S02_Attachment 04 (QnA Log)_36C24125R0014.pdf

ATTACHMENT 4

Questions & Answer (QnA) LOG

19 pages

11 March 2025

Providence, Rhode Island VA Health Care System (650)

“Replace Primary Substation”

Construction

Questions & Answers (QnA) Log

Replace Primary Substation Project: 650-22-103

27-FEB-2025

Providence, Rhode Island VA Health Care System (650)

RFI

Number

Date Question Answer

1. 2/25/2025

We just received the bid request email yesterday afternoon and would like to bid on this project.

Just would like to know if the Pre-bid meeting on Feb 19th was a pre requisite to bid?

Per section B.14.F.3, attending the site walk was voluntary.

Although highly encouraged to obtain a better understand of the project, attendance is not a prerequisite to submitting an offer.

2. 2/26/2025

Please extend the proposal due date for a minimum of 2 weeks, preferably 3 weeks after the date that RFI answers are posted to allow sufficient time to properly react to the RFI answers.

The proposal due date was based on RFI answers being posted as a solicitation amendment by March 5th. The Proposal due date will be extended by the number of days past March 5th in which the amendment was posted.

(Example: if the amendment is posted on March 11th, the proposal due date will be extended by 6 days.)

3. 2/26/2025

Reference the Solicitation, E.14 Instructions to Offerors, Part H.2) where it states to submit the proposal via e-mail to the CO at their e-mail address. Reference also E.15, the last paragraph Submission of Proposal where it states to submit via the vendor portal. Please confirm that this

Submit proposals to the Contracting Officer (CO). Do not submit proposals to the vendor portal. Submission to the vendor portal should not be possible, as the solicitation was not posted there.

proposal will be submitted as instructed under E.14, Part H.2) via e-mail to the Contracting Officer?

4. 2/26/2025

Reference the Solicitation, E.15 Evaluation Criteria, Factor 1, Part 3, first bullet item where it states that example projects are to be complete or substantially complete with the last ten years. Reference also Factor 2, the first paragraph after the Past Performance Relevancy Ratings Table where it states that “For the purpose of this solicitation, recency is performance occurring within the last five years through the solicitation release date.” Please clarify. Are projects within the 10-year window allowed, but those that are within 5 years given a higher rating?

The first bullet item in Factor 1, part 3 is incorrect and should state 5 years. Any project that has not been completed or substantially completed within the last 5 years will not be evaluated.

5. 2/26/2025

Reference the Solicitation, E.15 Evaluation Criteria. Are the project example CPARS and other information provided in Factor 2 Past Performance the same as those projects submitted in Factor 1 Technical, Part 3, or can they be different project examples?

The projects shall be the same.

6. 2/26/2025

Reference the Solicitation, E.14 Instructions to Offerors and E.15 Evaluation Criteria.

Please confirm offerors are to submit separate Price and Technical proposals.

Additionally, please specify what items are to be included in each proposal and the order they are to appear.

As outlined in Section B.15.J.2., the evaluation factors of Price, Technical and Past Performance are all being reviewed at once. You may use a single proposal that addresses all three factors, or you may use two proposals that separate price, provided both proposals are submitted at the same time. The important thing is that all three factors, and their subfactors, are addressed and readily identifiable for evaluation.

This is not an Invitation for Bid (IFB). This a Request for Proposal (RFP). There is not a list of specific documents required to prove compliance with the evaluation factors.

That is up to the Offeror’s discretion. The only mandatory documents are those required by the solicitation (Bid bonds, signed/filled 852.219-75, etc.).

7. 2/26/2025

Reference the Solicitation, E.8 Bid Guarantee. Please confirm that offerors are only required to submit an electronic copy of their executed bid bond at this stage of the solicitation.

Should the bid guarantee be included in the Pricing Volume?

Offerors shall only submit electronic copies of bid bonds since their overall packages are dictated to be submitted to the CO electronically.

Costs of bonding, required pursuant to the terms of the contract, are allowable to the extent that such bonding in in accordance with sound business practice, and the rates/premiums are reasonable under the circumstances.

8. 2/26/2025

Reference the Solicitation, E.15 Evaluation Criteria, Factor 2 – Past Performance. Only evaluation specifics are provided and not specific submission items.

Will the government please specify what offerors are required to submit for this Factor?

Please reference answer five (5).

9. 2/26/2025

Reference the Solicitation, E.14 Instructions to Offerors, Part K.1) where it states that “key subcontractors that were identified in the Contractor’s technical proposal…” Please clarify how and where this information is to be included in the proposal.

E.15, Factor 1, Subfactor 2.

Management Approach does not address the inclusion of subcontractors in our “Key Personnel”. Would it be acceptable to list “Key Subcontractors” here as well?

E15, Factor1, Subfactor 2 shall include all key personnel.

Subcontractors are acceptable as key personnel.

10. 2/26/2025 Please provide the geotechnical report for this site / project as soon as possible.

Per Specification Section 01 00 00, 1.10.A.1 the Geotechnical Report obtained for the project is by Aldinger & Associates dated June 20, 2023 and is attached. One Geotechnical Report which is not a part of these contract documents and was obtained for another project is also attached for informational purposes only:

“Geotechnical Recommendation Report” for Relocation of Armed Forces Blvd, by JCE dated July 2022.

11. 2/26/2025

Reference cut section 4/A-300.

Please clarify the note “4” Aluminum Fascia” and what it’s pointing to or referencing.

Continuous aluminum vented soffit (with insect screen) at horizontal surface and facia at vertical surface.

12. 2/26/2025 Reference cut section 4/A-300. Is the soffit to be vented?

See response to comment 11.

13. 2/26/2025

Reference drawing A-101 Door Notes #5 which states to use mortise locks to secure the doors.

However, detail 2/EY-500 indicates exit devices with electric strikes. Please clarify which is required.

Both. The interior panic bar can disengage the electric strike via the mortise lock within the door. But electric strike (fail secure) is the base means of locking.

14. 2/26/2025

Reference 08 34 53, 1.1.A. where it states “The extent of forced-entry resistant (FE) and ballistic resistant (BR) door assemblies required for the Project is indicated on Contract Drawings, and in Door/Frame/Hardware schedules,….”. I am unable to locate on the drawings where it distinguishes any ‘FE’ or ‘BR’ door assemblies. We see indications of having Blast Rated assemblies and a specification section 08 39 54 for Blast Resistant Doors. Is specification section 08 34 53 applicable to this project?

Blast rated only.

15. 2/26/2025

Reference drawing A-100 Room Finish Schedule and Finish Legend. On the Room Finish Schedule no finishes are indicated for the floors, yet on the Finish Legend PT-1 and PT-3 indicate

See associated floor plan.

Rooms 101, 102, 103 Floor: PT3 Room 101 Remarks: PT1 lines to be identified by Owner during construction they are intended for the floors.

Please clarify if the floors received epoxy paint and if so, what type goes in which room?

16. 2/26/2025

Reference drawing A-100 Room Finish Schedule and Finish Legend. On the Room Finish Schedule no base is indicated for the floors, yet on the Finish Legend RB – Rubber Base is shown. Please clarify if the floors receive a rubber base and if so, which rooms?

This refers to a rubber base for walls where gypsum is used.

17. 2/26/2025

Are the CMU constructed ‘Extreme Impact Resistant Screen Walls’ to be painted?

Representative pictures provided on sheet CP-504 indicate they should be, but we can find nothing on the drawings that instruct us to paint them. If they are to be painted, please clarify what type and color of paint is required.

Provide a colored CMU with the color chosen by the VA COR.

18. 2/26/2025

Does the CIP concrete site retaining wall shown in detail 1/S- 306 get painted? If so, please clarify what type and color of paint is required.

No, the wall is not painted.

19. 2/26/2025

Cut section details 1&3/A-200 state that downspouts are tied to an underground stormwater system, but we can find none shown on the civil drawings.

Please clarify if the downspouts are to be tied to a drainage system, or if they are deposited on top of the ground in a splash block and surface drain to an inlet.

Provide concrete splash blocks and surface drain away from the building offsite.

20. 2/26/2025 Is cut section 3/S-301 an accurate depiction of this wall?

Delete Section 3/S-301.

Section 2/S-301 is typical of the north and south walls adjusted for the direction of viewing.

Also on Dwg. S-101 reverse the viewing direction of Section 2/S-301 from looking east to looking west.

21. 2/26/2025

Reference cut section 4/A-300.

What is the 12:1 slope indication shown in the ‘attic’ area of this detail? Is the concrete slab to be sloped 12:1 from the center out?

The structural drawings 3/S-101 do not indicate anything.

Concrete slab not to be sloped at 12:1.

22. 2/26/2025

Cut sections on S-301 all state to see plan for Top of Steel elevations. We can’t find these elevations given anywhere. Please provide or point us to the location where this information can be found.

The Top of Steel Elevation is

13.50 feet AFF.

23. 2/26/2025 Cut section detail 1/S-301 states that the “Top of Wall Elevation Varies”. Is this correct?

No. Delete “Top of Wall Elevation Varies”

24. 2/26/2025

Reference Typical Wall Section 4/A-300, the top note that states “Insulation Above Deck, R-20ci Req.”. Is this in reference to the 9” of Rockwool insulation, or is this an additional layer of insulation? If it is an additional layer, please clarify the type of insulation desired.

See spec. Overall roof insulation value required is R 30 using Rockwool insulation and Polyisocyanurate insulation.

25. 2/26/2025

Please clarify exactly where the Modified Bituminous Sheet Waterproofing described in section 07 13 52 is to be applied. The specification states it is “used for exterior below grade waterproofing and split slab waterproofing”, but the drawings do not show anything.

Apply to below-grade foundation walls.

26. 2/26/2025

Please provide a specification for the Liquid Applied Membrane Waterproofing called for in the cavity space on the Typical Wall Section 4/A-300.

Provide Vertibarrier NS Waterproofing by WR Meadows or equal.

27. 2/26/2025

Reference 4/A-300 and 1&2/S301.

What type of masonry ties /anchors are desired for securing the brick veneer to the CIP concrete walls. Dovetail?

See specifications.

28. 2/26/2025 Reference 4/A-300. Can the 9” Rockwool Insulation be substituted

Yes at the acceptance of the VA and no additional cost to with a more moisture resistant expanded foam type insulation either in the same location or as part of the roof assembly on top of the trusses? If not, installation of said Rockwool would have to be protected from the weather elements until the trusses and all roofing is installed, which would prove to be a difficult task.

the government. See specification for polyisocyanurate insulation.

29. 2/26/2025

Reference 4/A-300. ½” Densdeck can’t span from truss cord to truss cord. Is it intended that there be a metal deck that spans truss to truss and then ½” Densdeck and standing seam roofing? Please provide a roofing assembly that meet the FM Global requirements stated in the specifications.

Provide FM approved corrugated metal deck to span between trusses

30. 2/26/2025

Reference CD-101. Keyed Demolition Note 4 designation is pointing to the south end of the sidewalk. Should this be #2 instead.

Yes, change this keyed Note 4 to 2.

31. 2/26/2025

Reference CD-101. Keyed Demolition Note 4 designation is shown pointing to nothing just north of the O2 station. Please clarify.

Delete this Keyed Note 4

32. 2/26/2025

Reference CU-101. Keyed Notes #3 and #6 situated just south of the new substation building are pointing at nothing. Please clarify.

Keyed Note 3 should point to the new water main that the “Note 3” is on top of. Keyed Note 6 indicates that there should be a gate valve and valve box with cover installed on this same water main. The valve should be located in the grassed area approximately 18

ft. to the east of the Note 6 arrowhead.

33. 2/26/2025

The are no Landscape drawings provided. Please verify that the only requirements for any type of landscaping on this project are re-seeding disturbed areas as called for in the GC-101, 501, 502 and 503 drawings.

That is correct

34. 2/26/2025

Reference CP-102. Please clarify what the bold “W” and “WP” represent on the north, east and west walls of the open yard?

The “W” and “WP” symbols can be removed from this drawing.

35. 2/26/2025

Since no crane/heavy lift activity with equipment sitting on the existing UIS system can occur, please indicate / outline this area on the proposed new work so that we know exactly where it is and can avoid this area.

Please clarify UIS system –

See civil and electrical plans for existing and new work infrastructure. Contractor shall be responsible to coordinate with Armed Forces Boulevard Project. Contractor shall be responsible to verify existing underground infrastructure systems.

36. 2/26/2025

Please provide any as-builts that are available for the existing O2 station adjacent to the site.

Drawings provided.

37. 2/26/2025

CU-101 Keyed Note #7 states

“RIE TO CONSTRUCT DUCT

BANKS IN PUBLIC ROADWAY.

ROW LOCATED

APPROXIMATELY ALONG BACK

OF SIDEWALK.” ES-100 Keyed Note #2 states “COORDINATE

INSTALLATIONS OUTSIDE OF

PVAMC PROPERTY WITH

RHODE ISLAND ENERGY.”

Question: Does RIE actually do the work outside of VA property, or are we responsible for doing the actual work and coordinating the work with RIE?

Yes, per planning discussions with RIE during the design phase, the RIE Contractor will install the concrete encased ductbank from the existing underground structures in Chalkstone Avenue to the VA property line. The VA Contractor will install the concrete encased ductbank from the property line to the new equipment yard and switchgear building.

38. 2/26/2025

Considering that the ‘Relocated Armed Forces Boulevard’ project has yet to be solicited or awarded, but the ‘Replace Primary Substation’ documents are based on the assumption that this work will be in place and we are to coordinate with the features of this proposed new work, should we bid this project ‘as shown’ and just deal with any obstacles that may impact this work should the road project not be constructed in time of need as they come up (i.e. the

The project should be bid as shown on the drawings.

Work to be coordinated with Relocated Armed Forces Boulevard project if the project is in construction concurrently with the Replace Primary Substation project.

parking lot retaining walls in the existing parking lot)?

39. 2/26/2025

Should the ‘Relocated Armed Forces Boulevard’ project not be underway at the time the substation project starts, should we assume that our construction access will be through the lower half / northern half of the existing Lot 1/A?

Yes, construction access would be through the existing parking lot.

40. 2/26/2025

Considering that the ‘Relocated Armed Forces Boulevard’ project has yet to be solicited or awarded, but the ‘Replace Primary Substation’ documents are based on the assumption that this work will be in place and we are to coordinate with the features of this proposed new work, but should the work of boulevard project not be in place during the construction of the substation work, we are noticing a potential issue with retaining wall #1. It appears the other project will have a retaining wall below wall #1. Normally it makes sense to start from the lower level and build up to the upper level. If the road project wall is not in place, sheeting may be required in the future to install it, or should it be considered to make Wall #1 taller now as part of the substation contract by dropping the base of the wall lower to avoid undermining in the future?

The retaining wall should be installed as designed.

41. 2/26/2025

Reference CS-101 Existing Site Plan. Even though we have been provided with a General Note explaining that the Armed Forces Boulevard is shown based on drawings provided by the VA, we know that the project has not been solicited or awarded and will most likely not be in a condition as depicted on this Existing Site Plan.

As it will have an impact on how

An existing site drawing will be included for reference only.

This project should allow for present or future integration of the Armed Forces Boulevard project wherever possible.

we approach things from a civil standpoint, please provide an actual, as it sits right now, “Existing Site Plan” and label the current CS-101 drawing as one to be used for coordination purposes should that project be going on at the same time.

42. 2/26/2025

Reference spec section 08 33 00.

Is it correct that this spec stipulates a fire rated door and not insulated?

Door shall include insulate aluminum slats

43. 2/26/2025

Reference specification sections 25 10 10 - Advanced Utility Metering System, 26 13 13 - Medium Voltage Circuit Breaker Switchgear, and Contract Drawings FP-500, PL-100, M-100, M-500, M-600, ES-101, EI-100, EP-100, EY-101, E-602, and E- 603.The drawings do not detail any advance metering for the new Substation Building. Please clarify what is required to be metered?

If advance metering is required, please provide the manufacturer and model numbers for the existing campus metering system?

If required, please provide a single line drawing on how the metering system communicates to the existing metering system.

Refer to Metering and Relay Diagram on Drawing E-603 for Electrical Power Meters to be installed with the new 15kV metal-clad switchgear. Refer to Specification Section 251010 for the electricity meter and integration requirements.

The metering system radio network interfaces to the existing campus AMR metering system. The AMR system is manufactured by Schneider Electric and uses an MDS INET-II radio interface.

The utility metering consists of interfacing to the existing JCI Metasys system as shown on drawing EI-100.

44. 2/26/2025

Reference specification 26 05 13, paragraph 3.5, Fireproofing, and paragraph 3.7, Acceptance Checks and Tests. Shall all 15KV cabling located within the manholes be fireproofed and arc proofed?

Will all new 15KV cabling be tested in accordance with paragraph 3.7?

Yes, all new medium voltage cable exposed in manholes must be wrapped with fireproofing tape. Existing cable exposed in MH-1, MH-1A, MH- 3, and MH-4 must also be wrapped with fireproofing tape.

Yes, all new medium voltage cable must be inspected and tested in accordance with Paragraph 3.7. Existing medium voltage cable that is modified by installing new terminations must also be inspected and tested in accordance with Paragraph 3.7.

45. 2/26/2025

Reference contract drawings ES- 100, ES-101, E-601, and E-602.

Note 2 on E-602 notes that we are to provide for a future primary service upgrade from 11.2KV to

12.47 KV. Drawings ES-100 and

ES-101 detail a new transformer pad with a new ductbank (E6) to the new ATS. The single line drawings do not show the future transformer and the associated raceways. Please provide information on the size of the transformer pad and if we are to install any pull ropes or caps for the future raceway.

Please provide details for the future transformer pad as noted on the drawings.

Please confirm Note 1 on E-602 that states that we have to subcontract with the local utility company (RI Energy) for the installation of the new Auto- Transfer Switchgear, Primary Meter, Demarcation Switch, and Primary Cable up to the line side of the Demarcation Switch?

Please clarify Note 2 on the single line drawing that states “BY RI Energy”? The contract drawings detail a new E6 ductbank from RI’s manhole to a future transformer pad and then back to the ATS. It would be helpful if the single line was modified to show the new ductbank to the new future transformer pad as noted on the various site drawings.

The transformer pad and ductbank (E6) are provided for future use by RIE. The transformer will not be installed under this project. Transformer pad and oil containment details are provided on Drawings E- 504 and E-505. Coordinate with RIE for final equipment pad and ductbank requirements prior to installation.

Per Specification Section 260541 Paragraph 2.6, pull ropes are to be provided in all spare ducts.

Per Note 1 on Drawing E-602, RIE will provide, own, and maintain the auto-transfer switchgear, primary metering cabinet, demarcation switch, and primary cable up to the line side of the demarcation switch.

The VA Contractor is required to coordinate with RIE for all installations and shall be responsible to subcontract with and pay associated installation costs to RIE.

The transformer pad and ductbank (E6) are provide for future use only and since no cabling will be provided between the transformer pad and auto-transfer switchgear, there is no impact on the intended operation of the medium voltage distribution system provided by this project.

These are site related provisions only that are not intended to be shown on the single line diagram.

46. 2/26/2025

Reference specification 26 05 73 - Overcurrent Protective Device Coordination Study. Please provide a copy of the existing protective device study which shows the existing loads and available fault currents along with the setting for the protective devices.

Paragraph 1.1.B. notes the new metal-clad switchgear as double-ended. The new switchgear is not double-ended; they are single-fed switchgear with future provision for an emergency generator fed at the end of the switchgear. Normally a double ended switchgear would have a kirk key interlocked tie breaker with the utility feeder feeding each side of the switchgear so you have the ability to switch between the feeder (primary and alternate) within the switchgear. Please verify that this is a correct statement.

A Basis of Design Overcurrent Protective Device Coordination Study was provided with the Construction Documents. The contractor is responsible for requesting the latest available fault currents from RIE and field verifying existing protective devices settings and ratings.

The contractor is also responsible for providing recommended settings for new and existing adjustable devices based on actual equipment provided.

Refer to Single Line Diagram on Drawing E-602. There will be primary and alternate feeders from RIE to the exterior auto-transfer switchgear.

Parallel feeders will then exit the RIE demarcation switchgear and provide redundancy to Switchgear Bus A and Bus B. Bus A and Bus B are physically isolated switchgear buses with a cable tie between them. While there is no automatic transfer sequence or interlocking provided with the metal-clad switchgear, it is double ended for maintenance and switching purposes.

47. 2/26/2025

Reference specification 26 09 13 - Electrical Power Monitoring and Control, and Contract Drawings E- 602/603, and EY-101. The drawings do not detail any type of metering or special monitoring equipment as noted in the specifications and no network connections for a SCADA type system. Please clarify the requirements for specification section 26 09 13 and provide a floor plan and single line that matches what is required for the

Refer to Drawing E-603 for networking of protective relays, meters, SCADA controllers and HMI operator station. The SCADA system will be local to the new switchgear building.

Refer to Specification Sections 261313 and 260913 for additional requirements. The contractor and switchgear vendor are responsible for detailed design and integration of the SCADA system.

power monitoring and control system.

48. 2/26/2025

Reference specification 26 13 13 - Medium-Voltage Circuit Breaker Switchgear. Please clarify the metering requirements for the new Switchgear.

Please clarify the required controls for the new Switchgear.

Please clarify the type of transformer required within the switchgear which will feed the new 200 Amp ATS and Panel MDP?

Refer to Drawing E-603 and specification sections 251010 and 261313 for additional information for associated metering and control requirements. Also see response to #43 above.

See drawing E-602 and specification section 261313, Paragraph 2.7, for associated control power transformer information.

49. 2/26/2025

Reference specification 26 24 16 - Panelboards. Please clarify the advance metering requirements for the panelboard MDP.

Provide per requirements listed within the advanced metering requirements specification section 25 10 10.

50. 2/26/2025

Reference specification 26 33 13 - DC Auxiliary System. Please provide a single line drawing for the DC Auxiliary Power Distribution System as it applies to the equipment outside the new 15KV Switchgear, i.e., panelboard, monitoring equipment, controls, metering, and communication infrastructure system.

The DC Auxiliary Power Distribution System is provided to support the control requirements of the 15kV metal-clad switchgear. The Contractor and switchgear vendor are responsible for detailed design and sizing of the DC battery system and associated distribution equipment. Contractor to provide shop drawings detailing this information. See drawing EP-100 for requirements and specification section 26 33 13.

51. 2/26/2025

Reference specification 26 36 23 - Automatic Transfer Switches.

Please confirm that the project requires a bypass isolation automatic transfer switch for the low voltage service to Panelboard

MDP.

Please confirm that the ATS shall be a draw-out type and shall apply to the integral bypass/isolation switch.

The ATS requires bypass isolation automatic transfer switch for the low voltage service to the panelboard. The intent is that there is a preferred and alternate feed based on the sequence of operations based on the MVSG bus in operation to ensure panelboard MDP is in operation. ATS shall be draw out type based on specification requirements.

Please clarify the “Sequence of Operation”, i.e., this is a standard paragraph for an ATS used with an emergency generator, the one required for this project is feed from the primary and auxiliary utility feeders with step down transformers that feed the ATS.

Refer to Specification Section 261313, Paragraph 2.7.E, for description of automatic transfer sequence between dual control power supplies.

52. 2/26/2025

Reference specification 26 41 00 - Facility Lightning Protection.

Please clarify if a lightning protection system is required?

If required, is it a design-build?

If it is required, is there a current UL Master Label for the VA Campus?

If there isn’t a master label and it is required, will a letter certification be satisfactory for the new installation since UL will not issue a Master Label for just a single building on the campus.

Lightning protection is to be provided per specification requirements and NFPA 780.

Contractor shall provide shop drawings in accordance with specification requirements.

53. 2/26/2025

Reference specification 26 43 13 - Surge Protective Devices. Please clarify if the requirement for a surge protector is just for Panel

MDP?

If it applies to the 15KV Switchgear, please provide details for the switchgear or a specification for the type of surge protection required.

Specification Section 264313 applies to LV panelboards only.

For medium-voltage surge arresters provided with the 15kV metal-clad switchgear, refer to Specification Section 261313, Paragraph 2.10.C, for related requirements.

54. 2/26/2025

Reference 01 00 00, 1.5.C.1 concerning guards. Is the general contractor to provide security guards for this project site? If so, please define hours / days required.

Guards are only required if for some reason access to the site cannot be controlled.

55. 2/26/2025

Reference 01 00 00, 1.26 concerning photographic documentation. Please confirm that hiring a commercial

The photographer has to meet the requirements, a commercial photographer is not required.

The contractor shall ensure photographs are clear and meet the requirements to photographer for this scope of work is required for this project?

document the progress throughout construction.

56. 2/26/2025

Reference 01 35 26, 1.7.C.

concerning SSHO. Please confirm that the designated SSHO for this project can have no other duties and is single hat.

Correct.

57. 2/26/2025

Reference 01 45 00, 3.4.C.

concerning CQC Personnel. Can the additional CQC personnel have other duties and be employed by subcontractors or technical consultants on this project? The statement in this section is contradictory. If they all have to be directly employed by the general contractor this will increase the overhead costs tremendously.

Per specifications, individuals can perform additional duties, however they must be allotted sufficient time to complete CQC duties.

They can be either direct employees or subcontractors of the general contractor.

58. 2/26/2025

Reference 02 82 11, 1.1.2 Extent of Work. No quantities are provided. Is there asbestos removal involved with this project?

If so, please provide any hazardous materials surveys performed or estimated quantities of hazardous materials found that are to be removed.

Quantities are to be filled out by the contractor in the event they are encountered during construction.

59. 2/26/2025

Reference specification Section 28 31 00 and Contract Drawing FA-

100. The specifications and drawings indicate that this is an extension of the existing fire alarm system. Please provide information on the existing fire alarm system.

Please provide a copy of the as-build/record drawings for the existing fire alarm control panel located in Building 38.

What is the type of communication infrastructure that is used for the fire alarm communication between buildings?

See drawings for Fire Alarm vendor contact information to provide any additional

Does the existing fire alarm panel in Building 38 have the necessary I/O card for adding the new Switchgear Building into the existing fire alarm system?

Please provide a copy of the fire alarm codes used in the existing fire alarm system for your evacuation protocol.

60. 2/26/2025

Reference specification Section 28 31 00. Paragraph 1.5 requires the standard 1-year warranty for the new fire alarm system and Paragraph 1.6 requires 5 years of maintenance, inspection, testing, and repair services. Normally for a small system like this one the standard VA Specification would note just 1 year for both the warranty and guaranty period services. Is the warranty/guaranty period service requirement for the fire alarm system shown in the specs is correct?

See drawings for Fire Alarm vendor contact information to provide any additional information.

61. 2/26/2025

Reference specification Section 28 31 00. In general, the specification for the fire alarm system has not been edited to match this project.

The specification includes all the required equipment for a completely new fire alarm system, i.e., printer, voice communication system (VCS), speaker control system, digital voice module, audio amplifiers, speakers, etc.

Please provide an edited specification that matches what is shown and described on the Contract Drawings.

See drawings for Fire Alarm vendor contact information to provide any additional information.

62. 2/26/2025

Reference specification Divisions 27 & 28, and Contract Drawing EY-101. Please provide a specification for the access control system which is detailed on drawing EY-101.

See drawings for camera system and security system vendor contact information to provide any additional

Please provide information on the current security system control panel installed in Building 38.

Please provide a copy of the as-built/record drawings for the existing security system.

Please provide information on the current cameras used in the existing security system.

Please provide information for the general sequence of operation for the cameras, card readers, and communication system currently used for the security system and the access control system, i.e., separate communication infrastructure or running on the VA’s network.

Please provide information on the requirements for the database for the access control system, i.e., connected to existing support system with adding programming for the added devices, etc.

Please provide information on the requirements for the database for the security camera system, i.e., connected to existing support system with adding programming for the added devices, etc.

63. 2/26/2025

Reference 01 00 00, 1.18, E&F where it states that temporary water and electricity are available at no cost to the contractor.

Reference also drawing sheet GI- 001 General Civil Note #16 where it states that the contractor is to pay for temporary utilities including water and electricity. We understand that the costs for connection, etc. is borne by the

Costs are as stated in the specification. The contractor is responsible for electrical usage costs as stated in the specification section 1.18E.1.

There is no water usage charge as stated in the specification.

contractor, but is the temporary power and water usage charges free to the general contractor?

64. 2/26/2025

Reference drawing sheet CP-101 Keyed Note #7. Is it intended that there will be some sort of temporary sheet pile shoring wall on the north side of the O2 Station? The note indicator is there, but nothing is depicted as it is on the SE corner of the new substation yard.

Is the protection system at the O2 Station the only one that requires a submittal signed by a registered

RI PE?

Yes, it is intended that there will be some sort of temporary excavation protection system on the north side of the O2 Station.

Protection systems shall be provided throughout the project site as necessary to safely construct the work in accordance with the contractor’s means and methods. Submittals for protection systems shall be provided as required by the project specifications and plans. This note does not reduce or limit those requirements.

65. 2/26/2025

Reference drawing S-304, detail 3 Wall 2 Plan View. What is the heavy black line depicting that is shown just south of and the entire length of the concrete retaining wall?

This is the approximate potential location of the temporary excavation protection system to be provided by the Contractor.

66. 2/26/2025

Have these documents been provided to Rhode Island Energy (RIE) for review? If so, have they set up a work order or project number for this project?

Yes, design has been reviewed by RIE under Work Request 30640472. A construction phase work order has not commenced with RIE, only design.

67. 2/26/2025

Reference A-100 Finish Schedule.

It appears that the walls and floor are painted, but nothing is shown for the ceiling. Does the exposed steel bar joist and metal deck remain unfinished?

Yes.

68. 2/26/2025

Reference A-200 and A-300 concerning the 4” block and brick veneer. Is the 3’-4” high block veneer standard grey CMU, or is it an architectural type, colored or split face?

CMU veneer shall be Ground Face Unit as noted in spec, 2.3.6.b.2. Color as selected by Owner from manufacturer’s full range of colors.

Has the style or color of brick been selected?

Brick color shall be selected to match campus brick as closely as possible.