VA RLP36C10F25R0010 Buffalo_Questions Round.pdf

Buffalo, NY R&D RLP No. 36C10F25R0010

Questions Round 1

1. Due to the program for this project having three distinct areas, office space, laboratory space and vivarium, there feasibly would need to be three independent mechanical systems. There is only a small area shown now in the schematic plan for mechanical space. If the air-handling unit must go on the roof, would it be the intent to do one of the following:

a. Use exterior grade units and have them visible from the ground.

b. House the units in an enclosed space on the roof. If this is the direction, would this area go against the allotted square footage for the building?

Response: Each Offeror must decide how to design the building and its required mechanical systems to support the requirements in then RLP. Mechanical units on the roof, however, are not included in the ABOA square footage calculation. Also refer to Attachment 02C-Buffalo Appendix A.2 - Lease Design Narrative, Section 4.5 Mechanical.

2. With the type of R&D that will be performed at this facility, is it the plan to have some sort of emergency back-up power such as a gas-powered emergency generator?

Response: Refer to Attachment 02C-Buffalo Appendix A.2 - Lease Design Narrative, Section 4.7.2 Standby Generator.

3. The provided documents references “Small Animals”, can you please share the type of animals that will be held at the facility, and the anticipated census.

Response: No.

4. Assuming “Small Animals” references rodents (mice and rats) can you confirm the intent to utilize IVC racks for the entire facility.

Response: Refer to Attachment 02B-Buffalo Appendix A.1 - Project Room Contents List.

5. Please confirm that this facility is to be designed to meet the VA R&D design guide PG-18-12 as well as the AAALAC guide.

Response: Refer to Attachment 02C-Buffalo Appendix A.2 - Lease Design Narrative, Section 2.3 Standards.

6. Given the program, is this building required to be designed to blast requirements?

Response: Refer to RLP Amendment No. 1 Attachment 02F-Buffalo Appendix A.5 - VA Security Requirements FSL Level II.

7. We have a structured parking deck below the first floor of our office building and have proposed first floor space to VA. If we do not allow vehicles to be parked directly under the proposed space / footprint VA would ultimately occupy on the first floor, would this area meet VA’s requirements?

Response: Refer to Refer to RLP Amendment No. 1 Attachment 02F-Buffalo Appendix A.5 - VA Security Requirements FSL Level II and RLP Section 1.04.I.

Buffalo, NY R&D RLP No. 36C10F25R0010

Questions Round 1

8. For reasons of vibration, how far away from a railroad does the proposed space need to be?

Response: The distance determination is in the sole discretion of the VA Lease Contracting Officer.

9. If after doing a test fit of the program the Offeror is unable to fit the program in the approximate USF, can the Offeror provide any additional USF and RSF needed to meet the program requirements as free to the Government?

Response: Refer to L100 Section 1.01.

10. In our program it calls for Room SC771 to be 165 SF, but the VA design guide shows this significantly larger – 340SF. Can VA confirm the room design as this will impact the RSF and ABOA measurements.

Response: Confirming offerors should use the 165 SF identified in the PFD.