QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.doc

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

W911WN-09-B-0002

BERLIN CREST GATE REHAB

Q1 – Reference Section 01 45 01 Section 3.4.3, is it the government’s intent to require mechanical, electrical, welding and concrete inspector(s) & technician(s) with qualifications as described on site during their respective tasks at all times?

A1 – The inspectors are required while work in the expertise is in progress as stated in Section 01 45 01, para. 3.4.3: “These individuals must….be physically present at the construction site during work on their areas of responsibility;”

Q2 – In regard to the Contractor’s on site personnel, are duplication of tasks allowable, i.e. Superintendant, safety, Q/C, Inspection personnel?

A2 – Per Section 01 35 26, para. 1.6.1.1, “The contractor quality control (QC) person can be the SSHO on this project.” Per Section 01 45 01, para. 3.4.2 “The CQC System Manager may also be the Site Safety and Health Officer, but must be assigned no other duties.” There must be at least two people, plus QC Inspection personnel as required.

Q3 – We are having trouble locating the Chain and Pocket wheels specified in the Specs with the exact grade, diameter and breaking strength specified. Are larger diameter or higher breaking strength and/or grade allowable for the chain as long as we furnish matching pocket wheels?

A3 – The company referenced in Section 35 20 20.10, para. 2.1.1 is capable of producing the specified chain and pocket wheels. As required by the same paragraph, “The hoist chain, pocket wheels and idler pulleys shall be furnished by the same manufacturer and shall be precisely matched, meeting all industry standards.”

Q4 – The drawings and/or specifications call for cleaning and painting of the existing embedded “side seal plates”. In lieu of this may we furnish wider 3/8” stainless steel side seal plates to cover the existing embedded side seal plates completely and seal weld all around them?

A4 – Please furnish stainless plate sized to thickness and width, as shown on drawing.

Q5 – Note 4 under “Gate Rehabilitation and Stoplogs” on drawing G-007 says, “All members and elements shown are new, except those indicated “existing”. However, this does not appear to be the case, for example in Section B on drawings S-504 only the “sill beam” is noted as “existing”. Does this mean, therefore that all of the other members shown in this section are new? If so, it appears we are to refabricate almost the entire gate?

A5 – Section B on drawing S-504 is cut from the plan side of gate that represents existing (see Drawing S-102 & S-103). Note 4 holds true for sections cut from same plans on what is shown representing the rehabilitated side of plan.

Q6 – Where can we get Standard Form 24, (Bid Bond)?

A6 – We have attached the form to this amendment (0002)

Q7 – Section 52.204-8, Rep and Certifications, must we submit this form with our bid? And how do we determine which box to check under item 2?

A7 – FAR Provision 52.204-8 has been replaced with an updated version dated February 2009. The reference to paragraph (c) has been changed to paragraph (d); but (b)(1) still notifies bidders of the following: "If the clause at 52.204-7, Central Contractor Registration, is included in this solicitation, paragraph (d) of this provision applies." Clause 52.204-7 is included in Section 0700 of the IFB so paragraph (d) does apply. The updated version of FAR 52.204-8 provides explicit instruction on how to complete the Online Representations and Certifications Application. Bidders are advised to follow these instructions.

Q8 – May we substitute a rolled beam section with the same load carrying capacity and pickup locations for the “pipe and plate” Spreader Beam?

A8 – A rolled beam substitution is not acceptable. Please bid the pipe and plate spreader beam shown on drawing C-407-5CA.

Q9 – Section 13 34 19 Metal Building Systems, Warranty - we have been unable to find a Metal Building Mfg who will provide the level of warranty. May be we submit the best level available with our quotation?

A9 – The warranty requirement will be changed to 10 years for the building system and 20 years for roof and wall panels.

Q10 – Are ultrasonic flowmeters part of the specification?

A10 – There are no ultrasonic flowmeters specified or required for this project

Q11 – Please supply us with the contractor and a contract for the firm that did the field inspection of the gates?

A11 – Contact information cannot be provided. The government can address any specific questions vendor may have related to the weld inspection.

Q12 – Do we need to provide new 80# ASCE rail for the pre-engineered building, or is the existing rail to remain in place?

A12 – Can re-use existing rail, tie plates, and splice bars (75 ft). The existing rail stops will be moved to the end of new extension within the enclosure. There will be a 17.5 ft extension of new 80# rail within the enclosure. The contractor is to re-work the rail (50ft) from dam abutment to new building. This would include new sub-ballast; ballast, wood ties, and spikes (see typical on-grade section on drawing S-136). The contractor within the enclosure would have to provide all new ties, new rail (17.5 ft), accessories, and embeddments to complete detail 1 shown on drawing S-136. For additional information refer to Spec 01 22 00.0 section 1.1.6

Q13 – Does refurbishing of the Gate Hoist Machinery require the replacement of all the interior parts other than the Pocket Wheels and Idler Pulleys that are required for bid items 0001AJ and 0001AK? Are the shafts to be replaced also?

A13 – The items to be replaced under the machinery refurbishing are indicated in Section 35 20 20.10 paragraph 3.2.1. They consist of bushings, bearings, seals, grease lines/fittings, brake shoes, bolts, nuts and shims, and flex conduit and wiring in the machinery enclosure. As stated, “The contract price will be adjusted as necessary for nondestructive testing and replacement of worn components other than the bushings, bearings….specified to be replaced”.