Soo Compressed Air Q A 06082012.pdf

W911XK-12-R-0012 30 May 2012 FY12 Soo Compressed Air Distribution System

Questions and Answers as of 30 May 2012

Q1. I was wondering if it would be possible to have a set of drawings for the above mentioned job posted in either a pdf or tiff format on the FBO site? We do not have any software capable of reading cal files at this time.

A1. The CORPS does not provide a different format for the drawings. The software 'MaxView' required to view the plans has a free version to view drawings.

Q2. Will we be required to provide air to the MAC Lock at both ends and both sides of the lock during the winter shutdown period? How much air will be required?

A2. Continuous compressed air service is needed at guard gates and at stop log recesses. Specific requirements differ by lock and by calendar year. Please refer to specification section 01 35 13.10; paragraph 1.5.1 for calendar dates and locations of service. The capacity of the temporary air system must meet or exceed that provided by the existing compressed air system.

Q3. It appears as though we will be required to maintain air at both gates at the POE Lock during the entire contract period, is this correct? Are these the only areas of the POE Lock that will require air? How much air will be required?

A3. Continuous compressed air service is needed at guard gates and at stop log recesses. Specific requirements differ by lock and by calendar year. Please refer to specification section 01 35 13.10; paragraph 1.5.1 for calendar dates and locations of service. The capacity of the temporary air system must meet or exceed that provided by the existing compressed air system.

Q4. Does the USACE safety requirement require the contractor to consider the following areas as confined space, Mac crossover tunnels, Davis Building sub basement, Deep Tunnel.

A4. None of the listed spaces are “permit required” confined spaces. However, all of the listed spaces will require reasonable and ordinary safety precautions. Precautions shall include air quality testing during certain construction activities and preparations for the emergency extraction of injured workers.

Q5. Specification Section 22 15 14 3.2.1 requires hydrostatic testing of the air system, is this correct?

A5. Yes, hydrostatic testing of the air system is required

Q6. Has the contracting officer identified any products that will not be required to conform to FAR

52.225 Buy American Act?

A6. “All products will be required to conform to the Buy American Act.”

Q7. Drawing MP-110 indicates “compressed air slope to follow steam”, Specification Section 22 15 14 3.1.1 indicates that “horizontal piping shall have a grade of 1 inch per 100 feet”, which requirement is correct?

A7. An amendment will clarify this response.

Q8. Excavation for the new tunnel, mezzanine, and foundations is adjacent to the lock monoliths – is there any concern over the stability of the monoliths and if so, will the Corp be responsible for any analysis that may be needed?

A8. We are confident that the existing lock wall monoliths are stable and that the adjacent excavation can take place without preliminary structural analysis.

Q9. Section 01 35 13.10 page 7 Over water transport indicates that over water transport for excavation and concrete will be the Contractors responsibility – we assume that the Contractor will need to provide a tug and barge. Are there any time restrictions for using the Davis lock?

A9. We anticipate that the Contractor will furnish floating plant to support construction activities.

The Government crane-barge will only provide periodic pick-up and delivery services as specified. There are no limits on the availability of the Davis Lock except the practical limits imposed by the climate. The river will freeze and become impassable during the winter months.

The Government, at its sole discretion, will determine the final closing date for the Davis Lock. In accordance with section 01 35 13.10; paragraph 1.4.3, only the upper gates will be opened. Two weeks advanced notice are required.

Q10. Specification section 22 15 14.00 40, page 6 indicates schedule 10 extruded aluminum, Alloy 356 T6 conforming to 6063 or 6061 ASTM B241 SMLS Pipe D, roll grooved for grooved fittings – we have contacted Victaulic (fitting manufacturer) and they do not recommend roll grooving of T6 aluminum pipe because it causes the pipe to crack – can T4 be used? If not, please provide a specification for pipe that can be roll grooved.

A10. An amendment will clarify this response.

Q11. What is the SF surface area of the barge that will be utilized by contractors (1) time a week?

A11. The Government crane barge “Harvey” is 40-ft wide and 120-ft long. However, only a portion of the deck is available for cargo. In the past, the Harvey has carried a concrete transit mixer.

This example should be taken as an indication of the maximum size we will transport.

Q12. What are the weight limitations on USACE crane on the barge?

A12. An amendment will clarify this response.

Q13. Will the new compressed air piping systems be permitted to be installed in the existing tunnels adjacent to existing compressed prior to the demolition of existing systems to minimize impact to the USACE operations?

A13. If the Contractor can satisfy all contract requirements governing the configuration of the new pipe, there is no requirement to remove the existing pipe first. However, there will be no design changes to accommodate this approach.

Q14. Where is the loading and offloading points for the barge that is available for contractor use?

A14. Specific loading and unloading plans will be coordinated in advance by the Government construction representative and the Contractor superintendent. On the mainland, the Government crane barge usually loads and unloads at the mooring basin next to the boat house, at the MSB east parking lot or at the upper storage yard. These locations are indicated on the attached sketch. On the detached piers, the Government crane barge moors as close as possible to possible to the work and storage area and lands the cargo on the pier. Sometimes, it is necessary to transport the cargo overland from the load/offload point to the work site. This would be a Contractor responsibility.

Q15. Are there any known hazardous materials on this project (i.e. pipe insulation, paint, etc.)?

A15. Some existing surfaces at the Soo Area Office are coated with lead based paint and are identified in the design. If other areas are encountered, the contractor will request additional compensation in accordance with specification section 01 35 29; paragraph 3.1.2. Such request will be made before the surface is disturbed.

Q16. Is excavation equipment permitted on the lock system to facilitate the foundation and tunnel work?

A16. Excavation equipment is permitted on the piers.

Q17. Specifications call out for new roofing material to have an R-30 rating. The drawings call out for the new roofing material to have an R-50 rating. Please clarify the intent of the new roofing system on the Compressor Building.

A17. An amendment will clarify this response.

Q18. The specifications do not list any specified UL or fire rating requirements for the new roofing system. Please clarify if a fire rating or UL code needs to be followed.

A18. Fire protection requirements can be found at various locations in the specification book. For example, EDPM section 07 53 23; paragraph 1.4.3 requires a “class A” fire resistance rating and references UL 790. Roof deck section 05 30 00; paragraph 1.3.4.1 cites specific requirements referenced to the UL Building Materials Directory or the FM APP Guide. Section 07 22 00;

paragraph 1.4.1 specifies flame spread ratings.

Q19. Specification section 01 10 10 indicates a requirement for certified survey results. Please clarify the extend of these requirements.

A19. By certifying, the contractor attests that the survey was performed by quality surveyors and accepts responsibility for the accuracy of their work. Per specification section 01 10 10 “survey results are furnished only for “contractor-acquired real estate rights”. The requirement does not apply to areas within the grounds at the Soo Area Office.