S05 Request for Information Responses - Questions 1-96.pdf

Question: 1 – The existing beams are damaged and need to be repaired before fireproofing.

Until we start work, there is no way to determine the extent of the damage. How do you want us to quote that; with an allowance?

Response: No allowances should be utilized in the preparation of bids. The existing beams that are currently damaged and may require repair should be a part of the aggregate/lump sum bid price.

Question: 2 – Is there 220v power available?

Response: No, 220v power is not available.

Question: 3 – Is there a hose bib available?

Response: Yes, a hose bib is available.

Question: 4 – CAFCO-CELLU-SHIELD is the product we are proposing to use as the protective insulation covering for the fireproofing. Do you want this material over the fire proofing on the beams? What color do you want? What thickness?

Response: Yes, protective insulation shall be used over the fireproofing on the beams. The color shall be gray. For the thickness, refer to Section 8.7(b) in the Statement of Work.

Question: 5 – Is there hazard waste present?

Response: To the best knowledge of the VA, no hazardous waste is present.

Question: 6 – Besides adding the bird netting, is there any other animal mitigation required?

Response: For the project scope, animal mitigation shall cover and comply with Section 10.1 and Section 10.2 in the Statement of Work.

Question: 7 – Please clarify if the St Petersburg VARO Bldg 46 and 47 are federally owned properties or federally leased private properties.

Response: Building 46 and Building 47 at the St. Petersburg VARO are federally owned properties.

Question: 8 – Please confirm that the SOW is to completely remove the existing fireproofing on the structural beams and apply new one.

Response: Yes, as stated and in accordance with Section 1.2 in the Statement of Work.

Question: 9 – Are the existing insulation panels (between structural beams) going to get applied fireproofing as well?

Response: Yes, existing insulation panels will receive applied fireproofing.

Question: 10 – Can VA please establish where exactly the bird and rodent prevention netting is going to be installed? There is a substantially among of cameras and lighting fixtures that can be affected if the netting is to be installed covering the entire ceiling.

Response: As stated in Section 10.1 of the Statement of Work, netting will be anchored every three (3) feet and allow passage of any existing foundations from the facility. Bird netting will go below the lowest pipes and when necessary, against the lowest pipes hanging from the ceiling. Bird netting will not impede with any visual displays or monitoring system through the cameras.

Question: 11 – Can VA provide the drawings of the building area to be impacted by the project?

Response: Drawings of Building 46 and Building 47 were provided in a previous Amendment to Solicitation (A0001) posted to SAM Contract Opportunities on February 20, 2024.

Question: 12 – Does the floor deck at the parking garage require spray applied fireproofing?

(The deck is currently not sprayed. That would lead us to believe that the deck is self-rated per the concrete type and thickness above).

Response: Yes, the floor deck at the parking garage requires spray applied fireproofing.

Spray applied fireproofing for the floor deck at the parking garage shall comply with Section

8.7 in the Statement of Work. The color for the floor deck at the parking garage shall also be gray.

Question: 13 – Does the fireproofing at the beams need to be completely removed and re-sprayed with new fireproofing? (After observing the fireproofing in the field, we feel that it is in very good shape. The existing damaged spray fireproofing should be patched back to its original thickness to maintain the required hourly rating).

Question: 14 – What color and thickness should the sprayed cellulose insulation be at the floor deck? What manufacturer?

Response: The color shall be gray. For the thickness, refer to Section 8.7(b) in the Statement of Work. For the material composition of the fireproofing, refer to Section 8.7(a) in the Statement of Work. Subject to compliance with requirements, Contractor shall provide an in kind product or service, which is comparable to the specified product or service in Section 8.7(c) of the Statement of Work, for quality and function that meets all codes and regulations.

Question: 15 – Would the beams sprayed with fireproofing need to be sprayed with the cellulose insulation to make the garage uniform and aesthetically pleasing?

Response: Yes, the beams shall be sprayed with the cementitious fire-resistive material.

Protective insulation in the garage shall also be gray as well as comply with Section 8.7 of the Statement of Work.

Question: 16 – Would the protective coasting need to be applied over the cellulose insulation to prevent the birds from damaging it?

Response: Yes, a protecting coating must also be applied over the insulation.

Question: 17 – We understand that this is after-hours work. Would we be given and area to 100% complete and turn over OR we will be required to setup and tear down every night?

Response: Due to the nature of the work and potential safety hazards, set-up and tear down every night will be required for this project.

Question: 18 – Beside the bird/rodent netting, are there any other pest control required?

Response: No. For bird and rodent prevention, the Contractor shall comply with Section

10.1 and Section 10.2 in the Statement of Work.

Question: 19 – Is ¾” netting approved?

Response: Yes, pursuant to Section 10.2(d) in the Statement of Work.

Question: 20 – Can we give an allowance for the patching of existing damaged SFRM?

Response: No allowances should be utilized in the preparation of bids. The existing beams that are currently damaged and may require repair should be a part of the aggregate/lump sum bid price.

Question: 21 – Does the VA require all existing fireproofing to be demolished completely on all structural members? Existing fireproofing appears to meet all functional and code requirements in its current condition with the exception of smaller areas that can be repaired. If complete removal is required please provide the technical basis for this approach instead of opting for patching the existing fireproofing?

Response: Yes, all existing fireproofing to be demolished completely as stated and in accordance with Section 1.2 in the Statement of Work.

Question: 22 – Please clarify whether the decking will receive new spray applied insulation only or whether the decking is to receive both new spray applied insulation and spray applied fireproofing materials.

It was mentioned by the VA during the site walk that fireproofing is required for the decking after removal of the existing Styrofoam insulation; however, this was not initially stipulated in the project SOW requirements due to the absence of existing cementitious fireproofing spray on the existing deck.

Please confirm the requirements and provide clarity on the necessity for the decking fireproofing given that the decks are rated to meet code without the addition of cementitious fireproofing materials.

The decking above by design is already at a 2hr fire rating if poured decking is a minimum of 4.5” of normal weight concrete and 3.75” for lightweight concrete.

Response: The decking shall receive both new spray applied insulation and spray applied fireproofing materials.

Question: 23 – Regarding the cellulose insulating spray, please specify the type, color, and thickness requirements for compliance?

Response: For the material composition of the fireproofing, refer to Section 8.7(a) in the

Statement of Work. The color shall be gray. For the thickness, refer to Section 8.7(b) in the Statement of Work.

Question: 24 – Will the VA accept existing fireproofing to remain and patch where needed?

Response: As stated in Section 1.2 of the Statement of Work, the Contractor shall remove any existing material and prepare surfaces to bond with new foam without any structural and property damage. Contractor shall also apply fireproofing and a protective insulation covering for the fireproofing while maintaining life/safety and other applicable codes (local, state, federal, etc.). At this time, the VA wishes to proceed with a full replacement approach rather than a patch/repair approach.

Question: 25 – Can the contractor overspray new fireproof material over the existing?

Response: No, all existing fireproofing to be demolished completely as stated and in

Question: 26 – Are WHEN hours required for all activities on the project? Is the VA open to normal working hours for any portion of this scope, if so what activities are day work applicable?

Response: For daytime work, consider weekends as an available option. For work that would not interfere with normal operations, the Statement of Work in Section 2.1 states that all requests for work during normal business hours must be requested by the Contractor at least fourteen (14) calendar days in advance to the VA Contracting Officer’s

Representative (COR).

Question: 27 – What is the turnover process for inspections and acceptance by the VA, i.e.

will the inspection and acceptance be on a work complete per day period or a per-phase period?

Response: Pursuant to Section 9.4(c) in the Statement of Work, inspections and acceptance by the VA for the application of sprayed fire-resistive material will take place over successive stages. Do not proceed with application of fire-resistive material in the next area until test results for previously completed applications of fire-resistive material satisfy the compliance requirements. However, for the turnover process as an entirety, inspections and acceptance by the VA will occur after completion of the punch list, installer certification and product test reports. Both the installer certification and product test reports are required in

Section 8.2 of the Statement of Work.

Question: 28 – What is the preferred phasing plan for the 65,000 sq. ft. area? Will phasing be determined based on a percentage of the total area or by square footage?

Response: The Contractor shall design a phasing plan for the installation to avoid interference with daily operations of the VARO. Said phasing plan should be approved by the VA Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). Refer to Section 1.2 and Section 2.1 in the

Statement of Work. Furthermore, for quality control purposes, the phasing plan should, at a minimum, comply with Section 9.4(c) in the Statement of Work.

Question: 29 – What phasing order does the government require the work to be performed in? Is there a preferred sequence for phasing?

VA Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). Refer to Section 1.2 and Section 2.1 in the

Question: 30 – Rodent prevention netting was indicated in the solicitation and during the walkthrough. What is the preferred material for netting: wire, string, or other?

Response: The netting product for bird and rodent prevention is addressed in the Statement of Work, more specifically Section 10.2.

Question: 31 – What is the maximum mesh opening size required by the VA for the rodent prevention netting?

Response: Netting size shall comply with product specifications under Section 10.2(d) in the

Question: 32 – Has a fire sprinkler engineer determined if the rodent prevention netting/mesh will affect the spread of water in the event of a fire? If so, please provide engineering details/comments. If not, will the contractor be required to perform the required engineering assessment?

Response: In accordance with Section 1.2 of the Statement of Work, Contractor shall be responsible for procuring the services of a state certified engineer to evaluate that the fireproofing is applied in accordance with VA specifications. Furthermore, the Contractor will be required to have registered professionals with relevant experience for all engineering disciplines required by the Statement of Work, as explicitly stated in Section 2.

Question: 33 – Will any fire suppression system modifications be required to be performed by the Contractor due to the placement of the netting?

Response: Not required.

Question: 34 – Can Superintendent, QC, and SSHO be covered by the same person?

Response: In accordance with VA Directives, the Contractor Quality Control (QC) Person can be the Site Safety and Health Officer (SSHO). The Project Superintendent or other

Contractor personnel may act on behalf of the SSHO for a period of no more than thirty (30) days annually, provided that the individual meets the same competency level of the SSHOs, demonstrates the proficiency required, and is approved by the Contracting Officer in consultation with the VA Safety Manager.

Question: 35 – There were no government-furnished design documents included with the RFP documents. Please provide any design documentation, if available, to aid in project planning and execution.

Response: No design was completed by an independent Architect-Engineer (A-E) Firm, thereby no design documents will be issued for this project. The issued Statement of Work states in Section 1.2 that Contractor shall be responsible for procuring the services of a state certified engineer to evaluate that the fireproofing is applied in accordance with VA specifications.

Question: 36 – Please provide parking electrical, gravity plumbing, architectural, and structural as-built drawings to facilitate the project planning and execution process?

Response: The most-recent drawings for Building 46 and Building 47 were provided in a previous Amendment to Solicitation (A0001) posted to SAM Contract Opportunities on

February 20, 2024.

Question: 37 – Please provide as-built specifications and documentation on existing structural beam fireproofing materials.

Response: No design was completed by an independent Architect-Engineer (A-E) Firm. No design specifications will then be issued. Contractor shall comply with VA specifications for applied fireproofing. However, the most-recent drawings for Building 46 and Building 47 were provided in a previous Amendment to Solicitation (A0001) posted to SAM Contract Opportunities on February 20, 2024.

Question: 38 – Please define any required contractor-furnished engineering design submittals, if any, as referenced in the RFP Scope of Work on page 3, item 2, line 1.

Response: No design-related submittals will be required. Material submittals will be required for any fire-resistive materials and netting products, all of which shall comply with VA specifications. Other submittals for this project are itemized in Section 8.2 of the Statement of Work.

Question: 39 – Please confirm that Bird Netting will go below and possibly against the lowest pipes (bottom side) hanging from the ceiling. Are any pipes hot to the touch?

Response: Yes, bird netting will go below the lowest pipes and when necessary, against the lowest pipes hanging from the ceiling. To the best knowledge of the VA, no pipes are hot to the touch.

Question: 40 – Are there any pipes/utilities that the VA does not want enclosed in the Bird Netting? If so, please identify specifically.

Response: Netting will be anchored every three (3) feet, and allow passage of any existing foundations from the facility. Any pipes or utilities subject to enclosure from the netting being anchored every three (3) feet is permitted by VA.

Question: 41 – The Solicitation stipulates that all work be done during night hours (6:00pm

– 6:00am). Contractor’s specialized and certified pest & bird control subcontractor states that current bird activity must be observed during the net installation process. As birds and nesting are removed from above the nets, Contractor requires visibility to confirm the birds have not returned above the nets during the installation. Daylight is essential to the well-being of the birds, allowing the birds to leave the area as they get displaced. Birds disturbed during the nighttime hours become demonstrably aggressive, thereby significantly reducing the ability of Contractor to effectively install required bird netting during the night.

Additionally, the stress on birds will be greatly reduced during daylight hours and will allow for an environmentally friendly (as required by the solicitation) and humane install of the netting. Please confirm that bird netting/pest control installation can be performed during the daylight hours that allows for minimal to no interference with daily operations of the

VARO.

Response: To properly observe bird activity during the net installation process, daytime work on weekends is an available option. If the bird observing and netting installation would not interfere with normal operations, then such work may be permitted during daytime hours and would not conflict with Section 2.1 in the Statement of Work. However, if the bird observing and netting installation would interfere with normal operations, then all requests for work during normal business hours must be requested by the Contractor at least fourteen (14) calendar days in advance to the VA Contracting Officer’s Representative

(COR).

Question: 42 – Are exterior hose bibs/water sources available for Contractor use for removing nesting and droppings prior to netting being installed?

Response: Yes, exterior hose bibs/water sources are available.

Question: 43 – Typical bird netting installations are installed with individual zippers for maintenance access (light fixtures, junction boxes etc). Please confirm this is acceptable.

Contractor is also asking the VA to identify any specific locations where zippers are required by the VA (sprinkler heads, any valves, monitoring equipment etc).

Response: The Contractor shall determine access points with individual zippers based upon location of electrical fixtures and equipment, plumbing, and mechanical.

Question: 44 – Please clarify “Bldg 46 & 47” as depicted on VA drawings provided. At the site visit it appeared that there is only one building. Additionally, the VA campus Map only shows only a Bldg 46. Please provide any additional clarifying information, redlines, and/or drawings that clearly distinguish Buildings “46” and “47” and the parking garages within scope.

Response: Building 46 and Building 47 share the same footprint. When Building 47 was renovated from a file warehouse to an occupiable space, a different building number designation was required for safety and security purposes. The parking garage is a part of the project scope.

Question: 45 – Does the floor deck at the parking garage require spray applied fireproofing?

Question: 46 – Does the existing fireproofing at the beams need to be completely removed and re-sprayed with new fireproofing as existing fireproofing is manufactured and intended to last the life of the building?

Question: 47 – Please confirm the color and thickness of the sprayed cellulose insulation at the floor deck?

Response: Protective insulation at the floor deck shall also comply with Section 8.7 in the

Statement of Work. The floor deck color shall also be gray.

Question: 48 – For the Sprayed Cellulose insulation is there a specific Manufacturer that the

VA is requesting the Contractor use?

Response: Subject to compliance with requirements, Contractor shall provide an in kind product or service, which is comparable to the specified product or service in Section 8.7(c) of the Statement of Work, for quality and function that meets all codes and regulations.

Question: 49 – Would the beams sprayed with fireproofing need to be sprayed with the

Response: Yes, the beams shall be sprayed with the cementitious fire-resistive material.

Question: 50 – Would a protective coating need to be applied over the cellulose insulation to prevent the birds from damaging it?

Question: 51 – Under Section 1.2.3 Scope, Statement of Work section of the Solicitation, it states that Contractor to “replace any deformed and damaged pipe hangers”. During Site

Visit it was not readily obvious, nor pointed out by the VA, which pipe hangers, in particular, were considered “deformed and damaged” by the VA. Please provide an exact count of deformed and damaged pipe hangers to be replaced and general locations and descriptions so Contractor can properly incorporate into bid.

Response: A damaged and/or deformed pipe hanger would be considered as any pipe hanger that is bent, broken, or rusted. Given the project area and scope, according to

Section 1.2 in the Statement of Work, most, if not all, pipe hangers covering the respective square footage of this project will likely be replaced.

Question: 52 – Can VA please elaborate on the SOW related to the board panels and provide the thickness, R value of the required panels and if all the existing boards panels are going to be replaced?

Response: Thickness and R value of the required panels must comply with the Florida

Building Code. All existing board panels should be replaced in accordance with Section 1.2.1 of the Statement of Work.

Question: 53 – Does the VA have plans for building 46 and 47 – specifically, structural plan showing the beam and column supports?

Response: No design was completed by an independent Architect-Engineer (A-E) Firm. No design specifications will then be issued. Contractor shall comply with VA specifications for applied fireproofing. However, the most-recent drawings for Building 46 and Building 47 were provided in a previous Amendment to Solicitation (A0001) posted to SAM Contract

Opportunities on February 20, 2024.

Question: 54 – Does the VA have fire resistive rating that the contractor is expected to achieve for the spray foam or a minimum thickness for the spray-applied fire resistive materials?

Response: For the material composition of the fireproofing, refer to Section 8.7(a) in the

Statement of Work. The color shall be gray. For the thickness, refer to Section 8.7(b) in the Statement of Work. Refer also to Section 9.4(d) in the Statement of Work.

Question: 55 – Is the application of the spray-applied fire resistive materials being applied only to exposed structural beam and column?

Response: In addition to the structural beam, between structural beam, and column, fireproofing needs to also be sprayed on decking insulation in the garage.

Question: 56 – Please confirm the scope of work doesn’t include any removal, replacement, and or repair of the existing rigid foam board attached to the ceiling deck?

Response: Replacement of the pink, blue, and yellow rigid board insulation is a part of the project scope. All existing fireproofing to be demolished completely as stated and in

Question: 57 – Is the rough spray finish acceptable for this project or does the VA require a specific finish for the spray-applied fire resistive materials?

Response: The rough spray finish is acceptable to the VA.

Question: 58 – Does the VA have an approximate count of deformed and damaged pipe hangers to be replaced or can the VA provided an estimate number of hangers to be replaced?

Response: A damaged and/or deformed pipe hanger would be considered as any pipe hanger that is bent, broken, or rusted. Given the project area and scope, according to Section 1.2 in the Statement of Work, most, if not all, pipe hangers covering the respective square footage of this project will likely be replaced.

Question: 59 – Is the bird/Rodent netting to hang below the existing utilities and penetrations allowed in the netting?

Response: Bird netting will go below the lowest pipes and when necessary, against the lowest pipes hanging from the ceiling. Any pipes or utilities subject to enclosure from the netting being anchored every three (3) feet is permitted by VA. Penetrations are permitted for accessibility in the netting. The Contractor shall determine access points with individual zippers based upon location of electrical fixtures and equipment, plumbing, and mechanical.

Question: 60 – Does the added presence of the Bird/Rodent netting change the effective area of the sprinklers?

Response: The sprinklers are positioned in an upward direction that the bird/rodent netting will likely not cause any foreseen changes.

Question: 61 – The scope of work Section 5.2 – Hazardous Waste Disposal, does the VA have knowledge of and or test reports to indicate the existing spray-applied fire resistive materials.

Response: To the best knowledge of the VA, no hazardous waste is present.

Question: 62 – Is the contractor required to sample and analyze all demolition waste to determine if the waste generated from removal of the existing spray-applied fire resistive material is a hazardous material? Is sample collection, laboratory analysis, and environment management a change order?

Response: To the best knowledge of the VA, no hazardous waste is present. Contractor is not required to sample and analyze all demolition waste unless the testing/inspecting agency provided by the Contractor, as required in Section 9.4 of the Statement of Work, authorizes and justifies such sampling or testing.

Question: 63 – If hazardous material is discovered in the waste generated from removal of the existing spray-applied fire resistive materials?

Response: If hazardous material is discovered, the Contractor shall be responsible to notify the VA Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and the VA Contracting Officer before such conditions are disturbed under differing site conditions. Additionally, the Contractor shall comply with the procedures provided in Section 5.2 of the Statement of Work.

Question: 64 – In Section 8.1 General Requirements, what is being referenced in (b)(2) “Seal existing coat over fireproofing in special areas” – are “special areas” identified on a plan or referenced in a report and can the VA furnish information regarding “special areas”?

Response: Example of “special areas” would be the decking insulation boards.

Question 65 - In Section 8.3 – Quality Assurance, (d) Mock-ups – can the contractor demonstrate a one hundred square foot sample of the installation on one of the existing exposed beam located beneath building 46 and 47?

Response: Yes, the exact location of the mock-up can be determined after contract award.

As stated in Section 8.3(d) in the Statement of Work, the mock-up will be prepared after processing of initial submittals and before delivery or installation of fireproofing materials.

Question: 66 – Does the floor deck at the parking garage require spray applied fireproofing? The deck is currently not sprayed so that would lead me to believe that the deck is self-rated per the concrete type and thickness above.

Question: 67 – Does the existing fireproofing at the beams need to be completely removed and resprayed with new fireproofing? After observing the fireproofing in the field, I feel that it is in very good shape. The existing damaged spray fireproofing should be patched back to its original thickness to maintain the required hourly rating.

Question: 68 – What color and thickness should the sprayed cellulose insulation be at the floor deck? What manufacturer?

Response: The color shall be gray. For the thickness, refer to Section 8.7(b) in the Statement of Work. Subject to compliance with requirements, Contractor shall provide an in kind product or service, which is comparable to the specified product or service in Section

8.7(c) of the Statement of Work, for quality and function that meets all codes and regulations.

Question: 69 – Would the beams sprayed with fireproofing need to be sprayed with the

Response: Yes, the beams shall be sprayed with the cementitious fire-resistive material.

Question: 70 – Would a protective coating need to be applied over the cellulose insulation to prevent the birds from damaging it?

Question: 71 – If the decking already meets the fire rating could it just be sprayed with insulation.

Response: All existing fireproofing to be demolished completely as stated and in accordance with Section 1.2 in the Statement of Work. For the fireproofing material, refer to Section

8.7.

Question: 72 – Will a complete set of specifications be provided?

thereby no design documents will be issued for this project. The issued Statement of Work states in Section 1.2 that Contractor shall be responsible for procuring the services of a state certified engineer to evaluate that the fireproofing is applied in accordance with VA specifications. Contractor shall comply with VA specifications for applied fireproofing. The most-recent drawings for Building 46 and Building 47 were provided in a previous

Amendment to Solicitation (A0001) posted to SAM Contract Opportunities on February 20, 2024.

Question: 73 – Drawings will be needed for building 46 to complete bid. Drawings received for building 46 were of the parking lot only and did not include drawings of building. Will the correct drawings be provided for building 46?

Response: Most-recent drawings for Building 46 and Building 47 were provided in a previous

Amendment to Solicitation (A0001) posted to SAM Contract Opportunities on February 20, 2024. Building 46 and Building 47 share the same footprint. When Building 47 was renovated from a file warehouse to an occupiable space, a different building number designation was required for safety and security purposes. The parking garage is a part of the project scope.

Question: 74 – Can bird netting be installed under the existing sprinklers and conduits that protrude past the steel members? Will any maintenance access points need to be installed?

(i.e. for access to lighting, Mini splits, circuit breakers, etc.)

Response: Yes, netting for bird/rodent prevention shall be installed below the existing sprinkler heads. Bird netting will go below the lowest pipes and when necessary, against the lowest pipes hanging from the ceiling. Any pipes or utilities subject to enclosure from the netting being anchored every three (3) feet is permitted by VA. The Contractor shall determine access points with individual zippers based upon location of electrical fixtures and equipment, plumbing, and mechanical.

Question: 75 – What constitutes a damaged pipe hanger? Just bent and broken, or rusted?

(i.e. slight rust, heavy rust, etc.)

Response: All of the above would constitute a damaged pipe hanger.

Question: 76 – Are there any requirements for onsite Site Superintendent, Safety, or QC personnel?

Response: During all scheduled work hours, the Contractor, at a minimum, will have an on-site Superintendent/Foreman. Additionally, in accordance with VA Directives, the Contractor Quality Control (QC) Person can be the Site Safety and Health Officer (SSHO). The Project

Superintendent or other Contractor personnel may act on behalf of the SSHO for a period of no more than thirty (30) days annually, provided that the individual meets the same competency level of the SSHOs, demonstrates the proficiency required, and is approved by the Contracting Officer in consultation with the VA Safety Manager.

Question: 77 – What is the scope for the existing insulation board between structural members? Does it need to be demolished? Does it need to be replaced or is Fireproofing to be sprayed on the ceiling deck above it? Does the Fireproofing need to be covered with an insulation product? If so what is the specification for the insulation?

Response: All existing fireproofing to be demolished completely as stated and in accordance with Section 1.2 in the Statement of Work. No insulation product is required for the fireproofing.

Question: 78 – Section 8.2.3 of statement of work. What is the scope of sealing existing coat over fireproofing in special areas? What constitutes a special area?

Response: Example of “special areas” would be the decking insulation boards.

Question: 79 – Will there be a written specification be issued for the Fireproofing portion of the scope? Only a statement or work and drawings were provided. If no spec is issued, can bidders assume that the hourly fire rating will be two hours?

thereby no design documents will be issued for this project. For the hourly fire rating, the Contractor shall comply with the Florida Building Code.

Question: 80 – It is likely that sandblasting will be required to remove existing Fireproofing and wind screens will need to be installed. Can contractor install wind screens around perimeter of garage through duration of project without impacting vehicle passage into garage or parking?

Response: The Contractor may use windscreens as containment throughout the duration of the project. However, due to the nature of the work and potential safety hazards, set-up and tear down every night will be required for this project.

Question: 81 – Phasing; Can garage be sectioned off into 4 quadrants and allow contractor access to work in one quadrant at a time without having to demobilize each day?

Anticipated to be one month duration for each quadrant.

VA Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). Refer to Section 1.2 and Section 2.1 in the

Question: 82 – Will substitutions with an equivalent product be considered for Fireproofing?

Response: Subject to compliance with requirements, Contractor shall provide an in kind product or service, which is comparable to the specified product or service in Section 8.7(c) of the Statement of Work, for quality and function that meets all codes and regulations.

Question: 83 – Please verify that the existing fireproofing material is of a standard density and will be replaced with the same? If not, please verify the density requirement.

Response: To the best knowledge of the VA, existing fireproofing material is of a standard density. Fireproofing material for this project shall comply with density requirements as established in Section 8.7(a) Section 9.4(d) of the Statement of Work.

Question: 84 – Is contractor to repair/close openings in the rigid board insulation to prevent birds and rodents from nesting in the ceiling?

Response: Yes, the Contractor must repair/close openings in the rigid board insulation to prevent birds and rodents from nesting in the ceiling.

Question: 85 – Does the SOW include repair or replacement of the pink/blue rigid board insulation affixed to the walls beneath bldg. 46 and bldg. 47?

Response: Replacement of the pink, blue, and yellow rigid board insulation is a part of the project scope. All existing fireproofing to be demolished completely as stated and in

Question: 86 – Is the rough finish of the spray insulation acceptable for this project or does the VA require an overlay spray finish to be applied on top of the fire resistive materials?

Response: The rough spray finish is acceptable to the VA.

Question: 87 – Is the Bird/Rodent netting to be installed below the existing utilities (utilities suspended from the ceiling and lower than the structural beams) – or is the netting to be installed below the ceiling but above the suspended utilities, i.e., netting to have penetrations to fit around utilities?

lowest pipes hanging from the ceiling. Any pipes or utilities subject to enclosure from the netting being anchored every three (3) feet is permitted by VA. Penetrations are permitted for accessibility in the netting. The Contractor shall determine access points with individual zippers based upon location of electrical fixtures and equipment, plumbing, and mechanical.

Question: 88 – Is the Bird/Rodent netting to be installed above or below the sprinkler heads and will the added presence of the Bird/Rodent netting change the effective area of the sprinklers?

Response: Netting for bird/rodent prevention shall be installed below the sprinkler heads.

The sprinklers are positioned in an upward direction that the bird/rodent netting will likely not cause any foreseen changes.

Question: 89 – Will the VA require a Fire Protection engineer’s assessment / evaluation to support the Bird/rodent netting has no net effect to the sprinklers?

Response: No, the sprinklers are positioned in an upward direction that the bird/rodent netting will likely not cause any foreseen changes.

Question: 90 – If hazardous material is discovered in the existing insulation waste

(generated from removal) – will disposal of the hazardous waste be a change order for the difference in cost?

Response: To the best knowledge of the VA, no hazardous material is present. If hazardous material is discovered, the Contractor shall be responsible to notify the VA Contracting

Officer’s Representative (COR) and the VA Contracting Officer before such conditions are disturbed under differing site conditions. If and when a change is authorized, then the

Contractor shall comply with the procedures provided in Section 5.2 of the Statement of Work.

Question: 91 – Section 2.1 Schedule, Phasing and Working Hours – Can the VA describe what is the expectation for “work that impacts normal operations”? Will any and all work be considered “work that impacts normal operations”?

Response: Most, if not all, fireproofing-related work should be considered work that impacts normal operations. Bird netting installation may be completed during daytime hours.

Weekends are an available option for daytime hours. For work that would not interfere with normal operations, the Statement of Work in Section 2.1 states that all requests for work during normal business hours must be requested by the Contractor at least fourteen (14) calendar days in advance to the VA Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).

Question: 92 – Section 10.2 - Netting product. Does the VA have a specific manufacturer’s product for basis of design? Is the polyethylene product to be flame-proof? Hardware to be stainless steel or galvanized metal? Preferred color of the polyethylene net? Can the VA provide a plan showing where access opening are to be included as part of the design, i.e., access to HVAC machinery, electrical panel, fire sprinkler valves, etc.?

Response: No specific manufacturer is identified or required for the netting product, but the netting product must comply with all characteristics in Section 10.2 of the Statement of

Work. The polyethylene salient characteristics of the netting product is explicitly stated in

Section 10.2(a) of the Statement of Work. The hardware of the netting product is explicitly stated in Section 10.2(f) of the Statement of Work. The color of the netting product is explicitly stated in Section 10.2(e) of the Statement of Work. Bird netting will go below the lowest pipes and when necessary, against the lowest pipes hanging from the ceiling. Netting will be anchored every three (3) feet, and allow passage of any existing foundations from the facility.

Question: 93 – Section 10.2 - Netting product - Is the polyethylene product to be flame-proof?

Response: The polyethylene salient characteristics of the netting product is explicitly stated in Section 10.2(a) of the Statement of Work.

Question: 94 – Section 10.2 - Netting product – anchor points and hardware to be stainless steel or galvanized metal?

Response: The hardware of the netting product is explicitly stated in Section 10.2(f) of the

Question: 95 – Section 10.2 - Netting product – VA’s preferred color of the polyethylene net?

Response: The color of the netting product is explicitly stated in Section 10.2(e) of the

Question: 96 – Section 10.2 - Netting product - Can the VA provide a plan showing where access opening are to be included as part of the design, i.e., access to HVAC machinery, electrical panel, fire sprinkler valves, etc.?

lowest pipes hanging from the ceiling. Netting will be anchored every three (3) feet, and allow passage of any existing foundations from the facility.