FINAL RFI Questions 36C10D25R0012 1-118.xlsx
XLSX spreadsheet 34 KB Posted
- Solicitation number
- 36C10D25R0012
- Issued by
-
Department of Veterans Affairs
About this file
This document is a Request for Information (RFI) for the replacement of Air Handling Units 1 & 2 at the Montgomery VA Regional Office. The project involves replacing HVAC systems in a VA facility, with a total project magnitude estimated between $2-5 million and a 270-day period of performance. Key specifications include replacing existing air handling units in the mechanical penthouse, with work to be performed during business hours and requiring contractor-provided temporary cooling solutions during the HVAC switchover.
The RFI includes detailed clarifications on multiple project aspects, such as security badging, past performance requirements, warranty terms, and contractor responsibilities. Critical points include: the project is a firm fixed-price contract (not design-build), contractors must submit 2-5 past performance questionnaires, on-site superintendent can potentially fill multiple roles if properly certified, and temporary utility connections will be allowed. The project requires compliance with various codes including IBC and NFPA 101, with the Contracting Officer having final decision-making authority on conflicts. Contractors must provide their own commissioning agent and are responsible for coordinating all temporary systems and site logistics.
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Other files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| 36C10D25R0012 0003.docx | DOCX document | |
| 36C10D25R0012 0002.docx | DOCX document | |
| 36C10D25R0012 0001.docx | DOCX document | |
| S04 site visit sign-in sheet.pdf | ||
| FINAL from AE 00 Combined 100 percent.pdf | ||
| 36C10D25R0012_1.docx | DOCX document | |
| FINAL specs.pdf | ||
| P07 Al20250093 03.14.2025 SAM.pdf | ||
| PPQ VBA.doc | DOC document |
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Sheet1
| Category | Clarification Question | Source File(s) |
| Instructions | The PPQ template instructions state that the completed form must be returned to the offeror for inclusion in the proposal package, but also state that the PPQ must be “received by the contracting point of contact by the date and time specified in the solicitation.” Could the Government please clarify whether past performance questionnaires should be submitted (1) by the offeror as part of the proposal submission package, (2) directly by the project reference/evaluator to the Contracting Officer, or (3) both? ANSWER: Either source is fine | PWS |
| Technical | Will subcontractor qualifications and past performance be considered as part of the prime’s technical factor? ANSWER: Yes, see pg 10 "… The Government will conduct an evaluation of the past performance for each potential Vendor (and any major subcontractor)..." | PWS |
| Instructions | Please confirm the required number of past performance references (2 vs. 3–5) that will be evaluated for this procurement. 36C10D25R0012_1 (Solicitation Instructions) States: “The two (2) PPQs submitted shall contain past performance information for two (2) projects that constitute recency and relevancy [see definitions below for Recency and Relevancy] completed by the Prime Contractor shall be submitted to the Government.” PPQ VBA.doc (the Government-supplied PPQ form) States: “The offeror may submit between 3-5 past performance questionnaires for this solicitation.” ANSWER: REQUIRED to evaluate 2, MAY submit up to 5-as written on SOW pg.10 | PWS |
| Technical | Will the government clarify if this procurement requires 'designers' as part of the key personnel requirements? The Designer of Record's contact info, POCs, and stamps are in the FINAL specs. In the ELEMENT 4 – KEY PERSONNEL AND WARRANTY SUPPORT there is mention of the designers. We don't need a designer because the plans are defined, approved, stamped, and signed off by the VA & their Designer or Record. ANSWER: This is CONSTRUCTION PHASE so key personnel SOW pg 9-states "..indicate which are used during the construction phase and indicate which individuals are from Prime Contractor and/or Subcontractor..." | PWS |
| Project Scope & Performance | Will the government provide staging and crane access areas, or must contractor secure them? (presolicitation notice does not resolve whether the Government provides staging space or if the contractor must secure offsite space)ANSWER: Please refer to solicitation.Site will identify lay-down area during pre-construction meeting | FINAL from AE 00 Combined 100 percent.pdf | |
| Project Scope & Performance | Is hazardous material abatement (asbestos, lead) fully excluded from contractor scope? (The drawings suggest abatement is not in scope (none specified) - Contractors need clarity on whether to include abatement costs in their bid or treat it as a government responsibility if found) ANSWER: If hazardous material discovered during demo or repair. AHUs penetrate roofing systems and these penetrations are sealed. Abatement may be a result of an unforeseen condition and the Prime will communicate to the CO upon discovery, request a change order | FINAL from AE 00 Combined 100 percent.pdf | |
| Project Scope & Performance | Must the contractor maintain continuous HVAC service during replacement, or are full outages permitted if coordinated? (presolicitation and specs don’t explicitly state whether HVAC (air handling) is considered one of the “continuous services” that must never be interrupted. ambiguity is whether VA will permit full HVAC outages (with advanced coordination), or whether temporary cooling/heating must be maintained (e.g., via rental chillers/air handlers).ANSWER: The need for temporary cooling during the construction period is dependent of climate during the construction period. | FINAL specs.pdf | |
| Project Scope & Performance | Will government or contractor pay utility connection fees for temporary services? Specs conflict in sections. (Whenever it is required that a connection fee be paid to a public utility provider for new permanent service to the construction project … payment of such fee shall be the responsibility of the Government and not the Contractor.” But elsewhere in the same section, the contractor is required to: | ||
| “Provide temporary facilities, labor, materials, equipment, connections, and utilities to assure uninterrupted services.” .... first clause suggests the Government pays for permanent connection fees. The second places responsibility for temporary utility connections and associated costs on the contractor. It’s unclear whether connection fees associated with temporary services (e.g., temporary power, water, chillers, or construction trailer hookups) will be reimbursed by VA or absorbed by the contractor. ANSWER: this will not be a cost-reimbursable contract. Government intends to award Firm Fixed price | FINAL specs.pdf | ||
| Security & Access | What is the process and lead time for obtaining VBA security clearances and badges for workers? The specs confirm badges/clearances are required, but they don’t specify: Whether workers must go through fingerprinting, background checks, or VA PIV card process. How long it typically takes (days vs. weeks vs. months). Whether subcontractors/vendors follow the same clearance process as prime contractor staff)ANSWER: It takes about a month for clearances and badges to be issued. This item will be addressed upon award notice. | FINAL specs.pdf | |
| Security & Access | Will onsite escorts be required for subcontractors/vendors at all times? (The specs confirm that badging is required, but they don’t clarify if subcontractors/vendors without permanent badges can work independently once approved, or if they must be escorted at all times by VA staff or cleared prime contractor personnel. This has major labor cost and schedule implications: if escorts are required for every delivery or subcontractor activity, the contractor must plan for additional staffing and coordination) ANSWER: All contract employees required to be internal of the building will require a temporary badge. This item will be addressed during pre-construction kick-off meeting after award. | FINAL specs.pdf | |
| Security & Access | Are photography and drone surveys strictly prohibited, or allowed with written approval? The specs clearly prohibit photography by default, but they leave room for permission with CO approval. Modern construction often relies on site photography, drones, or video surveys for progress tracking, safety documentation, and as-built records. It is unclear whether the VA will allow these methods under controlled conditions (e.g., written approval, restricted areas, government escort), or if they are fully off-limits)ANSWER: Drone video is not allowed due to possibilities of capturing employees or veterans. Still photography will be allowed with approval from the facility Director in construction area only. No photographs can be made of employees or veterans for any reason. | FINAL specs.pdf | |
| Schedule & Phasing | Presolicitation indicates 270 days completion, but specs require phased work. Will phasing milestones (substantial completion per AHU) be required? (The solicitation only gives a single end date (270 days). The specs impose phasing and milestone requirements (e.g., completion of AHU 1 before starting AHU 2, coordination with VBA operations). It is unclear whether the VA will measure contractor performance strictly by the final completion date, or if they will require interim milestones (e.g., substantial completion per AHU or per phase)). ANSWER: Contract period 270 days, means are contractor responsibility. | 36C10D25R0012_2.docx; FINAL specs.pdf | |
| Schedule & Phasing | Are liquidated damages specified for late completion? None identified in provided files. (Contractors need to know if liquidated damages apply, and at what rate (e.g., $500–$2,000 per day). The absence of LDs in the presolicitation/specs could mean: They will be added in the forthcoming solicitation package, or they are intentionally omitted (completion enforced by other remedies).ANSWER: Liquidated Damages are NOT included. | 36C10D25R0012_2.docx; FINAL specs.pdf | |
| Commissioning & Testing | Is contractor responsible for independent third-party commissioning agent, or will VA retain one? (One part of the specs points to VA-retained testing labs, while another requires the contractor to plan and perform commissioning. It is unclear whether the independent third-party commissioning agent will be provided by VA (as is sometimes the case in federal projects), or if the contractor must procure and pay for one) ANSWER: Contractor is responsible for commissioning agent | FINAL specs.pdf | |
| Commissioning & Testing | Will TAB (Testing, Adjusting, Balancing) and DDC integration be performed by VA-designated vendors, or must contractor provide? (Many VA facilities use proprietary DDC systems (e.g., Johnson Controls, Siemens, Delta) that can only be modified by an approved VA vendor. If VA requires use of their designated vendor for TAB or controls integration, the contractor only coordinates. If not, the contractor must carry full responsibility (subcontract TAB/controls firms, include cost). ANSWER: Contractor to provide | FINAL specs.pdf | |
| Submittals & Approvals | What is the required review turnaround time for submittals? Specs note 15 days, presolicitation silent. (Contractors must build a realistic construction schedule that includes submittal review and resubmittal cycles. If VA takes longer than 15/21 days, it could compress field work and increase delay risk. Since the presolicitation was silent, it is unclear if the VA intends to enforce the specification timelines strictly, or if longer review periods should be anticipated) ANSWER: Please refer to solicitation, longer or shorter review period timeline cannot be anticipated during solicitation. | FINAL specs.pdf | |
| Submittals & Approvals | Will substitutions for equipment be allowed, and what is the deadline for substitution requests? (he specs establish different deadlines (15 days vs. 60 days) depending on whether the substitution is for cause or convenience. It is unclear if VA will: Allow substitutions at all (some solicitations disallow them outright). Require substitution requests before bid submission, or if they can be made post-award under the 15/60-day windows) ANSWER: Substitution may be considered upon submittal submission post award only with approval of AE and contracting officer. | FINAL specs.pdf | |
| Warranty & Closeout | Does the one-year warranty cover only AHU equipment, or all construction activities? (The baseline one-year warranty could be interpreted as applying to all construction activities, not just the AHUs. The equipment-specific warranties could overlap or extend beyond that one year. It is unclear whether VA expects the contractor to warrant all incidental work (demolition, electrical, finishes, etc.) for one year, or whether the one-year requirement is limited to major mechanical equipment (the AHUs)) ANSWER: One Year Warranty of Construction and commercial standard warranty for all equipment. | FINAL specs.pdf | |
| Warranty & Closeout | Will contractor be required to provide a dedicated warranty service provider in Montgomery, AL? (Section 01 00 00 – Warranty Management requires the contractor to: “furnish the name, telephone number and address of a licensed and bonded company which is authorized to initiate and pursue construction warranty work on behalf of the Contractor. This point of contact will be located within the local service area of the warranted construction, be continuously available and be responsive to Government inquiry on warranty work action and status.” .... This clause could be interpreted in two ways: The contractor must identify an internal company representative (from the prime or sub) who is based locally and can respond. The contractor must contract with a separate, dedicated warranty service provider in Montgomery, AL to fulfill this requirement. For firms without an existing local office, this requirement could mean significant additional cost (setting up a local office or subcontracting warranty services)).ANSWER: Follow response times in the solicitation. | FINAL specs.pdf | |
| Drawings & Design Conflicts | Who has final authority when conflicts arise between NFPA 101, IBC, and VA Master Specs? (The 100% drawings (General Information) state that VA projects must comply with: “2024 IBC, 2024 NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, NFPA codes, OSHA standards, VA design manuals, VA Master Specifications, and other federal standards.” They also note: “Conflicts between nationally recognized codes and standards and VA requirements … shall be brought to the attention of VA. The resolution of the conflict shall be made by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for VA to ensure consistency system wide.” .... The specs require compliance with both NFPA 101 and IBC. These codes overlap but sometimes contradict (e.g., egress widths, fire protection requirements). The drawings say VA acts as the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) but don’t specify who within VA (AE, COR, Contracting Officer, or VA CFM) has the final say. Contractors need clarity because code conflicts affect design decisions, cost, schedule, and submittal acceptance). ANSWER: Contracting Officer has final decision. | FINAL from AE 00 Combined 100 percent.pdf | |
| Drawings & Design Conflicts | Will field verification of all existing dimensions be required before procurement? (General Requirements (Section 01 00 00 – Alterations) require the contractor to: “Survey … and note any discrepancies between drawings and existing conditions at site …”. The 100% drawings (General Notes) state: “Contractor shall verify all existing conditions, prior to beginning any work, to confirm the accuracy of the drawings and report any discrepancies to the Architect. Do not scale drawings. Field verify all dimensions and existing structural conditions.” The drawings/specs put the burden on the contractor to verify dimensions, but don’t specify if this must be completed before procurement of equipment (AHUs, ductwork, piping, electrical gear) or if verification can occur during early construction/demolition. For major equipment like AHUs, ordering lead times are long—contractors need to know if field verification is a precondition to procurement (which could delay the schedule) or if VA will accept orders based on design documents with adjustments handled later as change orders) ANSWER: no adjustments via change orders will be made if clearly could be avoided by verifying field dimensions and conditions prior to work. Any change would only be considered for unforeseen conditions at determination of the contracting officer. | FINAL from AE 00 Combined 100 percent.pdf | |
| Instructions | The Specification indicate that work hours are 6 am to 6 pm. Is it possible to perform the work at night if desired by contractor? ANSWER: The facility does not have the manpower to accommodate night work. | ||
| Administrative / General | Question: Is this project exempt from sales tax? If so, will the VA provide a tax exemption certificate for use in material purchases? ANSWER: CO will provide upon award | ||
| Question: Will the VA permit the use of Procore or an equivalent construction management software platform for submittals and project communications? ANSWER: Yes | |||
| Question: Will payment applications be accepted for materials stored on-site or in a bonded off-site warehouse? ANSWER: Preference would be to be onsite. | |||
| Question: Will the Government consider including an Economic Price Adjustment (EPA) clause in the contract to address significant fluctuations in material pricing? ANSWER: No, Economic Price Adjustment clause not in solicitation | |||
| Question: Will the Government provide detailed written requirements for contractor badging? Please clarify the process for obtaining PIV badges, including required documentation, background checks, and estimated processing timeframes.ANSWER: Yes upon award | |||
| Question: How soon after contract award does the Government anticipate issuing the official Notice to Proceed (NTP)?ANSWER: After receiving insurance and bonding. | |||
| Question: Due to current economic inflation, will the Government reduce the required bid validity duration to 60 days to minimize contractor pricing risk and escalation costs? ANSWER: The government can accept the 60 day window. | |||
| Question: As a result of past and ongoing impacts of COVID-19 and associated government safety requirements, how does the Government plan to address delays related to mandated closures or remote work affecting solicitation or project schedules?ANSWER:determination will be made on case-by-case basis with contracting officer having final determination. | |||
| Personnel / Staffing | Question: May one individual serve in dual or multiple roles (i.e., SSHO, QCM, and Superintendent) if they meet all qualification requirements?ANSWER: Yes, it is preferrable that it be a senior employee, but at a minimum they must be OSHA 30 certified and hold pertinent certifications. | ||
| Clarification: If not, is it acceptable for the Superintendent to also serve as the SSHO?ANSWER: N/A | |||
| Question: The documents reference VBA security procedures (badging, inspections, vehicle access restrictions). Can the VA provide a point of contact for coordinating security clearances for subcontractors?ANSWER: Primary: Richie Adams, Alternate: Darrell Bradford | |||
| Site Logistics | Question 1: Will the contractor be required to provide a temporary site office or trailer, or will space within the existing facility be made available?ANSWER: minimal space is available in the mechanical room if needed. | ||
| Question 2: Will the VA allow temporary connection to existing utility infrastructure, with the contractor responsible for metered usage?ANSWER: Yes, temporary connections allowed | |||
| Question: Will there be designated parking and staging areas for contractor personnel and deliveries? Will the Government provide on-site storage containers or laydown space, or must these be arranged off-site?ANSWER: Yes | |||
| Commissioning | Question: Please confirm whether the VA will provide and hire the commissioning agent for this project. ANSWER: Commissioning agent will be the responsibility of the contractor. | ||
| Question: Will the Owner or General Contractor be responsible for procuring and paying for testing and laboratory services required during the project?ANSWER: please refer to solicitation | |||
| Technical / System Requirements | Question: Can the VA clarify the ICRA level required for the project? If Level 3 or above is required, are modular temporary wall systems (e.g., STARC panels) approved for meeting containment requirements? ANSWER: N/A | ||
| Question: Is abatement of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) or lead-containing materials (LCM) anticipated under this project? If so, will the VA provide recent asbestos and lead survey reports?ANSWER: None anticipated | |||
| Question: Does the existing roof have an active warranty, and if so, who holds the warranty? Please confirm the manufacturer of the existing roof.ANSWER: Yes there is an active warranty. | |||
| Question: Does the Government have an existing fire alarm service provider? If so, please provide the name and contact information of the point(s) of coordination for any fire alarm, suppression, or security system work or disruptions.ANSWER: Johnson Controls | |||
| Question: Can the VA confirm whether Building 42 will remain fully occupied during construction, or if temporary relocation of personnel/equipment is expected?ANSWER: TBD based on the external climate. | |||
| Question: For demolition of existing AHUs and utilities, does the VA require after-hours or phased work to minimize disruption?ANSWER: All work to be completed during business hours. | |||
| Question: Will the VA provide temporary cooling/heating solutions for spaces impacted during HVAC switchover? If not, should the contractor include them?ANSWER: The contractor will be responsible for temporary cooling | |||
| Unlabeled questions: | Is any commissioning required on this project?ANSWER: Yes | ||
| Can the Superintendent also be the Prime Contractor’s Commissioning Manager during commissioning?ANSWER: The onsite superintendent can fill the roles for lines 51 though 55 as long as certifications are held | |||
| Is a full-time on-site quality control manager required for this project?ANSWER: The onsite superintendent can fill the roles for lines 51 though 55 as long as certifications are held | The onsite superintendent can fill the roles for lines 51 though 55 as long as certifications are held | ||
| Can the Superintendent also be the quality control manager?ANSWER: The onsite superintendent can fill the roles for lines 51 though 55 as long as certifications are held | |||
| Is a full-time on-site Safety and Health Officer required for this project?ANSWER: The onsite superintendent can fill the roles for lines 51 though 55 as long as certifications are held | |||
| Can the Superintendent also be the site safety and Health Officer?ANSWER: The onsite superintendent can fill the roles for lines 51 though 55 as long as certifications are held | |||
| Can the Superintendent be Triple hatted as the SSHO and QC Manager?ANSWER: The onsite superintendent can fill the roles for lines 51 though 55 as long as certifications are held | |||
| As is typical for most VA projects can the QC plan be implemented by the onsite superintendent and administrated by the PM without additional staff (other than what is required for commissioning) as call for in 01 45 00.?ANSWER: Yes | |||
| What is the total dollar amount that the VBA has requested for this project?ANSWER: As published in notice-ESTIMATED MAGNITUDE OF CONSTRUCTION: In accordance with Veterans Administration Acquisition Regulations (VAAR) 836.204, the project magnitude is estimated to be between $2,000,000.00 and $5,000,000.00. | |||
| Has this request been approved and full funding for this project available to the NCO station?ANSWER: This is a VBA Regional Office, not an NCO station. Solicitation for VBA only goes out when approved/funded. | |||
| Will any of this work have to be performed after hours or weekends?ANSWER: TBD, at current time VBA staffing unavailable to support | |||
| Will this project be done in phases?ANSWER: POP is 270 days | |||
| Will each phase have to be fully completed before moving to the next or can some phases be completed simultaneously?ANSWER:N/A | |||
| Will we have to install any ICRA barriers for this project?ANSWER: No | |||
| What openings can we use to vent our negative air to meet the ICRA requirements?ANSWER: Can be vented through the system exhaust air ductwork | |||
| In ICRA areas that require Category B Level 1 or 2, can we use zip-walls or plastic sheeting as containment?ANSWER: Yes | |||
| In any ICRA areas that require above Category B containment, can plastic wall panels be used for the ICRA walls, such as STARC Panels or Temporary Wall System’s panels?ANSWER: N/A | |||
| Will temporary sprinklers be required once sprinkler piping is removed?Will temporary sprinklers have to be connected to the fire alarm system?ANSWER: No |
| Will the contractor be required to provide fire watch while sprinkler system is disassembled?ANSWER: No, only a small portion of the system will be off during the construction. There is ample coverage in the space. |
| Can the contractor use heat sensors instead of temporary sprinklers or fire watch?ANSWER: No |
| Who is the manufacturer of the current Fire Alarm system ANSWER: Simplex |
| Please provide contact name and phone number for who services the current Fire Alarm System ANSWER: Johnson Controls |
| Please provide contact name and phone number for who services the current Telecommunications System?ANSWER: N/A |
| Please provide contact name and phone number for who services the Johnson Controls METASYS Building Automation system?ANSWER: Adam McCleod |
| Is there any chance of uncovering hazardous materials?ANSWER: None anticipated. |
| Will the contractor have to evacuate any refrigerant from the existing units?If so, what type refrigerant is it?ANSWER: No, it is a chilled water system |
| Will the contractor be responsible for any permits?ANSWER: Yes |
| Please provide a new plan sheet showing where the 2 temporary cooling units are to be placed.ANSWER: Please refer to specs and drawings |
| Will the temporary cooling units require a concrete pad?ANSWER: No |
| Please provide a plan sheet showing what panel the 2 temporary cooling units will be fed from?ANSWER: Please refer to specs and drawings |
| Please get SPUR Design to provide a design for conduit and conductor size to feed the 2 temporary cooling units.ANSWER: N/A |
| Please get SPUR Design to provide a drawing showing the connection point and the size required for the temporary duct to connect to the existing duct for the temporary cooling?ANSWER: N/A |
| What will be the test and balance requirements for the temporary cooling units?ANSWER: Refer to specs and drawings |
| Will any controls or building automation be required for the temporary cooling units?If so please provide this information?ANSWER: Self Contained |
| How long will the temporary cooling units have to be running for before the contractor can begin demolition of the existing Air Handler Units?ANSWER: TBD |
| How long will the new Air Handling Units have to run for before the temporary cooling units can be removed?ANSWER: TBD |
| Please confirm that the Government understands that this is not a design-build project, it is a firm fixed price contract. Therefore, the contractor cannot be required to design the temporary cooling system, this entire system needs to be designed prior to the contractor’s bid submission. The contractor does not carry the proper insurance for design when the contract is firm fixed price.ANSWER: Contract is not design/build |
| What floor level is the mechanical penthouse on?ANSWER: 4th floor |
| Please provide the height of the East Access Louver from the ground below?ANSWER: Please refer to specs and drawings |
| What is the height from floor to bottom of deck above in the Mechanical Penthouse?ANSWER: Please refer to specs and drawings |
| Is there a floor or crawl space below the Work area or is it the bottom floor with slab on grade?ANSWER: Please refer to specs and drawings |
| Two paint specifications are included in this project, however there is no finish schedule included. Please provide a list of what items will be required to be painted?ANSWER: Please refer to specs and drawings |
| Does the contractor have to paint fire sprinkler pipe, plumbing pipe, ductwork, or electrical conduit?ANSWER: Please refer to specs and drawings |
| Specification section 077200 – Roof Accessories states to engage a qualified professional engineer to design roof curbs and equipment supports to comply with wind performance requirements.Are the new Air Handling units not being installed on the existing equipment pads as stated in note #1 on MH101? These pads should already be designed by an Engineer.What are the roof curbs for that need to be designed?ANSWER: Please refer to specs and drawings |
| How does spec section 07 01 50.19 Preparation for Reroofing apply to this project?ANSWER: Please refer to specs and drawings |
| Does the 270 day Period of Performance include the lead time on the new Air Handler Units or will an Administrative NTP be issued prior to the Construction NTP?ANSWER: period of performance is 270 days |
| Will the government please send out the site visit sign in sheet?ANSWER: this was published on 10/3/2025 |
| On page 14 of the solicitation 1. Technical, it states that the offeror shall describe the techniques and methods that will be incorporated into the design and construction. Please confirm that the contractor is not required to provide any design as this is a firm fixed price contract and not a Design-Build?ANSWER: this is NOT a design-build, government intends to award Firm Fixed Price contract |
| In the Technical, Element 2 is Project Planning/Safety/QC and Element 3 is Schedule and Impact to Facility. However Element 1 does not have a description, please provide a description for Element 1 if it is required?ANSWER: N/A |
| In Element 2, it is asked to provide a plan for phasing. Does this project require phasing? It appears that all of the work will take place in the Mechanical Penthouse, what phasing does the contractor need to consider?ANSWER: means are contractor responsibility. |
| In Element 3 it is asked to provide a preliminary CPM schedule for the design and construction. Please confirm that the contractor is not required to provide any design as this is a firm fixed price contract and not a Design-Build?ANSWER: this is NOT a design-build, government intends to award Firm Fixed Price contract |
| Will the Government please provide a hypothetical start date for the project for the contractors to use when making their preliminary schedules?ANSWER: N/A |
| Can the contractor extend past the 270 day period of performance in order to show accurately the lead time for the AHUs and the actual construction time required?ANSWER: no, but if lead time is extraordinary contracting officer will determine if extension is or is not appropriate. |
| n Element 4 it is asked to provide key personnel including principal managers, designers and technical personnel. Please confirm that the contractor is not required to provide any design as this is a firm fixed price contract and not a Design-Build and that these personnel will not be required on this project?ANSWER: this is NOT a design-build, government intends to award Firm Fixed Price contract |
| In Element 4 it is asked to provide key personnel including project manager, on site supervisor, superintendent, manager of subcontracts, quality control manager, safety officer, and project scheduler. In most cases 2 people can fill all of these roles and at most 3 people can. Is the contractor required to provide a different person for each of these roles?ANSWER: no |
| Again, in Element 4 it states to indicate the time that will be committed to both the design and construction phases. Please confirm that the contractor is not required to provide any design as this is a firm fixed price contract and not a Design-Build?ANSWER: this is NOT a design-build, government intends to award Firm Fixed Price contract |
| In Element 4 it states to indicate which individuals are from the Prime Contractor and/or Subcontractor. Are we required to provide biographical information for our proposed subcontractor’s personnel?ANSWER: yes, if needed for evaluation |
| In Element 4 the second to last paragraph states to describe how warranty support will be implemented and carried out. The warranties on this project are the same as every other VA project where the contractor provides a 1 year warranty which will be implemented and carried out as specified in the specifications. Does the contractor need to extract and rewrite the warranty information that is already in the specifications or can this requirement be removed?ANSWER: 1 year construction warranty and all other commercial warranties for equipment. |
| In Element 4 in the last paragraph the first 2 sentences should be removed since the contractor is required to provide HVAC units based on the plans and specifications provided by the government. The rest of the paragraph should be moves to Element 3 since it is referring to the schedule and how the work will be performed. Does the Government agree?ANSWER: N/A |
| In 2. Relevant and Recent Past Performance it states to provide (2) PPQs, however on the PPQ for provided in part 4 on page 1 it states to submit 3-5 PPQs for this solicitation. Please clarify how many PPQs need to be submitted? ANSWER: REQUIRED to evaluate 2, MAY submit up to 5-as written in SOW pg.10 |
| In 2. Relevant and Recent Past Performance states to provide (2.) a list of subcontractors, (3.) relevance to the project in the RFP, and (5.) any change orders that occurred. However, the PPQ form that was provided does not provide space to list subcontractors, relevance, or and change orders. Please clarify if a different PPQ form will be provided or if these items can be omitted?ANSWER: no additional form will be provided. |
| In 3. Price Evaluation it states that the price will be evaluated based on all line items identified in the Price/Cost Schedule. However, the solicitation does not contain a price/cost schedule. Please clarify what need to be submitted to satisfy “3. Price Evaluation”?ANSWER: Construction cost schedule, subcontractor quotes, divisional trade breakdown, bond, as well as all overhead and profit costs. |
| The solicitation only provides Evaluation Factors, it does not provide instructions to the offeror and more specifically instructions for the proposal volumes and format. Is there any proposal formatting that is required for this submission?ANSWER: Format must include all requested information. |
| Will the proposal submission be one single volume or multiple volumes?ANSWER: Format must include all requested information. |
| What order does the information inside the volumes need to be in?ANSWER: Format must include all requested information. |
| Can the offerors bonding capacity be submitted as a letter from their bonding company?ANSWER: pre-bid bond needed |
| Will any of the following be required in any volumes of the proposal: EMR, Limitations of Subcontracting, Representations and certifications, copy of bid bond, SAM Certification, VETS 4212, Small business DSBS certification?ANSWER: yes |
| Is the original bid bond required to be mailed?ANSWER: NO, electronic copy in proposal submission is sufficient |
| Can the bid date for the project be extended to provide more time for contractors?ANSWER: yes, proposal due date will be extended via amendment |
| Can a second round of RFIs be submitted once the initial RFI answers are provided as usually these answers call for more clarifications in most cases?ANSWER: No additional RFIs will be accepted |
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .