RFI response clarifications.pdf

Additional questions received 03/08/2022

RFI Response # 7 and 47 --- States the size of the archway which is 13' - 5" wide and 9' - 10" tall. -- We checked the construction material truck and crane sizes/dimensions and definitely trucks or cranes or cranes cannot pass through this opening. So is there any other route without the archway or contractor has to demolish and then rebuild the archway/structure. Please clarify in detail.

Response 3/8/2022: Contractor to utilize access from “plan north” side off FDR Hospital road, see image clip below. Dismantling of the archway is unacceptable to the VA.

RFI Response no.18 and 24 --- Please clarify if SSHO and QC manager must be part-time or full time on site.

Response 3/8/2022: quality control is required to be a full time person. The super and SSHO can be the same person.

RFI Response no.56 -- Response states the existing roof is scheduled for replacement under another project. -- Please clarify if the new roof work shown on project drawings is part of this project's work.

Response 3/8/2022: The work shown on sheet A-105 is required to be performed under this contract. All roof related work included in this construction drawing package will not be included in the future roof replacement project.

RFI Response no.44 and 96 -- There is discrepancy in both responses as one says new signage furnishing and installation is not contractor's responsibility while response no.96 says Utilise sign counts on

AW001.

Response 3/8/2022: The VA would like the contractor to obtain pricing from the signage vendor but the

GC is not responsible for procuring or installing the signs.

RFI not answered: Room finish schedule on dwg IN601 indicates that all the room walls including the entire exterior perimeter interior wall receives new gypsum board, but there is no mention of any new wall type on the architectural floor plans for the perimeter interior wall of the project area. Can the agency please clarify if the entire perimeter (exterior) interior walls receive any type of new wall furring throughout the project area. This will have a big impact on your bid price.

Response 3/8/2022: New gypsum is required at specific perimeter walls, not the entire scope of work area. Contractor to reference Architectural plans A-102A, A-102B, A-102C, A-102D for wall type tags that identify required furring locations.

1. Related to RFI #18-19,24,83-86 (page 5,6,23 of 25): The VA typically accepts the site super as fulfilling both the site safety and QC roles. Does the VA really need to pay for a dedicated three-person team to be on site for the full duration of this project? These responses direct bidders to plan for a general super, site safety super, and QC super from mobilization through completion which triples the onsite supervision costs.

a. Response 3/8/2022: quality control is required to be a full time person. The super and SSHO can be the same person.

2. Related to RFI #26 (page 7 of 25): The standard language in this paragraph typically reads, “The [VA] will engage the CxA under a separate contract.” As it can create a perceived conflict of interest for 3rd parties to be hired by the contractor whose work is to be reviewed, it is considered best practice for Commissioning Agents (CxA) to be hired directly by the customer (the VA). Similar comment applies to any 3rd party testing or air monitoring.

a. Response 3/8/2022: The CxA for the government has been hired for the government. A contractor provided commissioning manager is required to ensure the contractor can meet their role in the commissioning process.

3. Related to RFI #33 (page 11 of 25): Does the VA really expect a Commissioning (Cx) plan required upfront as part of each bidder’s initial bid package? Will the absence of this plan disqualify the apparent low bidder?

a. Response: A commissioning plan is not required to be submitted with bid. The response from the previous amendment should be considered void..

4. Related to RFI #34 (page 12 of 25): What expectations are in place regarding formal LEED certification? While the Federal government often includes sustainability considerations, we have not seen projects require formal participation in the LEED program.

a. Response 3/8/2022: Contractor is not responsible for obtaining LEED certification for this project, all LEED information requested in documentation is for the VA use and is being utilized as a baseline for sustainability goals.