Bent Creek Superintendent's Residence Repairs

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides answers to questions and clarifications regarding the "12445126B0012 Pre-Bid Site Visit" for the Bent Creek Experimental Forest project.

• Schedule: Work on Tasks 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, and 13 (in the occupied upstairs portion of the building) cannot commence until after August 14th, as the building is occupied by interns and temporary employees until that date. All other tasks can begin after the Notice to Proceed (NTP) is effective.
• Minimum Wage: Clarification was sought regarding Executive Order (EO) 14026, which is referenced in the contract. The document notes that EO 14026 has been rescinded by EO 14236, implying the newer EO may be applicable.
• Paint Color: The specific color code for existing kitchen and bathroom paint will not be provided. Contractors must take field samples to match the colors.
• Painting Scope: All kitchen walls, exterior cabinet faces, door faces, trim, and ceilings are to be painted. Ceilings should be painted with a flat finish, while all other surfaces require a satin or eggshell finish.

Bidders should note the significant schedule constraints for specific tasks and the requirement to field-match paint colors. The clarification on minimum wage may also impact cost calculations.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the update and repair of the Superintendent's Residence at Bent Creek Experimental Forest in Asheville, NC. The work includes addressing sewer drainage issues, failed HVAC units, damaged exterior doors and windows, and failing finishes in the kitchen and bathroom. The project magnitude is estimated to be less than $25,000.

• Repair sewer line separation and replace affected cast iron pipe with PVC.

• Cap a leaking basement sink connection.

• Repair and repaint kitchen cabinets and casework.

• Replace glass panes in a storm door and other windows.

• Address mold in the bathroom, including replacing caulk and repainting.

• Replace the existing bathroom exhaust fan with a humidity-sensing unit.

• Clean gutters and dryer vent.

• Remove and replace a 3-ton cooling-only condenser, evaporator coil, and gas furnace (Energy Star certified).

• Remove and dispose of an upper-level window AC unit and install a new storm window.

• Replace one hollow core wood door and install a doorknob in an existing mortise lockset.

• Anticipated contract type: Firm-fixed price.

• Period of Performance: 120 calendar days after award, with completion no later than September 30, 2026. The contractor shall begin performance within 14 calendar days and complete it within 90 calendar days after receiving authorization to begin work.

• Site Visit: March 24, 2026, 1000ET (highly encouraged).

• Questions Deadline: April 6, 2026 (submit via email to cynthia.granderson@usda.gov, cc: adam.doyle@usda.gov).

• Bids Deadline: April 15, 2026, 1000ET (email bids to cynthia.granderson@usda.gov, cc: adam.doyle@usda.gov).

• Evaluation: Award will be made to the lowest price that is responsive and responsible.

• Offer acceptance period: 90 calendar days from the bid deadline.

• This acquisition is set aside for small business concerns (Total Small Business Set-Aside).

• Applicable NAICS Code: 236220 - Commercial and Institutional Building Construction.

• Small business size standard: $45 million.

• Performance and Payment Bonds are required if the contract price exceeds $35,000.

• The site is occupied during work. Lead-based paint and lead plumbing sealants may be encountered.

• Submittals (product data for caulk, adhesives, paint, etc.) are required 10 working days prior to work.

• The document includes detailed wage determination information for North Carolina.