Technical Questions and Answers.doc

1. On sheets A110, A116, and A121 enlarged floor plans it shows frame type W15 to have a single door with 2 sidelights. On sheet A601 Door Frame Types it shows type W15 to have a single door with 1 sidelight. Please clarify if sidelight should have 2 lights of glass or 1.

RESPONSE: Frame type W15 is to have one side light as shown on Glazed opening type W15 on sheet A-601.

2. On sheet A111 enlarged floor plan at doors 154A and 154B frame type W13 it shows no sidelight. On sheet A601 Door Frame Types it shows frame type W13 having a sidelight. Please clarify if these frames are to have a sidelight or not.

RESPONSE: Frame type W13 is to have a side light as shown on Glazed opening type W13 on sheet A-601.

3. On sheet A601 Door Frame Types door type D5 shows glass in the door but on sheet A600 Door and Window Schedule doors 170C and 170D door type D5 calls for no glass. Please clarify if these 2 doors require glass or not.

RESPONSE: Glazing is required for Doors 170C and 170D per the door type D5 on sheet A-601. Refer to glazing reference number on Door type D5 on sheet A-601 and glazing type schedule on sheet A-600.

4. The fabric for the draperies spec’d is an upholstery fabric, this particular fabric is very heavy and will not hang very well in a drapery. Do you have any alternates available? Also the spec mentions a sheer interlining, is this meant as a sheer drapery to hang behind the drape, or as an internal lining between the fabric and the blackout lining?

RESPONSE: The ArcCom fabric is basis of design. ArcCom will produce the pattern in a drapery weight. Alternates will be accepted and approved during submittal process. There is no sheer required. There is no interlining required. The window treatment consists of mini blinds and black out drapery.

5. The specifications section 07411 for the Regional Training Institute (RTI) list the basis of the specification of the roof panel assembly as a Merchant and Evans Zip Rib Panel. I had noticed under the performance requirements that a FMG 4471 approval is needed. According to the most current (May 2008) Factory Mutual Approval Guide, this panel does not comply with this requirement. In fact, none of the listed suppliers comply. This is due to the rigid insulation specified underneath the roof panel assembly. FM approval for the specified manufactures were tested directly to the steel deck with no insulation incorporated. Therefore, the specified testing requirement does not include those manufactures.

RESPONSE: The Basis of Design shall comply with UL790-Class A fire rating in accordance with ASTM E-108 or FMG 4471.

6. The only information I find on the brick is the sizes. What color is the brick?

RESPONSE: Color is to be selected by the Contracting Officer from the Manufacturer’s standard product samples.

7. Specification 15940, Page 1, 1.2 – HEATING CONTROL SEQUENCES, Paragraph A, Heating-Water temperature Control, 3 c - Modulate control valve to maintain heating- water supply temperature: Comments: The mechanical drawings M-401 & M606 do not shown any mixing valves in either of the two hot water piping systems. Do the two loops require mixing valves to control the supply water temperature?

RESPONSE: The two loops do not require mixing valves.

8. Specification 15940, Page 3, 1.3 –CENRAL REFRIGERATION EQUIPMENT SEQUENCES, Paragraph H3 – Condenser-Water Temperature 3: Action: Modulate control valve open to cooling tower and close to bypass…Page 2 Comments

The mechanical drawings M-401 & M606 do not shown any bypass valves in either of the cooling tower piping systems. Questions: Do the two cooling tower loops require bypass valves to bypass the cooling towers? Is the heat pump loop bypassed during the winter conditions and what is the freeze protection for the tower closed loop coil?

RESPONSE: The bypass valves are not required. A minimum flow through the towers for freeze protection is required.

9. Specification 15940, Page 4, 1.3 – CENRAL REFRIGERATION EQUIPMENT SEQUENCES, Paragraph J - Operator Station Display, The display items 30 through 35 are typical available on the chiller manufacturer control panel. Comments: We recommend that the chiller manufacturer provide a BACnet interface panel with the chiller package, so this information can be forwarded to the building automation system.

Questions: Will the chiller manufacturer provide a BacNET interface?

RESPONSE: The chiller manufacturer should provide his own control panel with the BacNET interface.

10. Specification 15940, Page 6 & 7, 1.4 AIR-HANDLING-UNIT CONTROL SEQUENCES, Paragraph B, Supply Fan (s) Variable Volume Control 4 c – Display

The specification indicates that the supply-fan airflow rate be displayed. Paragraph D, Return Fan (s) Variable Volume Control 3 c – Display. The specification indicates that the return-fan airflow rate be displayed. Comments: The mechanical (M4-120) and/or control drawings (M-702) does not show any type of airflow monitoring device. Questions: Does the (2) energy recovery units (ERU) require airflow stations?

RESPONSE: Yes.

11. 1.4 AIR-HANDLING-UNIT CONTROL SEQUENCES, Specification 15940, Page 7, Paragraph E, Preheat Coil: 5 c – Display The specification indicates that the preheat-coil pump operation indication. Comments: The only pumps shown on the mechanical drawings (M-401 & M-609) are the hot water pumps (HWP1 & 2) in the mechanical room on 1st floor. Questions: Is there a separate pump for this purpose?

RESPONSE: No. The only pumps for the heating hot water loop are located in the main mechanical room.

12. Specification 15940, Page 9, 1.4 AIR-HANDLING-UNIT CONTROL SEQUENCES, Paragraph H, Hydronic Heating Coil: 5 e – Display The specification indicates that the heating pump operation indication. Comments: The only pumps shown on the mechanical drawings (M-401 & M-609) the hot water pumps (HWP1 & 2) in the mechanical room on 1st floor. Questions: Is there a separate pump for this purpose?

RESPONSE: No. The only pumps for the heating hot water loop are located in the main mechanical room.

13. Specification 15940, Page 11, 1.5 TERMINAL UNIT OPERATING SEQUENCE

Paragraph a, Two Pipe, Single-Coil Water Source Heat Pump Unit:, 4 e – Display

The specification indicates that the BAS is to indicate control valve position. Comments: The heat pumps typically do not come equipped with a control valve.

Questions: Is there any type of control valve on these heat pumps?

RESPONSE: No. The flow device for each water source heat pump is based on the Load Match system circulators.

14. Drawing M-120, 3 FLOOR PLAN – Partial sector 4 & 5, the drawing shows a relief air louver for this area. Questions: Are there control dampers for the relief air louver?

RESPONSE: There are no relief louvers indicated. There are two outside air intakes and one exhaust air louver shown.

15. Referencing Specification Section 15083-25, Part 3.17, A-D & F-I, The material specified for these applications is “Mineral-fiber blanket, 2 inches thick, 3 lb./cu. ft. nominal density.” Mineral-fiber blanket does not come in 3 lb./cu. ft. density. Was it the intention to specify Mineral-fiber board or Mineral-fiber blanket in 3/4 lb./cu. ft. density?

RESPONSE: Ductwork insulation should be 2” in. thick with 1.0 pcf density. Insulation shall have a minimum R-6 value at 25% compression to meet ASHRAE 90.1 guidelines.

16. Referencing Specification Section 15083-28, Part 3.22, Sub-letters B, D & I, Sub-letter B states “If more than one material is listed, selection from materials listed is Contractor option”. If “None” is listed, does this mean we have the option not to use jacketing?

RESPONSE: Jacketing should be provided in locations where insulation may be subject to damage from normal traffic of maintenance personnel moving objects such as ladders, boxes, tool boxes, etc. In locations where insulation may not be subject to damage from normal traffic, then no jacketing is required. Recommend providing jacketing for exposed ductwork and piping 8’-0” above finished floor and below.

17. Referencing Specification Section 15082-25, Part 3.2, Sub-letters B-G, Sub-letter B states “If more than one material is listed, selection from materials listed is Contractor option”. If “None” is listed, does this mean we have the option not to use jacketing?

RESPONSE: Jacketing should be provided in locations where insulation may be subject to damage from normal traffic of maintenance personnel moving objects such as ladders, boxes, tool boxes, etc. In locations where insulation may not be subject to damage from normal traffic, then no jacketing is required. Recommend providing jacketing for exposed ductwork and piping 8’-0” above finished floor and below.

18. Please consider allowing Non AISC Companies for the Structural Steel Fabrication and Erection. In the past we have seen this requirement waived under the condition that a testing agency be employed by the company/contractor that is Not AISC Certified. This would ensure the Owner/Architect in receiving a quality product as well as a more competitive bid.

RESPONSE: Structural Steel Fabricator shall be AISC certified. This is a standard requirement in the industry.

19. Window mark W1, is scheduled as an aluminum window, receiving 60 minute fire rated glass. The specified type of window is not a fire rated product, therefore it cannot be glazed with the intention of being fire rated. Please provide specification for the fire rated/ blast windows to be used at mark W1.

RESPONSE: Provide fire rated windows where indicated on the enlarged plans by General Plan note N-2, and as required on sheet A-600. Provide steel frames that comply with the window rating requirements.

20. Glass schedule on sheet A-600, the labeling designations to not match up with the designations listed in the spec section 8800. Also, wire glass is no longer permitted for use in safety rated areas per Ohio building code. A filmed wire glass may be used.

RESPONSE: Wire glass is not required on this project. The Glazing types listed in section 8800 should be interpreted as follows:

Specifications:

Sheet A-600 glass types

GL-1

Glazing type 2

GL-2

Glazing type 4

GL-3

Glazing type 3

GL-4

Glazing type 1

GL-5

Glazing type 5

21. Please refer to drawing A-704 which shows restroom elevations for the RTI.

Elevations are showing the ceramic wall tile being installed with a 45 degree cut off in most elevations. Is this the manner in which the tile is to be installed, or is the tile to be installed at that height for the entire elevation?

RESPONSE: Tile on toilet elevations on sheet A-704 is to be installed at the height shown by the horizontal line. The tile pattern is continuous across all elevations. The 45 degree angle is a break line to maintain the clarity for other elevation components.

22. Contained in the Specification Sec. 02751 “Cement Concrete Pavement” for the RTI Project, there are references to Exposed Aggregate, Color, Chemical Surface Retarder, Rock Salt, and Colored Dry –Shake Hardener. These items are typically associated with Decorative Concrete. Looking at the Project Drawings (Civil and Landscape) I have not found where this is indicated.

RESPONSE: There is not any exterior “decorative” special finish concrete at the site. Disregard 02751, item 3.7, “special finishes”.

23. Is there Decorative Concrete involved with this Project? If so, which drawings can we find this at, and where can we find the selected Government color samples so we can include integral colors in our pricing.

RESPONSE: Yes, provide penetrating dye as noted in specification 03355, items 2.3C and 3.3D. Basis of Design shall be Concrete Polishing Solutions “Color Perfect” standard colors or equal. Submit colors for Contracting Officer approval. Refer to 03365 Polished Concrete Floors for additional requirements. Also, General Contractors shall refer to and provide required finishes and materials found in the schedules and plans on sheets A-650 through A-659 and as noted in the drawings and specifications.

24. Notes at typical paving sections per sheet C-301 indicate 12" lime stabilized sub grade. Section 02300 makes no reference to lime and its required application or limits. Please confirm whether lime stabilization is required, where it is required and at what specification we are to use?

RESPONSE: Lime Stabilized subgrade shall be provided as per Specification - ITEM 206 (ODOT) CHEMICALLY STABILIZED SUBGRADE, as included in the bidding documents.

25. Bike racks are shown and no specification is contained within the documents.

RESPONSE: Provide BARCO Products or approved Government Equal to the size and dimensions shown on Sheet C-519. Standard galvanized finish to be provided.

26. Planting schedule sheet L-500 describes a "Berm Option 1". Solicitation does not indicate any options for this solicitation?

RESPONSE: Delete references to Berm Option 1 on plan. All plantings to be bid as base bid.

27. No flagpole is indicated on the plans but it is specified?

RESPONSE: Reference Sheets C-403, L-100 and A-506.

28. How can we obtain the written Geological Report that coincides with the published borings?

RESPONSE: See the geotech report posted as part of this addendum.

29. Can we assume the Staging area defined on sheet C-001 is for this project only?

RESPONSE: Yes. Staging area shown on C-001 is for the RTI project. This location is adjacent to other staging areas for other building and site development projects at this facility. General Contractor shall provide a staging plan per General note 15 on sheet G-002 and coordinate and cooperate with others working in same general vicinity.

30. Can we assume the suggested phasing schedule on sheet C-011 will not be considered a basis to determine our price? It currently shows paving during the 4th to 5th month. If there is an award made within 60 days, these activities are shown to be performed during the winter and the associated costs will escalate.

RESPONSE: Yes. Suggested phasing only. Paving will only be permitted within ambient temperature conditions as outlined in the specifications (See SECTION 02741 - HOT-MIX ASPHALT PAVING and SECTION 02751 - CEMENT CONCRETE PAVEMENT) for specific requirements.

31. On sheet A600 door schedule doors 139A & 1654 calls for frame type CW/W10 which is curtain wall with a sidelight on each side. On sheet A111 enlarged floor plan it shows no sidelight. It also references detail 4 on sheet A511 which shows storefront. Please clarify if they have sidelights and are they curtain wall or storefront? Do doors 139B & 165B have sidelights? There are none shown on the floor plan but the frame type calls for them.

RESPONSE: There are to be no sidelights on doors 139A and 165A. On the door schedule sheet A-600 for doors 139A and 165A, the frame type should read “F7”. Delete the reference of the frame type CW/W10 for doors 139A and 165A and delete the reference to Detail 4 on sheet A-511 which is referenced from sheet A-111.

32. Please clarify the limits of the scope of work for the Audio Visual Equipment for the base bid.

RESPONSE: The A/V Equipment and General Contractor’s scope of work requirements are indicated on the Architectural and Electrical drawings, sheet G-002, General Project Notes and in the Project specifications.

33. Please clarify the limits of the scope of work for the Voice/Data for the base bid.

RESPONSE: All voice/data work is furnished and installed by the contractor including horizontal and backbone cabling, pathways, connectors, patch panels, equipment racks, labeling, and testing and as noted on sheet G-002, General Project Notes.

34. Please clarify the limits of the scope of work for the Security System for the base bid.

RESPONSE: See notes on sheet E-508 and E-624. The Government furnished and installs card readers and backboxes. The Government furnishes and installs door position switches (magnetic switches). The contractor furnishes and installs some electric strikes and electric locksets and the Government furnishes and installs some electric strikes and electric locksets. See notes 3 and 8 on sheet E-508. Access control junction boxes are furnished and installed by the contractor. All security conduit shown on the drawings (except for branch circuits to access control junction boxes) are empty with pull strings and is furnished and installed by the contractor. Branch circuits to access control junction boxes are furnished and installed by the contractor including wire and conduit. Intrusion detection control panels with keyboards, motion sensors (PIR), and seismic vibration sensors) are furnished and installed by the Government and as noted on sheet G-002, General Project Notes.

35. Regarding the Food Service Equipment, please verify that all kitchen equipment is to be provided by and installed by the General Contractor except as noted on the responsibility schedules found on A-950 and A-951. There are no allowances assigned for the Contractor to include in the base bid.

RESPONSE; General Contractor shall provide and install kitchen equipment as noted on sheets A-950 through A-963 and as noted on the Architectural, Mechanical, Plumbing, Fire Protection and Electrical drawings and as specified in the Project Manual.

36. In section 16716 (Communications Backbone Cabling), part 2.3 (UTP Cable), paragraph B is a description of the UTP cable that states it is a 4-pair cable, and subparagraph 3 states that it must “Comply with TIA/EIA-568-B2, Category 6.” But according to the drawings, it calls for 50 pair and 300 pair cables to be installed for “telephone” (backbone?) cable. Would you clarify if we are to use 4-pair Category 6 cable or should we use Category 3 (high-count) cabling for the telephone backbone?

RESPONSE: Use 4 pair Cat 6 cabling for horizontal runs, and use Cat 3 cabling for backbone cabling.

37. In section 16717 (Communications Horizontal Cabling), part 2.3 (UTP Cable), paragraph B is a description of the UTP cable that states it is a 4-pair UTP formed into 25-pair binder groups, and subparagraph 3 states that it must “Comply with TIA/EIA-568-B2, Category 6.” Would you clarify that this is a 4-pair Category 6 cable, and that it would not be formed into 25-pair binder groups?

RESPONSE: Horizontal cabling will be 4 pair Cat 6 cabling. There will be no 25-pair binder groups for the horizontal cabling.

38. On the drawings, Note # 4 says to route voice/data cabling from outlets in conduit concealed in wall to above assessable ceiling and continue in conduit over to cable tray. If this is the case, then is it safe to assume that no individual cable hangers (J-Hooks) would be required for this project?

RESPONSE: J-Hooks will not be used for this project.

39. Would you elaborate on the equipment racks/cabinets that are to be installed in the comm rooms? The specifications only refer to the EIA 310 standard and the drawings call for a 19” by 90” communications equipment rack in a lockable 24” by 42” cabinet. The drawing does indicate that vertical wire management is to be installed. Do you want a cabinet with 19” rails installed in it? You also ask for front & back vertical wire management with covers on it. I don’t know of a listed manufacture that provides this, and can be mounted in a cabinet. Would you clarify this and provide additional information?

RESPONSE: Open 19” equipment racks as described in the specifications are acceptable.

40. On the RTI Project, the Cast-In-Place Concrete (03300) under Concrete Materials it states Type III Cement (Normal Portland Type). Should this be Type I (instead of the Type III High Early)?

RESPONSE: Yes, provide Type I cement.

41. On the RTI Project, the Cast-In-Place Concrete (03300) under Concrete Materials it states Type III Cement (Normal Portland Type). Should this be Type I (instead of the Type III High Early)?

RESPONSE: Refer to response 40.

42. On the RTI Project, the Cast-In-Place Concrete (03300) under Concrete Materials it states Type III Cement (Normal Portland Type). Should this be Type I (instead of the Type III High Early)?

RESPONSE: Refer to response 40.

43. Should we expect the existing roads to support legal wheel load limits without damage?

RESPONSE: Load capacity of existing roadways is not known. Contractor shall make his own assumptions and determinations. Refer to General note 15 on sheet G-002 and Division One specifications.

44. Sheet L-500 note 23 and section 02920.3.5.A.4 have comments about an alternate price to provide hydroseeding. I do not find a place on the Offer sheet for this alternate. Further, what is the base bid condition? The specifications describe both spreading with seed machine and hydroseeding.

RESPONSE: Delete references to alternate bid on plan. Hydroseeding to be bid as base bid.

45. Sheet S-001 note 9 under SOIL PREPARATION AND FOUNDATIONS states slab pours can either be 400sf maximum (not cost effective nor practical) or continuously poured. There has to be a practical limit to “continuous”. Would the partial areas defined by the KEY PLAN each be considered a “continuous pour”? Please clarify.

RESPONSE: Slab on grade may be poured based on the extents indicated on the Enlarged Partial Foundation plans S-110 through S-115 drawings. However, sawcuts shall be provided at a maximum 400sf. Provide construction joints at the building expansion joints as indicated on the drawings.

46. Section 05500.2.12 specifies cast iron ds boots, detail 5/C507 notes polyethylene. Please clarify.

RESPONSE: Provide cast iron boots 24” long to transition from 4” x 5” rectangular downspouts to 4” round PVC Pipe (underground).

47. Sheet A541 notes special painting requirements for the guardrail, “…as specified”. I can not find those specifications in Project Manual. Please clarify.

RESPONSE; Refer to specifications section 05721, 2.9 Steel and Iron Finishes.

48. I am unclear where section 07131 is applied on the project. 2/S201 says “vapor barrier” at elevator pit. Please clarify.

RESPONSE: The sheet waterproofing is to be used at all elevator pits.

49. What tests are intended for 07841.3.3.A and 07842.3.3.A?

RESPONSE: Penetration firestopping is performed according to ASTM E 2174 and fire resistive joint systems performed according to ASTM E 2393.

50. S-001 SOIL PREPARATION AND FOUNDATIONS notes 1, 3, and 4 refer to Geotechnical Report for soil prep recommendations. I only find the soil borings log in the documents. The drawings and specs do show 12” lime stabilization. Please provide more information via the soils report.

RESPONSE: See the geotech report posted as part of this addendum.

51. Specification 01811 for the RTI describes sustainable design requirements. These requirements are consistent with requirements for LEED certification through the USGBC. Is this building going for LEED certification, and if so, what is the goal number of points?

RESPONSE: The project is not required to be USGBC LEED certified.

52. As related to question 51 above, if this project, and the other building bidding (USPFO and CSMS), go for LEED certification will each building be a separate submission or will they all be submitted as one project?

RESPONSE: No, however the General Contractor is responsible for the project related sustainable design requirements and sustainable design submittals as noted in the specifications and drawings.

53. As related to question 51 above, if the project is going for LEED certification will the contractor be responsible for the actual submission to the USGBC or will the owner have this responsibility?

RESPONSE: No. Refer to responses 51 and 52.

54. Sheet C-403 states that the circular hard surface area in front (north) of the RTI building is to be flexible asphalt in the base bid with an Option 1 to provide the pavers as shown. The Solicitation Contract Form does not allow for this option. Please advise.

RESPONSE: Include pavers as part of Base Bid and disregard any reference to Option 1.

55. Sheets C-109, C404, C519 & C520 refers to the two gazebos and associated concrete pads as Additive Bid 3. The Solicitation Contract Form does not allow for this Additive Bid. Please advise.

RESPONSE: Provide concrete pads as a part of the Base Bid for the future Government installed gazebos and disregard reference to additive Bid 3.

56. Sheets A-125 & A-706: Are the adjustable wall hung mail slots to be included in our bid package? If so, are they pre-manufactured metal units or are they to be covered under Spec Section 06402 Interior Architectural Woodwork? If pre-manufactured, please provide a specification. If woodwork, please provide details.

RESPONSE: Section 06402 specifies various types of interior architectural woodwork, including the mail slots. The letter drops are specified in Section 10550.

57. Sheet C-004, Note 4 states “See Specifications/Project Manual For Geotechnical Report”. Am I not finding this report or did it get left out of the specifications?

RESPONSE: See the geotech report posted as part of this addendum.

58. Is the Gypsum Roof sheathing required, as indicated on the roofing details? If so, where is this material described in the specifications?

RESPONSE: Gypsum Board sheathing is not required for roofing.