QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 08092011.docx

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS RELATED TO: NORTH COLORADO SPRINGS READINESS CENTER-SYNOPSIS

SOLICITATION: W912LC-11-R-0006

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Updated: 9 August 2011

1. Is the new Readiness Center at Buckley AFB a design/build project? If yes, when will bridging documents be available? If not, when will contract documents be available?

A. This is not a design build requirement, nor will it be on Buckley AFB. The project is located on the United States Air Force Academy. Drawings and specifications will be posted with the solicitation on fbo.gov as stated in the synopsis.

2. Do you have an estimated date of release?

A. The Solicitation will be posted on fbo.gov as stated in the synopsis.

3. We may be interested in bidding on the solar PV portion of the work at the North Colorado Springs Readiness Center. Would you please let me know the estimated size in DC kW that the solar PV amount to? Thank you very much.

A. Please review Solicitation on fbo.gov when posted.

4. Can you please advise if we are able to submit an RFI directly to you, or must we go through a general contract bidding this job?

A. All RFI’s are submitted to the email address previously identified: ngco_contracts@ng.army.mil

5. We may be interested in bidding on the solar PV portion of the work at the North Colorado Springs Readiness Center. Would you please let me know the estimated size in DC kW that the solar PV amount to?

A. Please review Solicitation on www.fbo.gov when posted.

6. I am writing you in regards to some specs in the North Colorado Springs Readiness Center project. Spec section 033650 - Concrete Flooring Polish / Stain, calls out for the system to only be done by a Bomanite contractor with only Bomanite material and equipment and says no equal can be used. I have contacted the Architect as well as the PM from the Colorado Army National Guard and both have indicated to me that I need to email you to request that an equal system, equipment, and material be used. My company has been contracted to do several polish and dye jobs for the military and we have always had several options of systems to use. We do not work with Bomanite due to the fees and royalties requested by Bomanite in order to use their name. If we could have an addendum come out allowing for an equal system it would be very much appreciated.

A. Please do not contact the PM OR A/E. Send all questions to the email address: ngco_contracts@ng.army.mil

7. Is a bid bond required? If so FAR 52.228-1 was not included in the RFP?

A. No.

8. EXHIBIT A PERFORMANCE RELEVANCY QUESTIONNAIRE, Part 1, D states the following as assessing “relevancy” for this project:

“…size between 128,000 and 166,000SF; project scope to include billeting, schools, kitchen and cafeteria and storage; cost magnitude between $25,000,000 and $100,000,000…”

The solicitation states that this project should be between $10,000,000 and $25,000,000 and the size is closer to 70,000SF. Are the stated qualification the ones we need to abide by or do we need to be closer to the specs of the actual project? This factor will determine our firm’s ability to meet the qualifications.

A. Modification P0001 is posted on www.fbo.gov that corrects this.

9. Lately it seems every RFP requires Past Performance Questionnaires, so much so that I imagine our POCs are besieged with them. As much as we might beg them to respond to them, this is not something we can guarantee. Because of this, I’m wondering if we might substitute CCASS reports instead. They are often filled out by the same folks we’re asking for PPQs, and the evaluation is the same. Thank you in advance for your reply

A. Request Past Performance Questionaires

10. I was looking at this project and it said that the Access control and CCTV was not in the project. Could you tell me what the status is on them? And if there is someone I could contact about the Access Control and CCTV?

A. Only infrastructure for CCTV and Access Control is included in the project. All required information is in the drawings and specification.

11. I am trying to get information on the New Readiness Center in the North Colorado Springs area. Could you please let me know how to obtain the needed information to be able to bid on this project?

A. Review the solicitation at www.fbo.gov, solication W912LC-11-R-0006

12. Request for approval for Bradley toilet accessories for this job?

A. All materials must meet the project specification. Specific products will be evaluated during the submittal process with the successful offeror.

13. Is there a cost limitation?

A. No

14. What is the size standard for small business?

A. As stated in the solicitation $33.5 million

15. What must Joint ventures do?

A.

Must submit Joint Venture Certification with proposal.

16. Who will administer the N. Colorado Springs Readiness Center?

A. USPFO/Colorado National Guard

17. Who is the Code Authority?

A. State of Colorado

18. What about the building permits?

A. As a Federal project, there are no building permits required for this project. However, the Government will engage the services of a qualified Code Inspector to ensure the project is meeting the requirements of the applicable building codes (see drawings and specification). Fire systems certification will be coordinated with USAFA Fire Department through the Government.

19. Is this project Tax Exempt?

A. Yes

20. What about a development fee?

A. Development fees for water and wastewater are attached. Final gas and electric fees are being developed and will be made available prior to award.

21. Commissioning Agent on board?

A. Commissioning Agent will be Pahl Architecture.

22. Is there a LEED check list available yet? What points are we targeting?

A. LEED checklist will be posted to fbo website 4 August 2011.

23. Can you verify the timing for procurement of the testing services on this project?

A. Spec section 014000 (1.6, 1.7) calls for the Contractor to engage an independent testing agency to perform QC and special inspections.

24. In section 00110 – Submission Requirements and Instructions, paragraph 3.4.3.9.1, it states, “Provide three (3) references, for each Predecessor Company, Subcontractor or Key Personnel. Clearly identify the contractor/individual for whom the reference information concerns.” Please clarify what key personnel you would like Exhibit B completed for.

A. These are the key personnel required for the success of the project.

25. We do intend to form a prime contractor-subcontractor teaming arrangement in accordance with FAR 9.6 – Contractor Team Arrangements, part 9.601 (2). It appears you would like us to include at least one Exhibit A and Exhibit C from our teaming partner per section 00110, paragraph 3.4.3.3. Please verify that a maximum of 5 exhibit A should be submitted for both the prime contractor and the teaming partner and not 5 for each firm.

A. Correct.

26. Is it acceptable to submit previously obtained past performance questionnaires in lieu of Exhibit C? Many owners’ have filled out performance questionnaires many times and are burdened by the large amount of projects we are pursuing.

A. Please submit Exhibit C.

27. Section 00110, paragraph 3.3.7 requires us to provide an electronic copy of all of the proposal information. It is difficult to provide an electronic copy of the pricing schedule because bids are received up until the proposal is submitted. Pricing is typically not finalized until minutes before the proposal is submitted and it would be very difficult to burn a CD when the final pricing has not been completed. Would you allow us to provide only Volume 2 on CD and Volume 1 hard copy? This would allow us to be more competitive in our pricing.

A. Please follow solicitation requirements.

28. Is it acceptable to submit CCASS performance evaluations in lieu of Exhibit C? Many government agencies have policies against filling out performance evaluations once the CCASS evaluation has been filed. The CCASS evaluation contains all the information on exhibit C and should satisfy the government’s desire to evaluate our past performance.

A. Please submit Exhibit C

29. In section 00110 – Submission Requirements and Instructions, paragraph 3.4.1.10, it requires those companies forming a joint venture to submit the joint venture agreement. We do not intend to form a joint venture, but we do intend to form a prime contractor-subcontractor teaming arrangement in accordance with FAR 9.6 – Contractor Team Arrangements, part 9.601 (2). Would you like us to include our formal teaming arrangement in this area of the proposal?

A. Yes

30. In solicitation section 3.4.1.10 joint venture, shows that any jv would need to be approved by SBA if a small buisness and a large buisness established a JV. In CFAR 121.103 affiliation determination by SBA, section 4(h) shows a JV can carry out 3 projects over a to year period with no intention of a longer affiliation, and that a prime and a subcontractor mat be considered a JV by same section.

A. Please follow solicitation requirements.

31. Does a small business JV with a large business work with the size standards of 33.5 million? I have info from SBA that this would be a large business and would only work with 8a exemption, is this correct?

A. Please follow solicitation requirements. Please coordinate with SBA regarding specific issues regarding your JV status.

32. Is 18 Oct 2011 anticipated notice to proceed correct, or do you expect that start date to push back?

A. The notice to proceed date will be dependent on the actual award date.

33. Solicitation shows that project is not funded yet. Is there a anticipated date that it may be funded?

A. The project is authorized and the funding has been appropriated by Congress.

34. The bids that are due August 12th on the above project, is that for construction or architectural? If it is architectural, would you please send us the bid information or where I would be able to find it.

A . Please review the solicitation pertaining to this new Construction project for the North Colorado Readiness Center at www.fbo.gov, the solicitation number is W912LC-11-R-0006

35. Door Schedule: Door 115A shows type 4 wood door, material column shows alum/glass door floor plan shows that this is a double door opening but hardware group 116 calls for 2 locksets but no way to secure doors.

A. a. Change Door Types to Aluminum Door Type 1, provide removable center mullion as indicated, locksets will attach to removable center mullion.

36. Door Schedule: Door 126A shows type 4 wood door, material column shows alum/glass door. Hardware group 114 is for single aluminum door.

A. Change Door Types to Aluminum Door Type 1, Hardware group is correct.

37. Door Schedule: Door 126B calls for alum/glass door to be hung on hollow metal frame. Hardware group 11 has hardware for wood or hollow metal door.

A. Add: Single Aluminum Frame to fit specified door size | Change: Hardware group 16

38. Door Schedule: Door 130A shows type 4 wood door, material column shows alum/glass door. Hardware 16 is for single aluminum door.

A. Change Door Type to Aluminum Door Type 1

39. Door Schedule: Door 138B shows material of alum/glass to be hung on hollow metal frame. Hardware 12 is for wood or hollow metal door.

A. . Add: Single Aluminum Frame to fit specified door sizes | Change: to Door type 1 | Change: Hardware group 16

40. Door Schedule: Door 138HH shows 3070 door but no other information and cannot be found on floor plan.

A. a. Delete Door from Schedule.

41. Door Schedule: Door 140A lists hardware set 118 for double door not single door.

A. a. Door Schedule should read 3'-0"(2). Door 140A is a double door, hardware set correct.

42. Door Schedule: Doors 183A and 183C shows door material of alum/glass to be hung on hollow metal frame. Hardware set 14 is for aluminum door and aluminum frame.

A. Add: Single Aluminum Frame to fit specified door sizes. Hardware is correct.

43. Door Schedule: Doors 216A and 245A calls for type 4 wood door, material column shows alum/glass door. Hardware set 135 is for wood or hollow metal door.

Material Column to read "WD", door type and hardware are correct.

44. Specification section 01 4000 8, Statement of Special Inspections, page 2of10 indicates the contractor is responsible for soils inspection/testing, however spec. section 31 2000 8 states the owner will provide soils testing, which is correct?

A. 014000 is correct.

45. Can the wood bench seats for the Unit Lockers, Rooms 162, 164 & 165, be provided in lengths as long as possible? Installed to the locker base after it is anchored, providing long, clean sight lines?

A. Longer lengths can be provided by installer granted all seams occur between two lockers

46. Is there a contractor bidder's list that is available on this project? We would like to get our proposal for materials testing services to all of the submitting general contractors if possible.

Interested vendors list available on fbo.

47. I am a local rep for Tandus Flooring, a commercial carpet manufacturer. I was hoping to find out basis of design for the carpet specification as well as GC's who will be bidding the project?

A. Carpet: The Basis of Design for the carpet is given in detail on Drawing IN-300.

Interested vendors list: see answer 46.

48. 05 7500 – 4 DECORATIVE FORMED METAL

PERFORATED IMAGE METAL ACOUSTICAL WALL PANELS

Please provide a high resolution picture of the image that will be perforated into the metal panels.

It is needed to provide an accurate quote?

A. File is attached (desired image will be without the background trees but with the rock base).

49. Do you anticipate future amendments and any potential changes to the proposal due date?

A. Any and all amendments will be posted on www.fbo.gov, solicitation W912LC-11-R-0006

50. Please provide a schedule indicating which items are supplied and installed by Owner and which items are supplied by Owner installed by General Contractor. Thank you.

A. Responsibility for identifying material requirements is the contractor's. All necessary information is contained in the drawings and specification.

51. There have been numerous requests for product substitutions.

A. All materials must meet the project specification. Specific products will be evaluated during the submittal process with the successful offeror.

52. Per Section 00100-Bidding Schedule/Instructions to Bidders, hand carried proposals must be delivered prior to the time established for receipt of proposals. Please clarify the delivery deadline time for hand carried proposals, as no time or time zone is mentioned.

A. Per solicitation page 1, paragraph 13, sealed offers are due at 2pm, 12 August 2011.

53. In reviewing the plans, I noticed that the Operable Partition walls are at a higher elevation than the inset ceiling heights. This works fine due to the soffits being wide enough for the partitions. The problem comes from the pocket doors which must swing 180 degrees to allow the user to take the panels out and put them back into the pockets. The panels can still come out if the pocket doors only swing 90 degrees but there would be a great risk of damaging the lower ceilings with operators and panels bumping them during set up and take down. This should avoid problems later if addressed before bidding.

A. Drawings A-203 and Detail 6/A-740 shall be revised as follows: Within Rooms 136, 137, 138, & 139 change the finished ceiling height of ACT to 10'-0" A.F.F. and change the finished ceiling height of the gyp ceiling to 9'-6". Delete the metal closure as shown on detail 6/A-740 and return GWB 6" beyond ACT height to 10'-6". Note, this will also change the height of each partition panel from 10'-0" to 9'-6" nominally.

54. Regarding specification section 08 7100 Door Hardware; paragraph 1.2.A lists alternate manufacturers for hardware sets which are approved. The listing of “Approved” alternates is in direct conflict with the FAR’s which allows for equal materials, based on the BHMA/ANSI types and grades specified. Is it the intent to limit competition and only allow those brands listed?

A. There is no limit to competition. Assuming the question refers to paragraph 2.1.A, this paragraph also states “Approval of manufacturers other than those listed shall be in accordance with Division 1,” meaning the successful offeror may propose a different manufacturer’s products (as long as they meet the requirements of the Contract Documents) and gain approval during the submittal process. The only exception is for Best locksets and cylinders, for which a brand name justification has been approved by the office of the National Guard Bureau Principal Assistant Responsible for Contracting based on the needs of the COARNG.

55. In section 31 2000, par 1.3.B, it states, “Contractor shall reference and adhere to all recommendations listed in the geotechnical report prepared by Kleinfelder, dated September, 2010, Project Number 110979.” Will you please provide the geotechnical report so we can adhere to the recommendations?

A. Posted to fbo website 4 August 2011

56. I am bidding SIGNAGE to the Generals and have a few simple questions that I need help with please:

Civil Drawings C-801

Shows traffic regulatory signs on posts. Do the posts get buried in concrete or directly into the dirt?

Will it be necessary to core drill any hard surfaces such as concrete sidewalks or asphalt and if so in all cases?

Access to site.

What will we need to bring in the way of documents such as certifications and insurance to access the site to install the traffic and interior wall signs?

A. Bury sign posts into the onsite soil. Per the design, the intent is not to have to core drill any hard surfaces to install the site signs which will be installed on posts.

57. Per Volume 2, Part 2 Offeror Past/Present Performance Information section 3.4.3.9 Offerors lacking present/past performance experience may submit information regarding key personnel who have relevant experience. Are these resumes in lieu of project experience required to be mailed to the Contracting Officer at Ngco_contracts@ng.army.mil in accordance with Past Performance Questionnaire requirements?

A. No

58. Please clarify whether Bid Bond is required, Questions and answers responses dated 7/22/11, 7/26/11, and 7/29/11 state - Yes a bid bond is required per solicitation, 52.228-1. However, SF 1442, box 13.b) and questions and answers dated 7/26/11 (REVISED) states –No bid bond required.

A. A bid bond is not required. Answer 7 corrected.

59. The location of the curb and gutter is very confusing and difficult to interpret. Per sheet C-101 it appears that the curbs around the landscape islands have the same symbol for the 6” high curb & gutter called out in the legend, yet Note 3 calls out for a 6” perimeter curb at the parking islands. Do those islands have curb & gutter per the legend or just a 6” perimeter curb per note #3? What is the overall height of the 6” perimeter curb?

A. The islands in the north POV lot and the large island in the south POV parking lot should both have Type 6 curb and gutter per the curb and gutter detail on sheet C-802.

60. Regarding Bid Option 8: What is the requirement for the concrete finish at the Memorial Walk area and Memorial Walk Anchor area for the base bid? The OLI-8 Option is outlined clearly on Sheet AS-103. Should standard grey concrete be the base bid for these two areas? Additionally, Sheet AS-103 Detail 1 indicates “Bollards (Base Bid) RE: 4C/AS-101”. This detail is for a standard 6” steel pipe bollard (non-removable) w/ 8” SS Bollard Cover. However, Sheet AS-110 Note 15 Indicates removable bollards at this location but does not refer to a specific detail. 4/AS-101 is the removable bollard detail but is not indicated on the plan sheets as far as I can see. Please provide clarification as to the base bid requirements for the memorial walk and the bollards at this location.

1. Base bid requirement for concrete finish at the Memorial Walk and Memorial Walk Anchor is standard grey concrete. Finish per specifications.

Detail 4C/AS-101 indicates 6" Steel pipe bollard (non-removable) w 8" ALUMINUM cover, not Stainless Steel. Note 15 on AS-110 is incorrect. Note 15 on AS-110 should read "Removable Bollards RE: 4/AS-101". Bollards located on the South end of the Memorial Walk will NOT be removable (as noted on AS-100 and AS-103) and should reference 4C/AS-101. Similarly, keynote 16 on AS-100 tagging the bollards on the South end of the Memorial Walk should be changed to keynote 29. Keynote 29 on AS-100 at the North end of the walkway connecting the North Parking lot to the building should be changed to keynote 16. This is the only location for removable bollards in the project.

61. The shelving schedule on A121 tells the size of the shelving units, but not how many shelves per unit. It says to refer to the specs, but there is no quantity indicated. How many shelves per unit are required?

A. Each unit shall have four shelves.

62. Specification Section 33 4100 Storm Drainage Utilities paragraph 2.3.A.2 required RCP to be supplied with C-Wall thickness. Can B-wall be acceptable as long as the Class III strength requirement of ASTM C76 is met? C-wall pipe is not commonly produced locally in the size required for this project.

A. B-Wall thickness is acceptable provided the Class III strength requirements are met.

63. In reviewing the Q&A it is indicating the project is tax exempt. In our experience, Colorado Springs is a home rule city and the city sales taxes will be applicable to all permanent materials. Please verify whether sales tax will be required on materials and what tax applies.

A. The project is being built on a Department of Defense installation (The United States Air Force Academy), not in Colorado Springs, therefore it is exempt from sales tax.

64. For the special load diagrams shown on S-540, should the joist be designed for the “base designation”, and then checked for the special load diagram? Or should the joists be designed for the special load diagram only.

A. The special joists are indicated on the plans such that the maximum expected load has already been determined and the joist has been sized. The special joist diagrams allow the joist manufacturer/designers to verify the size as indicated and also allows them to configure their web members properly (i.e. they will place additional web members at locations of increased loading, etc cetera).

65. I.E. should the 32LH12 SP-4, be designed for approximately 630 plf uniform total load (standard 32LH12), and then be checked against the SP-4 load diagram? Or should the standard size be disregarded and the joist be designed for the special load diagram only?

A. The 32LH12SP-4 joist has already been designed for the worst case loading which is described using the joist diagram. The joist diagram is used by the joist manufacturer to determine the proper placing of web members.

66. Drawing C-800 has a detail for a concrete toe is to be use at all asphalt that does not have a concrete curb?

A. The toe is to be installed at all locations along driveways and parking areas without curb and gutter.

67. Does the north side of the north entrance have a curb/or curb and gutter?

A. Curb and gutter shall be provided on the north side of the north entrance.

68. Drawing C-802 has a curb schedule, in the schedule is type 1 curb, is this type the same as AT/FP curb shown on C-801?

A. No. Both curbs have their own specific requirements as shown.

69. On sheet S601 – Steel Column and Base Plate Schedules, what is the type and size of the steel column that is located on Grids K-7?

A. The column at K-7 is erroneously unmarked on the column schedule. It should be labeled as an HSS8x8x1/2 and would use a Type “A” baseplate having dimensions 1 ½”x14”x1’-2” per the baseplate schedule.

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