JFHQ Question Sets 7.v.1 Aug 1.pdf

W9127P-11-B-0001 Amendment #2 -- Joint Force Readiness Headquarters Questions and Answers Sets #7

VIARNG - JFHQ Bid Questions

FDWD3900

Question Reply Date

Q u e st io n s Se t #7

1 A millwork laminate (L-3) is referenced in Details C-2 and C-3 on sheet A-403. We do not see where type L-3 is defined.

Response: L3 in Details C-2 and C-3 should be L1 Putty Textured S6005T Nevamar

7/29/11

2 What special requirements exist for handling historic artifacts and/or live military ammunition discovered on site?

Response: It is not anticipated that any historic artifacts and/or military ammunition will be found onsite during the construction of the JFHQ project. However, if such items are discovered, the Contractor shall immediately stop work in the vicinity of the discovered item and immediately notify the Contracting Officer to obtain direction.

Any discovered items are the property of the Government unless notified otherwise by the Contracting Officer.

7/29/11

3 The Geotechnical report indicates a minimum over-excavation depth of 3.0 feet below foundation elements. Specification 312000-3.5 indicates a minimum of 4 feet unless areas of suitable subsoil are found at a depth of 3 feet. Please confirm the correct assumption is a 4 foot over-excavation.

Response: Comply with the contract specifications

7/29/11

4 What database of current industry cost indexes and what location will the Contracting Officer use to validate earthwork Unit prices?

Response: The Contracting Officer will use the services of a Cost Estimating Professional with experience doing work in the United States, Puerto Rico, VI, among other locales. This information is reserved to the Contracting Officer at this time. The Unit Prices required to be provided by the contractor, will be part of the bid evaluation process.

7/29/11

5 Please confirm site or project specific conditions required by the SWPP and EAR but not shown on the sediment and erosion control plan are applicable.

Additionally, verify that all requisite conditions of the FONSI have been achieved by the Owner.

Response: The site drawings are in compliance with the current SWPP. During construction, DPNR will perform periodic inspection and will comment accordingly. Additional requirements may be necessary at contractor’s expense. Refer to note 2 on C-003 for additional requirements.

7/29/11

6 Please clarify the intent of the geotechnical report "Clearing and Grubbing" statement with respect to "unsuitable materials buried under the ground surface."• Refer to the following statement from the Geotechnical Report "Fill Placement and Compaction" section on Page 8.1. "Vibratory rollers should not be used in a vibratory mode within 75 feet of any existing structures without vibration monitoring"2. Please define the requirements of "vibration monitoring" as well as the parameters (vibration frequency and amplitude) within 75 feet of existing structures.

Response: Comply with the requirements in the contract specifications regarding clearing and grubbing and unsuitable materials

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7 Are keyways and waterstop required at concrete beam pockets in the cistern?

Response: Keyways and waterstops are required wherever a construction joint is made in the cistern.

7/29/11

8 Detail 1/C-526 shows a 6" PVC dumbbell at construction joints, but specification 033000-2.7 calls for Self- Expanding Butyl Strip Waterstops. Please clarify.

Response: On the cistern, the contractor shall use the waterstop specified in the details.

7/29/11

9 It appears it is the intent of the specifications that Project Safety requirements comply with OSHA as well as the US Army Corps of Engineers EM-385 or the more stringent of the two. Please confirm.

Response: The more stringent of the two. 7/29/11

10 Is it the intent of the Contracting Officer to implement any best value review procedures during evaluation of bids?

• Refer to the following statement from section 33000- 3.16-B.8:

1. "Other tests and inspections as noted in "Special Inspections and Testing for Seismic Resistance" on sheet S-002 of construction documents."

2. It appears this note intends to refer to sheet S-001. Is it the intent of these notes to require a third party inspector retained by the contractor for construction of structural elements?

Response: No Best Value factors will be used.

The Contractor is required to hire and pay for all required third party independent inspection and testing agencies for all testing and inspections as defined in the contract specifications.

7/29/11

11 Please confirm your intent to maintain a full time on-site roof inspector throughout construction in addition to all other required warranties and certifications.

Response: Specification Section 074113, Article 1.5-D-1 requires the contractor to: "Engage an independent roofing inspector with a minimum 5 years experience with inspecting this type of roofing system, size of project, manufacturer’s requirements and procedures. Obtain written approval (from the Contracting Officer) of roofing inspector prior to starting work. Roofing inspector will provide full time on-site inspection for installation of this work. Roofing inspector shall be present during all roofing operations."

7/29/11

12 Will the owner provide a full-time on-site inspector the duration of construction?

Response: The owner may provide the services of a representative; however, the Contractor shall hire and engage all testing, inspectors, and special inspectors required throughout the specifications. The contractor shall not rely on the services of the owners representative for inspection services that falls under the contractor’s responsibility.

13 Confirm that all state and local taxes should be included in all contractors' bids including VI Gross Receipts and VI Excise taxes.

Response: See FAR 52.229.3(b) Federal State and Local Taxes “The contract price includes all applicable Federal, State, and Local taxes and duties”.

7/29/11

14 Refer to detail 4/C-512. We do not believe it will be possible to compact the existing subgrade to 98% density. What modifications will be required if this is true?

Response: Contractor shall perform a proctor of the existing sub-grade prior to compaction.

Density of Compacted sub-grade will be compared with the value from the proctor. With proper vibratory equipment, this compaction will be achieved. A new proctor test shall be made for as many different materials that are found.

7/29/11

15 Please define "minimum measurements" as indicated in note 12 on sheet C-003.

Response: These are the minimum measurements that will make the site to work, in terms of Erosion and Sediment Control, as shown in the contract drawings. Since this site will also be modified as part of the construction logistics plan and stormwater management plan during construction (see also note3 on C-003), additional measurements will be required and shall be determined by the professional engineer that will design the requirements established in notes 2 and 3.

7/29/11

16 We have encountered underground springs and a frequently high water table inconsistent with the rainy season on adjacent sites. Please define "near the end of the rainy season" and the periods considered to be the "rainy season" as discussed in the Groundwater

Response: The rainy season is considered the months of June through October. The seasonal high ground water table is expected near the end of October after the ground has been saturated.

Conditions section of the Geotechnical Report.

17 Will keyways be required at all concrete construction joints?

Response: Keyways are required in the concrete slabs as detailed on construction documents.

7/29/11

18 Notes 12 and 13/C-003 instruct the contractor to provide an unknown or undefined scope. Please suggest an allowance or clearly define the intent.

Response: This scope will be defined by the professional engineer that will be engaged by the contractor and will design such requirements, to be compatible with the way the contractor will manage the construction site logistics. If the bidder does not have a way to estimate this cost, an allowance shall be made at the risk of the bidder.

7/29/11

19 The Geotechnical report allows for the use of explosives for rock excavation which is ambiguous with the specifications. Please confirm or deny the usage of explosives for rock excavation.

Response: As indicted in the specs, which take precedence over the geotechnical report, the use of explosives is not permitted in this site.

7/29/11

20 Will compliance with VI Labor laws, which give preferential treatment to VI workers first, apply to all bidders?

Response: This is a Federal contract that is on Federal property; therefore, the United States Department of Labor Laws are followed.

7/29/11

21 Spec 092400 Portland Cement Plastering Calls for both Stucco and Sto Power Wall systems. A202 General Notes A 3/8" Stucco Application on Cast in Place Concrete Walls System 5/8" Stucco on CMU or Metal Wall System, Key Notes 1 Exterior Stucco on Cast In Place Concrete Wall. We need clarification if Stucco or the Sto Power Wall System is to be used it is a substantial price variance. Also if Stucco is to be used then are we to paint the exterior? If Sto Power wall is used we are assuming to use the Exterior Elevation Notes /Specs for integral color.

Response: Sto Power Wall Systems are the Basis of Design and color selections are based on the StoColor System. Acceptable Manufacturers are listed in Specification Section 092400. The Basis of Design System will be used to determine "or equal" properties, characteristics and quality of any submittals. Exterior paint on stucco will not be considered an "or equal" application. Exterior Elevation and notes are to be used for integral color selection.

22 No fire extinguishers were specified but they were shown on the Life Safety Plans

Response: Fire Extinguishers are not in this contract. However, all Fire extinguisher supports, cabinets, and provisions within the wall construction shall be provided. Fire extinguishers shall comply with NFPA 10 "Portable Fire Extinguishers", shall be Multipurpose Dry-chemical type, UL-rated 10 lb. nominal capacity, with monoammonium phosphate-based dry chemical in manufacturer's standard enameled container.

7/29/11

23 The specs call for 2 different Acoustic Ceiling Tiles but the Finish Schedule doesn't differentiate the types.

There is a substantial price difference. Please indicate which rooms get Type A Eclipse Fine Line ClimaPlus vs.

Type B Clean Room ClimaPlus Smooth.

Response: Type A tile shall be used throughout the facility with the exception of Office A-123 and Com-Sec Rooms A-119 and A-221 where Type B shall be installed.

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24 The General Legend on the Reflected Ceiling Plans Call for 2x4 Acoustic Ceiling but the drawings show 2x2.

Which is correct.

Response: 2x2 ceiling shall be used throughout as indicated on the ceiling plans.

7/29/11

25 The Landscape Drawings call for Hess Bike Rack the Civil Drawings Call for U shaped bike rack which is preferred.

Response: The U shape is preferred. 7/29/11

26 Prefinished Exterior Metal Ceiling System on the open corridor on page A-301 Note 35 does not have a spec.

What type of product is this?

Response: Provide ceiling panels matching metal soffit panel installation.

7/29/11

27 The soffit at the roof eave: the spec calls for (074113, 2.11.B) "match profile and material of metal roof panels". But it is drawn more like a typical soffit panel. If we do the same as the roof panel then you will have a 3" deep seam pointing down every 12". Is that really what they want? Or more like one of the IW panels on the attachment?

Response: Response: Specifications direct that soffit panels are to match color, material and profile of roof panels – not necessarily be a roof panel installed as a soffit panel. Soffit panels and soffit panel installation must resist hurricane force wind pressures and prevent intrusion of horizontally driven rain.

28 092400 Calls for Metal Expansion / Accessories call for hot-dip galvanized but it is more expensive and not typical for on-island use. Vinyl is the preferred method here. Please clarify what is the intent.

Response: Vinyl is an acceptable installation as long as impact resistance performance requirements are met.