Request for Clarification (Part 01)

Dear Sir,

we have thoroughly reviewed the Tender Documents and observed these points for which we need clarification. We request the Employer to kindly review these points and issue the necessary clarifications to facilitate uniform interpretation of the tender requirements and preparation of more competitive bids.

Point No. 01:              Section V – Evaluation and Qualification Criteria – Experience Capability

The tender requires “Construction of Similar Nature Projects including Piling Works for High-Rise Buildings” with a minimum contract value of PKR 1,000 Million.
We respectfully request the Employer to amend this criterion to “Construction of Piling Works as part of major Infrastructure / Building Projects” while retaining the minimum contract value of PKR 1,000 Million. This would recognize relevant piling experience in major infrastructure projects and broaden participation without compromising the required technical capability.
 

Point No. 02:              Volume II – Employer’s Requirements – Construction Camp and Housing Facilities

We respectfully request the Employer to clarify whether the Contractor will be permitted to establish and operate a batching plant within the airport premises for the execution of the Works.

Point No. 03:              Bidding Data – ITB 1.1 – Time for Completion

The Bidding Documents specify a Time for Completion of 24 months. Considering the severe winter conditions at Skardu, during which construction activities are significantly restricted for approximately four months each year, the available working period is substantially reduced.

We respectfully request the Employer to reconsider the stipulated completion period and extend it to not less than 36 months, allowing adequate time for proper planning, mobilization and execution of the Works in view of the prevailing climatic and site conditions.
 

Point No. 04:              Bill of Quantities – BOQ Item No. 2 (CP-1) – Reinforced Concrete Piles

The specification for reinforced concrete piles refers to SR and OP Cement, which is ambiguous. We respectfully request the Employer to clarify whether Sulphate Resistant (SR) Cement or Ordinary Portland (OP) Cement is required, as the two have a significant cost difference. Further, the required concrete grade/strength for the piles may kindly be specified.

We also request the Employer to provide a separate BOQ item for the Test Pile and clarify the required test load in accordance with the project specifications and applicable standards, to enable accurate pricing of the Works.

Point No. 05:              Bill of Quantities – BOQ Item No. CB-23 – Reinforced Concrete

The unit of measurement for this item is specified as “Job”; however, the location and extent of the reinforced concrete work have not been defined. We respectfully request the Employer to specify the structural members, required concrete grade and reinforcement details, as applicable, to enable accurate pricing.

Furthermore, kindly consider revising the unit of measurement from “Job” to a measurable quantity (e.g., CFT) to facilitate accurate measurement and fair valuation of the Works.

Point No. 06:              Bill of Quantities – BOQ Item No. AF-3 – 3/4 Inch Thick Granite Flooring

The specified item requires 3/4 inch thick granite flooring; however, the type, grade, colour, finish and quality of the granite have not been specified, which may result in significant variation in cost.

We respectfully request the Employer to specify the approved type, grade, colour and finish of the granite. Alternatively, kindly provide a base rate for this item to ensure uniform pricing and fair comparison of bids.
 

Response to Queries

Please refer to the Annexure titled “Consolidated Responses to Prospective Bidders’ Pre-Bid Queries,” incorporated into the Bidding Document, for the responses to the queries raised by the prospective bidders.

Request for Clarification (Part 02)

Point No. 07:              Bill of Quantities – BOQ Item No. CU-6 – Reinforced Cement Concrete

The specification for this item does not clearly indicate whether Ordinary Portland (OP) Cement or Sulphate Resistant (SR) Cement is required, which may result in significant variation in cost.

We respectfully request the Employer to specify the required type of cement for this item. Further, kindly clarify the cement type for all relevant BOQ items to eliminate ambiguity and enable bidders to prepare accurate and uniform pricing.

Point No. 08:              Bill of Quantities – BOQ Item No. AF-7 – Raised Panels

Kindly provide the list of approved manufacturers/vendors for the raised panel system to enable bidders to comply with the required quality standards and technical specifications and to ensure uniform pricing.

Point No. 09:              Bill of Quantities – BOQ Item No. AF-11 – Facade System

The detailed drawings for the façade system have not been provided in the Bidding Documents. We respectfully request the Employer to provide the detailed façade drawings, including elevations, sections, fixing details, material specifications and relevant construction details, to enable the Contractor to accurately assess the scope and prepare a competitive and accurate bid.
 

Point No. 10:              Bill of Quantities – BOQ Item No. AF-12 – Gypsum Board False Ceiling

The BOQ describes the item as Gypsum Board False Ceiling, whereas the 3D drawings indicate a more complex ceiling arrangement with suspended hanging fins. We respectfully request the Employer to clarify the intended scope and confirm whether the hanging fins are included in this BOQ item or will be measured and paid under a separate item.

Point No. 11:              Bill of Quantities – BOQ Item No. AF-39 – ACP Cladding

Kindly provide the detailed working drawings for the ACP cladding, clearly indicating the panel sizes, layout and joint details. Further, please provide details of the supporting back frame/substructure, including its fixing arrangement to the wall/concrete members and the method of fixing the ACP panels to the supporting frame, to enable accurate assessment and pricing of the item.

Point No. 12:              Soil Investigation Report

Kindly provide the Soil Investigation / Geotechnical Investigation Report for the project site, including relevant information regarding soil strata, groundwater level, bearing capacity and geotechnical parameters, to enable the Contractor to properly assess the foundation and piling requirements and prepare an accurate bid.
Point No. 13:              HVAC Heating & Cooling Systems

The Bidding Documents do not provide a list of approved manufacturers/vendors for the HVAC heating and cooling systems. We respectfully request the Employer to provide the approved manufacturer/vendor list for the HVAC equipment to ensure compliance with the required technical and quality standards and to enable bidders to prepare accurate and uniform pricing.

Response to Queries

Please refer to the Annexure titled “Consolidated Responses to Prospective Bidders’ Pre-Bid Queries,” incorporated into the Bidding Document, for the responses to the queries raised by the prospective bidders.

Request for Clarification (Part 03)

Point No. 14:              Section V – Evaluation and Qualification Criteria

The Bidding Documents require the Contractor to possess the specialized PEC Codes CE-02(ii) and BC-01(ii). As per the PEC guidelines, a firm holding the respective parent PEC Codes CE-02 and BC-01 is eligible to undertake works covered under the corresponding specialized codes, and possession of the specialized code is not separately required where the parent code is held.

In view of the above, kindly confirm that firms possessing the parent PEC Codes CE-02 and BC-01 shall be considered compliant with the requirement of CE-02(ii) and BC-01(ii) for the purpose of this tender.

Point No. 15:              Bill of Quantities – Items G-4, G-6, G-8 & G-9

The BOQ includes Site Office Complex, Staff Accommodation & Mess Facilities, Temporary Access Roads and Temporary Fencing under Items G-4, G-6, G-8 and G-9; however, the detailed drawings, dimensions, areas and quantities required for accurate assessment and pricing have not been provided.

We respectfully request the Employer to provide the relevant drawings and detailed specifications, including areas, dimensions, quantities, locations and other applicable requirements for these items to enable bidders to accurately assess the scope and prepare their bids.

Point No. 16:              Bill of Quantities – Items G-5

Item G-5 requires the Contractor to operate, manage and maintain the Employer’s/Engineer’s Site Office Complex, including buildings, utilities, furniture, equipment and other facilities until issuance of the DLC. Kindly clarify whether the site office complex, furniture, equipment and other facilities provided under Items G-4/G-5 are to be handed over to the Employer upon completion/DLC or will remain the property of the Contractor and be removed from site after completion of the Contract.

We shall be grateful for your time and consideration and look forward to your response.

Best Regards,

Design and Engineering System Pvt. Ltd.

Response to Queries

Please refer to the Annexure titled “Consolidated Responses to Prospective Bidders’ Pre-Bid Queries,” incorporated into the Bidding Document, for the responses to the queries raised by the prospective bidders.

Pre-Bid Queries No.02 Technical Queries (CIVIL Part-02) from QEL

11. BOQ Item No. (AF-4) – Porcelain Tiles

The specified porcelain tiles have a wide price range depending on the manufacturer, brand, size, finish, and quality.

Kindly specify the approved make, grade, size, finish, and quality of the porcelain tiles. Alternatively, please fix a base rate for this item to ensure uniform pricing by all bidders and to facilitate a fair comparison of bids.

The subfloor is not covered in the BOQ item nomenclature. If the subfloor is intended to be included in this item, kindly specify the required thickness and concrete mix ratio. If it is not included, please provide a separate BOQ line item for the subfloor.

12. BOQ Item No. (AF-5) – Porcelain Tiles

The specified porcelain tiles have a wide price range depending on the manufacturer, brand, size, finish, and quality.

Kindly specify the approved make, grade, size, finish, and quality of the porcelain tiles. Alternatively, please fix a base rate for this item to ensure uniform pricing by all bidders and to facilitate a fair comparison of bids.

The subfloor is not covered in the BOQ item nomenclature. If the subfloor is intended to be included in this item, kindly specify the required thickness and concrete mix ratio. If it is not included, please provide a separate BOQ line item for the subfloor.

13. BOQ Item No. (CU-6) – Reinforced Cement Concrete

Kindly specify whether Ordinary Portland (OP) Cement or Sulphate Resistant (SR) Cement is required for this reinforced cement concrete item, as there is a significant cost difference between the two.

Furthermore, we request that the type of cement (OP or SR) be clearly specified for all relevant BOQ items to eliminate ambiguity and enable all bidders to prepare accurate and uniform pricing.

14. BOQ Item No. (AF-7) – Raised Panels

Kindly provide the list of approved manufacturers/vendors for the raised panel system to ensure that quality standards and technical requirements can be met

15. BOQ Item Nos. (AF-15, AF-16, AF-17 & AF-18) – Expansion Joints

Kindly provide the list of approved manufacturers/vendors for the expansion joint systems specified under these BOQ items.

16. BOQ Item No. (AF-11) – Facade System

The detailed drawings for the façade system are not included in the bidding documents.

Kindly provide the detailed façade drawings, including elevations, sections, fixing details, material specifications, and all relevant construction details, to enable the Contractor to accurately assess the scope of work and prepare a competitive and accurate bid.

17. BOQ Item No. (AF-13 & AF-14) – Aluminum Windows

The aluminium windows are shown in the drawings; however, they are not included in the BOQ. Kindly review and include the aluminium windows in the BOQ, if required.

18. BOQ Item No. (AF-19) – PIR (Polyisocyanurate) Panels

Kindly specify the required thickness of the PIR (Polyisocyanurate) insulated panels, as this has not been mentioned in the bidding documents.

Please also confirm the panel density, fire rating, coating specification, and any other applicable performance requirements, as these significantly affect the cost and pricing of this item.

19. BOQ Item No. (AF-12) Gypsum Board False Ceiling

If the scope is limited to a simple revealed-type gypsum board false ceiling, the BOQ item is acceptable. However, the 3D drawings indicate a more complex ceiling with suspended hanging fins, which does not correspond to the BOQ nomenclature. Kindly clarify the intended scope of work and confirm whether the hanging fins are included in this item or will be measured and paid under a separate BOQ item.

20. BOQ Item No. (AF-39) ACP Cladding

Kindly issue the detailed working drawings for the ACP cladding, clearly showing the panel sizes, layout, and joint details. Additionally, please provide the details of the supporting back frame/substructure, including how it is to be fixed to the wall or concrete members and how the ACP panels are to be fixed to the supporting frame.

Response to Queries

Please refer to the Annexure titled “Consolidated Responses to Prospective Bidders’ Pre-Bid Queries,” incorporated into the Bidding Document, for the responses to the queries raised by the prospective bidders.

Pre-Bid Queries No.02 Technical Queries (CIVIL Part-01) from QEL

1. BOQ Item No. 2 (CP-1) – Reinforced Concrete Piles

The specification for reinforced concrete piles states SR and OP cement, which is ambiguous. Kindly clarify whether Sulphate Resistant (SR) Cement or Ordinary Portland (OP) Cement is required, as there is a significant cost difference between the two.

Furthermore, the required concrete strength/grade for the reinforced concrete piles has not been specified. Kindly confirm the required concrete grade to enable the Contractor to accurately price this item.

Please provide a separate BOQ line item for the Test Pile. Additionally, kindly specify the required test load to be imposed on the test pile in accordance with the project specifications and applicable standards.

2. BOQ Item No. 2 (CB-01 & CU1) – Excavation

Kindly provide the Soil Investigation/Geotechnical Investigation Report for the project site to enable the bidders to assess the soil strata, groundwater conditions, and excavation requirements. This information is essential for accurate planning, selection of excavation methodology, and proper pricing of the excavation works. also mention the location of dumping area distance

3. BOQ Item No. (CB-11) – Torch Applied Membrane

Kindly specify the required thickness of the torchapplied waterproofing membrane, as the bidding documents do not mention this requirement. The membrane thickness has a significant impact on material cost and pricing.

4. BOQ Item No. (CB-14 CU-11) – 1/2 Inch Thick 1:4 Cement Sand Plaster

Kindly specify the required gauge and mesh size of the galvanized wire mesh to be used with the cement sand plaster

5. BOQ Item No. (CB-23) – Reinforced Concrete

The unit of measurement for this item is specified as "Job". However, the location and extent of the reinforced concrete work have not been defined, making it difficult to accurately price the item.

Kindly specify the structural member(s) where this reinforced concrete is to be used (e.g., foundations, columns, beams, slabs, pedestals, etc.) and provide the required concrete grade and reinforcement details, if applicable.

Furthermore, it is requested that the unit of measurement be revised from "Job" to a measurable quantity (e.g., CFT) to ensure accurate measurement and fair valuation of the work.

6. BOQ Item No. (CB-25) – Diesel Fuel Storage Tank

The bidding documents include a diesel fuel storage tank; however, the relevant drawings and detailed specifications are not available.

Kindly provide the detailed drawings, capacity, dimensions, material specifications, foundation details, and any associated fittings and accessories to enable the Contractor to accurately price this item.

7. BOQ Item No. (AF-1) – 24" × 24" Terrazzo Tiles

Kindly clarify the type of terrazzo tiles specified for this item. The bidding documents do not indicate whether the tiles are to be manufactured using grey cement or white cement.

The subfloor is not covered in the BOQ item nomenclature. If the subfloor is intended to be included in this item, kindly specify the required thickness and concrete mix ratio. If it is not included, please provide a separate BOQ line item for the subfloor.

8. BOQ Item No. (AF-2) – Epoxy Resin Flooring

Kindly specify the required thickness of the epoxy resin flooring in microns (µm), as this has not been mentioned in the bidding documents.

Please also confirm the number of coats, the epoxy system (selfleveling or coating), and any other performance requirements, as these significantly affect the cost and pricing of this item.

The subfloor is not covered in the BOQ item nomenclature. If the subfloor is intended to be included in this item, kindly specify the required thickness and concrete mix ratio. If it is not included, please provide a separate BOQ line item for the subfloor.

9. BOQ Item No. (AF-3) – 3/4 Inch Thick Granite Flooring

The specified item is 3/4 inch thick granite. However, there is a wide variation in the cost of granite depending on its type, origin, colour, finish, and quality.

Kindly specify the approved type, grade, colour, and finish of the granite. Alternatively, please fix a base rate for this item to ensure uniform pricing by all bidders and to facilitate a fair comparison of bids.

10. BOQ Item No. (CS-3) – Standing Seam Lock Roofing System

Kindly clarify whether the attachment hardware and accessories for the standing seam lock roofing system are required to be FM Approved or non-FM Approved.

Please also specify the applicable standards and performance requirements, as the cost differs significantly between FM Approved and non-FM Approved systems.

Response to Queries

Please refer to the Annexure titled “Consolidated Responses to Prospective Bidders’ Pre-Bid Queries,” incorporated into the Bidding Document, for the responses to the queries raised by the prospective bidders.

Pre-Bid Queries No.01- General & Contractual Queries -- (Part Two) From QEL

Dear Sir,

The following are Pre-Bid Queries No. – General & Contractual Queries (Part Two), divided into two parts as the total character count exceeds 5,000:-

6. Clause – Engineer's Accommodation

Kindly clarify the requirements for the Engineer's accommodation. In addition to the accommodation specified in the BOQ, it appears that mess facilities are also included in the Contractor's scope of work. To enable accurate pricing, please provide the following information:

1. Number of personnel to be accommodated.

2. Meal allowance per person per month.

Furthermore, we request the Employer to consider allocating a suitable location within the airport compound for the construction of a prefabricated insulated accommodation facility. This would be more practical and efficient, as it may be difficult to find a house meeting the specified requirements in such a small town.

7. Clause 4.05 – Employer's Site Office

Kindly specify the required covered area (in square metres or square feet) and the accommodation requirements for the Employer's Site Office to enable the Contractor to accurately price this item.

8. Clause 4.07 – Employer's Transport

The types and number of vehicles required for the Employer's transport have been specified in the bidding documents. However, the monthly fuel allowance/consumption limit has not been defined.

Kindly specify the monthly fuel limit for each vehicle to enable the Contractor to accurately price this item.

9. Clause 08 – Employer's Accommodation

Kindly specify the requirements for the Employer's accommodation to enable the Contractor to accurately price this item. In particular, please provide the following information:

Required covered area of the accommodation.

Number of occupants/personnel to be accommodated.

Detailed accommodation requirements, including the number of rooms and associated facilities.

Whether messing (meal) facilities are included in the Contractor's scope of work.

If messing facilities are required, kindly specify the number of personnel to be catered for and the maximum meal entitlement per person per month.

Furthermore, we request the Employer to consider allocating a suitable location within the airport compound for the construction of a prefabricated insulated accommodation facility. This would be more practical and efficient, as it may be difficult to find a house meeting the specified requirements in such a small town.

10. Bidding Data – ITB 1.1: Time for Completion

The bidding documents specify a completion period of 24 months. However, considering the climatic conditions in Skardu, construction activities can effectively be carried out for only about eight months each year, with approximately four months lost due to severe winter conditions.

In view of these site constraints, the stipulated completion period of 24 months appears insufficient. It is therefore requested that the completion period be revised to not less than 36 months to reflect the actual working season and to facilitate proper planning and execution of the project.

Regards,

Qavi Engineers Private Limited

Islamabad

Response to Queries

Please refer to the Annexure titled “Consolidated Responses to Prospective Bidders’ Pre-Bid Queries,” incorporated into the Bidding Document, for the responses to the queries raised by the prospective bidders.

Pre-Bid Queries No.01- General & Contractual Queries -- (Part One) From QEL

Dear Sir,

The following are Pre-Bid Queries No. – General & Contractual Queries (Part One), divided into two parts as the total character count exceeds 5,000:-

1. Request for Site Visit and Clarifications

To ensure a clear understanding of the project scope and enable accurate pricing, it is requested that a site visit be arranged. This will help avoid ambiguities during the bidding stage and facilitate better planning.

The following information may kindly be clarified during the site visit:

• Exact location and boundaries of the project site.

• Distance of the Engineer's and Client's offices from the project site.

• Location and distance of the Contractor's staff and labour accommodation/camp.

• Designated location for the Contractor's material storage yard.

• Approved location for establishing the batch plant.

• Source of electricity and whether the Employer will provide an electricity connection on a fixed unit rate.

• Source of water and whether the Employer will permit the Contractor to drill a bore well for construction purposes.

2. Request for establishment of the contractor's camp within the airport compound

The project is located within the airport compound. It is therefore requested that the contractor be permitted to establish site offices and staff/labour accommodation within the airport premises after completion of the required police verification and security clearance.

Allowing the contractor's camp inside the airport compound will significantly facilitate the execution of the works by enabling timely deployment of manpower and accelerating the overall progress of the project. The daily movement of workers from outside the airport results in considerable delays due to security checks and congestion at the entry gate. The time spent travelling to and from the accommodation, together with the waiting time at the gate, adversely affects productive working hours and ultimately impacts the progress of the project.

To ensure adequate security, the contractor will install a secure perimeter fence around the camp and provide controlled entry and exit gates. The Airport Security Force (ASF) may monitor the movement of personnel through CCTV surveillance and any other security measures deemed necessary.

Considering the prevailing extreme weather conditions and the substantial time lost during entry and exit procedures, the effective working time is reduced from approximately eight hours to nearly four hours per day. In view of the above, your approval is kindly requested to allow the establishment of the contractor's camp, including site offices and staff/labour accommodation, within the airport compound to ensure timely and efficient completion of the project.

3. The contractor shall be allowed to establish the batching plant inside the airport compound.

4. Clause 01 – Engineer's Site Office

Kindly clarify whether the provision, operation, and maintenance of the tea bar for the Employer’s / Engineer's Site Offices are included in the Contractor's scope of work. If included, please specify the required scope and associated requirements.

5. Clause 4.03 – Engineer's Transport

The types and number of vehicles required for the Engineer's transport have been specified in the bidding documents. However, the monthly fuel allowance/consumption limit has not been defined.

Kindly specify the monthly fuel limit for each vehicle to enable the Contractor to accurately price this item.

Regards,

Qavi Engineers Private Limited

Islamabad

Response to Queries

Please refer to the attached document containing Consolidated Responses to Prospective Bidders’ Pre-Bid Queries, which has also been incorporated into and made an integral part of the Bidding Document