Solicitation W9124J-20-B-0002_responses_industry questions_ final I_033120.pdf

W9124J20B0002 Concrete Installation & Maintenance IDIQ – Contractor Questions/Comments/Exceptions

QUESTION #1—Att_09_SOW NCR21, page 2 of 656 Location of Underground Utilities

1.4 Location of Underground Utilities: SOW states “Identify and mark all other utilities not managed and located by the local utility companies. Scan the construction site with Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), electromagnetic, or sonic equipment, and mark the surface of the ground, or paved surface where existing underground utilities or utilities encased in pier structures are discovered.” Attachment #01, Section B, does not have a line item specific to this cost. CLIN 0036 is an all‐encompassing description and places significant risk on the contractor to assume multiple requirements with significantly different elements of work. Many units of work in the CLIN schedule require excavation and could be utilized for small task orders. Question: Is utility location an NPI in accordance with paragraph c, p. 377 of 379, of the RFP?

RESPONSE— Utility locates are an NPI item. ‘No Cost’ Utility locates are accomplished through Miss Utility and Base DPW Staff or ANC personnel to mark known utility locations within a given project area. If CTR pursues additional utility locating services in addition/lieu of Miss Utility and Base/location ‘No Cost’ services, Government will not reimburse costs to CTR, if any.

QUESTION #2—W9124J‐20‐B‐0002_final I_pdp11597 RFP, p. 329 of 379, Bond Protection: Bonds are required as defined by FAR 52.228. Question: Is the bond cost incorporated into the CLIN items, or is it NPI in accordance with paragraph c, p. 377 of 379, of the RFP?

RESPONSE— Bond cost is incorporated into the CLIN items.

QUESTION #3—Section 01 32 01.00 10 Project Schedule 3.3.12, p. 15 of 656, As‐Built Drawings: Specification states, “If there is no separate contract line item (CLIN) for as‐built drawings, cost load the "Submission and approval of as‐built drawings" activity not less than $35,000 or 1 percent of the present contract value, whichever is greater, up to $200,000.

Activity will be declared 100 percent complete upon the Government's approval.” No separate CLIN exists for As‐Built Drawings. The above contract language requires the contractor to include a minimum cost of $35,000 for As‐Built drawings. The imposition of a mandatory $35K line item for As‐Builts is unrealistic. Question: Is the above requirement correct?

RESPONSE— Requirement included to provide Government ability to apply, IF required or necessary by Individual Delivery Order. Individual Delivery Orders under this NCR IDIQ Concrete Installation & Maintenance Contract may not require Construction Drawings therefore, no As‐Built Drawings and associated costs. Individual IDIQ Concrete Delivery Orders are typically for repairs of existing improvements through repair or replacement.

QUESTION #4—Section 01 32 16.00 20 Small Project Construction Progress Schedules General Review of the Specification: No reference to the definition of “Small Project” is provided.

Question: What is the definition of a “Small Project”?

RESPONSE— “Small Project” is generally defined/considered as: Construction repair projects of existing improvements. Based on amount of work required in each Scope of Work for Individual Delivery Order, may state requirement for a formal project schedule.

QUESTION #5—Section 01 33 00 Submittal Procedures

1.8, p. 33 of 656, Project Submittal Register: Specification states, “A sample Project Submittal Register showing items of equipment and materials for when submittals are required by the specifications is provided as "Appendix A ‐ Submittal Register."”. Question: Was Appendix A provided?

RESPONSE— Latest version of AIA submittal register may be used as Sample, which contains typical required information. Government may accept CTR’s format of submittal register with required/necessary information for tracking purposes.

QUESTION #6—Section 01 35 26 Governmental Safety Requirements 1.6.1.1.1, p. 46 of 656, Additional Site Safety and Health Officer (SSHO) Requirements and Duties:

Specification states, “The SSHO [may also] [may not] serve as the Quality Control Manager. The SSHO [may also] [may not] serve as the Superintendent.” Question: Can the Superintendent perform the duties of SSHO if qualified?

RESPONSE— Certified SSHO personnel may serve as Quality Control Manager, if qualified.

Superintendent may not serve as the Quality Control Manager, to remove possible Conflict of Interest concerns.

QUESTION #7—3.8.1, p. 67 of 656, Utility Locations: Specification states, “Provide a third party, independent, private utility locating company to positively identify underground utilities in the work area in addition to any station locating service and coordinated with the station utility department.

Question: Where shall costs associated with Location of Underground Utilities be allocated in the CLIN schedule?

RESPONSE— Utility locates are an NPI item. ‘No Cost’ Utility locates are accomplished through Miss Utility and Base DPW Staff or ANC personnel to mark known utility locations within a given project area. If CTR pursues additional utility locating services in addition/lieu of Miss Utility and Base/location ‘No Cost’ services, Government will not reimburse costs to CTR, if any.

QUESTION #8—Section 01 45 00.00 10 Quality Control 3.4.2, p. 83 of 656, CQC System Manager: Specification states, “The CQC System Manager is required to be a graduate engineer, graduate architect, or a graduate of construction management, with a minimum of 6 years construction experience on construction similar to this Contract. This CQC System Manager is on the site at all times during construction and is employed by the prime Contractor. The CQC System Manager is [assigned no other duties] [assigned as CQC System Manager but has duties as project superintendent in addition to quality control]. Question (a): Please clarify if the CQC may perform concurrent duty as Project Superintendent and SSHO (see also 01 30 00, paragraph 1.7.2).

RESPONSE— Certified SSHO personnel may serve as Quality Control Manager, if qualified.

Superintendent may not serve as the Quality Control Manager, to remove possible Conflict of Interest concerns.

Question (b): Can the qualifications of the proposed CQC include experience in lieu of the formal degrees referenced above? This is the requirement of 01 45 00.10 20 (see below question).

3.4.3, p. 83 of 656, CQC Personnel: Question: If additional CQC personnel are required, will a modification to the contract be incorporated?

RESPONSE— Experience Matrix identifies degrees and, “or” experience levels of specialized individuals. No modification to the contract is necessary.

QUESTION #9—3.7.1, p. 87 of 656, Testing Procedure: Specification states, “Perform specified or required tests to verify that control measures are adequate to provide a product which conforms to contract requirements. Upon request, furnish to the Government duplicate samples of test specimens for possible testing by the Government. Testing includes operation and acceptance tests when specified. Procure the services of a Corps of Engineers approved testing laboratory or establish an approved testing laboratory at the project site. Question: What are the testing limits and/or requirements for concrete? Are concrete tests required for every placement, regardless of quantity?

RESPONSE— DPW Director or DPW Project Manager being Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), for each individual Delivery Order may waive Industry Standard(s) requirements for concrete testing.

Individual Delivery Order SOWs will specify required tests according to the type and quantity of improvements being repaired/installed.

QUESTION #10—Section 01 45 00.10 20 Quality Control for Minor Construction General Review of the Specification: No reference to the definition of “Minor Construction” is provided.

Minor Construction is typically defined as a contract under $6M. Question(s): What is the definition of “Minor Construction” on this contract? Is it the aggregate amount of the overall IDIQ, or task order specific?

RESPONSE— “Minor Construction” contextual definition is the same, being “…under $6M.”; and task order specific.

QUESTION #11—1.5.1.1, p. 91 of 656, Duties: Specification states, “In addition to implementing and managing the QC program, the QC Manager may perform the duties of project superintendent.” This paragraph requires clarification reference related to 01 45 00.00 10, paragraph 3.4.2, p. 83 of 656.

Question: Please provide clarification.

RESPONSE— Correction. Superintendent may not serve as the Quality Control Manager, to remove possible Conflict of Interest concerns.

QUESTION #12—Section 01 57 19 Temporary Environmental Controls

3.7.1.1.3 Analysis Type: Specification states, “As required, Contractor shall identify hazardous waste by analyzing for the following characteristics: ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, toxicity based on TCLP results, as needed.” No CLIN is provided for TCLP testing and analysis. Question: Is TCLP testing an NPI in accordance with paragraph c, p. 377 of 379, of the RFP?

RESPONSE— No known Contract Base or ANC locations/areas contain hazardous waste sites/locations where analysis being required. If hazardous waste site/area is found, use of CLIN 0036 “Provide surveying, engineering and permitting when required” for associated costs can be recommended by DPW PM and allowed by the KO.

QUESTION #13—Section 31 00 00 Earthwork, Paragraph 3.4 Shoring

3.4.1 General Requirements, p. 313 of 656, states “Submit drawings and calculations, certified by a registered professional engineer, describing the methods for shoring and sheeting of excavations.

3.4.2 Geotechnical Engineer, p. 313 of 656, states, “Hire a Professional Geotechnical Engineer to provide inspection of excavations and soil/groundwater conditions throughout construction. The Geotechnical Engineer is responsible for performing pre‐construction and periodic site visits throughout construction to assess site conditions. The Geotechnical Engineer is responsible for updating the excavation, sheeting and dewatering plans as construction progresses to reflect changing conditions and submit an updated plan if necessary. Submit a monthly written report, informing the Contractor and Contracting Officer of the status of the plan and an accounting of the Contractor's adherence to the plan addressing any present or potential problems. The Contracting Officer is responsible for arranging meetings with the Geotechnical Engineer at any time throughout the contract duration.

Question: Are the above requirements incorporated into the CLIN items, or is it NPI in accordance with paragraph c, p. 377 of 379, of the RFP?

RESPONSE— Requirements are Engineering based/basis and covered under CLIN 0036 0036 “Provide surveying, engineering and permitting when required.”

QUESTION #13—CLIN Schedule Clarifications: (nomenclature based on Ordering Period 1) 0001AE: Provide further clarification on “Reinforced”. No reinforcing details are included in the plates.

Question: What type of reinforcing is to be assumed?

RESPONSE— VDOT or Washington DDOT Transportation Standards and Specifications can be used for road/transportation improvements. Reinforcing for special or particular improvement(s) for individual task order based on certified design by engineer where no assumptions can be made.

QUESTION #14—0003 (General AA‐AF): The size, depth, and inlet quantity are not defined. The line description references “standards”. Question(s): (a) What “standards” were utilized as the basis of the Government evaluation/design? Please provide information on anticipated structures. (b) What excavation depth shall be utilized as the basis of the bid?

RESPONSE— Government Standards are accepted Industry Standards. Size, depth, and inlet quantity for inlets and manholes are case‐by‐case basis. Units being Cubic Yards, which accounts for different sizes, depths and quantities. Anticipated structures for Concrete Requirements Ordering are primarily remove with replacement or install new improvements for failed improvements, determined by design for new improvements.

QUESTION #15—0004: Question: What is the average depth of excavation to be assumed?

RESPONSE— No assumed depths because individual Delivery Orders are case‐by‐case basis.

QUESTION #16—0004: Question: Is dewatering a typical requirement at the installations under this contract? If so, please provide information on average level of equipment required.

RESPONSE— Groundwater depths vary per location and season. Therefore cannot provide average level of equipment required.

QUESTION #17—0005 (General): “All reinforcing bars shall be as directed by the contracting officer.”

Question: Please provide clarity on the size/type of bars typically utilized under this contract (i.e. #5, epoxy coated, galvanized).

RESPONSE— VDOT or Washington DDOT Transportation Standards and Specifications can be used for road/transportation improvements.

QUESTION #18—0005 (Reinforced Slabs): Question: Provide further information on the type of reinforcing to be utilized for the slabs identified. Additionally, is doweling included in these line items?

If so, please provide clarification on anticipated dowel sizes/types and spacing.

RESPONSE— Reinforcing dependent upon slab requirements. If existing reinforcing is known by visual inspection or previous design drawings, DPW may allow use of similar reinforcement or previous design. Individual Delivery Order Scopes of Work will provide more detailed information concerning the improvement requirements.

QUESTION #19—0005 AE Mailbox Pads: The line indicates the pad to be 4’x4’x4’. 4’ depth is significant for a mailbox pad. Question: Is the size correct as notated?

RESPONSE— Average 4” (inch) depth.

QUESTION #20—0005AF Handicap Ramps: A newly constructed handicap ramp was identified during the site visit at Ft. Belvoir. The ramp system included brick wall features and a cast‐in‐place curb. The ramp details on plate #6 are significantly less complex. Question: Is plate #6 to be utilized as the basis of bid?

RESPONSE— Handicap Ramp detail is Plate 8, showing minimum requirements for bid.

QUESTION #21—0006 Handrails: Question: What finishes for the handrails should be utilized as the basis of bid? (i.e. paint, powder coat, anodized, none).

RESPONSE— Handrail finishes dependent on material (metal) type and proposed use. CTR shall provide recommendation meeting Army Standards.

QUESTION #22—0007 (General): Requesting further clarification and identification of information related to the building demolition inclusions in the line items.

0007AC: Masonry Building Demolition – Question(s): Does this line item include the following:

Cut/cap of utilities included? If so, where is the location of the cut/cap to be assumed? (i.e.

manhole, 5’ from building).

What utility disconnection will be included, if any? Fire line, domestic water, telecommunications, sanitary waste, underdrains, etc?

Is hazardous materials removal included?

Are footings/foundations included? If so, what shall the contractor use as a basis?

Are piles, pile caps, grade beams included? If so, what shall the contractor use as a basis?

Do the building(s) have a basement?

Other items not specifically addressed or that should be assumed for NPI?

RESPONSE— Specific requirements for Individual Delivery Orders vary, where basic or wide sweeping assumptions cannot be applied.

QUESTION #23—0007AD: Wood Building Demolition – Question(s): Does this line item include the following?

Cut/cap of utilities included? If so, where is the location of the cut/cap to be assumed? (i.e.

manhole, 5’ from building).

What utility disconnection will be included, if any? Fire line, domestic water, telecommunications, sanitary waste, underdrains, etc?

Is hazardous materials removal included?

Are footings/foundations included? If so, what shall the contractor use as a basis?

Are piles, pile caps, grade beams included? If so, what shall the contractor use as a basis?

Do the building(s) have a basement?

Other items not specifically addressed or that should be assumed for NPI?

RESPONSE— Specific requirements for Individual Delivery Orders vary, where basic or wide sweeping assumptions cannot be applied.

QUESTION #24—0011: States “The material shall be #57, #21A etc. as indicated on the Delivery Order.

Question: What is “etc.” to include?

RESPONSE— Varies per geotechnical/civil/media property requirements.

QUESTION #25—0012: States “Excavate existing surface, including turf, pavement sections, concrete slabs, structures, etc.” The scope of this line item includes differing definable features of work. The level of work required for removal of a concrete slab is significantly different than turf. Question:

Provide further clarification on the types of conditions to be encountered. What is “structures, etc.”?

RESPONSE— Specific requirements for Individual Delivery Orders vary, where basic or wide sweeping assumptions cannot be applied.

QUESTION #26—0037‐0040: Question: Do these items include backfill, grade, and seed upon removal of the tree and stump?

RESPONSE— Typical yes, for “turn‐key operation.” To provide finished product and site in a Safe condition. Specific requirements for Individual Delivery Orders vary, where basic or wide sweeping assumptions cannot be applied.

QUESTION #27—0018: Question: What is the average excavation depth to be anticipated under this line item?

RESPONSE— Specific requirements for Individual Delivery Orders vary, where basic or wide sweeping assumptions cannot be applied.

QUESTION #28—0018: Question: Is the unit “CY” correct?

RESPONSE— Units being Cubic Yards, which accounts for different sizes, depths and quantities.

QUESTION #29—0019 (General): Question: What is the average excavation depth to be anticipated under this line item?

RESPONSE— Specific requirements for Individual Delivery Orders vary, where basic or wide sweeping assumptions cannot be applied.

QUESTION #30—0019 (General): Question: What is the average size of each inlet and manhole structure?

RESPONSE— Specific requirements for Individual Delivery Orders vary, where basic or wide sweeping assumptions cannot be applied.

QUESTION #31—0019 (General): Question: Is the unit “CY” correct?

RESPONSE— Units being Cubic Yards, which accounts for different sizes, depths and quantities.

QUESTION #32—0020: Question: What is the average excavation depth to be anticipated under this line item?

RESPONSE— Specific requirements for Individual Delivery Orders vary, where basic or wide sweeping assumptions cannot be applied.

QUESTION #33—0023: Question: What size and quantity (i.e. #5 12” on center/each way) of reinforcing bars are to be assumed as the basis of the line item?

RESPONSE— Specific requirements for Individual Delivery Orders vary, where basic or wide sweeping assumptions cannot be applied.

QUESTION #34—0023: Question: Is the unit “CY” correct?

RESPONSE— Units being Cubic Yards, which accounts for different sizes, depths and quantities.

QUESTION #35—0024: Question: What size and quantity (i.e. #5 12” on center/each way) of reinforcing bars are to be assumed as the basis of the line item?

RESPONSE— Specific requirements for Individual Delivery Orders vary, where basic or wide sweeping assumptions cannot be applied.

QUESTION #36—0024: Question: Is the unit “CY” correct?

RESPONSE— Units being Cubic Yards, which accounts for different sizes, depths and quantities.

QUESTION #37—0025: Question: Is plate #8 to be utilized as the basis of this line item?

RESPONSE— Handicap Ramp detail is Plate 8, showing minimum requirements for bid.

QUESTION #38—0026: Line item covers significantly different types of work elements. Cast‐in‐place ramps are considerably different in size/scope/complexity than a retaining wall. Question: Provide clarification on the assumption(s) contractor shall include in this line item.

RESPONSE— Improvement construction details shown on Standard Details or engineered design by licensed engineer. Individual Delivery Order Scopes of Work will provide more detailed information concerning the improvement requirements and possible requirements for engineered design.

QUESTION #39—0026: Question: Is the unit “CY” correct?

RESPONSE— Units being Cubic Yards, which accounts for different sizes, depths and quantities.

QUESTION #40—0027: Reinforcing is referenced in the line, but no reinforcing is depicted on plate #9.

Question: If reinforcing is required, please identify the type and location of use.

RESPONSE— Improvement construction details shown on Standard Details or engineered design by licensed engineer. Individual Delivery Order Scopes of Work will provide more detailed information concerning the improvement requirements and possible requirements for engineered design.

QUESTION #41—0029 (General): Question: What is the anticipated excavation depth for these items of work?

RESPONSE— Specific requirements for Individual Delivery Orders vary, where basic or wide sweeping assumptions cannot be applied.

QUESTION #42—0030 (General): Question: What is the anticipated excavation depth for these items of work?

RESPONSE— Specific requirements for Individual Delivery Orders vary, where basic or wide sweeping assumptions cannot be applied.

QUESTION #43—0032 (General): Question: What is the anticipated access/hauling conditions for this element of work.

RESPONSE— Specific requirements for Individual Delivery Orders vary, where basic or wide sweeping assumptions cannot be applied.

QUESTION #44—0034: Question: The length notated on this line item for the jersey barrier is 12”. Is the actual length 12’?

RESPONSE— Lengths may/can vary, therefore omit length.

QUESTION #45—0035: Question(s):

Is the construction of the concrete masonry block and brick wall similar to the depiction on Plate #10?

What is the anticipated foundation/footing design, if any?

What is the anticipated horizontal and vertical reinforcement type/size/quantity.

Is the CMU fully grouted?

Is there an anticipated base architectural plan or SHPO compliance requirement?

If compliance with base standards is required, are there any special masonry requirements? (i.e.

match existing, rowlock, precast coping).

RESPONSE— Specific requirements for Individual Delivery Orders vary, where basic or wide sweeping assumptions cannot be applied. Details and requirements provided in design.

QUESTION #45—0036: Question: Provide further clarification to the line item description and intent.

252.236‐7001 Contract Drawings and Specifications, page 371 of 379 indicates the Government shall provide a full set of drawings to the Contractor. Therefore, no project design engineering other than specific to products installed is required?

RESPONSE— Context of 252.236‐7001. Government may have previous construction drawings and specifications of existing improvements. If Government does not have previous Contract Drawings and Specifications, As‐Built drawings cannot be provided. CTR responsible for providing project design engineering and specifications for proposed improvements.

QUESTION #46—Question includes both references below:

W9124J‐20‐B‐0002_final I_pdp11597 252.236‐7008, p. 372 of 379, Contract Prices – Bidding Schedules. (DEC 1991) Section (b) is broad and incorporates/places an unreasonable burden on the bidder to include all anticipated conditions which could be encountered within the contract. “The Contractor shall include in the prices for the items listed in the Bidding Schedule all costs for work in the specifications, whether or not specifically listed in the Bidding Schedule.” Conditions which could be encountered include engineered shoring system for excavations, by‐pass pumping systems, dewatering, rock excavation, hazardous materials related to building demolition (i.e. asbestos/lead), utility disconnections (i.e. fire lines, sanitary sewer, electrical), Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) for small projects, etc.

Solicitation Notice to Bidders, paragraph 1, page 377 of 379, implies that work outside the CLIN schedule could be encountered, yet the above section (b) conflicts with this item.

Section 31 00 00 Earthwork 1.3, p. 301 of 656, Criteria For Bidding: Contractor recognizes the specification is general in nature and application of language will be on a task order basis. However, additional language in the RFP implies that the contractor will be responsible for a complete line item. This specification provides guidance on the “criteria for bidding” and is all encompassing. Contractor requests information on the expected conditions to be encountered on this contract related to anticipated excavation conditions (i.e. rock, groundwater, depth of excavations).

Question: Provide a list of accepted NPI items from the previous contract, or items which established precedence for NPI use and acceptance.

RESPONSE— Government does not and cannot accept NPI or free work. Specific requirements for Individual Delivery Orders vary, and will be identified in Scope of Work.

** MICC RESPONSES **

GENERAL QUESTIONS

1‐ Can sub‐contractor past performance be used for the technical response?

RESPONSE—This solicitation is being conducted under the requirements provided in FAR Part 14, as such there is not technical response associated with submission requirements. Work experience as requested under paragraph “6.f” of the Instructions to Bidders is requested to determine the contractor’s responsibility in accordance with FAR Part 9.1. As the ultimate contractual relationship is between the Prime Contractor and the Government we cannot accept any work experience/history from sub‐contractors as a substitute for the prime.

2‐ Will the government accept teaming agreements to use subcontractor past performance in the technical response?

RESPONSE— If contractors are considering teaming together, it is acceptable for both all members of the teaming agreement to submit wok experience/history to satisfy properly determine contractor responsibility per FAR Part 9.1. However, as stated above because the direct contractual relationship with the Government will be between the members of the teaming agreement and the Government, sub‐contractor work experience/history cannot be accepted in lieu of the agreement members.

3‐ There are two different due dates for this solicitation ‐ 10 April or 07 April. Can you please clarify which is accurate?

RESPONSE— Due to the public health emergency declared in response to the dangers of the

COVID‐19 virus the deadline for bid submission has been extended to 1:00pm CDT, 14 April 2020, while the bid opening will be held at 1:30pm CDT, also on 14 April 2020. The bid opening will no longer be conducted via video teleconference, instead a teleconference will be held to announce the bids and reveal the apparent low bidder.