S05 Final Request for Information Responses - Questions 1-47.pdf

Question: 1 – What are the design pressures that are required per SFBC/Category 4 hurricane for the VA Facility/Building 46? We need it for the category and zone it is located.

Response: A roof replacement assessment report was conducted by an engineering firm, Leo Daly, before the actual roof replacement and redesign in 2016. The assessment called for a reinforcement of the entire roofing joists and curbing up to the existing skylight structure in handling winds greater than one hundred fifty

(150) miles per hour (mph). The roof replacement assessment report stated that

“The existing vertical framing at the skylight is protected from wind loads by the light gage metal stud framing supporting the standard seam roofing.”

Question: 2 – If the current Pentaglas 10-millimeter panels/structure (not the steel sub-structure) do not meet the design pressures as well as the SFBC Category 4 hurricane (wind speed 131mph to 155mph) requirements, will the VA allow for a replacement with a 9/16” glass hurricane impact approved structural skylight system that can meet the requirements?

Response: No. Refer to Page 85 of the Invitation for Bid (IFB) solicitation that incorporates Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.211-6 titled 'Brand Name or Equal' by reference.

Question: 3 – Does the VA Facility/Building 46 have verification that the current Pentaglas 10-millimeter panel system has a current Product Approval for the State of Florida?

Response: Yes.

Question: 4 – The VA requirement for the hurricane rating for the new skylight exceeds the existing framing, does the VA want the framing reworked to allow for the change in the Hurricane ratings of skylight?

Response: Existing framing was found adequate for the system in place. All framing will be replaced as part of this requirement.

Question: 5 – Does the VA have a current certification of the lighting protection on the roof?

Response: Yes, the VA has a current certification for lightning protection on the roof. Lightning protection will be recertified and repaired upon completion of the skylight panel replacement under a separate requirement. Refer to Question 29.

Question: 6 – Is there a requirement for new engineered drawings for skylight?

Response: No.

Question: 7 – Clarification on lighting protection done by others. See #7 in the Statement of Work.

Response: Lightning protection will be removed during demolition and reinstalled under a separate requirement when the skylight panels are complete. Refer to Question 29.

Question: 8 – Is the lighting protection just for the skylight or the whole roof?

Response: The entire roof on Building 46 is lightning protected. Entire lightning protection system will be assessed after skylight panel completion by a separate requirement. Refer to Question 29.

Question: 9 – Are original shop drawings available for the skylight system? If so, can they be provided?

Response: Original roof drawings and Skylight Framing Plan were previously provided with the Invitation for Bid (IFB) solicitation on November 30, 2024.

Question: 10 – Is the original manufacturer known for the paneling system? If so, can this be provided?

Response: Refer to Page 1, Section I in the Statement of Work. A basic online search should identify the manufacturer of the existing Pentaglas paneling system.

Question: 11 – Is the original installation contractor known? If so, can this be provided?

Response: Refer to Page 1, Section I in the Statement of Work.

Question: 12 – Please confirm that construction will be completed during evening/night hours of operation 6 PM to 4 AM, weekdays, Monday through Friday.

Response: The Statement of Work establishes on Page 4, Section V, that all work will be performed Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays, between the hours of 6:00 pm and 4:00 am Eastern Standard Time (EST).

Question: 13 – If needed, can contractor work seven (7) nights including weekends to expedite the project's completion? If needed, can contractor work weekday business hours 7 AM to 5 PM?

Response: The Statement of Work establishes on Page 4, Section V, that work may be performed on Saturdays or Sundays through prior coordination with and approval by the COR. The Statement of Work also establishes that the Contractor may set-up at the project site between the hours of 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm Eastern

Standard Time (EST); however, no work shall commence until 6:00 pm EST.

Question: 14 – Please confirm if Procore is acceptable to be used as the project’s management tool for submittals, record keeping, and project organization of project’s data.

Response: Procore is an acceptable project management software for post-award contract administration functions, requests, and documentation.

Question: 15 – Are there any hazardous material report(s) for the areas where removal and replacement of the skylight panels/roof flashing work is to be performed?

Response: No known hazardous materials are present.

Question: 16 – If any additional hazardous material is found/discovered in performance of the project, would this be considered an unforeseen condition?

Response: At the Contracting Officer’s discretion with consideration given to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.236-2.

Question: 17 – Please confirm if any state, local, and/or Federal permits will be required on this project?

Response: None.

Question: 18 – What are the design pressures that are required per South Florida building Code (SFBC)/Category 4 hurricane for the VA Facility/Building 46?

Manufacturer requires the design pressure for the category and zone that the skylight is located.

Response: Refer to Question 1.

Question: 19 – If the current Pentaglas 10-millimeter panels/structure (not the steel sub-structure) do not meet the design pressures as well as the SFBC Category

4 hurricane (wind speed 131mph to 155mph) requirements, will the VA allow for a replacement with a 9/16” glass hurricane impact approved structural skylight

Response: Refer to Question 2.

Question: 20 – Does the VA Facility/Building 46 have verification that the current

Response: Yes. Refer to Question 3.

Question: 21 – Can you please confirm where the proposed material staging / laydown area would be? (This will be used for material storage and dumpster lay down).

Response: The Statement of Work establishes on Page 2, Section 3, Number 9, that location of the dumpster will be near Building 46 and exact layout will be provided upon contract award. The Statement of Work also establishes on Page 3, Section IV, Number 5, that location of an on-site storage container will be near Building 46 and exact layout will be provided upon contract award.

Question: 22 – Can you confirm the means of entrance & egress for the project's laborers, can laborer’s enter the building and use the building's elevator(s) to access the upper floor level and ships ladder to access the roof?

Response: Contractor will be issued a badge with access to the 3rd Floor as well as the back entrance for transport of tools and materials, which would include the restrooms.

Question: 23 – Will all contractor personnel and subcontractor personnel be required to complete a daily security check–in?

Response: No. Daily check in and check out will be through the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) on duty. Working hours for this project are outside the normal operating hours of the St. Petersburg VA Regional Office, which the security check point will be closed.

Question: 24 – Please confirm that fingerprinting and background investigations are not required on this project.

Response: The Statement of Work explicitly states on Page 6, Section IX, that fingerprinting and background investigations will not be required on this project.

Question: 25 – Is there a requirement during demolition phase to minimize noise hours to minimize impact noise on Bldg. 46 staff and visitors?

Response: The normal hours of operation at the St. Petersburg VA Regional Office are 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) for the public and 6:00 am to 6:00 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) for the VA employees. Therefore, this project being conducted from 6:00 pm to 4:00 am Eastern Standard Time (EST) will not interrupt visitors or staff operations. Refer to responses for Question 12 and

Question 13.

Question: 26 – Will electrical power be available to the work area(s)?

Question: 27 – Will the VA be responsible for inspection and approving the contractors work for replacement of the atrium skylight’s exterior panels?

Question: 28 – Will the VA be issuing a copy of the site walk sign-in sheet?

Response: The Pre-Bid Site Visit Sign-In Sheet was already provided in a previous

Amendment of Solicitation (A0001) posted to SAM Contract Opportunities on December 12, 2024. As stated in the Invitation for Bid (IFB) solicitation, all prospective bidders are responsible for monitoring and downloading any Amendments to the IFB solicitation.

Question: 29 – Does removal, storage and reinstall of the existing lightning protection system fulfill the SOW for this project?

Response: Just the removal of the current lightning protection for this requirement.

Entire lightning protection system will be assessed after skylight panel completion by a separate requirement.

Question: 30 – The SOW states the “current system” is designed for a one hundred

(100) mile per hour wind speed, is this specific only to the translucent panel system?

Response: The current system has been approved to one hundred fifty (150) miles per hour (mph) +.

Question: 31 – Has the VA conducted a structural investigation/analysis of the atrium existing skylight’s structural support system to withstand a Category 4 hurricane, i.e., capacity to withstand wind speeds between one hundred thirty-one

(131) mile per hour to one hundred fifty-five (155) miles per hour? If so, will the VA provide a copy of the engineer’s report?

Response: Refer to Question 1. Engineer’s Report will be provided to the successful bidder upon contract award.

Question: 32 – Is testing of materials for the presence of hazardous waste limited to the presence of asbestos in the materials that will be impacted, i.e., existing caulking, flashing, roof shingles, mastic?

Response: No hazardous materials are present in the existing system.

Question: 33 – Per the SOW, all new replacement translucent panels and polycarbonate battens must meet the same salient characteristics of the existing panels and battens. Please provide product specifications for the existing translucent panels and polycarbonate battens for comparison with the new replacement panels.

Response: The Statement of Work establishes on Page 1, Section I as well as Page 2, Section III, the existing salient characteristics and product specifications of the panels and battens.

Question: 34 – SOW states the new replacement exterior translucent panels, and the battens are compatible with the existing polygon skylight system. Please provide shop drawings of the existing polygon skylight system to confirm that new replacement panels and battens are compatible with the existing polygon skylight system.

Response: Roof drawings and Skylight Framing Plan were previously provided with the Invitation for Bid (IFB) solicitation on November 30, 2024.

Question: 35 – Please confirm that the product manufacturer’s technical specifications, manufacturer’s tests, UL listing (if applicable), etc., are sufficient documentation to demonstrate contractor’s documentation and compliance to meet the requirements of the Performance Verification Testing submittals.

Response: Yes, the product manufacturer’s technical specifications, manufacturer’s tests, and UL listing (if applicable) will be sufficient documentation to meet the requirements of the Performance Verification Testing submittal.

Question: 36 – Please confirm that VA’s Safety Office has signed-off/approved the contractor performing all work on the roof during nighttime hours.

Response: Yes, VA Safety approval is confirmed.

Question: 37 – Please confirm if contractor’s personnel, subcontractors, manufacturer’s representatives, etc. will be allowed to enter the building and use restroom facility(s) located in the interior of the building.

Response: Yes. Refer to Question 22.

Question: 38 – Please confirm if the contractor will be allowed to erect stagging along the exterior of the building for the purpose of accessing the roof.

Response: Roof access in Building 46 is through stairwells/hatches. Scaffolding and other structures will not be attached to or hung from exterior of the building.

Question: 39 – Please confirm that the VA’s COR will be present at the site when work is being conducted during the overnight hours.

Response: The Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), Alternate COR, or other designated personnel from the St. Petersburg VA Regional Office will be present at the site during the overnight hours.

Question: 40 – Please confirm that contractor’s trade personal can transport/carry tools, materials, and equipment through the building and carry up to the roof? Can waste material (bagged) be carried off the roof using the ships ladder, stairs and elevator.

Response: Yes. Refer to Question 22.

Question: 41 – Will the building's loading dock(s) be available to the contractor to receive and ship materials?

Question: 42 – Please confirm if the VA will provide a security escort for trade personnel when inside of the building.

Question: 43 – Please confirm if the VA will provide a location for a crane to be set-up in a paved area next to the building for the lifting of material, i.e., metal trim, new panels, heavy tools, etc. up to the building’s roof.

Response: Yes, will be staged in the loading dock area.

Question: 44 – What are the design pressures that are required per SFBC/Category 4 hurricane for the VA Facility/Building 46? We need it for the category and zone it is located.

Response: Refer to Question 1.

Question: 45 – If the current Pentaglas 10-millimeter panels/structure (not the steel sub-structure) do not meet the design pressures as well as the SFBC Category 4 hurricane (wind speed 131mph to 155mph) requirements, will the VA allow for a replacement with a 9/16” glass hurricane impact approved structural skylight

Response: Refer to Question 2 and Question 19.

Question: 46 – Does the VA Facility/Building 46 have verification that the current

Response: Yes. Refer to Question 3 and Question 20.

Question: 47 – Can the VA please provide the name of the manufacturer of the existing panels?

Response: Refer to Question 10.