Fire_Station_RFI_Responses_(004).pdf

1. Can you please elaborate on the length of use for the bunkhouses? The International building code defines a temporary structure as in existence for 180 days or less.

A: The intent of this RFP is to provide temporary structures, however the structures may be used longer than 180 days.

2. Will above grade foundations (i.e. ABS pads) be acceptable if this is indeed a temporary facility, or shall footings applicable to light frame construction in accordance with chapter 18 of the IBC be required? Typically, the temporary status of the structure allows the AHJ the ability to accept the omission of footings.

A: Above grade foundations are acceptable.

3. Will any local building permits need to be obtained by the awarded contractor?

A: Yes, the contractor will need to obtain building permits. The contractor can contact Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR), Directorate of Public Works (DPW), and the local Fire Chief for any permit requirements.

4. Please confirm that the firehouse structure is defined as Risk Category IV (Essential Facilities- Fire, rescue, and police stations) and not Risk Category II; with the corresponding importance factors as required.

A: Category IV

5. Please provide a soil a report for the 2 locations for proper foundation design. If a soil report is unavailable will the awarded contractor have to provide one? If a soil report is not required, can a soil classification be provided as required for a determination of presumptive soil bearing capacity that is needed for adequate foundation design?

A: No soil report is available or required. Soil classification can be found at www.pr.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/Soil_Survey/

6. Please elaborate on what is expected as far as design documentation. Will a full set of construction drawings be required by the awarded contractor (site drawings, site electrical, site plumbing etc.) or simply the modular building shop drawings, foundations, and access systems and a “conceptual site design be required? Please be as specific as possible.

A: Conceptual site design, building floorplan design, one line diagrams showing where utilities will be ran and any other plans called for in the required permits.

7. When is the expected project award date?

A: Award is anticipated to occur mid-December.

8. Can a list of FFE be provided? Section 1.2.6 lists some items however section 1.2.12 states the facility shall be furnished in accordance with function… This is pretty broad and allows for a wide range of interpretation… A: Contractor shall only supply appliances

9. Please elaborate on “structures shall be designed for Seismic Category IV”. This appears to be an outdated version of the code… Is this meant to read Seismic Design Category D? Please confirm.

A: Use the most recent version of the code in accordance with the USVI location.

10. Can the International Plumbing Code be used in place of the Uniform Plumbing Code?

A: Yes, International Plumbing Code or Local Plumbing Code, whichever is more stringent.

11. Section 1.2.2 states that the structures salient characteristics shall conform with ASHRAE standards… There are many ASHRAE standards, some of which we do not believe is the intent of this

RFP (ASHRAE 90.1 Energy Standards for Buildings…, ASHRAE 189.1 Standards for High Performance Green Buildings, etc.). Can you please confirm that the standard being addressed in this section simply ASHRAE 62.1-Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality is all that is required, or if other ASHRAE standards are required, can we be provided a list of applicable standards?

A: Yes, 62.1 is the only standard required.

12. Similar to question #11; section 1.2.1 states the structures need to conform with NFPA standards. There are many NFPA standards, some of which we do not believe is the intent of the RFP… Can you please confirm the applicable NFPA standards to be followed. We believe the only relevant standards are NFPA 101-Life Safety Code, NFPA 10-Portable fire Extinguishers, NFPA 70-National Electrical Code and NFPA 13-Standards for fire sprinkler system. Please provide any other NFPA standards that will be required.

A: It appears NFPA 101, 10, 70 and 13 are the only relevant standards.

13. Shall contractor assume adequate water pressure is supplied by domestic water lines for fire suppression and other plumbing needs for the Zulu site? Shall the cistern listed for the Tango site be used for fire suppression as well? Does it have the necessary flow rate? How is the cistern constructed?

Is it a water tower type, or below ground? If below ground how will is the necessary water pressure to be supplied to feed the fixtures and fire suppression system? Is a pump required by the awarded contractor? Please provide all available information for the cistern that is intended to be used.

A: The contractor shall assume that the water pressure is not adequate for a fire suppression system for either fire station. For Tango fire station, contractor shall assume the water cistern is not adequate to be used for fire suppression. Contractor shall assume that a stand-alone tank pump system will be necessary.

14. Please confirm that per section 1.2.3 of the SOW that the facility will need to be insulated per the prescriptive standards defined in the International Energy Conservation Code for the appropriate climate zone.

A: The intent of the statement was to ensure that the building envelope is properly sealed and insulated not to meet the International Energy Conservation Codes.

15. How long will the USACE need to review submittals. Contractor is required to provide conceptual design within 5 days of NTP, however it does not state how long the Government will take to review for approval before work may begin.

A: 5 working days

16. Will any awarded contract be a DPAS rated order? If so, will this be a DX or DO rated order?

A: No.

17. Will exterior windows and doors be required to meet ASTM E 1996- Standard Specification for Performance of Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, Doors, and Impact Protective Systems Impacted by Windborne Debris in Hurricanes? Similarly, are any windows required at all? There is no mention of windows in the SOW nor are they illustrated on the conceptual drawing.

A: All windows and doors shall meet ASTM E 1996. Both Tango and Zulu shall have 1 window in the kitchen and 1 window in the living area.

18. What type of construction shall be supplied for building access systems (i.e. metal, wood, etc.)?

Is there any requirement at all for the type of material used?

A: Means and methods shall be determined by the contractor. Building access systems shall be anchored and meet ASCE 7 standards.

19. Would an extension be possible to a weekday as opposed to Saturday 12/9?

A: An extension is possible. Please see forthcoming amendment.

20. Is Vinyl Composite tile acceptable for the wet areas (i.e. bathrooms) of should commercial grade rolled goods be supplied so as to provide an impervious floor finish?

A: Means and methods shall be determined by the contractor. No impervious floor is needed.

21. Please provide information on any Fire Detection system required along with reporting requirements.

A: Smoke detectors shall be placed in accordance with all applicable codes. The contract does not require any reporting requirements.

22. Is there any requirements for Voice/Data/Telecom/security for the structures?

A: Structure shall be wired for voice/data/telecom/cable but the user will set up these services.

23. Would you please confirm if the subject fire station building should be considered as Residential occupancy or commercial occupancy? Since the firemen are living/sleeping/eating meals at the station, it would be considered residential occupancy per the IBC. Please advise if NFPA 13R (Sprinkler systems for low-rise residential occupancies) sprinkler system is allowable?

A: Commercial Occupancy

24. We see a small transformer that probably powers existing building. Is this transformer big enough to power new fire stations? If not, do we need to install a new transformer, or it will be provided by the Water and Power Authority (WAPA)?

A: Fire Station Tango - The transformer at Tango will be able to support the new structure. Fire Station Zulu - The existing transformer should support the new modular building, if not WAPA will replace the transformer with a larger unit. Contractor shall provide electrical load requirements to USACE prior to any structures being installed.

25. Did not see any mention of telephone communications outlets or a phone board. Is this something that can be left out?

A: Structure shall be wired for voice/data/telecom/cable but the user will set up these services.

26. Is the fire panel required or local battery-operated smoke detectors are sufficient for each room?

A: Local battery-operated smoke detectors for each room are sufficient.

27. Is there any requirement for backup generator and ATS (automated transfer switch) for the building in case of a power loss?

A: Yes. See paragraph 2.7.3.