36C24223B0013_1.docx

36C24223B0013

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER

2. TYPE OF SOLICITATION

3. DATE ISSUED

PAGE OF PAGES

4. CONTRACT NUMBER

5. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUEST NUMBER

6. PROJECT NUMBER

7. ISSUED BY

CODE

8. ADDRESS OFFER TO

a. NAME

b. TELEPHONE NUMBER (Include area code) (NO COLLECT CALLS)

10. THE GOVERNMENT REQUIRES PERFORMANCE OF THE WORK DESCRIBED IN THESE DOCUMENTS (Title, identifying number, date) 12a. THE CONTRACTOR MUST FURNISH ANY REQUIRED PERFORMANCE AND PAYMENT BONDS?

(If "YES," indicate within how many calendar days after award in Item 12B.)

12b. CALENDAR DAYS

13. ADDITIONAL SOLICITATION REQUIREMENTS:

STANDARD FORM 1442 (REV. 8/2014)

STANDARD FORM 1442

Prescribed by GSA-FAR (48 CFR) 52.236-1(d)

SOLICITATION, OFFER,

AND AWARD

(Construction, Alteration, or Repair)

SOLICITATION

SOLICITATION

IMPORTANT - The "offer" section on the reverse must be fully completed by offeror.

9. FOR INFORMATION

CALL:

NOTE: In sealed bid solicitations "offer" and "offeror" mean "bid" and "bidder".

SEALED BID (IFB)

NEGOTIATED (RFP)

11. The Contractor shall begin performance within ____________ calendar days and complete it within calendar days after receiving award, notice to proceed. This performance period is mandatory negotiable. (See _____________________________).

YES

NO

a.

Sealed offers in original and ___________________copies to perform the work required are due at the place specified in Item 8 by _____________ (hour) local time _____________________ (date). If this is a sealed bid solicitation, offers must be publicly opened at that time. Sealed envelopes containing offers shall be marked to show the offeror's name and address, the solicitation number, the date and time offers are due.

b.

An offer guarantee is, is not required.

c.

All offers are subject to the (1) work requirements, and (2) other provisions and clauses incorporated in the solicitation in full text or by reference.

d.

Offers providing less than _______________________ calendar days for Government acceptance after the date offers are due will not be considered and will be rejected.

36C24223B0013 X 03- -2023 561-23-1-5976-0001 561-18-155 36C242 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 2 James J. Peters VA Medical Center 130 West Kingsbridge Road Bronx NY 10468-3904 Mitchelle Labady James J. Peters VA Medical Center Network Contracting Office 2 (10N2NCO) 130 West Kingsbridge Road Bronx NY 10468-3904 Labady, Mitchelle Mitchelle.Labady@va.gov

This project is to furnish all necessary professional construction services to consolidate Diagnostic Cancer Center in accordance with the project drawings and specifications for the VA NJ Health Care System, East Orange, NJ.

The Contractor shall furnish all materials, supplies, equipment, personnel and supervision to accomplish project number 561-18-155 Consolidate Diagnostic Cancer Center in accordance with the statement of work, specifications, and drawings Completion Time is 540 calendar days from the notice-to-proceed date.

Contractor will be responsible to coordinate and schedule work to minimize to short duration and shall be expected to plan work typically during duty hours of 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Eastern Standard Time except as noted in the general conditions and as approved by the CO. Work shall comply with VA Specifications and regulations, all applicable Federal, State and Local codes, including specific regulations related to working at the VA East Orange Campus.

This is a 100% Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB) set-aside procurement. All prospective bidders must be registered in SAM ( www.sam.gov and are verified/visible/certified in S BA VetCert h ttps://veterans.certify.sba.gov ) at the time of offer submission and before award of this procurement. Offerors must submit their annual Vets4212 Report.

Magnitude of Construction is between $5,000,000 and $10,000,000 IAW VAAR 836.204.

The North American Industry Classification System Code (NAICS) is 236220 and Business Size is $39.5 Million.

All bidders are required to sign VAAR 852.219-7 VA Notice of Limitations in Subcontracting Compliance and FAR 52.225-2 Buy America Certificates and submit with their bid (see the pages 3 8-39 and 51-53

A prebid site visit is scheduled for March

, 202 at 10:00 AM EST. Prospective bidders shall meet in the Engineering Department Bldg. 5a at VAMC East Orange Campus. Refer to page for Pre-Bid Site Visit Instructions.

NOTE: NO OTHER SITE VISITS WILL BE ALLOWED. INTERESTED BIDDERS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND.

To preserve the integrity of the procurement process, all prebid questions and request for information must be submitted in writing to Mitchelle Labady, Contracting Officer via email at mitchelle.labady@va.gov Questions must be received no later than March

, 202 by

:00PM EST.

Refer to page for Virtual Bid Opening Instruction.

IAW FAR 36.209, No contract for the construction of a project shall be awarded to the firm that designed the project or its subsidiaries or affiliates, except with the approval of the head of the agency or authorized representative.

NOTE: CONTRACTORS MUST ACKNOWLEDGE ALL SOLICIATION AMENDMENTS.

X X 52.211-10 X

10:45 AM

EDT

04- -2023 X

14. NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

15. TELEPHONE NUMBER

16. REMITTANCE ADDRESS

CODE

FACILITY CODE

17. The offeror agrees to perform the work required at the prices specified below in strict accordance with the terms of the solicitation, if this offer is accepted by the Government in writing within __________ calendar days after the date offers are due.

AMOUNTS

18. The offeror agrees to furnish any required performance and payment bonds.

19. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS

AMENDMENT

NUMBER

DATE.

20a. NAME AND TITLE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN OFFER 20b. SIGNATURE 20c. OFFER DATE

21. ITEMS ACCEPTED:

22. AMOUNT

23. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

24. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN

ITEM

25. OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION PURSUANT TO

10 U.S.C. 2304(c)( 41 U.S.C. 3304(a) (

26. ADMINISTERED BY

27. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

PHONE:

FAX:

28. NEGOTIATED AGREEMENT

29. AWARD

Your Contractor agrees offer on this solicitation is hereby accepted as to the items listed. This to furnish and deliver all items or perform all work requirements identified award consummates the contract, which consists of (a) the Government on this form and any continuation sheets for the consideration stated in solicitation and your offer, and (b) this contract award. No further cont-this contract. The rights and obligations of the parties to this contract ractual document is necessary.

shall be governed by (a) this contract award, (b) the solicitation, and (c) the clauses, representations, certifications, and specifications incorporated by reference in or attached to this contract.

30a. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTOR OR PERSON AUTHORIZED 31a. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

TO SIGN

30b. SIGNATURE 30c. DATE 31b. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 31c. AWARD DATE

BY

OFFER

AWARD

STANDARD FORM 1442 (REV. 8/2014) BACK

(Include ZIP Code) (Include area code) (Include only if different than Item 14.)

(Insert any number equal to or greater than the minimum requirement stated in Item 13d. Failure to insert any number means the offeror accepts the minimum in Item 13d.)

(The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the solicitation -- give number and date of each) (Type or print) (4 copies unless otherwise specified) (Type or print) (Type or print) (Contractor is required to sign this document and return _______ copies to issuing office.)

(Contractor is not required to sign this document.)

(Must be fully completed by offeror) (To be completed by Government)

CONTRACTING OFFICER WILL COMPLETE ITEM 28 OR 29 AS APPLICABLE

Bid Item #1_________________________________________________ 36C243 Department of Veterans Affairs James J. Peters VA Medical Center Network Contracting Office 2 (10N2NCO) 130 West Kingsbridge Road Bronx NY 10468-3904 Tungsten Network http://www.tungsten-network.com/us/en /veterans-affairs

Mitchelle Labady Contracting Officer

Table of Contents

INFORMATION REGARDING BIDDING MATERIAL, BID GUARANTEE AND BONDS

(a) Bidding materials consisting of Invitation for Bids, drawings, specifications and contract forms will be available on https://sam.gov in electronic format only by searching for solicitation number 36C24222B0006_1. All interested parties (subs & primes) should register at https://sam.gov as an “Interested Vendor” so that others will know of our interest in participating in this procurement. A Bidder’s mailing list WILL NOT BE prepared by the Contract Specialist. SOLICITATION AMENDMENTS: Amendments to the solicitation will be posted at https://sam.gov. Paper copies of the amendments will NOT be individually mailed. By registering to “Receive Notification”, you will be notified by e-mail of any new amendments that have been issued and posted. No other notification of amendments will be provided. Bidders are reminded that they are responsible for obtaining and acknowledging all amendments to this solicitation prior to the time for receipt of bids.

(b) If bid exceeds $150,000 a bid bond must be submitted. A bid guarantee is required in an amount not less than 20 percent of the bid price but shall not exceed $3,000,000. Failure to furnish the required bid guarantee in the proper form and amount, by the time set for opening of bids, will require rejection of the bid in all cases except those listed in FAR 28.101-4, and may be cause for rejection even then.

(c) If the contract will exceed $150,000 (see FAR 28.102-1 for lesser amount), the bidder to whom award is made will be required to furnish two bonds, a Payment Bond, SF 25A, and a Performance Bond, SF 25, each in the penal sum as noted in the General Conditions of the Specification. Copies of SFs 25 and 25A may be obtained upon application to the issuing office.

(d) If the bid is between $30,000 - $150,000. The bidder to whom award is made will be required to furnish a Payment Bond, Standard Form 25A or alternative payment protection which conforms to the requirements set forth in FAR Clause 52.228-13, Alternative Payment Protections, as noted in the General Conditions of this Specification. Copies of the Standard Form of Payment Bond may be obtained upon application to the Issuing Office.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK: GENERAL CONSTRUCTION: The contractor will furnish all materials, equipment, supervision, and personnel necessary to accomplish the work as described in the contract documents for project number 561-18-155 Consolidate Diagnostic Cancer Center at the VA East Orange Campus.

Cost Range: Between $5,000,000 and $10,000,000 per VAAR 836.204.

PRE-BID SITE VISIT INSTRUCTIONS

Project 561-18-155 Consolidate Diagnostic Cancer Center

A pre-bid site visit is scheduled for Friday March 24, 2023 at 10:00 AM EST. Prospective bidders shall meet at the VA East Orange Campus Bldg. 5A engineering conference room.

NOTE: NO OTHER SITE VISITS WILL BE ALLOWED. INTERESTED BIDDERS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND.

Questions / Request for Information - To preserve the integrity of the procurement process, all questions and request for information must be submitted in writing to Mitchelle Labady, Contracting Officer, by email at mitchelle.labady@va.gov. EMAIL SUBJECT LINE: RFI Project No. 561-18-155 Consolidate Diagnostic Cancer Center Questions must be received no later than March 31, 2023 by 12:00PM EST.

Virtual Bid Opening Instruction In accordance with FAR 14.202-8, the government is authorizing electronic bids on this solicitation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ALL bids shall be emailed to Mitchelle Labady, Contracting Officer, via email at mitchelle.labady@va.gov prior to the bid opening time, but no later than 10:30 AM EST the afternoon of bid opening. EMAIL SUBJECT LINE: Solicitation 36C24223B0013 – COMPANY NAME. The bids shall include copies of a bid bond. The bid opening shall take place on April 28, 2023 at 11:00 AM EST. No hand-carried or mailed bids will be accepted. Please email your bids earlier to avoid delays for bids to get through VA security networks. It is the responsibility of the prospective bidder to ensure timely delivery of a complete package.

The bid opening will take place on Webex conference call and details will be sent via a solicitation amendment.

BID PRICING SHEET

IFB No.: 36C24223B0013 Project # 561-18-155 Consolidate Diagnostic Cancer Center

Bids providing less that 120 Calendar Days of Government Acceptance after the date bids are due will not be considered and will be rejected.

The bidder agrees to perform the work required at the prices specified below in strict accordance with the terms of the solicitation, if this bid is accepted by the Government in writing within 120 calendar days after the date bidders are due.

BASE BID

A. ITEM I, SINGLE PRIME BID: Work includes general construction, alterations, architectural structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection construction and certain other items as indicated in the drawings and specifications.

The Contract period of performance for Base Bid construction shall be 540 calendar days from Notice to Proceed (NTP) which includes 30 days for contractor closeout.

Base Bid $ ___________________________

BID DEDUCT ALTERNATE

B. Deduct Alternate 1: Phase 5 - all work in the area limits indicated to complete construction as shown in all plans, sections, elevations, and details.

Bid Deduct Alternate $ ___________________________ Offers shall provide a complete package to include the completed bid sheet along with the following to be determined responsive, responsible, and considered for award:

· Bid Bond and associated documents on correct forms;

· Acknowledgement of all amendments;

· Signed 52.225-2 Buy America Certificate (pages 38-39);

· Signed 852.219-75 VA Notice of Limitations in Subcontractors Compliance Certificate (pages 51-53);

· Verified/visible/certified on the Small Business Administration Certification (VetCert) of VetBiz (https://veterans.certify.sba.gov); and

· Proof of compliance with VETS 4212 Federal Contractor Reporting.

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

PROJECT # 561-18-155

CONSOLIDATE DIAGNOSTIC CANCER CENTER

1. Contract Title.

Furnish professional construction services for project 561-18-155 Consolidate Diagnostic Cancer Center at the VA NJ Health Care System, East Orange, NJ.

2. Background.

Project will expand the existing Radiation Oncology clinic and create Diagnostic Center on A-Level. A Diagnostic Center will provide veterans with patient centered, convenient and comprehensive cancer care in one location.

The current layout does not fit current design standards which recommend medical oncology and radiation oncology be located near one another and no more than one floor apart. Physical separation of services creates spatial and temporal barriers between physicians to communicate optimally, impeding coordination of care and sometimes resulting in delays of service for patients who need timely intervention.

Newly created space should optimize clinical service delivery, patient and family-caregiver privacy, collaboration between and among clinicians, educators and researchers, and efficiency of infrastructure at VA New Jersey Health Care System East Orange Campus, A-Level, Building # 1 Main Hospital.

3. Scope.

Contractor shall completely prepare site for building operations, including demolition and removal of existing structures, and furnish labor and materials to perform work for VA Project 561-18-155 Consolidate Diagnostic Cancer Center as required by drawings and specifications developed by Miller-Remick, the Engineer of Record.

4. Specific Tasks.

The contractor shall provide a complete construction service, including but not limited to, all labor, material, equipment, supervision, inspections, submittals and as built drawings to perform all work as as required by drawings and specifications developed by Miller-Remick, the Engineer of Record.

Contractor will not be able to mobilize on site until all submittals are approved. Refer to drawing phasing plan and specification section 013323 for information about the submittals

5. Performance Monitoring.

Work shall be coordinated with facility thru the Contracting Office Representative (COR). COR will monitor the contractor work performance on daily/weekly basis.

The contractor is required to submit daily progress reports to the COR as per VAAR 852.236-79

The Contractor will be required to participate in project weekly/ biweekly meetings.

6. Security Requirements.

The VA requires a facility issued photo identification badge to be worn each day the contractor and his staff are working on VA grounds. I.D. badges must be displayed at all times, must be of current design and not expired. General Contractor’s employees shall not enter the project site without appropriate security badge. They may also be subject to inspection of their personal effects when entering or leaving the project site.

Contractor is required to submit a list to the COR of all contract employees with their name, social security number and home address. List shall be updated any time new contract employee is planned to be on site. The COR will make arrangements with the Contractor to schedule I.D. badge sponsorship process.

No photography of VA premises is allowed without written permission of the Contracting Officer except as specifically required by the scope of the work.

VA reserves the right to close or shut down the project site and order General Contractor’s employees off the premises in the event of a national emergency. The General Contractor may return to the site only with the written approval of the Contracting Officer.

7. Government-Furnished Equipment (GFE)/Government-Furnished Information (GFI).

Not Applicable

8. Other Pertinent Information or Special Considerations.

a. Identification of Possible Follow-on Work. Not Used

b. Identification of Potential Conflicts of Interest (COI). Not Used

c. Inspection and Acceptance Criteria.

Refer to drawings and specifications developed by Miller-Remick, the Engineer of Record for more information

The COR is responsible for certifying that the work done under the contract is performed to time and standard.

9. Risk Control

Contractor shall take all measures for safety & infection control and provide all material necessary for protecting existing equipment and property in affected areas of construction against dust and debris, so that equipment and affected areas to be used in the Medical Centers operations will not be hindered.

Contractor shall permit access to Department of Veterans Affairs personnel and patients through other construction areas which serve as routes of access to such affected areas and equipment. Coordinate alteration work in areas occupied by Department of Veterans Affairs so that Medical Center operations will continue during the construction period.

Refer to drawings and specifications developed by Miller-Remick, the Engineer of Record for more information

10. Place of Performance.

VANJHCS Building 1, Floors 1 through C

Minimize interference of construction activities with flow of Medical Center traffic, keep roads, walks and entrances to grounds, to parking and to occupied areas of buildings clear of construction materials, debris and standing construction equipment and vehicles.

11. Period of Performance.

Contractor to start immediately after receiving the NTP, completion time is 540 calendar days.

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RESPONSES TO PREVIOUS REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION

Project No. 561-18-155 Consolidate Diagnostic Cancer Center

Question 1: Drawing G003 states “Owner Stenciling Requirements”. --- Does contractor have to do all the stenciling work on the listed wall types?

Response 1: Just on all fire- and smoke-rated wall types.

Question 2: Question Removed. Not applicable to this procurement.

Response 2: Answer Removed. Not applicable to this procurement.

Question 3: Drawing G005 under the phasing legend it states, “phase 5 – deduct ALT-1”. – There is no description of deduct alternate 1 work and no bid deduct alternate is listed on bid pricing sheet. Please provide the details.

Response 3: Phase 5 - Deduct Alternate 1 is all work in the area limits indicated to complete construction as shown in all plans, sections, elevations, and details. A revised pricing sheet will be provided to include the Deduct Alternate 1 description and space to provide cost for alternate.

Question 4: Spec section 01 45 00, para 3.4 has extensive requirements for QC personnel. Please confirm that contractor’s field superintendent can simultaneously perform duties of QC personnel and there is no need for contractor to hire an independent QC personnel for this project.

Response 4: Field Superintendent can simultaneously perform the duties of the QC personnel, provided that they meet all the criteria for a QC personnel.

Question 5: There is a detailed Schedule of Special Inspections in spec section 01 45 35. Please confirm it is contractor’s responsibility to hire an independent agency for testing and inspection.

Response 5: Yes. Per 1.4.E of Section 01 45 35, the Special Inspector must be an independent third party hired directly by the Prime Contractor.

Question 6: Please confirm that for bidding purpose contractor must use the quantities for asbestos abatement as listed in spec section 02 82 11 para 1.1.2 sub para-B.

Response 6: The asbestos quantities identified within spec section 02 82 11 para 1.1.2 sub para-B are to be used to create the bids.

Question 7: Spec 02 82 11 states Approximately 500 linear feet pipe insulation and associated mudded fittings. --- Please advise whether location of these pipe/insulation is inside existing chase walls. If so, are these chase walls masonry or sheet rock walls? Also, what is the diameter of the pipe?

Response 7: Piping in questions serves mostly the convectors being removed, but may be routed into the walls. The Piping in question is not currently understood to be routed within chases. Contractor to assume 1-1/2” pipe for the insulation to be abated.

Question 8: Please confirm whether it is the VA’s responsibility (and not contractor’s) to hire independent Certified Industrial Hygienist for monitoring the abatement of asbestos and lead paint.

Response 8: The VA will provide VPIH/CIH services only as per Spec section 028211.2.2.1.B. Contractor is responsible for CPIH/CIH and other personnel need it for oversight and abatement work. Contractor to provide prior notice per the contract documents for scheduling the abatement monitoring.

Question 9: Spec section 02 83 33.13 calls for LEAD-BASED PAINT REMOVAL AND DISPOSAL. Para 2.1 states Chemical Stripper for paint removal product. --- Please confirm this project does not require abatement of lead paint and only safe lead practices are to be used

Response 9: Per the contract drawings, no lead paint scope is identified. The specification is within the contract documents for direction if lead paint is discovered or suspected.

Question 10: Spec section 05 12 00 page 3, para 1.5 calls for AISC certified fabricator and installer. Since this is not a ground up or bridge construction project, requesting agency to waive this requirement.

Response 10: The VA do not waive the requirement. AISC certification guarantees a level of quality in fabrication and erection particularly where the fabrication and connections are critical in the integrity of the structure/frame

Question 11: Fire protection drawings does not indicate that the sprinkler heads are new. Please provide drawings with count or locations of new sprinkler heads. Also please confirm the main line for fire protection work remains as is.

Response 11: All sprinklers within project scope are new. Per notes on the drawings existing sprinkler heads and piping to be removed and new system installed. Final sprinkler count and locations to be determined as the sprinkler contractor produces his shop drawings.

Question 12: Drawing Q101 equipment schedule states to provide Wall mounted computer arm and monitor. Please provide manufacturer and model or item number for this equipment.

Response 12: This should read V/C, supplied by the VA and installed by the Contractor.

Question 13: Please provide the contact information of the DDC controls vendor/authorize contractor for the project area

Response 13: The DDC Controls Contractor is Fred Getto of Delta Controls, 10 Centre Dr., Monroe Twp, NJ (732) 355-7177.

Question 14: Please advise whether temporary floor protection is required in corridor where there is new terrazzo flooring. If yes, then what type of flooring and does contractor have to install and remove every day?

Response 14: Contractor to protect existing and new flooring per specification 01 00 00 paragraphs 1.6.I.1 and 1.7.D.3

Question 15: There are existing granite tiles on some of the corridor walls which are to be demoed. Please advise whether the tiles must be salvaged by contractor?

Response 15: Contractor to demo the walls as per drawings. No salvage required

Question 16: Please advise which walls (which are shown for demolition on drawings) are masonry and which are sheet rock. This will have impact on our bid offer.

Response 16: Existing interior walls tend to be sheet rock, while exterior walls tend to be plaster over masonry. Contractor may request additional walk throughs from the VA to observe wall construction prior to bid. In the infusion area, it looks like 3 isolation rooms walls are built from CMU.

Question 17: Phasing plan states phase 4, 4A, and 4B. – Can these phases be combined into one phase i.e., contractor can work simultaneously in 4, 4A and 4B? Please clarify for phase 6 and 6A as well.

Response 17: Current Phasing indications need to be followed as designated for access and life-safety reasons. This has been reviewed by the VA as required.

Question 18: Please indicate what rooms (type) are there above and below the project area, i.e., levels B and C.

Response 18: Contractor to assume patient spaces above A-level (mainly phase 4-6A)

Question 19: Drawing G006 ICRA keynote states ‘contractor to inspect and upgrade wall and door/frame construction to meet construction barrier/ICRA partition requirements. --- without looking and inspecting each wall contractor cannot determine which existing walls has to be upgraded, so please advise whether all of these existing walls go up to the deck.

Response 19: If contractor cannot pre-bid inspect the indicated walls before bid, assume all walls that are not a mechanical-, elevator- or stair-shaft do not go to deck and require upgrading.

Question 20: What is the floor to deck height inside the project area?

Response 20: Floor to Floor height for A level and 1st floor is 13’-4”.

Question 21: Drawing HA 101 general note no.8 states Set-in radiator heat shield panels contain ACM. The abatement contractor shall remove and dispose of asbestos containing radiator backing material. These radiators are not shown in the abatement keynotes. Please provide a count of these units and show location on HA drawings.

Response 21: Contractor to refer to mechanical demolition drawings for locations of the radiators to be removed.

Question 22: As per elevation 7 on drawing A500, in the room A-497, north wall should be lined with HPL phenolic panels. However, there is no elevation and information for East and South wall. Please confirm if those two walls should also be lined with phenolic panels.

Response 22: Per Finish Plan I102, wall covering shall be finish on East wall and paint shall be finish on South wall.

Question 23: As per elevation 4 on drawing A500, in the room A-497, on South wall is a note for hardwood chair rail CH-1. Please provide more information regarding the wood species.

Response 23: Per Finish Legend on I100 chair rail CH-2 shall be hardwood painted PT-1.

Question 24: As per drawing A500 elevation 12, drawing A601 detail 20 and note 18 on drawing I 102, all walls below windowsills in Infusion Bay/Private Infusion Bay rooms, should be HPL. Please confirm.

Response 24: Refer to detail 20/A601. This detail applies for all windows in Infusion Bays per A102.

Question 25: Besides Infusion Bay/Private Infusion Bay room, does any other window need to have SS windowsills?

Response 25: Note 6 on the drawings I101-102 refer to all the windows. Detail 20/A601 would be applicable to all windows in Infusion Bay, Private Infusion rooms, and all other windows where heating unit is being removed. Finishes at those windows & window sills will be addressed in an addendum

Question 26: Please confirm countertop finishes at the ADA cabinets in the following rooms:

· Nurse station A-429 (see drawing A402/6)

· Nurse station A-475 (see drawing A401/4)

· Nourishment A-474 (see drawing A401/2)

· Procedure Room A-442 (see drawing A501/1)

Response 26: Provide SSR-1 for all.

Question 27: Please clarify on which room detail 7 / A700 refers.

Response 27: This is a generic detail to be used at all workstation countertops with an open end not adjacent to any wall.

Question 28: Lighting Types S and S3 cannot be found on drawings. Please advise fixture location or whether quantity is zero/nil for both.

Response 28: Contractor to bid quantities of light types S and S3 identified within the EL drawings. If none are identified per the contractor review, then they may bid per their count.

Question 29: Please advise whether contractor is responsible for providing Skytron surgical lighting system in Room A-442. If so, please provide the details.

Response 29: Per Contract document drawing Q102, the Skytron Surgical Lighting is Contractor supplied and installed. Contractor to refer to contract specifications and electrical drawings for additional information.

Question 30: Please provide system integrator contact information for Access Control, CCTV, and Telecom per ‘System Integrator’ note on Drawing E-501.

Response 30: VA to provide contact information for access Control, CCTV and Telecom to. Some of these items are serviced in-house and POC will be provided to the successful bidder.

Question 31: Please provide contact information of the current fire alarm vendor/contractor for the project area.

Response 31: Contractor to refer to system integrator note on Drawing E-501 for fire alarm contact information.

Question 32: Following wall types are shown on partition drawing A001 but missing on floor plans – missing wall types SH2.2, F0.0, F1.0, F3.0i, F6.0, S3.0d, S3.1, S6.0, S6.0d, S6.1, S6.2, S8.0, S8.0d and S8.1

Response 32: Wall type details that are shown on A001 are generic but not necessarily used. We believe none of the wall types indicated in Question 32 are used and thus not tagged on the floor plans.

Question 33: Drawing I100 has signage legend, spec section 10 14 00 has signage schedule, but many of the sign type and ID nos. shown in schedule are missing in signage legend. Please provide.

Response 33: All sign types are shown in the legend, however in the specification’s signage schedule the suffix number listed after the letter of the sign type in the first column is for individual sign identification purposes.

Question 34: We were unbale to find/locate plumbing fixture no. P-701 on plumbing floor plans. Please provide.

Response 34: Toilet/Shower A-479 near Stair 1.

Question 35: Drawing I100 finish schedule is referring to spec section 06 40 23, however this spec section doesn’t exist in the specifications. Please provide the missing section.

Response 35: Specification to be provided in an addendum.

Question 36: Please provide model numbers of plumbing fixtures for the specified manufacturers.

Response 36: Refer to specification section 22.40.00 for more details about each faucet. Models will vary and cannot be exactly specified.

Question 37: How can the contractor gain access to the project spaces when bringing materials in after hours?

Response 37: Awarded contractor to be shown after hours access, provided they are coordinated and have permission by the VA COR.

Question 38: Is rigging only permitted on Saturday or can be done off hours after 4 pm during the week?

Response 38: Rigging time and days to be coordinated with the VA COR. Due to the location of renovation spaces near the main entrance, it is recommended to complete all major rigging on weekends. Minor rigging may be conducted throughout the week after 4 pm. No rigging work will be allowed until VA’s approval of contractors Lift Plan (Refer to Spec section 013526.1.18) and Activity Hazard Analysis (refer to Spec section 013526.1.5) is granted.

Question 39: Will the phasing areas be done one at a time?

Response 39: Phasing to be accomplished in order to facilitate the safety and relocation needs of the patients and VA staff. Contractor to provide a schedule and bid for phased areas to be done one at a time.

VHA SUPPLEMENTAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS FOR COMBATTING COVID-19

1. Contractor employees who work in or travel to VHA locations must comply with the following:

a. Documentation requirements:

1) If fully vaccinated, contractors shall show proof of vaccination.

i. NOTE: Acceptable proof of vaccination includes a signed record of immunization from a health care provider or pharmacy, a copy of the COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card (CDC Form MLS-319813_r, published on September 3, 2020), or a copy of medical records documenting the vaccination.

2) If unvaccinated, contractors shall show negative COVID-19 test results dated within three calendar days prior to desired entry date. Test must be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use or full approval. This includes tests available by a doctor’s order or an FDA approved over-the-counter test that includes an affiliated telehealth service.

3) Documentation cited in this section shall be digitally or physically maintained on each contractor employee while in a VA facility and is subject to inspection prior to entry to VA facilities and after entry for spot inspections by Contracting Officer Representatives (CORs) or other hospital personnel.

4) Documentation will not be collected by the VA; contractors shall, at all times, adhere to and ensure compliance with federal laws designed to protect contractor employee health information and personally identifiable information.

2. Contractor employees are subject to daily screening for COVID-19 and may be denied entry to VA facilities if they fail to pass screening protocols. As part of the screening process contractors may be asked screening questions found on the COVID-19 Screening Tool. Check regularly for updates.

a. Contractor employees who work away from VA locations, but who will have direct contact with VA patients shall self-screen utilizing the COVID-19 Screening Tool, in advance, each day that they will have direct patient contact and in accordance with their person or persons who coordinate COVID-19 workplace safety efforts at covered contractor workplaces. Contractors shall, at all times, adhere to and ensure compliance with federal laws designed to protect contractor employee health information and personally identifiable information.

3. Contractor must immediately notify their COR or Contracting Officer if contract performance is jeopardized due to contractor employees being denied entry into VA Facilities.

INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND OTHER STATEMENTS TO BIDDERS/OFFERORS

2.1 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984)

The Government contemplates award of a Firm-Fixed-Price contract resulting from this solicitation.

(End of Provision)

2.2 52.222-5 CONSTRUCTION WAGE RATE REQUIREMENTS—SECONDARY SITE OF THE WORK (MAY 2014) (a)(1) The offeror shall notify the Government if the offeror intends to perform work at any secondary site of the work, as defined in paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of the FAR clause at 52.222-6, Construction Wage Rate Requirements, of this solicitation.

(2) If the offeror is unsure if a planned work site satisfies the criteria for a secondary site of the work, the offeror shall request a determination from the Contracting Officer.

(b)(1) If the wage determination provided by the Government for work at the primary site of the work is not applicable to the secondary site of the work, the offeror shall request a wage determination from the Contracting Officer.

(2) The due date for receipt of offers will not be extended as a result of an offeror's request for a wage determination for a secondary site of the work.

(End of Provision)

2.3 52.225-10 NOTICE OF BUY AMERICAN REQUIREMENT—CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS (MAY 2014)

(a) Definitions. "Commercially available off-the-shelf (COTS) item," "construction material," "domestic construction material," and "foreign construction material," as used in this provision, are defined in the clause of this solicitation entitled "Buy American—Construction Materials" (Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clause 52.225-9).

(b) Requests for determinations of inapplicability. An offeror requesting a determination regarding the inapplicability of the Buy American statute should submit the request to the Contracting Officer in time to allow a determination before submission of offers. The offeror shall include the information and applicable supporting data required by paragraphs (c) and (d) of the clause at FAR 52.225-9 in the request. If an offeror has not requested a determination regarding the inapplicability of the Buy American statute before submitting its offer, or has not received a response to a previous request, the offeror shall include the information and supporting data in the offer.

(c) Evaluation of offers.

(1) The Government will evaluate an offer requesting exception to the requirements of the Buy American statute, based on claimed unreasonable cost of domestic construction material, by adding to the offered price the appropriate percentage of the cost of such foreign construction material, as specified in paragraph (b)(3)(i) of the clause at FAR 52.225-9.

(2) If evaluation results in a tie between an offeror that requested the substitution of foreign construction material based on unreasonable cost and an offeror that did not request an exception, the Contracting Officer will award to the offeror that did not request an exception based on unreasonable cost.

(d) Alternate offers.

(1) When an offer includes foreign solicitation in paragraph (b)(2) of the clause at FAR 52.225-9, the offeror also may submit an alternate offer based on use of equivalent domestic construction material.

(2) If an alternate offer is submitted, the offeror shall submit a separate Standard Form 1442 for the alternate offer, and a separate price comparison table prepared in accordance with paragraphs (c) and (d) of the clause at FAR 52.225-9 for the offer that is based on the use of any foreign construction material for which the Government has not yet determined an exception applies.

(3) If the Government determines that a particular exception requested in accordance with paragraph (c) of the clause at FAR 52.225-9 does not apply, the Government will evaluate only those offers based on use of the equivalent domestic construction material, and the offeror shall be required to furnish such domestic construction material. An offer based on use of the foreign construction material for which an exception was requested—

(i) Will be rejected as nonresponsive if this acquisition is conducted by sealed bidding; or

(ii) May be accepted if revised during negotiations.

(End of Provision)

2.4 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006)

Protests, as defined in section 33.101 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, that are filed directly with an agency, and copies of any protests that are filed with the Government Accountability Office (GAO), shall be served on the Contracting Officer (addressed as follows) by obtaining written and dated acknowledgment of receipt from:

Christina M. Katz, Contracting Officer c/o Mitchelle Labady, Contract Specialist

Mailing Address:

Department of Veterans Affairs James J. Peters VA Medical Center Network Contracting Office 2 (10N2NCO) 130 West Kingsbridge Road, Room 9B-67 Bronx NY 10468-3904

(b) The copy of any protest shall be received in the office designated above within one day of filing a protest with the GAO.

(End of Provision)

2.5 52.236-27 SITE VISIT (CONSTRUCTION) (FEB 1995) ALTERNATE I (FEB 1995)

(a) The clauses at 52.236-2, Differing Site Conditions, and 52.236-3, Site Investigations and Conditions Affecting the Work, will be included in any contract awarded as a result of this solicitation. Accordingly, offerors or quoters are urged and expected to inspect the site where the work will be performed.

(b) An organized site visit has been scheduled for Tuesday, March 23, 2023 10:00 AM EST

(c) Participants will meet at Bldg. 5A at VAMC East Orange Campus (End of Provision)

2.6 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. The offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the offeror and submitted with its quotation or offer. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation or offer. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

http://www.acquisition.gov/far/index.html http://www.va.gov/oal/library/vaar/

(End of Provision)

2.7 VAAR 852.233-70 PROTEST CONTENT/ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION (OCT 2018)

(a) Any protest filed by an interested party shall—

(1) Include the name, address, fax number, email and telephone number of the protester;

(2) Identify the solicitation and/or contract number;

(3) Include an original signed by the protester or the protester’s representative and at least one copy;

(4) Set forth a detailed statement of the legal and factual grounds of the protest, including a description of resulting prejudice to the protester, and provide copies of relevant documents;

(5) Specifically request a ruling of the individual upon whom the protest is served;

(6) State the form of relief requested; and

(7) Provide all information establishing the timeliness of the protest.

(b) Failure to comply with the above may result in dismissal of the protest without further consideration.

(c) Bidders/offerors and Contracting Officers are encouraged to use alternative dispute resolution (ADR) procedures to resolve protests at any stage in the protest process. If ADR is used, the Department of Veterans Affairs will not furnish any documentation in an ADR proceeding beyond what is allowed by the Federal Acquisition Regulation.

(End of Provision)

2.8 VAAR 852.233-71 ALTERNATE PROTEST PROCEDURE (OCT 2018)

(a) As an alternative to filing a protest with the Contracting Officer, an interested party may file a protest by mail or electronically with: Executive Director, Office of Acquisition and Logistics, Risk Management and Compliance Service (003A2C), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 or Email: EDProtests@va.gov.

(b) The protest will not be considered if the interested party has a protest on the same or similar issue(s) pending with the Contracting Officer.

(End of Provision)

2.9 VAAR 852.236-92 NOTICE TO BIDDERS—ADDITIVE OR DEDUCTIVE BID LINE ITEMS (APR 2019)

(a) Additive or deductive line items in the bid schedule shall be evaluated to determine the low offeror and the items to be awarded. The evaluation shall be made as follows—

(1) Prior to the opening of bids, the Government will determine the amount of funds available for the project.

(2) The low bid shall be the Bidder that—

(i) Is otherwise eligible for award; and

(ii) Offers the lowest aggregate amount for the first or base line item, plus or minus (in the order stated in the list of priorities in the bid schedule) those additive or deductive line items that provide the most features within the funds determined available.

(3) All bids shall be evaluated on the basis of the same additive or deductive line items.

(i) If adding another item from the bid schedule list of priorities would make the award exceed the available funds for all offerors, the Contracting Officer will skip that item and go to the next item from the bid schedule of priorities; and

(ii) Add that next item if an award may be made that includes that line item and is within the available funds.

(b) The Contracting Officer will use the list of priorities in the bid schedule only to determine the low offeror. After determining the low offeror, an award may be made on any combination of items if—

(1) It is in the best interest of the Government;

(2) Funds are available at the time of award; and

(3) The low offeror’s price for the combination to be awarded is less than the price offered by any other responsive, responsible offeror.

(c) Example: ‘‘The amount available is $100,000. Offeror A’s base bid and four additives (in the order stated in the list of priorities in the bid schedule) are $85,000, $10,000, $8,000, $6,000, and $4,000. Offeror B’s base bid and four additives are $80,000, $16,000, $9,000, $7,000, and $4,000. Offeror A is the low offeror. The aggregate amount of offeror A’s bid for purposes of award would be $99,000, which includes a base bid plus the first and fourth additives. The second and third additives were skipped because each of them would cause the aggregate bid to exceed $100,000.’’ (End of Provision)

2.10 VAAR 852.239-75 INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE (FEB 2023)

(a) Any offeror responding to this solicitation must comply with established VA Information and Communication Technology (ICT) (formerly…