Site Visit RFIs and Answers - 128 Repair Final.pdf

W50S8Q-25-B-A002 Modernize BLDG 128 RFIs

1. Please clarify if a Site Superintendent can perform duties of SSHO and QC Manager (triple hat). If not, specify the personnel requirements for this project.

Yes, the Site Superintendent may assume the responsibilities of both SSHO and QC Manager, provided that all safety protocols, quality control guidelines, and required deliverables are executed in accordance with established directives. This individual must be present at all times during construction. If this individual is not present, work must be paused until they return.

2. Can you please provide the “RF Shielding Best Practice Guidelines” mentioned in the SOW at 1.1.2.13?

RF Shielding Best Practice Guidelines will be provided. Base Engineering will also review this document along with the ICD 705, Tech Specs, and other requirements with the winning contractor to ensure proper installation requirements are understood prior to construction being allowed to start.

3. Pictures of SECURE AREA:

- #17 - Entire Mechanical Space (existing equipment (CRAC/FURNACES)/ batteries in the existing UPS/multiple-positions of overall space/overall ceiling area)

- Generator

- #13 - Server room (Existing Equipment/cable trays/below raised floor/ceiling).

- #7 – existing raised floor (above/below)/multiple-positions overall space/above ceiling.

- overall space snapshots (full room photo) for #4,#5,#6,#18,#8,#10,#9,#32

Pictures of the SECURE AREA will not be made available.

4. Liebert CRAC Replacements. The specifications do not call out the new cooling capacity required for this project. The existing units may not have the capacity to handle the load. Please provide the total room loads and rack layout for each room. Cooling air flow management strategy: will there be aisle containment, N+1 redundancy, and is the layout better suited for in-row cooling units?

What are the environmental conditions for this basis of design?

Per the SOW, Paragraph 1.1.4, we are asking the contractor to install equipment equivalent to previously installed CRAC units. Previously installed CRAC and corresponding Condensing unit information is as follows. HVAC-1 and HVAC-2 correspond with units located in Room 17 (that cool Rooms 7 and 18. HVAC-3 corresponds with the unit located in Room 13 (cooling Room 13), See Drawings, “HVAC Plan” sheet 9 for room locations. Engineering is open to having two smaller units located in Room 13 instead of one large unit as long as equivalent cooling capacity is met.

Options to be submitted through the material submittal process.

5. Liebert UPS. The existing UPS load capacity is 200kVA/180kW. Will the replacement UPS be the same size, will there be one UPS system per room, what is the desired UPS battery run time at design kW load, is there a preferred battery chemistry (lead-acid, lithium-ion), will the UPS voltage be 480 delta input and 208Y/120V output, does this design require an A-Bus and B-Bus (2) UPS units, how many load breakers are required? Will this UPS serve the renovated data centers and any other spaces? The existing Liebert cooling units are rated for 18kW of cooling each and the UPS (IT Load?) will provide battery backup power up to 180kW?

See SOW, paragraph 1.1.5.2. The entire UPS system is not to be replaced, however, the batteries within the existing UPS are to be replaced with new. Therefore, leaving all existing power requirements in place and connected as-is. Battery chemistry is to be the same as existing.

6. Please advise if RF Shielding requires above the ceiling?

Yes, RF shielding is required on true floor (slab), and all secure area perimeter walls from true floor to true ceiling (Roof Decking). The RF Shielding must extend all the way up past the ceiling grid and overlap with the metal roof decking per the SOW, ICD 705 Technical Specifications, TEMPEST, and RF Shielding Best Practices documents. RF Shielding plus metal roof decking will form a 6 sided cube/box around the secure side of the facility.

7. Can we get a GIS image of the closet public service line? Also how deep is the line? Can we tap into the line or a manhole close by?

No GIS images available. There is no expected work in the SOW that would require a new connection to any service lines. The closest water service line runs parallel within 20 feet and along the East side of the building. To the best of our knowledge, the lines are approximately 48” deep. The closest Utility locations are depicted on the “Utilities” page, Sheet 3 of the drawings attached to the solicitation.

8. How deep is the septic tank now? How big is the tank?

See SOW, Para. 1.1.6.2. The top of the tank is believed to be less than 48” deep. We assume the tank is to be demolished in place and backfilled (as long as it meets Ohio revised code for septic tanks), and the inlet and outlet pipes to be connected, effectively reconnecting the pipe across where the septic tank used to be.

9. Will we need to core a hole in building to connect new pipe to interior plumbing? Where do you want that? Is there a clean out nearby?

See SOW, Para. 1.1.6.1. This work is not expected to be required by base engineering. Pipe to be reconnected on either side of existing septic tank after it is demolished in place. No need to core a new hole in the building or run a new pipe to interior plumbing if existing lines on either side of the septic tank are used/connected. No known cleanouts present.

10. Can non-US employees work in the secure area?

No, only US Persons are authorized to work inside of the secure portion of the facility. All others permitted to work in the US may work in the non-secure side. A US Person is defined as “an individual lawfully admitted for permanent residence as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20), or a protected individual defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). Real ID will be required for base access. All contractors and subcontractors will be required to submit request for base access (process to be explained during the pre-construction meeting with the winning contractor). All workers will be vetted on site by security personnel before being allowed entry to the facility/work site.

11. Will electronics and tools be permitted in the secure area of the facility.

No personal electronics, cell phones, cameras, headphones, air tags, watches, key fobs, USB compatible devices, or any other electronic devices will not be authorized in the secure area at any time. Nothing with wireless or Bluetooth capability, to include air tags, will be authorized in the secure area at any time. All tools will be inspected by security personnel prior to being allowed into the secure area. Ensure no tools have wireless or Bluetooth capabilities.

12. Are walls to be painted above the drop ceiling?

Yes, but only in the secure portion of the facility. In that portion new paint must cover everything above the drop ceiling (false ceiling), to include the true ceiling once all other work above the false ceiling is completed. Color above the false ceiling should be black.

13. Can you provide more details on the primary entrance door required in the SOW, paragraph 1.1.2.21?

The primary secure entrance door must meet all door requirements listed in the IC Tech Specs for ICD/ICS 705, to include (but not limited to) Chapter 3, section E, “Door Criteria”, Primary Doors.

The following is a summary of the requirements:

- 1.75” Thick

- STC-50 Rated door assembly (includes frame and door).

- A GSA-approved pedestrian door deadbolt meeting the most current version of Federal

Specification FF-L-2890.

- A combination lock meeting the most current version of Federal Specification FFL- 2740. This will be a CDX-10 Combination Lock.

- An approved access control device (Chapter 8 of IC Tech Spec), with by-pass keyway.

- Automatic door closer (door must close on its own and latch without assistance). Installed internally on secure side.

14. The contract documents direct the demolition and replacement of four (4) existing CRAC units as part of the HVAC modernization effort (SOW 1.1.4.1) and note the installation of new raised flooring above the true floor throughout the secure area (SOW 1.1.2.18). The HVAC plan (Sheet 10) does not indicate the new locations for the CRAC indoor units.

The new units should go in the same exact location from which the existing units are removed.

They shall sit on stands (may use existing stands if compatible). Units will be flush with raised flooring once on stands.

15. Is there a designated laydown or staging area available for material deliveries, equipment storage, or construction operations? Please identify approximate location and any surface, size, or access restrictions.

Yes, See attached diagram for identified areas around the facility. This can be further discussed and coordinated with the contractor at the pre-construction meeting. Materials may be stored in room 17, and outdoor/weatherproof items may be stored outside of the building and within the fence line on the south side of the facility. Larger vehicles or deliveries may be stored, parked, or delivered just outside of the fence on the south side as well. See new site layout with job trailer, dumpster, and laydown areas identified.

16. Is a designated location available on-site for a contractor job trailer? If no exterior trailer placement is permitted, can a room or office within Building 128 be used as a temporary contractor administrative space during construction?

Yes, See attached diagram for identified areas around the facility. This can be further discussed and coordinated with the contractor at the pre-construction meeting. A job trailer may be located on the road to the south side of the facility. Base Engineering will barrier either end of the road for use by the contractor only for the duration of the contract. See new site layout with job trailer, dumpster, and laydown areas identified. Contractor may identify any room on the unsecure side of the facility as a temporary admin space as well. We recommend room 14 or 28.

17. Where may construction dumpsters be placed during the project? Are there any limitations related to proximity to existing structures, utilities, secure areas, or traffic flow?

See new site layout with job trailer, dumpster, and laydown areas identified.

18. During the pre-bid walkthrough, photography inside the secure areas was not permitted. Escorts advised that any photo documentation needed for estimating and planning purposes should be formally requested via RFI. Accordingly, we respectfully request that the Government provide clear interior photos of the following items/areas: Photos will not be made available.

a. SECURE AREA Perimeter Walls – RF Shielding Preparation

i. Images of all interior sides of exterior perimeter walls within the SECURE AREA area.

ii. Include visible conduits, cable trays, piping, electrical equipment, or accessories that are mounted to or penetrate these walls and may interfere with RF shielding installation.

iii. These photos will assist with demolition planning and coordination of items to be removed and reinstalled per SOW Sections 1.1.2.9 and 1.1.2.17.

b. Raised Flooring Tiles to be Matched

i. Provide a photo of the existing raised floor panels that will need to be matched

(SOW Section 1.1.2.18).

ii. A close-up image of the panel face and any visible underside features (support type or stringer) would be helpful. Existing floor panels are 24”x24”, and rest on a grid/stringer system supported by pedestals adhesive mounted to the slab floor.

Pedestals are approximately 12” tall. Similar or closely matching floor tiles will be acceptable if exact match cannot be determined.

c. Room 10 – Existing Cable Tray

i. Provide a photo showing the existing cable tray in Room 10 that is to be demolished per SOW Section 1.1.2.8. Existing cable trays are approximately 12” wide and 6” tall.

The total length is approximately 12 feet (includes the portions inside of the wall on either end).

d. Room 17 – UPS Batteries

i. Provide a photo of the existing UPS battery bank (approximately 50 batteries) to be replaced per SOW Section 1.1.5.2.

ii. Photos should include battery configuration, cabinet type (if enclosed), and access surroundings.

UPS Model #: 38SA200A0A00; UPS Output: 200kVA/180kW; 488 A @ 480 V;

Battery Type: HX400

19. The Statement of Work (SOW Section 1.1.4.2) directs the contractor to demolish three (3) existing furnaces and replace two (2) of them. However, no specifications are provided in the drawings or technical documents regarding the following:

a. Please confirm the manufacturer, model, and capacity of the existing furnace units that are to be replaced.

b. Are there any required specifications for the new furnaces (e.g., BTU output, airflow capacity, fuel type, efficiency rating)?

c. Are there any restrictions on acceptable manufacturers or models?

d. Do the replacement furnaces need to comply with any specific requirements related to

SECURE AREA construction or ICD 705 guidance (e.g., duct shielding, waveguides, man bars, etc.)?

Existing Furnace data is shown below. Looking to replace these units with equivalent units. We are not specifying brand or model. Ducting, power, communication, or linesets must comply with ICD 705 requirements only where they penetrate perimeter walls. Man Bars, Waveguides, and Dielectric breaks will be required at all penetrations in perimeter walls.

20. Per SOW Section 1.1.6 (Item #5), the contractor is directed to “re-line approximately 175 linear feet of cast iron drainpipe” as part of the sanitary sewer upgrade. However, the documents do not indicate the following:

a. Where the relining is to begin and end (e.g., does it start inside the building or at the exterior wall?). Intended to be re-lined beginning from the floor drain in the Women’s restrooms (in locker room area in front of showers) towards and ending at the existing septic tank.

b. Whether any of the cast iron pipe located beneath the building slab is included in this scope. Yes, this would be the portion beginning at the restrooms until it exits the building on the West side, towards the septic tank.

c. If all work is intended to occur from the exterior cleanout toward the city main, or if access must be made into the facility. See Above.

d. Please clarify exact start and end points of the pipe to be relined. See Above.

e. Please clarify whether relining includes under-slab portions, or is limited to piping outside the building footprint. See Above.

21. The project documents indicate that a new CMU block wall is to be constructed, but do not clearly specify the intended height of the wall. Based on field observation and plan review, it is unclear whether the CMU wall is to be constructed To the finished ceiling height (approx. 10 ft), to match existing adjacent wall height with an additional 7ft of drywall to deck. Or to the true ceiling/structure full height to deck ~17ft.

To clarify SOW paragraph 1.1.2.14, the entire wall must extend from true floor (slab) to true ceiling (roof deck). Option 1: The wall may be entirely constructed of CMU Block, or Option 2: the CMU Block wall must extend up past the finished ceiling (drop ceiling), but the remainder must be metal stud framed with drywall. If Option 2 selected, the wall must be a minimum Type A wall per ICD 705 standards, meeting STC-45 rating. This generally consists of metal stud framing, sound attenuating insulation, with 2 layers of 5/8” gypsum board on the internal side of the room, and 1 layer on the exterior side. All 3 layers of drywall must be finished to a level 5, and seams may not align on the side with 2 layers. Framing at the top, bottom, and sides of the drywall must be caulked. All 3 layers of Gypsum board at top (where it meets the roof deck), bottom (where it meets the CMU), and sides (where it adjoins existing walls) of the wall must also be caulked for sound proofing.

22. SOW Section 1.1.2.19 directs the contractor to “install and seal exterior brick to match size and color of existing, surrounding brick” following the demolition and CMU infill of the exterior door at Room 8. To ensure an accurate match, please confirm the following:

a. Are as-built drawings or detail photos available showing the original brick type, size, and coursing pattern in this area?

b. Is there a sample brick or brick spec from the original construction available for reference (e.g., manufacturer, product name, or color code)?

c. If neither is available, may the contractor submit a best-match sample for approval during submittals?

Due to facility age, existing brick specs are not available. Contractor may submit best-match through the submittal process.

23. The project scope includes replacement of ceiling systems throughout Building 128. However, the existing ceilings in the men’s and women’s restrooms, the washroom (Room 26), and the janitor closet are currently constructed of solid gypsum board and are not called out for demolition or replacement in the drawings or specifications.

a. Please confirm if the ceilings in the restrooms and janitor closet are to be replaced as part of the overall ceiling replacement scope? The ceilings in the restrooms and janitor closet are to remain and do not need replaced.

b. If so, should new ceilings in those areas match adjacent finishes (e.g., new ACT ceiling or gypsum replacement with repaint)? See Above

c. If no replacement is required, should the existing gypsum ceilings remain in place unmodified? See Above

24. During the pre-bid walkthrough, Room 21 and Room 34 were locked and inaccessible to the site visit attendees. As a result, we were unable to verify existing conditions within those spaces. We respectfully request that the Government provide interior photographs of Room 21 and Room 34, including:

o General layout and current use o Visible mechanical, electrical, or architectural features o Any items or obstructions that may affect demolition, finish replacement, or shielding work.

Disregard Room 21. This is a vault, and no work will be performed in Room 21. Room 34 is a small office and exactly like all other spaces on the non-secure side, similar to Room 23 just outside of this office. The only work to be done in this area includes paint, carpet, ceiling tiles, etc. as noted on the SOW and drawings.

25. During the pre-bid walkthrough, an existing door was observed between Room 28 and Room 30, but this door does not appear on the contract drawings or within the project scope narrative.

Please clarify if this door is included in the scope.

Yes, paint the door to match all others per the SOW and Drawings, sheet “Architectural Finishes”.

26. Rooms 24 (Electric) and 31 (Maintenance) are hatched on the Architectural Finishes Plan to receive full Non-Secure Area Finishes, including paint, carpet tile, rubber wall base, suspended ceiling tile/grid, and LED ceiling lighting. Given that these are utility rooms, we are requesting clarification on whether these finish items are to be installed in these spaces.

o Should these rooms receive carpet tile, or will the existing concrete floor remain exposed or sealed?

o Are ceiling tile and grid replacements required, or will these rooms remain open to structure or receive another treatment?

o Should the LED light fixtures match finish-grade areas, or can utility-grade lighting remain?

o Should all wall and door/frame finishes match the Non-Secure Area specs, or will they be excluded?

Disregard these rooms on the architectural finishes drawing sheet. Only update lighting to LED strip lights. All other finish work (paint, wall base, ceiling tiles, carpet, not required).

27. During the pre-bid walkthrough, it was noted that the wall shown in the drawings separating Rooms 15, 35, and 36 does not currently exist in the field. However, the construction documents show a wall dividing these areas as if it is existing or to remain. The drawings do not indicate this wall as “new,” “to be constructed,” or “to be demolished,” nor is it discussed in the narrative scope of work.

o Please confirm if this wall to be constructed new as part of this contract?

o Or was it shown in error and should be ignored for purposes of estimating wall construction, finishes, and RF shielding?

This wall does not exist and there is no intent to construct a wall in its place. This is a remnant of using an older drawing. Disregard this wall in the drawing set. Room 15, 35, and 36 are all one larger open space now. Same goes for the door shown on Room 35, this also does not exist, and we do not intend to install one. Disregard this door on the drawing set.

28. During the pre-bid walkthrough, Room 18 was observed to have a padded or cushioned wall finish, possibly intended for acoustic or impact mitigation purposes. This treatment is not referenced in the drawings, Architectural Finishes sheet, or specifications. Room 18 is scheduled to be joined with Room 7 according to the construction plans. Room 7 does not contain this wall treatment.

Based on this, we are assuming that the padded wall finish in Room 18 is to be fully removed during demolition.

o Please confirm the following Is full removal of the padded/cushioned wall system in Room 18 acceptable and intended as part of the scope? Yes, the intent is to demolish all of the wall padding in Room 18.

o Please confirm if any portion of the treatment is to remain in place: None to remain in place.

Should any new walls constructed as part of the adjoining or modified layout match the existing padded treatment? If so, please provide product information, manufacturer data, or photos of the existing system to allow for visual or material matching. No, new padding is not to be installed on any new or existing walls.

29. Rooms 7 and 18 are scheduled to be connected per the construction plans. Room 7 currently has a ceiling height of approximately 10 feet above the raised floor, while Room 18 has a ceiling height of approximately 8 feet. No specific direction is provided in the specifications or plan sheets regarding the final designated ceiling height for the newly combined space.

a. Please confirm What is the required or intended ceiling height for the newly connected area between Rooms 7 and 18?

b. Should Room 18 be raised to match Room 7’s height (10'), or should Room 7 be modified to match Room 18 (8'), or remain as existing?

Please see response to question 20.

30. The construction plans call for demolition of part of the existing wall between Rooms 7 and 18 to create a connected space. A new wall will be constructed as part of this work; however, the Architectural Finishes Plan (Sheet 13 of 14) does not designate a finish for this newly constructed area. It is assumed that the finish should match the adjacent secure area finishes for Rooms 7 and 18 (i.e., Sherwin Williams “Dover White” paint, carpet tile, and rubber base per spec), but confirmation is required.

a. Please confirm what is the required wall and floor finish for the new wall section and adjacent modified space created between Rooms 7 and 18?

See Architectural Finishes Sheet where the finishes are shown. Secure Area Finishes B is highlighted for this area.

31. Is the new automatic transfer switch to have bypass isolation? Current one does not. New ATS to have open or closed transition? Current ATS is “open”.

Yes include bypass isolation, open transition.

32. New 350KW generator to have aluminum housing like the current one? Or steel?

Either is acceptable, submit through the material submittal process.

33. When removing electrical equipment attached to the wall for new RF shielding, will that need to take place after normal work hours? Or can outages be scheduled during normal work hours?

The current building is unoccupied. Work will only take place during normal working hours due to necessary security escorts needing to be present throughout construction. No work will take place after normal working hours.

34. Please clarify if a superintendent can be a dual hat to cover the requirements of SSHO?

See response to Question #1.

35. If no to the question above, will the SSHO need to be full-time for this project?

See response to Question #1.

36. Please clarify if a superintendent can be a dual hat to cover the requirements of QA/QC?

See response to Question #1.

37. If no to the question above, will the QA/QC need to be full time for this project?

See response to Question #1.

38. Can a superintendent be a triple hat to cover the requirements of SSHO and QA/QC?

See response to Question #1.

39. Please confirm if tax should be included in our proposal?

Do not include tax.

40. Will shutdowns be required to be done during off hours or weekends?

Yes. All construction must be performed during normal business hours (0730 – 1600) listed in the SOW. This is due to security escort being required at all times during construction. The building is currently unoccupied and will not require any shutdowns.

41. Can pictures be made available of the equipment, conduit, etc called to be removed from exterior wall of the SECURE AREA?

No pictures will be made available from inside of the secure area.

42. Please provide details of existing HVAC equipment called to be replaced and new proposed CRAC units. What size capacity, electrical rating, etc?

See response to Questions #4 and #18

43. Please provide selection of proposed plumbing fixtures. What manufacturer and model fixture?

Manufacturer and Models cannot be specified, other than the brand name items or compatibility items identified in the SOW. Plumbing fixtures are to be submitted through the material submittal process for approval by Civil Engineering.

44. Bid opening location changed.

Bid opening will change from being held in BLDG 153 stated in the solicitation to being held in BLDG 151 on the 15th August 25 at 11AM local time.

Barricade

Secure Material Storage Area

Vehicle Parking, Dumpsters, Delivery Area, Equipment Storage, Job

Trailer

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