Solicitation 36C24225R0097 RFI - with Responses.pdf

Solicitation 36C24225R0097 – East Orange VAMC Building 1 Asbestos Abatement

RFI No. 1 – Suspended Ceiling Removal and Disposal

Please confirm whether the entire suspended ceilings below asbestos piping must be removed and disposed of as asbestos-contaminated material, or only localized removals where pipe insulation is impacted.

RESPONSE: As per SOW, ceiling tiles need to be removed as needed to perform abatement and to be reinstalled back after abatement is done. Ceiling tiles themselves are not ACM.

RFI No. 2 – Temporary Protection After Abatement

Once asbestos abatement is completed by Monday 6:00 AM, will the ceilings remain open until restoration, or should the contractor install temporary protection/barriers until permanent ceiling systems are restored?

RESPONSE: If work is not completed and ICRA enclosure will not be preventing VA business, ICRA enclosure can be left in place till construction is completed according to the schedule. If ICRA needs to be removed to allow VA business, the contractor needs to install temporary protection. Please note that final air samples and reoccupy certificate will be needed before removing confinement as per specs.

RFI No. 3 – Extent of Asbestos Pipe Insulation Removal (B-Level Corridor)

Please clarify if all asbestos pipe insulation above the B-Level hallway ceiling is to be removed in its entirety, or only the sections identified in the drawings/SOW.

RESPONSE: Only the quantity in the SOW and drawings is what is known to be ACM. If extra asbestos is encountered, please notify COR immediately.

Contractor to provide a unit price for any unforeseen conditions.

RFI No. 4 – Electrical and Communication Lines (B-Level Corridor)

During the site visit, we observed numerous electrical conduits and communication lines obstructing access to the asbestos pipe insulation in the B-Level corridor.

• Will the VA identify which conduits are live/operational?

• Will the VA require the contractor to protect/relocate these utilities during abatement, or will this be coordinated separately?

RESPONSE: Contractor is responsible to identify, avoid, or relocating any obstructions to perform the abatement. Relocation of pipes, conduits, or any other obstructions is to be planned during the submittal phase before the abetment starts and to be coordinated with VA staff.

RFI No. 5 – Pipe Removal and Replacement (1st Floor Corridor)

In the first-floor corridor, additional piping appears to block access to asbestos-insulated piping. Please confirm if the contractor is expected to remove and replace these interfering pipes as part of the abatement contract, or if this will be handled under a separate mechanical scope.

RESPONSE: See response to question no. 4

RFI No. 6 – Electrical and Plumbing Shutdowns

Will there be a scheduled shutdown of electrical and/or plumbing services during weekend abatement work? If so, please clarify the duration, timing, and VA coordination requirements for these shutdowns.

RESPONSE: Shutdowns for electrical or plumbing can be coordinated with VA shops as needed. COR will be the point of contact to coordinate those shutdowns. Duration and timing of shutdowns vary based on every case’s situation.