Attachment 11: Request for Information Responses

Mount Rainier National Park (MORA) - Rehabilitate Climbing Facilities at Camp Muir. RFI Responses:
1. Please confirm whether the Contracting Officer will specifically authorize, under FAR 52.232-5(b)(2), progress payment consideration for project-specific materials, equipment, or fabricated components delivered to and stored at locations other than the Camp Muir project site prior to installation.
This clarification is requested for all trades and material categories, including long-lead, high-value, or market-sensitive materials such as copper conductors, lightning protection materials, specialty metals, prefabricated assemblies, and other components procured specifically for this contract.
For the lightning protection system in particular, early procurement of copper materials at current market pricing may provide better value to the Government by reducing escalation risk, improving price certainty, and avoiding the need for offerors to include additional contingency for future material price increases. If such materials are not eligible for progress payment until delivered to the project site, bidders may need to include additional carrying costs, escalation contingency, or cash-flow costs in their proposals. Please confirm whether off-site stored materials may be included in progress payment applications when the Contractor provides satisfactory documentation, including evidence of title, supplier invoices, proof the materials are dedicated to this contract, storage location, insurance, photographs, segregation/tagging, and any inspection access or other documentation required by the Contracting Officer. If off-site stored materials will not be authorized for progress payment, please confirm that offerors should carry all associated procurement, escalation, storage, and cash-flow costs until materials are delivered to the project site or another Government-approved location.
Basis: the solicitation incorporates FAR 52.232-5, Payments Under Fixed-Price Construction Contracts. FAR 52.232-5(b)(2) allows the Contracting Officer to consider materials delivered to locations other than the site only if that consideration is specifically authorized by the contract and the Contractor provides satisfactory evidence of title and contract use.
Yes, under certain circumstances, off-site stored materials may be considered for progress payment in accordance with FAR 52.232-5(b)(2), subject to review and approval by the Contracting Officer. Any request for payment for off-site stored materials must be