S05-REQUEST FOR INFORMATION RESPONSE_Technical Question Tracking Sheet - Domestic Water Upgrades.20220722.pdf

TECHNICAL QUESTIONS AND RESPONSE TRACKING SHEET - 36C10F22B0001 - Upgrade Domestic Hot & Cold Water Systems – San Diego, CA

QUESTION # CONTRACTOR QUESTIONS VA RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS

1 The drawings, reference is made for installing CAT 5E cabling.

Our understanding the current VA spec has been CAT 6A for some time now. Will the VA confirm that this project requires CAT 5E cabling?

All new network cabling shall be CAT6A.

2 In the electrical plans, Keynote 5 states to provide (1) Cat

5E cable in ¾ conduit to patch panel in IT room on First Floor. Provide RJ45 Connectors on each end of that Cat 5E cable:

a . There are 8 different IT rooms serving the 1st floor in Building 1. (4) located on 1st floor and

(4) located in 1st floor interstitial space. The IT rooms in interstitial space will be consolidated in the future. Which IT room will be destinated for the data connections?

b. Is there any distance limitations on the data connections for the water monitoring system?

c. As it states, it’s conflicting what exactly the VA would like us to do. Does the VA want us to punch down one of the end of cat 5E in the IT room onto a patch panel while the other end with RJ45 connector? Or both ends to be terminated with RJ45 connectors?

d. If the VA wants us to punch down onto a patch panel, who is supplying the patch panel?

e. Does the VA want a ¾ conduit stub up/sleeve in the mechanical room/HAC room? Or a ¾ conduit connecting from the mechanical room/HAC room to the first floor IT room?

a . Keynote 5 is no longer applicable. Cat 6A cabling shall be used and each water monitoring panel shall be networked to the local Telecommunication Room (TR) associated with the Level and Quadrant, as applicable. Coordinate final rack position and TR location with Owner. See attached TR locations and area of service for B1 and B11 for reference. (07/20/22 Update).

b. CAT 6A network cable length shall not exceed 328 LF.

c. Follow Key Note 5, terminate both ends with RJ45 connectors.

d. Patch panels are contractor provided/contractor installed.

e. Follow Specification 27 05 33 Part 3.1. Provide complete conduit and/or cable tray. Each monitoring panel shall be networked to the local Telecommunication Room associated with the Level and Quadrant as applicable. Follow Water Monitoring equipment provider’s requirements.

3 This bullet states “Completed Attachment of the IFB Contractor

Worksheet” Question: please clarify what Attachment is required to meet the requirements?

Please see the government clarification language and reference the attached documents -

CONSTRUCTION COST ESTIMATE BREAKDOWN.

4 The Water Monitoring Stations - Specifications box on Drawing

Number 1P-501 indicates "Turbidity (TDS)". Turbidity is not identified on any of the other drawings, specifications, or diagrams. Is turbidity a desired parameter to be measured?

Yes, Turbidity shall be measured as indicated on Sheet P-501 “WATER MONITORING

STATIONS – SPECIFICATIONS”.

5 Drawing E7 ("DISTAL WATER MONITORING STATION - MECHANICAL/HAC ROOMS") on Drawing Number 1P-501 shows water leaving a potable water main, passing through the monitoring station, and then being pumped back into the water system. The specified sensors are not NSF 61 certified. Please confirm the design to use non-NSF 61 certified sensors and return the water back into a potable water supply.

All sensors shall be NSF 61 certified and the entire system rated for potable water.

6 Reference Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice document - the

Project Description states “Night and weekend and off-hours premium time is mandated for noise abatement and utility shutdowns. Facility hours of operation are 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Monday through Friday”. Confirm that the entire scope of work for this project is to be completed during night, weekend, and off-hours, which will result in a premium cost for labor to be performed during these hours.

The entire scope is NOT to be completed off-hours. Off-hours work is only required for shutdowns and noise abatement.

7 Reference Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice document - the Project Description states “The contractor shall include a 20% allowance on the total material, labor, and overhead costs to ensure differing site conditions are covered in the Base Bid. This 20% allowance will provide a level bidding environment while still accounting for unforeseen existing conditions and changes to the quantity of piping and fixtures to be replaced and/or removed under this contract”. Contingencies are not permitted per FAR 31- 205-7(c)(2). IF the Government believes it to be in their best interest to request 20% additional funds from the funding source, that must be exclusive of contractor bid amounts. We respectfully request that this contingency be removed from the solicitation requirements.

The VA/AE have successfully implemented this allowance model for the past 7 years. It enable’s efficient/collaborative construction while considering active hospital operations by providing a reasonable limit on the allowance relative to the complexity of the scope.

FAR Clause 31-205-7(c)(1) applies in this instance and the allowance on plumbing quantities is permittable since the “effects of which are foreseeable within reasonable limits of accuracy…so as to provide the best estimate of performance cost”.

8 Reference Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice document - the

Project Description states “The contractor shall include a 20% allowance on the total material, labor, and overhead costs to ensure differing site conditions are covered in the Base Bid. This 20% allowance will provide a level bidding environment while still accounting for unforeseen existing conditions and changes to the quantity of piping and fixtures to be replaced and/or removed under this contract”. The delivery method for this project is Design-Bid-Build. In this delivery method, Contractors are to bid

ONLY what is depicted on the plans and written in the specifications. We respectfully request that the VA remove this

20% contingency from consideration of this project.

The VA/AE have successfully implemented this allowance model for the past 7 years. It enable’s efficient/collaborative construction while considering active hospital operations by providing a reasonable limit on the allowance relative to the complexity of the scope.

The allowance is clearly depicted on the plans and written in the specifications as a defined percentage, consistent for all bidders.

FAR Clause 31-205-7(c)(1) applies in this instance and the allowance on plumbing quantities is permittable since the “effects of which are foreseeable within reasonable limits of accuracy…so as to provide the best estimate of performance cost”.

9 Reference Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice document - the Project Description states “The contractor shall include a 20% allowance on the total material, labor, and overhead costs to ensure differing site conditions are covered in the Base Bid. This

20% allowance will provide a level bidding environment while still accounting for unforeseen existing conditions and changes to the quantity of piping and fixtures to be replaced and/or removed under this contract”. The bid form does not provide a way to reflect this contingency. How would the Government like this contingency to be reflected on the bid form?

The allowance shall be based on the “Division 22 – Plumbing” line item to include “the total material, labor, and overhead costs” for the total “quantity of piping and fixtures to be replaced and/or removed under this contract”. The line item will be the scope indicated on the drawings plus 20% of that number.

10 Reference Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice document – the Project Description states “The contractor shall provide fully transparent pricing for the following water treatment and monitoring systems:

a. MFR: Enrich, Inc, Model: EHC-100 (Basis of Design (BOD)) https://enrichproductsionization.com/

b. MFR: Liquitech, Inc, Model: LT-100 https://www.liquitech.com/ (Basis of Design (BOD))

c. MFR: Lenntech, Model: LNT-100 https://www.lenntech.com/.htm

d. MFR: Phigenics, Model: PWA (Basis of Design (BOD))

e. MFR: MIOX, Model: MI-100 http://www.miox.com

Has a Limited Source Justification (FAR 6.302-1(c), 6.303) been prepared for any of these materials identified under this solicitation? If so, provide all related documentation, including any required Approval (FAR 6.304) or Certification (FAR 6.303(b)(12)).

These are Basis of Design vendor recommendations are not a Sole Source justification.

Contractor may propose equivalent systems that meet contract requirements to be reviewed and approved during the shop submittal process.

11 Reference Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice document – the

Project Description states “The contractor shall provide fully transparent pricing for the following water treatment and monitoring systems:

a. MFR: Enrich, Inc, Model: EHC-100 (Basis of Design (BOD)) https://enrichproductsionization.com/

b. MFR: Liquitech, Inc, Model: LT-100 https://www.liquitech.com/ (Basis of Design (BOD))

c. MFR: Lenntech, Model: LNT-100 https://www.lenntech.com/.htm

d. MFR: Phigenics, Model: PWA (Basis of Design (BOD))

e. MFR: MIOX, Model: MI-100 http://www.miox.com The Price Schedule does not provide a means to provide the pricing for these items as requested. In order to provide this transparent pricing, provide a revised Price Sehedule that has CLIN items for these treatment and monitoring systems.

These are Basis of Design vendor recommendations are not a Sole Source justification.

Contractor may propose equivalent systems that meet contract requirements and shall be reviewed and approved during the shop submittal process.

Bids shall include a single system that meets all project requirements.

12 Reference Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice document – Item A of the Project Description states “The implemented solution must meet VHA Directive 1061 requirements”. Confirm that the drawings and specs provided fulfill this requirement.

VHA Directive 1061 is included with project specifications. Contractor shall adhere to all requirements for this scope of work.

13 There is a discrepancy between the bid submission instructions provided in section 13.1 on the SF-1442 and the instructions provided on page 11/134 of the Solicitation Document. Confirm that bids are to only be submitted via email to Dominik Gammon.

Bid are to be submitted to Dominik Gammon, Contracting Officer a t

Dominik.Gammon@va.gov by the revised solictation due date/time isn order to be considered timely.

14 Provide call-in information (date, time, phone number, etc.) for the bid opening.

See the attached documents S04-Virtual Meeting - Upgrade Domestic Hot and Cold water systems (1)

15 Are funds currently available for this project? Yes, The VA has verified with contingencies.

16 Reference the Solicitation Document, Bid Submission Section, Item v (page 17/134) – This solicitation is issued under NAICS Cope 236220. The Bid Submission instructions do not mention a self-performance calculation. Are bidders required to submit self performance calculations in accordance with this Item v?

Yes, The interested bidder shall submit self-performance calculation sheet as a bid submission requirement.

17 Reference Sheet 1G-001 – Scope of Work Item 8 states “Abate asbestos for all insulation on the removed piping”. Are contractors to assume that the insulation on all of the piping to be removed contains asbestos and requires remediation?

Yes. See the attached documents “asbestos survey”and “VASDHS Asbestos Operations and Mainteneance Plan (Edited Final Draft)”

18 Reference Plumbing Drawings - General Sheet Note 15 states

“Asbestos pipe insulation is present within the project area. The contractor shall complete an asbestos survey and submit survey results to COR prior to commencement of any construction work.

Contractor shall comply with specification sections 02 82 11 and 02 82 13.13.

Without performing the Hazardous Material Survey, we cannot put a cost to any hazardous material abatement that may be required.

Confirm that the base bid is to include the cost of performing the Site Investigation and Hazardous Material Survey only and that any required abatement that is found will be a modification to the contract.

Yes. See the attached documents “asbestos survey”and “VASDHS Asbestos Operations and

Mainteneance Plan (Edited Final Draft)”

19 Reference Plumbing Drawings – The drawings indicate the locations of catwalks within the interstitial spaces. Much of the

Temporary access provisions will likely be required. However, this is a means and methods consideration in coordination with the facility. See LIDAR scans for existing conditions.

work to be done does not appear to be accessible via the catwalk system. For bidding purposes, do temporary access catwalk extensions need to be constructed to access these areas?

20 Reference Plumbing Drawings - General Sheet Note 17 states

“Prior to start of any work contractor shall identify all dead legs, they shall remove them by removing the tee and providing a coupling to make a continuous run, piping to be removed back to nearest fixtures or tee and replace tee with an elbow to make a continuous run”. Confirm that the demolition of dead legs referenced here is limited to the plumbing fixtures that are shown on the plans but no longer exist per General Sheet Note #16.

The deadlegs identified on the drawings plus a 20% allowance of the total quantity shall be used. Contractor shall survey and identify all current deadlegs in the area of work at the time of construction and redline any deviations from the contract drawings. The net quantity shall be tracked against the allowance and submitted the Owner after survey is complete.

21 Reference Plumbing Drawings – General Sheet Note 17 – If the demolition of dead legs is not limited to those referenced in

General Sheet Note 16, this scope must be quantified to be biddable by contractors. Provide a quantity, by CLIN, of dead leg removal to be included in the pricing.

The deadlegs identified on the drawings plus a 20% allowance of the total quantity shall be used. Contractor shall survey and identify all current deadlegs in the area of work at the time of construction and redline any deviations from the contract drawings. The net quantity shall be tracked against the allowance and submitted the Owner after survey is complete.

22 Drawing 1PP102A, 2nd Floor interstitial space note 4 points to valves being changed. Most valves have a tag number which corresponds to a table on drawing 1P-709 (as an example). There are many instances on drawing 1PP201A where no tag number is shown but a valve is tagged with note 4. This omission of tag numbers occurs throughout the drawings. Are these valves to be changed? If yes, provide revised drawings indicating valve numbers and corresponding information on the Plumbing

Schedules.

All valves indicated by (1) Keynote, (2) bold line work OR (3) listed in the schedule shall be replaced. Contractor shall replace the valves at each locations. Contractor shall field verify all valve locations and submit coordination drawings per Specification 22 05 11.

Valve tag numbering is AE’s proposed naming convention. Final valve tag numbers at each location shall be coordinated with the Owner.

23 In Building 2, plan view drawing 2PP101 does not show the same valve configuration on the 8" SCW main line as is seen in the schematic drawing on page 2P-601. Which is correct?

2P-601 is a schematic riser diagram that shows the Basis of Design system. 2PP101 shows the proposed location for piping/valves. Contractor shall submit coordination drawings per

Specification 22 05 11 based on field surveys and approved equipment during shop submittals that meet all project requirements.

24 Note #6 drawing 2PP101 directs the contractor to install a weld-o-let on the 8" DCW main line. At the site visit, it was discovered that this line is copper. Weld-o-lets are steel and incompatible with copper. Can "Pull Tees" and female adapters be used to install injection quills and various temperature sensor wells on existing water lines?

Copper O-lets are widely available and shall be submitted in accordance with Specification

25 In the new Chilled Water system to be installed in Building 2, there is no make-up water connection identified. Indicate the following:

Existing Back Flow Preventors are shown on 2PP101, contractor shall tie into existing Make-

Up Water system serving the Central Utility Plant, as shown on the drawings. Make-Up Water connection shall adhere to Air-Cooled Chiller Manufacturer’s requirements.

1. The location of the makeup water source

2. Where the RPBP is to be located

3. The location of the make-up water connection into the new Chilled Water system.

26 Please verify that the Owner will be responsible for removing ALL chemicals, unbolted items, personal effects, etc from the affected areas prior to construction.

Contractor is responsible for site preparation.

27 Provide Hazardous Material Report for this project. VA to provide latest report, if available.

28 Has the facilities ICRA team assigned classifications to the affected and adjacent spaces to set the level of ICRA measures to be put in place by the general contractor?

ICRA classifications vary by space and type of work being performed. See Specification 01 35 26 and Sheet G-011 for requirements. Contractor will be responsible for coordinating with VA infection control personnel during construction to satisfy ICRA requirements for each specific area of work.

29 Who does inspection and permitting of Infection Control? Is there an Infection Control Permit fee?

VA Infection Control personnel will review and approve all ICRA applications. There is no fee.

30 Specification section 01 45 00.00, 3.4.B states “The CQC System Manager is assigned as CQC System Manager but has duties as project superintendent in addition to quality control”. This conflicts with specification section 01 00 00 – 6, item E, which states that “Superintendent and Quality Control Manager shall be separate employees. Confirm that the QC Manager can dual hat as the Superintendent.

Follow Specification 01 00 00, dual hats are not allowable.

31 Specification section 01 45 00.00 10, 3.4.C states:

In addition to CQC personnel specified elsewhere in the contract, provide as part of the CQC organization specialized personnel to assist in the CQC System Manager for the following areas, as applicable: electrical, mechanical, civil, structural, environmental, architectural, materials technician submittals clerk, Commissioning

Agent/LEED specialist, and low voltage systems. These individuals or specified technical companies are directly employed by the General Contractor and cannot be employed by a supplier or subcontractor on this project; be responsible to the CQC System Manager; be physically present at the construction site during work on the specialized personnel’s

Only the overall Prime Contractor’s Quality Control Manager (or an approved alternate) shall be physically present at the construction site for the entire duration. Discipline Specific/Specialty QC personnel shall per present only for their area of responsibility and are not required to be employed directly by the Prime Contractor.

A single individual can cover multiple disciplines/areas of responsibility if minimum qualifications are met for each discipline.

areas of responsibility; have the necessary education or experience in accordance with the Experience Matrix listed herein.

Is it the intent of the Government for us to budget these personnel to be on-site during the entire duration of work in each specialty area in addition to the full time QC manager? Consequently, adding $millions to the cost of general conditions over the duration of this project.

32 Please refer to plumbing drawing 2PP101 and locate Note 13 showing the location of the water monitoring panel. Please follow the 1/2" lines from the panel to their tie-in point at the 2" cold water line. Having two tees next to each other like that will cause a "short circuit" in the test loop, especially if the branch where the tie in is made is not moving water. (example, tie into a branch supplying a lav, but the lav is not used often). This is especially the case as we get into building 1. Please confirm this tee configuration is acceptable. Please confirm we do NOT need to supply from one branch and return back into another branch or tie test panels into the main lines which would require larger tee and longer runs, but would assure moving water.

Configuration shown on drawings is schematic in nature. Contractor shall submit coordination drawings for each monitoring panel tie-in location that meets all manufacturer’s requirements.

Sampling water return line Point Of Connection shall be located to ensure circulation is not short circuited. Follow manufacture’s minimum spacing/flow requirements.

Tying into separate branch line locations or the main is also acceptable based on the field verified conditions at each location.

33 The Price Schedule does not identify which items are base items

vs. options. Provide a revised Price Schedule indicating base bid items vs. option items.

CLIN 12 and CLIN 13 are the Option items.

34 The basis of award is listed as price only. For price comparison purposes, will all base and option CLINs be added together to determine the total price?

Yes, All Base Items shall be added together.

35 We understand that the Government intends to award a lump sum contract for this Task Order. The construction industry continues to experience significant cost volatility in nearly all commodities that cannot be anticipated. Subcontractors are receiving unforeseen increases in material costs from their suppliers, sometimes on a weekly basis, that can be as high as 10% or more.

How is the Government going to accommodate the current price escalation being experienced in the marketplace with regards to commodities such as wood, steel, plastics, etc? Can an Equitable

Price Adjustment (EPA) per VAAR Subpart 852.216-71 clause be added to the RFP?

The Government intends to make and award a fixed price contract. It is the bidder responsibility to estimate the price of this project that is fair and reasonable for all parties.

36 The duration of the project is estimated at 450 calendar days from

NTP.

The construction industry continues to experience significant volatility, resulting in material lead time delays, in nearly all commodities that cannot be anticipated. Subcontractors are receiving unforeseen increases in material delivery durations from their suppliers.

How is the Government going to accommodate the current extended lead times and material manufacturing and delivery delays that are occurring in the construction industry

Period of Performance will remain 450 days.

37 Has a Limited Source Justification (FAR 6.302-1(c), 6.303) been prepared for any materials identified under this solicitation? If so, identify which systems to which they apply and provide all related documentation, including any required Approval (FAR 6.304) or

Certification (FAR 6.303(b)(12)).

No.

37 Who is the local AHJ?

The VA.

38 Confirm that the Government will allow proposers a minimum of seven (7) days to respond to the RFP starting from the date that the Government responds to 100% of the RFIs received.

Bid Due Date is August 12, 2022.

39 With regard to the Distal Water Monitoring Stations - Stations are calling for pump PP-2 to be installed on a 1/2" copper line. Pump schedule described PP-2 as having 1/4" NTP ports. The tubing exiting the monitoring panel is 1/4", then blows up to 1/2" before the pump. Can the line remain 1/4" until after the pump?

½” copper piping shall be used as indicated on P-501.

40 Regarding the specified PP-2 (Liquiflo Model 43S63EEN20A8 rotary gear pump). Pump description in plumbing schedules is calling for constant speed of 1.0 GPM. According to the manufacturer's rep, this pump will not put out 1 GMP under this design installation. Manufacturer recommends either accepting 0.7 GPM flow rate or using a series 44 pump. Please clarify desired flow rate of water thru the distal water monitoring stations.

Flow rate shall be 1.0 GPM minimum. Based on the monitoring panel/vendor submitted pump may be revised to match the 1.0 GPM performance specification.

41 Please refer to plumbing drawing 11PL100A Drawing shows two water quality monitoring panels in Mechanical Room BB106 for this building floor/sector. However, the drawings included with this bid package do not show any hot and/or cold water lines

See Sheet 11PP100A, domestic water piping is in the interstitial level above. Field coordinate points of connection and submit complete layout/coordination drawings.

nearby to draw samples for these panels. Please clarify water tie in point for these two monitoring stations.

42 Regarding the Distal Water Monitoring Stations- We are being asked to provide an Air to Liquid Thermoelectric Cooler capable of cooling water up to 2 GPM flow stream from 150°F to 110°F.

In talking with the manufacturers engineering department, I am told this cannot be done in a small wall mount unit. This would require 10,144W of cooling and a unit that big would have a footprint if 16" x 18" and a cost of about $4,000 each. Please provide your BOD model for this small wall mount Air to Liquid

Thermoelectric Cooler.

Basis of Design is by Process Dynamics/TE Technology, Inc. Cold Plate (CP) product line. The cooler consists of a cold plate which has (2) heat exchangers attached. Water sample will be cooled by 40 F delta T as it flows through the exchangers. Mixing coils ensure complete cooling. For the Basis of Design, two systems are required per sample line.

43 Please refer to plumbing drawing 2PP101 and locate Note 13 showing the location of the water monitoring panel. Please follow the 1/2" lines from the panel to their tie-in point at the 2" cold water line. Having two tees next to each other like that will cause a "short circuit" in the test loop, especially if the branch where the tie in is made is not moving water. (example, tie into a branch supplying a lav, but the lav is not used often). This is especially the case as we get into building 1. Please confirm this tee configuration is acceptable. Please confirm we do NOT need to supply from one branch and return back into another branch or tie test panels into the main lines which would require larger tee and longer runs, but would assure moving water.

Sampling water return line Point Of Connection shall be located to ensure circulation is not short circuited. Follow manufacture’s minimum spacing/flow requirements.

Tying into separate branch line locations or the main is also acceptable based on the field verified conditions at each location.

44 Regarding the Distal Water Monitoring Stations, the panel manufacturer is concerned with the many differing flows shown for this panel. For instance, drawing depicts flow meter with set range of 0.7 to 7 GPH while specifications state 180CC/MIN - 1.3 GPM. What is to be the actual flow rate thru the panel and sensors?

Basis of Design is 0.7 to 7.0 GPH. Actual flow range may differ based on the final approved monitoring panel and the vendor selected.

45 Panel detail shows a pressure regulator with a 25 PSI MAX outlet pressure. Panel manufacturer is concerned with the chlorine sensor, which works best at 0PSI (ZERO). What pressure shall this regulator be set at?

Regulator shall be set per manufacturer’s requirements. 25 PSI is the maximum outlet pressure for the Basis of Design. Actual pressure may differ based on the final a pproved monitoring panel and the vendor selected.

46 Parking space is limited at the VA hospital. Will space be available in the parking garage? Will contractors need to pay for parking?

See Specification 01 00 00 Part 1.5.E. One (1) parking permit will be issued to the General

Contractor.

47 Regarding Spare Pumps: The same notes requiring spare pumps appears on the schedule for each building. Please confirm the notes requiring spare pumps apply to the project as a whole and not to the individual buildings.

Confirmed, spare pump notes apply to the overall project.

48 Regarding the Rooftop Chiller: Specs call for OSHPD rated chiller, which Trane tells me requires the need to include spring isolators. Structural drawing 2S-501, detail states to mount the chiller using a Kinetics KSCR roof curb, which includes spring isolators. This seems to be redundant. Please confirm this redundant spring isolation is NOT required and also state which set of springs to eliminate.

OSHPD/Seismic rated installation is required. “Kinetics KSRC” roof curb is provided as the Basis of Design. Chillers with integral isolation that meet seismic rating requirements are also acceptable.

49 With regard to the Distal Water Monitoring Stations- We are being asked to provide an Air to Liquid Thermoelectric Cooler capable of cooling water up to 2 GPM flow stream from 150°F to 110°F.

In talking with manufacturers engineering I am told this cannot be done in a small wall mount unit. This would require 10,144W of cooling and a unit that big would have a footprint if 16" x 18" and a cost of about $4000 each.

Please provide your BOD model for this small wall mount Air to Liquid Thermoelectric Cooler

Basis of Design is by Process Dynamics/TE Technology, Inc. Cold Plate (CP) product line. The cooler consists of a cold plate which has (2) heat exchangers attached. Water sample will be cooled by 40 F delta T as it flows through the exchangers. Mixing coils ensure complete cooling. For the Basis of Design, two systems are required per sample line.

50 With regard to the Distal Water Monitoring Stations- Stations are calling for pump PP-2 to be installed on a 1/2" copper line. Pump schedule described PP-2 as having 1/4" NTP ports. The tubing exiting the monitoring panel is 1/4", then blows up to 1/2" before the pump. Can the line remain 1/4" until after the pump?

½” copper piping shall be used as indicated on P-501.

51 Drawing 1PP201A, 2nd floor interstitial space note 4 points to valves to be changed. However, most valves have a tag number which corresponds to a table on drawing 1P-709 (as an example). There are many instances on drawing 1PP201A where no tag number is shown but a valve is tagged with note 4.

Are these valve to be changed? Please clarify.

All valves indicated by (1) Keynote, (2) bold line work OR (3) listed in the schedule shall be replaced. Contractor shall replace the valves at each locations. Contractor shall field verify all valve locations and submit coordination drawings per Specification 22 05 11.

Valve tag numbering is AE’s proposed naming convention. Final valve tag numbers at each location shall be coordinated with the Owner.

52 Regarding the specified PP-2 (Liquiflo Model 43S63EEN20A8 rotary gear pump). Pump description in plumbing schedules is calling for constant speed of

1.0 GPM.

Flow rate shall be 1.0 GPM minimum. Based on the monitoring panel/vendor submitted pump may be revised to match the 1.0 GPM performance specification.

According to the manufacturer's rep, this pump will not put out 1 GMP under this design installation. Manufacturer recommends either accepting 0.7 GPM flow rate or using a series 44 pump.

Please clarify desired flow rate of water thru the distal water monitoring stations.

53 In Building 2, plan view drawing 2PP101 does not show the same valve configuration on the 8" SCW main line as is seen in the schematic drawing on page 2P-601.

Which is correct?

2P-601 is a schematic riser diagram that shows the Basis of Design system. 2PP101 shows the proposed location for piping/valves. Contractor shall submit coordination drawings per

Specification 22 05 11 based on field surveys and approved equipment during shop submittals that meet all project requirements.

54 Note #6 drawing 2PP101 tells us to install a weld-o-let on the 8"

DCW main line. Upon site visit it has been discovered this line is copper, and weld-o-lets are steel.

Can we use a "Pull Tee" and female adapter to install injection quill and various temperature sensor wells on existing water lines?

Copper O-lets are widely available and shall be submitted in accordance with Specification

55 IN the new Chilled Water system to be installed in Building 2, I have not found a make-up water connection.

Please show where we will take the make up water from, where we shall locate the RPBP and where we shall tie the make-up water into the new Chilled Water system.

Existing Back Flow Preventors are shown on 2PP101, contractor shall tie into existing Make-

Up Water system serving the Central Utility Plant, as shown on the drawings. Make-Up Water connection shall adhere to Air-Cooled Chiller Manufacturer’s requirements.

56 Please refer to plumbing drawing 11PL100A

Drawing shows two water quality monitoring panels in Mechanical Room BB106 for this building floor/sector. However, the drawings included with this bid package do not show any hot and/or cold water lines nearby to draw samples for these panels.

Please clarify water tie in point for these two monitoring stations.

See Sheet 11PP100A, domestic water piping is in the interstitial level above. Field coordinate points of connection and submit complete layout/coordination drawings.

56 Regarding the Distal Water Monitoring Stations, the panel manufacturer is concerned with the many differing flows shown for this panel. For instance, drawing depicts flow meter with set range of 0.7 to 7 GPH while specifications state 180CC/MIN - 1.3 GPM.

Q: What is to be the actual flow rate thru the panel and sensors?

Panel detail shows a pressure regulator with a 25 PSI MAX outlet pressure. Panel manufacturer is concerned with the chlorine sensor, which works best at

0PSI (ZERO).

Q: What pressure shall this regulator be set at?

Basis of Design is 0.7 to 7.0 GPH. Actual flow range may differ based on the final approved monitoring panel and the vendor selected.

Regulator shall be set per manufacturer’s requirements. 25 PSI is the maximum outlet pressure for the Basis of Design. Actual pressure may differ based on the final approved monitoring panel and the vendor selected.

57 Please refer to plumbing drawing 2PP101 and locate Noe 13 showing the location of the water monitoring panel. Please follow the 1/2" lines from the panel to their tie-in point at the 2" cold water line. Having two tees next to each other like tha t will cause a "short circuit" in the test loop, especially if the branch where the tie in is made is not moving water. (example, tie into a branch supplying a lav, but the lav is not used often). This is especially the case as we get into building 1.

Please confirm this tee configuration is acceptable. Please confirm we do NOT need to supply from one branch and return back into another branch or tie test panels into the main lines which would require larger tee and longer runs, but would assure moving water.

Tying into separate branch line locations or the main is also acceptable based on the field verified conditions at each location.

58 Regarding Spare Pumps:

The same notes requiring spare pumps appears on the schedule for each building. Please confirm the notes requiring spare pumps apply to the project as a whole and not to the individual buildings.

Confirmed, spare pump notes apply to the overall project.

59 Please provide a description of parking conditions for subcontractors working on this project. With limited parking at the VA hospital, is it anticipated that space will be available in the parking garage; and will subcontractors working on the site need to pay for parking?

See Specification 01 00 00 Part 1.5.E. One (1) parking permit will be issued to the General Contractor.

60 Please refer to plumbing drawing 2PP101 and locate Noe 13 showing the location of the water monitoring panel. Please follow the 1/2" lines from the panel to their tie-in point at the 2" cold water line. Having two tees next to each other like that will cause a "short circuit" in the test loop, especially if the branch where the tie in is made is not moving water. (example, tie into a branch supplying a lav, but the lav is not used often). This is especially the case as we get into building 1.

Please confirm this tee configuration is acceptable. Please confirm we do NOT need to supply from one branch and return back into another branch or tie test panels into the main lines which would require larger tee and longer runs, but would assure moving water.

Tying into separate branch line locations or the main is also acceptable based on the field verified conditions at each location.

61 Will the VA provide parking for construction vehicles, laydown area for construction trailer and storage containers?

Yes, laydown will be provided, coordinate with VA. See Specification 01 00 00 Part 1.5.E. One

(1) parking permit will be issued to the General Contractor.

62 Regarding the Distal Water Monitoring Panels:

The typical panel depicted on plumbing drawing 1P-501 used to be made by Rosemount. However, Rosemount discontinued this panel in 2014 and they are not readily available.

Rosemount states they can make these panels, but they cannot make them quickly enough to meet the project schedule. They tell me it will take 120 days to make each set of 8 panels, one floor of building 1. Rosemont is also stating the lead time for transmitters is currently 25-30 weeks.

This information is a serious disruption to the project schedule as described in the RFP.

We have reached out to another company for these panels, but they state that once the water is run through the chlorine sensor, it cannot be put back into the potable water system.

Please consider adding more time to the project schedule to allow Rosemount to keep up with the time limitations for each floor, currently 30 days.

Rosemount is the Basis of Design and many vendors carry equivalent products. Bidder investigate readily available models and alternate vendors that meet project requirements.

63 General Requirements 01 00 00 - 10, 1.3 STATEMENT OF BID ITEM(S), states, "The expected construction period of performance duration for each building includes all pre-construction activity and post-construction testing, third-party inspections and commissioning.

Contractor shall submit a comprehensive schedule of work and phasing plan in compliance with 01 32 16.15 PROJECT SCHEDULES (SMALL PROJECTS

DESIGN/BID/BUILD)."

Please confirm that a schedule of work is not required to be submitted as part of the Offerer's proposal but rather is to be submitted by the awarded contractor after Notice to Proceed.

The schedule of work /phasing plan shall be sumitted by the lowest apparent bidder before award as aprat of the pre-award survey. Interested bidder should be prepared to submit once notified by the Contracting Officer that the are the lowest apparent bidder and be able to respond to the Verification of Bid letter.

Dominik Gammon, Contract Officer direction to interested bidder: The Government shall not entertain any other RFIs as of 7/22/2022. Question 63 serves as the the Government last response.

7/25/2022