Pre-Bid RFIs Abatement.docx

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Buffalo VA Medical Center REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

PROJECT NAME: Building 6 Asbestos Abatement Project Number: 528-21-135

ASBESTOS QUESTIONS

Q Will an attached decon be required for this project or will the VA allow the use of a remote decon.

A) Yes, an attached decon will be required.

Q Will fire rated wood be required for the decon and any temporary barriers?

A) Due to occupancy classifications Room 1-52 and 1-52-2 require fire rated wood. Rooms 6-54 and 6-64 do not require fire rated wood.

Q Are we allowed to use chemical remover for the mastic, or will the VA require mechanical methods?

A) This is a method and means question. Please refer to spec Asbestos Floor and Mastic Abatement 02 82 11 – 3.3.C Removal of Mastic.

If chemical remover is used, a gel is preferred.

Q Will the VA require a certified CIH to sign off on the asbestos abatement work plan before it is submitted to the VA for final review?

A) Yes, according to specification 02 82 11 “Traditional Asbestos Abatement” section 2.4.A.C, the abatement plan is to be signed by a CPIH/CIH.

Q Is the fire proofing on the entire deck or just on the beams?

A) Room 1-52: Does not contain fireproofing on the deck or beams.

A) Room 1-52-2: Does not contain fireproofing on the deck or beams.

A) Room 6-54: The deck does contain fireproofing on deck and beams and it is to remain.

A) Room 6-64: The deck does contain fireproofing on deck and beams and it is to be abated.

Q If the fire proofing is negative for asbestos, would you still want it removed?

A) If the fire proofing is negative, it shall remain.

Q Have the fire proofing and the plaster ceilings in rooms 52-2 and 6-64 been tested for asbestos or are we to assume they contain asbestos?

A) Room 1-52 does not have fireproofing.

A) Room 1-52-2 does not have fireproofing.

A) Room 6-54 the ceiling does have fireproofing that is negative. Fireproofing shall remain.

A) Room 6-64 contains asbestos fireproofing and it shall be abated

Q Please provide a copy of the asbestos survey showing the percent of asbestos in the various materials. It would be much less expensive if the fire proofing and plaster ceilings are not asbestos containing and could be removed under normal demolition conditions.

A) Please see attached reports.

Q What are the negative air requirements?

A) Please reference 02 82 11 Traditional Asbestos Abatement specification section 3.1 Regulated Area Preparation, part C.1 - Negative Pressure Filtration System.

Q Are there enclosures that may need to be constructed and the load out path.

A) Please refer to 02 82 11 Traditional Asbestos Abatement specification section 3.4 Disposal of ACM Waste Materials.

ELECTRICAL QUESTIONS

Q The scope of work states: “Buffalo VAMC Engineering personal will be responsible for any additional construction”. Does this include lockout/tagout for the asbestos abatement area and the installation of temporary electrical panel?

A) Yes, both LOTO and temporary panel will be supplied.

Q We will need several outlets for our negative air machines and HEPA vacs, we would use GFCI adapters at the outlet, or will the VA allow us to plug into their service panel?

A) GFCI adapters are supplied with temporary panel

Q We would need a 50-amp single phase 220 double pull breaker. Is there a service panel within the vicinity of the work we could install our GFIC into?

A) VAMC does not have 220V available, only 208V.

Q Please confirm the VA will move the equipment in the IT room as necessary for us to abate under the rack and the electricians will make the power safe in any walls or ceilings we need to remove.

A) Yes, VA will take care of making power safe and moving IT closet equipment.

Q Is there available power?

A) Yes, a temporary panel will be provided with 208V and a GFCI.

SITE CONDITONS QUESTIONS

Q Will the VA be providing water hook ups for the decon and abatement area or does the contractor need to hire a plumber?

A) Yes, VA will provide water hookups.

Q Please provide a scale drawing showing the areas and the walls to be removed along with the structural beams that have fire proofing on them to be removed.

A) Please see attached drawings. Room 6-64 contains fireproofing to be abated.

Q Are the walls in room 52-2 and 6-64 poured concrete or masonry block?

A) The walls in 1-52-2 look to be CMU walls and not poured concrete.

Q Please clarify working hours.

A) All demolition can take place during normal business hours (0700-1530). Waste out will be after 1530 when the loading dock closes to normal traffic.