RFI Questions and Answers Completed - OSHA Fall Protection 021225.docx

OSHA Fall Protection Roof Guardrail Systems – RFI Questions and Responses Project Number: 650-25-103 Solicitation Number: 36C24125B0007 Clarification. The roof edge fall protection specified are SafetyRail 2000 (or VA approved equivalent) and are Manufactured by Blue Water Manufacturing. This also applies to all accessories (including hardware). This manufacturer’s name and product has been used to establish the standards of construction and quality of workmanship required for this project. Contractor’s bidding on this project must select this product or a manufacturer who has been actively engaged in the fabrication of the specified items for a minimum of five (5) years prior to the bid date and receive preapproval from the COR. Manufacturers requesting approval to bid their products as equal must submit documentation showing that they meet or exceed the approved product SafetyRail 2000 and associated accessories.

Question 1: After reviewing the documents, there was a request to meet IBC codes requirements, but no load request. Typically, this means that the guardrail will need to be able to withstand 50 pounds of force per linear foot. Please confirm if this is a requirement for the guardrail system.

Answer 1: Please see clarification at beginning of RFI on approve Manufacturer. Standards: System shall meet or exceed the requirements in OSHA Standards - 29 CFR 1910.29, including 1910.29 (b)(13)(i).. Structural Load: 200 lb (90.7 kg), minimum, in any direction to all components in accordance with OSHA Regulation 29 CFR 1910.29 (b)(3)(4)(5).

Question 2: Can you identify lay down areas on the attached pictures (RFI Attachment 003 – Pictures of Work Areas) of work areas or confirm where lay down areas will be available for the work to be performed? Please provide the map used at the site walk thru of the hospital and work areas in it’s entirety.

Answer 2: There is no lay down area that is being assign. Contractor to schedule deliveries for the days work.

Question 3: Will there be any freight elevator access to transport materials to the roofs where work is to be performed? If so, please provide details.

Answer 3: No.

Question 4: Do we need a specific brand or type of protection pad beneath the guardrail base plates to maintain the roof membrane warranty, or will any EPDM pad meeting the specified thickness suffice?

Answer 4: Per the clarification above the roof edge fall protection specified are SafetyRail 2000 (or VA approved equivalent) and is Manufactured by Blue Water Manufacturing. This includes all components (including roof pads). The bases are required to be provided with rubber pads on the bottom of the base as well as EPDM roof pad under the base.

Question 5: Is the current roofing system under any extended warranty that requires a specific installation method or manufactured-approved materials for the guardrail bases?

Answer 5: Per the clarification above the roof edge fall protection specified are SafetyRail 2000 (or VA approved equivalent) and is Manufactured by Blue Water Manufacturing. This includes all components (including roof pads). The bases are required to be provided with rubber pads on the bottom of the base as well as EPDM roof pad under the base.

Question 6: Several mechanical units and vents are close to the proposed guardrail locations. Are there any clearance requirements from mechanical equipment beyond the OSHA minimum (e.g., for maintenance doors, air intakes, etc.)?

Answer 6: OSHA minimum. Ensure maintenance doors are clear for opening fully and maintenance activities. Please keep in mind from the SOW “Guardrails are to provide ample area around equipment for maintenance to be conducted” and under submittals” Prior to commencing any work, the Contractor shall submit for review and approval the following. Layout drawing verifying existing conditions of site.”

Question 7: Since the new fixed ladder is described as wall-mounted, please confirm the wall substrate and any special attachment hardware or backing needed to achieve the required load ratings.

Answer 7: Solid block. Install ladder per Manufacturers recommendations.

Question 8: The SOW indicates removal of the existing ladder at D Wing 2nd floor. Are there any known utilities or conduits behind that ladder location we should be aware of, and how should we patch/finish the wall after removal?

Answer 8: Make flush and install cementitious products per Manufacturers recommendations.

Question 9: For the roof hatch guardrails, if any minor membrane penetrations become necessary to anchor the hatch guardrail, do we need an approved roofing contractor to perform or inspect those penetrations? Or is it purely a non-penetrating configuration?

Answer 9: Roof hatches guardrail will be non-roof membrane penetrating. Purely a non-penetrating configuration.

Question 10: Is there a preferred route or schedule to bring guardrail bases/rails via freight elevator, crane, or exterior hoist, given the hospital’s operational constraints?

Answer 10: Guardrails, bases, etc. will need to be lifted by crane to the roofs. Will need to schedule the crane placement in advance.

Question 11: Will a crane be allowed on-site to hoist materials onto the roof? If so, are there specific weight or time-of-day restrictions for crane operations, and do we need a separate VA crane permit (per Policy 138-16)?

Answer 11: Crane will be allowed. Depending on crane placement there may be time restrictions. VA crane permit is required. A crane permit for each location per Providence VAMC SOP POLICY MEMO 138-1, dated February 10, 2019 is required (attached).

Question 12: For daily rooftop access, do we need additional security escorts or expanded ID badging beyond standard VA-issued badges, especially if moving materials through patient-accessible corridors?

Answer 12: An escort will be needed to open doors.

Question 13: During site walkdowns, we noticed conduits/data lines near parapets. Could you provide as-built drawings showing precise conduit routes so we can confirm no conflict with guardrail base placement?

Answer 13: No. Keep in mind from the SOW “Contractor shall verify all dimensions in field prior to design and fabrication.”

Question 14: Is there a small staging area on the roof (or ground level) approved for storing railing sections temporarily, or must materials be delivered on an as-needed basis?

Answer 14: Delivered on an as needed basis.

Question 15: The specification calls for powder-coated yellow rails. Does the VA have a specific color standard (e.g., RAL code) for guardrails?

Answer 15: Factory finished powder coat paint. Color: Safety yellow.

Question 16: Are there any on-site recycling requirements or separate containers for metals, or does all debris (including the old ladder) go off-site for disposal?

Answer 16: No on site requirements. Debris is to be removed (by Contractor) from Site daily.

Question 17: The SOW references toe board brackets as an accessory. Are toe kicks (toe boards) definitely required in all guardrail sections, or only at specific locations where falling-object protection is needed?

Answer 17: Toe boards are not required.

Question 18: Could you provide the exact roof hatch sizes at each indicated location so we can confirm correct guardrail lengths and clearance for self-closing gates?

Answer 18: No. Keep in mind from the SOW “Contractor shall verify all dimensions in field prior to design and fabrication.”

Question 19: Will the client request the single ladder replaced as mentioned in SOW or would they also like pricing on replacing the other ladders located in BLDG 1 and Bldg. 23?

Answer 19: For this Project just the single as mentioned.

Question 20: Will the client please provide the correct SF24 document required for bid bond submission required for all proposals?

Answer 20: Please reference the following link for the most up to date version of the form SF24 Bid Bond | GSA Question 21: REF: SOW "guardrail system is to be tested and independently certified to be in accordance with OSHA fall protection for guardrail regulations, sections 29 CFR 1910.29, 29 CFR 1926.500, 29 CFR 1926.502 and 29 CFR 1926.503" Does the client require the certifying official(s) to be a non-direct employee(s) of the prime contractor?

Answer 21: Provide a letter from Manufacturer stating that the Safety rail 2000 is OSHA compliant. Also provide a certification from the Contractor that the safety railing and components were installed per Manufacturer requirements.

Question 22: REF: SOW "Contractor shall provide as built layout drawings and letter stating that the Guardrails and safety ladder are OSHA compliant" Will the client require these drawings be on AutoCAD, digital file, and signed by a certified P.E and or certified safety professional?

Answer 22: No. Just accurate shop drawings.

Question 23: REF: SOW "Provide base mover, two-wheeled steel cart to transport one base unit" Will the client please specific this requirement more in detail?

Answer 23: Please see clarification at the beginning of RFIs of approved product. And SOW Base Mover: Provide two-wheeled steel cart to transport one base unit. Approved Product: EZ Mover Question 24: Is the BAA requirements non negational or will the client accept materials from outside the US if the pricing is more favorable, as long as they meet the safety standards?

Answer 24: No. Please see clarification at the beginning of RFIs of approved product.

Question 25: REF: SOW "The installed unit shall carry a limited warranty of five (5) years against defective material and workmanship" Will the client please specific the limitations and specifications required to provide this 5 year warranty for materials and craftsmanship?

Answer 25: Provide manufacture's two (2) year warranty and Contractor/Installer (2) Warranty as outlined in SOW section 6.

Question 26: Will the client allow work to be conducted outside the normal working hours? I.e. after hours and weekends.

Answer 26: Yes with pre approval.

Question 27: REF: SOW PARKING: "Parking of privately-owned vehicles by contractor personnel is prohibited on the hospital campus and is only allowed at the Davis Park location off Chalkstone Avenue" Does this include commercial/combination vehicles? Has the Rhode Island Historical Society and the City of Providence provided authorization of contractor vehicles to be parked at Davis Park during the spring season when baseball starts? Parking there will already be limited so we request documentation of this authorization to awarded contractor.

Answer 27: Davis Park is owned by the VA and parking is allowed.

Question 28: REF: SOW Storage: Will the client please provide the exterior location for debris/storage container? Or is NO staging/debris area planned to be provided to the awarded contractor.

Answer 28: No staging/debris area planned.

Question 29: Will the client require the Infectious Control Permit be signed by a licensed hygienist or another AHJ? Please specify who is required for signature authority on behalf of the awarded contractor.

Answer 29: Infectious control permit is not required for this work.

Question 30: Please confirm the requirements of the USACE EM385 supersede the specifications of OSHA for the safety requirements of this project. Note: we are aware USACE almost always supersede OSHA standards.

Answer 30: Only OSHA Question 31: REF SOW: Do ALL subcontractors and prime workers have to have OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 or just the management?

Answer 31: Yes Question 32: Does the client require the contractor to be certified under USACE as a Certified Quality Manager?

Answer 32: No Question 33: Does the client require the contractor and/or subcontractors be certified in USACE EM385?

Answer 33: No Question 34: Is the client going to fully comply with USACE EM-385?

Answer 34: No Question 35: Is the client going to check to see that an EM-385 Competent person is onsite at ALL TIMES during the project?

a. Will the client verify their training credentials?

Answer 35: Competent person per OSHA must be on Site at all times work is being performed.

Question 36: Will the client require a written USACE EM-385 fall protection plan along with the rescue plan and safety plan? If so will submission be required with proposal or during the submittal process?

Answer 36: Contractor shall submit a site-specific Safety Plan that provides project-and site-specific activity hazard analyses and accident prevention plans during the submittal process.

Question 37: Please confirm if the client will require a FULL Accident Prevention Plan in accordance with USACE EM 385 standards.

Answer 37: Contractor shall submit a site-specific Safety Plan that provide project-and site-specific activity hazard analyses and accident prevention plans.

Question 38: Will the client require vetting and clear backgrounds for all prime and/or subcontracted personnel? I.e no felonies or domestic violence conviction?

Answer 38: Background investigations are not intended to be conducted on individual members of the awardee’s company or their subcontractors. However, the awardee and their members will abide by applicable terms and conditions of the contract. (i.e., FAR 52.209-11 & 52.222-3). Other preliminary checks may be required. Such as providing valid identification in order to obtain routine access to the worksite where applicable.

Question 39: REF SOW: "All employees of the general contractor and its subcontractors are required to attend a 1-hour VA safety briefing before the employee commences any work activities on VA property." Will this training be provided by the client or shall this time be allocated towards the contractors proposal?

Answer 39: Yes Question 40: When using a mobile crane to land materials on roofs, will the client require the awarded contractor to submit a comprehensive Lifting and Handling Plan and Critical Lift Plan in accordance with USACE Em385 and stamped by a licensed L&H engineer at the cost of the awarded contractor?

Answer 40: A crane permit for each location per Providence VAMC SOP POLICY MEMO 138-1, dated February 10, 2019 is required (attached).

Question 41: Does the fire watch have to be NICET certified (if so what level) or will an NFPA and or OSHA fire watch training be sufficient for the client?

Answer 41: Please see clarification at beginning of RFI’s. System specified is a non penetrating bolt together system and no alterations (welding) on Site are allowed.

Question 42: Will the client require the contractor to be fully register in SAM.gov with the proper NAICS code classification for this project at time of proposal submission?

Answer 42: Yes, Contractor shall be registered in SAM.gov with proper NAICS at time of Bid and Award.

Question 43: Will the client require documented proof be provide within the proposal notating the contractors official standing as a SDVOSB with the SBA?

Answer 43: Please provide documentation proving SDVOSB standing. Government will also do their due diligence in verifying SDVOSB status.

Question 44: Will the client require a certified letter of good standing from the Secretary of State office of the State of Rhode Island?

Answer 44: No, a Certificate of Good Standing is not required. However, all bidders must be registered in SAM.gov per the instructions found within the solicitation.

Question 45: The document provided by the client did not show the contractor being required to provide any protection around the MLTP large skylights on varies roof tops. Was that an oversight? If sop please state the requirements and amounts of protections required for these open holes as defined by USACE and OSHA Answer 45: Not part of this project.

Question 46: Will the client require the awarded contractor be certified in confined space in accordance with USACE EM385 at time of proposal submission, award, or project start?

Answer 46: There are no confined spaces as part of this project.

Question 47: Will the client provide an Overhead view of hospital to indicate the location of where these roofs are to set up cranes in relation to the site visit?

Answer 47: Yes. View attached and is for general locations. The Contractor is responsible for verifying on Site and the numbers correspond to the figure numbers provided in the SOW. Also item 6 is hard to read, but the location is near the “VA Providence RI” label Question 48: Will the client allow the awarded contractor to use the elevators to transfer materials up and down from roof to grade level?

Answer 48: No. Material movement will need to occur using Contractor provided crane.

Question 49: Specifications call for Factory finished powder coat yellow paint over hot dipped galvanized steel. Powder coat paint over hot dipped galvanized steel is not recommended for the following reasons: Powder paint over galvanized on any product is prone to chipping, shedding or peeling This type of dual coat finish is typically 20% more expensive in material and lead time is 7 – 9 weeks for material. Is Powder Coat Yellow paint sufficient for the rails? Lead time is significantly shorter and will be more cost effective for the client.

Answer 49: Provide a factory finished powder coat paint. Color: Safety yellow. Not galvanized.

Question 50: OSHA Standards: System shall have top and mid rail in accordance with OSHA standards – 29 CFR 1910.29 (b)(1)(2). c. Structural Performance of top rails and supports: REF SOW 1. Capable of withstanding a concentrated load of 200 pounds (90.6 kg), applied to the top rail at any point and in any direction. – OSHA 1910.29 2. Capable of withstanding a uniform load of 50 pounds per linear foot (74.3 kg/m) applied to the top rail horizontally with a simultaneous load of 100 pounds per linear foot (148.6 kg/m) applied vertically downward.

–What code is this? The rail run would have to support 50 lbs outward and 100lbs downward per foot long the rail run is. 10ft long - 500lbs out and 1000lbs down, at the same time. If the client wants the rail system to be rated that high, that would have to be made out of structural steel or something similar. Is this what the client would rather have? Please provide feedback.

Answer 50: See clarification for Manufacturer. Standards: System shall have top and mid rail in accordance with OSHA Standards - 29 CFR 1910.29 (b)(1)(2). Structural Load: 200 lb (90.7 kg), minimum, in any direction to all components in accordance with OSHA Regulation 29 CFR 1926.502.

Question 51: Will the Government/Client allow a minimum of 5 business days prior to the proposal submission due date for the contractor to adjust pricing to account for the clients’ responses to said RFI’s?

Answer 51: Yes, once the amendment is posted answering all submitted RFI’s a minimum of 5 business days will be provided for Contractors to adjust their bids prior to the opening.

Question 52: Guardrail Compliance Statement: Should the OSHA compliance letter be signed by a third-party certifier, or is a self-certification by the contractor acceptable?

Answer 52: Provide a letter from Manufacturer stating that the Safety rail 2000 is OSHA compliant. Also provide a certification from the Contractor that the safety railing and components were installed per Manufacturer requirements.

Question 53: Material Transportation to Roof: Could you clarify if there are specific requirements or restrictions for transporting materials to the roof? Are cranes, hoists, or freight elevators available, or should the contractor provide their own lifting equipment?

Answer 53: Material movement will need to occur using Contractor provided crane.

RFI Attachments:

RFI Attachment 001 – Site Drawing RFI Attachment 002 – Site Visit Sign-In Sheet RFI Attachment 003 – Pictures of Work Areas RFI Attachment 004 – SOP Policy Memo 138-16 Cranes