36C24220B0010-0003001.pdf

PROJECT NAME: VA East Orange - Upgrade Elevators

Request for Information

1) Completion time limit of 365 calendar days is very less, if work is to be performed for one elevator at a time then our elevator sub-contractor is requesting to increase the time limit to at least 1000 calendar days (based on approx. 16-18 weeks per elevator work)

RESPONSE: Elevator work can be performed two in the same bank at a time. total construction duration:

64 weeks.

2) How many elevators work can be performed at one/same time?

RESPONSE: Two in the same bank at a time.

3) Please refer to spec section 14 26 26, page 28, para 2.41 A. Hoist way Entrances. -- does VA want ALL of the existing Hoist way doors to be replaced with stainless steel doors and ALL entrance frames to be reclad in stainless steel? Please clarify.

RESPONSE: Specifications calls to replace all the hoist way doors with stainless steel, page 27, parag.

2.41. All entrance frames should be reclad in stainless steel.

4) Please refer to spec section 14 26 26, page 15, para 2.8 Emergency Power Operation. -- If elevators have emergency power operation do we need to provide the emergency rescue operation auxiliary power source in section 2.8-E

RESPONSE: Specification 142626 in regard to emergency power is incorrect. Specification section 142626 will be updated. Elevator contractor does not have to provide and emergency power source.

5) Bid Pricing sheet Line item no.1 and 2 states Guarantee Period of Service per spec section 14 26 26 3.8 $________________ should be included in line item no.02 and 03. --- Please confirm that a separate line item price is not required for the Guarantee Period of Service and cost should be included in respective line items.

RESPONSE: GPS cost should be included in respective line items (not as a separate line item), but contractors are still required to provide the GPS cost in the bid sheet.

6) Please confirm that all the architectural, mechanical and electrical work in the penthouse can be performed at same time and no phasing is required.

RESPONSE: Elevators work can be performed two in the same bank at a time. All the architectural, mechanical and electrical work in the penthouse should accommodate this sequence.

7) Drawings A-101, A-102 and A-103 indicates ICRA wall and ceiling to be constructed at bldg. levels A, B and C.

Please confirm this ICRA wall is required at all the three levels of bldg.

RESPONSE: Yes, ICRA should be constructed at all other levels as well. Refer to drawing notes.

8) Drawing A-104 detail no.2 states ‘new ladder details-typical’. --- Please identify on drawings locations/count of these new ladders.

RESPONSE: Edited specifications to retain existing pit ladders.

9) Is there any new work inside the elevator pits?

RESPONSE: Sheet E-201 describes electrical work in shafts and elevator pit.

10) Spec section 01 32 16.15, para 1.3 states contractor’s consultant to submit project schedule. Please clarify if contractor has to hire an independent/outside consultant or schedule can be prepared and updated monthly by contractor’s qualified supervisor or project manager.

RESPONSE: GC is responsible for creating construction schedule and gaining approval from VA.

11) Spec section 01 35 26 para 1.7 states to have SSHO, please confirm that contractor’s supervisor who has the credentials of SSHO can simultaneously perform the duties of SSHO.

RESPONSE: Section has been deleted from the Specs

12) Spec section 01 35 26 para 1.9B states to have a Certified Safety Professional to have monthly site visit for inspection. Please confirm this is required even if there is a SSHO on site.

RESPONSE: Section has been deleted from the Specs

13) Spec section 01 91 00 states to hire commissioning agent. Para 1.7 lists systems to be commissioned. Please clarify if it is contractor’s responsibility to hire an independent commissioning agent or is it VA’s responsibility or contractor can perform this commissioning with his own crew and sub-contractors. Page nos. 46 to 63 has a table which again lists extensive commissioning work, please clarify if only new work of elevator, mechanical and electrical hast to be commissioned or entire work as shown in this spec section.

RESPONSE: GC will hire contractor to complete commissioning of entire work.

14) Please advise who is the current DDC controls contractor for VA East Orange facility.

RESPONSE: Kone Elevators.

15) Who is responsible for the interim maintenance? Existing contractor or the contractor that is awarded the modernization contract?

RESPONSE: GC is responsible for interim maintenance of all elevators in contract documents

16) What type of paint finish is required in the elevator and machine rooms in penthouse?

RESPONSE: There should not be paint in the elevator cabs. Confirm paint color and gloss level in machine rooms with VA Interior Designer and submit sample chips.

17) The time period allowed for this project very aggressive and will require a fast track elevator submittal review process by the VA as well as a large amount of extremely expensive over-time to be included in the bid proposal.

Can the period of performance be extended to eliminate the need for inclusion of these items into the bid proposal?

RESPONSE: Total construction duration of 64 weeks.

18) A large crane will be necessary in order to remove the old equipment, and to place the new equipment close to the equipment rooms (located on the roof). Will the VA allow the crane to be positioned in the closest possible proximity to the equipment rooms?

RESPONSE: Parking lot[s] south of the main building. GC must confirm with VA on every lift. (All Lifting of equipment must be done during off business hr. Lifts could be done during Monday thru Friday after 6pm, and Sat thru Sun 7am to 7pm. )

19) What is the load rating of the roof? For safety purposes and in order to facilitate the placement of the heavy equipment on the existing building roof an engineered, structural plan must be created. Can you provide as-built drawings showing the structural members of the existing roof structure?

RESPONSE: VA will provide contractor with existing roof drawings. Contractor responsible to coordinate loading.

20) Can you please provide a layout of the lay down area that will be provided for secure storage of elevator components, storage containers and required contractor equipment?

RESPONSE: Parking lot[s] south of the main building. Must confirm with VA on location

21) On this project, if there are conflicting directives between the specification and drawings, which takes precedence? Example: Drawing E-201, Key Note 3 is in conflict with Specification 1.15 Hoist-way Lighting, Para A.

RESPONSE: Hoist way lighting is per key note 3 on E-201

22) All cars need a MEDECO keys to work the independent service and stop switches and car 6 shall have a different MEDECO key than the other cars.

RESPONSE: No custom or special key switches required

23) Specification 2.45 is in conflict with several drawings. Please specify what is needed.

RESPONSE: Spec has been edited to reflect what is shown on drawings

24) Drawing A-001, General Note M, indicates only one elevator may be removed from service at one time. If the desire is to complete this project in the stated period, more than one crew must be allowed to work concurrently, but on separate banks of elevators. Overtime hours will be necessary if the contractor is to employ an evening shift. Can one elevator in different banks be worked on concurrently?

RESPONSE: Two in the same bank at a time.

25) Drawing A-001, General Demolition Note H, is in conflict with Note B and the specifications. Is the contractor to stage the demolished equipment outside of the building, after which the material becomes the property and responsibility of the VA?

RESPONSE: Refer to spec section 01 74 19 for details

26) Drawing A-101, Sheet Note 1 indicates the phones inside the elevators are to be removed from the side walls and “replace wood panel”. The entire side wall panel will have to be replaced in order to cover the hole properly.

Is this the intention?

RESPONSE: Replace side wall panel between the reveals where phone demolition has occurred.

27) Drawing FA-107, Key Note 1 thru 4 is in conflict with previous drawings and specifications. Is the contractor to provide new fire modules or tie into existing fire modules. Are fire panel modifications and/or reprogramming part of this solicitation? Who is the incumbent fire alarm provider?

RESPONSE: The fire alarm drawings on FA-001, and FA107 are clear and specific that new FA control modules are to be provided. The manufacture/vendor is noted in the keyed notes on the respective sheets.

28) Part 1 General:

1.2 Related Work

D- What is the seismic zone?

RESPONSE: Per VA seismic zone map H 18-8 East Orange is in a Moderate Low seismic zone

1.13 Emergency Power Supply

A- The emergency power system should already be in place and operable as it is a requirement for the facility to perform routine emergency power testing. Can we simply connect our new system to the switchgear contacts that are currently in use?

RESPONSE: (1.13 A, D) There are no existing emergency contacts, the elevators are serviced from the essential power system, however code required interlocks to the elevator controllers do not presently exist. Elevator support/service panels are serviced form the essential power system as well.

D- Are the car lighting circuits currently connected to an emergency power panel?

RESPONSE: Car lighting circuits are currently connected to an emergency power panel.

1.14 Elevator Machine Room and Machine Space

C- Is it anticipated that sprinkler pipes will need to be relocated? If so, please detail this work so a proper estimate may be prepared.

RESPONSE: Relocation of sprinkler pipes is not anticipated.

29) Part 2 Products:

2.3 Conduit and Wireway

A- Please clarify the conflict between Specification 2.3 with Drawing(s) EP-107, Key Note 4, 6, 9. Drawing ED- 107, Key Note 1, Etc.

RESPONSE: Specs have been updated to reflect what is on drawings.

2.4 Conductors

A and B- Please clarify.

RESPONSE: Please disregard electrical content in the elevator specification.

2.7 Microprocessor Control System

A- Is a regenerative drive is needed? This cannot be determined by the bidder.

RESPONSE: Regenerative will not be used.

2.8 Emergency Power Operation

E- The emergency power system described in this paragraph is usually provided if there is not an emergency power generator in use for the building. Please clarify.

RESPONSE: 2.8 is for a selector switch in case the generators for the facility is not of proper capacity to operate all elevators at one time, then according to IBC the elevators would return to designated landing one at a time in sequence until all elevators have returned and the elevator use can be selected.

2.17 Deflector Sheaves

A- It may be possible to locate the new deflector sheaves above the machine room floor as an integral part of the hoist machine assembly.

This “table top” design is engineered and provided by the equipment manufacturer and serves two purposes. The new sheave is easily inspected and maintained by maintenance personnel and it prevents the massive undertaking of cutting the machine room floor to install new steel floor hatch doors of the proper size to remove the old sheaves. This will save a considerable amount of labor expenses as the old sheave can/will remain in the secondary level. Please advise.

RESPONSE: Replacing the existing deflector sheaves would be recommend instead of machines with deflector sheaves which require more space and may introduce more load on machine room floor could require structural engineer to verify.

2.19 Hoist Rope Compensation

A- The compensation ropes and compensation rope sheaves are serviceable. The only purpose of these compensation ropes is to provide weight which offsets the weight of the hoisting ropes as it travels through the shaft. It “compensates” for the weight of the hoisting ropes. It does not have any other purpose and the current compensation ropes can remain in place with only minor inspections and adjustments.

If the compensation ropes are reused, it will save a great deal of money in equipment and labor expenditures.

Can the compensation ropes be reused?

Also, and most importantly, the VA traction cars travel at 700 feet per minute. The system specified to use as a replacement, while not specifically named, is called WhisperFlex. This product is listed for use at the maximum car speed of 700 FPM...the very highest of the allowable car speed range. At such speed, the WhisperFlex has a tendency to sway as the car is in motion. The swaying requires the use of guide rollers and absolute proper adjustment in order to prevent the encapsulated chains from catching on something in the shaft. The current system is by far a better compensation system than what is proposed as a replacement due to the VA car speeds...and it will favorably impact the budget greatly if it is reused.

RESPONSE: The compensation sheaves and ropes are from the original installation; the car speed is 700 fpm, our recommendation is to replace to assure another 30 years of operational and performance. The only way we would even consider retaining comp sheaves is to remove ropes inspect and measure sheave groves for wear.

2.39 Digital Corridor Arrival Lantern/Position Indicator

C- The lantern fixtures currently in use on the traction cars are vertical arrow lanterns. The new fixtures that will be installed are combination position indicator and arrival lantern fixtures. These new fixtures are much larger and are mounted over the hall doors horizontally. It makes sense to remove the old fixtures, repair the wall surfaces and repaint. However, replacing the existing flush mount fixtures with like fixtures will be a very expensive undertaking as each wall will have to be cut to allow for the fixture to fit within the wall. This is no small task as one hundred and twenty-six wall surfaces will have to be cut and core-drilled. The potential for concrete, plaster and drywall dust regardless of the barriers that will be in place is great. In almost every hospital environment, the use of surface mounted Combination Fixtures is a mandate.

RESPONSE: We have specified flush mounted that will not require enlarging hole in wall for new fixtures.

2.41 Hoist-way Entrances: Passenger/Service Elevators

A- Please clarify this task. In order to submit a competitive bid, we must be directed how to proceed as the costs between “refinish”, “paint” or “clad” can be substantial.

RESPONSE: Specifications calls to replace all the hoist way doors with stainless steel, page 27, parag.

2.41

2.45 Car Enclosure: Passenger/Service Elevators

A- Can you please specify which cars need refinished panels and which cars need replaced entrance panels?

This cannot be discretionary as the costs associated with this directive are great.

RESPONSE: All panels in service elevators should be replaced. In passenger elevators only wood paneling where the phone has been removed will need replaced.

3.8 Inspection and Maintenance Service: Guarantee Period of Service

A- The elevators will be taken out of service and returned to service individually and in a staggered, phased schedule. The warranty period should begin after each elevator is returned to service. Can you please clarify if this is your intent?

RESPONSE: Specifications, page 37, parag. 3.8 - Furnish complete inspection and maintenance service on entire elevator installation for a period of one (1) year after completion and acceptance of all the elevators in this specification by the COR. This maintenance service shall run concurrently with the warranty.

30. What type of window glazing is to be removed for HEPA duct per detail sheet G-002? Having window available is not usual. Windows are to be located on plan for us to be able to determine piping length

RESPONSE: GC is to obtain existing window glazing information from VA and field verify. Verify window availability closest to the ICRA enclosure.

31. Per notes sheet A-001

a. Note U: Provide specification for grip for pit ladders

RESPONSE: The existing pit ladder will be retained.

b. Demo Notes: Note H: Identify what parts are to be returned to VA. This is important to elevator sub during bid assembly.

RESPONSE: See general requirements spec section

32. Sheet A-101:

a. Note 3: Provide clarification of access to FE units? Relocation of fire alarm pulls is not cost effective and locations on each floor in relationship to ICRA enclosures is to be identified.

b. Area ICRA enclosures to be in lobbies Levels A, B & C ONLY or all floors for all levels?

RESPONSE: In addition to Levels A, B & C, Sheet Note 14 indicates ICRA barrier to be similar from Levels 1 to 13.

33. Sheet A-103:

a. Elevators P9 & P10 are not shown on this plan. Do they not existing? Please clarify?

RESPONSE: Elevators P9 & P10 are from B level to 13th floor. Sheet A-103 is Level C. Refer to Elevators Riser Diagram on Sheet A-202.

34. Fire Extinguisher cabinets:

a. What is basis of design for the FEC?

b. Are these surface mounted, semi recessed?

c. Will we be required to provide fire extinguisher also? What size and rating?

RESPONSE: Refer to Key Note 3, Details 1 and 3 on Sheet A-104 and specification Section 10 44 13. VA will provide extinguisher

35. Please confirm all 8 elevators being modernized per the SOW provided in Addendum 2 are each servicing 13 floors as stated in the specification.

RESPONSE: Refer to drawing Sheet A-202.

36. Please confirm the existing wiring is in place from the ATS switch to the machine room and that it is not a requirement to install under this project.

RESPONSE: Incorrect, the drawings call for new control wiring to be provided and installed.

37. Do you require all submittal drawings to be stamped by a licensed architect?

RESPONSE: Refer to specification Section 01 33 23 for submittal requirements.

38. Is the contractor being awarded the contract responsible for interim maintenance during the project.

RESPONSE: Refer to General Note N on Sheet A-001. This note applies to all 8 elevators.

39. Please confirm under specification 14 26 26 – 10 #1.4 and 1.5 are to be provided by other trades other than the elevator contractor and are in fact part of this project.

RESPONSE: 1.14 Items here would be by others. 1.15 Work by others.

40. Is it acceptable to provide surface mounted fixtures?

RESPONSE: In elevator cabs, Flush mounted (recessed) are specified at this time

41. Where the existing entrances may be baked enamel is it acceptable to provide baked enamel door panels to match?

RESPONSE: Refer to spec section 14 26 26

42. Specifications are requesting to reuse the existing car frame and provide new mechanical safeties please confirm the existing car frame is adequate to install the new vendor requested mechanical safety devices?

RESPONSE: Car sling and platform are to be retained, acceptable for new safeties.

43. Please provide details that are required for the specified hoist way clean down.

RESPONSE: All dirt, dust, debris from construction.

44. Please confirm crane services can be done during regular working hours and also provide the possible location for the crane.

RESPONSE: Parking lot[s] south of the main building. GC must confirm with VA. All Lifting of equipment must be done during off business hr. Lifts could be done during Monday thru friday after 6pm, and Sat thru Sun 7am to 7pm. )

45. Please confirm how long the training class is required for the VA Personnel.

RESPONSE: Refer to specification 14 26 26 part 3.7

46. Please confirm if you require bi-weekly maintenance or monthly maintenance for the 12-month warranty period.

RESPONSE: Specifications page 37, para. 3.8 A. specify Bi-weekly

47. Will you provide updated drawings to reflect the new scope of work.

RESPONSE: No new scope of work

48. Who is the incumbent fire alarm contractor and point of contact?

RESPONSE: Refer to FA001 Note 3

49. Please confirm you require new flooring in the service elevator as the specifications state to retain.

RESPONSE: Provide commercial grade 304 diamond plate stainless steel flooring per Detail 5 on Sheet A- 201.

50. Do you require security card readers for any floors and inside the elevator?

RESPONSE: No, not in contract.

51. Is it acceptable to work 4 ten-hour days?

RESPONSE: 4 ten-hour days is acceptable.

52. Please confirm this project is 100% funded by the Federal Government on 100% owned property of the Federal Government.

RESPONSE: Yes, 100% funded by Federal Government on 100% Federal owned property.VA NJ Healthcare System

53. Please remove item M. under general notes on the drawings that states complete 1 elevator before starting another. Based on timeframe this cannot occur within 365 days including field survey and fabrication timeframes

RESPONSE: Two in the same bank at a time.

54. Please provide direction as the drawings state that the passenger and service elevator are to receive new stainless-steel finishes but is not provided in the specification.

RESPONSE: Spec updated to reflect stainless steel

55. Is the new HVAC system required to run off of the generator?

RESPONSE: Yes

56. Are ICRA barricades to extend to deck or ceiling? Provide heights of both ceiling in all lobbies and deck height

RESPONSE: Refer to Detail 3 on Sheet G-002. Existing deck height information has been shown on Sheet A-202.

57. Can glazing be removed from the interior of the building?

RESPONSE: GC to obtain glazing info and field verify

58. Provide identification of where GC trailer and equipment are to be stored on site?

RESPONSE: Parking lot[s] south of the main building. GC must confirm with VA.

59. Provide area of GC area?

RESPONSE: Parking lot[s] south of the main building. GC must confirm with VA.

60. Provide clarification if electrical service to GC trailer will be available?

RESPONSE: VA will provide electrical service to GC trailer

61. Elevator floors are per documents to be existing to remain in place. Is this correct? What are the expectations of the existing floors to be upon turnover of each elevator?

RESPONSE: Please carefully read thru the construction documents. Service elevators will receive new flooring. Passenger elevators will have minor repair work.

62. Elevator lobby controls are to be removed and replaced, however the extent of painting of walls is unknown.

What are the parameters of painting of walls to be for each elevator area undergoing alteration? Provide interior elevations of walls for each elevator bank.

RESPONSE: Refer to General Demolition Notes on Sheet A-001.

63. Is this project tax exempt?

RESPONSE: Per FAR 29.303- When purchases are not made by the government itself, but by a prime contractor or by a subcontractor under a prime contract, the right to an exemption of the transaction from a sales or use tax may not rest on the Government’s immunity from direct taxation by states and localities. It may rest instead on provisions of the particular State or Local law involved, or, in some cases, the transaction may not in fact be expressly exempt from the tax. The government’s interest shall be protected by using the procedures in FAR 29.101.

64. Have surfaces been checked for both ACM and lead materials which will require abatement?

RESPONSE: Obtain VA asbestos report.

65. Are there existing “deep” elevator pits which will require a secondary platform? If this is required, provide identification of which elevator and the extent of what is to be installed with details.

RESPONSE: No, pit ladders are existing and are adequate for access.

66. Confirm that there is not Sprinkler work required? Please provide the name and number of the incumbent sprinkler company performing work.

RESPONSE: No work is anticipated for the existing fire sprinkler piping or heads.

67. Work is called out to take place on the existing roof. Provide clarification on the following items:

a. What type of roof is the existing roof system?

b. Is the roof under warranty? Is the warranty within the first 2 years post installation? If so, who is holding the warranty?

c. Is the existing roof construction metal decking / steel structure or concrete?

RESPONSE: Obtain information of existing roof system from VA and field verify.

68. What work is to be considered off hours work?

RESPONSE: Per General Note Q on Sheet A-001, any construction work being performed between 4:30PM to 11:00PM Mon-Fri is considered off hours work. Coordinate with VA about weekend hours. All lobby work such as constructing ICRA barriers in the elevator lobby shall be performed during off hours.

69. What timeframe is to be utilized for each elevator being out of service?

RESPONSE: Two in the same bank at a time. total construction duration: of 64 weeks