RFI B2448 Answers.pdf

Reference No. SOLICITATION W911SG26BA004 – B2448 Kitchenette Installation

RFI QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

W911SG26BA004

B2448 Kitchenette Installation

1. Have all asbestos and lead surveys been completed for the project areas?

RESPONSE: Yes, the latest surveys have been uploaded to SAM.gov.

2. Can copies of the asbestos and lead survey reports be provided?

RESPONSE: Surveys are uploaded in SAM.gov

3. Do the survey reports identify any asbestos-containing materials (ACM) or lead-based paint (LBP) within the planned demolition or construction areas?

RESPONSE: Surveys are uploaded in SAM.gov

4. Are the quantities of identified ACM and LBP known and quantified?

RESPONSE: Surveys are uploaded in SAM.gov

5. Is CLIN 0002 intended to cover known abatement work only, or should contractors include contingency for potential unknown quantities?

RESPONSE: CLIN 0002 is for abatement work only.

6. If additional asbestos or lead-containing materials are discovered after demolition begins, will those conditions be treated as a differing site condition and compensated through a contract modification?

RESPONSE: An RFI would have to be submitted for further review and approval.

7. Is the contractor expected to assume responsibility for all unforeseen abatement conditions, or will the Government address unforeseen discoveries through change orders?

RESPONSE: An RFI would have to be submitted for further review and approval.

8. Has any mold assessment or mold survey been completed within the project area?

COR RESPONSE: There has not been any mold assessment for this building.

9. Has mold been identified in any of the work areas, wall cavities, plumbing chases, ceiling spaces, or mechanical spaces?

COR RESPONSE: No mold has been identified in this work area. If encountered during construction, contact COR and submit RFI for further guidance.

10. If previously unidentified mold is discovered during demolition or construction, will it be treated as a differing site condition and compensated through a contract modification?

RESPONSE: An RFI would have to be submitted for further review and approval.

11. Are there any known water intrusion, moisture, or building envelope issues that could result in hidden mold conditions?

COR RESPONSE: At this time, there has been no evidence of water intrusion.

12. Has an electrical load study been completed for the facility?

COR RESPONSE: Rely on contractor to complete this assessment

13. Are existing feeders and electrical service capacity adequate to support the proposed work?

COR RESPONSE: Contractor to verify by performing assessment

14. Is the contractor responsible for any electrical service upgrades beyond the panel replacement shown in the drawings?

COR RESPONSE: Yes, if any electrical service upgrades are necessary, coordinate with COR prior to proceeding and submit RFI for review.

15. Are electrical one-line diagrams available for review?

COR RESPONSE: All electrical information and diagrams are provided within as-builts.

16. Are there any known electrical deficiencies that may impact project pricing or execution?

COR RESPONSE: Refer to Contractor’s survey once assessment has been completed.

There are unknown electrical deficiencies at this time.

17. Are there any known issues with routing plumbing from the kitchenette locations to the basement?

COR RESPONSE: At this moment, there are unknown issues with routing plumbing from kitchenette to the basement.

18. Are there any existing utility conflicts or concealed conditions that may affect the plumbing scope?

COR RESPONSE: Uknown utility conflicts / conditions that may affect the plumbing scope.

19. Are there any occupied building restrictions, access limitations, work-hour restrictions, or sequencing requirements that could impact production?

COR RESPONSE: There are no building restrictions or access limitations. Barrack rooms are currently vacant and only offices on first floor will be occupied during construction.

20. Are cabinet manufacturers specified, or are approved equals acceptable?

COR RESPONSE: Contractor to include cost of materials specified in the documents. Any substitutions will be reviewed and approved by COR on case-by-case basis.

21. Are countertop manufacturers or material requirements specified, or are approved equals acceptable?

22. Are sink, faucet, garbage disposal, range hood, and drinking fountain manufacturers specified, or are approved equals acceptable?

23. Are any materials Government-furnished?

COR RESPONSE: Only the microwave, electric range, fridge, and island stools will be provided by the Housing Department among requests once construction has been completed.

24. Are there any long-lead items that should be identified and procured early to avoid schedule impacts?

COR RESPONSE: DPW is not aware of any long-lead items, however, Contractor should contact ANSUL system manufacturer to ensure equipment can be provided within the period of performance (POP).

25. What certifications, training, or qualifications are required for the Superintendent, SSHO, and QCM positions?

RESPONSE: Certifications are outlined in the Statement of Work (SOW) posted on SAM.gov.

26. Does this project require Construction Quality Management for Contractors (CQM-C) certification for the QCM?

COR RESPONSE: CQM-C certification is not required for this specific project.

27. If CQM-C certification is required, will Fort Bliss, USACE, or another Government agency provide the training?

COR RESPONSE: CQM-C certification is not required for this specific project.

28. If training is provided by the Government, what is the anticipated schedule and availability of classes?

COR RESPONSE: CQM-C certification is not required for this specific project.

29. Must the QCM possess the certification prior to Notice to Proceed, or may certification be obtained after award?

RESPONSE: Certification must be obtained prior to award.

30. Will construction activities be permitted to commence while the QCM is awaiting enrollment or completion of the required training?

RESPONSE: Certification must be obtained prior to award.

31. Request clarification and details identifying the points of connection for the new domestic water, plumbing, and vent hood systems, including required penetrations and tie-ins to existing plumbing lines.

COR RESPONSE: Contractor responsible for verifying existing conditions and determining points of connection for new systems.

32. On Sheets E-100 and E-101, the panel schedules indicate a new panel 1C-A. Please confirm whether a new panel is required on each floor or just on the first floor where there is no space to the closest panel.

COR RESPONSE: Contractor shall use existing panels if permissible based on Contractor’s assessment. If new panel is required, contact COR and submit RFI for review.

33. Does contractor need to obtain federal or local permits for this work?

COR RESPONSE: Contractor does not need to obtain federal or local permits.

34. Is there any elevation of the desired layout for new kitchenette?

COR RESPONSE: The cabinet dimensions will be accordance with SOW and Drawings.

35. Is there any basis of design for the Ansul fire suppression system?

COR RESPONSE: Provide and install model G500-B wet chemical fire extinguishing system, (or approved equal) in cabinet above range, system shall be complete with electrical range shutoff, alarm/strobe, manual remote pull station, alarm interface module, and interconnecting cables to CPU board.

36. Will the sign-in sheet from the site visit be available in an Amendment?

RESPONSE: Sign in sheet was posted on SAM.gov

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

RESPONSE: Superintendent and SSHO must be two different people.

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

RESPONSE: Yes, SSHO must be full time.

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

RESPONSE: No, Superintendent cannot be the QA/ QC.

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

RESPONSE: Yes, QA/QC will be full-time.

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

RESPONSE: No, the superintendent must be a different person from SSHO and QA/QC. The SSHO and QA/QC can be the same person.

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

RESPONSE: Yes, proposal should include tax.

43. Please provide the latest wage determination for this project’s county.

RESPONSE: Wage determination was posted within the solicitation in SAM.gov.

44. Who is responsible for contracting the commissioning agent?

RESPONSE: Department of Public Works (DPW) will ensure that the building systems are working properly at the end of the project.

45. Is the use of temporary plastic wall panels (such as STARC panels) acceptable to meet ICRA requirements?

COR RESPONSE: ICRA requirements are not required as part of this project.

46. To allow sufficient time to review responses and prepare our bid we kindly request that you please extend the bid date.

RESPONSE: The bid due date and time will remain as is.

47. Are the kitchen range hoods Owner-Furnished/Contractor-Installed or Contractor- Furnished/Contractor-Installed?

COR RESPONSE: Kitchen range hood shall be Contractor-Furnished/Contractor-installed.

48. Does the notation 'NIC' (Not In Contract) mean the range hoods are excluded from the

Contractor's scope?

COR RESPONSE: Delete “(Not in Contract /NIC)” from Section 1.4.24.1. Contractor to provide all range hoods and ANSUL Systems required for this project. See addendum #1 (June 30 2026).

49. If range hoods are included in the Contractor's scope, please confirm the required quantity and basis of design.

COR RESPONSE: Contractor to refer to drawings to determine range hood quantities.

50. Is an Ansul fire suppression system required at all three kitchenette locations (Rooms 102, 232, and 332)?

COR RESPONSE: ANSUL fire suppression system is required for all three levels as there is no existing fire sprinklers. (Rooms 102, 232, and 332).

51. Is the first-floor kitchenette required to have the same suppression system as the second and third floors?

COR RESPONSE: First floor is required to have the same suppression system as the second and third floor.

52. Please provide the required fire alarm tie-in requirements for the suppression systems.

COR RESPONSE: Fire alarm tie-in to be coordinated through COR by the Fire Department.

53. What is the manufacturer and model of the existing fire alarm system?

COR RESPONSE: Contractor to field verify existing fire alarm. COR will coordinate with Fire Department for any additional information.

54. Is sufficient panel capacity available for the new suppression system monitoring devices?

COR RESPONSE: Contractor to verify sufficient panel capacity by perfuming assessment.

Coordinate with COR based on findings and any required upgrades through RFI.

55. Are any fire alarm panel upgrades, modules, or expansion components anticipated as part of this project?

COR RESPONSE: No panel upgrades are anticipated; additional devices may be required.

56. Please identify the existing sanitary, vent, and domestic water tie-in locations serving each kitchenette.

COR RESPONSE: Contractor responsible for verifying existing conditions and determining tie-in locations as well as review as-built drawings.

57. Are plumbing as-built drawings available for the affected areas?

RESPONSE: As-builts have been provided and posted in SAM.gov.

58. Are there any known limitations or restrictions regarding plumbing routing within the existing building?

COR RESPONSE: COR is not aware of any limitations or restrictions. Contractor to field verify existing conditions and determine the limitations.

59. Please confirm the anticipated number of floor penetrations required for plumbing and utility connections.

COR RESPONSE: Contractor to field verify existing conditions and determine the quantity of floor penetrations.

60. What is the approximate floor slab thickness within the work areas?

COR RESPONSE: Contractor to refer to as-builts and determine floor slab thickness.

61. Is concrete scanning required prior to core drilling?

COR RESPONSE: Concrete scanning is not required prior to core drilling.

62. Is cutting of reinforcing steel anticipated or permitted?

COR RESPONSE: Contractor to refer to as-builts and notify COR if reinforced steel will be disturbed during construction by submitting RFI for review.

63. Has the Government identified any known asbestos-containing materials (ACM) or lead-based paint (LBP) within the proposed work areas?

RESPONSE: Surveys have been posted in SAM.gov

64. Is hazardous material abatement included in the Contractor's scope of work?

COR RESPONSE: Contractor to review the asbestos / lead survey provided. Refer to the survey for details and locations to verify if they will be impacted by this project. If disturbance of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) or Lead Based Pain (LBP) is encountered during construction, all work must come to a complete stop. Contractors to notify COR immediately and submit an RFI for review/ approval for removal. Any hazardous material that will be disturbed during construction will need to be removed by the Contractor.

65. If additional ACM or LBP is discovered during construction, will removal be handled through a contract modification?

RESPONSE: An RFI would have to be submitted for further review and approval.

66. Please provide the existing electrical panel schedules serving the kitchenette areas.

COR RESPONSE: Contractor to field inspect existing electrical panels for schedules.

Additional site visit may be requested/needed.

67. Is sufficient capacity available to support the new electrical loads associated with the kitchen equipment?

COR RESPONSE: Capacity shall be determined based on Contractor’s assessment.

68. Are electrical service upgrades anticipated as part of this project?

COR RESPONSE: No anticipated electrical service upgrades, Contractor to field verify and determine based off assessment.

69. What is the source panel for the proposed new 100A electrical panel?

COR RESPONSE: This would depend on the contractor’s electrical assessment.

70. Please provide feeder routing requirements and anticipated conductor sizes.

COR RESPONSE: Contractor to refer to the UFC 3-501-01 and UFC 3-520-01 for feeder routing requirements and conductor size.

71. Are load calculations available for the new panel installation?

COR RESPONSE: At this time there are no load calculations available, this should be determined from the Contractor’s assessment.

72. Are communications relocations anticipated within the project areas?

COR RESPONSE: There is no communication relocations anticipated.

73. Are there any manufacturer requirements or approved manufacturers?

COR RESPONSE: Please clarify what material Contractor is referring to.

74. Is a backsplash required, and if so, what height and material are required?

COR RESPONSE: See details on sheet A-103 & 104. Backsplash Tile: 4-1/4-inch x 12-3/4-inch Daltile modern dimensions, semi-gloss.

75. Will the facility remain occupied during construction?

COR RESPONSE: The barrack dorms are currently vacant, offices on first floor will be occupied during construction.

76. Can work occur simultaneously in multiple kitchenette locations?

COR RESPONSE: Contractor is allowed to work simultaneously in multiple kitchenette locations. However, there will be a separate contract for an HVAC project occurring simultaneously as this project. Contractor is responsible for all material and equipment.

77. Are after-hours utility shutdowns anticipated or required?

COR RESPONSE: There is no utility shutdowns anticipated.

78. Will the Government provide any temporary facilities or swing space during construction?

COR RESPONSE: Temporary facilities nor swing space are not required as part of this project. Future Kitchenette locations are vacant rooms.

79. Please identify any equipment that will be Government-Furnished, including but not limited to range hoods, electric ranges, refrigerators, microwaves, drinking fountains, and fire suppression equipment.

COR RESPONSE: The only equipment that will be Government-Furnished is electric ranges, refrigerators, microwaves and bar stools for island. Contractor to provide range hoods, drinking fountains and fire suppression equipment.

80. Are any reflected ceiling plans available?

COR RESPONSE: There are unfortunately no ceiling plans available. The provided as-builts are the only engineering drawings available.

81. Please advise where the existing electrical rooms are located.

COR RESPONSE: Electrical room located in basement, Contractor to field verify.

82. Please confirm the explicit baseline standards required for Key Personnel under

USACE/Army guidelines, including EM 385-1-1 compliance, OSHA hours, and federal construction management experience.

COR RESPONSE: Refer to Statement of Work, Section 2.7.

83. Please identify all permits, clearances, and inspections required to execute this scope.

COR RESPONSE: For this project, the only potential permit that is required is a Hot Work Permit. Work shall be done in accordance with FAR 9.104-1, statement of work and all federal state and local codes.

1. May required permit applications and coordination activities be executed by a licensed subcontractor on behalf of the Prime Contractor?

COR RESPONSE: Yes, required permit applications and coordination activities may be executed by a licensed subcontractor on behalf of the Prime Contractor.

2. Are permits to be routed internally through Fort Bliss Directorate of Public Works (DPW) / base authorities, or through local municipal/off-installation jurisdictions?

COR RESPONSE: All Hot Work Permits will need to be coordinated through the COR.

3. Are there municipal permit fees, agency review durations, or specific inspection gates that must be integrated into the Master Schedule?

COR RESPONSE: There are no municipal permit fees.

84. Section 12, TAB A of the solicitation package references the submission of a DUNS number.

Since the Federal Government has officially deprecated the DUNS system in favor of the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), please confirm that providing a valid UEI within the bid package fully satisfies this submission requirement.

COR RESPONSE: Yes, providing a UEI and cage number fully satisfies the submission requirement.

85. The solicitation mandates the submission of CLIN pricing and a Total Contract Amount.

Please clarify if bidders are required to provide a sub-CLIN breakdown (e.g., Direct Labor, Materials, Equipment, Subcontractors, Mobilization, Overhead, Profit, Bonding) concurrently with the initial bid envelope, or if this detail is required only upon Government request post-bid opening.

RESPONSE: No sub-CLIN breakdown will be required, only the price per CLIN (which will equal total price).

86. The mechanical drawings require a new 6-inch round exhaust duct connected to the range hood and routed through the exterior wall to a new wall vent. Please clarify whether there are specific requirements for the exterior wall vent termination assembly, including manufacturer, material, finish, weather protection features, bird screen requirements, backdraft damper requirements, or other installation criteria beyond those shown on the drawings.

COR RESPONSE: Contractor to review UFC 3-501-01 for any exterior wall vent termination requirements. Refer to sheet M-100 and M-101 on drawing set. Bird screening and backdraft damper will be required for all hood vents.

87. The demolition plan calls for removal of the existing mailboxes in the wall between RM 102 and the old mail room. If the entire bank of mailboxes is removed from the mail room side of this wall, it will leave a missing area in the flooring, and also require drywall, paint, and new cove base. Is this to be considered as part of the Scope of Work?

COR RESPONSE: Work described above is listed within the Scope of Work on Section 1.

4.18.2. “Contractor to remove existing mailboxes located on the southern wall and provide new 24 gauge, 6-inch metal stud at 16 inches on center infill with 5/8-inch Type ‘X’ gypsum board on the interior side of the room. Include tape, bed, texture and two coats of paint.”

88. Four 8" diameter exterior wall penetrations will need to be made to route the range hood ducts to the building exterior. Are the building exterior walls constructed of reinforced/grouted CMUs or Frame/EIFS?

COR RESPONSE: Contractor to verify with as-builts and /or field verify.

89. In RM 102 the new island will require electrical service for GFI outlets. How should we route the conduit/cable runs to it? If run overhead and dropped down from the ceiling, then exposed WireMold or similar conduit must be used- which is ugly. It would look much better to bring power up from a panel in the basement. Was this the design team's intent?

COR RESPONSE: Contract to route electrical through floor to avoid drop down.

90. Can all three kitchenettes be worked on simultaneously? Or do the building occupants want this work done in phases so there is minimal disruption to the soldiers?

COR RESPONSE: Kitchenettes can be worked on simultaneously as long as Contractor stays organized. There will be a separate contract for a second project for HVAC repairs for the same building. Contractor is responsible for their own material/equipment, COR suggest taking before and after pictures to avoid any conflict with other contractors.