Pre-Bid RFI_528A5-20-508 Renovate building 36 -.pdf

Project No.: 528A5-20-508

Project Title: Renovate Building 36

Contract No.: 36C24225B0020

Date RFI's Submitted: 4/17/2025

Contract Specialist: Devan Bertch

RFI No. Request for Information: (A/E Encours )/ VA -provided Response:

1 Fire protection :

Existing piping sized 2" and down is connected with fit fittings, Victaulic FIT TEE I believe. This type of fitting is no longer available, I believe due to many problems with them in the past. There is a rubber gasket inside that has failed. To install new outlets to the sprinkler heads we will need to either reuse these fittings at the ends of the lines and hope for the best or replace them with threaded which sets off changing fittings all the way back to the main because we have to remove pipe from the previous fitting to thread either end. Also, as pipe is removed to change fittings the existing pipes will not be long enough to accommodate the takeout measurement of threaded fittings and too long for grooved fittings. Now every piece of pipe is being handled and possibly replaced with Longer. With Fit fittings there's no certainty that the existing pipe is schedule 40 and able to be threaded as well. It is our position that the best result for efficiency and longevity is to replace all pipe and fittings smaller than

2".

After some research and a response from Victaulic, the Fast Installation Technique (FIT) fittings were discontinued in 2005 after 27 years of use. They assured us that the product was not discontinued due to performance issues, however, they do point out that they are intended for single use so problems would likely arise if there was any attempt to disassemble and modify the system, not to mention there is no availability for replacement parts, gaskets, etc. The contractor shall bid the project planning to replace all pipes and components 2" and smaller, in the configuration as shown on FX101 of the contract drawings. Reuse or salvage value of existing branch pipe lengths should be considered by the contractor.

Our review of investigation documentation/photographs revealed that a number of branch lines off of the hallway main are connected via threaded fittings, indicating that at least some portion of the piping is sch 40. See attached photo for reference.

2 Fire protection :

Drawing FX301 indicates a new floor control assembly but without the drain piped. Is it intended that the floor continue to be drained through the existing feed riser or do we need to find a route and run a drain? Please advise.

The building is not outfitted with floor control assemblies or a separate drain. Our scope was limited to this area and investigation access in the floor below was limited. The intent was to provide the assembly so that if draining the area separate from the building was desired a temporary connection could be made, or in future renovations, a drain riser could be added.

3 Fire protection :

I don't see any reference to institutional sprinkler heads in the fire protection scope. Yet that is what is currently in the space. Please advise as to intention of using institutional sprinkler heads or not.

Much of the space will be a standard business occupancy and institutional sprinklers will not be required. The contractor shall plan to provide at least one insitution type sprinkler within Holding Cell

Room #138.

4 What is the manufacturer of the existing video surveillance system and what software does it use? West Fire Systems is using Salient Systems for VMS and Axis Communications for cameras

Buffalo Fire and Security is using Genetec for VMS and Hanwha for cameras.

5 Do the new cameras being added have to be an expansion of the current system or can it be an independent system from a different manufacturer?

Yes, new cameras will be an expansion of current system.

New cameras will need to be connected to Genetec or Salient Systems VMS.

Per Specification 01 00 00, 1.3, I "The existing site video monitoring system will be relocated from the exiting police station to the new temporary police station in building 36."

1. General Questions/Comments

Pre-Proposal - Request for Information 1 AE Works Ltd.

Contract No.: 36C24225B0020

Date RFI's Submitted: 4/17/2025

Contract Specialist: Devan Bertch

RFI No. Request for Information: (A/E Encours )/ VA -provided Response:

1. General Questions/Comments

6 Will the cameras be allowed to be connected to the existing network in the local IT room in that building?

Cameras that are connected to Salient Systems (West Fire) can be connected to the OIT network.

Cameras that are connected to Genetec (Buffalo Fire & Security) are on air gapped network.

Connection to both West Fire and Buffalo Security will be needed to access all cameras. please refer to the SK-T-101 drawing attached.

7 could you please update the specification and remove all work related to the Fort Hill Entrance phase? See attached for updated Specification 01 00 00 in full project spec documents.

8 Will the new access control panels be allowed to be connected to the existing network in the local IT room in that building?

Access Control panels that are connected to Amag (West Fire) can be connected to the OIT network.

Access Control panels that are connected to Genetec (Buffalo Fire & Security) are on air gapped network

9 Please confirm references to Campus Entrance and Parking Lot in project description are not applicable Confirmed. See attached for updated Specification 01 00 00 in full project spec documents.

10 Will the VA be designating a CAD Administrator and providing Revit files for interference coordination by subcontractors per Spec. Section 01 33 50?

This section of the specification needs to be removed. The contractor should coordinate with the COR .

The full project spec attached.

11 Please confirm references to work in Buildings 130 and 76, as well as the Existing Police Station, are no longer applicable

Work in Building 130 and 76 are out of scope. No major work to be perfromed in the Existing Police station, however some equipment is slated for reuse and reinstallation in the new facility (i.e. evidence locker)

12 Please define Infection Control Risk Assessment Class for this project Type C Construction Activities, Low Risk; therefore ICRA class II. VA to confirm agreement.

13 Is TB screening of personnel required? No, its not rqruired

14 Please provide previously-performed hazardous materials assessment report (for ACM’s and lead-based paint) which was referenced in the walkthrough

Old survey of hazardous materials is available. Some Asbestos was previously removed and report does not reflect this work. Given building age and construction, bidders should use reasonable assumption for lead based paint and possible asbestos containing materials. See General note 6 in M series for known asbestos containing materials still present within space per the contract drawings. any discovered ACM shall be reported to the COR immediately upon discovery.

15 Will commissioning work be contracted directly by the VA per Spec. Section 01 91 00? Contractor is responsible for all commissioning. The Commissioning agent will be handeled by the VA.

16 Who is responsible for the disposal of all existing items (cabinets, etc.) in the renovation space of building 36?

The contractor will be responsible to dispose ALL martial in the work space (fixtures, furniture and other items is not required) per the spesification part 01 00 00 part 1.8.

Pre-Proposal - Request for Information 2 AE Works Ltd.

Contract No.: 36C24225B0020

Date RFI's Submitted: 4/17/2025

Contract Specialist: Devan Bertch

RFI No. Request for Information: (A/E Encours )/ VA -provided Response:

1. General Questions/Comments

17 Will the contractor be allowed to use the elevator during construction? The contractor will permit limited use of the elevator when necessary for transporting equipment that cannot be carried via stairs. Contractor is to provide wall and floor protection and shall follow all guidance for restrictions of use including weight. Elevator shall be made available for use by VA staff at all times and be kept clean and free of debris

18 Please confirm no underdrain required for the new parking area. Underdrain is required in accordance with CG104, detail 1. See attached sketch for further detail.

19 Please advise of location(s) where materials can be brought into the building Refer to RFI 17 for restricted use of elevator. Stairs S1-2 per the plans will be used for access to space.

Front entrance and exterior stairs will have limited use. Use of this entry and elevator will require

Contractor to keep clean and quiet as it also serves entry into open work space occupied by VA staff

20 Are any permits required for our scope of work? All permits are VA specific and are provided at time of work. No outside permits from town or county are required on federal property.

21 Architectural details indicate stainless steel countertops however finish/material schedule indicates

Corian counter tops, please clarify.

Corian

22 This is a question the contractors asking it a lot on the site visit, What about the building need to be demolished?

Could you please update the specification and remove all work related to the Fort Hill Entrance phase?

No whole building demolition is currently included in this project. Select demolition per drawing AD101 is required to remove indicated non-load bearing wall sections, existing built-in equipment, etc.

See attached for updated Specification 01 00 00 in full project spec documents.

23 Could you Please update the phasing in the spec section 01 00 00 still for both projects(Building 36/

Fort Hill Entrance) with the specific phases for only building 36 renovation.

See attached for updated Specification 01 00 00 in full project spec documents.

25 "Reference MP102:

Please describe the procedure for the Chilled Water Tie-In to the Campus Loop. Who is responsible for Shutdown, Drain, Fill? Can the Campus Loop feed to Building 36 be isolated to reduce down time? "

Information provided by the VA indicates that there are 4" connections, with shut off valves located in that wing, connecting to the new campus chilled water loop, so the need for draining and refilling should be minimal.

Design is based upon Canandaigua VAMC Major Project drawings indicating that isolated 4" branch connections to the campus chilled water loop are installed within the wester wing crawl space in B36, as indicated on drawing MP102. See attached drawing from the major for indication of intent. VA to confirm completion of the chilled water piping as indicated, Contractor to verify exact tie-in location.

Pre-Proposal - Request for Information 3 AE Works Ltd.

Intentionally left blank due to formatting. Please Disregard.

Contract No.: 36C24225B0020

Date RFI's Submitted: 4/17/2025

Contract Specialist: Devan Bertch

RFI No. Request for Information: (A/E Encours )/ VA -provided Response:

1. General Questions/Comments

26 In Section “2.4 52.222-23 NOTICE OF REQUIREMENT FOR AFFIRMATIVE ACTION TO ENSURE EQUAL

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY FOR CONSTRUCTION”, Is the 6.9% of female participation in relation to female owned business or actual female participation in field work, ei plumbers, carpenters, installers.

If it is in field employees, is there a waiver/exemption process if stated goal is not able to be achieved?

This would not be related to female owned businesses. This is specifically related to female employees in the covered area. In addition to the FAR clause referenced in your RFI , FAR 52.222-27 Affirmative

Action Compliance Requirements for Construction goes into greater detail about how to navigate this

Executive order and remain compliant.

27 There is a list of base bids (01 00 00), however it is not clear on whether there are multiple primes for this project. If there are multiple Prime contractors, Which Base Bid will be responsible for the coordination drawings.

This is a single prime contract.

28 If there are Multiple Primes which of the Base bids will be associated with Each of the Prime contractors.

This is a single prime contract.

29 Are alternative means of temporary power allowed, for example portable/mobile generators, as there are concerns about the length of time it would take to set up a secondary electrical meter as specified.

Yes, as long there will be no accociated cost to the government, in addition to that you will have to coordinate with the COR about the location and obtaining written approval .

30 Clarification in the LOS SDVOB percentage of required work/monies, what would be classified as

Services, General Construction, and Specialty Trade.

This is not a service contract that would primarily deal with work performed without a material/supply aspect. General construction contractors handle oversight and assistance with multiple trades during a project. Special trade construction contractors are experts at one aspect of a job such as electricians, plumbers, HVAC professionals, and roofers.

31 Where do the General Conditions and Project Management costs fall within the required

SDVOB participation or is there a separate goal for these items.

General Conditions and Project Management costs fall into “General Construction” and not more than

85% of the contract amount excluding materials to a firm that is not an SDVOSB for these services.

32 Are there any NYS DOL registration requirements for this project? No, registration requirements.

33 If there is Multiple primes, will each Prime be responsible for Laboratory testing within their own scope of work, or would it fall to the General Contractor?

This is a single prime contract.

34 For temporary site fence the spec states both post driven and standard panelized fence, which fencing type is required/ preferred.

Temporary fencing shall be per Specification 01 00 00, 1.6, K. Can utilize weighted post bases instead of driven posts.

35 Will the site/civil prime be responsible for all surveying and site plans as specified? Yes, this is a single General Cotractor contract who will be responsible on performing all the work as specified in the contract document.

Pre-Proposal - Request for Information 4 AE Works Ltd.

Contract No.: 36C24225B0020

Date RFI's Submitted: 4/17/2025

Contract Specialist: Devan Bertch

RFI No. Request for Information: (A/E Encours )/ VA -provided Response:

1. General Questions/Comments

36 Is there an Asbestos/ lead report that shows all current hot materials. If there is not will the VA Provide one or shall the Demolition Prime be responsible for such reports.

Old survey of hazardous materials is available. Some Asbestos was previously removed and report does not reflect this work. Given building age and construction, bidders should use reasonable assumption for lead based paint and possible asbestos containing materials. See General note 6 in M series for known asbestos containing materials still present within space per the contract drawings. any discovered ACM shall be reported to the COR immediately upon discovery.

Pre-Proposal - Request for Information 5 AE Works Ltd.