36C24223B0042 0004.docx

RFI for Project 561-12-105 Spinal Cord Renovations at the East Orange VAMC 11-2023 Responses in RED

GENERAL INFORMATION

Network Contracting Office - 2 Canandaigua VAMC 400 Fort Hill Ave.

Canandaigua NY 14424

POINT OF CONTACT*

Victoria Clark Contract Specialist victoria.clark6@va.gov 585-393-8228

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

East Orange, NJ 07018

POSTAL CODE

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

AGENCY’S URL

URL DESCRIPTION

AGENCY CONTACT’S EMAIL ADDRESS

EMAIL DESCRIPTION

DESCRIPTION

Amendment to IFB 36C24223B0042, Project No. 561-12-105 Spinal Cord Renovation for the following:

· Notice to post submitted RFI Amendment to a Previous Combined Solicitation

Amendment to a Previous Combined Solicitation

· Notice to post site visit sign in

Page 1 of

Amendment to a Previous Combined Solicitation

5. PROJECT NUMBER (if applicable)

CODE

7. ADMINISTERED BY

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER

CODE

6. ISSUED BY

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NUMBER

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

9B. DATED

PAGE OF PAGES

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED

BPA NO.

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

FACILITY CODE

CODE

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

E. IMPORTANT:

is extended,

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning __________ copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY is not extended.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

(REV. 11/2016)

is required to sign this document and return ___________ copies to the issuing office.

is not, A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

15C. DATE SIGNED

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER

Contractor

16C. DATE SIGNED

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

STANDARD FORM 30

PREVIOUS EDITION NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.243 (Type or print) (Type or print) (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

(Number, street, county, State and ZIP Code) (If other than Item 6) (Specify type of modification and authority) (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.)

(If required)

(SEE ITEM 11)

(SEE ITEM 13)

(X)

CHECK

ONE

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS,

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer) 561-12-105 36C242 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office - 2 Canandaigua VAMC 400 Fort Hill Ave.

Canandaigua

NY

14424 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office - 2 Canandaigua VAMC 400 Fort Hill Ave.

Canandaigua

NY

14424

36C24223B0042

X Amendment to Invitation for Bid No. 36C24223B0042 Spinal Cord Unit Renovation 561-12-105

Amendment is to provide responses to submitted RFI and to post the site visit sign in.

BIDS REMAIN DUE AT 10:45AM EASTERN ON DECEMBER 27, 2023. THE PUBLIC BID OPENING WILL FOLLOW AT 11:00AM EASTERN.

ALL OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE ORIGINAL SUBMISSION REMAIN UNCHANGED.

1. Who will perform routine building/trade related inspections? Township or Federal agency?

Response: “Quality control” of work including inspections are to be performed by contractor. Please refer to specs.

2. Is contractor responsible for permit fees?

Response: All permit fees required to perform the work are to be the responsibility of the contractor.

3. Please provide contact information for roofing contactor currently holding the warranty that need to be penetrated.

Response: Tremco - Jeffrey A. Dorfler Field Representative Tremco Roofing / Weatherproofing Technologies Inc.

3735 Green Road Beachwood, OH 44122 C: 908-616-6437

4. Please provide a logistic plan to show temporary fence, material Delivery path, Elevators to be used, toilets to be used, contactor staging, contractor parking, trailer location, container location etc.

Response: Please refer to specs 01 00 00 for toilets use. Site access, staging, etc. will need to be worked out in the field with the VA COR once contract is awarded. Assume material delivery path to 6th and 7th floors will be up through building and large items such as steel, AHU’s, etc. may be craned onto roof.

5. Freight elevators are at a distance from proposed work area. Please provide clear material/debris handling path for each phase, as requested previously for phased logistic plan.

Response: Debris will need to be handled for each phase as required on ICRA (Infection Control) Plans. New materials path will need to be coordinated with COR for each phase.

6. Can existing utilities be tapped for temp. power, water at no cost to the contractor?

Response: Please refer to specs 01 00 00.1.16 AVAILABILITY OF UTILITY SERVICES.

7. Please provide contact information for building fire alarm, BMS, security, data vendors used by VA.

Response: Refer to response for questions 62-66

8. What is the maintenance period for this project? Is maintenance bond required? If yes, please provide requirements.

Response: Refer to specs for warranty management.

9. Is this VA managed project or a private CM?

Response: This project will be managed by the VA COR / Resident Engineer. The A/E team review RFI’s, submittals, etc.

10. Does the existing building have lead paint etc. to be removed by contractor? If yes, please provide a report.

Response: Refer to hazardous materials report in specifications.

11. Is this a LEED project? If yes, please provide requirements.

Response: No, this is not a LEED project. Sustainability requirements are listed within the project specifications.

12. Section 014500 requires a Quality Control Team consisting of a site supervisor, SSHO, CQC manager. Can the site supervisor serve as the CQC manager or SSHO or do we have to provide all three?

Response: As per specs, there are different qualifications and job description for each title. Due to the complexity of this project, the Site Supervisor may not also hold one of these roles.

13. Is third party material inspection for concrete, steel, soil etc. by contractor or VA?

Response: Refer to 01 45 29, paragraph 1.1. Testing company shall be retained by the General Contractor. Also, per 01 45 35, Special Inspection company shall be retained by the General Contractor.

14. Is there a cost to get security badges?

Response: No.

15. Is 10% set aside for SDE contractors a goal or mandatory.

Response: Please provide additional reference where 10% is referenced in solicitation

16. As per AE303 Material legend, RES-2 is to be Stonhard Stontec Flake system. Please clarify if this is Stontec flake system. Please clarify if this is Stontec ERF or Stontec TRF system as there are many types of Stontec systems and each varies in thickness.

Response: The basis of design RES-2 product is Stonhard Stontec TRF system.

17. 2. Stonhard is propreitary and will not sell their products. They install it themselves. Please confirm if we can use a dex-o-tex equal in lieu of stonhard systems.

Response: Yes, an equal Dex-o-tex product may be used.

18. 3. As per spec 096723.20 Overall system thickness is 2-3mm, but for stontec TRF system the system thickness is 3/16" . Please clarufy the system thickness Response: Stontec TRF system at 3/16” thick is acceptable.

19. Section 014500 requires nine specialized personel. Do we need to carry all of these people even if it does not apply such as Civil?

Response: Please refer to specs 014500 3.4 C

20. Section 014500 are all of these specialized personel actually required or is this a “Boiler Plate” specification requirement?

Response: Please refer to specs 014500 3.4 C

21. Section 014535 are you requiring a Registered Design Professional be provide by the prime contractor or is the VA providing this person?

Response: Special inspector firm services are provided by prime contractor as per spec. section 01 45 35 1.4. AE will provide design professional observation.

22. Section 014535 are you requiring a Special Inspector in addition to the Registered Design Professional or is the VA providing this person?

Response: Special inspector firm services are provided by prime contractor as per spec. section 01 45 35 1.4. AE will provide design professional observation.

23. Section 019100 can the prime contractors commissioning manager be an employee of the prime contractor?

Response: Yes. Refer to CxM definition in spec. section 01 91 00 1.6

24. There is almost no space above acoustical ceilings due to the massive amount of ductwork and electrical systems, must temporary partitions extend to underside of deck or can we extend to underside of existing acoustical ceilings?

Response: We understand that space in that area is tight. Follow requirements of ICRA drawings for each phase.

25. In some areas where cmu walls remain there is an integral ceramic cove base, does the ceramic cove need to be chipped out in order for new rubber base to be applied flush to wall and floor?

Response: Yes. For CMU walls that are to remain and be exposed to view, remove ceramic base from surface of walls and patch to allow installation of rubber base.

26. In review of the project specifications, it is believed the below individuals are required to be on site during all construction:

0. Site Safety and Health Officer / Safety and Health Manager – spec 01 35 26 & 01 45 00

0. CQC System Manager – per spec 01 45 00

0. Design Quality Manager – if applicable – assumed not to be applicable as this project is already designed

0. CQC Personnel – per spec 01 45 00, Part 3.4, C – Civil Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Structural Engineer, Architect, Environmental Engineer, Submittal Clerk, Materials Technician, AABC specialist, RA/PE

Response: Individuals listed in items a and b above need to be on site during all construction activities. No need to provide Design Quality manager (item c) as it does not apply to this project. For the CQC personnel (item d), they are provided as needed and as applicable. Please refer to specs 014500 3.4 C.

27. Please clarify the required staff which should be on-site during construction.

2b. Spec section 01 45 00 is indicated to be used for DBB and DB projects (Part 1.1), however there is no further indication of which parts of the spec will apply to this project as it is a DBB. It would seem that the CQC Personnel may fall under the requirements of a DB project, and not DBB. Please consider waiving the requirement to have engineers and architects, hired by the contractor, on-site during construction, considering both the cost for this to the Owner, and that this project has been fully designed.

Response: Refer to response for question 26

28. Please provide reflected ceiling plans for all areas at 5th floor which are affected by this project (plumbing piping, etc).

Response: Reflected ceiling plans for the 5th floor are not available. Sheet GC400 shows the 5th floor areas that are impacted by plumbing piping work. On sheet GC400, 5TH FLOOR ICRA – GENERAL NOTES, add note 5 that reads as follows:

“5. AFTER ABOVE-CEILING WORK HAS BEEN COMPLETED, RETURN CEILING, LIGHTS, DEVICES, ETC. TO SAME CONDITION AS EXISTED PRIOR TO PERFORMING AVOBE-CEILING WORK.”

29. There is a general demolition note on architectural demolition plans to remove gypsum board down to studs at existing partitions. The new floor plans do not call out replacement of the gyp board. There is a general plan note on the new architectural plans to repair/patch holes/scratches in existing walls. Please clarify the requirement at existing walls to remain – replace gypsum board completely, or patch

Response: on all plan sheets (AE100 – AE104), add GENERAL PLAN NOTE 13 as follows:

“13. WHERE GYPSUM BOARD HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM EXISTING METAL STUD WALLS, REPLACE WITH NEW 5/8” GYPSUM BOARD FINISHED PER THE FINISH SCHEDULE.”

30. The structural drawings show locations of proposed duct supports. These do not appear to be coordinated entirely with the mechanical drawings, as the mechanical drawings show additional duct/pipe supports, which are not on the structural drawings.

5a. Are additional steel supports required for these additional duct/pipe supports?

Response: Contractor to follow duct/pipe supports detailed and shown on the Structural contract drawings. If additional duct/pipe supports are needed, comply with SMACNA and ASME/ANSI standards, contractor to issue an RFI, detailing specific location(s) of needed support(s).

5b. Please confirm cutting/patching of the roof will be required for the additional duct/pipe supports, or if non-penetrating supports are acceptable.

Response: Refer to the structural, mechanical, and architectural drawings, details and specifications for duct/pipe support details and installation requirements including roofing requirements.

31. Will the VA allow the use of a chute to remove debris to the dumpster below? If so, can the chute remain at the Loading Dock area throughout all phases?

Response: No chute allowed.

32. Will the contractor be provided the use of a dedicated freight elevator as the productivity will be greatly impacted while waiting for others using the elevator?

Response: Freight elevators are for the use of general hospital and construction use. No dedicated elevators will be granted.

33. Are there any rooms that will be dedicated for bariatric patients I.e. 1000lbs? If so, can you clarify which rooms are bariatric and which brooms are non-bariatric based on the reflected ceiling plans?

Response: All patient lifts are to be rated for 600lb capacity. There are no rooms specifically dedicated to bariatric patients.

34. What are the floor-to-ceiling heights for each room requested in the spreadsheet?

Response: Refer to the Reflected Ceiling Plans for ceiling heights of all rooms.

35. What are the floor-to-deck heights for each room requested in the spreadsheet?

Response: The floor-to-bottom of deck height is approximately 10’-11 ½”+/- per 1/S-503.

36. Is the Concrete post-tension?

Response: Per the VA provided existing drawings, the existing concrete does not appear to be post-tensioned. However, contractor shall verify this in the field. Contractor may request existing drawings from the VA.

37. Are there any utilities embedded into the concrete?

Response: AE is not aware of any existing utilities embedded in the existing concrete. Contractor shall verify in the field.

38. Is there concrete scanning required to complete the installation of patient lifts?

Response: Yes, refer to notes on 1/S501.

39. Is the Patient Lift rail flush-mounted or recessed-mounted?

Response: Refer to detail E5/AE706.

40. How many phases is this project?

Response: Refer to Overall Phasing Plan and descriptions of phases on sheet GC300.

41. Specify which rooms will be completed first based on phasing to help provide a more accurate proposal?

Response: Refer to Overall Phasing Plan and descriptions of phases on sheet GC300.

42. How many rooms will be made available for each day of each phase of the installation?

Response: Refer to Overall Phasing Plan and descriptions of phases on sheet GC300.

43. How many days of clinical training is required?

Response: Training requirements are listed in various specification sections. Refer to each section for training requirements for specific products and/or systems.

44. Spec section 10 35 26 para 1.9 states to SSHO. Please confirm that contractor’s site superintendent who has the credentials can simultaneously perform the duties of SSH

Response: Refer to response for questions 19, 20, and 26

45. Spec section 01 45 00 para 3.4 has extensive requirements for QC personnel. Please confirm that contractor’s site superintendent who has the credentials can simultaneously perform the duties of QC personnel

Response: Refer to response for questions 19, 20, and 26

46. Please confirm that it is agency’s responsibility to hire third party consultant for monitoring, inspection and testing for all the work of asbestos abatement and lead-based paint removal.

Response: It is the contractor’s responsibility to perform all work related to asbestos abatement and lead-based paint removal per the contract documents.

47. Usually, Asbestos abatement quantities are listed in the specification section, but none provided in section 02 82 11.

Response: Refer to the charts shown in the Comprehensive Asbestos Building Surveys in 02 82 12 (6th Floor) and 02 82 13 (7th Floor) for quantities.

48. The project has multiple phases, please advise if contractor must complete the work of one phase before moving on to next phase? Or can work simultaneously on some phases.

Response: Yes, the work of each phase must be completed and approved by the COR before beginning the next phase. Refer to requirements of Overall Phasing Plan and each phase on sheet GC300.

49. Spec section 05 12 00 para 1.5 calls for AISC certified fabricator and erector. As this project is not a ground up construction or bridge construction, please confirm that AISC certification will be waived

Response: AISC certification is required as it guarantees a level of quality in fabrication and erection particularly where the fabrication and connections are critical in the integrity of the structure/frame.

50. Spec section 09 05 16 para 2.3 indicates CEMENTITIOUS TROWEL-APPLIED UNDERLAYMENT. At the time of bid contractor cannot evaluate and determine extent of this work. Please provide an allowance amount so that all contractors can bid on same information

Response: Assume a maximum of ¼” thick trowel-applied underlayment below all areas scheduled to receive resilient sheet or resilient tile flooring.

51. As there may be patients above and below the project area floor, our experience is that most of the work must be done on weekends and afterhours. Please confirm as it will have impact on our labor cost/productivity

Response: There are patients above, below, and adjacent to work areas for this project. The intent is that most of the work will be performed during normal business hours. However, some activities that produce loud noise or impact sounds might need to be scheduled after hours.

52. Please specify how many certifications are required for each phase of the work for medical gas work.

Response: Contractor shall issue certifications for medical gases in accordance with contract specification 22 63 00. A certification is required for each individual medical gas system, upon completion of installation, tested, purged, analyzed and verified in accordance with the contract specification.

53. Spec section 01 45 35 has extensive list for special inspections, does contractor has to hire an third party firm to do these special inspections or is it VA’s responsibility

Response: Refer to response for question 22

54. Spec section 07 84 00 para 1.5 B calls for Installer Qualifications: A firm that has been approved by FM Global according to FM Global 4991 or been evaluated by UL and found to comply with UL’s “Qualified Firestop Contractor Program Requirements.” Submit qualification data. ----- Please confirm if contractor has to hire a sub or firm that has been approved by FM Global or UL listed

Response: The installer must have the qualifications listed in the specifications.

55. As there are lot of drawings and extensive specs @ 1800 pages our subs needs more time to review so please provide few more days for RFI submissions

Response: RFI period was extended under amendment 0003. All RFI are due by 4PM on 11/21

56. Based on the elevations there are only a couple of rooms included with the scope of work for finish carpentry. Please confirm if we need to include all rooms in our scope of work or only the rooms provided on the elevations

Response: Contractor shall provide all items shown on Equipment Plans and Equipment Schedule that are listed as Furnished by Contractor / Installed by Contractor.

57. Casework is listed under Equipment Schedule (AE 903). Please advise if this is correct, or if we need to include these items in our scope of work.

Response: Contractor shall provide all items shown on Equipment Plans and Equipment Schedule that are listed as Furnished by Contractor / Installed by Contractor.

58. Demo keynote # 1 on demo drawings states to remove existing partition walls. Please clarify which walls are masonry and which are gypsum board.

Response: Contractors shall field verify wall types to be demolished.

59. There are no drawing indicating if existing ceilings are to be demoed. Please provide detailed demolition ceiling plan showing which ceilings are hard/gypsum ceilings and which are acoustical ceiling

Response: The demolition drawing key notes and demolition plans indicate ceilings that are to be removed in their entirety.

60. New AHU are installed on the roof. Please advise if crane services will be allowed in weekdays or weekends only to rig the units

Response: Recommended weekends and after hours for this work. Refer to requirements of spec. section 01 35 26.

61. Please advise if all the new structural steel must be hot-dipped galvanized

Response: Refer to requirements on structural drawings and specifications, including but not limited to Structural Steel Notes 25 & 26 on S-001.

62. Can you please provide us the contact information for existing building Fire Alarm vendor.

Response: coordination through Fire Securities Technology - John Heidel, Service Manager Phone 732-938-2111 ext 220 Email john@firesecuritytech.com Fax 732-938-5796

63. Can you please provide us the contact information for existing building Fire Sprinkler vendor.

Response: Coordination will be done through plumbing shop

64. Can you please provide us the contact information for existing building IT vendor.

Response: Coordination for IT will be through local IT team and electrical shop

65. Can you please provide us the contact information for existing building BMS control vendor.

Response: Harris Littman – Ainsworth (Cell) 609 331 9518 Email: Harris.Littman@ainsworth.com

66. Can you please clarify if Security and Access control system are part of this project. If yes, can you please provide us the contact information for the existing security vendor for the same.

Response: Security coordination to be conducted through the electric shop

67. Can we utilize hospital grade MC cables for this project.

Response: All feeder and branch circuits must be in conduit per 260519, Part 3.

68. During construction the whole sixth floor will be vacant or just the respective phase area? Please advise.

Response: The work of the 6th floor shall be performed in phases. Adjacent areas of the 6th floor will remain operational during the work of each phase. Refer to Overall Phasing Plan and descriptions of phases on sheet GC300.

69. Is the contractor will be allowed to utilize the Elevator to bring the construction materials or not?

Response: Freight elevators can be used to deliver materials

70. Can you please provide the construction working hours for this project.

Response: Construction working hours, shifts, working days, etc, will be determined by contractor to meet completion dates and work around medical center operation.

71. Does the VAMC want an overhead patient lift system, similar to the patients rooms, in the therapy gym? That wasn’t in the original plans we received back in January. Or, is that system a “specialize” gait training product?

Response: The overhead patient lift system in the therapy gym is shown graphically on A16/AE707 and is similar to the patient room lift systems. The system in the therapy gym consists of 2 parallel recessed rails with 2 motorized movable gantries. This lift system is located above the Hi-Lo and Fixed Mats.

Add the following note to detail A16/AE707: “(2) MOTOR, (2) GANTRY CEILING-MOUNTED PATIENT LIFT SYSTEM”.

See attached document: SCI 2nd Bid Walk 2023-11-13.

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