Technical Questions Spreadsheet - Gainesville - 8-24-26.docx

TECHNICAL QUESTIONS AND

Immediately after the bonds are provided to the Government, the contractor shall immediately start working with the identified COR at the site to commence the VA PIV process for all known contractor personnel that will be working the project. All contractors must have a PIV Card in order to work on site.

Controlling Campus Cat6A Quantity Drawing / Specification Reference: T-500 and T-001

CURRENT BID BASIS

The T-500 telecommunications room schedule totals 10,242 campus Cat6A runs/terminations and 238 48-port Cat6A patch panels.

CLARIFICATION REQUESTED

Confirm that 10,242 Cat6A runs and 238 patch panels are the controlling lump-sum bid quantities. Confirm the compensation method for outlets added, deleted, or discovered during the mandatory field survey.

Drawing / Specification Reference: T-500, T-400 through T-407, project narrative and schedules

CURRENT BID BASIS

T-500 quantifies 45 telecommunications rooms, while other project information references approximately 58 to 60 rooms.

CLARIFICATION REQUESTED

Issue a definitive room matrix identifying each room as full recable, fiber-only, new, renovated, existing-to-remain, temporary/migration, or excluded. Identify the controlling rack, patch-panel, and fiber-enclosure quantities for each room.

As indicated in coded notes on T-4XX series, some of these rooms contain existing equipment with new fiber connection only. T-500 Telecommunication room termination and hardware schedule indicates only rooms with new equipment. T-601 Indicates new fiberoptic cable connections.

Drawing / Specification Reference: T-500, T-001 and mandatory field-survey requirements

CURRENT BID BASIS

For bid purposes, GPZ is using an average 150-foot campus horizontal cable route plus a 10 percent service-loop and waste factor because route-specific lengths are not provided.

CLARIFICATION REQUESTED

Provide route-specific cable lengths or confirm that final cable footage may be field measured before material release.

Confirm that material and labor changes caused by verified route-length variance will be adjusted by change order.

The Contract Documents do not establish route-by-route cable footage as a fixed bid quantity. The Contractor shall field-verify outlet locations and pathways, field-measure the actual routes before material release, and submit the required pull schedule. Provide complete Category 6A links within the specified maximum channel length, including required termination and service-loop allowances. A variance from a bidder's assumed average route length is not, by itself, a basis for adjustment because field verification is required. Any VA-directed change to outlet quantity, location, or scope will be addressed only by written Contracting Officer modification. (Refs.: Drawing T-001, General Notes 4, 5, 18, 28, and 32; Drawing T-002, Horizontal Cabling Replacement, Phase 2; Spec. 27 15 13, para. 2.1.J.)

Drawing / Specification Reference: T-001 and Division 27 horizontal cabling requirements

CURRENT BID BASIS

The 10,242-run total is carried as a combined quantity without a final application/color allocation.

CLARIFICATION REQUESTED

Provide the final cable and jack quantities by VA application and color, including white, yellow/green/gray, orange, violet, blue, red, black, and any other required coding. Include data-center A-side/B-side color requirements.

Use the application color coding shown on Drawing T-001: white for voice; yellow/green/gray for data; orange for medical, guest, and VA Wi-Fi; violet for video surveillance; blue for nurse call; red for fire alarm; and black for BAS/DAS. Within the Data Center, provide blue for A-side Category 6A and yellow for B-side Category 6A as indicated. The Contract Documents do not provide a separate pre-bid quantity-by-color matrix; quantities shall follow the actual application and field-verified outlet schedule. Include the color allocation in the telecommunications shop drawings and pull schedule. (Refs.: Vol. 03 Drawing T-001, CAT6A Copper Cable Color Coding and Pull Schedule Requirements; Vol. 01 Drawing T-101, Data Center Cabling Notes.)

Drawing / Specification Reference: T-601, T-002 and Division 27 fiber narrative

CURRENT BID BASIS

GPZ is carrying OS2 for all singlemode fiber, including campus backbone, internal links, and temporary migration assemblies.

CLARIFICATION REQUESTED

Confirm that all singlemode fiber is OS2. Identify any locations or temporary assemblies that require OS1 or another construction/performance classification.

Refer to sheet T-601 in EHRM and Data Center packages for cable information.

Drawing / Specification Reference: T-601 and site/civil pathway plans

CURRENT BID BASIS

The current basis is 120 route-specific 24-strand OS2 cables, consisting of 60 A-side and 60 B-side diverse backbone routes. Final footage is not identified.

CLARIFICATION REQUESTED

Provide field-measured A-route and B-route lengths, required service loops, manhole/handhole slack, maximum reel lengths, splice restrictions, and required reel or cable segmentation for each route.

The A and B route lengths shall be field measured before cable procurement because the site routes are diagrammatic. Contractor is responsible for adjustments as part of the base bid to account for routing to avoid on-site utility obstructions. Provide direct, continuous facility-backbone runs between the indicated termination points, with routing, reel segmentation, pulling lengths, and handhole/manhole slack coordinated in the pull schedule and manufacturer installation requirements. Intermediate cross-connects or unapproved splices are not permitted. Provide the room service loop indicated on the telecommunications-room details. No final footage schedule will be issued; the Base Bid shall include the complete field-measured routes shown. (Refs.: Drawings T-100 through T-108, route and coordination note; Drawings T-401 through T-407, General Note 5; Drawing T-601; Spec. 27 10 00

Drawing / Specification Reference: T-502 and T-601

CURRENT BID BASIS

The bid basis includes 120 OM4 MPO-12 trunks and 240 six-cable Cat6A trunk bundles serving 1,440 Cat6A links.

Final assembly lengths are not available.

CLARIFICATION REQUESTED

Issue the final length, polarity, gender, connector, labeling, and A/B color schedule after cabinets and pathways are installed. Confirm acceptable maximum excess length at each cabinet and whether field measurement is required before fabrication.

Per ISTS cabling that originates and terminates within the Data Center will need to be field measured and factory terminated. Refer to Div 27 specifications and ISTS Design manual for excess cable length limitations.

Drawing / Specification Reference: Section 27 16 19 and project migration requirements

CURRENT BID BASIS

Campus, data-center, fiber, and migration patch cords are currently carried only as optional one-for-one estimating quantities because a final length/color matrix and trade assignment are not provided.

CLARIFICATION REQUESTED

Confirm who furnishes and installs rack-side, workstation, data-center, fiber, temporary migration, and cutover patch cords. Provide the required quantity, length, connector, and color matrix for each system.

As stated on construction drawings, Contractor shall provide all patch cabling, including copper and fiber-optic to ensure a fully functional system.

Drawing / Specification Reference: T-400 through T-407, T-501, T-502, Sections 27 11 16 and 27 11 26

CURRENT BID BASIS

Current estimating basis is 61 campus rack systems and 20 data-center cabinets, with rack UPS and A/B PDUs subject to final room and cabinet elevations.

CLARIFICATION REQUESTED

Verify room-specific rack and cabinet counts and identify the furnishing/installation responsibility for racks, cabinets, sidecars, UPS systems, PDUs, environmental sensors, and accessories. Provide UPS capacity/runtime and PDU voltage, plug, receptacle, load, and monitoring requirements.

Room-specific rack and cabinet quantities shall be taken from Drawings T-401 through T-407, T-500, and T-501, and from the Data Center plans, elevations, and cabling map. The Contractor shall furnish and install racks, cabinets, sidecars/cable management, patching hardware, rack UPS units, PDUs, environmental sensors, grounding accessories, and associated passive components unless specifically identified as Government-furnished. Network switches are Government-furnished and Contractor-installed. Provide UPS and PDU electrical characteristics in accordance with Spec. 27 11 26 and the applicable rack/cabinet details. Refer to response in Question 83 for additional PDU information.

Drawing / Specification Reference: T-001, Division 26 and Division 27 pathway requirements

CURRENT BID BASIS

GPZ understands that the electrical contractor generally provides raceways, sleeves, backboxes, floor/wall penetrations, and primary pathways, while the structured-cabling contractor provides telecommunications-room runway and system cabling.

CLARIFICATION REQUESTED

Clarify responsibility by pathway segment for flexible innerduct, J-hooks, cable tray/runway, sleeves, backboxes, pull strings, core drilling, firestopping, manhole/handhole work, and correction of blocked, undersized, or unusable existing pathways.

The general contractor is responsible for providing all division 26 and 27 pathway requirements. Existing pathways may be reused only after field verification confirms their serviceability and capacity. Any blocked, undersized, or unusable pathways must be reported to the COR prior to proceeding. Work beyond the scope of the indicated complete installation requires written direction.

(References: Drawing T-001, Coordination Notes—Structured Cabling, Firestopping, Conduit, and Telecommunications Outlets; Specifications 27 05 33, 27 05 36, and 07 84 00.)

Approved Structured Cabling Manufacturer and Warranty Requirements Drawing / Specification Reference: Sections 27 15 13, 27 11 19 and Division 27 quality/warranty requirements

CURRENT BID BASIS

GPZ intends to propose an Optical Cable Corporation (OCC) Category 6A and fiber connectivity system as an approved equal, subject to submittal approval.

CLARIFICATION REQUESTED

Confirm whether OCC is acceptable as an approved equal. Identify any mandatory manufacturer, certified-installer, training, system-warranty, registration, or extended-warranty requirements that must be satisfied before award and material release.

Refer to Specification Section 02 82 11, “Traditional Asbestos Abatement,” Paragraph 1.1.B.2, which references two asbestos and lead survey reports prepared by Terracon Consultants, Inc., dated February 16, 2024 and June 10, 2024. The reports are included in the Specifications PDF on pages 236 through 376 and shall be reviewed in conjunction with the abatement requirements of Specification Section 02 82 11.

Please confirm whether the successful contractor is responsible for providing temporary construction site security, including protection of materials, equipment, and contractor laydown areas throughout the project.

Will contractor laydown yards, material storage areas, and equipment staging locations be identified prior to mobilization? If so, can their anticipated locations be provided?

On sheet S001 there is mention of “Geotechnical Investigation”, but it is unclear whether it is the responsibility of the contractor. Please clarify.

Please clarify whether signage is included and, if so, provide the interior room signage schedule, exterior and directional signage schedule, sign type legend, sign message schedule, fabrication details, mounting details, ADA / ABAAS tactile and Braille requirements, finish and material specifications, equipment identification signage requirements, and life safety or warning signage requirements.

Please confirm whether a separate signage package will be issued by addendum or whether signage is excluded from this contract.

All signage shall be submitted by the GC during construction, at which point, comments regarding names, numbers, and styles will be addressed. Assume new signage is to match existing.

Signage outside of existing TRs is to remain as is. New inserts are to be applied.

See general notes on signage plan. Data center and new TRs are to receive new signage in accordance with PG-18-10 and are to be coordinated with the COR.

Please provide the required tested assemblies for fire barriers, smoke barriers, smoke partitions, shaft walls, floor / ceiling assemblies, roof / ceiling assemblies, and all related door, frame, glazing, and penetration assemblies.

Please identify the UL, Intertek, GA, or other approved tested assembly designations required for all applicable locations.

Volume 01 – Data Center – See A001 UL #U904 = 2-HR Rated Fire Barrier UL #U465 = 1-HR Rated Fire Barrier

Volume 02 – EHRM – See A001 in Volume 01

Please confirm whether applied fireproofing is required for any structural steel members and, if so, identify the members, required ratings, fireproofing system, specification section, tested assembly designations, thickness requirements, and inspection requirements.

Building Type IIB does not require applied fireproofing to structural members. All materials are considered non-flammable.

If existing fireproofing is disturbed as part of the EHRM project, repair according to the spec.

The Contract Documents include door schedules, frame details, and Division 08 requirements; however, the documents do not appear to include a fully coordinated door, frame, and hardware schedule.

Please provide a coordinated schedule identifying hardware set numbers, electrified hardware, access control devices, automatic operators, and security hardware, and clarify which existing doors, frames, and hardware are to remain, be reused, or be replaced.

Volume 01 – Data Center:

See sheet A601 for schedule of hardware and door types and frames.

Volume 02 – EHRM:

See sheet A600 for schedule of hardware and door types and frames.

Both hardware sets refer to the hardware schedule in the spec starting on 08 71 00 -18

The Architectural Narrative identifies an unresolved conflict between the VA Interior Design Guide and the OIT Design Guide regarding telecommunications room door height.

Please confirm whether new telecommunications room doors are to be 3'-0" x 7'-0" or 3'-0" x 8'-0" and identify the governing standard for the project. Please confirm Fire Rating requirements for all doors.

See schedules on sheets listed in RFI 43. Fire Rating and size requirements are listed there. Most TRs are existing rooms in corridors with ceilings that will not permit an 8ft door. Doors in data center or in areas with heigh ceilings were identified and recieve an 8ft door. See door schedule for fire-rated door requirements.

Please identify all doors and frames requiring fire ratings, the required hourly rating for each assembly, the required fire-rated glazing and hardware, and the applicable tested assembly listings.

See response to RFI 43 and 44.

New Data Center Architectural Finish Schedule Please provide a comprehensive finish schedule for each room and space, including floor, base, wall, and ceiling finishes, resinous flooring extents, finish transitions, paint systems, and final finish material selections.

For Volume 1: Refer to Sheet AF101-F for finishes information, including Finish Legend containing final material selections, Floor Finish Plan, Wall Finish & Protection Plan, Reflected Ceiling Plan, Signage Plan and Floor Transition Details.

For Volume 2: Refer to all Note Plans on Sheets A1.B.1 - A1.8 for finish tags denoting the finishes each room is to receive. Refer to Sheet A600 for Finish Legend containing final material selections and Floor Transition Details.

See Addendum 01 for details.

Fire Alarm Device Schedule and Point List Please provide the complete device schedule and point list identifying quantities by device type, device addressing, loop assignments, panel assignments, and any available bill of materials or engineer device count.

Please confirm the existing manufacturer, current servicing vendor, required basis-of-design manufacturer for the new system, whether approved equals will be accepted, and any manufacturer-specific programming, licensing, commissioning, or warranty requirements.

Fire Alarm system in use on campus and for this project is Honeywell Notifier.

Please provide the existing panel locations, network topology, communication pathways, loop assignments, capacity, graphics workstation configuration, programming files, and all temporary interface and cutover requirements.

Refer to Fire Alarm Riser Diagram on sheet FA001 for existing fire alarm system connection points.

Temporary Cooling Requirements During HVAC System Cutovers and Equipment Switchover Please identify all areas requiring temporary cooling, the required temperature and humidity conditions, the duration of temporary cooling, the responsible party, the required capacities, the temporary power requirements, and whether temporary cooling is fully included in the Contract Documents or will be issued by addendum.

Please provide the existing HVAC Controls / BAS manufacturer, the current BAS service vendor, the required manufacturer for the new system, and confirmation whether the new HVAC controls system must match the existing BAS manufacturer.

Existing BAS is Siemens Desigo and is currently serviced by Siemens. New system must be Siemens Desigo.

Please provide the existing Access Control, Security, and CCTV system manufacturers, the current service vendor, the required basis-of-design manufacturer for the new systems, and confirmation whether the new systems must match the existing manufacturers or whether approved equals will be accepted.

Access Control:

· Software - Lenel Onguard 8.3,

· Card Readers

· Single Authentication (Non-Keypad) - Signo PIV 40

· 40HTKS-03-0004XR – Terminal Block

· Dual Authentication (Keypad) - Signo PIV 20K / Signo PIV 40K

· 40KHTKS-03-0004XR – Terminal Block

· Narrow Style Single Authentication (Non-Keypad) - Signo PIV 20

· 20HTKS-03-00059X – Terminal Block

· *Readers must be PIV and be able to be programmed to 200 Bit

Security:

· Handled by Access Control,

· LNL-CK – The Lenel Keypad to arm/disarm.

· LNL-1100-S3 Board – Alarm Panel CCTV: Hanwha Wisenet 6.0.

Contractor must provide the basis of design for these systems.

Please clarify which party(s) are responsible for all required special inspections, testing, and commissioning activities, and the party responsible for contracting and paying, the witness or acceptance authority.

VA will provide Commissioning Agent. All other required special inspections shall be provided by Contractor.

The CQC System Manager may perform other compatible project duties only when those duties do not interfere with the complete and timely performance of the CQC responsibilities. This allowance does not permit the CQC System Manager to serve simultaneously as the Project Superintendent under the organizational structure required by paragraph 3.2.B.1.

The CQC System Manager shall retain the authority delegated under paragraph 3.2.B.3, including authority to stop work that does not comply with the Contract. The proposed CQC organization and personnel remain subject to review and acceptance by the Contracting Officer or authorized designee.

The para states: “A limited number of permits shall be issued for General Contractor and its employees for parking in designated areas only.”

Given these provisions, can the VA clarify how permits will be issued? Can the VA clarify where parking in designated areas only is located?

The VA may authorize up to two parking spots on campus. Each authorized parking spot will be assigned a placard specifically for the designated vehicle. The contractor must provide the vehicle description, license plate number, and driver names. If the contractor intends to bring a different vehicle on-site in place of one already authorized, a replacement placard may be requested.

Overflow parking is available on the north side of the University Inn at 1901 SW 13th St, Gainesville, FL 32608. Overflow parking operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that overflow parking is not managed by security, and shuttle services are not provided. The parking area is approximately a 15-minute walk from campus.

The section states: “A. The Contractor shall confine all operations (including storage of materials) on Government premises to areas authorized or approved by the Contracting Officer.”

The specification requires that construction operations and material storage be limited to areas authorized by the Contracting Officer; however, the Contract Documents do not appear to identify designated locations for contractor staging.

Can the VA please identify the areas that will be made available for the Contractor's use during construction, including locations for:

· Job trailer(s)

· Material storage

· Equipment staging

· Construction dumpsters

· Employee parking

· Laydown and loading/unloading areas If these areas have not yet been designated, can the VA please provide the anticipated locations and any restrictions on their use so that we can accurately assess site logistics, material handling requirements, security considerations, and associated project costs?

Site logistics will be coordinated and finalized with the COR prior to mobilization. With COR approval, up to two locked 20-foot connex containers may be placed in the Glory Lot west of campus; VA utilities will not be provided. Placement of a dumpster near the building may be authorized, and equipment may be stored within the fenced construction area during demolition and construction. For parking requirements, please refer to the response in question 55.

The section states: “J (1). All Buildings will be occupied during performance of work.” While J (2) states: ” Immediate areas of alterations not mentioned in preceding Subparagraph 1 will be temporarily vacated while alterations are performed.”

Given these provisions, can the VA clarify these statements as no specific areas were mentioned in J(1)?

Rooms to become TRs will be cleared out prior to construction in line with phasing plan. Hospital operations should not be affected and disruptions should be kept to a minimum. Coordinate with COR on all closures, phasing, and relocation efforts.

Reference 01 00 00: 1.12 LAYOUT OF WORK, para A The section states: “The Contractor shall lay out the work from Government established base lines and bench marks on the drawings, and shall be responsible for all measurements in connection with the layout.”

Can the VA clarify where on the drawings that “Government established base lines and bench marks, are indicated?

The section states: The Contractor shall retain Professional Surveying Services. and Upon completion of the work, the Contractor shall furnish drawings bearing the seal of the registered land surveyor or registered civil engineer.

Can the VA clarify if the intent of the above statements is for the new building surveying and/or is also applicable to all site work?

Yes. The requirements of Specification Section 01 00 00, “General Requirements,” Paragraphs 1.11, “Professional Surveying Services,” and 1.12, “Layout of Work,” apply to both the new Data Center and the permanent site and utility work for which location, alignment, grade, or elevation must be established or documented. This includes the campus telecommunications ductbank work shown on Drawings CU100 through CU108.

The Contractor shall retain and pay for a registered professional land surveyor to establish, check, and certify the required survey control before placement of major controlling features. Changes involving line or grade and the required completion survey shall be documented on drawings bearing the applicable professional seal in accordance with Paragraphs 1.12.B through 1.12.D.

General project as-built drawings shall be maintained and submitted in accordance with Paragraph 1.13. The professional seal requirement applies to the survey certifications and drawings expressly required by Paragraph 1.12 and does not require every general as-built sheet or temporary site activity to be sealed.

The section states: “Limited use of existing elevators for handling building materials and Contractor's personnel will be permitted….”

The specification permits limited use of existing elevators by the Contractor for transportation of personnel, tools, equipment, and materials. However, the Contract Documents do not appear to identify which specific elevator(s) will be available for construction use.

Can the VA please clarify which elevator(s) within the project building(s) will be made available for Contractor use during construction. Additionally, please identify any restrictions regarding elevator size, weight capacity, hours of availability, material handling limitations, or periods when elevator use may be restricted due to facility operations? This information is necessary to properly evaluate material handling logistics, labor requirements, and associated project costs.

Contractor use of elevators is limited to the designated service elevators serving Building 1, the E-Wing, and the Bed Tower. Patient elevators shall not be used for transporting contractor personnel, tools, equipment, or materials. No elevator will be assigned for the Contractor’s exclusive use.

The S Service Elevator and the Area A service elevator are each rated at 5,000 pounds. The Area B service elevator is rated at 4,000 pounds. The Contractor shall verify elevator car dimensions, door clearances, posted load capacities, and suitability for the intended load before use.

Following contract award, elevator access, authorized hours, routes, and material-handling restrictions shall be coordinated with the COR based on the applicable building, phase of work, and Medical Center operations. The Contractor shall provide protection for elevator entrances, car interiors, flooring, and finishes and shall repair damage or excessive wear resulting from construction use at no additional cost to the Government.

Facility operations may temporarily restrict the use of a particular service elevator. Although another service elevator will generally be available through the interconnected buildings, bidders shall not assume unrestricted, continuous, or dedicated elevator access.

Reference: Specification Section 01 00 00, “General Requirements,” Paragraph 1.17, “Temporary Use of Existing Elevators.”

The section states: “As per specification section 23 05 93 the contractor shall provide a written testing and commissioning plan complete with component level, equipment level, sub-system level and system level breakdowns.”

Can the VA clarify if this is the correct section or should this be section 23 08 00?

GC shall ensure the requirements from both specs are met in the written testing and commissioning plan.

Can the VA please clarify whether full compliance with all requirements of Section 1.21 is mandatory through the use of a specialized third-party photographic documentation service, or whether the General Contractor may satisfy the specification requirements through its own photographic documentation program, provided all required photographs, reports, cataloging, storage, and submission requirements are met.

Additionally, please confirm whether the VA requires the engagement of a specific vendor or proprietary documentation system, or if similar photographic documentation procedures administered by the Contractor will be considered acceptable?

Third-party professional photography is not required and can be taken by the GC. All other photography requirements are to be met by the GC.

Reference Drawing Sheet GI001 GENERAL CONSTRUCTION NOTES #3

“CONTRACTOR IS RESPONSIBLE TO VISIT THE SITE, EXAMINE AND ACCEPT

EXISTING CONDITIONS PRIOR TO BIDDING. SITE VISITS TO BE COORDINATED

WITH THE CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE.”

Can the VA clarify that the sentence is only applicable to areas shown during the scheduled site visit held on 7/29/2026? Can the VA allow for an additional site visit(s)?

Reference Drawing Sheet GI001 GENERAL CONSTRUCTION NOTES #4

“CONTRACTOR IS RESPONSIBLE TO REPAIR AND/OR REFINISH, TO MATCH

ADJACENT EXISTING SURFACES, ANY EXISTING MATERIALS TO REMAIN THAT

ARE DAMAGED DURING THE COURSE OF DEMOLITION OR NEW WORK.”

Can the VA please confirm that this requirement applies only to existing materials and finishes designated to remain that are damaged, impacted, or disturbed by the Contractor's demolition activities or installation of new work?

Our interpretation is that this requirement does not extend to the repair, replacement, refinishing, or correction of pre-existing conditions, concealed deficiencies, deteriorated materials, code deficiencies, or conditions that become visible only after demolition and are not otherwise identified in the contract documents.

Can the VA please confirm that such pre-existing or concealed conditions are excluded from this requirement and, if corrective action is required, will be addressed separately by the VA?

Reference Drawing Sheet GI001 GENERAL CONSTRUCTION NOTES #5

“WHERE REMOVAL OF EXISTING WORK IS REQUIRED FOR INSTALLATION OF

NEW WORK, CONTRACTOR SHALL REPAIR EXISTING CONSTRUCTION TO

REMAIN OR PROVIDE NEW CONSTRUCTION TO MATCH EXISTING ADJACENT

SURFACES TO REMAIN..”

Can the VA clarify Please clarify the intent of this requirement. Is it the VA's intent that this provision applies only to existing materials and surfaces designated to remain that are damaged or disturbed as a result of demolition activities or the installation of new work?

We assume this requirement is not intended to obligate repair, replacement, or refinishing of pre-existing conditions, concealed deficiencies, deteriorated materials, or conditions that become exposed as a result of demolition but were previously hidden and are not otherwise identified in the contract documents.

Can the VA please confirm that corrective work associated with such pre-existing or concealed conditions, when not specifically indicated in the contract documents, will be addressed separately and is not included within the scope of this specification requirement?

“ALL EXPOSED NEW WORK IS TO RECEIVE NEW FINISHES UNLESS

SPECIFICALLY NOTED OTHERWISE. IF NO FINISH IS INDICATED AT A

PARTICULAR SURFACE, CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE FINISH(S) AS

INDICATED AT SIMILAR CONDITIONS.”

Can the VA please clarify the intent of this requirement for example: areas where existing ceilings are removed and the design calls for the space to remain open to structure above. Conditions above existing ceilings are unknown at the time of bid and may include unfinished or partially finished surfaces, utilities, supports, and other elements not previously intended to be exposed?

In such areas, is the Contractor required to provide new finishes on all newly exposed surfaces and components above the former ceiling line, regardless of whether finishes are specifically indicated in the contract documents? Or is the Contractor only required to finish surfaces specifically identified on the drawings and specifications, with any additional work to be addressed through a modification if unforeseen conditions are encountered?

The GC should match existing finishes unless instructed otherwise on the drawings. The exception is that the TRs should not have ceilings replaced. They should be left open to above.

“ALL PENETRATIONS THROUGH NEW AND/OR EXISTING SMOKE OR FIRE RATED

WALLS SHALL BE SMOKE/FIRE STOPPED AS REQUIRED BY THE RATING OF

THE WALL.”

During above-ceiling work, it is common to encounter existing smoke- and fire-rated wall assemblies that contain pre-existing deficiencies, including unsealed penetrations or incomplete smoke/fire-stopping that existed prior to the Contractor's work.

Can the VA please confirm that this requirement applies only to penetrations created, modified, or otherwise affected by the Contractor's demolition and new work under this contract?

Our interpretation is that correction of existing deficiencies, unsealed penetrations, or non-compliant conditions that predate this project and are not disturbed by the Contractor's work is not included in the Contract scope unless specifically identified in the contract documents.

Can the VA please confirm that the Contractor is not responsible for repairing, upgrading, or bringing pre-existing smoke/fire-rated assemblies into full code compliance where such conditions are unrelated to and unaffected by the Contractor's scope of work?

The Contractor is responsible for rating all penetrations made by the GC, and/or sub-contractors. All existing deficiencies should be brought forth to the VA in the form of an RFI.

“CONTRACTOR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR IDENTIFICATION AND REMOVAL OF

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ENCOUNTERED DURING CONSTRUCTION.”

The Contract Documents include hazardous material surveys and testing reports prepared by Terracon identifying the location, type, and quantity of known asbestos-containing materials (ACM), lead-containing materials (LCM), and other hazardous materials.

Can the VA please confirm that bidders are to rely upon the provided Terracon reports for the identification, location, type, and quantity of hazardous material abatement required under this Contract for pricing purposes?

Our interpretation is that remediation of hazardous materials specifically identified in the provided reports is included within the contract scope, while any unidentified or previously undisclosed hazardous materials discovered during construction will be addressed by the VA through appropriate investigation and direction.

Additionally, please clarify that if suspect hazardous materials are encountered during construction in areas or materials not identified within the Terracon reports, the Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer and/or Contracting Officer's representative for evaluation and direction prior to disturbing the material for resolution?

Confirmed. The GC is responsible for all hazardous materials noted in the Hazardous reports provided by Terracon. All other Hazardous material uncovered during construction is to be brought to the VA’s attention in the form of an RFI.

Reference Civil CAD/ or As-built site UG files Can the VA provide the available UG Civil utility files for use prior to bid?

This section states: The Prime Contractor shall provide a minimum of one “Full-Time” SSHO at each project site, for each shift (with no other duties)…”

Can the VA please confirm that the SSHO position is required to be dedicated exclusively to site safety and health functions and may not perform any additional project duties, including but not limited to Superintendent, Project Manager, Quality Control Manager, foreman, trade work, administrative tasks, or other construction-related responsibilities?

If any dual-role assignments are permitted under this project, can the VA please identify the acceptable combinations of responsibilities and any associated limitations? This clarification is requested so that bidders may accurately staff the project and account for associated personnel costs.

The SSHO is to have no other duties while on site.

Can the VA confirm that this is a requirement for this project?

Confirmed. Tuberculosis screening is required for contract employees assigned to the work site. Provide written certification of a negative pre-placement screening completed within 90 days before assignment, and provide the required documentation for workers added later. Employees with positive screening results shall comply with the follow-up requirements before working on VHA property. Refer to Spec. 01 35 26 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS para. 1.16.A.)

D. Additional Requirements: In addition to the above experience and education requirements, the CQC System Manager and Alternate CQC System Manager are required to have completed the Construction Quality Management (CQM) for Construction course. If the CQC System Manager does not have a current specification, obtain the CQM for Contractors course identification within 90 days of award.

Can the VA confirm that the CQC Manager & alternate need to meet the above requirement?

Yes.

Can the VA please confirm that the GC is required to have the following as separate duties for the Prime Contractors project superintendent, QCC and SSHO?

Reference Section 31 20 00, EARTH MOVING Other spec sections include 31 20 00 as being related and it doesn’t appear to have been provided.

Can the VA confirm this specification is not required for this project?

Other spec sections include Division 09, FINISHES as being related and it doesn’t appear to have been provided.

Can the VA confirm this specification is not required for this project?

See Finish Schedule(s) on Drawings.

Other spec sections include Section 05 21 00 as being related and it…