Update 8-Mold Remediation in Denton, Texas

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Update 8: Additional Questions and Answers provided.

1. Does the government want all ceiling tiles removed not partial removal?

All ceiling tiles need to be replaced

2. It’s estimated that 50-60% of the ceiling tile grid needs to be replaced, should we just remove 100%?

Presently only the bent and damaged grids are listed to be replaced in the SOW.

3. Will the hard deck, exterior duct work, need to be cleaned or HEPA vacuumed? Not in protocol.

Cannot answer as FEMA personnel are not subject matter experts on mold remediation and do not know what all needs to be done to remove the mold.

4. Once the ceiling tiles are removed and visible mold contamination is found around the registers and diffusers, will that constitute for a change order to remove the insulation above and treat such areas?

Cannot answer/unsure

5. Will the carpet need to be steamed cleaned since it’s a porous material?

Cannot answer as FEMA does not have the expertise.

Update 7: Additional Question and Answer provided.

What is the timeframe that the Mold Consultant (Industrial Hygienist) recommends for leaving the air filtration devices in scrub mode prior to conducting clearance sampling? This information is crucial for determining the number of days the HEPA air filtration devices and other related equipment will need to remain on-site.

The Air Filtration devices (scrubbers) need to be in place from the start of the project until clearance is obtained.

Update 6: Additional Question and Answer provided.

Question: Is the HVAC subcontractor expected to replace any components of the HVAC system that do not work properly such as the evaporator coils, drain pans, the return and supply plenums as well as the ductwork (if cant be cleaned) and does this need to be included in the quote, or will the replacement of parts be a change order?

No, contractor is not expected to replace major HVAC components. The HVAC duct cleaning as was specified by the company that did the mold testing: “If ductwork is uncleanable, the Remediation Contractor shall Poly off both ends and discard as necessary”

Update 5: Additional Questions and Answers provided.

1. Original Question: Any pictures of the affected areas?
   
   FRF is designated as a TEMPORARY SECURE WORK AREA (TSWA) & no pics are allowed.

Follow-up Question: How were the pictures acquired on the Brighton Solutions documents attached on SAM.Gov? can other photos of the ceiling and other areas not be acquired?

Those items (shoes / chair) were temporarily pushed outside the FRF and pics taken outside the FRF.

2. Original Question: Is there any affected insulation material above the grid? It is often overlooked and usually has to be replaced once the ceiling tiles are relaced, the SOW makes no mention of this. If we find it damaged and in need of replacement, will this be a bilateral agreement added later on?

Maintenance techs inspected and stated that the insulation does not rest on the ceiling tiles. The insulation is suspended above the tiles by wire mesh.

Follow-up Question: So the Insulation IS NOT part of the remediation? As stated in section 1.3?

No. (I am told by maintenance personnel that the insulation is suspended by wire above the ceiling tiles).

3. Original Question: SOW mentioned damaged framework above grid needs to be repaired. Are there any pictures of the damaged areas?

FRF is designated as a TEMPORARY SECURE WORK AREA (TSWA) & no pics are allowed.

Follow-up Question: Same as #1

No picture taking is allowed inside the FRF room.

4. Original Question: At which point will a decision to be made of repair or total replacement of the grid if it needs to be replaced in its entirety?

The replacement of all ceiling tiles and all metal framing is stated on the SOW as a requirement.

Follow-up Question: The SOW only reference grid straightening not replacement.

The SOW was updated to indicate that al ceiling tiles and supporting metal framing is required to be replaced.

6. Original Question: Is there a Mold Remediation Protocol as completed by a licensed TDLR MAC? Can that be provided?

Unfortunately, we do have the experience nor have an SME on site to answer those questions.

Follow-up Question: The Brighton Solutions, if they are a TDLR MAC, then they would be the company to create the Remediation protocol.

The SOW sated that vendor must sub contract that out separately.

8. Original Question: Will the 3rd party clearance be the original MAC or will the remediation contractor be required to coordinate that effort?

It is our understanding that Contractor needs to acquire clearance thru and independent and certified vendor.

Follow-up Question: If there is already a consultant (Brighton Solutions) then they would be the company to perform the clearance. This is not a function of the remediation company under TDLR mold rules.

We FEMA do not have the expertise to answer this.

9. Original Question: The SOW calls for the cleaning of IT equipment; are those units running and will they remain running during the remediation?

Yes, one IT rack will be running.

Follow-up Question: This will have to be wrapped according to the protocol and will possibly cause a problem of heat could be an issue.

It is my understanding that the IT rack hasn't be cleaned also. Once cleaned, FEMA has two options to mitigate the heating issue; 1 is to relocate the IT rack outside the FRF room.

10. Original Question: What was the Identified underlying cause of the fungal growth? Has this been addressed or will that be on the contractor?

HVAC leak and not cooling caused excessive moisture buildup. AC leak to be repaired by separate contractor.

Follow-up Question: HVAC duct cleaning cannot be completed during a mold remediation per TDLR regulation.

The SOW states if this is needed, is the contractor’s responsibility to ensure this gets done.

Update 4: Additional Questions and Answers provided.

Additional Questions and Answers:

1. Any pictures of the affected areas?

FRF is designated as a TEMPORARY SECURE WORK AREA (TSWA) & no pics are allowed.

2. Is there any affected insulation material above the grid? It is often overlooked and usually has to be replaced once the ceiling tiles are relaced, the SOW makes no mention of this. If we find it damaged and in need of replacement, will this be a bilateral agreement added later on?

Maintenance techs inspected and stated that the insluation does not rest on the ceiling tiles. The insulation is suspended above the tiles by wire mesh.

3. SOW mentioned damaged framework above grid needs to be repaired. Are there any pictures of the damaged areas?

FRF is designated as a TEMPORARY SECURE WORK AREA (TSWA) & no pics are allowed.

4. At which point will a decision be made of repair or total replacement of the grid if it needs to be replaced in its entirety?

The replacement of all ceiling tiles and all metal framing is stated on the SOW as a requirement.

5. There are stages at which the remediated area will need to be put back into service, once clearance is achieved. 1.1 Replacement of HVAC duct work if it is found uncleanable (this will be skipped if ductwork is cleaned) 1.2 Bent framework needs to be corrected 1.3 insulation needs to be replaced 1.4 Tiles will need to be replaced and any fitting of tiles will be done at this time. 1.5 Final cleaning and turnover to client. The question will be, is the awarded vendor responsible for the purchasing of ceiling tiles and insulation, and subcontracting the HVAC contractor if the ductwork is uncleanable?

Yes.

6. Is there a Mold Remediation Protocol as completed by a licensed TDLR MAC? Can that be provided?

Unfortunately, we do have the experience nor have an SME on site to answer those questions.

7. This is a TDLR notifiable project. That must be completed and filed will it be a routine or emergency project?

Unfortunately, we do have the experience nor have an SME on site to answer those questions.

8. Will the 3rd party clearance be the original MAC or will the remediation contractor be required to coordinate that effort?

It is our understanding that Contractor needs to acquire clearance thru and independent and certified vendor.

9. The SOW calls for the cleaning of IT equipment; are those units running and will they remain running during the remediation?

Yes, one IT rack will be running.

10. What was the Identified underlying cause of the fungal growth? Has this been addressed or will that be on the contractor?

HVAC leak and not cooling caused excessive moisture buildup. AC leak to be repaired by separate contractor.

11. The SOW 2.0A states “Service area(s) – VSAB 1 FRF Approximate Amount of Impacted Material - Shoes and leather chair, and less than 25 sf of contiguous visible mold growth” was this determined by a TDLR MAC?

Yes, Brighton Solutions.

12. Was there a previous project for this requirement or is this a new requirement? We would like to know if this is a brand new contract OR if there is (was) an incumbent performing these services. If not brand new, could you please provide the current / previous contract number?

No Previos Project. New Contract.

13. Is there a wage determination?

Wage determination for the Denton area is attached to this solicitation.

14. Can you please provide the specifications of the ceiling tiles?

Fifth Avenue 280; 2 ft x 4 ft x 5/8 inch; Commercial Equivalent, Fissured 562.

15. Could you kindly confirm which section or specifications detail the protocol for this project? Your guidance will be greatly appreciated to ensure my understanding aligns with the requirements.

The SOW lists this.

Update 3: POC email for site visit has been updated as incorrect email was provided previously and two attachments have been added which are the two reports received from Brighton solutions regarding the Initial Mold Assessment Report of what they discovered in the FRF room.

Update 2: Submission deadline extended to January 14, 2025 by 5:00 PM ET.

Update 1: Questions and Answers and Wage Determination attached.

Questions and Answers:

1. What is the square footage of the FRF room requiring remediation? FRF room measures approx 50’ X 50’, so 2,500 sq ft.


2. Are there any known water sources/leaks that need to be addressed as part of the remediation? No known sources


3. What type of mold has been identified through testing, if any? I believe it was black mold, (this should be in the SOW)


4. Are there any special security clearance requirements for personnel? Yes, every employee will have to have pass an NCIC (National Crime Information Center) check


5. What are the working hours allowed for remediation work? 7AM to 4PM (M-F)


6. Is there a required timeline for completion after award? The SOW provides the period of performance


7. Are there any containment requirements for adjacent spaces? No, however from the Contracting Officer's Representative who is a non-SME, in reading the requirements from the testing company, two other adjacent areas at least need to be air-scrubbed. This is listed in the SOW.


8. What is the current HVAC system configuration in the affected area? The FRF has its own 15 ton conventional AC unit. It is dedicated solely to the FRF room.


9. Are there any sensitive equipment or materials that need special protection during remediation? Yes, there is some RF radio equipment racks and one IT equipment rack.


10. Is there a designated staging area for equipment and materials? Yes.

The awardee will provide all necessary labor and materials to perform the work required to eradicate all mold in the FRF room.

1) Please see the attached Statement of Work for requirements.

2) The evaluation criteria is shown in the Request for Proposal attached to this solicitation. The offeror must address the specifics of the evaluation factors to be considered for award.

3) Please email the Contracting Officer listed in the Request for Proposal with any questions you may have.

Site Visits will be offered on January 8th, 2025 from 9:30am-2:00pm CST. Please contact David Perez at david.perez3@fema.dhs.gov to schedule. Proposals are due January 14th, 2025 by 5:00 PM/ET.

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