AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE USA Tender

Amendment 0002 Issued To Provide Answers To Questions 36, 40, And 50 Submitted By Interested Contractors In Which Answers Were Not Provided On Amendment 0001. q36.  For Drying Shed Foundation, What Strength (psi) Concrete Is Preferred? a36.  4000 Psi. q40.  It Is Assumed The Existing Foundation Will Handle Reaction Loads For New Pemb. Please Confirm. a40.  Contractor Should Not Assume That And, If Found To Be Necessary, Should Submit A Design That Is Signed Off On By A Registered Pe That Meets All Florida And Local Codes With Appropriate Reinforcing Of The Slab As Necessary To Meet Regulations And Laws. q50.  do You Want A Separate Quote For New Hvac Equipment Also? a50.  Not Required But Contractor’s Discretion. amendment 0001 Issued To Provide Answers To Questions Submitted By Interested Contractors. q1.  Can You Please Provide Me With Whatever Plans Are Available For The Construction Of The New Building? a1.  Plans Are Limited.  Picture Is Included Of The Footprint Of The Building To Be Demolished In The Statement Of Work (sow) That Was Uploaded With Solicitation Posting On Sam.gov.  There Are No Design Plans For The Building As This Is A Direct Replacement On An Existing Pier Supported Slab After The Existing Structure Is Demolished..  The Project Is An Exact Replacement (in Size And General Layout) Of The Existing Building) With The Exception Of The Break/laundry/locker Room Being Moved To The Side Of The Building Closest To The Mechanics Building.  It Will Be The Same Structural Steel/aluminum Sided Building As We Currently Have With Updated Plumbing, Hvac, Electrical, Fire Systems Built To Code With Modern Led Lighting, New Stainless Steel Rails/wheels For The Existing Photoperiod Carts. A Potential Contractor Can Submit A Substitution For A Coated Steel Siding If They Prefer And Can Show That The Cost Will Result In A Savings To The Government.  Any Existing Drawings Of The Old Building That Might Exist Would Be At The Canal Point Facility And Be Available For Onsite Inspection During The Site Visit.  There Are Structural Steel Buildings Available From Various Mainstream Suppliers On The Market That Meet Our Requirements And The Suppliers Can Work With The Bidders To Fabricate One Of Their Existing Models For Our Purposes And Supply The Necessary Structural Stamps To Show Compliance With Florida And Federal Code Requirements.  In Addition, This Is A Time Sensitive Project So There Is No Need For A Design As We Are Not Doing Anything Different From The Basic Building Constructed To Modern Standards That Are Commercially Available.                                                                        q2.  Are You Saying Building Permit Will Not Be Required For This Project?                                                                a2.  In The Solicitation Provided As An Attachment In Sam.gov Posting For This Requirement, Section C - Description/specifications/statement Of Work States: c.2.2 Permits And Licenses.  Pursuant To Far 52.236-7 Permits And Responsibilities, The Contractor Shall Obtain All Required Permits, Licenses, And Authorizations To Perform Work Under This Contract And Comply With All The Applicable Federal, State, And Local Laws And Regulations. q3.  Section L.1.1.2 States That “the Offeror Shall Submit The Following Information: (for A Partnership Or Joint Venture, The Following Submittal Requirements Are Required For Each Contractor Who Is Part Of The Partnership Or Joint Venture; However, Only One Safety Narrative Is Required. Emr Rates Shall Not Be Submitted For Subcontractors.”  to Clarify Is The Agency's Intention That The Contractors Not Engaging In A Partnership Or Joint Venture Are Not Required To Submit Examples Of Recent And Relevant Construction Projects And Examples Of Design-build Projects. Instead, Do They Only Need To Provide Experience Modification Rate (emr) (safety Statistics) And Technical Approach For Safety (safety Narrative)? a3.  Provide Experience Modification Rate (emr), Technical Approach For Safety, And Past Performance Questionnaire (ppq). q4.  In Section L.1.1.3 Factor 3 – Past Performance, The Agency Has Mentioned: A Minimum Of One (1) And A Maximum Of Five (5) Instances Of Its Most “recent” And “relevant” Past Performance As A Prime Contractor To Demonstrate Its Company’s Accomplishments On Contracts Similar To The Effort Required In This Solicitation. Does “as A Prime Mean” That The Contractor Must Have Worked As A Prime Contractor In Their Past Performance Instances? If The Contractor Has Past Performance As A Subcontractor, Will It Be Considered? a4.  Only Contractor Working As A Prime Contractor. q5.  In Section L.1.2 Instructions For Submission Of Volume Ii – Price Proposal, Its Mentioned Proposal On Company Letterhead. Shall Provide All Materials, Labor, And Equipment To Fully And Successfully Complete The Statement Of Work Described In This Document. Please Clarify What Specific Details And Information The Agency Expects Us To Include For This Requirement? a5.  As Listed In Solicitation, Shall Provide Cost Of All Materials, Labor And Equipment To Fully And Successfully Complete The Statement Of Work (sow) Described In The Document. q6.  In The Statement Of Work Document, It Specifies That: All Proposals Shall Be In Unlocked Ms Word Format And All Cost Proposals Shall Be Detailed And Presented In Unlocked Ms Excel Format With Formulas Working. However, Section L.1.2 Of The Solicitation Does Not Mention The Excel Sheet. Could You Please Provide Guidance On How We Should Submit The Sf 1442, Sf 24, Etc For The Price Proposal And What Specific Information Or Format Is Expected For The Excel Sheet In Our Response? a6.  Please Also Include Excel Sheet As Requested In Statement Of Work (sow). q7.  If The Contractor Submitted Forms Such As The Emr Certification Form And Sf-24 Bid Bond In Response To The Previous Solicitation Due On August 8th, 2023, Are Those Forms Considered Valid For The Current Solicitation, Or Should The Contractor Provide Updated Forms For The Current Submission? a7.  Please Provide New Updated Forms. q8.  A) Please Provide Specifications For The Lights Relevant To “a Type Specific By The Lab Personnel”; B) Will The Government Be Open To Led Lights To Fulfil The Needs Mentioned In 1a Above? a8.  To Be Determined During Pre-construction Meeting With Contractor And Scientist.  Submittals Will Be Provided By Contractor And Approved By Government.  Yes, Government Is Open To Led Lights. q9.  A) Please Confirm That A Fire Alarm System Is Not Required; B) Please Confirm That A Fire Suppression System With Water Or Any Other Agent Is Not Required. a9.  Both To Be Provided To Comply With Latest Edition Of Nfpa 72 For Building And Life Safety q10.  The Building Slab Sections Where The Middle Bay Is Has To Be Repaired (at Least, If Not Replaced) To Abandon Electrical And Plumbing Pipes And/or Fixtures, Where The Southeast Bay Is Has To Be Replaced To Accommodate Electrical Plumbing Pipes And/or Fixtures. Please Confirm This Is The Government’s Intent And Awareness Of The Implication Of Moving The Staff Bay To The Southeast Side Of The Building, In Both Engineering And Construction Aspects. a10.  Yes, This Is Government’s Intent. q11.  Will Any Crane Permit Be Required? a11.   c.2.2 Permits And Licenses.  Pursuant To Far 52.236-7 Permits And Responsibilities, The Contractor Shall Obtain All Required Permits, Licenses, And Authorizations To Perform Work Under This Contract And Comply With All The Applicable Federal, State, And Local Laws And Regulations. q12.  In Executing This Project, Can One Superintendent Fulfill The Supervision, Safety, And Qaqc Roles? a12.  Yes. q13.  Are Contractors Required To Issue A Contract Specific Qa/qc Plan? a13.  Yes. q14.  Are Contractors Required To Issue A Contract Specific Safety Plan? a14.  Yes. q15.  Is This Project Tax Exempt? a15.  Contractors Are Required To Meet Any Tax Obligations. q16.  Existing Building Has Interior Wall And Ceiling Sheathing. As Each Bay Is Air Conditioned, Can Usda Verify That All Exterior Walls Are Insulated? a16.  Yes. q17.  Are All Interior Walls Insulated? a17.  Yes. q18.  Are All Ceilings Insulated? a18.  Yes. q19.  What R-value Insulation Or Type And Thickness Is Desired? a19.  Existing Wall Insulation Is +8” Thick Fiberglass. R30. q20.  anchor Bolts Will Be Reused. Please Confirm. a20.  No! q21.  There Was A Rainbird Controller In The Debris Of The Break Room. Is This The Controller For The Irrigation Water To The Carts? a21.  Yes. q22.  Is Contractor To Replace This Item In Kind And Re-wire To Existing Solenoid Valves? a22.  Yes. q23.  Moving Breakroom/ Locker Room To End Poses Several Challenges. Considering The Following, It Would Be More Economical To Leave Center Bay For Break Room. Please Confirm If Contractor Is To Relocate Break Room Or Rebuild In Current Location. a. Slab For Break / Locker Room Is Poured Level While Remaining Bays Are All Pitched Towards Roll-up Doors For Drainage; Slab At Existing Break Room Would Need Be Demolished And Poured Back With Pitch For Drainage. b. New End Location Would Require Pouring New Concrete Cap Over Existing Foundation. c. Existing Under Slab Plumbing Would Need To Be Cut And Capped At Existing Location And New Under Slab Plumbing Would Need To Be Installed At New Break Room Location At End Bay. d. Water Supply Manifolds For Irrigation Water To Carts A Supplied By Under Slab Plumbing; Moving Break Room Would Require Relocation Of One Manifold.   a23.  Yes, The Breakroom Will Be Relocated. q24.  What Is Upstairs Besides Old Drawing Drying Room? It Appears To Just Be Storage And Additional Break Room Area. Please Confirm. a24.  The Seed Dryers, That Caused The Fire, Were Located In This Upstairs Room. The New Drying Shed Will Replace The Old Seed Dryers. The Room Also Contains A Water Heater, A Commercial Utility Sink And Two Washing Machines. One Of The Two Washing Machines Was Used For Research, Washing Fiber Samples, And The Other Washing Machine Was Strictly For Laboratory Coats. The Lab Uses Materials That Are Classified As Mutagens. The New Plan Calls For A Washing Machine And A Clothes Dryer. The Usda Will Need To Clarify If This Is The Set Up That Is Wanted. q25.  Package Air Units To Each Bay Are Not Consistent Tonnage;  Does Usda Prefer Five Or Four Ton Units? a25.  Each Bay Will Have A 4 Ton Heat Pump With Emergency Heat Strips. The Breakroom Will Have A 4 Ton Straight Cool Air Conditioner With Strip Heat. The Air Conditioner Is On Site. Usda Sugarcane Field Station Will Provide 4 New 4 Ton Heat Pumps And Emergency Heat Strips. q26.  Bathrooms Will Be Configured Per Existing Layout. Please Confirm. a26.  Yes. q27.  20 Lockers Are Currently Installed; Please Confirm Count Is To Be Duplicated. a27.  Yes. q28.  Conductors To Main Distribution Panel Will Be Reused. Please Confirm. a28.  Is This Wise? The Existing Conductors May Have Fire Damage. Conductors Must Be Able To Handle The New Building Requirements So Upgrade To Code As Necessary. q29.  Please Provide The Following For The Led Lights: manufacturer And Model Number. performance Specification. a29.  To Be Determined During Pre-construction Meeting With Contractor And Scientist.  Submittals Will Be Provided By Contractor And Approved By Government. q30.  Existing Under Slab Electrical Will Be Abandoned In Place And All New Wiring Will Be Routed Above Ground In Building Space. Please Confirm. a30.  Yes. q31.  Was There A Controller For The Grow Lights? a31.  Yes. The Contractor Will Supply And Install A 36” Wide X 8 ½” X 8 ¼” Gutter In The Breakroom. The Gutter Will House 4 Double Pole Lighting Contactors.  (120v Coil Voltage) The Contractor Will Leave An Open Space On The Wall Under The Gutter 48” Long X 24” Tall. (the Time Clock And Counters Used To Control The Lighting Contactors Will Go In This Space. The Usda Sugarcane Field Station Will Construct And Install These Controls) q32.  Please Provide Manufacture And Model Number For Grow Light Controller. a32.  The Answer To #20 Takes Care Of This. q33.  Existing Solenoid Valves For Cart Irrigation Water Are In Working Order And Will Be Reused. Please Confirm. a33.  In Part D Of Question 12 The Contractor Acknowledges That The Location Of The Manifolds For Irrigation Water Will Be Relocated. New Plumbing And Valves Are Prudent. q34.  What Voltage And Phase Power Is Needed In Drying Shed? a34.  Dependent On Drying Equipment Requirements. q35.  How Many Convenience Outlets Are Required In New Drying Shed? a35.  No Convenience Outlets. q36.  For Drying Shed Foundation, What Strength (psi) Concrete Is Preferred? a36.  q37.  What Eve Height (low End) Is Desired For Drying Shed? a37.  8”. q38.  Will Contractor Be Required To Provide Drawings Other Than The Pre-engineered Metal Building (pemb)? a38.  Yes, Drawings Certified By Engineer In Accordance With Local Standards. q39.  Please Confirm Design Wind Speed For Building. a39.  The Building Shall Be Designed To Comply With The Ibc For The Area Geographic Basic Wind And Exposure Category. q40.  It Is Assumed The Existing Foundation Will Handle Reaction Loads For New Pemb. Please Confirm. a40.  q41.  We Laser Scanned The Entire Building And Have A Count Of All The Existing Electrical Outlets, Switches, Plumbing Fixtures, Hose Bibs, Disconnects Etc. Does The Usda Want To Add Any Of The Following: a. Electrical Outlets? b. Switches? c. Plumbing Fixtures? d. Hose Bibs? e. Disconnects? a41.  No Additional Required. q42.  There Is An Existing Package Air Unit Under The Porch Of An Adjacent Building. Are Contractors To Use This Unit For One Of The Bays? If So, The Owner Will Warrant This Unit Separately. Please Confirm. a42.  Answered Question 14. q43.  The Foundation For The Existing Package Air Units Are In Poor Condition. Does The Owner Want New Foundations Installed For The New Package Air Units? a43.  Yes. q44.  What Type Of Lighting Do You Want To Put Back Up? a44.  in The Breakroom, Restrooms, And Upstairs, Led Fixtures. q45.  Will A Lighting Schedule Be Provided? a45.  Yes. q46.  Will A Door Schedule Be Provided? a46.  Yes. q47.  Do You Want The Same Number Of Vents? a47.  Yes At Minimum. q48.  Will a Vent Schedule Be Provided? a48.  Yes. q49.  Do You Have Any Info For The Hvac Specs That Are There Now?  a49.  None Available. q50.  do You Want A Separate Quote For New Hvac Equipment Also? a50.  q51.  What Roof Loading Is Required For The New Building?  a51.  The Building Shall Be Designed To Comply With The Ibc For The Area Geographic Basic Wind And Exposure Category. q52.  Can You Supply Specs Or An Acceptable Replacement For The Rails That Need to Be replaced? a52.  Stainless Steel Of Same Gauge And Length Of Existing. q53.  Does The New Bathroom Have To Be Ada compliant? a53.  No. q54.  can You Supply A List Of Items That You Want Replaced In The Breakroom? a54.  Items For Breakroom Will Be Government Furnished. q55.  What Is The Electrical Service To The Building? a55.  200a 208v 3 Phase. q56.  are We Replacing The Row Of Lockers? a56.  Yes. q57.  There Is A 200 Amp Box Outside, Is This A Sub Panel Off The Main? a57.  No, It Is A Subpanel Fed From The Mdp Located By Building 10. q58.  Breakroom Is To Be Roughed In For W/d. Please Confirm The Following And Provide Any Additional Appurtenances: a. Do You Want Lights? a58.  Yes. b. Switches And Receptacles Installed? a58.  Yes. c. Do You Want Drywall Or Something Covering The Inside Walls? a58.  Plywood Sub Covering With Frp Panels For Finish Covering. d. Do You Want Any flooring Installed? a58.  Yes, Textured Epoxy. q59.  Is There Going To Be Temporary Power Available Onsite? a59.  Power Is Available From Shop. q60.  Will There Be Any Restrictions On Contractors Using Onsite Facilities Such As: a. Power? a60.  No. b. Restrooms? a60.  Yes, Provide Portable Toilet. c. Water? a60.  No. d. Wifi? a60.  Not Available. q61.  Can The New Drying Shed Be Wood Framed, And Metal Sided? a61.  No Flammable Materials. q62.  What Eave Height Will The Walls On The Drying Shed Be?  a62.  8’. q63.  Do You Want A Flat Or Shed Style Roof On The Drying Shed?  a63.  Rain Must Drain Off. q64.  Do You Have Any Specs For The Wall Pack For Drying And Dehumidifying?  a64.  No, Contractor Will Submit For Government Approval Based On Discussions During Preconstruction Meeting. q65.  A Question Was Asked About A Fire Suppression system In The New Building, But The Answer Was There Wasn't one In The Old Building. Please Confirm The Following: a65.  Must Comply With Latest Edition Of Nfpa 72 For Building And Life Safety. a. If Code Stated That One is Needed Is There A Water Supply There To Support It? a65.  Yes, Must Comply With Local And State Code. b. Would A Foam Type System Be Acceptable? c. Are Alarm And Smoke Detectors Required? a65.  Yes, Must Comply With Code With Capability To Report To Either Central Station Or The Fire Department. q66.  Should The Design And Proposal Reflect Installing An Elevator To The Second Floor? a66.  No. q67.  Are The Existing Slab On Grade And Footing To Remain? a67.  Existing Slab Remains. q68.  Will The New Building Be Erected Directly On Top Of The Existing Slab And Footings? a68.  Yes. q69.  If Existing Slab And Footings Are Demolished Will New Slab And Footings Be Poured For The New Building? a69.  Answered In Question #57. q70.  Will As-builts Of The Existing Building, As Well As Hazardous Material Assessment Reports Be Provided? a70.  This Information Is Not Available In Canal Point. q71.  Please Provide Building Exterior Pictures And Dimensions (length, Width, Height). a71.  Dimensions To Be Field Verified Prior To Pre-construction Meeting. q72.  Please Provide Technical Specifications For The New Building (materials, Systems And Finishes). a72.  Basic Requirements Are Stated In Statement Of Work (sow). Potential Contractors Will Provide Their Design For Evaluation For The Replacement Building In Their Proposal. q73.  Please Provide Opening Quantity And Dimensions (oh Doors, Man-doors, Windows, Louvers). a73.  Site Will Provide Dimensions As Best As Possible. q74.  Please Provide Interior Specs And Details (partitions, Finishes, Etc.). a74.  Site Will Provide Desired Finishes For Break/washroom And Locker Requirements. q75.  Please Provide Mep Systems, Including Fire Sprinklers If Any. a75.  Sow Includes The Requirements For Building Systems Including The Inclusion Of A Fire Protection System. The Building Must Meet All Codes Before Design Is Accepted And Constructed. q76.  Any Temporary Requirements Needed For This Project Such As: a. Storage? a76.  If Contractor Wants Enclosed Storage He Will Provide It. b. Power Generation? a76.  No. c. Water? a76.  No. d. Restrooms? a76.  Portable Toilets For Contractor. e. Dumpsters? a76.  Contractor Will Provide For His Own Dumpster And Disposal. the United States Department Of Agriculture (usda), Agricultural Research Service (ars), Southeast Area (sea), Sugarcane Field Station, Located At 12990 Us Hwy 441 North, Canal Point, Florida Has A Requirement To Replace Existing Photo Period Building.  Work Shall Be Performed In Strict Accordance With Attached Statement Of Work (sow). seeking Qualified Contractor Who Shall Provide All Professional Services, Personnel, Tools, Material, Equipment To Demolish The Existing Fire Damaged Photoperiod House And Build A New One Of The Exact Same Footprint.  The Only Layout Change Is That The Locker/breakroom Middle Bay Will Be Moved To The End By The Mechanics Building And A 4x10 Foot Drying Shed Will Be Constructed On The Side Of The New Building With Fireproof Walls For The Use Of The Scientists To Replace The Room Inside Of The Burned Out Building.  Work Shall Be Performed In Strict Accordance As Specified In Attached Statement Of Work (sow). this Is Being Solicited As A Total Small Business Set-aside.  The North American Industry Classification System (naics) Code Is 236220.  The Small Business Size Standard Is $45.0m.  This Solicitation Is Reactivating Solicitation 12405b23r0016. in Accordance With Federal Acquisition Regulation (far) 36.204 Disclosure Of The Magnitude Of Construction Projects, The Magnitude Of This Project Is Between $1,000,000 And $5,000,000. site Visit: bidders Are Encouraged To Visit The Site And Be Escorted By A Government Representative To Confirm Locations, Dimensions, And Conditions Of The Project Before A Bid Is Submitted. The Site Visit Shall Be For Observing Firsthand Any Conditions Relevant To The Completion Of This Project.  No Consideration Will Be Given To Claims Based On Lack Of Knowledge Of Existing Conditions, Except Where Contract Documents Make Definite Provisions For Adjustment In Cost Or Extension Due To Existing Conditions Not Readily Foreseeable. site Visit Is Scheduled For Tuesday, December 12, 2023 At 10:00 A.m. Eastern Standard Time (est) At Usda, Ars, Sea, Sugarcane Field Station, 12990 Us Hwy 441 North, Canal Point, Fl 33438.   site Visit Contact:  George Carpenter, Phone: (561)924-5227, Email:  George.carpenter@usda.gov. questions.  All Questions Regarding This Solicitation Must Be Submitted In Writing Only To The Contract Specialist, Monte Jordan, Via Email Only To monte.jordan@usda.gov.  Questions Must Be Submitted By December 20, 2023, No Later Than 12:00 P.m. Central Time (ct).  Answers To All Questions Received By That Time Will Be Posted As An Amendment To The Solicitation.  No Questions Will Be Answered After This Date Unless Determined To Be In The Best Interest Of The Government As Deemed By The Contracting Officer.  Telephone Requests For Information Will Not Be Accepted Or Returned. submission Of Proposals.  Proposals Must Be Received By Tuesday, January 2, 2024, No Later Than 3:00 P.m. Central Time (ct).  Proposals Must Be Emailed Only To Contract Specialist, Monte Jordan At Monte.jordan@usda.gov. Proposal Must Be Annotated As Such And Reference The Solicitation Number.  No Late Proposals Will Be Accepted. disclaimer: The Official Contract Documents Are Located On The Government Webpage And The Government Is Not Liable For Information Furnished By Any Other Source.  Amendments, If/when Issued Will Be Posted To Contract Opportunities For Electronic Downloading.  This Will Normally Be The Only Method Of Distributing Amendments Prior To Closing; Therefore, It Is The Offeror’s Responsibility To Check The Website Periodically For Any Amendments To This Solicitation.  Websites Are Occasionally Inaccessible, Due To Various Reasons.  The Government Is Not Responsible For Any Loss Of Internet Connectivity Or For An Offeror’s Inability To Access The Documents Posted On The Referenced Web Pages.  The Government Will Not Issue Paper Copies.