W912EP25R0009_Questions_Answers.pdf

W912EP25R0009

Canaveral Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Sector Gate

Questions and Answers (Q&A)

1. Are the Crane Operators open to using slings through openings in the vertical panels for the lift rather than steel lift assemblies?

Answer: Yes, USACE would need to officially review the design of opening during the design phase and accept through design submittal process. Note that the contract documents require a 4 part pick via crane so the gate design will need to meet that intent. See Amendment 001.

2. We often include cavities to adjust flotation if needed. This is done after installation. Would this be allowed after the gate is installed by the Corps?

Answer: Yes, USACE would need to officially review flotation adjustment proposed during the design phase.

3. What is the length of time for Government review of submittal with “G” classification?

Answer: 30 calendar days. Refer spec 01 33 00, paragraph 1.8.1.

4. Can square corners be used for the walkway sections on Sheet S-301?

Answer: Refer to note on detail 6 on that sheet S-301.

5. For hinge assembly replacement, is a steel socket joint acceptable?

Answer: Refer specification section 35 20 16 for materials.

6. Volume 2 of the RFP makes several references to Volume 1. For instance, in Paragraph 1.4 (Section 01 10 00) the Clause “ PERMITS AND RESPONSIBILITIES in Volume 1” is referenced. However, Volume 1 consists of only a cover page and Attachment A, “Instructions for Technical Inquiries and Questions”. Please provide us with the entire Volume 1.

Answer: See Amendment 001 to spec 01 10 00.

7. Please confirm installation of the gates will be in Q1 2028.

Answer: Installation – Refer spec 01 10 00 paragraph 1.10

8. In Paragraph 1.5.6 of Section 06 90 00, is the government referring to UT inspection of FRP components? If so, please provide the criteria (list of defects, sizes, etc.) that will be used for acceptance/rejection?

Answer: Refer to specs 06 90 00 section 2.4.2 where inspection plan is submitted to Government for approval.

9. In Paragraph 1.7 of Section 06 90 00, what is meant by “no-dollar-limit” warranty?

Answer: See Amendment 001.

10. In Paragraph 2.1 of Section 06 90 00 it states that “Adhesion to the FRP substrate must be a minimum of 600 psi in accordance with ASTM D4541”. This is a destructive test. Is it acceptable to demonstrate the adhesion requirements are met using smaller samples that have been prepared in the same way as the larger gates?

Answer: See Amendment 001 to spec 06 90 00.

11. In Paragraph 2.2.1 of Section 06 90 00 it states to used commercial grade E-CR glass fibers. Is it acceptable to design using E-glass fibers?

Answer: Only the glass fiber specified in the contract is acceptable. Contract variances may be requested by the contractor after award and are subject to Government review and approval.

12. In Paragraph 2.2.3.4 of Section 06 90 00, the freeze-thaw exposure condition specifies ASTM C666. Is it acceptable to conduct 100 cycles of in accordance with ASTM D7792 which is applicable to FRP materials and the consistent AASHTO Specifications for FRPs.

Answer: See Amendment 001 to spec 06 90 00

13. In Paragraph 2.2.3.4 of Section 06 90 00, the cyclic weathering exposure condition specifies ASTM G153. ASTM G153 is no longer required by many agencies and has been dropped by AASHTO for FRPs. Is it acceptable to drop ASTM G153?

14. In Paragraph 2.2.5 of Section 06 90 00, it states “Prepare the surface and install the connection in the presence of quality control inspector and Contracting Officer's Representative.” Does this apply to all bonded connections or just those made in the field during final assembly of the gate? Who is responsible for paying the Contracting Officer’s Representative?

Answer: Yes, that applies to all adhesive connections. COR is a USACE employee that is paid by the Government.

15. The maximum weight of the FRP gate structure is specified to not exceed 183 kips.

Is there a minimum weight requirement?

Answer: Refer to specs, the minimum weight gate will need to meet minimum buoyancy design requirements. Section 01 10 00, Appendix D.

16. Is Section 09 97 02 only applicable to non-FRP structures/surfaces?

Answer: Refer to paragraph 3.5 Painting Schedule.

17. In Section 06 90 00, Para 2.2.3.2, confirm that the design values will be supplied by the manufacturer at the end of project?

Answer: No. See Amendment 001 to specs 06 90 00

18. Flame Spread requirement. Section 06 90 00, Para 2.2.1 says “Comply with ASTM E84 Class II at a minimum for the vinyl ester resin flame retardency.”

Section 06 73 01, Para 2.1.1 says the Product must have Flame Spread of Class I.

Which of these is the requirement?

Answer: See Amendment 001 to spec 06 73 01.

19. Section 011000 – Section 1.4 Damage to work – Can you clarify this paragraph and its intent? Can you please provide the applicable design loads and the accommodations for it.

Answer: See Amendment 001 to spec 01 10 00

20. Referring to design limit to 20%. Is this a factored design load or ultimate design load?

21. Performance temperature Range of -40F to +140F. is this boiler plate language and can this be adjusted to reflect appropriate Florida values?

22. What does the Government deem as inadequate for accounting systems? Does it matter being that this is a firm fixed price contract?

Answer: FAR 52.230-2 will not apply, as this is a Firm-Fixed Price requirement.

Payments will be made in accordance with RFP FARS clauses and spec 01 45 00.

23. Does the proposed payment regulation allow for a deposit and milestones payment method?

Answer: Please refer to Clauses regarding Progress Payments, namely FAR 52.232- 13, 52.232-16 and DFARS 252.232-7004 and 252.232-7016.

24. Would the government accept a cost plus arrangement for Clin 0007 & 0008 being that these fees are up to two years out and there is no way to get a fixed quote that can be held for that length of time?

Answer: No, FAR 52.230-2 will not apply, as this is a Firm-Fixed Price requirement.

25. Barge Staging Location - Can you confirm whether the barge is to be staged on the port side or riverside? Additionally, please specify the expected staging duration and any limitations on access or time-in-position.

Answer: Refer to spec 01 10 00 section 1.7.2 delivery and Attachment E, location and submit proposal in accordance with solicitation documents.

26. Fiber Content Adjustment Based on Fiber Type The specification lists a 70% fiber content by weight. Would adjustments to fiber content be permissible when utilizing fiber types of differing densities, provided overall structural properties and laminate performance remain equivalent?

Answer: Refer to spec 06 90 00 section 2.2.1 and submit proposal in accordance with solicitation documents.

27. Use of FEA/Design Properties to Define Laminate Specification Can the laminate specification be derived from our FEA/design property inputs, with final validation through the fabrication and mechanical testing of representative test panels?

Answer: Refer to spec 06 90 00 and submit proposal in accordance with solicitation documents.

28. Acceptable Fiber Forms - Can acceptable reinforcement forms include the following: knit fabrics, woven fabrics, chopped strand mats, continuous strand fabrics, and vails?

Answer: Refer to spec 06 90 00 section 2.2.1 and submit proposal in accordance with solicitation documents.

29. Alternative Surface Coatings - Is it allowable to propose alternative surface coatings that meet or exceed the specified performance criteria (e.g., improved durability, environment= al resistance, UV stability)?

Answer: Submit proposal in accordance with solicitation documents.

30. Foam Substitution - Can USCG-approved, marine-grade 2 lb/ft=B3 polyurethane foam be used in lieu of the specified 2 lb/ft=B3 polyiso foam? We note that higher-density polyurethane foam is already approved under the specification.

Answer: Refer to spec 06 90 00 section 2.1 and submit proposal in accordance with solicitation documents.

31. Reinforcement Fabrics with Mat and Vail Layers Conventional knit fabrics often include a mat layer to improve interlaminar toughness and performance under out-of-plane or impact loads. Can reinforcement fabrics that include integrated mat and/or vail layers be used, assuming their contribution is modeled in the FEA and validated via test data?

Answer: Submit proposal in accordance with solicitation documents.

32. Dimensional Tolerances and Relief - Can critical dimensions be clearly identified, while allowing dimensional relief in non-critical areas where form, fit, and function are not affected? Given that dimensional tolerances and thermal expansion (CTE) values appear to be of similar magnitude, clarification would aid in defining manufacturing tolerances.

Answer: Refer to Spec 06 90 00. Submit proposal in accordance with solicitation documents.

33. Schedule Submission Format - Will a Gantt chart that includes a clearly defined critical path and milestone activities satisfy the requirement for demonstrating schedule feasibility under Factor #2?

Answer: Offeror’s proposal responses must comply with the RFP, terms and conditions.

34. Prior Performance Relevance - If a highly relevant project was completed more than 15 years ago but remains in active service within a DOD marine environment, can this project be submitted as part of our prior performance history?

Answer: Submit in accordance with RFP.

35. Will USACE provide an alternative location where the gates can be assembled?

Answer: No, due to navigation restrictions to other facilities, USACE does not have a location available for assembly. It is the responsibility of the contractor to find a location suitable for assembly and loading onto barges for delivery to the Lock.

36. Will USACE provide the crane and tugboat to retrieve the new gates from the assembly site?

Answer: No, the contractor is responsible for the equipment needed to safely load and deliver the gates to the lock. The Government will be responsible for unloading the gate from the contractor barge at the lock site.

37. Section 1.7.2.1 Appurtenances such as seals, pintle, hinges, walkway grating, etc.

Can these be installed on the gate when delivered?

Answer: See Amendment 001.

38. Are the slings, shackles, and potentially a lifting beam included in the contract?

Answer: Refer Spec 01 10 00 para 1.7.2

39. Where should the lifting points be located on the gate?

Answer: Yes, USACE would need to officially review the design of openings during the design phase and accept through design submittal process. Note that the contract documents require a 4 part pick via crane so the gate design will need to meet that intent.

40. Concerns were raised about galling of stainless-steel hardware for the gates seals and attachment of the fender system. Should an alternate be suggested?

Answer: Yes, Refer to spec 01 10 00 Attachment A, and Amendment 001.

41. Should we use different nuts for the walkway assembly as well to avoid galling?

Answer: Yes, Refer to spec 01 10 00 and Attachment A and Amendment 001.

42. Do the walkways need to be adjustable to accommodate the concrete walls after install?

Answer: See Amendment 001.

43. What type of hardware should be used for the Wire Rope Cable Guide Track 1.9.2.5.1?

Answer: Yes, Refer to spec 01 10 00 and Amendment 001.