RFI Q and A Roster B208 31 Jul 24.xlsx
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- Attached to
- IFB to Add Alter Building 208
- Solicitation number
- W50S6Q24B0001
- Issued by
-
Department of the Army National Guard
About this file
This document is a Request for Information (RFI) and Question and Answer (Q&A) roster related to a federal contract opportunity to renovate and expand Building 208 at the 188th Wing, Fort Smith, Arkansas.
The key details are:
- The project involves renovating 14,193 SF of existing space and adding a 3,000 SF expansion to Building 208.
- The contract duration is expected to be 365 calendar days after notice to proceed, including inspection and punch list.
- The project is set aside for 100% Woman Owned Small Businesses (WOSB).
- The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code is 236220 (Commercial and Institutional Building Construction) with a small business size standard of $45,000,000.
- The magnitude of construction is between $5,000,000 and $10,000,000.
- The bid opening date is scheduled for 23 July 2024 at 9:00 a.m.
- The Q&A covers topics such as as-built drawings, sales tax, furniture relocation, hazardous materials, quality control, staging areas, and other technical details related to the construction.
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Sheet1
| Building 208 ADAL - RFI Questions and Answers - Dated 31 July 2024 | |
| Q | Please provide as-built documents for the existing building if available. |
| A | As-Builts documents cannot be provided to potential bidders and subcontractors due to security concerns. Please provide specific questions that require more information for bidding purposes from what has been provided on the Construction Drawings and Specifications. |
| Q | Please clarify if project is exempt from sales tax. |
| A | The 188th Wing, AR ANG is a federal entity and exempt from sales tax. |
| Q | Please clarify if project is on federal land and that there are no local city authorities having jurisdiction. |
| A | The project is located on leased property that is owned by the Fort Smith Municipal Airport. However, the City of Fort Smith Building, Engineering, and Utility Departments do not have jurisdiction over construction of buildings and private utilities on the Base. Please note, however, that electric lines to a transformer/meter and all gas lines within the Base are public and fall under OG&E and AOG jurisdiction, respectively. Storm water runoff from construction soil disturbance falls under the Arkansas Department of Environmental (ADEQ) NPDES requirements. |
| Q | Spec Section 01 11 00, Part 1.04D states “Upon completion of construction, the Contractor shall submit a copy of record drawings and update Contractor furnished AutoCAD drawing files (*.dwg) with As-Built information and digitally stamp these all of these drawings as “As-Built”.” Spec Section 01 11 00 Part 1.04E states “The Contractor shall perform an as-built geographic information survey (GIS) survey of all new or modified exterior construction and provide this information to the Government as specified in Section 01 33 00 SUBMITTAL PROCEDURES. Spec Section 01 14 19 Part 1.03.B.5.a states “Autocadd showing all utilities found using GPR.” Given that all this information is to be provided to the Government via AutoCAD drawing files, please confirm that the government will be providing the contract documents in electronic AutoCAD format to the Contractor. |
| A | The Government will provide the Contractor with AutoCAD drawing files (*.dwg) to produce stamped “As Built” drawings and GIS Survey Data as required in the Specifications. |
| Q | Spec Section 01 14 16 part 1.01.B states: “Contractor shall relocate occupant’s furniture and equipment to a temporary location designated by the Government prior to beginning work. Any furniture or equipment directed by the Government to be left in the building shall be properly disposed of by the Contractor off base. Any furniture or equipment directed by the Government to be reused shall be stored by the Contractor and reinstalled as directed by the Government.” Could the Government please clarify what furniture is to be relocated to a temporary location (where is the temporary location), what furniture is to be disposed of and what furniture is to be stored. Also will contractor be responsible for reinstalling furniture in temporary location back in renovated building 208? |
| A | Medical – No existing Medical furniture will be disposed by the Contractor. All existing furniture will need to be relocated by the Contractor to Building 216 and/or a Conex Container provided by the 188th. After the renovation of Medical side of Building 208 is completed, the Contractor will need to reinstall the office furniture. Communications – No existing Communications furniture will be disposed by the Contractor. All existing furniture will need to be relocated by the Contractor to Building 450 and/or a Conex Container provided by the 188th. After the renovation of Communications side of Building 208 is completed, the Contractor will need to reinstall the office furniture. |
| Q | Spec Section 01 14 19 Part 1.13 LEAD BASED PAINT (LBP) AND COATINGS CONTAINING LEAD – We understand that we are to do testing for LBP and coatings containing lead. Please clarify that any hazardous material found that requires special handling will be treated as a change order to the contract since we have no way of knowing at this time of any hazardous materials. |
| A | We understand that you have no way of knowing at this time if there are any hazardous materials that will require special handling. Therefore, any required abatement of hazardous materials by the Contractor in accordance with federal, state, local and base laws/regulations will be treated as a contract modification. Please note, however, that the 188th Bioenvironmental Section is not aware of any LBP in Building 208. Testing for LBP only needs to occur in areas where paint would need to be scraped/removed to allow for welding or cutting of specific areas of existing structural members for demolition or new construction efforts. If any LBP is found and deemed hazardous, it shall be disposed of through CE Work Control. |
| Q | Please clarify whether the Contractor’s Superintendent can perform the quality control and safety duties required by the contract documents. |
| A | The Site Superintendent is required to be on site at all times that work is being performed. A separate Program Manager/Quality Control manager will be required to be appointed in writing and available to be on site within 12 hours of being requested to be on site for any matters requiring their attention. |
| Q | What is the cost limitation for CLIN 2? |
| A | There is no statutory cost limitation for CLIN 0002 |
| Q | Please release the hazardous materials report for Bldg 208 |
| A | No hazardous materials report exists for building 208 |
| Q | How will the installation of the preaction system trunk line from the fire riser room to the new building addition be handled? As part of phase 1, to complete and turn over the new addition this trunk line will have to be installed in the overhead in a section of phase 2. The affected areas appear to be 130, 140, hallway, 167, 166, 165 and 164. |
| A | We understand that areas in Phase 2 will be affected by the installation of the preaction system trunk line during construction of the Addition. Please note that we are planning to relocate all Communications personnel from the Phase 2 area by the end of October 2024. |
| Q | 1. Will it be acceptable for the preaction and wet system to not be operable until after phase 2 is complete and everything can be connected to the new fire riser? |
| A | Yes, it is acceptable for the preaction and wet sprinkler system to not be operable until after Phase 2 is complete and everything can be connected to the new fire riser. |
| Q | 1. Will it be required that the fire suppression system in phase 1 be operational before phase 2 starts? |
| A | No, the fire suppression system does not have to be operational in Phase 1 until after Phase 2 is complete and everything can be connected to the new riser. |
| Q | 1. Where will the staging area for this project be located? |
| A | The Parking/Staging Area is located on the north side of building 207 (pool) as shown on the Construction Plan Cover Sheet (G-001). |
| Q | 1. Will other roofing materials be considered for the building addition such as TPO or PVC? |
| A | No, we will not consider other roofing materials. The Modified Bitumen Roof Membrane is required. Please note that there is a discrepancy between the specs that specify a 2-layer roofing membrane and the plans that specify 3-layers. Drawings will be revised to reflect 2-layer SBS Modified Bitumen Roof Membrane. |
| Q | 1. Is it acceptable to use spray foam insulation in lieu of fiber insulation? |
| A | Yes, provided the spray foam insulation meets the requirements indicated on the drawings and in specifications section 07 21 00 and if exposed must be fire protection coated. |
| Q | 1. Can you provide existing building as-built drawings for the foundation of the building in the vicinity of the new fire suppression riser? |
| A | As-Builts drawings cannot be provided to potential bidders due to security requirements. Please refer to the A-E Foundation Slab Plan (S-101) and Foundation Sections and Details (S-304). |
| Q | 1. Can you provide existing building as-built drawings for the underground utilities in the vicinity of the new fire suppression riser? |
| A | As-Builts drawings cannot be provided to potential bidders due to security requirements. Please refer to the A-E Site Survey (VF101) for underground utilities in the vicinity of the new fire suppression riser. |
| Q | 1. The seismic rating is a “C” for this design however, there are various notes calling out seismic restraints and hangers for mechanical and plumbing. Code does not require seismic restraints and hangers for mechanical and plumbing under a “C” rating please clarify. Typically, seismic restraints and hangers for mechanical and plumbing on “B” rated. |
| A | The contractor shall follow the A-E drawings and specifications even if the requirements go above code requirements. |
| Q | 1. How thick are the walls of the vault? |
| A | The attached Wall Section drawing shows the concrete walls are 8” thick, however the vault is existing. |
| Q | 1. How thick is the ceiling of the vault? |
| A | The attached Wall Section drawing shows the concrete ceiling is 9” thick, however the vault is existing. |
| Q | 1. How much space is available above the vault to allow for core drilling? |
| A | The attached Wall Section drawing shows approximately 3.6’ from the top of the concrete ceiling to the bottom of the metal joists under the roof deck. |
| Q | 1. Will the core drilling have to be performed from inside the vault due to space restrictions above the vault ceiling? |
| A | The contractor will need to determine if the core drilling for mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection will have to be performed from inside the vault due to space restrictions or above the vault ceiling. |
| Q | 1. What is the thickness or desired R-value of the spray foam insulation shown on sheet A-304 detail 7? |
| A | Per SECTION 07 21 19 FOAMED-IN-PLACE, 2.02/A/2 – the Thermal Resistance: R-value of 5.0, minimum, per 1 inch thickness at 75 degrees F mean temperature when tested in accordance with ASTM C518. The minimum required is 2.5”. |
| Q | 1. Drawing Page A-302 details 1,2,3 and A-304 detail 7 depict the “New Raised Computer Floor” with Concrete and Epoxy Finish. It is uncommon and defeats the purpose for a raised computer room floor to be made of concrete with an epoxy finish. Will the government please clarify the intent of the epoxy over concrete notations on the associated details? |
| A | It is a 24” square steel panel (1.31” deep) welded filled internally with a cementitious core material with a high-performance laminate (HPL) over a 4” bolted stringer understructure (7/8” square tube pedestal with flat head). See attached image A. Please refer to spec section 09 6900 Access Flooring. |
| Q | 1. Currently there are no details in any part of the structural or architectural drawings that depict the floor joist and concrete decking. If the intent is in fact to apply concrete over the floor joists, then will the government provide a construction detail identifying how they want that built? |
| A | Refer to response in question2 above. Please refer to spec section 09 6900 Access Flooring. |
| Q | 1. If the government wants a structural raised floor with concrete and epoxy, then the specifications are missing information as it relates to the specific type of floor joists as shown in the five details and would otherwise be identified in either division 5 if it were steel or 6 if made of wood, the type of steel pan/decking to contain the concrete which would be found in division 5, the grade and specifics of the concrete which would be found in division 3, and the type of and characteristics of the epoxy floor which would ordinarily be found in division 9. Will the government please clarify this missing information and provide it with the specifications? |
| A | This is not a structural raised floor. Please refer to spec section 09 6900 Access Flooring. |
| Q | 1. If the government does not want the concrete and epoxy floor finish, would the government please provide a specification that identifies which type of floor joist and floor type, along with construction details on how it is to be built. A basis of design would be ideal for this type of system. |
| A | Please refer to spec section 09 6900 Access Flooring. |
| Q | 1. Spec Section 01 11 00 – Summary of Work, para 1,04A4 states that the contractor is responsible for any errors which might have been avoided by complying with para 1.04A. It is not possible during the pre-bid process for the contractor to identify every error made on behalf of the A&E and design team. This statement insinuates that the differing site condition clause 52.236-2 may not apply to this contract, and that the contractor is responsible for errors made on behalf of the government or the government’s contracted A&E firm. Is it the government’s intent to hold the contractor accountable for errors and omissions of others while dismissing 52.236-2? |
| A | The government will apply Clause 52.236-2 – Unknown conditions at the site, of an unusual nature, which differ materially from those ordinarily and generally recognized as inhering in work of the character provided for in the contract. It is not the government’s intent to hold the contractor accountable for errors and omissions on the plans and specifications in accordance with Clause 52.236-2. However, Per 01 11 00 Summary of Work, 1.04, A, 3 – The Contractor shall “Promptly notify the Contracting Officer of any discrepancies”. |
| Q | 1. Spec Section 01 11 00 – Summary of Work, para 1,05.C states that the contractor is responsible for protecting all government property against damage. The language of concern is the damage against power failure, power surges, and the weather, all three of which the contractor has no control over. Please confirm that the government will not hold the contractor responsible for damages caused to the facility “by others” (including the power company or acts of god) while under the care of the contractor? |
| A | This is to confirm that the government will not hold the contractor responsible for damages caused to the facility “by others” (including the power company or acts of god) while under the care of the contractor |
| Q | Spec Section 01 14 16 – Occupancy, para 1.01.B, referencing storage and moving of furniture by the contractor. Will the government identify if the temporary location will be on or off base? Will the cost of temporary storage be at the contractor’s expense, or the government’s expense? If the cost of storing the government furnishings will be at the contractor’s expense, prior to the bid due date will the government identify an estimated of number of pieces of furniture that need to be stored and the estimated amount of square footage of space the contractor needs to budget to rent? Prior to the bid due date, will the government provide an estimated number of furniture pieces that need to be moved either to storage or disposed of? This will aid us in budgeting the proper quantity and manpower time. |
| A | On Base, Temporary storage areas for furniture will be provided by the 188th in existing buildings or Conex containers, Need Medical and Comm to provide estimated number of furniture pieces that need to be moved. |
| Q | 1. Spec Section 01 14 16 – Occupancy, para 1.01.A discusses the transfer of the operational, occupiable, and secure functions of “existing comm ctr (vault) 159….. are operationally transferred to Base Data Center 143”. Unless otherwise specified, it appears as if some of the work associated with transferring both the secure and unsecure comm equipment will be “by others”, maybe the comm squadron? Can the government provide the contractor a schedule or timeline for how long it will take the comm squadron or others to transfer the equipment and make the new space fully operational on their part? |
| A | 2 weeks |
| Q | a. Spec Section 01 14 16 – Occupancy, para 1.01.A discusses the transfer of the operational, occupiable, and secure functions of “existing comm ctr (vault) 159….. are operationally transferred to Base Data Center 143”. Unless otherwise specified, it appears as if some of the work associated with transferring both the secure and unsecure comm equipment will be “by others”, maybe the comm squadron? Can the government provide the contractor a schedule or timeline for how long it will take the comm squadron or others to transfer the equipment and make the new space fully operational on their part? AD101 demo detail 2 states to remove the base and flooring down to the original slab. Is the contractor going to be responsible for the cost of patching and filling any cracks and gaps in the existing slab that were unknown prior to the demo? If so, how many Linear Feet of patch and gap fill should the contractor account for in their base bid? |
| A | Yes, Provide for 500LF of repair. Please provide a price per linear foot for any additional repair required, Rm 134 should be identified as “Existing Women’s Toilet” as indicated on the Phase 2 Plan on AD103. |
| Q | 1. AD103, detail 1, identifies Rm 134 as “existing vending”. Confirm this should read Existing Women’s Toilet? |
| A | Rm 134 should be identified as “Existing Women’s Toilet” as indicated on the Phase 2 Plan on AD103. |
| Q | a. Transferring power from the old utility service to the new will require a power interruption. There is a backup generator attached to an ATS that provides power to the building in the event of an electrical failure. Can the contractor use this backup generator to provide power to the building during the power transfer? If yes to the question 11A, will the contractor need to budget for the cost of fuel used during the power transfer, or can the contractor use the diesel fuel that is in the generator’s fuel cell at no additional cost? |
| A | YES, We need to know how long the backup generator will be needed during the power transfer so we can coordinate fueling needs. The Base will supply fuel for the generator at no additional cost to the contractor as long as it is not needed for an extended period of time. |
| Q | a. Spec Section 01 14 19-5 para 1.13B states that contractor at no additional cost to the government shall accomplish any further sampling or testing required to Does the “at no additional cost to the government” statement apply to the cost associated with removing and abating the LBP as stated in paragraph C & D? Will the government provide a contract modification to cover the cost of removing any LBP discovered during testing? |
| A | There has not been any LBP testing conducted in BLDG 208. There is lead lining (walls and doors) in one of the MDG rooms where medical x-ray used to be performed. (currently the hearing booth room). Any required abatement of hazardous materials by the contractor in accordance with federal, state, local and base laws/regulations will be treated as a contract modification. There has not been any LBP testing conducted in BLDG 208. There is lead lining (walls and doors) in one of the MDG rooms where medical x-ray used to be performed. (currently the hearing booth room). Any required abatement of hazardous materials by the contractor in accordance with federal, state, local and base laws/regulations will be treated as a contract modification. |
| Q | a. Spec Section 01 45 00 – 3para 1.07 Grounds Maintenance, states that the contractor is responsible for all appearance, grass cutting, etc Is this responsibility only limited to the area of the effected work site of the 3,000 sqft building addition, or around the entire building? Is the contractor responsible for grounds maintenance during the entire period of performance for both Phase 1 and Phase 2? If the government’s intent is for the contractor to maintain the land around the entire building, then for budgeting purposes, what are the limits of responsibility beyond the perimeter of the building, that the contractor should consider? |
| A | The contractor is only responsible for Grounds Maintenance in the area of the effected work site of the 3,000 sqft building addition. Yes, the contractor is responsible for grounds maintenance during the entire period of performance for both Phase 1 and Phase 2. |
| Q | a. Drawing Page C-001 states to apply sod or seed in all affected areas of construction. Achieving this will require constant watering for several weeks to two months to ensure a stabilized stand of grass or ground cover over 80% of the affected surface. Spec Section 32 92 23-3 para 3.05A states that the government will pay for water. How long after 80% achievement will the government expect the contractor to continue providing watering services? Is there a permanent sprinkler system adjacent to the building construction area that can be expanded to provide the continued watering in lieu of providing a truck and worker? How long after completion of construction will the government expect the contractor to provide the other maintenance items listed in 3.05? |
| A | The contractor will need to provide watering services until the contract is completed with CES Contracting. Please note that if seed is used, the seed must be established to a full grass cover prior to the COR approving 100% completion of the project. No, there are no sprinkler systems adjacent to the building construction area that can be used for watering. However, the 188th will allow the contractor to use a hose bib on a nearby building (i.e., Building 200 has a hose bib located across the street from the Addition) that can be used to attach a hose and sprinkler in lieu of the contractor providing a water truck. The contractor will provide maintenance of items listed in 3.05 until the contract is completed with CES Contracting. |
| Q | 1. Concrete Paving Spec 32 13 13 and Cast in Place Concrete 03 30 00 are similar in nature in that they both reference foundations and curbs. Will the government please confirm that the concrete paving spec applies to the new sidewalks and all exterior (non-building envelope) concrete applications, and the 03 30 00 applies to all foundations, drilled piers, footings, and concrete slabs (building envelope concrete)? |
| A | This is to confirm that Concrete Paving Spec 32 13 13 applies to new sidewalks and all exterior (non-building envelope) concrete applications, and the Cast-In-Place Concrete Spec 03 30 00 applies to all foundations, drilled piers, footings, and concrete slabs (building envelope concrete). |
| Q | 1. Drawings Page S-001, note H4 states that additions and deductions will be based on the total difference of all drilled piers…..; however, there is no CLIN that annotates the cost per foot of drilling. Will the government add a CLIN that accounts for the cost per foot of drilling +/-2’ from the 14’ baseline. |
| A | A separate bid form will not be provided. This project will be priced within the two CLINs provided in the solicitation. |
| Q | 1. Drawings Page S-001, note H4 states that isolated boulders may be present. Rock presence is an unforeseen sight condition. Industry standard is to provide a CLIN to seek additional funding in the event rock removal is necessary. The contractor’s need a standardized unit of measurement of rock removal to budget for, and a CLIN UoM for any volume of rock removed above that standardized amount. This method keeps the contractors standardized with pricing. Will the government consider including language for a standardized quantity and a CLIN UoM for rock removal beyond the standard? |
| A | A separate bid form will not be provided. This project will be priced within the two CLINs provided in the solicitation. |
| Q | 1. Several preferred and local roofing contractors are shying away from the modified bitumen roofing system in this project because they no longer install using a torch down system due to fire and safety concerns. Will the government accept a 100% cold applied adhesive system in lieu of a torch down cap sheet, vertical and base flashing? |
| A | Drawings will be revised to reflect 2-layer SBS Modified Bitumen Roof Membrane. |
| Q | a. Spec Section 03 30 00 – 3 para 1.06 E1 & E2 state two different requirements regarding the ACI certification for flatwork finishers. E1 states one crew lead that is a certified finisher or one certified technician. E2 states by a crew lead by at least two personnel both of whom are an ACI certified finisher or an ACI certified technician. Will the government clarify if sentence E1 or E2 is required for the work associated under 03 30 00 on this project? Will the government accept a number of years in commercial and industrial flatwork finishing over the ACI certification? If so, what number of years will the government accept? |
| A | Specifications (Structural) Sentence E.1 shall apply. Specifications (Structural) No, ACI certification is required. Specifications (Structural) See response to RFI 20.b above. |
| Q | 1. There doesn’t appear to be any requirement for an ACI certified finisher for 32 13 13 concrete paving. If required for the finisher in 03 30 00, can the government confirm this cert is in fact not required for the finisher in 32 13 13? |
| A | Specifications (Civil) Have at least one National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) certified concrete craftsman and at least one American Concrete Institute (ACI) Flatwork Finisher Certified craftsman on site, overseeing each placement crew during all concrete placements. |
| Q | 1. On drawings A302 – detail 1 and A302 detail 2, is this for rooms 153 & 158 only or does this apply for all of the new addition? Are only I-beams being covered or the entire deck? Are existing exterior walls receiving new sheetrock? |
| A | Correct, details 1/A302 and 2/A302 only apply to rooms 153 and 158. 2) The girder has to be wrapped as indicated in the detail and a double layer of sheetrock beneath the beams extend from wall to wall. Please refer to details 3/A302 and 5/A502. 3) No, existing exterior walls are not receiving new sheetrock, new sheetrock only applies to areas where existing sheetrock has to be removed to comply with the scope of work. |
| Q | 1. Ceiling tile spec state 1 ½” thick, drawing state 1” – please clarify. |
| A | : Refer to the specifications. Finish schedule A602 sheet will be revised. |
| Q | 1. Sound clips show 48” OC I-beams look to be 60” OC – please clarify. |
| A | Please clarify where this note was found in specifications or drawings. However, contractor should be following the manufacturer’s recommendations for maximum spacing for sound isolation clips. |
| Q | Please provide spec on acoustic isolation clips. Our supplier is able to locate clips that fasten to metal studs but not I-beams, those would have to be drilled. |
| A | Acoustic isolation clips specification section will be provided as requested. The method by which the isolation clip is fastened to the I-beam is a means and methods responsibility of the contractor as recommended by the manufacturer. The contractor can pre-drill to fasten the isolation clip or he can use self-drilling tapping screw. |
| Q | Do we have to adhere to Buy American Act regulations/requirements for items such as drywall screws? |
| A | Buy America Act applies; however, there are certain commercial off the shelf items (COTS) considered domestic end products, such as fasteners. Please review FAR 52.225-9(a) |
| Q | 1. Regarding the work in phase 1, all of the overhead work associated with supplying MEP to the new 3,000 sqft comm squadron expansion will occur in the occupied space of the existing comm squadron. It is going to be impossible to work overhead installing equipment, routing electrical, building and installing air duct, welding, soldering, installing fire suppression, installing raceways and cable trays without significantly affecting the operations of the day-to-day activities in the operational comm squadron area which is specified for phase 2. Additionally, there may not be (likely won’t be) enough ceiling space (see note upper right corner of FX101) in the operational comm squadron environment to retain the old MEP support for the operational comm squadron while installing new MEP support for the building expansion. We do not see how it’s going to be possible to execute this in the two phases as specified since the majority of the entire ceiling area in the existing comm squadron has to come down. How does the government want the contractor to work around the existing personnel and equipment in the operational comm squadron (area of phase 2 construction) to install the above ceiling MEP support for the building expansion? |
| A | : All Communications Flight personnel will be moved completely out of the phase 2 section of Building 208 to another building on the Base by 31 October 2024. This will allow the contractor to have complete access to Building 208 by 1 November 2024. Thus, removing the work around requirement of existing personnel and equipment in the phase 2 area during phase 1 work. Please note that Drawing AD103 is currently being revised to reflect this response and will be provided to bidders in a forthcoming addendum. |
| Q | a. Solicitation page 20 of 44, section 52.211-10 COMMENCEMENT, PROSECUTION, AND COMPLETION OF WORK (APR 1984) - ALTERNATE I (APR 1984) states the PoP is 365 days. Page 6 of 44, Delivery Information, states that each CLIN is 365 days. It is not possible to start and finish both CLINs via two phases in 365 total days. Recent experience on a completed project of an FDA Data Center renovation and CRAC unit installation was a ten month lead time on the equipment, and two months for installation, DDC setup, TAB, tweak, TAB, accept, etc.. That was using the CRAC unit supplier with the shortest lead times. A phone call to the supplier identified that the lead time has not changed since last year. The contract PoP needs to be closer to 600 days to finish the entire project using the proposed phased approach. Even if the government eliminated the phased approach and gave the contractor the entire building, the entire project could still not be completed in 365 days due to the lead times of the CRAC units. Will the government allow for a full and combined PoP of 730 days? If not 730 days, will the government consider something more reasonable, such as 600 days total PoP? |
| A | We are going to increase the PoP from 365 days to 600 days in a forthcoming addendum. |
| Q | 1. Question 2 and the government’s response from an RFI update posted on June 25th stated the following: Please clarify if project is exempt from sales tax. Response: The 188th Wing, AR ANG is a federal entity and exempt from sales tax. The federal government can buy directly from a supply source and may receive a tax benefit by using a tax exemption receipt. However, the State of Arkansas does not allow for sales tax exemption when items are purchased by a contractor pursuant to a contract with the United States Government. The contractor is considered a consumer of such property or services and must pay the tax when they purchase the property or services. The Arkansas sales tax regulations state that all materials purchased by a contractor to then be sold to the government are considered tangible personal property, and are not exempt from sales tax. Reference: GR-47, Gross Receipts Tax Rules, 2008-3; DFA Office of Legal Counsel, Legal Opinion 20080408 & 20160409. Will the government please revisit and revise their answer to the previously asked question? |
| A | See FAR clause 52.229-3. See also, FAR 29.3. FAR 29.303(b) states that “when purchases are not made by the Government itself, but by a prime contractor or by a subcontractor under a prime contract, the right to an exemption of the transaction from a sales or use tax may not rest on the Government’s immunity from direct taxation by States and localities. It may rest instead on provisions of the particular State or local law involved, or, in some cases, the transaction may not in fact be expressly exempt from the tax. The Government’s interest shall be protected by using the procedures in 29.101.” |
| Q | 1. Spec section 011100 para 1.02B Phasing, states that the existing footprint renovation will be built in Phase 1, and the 3,000 sqft comm squadron expansion will be built in phase 2. However, Drawing page AD103 detail 1 & 2 identify that the 3,000 sqft comm squadron expansion and the med group renovation will both be constructed during phase 1 and that the existing comm squadron renovation will be built during phase 2. Will the government please clarify their intent for phase 1 versus phase 2? |
| A | Phasing shall be completed in accordance with the Phasing Sequence on Drawing AD103. Please note that Drawing AD103 is currently being revised to reflect the response to Question 1 above and will be provided to bidders in a forthcoming addendum. |
| Q | 1. Some of the work in CLIN 1 supplies the electrical, data, and low voltage support for the building expansion in CLIN 2. The entire pricing structure for CLIN 1 would change if the government opted not to exercise CLIN 2. Is it the government’s intention to award both CLINs? |
| A | Neither of the CLINs are option CLINs. The Government intends to award one firm-fixed price contract for both CLINs. |
| Q | a. Several trade contractors, specifically concrete, have expressed an unwillingness to bid the project because of how difficult it is to get personnel on the facility. Will the government please provide the following information pertaining to access to the installation. Will the government provide access requirements for documented immigrant workers who are either on a work visa, green card, or who are on an expired visa but due to the current political issues are unable to renew their visas? Will the government please provide access requirements for individuals with background issues, misdemeanors, felonies, active or expired warrants, etc? Will the government allow individuals with background issues (that would have otherwise been denied) access to the installation if the Prime Contractor provides a third party security escort service? |
| A | An info sheet was provided on the sam.gov solicitation site as an attachment. |
| Q | 1. If the work associated with CLIN 1 runs over the $4,000,000 price point (which it might), can the contractor cost load the difference into CLIN 2? |
| A | : Unbalanced pricing is not allowed. Bids determined to be unbalanced as relating to individual unit prices will be rejected as non-responsive. |
| Q | 1. Is the new sidewalk identified on the front of the building to be cost loaded into CLIN 1 or CLIN 2? |
| A | New Sidewalk will be associated with the new construction CLIN |
| Q | 1. Addendum #1 drawings identifies 41 drawing pages which are circled red in the lower right corner. Many of these pages have clouded red circles identifying the change; however, there are others such as MP401, 402, etc.. that have no red circled clouded changes within the drawing details. Will the government please identify where or if there are changes that apply on Pages MP401, 402, and others that do not depict a red circled change on the Addendum 001 drawing pages? |
| A | Sheets that had clouded red circles specifically were due to minimum changes which were mechanical details (M-500 series) and controls (M-700 series). The other sheets (schedules and mechanical plans) had multiple revisions, hence the red circles in the lower right corner. The drawings with multiple revisions would be difficult to read if clouds were applied to every change. |
| Q | Drawing page MP101 Key Note 3 states to route all underground piping 30” deep and piping shall come up in existing mechanical room. Page MP402 note 7 and note 8 between grid lines 6 & 7 contradict each other. Note 7 refers to the underground piping as depicted in MP101 note 3, but note 8 states that the piping shall penetrate the wall 12’ AFF and “enter mechanical room”. Will the government please clarify if they want the mechanical room piping to be ran underground and enter the mechanical room from within the floor, or shall the piping be ran above ground and penetrate the exterior wall to enter the room 12’ AFF? |
| A | Refrigerant piping from HRCU-1 and HRCU-2 shall be routed underground and shall penetrate the wall approximately 12’ AFF. Addendum 004 will be issued with this clarification. |
| Q | 1. If it is the government’s intent to run the piping underground and penetrate through the floor, will the government please provide detail as to how they will allow the tunneling and trenching under the existing building foundation, plus detail on what type of fillable foam, aggregate, and the backfill required, plus required compaction and shoring necessary to seal the tunneling and trenching after completion of piping? |
| A | It is the intent to route the noted refrigerant piping underground and stub up outside of the building and enter the mechanical room approximately 12’ AFF. |
| Q | 1. M-701 DDC CS Note 3, will the government provide information as to the existing Ft Smith ANG Base BAC system at the tie-in point, to include system manufacturer and other critical information needed for the controls installer to ensure acquisition of proper equipment that will aid in system integration with the existing EMCS. |
| A | The existing Ft. Smith ANG Base BAC system is Siemens. Addendum 004 will be issued to with clarification on note #3 on sheet M-701. |
| Q | 1. The drilled pier spec section 316329 para 1.04 calls for unit pricing for pier depth. Will the government please provide additional CLIN pricing for drilled piers. |
| A | Additional CLIN pricing will not be provided. |
| Q | 1. Does the existing med group footprint and comm squadron footprint have to remain heated and cooled with an operational fire sprinkler system during the renovation of Phase 1, and the same for the existing comm squadron during phase 2 renovation? |
| A | : HVAC and power have to remain in Rooms 135, 137, 139 and 159 at all times until the Addition is completed. The fire sprinkler system does not have to be operational until the entire project is completed. |
| Q | 1. The wall that separates room 154 from 153 is a solid wall that extends to the underside of the roof deck. How is the contractor to route the secure network cabling from the data racks in room 153 into room 154? |
| A | Utilize underfloor cable tray to data outlets. Refer to Addendum 004 for conduit location. |
| Q | 1. The common wall that separates room 154 from 153 has one data drop each that are not labeled either note 6 or note 7. Will the government please identify if these jacks are to be fiber or shielded cat 6, and identify if they are to be part of the secure or unsecured network? |
| A | Cable will be shielded cat 6. |
| Q | 1. The plans on E503 call for CAT-5E lines for the room controller to relay. Can the contractor standardize the cabling and install CAT-5E or better (i.e. CAT-6) cabling? |
| A | Contractor picks cable that is compatible with lighting control system selected. The basis of design model utilized Cat 5E. |
| Q | 1. Drawings Page ED101 note 8 state to relocate the data rack and associated patch panels, switches, and UPS in room 118; however, there are no details that identify where to relocate them. Also drawing E-502 shows 2 medical data racks being relocated with no room number assigned. Are these racks to be relocated into remodeled room 125? Will the government please identify where they want this equipment to be moved to? |
| A | Relocated telecommunications equipment will be installed in data room 125. A note will be added to clarify. |
| Q | 1. Drawing Page CD101 where it states relocated existing communications line – refer to electrical. ED101 Note 9, identifies the same requirement and the note states to coordinate with the base contracting and refer to civil sheets on exact route. Neither of these notes or diagrams tell the contractor where exactly to reroute these lines to and from. Instead of leaving it up to the contractor to guess, will the government please clarify? |
| A | Clarification will be given in the forthcoming Addendum. |
| Q | 1. Drawing page ES101 note 5 states to provide six 4” conduits from handhole to telecom room. Coordinate all requirements with base communication. Nowhere does it state that the contractor is to pull fiber from the handhole through the conduit into the new telecom room, room 153. Is the contractor to relocate the cables from ED 101 note 9 to this handhole, and then pull CFCI fiber through the conduit and into the telecom room? |
| A | Clarification will be forthcoming in the upcoming addendum. |
| Q | a. Will the government please clarify if the existing communication lines inside the conduit marked note 9 on ED101 and Drawing Page CD101, states relocated existing communications line. Will the government verify if the existing lines are fiber or copper? Will the government verify if the government will reroute all active circuits during construction? |
| A | The government will relocate existing communications lines. Yes |
| Q | a. Drawing E502 identifies two 52U Racks. That page also identifies that the fiber panel and the patch panel are CFCI, but does not identify if the 52U racks are CFCI, GFGI, or GFCI. Additionally, there is nothing in any of the drawing notes that state the networking equipment (routers, switches, etc..) are contractor furnished and installed or government furnished and installed. Will the government please identify if the racks are CFCI? Will the government please identify the number of racks and install location within new Data room 153? Will the government please identify if the routers and switches are CFCI or GFGI? Will the government please identify who will do the programming of the routers and switches? |
| A | The racks are GFCI. Two medical racks and 2 communications racks will be installed in Data Room 153 above the floor cable trays as shown on Drawing E-401. The government will do programming. |
| Q | 1. Drawing E502 identifies two Racks at top, middle, right of page as Existing Vault. It also states “Coordinate demolition with contracting officer” will these 2 racks be reutilized by the contractor on this project or given to the government for future use, or disposed of? |
| A | Racks are not being demolished, rather they will be relocated. The wording will be clarified, and line weight added. |
| Q | Drawing M502 diagram 8, HVAC Duct security bars in opening”. We’re assuming that these security bars will be placed in the two louvers at the front of the building. Will the government please identify any additional locations needed? |
| A | Refer to sheet MH402. Man bars are identified for the outside air ducts above ceiling routed into the server / data center spaces. |
| Q | a. Drawing E502; states “typical layout of 30 server room racks”. The drawings reflect two data racks being installed. Will there be more than two racks installed in room 153? If so, who will supply? |
| A | Yes The racks will be GFCI. |
| Q | 1. Spec section 101400-1 para 1.01 A-C, calls for interior directional and informational signs, and emergency evacuation maps. These types of signs are not called out in the drawings. Will the government please identify where they want these two types of signs located in the building and how many of each they want? |
| A | The scope of work only includes Room and Door Signs as shown on sheets A-801 and A-802. Interior directional and informational signs, and emergency evacuation maps are not part of the scope of work of the project and the specs will be revised accordingly. |
| Q | 1. Drawing Page A103 grid line K1 and others identify a framed column but do not show a corner guard being installed at these column corner locations. Will the government please confirm if they do or do not want CGs at these locations? |
| A | Corner guards have been indicated only at locations within the circulation path, where there is a high probability of impact and damage by moving carts, dollies, etc. All other corner conditions such as framed-our columns that are withing the area to be occupied by furniture and not in a direct circulation path will not receive corner guards, except at new locations where noted. |
| Q | a. The door sign spec 101400-1 calls for windows in the signs, and to notify the KO 2 months prior to get a list of names to be inserted in the windows. Is the contractor required to furnish the printed list of names to be inserted in the sign windows? If CFCI, will this be a one-time requirement or a recurring requirement for some amount of time in the future? |
| A | Yes, one-time |
| Q | 1. Page G-002 Index of drawings on the structural drawing S-502 Roof Framing Sections and Details, but it has not been included. Will the government provide that page, or is it not part of the drawing documents? |
| A | There is no sheet S-502, listing on G-002 can be disregarded. |
| Q | 1. Drawing AD101 Demolition Plan indicates per note D5 that the exterior door to room 152 is to be removed. However, A-201 Exterior Elevations Detail 3, Key Note 16 states the same door needs to remain. Will the government clarify whether the door will remain or needs to be replaced? |
| A | Please note that the room names and numbers have been changed. Room 152 on AD101 and is now Room 141 and the door is 141B. Door 152 is to be removed and replaced with new door 142B. The keynote on the elevation will be corrected. |
| Q | a. Drawing A-103 Finish Plan shows the Fire Riser Room 138 and existing Tel Maintenance Room 139 to receive sealed concrete. Will the government confirm if this is what is required? In other drawings, these rooms are mentioned to remain in the existing conditions. Will the government provide photos of Fire Riser Room 138 so the contractor can know the existing floor finish or provide us that information in writing? Will the government provide photos of Tel Maintenance Room 139 so the contractor can know the existing floor finish or provide us that information in writing? |
| A | The plans will be revised to reflect that the room is not to remain in the existing conditions. Repairs to the existing floor may be required. Any available photos of this room will be provided in the forthcoming addendum. Any availale photos will be provided in the forthcoming addendum. |
| Q | 1. The foundation slab plan and building sections indicate that the new Base Data Center (room 153) requires a 2 foot raised computer floor, while the new Server Workspace (room 154) requires an 8 inch raised computer floor. Could the government confirm that this is correct? |
| A | Confirmed. The new Base Data Center (room 153) requires a 2-foot raised computer floor, while the new Server Workspace (room 154) requires an 8-inch raised computer floor. |
| Q | 1. Will the government please provide information on the current thickness of the concrete slab on the medical facility where the roof drains will need to be capped below the slab? |
| A | The “As-Built” structural drawings of Building 208 provided by the government to the Design Team; on sheet S-1, note 3 under Foundation Plan states the following: “Install 4-inch concrete slab on 4-inch drainage fill, unless noted otherwise. Reinforce slab with 6 x 6 / 10 x 10 W.W.F. located 1” clear of top of slab”. |
| Q | 1. BIM Modeling will help avoid conflicts and prevent delays during the project's construction. The plans call for coordination between disciplines in specific areas, such as the existing Communication Center, specifically where the concrete vault is located. Will the government require the contractor to include in their price the cost of BIM modeling for MEP installation and deconfliction, particularly if the contractor is having to work around the ceiling space of the existing operational comm squadron during phase 1? |
| A | Yes, the contractor shall include BIM modeling for MEP installation and deconfliction. Please note, however, that the comm squadron will be completely moved out of Building 208 by 1 November 2024 so the contractor will not have to work around them during phase 1 as stated in our response to Question 1. |
| Q | Federal EHRM upgrade requirements include upgrading all CAT 6 wires to CAT-6a. Regarding this project, does the government want the contractor to use CAT-6a in-lieu of the specified CAT-6? |
| A | Provide specified Cat 6 cable. |
| Q | a. PD101-103 identify roof penetrations that have to be removed and the SS Metal Roof patched. The drawings are missing construction details on how to accomplish this. A metal roofing contractor suggested to use a metal blocking plate under the roof panel to act as a backer plate to screw and secure the patch to, plus the use of mastic both on top of the existing roof panel and below it. He stated that this is the only suitable method he knew of, short of replacing the entire roof panel. Additionally, he stated that when replacing an entire sheet of mechanically seamed SS roofing panel, more often then not he ends up taking off all of the roof panels from that point back to the starting point, unless it is a snaplock panel in which he can usually remove just that one panel, and maybe the one next to it. Is the government willing to accept an existing roof covered with a dozen discolored patches sporadically located across the surface? Will the government provide a detailed drawing showing how they want the roofing panel patched? Will the government please identify if the existing SS panel is mechanically seamed or snaplock? Regarding the roof curbs on MH102, will the government provide a detail or instructions on how they will allow penetrations for fastening the new roof curbs through the existing roof? |
| A | : Noted penetrations are only through the original low sloped roof, not the recent SSMR over-roof installation. Penetrations should be cut below the low roof, packed with insulation, and capped below the low roof. SSMR patching is not expected. SSMR will not be affected, Addendum 004 shall be issued on 23 July to move through roof ventilation to side wall installations. The intake and relief ventilators shall be moved to side wall installations in Addendum 004 to be issued on 23 July. |
| Q | 1. Note 1 on PD102 and Note 4 on PD103 state to demo existing roof drain and piping back to the point indicated. It does not state to patch the roof. Does the government want these roofing penetrations patched in the same manner as the instructions stated in PD103 note 7? |
| A | Recommendation is to remove VTR and abandoned roof drains up to the bottom of the low slope roof deck, adding insulation in the remaining stub, and capping from below. No roof work should be needed at these locations. |
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