1-Bid Questions & Clarifications ADD-1Prospect Place Northampton, Ma
QUESTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS
ADD-1-A Bid Questions & Clarifications, March 29, 2024
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Prospect Place
737 Bridge Road, Northampton, Ma 01062
March 29, 2024
ADD-1-A Bid Questions & Clarifications:
1. Q: Grass Seed plugs or percentages seem to be missing?
A: Plant tables have been updated. See L-111 and l-400.
2. Q: Part Shade for the Berm has no plant size, quantity or % of plants to
be installed
A: Plant tables have been updated. See L-111 and l-400.
3. Q: Can we please get some help from Berkshire to determine the mix &
size and how many plants for the Berm & Courtyard mass plantings.
A: Plant tables have been updated. See L-111 and l-400.
4. Q: We did not see any irrigation on the prints? Is this another opportunity
for a proposal?
A: No irrigation proposed. The contractor shall provide temporary
watering as necessary to fully establish plantings. Watering shall
continue from installation until plantings are fully established at no
additional cost to the owner.
5. Q: Is the Proposed Paved Recreational area as noted on Site C-3 part of
scope of work as it conflicts with notes in L111 as to be loam and
seeded for now?
A: The area in question is an existing wood framed pavilion on concrete
slab. The pavilion is to stay as is, with no new paving or seeding
6. Q: Where new windows are being cut-in can we get the dimension for its
location?
A: Final window placement dimensions after field verification, window
sizes will remain the same as drawn.
7. Q: Can we go with MR Green board in Lieu of Paperless ?
A: No. Paperless is required by DHCD and funders
8. Q: Is J-Molding acceptable for GWB to window termination?
A: Yes
Prospect Place Northampton, Ma
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ADD-1-A Bid Questions & Clarifications, March 29, 2024
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9. Q: There is not a bathtub called out on the Plumbing Fixture Schedule.
Please clarify.
10. A: Aker Model CM-60 one pice tub shower with Option OPT10189 three
wall reinforcement, and Delta 1300 Series tub & shower valves.
11. Q: Do the sump pumps in the elevator need to be “Explosion Proof”?
A: No
12. Q: Plumbing Detail drawing calls for SP-X pump and in the schedule its
Zoeller N153. There is a costly difference between them. Please
clarify.
A: “SP-X” is a generic tag used in the detail in the event the project has
multiple sump pumps (i.e. SP-1, SP-2, SP-3, etc.); Related
clarification: the oil-water separator serving the elevator/sump pump
must have a trap installed downstream of the unit (plumber omitted
on a recent project).
13. Q: Floor Plans call for new windows 1-67-E,1-68-A,1-69-E, 1-70-E,1-71-E,
1-72-E, 1-74-G, Yet, Elevations show no new windows noted. See
Below:
A: Yes, these are new window cut ins. Sheet A1.51 plan first floor labels
these windows as “N” New window in new M.O. (VIF conditions
behind existing white stucco)
14. Q: Can you please clarify the locations for the window
treatments/blinds? At all exterior windows, any doors?
A: All exterior windows opening on to units.
15. Q: For window types with multiple glass, should they have more
than one blind? For example, Type A one or two? Type C/D one or
three?
A: One blind per opening, multi units being spanned by a single blind.
Prospect Place Northampton, Ma
QUESTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS
ADD-1-A Bid Questions & Clarifications, March 29, 2024
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16. Q: Is the base bid- the BERM and the plantings ? And the deduct is just
removing the berm but the plants still get planted ?
A: Correct. Plantings to remain.
17. Q: We can not find specs on the permeable or concrete unit pavers.
A: Berkshire Design Group: In our understanding, there are no areas with
permeable paving or pavers. Please clarify with Civil and/or owner.
We’ve added a unitized paver spec for the back courtyard patio area
and ADA picnic area as indicated on L-400.
18. Q: Appliances- Please confirm that Unit D1 is Kitchen Type K-4 and not
K5.
A: Kitchen Type K4 is used in unit type D1
19. Q: Appliances- While black is the appliance color specced There
may have to be some compromise on some alternative colors of SS
and White.
A: Keep with Black appliances
20. Q: Please clarify the WBE Goals as a percentage of contracts. What is
this percentage?
A: 15%
21. Q: Please clarify the Section 3 Goals for this project. Will Way Finders be
providing us with a list of current Section 3 Businesses in our area?
A: No section 3 requirements
22. Q: Mechanical-The grill schedule is not matching the plans - example
schedule shows EG-2 / plans how "E" please clarify.
A: E-1, E-2 and E-3 are the same as EG-1, EG-2 and EG-3
23. Q: Mechanical-The sizing of the flex from the round to the square is not
noted. Please clarify.
A: Flex Duct shall be sized for maximum CFM as follows:
4” dia = 30 CFM; 5” dia = 60 CFM; 6” dia = 95 CFM; 7” dia = 145 CFM;
8” dia = 205 CFM; 9” dia = 285 CFM and 10” dia = 375 CFM
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QUESTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS
ADD-1-A Bid Questions & Clarifications, March 29, 2024
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24. Q: Appliances-Can you please confirm that Kitchen Type – K12, which
reflect Unit types A2 and D0 do not have dishwashers? The drawing is
confusing as it has ‘DW’ and a 24” opening which would fit a
dishwasher. However, the other drawings specifically spell out
‘dishwasher’ where one is needed. The architect uses ‘DW’ to signify
drawers in the other drawing so it is adding to the confusion.
A: All 2 and 3 bedroom units will need a dishwasher. Kitchen type K12 is
shown with a dishwasher for 2 bedroom unit, replace dishwasher with
drawer base for studio unit D0
25. Q: Roofing-At the low roofs there currently are masonry weep
holes discharging from the walls above the low roof. What is to
be done with them once we add 7” of foam and cover them?
Please clarify.
A: In those areas where this condition occurs: keep and repair existing
insulation at the existing thickness prior to new membrane, from the
underside of desk, apply spray foam to a thickness that allows the
roof system to attain the new R-Value (R -60)
26. Q: What is the street pressure of the incoming for the 4” Fire Suppression
line.
A: Under Civil’s scope, please clarify with them.
27. Q Electrical- Page E6.0 Shows all tenant panels as Main Lug Only
A: Tenant panels shall be MLO unless AFCI breakers are not available at
the required rating of 18-kAIC, in which MCB shall be provided.
Manufacturer shall verify series rating to meet kAIC rating.
28. Q Page E7.0 Shows all tenant panels as Main Circuit Breaker. Please
clarify which to use.
A: Tenant panels shall be MLO unless AFCI breakers are not available at
the required rating of 18-kAIC, in which MCB shall be provided.
Manufacturer shall verify series rating to meet kAIC rating.
29. Q Dumpster enclosure: Is the dumpster enclosure all wood or is it just
wood gates with three sides of walls?
A: All Wood.
30. Q Tot Fence: Is there a site detail or written specifications of how they
would like it structured with the mish on wood?
A: Detail added, please see updated L-502
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31. Q Final Cleaning-is there a spec for this defining the scope?
A: See Section 01 70 00 1.5 Cleaning; Section 01 77 00 1.4.A.e
32. Q Flooring-would like to know the type of base the residential units will
receive. The finish schedule does not include this information. We see
the spec is saying it is 3” FJ-PP but where does this get applied?
A: Finish schedule did not print correctly. See new schedule in
addendum with the 3” wood base locations called out.
33. Q Roofing-Is the vacuuming of all the stone ballast to be done by the
roofing contractor or by demo contractor?
A: The Roofer is responsible for all stone ballast removal.
34. Q Roofing- Is the removal of the existing membrane by the roofer?
A: Answer: Yes, the roofer is responsible for the controlled removal of
the existing membrane and the subsequent evaluation of the existing
foam board insulation.
35. Q Roofing- Is the 3” wood blocking around the perimeter to be replaced
to match the new 7.5” add of insulation? Is this part of the roofing
scope?
A: Yes, the edge of roof condition needs to accommodate the new
insulation thickness and is part of the roofing scope. (see Section 07
53 00 /1.02.6 of project manual)
36. Q GWB-Framing- Are there kitchen soffits in this project?
A: There is a soffit for ERV ducting in two accessible units that will
coincide with the top of cabinets, all other units have no kitchen
soffits.
37. Q Roofing- Roof demo plan calls for ALT 5 to be rip and replace of entire
roof but spec section Alternates does not call for any ALTs for roof.
Please confirm if you would like ALT 5 as shown on demo plans.
A: Please omit alt 5 on the entire print from any further pricing. It is
now included in the base bid as leaving undamaged existing 3” foam
and the adding of the additional 7.5”. And see revised roof
specification section in addendum.
38. Q Roofing-If you would like ALT 5 as shown on demo plan what thickness
of insulation is required/will it require a coverboard?
A: Please see RFI # 36 answer. And see revised roof specification
section in addendum.
Prospect Place Northampton, Ma
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ADD-1-A Bid Questions & Clarifications, March 29, 2024
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39. Q Roofing-Specs call for roofing to be both 50-mil and 60-mil. Are we
allowed to use either as long as it meets warranty requirements?
A: 60 mil. And see revised roof specification section in addendum.
40. Q Roofing-Spec sections & roof plan vary, is tapered insulation
required?
A: Tapered insulation is required to provide positive slope to drains. And
see revised roof specification section in addendum.
41. Q Window Shades- We will no longer be able to purchase cord lift blinds
in the very near future (waiting on last order dates from various
manufacturers, but in May most likely) due to changes in the industry-
ANSI/WCMA A100.1-2022 Voluntary Standards. Options will be lift
only or cordless lift operation. Please ask for clarification as these will
be manufactured after the deadline.
A: Blinds to be 1” aluminum mini blinds, cordless lift with Ring pull, SWF
Contract S30001” Mini Blinds or equal.
42. Q Electrical- Who will be responsible for the Utility Fees?
A: The Owner will carry these.
43. Q Electrical- Who will be responsible for the Concrete Light Pole Bases?
A: The Site Contractor .
44. Q Electrical- E0.0 Will conduit infrastructure be required for all camera
wiring above ATC in common areas? If so size and type?
A: Cabling may be supported by the building structure using hardware
listed and identified for securement and support per manufacturer’s
installation instructions. Contractor shall confirm against owner’s
approved shop drawings for camera system.
45. Q Electrical-E1.0 & E1.1 Please provide a design and specifications for
common area lighting controls.
A: Basis of design is a standalone hardwired system using occupancy
sensors. Networked system (CAT5e) not required.
46. Q Electrical- Will a BDA be required?
A: No.
47. Q Electrical- E5.0 Refers to 1” conduit infrastructure for voice/data and 4
port wall plates. Will this be typical at all locations including
apartments?
A: Conduit shall extend from wall box to above ceiling as indicated. At
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apartments, where voice/data symbol is shown, one active port shall
be provided with cable routed back to structured media cabinet.
48. Q Electrical- Will all voice/data plates and outlets be required to have
labeling on wall plate as specified ?
A: No.
49. Q Electrical- Alternate #4 fixture schedule. Is this to be a “one for one”
replacement?
A: Yes
50. Q Countertops- The Specs are asking for a deduct alternate 7 for the
use of Plastic Laminate in lieu of the Silestone Quartz Aggregate
Countertops. This alternate is not listed in the alternates section. Are
we still having Solid Surface Tops as part of the base bid?
A: Carry Plastic laminate countertops with no alternate.
51. Q Elevators- The current specs call for the elevator to be refurbish. This
is contrary to what has been requested prior in quote solicitations. Is
the elevator shaft now empty and a new (not Mod) elevator shall now
be installed? Please clarify.
A: Yes, all new elevator equipment is new. See revised elevator spec in
addendum
52. Q Elevators- Is there a basis of design for elevators? Are you looking for
electric traction or hydraulic elevators to fit into a shaft?
A: Hydraulic. See revised elevator spec in addendum
53. Q Site- Geothermal- Underground HDPE piping within 5 feet of a sewer,
storm drain or other water containing conduit must be separated by
insulation. (per Project Manual). Who performs this and what is the
means and method of this insulation?
A: Carry no insulation under base bid. Will be addressed post bid.
54. Q Site-Geothermal- Who is responsible for contracting the Geothermal
Engineer? Is this an owner’s item?
A: Saloomey Construction
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55. Q Fire Suppression- Will there be a new underground supply brought
into the building for the sprinkler or will be installing a new Backflow
preventer on the existing underground?
A: For bidding purposes, site contractor shall carry an allowance to
extend a new 6” water line from the main in Prospect Ave where
indicated on sheet C-4 into the mechanical room. A 4-inch branch
shall come off the 6” line outside of the mechanical room and extend
into the mechanical room to provide an independent domestic water
service – refer to domestic water service detail on the plumbing plans.
Sprinkler contractor scope shall begin at 6” flange provided by site
contractor in the mechanical room. The sprinkler contractor shall
provide a hydrant flow test and determine if the existing water service
is adequate for the sprinkler and domestic water systems; if
determined to be adequate a credit shall be provided for the new 6”
water line described above. The independent 4” domestic water
service shall originate outside of the mechanical room whether it is
connected to an existing or new water service line.
56. Q HVAC - Where are fire dampers, smoke dampers and ceiling radiation
dampers needed - sheet M5.0. There is a fire damper detail but not
showing where they go or how many.
A: Fire Dampers are shown on the DOA Unit Airflow Diagram on sheet
M6.0. Add fire dampers at 2nd floor level where 14x8 (Qty 1), 12x8 (Qty
3), 16x10 (Qty 3) ducts penetrate the shaft. Note: All ceiling mounted
grilles and diffusers installed in gypsum ceilings must be provided
with radiation dampers suitable for installation in a UL G214 ceiling
assembly. A revised RGD schedule will be provided.
57. Q HVAC - Please confirm that we can use the Hilti System and it is
required to screw to the wall every 6" .
A: Please clarify this question. Hilti offers several products.
58. Q HVAC - Ductwork sleeve detail - sleeve installed every time passed
through a wall - not typical to have to do this. Please clarify.
A: Ductwork sleeve detail is required at all penetrations through corridor
walls into apartments and at penetrations through walls between
apartments. Sleeve is not required where ductwork penetrates walls
within an apartment
Prospect Place Northampton, Ma
QUESTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS
ADD-1-A Bid Questions & Clarifications, March 29, 2024
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59. Q Fencing- (Similar to # 28) Site Plan C-3 calls for a complete fence
enclosure around dumpster area, but Detail 1/C-9 also refers to 3
sides being CMU walls with only gates across the front. Can you
please confirm which is correct?
A: Site plan C-3 is correct, wood fence on all sides.
60. Q Fencing- I do not see a detail/spec for the Tot Lot fence. Can you
please confirm if there is or is not a detail for this. It looks pretty
simple, and I can provide my own design if needed.
A: Detail added, please see updated L-502
61. Q Roofing- Please remove the roof spec assigning Florence roofing as
being responsible for the removal of existing roofing materials and the
loading of new roofing.
A: Done, see revised roofing spec.
62. Q Flooring- I just heard back from the manufacturer that BeauFlor
Essence, the vinyl plank specified for the units, has been
discontinued.
A: Carry BeauFlor Parkway Pro Dry Back