S02_Attachment 06 (RFI Log)_36C24124R0084.pdf

ATTACHMENT 06

RFI Log & Answers

9 pages

2 August 2024

Providence, Rhode Island VA Health Care System (650)

“Repoint & Repair Buildings at the Harwood Research Center”

Construction

Request for Information (RFI) Log

“Repoint & Repair Buildings at the Harwood Research Center”

Project: 650-24-106

2 AUG 2024

Providence, Rhode Island VA Health Care System (650)

RFI

Number

Date Question Answer

1. 7/19/2024

Can we use our subcontractor’s prior experience to help satisfy this requirement?

Yes, prime contractors can use the prior experience of their sub-contractors to satisfy the experience requirements.

With that said, contractors are expected to not swap out their sub-contractors if selected for award.

Please reference section “N” of the “Instruction to All Offerors”.

2. 7/25/2024

I am emailing to ask if all the documents to bid are in the downloaded attachments or are there other forms or documentations from the POC available? Are there formal doc or forms that can be provided by the POC that can streamline the process

All of the intended documents have been uploaded up to this point.

Additional attachments are intended to be added via contract amendment.

Additional attachments to be provided are: Site walk sign-in sheet, RFI Log, & Past Performance Questionnaire, which will be used in place of the incorrectly titled: “Past Performance Information Form” as outlined in Section M.3 of the “Instructions to Offerors” (page 62 of 64).

3. 7/31/2024 Does the caulking include all building joints and window / door perimeters?

Refer to the specifications in the solicitation’s attachments. Specifically, specification 04:01:00 Section 3.8 “Joint Sealing”.

4. 8/1/2024 Are two both buildings being fully repointed?

Yes, both buildings are to be fully repointed.

5. 8/1/2024 Are we able to do a walkthrough of the site?

A site-walk was conducted on July 25th, 2024. No other site walks will be scheduled.

6. 8/1/2024 Is this a tax-exempt project?

Please review FAR clause 52.229-3 “Federal, State, and Local Taxes”.

This clause is incorporated by reference in the solicitation (and future contract). The full clause can be found here:

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.229-

7. 8/1/2024

If tax-exempt, will the government provide the prime contractor with a tax-exempt Certificate for use by subcontractors and vendors?

The contract itself will be used. In accordance with FAR 52.229-3(h), the government will furnish evidence ‘appropriate to establish exemption from any federal, state, or local tax.”

The contract itself is adequate evidence for the awardee to present to state/local authorities.

8. 8/1/2024 Can both the bid and bid bond be emailed?

Yes, the proposal and the bonds can be emailed.

9. 8/1/2024

Can the Superintendent be shared across multiple projects, or should they only be Dedicated full-time to this project?

No. A dedicated superintend

10. 8/1/2024

Does the VA require any scope of work in this project to be performed outside of regular Work hours?

No. The VA is not anticipating any work to be conducted outside of regular hours.

11. 8/1/2024

What trades or scopes will be required to perform off-hours work for work scopes that Must be performed?

See answer to question 10.

12. 8/1/2024 What will the work hours and days be for scopes that require off-hours work?

See answer to question 10.

13. 8/1/2024 Please provide a copy of the Site Visit Attendance Sheet.

The site visit sign-in sheet & this RFI Log will be posted at the same time, as an official amendment to the solicitation.

14. 8/1/2024

In the event of contract modifications, should contractors apply bond premiums to the individual modification or wait until the end of the job where the VA issues a final modification

Awardee should wait until the end of the project to submit their bond premium adjustment (computed at the rate shown in the bond). In accordance with VAAR 852.228-70, “Bond Premium Adjustment” to reimburse contractors for bond overruns for all mods.

incorporated by reference in the solicitation.

15. 8/1/2024

Where is the designated contractors' and subcontractors' parking area?

The designated parking areas is on site.

16. 8/1/2024

Will the VA allow 2-3 spaces for the prime contractor and each subcontractor?

Yes. Assuming 2-3 vehicles per prime and subcontractors, 8 slots are anticipated to be available at a minimum. More space is available depending on usage by other entities.

There are also additional parking spaces on the job site to include marked and unmarked spots. There are also nearby public streets which can be utilized.

17. 8/1/2024

Where shall these people park if the VA cannot make 2-3 spaces available for the prime Contractor and each of the subs?

See answer to question 16.

18. 8/1/2024

How many hours should the prime contractor and subcontractors’ budget for on-site Badging, safety training, orientation, etc.?

Safety briefing allocates two (2) hours maximum on site. Badges will be distributed on site.

19. 8/1/2024 Is TB Testing required before contractors can commence work onsite?

No.

20. 8/1/2024

Will the VA allow a Temp Wall System (i.e., Starc Wall, Edge Guard, etc) instead of a rigid Wall IRCA system? This usually provides substantial cost savings to the VA.

These are interior temporary wall systems. There is no interior work.

21. 8/1/2024

If fire-rated walls are required, can we use one-hour-rated temp walls, which are astm certified?

All work is exterior. No rated temp walls required.

22. 8/1/2024 Will the VA allow contractors to use water from VA sources?

Yes.

23. 8/1/2024 Is temp power available for contractors to connect to?

No.

24. 8/1/2024

If no temp power is available, a generator will be required, which usually adds significant

No generators allowed. Contractors are to setup temporary power with Rhode Island Energy.

Cost to rent and fuel.

Please confirm this is necessary if no temp power is available.

25. 8/1/2024 What are the locations for temp power?

See answer to question 24.

26. 8/1/2024 Are contractors required to set a pole and meter electric usage?

Yes.

27. 8/1/2024

Will the VA provide a space for the Prime Contractor’s Superintendent to set up, or should We add costs to our bid for a mobile office?

No space available on site. Contractor to provide mobile office.

28. 8/1/2024

Is space available for a 10’ x 40’ temporary ground-level office near the temporary power Source?

Space available for trailer & at least one storage box.

29. 8/1/2024 Will the VA provide space for a 20-yard dumpster?

Yes.

30. 8/1/2024 Where shall contractor dumpsters be located?

To be determined and coordinated in the field.

31. 8/1/2024 Can the VA accommodate a dumpster near the job site?

Yes.

32. 8/1/2024 Will the VA allow contractors to use VA indoor restrooms?

No.

33. 8/1/2024 Can Porta Johns be placed within a 100’ radius of the job site if required?

Porta Johns will be allowed on site.

Location to be determined.

34. 8/1/2024

Will the VA consider waiving the AISC (American Institute of Steel Construction) Requirement for structural steel fabrication and erection for this project? This Requirement makes steel procurement on the project exponentially more difficult and Costly.

The VA is not anticipating any steel work to be performed on this project.

35. 8/1/2024

Are any AISC substitute certifications acceptable instead of AISC certification?

See answer to question 34.

36. 8/1/2024 Can contractors perform crane lifts during regular hours?

Yes. Although cranes should not be necessary. Lull should be adequate

37. 8/1/2024 Can utility tie-ins be performed during regular hours?

There are no utility tie-ins.

38. 8/1/2024 Can system commissioning activities be performed during regular hours?

The VA does not anticipate any system commissioning. No equipment is being installed.

39. 8/1/2024

Will the VA allow for stored material so that we can procure and lay down long lead items And/or critical path material/equipment?

Space is available for at least one storage container.

40. 8/1/2024 Will the VA fully pay for this material/equipment if stored onsite?

Yes.

41. 8/1/2024

Will the VA schedule another site visit since many GC’s & Subcontractors were not able To attend the initial site visit due to the typo in the time of the site visit of 10:30pm?

No.

Page 1 of the solicitation designated the correct time of 10:30AM for the site walk. The VA regrets the typo of ‘PM’ existing on page 57, section F.

However, also in section F, is contact information to the COR who was on site and instructions to contact them for additional information.

42. 8/1/2024 Will ICRA be required? No.

43. 8/1/2024

If so, will the VA provide drawings and specifications showing where ICRA is required?

Also show which levels are required and where those levels are required?

See answer to question 42.

44. 8/1/2024 Is lead or asbestos abatement required?

No.

45. 8/1/2024 Will the VA provide drawings showing where abatement is required?

See answer to question 44.

46. 8/1/2024

There is a location at the Harwood Buildings where the fence will need to be temporarily removed to accommodate scaffolding. Will this be the responsibility of the contractor or the VA?

If removal is required, perimeter will need to be secured with temporary construction fencing by the contractor.

47. 8/1/2024 Please provide an anticipated start date for project.

Project is currently anticipated to begin in mid-October.

48. 8/1/2024

Section 03 01 00 Maintenance of Concrete states – “Repair and Restore Deteriorated Concrete” of exposed foundation wall faces. Can you please provide quantities of concrete repairs needed at exposed foundation wall faces?

Please refer back to specification 03:01:00. Specifically, section 1.1.B.

Which gives the exposed concrete foundation SF areas.

49. 8/1/2024

Are concrete repairs on foundation wall faces on interior of building or is it on exterior of building?

All work is exterior.

50. 8/1/2024

Scope of work – Install two-piece counter flashing over the existing rolled roofing membrane at roof to wall interfaces – 310 LF – can you please confirm if this work is being performed as per detail SK-4 of drawings?

Yes.

51. 8/1/2024

Remove and replace all caulk at all construction joints – can you please provide more details on drawings about locations or quantity? Due to areas not clearly highlighted on drawings.

Please refer back to specification 04:01:00 section 3.8 “Joint Sealing” which has all locations described by the A/E.

52. 8/1/2024

Is power washing acceptable means for surface preparation/washing prior to application of sealer on brick façade?

After specification 04:01:00 section 3.9 is completed, any additional power washing is up to the contractor.

53. 8/1/2024

Repair damaged foundations – can quantities and detail be provided for the same?

Please refer back to specification 03:01:00. Specifically, section 1.1.B.

Which gives the exposed concrete foundation SF areas

54. 8/1/2024 Can contractor work consecutively on both buildings at same time?

Yes.

55. 8/1/2024 Can EOR provide detail of brick replacement?

No.

56. 8/1/2024

Does contractor have to protect roofing membrane of low roof on Harwood Research building?

Yes.

57. 8/1/2024

Is there any work associated with Penetrations of Fire and Smoke Barriers anticipated on this project?

No.

58. 8/1/2024

Please confirm hours of operation would be normal 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM?

Project documents states work with excessive noise/vibrations, odors, dust, etc. To be performed off hours, should contractor account for off hours work on project?

VA hospital hours of operation are 7:00AM to 4:30PM. However, the job site is not at the hospital. As such, there is no anticipation of any work needing to be performed during off-hours. Hours of operation are provided for informational purposes.

59. 8/1/2024

Please confirm if contractor would be allocated parking spaces for its employees and subs in nearby parking lot?

See answer to question 16.

60. 8/1/2024

Will contractor be allocated a designated spot for its dumpster within 100 feet from area locations?

See answer to questions 29 & 31.

61. 8/1/2024

Spec 3.4 states to Cut out existing bed and head mortar joints to uniform 19mm (3/4 inches) or to sound mortar without damaging edges or faces of existing masonry units to remain. SOW calls for 1/3 of brick, confirm depth of cutting needed.

3/4" minimum or until sound mortar is reached.

62. 8/1/2024

Are there any lift travel restrictions along the grass area of the main building?

(Anything underground to be concerned with).

No.

63. 8/1/2024

What will be the procedure for the repointing work inside the restricted area close to the incoming 3-phase electrical supply for the facility? Will the contractor need to supply a generator for temp power to the building during the work on that side of the building? I would guess a

Power is underground.

temporary shutdown will need to be done.

64. 8/1/2024 What style of walls does the building have currently?

Multi wythe, or cavity.

The VA believes multi-wythe, CMU backup.

65. 8/1/2024

Sill and flashing weeps currently are not in place anywhere. Are they needed for the upcoming repointing?

No cavity, no weeps exist as this is a composite wall. Refer to answer to question 64.

66. 8/1/2024

Roofing tar that is visible above the 2nd-floor windows from the grass area, does this need to be removed?

Yes.

67. 8/1/2024

Does the rebar need to be coated when it's exposed for the foundation patching?

One basement window isn't blocked off like the others, what is this window used for?

No. No rebar should be exposed.

68. 8/1/2024

Are there any noise restrictions? A grinder and vacuum running will create about 73db on the inside of the building while work is taking place.

73db is acceptable.

69. 8/1/2024 What are the winter conditions expectations from the VA?

Please refer back to specification 04:01:00 section 1.8 “Field Conditions”.

70. 8/1/2024

ICRA levels are being called out for the exterior of the buildings, does the work area need to be contained or are lifts acceptable?

Containment only required if winter conditions are required.

71. 8/1/2024

Mortar looks to have a high portland cement content, making it more difficult to grind, has a mortar analysis been completed?

No. Specification 03:01:00 section 1.4 requires contractor to perform this function if needed.

72. 8/1/2024

What is the roofing material on the first floor of the main buildings? Will scaffolding be allowed on top of this roof?

Membrane roofing. If staging is required, roof needs to be protected.

No. The fire at the site did not affect any of the project. There are no changes anticipated due to the fire that occurred.

The following is additional information provided by the

VA:

A comment was brought up concerning a fire that had happened at the job site. The fire that occurred did not affect the project. The VA does not intend to change the scope of this project or make additions to the Statement of Work (SOW) in the solicitation.