PIVOTAL , LLC
1515 POYDRAS STREET, SUITE 1150
NEW ORLEANS, LA. 70112
(504) 799-3653
ADDEDNDUM # 1
CHILLER REPLACEMENT @ DR. MILTON BECNEL SCHOOL
Owner: Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB)
Program Manager: Manning Architects (Clarence Eugene III – Sr. Project Manager)
Project #: ITB25-FAC-0068
Date: 01/15/2026
Project Location: 7301 Dwyer Rd, New Orleans, LA. 70126
POR: Pivotal Engineering LLC, Bassam Rossi Mekari, PE / 225-205-3490
I- Answers To Questions/Emails:
Email Questions:
1. It looks like we will have to open up multiple sections of this roof to remove old columns ( legs of the
existing platform ) and install new legs of the modified platform? This will be very costly and invasive (
water intrusion, roofing subs ect). Also, to preform these modifications, no contractor will be able to use 1
of the existing chillers to continue to cool the building during the renovation process. Temporary chiller
will be Mandatory down on the ground to preform this work. I would like this noted if you agree with this
so all the other contractors include the pricing into there bids as well. All old equipment and piping must be
removed in order to preform this work on S100 drawing. Also, if roof work is required we will need to
know who the roofing contractor is that installed this roof and if its still under warranty, if not , we need to
know what type of roof is currently there to tell the new roofer so he knows what to price accordingly.
Also, you mentioned flushing of piping to be imperative, is there a chemical requirement or spec to add
new chemicals , new pot feeders any this of this nature to give more info on this subject? Lastly, the current
piping is Aquatherm piping and is no longer obtainable. We will be allowed to use sch.40 steel pipe in
place of old Aquatherm piping? We can transition from the desired tie in point on the drawings.
Answers & Clarifications:
1- School has to remain conditioned during construction. The contractor may utilize existing
chillers if possible or rent a chiller for temporary cooling needs.
2- Roof is metal deck with overwide flange beams.
3- The roofing contractor has to be certified by Soprema and need to include his/her certification as part of the
roofing submittal (see attached roof warrantee – Appendix D)
4- All work is performed on the roof level and above as per plans. A mechanical platform for new Chillers
has to be built above the roof (new base is longer and narrower than existing). Plan 1 shows the work
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needed for the existing roof framing and Plan 2 shows the work needed for the platform. If a contractor
has a different means and methods for modifying the existing platform, submit to engineer for approval.
5- If existing Acquatherm co. is no longer in business producing plastic pipe, then contractors can use
compatible product from a compatible chilled water piping manufacturer such as NUPI, Interplast,
Isco etc. Contractor is responsible to coordinate and select compatible fittings to match proper sizing
(English/Metric)
Additional Piping Information:
Modify the specification section 23 20 00-HVAC Piping indicated in as follows:
(Black is existing text, red/Bold is the new text)
2.2 PIPES AND TUBES
A. Chilled Water Piping
1.
Larger than 2” Steel Pipe: ASTM A53/A53M, Grade B, Schedule 40, black., Malleable iron or
forged steel fittings, threaded or welded joints.
2.
Larger than 2” PP-R (random copolymer polypropylene): ICC-ES PMG-1244, IAPMO
FILE 9840, ASTM F2389Socket fusion connections, instabranch and instaheader branches.
3.
2” and below Copper Tubing: ASTM B88, (ASTM B88M), Type L, drawn, cast brass, wrought
copper, or mechanically extracted fittings, lead free solder joints.
4.
Below Grade PVC Pipe: ASTM D1785, Schedule 40 ASTM D2241, SDR 21 or 26 solvent weld
joints.
6- Flushing of existing water loop piping: Water shall be treated as per AWT standards by a qualified
water treatment specialist. No water allowed to enter new chillers without flushing the system. Use Start
up strainers with manufacturers’ recommendations for screens micron size. Some typical values for
closed loop Chilled Water Systems (or follow manufacturer guidelines if more stringent):
a. Ph 8 to 10
b. TSS < 10 mg/l
c. Turbidity < 10 NTU
d. Iron < 0.3 mg/l
e. Oil/Grease ND
f. Chlorides – as recommended by manufact.
7- Substitutions Information:
As per the front-end bid documents in section 4.3, the following guidelines shall be met:
“4.3 Substitutions:
4.3.1 The materials, products and equipment described in the Bidding Documents establish a standard
of quality, character, type, style, function, dimension, and appearance desired. Equivalent products may
be acceptable, as stated in La. R.S. 38:2212.T(2). It shall be the responsibility of the Architect/Engineer to
determine if a proposed substitution is equivalent. No substitutions shall be allowed after bidding, except
as may be provided in the Contract Documents.
4.3.2 No substitution will be considered unless written request for approval has been submitted by the
Proposer and has been received by the Architect/Engineer at least seven (7) working days prior to the
deadline for submission of Bids. (La. R.S. 38:2295.C) Each such request shall include the name of the
material or
equipment for which it is to be substituted and a complete description of the proposed substitute including
model numbers, drawings, cuts, performance and test data and any other information necessary for an
evaluation. A statement setting forth any changes in other materials, equipment or work that incorporation
of the substitute would require shall be included. It shall be the responsibility of the Proposer to include
in his proposal all changes required of the Contract Documents if the proposed substitution is used. Prior
approval is given contingent upon supplier being responsible for any costs which may be necessary to
modify the space or facilities needed to accommodate the materials and equipment approved.
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4.3.3 If the Architect approves any proposed substitution, such approval will be set forth in an
Addendum. Bidders shall not rely upon approvals made in any other manner.”
The design/dimensions/roof modifications/electrical power distribution are based on Trane Chillers as
scheduled in our bid documents.
No approved equipment substitutions
III- Tax Exemption
This project is tax exempt
IV- Cost Estimate
Opinion Of Probable Cost = $1,275,000.00
V- General Discussions During Pre-Bid Conference
1- Logistics/Staging/School Entry explanations. Sign in log for all workers. Safety discussions about
staging for Cranes and equipment. Qualified/certified operators required for heavy equipment.
Stand by Chiller rental. Extreme caution during roof work.
2- Post Bid Documents submission discussions.
3- GC is responsible for obtaining Addendum #1
4- During phasing of the work, GC is responsible to ensure that school is conditioned at all times.
5- All CWS/CWR lines shall be properly flushed using chemicals/start up strainers prior to
connecting new Chillers.
VI- Post Bid Document Checklist From OPSB
Attached Appendix A
VII- School Calendar
Attached Appendix B
VIII- Prebid Meeting Agenda
Attached Appendix C
IX – Roof Warrantee
Attached Appendix D
Page 4 of 4
X– Attendees Sign In Sheet
Attached Appendix E
End of Addendum #1
Bassam Rossi Mekari, PE - Principal
Bassam Rossi Mekari
Pivotal Engineering
APPENDIX A
NOLA Public Schools
Post-Bid Document Checklist
Project Information
Project: ITB 23-FAC-0073 – Chiller Replacement @ Mary Keller Zervigon School
Bid Opening Date: Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Pre-Bid Conference Date: Thursday, December 4, 2025 3128 Constance Street, NO LA 70115
All documents are due within 10 calendar days after bid opening.
Submission Rules
• Post-Bid Documents cannot be emailed.
• Submission by hand delivery, U.S. Mail, or Express Mail only.
• NOLA-PS is not responsible for delays or lost mail; late receipt = non-responsive.
Required Post-Bid Documents
☐ Non-Collusion Affidavit
☐ Attestation Clause
☐ DBE Responsiveness Form 1
☐ DBE Responsiveness Form 2
☐ DBE Certification Checklist (Notarized)
☐ Copy of DBE Certification Letter(s) (Provide letters for any DBE firms being claimed)
☐ EDGAR Form
Delivery Address (Hand Delivery or Mail)
Mr. Jonathan Temple
Office of Business Partnerships
NOLA Public Schools
2401 Westbend Parkway, Suite 5055
New Orleans, LA 70114
This page summarizes the opportunity, including an overview and a preview of the attached documents.