RFIS - Elevators 200 200E Resolicit - AE RESPONSES.docx

RFIS – Project #402-21-709: Replace Elevators 200 200E at VAMC Maine, Togus Campus

All answers are given below in RED.

1. 01 00 00 – 1.2(E): Can the VA please confirm that it is requesting the prime contractor to employ three (3) separate onsite individuals to satisfy the Superintendent, SSHO, and QCSM requirements? Will the VA allow at least one of these individuals to wear a dual hat?

Confirmed. Per the specifications Section 1.2(E), contractor is expected to have a Site Superintendent, Site Safety and Health Officer (SSHO) and CQC Systems Manager for this project. Each role must be filled by one individual, and one individual cannot hold two of these roles.

2. 01 00 00 – 1.2(E): If the VA is requiring the prime contractor to employ three (3) separate onsite individuals onsite to satisfy the superintendent, SSHO, and QCSM requirements, can the prime contractor assume that the VA will provide a location onsite to place a job trailer for the duration of the project?

Yes, the VA has a designated spot for job trailers.

3. 01 00 00 – 1.26(A): please confirm that the VA is requesting the cost of a professional photographer to be included in the contractors bid to the VA.

AE Response: This is in error. Section 1.26 shall be replaced with the attached language.

4. 01 00 00 – 1.26(B): Can the VA confirm that there are AUTOCAD files available in order to satisfy the indexing and navigation requirements that will be needed to create the interactive online interface that the VA is requesting?

AE Response: This is in error. Section 1.26 shall be replaced with the attached language.

5. 01 32 16.15 – 1.4: Will the VA accept Microsoft Project schedules or will a Primavera P6 schedule be required?

VA will except Microsoft project schedules, all schedules need to be cost loaded.

6. 01 33 23 – 1.12: The spec states that the VA will be given 21 calendar days to review submittals and 14 calendar days to review RFIs. Can the VA please confirm the allotted time for the VA to review re-submittals?

If a proposal is rejected and then resubmitted with changes, this counts as a submission of a submittal per the specs. VA would have 21 calendar days to review the resubmitted proposal.

7. 01 35 26 – 1.12: Can the VA convey its infection control barrier wall requirements? Will these walls need to be constructed of metal studs and sheetrock or will a modular wall system be acceptable?

Modular wall systems are acceptable as long as they meet all requirements.

8. 14 21 10 – 1.4(C): Please identify the ASME 17.1 and IBC code years applicable to this solicitation.

AE Response: ASME 17.1 – 2019, as indicated on mechanical drawings and EI drawings. IBC 2015, as indicated on Structural drawings.

9. 14 21 10: Do the elevators currently operate on emergency power?

AE Response: Yes. S4,5,6 have a dedicated ATS, S1,2,3 are on Equipment branch ATS. Refer to single line diagrams on sheets E-501A and E-502A for existing conditions.

10. 14 21 10: Do the elevators currently receive a pre-transfer signal from the ATS (Automatic Transfer Switch)? The new controllers will require a pre-transfer signal from the ATS.

AE Response: Yes, existing elevator controllers have control wiring from ATS to elevator controller within existing 3/4” conduit. Contractor shall replace wiring within existing conduit as necessary for compatibility with submitted and approved elevator controllers.

11. 14 21 10: If no pre-transfer signal currently exists, does the ATS have the capability to time delay and send a pretransfer signal to the elevators it serves? Additionally, where is the ATS located within the building for each elevator identified in the solicitation? Conductors will need to be run in conduit and programmed to function. Contractor needs to know length of run, quantity or runs, and potential routing.

AE Response: See also response to item #10. Contractor shall verify compatibility of all system components based on submitted and approved controllers. Pre transfer signal wiring and conduit does exist. Location of ATS in relation to elevators are shown on sheet EP-100

12. 14 21 10: Please clarify emergency power usage per bank of elevators.

AE Response: Basis-of-design power requirements are shown on drawings- Basis-of-design equipment consists of (3) 30HP motors and (2) 50HP motors, as well as associated equipment. There is a significant net decrease in load on the emergency system with the new elevator equipment, as compared to existing.

13. 14 21 10 – 1.1(C): Can the VA please confirm which elevator shall be class C3 load rated? Is this elevator current class C3 load rated?

AE Response:

VA to confirm, elevator S6 is C3 rated.

VA: S6 is the only elevator that is currently C3 load rated, which is only receiving a controls upgrade. No other elevator shall be made class 3 as part of this project.

14. 14 21 10 – 1.8(B): Can the VA please clarify what type of barrier will be required to comply with this spec section? We will need this clarified to accurately price. There are major price differences between safety netting and partition walls.

AE Response: VA to confirm. However, AE takes no exception to the use of safety netting in lieu of partition walls.

VA: Netting or screening is permitted, as long as it meets all applicable OSHA requirements.

15. 14 21 10 – 2.6(A): S6 elevator has been previously modernized with a Virginia control. Is the intent for this to be part of the group (S4, S5, S6) or will this remain a simplex elevator? If it’s part of the group, it limits the bidders to using Virginia controls.

AE Response: S6 shall be grouped with S4 and S5, as indicated on sheet EI-104. See also General Notes on same sheet, General Note “D” on sheet EI-101 and response to question #19.

16. 14 21 10 – 2.6(A): Is a NEMA 4 controller cabinet required seeing that these controllers will be in a controlled environment?

AE Response: This is in error. AE takes no exceptions to a NEMA 12 enclosure to protect against airborne dust only.

17. 14 21 10 – 2.9: If elevator S6 is operated as a simplex elevator will the generator be able to accommodate running S6 under emergency power along with either S4 or S5 or will only one car be able to run at a time?

AE Response: S6 shall be grouped, see also response #15.

18. 14 21 10 – 2.42(B): Can the VA please confirm that new hoistway sills are required and if so, on which elevators and landings? More than likely, removal of hoistway sills would require the replacement of the entrances as well, which contradicts this spec section.

VA: Provide sill refurbishment as a deduct.

19. 14 21 10: Are there specific manufacturers the VA is interested in? Are the prime contractors to include elevator equipment in their bids that meet the buy American act, are nonproprietary, and are universally maintainable?

AE Response: However, AE drawings indicate Basis-Of-Design where applicable. See also General Note “D” on sheet EI-101.

VA: All components must meet BAA. No specific manufacturers as long as all specifications are met.

20. SOW: Please confirm that the base bid is to include new counterweights for the elevators.

Confirmed. Base bid includes the replacement of all counterweight systems for Elevator Cars S1 – S5. The entire system is to be replaced, including racks, weights, sheeves, cables, and appurtenances.

21. The spec is calling for new counterweight assemblies. Typically, we don’t see the entire counterweight frame and weights replaced on this scope of work. On elevators 4,5 in Building 200E and cars 1,2 on Building 200, can the existing counterweight frame assembly and weights be refurbished and retained? Car 3 is adding a basement stop and the counterweight frame does not go to that level so the assumption is that we would need to replace on this unit. Please advise.

AE Response:. AE takes no exception to refurbishment as a bid deduct, as indicated on sheet M-201.

VA: Provide: provide counterweight refurbishment as a bid deduct

22. Hoistway Sills. It is a ton of work to replace hoistway sills. The specs are calling for complete replacement. Can these existing hatch sills be retained and reused in lieu of replacement?

VA: Provide sill refurbishment as a deduct.

23. Can you better clarify or define terms like” Execute work so as to interfere as little as possible with normal functioning of medical center” This kind of language pops up multiple times in the specs. It is almost impossible to assign a reasonable cost to this description.

AE Response: VA to confirm. However AE proposes to follow the phasing as indicated on sheet GC002, which was coordinated to reduce interference to hospital operations. Remain contained to one car at a time. Limit corridor interference, provide temporary barrier walls at lowest and highest levels. Further coordination is necessary between GC and COR to determine required elevator access during construction based on current hospital needs. Phasing may be adjusted based on direction from COR.

VA: This is a 24/7 facility, with inpatients residing in building 200 & 200E. Work needs to be completed in a fashion that limits interruptions to daily operations, and minimizes impacts to patients. Any work that impedes normal operations needs to be planned with VA CO, COR and clinical staff.

1. Machine room access for cars 1,2,3. Will GC provide machine room cutout for crane access, with landing platform outside of access point?

AE Response: Yes, GC to provide machine room access.