36C24425R0060 0002.pdf

5. PROJECT NUMBER (if applicable)

CODE 7. ADMINISTERED BY

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER

CODE

6. ISSUED BY

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NUMBER 3. EFFECTIVE DATE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

9B. DATED

PAGE OF PAGES

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED

BPA NO. 1. CONTRACT ID CODE

FACILITY CODE CODE

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

E. IMPORTANT:

is extended,

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning __________ copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR

ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY is not extended.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

(REV. 11/2016)

is required to sign this document and return ___________ copies to the issuing office. is not, A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

15C. DATE SIGNED

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES

SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER

Contractor

16C. DATE SIGNED

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

STANDARD FORM 30 PREVIOUS EDITION NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

(Type or print) (Type or print)

(Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

(Number, street, county, State and ZIP Code)

(If other than Item 6)

(Specify type of modification and authority)

(such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.)

(If required)

(SEE ITEM 11)

(SEE ITEM 13)

(X)

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ONE

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS,

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

1 16

0002 08-04-2025

542-18-106

00244

Department of Veterans Affairs

Network Contracting Office 4

VA Medical Center

1400 Blackhorse Hill Road

Coatesville PA 19320

00244

Department of Veterans Affairs

Network Contracting Office 4

VA Medical Center

1400 Blackhorse Hill Road

Coatesville PA 19320

To all Offerors/Bidders

36C24425R0060

04-30-2025

X

X X

X 1

Replace Steam and Condensate Mains System Oval 1 and Outlying Buildings

This amendment is issued to provide the following information:

1. Provide revised Evaluation Factor: Construction Approach.

2. VA Responses to Contractor questions

3. Provide sign-in sheets for site visits conducted on July 7, 2025 and July 22, 2025.

4. Provide Updated Excel Sheet for Division Pricing and Deduct Alternates

5. Provide Attachments: Map Laydown Area, Map Stockpile, Picture of Trench, referenced Tree Management Project design project.

Replace Steam and Condensate System Oval 1 and Outlying Buildings

Solicitation 36C24425R0060

AMENDMENT 0002

The purpose of this amendment is provide the following:

1. Provide revised Evaluation Factor: Construction Approach, see below.

2. VA Responses to Contractor questions

3. Provide sign-in sheets for site visits conducted on July 7, 2025 and July 22, 2025.

4. Additional attachments referenced

Evaluation Factor Update:

Construction Approach

1) Provide a narrative identifying the construction approach anticipated including phasing to maintain continuity of operations. Address the major functional categories identified above. The purpose of the narrative is to show the contractor’s ability to plan through the work and successfully complete the project.

2) Identify potential pitfalls and unintended negative impacts associated with the work, and provide a plan to avoid such outcomes.

3) Provide a proposed schedule which identifies critical path elements of the project and identifies measures to maintain schedule.

4) Identify the means of maintaining quality control of the work.

Contractor RFI’s and VA Response:

1. To evaluate successful completion is the VA requesting the submission of existing CPARS with the proposal?

VA response: Yes

2. Will experience of sister companies/subsidiaries be evaluated and accepted for past performance projects?

VA response: Only if the parent company is part of the team when executing the contract.

3. Are the past performance projects of predecessor, sister companies, subcontractors, teaming partners, etc. weighted any differently than those of the prime?

VA response: No

4. Do resumes count towards the 25-page limit for Section 1

VA response: No. 25 page limit is only related to the narrative in section 1.

5. The SOW indicated 550 days for the POP.

Is it the VA intent to suspend the contract during winter shutdowns so the POP will only count towards months where work is allowed?

VA response: No. The existing steam distribution must remain in operation until the new system is ready for full activation and switch-over. Switch-over should not occur during the winter. Nothing prevents the contractor from working during the winter other than the potential to freeze exposed underground utilities, which must be prevented. The contractor should submit a plan addressing this issue. It is expected that the 550 days will be met unless a valid reason to deviate is presented

If no to above, please consider that with the bid due late March and pricing is to be held for

120 days, award could be made 1st of July. By the time initial submittals and plans are made, it would be Sept and the contractor would not be able to mobilize due to shutdown for winter. Therefore, actual work would not start until April 1 or 9 months of no work. We would lose 270 days of the 550 POP before we break ground. We would essentially only have one working season to complete all work with the last 2-3 months of the POP during the next winter shutdown period. Please confirm if this is the expectation.

VA response: Question does not correlate with current solicitation.

Please confirm if the proposed POP can be negotiable due to the lead time on materials and coordination that is required on this project?

VA response: No. Lead time should be incorporated into the proposed schedule.

6. Section 01 00 00 -2 indicates the project requires that heat be maintained in all buildings during the heating season. Is it the VA’s intention that the contractor provide temporary heat for the buildings when the campus wide steam is not available?

VA response: Yes, steam should always be available to the buildings. In addition to heating, steam is used for domestic hot water year-round. Steam shutdowns of maximum 8-hour duration must be scheduled.

7. Section 01 00 00 -2 indicates the project requires that the hot water is to be maintained in all buildings during the project. Is it the VA’s intention that the contractor provide temporary hot water for the buildings when the campus wide steam is not available?

VA Response: See response to Q6 above

8. Section 01 00 00 – 22 indicates the contractor must provide photographic documentation of construction progress. To what extent must the contractor provide these photos? Will they be reviewed at the weekly meetings or submitted as part of the contract documentation

VA response: Photos shall be provided on CD/DVD at project milestones and at completion. Maintain access to photos on site. Online access is not required.

9. Changes to the construction schedule. The language indicates the contractor has a responsibility for completion. The VA indicates that the contractor should remedy any construction delays with manpower, increase in working hours per day or rescheduling the work in conformance with specification requirements. The majority of this work is out of doors, will the VA entertain adding additional time for delays associated with weather?

VA response: Weather variations are expected and need to be accounted for in the schedule. Only if unusual occurrences happen will considerations be made.

Will additional time be provided if sufficient cause for delay is presented to the government?

VA response: Yes

10. What are the liquidated damages per day if the project runs past the POP?

VA response: Actual damages will/shall be assessed if contractor goes beyond completion date.

11. Will the VA hold the selected QCM to the experience matrix they have provided in the specifications?

VA response: Yes

12. Section 23 22 13 – 17 Can the VA clarify the requirement for radiographic verification of the welds for this project?

VA response: The question is vague. The contractor shall provide radiographic verification in accordance with the Specifications

13. Section 01 91 00 – 35 Indicates the contractor must return after one year to inspect the installed piping. One of these requirements is that the contractor must provide a “commercial grade sUAS or drone platform equipped with a 3-axis stabilized high resolution radiometric thermal camera.

The camera must utilize a long wave microbolometer detector with a resolution of 640x512 and a frame rate of 30 hxz.” Is this correct?

VA response: Yes

14. Additionally, section 01 91 00 – 35 requires that the company providing the commercial drone have an additional $3,000,000.00 in liability insurance. Is this correct?

VA response: Yes

15. Section 02 21 13 Requires that the contractor verify the drawings 100% and once the contractor verifies the drawings they are responsible for all changes in the design. Is this correct?

VA response: No. Section 01 00 00, Article 1.7 Alterations and Article 1.10 Restoration address differing site conditions. Article 1.7, Paragraphs A and B in this project deal primarily with site features, including sidewalks, benches, drainage features, plantings, any appurtenances, etc. Section 02 21 13 does not apply to this project and will be deleted.

16. Section 01 00 00 – 2 Indicates that the VA previously awarded a tree management and sidewalks contract. To what extent must the contractor protect or restore this work? Can the government provide the extent of this previous contract?

VA response: Restore to match existing. See attached drawings from tree management project.

17. Section 0100 00 – 2 indicates there is a rain garden between buildings 7 and 8 that must be protected restored. Can the government provide information on this project?

VA response: Yes. See attached drawings.

18. Section 01 00 00 -4 Indicates the contractor must provide a PE to perform stress analysis on the pre engineered piping system. Is this correct?

VA response: Yes

19. Please confirm that the contractor required to hire a PE to perform a stress analysis for the manhole piping?

VA response: Yes

20. Will the VA be providing a commissioning agent for the project?

VA response: Yes

Will this be the DOR?

VA response: Yes

21. Section 23 22 13-19 Will the required hydrostatic testing be required to be witnessed by the COR and DOR? Or will a simple report suffice?

VA response: Testing will be reviewed by the COR

22. Section 33 63 00-2 Is it correct that the manufacturers rep be required to provide 25 days of instruction and monitoring of contractor activities?

VA response: Yes

23. Section 33 63 00 – 4 As the VA has some strict storage, handling and moisture control requirements. Will the VA be providing a laydown / storage area on site? Where will this laydown area be located?

VA response: Next to campus generators/power station and T21

How large will the laydown area be?

VA response: See attached map.

24. Can two separate laydown areas be provided? We would like one on grass for soils and one on asphalt for the remaining materials.

VA response: Please see the attached map of laydown area.

25. Section 33 63 00 -9 Is it correct that the contractor must supply a five (5) year warranty on all work related to the pre-insulated piping system including backfill and testing?

VA response: Yes

26. Section 33 63 00- 18 Can you confirm that all of the testing requirements for 33 63 00 – 18 Field

Joint Testing will be enforced?

VA response: Yes

Which is the preferred method Mag Particle or X ray?

VA response: The specification requires both.

27. Section 33 63 00 – 19 Will the casing epoxy coating process require witnessing by VA personnel?

VA response: At COR’s discretion

28. Section 33 63 00 – 24 The VA has indicated that all Oval 1 steam and condensate casing shall be tested and dried before turnover to the VA. Is this correct?

VA response: Yes

Is this the only acceptable testing and drying contractor?

VA response: Yes

Has the VA verified with the piping manufacturer that this is an acceptable method of drying the specified pipe?

VA response: Yes

29. Section 33 63 00 – 24 E. Is the contractor or the VA responsible for carrying the cost associated with the drying contractor?

VA response: The contractor

30. Section 33 63 00 – 24G 18 Month Follow up inspection. How will the drying contractor verify this portion of the work AFTER the direct buried pipe has been installed and backfilled?

VA response: The process is described in the specification.

31. Section 33 63 00-28 Is the contractor required to use the sleeves by GPT called out in this section?

VA response: Yes

32. Section 33 63 00 – 54 Can the VA provide a description of what the one-year piping inspection

After completion of the project might entail?

VA response: The description is detailed in the specification.

33. Can the VA provide a list of Thermal Drone companies that have engineers and Level 1

Thermographers on staff in our area?

VA response: This is the responsibility of the contractor.

34. Is the contractor responsible for the aviation waiver to operate the drone at night

VA response: Yes

35. Page 10 RFP document indicates that the contractor should encapsulate the dirt areas in the crawls space for building 10 in 6” thick shotcrete. Is this correct?

36. The project drawings indicate several trees may need to be removed to allow room for the pipe and manholes. Is there any requirement to replace the removed trees?

VA response: Yes, for every tree that is removed two must be planted in a location on the

VAMC campus where designated by the COR. Replace with approved tree list (see COR for details)

It seems to be a direct contradiction to this statement under soil and erosion control.

Note on Page SS-101, SS-102, SS-103 and SS-104

Please confirm how excavation around trees and within their drip edge will be handled.

• Can we excavate within the drip edge of trees?

VA response: Excavation is based upon requirements for installation of pre-engineered piping systems and manholes. Review potential impact to trees with COR prior to excavation. If tree will be compromised based upon impact to main roots or damage to the root system within close proximity to the tree, the contractor shall remove the tree and grind the stump, and provide two new trees as specified.

• Is there any requirement to warranty trees survive following excavation work?

VA response: No

37. Drawing S-001 under Earthwork indicates the contractor should retain the services of a

Geotechnical Engineer for shoring, underpinning, sheeting, load bearing levels and measure quantity of excavation and fill. Is this correct?

VA response: Geotechnical Engineer to be hired for shoring, underpinning, sheeting, and compaction testing. Testing for allowable bearing and quantity measurement not required. Excavation is “unclassified” excavation as defined in 31 20 11, and contractor is responsible for all excavation and backfilling required to complete construction.

38. Drawing S-001 In lieu of a geotechnical engineer a licensed surveyor may be retained for the measurement and certification of excavation and fill quantities. To what extent is the contractor required to measure and certify fill quantities?

VA response: The contractor has no requirement to measure and certify excavation/fill quantities. This note to be deleted.

39. Drawing S-001 Is the contractors Geotechnical engineer to approve all subgrade elevations prior to concrete pour as indicated in subgrade Construction?

VA response: Yes. Contractor’s engineer to approve compaction at subgrade and backfill prior to concrete placement.

40. Drawing S-001 Indicates the contractor should retain field testing services for the concrete.

Field testing services will test for:

1) Slump per ASTM C143L

2) Air Content per ASTM C231 or C173

3) Temperature

4) Concrete test cylinders per ASTM C31, one set of six (6) cylinders for each 50m cubic yards for each mix used. Additionally, a cylinder compressive test per ASTM C39

Will all of the concrete poured on this project need to meet these requirements?

41.

Is the above requirement correct?

VA response: Yes, it is correct other than submittals shall be in accordance with Specifications

Section 01 33 23

Is the reference to the stamp an indication the contractor must hire a structural engineer to review the previously engineered drawings?

Why can the contractor not use the designers stamped engineered drawings as the submtted structural material?

VA response: Reference Specifications Section 01 33 23.

42. Item #15 on S-001 again indicates the contractor must employ a structural engineer when altering existing structures is this correct?

43. Page 13 RFP #8 indicates the contractor may only park one company vehicle at the project site.

All other vehicles must be parked in the designated parking lots… At a minimum the contractor will need to have a backhoe, dumptruck, crane, and support vehicles for a project of this size. Can we remove this single vehicle requirement from the RFP?

VA response: The project site may include only the equipment used on a daily basis, the stored materials for one week, a secured dumpster and one company vehicle, and all must be incorporated into the fenced in area. All other equipment must be located and secured in the T-21 area where designated by the COR. Similarly, all other vehicles must be parked in the T-21 area, see attached.

44. Page 18 of the RFP indicates it may be necessary for contractor to employ the services of a subsurface Utility Engineering firm to conduct surveys to locate all of the underground utilities in areas to be excavated.

1) Did the DOR engage a utility location service prior to design?

VA response: Refer to Civil Drawings and General, Structural and Construction Notes on Drawing S-001

2) If they did not, should the contractor plan on locating all subsurface utilities, structures and piping?

VA response: Refer to Notes on Drawings S-001 and SS001 as well as Specifications.

45. Is the contractor required to use the below sleeve for penetrations?

46. Drawing MP 105 indicates valves for medium pressure steam and pumped condensate are to be a ball valve for 4” and smaller and a triple offset butterfly for 6” and larger, what should the contractor use for the 5” MPS pipe in the basement of building #16?

VA response: If a 5” valve is not available use a 6” Triple offset valve.

47. Can the VA provide a copy of the sign in sheet from the site visit?

VA response: Will be provided

48. Please identify what can be used as a laydown yard that would allow enough space for equipment and all piping.

VA response: See attached map.

49. Do we need to account for any asbestos in the soil during excavation other than the existing pipe itself? This could be from contaminants or naturally occurring.

VA response: Yes

50. How do we quantify asbestos containing material for disposal?

VA Response: This response can be found in the specification Section 01 00 00 General

Requirements and on the mechanical drawings

51. Disposal and trucking soils offsite can be very expensive, is there a spot on site the installation where soils can be disposed of?

52. What is the policy for shutting down roadways?

VA response: Shutdown request to be submitted in writing to the COR for approval at least 4 weeks prior to the required shutdown.

53. How long can roadways be closed?

VA response: No more than necessary for construction with alternat routes pre-determined and approved by COR. Major shutdowns will be required.

54. What signage and notifications are required?

VA response: As determined by COR for safe traffic/pedestrian flow.

55. Are all roadways under the supervision of the VA or do any closures require notification and approval from local municipalities?

VA response: Only VA approvals will be required.

56. Are flaggers required when roadways are shut down?

VA response: Safety requirements are based upon the risk assessments of the activities for each and every location and definable feature of work. Patient and public safety risk is one aspect of safety. The contractor must provide safety plans / accident prevention plans must address not only safety within the job site, but also impact to safety conditions for not only vehicles, but pedestrians and on-lookers as well. The contractor shall be appropriately staffed to maintain vigilance over all aspects of safety, for all portions of their work. Reference Specifications

Sections 01 35 26 and 01 45 00.

57. Can the VA relocate the parking that is currently along the roadways requiring construction?

VA response: Coordinate with the COR

58. If roadwork needs to be performed when asphalt plants are not open, can we temporarily reopen roads with plates, flowable fill, etc. for future paving?

VA response: Yes. Only until plants reopen. Plan must be coordinated with the COR prior.

59. How will it be handled contractually if additional utilities are discovered during excavation that are not identified on the drawings?

VA response: See drawing M-001 Note #14

60. Can the VA provide additional GIS data to show existing utility data beyond what is on the drawings?

VA response: The data in the drawings should be generally complete based upon available documents. The contractor’s subsurface utility investigation team must coordinate with the VA COR at the time of their survey.

61. Please confirm the fence and signage requirements around excavation?

VA response: Per contract documents. Note that the requirements of Specifications

Section 01 00 00 is a minimum. The safety plan/accident prevention plans must further address the risks associated with each condition and the risks must be addressed accordingly.

62. Can multiple crews work on separate sections of the project at one time?

VA response: Only on a case-by-case basis. Medical center operations and patient flow must be maintained at all times. Additionally, requirements for competent person oversight must not be compromised, and the contractor adequately staffed to maintain all safety requirements

63. Are there any other projects planned that could cause coordination issues while this work is being performed?

VA response: Medical center operations and patient flow must be maintained at all times. Shutdowns are not always possible at the contractor’s requested time-frames.

Reasonable flexibility must be built into the contractor’s schedule. Impact of other project work cannot be fully predicted. Maintaining the specified POP will help minimize the potential for conflict as this project progresses.

64. Can additional details be provided on footer depths and details of the buildings we need to excavate near?

VA response: Generally, yes, but the information is not always complete and the information must be field verified.

65. Can the existing hallway with the OH door into the courtyard be removed for future reconstruction?

VA response: No

66. If we utilize the OH doors through the hallway for access, how long can we interrupt foot traffic in this area for crossing equipment and other vehicles?

VA response: This must be addressed in the contractor’s safety plan / accident prevention plan. The available alternatives for foot traffic diminishes seasonally and in inclement weather. Safety oversight at this juncture is critical.

67. Excavation at the building mech rooms will require the shutdown of several exterior exits to those buildings for extended periods of time. How will that be handled?

VA response: Must be closely coordinated with the COR prior to shutdown and coordinated weekly at construction progress meetings. ILSM’s will be needed through

FD.

68. Please confirm the requirements and process for shutting down utilities impacted by construction activities.

VA response: Shutdowns must be included in the construction schedule and COR must be notified in writing one month (or longer) in advance of any shutdowns.

69. Can existing soil be reused for backfill and compaction or will it be considered as undocumented fill? Will we need to remove soil from the roadway and replace with select?

VA response: Refer to S-001, Earthwork, Note#8

70. Will a location be provided on property for soil stockpiles?

VA response: Yes

71. Are any environmental permits required for this work?

VA response: Yes

72. Please confirm that proof of bonding capacity needs to be included in the proposal to the extent of the actual proposed bid amount.

VA response: Yes

73. Please confirm the actual key personnel requirements because there is discrepancy between the

RFP and the design documents.

VA response: Identify specific discrepancies for response

74. If there are discrepancies between the RFP requirements and the design documents/specifications, which one takes precedence?

VA response: Identify specific discrepancies for response

75. Page 13 RFP indicates under contractor responsibilities the contractor is responsible for verifying all site conditions prior to performing any work under the contract. The contract documents indicate that many of the conditions, utility locations and depth to bedrock were taken from previous documents. Can the contractor be held to conditions that have not yet been exhumed / excavated?

VA response: No, contract includes differing site conditions, FAR 52.236

What if the design documents are incorrect?

VA response: Issue an RFI. If the specifications and drawings conflict, the specifications takes precedence.

Will this responsibility still reside with the contractor?

76. If an excavation requires benching, is there a limitation on how much area we can disturb?

VA response: Yes see specifications.

77. Will the VA pay the contractor for all pipe delivered and stored on site prior to installation?

VA response: VA will pay for a percentage of delivered pipe, when delivered to this

VAMC site, inspected, properly protected and secured. Retainage will be withheld until the piping is installed and finally accepted.

78. Are there any additional requirements for compaction testing, bedding, bridging, etc. when backfilling to existing utilities?

VA response: Any and all excavation and backfilling are required to meet the requirements of 31 20 11.

79. Is it expected that we will encounter any existing concrete encased utilities or duct bank?

VA response: Yes, see design drawings.

80. What tasks need to be performed after hours or on weekends?

VA response: TBD and coordinated with the COR. Weekend work would be related to deliveries or isolated street shutdowns or otherwise affecting operations of the medical center.

81. Is there any work that will have to be coordinated in advance due to noise constraints?

82. Would the VA allow the contractor to determine the required amount of open excavation as part of the technical approach for this project?

VA response: The VA must approve. Reference Specifications Sections 01 00 00, 01 35

26 and 01 45 00.

83. Are flaggers required for road closures?

VA response: Yes

84. We will have some deep excavations. At what depth will the VA consider the excavation a confined space?

VA response: Per VA and OSHA requirements

85. Are any areas inside the buildings considered a confined space that we are expected to be working in?

VA response: No

86. There is one excel file with two tabs called bid form. The two tabs are different, and have different information on each tab. Is this bid form an example, or is the VA going to revise the form for us?

VA response: Bid form (Bid Form auto calc) will be utilized, see attached updated Excel

Spreadsheet.

87. What level of detail is the VA expecting for this pricing proposal?

VA Response:

a. SF1442, page 2, Blocks 17, 18, 20

b. Pricing Sheet for Total Project and Deduct Alternates:

c. Attachment 1 – Bid Form Excel file for pricing of divisions

88. There is no bond requirement listed on the bid sheet. Should a line be added for this cost?

VA response: VA Response: The bond cost may be added to the bid sheet. It should be included in all pricing and Deduct Alternates.

89. The bid deducts listed on the bid sheet total into the final cost on the sheet. This should not be added in unless accepted by the VA. Can this be revised?

VA response: No, the bid deduct amount shall be included on the spaces provided and also the net total amount of the project after the deduct alternate is subtracted. Each deduct alternate shall be subtracted from the base amount separately and provided in the space provided for each deduct alternate.

90. Will the VA provide a tax-exempt certificate for this project, or will tax need to be applied?

VA response: No, all taxes must be included in the price

91. 3 day notification for testing will require excavations left open longer than necessary. This will expose the excavations to weather and extended safety hazards. Can this requirement be relaxed so we could close up excavations as quickly as possible?

VA response: No. Plan the work accordingly.

Can an additional round of questions be asked after these questions are answered?

VA response: No

92. Where on the bid sheet does the pricing for this section go?

VA response:

d. SF1442, page 2, Blocks 17, 18, 20

e. Pricing Sheet for Total Project and Deduct Alternates

f. Attachment 1 – Bid Form Excel file for pricing of divisions

93. Please confirm what work the VA wants us to perform in order to abandon the manhole in place? Empty or fill?

VA response: For EMH-3, refer to 7/SS501.

94. How are we to enter the pricing for the crawlspace shotcrete encapsulation that was identified verbally as a potential mod?

VA response: Refer to # 21 of the solicitation for encapsulation requirement. No change in the requirement.

95. Requires a complete labor breakdown for the proposal. This exceeds the breakdown on the bid form, how should this detail be shown?

VA response: Provide material and labor breakdown on separate sheet and include in price proposal.

96. How do we handle unidentified utilities encountered during excavation if it is active or abandoned?

VA response: Coordinate with COR.

How quickly would we be able to get a response from the VA if it is abandoned and can be removed?

VA response: Within 5 working days.

97. How do we handle unidentified utilities encountered during excavation or a utility that is at a different elevation that is shown, and it interferes with the routing of the new pipe?

VA response: Provide RFI for clarification by AE.

Please confirm that this would be considered a differing site condition subject to reimbursement.

VA response: TBD after RFI response.

98. Who is responsible for the excavation costs for the 5-year warranty period if there is a failure.

Costs for this would require the project to be kept open for years beyond the completion date.

VA Response: The contractor is responsible. The contactor would provide a certificate of warranty at close-out, but the project would be closed out upon VA acceptance.

99. Can the courtyard be closed during the period of performance for the safety of the residents/patients?

VA response: To be coordinated with the COR. Contractor is responsible for fencing and securing work area.

100. The specifications state the warranty is to be 12 months and in another spot says 5 years, which is correct?

VA response: 5-year governs where indicated.

101. Please confirm that the Wage Determination is the Building Rates and not Heavy Rates.

VA Response: Wage Rate Determination shall be Heavy and Highway, see attached.

102. How will the system be tested for dryness?

VA Response: Refer to drawings and specifications

103. The specifications have a specific drying contractor to use. Is it required to utilize this contractor?

VA Response: Yes

104. Which bid forms are we to use?

VA response:

a. SF1442, page 2, Blocks 17, 18, 20

b. Pricing Sheet for Total Project and Deduct Alternates

c. Attachment 1 – Bid Form Excel file for pricing of divisions

105. The excel bid forms only include an area for the base bid and “Bid Deduct II” and Bid

Deduct III”. Will a revised form be issued to include all alternates?

VA Response: See attached updated Excel Spreadsheet

106. If we enter numerical data on the excel form, the totals calculation will be incorrect. Can we use an excel form for the base bid and then separate sheets for the alternates?

VA response: Yes, acceptable

107. Is precast construction permitted for steam manholes and steam trap vaults?

108. If precast is permitted, can manhole sizes be changed to 10'x10' (in lieu of 10'-4" x 10'-4") inside width/length and 6'x8' (in lieu of 6'-4" x 7'-4") to allow for use of common size molding?

VA response: See above response

109. If precast is permitted, can steam trap vaults be changed to 4'x6' (type 1) and 4'x4' (type

2)?

VA Response: No precast manholes allowed.

110. What is the waterproofing additive noted on the vault/manhole drawings? Where can that be found in the spec, and is it required if precast is used?

VA response: Waterproofing admixture basis-of-design is Xypex C-500. Precast is not allowed.

111. If precast is permitted, can the sumps in manholes be constructed as a separate 24"x24" structure placed below the vault floor?

VA Response: No precast manholes allowed.

112. Drawings call for an exterior bituminous coating, on vaults. What section of the specs is that referenced in?

VA Response: Refer to Section 07 14 30, Liquid-Applied Waterproofing

113. It is a certainty that we will encounter tree roots during excavation. Will there be an allowance established to cover the costs of tree root removal, VA response: No

114. or will we have to assume all responsibility and risk for root removal?

VA response: This is the contractor’s responsibility

115. Removal or disruption of tree roots is likely to have an adverse effect on the trees including overall health and the possibly of killing the tree. We the contractor be liable for any loss of trees?

VA Response: Yes

116. Will removal of trees be allowed?

Va Response: Refer to drawings and specifications

117. If there is a certain type/species of tree that has different requirements than another type, what are the answers to the above questions by type/species of tree. If all types/species of trees are treated the same, please confirm.

VA Response: All will be treated the same.

118. Will an allowance be established to cover the costs of any hidden or unforeseen below grade obstructions?

VA response: Unforeseen obstructions/ utilities are to be anticipated.

119.

On page 01 00 00 – 14 and 15 there are references to “specification Sections 26 05 11, REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS, 27 05 11 REQUIREMENTS FOR

COMMUNICATIONS INSTALLATIONS and 28 05 00, COMMON WORK RESULTS FOR

ELECTRONIC SAFETY AND SECURITY for additional requirements.” We could not find these sections in the bid documents.

VA Response: There is no planned electrical work related to this design. Specification section

01 00 00 is referring to existing electrical service that may be impacted by the contractor doing their work.

120. Will the contractor be provided additional compensation for removal or rerouting of underground utilities?

VA response: If determined to be outside of the scope of the contract, it will be handled appropriately

121. Are there any buildings that require steam year-round?

VA response: Yes

122. What time of year is the steam shut-down / turned on for the buildings that do not require year-round steam?

VA response: All occupied buildings require steam to remain in use

123. At the walkthrough, it was mentioned that there were pictures of Building 17’s pipe trench shown open. Can these be provided?

124. Please confirm that we are required to provide testing at every location where we tie into existing systems.

VA response: Refer to specifications

125. Please confirm that the extent of abatement to be included in the bid is as described in Abatement Section 02 82 11 – page 1 and 2, as listed herein.

VA Response:

100 linear feet of <2 inches diameter pipe insulation.

100 linear feet) of 2 inches - 6 inches diameter pipe insulation.

50 linear feet of <6 inches diameter pipe insulation.

100 square feet of miscellaneous material.

750 cubic meters (feet) of contaminated soil/materials.

Encapsulation of ACM in the following quantities:

4400 square feet of contaminated soil/materials.

126. Where is the location of the contaminated soils?

VA response: Building 10. See deduct alternate V

127. Where is the location of the contaminated soils that require encapsulation?

VA response: Building 10. See deduct alternate V

End of Document