RFI Answer 1 Roofing Replacement 460-26-004.docx

RFI 1: 460-36-004, Roofing Replacement, Wilmington VAMC

1. Please confirm the applicable prevailing wage / Davis-Bacon wage determination for this project and whether any updated wage determination will be incorporated before bid opening.

Davis-Bacon / Construction Wage Rate Requirements apply under FAR 22.403 and 52.222-6. Use the wage determination incorporated in the solicitation or latest amendment for Building construction in New Castle County, Delaware. Under FAR 22.404-6, a modification published before bid opening generally controls if issued with required lead time. Prior RFI Response 27 identified DE20260008; confirm that revision on SAM.gov.

2. SF1442 Block 11 states 30 calendar days, RFI Response 23 states 120 days, and RFI Responses 80 and 104 state 60 days after Notice to Proceed. Please confirm the controlling completion period, clarify whether submittal review and material procurement fall inside it, identify when NTP is anticipated, and confirm whether liquidated damages will apply. Please also confirm whether the completion period begins before the VA and AT&T equipment relocations are complete, and how delayed roof access will be addressed. SF1442 Block 11 and FAR 52.211-10 control until amended: start within 10 calendar days of NTP and complete within 30 calendar days of NTP. The 120 days in Block 13d is bid acceptance, not performance. Submittals and procurement fall inside the performance period. Access delays are handled under FAR 52.242-14 and 52.236-2 after written notice. No construction liquidated-damages clause is listed.

3. Both versions of VAAR 852.219-75 in the solicitation select general construction with an 85% subcontracting limitation, while RFI Response 111 identifies special-trade construction with a 75% limitation. Please identify the controlling clause version and provide an updated certification for submission with the bid if special trade construction applies. Use the certification printed in the solicitation. Both versions check general construction, so no more than 85 percent may be paid to firms that are not certified SDVOSBs, excluding materials. A certified SDVOSB first-tier subcontractor counts as similarly situated. NAICS 238160 is a special-trade code under 13 CFR 125.6, which would be 75 percent if the clause is amended.

4. VAAR 852.236-72 authorizes 15% retention where work is not self-performed under FAR 52.236-1, but 52.236-1 is not among the incorporated clauses and no percentage is stated. Please identify the required percentage of work to be performed with the prime contractor's own forces, and confirm whether work performed by a certified SDVOSB subcontractor counts toward both that requirement and the subcontracting limitation. No self-performance percentage is filled in and FAR 52.236-1 is not incorporated. VAAR 852.236-72 still measures own forces as on-site labor on the prime's payroll and allows 15 percent retention on work not authorized to be performed by other than the prime. A certified SDVOSB subcontractor counts toward limitations on subcontracting but does not count as the prime's own forces.

5. SF1442 indicates that an offer guarantee and performance and payment bonds are not required, but the bid-opening instructions reference submission of bids and bid bonds, and RFI Response 109 omits the applicable thresholds. Given the stated magnitude of construction between $250,000 and $500,000, please confirm whether a bid guarantee, performance bond, and payment bond are required, including amounts or percentages, submission deadlines, and acceptable electronic formats, and correct the SF1442 as appropriate. Over $150,000: require performance and payment Bonds. Over $35k and less than $150,000 requires a payment bond.

6. Please identify the quantity or allowance for metal-deck replacement to be carried in the base bid and clarify whether the approximately 10% deterioration identified in RFI Response 71 is an estimate only or a required bid quantity, and whether it applies to the PT roof alone or to all four roofs. Rusting in the metal decking and cracks possibly in concrete decking, may be encountered with tear down of existing roof. 10% is an approximate estimation, contractor needs to provide a quote for replacement metal decking as a price per Square Foot.

7. Please provide a unit-price schedule for deck replacement and explain how unit prices will be evaluated, measured, authorized, and paid, noting that the Price/Cost Schedule currently contains only Item 0001 as a single job lot. Please confirm what the unit price must include, specifically whether supporting framing repair, temporary shoring, welding, and inspection are within it. Contractor shall provide a quote for replacement metal decking as a price per Square Foot. Unit price must include, specifically whether supporting framing repair, temporary shoring, welding, and inspection are within it.

8. Please establish a separate pricing basis, unit of measure, and repair criteria for the concrete-deck repairs required by RFI Response 58. Contractor shall provide a quote for replace concrete decking as a price per Square Foot. Unit price must include, specifically whether supporting framing repair, temporary shoring, welding, and inspection are within it.

9. Please identify the required profile, depth, gauge, finish, and attachment requirements for replacement metal roof decking, and resolve the unselected options in the specification supplied under RFI Response 12, which is a composite floor deck section rather than a roof deck. See Section 05 40 00 Cold-Formed Metal Framing provided with the RFI response.

10. RFI Response 8 states that equipment outside Roof 11 remains in place, while Responses 47 and 52 identify relocation or removal and reinstallation on the PT roof, and other responses indicate AT&T will disconnect or relocate equipment. Please identify, by roof and equipment item, who will perform and pay for disconnection, lifting, temporary support, relocation, reconnection, and testing. Roof 11 has AT&T equipment that will be relocated during construction and then reconnected. PT roof AHU already on approved height curb. Possible elevation of electrical conduit.

11. Please identify required support or curb modifications associated with rooftop equipment, the anticipated AT&T work schedule, and how delays caused by equipment not being ready for roofing access will be addressed. There should be no curb modifications.

12. Please identify the two large hatched bands shown running the full height of the PT roof on Attachment 1, confirm whether they remain in place, and identify who is responsible for their support or relocation. Not clear on the large hatched bands.

13. RFI Responses 1 and 59 identify the PT roof as approximately 3,530 square feet, while Response 5 identifies 1,794 square feet. Please correct this discrepancy, confirm the replacement boundaries shown on Attachment 1 including any areas within those boundaries excluded from the work, and confirm whether the stated square footages for all four roofs are field measured or approximate. See attachment with roof specs.

14. Responses 19 and 61 describe Roof 10 as a black rock roof. Please confirm whether the existing assembly on Roof 10 is aggregate-surfaced built-up roofing and identify the approximate number of existing roofing layers on each of the four roofs, since ballast and layer count determine tear-off tonnage, crane cycles, and disposal cost. See attachment with roof specs.

15. Please identify the deck substrate type for each roof, since Response 58 indicates concrete decking is present on at least some areas while Response 62 addresses metal decking. Roof 11 and Roof 10: structural concrete deck. Roof 3 and Roof PT: steel deck.

16. Please issue a coordinated, project-specific roofing assembly identifying membrane attachment, cover-board type and thickness, substrate-board and vapor-retarder requirements for each deck type, insulation attachment, and minimum taper slope. Please resolve the unselected alternatives and specification-writer notes in the insulation specification and reconcile its cover-board options with the ISOGARD HD product identified in Response 113. Refer to the SOW for the required roofing assembly, including membrane attachment, cover board, substrate board, vapor retarder, insulation attachment, and taper requirements.

17. Response 113 lists fasteners and plates, while the insulation specification cautions against mechanically fastening cover board beneath a single-ply membrane. Please confirm the intended attachment method for the insulation, cover board, and membrane. Refer to the SOW for the required attachment methods for the insulation, cover board, and membrane.

18. Please confirm whether the required thermal performance is R-33 average with R-10 minimum at any location, and define the method and time interval after rainfall for determining acceptable drainage and ponding. Any required R-value, minimum insulation thickness, drainage criteria, ponding-water limits, or observation period after rainfall shall be as specified in the SOW.

19. Response 101 directs that sheet-metal components match existing but does not confirm inclusion. Please confirm that all new perimeter edge metal, coping, fascia, and wall counterflashing is included in the base bid on all four roofs, and confirm whether ANSI/SPRI ES-1 tested edge metal is required. Yes, it is included in base bid.

20. An R-33 average tapered assembly will raise the roof surface several inches and reduce existing base flashing heights at parapets, walls, curbs, equipment supports, door thresholds, and roof hatches. Response 56 states that no clearance height is required, which appears inconsistent with maintaining code-compliant and warrantable flashing heights. Please confirm whether raising curbs, supports, thresholds, and penetrations is included in this contract, and where raising is not feasible, whether the VA will accept reduced flashing heights and the resulting warranty exceptions. Where raising is not feasible, the VA will accept reduced flashing heights and the resulting warranty exceptions, needs to be approved from the VA.

21. Please provide the project-specific governing code and ASCE 7 edition, design wind speed, risk category, exposure category, and required uplift pressures or assembly ratings, and confirm whether a specific FM Global approval or UL 580 class rating must be met.

The wind uplift design requirement is that your new roofing system must be designed and tested to meet IBC Section 1504 and 1609 wind load provisions, using ASCE 7 for load calculation, and ANSI/FM 4474/UL 580/UL 1897 for performance verification, with any additional requirements from your insurer or warranty provider.

22. Please clarify whether the contractor must provide engineered wind calculations, attachment designs, or sealed drawings, and identify the required design professional qualifications and submittals. Yes, confirmed.

23. Please confirm whether the required 20-year warranty must be a manufacturer-issued no-dollar-limit system warranty, and identify required labor and material coverage, coverage of flashings and edge metal, wind coverage, manufacturer inspections, and any separate contractor workmanship warranty. Please confirm that manufacturer inspection and warranty fees are to be carried in the base bid. 20 Year fully warranted roof.

24. Please provide the number of roof drains on each roof, since Response 66 defers this to field verification and the work cannot be priced without a count. See attachment with roof specs. Roof 11: 2 drains. Roof 10: 2 drains. Roof 3: 1 center drain and a through-wall scupper at the southwest corner. Roof PT: 4 internal drains.

25. RFI Response 20 includes vertical-leader repairs if needed, while Response 67 describes work at roof-surface drain bowls and connections. Please establish the base-bid scope for drain bowls, clamping rings, leaders, overflow drains, and scuppers, including any required raising or reconfiguration for the new insulation, confirm whether tapered sumps are required at each drain, and explain how concealed below-deck plumbing repairs will be priced and authorized.Refer to SOW. SOW requires repair of all roof drains to original interior diameter and states insertable retrofit drains are unacceptable. Leader, overflow, scupper, sump, and below-deck repair pricing are not defined.

26. Response 86 states that temporary roofing would be required. Please confirm whether that means installation of a separate temporary membrane over exposed deck at the end of each day, or whether limiting daily tear-off to the area that can be permanently dried in satisfies the requirement. Please also confirm the maximum deck area that may remain open at any time and whether multiple roofs may be under demolition concurrently. Minimize roof exposure by installing a continuous weather-resistive barrier (underlayment) as soon as possible, using UV-stable materials, and inspecting regularly for deterioration. Only the area necessary for active work is left open at any time.

27. RFI Response 54 confirms that crane work is intended for off-hours, while crane and staging locations remain undetermined. Please identify permitted crane-work windows, approved setup and laydown areas, access and loading restrictions, closure and escort requirements, required advance notice, and responsibility for traffic control. Identify laydown, access, escorts, notice, and traffic control before bid if logistics must be priced.

28. Please provide the height above grade of each of the four roofs, which is required for crane sizing and reach and was not addressed in Response 1. These heights are not credible as written (mix of thousands of meters and 5.93 m). Request heights in feet above grade for each roof.

29. Please reconcile the solicitation work hours of 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with the 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. hours stated in the responses, confirm whether off-hours work directed by the Government, including crane operations, is compensable or must be carried at no additional expense under Section D, and identify any other activities that must be priced for off-hours performance. The controlling work hours are those stated in the SOW: Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Any work performed outside these hours, including crane operations, requires prior COR approval and shall be at no additional cost to the Government

30. Please provide the project-specific Pre-Construction Risk Assessment and Infection Control Risk Assessment requirements for each roof area, including containment, air-intake protection, dust and odor controls, interior protection, monitoring, noise restrictions, and shutdowns, and clarify the additional measures required if deck or drain repairs affect occupied interior spaces. Project-specific PCRA/ICRA requirements will be determined and coordinated prior to construction. Roofing, elevated work, and crane operations may require small-scale or large-scale PCRA controls, including fall protection and a crane lift plan. If deck or drain repairs impact occupied spaces, additional controls will be coordinated with the COR.

31. The responses state that no hazardous-material survey has been conducted. Please confirm who is responsible for any required pre-demolition sampling and testing and whether those costs must be included in the base bid. Abatement should be in contractors scope. There is no history of abatement on these roofs.

32. Please clarify the notification, work suspension, testing, and written authorization process if suspect hazardous materials are encountered, including how authorized abatement and the resulting schedule impact will be addressed. Notify COR of hazardous materials found before construction. Stop-work, testing, written authorization, abatement responsibility will be addressed when hazardous material is found and scheduling will be revised to accommodate abatement.

33. Response 113 references lightning protection on Roof 11 only. Please confirm which of the four roofs have an existing lightning protection system, confirm whether the scope is detachment and reinstallation of existing components only or includes replacement of damaged or noncompliant conductors, bases, and adhesive, and confirm whether post-installation testing, inspection, or UL recertification is required and what acceptance documentation applies. Confirm whether damaged or noncompliant components are replaced, and whether testing, inspection, or UL recertification is required. The Government confirms that existing lightning protection is present on Roof 11. The scope includes temporary removal and reinstallation of the existing lightning protection system as necessary to complete the roofing work. Any damaged components identified during construction shall be reported to the COR for direction.

34. Please identify the abandoned equipment, curbs, penetrations, and utilities to be permanently removed, separately from equipment to be relocated and reinstalled, and identify required utility termination locations and the extent of associated roof-deck infill, patching, and disposal. Roof 11 contains AT&T equipment that will be relocated by the AT&T relocation contractor. No roof curbs are planned to be relocated. The SOW requires removal of equipment, penetrations, and utilities that are no longer in use, with unused curbs, openings, and voids filled and patched after coordination with the COR. Existing abandoned items shall be field verified by the Contractor.

35. The risk and sensitivity designation table in VAAR 852.204-72 is not completed in the solicitation. Please identify the required background investigation level and badge type for contractor and subcontractor personnel performing exterior work, required submission documents, anticipated processing time, whether escorted access is permitted while credentials are pending, and how Government credentialing delays affecting mobilization will be addressed. VAAR 852.204-72 was not completed in the solicitation. Government credentialing is not required. Supervisor will get a badge and escort the contractor employees to the worksite.

36. Please confirm the required waste-diversion percentage and applicable measurement basis, and resolve the unselected options in Specification 01 74 19. SOW cites 01 74 19 but does not state a diversion percentage. Spec writer options remain unselected.

37. Please confirm whether debris chutes are permitted and identify restrictions on location, enclosure, operating hours, and dumpster placement or retention overnight and on weekends. Debris chutes are permitted, location on them will not interrupt any day to day operations of hospital. Refer to SOW for operating hours. Dumpster placement will be determined by COR. Confirm overnight/weekend dumpster retention

38. Section E requires an Experience Modification Rate of 1.0 or less. For contractors that meet the stated OSHA and EPA violation criteria but have an EMR above 1.0, would the Government permit submission of a written explanation provided by the insurance company for consideration in its responsibility determination? Yes..

39. Please confirm whether the EMR letter and the OSHA and EPA violation certification are required with the bid or only from the apparent awardee, and whether they are required from each subcontractor. Solicitation Instructions Section E require all offerors to submit the safety/EPA certification and EMR letter, and state the requirement applies to all subcontracting tiers.

40. Please provide or identify the posting location for the controlling SOW titled SOW Roof Replacement 3D PT Roof 10 Roof 11 updated 01, Amendment 0002, and the complete applicable wage determination including revision number, date, and construction type. Response 27 identifies DE20260008; please confirm that determination and provide a definitive attachment and specification list. The controlling documents are those posted on SAM.gov for Solicitation 36C24426B0015. There is not an amendment 2 due to system glitch. The applicable Wage Determination is DE20260008. Offerors shall rely on the version posted with the solicitation at bid opening.

41. Are existing as-built drawings available, including drawings identifying roof framing, deck types, drain locations, and rooftop equipment? No as-built drawings are available. Roof deck types consist of concrete and metal decking. Refer to the attachment Roof Specifications for information regarding existing roof conditions, roof cores, drainage, and rooftop equipment.

42. Please provide a definitive checklist of all documents that must be submitted with the bid for the bid to be considered responsive. Specifically, please confirm whether the bid submission is limited to the completed and signed SF1442/offer, completed Price/Cost Schedule, applicable signed VAAR 852.219-75 certification, required safety/environmental and EMR documentation, acknowledgment of amendments, and any required bid security (if applicable). To be considered responsive, offerors shall submit: (1) a completed and signed SF 1442, including acknowledgment of all amendments 1,3,4,(there is not an amendment 2 due to system glitch); (2) a completed Price/Cost Schedule; (3) a signed VAAR 852.219-75 certification; and (4) the EMR, OSHA, EPA, and other safety/environmental information required by Section E of the solicitation. If bid security is required by the solicitation, it shall also be submitted. Failure to provide the signed VAAR 852.219-75 certification will render the offer ineligible for award. Current SAM representations and certifications generally satisfy the remaining applicable FAR representation and certification requirements.

43. Please provide the SF30 Form for Amendment 2. Offerors shall obtain Amendment 2 (SF 30) from the SAM.gov posting for Solicitation 36C24426B0015 and acknowledge receipt in Block 19 of the SF 1442.

44. FAR 52.252-1 cautions that provisions incorporated by reference may contain blocks or information that must be completed by the offeror and submitted with its bid. Please identify any incorporated FAR or VAAR provisions requiring bidder-specific representations, certifications, disclosures, or other completed information with the bid, other than the applicable VAAR 852.219-75 certification. Please confirm whether the offeror's current SAM representations and certifications satisfy all remaining applicable requirements. Offerors shall complete the SF 1442 Offer section and submit a signed VAAR 852.219-75 certification with their offer. FAR 52.240-90 representations are made by submission of the offer unless a disclosure is required. Current SAM representations and certifications generally satisfy the remaining applicable FAR representation and certification requirements under FAR 52.204-19. No additional bidder-specific representations or certifications are required with the offer beyond those identified above.

45. The solicitation requires bidders to maintain applicable registrations/certifications in SAM, VetCert, and the VETS-4212 database. Please confirm whether bidders are required to include copies, screenshots, certificates, or other evidence of these registrations with the bid, or whether the Government will independently verify registration and certification status through the applicable Government systems. The Government verifies SAM, SBA VetCert, and VETS-4212. Copies are not required with the bid unless requested. Status must be current at offer and at award under VAAR 852.219-73.

46. Are there any specific working-hour or day-of-week restrictions for the roofing work, including restrictions for work over occupied clinical, patient-care, administrative, or other sensitive spaces? Work shall be performed Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding Federal holidays. Work outside these hours requires prior COR approval and shall be performed at no additional cost to the Government. Only the PT Roof and 3D Roof are located over occupied spaces.

47. Are there any noise restrictions, quiet-hour requirements, or limitations on disruptive roofing operations that bidders should account for in their pricing and work plan? No specific quiet-hour requirements or noise restrictions have been identified for this project. Contractors shall plan and perform the work to minimize disruption to hospital operations, patient care activities, and clinic functions. Limited construction noise associated with roofing operations is anticipated; however, activities that adversely affect hospital operations may require coordination with and direction from the COR.

48. What attachment rate is required for the new roofing system, including insulation, cover board, membrane, or other roof-system components as applicable? See attachment (Roof Specs). Roof specs describe existing cores and drainage. They do not state fastener rates or a wind-rated assembly.

49. Is the new roofing system required to be mechanically attached, fully adhered, or another specified attachment method? Please identify the required system for each roof area if the requirements differ. Existing PT roof is an existing roof and is described as a mechanically attached EPDM system. The Government confirms that the replacement roofing system shall be a fully adhered system for all four (4) roof areas.

50. Are there any restrictions on the hours we can utilize a crane for the project? There are no specific restrictions on crane operating hours identified for this project. Crane operations may be performed provided they do not disrupt hospital operations, patient care activities, emergency access, or facility functions. Crane usage shall be coordinated in advance and is subject to COR approval.

51. What are the specific requirements hospitals a crane on this project? The Statement of Work does not establish specific crane requirements for this project. If a crane is utilized, the Contractor shall provide a crane lift plan in accordance with the PCRA requirements for large-scale construction activities. All crane operations shall be coordinated to avoid disruption to hospital operations and shall comply with applicable safety requirements.

52. Are there any specific dates or times when crane usage is prohibited? No. Crane usage is permitted provided it does not disrupt hospital operations. Coordination with the COR is required.

53. Are trash chutes required for this project? If so, what are the specifications? Debris chutes are separately permitted with contractor name and phone number.

54. What are the standard working hours for the project? See Statement of Work (SOW). Standard project working hours are 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Any work outside these hours requires prior approval by the COR and coordination in accordance with the SOW.

55. Is nighttime work permitted? See Statement of Work (SOW). Nighttime work may be permitted with prior COR approval. Any work performed outside normal working hours shall be coordinated and approved in advance and shall be performed at no additional cost to the Government.

56. Is weekend and holiday work allowed? See Statement of Work (SOW) for permitted work hours, weekend work, holiday work, and any required approvals.

57. Where is the ground-level access area for the three roofs located? The project includes four (4) roofs, not three (3). Each roof shall be accessed through the roof access point/stairwell serving that respective floor. Ground-level access and routing to the roof access points shall be coordinated with the COR prior to commencement of work.

58. What size staging area will the VA provide for laydown? TBD, the staging/laydown area will be determined by the VA and coordinated through the COR prior to commencement of work. Available space may be limited, and the Contractor shall plan deliveries and material storage accordingly

59. What prior notification is required if mechanical units need to be temporarily shut down for moving and resetting? Any required mechanical/HVAC shutdowns shall be requested and approved in advance by the COR in accordance with facility procedures.

60. Are there specific air intake requirements for mechanical units while work is actively being performed? Yes. Evaluate and protect all affected outside air intakes and mechanical units during active roofing operations. Temporary shutdown, isolation, filtration, covering of intakes, or work scheduling may be required to prevent the introduction of dust, debris, odors, fumes, or contaminants into occupied areas. Coordinate requirements with Facilities Management, Safety, and Infection Control.