QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.docx

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1. At the site visit it was noted there is an existing gravel pad (completed by the government) the building is supposed to be placed on. From looking at the pad it appears to be about 12” higher in elevation on the north end compared to the south end. Is the contractor responsible for adding additional fill to make this pad level? If so, is use of ¾” gravel (considered 100% compacted at placement) allowed for fill? Inquiring because Spec Section 2.7.1 states contractor to install KSDOT AB-3 or SB-1 for concrete bedding but the government previously completed the pad beforehand.

The government installed pad is considered the sub-base and the contractor is encouraged to review 3.1.2 Preparation of Aggregate Base. As far as being compacted by placement, does not meet the requirement stated. The final 6” base is for concrete placement is assumed that the Contractor will provide enough base for a level pad.

1. Further, regarding the existing pad, during placement was fill material placed and compacted in lifts? If so, was compaction testing performed and what was used for fill material (i.e. clay, topsoil, etc). If not tested, is the contractor responsible for performing compaction testing to ensure slab subgrade is suitable for building placement. Further is contractor responsible for ensuring 6” of aggregate base per sheet CP500 Detail B1? There is an existing retaining wall that is currently holding about 4-5ft of fill and the contractor is concerned of settling and integrity of placed concrete slab and column piers if the subgrade is not adequate. Please confirm if the contractor is to assume subgrade compaction is suitable and not part of this scope.

Material was placed in lift from existing 3” minus aggregate on-site and roll compacted using trucks and rubber tired loader. Material was not tested for compaction since the fill was aggregate. Yes the contractor is required both on CP500 and in section 3.1.2 to ensure the final base pad has a minimal of 6” of aggregate. The Contractor is to assume that the sub-grade is suitable for building installation.

1. Can a clarification please be provided for the number of doors required for this project. Sheet A-501 detail D6 shows (3) 12’ overhead doors, whereas Spec 3.2 Building Construction indicates (4) 12’x12’ treated frame outs for garage doors.

The total number of overhead doors is 3, the callout in 3.2 is in correct.

1. Can a clarification please be provided for concrete floor thickness. Sheet CP_500 Detail B1 shows 5” paving, whereas Spec 3.1.2 indicates 6” concrete paving.

It is presumed that the Contractor will utilize a 2” x 6” form so the desired thickness is a minimum of 5” to whatever the Contractor needs to meet the 3.1.14 specifications.

1. Please confirm a concrete grade beam will not be required under each garage door opening.

A concrete grade beam will not be required.

1. Please confirm required gauge of both wall and roof siding. Sheet A501 Detail D1 says minimum of 29 gauge but Spec Section 01 12 00-21 sub section 2.2.1(a) states 26 gauge.

A-501 typicals are considered for minimal requirements and the specifications take precedence.

1. Please confirm gutters will not be required to control water runoff. Contractor concerned with runoff affecting previously placed fill material behind the retaining wall.

Fill is consolidated 3” clean aggregate and there is not a concern, but the gutters could be angled on the building toward the asphalt road to allow discharge into the field.

1. Regarding the distance of offset of building from the retaining walls, Sheet CP-502 Detail E2 shows a 9ft offset from the East retaining wall blocks whereas Sheet IN500 Detail B2 shows the piping 12-3/8” inside the wall. The piping offset may end up altering the offset distance between the building and the retaining wall. Please confirm which distance takes precedence. The piping offset or the retaining wall offset?

Piping Contractor shall utilize the existing layout lathes installed by the project. Both measurements are from existing conditions.

1. Regarding Spec 01 12 00-51, specifically subsection 3.4.5, it states “A minimum of two inches of topsoil shall be placed on top of the compacted fill and all disturbed areas…”. Does USACE really want the contractor to place topsoil on top of the gravel around the building? Or will this requirement be waived? The compacted fill placed by USACE has since been covered with gravel.

No, this applies to areas outside the aggregate that might be disturbed during construction.

The only excavation that is required is for the installation of the electrical service entry line. This is explained in 3.4.3.

1. Please confirm USACE will be holding all Contractors to the contract requirement of being registered in NIST SP 800-171.

NIST SP 800-171 is not required for this contract.

1. Please notate where the concrete rinsate area is in relation to the building site.

COR will direct the location of rinstate area, area will be within .25 mile of the work site.

1. Please confirm temporary fencing is required for open trenches only and not for security around the building site.

Refer to 1.24

1. Section 10 the SF1442 mentions installing a chain-link fence and the specs also reference fencing in multiple areas but none were indicated on the plans. Please clarify if chain-link fencing will be required for this project. If so, also provide a fence specification, where it is to go and linear feet required.

This should have been removed from section 10, there is not another reference to chain link fence within the specifications.

1. Is USACE requiring a surveyor to layout building and provide coordinates for building corners for as-built documents?

Licensed surveyor is not required for building layout.

1. Please confirm if gutters will be required for this project. Drawings do not show them depicted but Spec Section 2.9 references gutters and downspouts. If required, will USACE also require splash blocks or to underground the gutter runoff away from the building site? If so, please provide specifications on splash blocks or underground drainage piping.

Gutter are required.

1. Please confirm wire size for electrical branch circuits. Sheet E-101 General Note 2 states to utilize #10 AWG for 20 amp, 120V branch circuits whereas the Spec 2.12.4.3 states branch circuits to be #12 AWG.

The more stringent of the two will govern.

1. Please confirm if emergency lighting and illuminated exit signs will be required for this project as indicated in Spec Section 2.14.

Required over the personnel entry/exit door.

1. Regarding Spec Section 3.2, it references installation of personnel fall protection devices. Please confirm if these fall protection devices are to remain permanently or only for the duration of construction. If permanent, please provide a specification on the required fall protection devices.

Yes, Permanent Roof Anchor shall meet federal OSHA requirements and ANSI A10.14.

Material: steel with galvanized finish or stainless steel Capacity is one person with a combined weight not to exceed 350 lbs including weight of the user + clothing + other user-borne objects.

Free fall distance (limit) must not exceed 6.0 ft (1.8 m) in accordance with OSHA.

When part of a personal fall arrest system, fall arresting forces must not exceed 1,800 lbf (8 kN).

1. Please confirm baseboard lumber dimensions. Spec Section 3.2.3.3 states baseboards to be 2”x8” lumber whereas Sheet A-501 Detail D1 states 2”x6” and Spec Section 2.1.3 states 2”x12” No.1, No.2 or better Southern Pine (or Doug Fir). Please confirm size, grade and species of lumber.

A-501 typicals are considered for minimal requirements and the specifications take precedence.

1. Please notate the type of surface finish required for both exterior and interior concrete (i.e. smooth, broom, etc.)

Refer to 3.1.11.2

1. Are the overhead doors required for this project to be manual or electrically powered doors. If powered, please provide specifications on the electric opener.

Refer to 2.11.4

1. Please confirm it is USACE’s intent to utilize nonmetallic conduit (PVC) for both underground and overhead/above ground wire runs. This was referenced in Spec Sections 2.12.3 and 3.3.4. This means conduit inside the buildings will not be metal.

Confirmed

1. Sheet CU-500 Detail D6 indicates connecting to electrical power at a location that is different from the existing pole with empty meter box on site (almost directly east of the building pad). Please confirm power will be brought from this existing pole.

Contractor will bring power from the newly installed pole.

1. When is it anticipated this project will be awarded. During the site visit it was mentioned unofficially the date would be by 9/30/22. However, the solicitation states contractors are to hold pricing for 90 calendar days. Is the government amenable to shortening this timeframe to 30 calendar days or 45?

Contract shall be awarded by 30 September 2022; Pricing shall remain valid for 90 days.

1. Please provide a telephone number for public bid opening. Also please confirm public bid opening will occur on 9/7/22 @ 02:00pm.

Bid Opening information is provided in Section Instructions To Bidders

AMENDMENT 03 SHALL BE POSTED NEXT WEEK IN ORDER TO MAKE CLARIFICATIONS TO THE SPECS AND DRAWINGS. THE AMENDMENT SHALL PUSH THE BID OPENING TO SEPTEMBER 13, 2022.