UPDATE No. 4
December 11, 2015
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
TO PROVIDE CONSULTING & TECHNICAL SERVICES
FOR BUILDING CONDITION ASSESSMENTS
AT THE CANADIAN MUSEUM OF NATURE
Ref. # 15-1630-CMN-091
CLOSING DATE
Thursday, December 17th, 2015 @ 3 PM
The Canadian Museum of Nature (CMN) has received some questions regarding the
above noted Request for Proposals. A written reply to all questions is provided.
Question No. 1
Will the reports need to follow a format provided by the CMN? No. Or will the awarded
consultant be permitted to use their own BCA report format?
Answer
The consultant will be permitted to use their own BCA report format.
Question No. 2
Is PDF an acceptable file format for the completed reports?
Answer
Yes.
Question No. 3
The RFP lists “Energy Efficiency - Thermal bridging assessment” under item 1.4.5,
Physical Condition Assessment. Please clarify what the expected deliverable is to meet
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this requirement. Is it restricted to visual review? A thermographic analysis? Energy
modelling? Etc.
Answer
Visual review only.
Question No. 4
The RFP suggests that environmental deficiencies be identified in section 1.4.6 Options for
Repairs and Remediation. Are Designated Substances Reviews to be included in the
Physical Condition Assessments? Please clarify.
Answer
No.
Question No. 5
Please confirm or clarify that the RFP cites that conditions, recommendations and life-cycle
replacement costs for heritage-defining elements are to be evaluated against Parks
Canada’s Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada
(SGCHPC), Second Edition, 2010, industry standards and best practices (slightly different
that the wording in Update no. 2).
Answer
Yes; Parks Canada.
Question No. 6
Since the SGCHPC is to be followed, and a key objective (as per 1.4.2) is “protection of
assets”, it would follow that the heritage protection guidelines from the SGCHPC will need
to be followed, which would include Heritage Materials Management Protocols such as
those practiced by the Federal Government. Please confirm or clarify, as this will impact
the amount of work and the accuracy of expected repair work cost estimates.
Answer
Yes, confirming inclusion of Heritage Materials Management Protocols.
Question No. 7
Are soft landscaping elements to be included with the Exterior Landscape / Hardscape
Assessment components (as listed in section 1.4.5)? Please clarify.
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Answer
Yes.
Question No. 8
Under item 1.4.5 Physical Condition Assessment, the following items are not listed. Please
confirm/clarify whether or not these elements are to be included:
a. Architectural Interiors:
-non-load-bearing walls - to be included.
-non-structural floor components - to be included.
-ceiling - to be included.
-architectural features, stairs, ramps, etc. - to be included.
b. Vertical Transportation:
-elevators (If elevators are to be included, how many elevating devices
are at each property?) Yes; included: 3 elevators at the NHC and 4
elevators, 1 lift and a dumbwaiter at the VMMB
c. Active Fire Safety Systems: - Yes
-detection/alarm - Yes
-suppression (sprinkler, standpipes, etc.) - Yes
-emergency power (generators) - Yes
Answer
Answers are above.
Question No. 9
2.1.1 Format
The following format is mandatory:
¨ Paper size shall be 8.5” x 11” (11" x 17" for organizational chart, WBS and Cash Flow).
What are you specifically looking for with regards to Cash Flow and WBS?
Answer
This is the responsibility of the proponents to present how they will perform the
Building Condition Assessments, to structure who & how will the assessment work be
performed and their financial proposal.
Question No. 10
Are any exterior buildings to be included in assessment?
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Answer
Yes.
Question No. 11
Is it expected that CCTV inspection of underground infrastructures (sewers) be included?
Answer
No.
Question No. 12
Is anything expected with regard to existing public utilities (gas, telephone, hydro, cable,
etc.)?
Answer
No.
Question No. 13
Is any specific testing expected for asphalt?
Answer
No.
Question No. 14
Based on RFP document, BCA will be performed during winter months. With this in mind,
what is specifically expected for asphalt, curbs, sidewalks, drainage, landscaping, etc.
Answer
We understand this work will be weather-permitting; Visual only.
Question No. 15
Under item 1.4.5, what is expected from “integrity, safety and functionality”?
Answer
Visual inspection and performance reviews.
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Question No. 16
What about existing signage, art forms and monuments, should these be assessed?
Answer
No.
Question No. 17
Are there any as built drawings and geotechnical report available?
Answer
Yes.
Question No. 18
Does CMN require a heritage consultant / architect involved in the envelope inspection
assignment?
Answer
No.
Question No. 19
Does CMN need a thermal inspection for the exterior elements and roof?
Answer
Visual only.
Question No. 20
Regarding the non-financial criteria, please confirm whether “C. Experience with similar
projects/work” correlates with “E. References.”
Section 2.1.3 states “Provide information and descriptions of similar work that the Proponent
has completed.” Section 2.1.4 states “Provide at least three references (names and current
phone numbers) from recent work (previous five years) similar to the project.”
Is the intent to provide project profiles to satisfy criteria C, including client contact information
to satisfy criteria E?
If this is not the intent, what is the Owner looking for to satisfy criteria C?
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Answer
Criteria C correlates with E. References
Section 2.1.2 states “It is the Consultant’s responsibility to ensure that all relevant and
required information is included in the submission”. And, see Section 2.2 Evaluation
Process.
Question No. 21
You have requested a Code Compliance Survey with quantitative measurements. As modern
Building Codes are generally not retroactive to existing buildings, we suspect the intent of this
review is to identify retroactive Code requirements exclusively (e.g. Fire Code and Municipal
By-Laws in Ontario). Please confirm. If this is not the case, please clarify to what Building
Code/Municipal standards the buildings should be assessed.
Answer
Yes, identification of retroactive code requirements for the existing operation and
maintenance of the facilities’ systems along with application of new code requirements
related to new or retrofit projects identified.
Question No. 22
Can the client confirm that the Facility Condition Assessment does not involve a formal code
review per 1.4.6?
Answer
Yes, same as above.
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