RFI Answers Steam Line Manhole 9.docx

Replace Steam Line from Manhole 9 to Vault

RFI QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

36C24226R0106 CONTRACTOR Questions

1. Asbestos. Has a survey or sampling been performed on the existing pipe insulation in this run? If so, we request a copy. If asbestos-containing material is present, is abatement within the contractor's scope? The Statement of Work contains no abatement scope.

VA: No asbestos, as these lines had been installed in 2004.

2. Specification 232213, Steam Piping, and record drawing C-105 dated 04/02/2021 are both referenced in the Statement of Work as included with the solicitation, but neither appears among the posted attachments. We request they be posted.

VA: These documents will be uploaded and made available.

3. Trench configuration. Please confirm the steam and condensate lines are carried in a continuous concrete trench for the full run between Manhole #9 and the vault, and whether the existing concrete cover panels are to be reused or replaced.

VA: The steam and condensate lines are carried in a continuous concrete trench box and lid for the full run. The concrete is assumed to be in a good state, re-use existing trench box.

4. Pipe sizes. The Statement of Work states the steam line is assumed to be 8 inches. Please confirm the actual size and schedule. The condensate line size is not stated anywhere in the solicitation; please provide size and schedule.

VA: The pipe sizes are stated in drawing C-105. It currently calls out an 8” H.P.S and 4” CP. Both are schedule 80.

5. Shutdown. What shutdown duration and window will the Government permit, and is temporary steam or a bypass required to maintain service during the outage?

VA: The steam pipe is currently isolated and is bypassed through a separate section of piping. It is the intent to have this work completed as soon as possible in preparation for the winter weather (as shall adhere to the ‘period of performance’ 60 days deadline).

6. We got a look at the hatch and the concrete covers out there. Can you confirm both lines run in a concrete trench the whole way from Manhole 9 to the vault? If any part of it is direct buried we'd want to know roughly where.

VA: The steam and condensate lines are carried in a continuous concrete trench box and lid for the full run.

7. On those covers, are we reusing them or replacing them? A few are cracked pretty good already. And if one breaks coming out, who's picking that up?

VA: The concrete is assumed to be in a good state, however if It is discovered to be otherwise, contractor shall immediately document the condition and notify the Contracting Officer Representative (COR). VA to furnish or reimburse new trench box covers if required.

8. SOW says the steam line is assumed 8 inch. Can we get the actual size and schedule? We couldn't find the condensate size listed anywhere.

VA: The pipe sizes are stated in drawing C-105. It currently calls out an 8” H.P.S and 4” CP. From C105 drawing, 8 inch is assumed to be schedule 40. 4” pumped condensate line is schedule 80.

9. Confined space rescue. Is the Lyons Fire Department covering standby, or is that all on us? 4.A.1 reads like it's entirely contractor furnished but I wanted to confirm before we price a rescue team.

VA: VA Fire Department is not providing confined space rescue. It is on the contractor to provide required support.

10. Administrative. Is a bid bond required with the offer? Also, the synopsis and narrative state offers are due August 28, 2026 at 11:00 AM EDT, while SF 1442 Block 13a states 08-30-2026, a Sunday. Please confirm the correct date and time.

VA: Yes, a bid bond will be required, the original date for this solicitation was august 28th. We will be extending this solicitation to September 3rd.

11. Please provide the specification and manufacturer requirements for the expansion joint VA: MetraFlex SINGLE METRAPAK - SLIP-TYPE EXPANSION JOINT - WELD ENDS or equal.

- Will this piping have double containment, or will it be sch. 80 insulated and jacketed? Is there an insulation specification to follow?

VA: It shall be schedule 80, jacketed & with calcium silicate insulation. Specification will be provided.

12. Should the base bid include any specialty valves or piping components other than the expansion joint?

VA: None anticipated. Install the existing valve(s).

- Will these expansion joints require thrust blocks? If so, is there a spec for concrete and anchor points?

VA: To be confirmed by manufacturer.

13. Should the exposed piping above grade at each end of the run be included in the base bid?

VA: No exposed piping.

- If so, should that piping have the same insulation or double containment as the underground does?

VA: N/A

- Does the VA have a specific vendor for double containment piping or a manufacture that they currently use?

VA: N/A

14. May the Contractor use any qualified independent x-ray/NDT testing company, or does the VA require a preferred/approved testing agency?

VA: Yes, contractor may use an independent qualified testing company.

15. Please provide the required pipe support details or confirm that new support shall match the existing installation.

VA: Pipe guides required.

- Will these piping supports be cold dip galvanized?

VA: Painted or galvanized.

16. What is the maximum allowable steam shutdown duration, timeframe?

VA: The steam pipe is currently isolated and is bypassed through a separate section of piping. It is the intent to have this work completed as soon as possible in preparation for the winter weather (as shall adhere to the ‘period of performance’ 60-day deadline).

17. Are shutdowns required to occur after normal working hours?

VA: No, as the steam is currently isolated in that section.

18. Are multiple shutdowns permitted if necessary?

VA: No, as the steam is currently isolated in that section.

19. Will the VA operate the isolation valves, or is that the Contractor's responsibility?

VA: Steam line is currently isolated. However please note that only the VA may exercise the isolation valves.

20. If the leak extends beyond the estimated 100 LF., what are the limits of the Contractor's responsibility?

VA: Contractor responsibility is maintained within the estimated 100 LF. Work beyond the piping at and between 2 manholes are not in this contract.

21. Per the SOW pg. 9 a record drawing of the buried piping C-105 Dated 04/02/2021 was to be included with the solicitation, please provide?

VA: Drawing will be provided.

22. What is the depth of the steam pipe in the ground?

VA: Within the trench box at 3’ft to top of box. However, the total depth of the pipe from the surface could be 10 feet.

23. I’m looking to see if there are plans available for this project and if so how I can see them.

VA: drawing shall be provided.

24. Can you please provide us with specs, bid docs, and drawings.

VA: specifications and drawing(s) will be provided.

25. Please provide C-105 and specification 232213, along with any other drawings/specifications applicable to this solicitation.

VA: Requested documentation will be provided.