: Point of connection of the new water service line with the existing water main is not shown in drawings. Please indicate where this point is located.

Answer: The connecting water supply point for the building was shown during the site visit. The contractor shall connect the water supply network to the existing ½-inch pipe shown in the drawings.

Question #9: C-502. Head Wall dimensions? Thickness of the concrete walls? f´c of the concrete?

Answer: The thickness of the concrete walls for the head walls is 20 cm and the concrete strength is 21 MPa. The dimensions for the head wall shall follow the guidelines shown on drawing C-502 adjusting the structure to the actual conditions on site.

ARCHITECTURAL:

Question #10: As per dwg A-102 Toilets, Electrical, Technical, File and Supplies Rooms have suspended water-resistant gypsum board ceiling. Water-resistance seems to be adequate for toilets but unnecessary for the other rooms. Please indicate if regular gypsum board ceiling is acceptable for Electrical, Technical, File and Supplies Rooms.

Answer: The contractor shall install the ceiling according to drawings.

Question #11: As per dwg A-102 soffits are stucco on metal lath; however, as per dwgs A-110, A-302 soffits are stucco on gypsum board. Please clarify.

Answer: The soffits shall be built in cementious board with exterior plaster and exterior paint.

Question #12: Technical (115) and Electrical Room (114) are not included in the “Room and finish schedule” in dwg A-601. Please provide missing information.

Answer: The finish in technical room (115) and electrical room (114) shall be polished concrete floor.

Question #13: As per keynote 21 in dwg A-302 the exterior finish of CMU walls is integrally colored stucco; however, “exterior finish/material index” in dwg A-601 indicates that CMU walls are “integrally-colored stucco; painted color TBD”. Please clarify if CMU walls are to be integrally-colored or painted.

Answer: The CMU walls are to be integrally-colored and with final paint coat. The color shall be defined by the End User.

Question #14: A stove is shown in coffee/break area in dwg A-101. Please indicate if supply and installation of this stove is included in the contract. If it’s included, please include specifications.

Answer: The contractor shall supply and install a stove Challenger brand, reference SP 5002 or equivalent.

Question #15: Paragraph 1.6.1 in Section 06 20 00 states: “Identify each piece or each bundle of lumber, millwork, and trim by the grade mark of a recognized association or independent inspection agency that is certified by the Board of Review, American Lumber Standards Committee, to grade the species”. This would require imported lumber from US to be used. Please confirm this requirement.

Answer: Yes, if the contractor cannot find the material that meets the standards in the project specifications locally, this material shall be imported.

Question #16: Paragraph 1.2 in Section 07 41 63 lists “Performance Requirements” (i.e. “Wind-Uplift Resistance: Provide roof panel assemblies that comply with the requirements of the roof systems and attachments in accordance with ASTM E1592 and UL 580” and “ and “Provide fabricated roof panel assemblies conforming to and AISC 341 with test data”). It’s very likely that only imported roof panels comply with this requirement. Please confirm these Performance Requirements.

Answer: Yes, if the contractor cannot find the material that meets the standards in the project specifications locally, this material shall be imported.

Question #17: Paragraph 2.1 in Section 08 51 13 states: “provide prime windows that comply with AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440”. It’s likely that only imported windows comply with this requirement. Please confirm these Performance Requirements.

Answer: Yes, if the contractor cannot find the material that meets the standards in the project specifications locally, this material shall be imported.

Question #18: A-101. Please provide configuration of the 2 hour fire rted CMU walls. Is fire rated just provided by the CMU or anything else must be additions to configure the fire rated?

Answer: Yes, the fire rated is provided by the CMU from the roof cover to the building floor.

Question #19: A-103. Please clarify conventions of every floor type on every project area. There are NO information on type of floor. E.G. “marble retail tile” convention does not appear on the plant drawing.

Answer: Refer to drawing A-601 for floor type on project areas.

Question #20: A-110. Which are keynotes #15 to #19?

Answer: Those are References from a detail that is not shown on drawing A-110 so it shall not be taken into account for this drawing.

Question #21: A-302. Please provide characteristics of the “capillary barrier, see keynote #16. Which are the characteristics of the “vapor barrier”, see keynote #15.

Answer: Refer to the technical specification on the Concrete Division 03 and the Earthwork Division 31.

Question #22: A-301. Keynote #13. What´s a sofit?

Answer: Refer to drawing A-110 for further detail of a Soffit.

Question #23: A-302. Keynote #20. Characteristics of the “insulation above ceiling”?

Answer: Refer to the technical specification on the Thermal and Moisture Division 07.

Question #24: A-401. Are toilets accessories stainless steel accessories?

Answer: Yes, the toilet accessories shall be stainless steel.

Question #25: A-601. Please provide dimensions and thickness of the “marble retal tile” Answer: The marble retail 30x30 to be supplied and installed is reference PISOS ALFA named “Perlato Claro” or equivalent.

Question #26: A-604. Where apply the “gypsum board” details showed?

Answer:.Refer to drawing A-101.

Question #27: Section 09 30 00: marble retail .30 x .30m would be similar to Granite Tile .30 x .30, Alfa Type to level and polish? Price difference between marble and granite would be high.

Answer: The marble retail 30x30 to be supplied and installed is reference PISOS ALFA named “Perlato Claro” or equivalent.

Question #28: Drawings MS211 to MS214 and Division 9, Section 05 50 13 - please clarify if cleaning and surface treatment will be SSPC SP2 (drawings), SSPC SP6 (specs) and SSPC SP3 (specs). Consider manufacturer recommendations for the warranty because SSPC SP2 would not be recommended.

Answer: The contractor shall follow the technical specification on Division 05 and the manufacturer recommendations.

Question #29: Division 9, Section 05 50 13 - Please clarify the finish paint type to be used. Determine a similar to commercial type if possible.

Answer: The contractor shall follow the technical specification on Division 09 and drawing A-601.

STRUCTURAL:

Question #30: Width of strip footing isn’t shown in dwg S-101. Please indicate width of strip footing.

Answer: The width of strip is 800 mm.

Question #31: As per paragraph 3.7.1.1 in Section 05 12 00 the contractor shall “Furnish the services of AWS-certified welding inspectors for fabrication and erection inspection and testing and verification inspections”. Please confirm this requirement.

Answer: Yes, this requirement shall be accomplished.

Question #32: Paragraph 1.3 in Section 05 50 13 (Miscellaneous Metal Fabrications) states: “Qualify welders in accordance with AWS D1.1/D1.1M”. Please confirm this requirement.

Answer: Yes, this requirement shall be accomplished.

Question #33: As per Paragraph 3.7 in Section 05 50 13 (Miscellaneous Metal Fabrications) the contractor shall “Install a removable access panel not less than 12 by 12 inches directly below each valve, flow indicator, damper, or air splitter that is located above the ceiling, other than an acoustical ceiling”. However, access panels are not shown in dwg A-102 “Reflected ceiling plan”. Please clarify.

Answer: Even if not shown in the drawings the access panels shall be installed as per the specifications.

Question #34: Drawings S501 - Considering vertical reinforcement is indicated every 80 cm, but in accordance with block size is showing every 60 cm, could you clarify?

Answer: The vertical reinforcement shall be installed according to layout showed in drawing S-102

MECHANICAL:

Question #35: As per dwg M-101 the end of drain lines from fan coils are under the sidewalk and discharge to surface. Please confirm this assumption.

Answer: For drain line installation refer to Detail on Drawing 103 and common drain pipe distribution in Drawing M-101. Down pipes are embedded in the walls and the final drain piping is installed under the sidewalk.

Question #36: A detail in dwg M-103 shows that PVC drain pipes require “polyethylene insulation 10t”. Are all the HVAC drainage lines shown in M-104 required to be insulated per the mentioned detail?

Answer:. All Drain and Copper piping for Hvac units shall be insulated as per drawings and specification requirements.

PLUMBING:

Question #37: Please indicate location of the box for backflow preventer shown in detail 6 of dwg P-101.

Answer: The backflow preventer does not apply to this project.

Question #38: General note 3 and 4 in dwg P-200 refer to water pumps; however, no water pumps are shown in drawings. Please confirm water pumps are not required for this project.

Answer: The pumps do not apply to this project.

Question #39: As per dwgs P-110 and P-200 two (2) 1-1/4” valves are located just outside the building. However, no valve boxes are indicated for them. Please indicate if boxes are required for these two valves.

Answer: Yes, the valve boxes are required and shall be built as shown in drawing P-101, detail 5.

ELECTRICAL:

Question #40: Dwg E-101 shows a point of connection to existing MV distribution. However, in the site visit was noted that there is not an existing pole of the overhead MV line in that point and it was mentioned that installation of a new pole or relocation of the existing one would be required. Please clarify how will be attained the connection to the existing MV distribution system.

Answer: It is up to the contractor to coordinate final MV connection details that comply with local regulations and local power supply company requirements. Shop drawings shall be provided for COR approval.

Question #41: Is there any requirement regarding lightning protection for the project?

Answer: Lightning protection is accomplished by the metal seam roof and proper bonding for the structure, roof and other building components, follow drawings and specifications.

Question #42: Disconnect switches (DS) for outdoor air conditioners are shown in dwg E-207. However, no DS are shown for the indoor units. Please confirm that only the DS shown in this drawing shall be provided and installed by the contractor.

Answer: Install Disconnect switches as per NEC 440.12 requirements and following drawings and specifications.

Question #43: As per dwg E-501 two (2) power meters shall installed: one in the outside (supplied by local utility) and the other in the MDPB inside the building. Please confirm this assumption.

Answer: The MDPB shall include a power meter that complies with the specifications; it is up to the contractor to install the MV voltage meter, connection, substation and accessories as required by the local power company, even in those cases where the local power company provides the meter coordination and purchase is still the contractor’s responsibility.

Question #44: Dwg E-101 shows that 150 KVA generator is located outdoors and spec section 26 32 14.00 10 lists in 1.2.4 the requirements for its enclosure (i.e. shall be corrosion resistant, fully weather resistant, provided with ventilation, etc). Please confirm that enclosure for the generator is required.

Answer: An exterior type enclosure is required as shown in the specifications.

Question #45: Specifications section 26 51 00.00 40 states in 2.1: “Ensure lighting fixtures conform to UL 1598”. It’s expected that the required lighting fixtures would be imported and more expensive than the regular fixtures used in Colombia. Please confirm the requirement.

Answer: UL listing is required for the lighting fixtures.

Question #46: The cable jacket for horizontal distribution of data points can be wired riser or plenum, as established in “SECTION 27 10 00, 3.1.4 Cable Tray Installation, “Only CMP type cable shall be installed in a plenum”?

Answer: Plenum rated cable jacketing is required for wiring thought plenum spaces, the cable tray is located in a plenum.

Question #47: Grounding bar could be Ø 5/8” or shall be Ø 3/4” and 10 feet in length as determined in specifications? Drawings indicates 6,10 mts. length but this is not available here in Colombia: “2.9.1 Driven Ground Rods, “Ground rods shall be copper-clad steel conforming to UL 467 not less than 3/4 inch in diameter by 10 feet in length. Sectional type rods may be used.” Please Clarify.

Answer: Please follow materials and methods described in the drawings and specifications.

Question #48: The specified media tensión cable in the Electrical Site Plan is 6AWG gauge; but here in Colombia the minimum media tensión Gauge is 2AWG xlpe. We need you confirm this is going to be the cable to install for media tension to stablish the real price of the same one.

Answer: Please follow materials and methods described in the drawings and specifications.

Question #49: The transformer to install shall be pedestal type?

Answer: Transformer shall be pedestal type and shall comply with drawings, specifications and local power company regulations.

Question #50: The diesel generator to install should have soundproof booth for exterior places and alarms?

Answer: Yes, the Generator set shall include an exterior type soundproof booth with alarms as per the specification requirements.

Question #51: The ESS (ELECTRONIC SECURITY SYSTEM) to install, shall monitor subsystems like lighting control, fire detection and CCTV in integrated software? Besides also include standalone workstation? What other subsystems should monitor?

Answer: The ESS shall integrate access control, intrusion detection, fire alarm and CCTV systems. A control station is also required as per section 28 20 01.00 10.

Question #52: Is necessary to provide one UPS with 6 hours of autonomy for the datacenter as well as indicated in section 28 20 01.00 10 ? (ELECTRONIC SECURITY SYSTEM) 2.2.19 Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) “Provide a self-contained UPS, suitable for installation and operation at the central station. Size the UPS to provide a minimum of 6 hours of operation of the central station equipment. If the facility is without an emergency backup generator, the UPS shall provide necessary battery backup power for 24 hours.”

Answer: Stand Alone UPS is required for racks and control station, size for 6 hour operation.

Question #53: Is correct to tell we need to provide a cabinet for telecommunications and another one for the workstation and safety equipment?

Answer: The project includes 1 A/V System rack in room 106, 1 technical security Rack in Room 115 and 1 Comms Rack in Room 115.

Question #54: It is required to make a fiber optic link; but the connection will be with fusioner and pigtails, or is it possible to do it using crimping connectors?

Answer: Use fused connections.

Question #55: The fiber optic will be tight buffered fiber optic multimode, 50/125-um diameter laser optimized (OM3) or could be another type?

Answer: Refer to section 27 10 00 paragraph 2.4.1.

Question #56: For the fiber optic backbone, is it necessary to guarantee any method of fusion to the fiber optic when that pass from the outside environment to interior place?

Answer: Backbone fiber shall land directly on patch panels on designated racks.

Question #57: Switches shall comply with the requirements in documents published or is possible to provide a switch that doesn´t have all ports 10/100/1000? : “Provide switches of acceptable brands CISCO, HP or 3Com, switches shall have 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports with at least 2 mini-GBIC slots (may be shared), shall have secured encrypted management via SSH and SSL as well as 802.1x and MAC authentication filtering, Power over Ethernet capable, IPv6, QOS, 802.1q VLAN trunking, 802.1d detects and stops loops on LAN, 802.1w speeds link up initialization to enable IPX, 802.1s multiple instance spanning tree, IGMP snooping, High port Density.”.

Answer: Comply with specification requirements.

Question #58: Is it required to consider one independent switch for each subsystem? Is it necessary to keep 25% of spare spaces as indicated in specs? “There shall be separate switches for Core, Data, Voice and CCTV and switches shall have at least 25% spare spaces.”

Answer: Systems shall have separate switches as shown in the drawings 25% spares shall be considered.

Question #59: The server shall be rack mounted and its specifications above than xeon procesor 4600?

Answer: There is more than one server follow specs for each system.

Question #60: Shall we take into account to provide a firewall designed to advanced protection against malware? Where is it going to be installed?

Answer: Refer to section 27 10 00 paragraph 2.2.3 and 2.2.4.

Question #61: The TBB for communication between TGB and TMGB shall be in cable 3/0? That happens because the distance until the grounding system of the main building is to long? “2.7.4.1 Telecommunications Bonding Backbone (TBB) Provide a copper conductor TBB in accordance with TIA J-STD-607. The TBB shall be a minimum No. 6 AWG and be sized at 2 kcmil per linear foot of conductor length up to a maximum size of 3/0 AWG. Provide insulated TBB with insulation as specified in the paragraph INSULATION and meeting the fire ratings of its pathway”.

Answer: It is up to the contractor to determine the distance and size as per TIA requirements (2 kcmil per foot).

Question #62: What should be the time for the NVR storage? Specifications suggest considering all cameras for a time of two months. It is important to take into account because due to the number of cameras, its storage will be robust and expensive.

Answer: Contractor shall size to include all cameras for two months in 720p@30hz resolution.

Question #63: Fort the monitoring system is better to provide a similar network analyzer to power logic pm800?

Answer: Brands and Part numbers shall be selected by the contractor as long as they comply with the technical specification requirements they are acceptable to USG, please refer to submittal procedures section 01 33 00 .

Question #64: In addition to the last question, the monitoring software to install shall be compatible with ESS, in order to monitoring both systems from one alone software?

Answer: This is not a requirement.

Question #65: E-501. Power generator 150 KVA must be sound proof type and weather proof type?

Answer: See answer to Q:50.

Question #66: Please confirm that power generator MUST comply with UL certification. Generators with UL certification are around 40% more expensive than generators RETIE approved. We consider that generators RETIE approved could be accepted.

Answer: Contractor shall follow specification requirements for the proposal.

Question #67: Drawing E-501. Please confirm cost, paperwork, procedures etc. related with power meters approved by local energy company. How many and where power meters must be installed? Cost of the paper work, meters and procedures?

Answer: Power meter installation is contractor’s responsibility, power meter shall comply with specifications and local power company requirements. CNP’s only is responsible for cost of license but not of the equipment.

Question #68: Please confirm capacity of the automatic transfer switch. 500A (drawing E-502) or 600A (drawing E-601)? Is the transfer automatic or NON automatic (E-602)?

Answer: Transfer Switch is Automatic (ATS) refer to Drawing E-501 for sizing (500A).

Question #69: E-102. Please confirm length and diameter of the grounding bars. In Colombia there are NO available grounding bars length 6.1 m ONLY 2.4 m. Do we have to consider in our offer the cost of imported grounding bars?. Are they copper clad steel or just copper? Please check resistivity study and confirm.

Answer: Follow drawings and specifications.

Question #70: Drawing E101 and T101 - Electrical and Communications: Please confirm the location of the connection to the electrical and communications for the CEFOP in Popayan.

Answer: Provide New Underground Primary Electrical connection as shown in drawing E101 connecting to the existing medium voltage aerial line. Provide Telecom connection as per site visit instructions underground connection to new comms box then duct bank crossing the street and into the existing communications cabinet space, up from there via aerial distribution to comms room in second floor of building, follow existing wiring, connect to a F.O patch panel and coordinate with ISP to provide fiber optic to that same patch panel from ISP at contractors expense. (Approximately in total 150 meters of aerial installation and 60 meters underground installation, contractor shall field verify measurements).

Question #71: E-102. Electrical: please confirm if grounding rod should be 6.1 meters or is possible to use the commercial material available which is 2.4 meters.

Answer: Follow drawings and specifications.

Question #72: SECTION 26 00 00.00 20. Electrical: is the metallic structure grounded; please include detail if possible.

Answer: Refer to drawing E-102 Question #73: What is the distance between automatic transfer electrical connection and switchboard?

Answer: It is up to the contractor to field verify distances.

COMMUNICATIONS:

Question #74: Please indicate if “technical raised floor” is required in some spaces of the building.

Answer: Technical raised floor is not required.

Question #75: Connection to Base communications is not clear in drawings. Please elaborate distances, means and details.

Answer: See questions 70 and 73, as per specifications it is up to the contractor to field verify the distances.

Question #76: Please list equipment to be provided for connection to base communications system.

Answer: Contractor shall provide equipment for a fully connected, operational communications system.

Question #77: Drawing T-103. Please confirm capacity of the UPS to be mounted inside the comm rack.

Answer: Refer to Q52.

Question #78: Please provide a drawing or sketch with characteristics, type of channeling, length, connection to the existing CNP rack and further details required for the connection of the fiber optic of the Project.

Answer: Refer to Q70.

Question #79: TS-101. Please confirm that notes 1 and 2 don´t correspond to our project or N/A.

Answer: Notes 1 and 2 do apply to this project; verify fonts in your PDF reader.

Question #80: TS-103. Provide capacity of the hard disk for the video network recorder.

Answer: Refer to Q62.

FIRE DETECTION SYSTEM:

Question #81: Pictures / schemes of devices (i.e. “FD HornStrobe.jpg”) missing in detail 4 of dwg FS-102.Please provide them.

Answer: Refer to Amendment A001.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

Question #82: As per L.5.2.2 “B. Key personnel” of Solicitation “The Government considers the offeror’s Project Manager and Construction Site Superintendent, and Electrical Engineer to be Key Personnel under the contract”. Questions about these personnel are:

a. Is the Project Manager required to be full time on site? If answer is “not”, how often the PM will be required to visit the project site?

b. What are roles and responsibilities of the Electrical Engineer?

c. Is the Electrical Engineer required to be full time on site? If answer is “not”, how often the EE will be required to visit the project site?

Answer:

a. The project manager will be required by 50% time and also shall attend site visit when the COR visit the job site.

b. The electrical Engineer shall supervise and accept the electrical and communications works

c. The Electrical Engineer shall attend site visit when the COR/GTM visits the job site.

Question #83: As per L.5.2.2 “B. Key personnel” of Solicitation “The Government considers the offeror’s Project Manager and Construction Site Superintendent, and Electrical Engineer to be Key Personnel under the contract”. In another paragraph is stated that “Although not listed under Key Personnel, data cabling and electrical work shall be performed by an electrical/electronic or systems engineer with at least two (2) years of experience in the field”. Please indicate if the Electrical Engineer required to perform data cabling and electrical work can be the same individual included in the key personnel as “electrical engineer”.

Answer: Yes, if the electrical engineer fulfills the requirements.

Question #84: As per QAP requirements in E.2.1.3 of Solicitation a Security Manager and QAP Manager shall be identified. However, L.5.2.2 states that “The Government considers the offeror’s Project Manager and Construction Site Superintendent, and Electrical Engineer to be Key Personnel under the contract”. Are Security Manager and QAP Manager included in the key personnel? If answer is “yes”, then:

a. What are their required qualifications, roles and responsibilities?

b. Are they required to be present full time on site?

c. Can the Site Superintendent play the role as Security Manager, or QAP Manager, or both?

d. Can the Project Manager play the role as Security Manager, or QAP Manager, or both?

Answer:

a. No, they are not included in the key personnel, but the QAP organizational structure shall be submitted within fifteen (15) calendar days of contract award, including charts and a description of responsibilities of key persons who will perform Quality Control and Quality Assurance services.

b. Yes, the safety manager shall be on site full time.

c. The site Superintendent can be QAP Manager and Superintendent.

d. The project manger could not be Security Manager nor QAP manager because these positions require full time on job site.

Question #85: As per subsection M.3 “the Government will consider offers in either U.S. Dollars or Colombian Pesos”. Please indicate the exchange rate to be used for comparison between offers in USD and COP.

Answer: The exchange rate to be used will be the due date for delivery proposals.

The USG will use Google Finance to determine the appropriate exchange rate. Currently 1 Colombian Peso is Equal to 0.00037 US Dollars.

Question #86: As per 01 50 00 the Contractor shall provide the Government Resident Engineer with an office, approximately 200 square feet in floor area, and other characteristics indicated in paragraph 3.5.1. Please confirm this requirement.

Answer: In lieu of this requirement the contractor can provide a meeting room (110sqf) for 6 persons, this space can also be used by the contractor when the government personnel is not on site.

Question #87: Permits: are the required by local government? Who is responsible to get them?

Answer: Yes, these permits will be processed by the Colombian National Police.

Question #88: Will US Embassy assist with the tax importation duty free to country?

Answer: Yes, but the contractor shall pay all expenses during importation process. These costs should be captured in the contractor’s proposal.

Question #89: Are there any work hours restrictions?

Answer: Please, see section F.8 Working hours. If the contractor is going to work after working hours or Colombian holiday, he shall obtain the permits from the Commander Base, but the approval depend of him only.

Question #90: Material cost to include the VAT Tax is not disclosed on the bid schedule. It’s our assumption that the Government wants the offerors to consider the VAT as a direct material cost. Please confirm or reject this assumption.

Answer: Please, see section G.4VALUE ADDED TAX (VAT or IVA)- Yes this is confirmed.

Question #91: Is there tax exemption on the procurement of materials (i.e. tax exemption certificate)?

Answer: Please, see sections B.1CONTRACT PRICE and G.4VALUE ADDED TAX (VAT or IVA) Question #92: Does the “Percy Amendment” apply to this project? If so, are US firms able to get 10% as per the mentioned Amendment?

Answer: No, as this requirement is not expected to exceed the threshold for the Percy amendment.

Question #93: Could you please consider addition of time for the due date of the offers presentation???? Specifications, drawings and scope of work are large and We need additional time to prepare an accurate bid.

Answer: This possibility has not been considered yet due to end user schedule requirements. If the CO considers amending the solicitation to change the due date for proposal, this will be done through the FBO web page with sufficient time in advance.

Question #94: Request a copy of Autocad Drawings?

Answer: According to Cover letter the AutoCAD Drawings should be requested in a separate email until July 02, 2015 at 2:00 pm.

Question #95: Request a copy of Soil Study.

Answer: This is a Construction contract; no design is required so the soil Study would not be furnished.

Question #96: Considering, that answer to questions would be answered one week after questions are submitted, is possible to postpone the date to submit the proposals?

Answer: Refers to answer to question #93.

Question #97: L.5.1.3/B (pg 51 of 59) Cover Letter. The due time for the proposal states 11AM local (Fort Lauderdale) time. The cover letter states the due time is 4PM local (Fort Lauderdale) time. Which is correct?

Answer: Proposals are due at 11AM.

Question #98: What is the distance of the gas pipe?

Answer: The project does not include gas piping.

Question #99: Must be installed soundproof booth?

Answer: The contractor shall follow the architectural drawings.

Question #100: Number of visit per year for maintenance?

Answer: Provide maintenance as per the specifications for each of the systems.

Question #101: According to documents the construction completion time is 135 days, commencing 15 days after the Notice to Proceed has been issued. With our experience constructing a similar project is not possible to do it in this time. From beginning until Roof installation takes 90 days (only for roof panels fabrication is needed 60 days) so for all finishes and installation of equipment’s we would have 45 days. We estimate a minimum of 195 days for project completion. Is it possible to change the completion time?

Answer: This possibility has not been considered yet due to end user schedule requirements. If the CO considers amending the solicitation to change the project duration, this will be done through the FBO web page with sufficient time in advance.

SITE VISIT:

Question #102: Request a copy of Autocad Drawings Answer: Please, see answer to question #94

OTHER:

Question # 103: The option of providing a surety bond as a form of guarantee is not obtainable for non- US firms. Therefore when preforming contracts for US government agencies, contractors provide performances guarantees in a form of bank guarantees. Is that acceptable?

Answer: Yes, DOS will accept bank guarantees as long as it is it states that it is irrevocable in the amount of 15%.

Contractor Questions – Solicitation No. WHARC-15-R-N0009 – CEFOP Popayan