RFI Questions and Answers W911SG26BA008..pdf

RFI QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

W911SG26BA008

HVAC Repair by Replacement Project (13 Units) B1611

1. TAB Report and Working Hours Paragraph 3.1.18 requires an independent TAB report by a NEBB-certified contractor or approved equal. Please confirm that a complete TAB report is required for all replacement units. Also, must the testing and balancing work be performed after normal operating hours, or can it be completed during regular working hours?

COR RESPONSE: All TAB work must be done during normal operating hours. Any different time proposed will be prime Contractor’s expense.

2. Temporary Cooling and Heating The solicitation requires temporary cooling and heating while the RTUs are being demolished and installed. If an existing unit can be removed and replaced within a short period, will temporary equipment still be required, or will an approved phasing plan that maintains service to the building be acceptable?

COR RESPONSE: Temp cooling is required for any unit that is down. Examples of acceptable temporary cooling are: large portable evap coolers and large portable fans for air movement. Please make sure all safety procedures are followed.

3. Number of Units Replaced Simultaneously If temporary cooling is not required for a short-duration replacement, how many RTUs may be removed and replaced at the same time? Please provide the maximum number of units that may be out of service simultaneously.

COR RESPONSE: Temporary cooling IS required even on short duration replacements.

Please see question number 2 for further details. It is up to the Contractor to make their demolition plan/ schedule and see how many RTUs they can take down PER Contract and within each contract. Temporary cooling IS required PER unit down regardless of the time. Please take into consideration tenant’s daily operations to avoid having them without air for long periods of time.

4. Electrical Breakers Paragraph 3.1.25 requires new breakers, disconnects and wiring. If the existing breakers and disconnects are in good condition and properly sized for the new equipment, may they remain in place? Can breaker replacement be limited to locations where the new equipment requires a different voltage, MCA, MOCP or increased amperage?

COR RESPONSE: New breaker and disconnect shall be installed as per SOW; if wiring is in good condition leave in place. There are NO voltage changes in requirements. New Units shall have the same voltage requirement as existing units. If MCA and MOP differs, it is the responsibility of prime’s Contractor that the existing electrical panels allow for change.

5. RTU Quantity

The solicitation title, scope and equipment list identify 13 RTUs; however, paragraph 3.1.31 refers to the removal of 11 units. Please confirm the correct quantity and equipment tags included in the project.

COR RESPONSE: Number of units that are to be replaced is 13. Revised SOW will be sent out.

6. Condensate Piping Material Paragraph 3.1.23 indicates PVC Schedule 80 condensate piping, while paragraph 3.1.28 requires copper piping painted white. Please confirm which material is required.

COR RESPONSE: PVC schedule 80. Revised SOW will be sent out.

7. Controls Scope Paragraph 3.1.31 states that the existing LonWorks/Johnson Controls Metasys components and communication wiring must be protected. Please clarify whether the mechanical contractor is responsible only for disconnecting, labeling and reconnecting the existing controls, or if controls programming, integration and commissioning are also included in the mechanical scope.

COR RESPONSE: Contractor is responsible for disconnection of wiring, remove LONTALK control boards or unit interphase. Contractor shall label all communication wires and turn over other LONTALK devises to COR. No basewide intergration shall be done. ANY commo wiring must be protected. Thermostat programming and operator training will be required for the thermostats.

8. Fire Alarm and Smoke Detectors Please confirm whether the existing smoke detectors are to be reused when possible and whether new supply-duct smoke detectors are required only when an existing unit serving more than 2,000 CFM does not already have one. Also, please confirm whether all final testing must be scheduled after hours.

COR RESPONSE: Existing ductwork for units over 2,000 CFM should be in place.

Contractor shall test smoke detectors once new unit is installed. If any smoke detectors are faulty, please bring information to COR’s attention immediately. If there’s a unit 5 tons of refrigeration or above that does NOT have the smoke detector, one shall be provided. All final testing shall be done during normal working hours.

9. Work Hours and Shutdowns Because Building 1611 will remain occupied, please provide the permitted working hours and identify whether RTU replacements, electrical shutdowns, crane operations, fire-alarm testing and work affecting occupied areas must be scheduled after hours.

COR RESPONSE: Contractor shall work during working hours 0700-1630. Any deviations shall be discussed with the Tenant, COR, and shall be at no Cost to the Government.

10. The solicitation header and title state "HVAC Repair by Replacement (13 Units B1611)". SOW Paragraph 3.1.3 lists 13 specific Carrier unit tags to replace (A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A13, A16, A17, A18, A19, A20, A21, A22). However, Paragraph 3.1.31 refers to "disconnecting to remove one of the 11 units". Please confirm whether the required total quantity of rooftop replacement units under this contract scope is 13 units or 11 units.

COR RESPONSE: Number of units that are to be replaced is 13. Revised SOW will be sent out.

11. Mechanical Sheet MD101 displays an equipment schedule containing 23 existing "A" series units (A-

1 through A-23). Please confirm that only the 13 units explicitly designated in SOW Section 3.1.3 are within the scope of work for replacement, and that all remaining units depicted on Sheet MD101 are to remain as-is without modification.

RESPONSE: Yes, only 13 units are within the scope of work for replacement for this requirement.

12. SOW Sections 3.1.2 and 3.1.8 specify Trane HVAC units (or approved equivalent), whereas Section

3.1.35 notes: "On third round of submittals Contractor shall comply with brand name described in this SOW." Please clarify whether "approved equal" brand submissions will be evaluated for acceptance during initial submittal rounds, or if Trane equipment is mandatory.

COR RESPONSE: TRANE equipment is highly encouraged and recommended. COR discussed this on the site visit.

13. SOW Paragraph 3.1.31 indicates that Building 1611 is not currently integrated into DPW BOC via UMCS LonWorks (Johnson Controls Metasys) or Cyber Security Control via ATO. Please confirm whether the replacement units should be equipped strictly with standalone programmable local thermostats with LCD screens and occupancy overrides, or if communication cards (e.g., BACnet or LonWorks) are required for future network/UMCS integration.

COR RESPONSE: New units shall have a standalone programable temperature sensor with LCD screens and occupancy override AND a communication card.

14. SOW Section 1 specifies that administrative submittals (Safety Plan, AHA, QCP, SWPPP, SCLMR

Dig Permit) are due within 14 calendar days of award and must be fully completed within 60 calendar days. Paragraph 6.1 states that SCLMR dig permits are valid for 10–14 days. Given extended manufacturer lead times for heavy mechanical equipment, will the Government issue a separate Notice to Proceed (NTP) for field execution/demolition following administrative and submittal approval to prevent schedule conflicts and dig permit expirations during procurement?

COR RESPONSE: ALL admin submittals need to be approved PRIOR to issuance of NTP.

15. Please confirm whether the Statement of Work (SOW), equipment specifications, and mechanical drawings for Solicitation W911SG26BA009 are issued under a standalone procurement package, or if they are evaluated concurrently with W911SG26BA008. If separate, please provide the complete SOW, drawings, and submittal schedule applicable to W911SG26BA009.

RESPONSE: W911SG26BA009 is its own requirement. Separate from this solicitation. However, since it is the same building, drawings and schedules are the same on both solicitations.

16. Are we still able to submit a bid on this solicitation despite having missed the site visit?

RESPONSE: Yes, you may still submit a bid. Site visit was not mandatory.

17. Since we were unable to attend, is the government able to provide any additional information on the thirteen units to be replaced (e.g., current unit specifications, condition assessments, roof access details, or photos) and/or further clarification on the scope of work?

RESPONSE: Please reference the solicitation posted on SAM.gov for specifications and drawings.

18. If a follow-up site visit or walkthrough is possible, would our subcontractor be permitted to schedule a visit to the site to gain a firsthand understanding of the project scope and conditions?

RESPONSE: Unfortunately, no other site visit is scheduled for this project.

19. The SOW states to install high efficiency units. Are standard roof units acceptable, or do all units need to be high efficiency?

COR RESPONSE: All Units shall be High Efficiency.

20. Can the contractor use a helicopter to remove the old units from the roof and set new units in place?

COR RESPONSE: Crane usage and other removal procedures shall be approved by the Federal Aviation Administration. Please reference section 3.1.36 of the amended SOW.

21. Can all the units be removed at once and then reinstalled?

COR RESPONSE: Unit removal affects the tenant’s air requirements and distribution needs.

Temporary cooling IS required during the demolition and installation phase. Please see questions number 2 and 3 for further details. It is up to the Contractor to make their demolition plan/ schedule and see how many RTUs they can take down PER Contract and within each contract.

22. Please provide the current design, demolition, and new-work drawings referenced in SOW Section 6.

If none will be issued, confirm that the SOW, RTU schedules, and furnished 2009 record drawings are the complete bid basis and state the order of precedence. Also provide an RTU-by-RTU list showing the field tag, roof location, served area, and whether the existing curb/adapter, duct connection, electrical circuit/disconnect, gas connection, condensate, controls, and duct detectors are to remain, be reused, modified, or replaced.

COR RESPONSE: All pertinent documentation has been provided by the Contracting office. Any applicable items i.e. SWPPP, SCLMR, DCLMR, etc. need to be coordinated with the corresponding agency/ department.

23. Please define the demolition and new-work limits for ductwork, insulation, exterior weatherproofing, firestopping, ceilings, and interior finishes at each RTU. Confirm that downstream ducts, diffusers, grilles, dampers, and finishes remain unless specifically identified or damaged by this work.

COR RESPONSE: Limits for new work are the responsibility of the Prime Contractor as they see it applies to the requirements on this SOW.

24. Please identify whether each existing curb will remain, receive a factory adapter, or be replaced, and define how the required 14-inch curb/adapter dimension is measured. Provide the roof system, warranty/repair standard, and structural, wind, uplift, and attachment criteria. Confirm whether existing lightning protection or permanent service access must be modified, bonded, tested, or recertified.

COR RESPONSE: Sections 3.1.4- 3.1.9 specify adapt a curb requirements for the new units. Any measurements are the responsibility of the Prime Contractor and/ or sub-Contractors.

25. Please confirm the electrical scope for each RTU, including new breaker, conductors, disconnect, grounding/bonding, powered convenience outlet, and final connection. State whether any existing conductors, conduit, disconnects, or other components may be reused and provide the required inspection and acceptance tests. Confirm whether separate convenience-outlet circuits, upstream distribution upgrades, power-system studies, or new arc-flash labeling are required.

COR RESPONSE: Sections 3 specifies any electrical requirements for the new units. Any other field verifications requirements are the responsibility of the Prime and/ or sub-Contractors; this is a unit replacement job.

26. Please identify the gas-piping demarcation for each RTU and confirm which existing branches, valves, regulators, unions, connectors, and supports may remain. Provide available pressure/capacity and define required modifications, testing, outage procedures, and responsibility for inadequate or deteriorated upstream piping.

COR RESPONSE: Demarcation points need to be discussed with TX Gas. Gas line valves on bldg.

roof shall be used for shutting off gas to the units.

27. Please resolve the conflict between SOW 3.1.23 and 3.1.28: is new condensate piping to be copper painted white or Schedule 80 PVC, and must it connect to the nearest roof drain or may it discharge to a splash block? Define the replacement/reuse limit and responsibility when the existing route or nearest drain is unavailable or deficient.

COR RESPONSE: Please see response to question number 6 for further details. Revised SOW will be sent out.

28. Please confirm that the contract requires fully operational standalone local thermostats/controls and

BACnet-capable RTUs for future use only, with no connection or integration to Metasys, LonWorks, DPW BOC/UMCS, or another BAS, and no network extension, graphics, programming, cybersecurity, or BAS commissioning. Define whether native BACnet or a furnished, installed, and powered ProtoNode/gateway is required, the required protocol, and which existing controls or communication wiring must be disconnected, protected, or reconnected.

COR RESPONSE: Units need to have BacNet capability. Please reference section 3.1.31 in the amended SOW for more information and question #7 for additional clarification.

29. Please provide the per-RTU supply/return duct-detector scope, including which existing detectors, modules, and wiring are to be reused or relocated and which must be new, particularly for units over 2,000 CFM. Identify the required fire-alarm contractor qualifications, programming/zone and shutdown sequence, impairment/fire-watch procedures, baseline testing, Fort Bliss Fire Department witnessing, and acceptance requirements. Confirm that unrelated pre-existing fire-alarm deficiencies are excluded.

COR RESPONSE: Please see question number 8 response.

30. Please define the TAB boundary and provide required design airflows, outside-air quantities, and tolerances. Confirm whether pre-TAB is required and whether correction of unrelated existing duct, damper, diffuser, or distribution deficiencies is excluded unless added by modification. Identify required manufacturer startup, functional testing, witnesses, training, per-unit acceptance, warranty start, and closeout documents.

COR RESPONSE: Please see question number 1 response.

31. Please identify the area/tenant served by each RTU, normal and after-hours work windows, blackout periods, outage-notice requirements, and who releases and accepts each area. Define responsibility for moving or protecting merchandise, food-service areas, IT/security equipment, ceilings, and finishes, including required barriers, cleaning, and pre-existing-damage documentation

COR RESPONSE:All work must be done during normal operating hours. Any different time proposed will be prime Contractor’s expense. RTUs air distribution is shown on as-builts. Contractor shall work with COR and tenant for any possible merchandise move/ protection. Pre-exisitng damage shall be brought to COR’s attention immediately and documented properly i.e. pictures, email, site visit with COR/ tenant.

32. Please define the temporary heating/cooling and approved phasing required to keep the occupied PX conditioned, including required capacity, space conditions, operating hours, redundancy, monitoring, utilities/operating costs, maximum units or areas out of service, and maximum outage duration.

Clarify whether 'simultaneously' permits sequential or grouped work and whether each approved replacement RTU, adapter, and required accessories must be onsite before that unit is demolished.

COR RESPONSE: please see questions 2 and 3 responses.

33. Please provide the required per-unit capacity/rating basis at 105 degrees F and 3,600 feet, efficiency/high-efficiency or LEED requirement, gas-heat derating, external static pressure, and required accessories. Resolve comparative- versus differential-enthalpy control and the CO2-sensor location; identify acceptable current refrigerants and A2L requirements, approved-equal criteria, and required bid/submittal and Buy American documentation.

COR RESPONSE: As- builts provide unit specifications. Please refer to unit schedule for unit requirements.

34. Please provide available asbestos, lead, PCB, mold, or other hazardous-material surveys for the affected roof, curbs, ductwork, insulation, mastics, coatings, sealants, electrical components, and interior access areas. Confirm whether sampling or abatement is included and define stop-work, testing, schedule-relief, and change procedures if unidentified suspect material is discovered.

COR RESPONSE: Surveys provided by DPW Environmental Division have been provided in SAM.gov. No abatement is referenced in SOW.

35. Please identify which removed equipment, components, and refrigerant the Government may retain, the decision period, and the required delivery or storage location. Confirm contractor ownership/disposition of remaining scrap and provide the required R-410A recovery, documentation, recycling, and disposal procedures

COR RESPONSE: Contractor shall refer to Section 3, parts 3.1.11, 3.1.14- 3.1.15 for guidance on procedures on environmental requirements.

36. Please identify permitted delivery, crane, and roof-access hours/routes; crane setup, airspace, road/parking closure, lift-plan, traffic-control, and public-protection requirements; laydown/storage, dumpster, salvage, and temporary-HVAC locations; badging, escort, parking, photography, and temporary-utility rules. May contractor personnel use designated Building 1611 restrooms; if not, where may portable toilets and handwashing facilities be placed and serviced?

COR RESPONSE: Please see SOW section 3.1.36. Revised SOW will be sent out.

37. Please confirm whether an SCLMR/dig permit, SWPPP, and Traffic Control Plan are required for this rooftop replacement when the contractor's means and methods do not disturb soil, except for specifically approved crane or closure activities. Provide applicable forms and review durations and confirm that nonapplicable or Government-delayed approvals will not create contractor delay liability.

COR RESPONSE: ONLY permits required will be worked on for this Contract. It is Contractor’s responsibility to know which are applicable to this contract.

38. Please identify the applicable EM 385-1-1 edition and Fort Bliss safety requirements and confirm whether an SSHO and QCM are required, their qualifications/presence, and required QC reporting.

May the qualified prime superintendent also serve as SSHO and/or QCM, and may one qualified team cover both contracts if the same prime wins both? Also confirm the Davis-Bacon classifications for HVAC/refrigeration, TAB, fire alarm, local controls, riggers/signalpersons, and the conformance basis for any unlisted classification.

COR RESPONSE: ONLY sections required will be worked on for this Contract. It is Contractor’s responsibility to know which are the latest editions applicable for this requirement and contract.

39. Please confirm whether A008 and A009 will be performed concurrently and may be awarded to different primes. If different, identify the Government coordination lead and responsibility for shared roof/crane/laydown, utilities, temporary HVAC, controls/communications, fire alarm, TAB, outages, and integrated testing; confirm that each prime remains responsible only for its own contract unless shared work is expressly assigned. If the same prime wins both, may staffing, phasing, logistics, and mobilizations be combined while records, acceptance, warranties, and invoicing remain separate?

RESPONSE: They are two different projects, therefore they will need to be worked simultaneously even if the same prime wins both. Both projects also need to meet the bona fide need rule.

40. Please identify the exact drawings and data that must be updated at closeout and provide editable backgrounds and CAD standards. Confirm that record documents are limited to work performed under this contract and state whether 24-inch by 36-inch mylar drawings, DD Form 1354, BIM/GIS/COBie data, or consolidation of the companion contractor's changes is required.

COR RESPONSE: Please see section 9.7 for closeout documents that need to be provided

41. Please define the Tab H 'digitally signed drawings' requirement, including required files or sheets, required signer, acceptable signature type, file format, and submission method. Confirm that the signature acknowledges the bid documents and proposed equipment only and does not transfer design responsibility for existing conditions; provide an acceptable example if available.

RESPONSE: The drawings posted within the solicitation, titled Schedules_RTUS_1611.pdf, must be digitally signed and included in the bid package. The signed drawings may be emailed.

42. Please confirm that the 270-calendar-day period begins with Notice to Proceed, clarify the requirement to begin performance within five calendar days, and identify activities required between award and NTP. Identify the milestone that stops the $1,717.24-per-day liquidated damages and the schedule treatment for Government-delayed NTP, access, or approvals.

RESPONSE: The 270-calendar day period of performance starts after the NTP has been issued.

43. The bid mentioned HVAC unit substitutions can be considered if comparable to bid specs. How should substitutions be provided? In the bid proposal or prior to submission?

RESPONSE: TAB I in the solicitation asks for proposed HVAC specifications. Bidders shall submit detailed equipment specifications for each proposed HVAC unit within their bid package. Please note some TABs may be emailed while others are required to be received as hard copies. Both parts of the bid package (emailed and hardcopies) will need to be received before the bid opening day and time.

44. Will all units need to arrive at the site at the same time or could the awarded contractor schedule delivery accordingly to install?

COR RESPONSE: Arrival MUST be PRIOR to installation. UNITS need to be on site PRIOR to demolition on any unit. New unit needs to be physically present on site.

45. The reference to submit digital signed drawings, confirming those are the already provided drawings that are in the bid that should be signed?

RESPONSE: Yes, it would be the drawings provided in the solicitation titled Schedules_RTUS_1611.pdf.

These drawings must be digitally signed and provided with the bid package.

46. SOW paragraph 3.1.3 lists 13-unit tags (A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A13, A16–A22) as this contract's scope, while paragraph 3.1.31 refers to 'one of the 11 units.' Separately, the referenced as-built schedule (Schedules_RTUS_1611, dated 2009/2010) lists roughly 30 rooftop units total, and a companion solicitation, W911SG26BA009, claims 6 additional A-series tags from that same schedule. Can the Government resolve the 11-vs-13 discrepancy in the SOW, and provide a current marked-up schedule distinguishing this contract's units from W911SG26BA009's units and from any units not covered under either contract (A1, A2, A9, and the full B-series)?

COR RESPONSE: Please see question number 5 response.

47. Can the Government confirm the total unit count on the Schedules_RTUS_1611 attachment and clarify the status of any units shown on that schedule that fall outside the 13 required under this contract?

COR RESPONSE: Please see question number 5 response.

48. Given that Building 1611 is the subject of multiple concurrent HVAC replacement contracts, please clarify how coordination responsibilities will be delineated between contractors where scopes intersect, including but not limited to demolition activities, ductwork modifications, tie-ins, utility outages, phasing, testing and balancing, and commissioning activities. If work performed under one contract affects or is dependent upon work performed under another contract, which contractor is responsible for the associated coordination, scheduling, and remediation?

COR RESPONSE: Both Contracts will be awarded simultaneously. Contracts will depend on submittal approval to move forward. COR will discuss Contracts schedules with MICC KS for further guidance.

49. "TAB C CLIN Price and Total Contract Amount. The Bidders shall provide page 3 and 4 of the solicitation pricing each CLIN individually and include the OVERALL contract price. (There is no box for this, please annotate sum price below CLIN prices)" I am unsure if the individual CLIN prices and the total contract amount should instead be included in Section 17 of the Standard Form 1442.

Additionally, we intend to provide a separate proposal on our company letterhead as part of TAB C but again I am uncertain if this is where we should include our CLIN pricing. Could you please confirm whether this approach is acceptable, or provide guidance on the correct location for submitting the CLIN pricing and total contract amount?

RESPONSE: This solicitation only requires the pricing for one CLIN. Therefore, only one price should be provided and that would be the total contract price. Please also include the price on Section 17 of the 1442.

50. For TAB H, The solicitation states that digitally signed drawings are to be included. Could you please confirm whether this refers to the new Trane RTU schedules that we are proposing, or if we are expected to digitally sign and submit the RTU schedules provided as part of the solicitation?

Additionally, since the solicitation specifically references "drawings," could you please clarify whether this requirement is referring directly to the RTU schedules, or if other drawings are also expected to be included under TAB H?

RESPONSE: The drawings under the solicitation titled Schedules_RTUS_1611.pdf. are to be digitally signed and provided with Bid. Please refer back to the instructions to bidders as some of the TABS may be emailed while the rest are required as a hard copy. Both need to be received before the bid opening to be eligible for award.

51. Regarding TAB I, the solicitation requests Proposed HVAC Specifications. Could you please confirm whether this requirement refers to the manufacturer's product data and technical specifications for the proposed Trane RTUs, or if there are additional HVAC specification documents that are expected to be included as part of TAB I?

• COR RESPONSE: Bidders shall submit detailed equipment specifications for each proposed HVAC unit for example does it meet the following:

o 3-year parts, coils, and controls warranty, o 5-year compressor parts-only warranty o 15-year stainless steel heat exchanger parts-only warranty o 1-year whole-unit labor warranty by the manufacturer, with certificate provided to the owner and engineer o Manufacturer start-up, with log provided to the owner and engineer o Equipment MUST meet BUY AMERICAN ACT o All accessories must be FACTORY installed.