AFD Spillway Gates Replacement Industry Day Online Session Q-A.pdf

AFD Spillway Gates Replacement Industry Day Online Session Q&A

Q: Will there be any certification for steel fabricators?

A: Yes, please see slide 20 in the presentation. Fabricators will be required to have at least one of the following American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) Quality Certification Program certifications:

• Certified Bridge Fabricator - Intermediate (IBR)

• Certified Bridge Fabricator – Advanced (ABR)

• Certified Hydraulic Fabricator – Standard (HYDS)

• Certified Hydraulic Fabricator – Advanced (HYDA)

Fabricators will also be required to hold a Fracture Control Endorsement (FCE) under the AISC Quality Certification Program.

Q: Will design be completed by USACE?

A: Yes, full design will be completed by USACE

Q: Will you be using security for this job?

A: Unsure, any KTR would require the usual AT-OPSEC any KTR operating on site would need. Clearances that are required will be in the contract to ensure they will be able to deliver and operate a crane. We are not looking for additional security.

A: No security contractor will be needed for this project. The government will include AT- OPSEC in the contract.

Q: Will USACE provide drawings?

A: Yes, USACE will provide complete design drawings and specifications. The Contractor will be required to submit shop drawings.

Q: Will there be anticipated IFB?

A: We are looking for industry feedback. However, We are favoring the use of FAR Part 15 with evaluation factors going to a source selection board. Pre-solicitation announcement will be put out on SAM.gov prior to formal solicitation. As a result this would be a Request For Proposal (RFP) and not Invitation For Bid (IFB).

Q: Will the slides from this presentation be posted?

A: Slides will be posted on SAM.gov following the on-site Industry Day.

Q: Any thoughts as to when RFP will be posted?

A: USACE targeting FY26 end of Q1 (Oct-Dec 2025), potentially into Q2 (Jan-Mar 2026).

Q: Are their embedded parts in the existing gates?

A: Yes, metal tracks embedded in concrete on spillway are anticipated to remain as is.

Q: Will there be a required small business percentage required from the Prime contractor?

A: Since it is anticipated to be a supply contract, there would not be a required small business subcontracting plan.

A: If the NAICS code changes to construction (237990), and is solicited as full and open then a subcontracting plan would be required.

Q: With an RFQ/IFB to be released in FY26 and an anticipated timeline of gate 1 delivery in 2026, that is a very tight timeline.

A: USACE is looking for feedback as to what barriers exist to accomplishing delivery of the first gate and lifting beam in 2026.

The Government asks Industry to provide feedback on fabrication durations via Attachment 2 by February 6, 2025 4pm PST.

Q: Will any concrete repairs be needed?

A: The Government does not anticipate concrete repairs as part of the contract at this time.

Q: What project management and QC requirements will be in place on site?

A: Delivery of gates requiring a critical lift plan will be required per our normal Engineering Manual 385-1-1. Safety and QC officer would need to be on site for lift. Testing would be performed in the fabrication shop. Fabricator would witness government fit testing of the gate in the spillway slot.

A: The Contract specifications will dictate the required onsite team for oversight while onsite at Albeni Falls Dam. At this time, we anticipate the requirement of a Superintendent and a Site Safety and Health Officer. Please see Engineering Manual 385-1-1.

Q: Would progress payments cover payments to materials vendors?

A: As a general rule, supply contracts are paid when the supply is received and verified compliant with the specifications. The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 32.104 may allow different “contract financing” arrangements to the extent they are needed and can be justified. On Attachment 2, explain in detail the types of contract financing that the contractors envision is necessary to execute between 3 and 11 gates for this project.

Q: How long will the government review take to approve shop drawings?

A: Typically, Contracts are written for the Government to have a 30 day review period.

Q: How long after contract award would the KTR be able to provide shop drawings in order to purchase materials?

A: After the Contractor submits the Bonds (within 10 days proceeding award), the Government review for legal sufficiency and then issue the Notice To Proceed (NTP).

Following NTP, the Contractor can start processing submittals.n

Q: Are gates identical or are there differences between gates?

A: At this time, we are anticipating the gates will be identical.

Q: How will bidders know if solicitation is set-aside or full and open?

A: Pre-solicitation notice will be posted on SAM.gov and will include what the set-aside determination is.

Q (government): Government would like feedback on what fabrication space is currently available or what risks exist to fabricate 2 gates at the same time within the timeline we’ve indicated.

A (industry): Not hearing any feedback

Q (government): Any concerns about material lead times or other barriers we should be prepared for?

A (industry): Fabrication of one gate usually takes a year for a gate of this size, asking for less than a year for a delivery is not feasible. Industry stated the design of a two leaf gate is the equivalent of fabricating two gates. Anticipate at minimum the first gate and lifting beam would take a full year to fabricate. Pool of fabricators and painters that have the specified certifications will be small.

Q (government): What would the timeline for future gates look like after the first gate?

A (industry): Getting the first gate started will take longer, future gates will go quicker as shop drawings are approved. Multiple gates are not an issue, materials are readily available.

Government asks if Industry has more insight to durations for subsequent gates, please provide response via attachment 2 on Sam.gov by February 6, 2025 at 4pm PST.

Q: Is the AISC Complex Coating endorsement not recognized for this contract?

A: USACE Paint Lab (CERL) has found AISC to be unresponsive for shop audits, while AMPP has been responsive. At this time, AMPP’s SSPC QP3 certification is anticipated to be the painting certification requirement for this contract.

Q (government): While you mentioned that materials were readily available, are you forecasting any inflationary price increases?

A (industry): Industry not seeing availbility issue with carbon steel materials. In past, Tariffs have impacted the stainless steel pricing.

Q: Are you looking at EPA pricing if tariffs increase price of steel?

A: We are not currently planning on an Equitable Price Adjustment (EPA) clause, at this time the contract would be firm fixed price. Additionally, at this time Buy American Act will be strictly enforced on the contract.

Please reference FAR Part 52 Clauses 225-1 & 225-23.