Government Response to Request for Information 23FEB23.docx

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UTES 2 BAY Addition: Pre-Engineered Metal Building with 30 Ton Crane
Solicitation number
W91364-23-B-0002
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This document contains a solicitation for a firm fixed price construction contract and responses to questions about the solicitation. The solicitation is for Project No. 390321 to construct an approximately 6,480 square foot addition to an existing Unit Training Equipment Site vehicle maintenance facility at Camp James A. Garfield Joint Military Training Center in Ravenna, Ohio. The addition will be a pre-engineered metal building to match the existing facility, with metal exterior roof and wall panels and space for two drive-through work bays. The solicitation also includes nine options. Interested offerors must register in the System for Award Management and submit offers by the date and time specified in block 13 of the solicitation to be considered for the firm fixed price construction contract award. The response document provides clarification on questions about fence and tree removal requirements, plumbing specifications, and other project details.

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Government Responses to Request for Information

1. Lightning Protection

a. RFI: Drawing E-102 calls for connection to the buried counterpoise ground ring on the existing building. From experience we feel it is highly doubtful that a ground loop exists on the existing building. Since LP is an alternate on the existing building should a new ground loop on the existing building be included in our alternate price for LP on the existing building? A ground loop is called for on drawing E-103 ABI#3 however substantial amounts of landscaping and pavement demo and replanting repaving will be required, is this the intent of the specification? From Aerial view an existing building ground loop is a major expense and coordination will be difficult in vehicle egress. May we suggest terminations to ground rods only on the existing building? Please confirm alternate pricing requirements. Also if LP is accepted on the existing building can it be done with exposed down conductors?

b. Government Response: Questions 1 and 2 Response: Agreed, most likely an existing ground loop does not exist. A new ground loop around the existing building can be deleted at this time (see response for Question 3). Question 3 Response: Providing connections/terminations to ground rods (existing building only) is acceptable as long as this install is in accordance with obtaining the UL Master Label (UL 96a). Question 4 Response: Exposed down conductors are acceptable.

2. Lightning Protection

a. RFI: Spec 264113 calls for a UL master Label and an LPI Certification. The entire building both new and existing is required for the UL Master Label. If the Alternate is not accepted a Master Label is impossible to obtain for just the addition. An LPI certification is virtually the same criteria as the UL Master Label; does the owner want both certificates? Each carries approximately a $3,000 cost to obtain.

b. Government Response: Contractor should provide for the UL 96a Certification (Master Label). Both certifications are not required. It is understood that if only the new building (addition) is provided with an LPS and not the existing structure then a Certification (master Label) is not possible.

3. Lightning Protection

a. RFI: Specification calls for copper cable. Copper materials are not permitted on aluminum or galvanized or galvalume type roofs due to dissimilar metals. Can we price the roof work in aluminum conductors and appurtenances? Spec calls for stainless steel air terminals, no one uses SS air terminals on typical ordinary buildings. SS is only used in high corrosive areas and is very expensive. Can we use traditional aluminum air terminals that are UL listed for this application? E-102 calls for exposed down conductors, the boiler plate spec calls for concealed down conductors. We would recommend exposed down cables to eliminate roof penetrations. Can we price this with exposed down cables?

b. Government Response: Questions 1 and 2 Response: Aluminum conductors, air terminals and appurtenances are acceptable. Provide all that is required to eliminate the dissimilar metals issue. Question 3 Response: Exposed down conductors are acceptable.

4. Construction Schedule

a. RFI: A) Period of performance is identified as May 4, 2023 - May 3, 2024. NPDES Permit drawing C-108 where the permit needs to be filed 21 days prior to the start of construction (administrative notes) the sediment pond and perimeter barriers must be installed as first step of grading and within 7 days from the starting of clearing and grubbing. B) Further conflicts with the schedule include the restrictions for felling trees, removing stumps, removing brush and grasses from the site as identified on drawing C-107 Demolition notes 7 and Specification sections 01 3.2 Grass and Brush will not be moved between April 15th and August 15th C) and specification section 01 22 21 Environmental Procedures Tree clearing must not take place between March 1st and October 31st.D) The first step in the project is to set up the perimeter of the construction limits followed by installing the SWPPP components to include the silt fence and Sediment pond along with the construction drive and concrete washout pit. As is drawn now the sediment pond couldn't be built until the fall of 2023. E) Possible solutions could be to clear in early fall 2023 but that is in conflict with the SWPP.

b. Government Response: 1A) Yes, the contractor is required to submit and pay for the NOI a minimum of 21 days before starting. The requirement is to obtain an OH EPA Storm Water Construction permit (010000-11 General Requirements 1.31). The 21 days NOI submittal is specified to include the EPA processing time in the project schedule. It is not a requirement to submit the NOI exactly 21 days before starting. The intent is to get the NOI submitted so issue of the EPA stormwater construction permit does not hold up groundbreaking. It would be prudent of the winning contractor to submit it even sooner - as soon as the SWP3 is complete and as soon after the contract award as possible. The drawings are not a SWP3. The drawings are part of the SWP3. The A&E will have to complete the SWP3 and put it in a binder for the Contractor IAW Section 4.6 of the OHARNG ENV Procedures. Get the OH EPA Construction permit ASAP so it does not delay work. Install the sediment and erosion control BMPs ASAP after the OH EPA permit is obtained. Applicable BMPs must be installed before clearing starts. The permit will be in the contractor's name and subs who move dirt are required to be co-permittees. 1B) Don't understand what is a further conflict? 1A is not a conflict. Correct, that tree felling cannot take place between 1 April to 30 Sep. Because of delays in getting this project out for bid, the government will fell all trees 3” in diameter and larger before 1 April so we are in compliance with the Endangered Species Act in regard to bat habitat. The contractor will be required to remove the felled trees and stumps from CJAG and to clear and prepare the site for construction. These activities can commence after 30 March as long as the trees are felled. Felled trees can be cleared from the site. Grass and brush mowing is not really part of this project. The requirement is to not disturb nesting birds. If brush must be cut between 15 April and 15 Aug, the contractor is required to make sure there are no nesting birds in the vegetation before cutting. Bird nesting will not be a concern in the project area. 1C) Tree felling is permitted from 1 October to 31 March (over winter). Tree felling is not permitted between 1 April and 30 September (during bat brood season). Trees on the ground can be removed as can stumps year-round. 1D) Correct, the current delayed timeline means the government must fell the trees in-house so the project can proceed in April or May. 1E) Correct. Already addressed in above questions.

5. Fence, Tree Clearing, Pest Mitigation, Hazardous Waste/Ground Water

a. 1. Drawing C-103, Sheet Coded Notes, Note 8. Temporary Project Construction Fence. Is this fence 4' high snow fence with steel stakes every 10' or is this 5' high chain link fence with post every 10'? Can you please identify what the "Temporary Project Construction Fence" is to be made of? 2. Specifications 01 22 00 - 22 10.3.4 identifies all trees cut down up to 10" in diameter and over 8'-6" long will be limbed and stacked for OHANG to salvage for sawmill. Are there any trees over 10" Diameter? If so, they are not to be salvaged for sawmill and must be removed from site? Limbs and trees for firewood are those trees and limbs between 4" and 10" in diameter that are not suitable for sawmill (not straight) with lengths of 4'-6" to 9' long. All other trees, limbs and debris must be removed from site. Is this interpretation correct? The specifications identify Pest Management, Asbestos Containing Materials and Contaminated Water mitigation. Is there any known or anticipated Pest, Hazardous Materials or Contaminated Water that is anticipated to be mitigated associated with this project?

b. Government Response: 1) Use 4' high orange snow fence in all non-paved areas. Use the 5' high chain link fence on stands in all paved and gravel areas. All temporary fencing shall be removed at end of project. 2) The citation states that trees 10" diameter inside bark at the small end that are at least 8'6" long are sawtimber. The government salvaged some of the merchantable sawtimber from the project area in 2016. At that time the footprint was smaller. There are trees with minimum lengths of 8’6” that are 10” or larger in diameter inside bark at the small end within the project area. The government does not want or require the remaining sawtimber or poletimber to be stacked on site for salvage by the government. IAW 010000-12 1.24 D "All trees, treetops, and stumps cleared from the site shall be diverted by the CONTRACTOR from a landfill to a mulch yard or wood burning power plant. This diversion is reported as recycling of organic waste." Utilizing the trees and stumps as firewood or chipping them for use as mulch are acceptable reuses. Whatever is done to recycle/reuse the woody material/waste must be stated in the contractor's ENV Work Plan. The wood waste must be recycled or reused and taken off site by the CONTRACTOR. 3) The government assumes the reference is to the ENV Procedures 01 22 00 - 22. The ENV Procedure identify requirements if your work includes use of pesticides, hazardous materials, contaminated water, etc. if you intend to use pesticides, you are required to comply with the requirements stated in the ENV Procedures. If you have to discharge water, you need to make sure you do it IAW with applicable environmental law. Water in a footer is generally contaminated with sediment. Normal process is to discharge to an upland area through a filter bag. If it's clear and not contaminated, it can probably be pumped to an upland area onto a piece of plywood to dissipate. Dewater through a filter bag is what is expected. The only known asbestos in the existing building is in the fire-doors. If you remove any of the asbestos, you need to comply with applicable waste management and disposal requirements. You'll have concrete, caulking, maybe epoxy, fuel, sealants, paint, and probably other hazardous materials on site. If you can't eat it, consider it hazardous. You will need to identify these items in your Env. Work Plan (hazmat storage location required to be identified on the SWP3 site map as well) and tell me where they will be stored and how managed to include associated waste. The ENV Procedures pretty much walk you through what we require and expect on the job site.

6. Lighting Fixtures A & B Borosilicate Glass Lens

a. RFI: Drawing E - 104, Light Fixture Notes, 2, specifies "BOROSILICATE PRISMATIC GLASS REFRACTOR. THE USE OF TEMPERED CLEAR GLASS, POLYCARBONATE OR ACRYLIC OPTICS ARE NOT PERMITTED." Our electrical contractors states that their distributors couldn't find a manufacture that provides the specified lens. Can you please provide basis of design or revise specifications for product types readily available?

b. Government Response: Borosilicate Prismatic Glass is how the manufacturer refers to their glass lens (Holophane PHZ LED High Bay Fixture). Tempered frosted glass lens is perfectly acceptable. polycarbonate and/or acrylic lens could potentially be used if the manufacturer guarantees in writing that the lens will never "yellow" or become discolored in any way over the life of the fixture.

7. Telco Conduit

a. RFI: Drawing E - 105, The Telco Conduit detail on drawing E-105 shows rigid GRC. Can a 2" transition to EMT take place at some point or does it need to be rigid GRC the entire way?

b. Government Response: It is requested that GRC be used in the "Bay" areas. However, EMT is acceptable in the office/administration area of the building.

8. Conduit Under and Through Radiant Floor

a. RFI: In the addition there is radiant floor tubing. Can electric conduits run underneath the radiant floor tubing and up the perimeter walls?

b. Government Response: The concrete floor was structurally designed with radiant floor tubing (RFT) being installed. However, electric conduits can be run in the drainage course below the insulation. The radiant flooring will be near 125 – 130 Degrees Fahrenheit. Vertical conduit penetrations are permissible along the perimeter of the slab in accordance with manufacturers requirements.

9. Fire Alarm

a. RFI: The mechanical drawings reference a fire alarm in several areas. Nothing is shown on the electrical drawings and there is nothing shown in the specifications. Who is responsible for the fire alarm, wiring, design and submission to the state for approval?

b. Government Response: There is no fire alarm system designed and/or required to be installed on this project. Smoke detectors are not required in 100 % outdoor air HVAC units where the air distribution system is incapable of spreading smoke to other areas within the building.

10. RFI Deadline:

a. RFI: What is the deadline for submitting RFI’s?

b. Government Response: 4:00pm EST 28FEB2023. To allow the Government to respond to all RFI’s NLT 6MAR2023.

11. Tree Removal.

a. RFI: In regards to tree removal: Are chips staying on site? Is the wood staying on site (millable logs and firewood)? Are stumps being ground or dug out and hauled away?

b. Government Response: Are chips staying on site? No. Is the wood staying on site (millable logs and firewood)? No. Are stumps being ground or dug out and hauled away? This is up to the CONTRACTOR, but it probably makes best sense to dig them up and haul them off-site for recycling (ground into mulch) than grinding them in place because the stumps will be located in areas that require excavation and grading – most are in the stormwater detention pond location. Due to the delayed advertisement of this project, the government will fell all trees 3” in diameter and larger within the project footprint. The felled trees will be left on site. The CONTRACTOR is required to clear the site of all felled trees, brush, and stumps and to remove the material from the property. Disposition is off-site. IAW 010000-12 1.24 D "All trees, treetops, and stumps cleared from the site shall be diverted by the CONTRACTOR from a landfill to a mulch yard or wood burning power plant. This diversion is reported as recycling of organic waste." Utilizing the trees and stumps as firewood or chipping them for use as mulch are acceptable reuses. Whatever is done to recycle/reuse the woody material/waste must be stated in the contractor's ENV Work Plan. The wood waste must be recycled or reused and taken off site by the CONTRACTOR.

12. Wage Determination.

a. RFI. I didn't see any wage determination in the W91364-23-B-0002 Solicitation UTES 2 Bay Addition. Can you please provide a wage determination.

b. Government Response: See SF 1449 at Section 00 21 00, Instructions, paragraph 6. Construction Wage Rate Requirements shall be the prevailing wage determination included in OH20230097.

Questions received but not yet answered which will be answer on or before 6MAR2023, below:

13. Plumbing Scope of Work

a. RFI: 1) Please Advise if Contractor to Pay for Plumbing Permit? 2) Please Advise if Contractor Allowed to Use Schedule 40 PVC for Below Grade and Above Grade Sanitary Piping? 3) Drawing P601 shows a Plumbing Fixture Schedule. Keynote 2 says "Contractor is to Provide Basis of Design Plumbing Fixture Per the Fixture Schedule of Approved Equal". Please Advise/Provide Basis of Design Manufacturer Products. These are Missing from P601 Fixture Schedule. 4) Drawing P501 Detail 5 (Hose Reel Detail) indicates 1" Drop to Hose Reels. Drawing P603 Riser Diagram indicates 3/4" Drops. Please Confirm Size of Piping Drops. 5) Please Provide Specification for Trench Drains. Drawing P102 Keynote 2 Indicates New Trench Drain and P601 shows on Plumbing Fixture Schedule. However, Did Not See Manufacturer or Model Noted on Plumbing Fixture Schedule.

b. Government Response:

14. Existing UTES Bay PEMB Manufacturer

a. RFI: Please Advise Manufacture of the Existing UTES Pre-Engineered Metal Building System.

b. Government Response:

15. MAU Heat Recovery Unit Alternative

a. RFI: Are Rapid direct fired make up air units with heat recovery for this project an acceptable alternative?

b. Government Response:

16. Floor Radiant Heat Tubes

a. RFI: Will the in floor radiant heat tubes need to be on insulated panels, like a creatherm?

b. Government Response:

17. Embossed Building Panels.

a. RFI: Existing building panels are embossed, most panels being made today are fabricated by the same company and do not offer embossed panels. Is it acceptable to match the panel pattern without the embossing?

b. Government Response:

18. Chain-Link Fence.

a. RFI: Plans call for new chain-link barbwire fencing to match the existing. The chain-link fence detail on C-110 do not match existing. Please advise on which fencing should be priced.

b. Government Response:

19. Permitting.

a. RFI: General Note 2 on G-002 says contractor to pay for permits. What permits are required, have they been submitted to the county and what are costs?

b. Government Response:

20. Utility Locations

a. RFI: Existing utilities locations- we are doing a project on base now and got back 4-5 pages from Portage County sewer/water to change and verify abandoned lines etc. Who is responsible if that happens as costs will be unknown at bidding time.

b. Government Response:

21. MAU 4+5 (M-601)

a. RFI: What are the weights of the MAU 4+5 (M-601)?

b. Government Response:

22. Existing Roof Warranty.

a. RFI: What is the warranty of the existing roof?

b. Government Response:

23. Building Insulation

a. RFI: The R values indicated on plans can be achieved with a simple saver system. Will liner panels still be necessary?

b. Government Response:

24. Testing / Inspections

a. RFI: Is special testing required? S-001 indicates the owners rep will be doing inspections.

b. Government Response:

25. Exterior Foam Insulation and Waterproofing

a. RFI: Sheet S-501 Foundation Details shows exterior foam insulation and waterproofing on the exterior foundation system. The detail refers the contractor to the Architectural plans for additional information; however, the Architectural drawings do not provide any information. Please advise.

b. Government Response:

26. Insulation Interior Concrete Slab.

a. RFI: Sheet S-002 Detail 1 indicates foam insulation under the interior slab on grade. What size and type of insulation is to be provided under the interior concrete slab?

b. Government Response:

27. Hose / Pipe / Trench Drain.

a. RFI: Detail 5 on P501 shows a 1” drop to hose reels with heat trace and pipe insulation. Riser diagram on P603 shows ¾” drops. Which is correct? May SCH 40 pvc plastic be used for sanitary piping above and below floor? I don’t see any information on what they need for trench drain. Says see plans but no information for those, hose bibb, hose reel or floor drain. Can you please provide any information on those?

b. Government Response:

28. Fence.

a. RFI: Drawing C-104 Note 6 states to match the existing fence. Drawing C -110 fence detail shows the following; 4" diameter line post, 4" diameter corner post, 1 3/8" rails (1 5/8" are standard), middle rails throughout (if used typically are at the terminal post only), bottom rail or is this to be a tension wire?

b. Government Response:

29. Trench Drain, Floor Drain, Hose Bib, Hose Reel

a. RFI: 1. The Specification division 22 states to take information for the trench drains, floor drains, hose bibs, hose reels off the plans. The P plans do not have specifications for these items. Can you provide specifications for the Trench Drains, Floor Drains, Hose Bibs and Hose Reels? 2. May Schedule 40 PVC be used for sanitary piping below floor? 3. ABI #6 Can you please provide a specification for for the Wash fountain? 4. Can you please provide specifications for all other plumbing fixtures and specialties? 5. Detail 5 on P501 shows a 1" drop to hose reels with heat trace and pipe insulation. Riserdigram on P603 shows 3/4". Which is correct?

b. Government Response:

30. UFC 3-300

a. RFI: The proposed use of the UFC 3-300 code presents an issue in that the update shifts the design and engineering of the PEMB to the manufacturer. Several of the PEMB manufacturers have come back and stated that they cannot take this on as a responsibility. Do we have to use the UFC 3-300 standards or can IBC2018 be used? Second, can this building be constructed using the convention steel building method?

b. Government Response:

31. Spec Section (13 34 19)

a. RFI: Please see attached product sheet for Kirby Building Systems. Which of the two roof panels are approved for this project? (SS360 or LocSeam) Drawings call out Double-Lok which would be SS360 but Specs say Vertical Rib like LocSeam. Please see attached product sheet for Kirby Building Systems. Which of these wall panels are approved for this project? (R Panel, Reverse R Panel, A Panel)

b. Government Response:

32. Drawing Section

a. RFI: The current frame/bay layout does not lend itself well to an economical design. Would we be able to deviate from the spacing show if we still offer them same building function and footprint? The current bay spacing is 9’-5”, 24’-0”, 24’-0”, 13’-6” = 5 frame lines. Could we go 2 bays @ 28’-8.5” and 1 @ 13’-6”. Would independent crane columns be acceptable to support the crane rather than stepped columns? This would still be provided and designed by the PEMB manufacturer.

b. Government Response:

33. Drawing C-103

a. Drawing C-103, Sheet Coded Notes, Note 8. Temporary Project Construction Fence. Is this fence 4' high snow fence with steel stakes every 10' or is this 5' high chain link fence with post every 10'? Can you please identify what the "Temporary Project Construction Fence" is to be made of? 2. Specifications 01 22 00 - 22 10.3.4 identifies all trees cut down up to 10" in diameter and over 8'-6" long will be limbed and stacked for OHANG to salvage for saw mill. Are there any trees over 10" Diameter? If so, they are not to be salvaged for saw mill and have to be removed from site? Limbs and trees for fire wood are those trees and limbs between 4" and 10" in diameter that are not suitable for saw mill (not straight) with lengths of 4'-6" to 9' long. All other trees, limbs and debris must be removed from site. Is this understanding correct? 3. The specifications identify Pest Management, Asbestos Containing Materials and Contaminated Water mitigation. Is there any known or anticipated Pest, Hazardous Materials or Contaminated Water that is anticipated to be mitigated associated with this project?

b. Government Response:

34. Fence

a. Drawing C-104 Note 6 states to match the existing fence. Drawing C -110 fence detail shows the following; 4" diameter line post, 4" diameter corner post, 1 3/8" rails (1 5/8" are standard), middle rails throughout (if used typically are at the terminal post only), bottom rail or is this to be a tension wire? The specification calls for schedule 40 pipe. It is typical to use SS40 which is not the same. Is it ok to use SS40 pipe?

b. Government Response:

35. AIB Utility Trench Details

a. Detail # 14 on sheet S-002 shows a cast in place utility trench pit. Detail # 9 on sheet A-602 shows a pre-fabricated trench drain unit. Which is correct?

b. Government Response:

36. Supervision

a. Does the project require full-time supervision?

b. Government Response:

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