Bedford Womens Health Construction RFIs 07262023.docx

518-21-103 Bedford Women’s Health Construction RFIs

GENERAL

1. Specification section 01 00 00 paragraph 1.3 Statement of Bid Items calls for Item I Base Bid and three alternates. Solicitation Section L Bid Package Contents Calls for the offer to be submitted on the SF1442 block 17 and does not call for any alternates or provide a place to list the alternate prices. Please advise if alternates are to be included as per the specifications and provide where to list these alternates in the bid package.

· Bid form to be corrected by VA.

2. Specification section 01 00 00 paragraph 1.3 Statement of Bid Items calls for alternate 2 to include, “In addition to ALTERNATE 1 delete the requirement for the new elevator shaft to be clad in brick masonry. Contractor shall utilize an insulated metal panel system in lieu of brick cladding.” Please provide a specification section or a basis of design for this insulated metal panel system. Please also provide details of attachment to the existing building.

· ELIMINATE THIS ALTERNATE. ALL DETAILING SHALL BE PER ADDENDUM 1 DRAWINGS.

3. Specification section 01 00 00 paragraph 1.3 Statement of Bid Items alternate 3 calls for “Remove the demolition and new construction relating to the installation and elements required to obtain a N+1 (redundancy) systems.” What does this mean? Please provide a clear description of what demolition and new construction elements are to be excluded from this bid alternate.

Disregard/Remove. No bid alternates are required.

4. Please confirm if trades will cut / cap and drop their corresponding trade items to the floor for removal by demolition.

· THIS IS A LOGISTICS QUESTION FOR GC TO CONSIDER AS MEANS/METHODS.

5. Please define scope of work in boiler room in ground floor.

· REFER TO ADDENDUM 1 DRAWINGS.

6. Please confirm that your site contractor will remove / prep and replace the exterior stoops / stairs and porches.

· THIS IS INCLUDED IN THE SCOPE OF WORK FOR GC BIDDER TO INCLUDE.

FIRE PROTECTION

7. Has a flow test been performed for the fire suppression system? Will a pump be needed?

· Fire protection was designed STATIC PRESS 80PSI, RESIDUAL PRESS. 40PSI RESIDUAL FLOW OF1067 gpm per discussion with "DATA SUPPLIED BY V.A. ON SITE PLAN-HYDRANTS.PDF". Contractor to verify the flow rate and ensure it meets design conditions (+OR-5%).

· If there is significant deviation, contractor to submit additional RFI

ARCHITECTURE

8. The notes on drawing AE122 call for a 1 hr rated GWB ceiling in stair 1 and stair 206 but the symbol shows an acoustical tile ceiling in these locations. Is this ceiling GWB or acoustical tile ceiling?

· THE CEILING IS TO BE ACT AS SHOWN ON THE DRAWINGS; STRUCTURAL STEEL & METAL DECK ABOVE TO RECEIVE 1HR FIREPROOFING SPRAY.

9. A note on AE201 calls for replacing flashing, deteriorated dormer slats and siding then prepping and painting louver, dormer, siding and trim at two dormers. Is this only for the two dormers indicated or is this note supposed to be typical for all dormers?

· INFORMATION WILL BE INCLUDED ON THE ADD#1 ISSUE SET FORTHCOMING.

10. Detail 4/AE405 shows a column. Please respond to the following regarding this detail Where is this column located on the plans?

a. What is this column made of?

· INFORMATION WILL BE INCLUDED ON THE ADD#1 ISSUE SET FORTHCOMING.

b. Is this column provided by the contractor?

· INFORMATION WILL BE INCLUDED ON THE ADD#1 ISSUE SET FORTHCOMING.

c. How many of these columns are needed?

· INFORMATION WILL BE INCLUDED ON THE ADD#1 ISSUE SET FORTHCOMING.

11. Specification section 08 56 53 references 09 06 00 schedule of finishes for window color but a window color for blast resistant windows is not found in this section. Please provide window color for blast resistant windows.

· INFORMATION WILL BE INCLUDED ON THE ADD#1 ISSUE SET FORTHCOMING.

12. Please clarify the statement in specification 08 71 00 paragraph 3.5.A that reads, “Only those hardware sets that are shown on drawings will be required. Disregard hardware sets listed in specifications but not shown on drawings.” Hardware sets 1 &2 are listed in the specifications and shown on the drawings. Please advise if we are to bid hardware sets 1 & 2 from the specifications or from the drawings.

· INFORMATION WILL BE INCLUDED ON THE ADD#1 ISSUE SET FORTHCOMING.

13. Please clarify the statement in specification 08 71 00 paragraph 3.5.A that reads, “Only those hardware sets that are shown on drawings will be required. Disregard hardware sets listed in specifications but not shown on drawings.” Hardware sets 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, & 9 are listed in the specifications and shown on the drawings. Please advise if we are to bid hardware sets 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, & 9 from the specifications or from the drawings.

· INFORMATION WILL BE INCLUDED ON THE ADD#1 ISSUE SET FORTHCOMING.

14. Please confirm layers for flooring on upper floors (assumed carpet has been applied over VAT)

· Contractor to verify conditions at prebid.

15. Please confirm finish flooring on stair treads

· Reference contract finish schedule

16. Please confirm that the plaster ceilings are to be removed in addition to the ACT ceilings throughout.

· CONFIRMED.

17. Please confirm that windowsill removals in Note 7 shall be by mason.

· INTERIOR WD. WINDOWSILLS TO BE REMOVED BY GC. THE EXTERIOR CAST STONE TO BE COORDINATED BETWEEN TRADES FOR REMOVAL.

18. Please confirm restrooms that contain ceramic flooring (not depicted on drawings).

· Contractor to confirm on site conditions

19. There are not any directories in the signage schedule. Please advise.

· Provide per signage schedule

20. The specs for the directories do not match the drawings. Please advise.

· Reference project specs for signage

21. No sizes or quantities are indicated. Please advise.

· Sizes or quantities for what?

22. Please confirm restrooms that contain ceramic flooring (not depicted on drawings).

· Contractor to confirm onsite conditions

23. Drawings AE701 & AE702 (Equipment plans) show lifts only in bariatric rooms 122/122A, 125/125A, 218/218A & 221/221A but the notes on drawings AE121 & AE122 state, “Bariatric patient lift and track. Typical of 6 (Exam rooms and procedure rooms).” Are we to include 4 lifts for the Bariatric rooms only or are we to provide 12 total (Exam rooms and procedure rooms). Please advise.

· A total of 4 patient lifts are needed. Only the bariatric rooms (bariatric treatment and bariatric exam rooms) will contain patient lifts.

24. Please provide the BOD for the security doors as well as the blast resistant windows.

· INFORMATION WILL BE INCLUDED ON THE ADD#1 ISSUE SET FORTHCOMING.

MECHANICAL/PLUMBING

25. What is the House Steam Pressure?

· HOUSE STEAM PRESSURE VARIES SEASONALLY BETWEEN 55 PSIG AND 40 PSIG.

26. The DOAS requires 30 PSI of Steam, is it being fed directly from the house steam? (Before the PRV Station)

· THE DOAS REQUIRES 15 PSIG OF STEAM. DOAS SCHEDULE WILL BE UPDATED IN THE FORTHCOMING ADDENDUM.

27. Need schedule for both PRV Valves on 1/3 and 2/3 Station ( No information given)?

· PRV SCHEDULE TO BE PROVIDED IN THE FORTHCOMING ADDENDUM.

28. What size is the steam pipe size leaving the PRV Station? Please provide steam PRV station - piping sizes?

· PIPE SIZES WILL BE ADDED TO DETAIL F6 ON M-504 TO BE PROVIDED IN THE FORTHCOMING ADDENDUM.

29. What is the DOAS unit condensate return piping size?

· PIPE SIZES WILL BE ADDED TO DETAIL B7 ON M-503, TO BE PROVIDED IN THE FORTHCOMING ADDENDUM.

30. What is the DHW heater steam supply and condensate return sizing?

· PIPE SIZES WILL BE ADDED TO DOMESTIC WATER HEATER DETAIL ON M-504, TO BE PROVIDED IN THE FORTHCOMING ADDENDUM.

31. Please provide steam pressure safety valve – vent piping routing (through roof?) and size and setting.

· PIPE SIZE AND SETTING WILL BE ADDED TO DETAIL F6 ON M-504, TO BE PROVIDED IN THE FORTHCOMING ADDENDUM.

32. Per bid documents dated 09-30-2022, basis of design for the toilet and bath accessories are missing. Please provide us with the updated information.

· Refer to specifications for toilet and bath accessories

CIVIL

33. Are there any elevations drawing for the site? An example is connection from waterline to drain. Drain is 10’ below grade. At what elevation are we to make the connection?

· MABBETT TO RESPOND

· ASSUMING YOU ARE REFERRING TO UTILITY PROFILES. THEY WERE NOT DEVELOPED FOR THIS DESIGN. THE DESIGN DOES NOT DEPICT A CONNECTION BETWEEN A WATER LINE AND A DRAIN. PROPOSED UTILITY CONNECTIONS AT EXISTING UTILITIES WILL MATCH EXISTING UTILITY ELEVATIONS. MINIMUM UTILITY DEPTHS ARE AS SPECIFIFED IN THE DETAILS AND SPECIFICATIONS.

34. 3” curb stops are not available. 2” & 4” are the common options.

· MABBETT TO RESPOND

· ASSUMING YOU ARE REFERRING TO THE CURB BOX RISER AND COVER. 4-INCH IS ACCEPTABLE. THE SERVICE SIZE IS 3-INCH.

ELECTRICAL

35. Please confirm sizes of MO’s for new Elevator.

· ELEVATOR MOTOR IS 50 HP.

36. Is the PACS an extension of the existing system? If so, please provide the manufacturer of the existing system. If not, I’m assuming it can be any manufacturer as long as it meets spec?

· COORDINATE FINAL SELECTION OF PACS PANEL WITH COR (CONTRACTING OFFICER REPRESENTATIVE) AND VA POLICE.

· THE SECURITY CONTRACTOR SHALL COORDINATE WITH VAMC THE EXACT MANUFACTURER, STYLE AND MODEL NUMBER OF DEVICE REQUIRED AT DOOR.

37. The PACS system spec seems to be for a different project. Please advise.

· ONLY HEADER IS INCORRECT, SPEC IS ACCURATE FOR THIS PROJECT.

38. There are (2) specifications in the folder for the Video Surveillance. Which one should be used

· THE MERGED PDF SET APPEARS TO BE THE ONLY PLACE WITH DUPLICATE VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SPECS. THE SPEC DATED 01-01-18 IS THE CORRECT SPEC.

STRUCTURAL

39. The plans list Structural Drawings, S-301, S-302, S-501 & S-502 as being part of the bid documents. These plans are not included in the information we downloaded. Please advise if these drawings are readily available.

· DRAWINGS WERE/ARE INCLUDED IN BID DOC SUBMITTAL SET (GC/VA VERIFY THESE WERE UPLOADED).

40. The structural drawings do not show new structural supports for the patient lifts. Please provide plans showing the steel in all locations where these lifts are to be installed and also provide details of how they are supported/installed.

· TO BE ADDED TO ADDENDUM DRAWING SET. REFER TO ARCH FOR LIFT LOCATIONS. EXITIGN STRUCTURE IS CONCRETE PAN JOIST SYSTEM, SEE F6 FOR TYPICAL ANCHORAGE DETAILS THAT APPLY TO LIFT TRACK/BRACKING INSTALLATION.

ASBESTOS

41. Please define the LF of exterior “assumed” ACM caulking that will be disturbed in order to price the abatement.

· ASBESTOS SPECS ARE ATTACHED ALONG WITH ABATEMENT DRAWINGS TO THIS COORDINATED RFI RESPONSE AND WILL BE ADDED TO ADDENDUM 1 SET.

42. There are references to specification section 02 82 13 but this specification is not included. Please provide specification section 02 82 13.

· ASBESTOS SPECS ARE ATTACHED ALONG WITH ABATEMENT DRAWINGS TO THIS COORDINATED RFI RESPONSE AND WILL BE ADDED TO ADDENDUM 1 SET.

43. Please confirm extent of observed demolition / abatement in the ground floor. ACM removal / interior & perimeter walls / ACT & plaster ceilings / MEPs / ETC.

· ASBESTOS SPECS ARE ATTACHED ALONG WITH ABATEMENT DRAWINGS TO THIS COORDINATED RFI RESPONSE AND WILL BE ADDED TO ADDENDUM 1 SET.

44. Specification section 01 00 00 paragraph 1.3 Statement of Bid Items calls for alternate 2 to include, “In addition to ALTERNATE 1 delete the requirement for the new elevator shaft to be clad in brick masonry. Contractor shall utilize an insulated metal panel system in lieu of brick cladding.” Please provide a specification section or a basis of design for this insulated metal panel system. Please also provide details of attachment to the existing building.

· ELIMINATE THIS ALTERNATE. ALL DETAILING SHALL BE PER ADDENDUM 1 DRAWINGS.

45. Specification section 01 00 00 paragraph 1.3 Statement of Bid Items alternate 3 calls for “Remove the demolition and new construction relating to the installation and elements required to obtain a N+1 (redundancy) systems.” What does this mean? Please provide a clear description of what demolition and new construction elements are to be excluded from this bid alternate.

· See RFI #3

46. Specification section 01 00 00 paragraph 1.3 Statement of Bid Items calls for Item I Base Bid and three alternates. Solicitation Section L Bid Package Contents Calls for the offer to be submitted on the SF1442 block 17 and does not call for any alternates or provide a place to list the alternate prices. Please advise if alternates are to be included as per the specifications and provide where to list these alternates in the bid package.

VA to modify SF1442

47. The asbestos and lead report from Pro Science identifies flooring, caulking, and mastic (pdf page 47 of 72) that is low risk category 4. It is our understanding that the category does not matter because this project is a full gut and renovation. All asbestos materials will need to be abated under containment utilizing all abatement best practices and procedures. Please confirm or advise.

· Yes

48. How are we to get the DOAS unit in the location shown on the drawings. When looking at the cuts on the unit it does not fit thru any of the openings on the building.?

· A POSSIBLE MEANS WOULD BE TO UTILIZE THE NEW ELEVATOR SHAFT WALL OPPENING ON GROUND LEVEL BETWEEN COLUMNS 6 AND 7 TO BRING THE DOAS SECTIONS INTO THE BUILDING. CONTRACTOR TO COORDINATE EQUIPMENT SHIPPING SPLITS WITH UNIT MANUFACTURER.

49. There is no duct demo shown for the 1st and 2nd floor. Just the lower level. Also notes 13 & 14 on drawing M-002 contradict each other. Note 13 states, “. REFER TO THE MECHANICAL DRAWINGS FOR THE FULL EXTENT OF THE SCOPEOF DEMOLITION.” Note 14 states, “ . THE HVAC DEMOLITION PLANS INDICATE GENERAL INTENT AND ARE NOT INTENDED TO SHOW ALL COMPONENTS AND ITEMS TO BE REMOVED OR RETAINED.” Please advise which note is correct and if there is duct that needs to be demolished and removed on the 2nd and 3rd floors.

· SITE VIST OBSERVATIONS AND AVAILABLE AS-BUILT DOCUMENTATION DID NOT REVEAL DUCTWORK ON THE FIRST AND SECOND FLOORS. THE GROUND LEVEL CONTAINS EXISTING DUCTWORK AND THEREFORE REQUIRES DUCTWORK DEMOLITION AS SHOWN ON PLANS. BOTH NOTES 13 AND 14 ON M-002 ARE TRUE. NOTE 14 ALSO STATES “THE HVAC, ATC, & TAB CONTRACTORS SHALL VISIT THE SITE PRIOR TO SUBMISSION OF THEIR BIDS TO BECOME FAMILIAR WITH THE ACTUAL WORKING CONDITIONS AND THE EXTENT OF WORK”.

50. Has a flow test been performed for the fire suppression system? Will a pump be needed?

See question #7

51. The note on drawing AE703 calls for casework in exam, procedure, and lab rooms basis of design to be Herman Miller Compass System. We have not found any casework identified on the drawings in these rooms. Please provide drawings showing elevations of this casework or advise if this material is not a part of this project.

· Mill work is required in these rooms. Schedule to be provided.

52. Specification section 10 28 00 does not provide any product/manufacturer/basis of design information. What companies are acceptable for these materials?

· Georgia Pacific: Paper Towel Dispensers:

· -Georgia Pacific: Toilet Paper Dispenser

· -American Standard: Toilets and sinks

· -Delta: Faucets

· -Sloan: Flushometer

· -ELKay: Water Bottle Filter

· -Other items in this section do not have a preferred manufacturer

53. Specification section 10 25 13 is for patient bed service walls. We have not found any of these in the drawings. Please advise of locations or if this specification was included in error.

· There are no patient bed service walls in this project.

54. ID drawings ID103 and ID104 show signage and directories but there is no schedule showing where the signs and directories are located. Specification section 10 14 00 does not provide location information either. Please provide this information so we can quantify and understand installation conditions.

· Signage schedule to be provided

55. Specification section 01 00 00 paragraph 1.3 Statement of Bid Items calls for Item I Base Bid and three alternates. Solicitation Section L Bid Package Contents Calls for the offer to be submitted on the SF1442 block 17 and does not call for any alternates or provide a place to list the alternate prices. Please advise if alternates are to be included as per the specifications and provide where to list these alternates in the bid package.

· SF1442 to be modified

56. Signage:

a. There are not any directories in the signage schedule. Please advise.

· Sign schedule will be provided

b. The specs for the directories do not match the drawings. Please advise.

· Sign schedule will be provided

c. No sizes or quantities are indicated. Please advise.

· Sign schedule will be provided

57. Are there any elevations drawing for the site? An example is connection from waterline to drain. Drain is 10’ below grade. At what elevation are we to make the connection?

· YOU ARE REFERRING TO UTILITY PROFILES. THEY WERE NOT DEVELOPED FOR THIS DESIGN. THE DESIGN DOES NOT DEPICT A CONNECTION BETWEEN A WATER LINE AND A DRAIN. PROPOSED UTILITY CONNECTIONS AT EXISTING UTILITIES WILL MATCH EXISTING UTILITY ELEVATIONS. MINIMUM UTILITY DEPTHS ARE AS SPECIFIFED IN THE DETAILS AND SPECIFICATIONS.

58. 3” curb stops are not available. 2” & 4” are the common options.

· 4” will be acceptable

59. the plans call for a dry system running to the attic, but there are no attic sprinkler plans. It also mentions a nitrogen generator. Are they looking for a nitrogen system in place of the standard dry? Please advise.

· No, this will be a standard dry system

60. can provide the BOD for the security doors as well as the blast resistant windows.

· REFER TO SPEC SECTIONS 081710 AND 085113, WHICH WERE ISSUED AS A PART OF ADDENDUM 1.