RFIs A wing Facade Repairs.pdf

RE: A-Wing Repairs, B-Wing Chapel Area & Core Entrance Roof Repairs Samuel S. Stratton VAMC VA#528A8-21-812/FE Project #23-030

AS-001 – $50,000 Allowance / Unit Prices

• General Note 14 requires a $50,000 allowance for additional repairs and unit prices for listed work. Please confirm that the $50,000 allowance is to be included in the Base Bid and update the bid form to include unit prices. Please clarify the pricing basis for the following:

o Repoint Brick – SF: depth of repointing and basis of measurement.

o Patch Concrete – SF: assumed repair depth and reinforcing treatment.

o Patch Stone – SF: assumed repair depth and repair material/procedure.

o Remove & Replace Caulking – LF: typical joint width/depth and backing material.

o Remove & Replace Mortar – LF: applicable joint type and typical width/depth.

o Replace Stone Unit – EA: stone type and typical dimensions/thickness.

o Replace Masonry/Brick – SF: wall depth and whether this includes veneer only or backup, anchors, flashing, insulation, etc.

o Replace Limestone Lintel – EA: typical dimensions, length, and configuration.

FE Response:

• The $50,000.00 allowance is to be included in the Base Bid.

• The $50,000.00 allowance is for additional repairs/replacements found during construction.

• Provide unit pricing per unit listed for the typical repair for each item listed as shown in repair details on drawings.

AS-301 – Stained Glass Removal/Reinstallation

• Notes 7 and 11 indicate removal and reinstallation of existing stained glass associated with the new windows. Please confirm who is responsible for removal, protection/storage, and reinstallation of the stained glass. Please provide a detail showing how and where the stained glass is to be installed relative to the new window/glazing assembly.

FE Response:

General Contractor is responsible for removal, protection/storage, and reinstallation of stained glass windows.

Contractor to provide a shop drawing of securement of stained glass window to new window for review.

Coordinate installation of stained glass windows with new window and surrounding materials. Stained glass windows may vary in size.

AS-301 – Stained Glass Removal/Reinstallation

• Notes 7 and 11 indicate removal and reinstallation of existing stained glass associated with the new windows. Please confirm who is responsible for removal, protection/storage, and reinstallation of the stained glass. Please provide a detail showing how and where the stained glass is to be installed relative to the new window/glazing assembly.

FE Response: See response to similar question above.

Noise-Producing Work Hours

• The Albany VA Quiet Hours Directive effective July 7, 2026 reportedly restricts noise-producing activities from 5:45 AM to 3:00 PM, which conflicts with working-hour provisions in the contract documents. Please confirm the approved hours for noise-producing construction activities and whether the July 7 directive supersedes the contract requirements. Please provide a copy of the current Quiet Hours Directive. The solicitation identifies typical project duty hours as 8:00 AM–4:30 PM.

FE Response:

Note 19 on drawing GI-002 date 10-25-24 states: ”Use of noise & vibration emitting power tools may be used during the hours of 7:30 to 5:00 within the noise and vibration limits specified by VA.” Permission for use of these tools must be requested by contractor 72 hours in advance of use and approved by VA before any such use.

Note 20 on drawing GI-002 The VA can stop this use at any time if the noise and vibration impacts the hospital function. If this occurs this work must be performed off-hours.

On July 7, 2026 an internal VA e-mail states that: Mandatory quiet hours of 5:45 am to 3:00 pm has been established. No noise producing work can happen during this time Monday thru Friday.

Typical work hours will be as listed on solicitation with restrictions for noise and vibration emitting power tools. Traffic flow disturbance, including lifting of equipment or material, must take place after 5:00 pm and before 6:30 am.

Most areas should be fine for business hours.

Recommended areas constrained to weekends or permission of COR:

• 1A area around Dental lab exhaust fan – dangerous to workers

• 2A areas around HTHC equipment – dangerous to workers (exterior walls not shielded)

• 2A area around MRI – patient care, machine sensitive to vibrations

• 3A area around Prosthetics exhaust fan – dangerous to workers

• 5A areas around Audiology – disruption to patient care

• 6A – check with Research, where they are performing the spinal cord studies?

• 9A area around infusion suite – possible disruption to patient care

Areas where we consider patients/residents but believe disruption during business hours is preferable:

• 10B inpatient mental health

• 4A CLC ward

GI-002 – Geothermal Well Field / Equipment Loading

• The staging plan identifies the geothermal well field and areas with restricted loading adjacent to the façade work. Please provide allowable surface and point loads and clarify restrictions for equipment in this area.

FE Response:

Contractor to submit a staging plan for VA review taking into consideration the location of and limited loads allowed in the geothermal well field.

Full-Size Drawings

• Please provide the contract drawing set in its original full-size PDF format. The currently issued 8.5" x 11" drawings make scaling inaccurate, notes and details difficult to read.

Drawings provided in prior amendment.