Attachment 16 - Solicitation W911QY25RA020 Questions - 09.04.2025 - Government Responses.pdf

SOLICITATION W911QY-25-R-A020

NATICK BUILDING 2 FAÇADE

Question and Answer – 4 September 2025

QUESTION GOVERNMENT ANSWER

1 Can we use laser blasting as an alternative method for preparing the exterior metal surfaces of the climatic chambers?

Yes. However, all Contractors base bid shall include pricing per Section 1.3.7.6 of “Attachment 3 - Appendix B - Repair Exteriors Building (Facade) 2 Design-Build Solicitation July 2020”. Contractor(s) can price laser blasting as an alternative and submit line-item cost, an increase or decrease from base bid.

2 Stair Repairs and Warranty Please clarify the level of repair required for the existing stairs. Should the repair be limited to the surface finish only, or is a deeper intervention expected? Keep in mind that demolition may increase significantly due to the severe deterioration and low strength of the existing concrete.

We also ask that you specify what type of warranty is required for the concrete repairs, since the warranty may be affected by the extent of the structural damage.

The façade project Designer of Record will be responsible for evaluating and determining level of work required to comply with regulations.

Section 1.3.2.3.3 of Attachment 3 - Appendix B states “Demolition of existing exterior concrete stairs and ramps and replaced in kind with ramps or stairs, as appropriate, to include new railings. Repair existing deteriorated concrete loading docks and stairs on north facade.”

NOTE: north side is the main stairs to facility.

Warranty – Industry standard.

3 Bollards The documents indicate new bollards; however, some do not appear to be shown in the drawings.

Considering the new design of the south-side stairs, it may be necessary to include seven (7) additional bollards in order to comply with the building code safety requirements. Please confirm whether these additional bollards should be included in the project scope.

The façade project Designer of Record will be responsible for evaluating and determining level of work required to comply with regulations.

4 Epoxy Coating on Stairs Should an epoxy paint finish be applied to the repaired stairs, since this is the existing finish? This detail does not appear explicitly in the documents.

The façade project Designer of Record will be

5 Deteriorated Area at Climatic Chambers One corner of the climatic chambers shows significant deterioration, with several panels severely damaged.

Please confirm whether this section should be completely replaced or treated in the same manner as the rest of the chambers.

The façade project Designer of Record will be

6 Lead Paint Removal Method Can laser blasting technology be used to remove lead paint from the climatic chambers? This method allows for faster removal, improved environmental performance, reduced dust and waste, and better surface preparation when compared to sandblasting, which could generate large dust clouds and interfere with the building’s normal activities and operations.

Yes. However, all Contractors base bid shall include pricing per Section 1.3.7.6 of “Attachment 3 - Appendix B - Repair Exteriors Building (Facade) 2 Design-Build Solicitation July 2020”. Contractor(s) can price laser blasting as an alternative and submit line-item cost, an increase or decrease from base bid.

7 Roof Edge Metal and Wall Panels The new roof installation has been completed. Please confirm whether the roof edge metal must be replaced

The façade project Designer of Record will be responsible for roof/top of wall intersection detail.

to accommodate the new metal wall panels, or if the panels should be designed to fit beneath the existing roof edge metal.

8 Air/Water Barrier – CMU Walls Please confirm if an air/water barrier membrane is required on the CMU walls behind the new metal panels.

The façade project Designer of Record will be responsible for requirement.

9 Air/Water Barrier – Concrete Walls Please confirm if an air/water barrier is required on the existing concrete walls behind the new metal panels.

The façade project Designer of Record will be responsible for requirement.

10 Window Openings – Protruded Profiles The existing EIFS system includes protruded wall profiles at the window openings. Should these profiles be replicated in the new metal wall panel system, or should the openings be detailed differently?

The façade project Designer of Record will be responsible for requirement.

11 Please provide any electrical as-builts for the building and surrounding site (utilities).

Only Site utilities provided at Attachment 11 – NSSC Site Utilities – 09.03.2025.

12 Please provide a map of all site utilities including, water, sewer, electrical, storm water, gas and fire main.

Only Site utilities provided at Attachment 11 – NSSC Site Utilities – 09.03.2025.

13 Can we get a copy of the Base Exterior Architectural Plan (BEAP)?

No, doesn’t exist

14 Will building envelope testing or commissioning be required for this project?

No.

15 Does the facility have an emergency response plan that can be reviewed?

No.

16 Are there any existing Life Safety plans of the building?

Yes. Please see Attachment 12 - Building 2 Life Safety

- Exit Signs.

17 Are there any mission critical dates or other event dates contractors need to consider for mobilization / demobilizations / phasing?

No.

18 Is there any current / upcoming projects (not associated with this project scope) that bidders should consider that may impact current conditions? Will there be any interfacing between projects?

The current project is Bldg 2 Roof, which is planned to be completed by end of December 2025. No upcoming projects.

19 Restricted Areas - are there any not denoted on the drawings? Is any of the construction area in, or considered a restricted area? If so, will this work result in additional scope coverage within the SOW?

No.

20 Is there any Cathodic Protection requirements? Not aware of any.

21 Please confirm the project scope is limited to the SOW and does not extend to other systems or buildings?

Scope is limited to this solicitation.

22 Is there any opportunity for extended holidays? For example, the Friday after Thanksgiving would create multiple opportunities for outages, concrete placement at entrances.

Yes

23 Is the design submission 35/65/100 per the SOW or 35/95/100 per the specifications?

35/95/100 per the specifications

Can the government "define" a reasonable or acceptable noise level? Is the noise limited to the inside of the building?

Mass Directorate Environmental Protection (MDEP) limit of 63 dBA Lmax or a Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)/MassDOT limit of 75 dBA L10

25 Can the government "define" a reasonable or acceptable smell level? Is the smell limited to the inside of the building?

No

Does the base have a design manufacturer for the metal panel system and/or systems? What is the desired R- Value? The desired finish pattern of the metal panels (textured, ribbed, smooth)? Vertical or horizontal joints? Colors?

No design manufacturer for the metal panel system. R- Value based on applicable Codes/Regulation.

Finish pattern to be determined during design.

Vertical joints.

Color to be determined during design…sand / brown range like Bldg 1 and 3.

27 Can the large trees/shrubs be removed for exterior cladding to be placed?

Yes and No. Please see Attachment 13 - Natick, Bldg 2 Facade Project Bidding Question Tree_Shrubs.

28 Any consideration to placing protective steel/concrete bollards at the front entrance from the road access?

Overhead door openings?

No.

29 Will the new parapet cap be placed in the roofing project now or after the exterior cladding system is complete? If not, will the GC need to engage the roofer for pricing and warranty work?

Parapet cap will be in place as part of roofing project.

Engagement with Contractor performing current roofing project is up to Contractor awarded this façade project.

30 Will the new metal roof stairs require the GC to get pricing from the current contracted roofer for pricing and warranty work?

Engagement with Contractor performing current roofing project is up to Contractor awarded this façade project.

31 Will the Front signage need to be replaced or reused?

Will it need to be painted?

No.

32 Does the government want tinted or clear glass? The drawings mention low-e; this is typically provided with tinted glass makeup.

Tinted

33 Is the lightning protection part of the roofing scope and not part of this project?

Lightning protection is part of the current roofing project. Lightning is not part of the façade project.

34 Please define where costs for as-builts and construction administration should be placed? Request for three unit cost for the design submittals.

Recommend adding as builts in the Design CLIN and construction administration in Build CLIN.

35 If roofing work is completed prior to the exterior façade work, how will roof/top of wall intersection detail be handled?

Roof work will be completed prior to exterior façade work. The façade project Designer of Record will be responsible for roof/top of wall intersection detail.

36 Will vertical joints be acceptable with the metal panel wall system?

Yes

37 Is the new overhead door manual operation or motorized?

Both

38 Is any fire alarm or fire sprinkler work required for this project?

No

39 Is there any HVAC or plumbing work required for this project?

No

40 1.3.6.4 Inspection of Climatic Chamber. Please describe what type of report is required for the climatic chamber? If the report is focused on corrosion, is it acceptable for the report to be provided by a NACE-certified corrosion specialist?

Written report with visuals as required. Information in the report as described in Section 1.3.6.4 of Attachment 3 - Appendix B.

41 Appendix D, MOA with SHPO, will the design need to be reviewed or submitted for approval through SHPO?

Yes, this will require SHPO review and concurrence.

DPW will be responsible for the letter.

42 Will there be phasing for access to the interior of the building for window replacement?

Depends on Contractor’s scheduling.

43 Will the roofing or parapet cap interfere with this contract?

The façade project Designer of Record will be responsible for roof/top of wall intersection detail.

44 Page 13 of the Solicitation, FAR Clause 52.211-12 Liquidated Damages-Construction, states: "the Contractor shall pay liquidated damages to the Government in the amount of $1,000 for each Calendar Day", however Page 35, (iii) Volume III - Cost

FAR 52.211-12 Liquidated Damages – Construction is not required. It has been removed from the solicitation.

Proposal Factor 3, (b) Liquidated Damages, states "Liquidated Damages does not apply to this contract.

Can the government confirm which statement is accurate?

45 Page 33 of the Solicitation, 1. Proposal Submission Requirements states, "Tables and Illustrations may use a reduced font size no less than Times New Roman 10 point." Can the government allow for a small size font for headers and footers as well?

The Government will allow a reduced font size no less than Times New Roman 10 point for headers and footers as well.

46 Page 35 of the Solicitation, (ii) Volume II - Past Performance Factor 2, (1) Section -1 Contract Descriptions. (a), states "DUNS Number" is required.

DUNS Numbers have been replaced with UEI's. Can the government confirm, the UEI will be okay to replace for the DUNS Number?

UEI is okay to replace DUNS. Only UEI and CAGE Codes are needed.

47 Noting the PoP of 270 days. There is nothing denoting the time allocation for design in this project. Typically, this would be outside the construction execution. We would request that the PoP be extended another 150 days minimum depending on the SHPO involvement required for the design approvals?

Historically, SHPO has had little to no involvement in any project and concurs with our design without comment. SHPO concurrence typically takes no longer than 90 days. As such, the POP shall remain at 270 days.

Appendix D, MOA with SHPO, MA Historic Commission lists exterior window glazing as being exempt. Will the frames be included in that exemption?

NSSC currently has no MOA with SHPO, as the last expired in 2022. Recommend meeting modern design standards while attempting to keep appearances as close to the original as possible.

49 Appendix D, MOA with SHPO, MA Historic Commission lists a series of activities that are exempt from SHPO review such as window replacement and exterior stair replacement. Changing façade material is not listed as an exempt/non-reporting activity and states exterior façade upgrades will require review with MA SHPO. Please provide the government's understanding of this project’s engagement with the base’s cultural resource officer and MA SHPO, specifically for façade material change from EIFS to metal wall panels.

Assume everything will be reviewed by the SHPO with no exceptions. Despite this, the MA SHPO have had no input or comment since the expiration of the last MOA.

Recommend the new façade visually matches the existing as close as possible.

50 Appendix D, MOA with SHPO, MA Historic Commission lists exterior concrete stairs requiring granite stone construction in lieu of concrete. Please confirm stairs may be replaced with concrete per SOW and not stone construction.

Concrete stairs are acceptable.

51 Appendix B, 1.3.7.7.1 Lists a variety of window materials including clear glass. Please confirm if the government wants clear or tinted glass.

Tinted.

52 Appendix B, 1.3.7.7.1 Lists a variety of window materials including bullet resisting glass. Please confirm this project does not require bullet resistant glazing or bullet resistant frames.

Provide windows designed and constructed in accordance with UFC 4-010-01 DoD Minimum Antiterrorism Standards for Buildings.

53 Appendix B, 1.3.7.7.2 Indicates to provide blast resistant doors where required, 2.4.1.4 Indicates to provide blast protection systems analysis and design.

Please confirm that doors will need to comply with UFC 4-010-01, 3-13 and no blast calculations will be required.

Provide doors designed and constructed in accordance with UFC 4-010-01 DoD Minimum Antiterrorism Standards for Buildings.

54 Appendix B, 1.3.9.6 indicates ground rods and bonding for the lightning protection system. Please confirm that no part of the lighting protection system is required for this project.

Not required of Bldg 2 Façade project.

55 Solicitation document Section B indicates three unit costs for design services, should construction administration services by the design team during construction be included in design CLIN or construction CLIN.

Construction administration services shall be included in the construction (Build) CLIN.

56 Appendix B 3.8.1.1 references providing geo-referenced files. Is a GIS deliverable with an as-built survey required for this project?

Not required of Bldg 2 Façade project.

57 Appendix A drawing sheet A-101 indicates a new metal roof stair; is this stair part of the roofing project or this project?

No, metal roof stairs are NOT part of current roofing project. Metal roof stairs are part of Bldg 2 Façade project.

58 Appendix A drawings do not indicate the sequencing of construction between roofing project and façade project. Who will be responsible for completing the roof/wall intersection detail? Roofing project contractor or façade contractor?

The façade project Designer of Record will be responsible for roof/top of wall intersection detail.

59 Appendix B 1.3.7.5.2 indicates to provide insulation thickness to meet ASHRAE 90.1 requirements. Please confirm we are to meet minimum continuous insulation requirements for MA climate zone and no consideration or scope of work will include upgrading insulation on the interior of the building.

The façade project Designer of Record will be responsible for compliance with all applicable regulations/codes/energy, etc.

60 Appendix A drawings sheets A-201 and A202 indicate metal panels to replace EIFS system. Please confirm that all vertical joints of the metal panel system are acceptable and no horizontal joints are required unless deemed necessary for constructability reasons.

Vertical joints are acceptable. Whether horizontal joints are required will be determined by Designer of Record in coordination with Government.

61 Please provide an existing typical EIFS/masonry wall section so bidders can understand the thermal and moisture movement though the existing wall construction.

Provided at Attachment 14 – Natick Bldg 2 Wall Section EIFS.

Please provide complete set of as-built drawings including architectural, structural, civil, and electrical.

All provided in solicitation. Added EIFS section and exterior utilities. Please see new Attachments 11 through 15.

63 Appendix B 1.3.6.4 Inspection of Climatic Chamber.

Please describe what type of report is required for the climatic chamber. If report is focused on corrosion, is it acceptable for report to be provided by a NACE-certified corrosion specialist?

Written report with visuals as required. Information in the report as described in Attachment 3 – Appendix B Section 1.3.6.4.

64 Appendix B 1.3.7.5.2 indicates louvers to be trimmed around by the metal panel system. Appendix A drawings do not indicate louvers, please confirm if louvers should be removed and replaced with new or reused.

No louvers exist.

65 Please confirm it is acceptable to replace all window openings, including existing steel framed windows, with an aluminum storefront system.

Yes

66 Solicitation, Section L., A. Solicitation Provisions, 1.

Proposal Submission Requirements, (i) Volume II – Past Performance, states, "Offerors shall submit past performance information regarding relevant

Past performance is not required for the designer of record or major subcontractors; however, past performance can be submitted for either the Offeror or Major Subcontractors.

construction projects completed in the last five years."

Can the government confirm, that past performance is not required for the designer of record or major subcontractors?

Please see Section M – Evaluation Factors for Award, D. Evaluation Approach, 2. Factor II: Past Performance, b. “The Government will focus its inquiries on the offeror’s (and major subcontractor’s) record of performance as it relates to all solicitation requirements…For the purposes of this evaluation, major subcontractors, teaming partners, and/or joint venture partners are those proposed to perform 30% or more of the project based on the total proposed price of that project. In addition, offerors may elect to include such information if the subcontractor or partner is expected to perform aspects of the project that the Offeror considers critical to overall successful performance.”

Solicitation, Section L., A. Solicitation Provisions, 1.

Proposal Submission Requirements, (i) Volume II – Past Performance. Are Letters of Consent meant to serve the past performance for designer of record and/or major subcontractors, meaning we will give the government permission to review the past performance through other means, like CPARS?

No, the letter(s) of consent are meant to serve as permission for the Government to disclose a subcontractor’s past performance information with the Offeror during negotiations.

Further, in accordance with Section M – Evaluation Factors for Award, D. Evaluation Approach, 2. Factor II: Past Performance, c. (iii) “The Government will assess the overall quality of the offeror’s past performance. Documented results from interviews, CPARS, and other sources form the support and basis for this assessment.” As such, this statement informs Offerors that the Government may review the past performance through other means, such as CPARS.

Permission is not needed for this.

Solicitation, Section L., A. Solicitation Provisions, 1.

Proposal Submission Requirements, (i) Volume II – Past Performance. If the DOR is not providing 30% of the SOW, would Letters of Consent be required?

Letters of consent are only required if the Offeror is providing past performance information for a major subcontractor, teaming partner, or joint venture partner.

In accordance with Section M – Evaluation Factors for Award, D. Evaluation Approach, 2. Factor II: Past Performance, b. “For the purposes of this evaluation, major subcontractors, teaming partners, and/or joint venture partners are those proposed to perform 30% or more of the project based on the total proposed price of that project. In addition, offerors may elect to include such information if the subcontractor or partner is expected to perform aspects of the project that the Offeror considers critical to overall successful performance.”

69 The SOW indicates that the Roof work is not in scope.

There is another section called out for the Climatic Chambers on the preliminary drawings, but not called out in Attachment 1; can it be confirmed that it is out of scope as well?

Roof work is NOT part of Bldg 2 Façade Project.

However, wall/parapet connection is part of Bldg 2 Façade Project.

70 Does NSSC allow for drone operation on base, and if they do, what is the protocol to receive approval for drone operation?

NOTE: The drawings indicate to remove the existing coating and rust from the climate chamber, however, No portions of the climate chamber include a “flat” roof area which will be difficult to review from grade. Is this under the umbrella of the roof areas not to be in scope? The intent of the drone is to review them. It is probably unlikely drone authorization will be practical, but we wanted to ask the question, in case we need to have extension ladder access to review the horizontal structure.

71 Is the Attachment 4-- Appendix C complete?

It does not appear that they have a NESHAPs compliant, pre-renovation inspection.

This is all the Government has.

72 The drawings don't show the amount of abatement which would be required for the amount of ACM previously discovered. Are we permitted to include a NESHAPs compliant asbestos inspection in our 35% design services?

Yes

73 There are many notes about the need for commissioning, but based on the scope, is there an intent for building envelope commissioning?

No

74 We respectfully request another site visit, to address quantities and conditions at the interior, exterior and roof.

Another site visit will not be held.

75 We intend to develop CAD drawings, not build a Revit model for the entire building. Is that acceptable?

Yes, CAD drawings. Disregard Revit.

76 Appendix D, repair generally has no historic requirements. Are any Historic oversight or submissions required to comply with Appendix D?

None.

77 Appendix B

1.3.7.5.2 Insulated Metal Panel Wall Systems

New exterior wall systems shall take into account the adjacent existing Buildings 1 and 3, which are part of the Cold War historic district. For shop fabricated wall systems with integral insulation, provide with shop fabricated expansion control.

It is not clear to us what we are being asked to match in buildings 1 and 3 or if the Cold War Historic District impacts the new building skin scope.

Bldg 1 and 3 are not metal wall systems, disregard reference to Bldg 1 and 3.

78 Appendix A: Are there existing drawings of wall sections of the building’s main walls and openings?

Sections included are of the roof and climate chambers.

Are drawings available of typical wall sections, window / door openings, etc.?

One additional drawing is provided. Please see new Attachments 11 through 15.

79 Appendix B

1.3.7.5.5.1 General

Provide continuous insulation, vapor retarder, water-resistive barrier, and air barrier to meet or exceed requirements of project's energy savings requirements as indicated by applicable ASHRAE 90.1 calculations called for in UFC 1-200-02 High Performance and Sustainable Building Requirements and meeting

The façade project Designer of Record will be responsible for compliance with all applicable regulations/codes/energy, etc.

minimum building envelope insulation requirements of UFC 3-101-01 Architecture.

The scope is to add a building skin to the existing building after the demo of the existing EIFS. With no interior insulation scope, we may not meet these requirements as we are not redoing the entire wall system, just the outer skin. Are we required to meet the High Performance and Sustainable Building requirements?

80 Regarding the duration of 270 days from notice to proceed. Does the duration include the design portion of the project or will the NTP be issued after design is complete?

Yes, it’s included in the 270 days.

81 Would the government allow for at least a 10–14-day extension (business days) from the date that all RFIs are answered?

The Government has extended the solicitation response deadline to 15 September 2025 at 1:00 PM EST.