36C24126Q0472 0002.pdf

5. PROJECT NUMBER (if applicable)

CODE 7. ADMINISTERED BY

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER

CODE

6. ISSUED BY

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NUMBER 3. EFFECTIVE DATE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

9B. DATED

PAGE OF PAGES

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED

BPA NO. 1. CONTRACT ID CODE

FACILITY CODE CODE

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

E. IMPORTANT:

is extended,

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning __________ copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY is not extended.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

(REV. 11/2016)

is required to sign this document and return ___________ copies to the issuing office. is not, A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

15C. DATE SIGNED

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER

Contractor

16C. DATE SIGNED

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

STANDARD FORM 30 PREVIOUS EDITION NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

(Type or print) (Type or print)

(Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

(Number, street, county, State and ZIP Code)

(If other than Item 6)

(Specify type of modification and authority)

(such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.)

(If required)

(SEE ITEM 11)

(SEE ITEM 13)

(X)

CHECK

ONE

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS,

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

1 11

631-19-002

36C241

Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 1

VA CENTRAL WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS HCS

421 North Main Street Leeds MA 01053-9764

36C241

Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 1

VA CENTRAL WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS HCS

421 North Main Street Leeds MA 01053-9764

To all Offerors/Bidders

36C24126Q0472

X

X X

** HOUR & DATE for Receipt of Offers is EXTENDED to: 09-29-2026 1:00PM EDT

X 1

The purpose of this amendment is to incorporate the following:

1) Provide responses to the RFIs received.

2) Provide contract information for all PCAC VISN 1 Construction MATOC Holder.

3) Provide Specification section 23 21 13 Hydronic Piping

4) Offer due date has been changed to 1:00PM ET on 09/29/2026.

The due date for RFIs has passed and no more RFIs will be received.

All other terms and conditions remain unchanged.

Responses to RFIs Received

1) Please confirm if tax should be included in our bid or is the project tax exempt?

VA Response: Upon Offerors are hereby notified that under the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts G.L. c. 64H, § 6(f), sales of building materials and supplies to be used in the construction, reconstruction, alteration, remodeling or repair of any building structure, public highway, bridge or other public works owned by or held in trust for the Federal government and its agencies and used exclusively for public purposes are exempt from sales tax.

Therefore, the contractor’s purchase of such building and construction materials within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to be used in the construction, reconstruction, alteration, remodeling or repair of any building structure belonging to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is subject to the exemption from tax on retail sales of certain tangible personal property. To take advantage of the tax exemption, the VA will furnish to the contractor at award Massachusetts Form ST-5C Contractor’s Sales Tax-Exempt Purchase Certificate identifying the contract number for the project involved, and the contractor may present this form when purchasing materials for incorporation into such project.

2) Please confirm if there are any domestic material requirements.

VA Response: The contractor will be responsible for providing temporary domestic hot water facilities during the construction period when the existing instantaneous water heater is not available.

This solicitation is subject to the Buy American Act Clause FAR 52.225-9 Buy American- Construction Materials.

3) Will hydrostatic testing be sufficient on all pipe welds or will X-ray also be required?

VA Response: Non-destructive (Radiographic examination) and hydrostatic testing are required as per specification contract documents.

4) If X-ray is required, what percentage of welds and who will be responsible for the cost of testing?

VA Response: See spec section 23 22 13, in particular paragraph 3.2.H.

Contractor is responsible for cost of testing. Please note this specification was revised as a result of input from industry day to reduce the quantity and hardships of the examination and evacuation area. It is assumed necessary testing will be off-hours to support exclusionary zones.

5) Will water for hydrostatic testing of piping systems be provided by the owner?

VA Response: See spec section 01 00 00, in particular paragraph 1.18.

6) Will chemical flushing of new piping systems be required prior to putting system in service?

VA Response: Yes. Refer to Section 23 21 13, HYDRONIC PIPING and Section 23 22 13, STEAM and CONDENSATE HEATING PIPING, PART 3, for flushing and cleaning procedures.

7) Can discharge water from hydrostatic testing be allowed to go into storm drains or do we need to provide a frac tank.

VA Response: Unless the installation process introduces contaminants exceeding EPA or Massachusetts DEP standards, the use of a frac tank should not be necessary. Based on the scope of work, discharge to the sanitary sewer system is far more likely than discharge to stormwater conveyance. While compliance with all federal and local regulations remains the contractor's responsibility, the VA is not currently aware of any immediate concerns related to this project.

8) Will tie-in shutdowns need to be done during off hours?

VA Response: This depends upon the impact. The VA would support maximizing shutdowns during normal business hours when more local and industry support is available. The determination will depend on the nature of the impact and duration. Loss of domestic hot water for 4-6 hours is tolerable but other areas such as SPS HX in B171 are a 24/7/35 load that must be short in duration. Additionally, the time of year is a factor. Steam is utilized for heating (Re-heats in the summer) and domestic hot water. Please see the phasing plans, additionally contractor’s completion plan is a large variable. The VA believes with careful planning and order of operations many tie-ins could and should be handled during normal business hours. Shutdowns of high pressure(>15psi) systems should be assumed as off-hours.

9) Confirm allowable shutdown durations for steam, domestic hot water, and heating systems, and required notification periods.

VA Response: Review Phasing and Construction Notes for each building in the contract document drawings, Phasing Supplement, and spec section 01 00 00.

Limited steam and heating system interruptions, as required for interconnections of new and existing systems during heating season will be permitted by the COR during periods when the demands are not critical to the operation of the VAMC. Interruptions that are longer than a shift shall be during the non-heating season unless otherwise coordinated with the COR. Anticipated non-heating season is end of May to mid-October.

Limited domestic hot water interruption as required for interconnections of new and existing systems will be permitted by the COR during periods when the demands are not critical to the operation of the VAMC. This shall be off hours and/or weekends. Contractor shall provide a temporary domestic hot water heater when steam is not available.

For minor interruptions, the Contractor shall submit a request to interrupt any such services to COR, in writing, seven (7) calendar days in advance of proposed interruption. Minor shutdowns shall occur off hours unless coordinated otherwise with COR.

Major interruptions of any system must be requested, in writing, at a minimum of twenty-one

(21) calendar days prior to the desired time and shall be performed as directed by the COR. The request must be submitted as soon as possible.

10) Clarify the General Contractor’s responsibility for providing temporary heating and domestic hot water during phased outages.

VA Response: Contractor must maintain the minimum temperature of 65 degrees F for a building working environment per paragraph 1.8. E in section 23 05 11. Contractors means and methods will be the responsibility of the Contractor.

The contractor will be responsible for providing temporary domestic hot water facilities during the construction period when the existing instantaneous water heater is not available.

When a building construction site is turned over to Contractor, Contractor shall accept entire responsibility including upkeep and maintenance. See spec section 01 00 00, in particular 1.7.F.

Contractor shall maintain a minimum temperature of 40 degrees F at all times, except as otherwise specified. Contractor shall maintain in operating condition existing fire protection and alarm equipment.

11) Clarify areas subject to “noisy work” restrictions and permissible time windows for such activities.

VA Response: See Phasing Supplement. In addition, see spec sections 01 00 00, 01 57 15 and 01 57 19. Sound levels shall not exceed 70 decibels during business hours. Concrete drilling, coring, and anchoring in patient care areas (Buildings 1, 4, 8 and 9) shall be off hours unless otherwise coordinate with COR.

12) Will parking be allowed on site or anywhere on the facility?

VA Response: Parking is allowed on site. See spec section 01 00 00, in particular paragraph 1.5.5.

Parking is rigidly controlled throughout the Medical Center. Contractor parking is only allowed in designated areas (subject to change). There will be absolutely no parking in patient parking spaces or ADA spaces (unless the contractor has an applicable decal/tag). Parking on grass and roadways are prohibited.

13) What is the scheduled duration for the project?

VA Response: The period of performance for this project is 730 calendar days from Notice to Proceed.

14) Please provide pipe sizes for all existing equipment being re connected to new, such as CP’s, AHU’s etc.… VA Response: This is a function of selected products but for quick estimation purposes the following could be reasonably conservatively assumed. HX 3” steam 3” condensate, AHUs 2” steam 2” condensate, HUH/VUH ¾ ”steam, 1” condensate, CIR/CUH 1/2” steam ¾” condensate.

15) 01-MP117 Detail 1 Mech. Rm. B245 shows a 6” discharge line from PRV-B245-1 going to a AIV1-4 which is shown to be 2” then tees in to a line with no size, please clarify this detail.

VA Response: Note there is also a mismatch with the schematic sizing which is the source for sizing. This PRV reduces to perimeter steam 5psi at 6” followed by a tee to split 2” towad AIV 1- 4 and 5” into the hall where it splits 4 (AIV 1-1,2,3) x 3 (heading west to B223 and the credit union). See 01-MP101 for the break down with reductions typical as zones branch off.

16) 01-MP117 Detail 1 Mech. Rm. B245 has no condensate inlet sizes for any of the condensate lines that tie into CP1-1. Please advise.

VA Response: Assume 2”

17) Please extend the bid due date so we have sufficient time to review RFI’s VA Response: Please see amendment for due date.

18) Please provide the site visit attendee list.

VA Response: This was included in Amendment 001

19) Is there a possibility of getting more time on the RFIs?

VA Response: The due date for RFIs has passed and no more RFIs will be received.

20) Is there a possibility of getting an extension on the project? 2 Weeks.

VA Response: Please see amendment for due date

21) Please confirm the Superintendent can have any shared duties as a SSHO.

VA Response: See spec section 01 00 00, in particular paragraph 1.4.

The Superintendent cannot share multiple roles and shall be a separately qualified individual from the Site Safety and Health Manager (SSHO), the Prime Contractor’s MEP Coordinator, and CQC System Manager.

22) Please confirm the QCM shall not have any shared duties as the SSHO, Superintendent or any other role on the project.

VA Response: See spec section 01 45 00. The CQC Manager is independent from the SSHO but may be assigned the additional duty of MEPF Coordinator.

23) Please confirm if the Mechanical Contractor’s foreman could be the MEP Coordinator and CQC Manager.

VA Response: The Mechanical Contractor’s Foremen could be the MEP Coordinator and CQC Manager. However, they have to meet all requirements for the MEP Coordinator and CQC Manager and shall be on site at all times during construction.

24) Please provide ICRA Plans (which building requires what Level) VA Response: See the Infection Control Risk Assessment Attachment in spec section 01 00 00 and spec section 01 35 26, in particular paragraph 1.11 Infection Control. The primary project scope of this project is: Class IV. However, depending on the project location as shown on drawings, the class type may vary.

25) Please provide drawings/markups of the locations VA wants the ICRA erected in each building.

VA Response: This is contractor’s means and methods. The contractor shall comply with the ICRA permit requirements. See response to question 24.

26) Drawing 01-MPD101 and subsequent drawings states “Space has a Hard Ceiling with tiles along exterior wall.” Please confirm if all the drywalls is getting demoed in those rooms and getting replaced with new ones.

VA Response: Drywall work will be required for locations where drywall is damaged or needs to be modified.

27) Please provide elevation views so length of the drywall can be determined.

VA Response: The average deck height is 8’-12’. B8 has deck heights that are 10’-14’ and B15 has a deck height that is about 20’.

28) Drawing 01-MPD101 and subsequent drawings states, “Space has ACR Ceiling”. Please confirm if all the ACT is getting demoed in those rooms and getting replaced with new ones.

VA Response: ACT work will be required for locations where ACT is damaged or needs to be modified. Basis of design shall be 24” x 24” Armstrong Optima Product # 3250. However, Contractor shall match existing ceiling tiles surroundings (style, type, size, etc.). Additionally, due to solicitation type, value engineering ideas cannot be factored into the award but can be proposed after. It is conceivable to the VA with the provided phasing where it would be more cost effective to demolish and replace entire ceiling sections and replace with modern ACT IAW specification rather than having it hinder and slow demolition and new work. The VA would be supportive of this as alternatives or cost saving measures but for the purpose of bidding consistency cannot include this pre-award if that is the basis of the question.

29) In rooms with 12” x 12” ceiling tile is the contractor to provide 12” x 12” replacement ceiling tile or can ceilings be restored with Acoustic Ceiling Tile and grid?

VA Response: Replace with 12” x 12” ceiling tile. However, VA is not opposed to restoring with acoustical ceiling tiles and grid. Dimensions to be coordinated with COR. Also see other responses regarding ACT.

30) Are we to assume that only areas listed on the mechanical demo drawings that are called out as hard ceilings are the only areas we will encounter drywall and plaster ceilings?

VA Response: Some areas with hard ceilings (plaster or drywall) have been identified for reference; however, it shall not be assumed by the contractor that all such areas are identified; the contractor has full responsibility for cutting and patching such ceilings to facilitate work.

31) Will all walls and ceilings that require patching be required to be painted from corner to corner, floor to suspended ceiling?

VA Response: Any space with clinical/patient care shall be painted from corner to corner, floor to suspended ceiling.

32) Spec section “1.3 – Statement of Bid Items” states Base Bid and Unit Costs. Please explain in more detail. Are we turning in the base bid and multiple Unit Costs?

VA Response: Yes, a base bid will be utilized in reviewing the overall price. Unit cost shall be submitted with the intent to utilize and expediate negotiations if change orders occur regarding the specified unit cost.

33) Spec Section 23-22-13 3.2 H notes non-Destructive Testing (NDT). The Section notes to Comply with ASME B31.1. Per ASME B31.1 Steam pressure below 100 psi does not require non-destructive testing. Please confirm that non-destructive testing is only required on steam piping 100 psi or greater.

VA Response: There will still be SOME NDT required. Any pressure welds retaining greater than 15psi shall be treated as though it were 100 psi in B31.1 see H.1. VA acknowledges this is above industry standard. It’s anticipated to be minimal given the scope of the project.

Additionally, the specification lists the following in an effort to minimize standard specification.

The basis of design is to assess and qualify welder workmanship and take a statistical approach over the conservatism of standard VA specification but more stringent than industry standards. It is believed that if planned carefully a single weekend of NDT could suffice for the entire project.

E.G, complete header modifications in building 1 room 109 and several new work welds outside as well as any welding in building 15, conduct NDT and prove out workmanship. Document process for items like socket weld (e.g. construction photo showing insertion “scribe and back off”). In the specification:

Currently we have the following, H. Non-Destructive Examination of Piping Welds:

1. Perform radiographic examination on all welds on high pressure steam (≥ 15 PSI).

2. For low pressure steam (≤ 15 PSI), VA will select 5-10 welds per welder. For every weld that fails, 2 additional welds shall be examined. The VA reserves the right to require testing on additional welds up to 100 percent if greater than 25 percent of the examined welds fail the inspection.

3. An approved independent testing firm regularly engaged in radiographic testing shall perform the radiographic examination of pipe joint welds. All radiographs shall be reviewed and interpreted by an ASNT Certified Level III radiographer, employed by the testing firm, who shall sign the reading report.

4. Comply with ASME B31.1. Furnish a set of films showing each weld inspected, a reading report evaluating the quality of each weld, and a location plan showing the physical location where each weld is to be found in the completed project. The COR and the CxA shall be given a copy of all reports to be maintained as part of the project records and shall review all inspection records.

34) Please clarify if SNE is an acceptable controls contractor for the Upgrade Steam Distribution System Phase 2 project located at the Northampton VA Medical Center. Currently SNE has DDC controls in Buildings 1, 2, 4 and 9.

VA Response: No SNE is a standalone system and not up to current VA standard. At present JCI Metasys is the only compliant fully commissioned BMS and shall be basis of design IAW specifications.

35) Insulation on steam and steam condensate piping is required to be continuous through floor and wall penetrations. Please confirm that an additional 1" gap is not required between the wall/floor deck and the insulation material.

VA Response: Insulation should be continuous through walls and floors penetrations with ½” gap between pipe and penetration wall sleeve which will need to be filled with fire rated material as per NFPA, but piping passing through pre-fab insulated wall panels, insulation should not be continuous through walls, however, the contractor will need to apply insulation after insertion of respective service facility thru walls.

36) Please confirm we are to widen/recore all floor opening, use continuous insulation and fire stop.

VA Response: Existing openings are to be re-used to the greatest extent possible. Continuous insulation refers to typical exterior construction but does allow for mechanical penetrations to interrupt the insulation. In terms of fire ratings penetrations are permitted in the wall as long as they comply with Section 714.4 Fire-resistance-rated walls under the IBC. It would be our recommendation that all pipe penetrations that require annular space to be filled to use ignite copper waste (mineral wool) that meets the UL and ASTM under 714.4. In concrete or masonry walls we would recommend grouting, concrete or mortar as allowed under 714.4.

37) Is the domestic water heater for B9 being replaced? 09-MPD has HX ETR and 09-MP calls for a new WH VA Response: Yes. Provide temporary domestic water heater facilities during the construction period when the existing instantaneous water heater is not available.

38) Is the intent to install new flooring in room 1231A and 1-MC-3 in B1?

VA Response: Yes. For room 1231A provide the following, Basis of design: Daltile Fabrique 24”x24” Porcelain tile (PT), 3”x12” Bullnose Base, Schluter Dilex Stain Anodized, Tarkett Vinyl Transition – see selection chart for specific gauge required for PT and carpet.

For room 1-MC-3 repair, level and seal concrete.

39) Please confirm and advise on project schedule and phasing durations.

VA Response:

a. The period of performance is 730 calendar days – see section 01 00 00.

b. Review section 01 00 00, the Phasing and Construction Notes for each building in the contract document drawings, and the Phasing Supplement. Work for a project phase shall not commence until all materials required to complete that phase are onsite. A new phase cannot commence until the previous phase has been fully completed unless approved by the COR.

c. It is the Contractor’s responsibility to develop a work plan and schedule detailing, at a minimum, the procedures to be employed, the equipment and materials to be used, the interim life safety measure to be used during the work, and a schedule defining the duration of the work with milestone subtasks.

d. Contractor shall furnish the COR with a schedule of approximate dates on which the Contractor intends to accomplish work in each specific area of site, building or portion thereof.

e. Commissioning will be by building.

40) Please confirm if work in existing tunnels, crawlspaces, and basements is classified as confined space areas. Please clarify which areas are confined space areas.

VA Response:

a. Review section 01 35 26

b. Crawl spaces are considered confined space.

c. Work in a confined space will either be permit required or permit exempt. See the forms in the list of attachments in section 01 00 00. These forms are subject to change.

d. Caution work plan such as hot work can change the risk assessments and necessary precautions in these spaces

41) 02 82 11 – Variations in Quantity – please confirm that all ACM quantities above 20% of the stated quantities will be treated as a unit cost extra.

VA Response: Anything beyond the 20% is to be reported to the CO and COR. Where additional work is required beyond 20% of the stated quantities, the unit prices provided for section 01 00 00 paragraph 1.3.C. will be used for additional work required under the contractor for unforeseen

ACM.

42) Please confirm that material warranties begin upon acceptance of each area rather than the final acceptance of the entire project.

VA Response: Correct. The warranty period will begin upon acceptance of each individual building. There will be no partial acceptance for buildings, with the expectation of B1. The entire building needs to be completed to get acceptance, this includes but is not limited to all contract requirements, final inspection, red-line drawings, O&M Manuals, training, warranty management plan, to include sustainment activities such as system shutdown and drainage for seasonal change, etc. This is required for each building’s acceptance. B1 warranty for each phase shall be 12 months after beneficial occupancy (space accepted by VA and system is complete and functional).

43) 01-MP115 keyed new work note 2 does not call for a new steam control valve. Please confirm existing steam control valve to remain.

Example from 01-MP115

VA Response: Replace existing steam control valve. There are select few AHUs with direct steam heat

44) Division 23-09-23 specifies globe style only for modulating valves, please confirm if modulating V-port style ball valves are acceptable to reduce costs.

VA Response: Confirmed for any RHC, UH, radiator, FCU etc. that is sized less than 2 inches.

Air handlers and other large volume equipment shall remain globe style modulation.

45) Division 23 does not clearly state communication protocol to be used, we assume BACNET MS/TP is the preference. Please confirm.

VA Response: Confirmed BACNET MS/TP shall be utilized instead of IP.

46) How should the cost implications of imposed/impending tariffs be handled during the bidding process? Should anticipated costs be included in the bid price, not knowing if they will become actualized, or should real cost implications be handled during the contract VA Response: The contractor bears all of the risk associated with its pricing.

47) Please confirm our understanding that all work and materials described in non-electrical specifications or shown on non-electrical drawings, without also being described in the electrical specifications, is for coordination purposes only and shall not be part of the electrical contractor’s bid for this project.

VA Response: This is not a matter for the gov’t the work is governed by specifications and then drawings. Outside of legal requirements, who performs what scope and subcontracting details are a matter for the prime contract holder within the bounds of contract specifics and should be addressed to them. The prime contractor is responsible for providing a complete system, functional, and ready for the purpose intended.

48) Please confirm that “or equal” products are understood to be acceptable for all products specified unless specifically stated otherwise within the applicable specification section.

VA Response: Confirmed, but overt due diligence on the contractor to demonstrate equivalence in form, fit, and function in the submittal is GC responsibility and VA approval shall not be a defense against QC deficiencies post installation.

49) Please confirm that all electrical and communications utility fees for the project are to be paid by others and are not to be included in the electrical contractor’s bid. If utility fees of any kind are to be included, please provide a defined allowance to be included or a direct contact with knowledge of the project that can inform us as to what fees will be required.

VA Response: See spec section 01 00 00, in particular paragraph 1.18. Exceptions would be if a GC takes over a building such as building 22 when the VA would have decommissioned it the contractor takes over measurable independent utilities such as heating fuel oil rather than having a job trailer. Outside equipment brought in, operating on diesel, gasoline, or propane such as space heaters generators, etc. would be at the GC cost. Most utilities are bulk without sufficient metering to back charge. Generally, short of wanton waste, campus utilities are covered by the VA and not back charged.

50) What besides the Fire Alarm & Sprinkler systems or Security Systems must stay active during any shutdowns?

VA Response: Any life safety system needs to be active or mitigated and documented. During heating months VA occupied areas need to remain operational and habitable. The specifications contain detailed timelines on disruption of services and critical needs. For contractor controlled spaces standard OSHA and habitability requirements apply and freeze/damage protection to VA property would be GC responsibility. See spec section 01 00 00 and paragraph 1.8. E in section 23 05 11.

51) Will we need a fire watch at any time during the project?

VA Response: See spec section 01 00 00 list of attachments. Given the likelihood of hot work the short answer is yes, as a standard timeline post work, beyond that it is a matter of means and methods. Should the GC’s plan intentionally or inadvertently impact a life-safety system resulting in a risk assessment concluding the need for fire watch then that is foreseeable. See the ILSM Policy and procedure - Fire watch is required when a fire alarm system is out of service more than 8 out of 24 hours or a sprinkler system is out of service more than 10 hours in a 24-hour period in an occupied building. See the fire watch checklist in section 01 00 00 and the requirement for hot work fire watch and monitoring on the Hot Work Permit.

52) Spec section 23 21 13 Hydronic Piping is not included in the spec book. Please provide spec section.

VA Response: See specification section 23 21 13 attached.

53) Should value engineering ideas, such as those discussed at industry day, be included in our proposals?

VA Response: No, due to the nature of this solicitation there isn’t an opportunity to do this pre-award, and contractors shall submit pricing for in accordance with the solicitation. However, the VA is open to considering advantageous modifications after award, including engineered alternatives.

A.1 OTHER ATTACHMENTS

See attached document: VISN 1 MATOC - Awardee Info - For Distro.

See attached document: 23 21 13 Hydronic Piping.

A.1 OTHER ATTACHMENTS