36C24222B0018 Project RFI Questions and Answers.docx

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS – FEBRUARY 2, 2022 – 36C24222B0018

Question #01:

Comment: Please confirm Elevator and Roof Replacement Project is Tax Exempt? Response: The solicitation requires all taxes to be included in the bid. The contractor is responsible for payment of all taxes and the government will not provide a tax exemption certificate or any other information resulting in a tax exemption. If the contractor seeks and receives a tax exemption after award of contract for any materials or supplies purchased by the contractor to perform any work required under the contract, any such tax savings must be returned to the government.

Question #02:

Comment: Specification Section 01 00 00 Para 1.3 has three separate line Items whereas Bid Pricing Sheet has only one line Item, Please Clarify?

Response: Please provide pricing in accordance with the bid pricing sheet to include a separate item for guarantee period services.

Question #03:

Comment: Please provide liquidated damages per day.

Response: There are no liquated damages incorporated into this project.

Question #04:

Comment: Please advise if sidewalk shed is required around the perimeter of Building 15H. Response: Sidewalk shed is required to be installed by contractor in areas where work is being performed overhead in particular craning and materials are being raised or lowered.

Question #05:

Comment: Specification section 01 00 00 Para 1.6 G Phasing Requirement has two phases with the same scope. Please confirm these two phases are for both Building 15H and 21? Additionally, please advise if work can be performed simultaneously at both buildings?

Response: In Specification section 01 00 00 Paragraph 1.6 G Phasing the following clarification is provided: Phase I is one elevator in building 15H and one in 21, Phase II is after the modernization of one elevator in each building is complete, commissioned and accepted, the remaining elevator in 15H and 21 can then be modernized. Roofing work ca be accomplished in either phase or both phases. Phasing is copied below from the specifications for reference.

Phase I (Roof Work and Elevator Modernization):

1. Roofing work can be accomplished in concurrently with Elevator Modernization. Commission roofing work as required.

2. Install temporary barrier for one elevator each in building 15H and

21. Elevator to be modernized as determined by COR. One elevator in each building to remain accessible and operational at all times.

3. Modernize one elevator in each building concurrently.

4. Commission elevators and obtain final acceptance.

5. Remove temporary barriers.

Phase II:

1. Roofing work can be accomplished in concurrently with Elevator Modernization. Commission roofing work as required.

2. Install temporary barrier for the remaining elevator to be modernized in each building 15H and 21. One elevator in each building to remain accessible and operational at all times.

3. Modernize elevator in each building concurrently.

4. Commission elevators and obtain final acceptance.

5. Remove temporary barriers.

6. Provide close out documents.

Question #06:

Comment: Specification section 01 00 00 Para 1.2 states “Perform work for Building 16 MRI

Replacement” Please clarify on Building 16 MRI.

Response: In Specification section 01 00 00 Para 1.2: DELETE: “Building 16 MRI Replacement”. INSERT “ROOF and ELEVATOR REPLACEMENT (MODERNIZATION) BUILDINGS 15H & 21”. No work is required in building 16.

Question #07:

Comment: What are the ‘Normal Working Hours’ on this Project?

Response: Contractor will be responsible to coordinate and schedule work and shall be expected to plan work typically during duty hours of 8 AM to 4:30 PM eastern time except as noted in the general conditions and as approved by the CO.

Question #08:

Comment: Please advise if weekend work and/or night work is required for this project. Response: Yes, See notes on GI-002 for additional information. All requests for work outside normal working hours shall be submitted to the COR and CO no later than two (2) weeks prior to the requested workdays.

Question #09:

Comment: Please confirm the Building Risk Class according to ICRA? Response: Areas of work are IRCA Class III.

Question #10:

Comment: Please confirm if CQC Manager can perform the duties of SSHO for this Project? Response: The Superintendent can act and should be your site safety officer and CQC is the (CQC) Construction Quality Control and the Superintendent should be responsible for this.

Question #11:

Comment: Please advise on responsibility of air monitoring and sampling during ACM Removal work?

Response: The contractor shall be responsible for collecting air samples required by the specification. The VA shall also provide a VPIH who will also provide air sampling.

Question #12:

Comment: Please provide quantity of Lead Abatement for bidding purpose. Response:

A. Lead paint (LP) has been identified on the wood exhaust fan trim, concrete ceiling and wall masonry of the Building 21 Elevator Machine Room. This paint will be disturbed by the Building 21 Elevator Replacement project. The lead painted materials will be demolished and/or disturbed to allow for the Building 21A Elevator replacement project. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) consider any concentration of lead in paint to be LP. For construction purposes on this project, all painted surfaces shall be considered LP. The purpose of this project is to perform the Building 21A Elevator replacement project by keeping the airborne concentrations of the lead below the OSHA action limit of 30 micrograms per cubic meter. Dust control measures are required under the general requirements section of the specification.

B. The general contractor shall coordinate his work with the U.S. E.P.A. licensed LP contractor if they are not one in the same. The contractor must comply with OSHA Code of Federal Regulation 29 CFR 1926.62 for any work involving the lead paint. The contractor shall perform work impacted by the Building 21A Elevator replacement project wet to reduce dust levels so that the exposure to his workers is below the OSHA action limit of 30 micrograms per cubic meter. This shall be accomplished by means of a negative exposure assessment (NEA). NEA testing will be performed for the entire work shift (eight (8) hours) to determine workers time weighted average (TWA) during LP activities during the Building 21A Elevator replacement work of the:

1. Ceiling, wall, and exhaust fan trim disturbance;

C. One (1) 8-hour day shall be dedicated to the tasks listed above for a total of one (1) day of testing. Lead painted surfaces that will be disturbed during this project shall be sealed with lead barrier compound following abatement activities. Demolition operations, during the tasks listed above, can be performed by the general contractor following receipt of the NEA tests for the ceiling, wall and exhaust fan trim demolition if the results are less than 30 micrograms per cubic meter. Demolition work will not continue until the contractor can demonstrate that exposure to his workers is below 30 micrograms per cubic meter for each task unless each task is continuously performed by U.S.E.P.A. certified LP workers. Laboratory results of the negative exposure assessment shall be provided to the contractor within 24 hours following sample collection.

D. The contractor shall collect demolished building components for

Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure testing to determine if the building components can be disposed of as construction debris or hazardous waste. The contractor shall dispose of the painted building components legally and provide a manifest demonstrating proper disposal to the VAMC Engineer in charge. Painted metal building components that are to be recycled (structural steel, angle iron, metal running rails, etc.) shall be sent to a recycler who is permitted to receive and process lead painted components. The Contractor will provide the VAMC Engineer in charge a waste manifest from the hauler and landfill that the waste materials were disposed in accordance with 40 CFR 261. A waste hauler permitted under the requirements of the NYSDEC Part 364 and 372 must transport the waste materials. VAMC will not dispose of the paint or painted building components.

E. Following the Building 21A Elevator replacement project, wipe samples will be collected from the inside of the elevator machine room where work was performed. Wipe samples will be collected for clearance purposes by the VAMC designated certified industrial hygienist (CIH) following a successful visual inspection. VAMC will provide the CIH for clearance wipe sampling and OSHA personal air sampling.

F. The LP contractor must be currently certified as a LBP abatement contractor by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and employ USEPA certified LBP abatement workers. The contractor shall comply with Federal Regulations 29 CFR 1926.62 and 40 CFR Part 745 for any work involving LP in addition to any other applicable federal, state or local regulations.

Question #13:

Comment: Please provide Environmental/ Hazardous Survey Report? Response: Please see attachment.

Question #14:

Comment: Please advise if there are requirements for Fire Watch on this Project?

Response: Contractor shall provide Fire Watch were required per the contract documents when life safety systems (Fire sprinkler or alarm) are disabled and also during any welding or hot work. Further requirements may be required per the contract documents.

Question #15:

Comment: Please confirm Laboratory Services are required for Hazardous Material Testing. If so, please advise who is responsible for this cost?

Response: The contractor is responsible for the safe and legal disposal of all waste generated on this project. Therefore, any and all materials that require hazardous materials testing will be the sole responsibility of the contractor.

Question #16:

Comment: Specification Section 01 45 29 Para 3.10 Provides Test type and quantities, please confirm these tests and quantities are sufficient for this project and can be used for bidding purpose?

Response: The test types and quantities can be used for bidding purposes.

Question #17:

Comment: Please confirm an Independent Third Party for Special Inspection is not the responsibility of Contractor.

Response: Contractor shall be required to retain the services of third-party professional for special inspections.

Question #18:

Comment: Please confirm registered design Professional for special Inspection / Design of Record is the Government responsibility?

Response: Contractor shall be required to retain the services of third-party professional for special inspections.

Question #19:

Comment: Please confirm Special Inspector will be hired by the Government with no additional cost to Contractor.

Response: Contractor shall be required to retain the services of third-party agency for special inspections.

Question #20:

Comment: Please provide VCT 1 and VCT 2 Finish Schedule.

Response: For bidding purposes VCT 1 and VCT 2 shall be LVT tile, Mohawk Group Select Step Stone 18”x18”. Color and Style from Manufacturers Standard range of colors and patterns as approved by VA. Contractor to provide samples.

Question #21:

Comment: Please advise on drainage/shutdown System for wet pipe Sprinkler System. Quantity and location of shut off valves to the system would be helpful.

Response: Contractor shall field verify locations. We do not have specific location of isolation valving.

Question #22:

Comment: Please advise who is the current Fire Alarm Vendor?

Response: Current fire alarm maintenance vendor is SIRINA protection system corp.

Question #23:

Comment: Please confirm Specification section 13 05 41 is applicable for this project and advise who is responsible for the design of Seismic Restraint requirements for Non-Structural Components.

Response: Contractor shall be required to retain the services of seismic restraint.

Question #24:

Comment: Drawing AS105- Renovation keyed note 38 is missing from Building 15th Elevator Renovation Schedule, please advise.

Response: Delete circle note #38 on 3/AS-105.

Question #25:

Comment: Drawing AS107- Renovation keyed note 14 is missing from Building 21 Elevator Renovation Schedule, please advise.

Response: Delete circle note #14 on 3/AS-107.

Question #26:

Comment: As per contract to match existing, please provide sidewall sprinkler head type and drain valve type. Please advise on manufacturer information for the existing wet pipe fire sprinkler system.

Response: Contractor shall field verify the specific sprinkler type in field.

Question #27:

Comment: Please confirm wet pipe fire sprinkler system branch pipe sizes. The pipe sizes are not provided and specifications state that the wet pipe sprinkler system will be designed by NYS licensed Fire Protection Engineer. Please advise if contractor is responsible to design wet pipe sprinkler system.

Response: Contractor shall field verify the specific size sprinkler piping and locations as required for the constrictors retained NYS Licensed Fire Protection Engineer to provide all shop drawings and calculations for alterations and additions of the fire sprinkler system. The contractor is responsible for all costs associated with design and installation.

Question #28:

Comment: Please confirm the existing mechanical piping size and type for Building 21 Basement floor Plan (DrawingMH-101/1) Response: The pipe sizes should be no larger than 3”. Contractor shall field verify.

Question #29:

Comment: Please advise and provide existing company information who performs work or maintenance for Roofing at Facility.

Response: The VA has no contractor to maintain roofing at the facility. VA uses the VA shops for roof maintenance.

Question #30:

Comment: Please advise and provide existing company information who performs work or maintenance for Elevators at Facility.

Response: Currently the VA has no contractor, but the last contractor was QSI, elevator sub was Schneider.

Question #31:

Comment: Sheet AS 101 detail 2 states “existing guard rail to be removed, cleaned and re- installed”, also states “ NEW 1 ½” Alu railing around entire roof “ Which is correct?

Response: On 2/AS-101 there are lightly colored existing Ballasted Guard rails on the top of elevator shaft that are to be removed, cleaned and re-installed. There are also dark lines shown around the perimeter of the Lobby Roof that are the NEW 1-1/2 diameter aluminum railing that are new to be installed on the parapet wall. Both notes are correct.

For additional clarity: On 1/AS-101 there is new railing to be installed around the entire roof as shown. There are also additional Non-Penetrating roof protection shown on the lower roof.

Question #32:

Comment: Please advise if this is a phasing requirement for this project? Or can all the work in both the buildings can be performed simultaneously.

Response: In Specification section 01 00 00 Para 1.6 G Phasing the following clarification is provided: Phase I is one elevator in building 15H and one in 21, Phase II is after the modernization of one elevator in each building is complete, commissioned and accepted, the remaining elevator in 15H and 21 can then be modernized. Roofing work can be accomplished in either phase or both phases. Phasing is copied below from the specifications for reference.

Phase I (Roof Work and Elevator Modernization):

6. Roofing work can be accomplished in concurrently with Elevator Modernization. Commission roofing work as required.

7. Install temporary barrier for one elevator each in building 15H and

21. Elevator to be modernized as determined by COR. One elevator in each building to remain accessible and operational at all times.

8. Modernize one elevator in each building concurrently.

9. Commission elevators and obtain final acceptance.

10. Remove temporary barriers.

Phase II:

7. Roofing work can be accomplished in concurrently with Elevator Modernization. Commission roofing work as required.

8. Install temporary barrier for the remaining elevator to be modernized in each building 15H and 21. One elevator in each building to remain accessible and operational at all times.

9. Modernize elevator in each building concurrently.

10. Commission elevators and obtain final acceptance.

11. Remove temporary barriers.

12. Provide close out documents.

Question #33:

Comment: Please inform the name of the current elevator maintenance contractor for buildings 15H and21A.

Response: See responses above.

Question #34:

Comment: So that government can get competitive bid prices, requesting agency to allow one more site visit so that we can bring our subs, especially elevators sub-contractors to provide us multiple elevator quotes.

Response: No additional site visits shall be authorized.

Question #35:

Comment: Is VA looking for any specific elevator sub-contractor/manufacturer for the elevator work? If yes then please inform the name.

Response: This project is not sole source. The contractor shall be responsible for providing an elevator which meets the bid documents.

Question #36:

Comment: Requesting agency to extend the bid date at least by two more weeks as because of covid sub-contractors and supply houses are short of staff.

Response: Bid due dates will not be extended at this time.

Question #37:

Comment: As material prices are increasing every day, does contract has an escalation clause to pay contractor the difference in material cost.

Response: Escalation is material cost shall be handled on a case-by-case basis.

Question #38:

Comment: Spec section 01 45 35 states a registered design professional must perform structural observations during construction. Please advise if contractor must hire a third-party professional? If yes, will it be for full time of part time? If part time, then once a month is sufficient? Please clarify in detail as this will have impact on our bid price.

Response: Contractor shall be required to retain the services of third-party professional for special inspections.

Question #39:

Comment: Spec section 01 45 00 has extensive requirements for quality control personnel especially para 3.4. Please clarify if contractor has to hire a separate individual to perform the duties of this QC manager or contractors site superintendent can perform these duties simultaneously. Also, if incase a separate individual is required as QC manager then it will be for full-time of part-time, one a month or once a week visit will be sufficient. Please clarify in detail as this will have impact of our bid price.

Response: Section 01 45 00 Quality Control cannot be summarized in the RFI answers. Section 01 45 00 Quality control remains as part of the contract documents.

Question #40:

Comment: Spec section 02 83 33.13 is for lead paint removal. – Please clarify if this is lead paint abatement work or just safe lead practices are to be followed while removing the existing paint. Please specify in detail as there is a big difference in cost. Also please provide quantities of all the lead paint to be removed.

Response: The LP contractor must be currently certified as an LBP abatement contractor by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and employ USEPA certified LBP abatement workers. Lead Renovator Repair and Painting (RRP) certification and licensing does not meet the specification requirements.

Question #41:

Comment: Please advise if contractor must hire third party for air monitoring for the asbestos and lead work. Specs has conflicting wordings.

Response: The contractor shall be responsible for collecting air samples required by the specification. The VA shall also provide a VPIH and CIH who will also provide air sampling.

Question #42:

Comment: Drawing GI-002 indicates temporary fence work as staging area only. Please confirm temporary fencing is not required around the project area/buildings 15H and 21A. Response: Temporary fencing and other protection is required as per the contractor’s safety plan as approved by the COR to protect the occupants of the facility. Sidewalk sheds are required to be installed by contractor in areas where work is being performed overhead in particular craning and materials are being raised or lowered.

Question #43:

Comment: Please confirm the existing roof concrete deck does not require any repairs, if yes then a unit price should be included in the bid form.

Response: Substantial roof deck repairs are not anticipated at this time.

Question #44:

Comment: Please advise of any fall protection requirements during the roofing work. If required, then please provide a detailed drawing.

Response: Temporary fall protection and other protection is required as per OSHA, state laws and the contractor’s safety plan as approved by the COR to protect the contractor’s personnel and occupants of the facility.

Question #45:

Comment: There are various spec sections for plumbing work in division 22, but there are no drawings showing this plumbing work, especially the facility storm drainage work and pump work. Please provide detailed plumbing drawings showing all the work specified in spec sections. Response: This project is bid for all trades and the specifications apply as required to the work shown on the drawings and described in the specifications. There is plumbing work shown on the AS and MH series drawings and in various specification sections.

Question #46:

Comment: Is there any DDC controls work required for the HVAC/mechanical work? If yes, then please provide the contact of DDC control vendor of the facility or for bldgs. 15H and 21A.

Response: Yes, there is DDC/BMS work as part of this project. The current system is supported by Johnson Controls or other equal providers.

Question #47:

Comment: Please provide the contact details of fire alarm vendor/maintenance contractor of the facility or bldgs. 15H and 21A.

Response: Current fire alarm maintenance vendor is SIRINA protection system corp.

Question #48:

Comment: Please provide an elevation drawing of bldgs. 15H and 21A for pricing of roof work. Response: 21A: See attached original design drawings for building with elevations.

15H: Elevation of the building are not available of the building. Buildings can be viewed on Google Earth or equal.

Question #49:

Comment: There is spec section for Earthwork and Dewatering. Please provide a detailed drawing showing this work. Also provide a soil boring report for the work of dewatering. Response: 21A: See attached original design drawings for soil borings. Contractor to supply shop drawing for dewatering work.

15H: Elevation of the building are not available of the building. Contractor to supply shop drawing for dewatering work.

Question #50:

Comment: Please specify what is the average thickness of new roof insulation for bldg. 15 roof. Response: Roof insulation shall be average of R-30. See Details 1&2/AS-102 for additional requirements.

Question #51:

Comment: Drawing indicates existing roof drains to removed, cleaned and reinstalled. Please confirm this is correct. Also is a licensed plumber required to reinstall existing roof drains?

Response: Yes, and repainted. I would think that the roofing contractor would do the work. See details 2/AS-102.

Additional information: Please see AS-101 and 7/AS-102 for required scupper installations.

Question #52:

Comment: Is this a tax-exempt project? Response: See responses above.

Question #53:

Comment: If tax-exempt, will the government be providing a tax-exempt certificate to the Prime Contractor for use by subcontractors and vendors?

Response: Tax-exempt certificates shall not be provided. The contract acts as a certificate if needed.

Question #54:

Comment: Can the Superintendent be shared across multiple projects or should they be dedicated full-time to this project and this project only?

Response: There shall be a dedicated full-time superintendent specific to this project.

Question #55:

Comment: Can the Superintendent fulfil multiple roles? Response: Yes, see above.

Question #56:

Comment: If so, can they also fulfil the Quality Control role? Response: Yes, see above.

Question #57:

Comment: What about the SSHO role? Response: Yes, see above.

Question #58:

Comment: Will the VA provide a spot for the Prime Contractor employee(s) to set up an office or should contractors include money for a temp office, utilities, etc.? We ask this because we know the VA has very little spare real estate.

Response: It is the contractor’s responsibility to provide a temp office for their employees if needed and will coordinate with COR to try and find a location for this temp office. Depending on space availability around the 2 construction sites (buildings), the temp office could or could not be located near the construction site.

Question #59:

Comment: Does the VA anticipate this project will require off hours work? Response: See responses above.

Question #60:

Comment: If so, what trades or scopes will be required to perform off hours work? Response: See responses above.

Question #61:

Comment: Will the VA allow for an additional site visit due to the fact of the inclement weather on the day of the visit? I realize that the Solicitation clearly states that there will be no other site visits, however, under the circumstances we respectfully ask that you consider our request.

Response: No other site visits will be authorized.

Question #62:

Comment: Sheet AS-101 Building 15H Roof Replacement Plan, Phasing Note: Building 15 roof to be complete within 90 days of notice to proceed in order to not conflict with renovations by other separate contracts. This will be impossible due to roofing material lead times. Please confirm this note does not apply:

Response: This note still applies. There is future rooftop mechanical equipment going on the 15H roof and all roof work need to be done prior. Contractor shall coordinate with COR on all roofing activities and timelines.

Question #63:

Comment: Sheet AS-105 Building 15H Elevator Plans, Elevator Renovation Schedule Keynote 28 Temp. Partition. This calls for a 2HR partition at each floor, no wall detail proved to indicate how to achieve this. Temp wall to deck above? Temp. shaft wall ceiling over each area?

Response: Contractor shall provide shop drawings for review and approval.