USACE_RESPONSES_TO_CONTRACTORS_INQUIRIES.pdf

W912P617B0007 Calumet Harbor Storage Facility 08/23/2017 Request for Information – Pre-Bid Questions

QUESTION 1

Specification 26 00 01; 1.3 COORDINATION The contractor is asked to include “all coordination and construction fees” to obtain a new electrical service from COMED.

Does the GOV’T have a cost from COMED for this, or will the GOV’T provide an allowance to include in the bid for these costs?

Typically, COMED will not provide this information to a bidding contractor, especially with only a 2 week notice.

USACE Response 1 (23-Aug-17): A Cost Reimbursable Line Item for coordination with ComEd costs will be added and have a Government price allowance of a NTE $80,000 price. The following will text about what is involved with the ComEd service coordination effort will be added to paragraph 1.1.1, Project Description, of Specification Section 01 11 00 SOW, Paragraph 1.1.1. “The Contractor shall coordinate with the COR and ComEd for the provision of overhead electrical service 200Amp Main, 480Y/277V 3 Phase 4 Wire to the Storage Facility located at 9169 US-41 for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Chicago District. The Contractor shall provide ComEd with

(1) a Service Entrance Location (SEL) sketch, (2) a complete plan layout of new electrical service to Storage Facility located at 9169 US-41, (3) Fault Current (fault duty) at customer secondary side of transformer and estimated X/R ratio, and (4) Electrical one-line diagram of utility distribution to Storage Facility located at 9169 US-41, as noted in the Submittals paragraph Site Electric Services.” The Bid Schedule has been revised to reflect the new CLIN (0012), “Site Electric Service” with a LOT unit with cost reimbursable – NTE $80,000, and Section 01 22 00, Measurement and Payment, has been revised to sync with the revised bid schedule. The original CLIN 0012, Performance and Payment Bonds, is now CLIN 0013. The following text has been added to Section 01 22 00, Measurement and Payment, “This is a Government Price Allowance at the ceiling price of Not to Exceed (NTE) $80,000. Costs may be reimbursed up to this ceiling price as follows: Payment will be made for site electrical utilities for the site development operation costs associated with coordination efforts with the electric company (Commonwealth Edison), which involve providing service to the new building. This effort is fully described in Specification Section 01 11 00, SCOPE OF WORK. The Contractor shall inform the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) of all planned coordination efforts prior to them being undertaken such that compliance with the ceiling price of this item and the tasks performed, the associated level of effort, and scheduling can be verified. (1) The Contractor shall NOT incur any additional costs or perform any additional services outside of the ceiling price established hereunder. Should the Contractor determine that the allocated amount is insufficient because additional related services are deemed necessary, the government may negotiate a fair and reasonable price with the contractor to make price adjustments to the Contract. (2) The COR is responsible for processing payments. The contractor shall provide the COR with paid invoices and all other supporting cost information (Labor, travel, per Diem, subcontractor costs, etc.). For the verification of the Contractor's expenditures for this line item. ANY UNUSED BALANCE WILL BE DEOBLIGATED AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT PERIOD. Unit of Measure. LOT. “

QUESTION 2

Specification 26 00 01; 1.3 COORDINATION and Drawing SHEET ID E-104; PANEL SCHEDULES Please provide the available KAIC Available Fault Current from COMED or provide the desired KAIC rating for panels MDP and LP shown on E-104.

USACE Response 2: Provide panels rated for 42KAIC. See revised Sheet E-104.

QUESTION 3

Drawing SHEET ID E-104; RISER DIAGRAM and PANEL SCHEDULES PANELS MDP and LP: The maximum 1 pole breaker spaces in a 200 amp panelboard is 42. Both panel schedules show 60 circuits.

Please confirm 42 circuits is adequate, or if we should provide a sub-panel for MDP spare circuits and a sub-panel for LP spare circuits.

USACE Response 3: Due to possible future load requirements, a 60ckt panel-board is required and 42ckt may be insufficient. Provide 60ckt panel-board. See revised Sheet E-104.

QUESTION 4

Welding outlets are commonly fed from 480 volt, 3 pole, 60 amp rated circuits.

Please confirm the welding station is to be fed from panel LP (208 volt) and provide a frame/trip rating for the feeder breaker.

USACE Response 4: Please provide 480V, 3P, 60A as per contractor recommendation. See revised sheet E- 104.

QUESTION 5

PANEL MDP; The panel schedule shows (9) 125 amp frame breakers. This is very unusual for a 200 amp rated panel. If possible, please provide actual desired frame/trip ratings of spare breakers.

Please confirm breakers feeding the HVAC equipment (AHU-1 @ 70 AMPS, ACCU-1 @ 30

AMPS).

Please provide breaker trip rating for the water heater.

Please allow normal sizing of breaker frame ratings so that all breakers will physically fit in a single panelboard (unless a sub-panel is desired, per question 3 above).

USACE Response 5 (22-Aug-17): Breakers should be sized based on final selection of equipment. Breaker specifics have been revised on Sheet E-104.

QUESTION 6

Will the Government provide a list of approved manufacturers for the prefabricated building?

USACE Response 6: No

QUESTION 7

The bid documents indicate that the Contractor is responsible for the design of the building structure. To what extent is the Contractor responsible for MEP components as they integrate with the building?

USACE Response 7 (21-Aug-17): The Corps completed the design and remaining work to be done by the contractor is the building integration and commissioning. The contractor is responsible for integrating the provided MEP design into the building structure including ensuring that the structure is designed appropriately to accept all penetrations and loads as well as final building commissioning of the MEP. The Contractor will have to ensure that the security measures are integrated for the building and commissioning of the building (i.e., ensure that all the mechanical and electrical components are fully functional and work together). Specification section 01 11 00 paragraph 1.1.1, states, "The Contractor shall design and construct a 4000 square foot (SF) prefabricated building..." … "The Contractor is responsible to provide all equipment, piping, wiring, controls, and appurtenances required to complete the Work." … "The contractor shall acquire all applicable water, sewer, and utility permits to ensure fully functional facility." Lastly, specification section 01 11 00 paragraph 1.2, Prefabricated Building Designs states "Design narrative and analysis including code analysis by all disciplines (e.g., civil, structural, electrical, plumbing, security)."

QUESTION 8

Upon review of the solicitation package/bid requirements, I noticed that the documents required include the Representations and Certification and all pricing sheets, bid bond.

Are any other Past performance/employee/subcontractor documents required with the submittal of the bid? Or will this be discussed at the pre-bid meeting?

USACE Response 8 (21-Aug-17): In order for a contract to be awarded, the contracting officer must deem the lowest, responsive bidder, a responsible contractor (re: Part 9 of the FAR). In doing so, the contractor’s past performance record must be concluded as satisfactory. In the bid notes (paragraph 1b), the USACE states: “The Government intends to award all Base Bid Items to the responsive, responsible bidder submitting the lowest aggregate fair and reasonable price for all items in the bid schedule.” Contractors are allowed to contact the Contracting Officer Representative at the Calumet Area Office for a site visit meeting in lieu of a pre-bid meeting.

Question 9

Please provide a size, insulation specifications, booster pump requirements on the Insulated, Domestic Water Supply Tank with Heater.

USACE Response 9 (21-Aug-17): The Contractor is responsible for determining a size, insulation specifications, booster pump requirements on the Insulated, Domestic Water Supply Tank with Heater, etcetera to complete the Work in conjunction with the phase design as specified in specification section 01 11 00 paragraph 1.1.1, "The Contractor shall design and construct a 4000 square foot (SF) prefabricated building..." … "The Contractor is responsible to provide all equipment, piping, wiring, controls, and appurtenances required to complete the Work." … "The contractor shall acquire all applicable water, sewer, and utility permits to ensure fully functional facility.” and in specification section 01 11 00 paragraph 1.2, Prefabricated Building Designs states "Design narrative and analysis including code analysis by all disciplines (e.g., civil, structural, electrical, plumbing, security)."

Question 10

Going over the approved manufacturers section of the specs, it calls for the building to be provided by Butler or A&S. We have access to Ceco, Alliance Building Systems, or Kirby (A Nucor company) as well. Would any of those be okay to bid with for the building?

USACE Response 10 (22-Aug-17): Specification Section 13 34 19 METAL BUILDING SYSTEM paragraph 2.1 METAL BUILDING SYSTEM MANUFACTURER allows for “Acceptable metal building system manufacturers include:

Butler…or Government-approved technical equivalent.” The three companies listed in the question are acceptable as long as their product meets all the other requirements outlined in the project plans and specifications. Please note that there is no Alliance Building System company that builds manufactured buildings. There is an Alliance Steel company that does build manufactured buildings and this would be the acceptable company.

Question 11

With regards to the approved manufacturers, A&S has indicated they do not intend to bid. Butler tells me the following:

“There is a provision in the metal building specifications under Warranty that calls for a no dollar limit roof weather tightness warranty. Butler does not have that provision in their warranty. They limit the warranty to $0.80/SF. Unless that is waived we would not be able to quote this project.”

Please advise?

USACE Response 11 (22-Aug-17): Butler's standard warranty is acceptable. The phrase "no dollar limit" was removed from paragraph 1.8 of Section 13 34 19, Metal Building System.

Question 12

General note #1 on drawing E-101 shows a continuation symbol but I could not locate the pad or pole mounted transformer that we need to run our conduit to for the Com-Ed service drop?

USACE Response 12 (23-Aug-17): These details shall be determined as result of the Contractor's coordination with ComEd.

Received on 8-17

Question 13 There does not appear to be any work related to fire protection (sprinklers, alarms, coatings, etc.) in the scope.

Please confirm.

USACE Response 13: Correct, there will not be any work related to fire protection (sprinklers, alarms, coatings, etc.) in the scope.

Question 14

Note 4 on Sheet C-501 states “The existing concrete foundations and asphalt and gravel pavements at the project site shall be removed and disposed of as an option to this contract…”

Please advise if this cost should be included in a specific Line Item as part of the base bad, or if it will be a change order following award, should the USACE decide to include it.

USACE Response 14: The Corps of Engineers Field Crew will be removing the existing concrete foundations and asphalt/gravel pavement and dispose of all construction waste by 31-Aug-17.

Question 15

Are room finish schedules available for the mechanical room, electrical room, and bathroom inside the storage building?

USACE Response 15: No. Per specification Section 01 11 00 SCOPE OF WORK (SOW) paragraph 1.1.1 the rooms are stud wall construction laid out and designed per the applicable building codes for each rooms intended use.

As part of this design the contractor shall choose the appropriate finish for the walls and submit per paragraph

1.2 SUBMITTALS a “Narrative describing… interior wall type… finish colors…”. Also the contractor is required to submit color boards for approval.

Question 16

Drawing P-101 calls for an “above-ground insulated container to house potable water tank and small heater.”

What size tank is required for this facility and is there a government required water service pressure at each fixture?

USACE Response 16: Section 01 11 00 paragraph 1.1.1 states “potable water tank has to be sized in accordance with UFC 3-240-01”. Determine fixture capacity in accordance with UFC 3-240-01 and UFC 3-420-01.

Question 17

Will the selected contractor be required to generate specifications for design-build features of the project i.e.

doors, interior framing, finishes, painting, etc. that are not included in the current specification?

USACE Response 17: No

Question 18

As a government facility, what level of Anti-Terrorism Force Protection is required for this facility and related site work?

USACE Response 18: In reference to the Contractors Antiterrorism question. If this is in reference to what the facility requires once the USACE begins operating from it, see the SOW. If this is in reference to with what the contractor must comply while operating on the site, nothing is needed.

USACE Response 18 (22-Aug-17): Anti-Terrorism Force Protection (AT-FP) requirements are inherent with the installation of the physical security measures prescribed in Section 01 11 00, paragraph 2.3. No additional AT-FP contract clauses pertain to this contract. In the event, the Site is impacted by a change to the force protection condition, the Contractor will be notified.

Question 19

Will AutoCAD .dwg files be acceptable in place of Microstation .dgn files for the CADD submittals?

USACE Response 19: No. If Contractor prepares in AutoCAD he will need to convert to Microstation and confirm that the design symbology (levels, colors, line weights, line styles, patterns, etc) converted correctly.

Question 20

Spec Section 01 11 00 lists due dates for each design phase (65% at 75 calendar days after NTP, 95% at 125 calendar days after NTP, and Final at 150 calendar days after NTP) but does not list a government review period.

What is the government review period for the each of the required design phases?

USACE Response 20 (21-Aug-17): A 14 calendar day review period for the Government has been added to respective submittal subparagraphs of paragraph 1.2 of Section 01 11 00, SOW.

Question 21 Are there any utility easements or controlled access easements on the property that would limit the contractor from securing and locking the double gate into the property? Access specific to ComEd utility service and NOAA facility.

USACE Response 21: Currently ComEd and NOAA have locks daisy-chained on the gates and the USACE would like those locks to be maintained. The Contractor can add their lock on the gate but the other locks will need to be maintained to ensure other utilities have access.

Question 22

The trench drains in the shop area are not connected to any of the waste piping or waste tank. Please confirm the trenches are not to be connected.

USACE Response 22 (21-Aug-17): The trenches and all other waste fixtures are to be connected to a fully functional waste disposal system as stated in Note 2 on sheet C-105 – “All plumbing (e.g., bathroom fixtures, trench drains, light-duty floor drains, water lines) shall be incorporated into a unified design.”

Question 23

General Note 7 on E-101 asks us to include the cost for internet to be brought in to the site. Please advise who the internet service provider is. Does the USACE already have service at a facility near the proposed building?

USACE Response 23 (21-Aug-17): This note will be deleted since per paragraph 1.1.1 of Section SOW, “The Government shall provide telecommunication capability…” Question 24

General Note 8 on E-101 asks us to include the cost for the electrical service upgrade to be included in the bid.

Determining this cost with ComEd can take months and will be difficult to estimate before the bid due date.

Would the USACE consider adding an allowance for this line item?

USACE Response 24: Yes. The Contractor shall make an allowance and the USACE will make it cost reimbursable line item. Refer to the response to question 1.

Question 25

Sheet C101 appears to show the existing site elevations. Where are the final grading and site elevations shown?

USACE Response 25 (21-Aug-17): The Corps of Engineers Field Crew is in the process of demolishing the building and the existing site elevations will change based upon the demolition work. The Government's site preparation work will be completed prior to NTP. A site survey will not be performed by the Government prior to the work.

The Contractor is to survey the site and use the existing grade as their base reference while designing level building foundation and is to grade the gravel pavement around the building with a 1% slope proceeding from the base of the foundation slab outward. The access road will have a 1% crown. The following text has been added paragraph 1.1.2 of Section 01 11 00. “The Contractor shall perform site surveys to ensure the building foundation is level and the facility is graded as noted on the Plans.”

Question 26

If there is spoil haul off for this project, who is providing the analytical testing and the required EPA 663 certification form?

USACE Response 26: In Section 01 57 20.01 03 (Environmental Protection for Illinois) of the project specifications, Paragraph 3.5.1, Solid Wastes explains the following:

"Soil material needs to be reused on the Calumet storage building Government property if possible. However, if some excess soil material requires transport off the Government property, this material must be taken to a permitted landfill that will accept the excess soil material for disposal in compliance with Federal, State, and local requirements. The Contractor shall be responsible for the identification and coordination with appropriate landfills and any and all requirements that may be necessary to ensure the excess soil material is disposed of properly at a permitted landfill in accordance with all applicable Federal, State, and local regulations and requirements. Documentation, including manifests, pertaining to solid waste and/or excess soil disposal shall be submitted along with the updates to the Environmental Protection Plan."

Form LPC-663 is for "uncontaminated" soil certification. As indicated by Section 00 31 24.13 (Soil Contamination Report) of the project specifications, it was presumed that none of the soil would qualify as "uncontaminated" soil, so this form would not be applicable. In accordance with the paragraph above, if there is soil that needs to be removed from the site for disposal, the Contractor will need to coordinate with and perform any testing required by the permitted landfill.

Question 27

What is the building finish slab elevation?

USACE Response 27: Per Specification Section 01 11 00 SCOPE OF WORK (SOW) paragraph 1.3.1 b and Note 15 on Sheet C-102 the finish elevation of the slab shall be 4” above the final grade.

Question 28

Is there a building foundation plan available?

USACE Response 28: No. The contactor is required to design the foundation. The nominal dimensions of the foundation can be found on sheet C-105. Also a description of the foundation requirements is in Specification Section 01 11 00 SCOPE OF WORK (SOW) paragraph 1.3.1 b.

Question 29

It appears that there is some water and sewer that will be coming out of the building. Is a site utility plan available?

USACE Response 29: No, the contractor is required to install a fully functional waste disposal system and a fully functional water supply system, both in accordance with the plans and specifications. There are no utilities on site to and from the city to convey in and out proper sewage and supply water.

Question 30

Does this Army Corp job require DOD certification? Or, are state certifications sufficient?

USACE Response 30 (21-Aug-17): The question is not clear. Please clarify the context of the “certification”.

Question 31

Regarding the Insulated, Domestic Water Supply Tank with Heater; what are the insulation requirements, is there back up power for the water heater, what is the source of the water, please verify the size of the tank, it this tank for drinking water along with other potable use?

USACE Response 31 (22-Aug-17): Section 01 11 00, paragraph 1.1.1 states, “Plumbing Systems and potable water tank and appurtenant features in accordance with UFC 3-240-01, Wastewater Collection.” Water heater sizing, backup power and insulation requirements are to be designed by the contractor to be in accordance with UFC 3-240-01. The water is for potable use, not drinking water. Source of water is being trucked-in on a periodic to as need basis.

Question 32

What are the booster pump requirements to get the toilets to flush?

USACE Response 32 (22-Aug-17): Section 01 11 00, paragraph 1.1.1 states, “Plumbing Systems and potable water tank and appurtenant features in accordance with UFC 3-240-01, Wastewater Collection.” Booster pump requirements are to be designed by the contractor to provide a fully functional system and will be evaluated during the phased-reviews (65%, 95% and 100%) noted in Section 01 11 00, paragraph 1.2, SD-01 Preconstruction Submittals, Prefabricated Building Designs.

Question 33

Is the City of Chicago code to be used instead of the International Building Code ( for example the City of Chicago requires for buildings located next to a river to have roof drains run a separate line to the river)?

USACE Response 32 (22-Aug-17): Per Specification Section 01 11 00 SCOPE OF WORK (SOW) paragraph 1.1.1 “The contractor shall design the building to meet local building codes…”. The project is located in the City of Chicago therefore the City of Chicago building code would be the primary code to use. In the case that something is not covered by the City of Chicago building code then the International Building Code shall be applied. Please note that there are no roof drains in the structure so the requirement for roof drains to run in a separate line to the river is not applicable.

Question 34

What are the site drainage requirements?

USACE Response 34 (21-Aug-17): See Note 16 on Phase sheet C-102, “Gravel pavement around the building shall be graded with a 1% slope proceeding from the base of the foundation slab outward. The access road will have a 1% crown.” The land around the facility will be graded by the Government.

Question 35

Is a triple basin required?

USACE Response 35 (21-Aug-17): No triple basin is required. Per paragraph 2.2 f. of Section 01 11 00, trench drains are to be connected to the waste water system.

Question 36 Are trench drains required?

USACE Response 36 (21-Aug-17): Yes. The trenches and all other waste fixtures are to be connected to a fully functional waste disposal system as stated in Note 2 on sheet C-105 – “All plumbing (e.g., bathroom fixtures, trench drains, light-duty floor drains, water lines) shall be incorporated into a unified design.”

Question 37

Where are the ties in for sewer, electrical, water, gas and data?

USACE Response 37 (21-Aug-17): There are no ties to existing sewer, water, or gas. The Contractor is responsible for coordinating the electric service tie-in with ComEd.

Question 38

Is data part of this work or will this be done under another contract?

USACE Response 38 (21-Aug-17): The question is not clear. Please clarify what “data” is being referred to in the question.

Question 39

Wages: Are prevailing wage rates for Chicago to be used for this project?

USACE Response 39: See Amendment No. 0002, wherein correcting the Wage Rates to General Decision Number: IL170009, dated 08/04/2017, which were attached therein. The prevailing wages for this project are for Cook County, state of IL.

Question 40

Will the project require a building permit from the City of Chicago?

USACE Response: 40 (21-Aug-17): Paragraph 1.9 of Section 01 57 20.01 03 states: “The Contractor shall comply with 40 USC 3312 and cooperate with State and Local officials but shall not be required to pay any amount for any action a State or a political subdivision of a State takes to carry out this statute. If there is written correspondence between the City of Chicago and the Contractor regarding applicable building or construction permits, and/or if any permits are acquired by the Contractor or inspections are conducted by the City of Chicago, the documentation needs to be included in the permit appendix of the environmental protection plan.”