Pumped Pretreated Waste System Vault Upgrade Project – Ames, IA

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to industry questions regarding opportunity 1232SA26Q0470, dated May 7, 2026.

• Slip Fittings: Allowed on new piping, as specified.
• Hydro Testing: Prefabs can be tested in the shop; USDA staff will also hydrotest the system after installation.
• Shutdowns: Each shutdown is 8 hours, including decontamination time, and will likely start at 8 AM. Decontamination time is allotted at 3 hours but may be shorter.
• Testing: X-ray testing is required for 100% of butt welds on "PPW" piping. However, for slip flanges used in the field, X-ray testing is not required. X-ray testing is still required for other welds on prefabs created in the shop.
• Vault Access: Vaults have ladders for entry. Confined space protocols include tripod hoist, air monitoring, body harness, attendant, and ventilation if needed.
• Pipe Removal/Installation: Old piping will be cut and removed through the manhole by the awarded contractor. New piping will be installed similarly.
• Laterals: 2" laterals for decontamination ports must be 45 degrees into the 4" piping.
• Electrical: There is no electrical work as part of this project. Some vaults may require a generator.

This document clarifies technical requirements and processes, potentially impacting how bidders prepare their proposals and understand the scope of work. No changes to due dates or submission rules are indicated.

Amendment / Modification

• Updates Attachment 5 to Revision 1, providing answers to questions that were submitted after the deadline.

• Attachment 5

• Bidders must sign and return this amendment or acknowledge Amendment 0003 on their SF 1442. Failure to do so will result in the vendor being deemed technically unacceptable per Factor #2.

Amendment / Modification

• This amendment (0002) adds Attachment 5, which contains answers to all timely submitted questions.

• Attachment 5 is added.

• Bidders must sign this amendment or acknowledge Amendment 0002 on their SF 1442. Failure to do so will result in the vendor being deemed technically unacceptable per Factor #2.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to industry questions regarding solicitation 1232SA26Q0470, dated 30 April 2026.

• Slip Fittings: Allowed on new piping, as they are included in the specifications.
• Hydro Testing: Prefabricated piping can be tested at the fab shop. The USDA staff will also hydrotest the system after installation.
• Shutdown Duration: Each shutdown is 8 hours, including decontamination time, and will likely start at 8 AM.
• Decontamination Time: Varies, but at least 3 hours are allotted. This includes a 20-minute rinse, 1 hour soak in decon solution, and a final rinse.
• Radiography Testing: Not required for slip flange welds in the field. X-ray testing is required for other welds on prefabs created in the shop.
• Drawing P03: Serves as a reference to show the leak detection system and piping to be temporarily removed.
• Vaults: Work will be performed one vault at a time.
• Shutdown Scheduling: Efforts will be made to schedule consecutive days, but this depends on other projects in affected buildings.

These clarifications may affect how bidders prepare their proposals, particularly regarding piping installation, testing procedures, and shutdown scheduling.

Amendment / Modification

• This amendment incorporates the mandatory contract clause FAR 52.222-90, "Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors (Apr 2026)," as required by Executive Order 14398.

• The amendment modifies the original solicitation (referenced in Item 9A) and is dated 04/20/2026.

• Bidders must acknowledge receipt of this amendment. They can do this by signing block 15 of the amendment and returning it, or by acknowledging Amendment 0001 on their SF 1442.

• Failure to sign or acknowledge this amendment will result in the vendor being deemed technically unacceptable IAW Factor #22.

• The amendment does not extend the hour and date specified for receipt of offers.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document contains drawings and details related to the "2026 PPW Vaults Upgrade" project at the National Centers for Animal Health (NCAH) in Ames, Iowa. It serves as a technical reference for the proposed upgrades.

• Vicinity Map: Shows the general location of the NCAH campus.
• Campus Overview: Aerial view indicating the locations of specific PPW vaults (PPW101B, PPW103, PPW105).
• Internal Details: Illustrates typical connections for PPW distribution pipes into manholes, including details on leak detection systems.
• Specific Vault Drawings: Detailed drawings, one-line diagrams, and photographic views for PPW101B, PPW103, and PPW105.
• Material Specifications: Indicates sections of Carbon Steel piping to be replaced with Stainless Steel, and notes where Fiberglass piping is to remain.

These drawings are critical for bidders to understand the existing infrastructure, the scope of work involved in the PPW vaults upgrade, and the specific materials and configurations required for the project. They provide the technical basis for any proposed solutions and cost estimations.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the "Pumped Pretreated Waste System Vault Upgrade Project" located in Ames, IA. The government requires the performance of work described in the attached documents.

• Replacement of all carbon steel piping components within PPW Vaults 101B, 103, and 105 with stainless steel components.

• Replacement of all existing valves with new stainless steel, full-port ball valves.

• Insulation of all piping within the vaults.

• Award Type: Firm Fixed-Price contract.

• Period of Performance: 365 days after award.

• Competition: Set aside for 100% Total Small Business.

• Applicable NAICS Code: 237110 (Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction).

• Submission Deadline: May 12, 2026, by 1700 local time.

• Submission Method: Email to david.hildebrand@usda.gov with subject line "RFQ 1232SA26Q0470".

• Evaluation Criteria: Lowest Priced Technically Acceptable (LPTA).

• Key Requirements for Submission:

  • Fully completed and signed SF 1442.
  • Acknowledgement of all amendments.
  • Fully executed SF 24 Bid Bond (not less than 20% of proposed price, not to exceed $300,000).
  • Two (2) recent and relevant experience references.
  • CPARS ratings (if applicable).

• This solicitation is set aside for 100% Total Small Business.

• Offerors must be registered with Systems for Award Management (SAM.gov) with an active registration at the time of quote submission.

• The solicitation includes several attachments: Statement of Work, Specifications, WD IA20250003 Mod 0, and Drawings.

• Offerors must propose pricing for all items to be considered responsive.

• Deviations or alternatives to solicitation requirements will be considered non-compliant.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a "General Decision Number" (IA20260003) dated 01/02/2026, which supersedes IA20250003. It pertains to "Heavy Sewer/Water Treating Plant" construction in Iowa Statewide, specifically excluding Scott County, and is limited to "Sewer and Water Treatment Plants Only." The document lists prevailing wage rates and fringes for various labor classifications, including Carpenters, Cement Masons, Ironworkers, Laborers, Power Equipment Operators, and Truck Drivers. Rates are specified for different counties and cities within Iowa, as well as for the state overall, with exceptions noted.

This document is crucial for bidders on construction projects related to sewer and water treatment plants in Iowa. It establishes the minimum prevailing wage rates and fringe benefits that must be paid to laborers and mechanics employed on such federal or federally funded projects, as required by the Davis-Bacon Act. Bidders must use these rates to accurately calculate their labor costs and ensure compliance with federal labor standards when preparing their proposals.

Statement of Work (SOW)

This Statement of Work details the requirements for upgrading and replacing corroded carbon steel piping and components within three Pumped Pretreated Waste (PPW) system vaults (101B, 103, and 105) at the USDA Ames, Iowa campus with stainless steel.

• Vault Upgrades: Replace all carbon steel piping and associated components within PPW Vaults 101B, 103, and 105 with stainless steel.

• Valve Replacement: Replace all existing valves with new, full-port stainless steel ball valves.

• Insulation: Insulate all new stainless steel piping within the vaults.

• Materials: Contractor shall provide all labor, piping, fittings, equipment, hardware, transportation, storage, and disposal of existing components.

• Prefabrication: Utilize prefabrication of spools to minimize shutdown times. Slip flanges are preferred.

• Testing: Prefabricated spools must undergo hydrostatic testing at 90psi for 1 hour without leaks.

• Finishing: Apply primer, insulating material, and top coating to new piping, adhering to specified product lines (Tnemec or approved equivalent) and manufacturer instructions.

• Cleanup & Disposal: Contractor is responsible for disposing of all removed components and construction debris, and thoroughly cleaning the vaults.

• Shutdown Timeframes: Each line of pipe may only be down for a maximum of 8 hours on separate days. This 8-hour window includes a 3-hour decontamination period by USDA staff, leaving 5 hours for contractor repair.

• Scheduling: All work must be coordinated in advance with the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). Shutdown dates must be mutually agreed upon and included in the initial schedule submission. Deviations are not acceptable.

• Temperature: Work can only be performed when outside temperatures are above 45 degrees F.

• Quality: All work must comply with applicable regulatory requirements (ASTM, OSHA, SSPC, NFPA, UL, etc.) and manufacturer specifications.

• Location: USDA Ames, IA campus, specifically PPW Vaults 101B, 103, and 105.

• Work Hours: Normal construction hours are 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday-Friday. Work outside these hours requires COR approval.

• Site Access: A REAL ID compliant driver's license is required for entry starting May 7th, 2025. All personnel must sign in/out and wear identification badges.

• Utilities: Contractor must provide their own generator for power needs. Water services are available.

• Confined Space: Contractor must have a trained and equipped Confined Space program, submitting their plan for COR acceptance.

• Lock-out/Tag-out (LOTO): Contractor must have an established LOTO program and coordinate with NCAH F.E.U. personnel.

• Submittals: Submittals must be in PDF format, legible, and clearly labeled. A Submittal Register is required.

• Record Drawings: Contractor must maintain redline drawings and specifications throughout the project and submit electronic copies at closeout.

• Site Verification: Contractors are highly encouraged to visit the site for exact measurements and angles due to potential variations in piping alignment.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document provides detailed specifications for the Pumped Pretreatment Waste (PPW) piping systems, including materials, fabrication, erection, and testing requirements. It also includes a separate section detailing welding pressure piping standards.

Specifications for PPW Piping:

• References: Lists applicable standards from ASME, ASTM, and MSS.
• Fluid Description: Details the wastewater characteristics (wastewater from animals, laboratory services, decontamination chemicals, sludging solids) and specifies a design specific gravity of 1.15.
• Design Basis: Outlines maximum design conditions (225 PSIG at 225°F) and normal operating conditions (60 PSIG at 105°F).
• Materials: Specifies stainless steel (A312-TP304L S/40s for 4-inch, A312-TP304L S/80s for 2-inch) for piping, stainless steel for flanges and fittings, and ASTM F593-22 for bolting.
• Joints: Socket welded for 2 inches and smaller, butt welded for 2-1/2 inches and larger. Flanged connections are required where shown or for valves/equipment.
• Fabrication & Erection: Must comply with ASME B31.3 Process Piping Code.
• Testing: Includes welding and hydrostatic testing per ASME B31.3. Prefabricated spools tested at 90 PSI. 100% radiography for PPW buttweld joints, 100% hydrostatic testing at 90psi for PPW socket weld joints.
• Valves: Specific requirements for stainless steel ball valves (Class 250 for <=1.5 inch, Class 150 flanged for >=2 inch).
• Supports: Standard manufactured supports per MSS SP-58 and MSS SP-69.

Welding Pressure Piping Section:

• References: Extensive list of ASME, ASNT, AWS, and NARA standards.
• Quality Assurance: Details requirements for welding procedure qualification, welder performance qualification, and inspector certification.
• Materials: Compliance with ASME BPVC SEC II-C.
• Execution: Welding must conform to qualified procedures and welders. Identification of welds is required.
• Examinations and Tests: Outlines visual, radiographic, magnetic particle, and liquid penetrant examinations with acceptance standards for various weld types and materials.
• Corrections and Repairs: Procedures for defect removal and repair.

This document is critical for bidders involved in piping systems, particularly for the Pumped Pretreatment Waste (PPW) manholes. It defines the exact materials, dimensions, welding procedures, testing protocols, and quality control measures required. Bidders must carefully review these specifications to ensure compliance and accurate cost estimation for any work involving these piping systems and associated welding.