S06 - Additional Project Information Exterior Improvements 528-25-115.pdf

Request for Information

Project # 528-25-115 Exterior Improvements Buffalo VAMC

Q (1). Will the work in this project’s scope be performed during regular work hours, or will it also include nights and weekends?

R. The majority of the work can be performed during normal working hours, 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

However, certain tasks may need to be performed after hours, including nights and weekends, particularly work in high-traffic areas or tasks that could significantly impact on daily operations on campus. The contractor shall submit a detailed work plan, phasing plan, and traffic / pedestrian control plan(s) for review and approval by the COR prior to starting construction.

Q (2). Will the electrical contractor be responsible for the concrete pole base for the new site light fixture type F1?

R. Since this work involves replacing the existing pole base and reworking the conduits and wiring that feed the light, the VA recommends the new base be poured in place after extending the conduits and wires as required. Anchor bolts should be set, a sonotube placed in the hole, and new concrete poured.

The concrete base should be completed by the civil contractor, while extending conduits, wiring, and installing the new pole light should be performed by the electrical contractor. Please refer to attachment 23 for pole base detail.

Q (3). Will the electrical contractor be responsible for removing the security guard shacks?

R. The electrical contractor should remove all electrical wiring, conduits, and disconnect switches associated with the guard shacks. Removal of the shacks themselves, along with poles and bases, should be performed by the civil contractor to ensure proper execution and performance.

Q (4). Should the electrical contractor plan on removing the antenna (line item A6) and satellite (line item E5)?

R. Removal of both items should be performed by a qualified roofing contractor, as the work involves patching, sealing, and finishing all penetrations after removal. Please refer to Section (2) – Electrical Improvements for additional details.

Q (5). Will brick sign bases associated with work outlined in line item B1 require tuckpointing or other repair?

R. Yes, the contractor shall plan on repointing brick or otherwise making necessary repairs to restore sign bases to like new condition.

Q (6). Section 1-3 – concrete cleaning and sealing within veteran’s park – will this effort involve removing and replacing joint sealants?

R. Yes, the contractor will be responsible for removing and replacing ALL joint sealants. Joint sealant materials shall be submitted to the VA for review and approval prior to starting joint sealant work.

Q (7). Section 3-1 – repair building 20 concrete steps – there is a section of spalling concrete located on a wall directly adjacent to the stairs. Will this area be included in concrete repair efforts?

R. Yes, the contractor shall plan on removing and replacing delaminated concrete on the wall in question. Requirements for repairing this area will be the same as called out for the building 20 stairs.

Q (8). Section 4 – 1A – replace main flagpole – is there a need to hang a temporary flag while the main flagpole is being replaced? If so, who will be responsible for that task?

R. The American flag is required to be flown during all daylight hours, and at night if lit. The contractor will be responsible for purchasing a new flag or re-hanging the existing flag, including new brackets. The flag will be temporarily hung from the Bailey Avenue entrance 3rd floor balcony fencing. Brackets shall be purchased and installed by the contractor. All efforts must be well coordinated with the VA.

Q (9). Section 3-1 – repair building 20 concrete steps – please clarify the limits of handrail preparation and painting.

R. All handrail, including steel columns along the stairs and surrounding the stair landing shall be prepared and painted as outlined in the project SOW.

Q (10). Section 3-1 – repair building 20 concrete steps – please clarify whether or not stair nosing will be replaced.

R. Stair nosing shall be replaced as part of stair restoration efforts. The contractor shall submit proposed nosing products to the VA for review and approval. The basics of design is Amstep Series 300 Anti-Slip.

Q (11). Scope of work within Veterans Park – will broken black plastic landscape edging remain in place?

R. All existing black plastic landscape edging shall be removed and replaced. The contractor shall submit the proposed product to the VA for review and approval prior to starting work. Basis of design is Vigoro 2.5” wide by 4” high black plastic no dig landscaping edging. Limits of landscaping edging replacement are shown below, measuring approximately 275 linear feet.

Q (12). Scope of work within Veterans Park – is there any work involving the faux stone pavers within the park? Please see photo below.

R. Existing pavers shall be removed and replaced with stamped concrete to the same standards of stamped concrete called for around the flagpole (refer to section 3 Item 6 of the project SOW). The area measures approximately 72 square feet. Refer to the modified photo below for proposed limits of concrete.

Q (13). Work in Veterans Park – will old timber landscaping edge remain in place? Refer to photo below.

R. Timber landscape edging as shown in the photo shall be removed. No new edging shall be installed, to match other portions of Veterans Park.