Qs and As A0004.pdf

Cooling Tower Replacement Project 595-11-135 Questions and Answers

Q1.

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Q2.

Q3.

Per A0003 EXHIBIT A (attachment) is no longer required and NOT to be submitted with either Phase I or Phase II

Can you confirm that the project location is the Butler VA. Previous Solicitation listed the location as Lebanon PA ?

Per the Solicitation, Pg. 8, Instructions, Conditions and Other Statements to Bidders/Offerors; Section c. states the Source Selection criteria for Phase I for this procurement includes Technical Safety section, Technical Approach Section, and Past Performance/PPQ section. Evaluation criteria and submittal criteria for neither Phase I nor Phase II discuss the provided EXHIBIT A that was provided with the Solicitation. Please clarify if the Government expects the EXHIBIT A (to include a schedule, Quality Control Plan, and Safety Plan to be submitted with Phase I of this procurement?

Per A0003 EXHIBIT A (attachment) is no longer required and NOT to be submitted with either Phase I or Phase II

EXHIBIT A – TECHNICAL PROPOSAL DATA; The included EXHIBIT A specifies that offerors shall include the Key Personnel in the roles of Project Manager, Site Superintendent, QC Manager, Safety Manager, and Infection Control Manager. The Solicitation states that offerors shall include the Key Personnel in the roles of Overall Sr.

Project Manager, Design Project Manager, Construction Project Manager, A/E Field Rep., Construction Superintendent, and QC Manager. Please clarify as to which Key Personnel the offeror is intended to submit information for.

Amendment A0002: Place of Performance Lebanon VA Medical Center, 1700 S Lincoln Ave, Lebanon, PA 17042

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A3.

Q4.

A4. Per A0003 EXHIBIT A (attachment) is no longer required and NOT to be submitted with either Phase I or Phase II

EXHIBIT A – TECHNICAL PROPOSAL DATA; Please clarify the page limitations of this document. The Solicitation does not offer an “overall page limitation,” however the EXHIBIT A dictates the Technical Proposal has a limit of 40-pages. Does the 40-page limit apply only to the EXHIBIT A submitted information, or to the requested information in the Solicitation as well? To provide the government’s requested submittal information as specified in both the Solicitation and EXHIBITs will not provide the government with detailed information (such as the Quality Control Plan, Key Personnel information, and Safety Plan).

EXHIBIT A – TECHNICAL PROPOSAL DATA; Phase II of the solicitation requirements request data that is also requested in the EXHIBIT A that is requested for Phase I (such as narrative for Management Approach, narrative for Ability to Staff Project, EXHIBIT D, Self-Performance requirements [price is not to be submitted prior to Phase II], Schedule, Quality Control Plan, etc.). Please clarify if this document is or is not to be submitted as part of the Technical Proposal for Phase I.

Per A0003 EXHIBIT A (attachment) is no longer required and NOT to be submitted with either Phase I or Phase II. Exhibit D is to be submitted with PHASE II.

Q5.

A5.

Per A0003 RFI for Phase I due on May 29th at 2:00PM E.D.T. no additional questions will be accepted.A10.

Per the Solicitation, Pg. 8, Instructions, Conditions and Other Statements to Bidders/Offerors; There is a conflict within the solicitation as to the amount of copies to be submitted to the government. Page 10 requests one hard copy with one CD copy to VA Butler HCC and three copies with one CD to Lebanon VAMC. Page 11 requests an original and two copies with one CD to be submitted. Please clarify.

See amendment A0003 packages two be received at two separate locations.

Q10.

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Q6.

A6.

A0003 Exhibits B through F (if applicable/submitted), are supporting documents and these pages are NOT counted toward an overall page limitation of 40 pages. Phase I limitation (EXHIBIT PAGES NOT INCLUDED) 40 double-sided pages addressing requirements of the RFP in 12-pt Times New Roman font, single spaced.

Phase I, Factor 3, Past Performance Questionnaire; We respectfully ask the government to allow the submission of CPARS in lieu (or in addition to) Past Performance Questionnaires. Completed CPARS offer the government a verified view of the offerors performance from individuals actively involved in the project. With the provided timeline of projects completed in the past (7) years, representatives who were involved in the project at that time may no longer be able or employed at the entity to provide Past Performance Questionnaires to the government.

A0004 EXHIBIT B - Past Performance Relevancy Questionnaire REV Complete Exhibit B per the instructions on the form.

Per the Solicitation, Pg. 8, Instructions, Conditions and Other Statements to Bidders/Offerors; There is no specification that offerors are to include any key subcontractors or trade partners in their submittal of information however, EXHIBIT C implies that offerors are to include information for major subcontractors. This information is typically an expected requirement for Phase II. Please clarify if this EXHIBIT C is or is not to be included in Phase I, prior to final determinations on qualified offerors being made.

C and B are to be submitted in Phase I

EXHIBIT C – SUBCONTRACTOR INFORMATION AND CONSENT FORM; Please clarify the page limitations on this Exhibit, and if it is included in the overall page limitation of 40 pages for the Technical Proposal.

Q7

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A8.

When are RFIs due for Phase I? Do we send them to this email address?

The proposed closed circuit cooling towers as shown on MH-602: If the government stays with a Closed-Circuit Cooling Tower design – please provide submittal data of the existing condenser water pumps to ensure they have the required head and HP to overcome the flow rate of each tower.

Two (2) new Trane Centravac Chillers are currently being installed in the plant. The “Closed Looped Cooling Towers,” as proposed per the 100% design development package supplied with solicitation, are not the best solution for the new chillers. A traditional cross-flow or counter-flow cooling tower design would best fit this application.

A12.

See Reference attached Full Set -Drawings Chiller (attachment in A0004)

The proposed closed circuit cooling towers as shown on MH-602: Would the government consider a different cooling tower design?

The proposed closed circuit cooling towers as shown on MH-602: The closed cooling tower design will require additional maintenance by the government. The cooling tower schedule calls out (12) Fan Motors rated at 30 HP/each and (12) Spray Pumps. While the tower schedule does not call out Variable Speed Drive (VSD) it would be in the best interest of the government to install (12) VSD – the additional drives will require also require additional maintenance as well. It is worth noting that the fan HP at full load would equal 360 HP vs Cross-Flow tower design would be in ~ 150HP. The new chillers will require an additional 900+ GPM than what is currently scheduled. Please advise direction and or provide the current Trane Submittal.

Closed loop cooling tower is the preferred system; a traditional cross-flow or counter-flow design will not be acceptable.

A15.

Closed loop cooling tower is the preferred system; a traditional cross-flow or counter-flow design will not be acceptable.

The SOW - Cooling Tower Replacement 595-11-135 REV APR 13 states that VFD's are to be replaced as required.

Reference attached Full Set -Drawings Chiller (attachment in A0004)

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Due to COVID-19, will the VA consider reception of Phase I proposals via email or SAFE drop-off instead of hardcopy and CD?

See A0003 Offerors to follow PART III – PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS (NO ELECTRONIC PROPOSALS WILL BE ACCEPTED) Interested firms shall submit one (1) hard copy and one (1) copy on CD or DVD-R (NO USB FORMAT ACCEPTED) via Commercial Delivery Services to Jeffrey Zbezinski in Butler, PA AND In addition, the interested firms shall submit three (3) hard copies and one (1) copy on CD or DVD-R (NO USB FORMAT ACCEPTED) to: Brandy Mickelson in Lebanon, PA

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Q11.

Would you be able to clarify bid submittal instructions:

Page 11 Part III C(1) provides:

1 Original and two copies and 1 CD in binder clearly marked “Phase I Technical Proposal – Do Not Open in Mailroom” Do all three copies need to be bound or just the original?

Q19.

See A0003 Offerors to follow PART III – PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS (NO ELECTRONIC PROPOSALS WILL BE ACCEPTED) Interested firms shall submit one (1) hard copy and one (1) copy on CD or DVD-R (NO USB FORMAT ACCEPTED) via Commercial Delivery Services to Jeffrey Zbezinski in Butler, PA AND In addition, the interested firms shall submit three (3) hard copies and one (1) copy on CD or DVD-R (NO USB FORMAT ACCEPTED) to: Brandy Mickelson in Lebanon, PA See

A0004 ADDITIONALLY ALL HARD COPIES ARE TO BE BOUND

A18.

Would you be able to clarify bid submittal instructions:

Page 11 Part III C(1) provides:

1 Original and two copies and 1 CD in binder clearly marked “Phase I Technical Proposal – Do Not Open in Mailroom” Is this the three hard copies that will be directed to Brandy?

Would you be able to clarify bid submittal instructions:

Page 10 Part III A(b) provides: 1 Hard copy and 1 CD to Jeffrey Zbezinski; and 3 Hard copies and 1 CD to Brandy Mickelson

Q17.

A17. See A0003 Offerors to follow PART III – PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS (NO ELECTRONIC PROPOSALS WILL BE ACCEPTED) Interested firms shall submit one (1) hard copy and one (1) copy on CD or DVD-R (NO USB FORMAT ACCEPTED) via Commercial Delivery Services to Jeffrey Zbezinski in Butler, PA AND In addition, the interested firms shall submit three (3) hard copies and one (1) copy on CD or DVD-R (NO USB FORMAT ACCEPTED) to:

Brandy Mickelson in Lebanon, PA

Q18.

The towers are NOT to be on the roof. Requirement for ease of access in placement, monitoring and maintenance of the towers is to be at ground level.

Q16.

A16.

Proposed Cooling Tower Location on Grade (per 100% Design Development Package); to maintain net positive suction to the existing condenser water pumps utilizing a traditional cross-flow or counter-flow tower the structural dunnage may be 12 to 15-feet above grade. Will the government consider installing the towers back onto the roof with all new dunnage and architectural louvers?

Q22.

A20.

See A0003 Offerors to follow PART III – PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS (NO ELECTRONIC PROPOSALS WILL BE ACCEPTED) Interested firms shall submit one (1) hard copy and one (1) copy on CD or DVD-R (NO USB FORMAT ACCEPTED) via Commercial Delivery Services to Jeffrey Zbezinski in Butler, PA AND In addition, the interested firms shall submit three (3) hard copies and one (1) copy on CD or DVD-R (NO USB FORMAT ACCEPTED) to: Brandy Mickelson in Lebanon, PA See A0004 ADDITIONALLY ALL HARD COPIES ARE TO BE BOUND

A19.

Would you be able to clarify bid submittal instructions:

Page 11 Part III C(1) provides:

1 Original and two copies and 1 CD in binder clearly marked “Phase I Technical Proposal – Do Not Open in Mailroom” Does hard copy to Jeff need to be bound?

See A0003 Offerors to follow PART III – PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS (NO ELECTRONIC PROPOSALS WILL BE ACCEPTED) Interested firms shall submit one (1) hard copy and one (1) copy on CD or DVD-R (NO USB FORMAT ACCEPTED) via Commercial Delivery Services to Jeffrey Zbezinski in Butler, PA AND In addition, the interested firms shall submit three (3) hard copies and one (1) copy on CD or DVD-R (NO USB FORMAT ACCEPTED) to: Brandy Mickelson in Lebanon, PA See A0004 ADDITIONALLY ALL HARD COPIES ARE TO BE BOUND

Q20.

Are the Exhibits to be completed and submitted as separate documents with the proposal? I do not see which Tab or SubFactor they are to be included in.

Q21.

Include exhibits B, C, E and F (separate attachments) with Phase I and Exhibit D , (separate attachment )with Phase II proposal, as required.

A21

With respect to Exhibit B: Additionally, our respective subcontractors can complete and submit up to two Exhibit Bs, correct?

Yes, Subcontractors are to complete Exhibit B

Include Exhibit B (separate attachment) with Phase I.

With respect to Exhibit B: Please advise where in the proposal the Exhibit Bs are to be located.

With respect to Exhibit B: Am I correct that Offeror is to complete no more than three Exhibit Bs?

Yes, no more than three (3) are to be submitted.

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Q24.

Would the VA consider alternate cooling tower approaches to include one that could be less costly to the VA and could improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the cooling tower’s operations, if the contractor were to develop an approach for an alternate location compared to the one shown during the site visit of the cooling tower being placed on a cement slab next to the building?

Q29.

The new cooling towers shall be a closed-looped/circuit system, located on an existing pad.A29.

Q28.

A25.

With respect to Exhibit B: Bottom of Page 3, Top of Page 4. Can you please clarify this requirement? I understand we are to have our major subcontractors complete Exhibit C, but the remainder of the instruction is confusing.

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Q25.

Factor 3: Are we to include the information provided on Exhibit B Questionnaires in this Section or merely a narrative of information contained in the individuals questionnaires?

A0004 EXHIBIT B - Past Performance Relevancy Questionnaire REV would supplement Factor 3. ALSO Submission Requirements: change FROM Offerors shall provide no more up to three (3) references from current/past clients of the contractor [within the past seven (7) years] for projects similar in size and scope. TO Offerors shall provide no more up to three (3) references from current/past clients of the contractor [within the past five (5) years] for projects similar in size and scope.

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Q27.

A0004 EXHIBIT B - Past Performance Relevancy Questionnaire REV

With respect to Exhibit C: Please confirm earlier question – subcontractors can complete and submit up to two Exhibit Bs, but are not required to send out PPQs, correct?

Subcontractors to complete up two Exhibit B documents and do not send out past performance questionnaires.

Sub-Factor 1A: Project Experience: The requested maximum of five completed construction projects by a Design Build contract…are these separate projects than identified on our Performance Relevancy Questionnaire?

The projects included are at your discretion, however, they must adhere to the instructions provided. Related to Cooling Tower Project.

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