Consolidated RFIs.pdf

1. Can the following windows be used: Kawneer AA4325PI, AA4325 with 1” Overall Glazing.

VA Response: There is no information in regards to thermal resistivity of the windows in question, which is a requirement. Windows must meet the thermal resistivity.

2. Do you have any windows that require the tilt function?

VA Response: No.

3. Are there specified windows that you want to be replaced by a glazed in panel?

VA Response: If the contractor is speaking of just replacing the glass, only if the drawing says to replace on the glass. Otherwise, the whole window is to be replaced.

4. Are there any anchors or tie backs on the roof that sustain a 20 ft Stage?

VA Response: No

5. Will this project require night differential?

VA Response: Contractors should bid work to partially occur after‐hours. Contractor’s shall pay their employees and subcontractor’s shall pay their employees in accordance with WAGE DETERMINATIONS in the solicitation, FAR clauses 52.222.6, 52.222‐13, 52.222‐55 and FAR 52.222‐4, see http://www.acquisition.gov/far/index.html for full clauses.

6. Will the contractor be able to have 2 trash receptacles?

VA Response: Just one.

7. Are we required to have special equipment during the work in the covid sections of the hospital?

VA Response: OR areas will require gowning up, however, there are windows on the back side of the hospital in the OR and Imaging that are not accessible from the inside (11 in total). So these will need to be done on the outside. COVID and ICU will need to be done on the outside and M&O will tape plastic on the inside of the windows.

8. Are there any existing hazmat reports for lead or asbestos in relation to this project?

VA Response: There is no asbestos on site. Lead only exist in those areas like imaging and nuclear medicine. Asbestos abatement reports are on site.

a. Is there a reasonable expectation that lead paint will be found during the demolition or installation of windows?

VA Response: No.

b. Is there a reasonable expectation that asbestos will be found during the demolition or installation of windows?

VA Response: No.

9. The V.A.’s ‘Physical Security Design Manual for VA Mission Critical Facilities’ calls for all windows at V.A.

facilities to be ‘Blast Resistant‘. We do not see this requirement for this project. Are the windows used for this project required to be blast resistant?

VA Response: Please follow the Physical Security and Resiliency Design Manual from April 2021 and

VHA 0730 Memo. Attachments provided.

10. Should new windows to be factory painted white to match last phase of window replacement?

VA Response: Yes

11. Specification Section 08 51 13.11, Pgh 2.3.B: This calls for ‘removeable glazing beads on the venetian blind side of the sash to be inaccessible to patients’. Pennco Windows says they cannot meet this specification. Is it required?

VA Response: Yes. The intent is to prevent patients from removing the beading.

12. Specification 08 51 13.11, Pgh 2.4.G: This calls for provision of attic stock of 50 window handles and 50 window washer keys. This seems like a large quantity. Could this be reasonably reduced to 10 each for handles and keys.

VA Response: Yes.

13. Specification 08 51 13.11, Pgh 3.2A & B: This calls for application of bituminous paint where aluminum window contacts steel, plaster or masonry. Was this the V.A’s intent?

VA Response: No. Please ignore.

14. Specification Section 01‐00‐00‐21 1.18: This calls for a construction sign. Is this necessary for this project?

VA Response: No.

15. Specification Section 01‐00‐00‐6‐1.5E calls out the following:

Temporary Construction Partitions:

Install and maintain temporary construction partitions to provide smoke‐tight separations between construction areas and adjoining areas. Construct partitions of gypsum board or treated plywood

(flame spread rating of 25 or less in accordance with ASTM E84) on both sides of fire‐retardant treated wood or metal steel studs. Extend the partitions through suspended ceilings to floor slab deck or roof. Seal joints and penetrations. At door openings, install Class C, ¾ hour fire/smoke rated doors with self‐closing devices.

However, Spec Section 01‐00‐00‐14‐1.8‐D.2.a calls out the following:

Do not perform dust producing tasks within occupied areas without the approval of the COR. For construction in any areas that will remain jointly occupied by the medical Center and Contractor’s workers, the Contractor shall:

Provide dust proof temporary construction barriers to completely separate construction from the operational areas of the hospital in order to contain dirt debris and dust. Barriers shall be sealed and made presentable on hospital occupied side. Always maintain negative air. A fire‐retardant polystyrene, 6‐mil thick or greater plastic barrier meeting local fire codes may be used where dust control is the only hazard, and an agreement is reached with the COR and Medical Center.

Which barrier type is applicable for this project?

VA Response: Abide by Spec Section 01‐00‐00‐14‐1.8D.2.

16. What are the scheduled work hours in non‐restricted versus restricted areas?

VA Response: Non‐Restricted areas (Director’s Office, Physical Therapy, Hallways, Research, Learning Center, Imaging, Nuclear Medicine, Patient Rooms[Non COVID/ICU]) 0800‐1700

Restricted Areas (Medical Record, COVID Rooms, ICU) 0800‐1700

Restricted Areas (OR) 1900‐0700 and Weekends

17. 08 51 13 Can a receptor closure accessory be utilized for installation versus an extended leg per the window details? This would prevent lifting the window to the outside of the building envelope to install

(roughly 260 lbs each).

VA Response: Yes

18. Window finish mentions anodized while most of the newer windows are painted white‐, which is correct? (Note: Window Blinds are to be white)

VA Response: It can anodized, power coasted or baked on enamel.

19. 2.5 calls for SHW‐AW40, SWH=single hung window. The correct designation for a segment is C. Which is correct?

VA Response: C is correct.

20. How many patient rooms will be made available at a time?

VA Response: 2 at a time

21. 2.6 A calls for lami while 2.9D asked for tempered, which is correct?

VA Response: Laminated