S06 RFI Responses.pdf

P a g e 1 | 20

Amendment 0003 Responses to RFI’s.

Question 5. Could the VA please provide a 2‐week extension on the due date?

VA Response: See Amendment 002, Block 14.

Question 6. Please provide CAD Drawings for VA Providence Boilers Project Bid.

VA Response: The VA will make CAD Drawings in native format available at time of award.

Question 7. Please provide Revit Models for VA Providence Boilers Project Bid.

VA Response: The VA will make Revit Models available at time of award.

Question 8. How is the Government going to accommodate the current price escalation being experienced in the marketplace with regards to commodities such as steel, copper, electrical, etc.?

VA Response: This is a firm‐fixed price (FFP) contract. Reference page 18, FAR 52.216‐1. Reference: 4.

PROPOSAL EVALUATION, page 13, paragraph 4.2.1 The evaluation will be divided into three (3) factors. Technical and past performance are equal, and when combined, are significantly more important than price.

Question 9. Will the government consider including 48 CFR § 52.216‐4 “Economic Price Adjustment ‐ Labor and Material” to the contract?

VA Response: No. FAR 52.216‐4 is not incorporated.

Question 10. Will the government consider including 48 CFR § 16.203 “Fixed‐price contracts with economic price adjustment” to the contract?

VA Response: No. FAR 16.203 and FAR 42.216‐4 are not incorporated.

Question 11. Will the government’s onsite representative (i.e. not the Contract Officer) have a warrant to facilitate change orders during construction?

VA Response: No. The government’s onsite representative does not have a warrant. The Contracting Officer holds the warrant during construction.

Question 12: Please provide composition/test cut information of the existing roofing materials so handling and disposal can be estimated.

VA Response: The Building 10 roof is a Tremco roof installed on 30 December 2003. The Building 10 Small Generator roof is a Sika‐Sarnafil roof installed on 5 December 2012. Attached is the asbestos report, S06 Bldg. 10 Boiler Plant REGULATED BLDG MATERIALS SURVEY REPORT dated October 4, 2021.

Question 13: Ref: C401. Can you provide the potential locations to stockpile excess soil?

P a g e 2 | 20

VA Response: The Providence VAMC has extremely limited locations for the stockpiling of excess soil.

Locations will be discussed with the VA Construction Manager after award; however, offerors should include the possibility of stockpiling at an off‐site location in their proposals.

Question 14: Ref: S001 Existing Conditions ‐ Note 7. Can more detail be given on what constitutes heavy equipment or can specific loads be provided?

VA Response: Contractor is responsible to ensure the structural integrity and prevent any lateral or vertical movements of the existing buildings and new construction during construction, including but not limited to, all equipment and construction loading on the existing and new building structures.

Question 15: The specification for the tank (33 16 15) appears to be written for a welded steel tank, but it does make several references to providing the tank per the requirements of either standard AWWA D100 (which is for welded steel tanks) or AWWA D103 (which is for bolted steel tanks). Are both welded steel and bolted steel tanks accepted?

VA Response: Tanks are to be welded per paragraph 2.1a, and 2.1c.1. Any references to AWWA D103 were left in from base VA specs and are not applicable.

Question 16: Please confirm this project is a “dual‐hat” project where the Project Superintendent can also fulfill the roles of Quality Control Manager and Infection Control Manager, and the Site Safety and Health Officer must be a dedicated hat.

VA Response: The Project Superintendent can also fulfill the roles of Quality Control Manager and Infection Control Manager as long as Project Superintendent meets the minimum requirements of time and experience on projects of similar scope and complexity for each management role the Project Superintendent is fulfilling as defined in the project specifications. The Site Safety and Health Officer must be a dedicated position.

Question 17: The provided bid form asks for a single lump sum number. However, on sheet C201, there is a request for an “alternate new 6 ft. high fence with anti‐ram cable” in lieu of a new blast wall around the water storage tank. Please advise if the bid form or the requested alternate needs to be modified.

VA Response: There can be no deducts since this is a Non‐Recurring Maintenance (NRM) project. The alternate needs to be modified and the drawing should reflect the blast wall only with the 6’ high black vinyl‐coated chain link fence remaining along the south and west side of the water tank pad as depicted. (See Page 3 of this document/Question 17 VA Response continued).

P a g e 3 | 20

Question 18: (33 16 15): Is it the intent of the tank spec to be all welded or bolted?

VA Response: See response to Question #15.

Question 19: (33 16 15): Subsection 2.5 calls for the tank to be heated but does not reference the tank being insulated. Normally these larger field erected tanks are insulated as well to provide a more efficient Freeze Protection system. Is it the intent for the tank to be insulated?

VA Response: Insulation is to be included with the water tank. This tank is a fill and pass thru operation with a heater.

See Attached S06 AMENDED Specification Section 33 16 15 WATER STORAGE STEEL TANKS.

Question 20: (33 16 15): Subsection 2.6 (PAINTING AND COATING OF TANK) speaks to the tank being painted per section 09 91 00. This is a very generic coating spec and does not specify specifically how the tank is to be painted inside and out. However, subsection 3.6E specifies that the tank is to be Metallized inside and out. The spec is in conflict. Which is correct? Normally the tank is painted inside and out per code AWWA D102. How is the tank to be coated?

P a g e 4 | 20

VA Response: Interior tank are to be zinc metallized. Exterior of the tank is to follow 09 91 00 paragraph 3.7e and 3.8.

Question 21: Due to the contract duration of (428) calendar days, the submittal/long‐lead procurement phase for the new 30,000‐gallon fuel oil tanks (26 weeks +), and the need for the new extensive retaining wall to be placed prior to installing the new tanks (detail 2/C403), please review phasing sequence note 7MC101 (and sheet keynotes 6/MJ601). Using the new tanks to feed the temporary system will not be feasible. Is the Contractor to provide FRAC tanks for the temporary boilers? If so, where shall the FRAC tanks be placed? Is the Contractor responsible for the costs of fuel for filling the FRAC tanks? Notes reference a tanker truck – where shall that be located if FRAC tanks aren’t feasible?

VA Response: The VA is prepared to provide a construction administration period of 6 months prior to issuing formal NTP for a 428‐calendar day on‐site construction period. This is intended to allow submittal approvals and procurement for equipment with long lead times. It is still the intent of the project phasing to have the retaining wall constructed first, with the fuel oil tanks and other site work following that will then allow for the temporary boilers to be placed into operation without the use of FRAC tanks or tanker trucks.

Question 22: MC101, Phasing Sequence Keynote 19, is the Contractor responsible for the costs of fuel oil for filling the new fuel oil tanks? 64,000‐gallons plus fuel for startup/commissioning?

VA Response: No, VA is responsible for the fuel. Ref: FAR 8.002(a)(1)(v), VAAR 808.002(a)(1)(v).

Question 23: Please advise if the Government will provide and sign a sales tax exemption certificate.

VA Response: After the contract is awarded, the awarded Contractor can request from the Contracting Officer the Certificate of Exemption for the applicable State where the work is being performed.

Question 24: Please confirm the boiler water treatment system will be provided under a separate contract. The drawings indicate that, however 23 50 11 does not.

VA Response: Confirmed, the boiler water treatment system will be provided under separate contract.

The Contractor shall be responsible for providing the connection points as described in the contract drawings.

Question 25: Is the Contractor required to install all interconnecting piping, and injection tubing/connections to boiler steam system or is this under a separate contract (keynote 1.5/MP605)?

VA Response: See response to Question #24.

Question 26: Please confirm the Government will provide/maintain chemical for the temporary boilers, and the Contractor will not bear these costs.

VA Response: A water treatment system should be provided as part of the temporary boiler package provided by the contractor. Chemicals for the water treatment of the temporary boilers will be provided by the VA.

P a g e 5 | 20

Question 27: Section 23 21 11 2.23 and 2.24 makes reference to two (2) different types of shut off valves. MP604 shows a total of three emergency shut off valves (on natural gas, LPG, and fuel oil). What specification shall be followed ‐ part 2.23 or 2.24?

VA Response: Refer to section 2.23, section 2.24 is removed from the specification.

Question 28: Is the Contractor required to contract a Professional Geotechnical Engineer to provide Continuous Special Inspection of the Sheet Pile Wall installation?

VA Response: The Contractor is required to contract a Professional Geotechnical Engineer to provide continuous special inspection of the sheet pile wall installation with all reports being forwarded (copied) to the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) and to carry this cost in their proposal.

Question 29: This project is not doable in 428 calendar days. We respectfully request that the VA change the contract duration to 730 calendar days, or at least agree to issue an Admin NTP and not start the 428 calendar day clock until after submittals are approved and equipment is released.

VA Response: See Response to Question 21.

Question 30: For the fuel oil supply on the 30,000 gallon tanks, there is only a supply and a return. Since there is a pump set and a fuel oil maintenance system, there should be a separate set of supply returns for each. Please advise.

VA Response: No, separate lines are not required.

Question 31: On Drawing MP‐506, the tank detail shows the return line run inside the tank to the far end. This should be run outside the tank to the far end, not in the tank. Please advise.

VA Response: This is a standard VA detail for underground storage tank. Internal piping is by the tank manufacturer.

Question 32: Please advise if the new 50K‐gallon aboveground storage tank needs to be insulated. It is not outlined in the applicable tank specification. Please provide material/spec if required.

VA Response: See response to Question #19.

Question 33: Regarding self‐performed work percentage and limitations on subcontracting:

a. The answer to "Question 1" released under Amendment 0001 states "the contractor shall not pay more than 75% of the amount paid by the government to it to firms that are not VIP‐listed SDVOSBs." However, Exhibit E states this percentage is actually 85%.

Please confirm which percentage is correct: 75% or 85%.

b. Depending on the answer to Question A above, does that mean that the Self‐ Performance work percentage for Exhibit D is the difference? In other words, if the percentage featured in Exhibit E is 85%, does that mean that the percentage threshold for Exhibit D must be at least 15%? Or is Exhibit D 25%, regardless of the percentage featured in Exhibit E?

P a g e 6 | 20

VA Response: The answer to Question 1 released under Amendment 0001 is incorrect and is stricken.

Exhibit E is correct and unchanged.

The requirement under the contract is the contractor will not pay more than 85% of the amount paid by the government to it to firms that are not VIP‐listed SDVOSBs as set forth in 852.219‐10. (VAAR 852.219‐77(a)(1)(ii)). The certificate is required by VAAR 819.7009(b) and 38 USC 8127(k)(2). The certificate is S02 EXHIBIT E VAAR Clause 852.219‐77 Certificate of Compliance. Offerors are required to complete and submit with their offer VAAR 852.219‐77 VA Notice of Limitations on Subcontracting— Certificate of Compliance for Services and Construction. Instructions for the certificate are at Section

4.16. PROPOSAL EVALUATION and are on page 3 of the certificate.

S02 EXHIBIT D Calculation of Self Performed Work.pdf is amended to reflect the correction. Offerors shall submit with their offer S02 Exhibit D Calculation of Self Performed Work AMENDED 6July2022.pdf. Paragraph 2 in S02 EXHIBIT D is corrected to read:

Explain in detail how you will perform the minimum percentage required (15% General Contractor (GC)) with your own resources.

S06 EXHIBIT D AMENDED and Attached to Amendment 0003.

Question 34: The flash tank shown on Sheet MP504 Detail #5 shows a HORIZONTAL, but sheet M702 Tag FT‐10‐01‐001 shows a VERTICAL. Please clarify.

VA Response: The detail that you are referring to is Detail 5 on MP506 not 504. The detail is a generic for either vertical or horizontal. The flash tank on this project is VERTICAL.

Question 35: Regarding the Fuel Oil System: There is no pump or polisher schedule for the new generator pump set. Are these required?

VA Response: Pump and polisher were shown on drawing MP604, however; they were missed on the schedules. Drawing M‐701 is amended to include pump and polisher for the generator.

See Attached S06 Drawing AMENDED M‐701 included in MECHANICAL DRAWINGS BULLETIN 1 and AMENDED E‐401 & E‐701 included in ELECTRICAL DRAWINGS BULLETIN 1.

Question 36: Regarding the Fuel Oil System: There is no day tank schedule or details for a new day tank.

Is the existing 275‐gallon tank being replaced? The existing day tank has a supply pump on it ‐ not piped to the tank. It appears as if fuel is being hand pumped to the tank.

VA Response: The existing generator, day tank, piping, etc. are being removed in entirety. The day tank is noted as being a 100‐gallon tank on drawing MP604. Tank changed to 190 gallons. Refer to revised drawings MP604, MP605 & M‐701 for additional information for the day tank.

See Attached S06 Drawings AMENDED MQ102, MP604, MP605 & M‐701 included in MECHANICAL DRAWINGS BULLETIN 1 and AMENDED E‐401 & E‐701 included in ELECTRICAL DRAWINGS BULLETIN 1.

P a g e 7 | 20

Question 37: Regarding the Fuel Oil System: There is only a supply and a return on the 30,000 gallon tanks. Since there is a pump set and a fuel oil maintenance system, should there be a separate set of supply and returns for each?

VA Response: See response for item Question #30.

Question 38: Can you provide the contact info of the current Johnson Controls rep?

VA Response: Johnson Controls, 6 Blackstone Valley Place, Unit 202, Lincoln, RI 02865, 401‐235‐

6700/6767, FAX 401‐235‐6701 (FAX)

Question 39: Ref: Temp boiler install. Will the VA boiler operators be operating the temp boilers?

VA Response: Yes.

Question 40: Ref: Licensing. Can the VA confirm there is no requirement for Rhode Island Trade Licenses IE: pipefitter, plumber, electrician?

VA Response: No. Various trades and professions within the contract specifically require trade licenses. Tradesman performing under this contract shall be continuously licensed in their trade by a State or Commonwealth of the US throughout their work under the contact. The General Contractor (prime) shall flow down this requirement to subcontractors at all tiers. The VA does not take a position on Rhode Island Trade Licenses.

Question 41: Ref: Permits M‐001 general note 10. What permits if any are required to be pulled? What about the air permit for the boilers?

VA Response: The Contractor is required to follow all regulations (e.g., regulations regarding removal, disposal and transport of underground storage tanks, asbestos abatement/disposal, etc.). The Contractor is required to provide the VA equipment information so the VA can obtain their emissions permits.

Question 42: Ref: MP603. 4”PC line is shown going to header at FT‐10‐01‐001 between keynote 10 and

3. Where does this line come from?

VA Response: That 4”PC is an existing pumped condensate line from bldgs. 7 & 8. The 4” PC line should connect to the 4” PC downstream of the connections from the condensate return pump (CRU‐ 10‐01‐001) and not the header at FT‐10‐01‐001. Provide check valve and shutoff valve prior to connection.

See Attached S06 Drawings AMENDED MP101, MP102, MP103, MP603 included in MECHANICAL

DRAWINGS BULLETIN 1.

Question 43: Ref: MP401. Can you provide the 3‐D model that MP401 was generated from?

VA Response: The proposal shall be based on the contract documents. CAD Drawings in native file format, or otherwise, are unable to be issued until after the job is awarded.

P a g e 8 | 20

Question 44: Ref: Flash tank FT‐10‐01‐001. The inlet header is drawn as 6” on MP101 and the outlet shows 3” on MP101. MP603 indicates 4” inlet and 2” outlet. Which is correct?

VA Response: Per the equipment cutsheet for the SpiraxSarco FV12 the inlet is 4”, outlet is 2” with a 4” vent off the top.

See Attached S06 Drawings AMENDED MP102, MP103 included in MECHANICAL DRAWINGS BULLETIN 1.

Question 45: We have several subcontractors requesting a 2nd site visit in order to verify existing conditions now after they have thoroughly reviewed the drawings. Can another site visit be held?

VA Response: There will be no additional site visits.

Question 46: Can the proposal due date be extended to July 18 or July 25?

VA Response: See Amendment 002, Block 14.

Question 47: Refer to section INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND OTHER STATEMENTS TO

BIDDERS/OFFERORS, Part 3.5, Subpart 3.5.2 Subfactor B. Personnel and Organization. Is it the intention that the GC have a full time / dedicated Site Superintendent, Quality Control Manager, Infection Control

Manager and Safety Manager (4 dedicated roles) on the project site, or can some of these be dual role personnel?

VA Response: Dual roles are allowed. The Project Superintendent may also fulfill the roles of Quality Control Manager and Infection Control Manager as long as the Project Superintendent meets the minimum requirements of time and experience on projects of similar scope and complexity for each management role they are fulfilling as defined in the project specifications. The Site Safety and Health Officer must be a dedicated position.

Question 48: The solicitation included the Justification and Approval (J&A) for (3) Cleaver‐Brooks boilers. Has the VA and the A&E team reviewed the lead time on these units? Is the 428 days project completion time sufficient based on the lead times?

VA Response: Per a call on (06/24/2022) with the boiler equipment vendor the lead times for the major equipment: boilers, deaerator and condensate storage tank are currently at 20‐24 weeks. This is subject to change due to market conditions. See response to Questions 21 & 49.

Question 49: There are multiple major pieces of equipment on this project that have extremely long lead times that may impact the overall duration of the project. Supply chain issues related to COVID 19 have severely impacted the construction industry. Please provide acknowledgement that the VA and the A&E are aware of this and will work with the Contractor on scheduling, submittal reviews, and project implementation, as well as the potential for schedule extension if equipment isn’t immediately available.

VA Response: The VA and AE are aware of logistical issues and continue to monitor developments in the construction industry.

P a g e 9 | 20

Question 50: Traffic control will be required on Air Force Drive. There will be constant traffic issues at this corner as it sees a lot of large trucks are in and out with equipment and deliveries. Drawings do state to develop a traffic control plan, but options need to be known for bidding purposes.

a. Will this road be required to remain open full time, or can it be closed off as needed / coordinated in advance with the VA, as there are multiple other entry points to the VA campus?

b. Can it be converted to one‐way traffic as needed with signage?

VA Response: Proposed options for the traffic control plan will be discussed with the VA Construction Manager and/or the VAPD after award. Offerors should consider the possibility of off‐shift/weekend construction for the roadway and traffic control personnel in their proposals. Presently the Valley Street entrance to the VAMC is closed at 7:00PM every night and reopens in the morning.

Question 51: Based on the requirement to hold the proposal offer until November 2022, we assume it is the VA’s intention to award around the end of October. This is a concern as the first phases of the project include the heavy civil portion of the overall work. Winter conditions may set in before the work can progress and complete. Please confirm the VA is aware of this possibility and that the sooner this scope can be awarded, the better for the work.

VA Response: The offeror should inform itself of known and common winter weather conditions in New England. NOAA NWS Boston: www.weather.gov/box

Question 52: The soil report and boring logs indicate that the upper layers of this site are fill. There are no indications of any obstacles to be encountered such as boulders, old concrete fill, or other debris.

Earthwork contractors have indicated previous experience with obstructions encountered at this facility in such conditions. Should any obstacles be expected for the excavations, pilings, or ground anchor work?

VA Response: If the contractor is aware of field conditions that may vary from the contract documents and wants to carry a cost to address those potential issues, the contractor should separate the cost to address these issues as a separately identified, unique line item in their proposal in order to allow the VA to perform price leveling. If the condition does not incur additional cost during construction, a credit will be provided to the VA. Reference: 52.204‐22.

Question 53: Are there any delegated blast loading designs or engineering required on this project? If so, for what?

VA Response: Exterior façade fenestration (windows, doors, louvers) are delegated design items required to resist blast loading. Specifications for the blast resistant windows, doors, and louvers indicate the required design blast load that the items must be designed to.

CFMF wall reinforcing sizes are noted on drawings. Typical CFMF connection to steel is noted on drawings. Typical CFMF connection to concrete is noted on drawings. Typical CFMF connection to CFMF is provided on revised drawing SE202.

P a g e 10 | 20

See Attached S06 Drawings AMENDED SE201 & SE202 included in STRUCTURAL DRAWINGS BULLETIN 1.

Question 54: The solicitation documents include Justification and Approval (J&A) for DDC and physical security systems, but nothing is referenced for the CCTV systems on the project. On previous solicitations, we’ve seen Shanix listed as the preferred vendor and integrator for all the camera systems at this campus. Should this be the case for this project?

VA Response: There is a supplemental specification section 28 23 00.10 “Providence VAMC Camera System General Specification 2021”, which states that the Contractor shall coordinate the new VASS/SSTV system with the VA’s current camera maintenance company, Shanix Technology.

The SSTV system shall be provided, certified, and integrated into the existing security network by Shanix Technology. Point of contact information is provided in the “Providence VAMC Camera System General Specification 2021”. See Attached S02 JA CCTV System, Boilers 650‐19‐100.

Question 55: Are there any contaminated soils expected on the project? If so, please delineate. If not, will the VA issue a change order for any contaminated soils encountered?

VA Response: There is currently no indication of any contaminated soils at the site. Issues regarding pre‐existing suspected soil contamination will be addressed during the construction phase.

Question 56: A substantial amount of soil will need to be excavated and stored for reuse after installation of the new underground storage tanks. Will the VA provide a dedicated area on campus for this soil to be stored for the duration of the project?

VA Response: The Providence VAMC has extremely limited locations for the stockpiling of excess soil.

Locations will be discussed with the VA Construction Manager after award; however, offerors should include the possibility of stockpiling at an off‐site location in their proposal.

Question 57: Architectural drawings call for exterior face brick to be removed, stored, and reused. Will it be acceptable for new brick to be used? If no, will the VA provide a dedicated area on campus for this brick to be stored for the duration of the project?

VA Response: The existing brick that is salvageable shall be reused. Storage on the VA site is extremely limited and will be determined during construction. The contractor should include a cost for off‐site storage.

Question 58: There is a lot of steel work for the new catwalks that has to take place over the boilers. It will have to be a heavily coordinated effort for the progress of work and the setting of new boilers. We will most likely have to set the boilers on power rollers and move them in, jack them up, and set them on the vibration isolators. The steel work will be a lot of picking and swinging into place for connection since the boilers are under these. Please advise if any analysis has been performed on the existing building structure of whether it is sufficient for these activities. If not, is it the expectation that extensive temporary rigging and support is to be included?

P a g e 11 | 20

VA Response: The solicitation and all attachments represent the finished structure. They do not indicate the method of construction. The contractor is responsible for all measures necessary to protect and ensure the integrity of the structure during construction, including but not limited to, loading due to construction equipment and construction methods.

Question 59: Temporary piping will be needed during the demo of under slab plumbing. Is it allowable to dump remaining into closest sanitary structure during renovation?

VA Response: If referring to bathroom sanitary discharge, the whole facility is to be out of order during construction and temporary toilet facilities are to be provided by the contractor; the contractor also provides sewerage pump out and disposal.

Question 60: In regard to the trenching of slabs for demo of utilities and the installation of new work, we do not find a detail on placing back. Is there a detail for this work?

VA Response: Existing concrete slab on grade shall be restored to match existing. Refer to SF102, SF102 Plan Notes and Detail 9/S‐520.

Question 61: Sheet AD107 appears to show work items but no keyed notes are provided. Please clarify.

VA Response: The Keyed notes schedule appears to have failed to print for Revit. Sheet AD107 covers the demolition of the existing Building 11 – which is the water storage tank. The three missing keynote references should read as follows:

9 DEMOLISH EXISTING EQUIPMENT SLAB; PREP TO RECEIVE NEW SLAB TO MATCH

EXISTING MAIN SLAB. REF. STRUCTURAL

40 DEMOLISH EXISTING BUILDING AND STEEL WATER TANK IN ITS ENTIRETY, PREP AREA

FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION

41 DEMOLISH EXISTING BOLLARD

Question 62: MC101 Note 4 indicates that all associated costs related to the installation and removal of the temporary gas line. This work will have to be coordinated and most likely performed by National

Grid. The work requests with National Grid will have to be facilitated by the VA. Are we to include a specified allowance of costs for this work, or will the VA reimburse costs associated with this work?

VA Response: RI Energy PPL Corp. is the gas utility formerly provided by National Grid. The general contractor is responsible for all coordination and facilitation with RI Energy PPL Corp., including the initiation of work requests. The offeror shall carry the costs of all associated work for the installation and removal of the temporary natural gas line in their proposal.

P a g e 12 | 20

Question 63: MC101 Temp boilers are called out to be dual fuel. Can these be run on fuel oil only so the temporary natural gas line is not needed?

VA Response: No. Temporary boilers must be dual‐fuel natural gas and fuel oil.

Question 64: MC101 Contractor is to provide verification to National Grid that the existing HP gas line is out of service. Is there a work request in place for this work, or will this effort be required under this contract?

VA Response: RI Energy PPL Corp. is the gas utility formerly provided by National Grid. The AE firm, Miller‐Remick has spoken to the point of contact for National Grid – Kevin Williams Sr. Business Specialist, Customer Gas Connections phone: 401‐477‐0731, kjwilliams@rienergy.com. The issue is a previous VA project was supposed to remove or abandon this existing HP gas line. We have not been able to confirm that the line has in fact been removed or abandoned. Thus, for safety reasons the contractor MUST verify with National Grid that the line has in fact been removed or abandoned and is SAFE to remove from within the scope boundary of this project prior to starting of any work near the existing HP gas line.

Question 65: Note 16 MC101 states to provide access platform with stairs between control trailer and boilers. Can this be access stairs to each trailer with the existing asphalt paving to be the access?

VA Response: No. The VA has specifically requested that one access platform connect the control trailer and the temp boilers.

Question 66: Note 18 MC101 states LP cylinders are to be removed by contractor. Should this be coordinated through the VA since they purchased/rented them, or do these become responsibility and property of the contractor.

VA Response: LP cylinders are to be removed by the Contractor and coordinated through the VA via the VA Construction Manager.

Question 67: Note 22 on MC101 states contractor to remove and turn over to VA COR the existing AC units. Is the VA going to pick these units up from the site, or will these need to be delivered and unloaded to a separate location?

VA Response: After removal, the existing AC units are to be turned over to the VA COR through the VA Construction Manager (VACM). The VACM will coordinate with Providence VA Maintenance personnel for final disposition. The Contractor will not have to deliver these units to a separate location off the Providence VA Medical Center campus.

Question 68: Note 18 on MP101 states that the water treatment system will be provided under separate contract. Information is provided for contact. Please confirm that the VA will be handling the procurement and scheduling.

P a g e 13 | 20

VA Response: VA will handle this work under a separate contract. Contractor must provide all connections for water treatment system, as detailed on the Contract Documents.

Question 69: Note 6 on MH601 will most likely not be supported by JCI as JCI does not typically provide coding for their controls. Can this be clarified or removed?

VA Response: Note 6 on MH601 is deleted from the project documents.

See Attached S06 Drawing AMENDED MH601 included in MECHANICAL DRAWINGS BULLETIN 1.

Question 70: EJ101 Temp electrical feeders from the plant will have to traverse a couple of retaining walls. There may be some trees that need to be removed/trimmed to accommodate the temp power equipment that’s not shown on the drawings.

VA Response: Acceptable, to be coordinated with VA COR before removal.

Question 71: Drawings call out CAT6 copper for telecom/data. Should this be 6A or 6E since 6 is no longer used on campus?

VA Response: Cat6A should be used for all applications unless directed by a specific manufacturer to use other category cables.

For Telecom/data (WAPS and WOA), CAT6A should be used per detail 7/E‐501 and Attachment A – Providence VAMC Cabling and Work Area Outlets, Specification 27 99 99 – Unshielded Twisted Pair Cable Standards.

Sheet E‐401, keynotes 21 and 31 indicate CAT6 cable for connections of remote annunciators (BOD equipment calls for Cat5 or Cat6). Contractor to verify cable type with manufacturer during submittal.

See Attached S06 Drawing AMENDED ES101 included in ELECTRICAL DRAWINGS BULLETIN 1.

Question 72: E501 indicates all copper telecom/data to be CAT6A. Does this supersede indications elsewhere of cabling to be CAT6?

VA Response: See response to Question 71.

Question 73: Sheet E603 has the 100pr called out as 26awg. Is CAT3 cable acceptable?

VA Response: Reference Attachment A – Providence VAMC Cabling and Work Area Outlets, Specification 27 99 99 ‐ Copper Backbone: Provide two riser‐rated Cat 6, 25‐pair cables installed between the telecommunications room and Building 4 (or other termination point as designated).

Sheet ES101 indicates 100‐pair cable. Utilize cables per Attachment A.

P a g e 14 | 20

Sheet E‐603 indicates cable to be run between Buildings 9 and 10. The contractor shall verify that the existing copper backbone is routed between Buildings 9 and 10 and shall route the new cables as such.

Question 74: Fiber optic cabling is simply called out as all FO to be minimum OM4 multimode 62.5.

Other places in the drawings reference OS2. Please clarify type of fiber to be furnished and installed.

VA Response: OIT fiber:

Utilize laser‐enhanced 40 Gbe, 50/125 OM4‐rated multimode fiber‐optic cable; 12‐strand loose tube cable assemblies using duplex LC connectors, aqua jacket color per sheet E‐603 (Telecommunication Cabling Schedule, Tag 2) and Attachment A – Providence VAMC Cabling and Work Area Outlets, Specification 27 99 99 – Fiber Optic Cable Standards. Sheet E‐501 incorrectly states OM4 62.5 FO cable.

Patch cords shall be factory pre‐terminated fiber patch cord, OM‐4, 40 Gbe. Media interface is to be duplex LC. Polarity‐ reversible duplex LC interface should be specified to maximize flexibility when patching per Attachment A – Providence VAMC Cabling and Work Area Outlets, Specification 27 99 99

– Fiber Optic Patch Cords (applies to sheet E‐603 Telecommunication Cabling Schedule, Tags 6, 9).

Security fiber (VASS/SSTV):

Utilize OS2 fiber optic cable per TY drawings. Sheet E‐603 (Telecommunication Cabling Schedule, Tag

3) is incorrect.

See Attached S06 Drawings AMENDED E‐501 & E‐603 included in ELECTRICAL DRAWINGS BULLETIN 1.

Question 75: TY102 Key Note 1 states to extend 12 strand OS2 from Bldg 14 to Bldg 10 security rack;

previous sheets indicate all FO to be 12 strand OM4 50/125. Notes 27 & 28 indicate 2 strand OS2 interconnecting cable from racks in 10. Please clarify type of fiber to be furnished and installed.

VA Response: Please see Question 74 Response for OIT Fiber.

Security Fiber (VASS/SSTV):

Backbone fiber shall be 12‐strand OS2 optical fiber for the VA’s VASS/SSTV network (Division 28) back to Building 14 per sheet TY102 Key Note 1.

2‐strand OS2 optical fiber shall be provided for connection between the VASS/SSTV fiber termination panel (Security Electronics Equipment Rack – Security 206) and the VASS/SSTV POE Ethernet switch (Video Surveillance Equipment rack – Security 206) per Key Note 27.

2‐strand OM4 optical fiber shall be provided for connection between the OIT fiber termination panel (OIT Equipment Rack – IT Room 207) and the PACS/IDS/ICS POE Ethernet switch (Security Electronics Equipment Rack – Security 206) per Key Note 28. This is called out as a “patch cord” on Sheet E‐603 Telecommunication Cabling Schedule, Tag 9.

See Attached S06 Drawings AMENDED E‐501 & E‐603 included in ELECTRICAL DRAWINGS BULLETIN 1.

Question 76: Specification section 33 46 13 Foundation drains – we have not found under drains nor foundation drains on the drawings. Are these required on the project?

P a g e 15 | 20

VA Response: Foundation or footer drains are not required on the project.

Question 77: Are there any liquidated damages for this project?

VA Response: No. Liquidated damages are not part of this solicitation/contract.

Question 78: Are we to submit, or acknowledge Reps & Certs and if so, where is this to be placed or acknowledged in the proposal?

VA Response: Offerors shall assure that all provisions in the offeror’s www.SAM.gov Representations and Certifications (“Reps and Certs”) are current, accurate and up to date. This includes accurate completion of all fill‐in provision. “TBD” in a fill‐in is not a complete provision and is not acceptable. If the fill‐in is “none”, then type “None”.

Joint Venture (JV) For Joint Venture (JV) offerors, the fill‐ins are completed as to the affirmation and status of the Joint Venture, and not as to the status of the members of the JV unless otherwise prescribed in the FAR.

The Reps and Certs shall be completed by a person with authority to bind the JV.

Offerors shall complete in full the fill‐ins in the following provisions.

Offerors may fulfill this requirement either through full completion of the “Reps and Certs” on SAM.gov. For fill‐ins that are more extensive (e.g., 52.225‐2 Buy American Certificate and 52.225‐6 Trade Agreements Certificate) the offeror may submit a signed and dated completed provisions as supplement to SAM.gov.

52.203‐2 Certificate of Independent Price Determination.

52.204‐3 Taxpayer Identification.

52.204‐8 Annual Representations and Certifications.

52.204‐17 Ownership or Control of Offeror.

52.204‐20 Predecessor of Offeror.

52.204‐24 Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

52.204‐26 Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services‐Representation.

52.209‐2 Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations‐Representation.

52.209‐5 Certification Regarding Responsibility Matters.

52.209‐7 Information Regarding Responsibility Matters.

52.209‐11 Representation by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Conviction under any Federal Law.

52.209‐12 Certification Regarding Tax Matters.

52.209‐13 Violation of Arms Control Treaties or Agreements‐Certification.

52.211‐3 Availability of Specifications Not Listed in the GSA Index of Federal Specifications, Standards and Commercial Item Descriptions.

52.211‐4 Availability for Examination of Specifications Not Listed in the GSA Index of Federal Specifications, Standards and Commercial Item Descriptions.

52.215‐6 Place of Performance.

52.222‐18 Certification Regarding Knowledge of Child Labor for Listed End Products.

P a g e 16 | 20

52.222‐25 Affirmative Action Compliance.

52.225‐2 Buy American Certificate.

52.225‐6 Trade Agreements Certificate.

52.227‐15 Representation of Limited Rights Data and Restricted Computer Software.

Question 79: Refer to 2.9 that states the page limit for Factor 1, Technical Expertise is fifty (50) pages and the page limit for Factor 2, Past Performance is twenty‐six (26) pages. Can the Cover Page & Title

Page also be excluded from the page count?

VA Response: The Cover Page & Title Page can be excluded from the page count.

Question 80: In 3.3.1 the RFP states: “Include the question before each narrative.” And 3.3.4 states:

“Each question should be covered in sufficient detail to clearly address all required information. Answer questions in order presented.” Can you please list the specific questions the Government would like covered in our proposal response? Copy and pasting the full requirements for each subfactor in order as they are listed in the RFP to satisfy this requirement will take up a tremendous amount of unnecessary space given the page limitations we must adhere to.

VA Response: Per 3.5 VOLUME 1 – Factor 1, Technical Expertise to include Subfactors A‐C identifies the order of the questions to be answered. Include 3.5.1 Subfactor A. Expertise with your response and repeat the same for Subfactors B and C. (Include the Titles of the Subfactors with your required information).

Question 81: 3.5.2 Subfactor B. Personnel and Organization states that key personnel include an

Infection Control Manager. What are the specific requirements for this position?

VA Response: An Infection Control Manager i.e., Designated Infection control Officer (DICO) for this project is not required and is removed from Section 3.5.2 Subfactor B. Personnel and Organization Key Personnel. However, a Site Safety and Health Official i.e., Site Safety Manager/Supervisor is required and must be a dedicated person. Cross reference VA Response #16.

Question 82: Refer to 3.5.2 B. Personnel and Organization, Key Personnel. Can the Infection Control

Manager also serve as the Safety Manager (i.e., can it be a dual position held by the same person)?

VA Response: See response to Question 47.

Question 83: Refer to Exhibit A – Project Information Sheet for Contractors. Can we expand this form beyond one page as necessary to provide the requested information for each project?

VA Response: The EXHIBIT A Form provided can be expanded with as many spaces needed and additional pages necessary for each project. Therefore, more than one EXHIBIT A can be submitted for each project.

Question 84: Refer to Exhibit A – Project Information Sheet for Contractors. There is not a heading for a project description. If not on EXHIBIT A, where should project descriptions be included in our response?

P a g e 17 | 20

VA Response: EXHIBIT A has been revised to include PROJECT TITLE/DESCRIPTION and hereby replaces the previous EXHIBIT A. See S06 EXHIBIT A AMENDED and Attached to Amendment 0003.

Question 85: Refer to Exhibit A – It states “Provide the following information requested in this format for each of the projects/contracts being described in Factor 1.” To allow for sufficient space to respond, are offerors allowed to create their own EXHIBIT A form as long the information provided matches the government provided EXHIBIT A?

VA Response: Use EXHIBIT A Form provided with discretion to allow for how many spaces needed to include the required information, it is acceptable that this form have more than one page when additional space is needed for a complete and accurate response.

Question 86: 3.5.1 – Provides the following narrative items.

a. RFI management

b. Development and adherence of a submittal register

c. Timely identification of long lead items and what actions you will take if you fall behind your schedule

d. and Timely submission of closing documents

Should these categories be addressed for each project that we are submitting an EXHIBIT A or are they to be included in a general narrative based on our firms’ capabilities?

VA Response: Yes, categories above are to be addressed with narratives for each project per EXHIBIT A.

Question 87: 3.5.2 Subfactor B. Personnel and Organization – Please clarify what is required for the org chart. Does the government wish to also know the internal hierarchy for proposed subcontractors or simply where each of these categories will fall within our (the GC’s) management structure?

VA Response: The internal hierarchy is not needed for the proposed subcontractors, just where the company falls as a subcontractor in the project organizational chart, include the professional/trade discipline, the name and position of the person employed by the subcontractor who is in charge for the subcontractor as it relates to this project.

Question 88: Refer to 3.5.2 B. Personnel and Organization. Do the names of the potential subcontractors provided on Exhibit B – Subcontractor Information and Consent Form need to be included on the Organizational chart under their respective disciplines when outlining the organizational hierarchy?

VA Response: Yes, the company name of the subcontractor along with the name and position of the individual who is responsible within that company.

Question 89: 3.6.4 – How will the government evaluate offerors if their government references do not respond to PPQ requests?

VA Response: Volume 1 – Factor 2, Past Performance paragraph 3.6.9 identifies the overall performance risk assessment. It is highly recommended offerors follow‐up with their references to respond to the PPQ requests.

P a g e 18 | 20

Question 90: Refer to pg. 47 of 61 in the RFP at the start of 4.15 VAAR 852.219‐77 VA Notice of

Limitations on Subcontracting – Certificate of Compliance for Services and Construction (SEP 2021)

(Deviation). Are we required to fill out and submit the content of 4.15 VAAR 852.219‐77 from the RFP IN

ADDITION to Exhibit E? Exhibit E appears to address 4.15 VAAR 852.219‐77 in its entirety, so filling out the same section from the RFP would be unnecessary.

VA Response: Completing Exhibit E is acceptable.

Question 91: Refer to 3.7 Volume II – Price Information. Where in the order of documents outlined should we place the required Bid Bond?

VA Response: The bid bond is to be contained only within Volume II – Price Information and no other place. There is no specific order to place the required Bid Bond within Volume II.

Question 92: Refer to 3.5.3 C. Schedule. We are required to “submit a schedule for the project and the proposed subcontractors.” We are unsure what is meant by “for the proposed subcontractors.” Does this simply mean to include the subcontracted activities in the project schedule? Please clarify.

VA Response: Proposed Subcontractors means for all the subcontracted activities. Section 3.5.3 C.

Schedule is hereby changed to “submit a schedule for the project including those activities of the proposed subcontractors”.

Question 93: Could the VA allow an additional site visit? There are specifics that subcontractors who weren’t able to make the first site visit really need to see in order to give an accurate quote.

VA Response: There will be no additional site visits.

Question 94: Will the VA provide offerors editable copies of EXHIBITS A, B, C, D, & E or allow offerors to recreate the forms so that the required information will fit within the space allotted?

VA Response: The VA will not provide any further documentation or modification of existing formats on this solicitation. Contractor’s can work with the EXHIBITS to provide their information accordingly and increase spaces as needed to provide full, complete, accurate information. Make no change or edit to the content (wording, narrative) of the form.

Question 95: Per AI601 – C‐1 Epoxy Flooring – Says to match existing. Do we know what the existing floor system is?

VA Response: The existing flooring appears from photos to be a plain grey, 2‐part epoxy floor coating with mineral fines broadcast aggregate additive for slip resistance.

Question 96: Per spec section 09 67 23.20 – Pg. 7. – System description references a quartz broadcast as well as a vinyl chip broadcast. You cannot have both, it is either quartz or chip. Which is required? Are they really looking for a decorative flooring system?

P a g e 19 | 20

VA Response: The purpose of the aggregate in the system is primarily slip resistance as opposed to the aesthetic character of the floor system. A mineral aggregate – quartz or sand, is preferred to vinyl chip in this case, for improved wear performance/lifespan of the slip resistant surface texture.

Question 97: We are requesting access to plans and specs for: REPLACE BOILERS IN BUILDING 10 AT THE VA MEDICAL CENTER IN PROVIDENCE, RI. We have access to SAM.GOV but was unable to download the documents other than the RFP.

VA Response: The RFP consists of Microsoft MS word documents in .docx file format and Adobe documents in .pdf file format. An offeror should assure that the offeror has sufficient bandwidth, internet access, desktop computing ability and software applications to download, save, open and print each file of the RFP. The file sizes are up to 20MB. All files conform to the requirements of SAM.gov the Government Point of Entry (GPE) which also contains hyperlinks to additional resources. Reference:

FAR 5.102(a)(1). Small businesses have a free, useful resource in the their state Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (dla.mil) (https://www.dla.mil/SmallBusiness/PTAP/PTAC/)

Question 98: Specification section 01 45 00, 2.4.B. states that the CQC System Manager can also serve as the Project Superintendent, yet 2.4.C. states that the CQC organization shall include specialized individuals to cover the following areas: electrical, mechanical, civil, structural, environmental, architectural, materials technician submittals clerk, Commissioning Agent/LEED specialist, and low voltage systems, and that “these individuals….are directly employed by the General Contractor and cannot be employed by a supplier or subcontractor on the project”. If this is in fact the case, this could result in a tremendous amount of added jobsite overhead expenses. Questions:

a. Are each of these listed areas required for this project? (It appears this portion of the spec was not edited to fit this project.)

VA Response: The specification section reference 2.4.B. states specialized individuals shall be provided “as applicable”. It is not intended that all listed trades will be required.

b. Can the specialized individuals be represented by the major subcontractor’s on‐site foreman, or a specialized company, i.e. testing agency, as long as the personnel meet the requirements for this specialized area? If all of these individuals have to be directly employed by the General Contractor that will add a tremendous amount money to the project.

VA Response: These specialized individuals can be represented by the major subcontractor’s on‐site foreman or specialized company, i.e., testing entity, as long as the personnel meet the requirements for this specialized profession or trade.

Question 99: Under 3.6 VOLUME I – Factor 2, Past Performance, subpart 3.6.4, are the 3 past performance references (PPQs) to be for the 3 projects under VOLUME I – Factor 1, subpart 3.5.1

Subfactor A Expertise, or can they be separate projects? It is not clear.

VA Response: The intent is for at least (3) three separate projects to be under VOLUME 1.

P a g e 20 | 20

Question 100: Given the current procurement timeline, we wanted to ask the contracting office for an extension of two weeks for the preparation & submittal of proposals.