S05 Answers for Reno Med Surg RFI .pdf

Renovate Medical Surgical Ward for Patient Privacy Pre-Bid RFIs Project #517-19-302

1. Drawing S-001 Note 1 states “ALL DIMENSIONS, ELEVATIONS, AND PHYSICAL CONDITIONS SHOWN

ON THE DRAWINGS FOR EXISTING STRUCTURES ARE BASED ON LIMITED FIELD OBSERVATIONS OR OTHER AVAILABLE SOURCES. SUCH DEPICTIONS OF EXISTING CONSTRUCTION ARE INTENDED TO BE GENERAL, APPROXIMATE, AND LIMITED TO THOSE AREAS FOR WHICH WORK IS REQUIRED. THESE

DEPICTIONS ARE PROVIDED ONLY FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF THE CONTRACTOR. PRIOR TO

BIDDING, CONDUCT A CAREFUL AND THOROUGH EXAMINATION OF EXISTING CONDITIONS AT THE

SITE APPLICABLE TO THE WORK.

Drawing S-001 Note 2 states “EXISTING INFORMATION TAKEN FROM VA HOSPITAL BUILDING DRAWINGS TITLED "1000 BED G.M." DATED 17-NOV-1947. EXISTING DRAWINGS ARE AVAILABLE

FROM THE OWNER AND WERE REFERENCED DURING THE DESIGN”

Drawing S-001 Note 5 states “THE CONTRACTOR SHALL VERIFY AND/OR ESTABLISH ALL EXISTING CONDITIONS ANO DIMENSIONS AT THE SITE. IF THE EXISTING FIELD CONDITIONS DO NOT PERMIT THE INSTALLATION OF THE WORK IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DETAILS SHOWN, THE CONTRACTOR

SHALL NOTIFY THE COR IMMEDIATELY AND PROVIDE A SKETCH OF THE CONDITION WITH HIS

PROPOSED MODIFICATION OF THE DETAILS GIVEN ON THE CONTRACT DOCUMENTS. DO NOT

COMMENCE WORK UNTIL CONDITION IS RESOLVED AND THE COR APPROVES MODIFICATION.

FAILURE TO NOTIFY COR OF UNSATISFACTORY CONDITIONS CONSTITUTES ACCEPTANCE OF

UNSATISFACTORY CONDITIONS

Drawing S-001 Construction Operations Note #2 states “2. AFTER THE AWARD OF THE CONTRACT, THE CONTRACTOR MAY NOT SUBMIT ANY CLAIM ALLEGING INSUFFICIENT DATA, INCORRECTLY ASSUMED CONDITIONS, OR MISUNDERSTANDING WITH REGARD TO MATTERS FOR

WHICH NO SUCH CLARIFICATION WAS SOUGHT DURING THE BIDDING PHASE OF THE PROJECT, AS

DESCRIBED FURTHER IN THE GENERAL CONDITION CONTRACT

Drawing E-001 Electrical Demolition Note #1 states “THE CONTRACTOR SHALL INCLUDE IN HIS BID ALL COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH RELOCATION AND REMOVAL OF ELECTRICAL WORK AS DESCRIBED IN THE DRAWINGS AND SPECIFICATIONS WITH ALLOWANCES FOR EXPECTED OR UNFORESEEN ISSUES

WHEN CONCEALED WORK HAS BEEN EXPOSED. NO ADDITIONAL CLAIMS FOR WORK ASSOCIATED

WITH DEMOLITION WILL BE ACCEPTED, UNLESS, IN CERTAIN CASES, CONSIDERED JUSTIFIABLE BY

THE ENGINEER.

This same note is on the Fire Alarm Drawing.

Demolition note #1 on E-002 shall be amended as follows: “THE CONTRACTOR SHALL INCLUDE IN

HIS BID ALL COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH RELOCATION AND REMOVAL OF ELECTRICAL WORK AS

DESCRIBED IN THE DRAWINGS AND SPECIFICATIONS.”

Drawing M-001 General Note #2 states: BIDDERS ARE TO VISIT THE SITE AND FAMILIARIZE

THEMSELVES AS THE NATURE AND SCOPE OF THE WORK. THE SUBMISSION OF A BID WILL BE

EVIDENCE THAT SUCH AN EXAMINATION HAS BEEN MADE AND ENSURE THAT ALL ALTERNATE

PRICING INFORMATION NOTED WITHIN THE CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS HAVE BEEN INCLUDED

WITHIN THE ORIGINAL BID SUBMISSION. LATER CLAIMS FOR LABOR. EQUIPMENT OR 2

MATERIALS REQUIRED, OR FOR ANY DIFFICULTIES ENCOUNTERED WHICH COULD HAVE BEEN

FORESEEN HAD AN EXAMINATION BEEN MADE, WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

Question: It appears that all of these notes are intended to deter or restrict the contractor from what is typically termed to be a legit identification of an unforeseen condition. Placing restrictions and requirements while calling for an allowance to be determined pre-bid on a project with deducts is counterintuitive to the bidding process. Can a clarification of the notes listed above be provided and is FAAR 52-236-2 differing site conditions applicable to this solicitation?

Legitimate unforeseen items, such as items hidden behind walls and not shown on drawings, will be accepted as a change. These items will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine if they are unforeseen conditions not stated in/on the contract documents.

There will be no allowances for demolition items not shown or described in/on the contract documents. The requirement for inclusion of an allowance is to be removed and should not be part of the bid produced by the contractors.

2. Drawing S-101 Note 4 states “Contractor shall install the free-standing railing system around the entire perimeter of the roof prior to any other construction activities on the roof.” There is a note identified with the 6th floor roof area of the same drawing that states, see general sheet note 4, TYP. This note points to what appears to be railing. This same railing is pictured in another location but without the note reference.

Question: Is the 6th floor roof the only roof to get the railing as the note states “TYP” which could be interpreted as typical for all roofs?

Question: What roofs are to get guard railing installed with this project?

Fall protection methods are contractor ways and means as necessary to comply with OSHA.

The freestanding railing will be installed in two specific locations on the 6th floor (5th floor roof) as shown on drawings S101, SF152, and SF171. The railing will not be installed around the entire roof.

The abbreviation 'TYP' indicates that the railing in the two specified locations will be identical.

3. Drawing AS-103 general note #13 states “drawings shall not be scaled as a basis for establishing dimensions or other information. Contractor to verify all dimensions.” As mentioned in question #3 concerning the guard railing, it states to install around the entire perimeter of the roof.

Question: How many linear feet of guard railing needs to be provided for this project?

Fall protection methods are contractor ways and means as necessary to comply with OSHA.

The contractor should use 60’-0” for bidding purposes.

4. Drawing S-101 shows an I.S. Parapet wall and O.S. Face BLDG Wall on 6th floor roof.

Question: What does the I.S. and O.S. stand for as there is not an abbreviation description for these items on the drawings?

The abbreviation “I.S.” stands for “inside” and “O.S.” stands for “outside”.

5. Drawing AD-101 shows a ramp with a demo note R05 that states “remove ramp and railing system.

Patch/Repair any floor or wall damaged by removal. Prepare existing substrate to remain as required to receive new finish work.” At the site visit, the ramp that is to be removed appeared to be a massive structure constructed of concrete.

Question: Can As-Builts be provided for this ramp to determine the construction and better identify what demolition procedures will be required, (i.e., rebar reinforcement, how it is attached to the substrate below, and the east wall at the entry to the executive suite area)? 3

Drawings containing the ramps details are included as an attachment to this RFI response.

The existing condition drawings are provided by the VA. Based on the existing condition documents, the ramp is not a solid concrete ramp, but rather a hollow structure. Based on these drawings, the contractor shall remove the reinforced concrete ramp system down to the structural slab. Assure not to cut or damage the existing structural slab in any way during removal. Remove grouted dowels from existing concrete slab. Infill drilled holes in the slab and level the floor per general removal note #18.

6. Drawing AD-101 Keyed Demolition note R-03 states “refer to AB series drawings for areas where these materials require special handling.”

Question: What are the “AB Series” drawings referring to on this note?

The AB drawings are not included in the package, this reference can be ignored for bidding purposes.

Question: Can the AB series drawings be provided?

The AB drawings are not included in the package, this reference can be ignored for bidding purposes.

7. Drawing AD-101 Note #18 states “after demolition and prior to the start of construction work, contractor to install cementitious underlayment over the entire slab in the project area approximately 6,415 sq. ft. Fill/Plug all holes water tight prior to installing underlayment.”

Question: What is the intent of this task?

Question: What type of cementitious underlayment (i.e., hardi-board, self-leveler, etc.)

Question: What 6,415 sq. ft. of slab area is this note referring to?

The entire building slab is not flat enough to install new finish work to a satisfactory level. Material is specified in section 09 05 16, paragraph 2.2. The 6415 square feet was based on a realistic assumption (approximately half the work area slab) to help the contractor quantify the amount of material. The intent is that the full cost of the work be included in the base bid. This is in addition to other separate infill areas (I.E. Infills at wall demo locations).

8. Drawing AS102 note #15 states, refer to 500 Series drawings for floor finish patterns. There are no

500 series drawings that depict a floor finish pattern; however, drawing AS-602 does show a floor finish plan and AS-603 shows a floor finish schedule.

Question: Can you please confirm if the 500 series drawings reference is a typo and should read 600 series or if there are missing drawings?

Correct, the note should read “600 Series”.

9. Drawing AS-401 Detail E7 has a toilet accessories schedule that shows room designation of T/R.

There are other toilet rooms that do not have the T/R designation (i.e., 3A-111B, 3A-120A, 3A-102.)

Question: Do these rooms get the same toilet accessories as the T/R designation?

All toilet rooms should include the typical accessories per the schedule on AS-401.

10. Drawing AS-401 Detail B5 INT Elevation – Corridor shows a nurse serve-single. Drawing AS-402 details D4, D6, D8, & B8 show a nurse serve-double.

Question: Are these items contractor provider?

Question: If so, can a detail of what this is fabricated out of, or a basis of design be provided?

Removeable baskets are owner provided and contractor installed per section 06 20 00, paragraph 1.1-c. The linen/trash cart is also owner provided but involves no contractor work scope as it simply rolls in and out of the closet on the floor.

11. Drawing AS-603 shows an Epoxy Dura-flex Epoxy Floor (code 351), however drawing AS-602 does not show a key or a location for the epoxy flooring.

Question: Is there epoxy flooring on this project, if so what location?

The room finish schedule on AS-603 shows the epoxy in the IT Closet (3AB-109) and Waste Collection Room (3AB-127).

12. Drawing AS-801 equipment schedule item #6 Lift System Overhead shows minimum lift capacity of 600 and 1,000 pounds. According to the basis of design vendor all their lifts are rated for 4 1,000 pounds, however the support structure and the installation differs between the weight ratings which will have a price difference.

Question: Can a designation be provided identifying which rooms are to receive a 600 or a 1,000-pound lift for bidding purposes?

Spec section 11 73 00: 1000# lifts are for bariatric rooms (overweight patients) and is indicated in paragraph 2.3-B-1. 600# lifts are the typical equipment for the remaining patient rooms. The specified lift has both options available. Room 3A-122

13. Drawing AS-801 equipment schedule items 4, 5, 14, and 22 (Headwall, Bumper Bed Locator, PPE

Dispenser, and Peg Board) shows to be contractor provided, contractor installed. There is no specification provided for these items.

Question: Can a specification be provided for these items?

Question: Can a basis of design be provided for these items?

Headwall is a millwork item specified in section 06 20 00. Bumper bed locations are specified in section 10 26 00. PPE units are specified in section 10 28 00.

14. At the walk thru it was noticed that the roof where the AHU and steel are to be installed on appeared to have high peaks and ponding water in the space to be utilized for the installation.

Question: Is this existing roof still under warranty and if so, who is the manufacturer as this will likely have to be repaired prior to the new work?

This is roof is scheduled to be replaced before/during the construction of this project, so a warranty will likely be in place. Details for make/manufacturer will be provided when the roof project is awarded.

There will likely be a need for the winning contractor to work with a separate construction crew on scheduling for this roof work to take place.

15. Contract drawings depict roof penetrations on multiple roofs.

Question: What roofs receiving penetrations are under warranty on this project and who are the manufacturers?

The only roof that will be under warranty is described in RFI question #14.

16. Drawing M-001 note #11 states "the contractor shall secure all permits and applications and pay any and all as required.”

Question: What permits are needed for this project and what are the associated costs?

Per FAR 52.236-7 PERMITS AND RESPONSIBILITIES The contractor shall be responsible for obtaining any necessary licenses and permits, and for complying with any Federal, State, and municipal laws, codes, and regulations applicable to the performance of the work. There will be work being done on multiple roof levels, with a crane expected to be onsite.

Should permits or applications be required, the Owner will not pay the cost. There will be work being done on multiple roof levels, with a crane expected to be onsite.

17. Drawing E-002 Electrical Demolition note #1 states “The contractor shall include in his bid all costs associated with relocation and removal of electrical work as described in the drawings and specifications with allowances for expected or unforeseen issues when concealed work has been exposed. No additional claims for work associated with demolition will be accepted, unless, in certain cases, considered justifiable by the engineer.”

Question: For bidding purpose, how much of an allowance is to be carried for electrical demolition for unforeseen conditions?

Question: Is there any existing conduits running inside the walls to be demoed that will have to remain active for feeding items on other floors?

Bidders are to only bid on what is on the project drawings and in the specifications. No allowances should be included with bids, unforeseen will be reviewed per question #1.

18. Drawing FA-601 Fire Alarm Demolition note #1 states “The contractor shall include in his bid all costs associated with relocation and removal of electrical work as described in the drawings and 5 specifications with allowances for expected or unforeseen issues when concealed work has been exposed. No additional claims for work associated with demolition will be accepted, unless, in certain cases, considered justifiable by the engineer.”

Question: For bidding purpose, how much of an allowance is to be carried for electrical demolition for unforeseen conditions?

Bidders are to only bid on what is on the project drawings and in the specifications. No allowances should be included with bids, unforeseen will be reviewed per question #1.

19. Drawing AE-100 upper left-hand corner identifies the project overview as renovate 4B Med Surg.

Question: Can you please confirm that this drawing depicts the life safety requirements for 3A and that there are no life safety requirements for 4B for this project?

Correct, “48” should be removed from the documents.

20. Drawing AS-101 identifies five existing mechanical structures as equipment by others.

Question: Can you please confirm these items are to remain and not new installs by others as noted?

Some of these items are currently installed and will need to remain. Other items were to be installed as part of another project that has been cancelled. No need to consider these uninstalled items in the bid.

Selected contractor can work with VA COR on what is to remain in service.

21. The scope of work states there is approximately 10,000 sf of space to be renovated. The abatement specifications states there is approximately 11,200 sf of assumed asbestos containing floor finishes and mastic as ACM. Drawing AD-101 Note #18 states “after demolition and prior to the start of construction work, contractor to install cementitious underlayment over the entire slab in the project area approximately 6,415 sq. ft. Fill/Plug all holes water tight prior to installing underlayment.” When scaling the drawings, it appears there is approximately 13,000 sf of work area.

Question: As there are multiple discrepancies with the work area space provided in the drawings, can a more definitive size of work area be provided?

The work area is approximately 12,900 SF.

22. Drawing AS402 Detail F8 “Typical PT Room Headwall” shows to have a light fixture.

Question: Is the headwall manufacturer responsible for providing the light fixture?

No, light fixture is by Division 26 per Section 06 20 00, paragraph 1.2-E.

23. Drawing AS603 Wall covering 704 calls for digital artwork.

Question: Is the headwall provider responsible for providing the digital artwork?

Question: What is the basis of design for the digital artwork?

VWC-704 per Section 09 72 31, paragraph 2.2. Custom pattern as provided by VA.

24. During the walk through it was noticed that some rooms had patient lift tracks, ceiling examination lights and other various items.

Question: Who is responsible for removing these items and are they to be turned over to the government? 6

Contractor to remove these items.

Exam lights and all fan coil motors are to be turned over to the VA for future use.

Question: Are these items scheduled for reuse? If so, who is responsible the storing and reinstallation of these items?

VA will store the exam lights and motors.

25. At the walk through it was noticed that there was a good bit of hospital equipment in the rooms.

Question: Is there any hospital equipment that will be left in the rooms that the contractor needs to dispose of or is the VAMC removing all items from all of the rooms?

VA will remove medical equipment and furniture from the rooms.

26. At the walk through it was noticed that there were hazardous waste disposal containers in the rooms.

Question: If the contractor is to remove these containers, are there any special procedures to be followed?

VA will remove and dispose of hazardous waste containers.

27. Specification 01-00-00-1.24 Tests states “As per specification section 23 05 93 the contractor shall provide a written testing and commissioning plan complete with component level, equipment level, sub-system level and system level breakdowns.”

Specification 01-91-00-1.11.B states the Commissioning agent (who is to be provided by the VAMC 01-91-00-1.8.C.1)“Prepare the commissioning plan.”

Question: Who is to provide the commissioning plan (the contractor or the VA provided commissioning agent)?

Commissioning is to be 100% done by the selected construction contractor. The VA will not be providing a commissioning agent. The commissioning plan is to be provided to the VA for approval via the submittal process.

28. Spec 02 82 11 Traditional Asbestos Abatement 1.1B1 states “The Contractor shall retain the services of a credentialed asbestos professional to survey and sample materials for asbestos.”

Question: Can you please confirm the contractor is required to complete an asbestos survey for this project or are we to bid the quantities as called out in 02-82-11-1.1.B.2?

Question: If the quantities in the provided chart cannot be utilized, will an abatement allowance be allowed for this bid as it would not be possible to perform a pre-bid survey and sampling to determine an accurate bid value for this scope?

No asbestos abatement is to be included in the bids. All found asbestos abatement will be done as a change order.

It is required that the contractor include cost for asbestos testing (survey) for the project area.

29. The SOW and the Price/Cost schedule list Bid Item I (Base Bid), Bid Item II: Deduct Alternate No. 1, and Bid Item III: Deduct Alternate No. 2. Spec 01 00 00 includes a different list of bid items, I, II, III, IV, and V.

Question: How many bid items should be included for this project, 3 or 5?

See below.

Question: If the answer is 5, can you please provide an accurate price/cost schedule to reflect this?

There should be three (3) bid items.

Bid Item 1 (Base Bid) – Should include General Construction, Electrical Work, and Mechanical Work as stated on the scope of work; these correspond to Bid Items 1, 2, & 3 in Spec 01 00 00, respectively.

Bid Item 2 (Deduct #1) – As stated in the scope of work, corresponds with Bid Item 4 in Spec 01 00 00.

Bid Item 3 (Deduct #2) – As stated in the scope of work, corresponds with Bid Item 5 in Spec 01 00 00.

30. Spec 10 21 13 – Toilet Compartments is listed in the spec table of contents, but doesn’t appear in the spec package.

Question: Can you please provide this specification section? 7

Section 10 21 23 is Cubicle Curtain Tracks, which is in the specs. TOC update required.

31. Specs 06 06 60 – Translucent Resin Panel System and 10 21 23 – Cubicle Curtain Tracks are included in the spec package, but are not listed in the table of contents.

Question: Are these specs meant to be included with this project?

These specs sections are in the project. TOC update required.

32. Drawing E-502 shows an existing card reader control panel with 3 card readers. However, EP131 shows power for card readers at 16 locations. Drawings AS-102, AS-103, & AS-104 also confirms 16 card reader locations.

Question: Can you please confirm how many card readers are to be provided on this project?

See Section 08 71 00 Door Hardware for doors to receive access control.

The detail on E-502 is diagrammatic. Follow the floor plans for quantities of card readers. There will be 16 card readers.

Question: If 16 is the correct number of card readers, can you please confirm the existing card reader control panel will accommodate that many additional units, or if a new / additional panel needs to be provided?

There is available space in the panel; contractor to procure additional licenses for each reader.

33. Drawing EP131 shows the 3 corridor doors getting an Electromagnetic Hold Open (EMHO) and a card reader (CR).

Question: What is the operational intent of these 3 doors?

See Section 08 71 00 Door Hardware for Theory of Operation for all doors.

34. Drawing AD-101 shows a door in bathroom 3AB-105 (at column line 17 and between D & E) to remain. This existing door and frame will be a part of the new ramp area.

Question: Can you please confirm that there is no work associated with this door and frame?

Door does not conflict with ramp or rails and is not scheduled for any work. It should be painted to match the other doors.

35. Spec section 01-00-00-1.15 Warranty Management states “A joint 4 month and 9-month warranty inspection will be conducted, measured from time of acceptance, by the Contactor and the Contracting Officer.”

Question: Who is responsible to attend these inspections (i.e., GC only, or subs and vendors as well)?

Only the GC is required to attend, but they can bring subcontractors or vendors at their discretion.

Items could be found pertaining to work done by vendors or subcontractors, but the VA will be working directly with the GC to address these items.

36. Spec section 01-00-00-1.23.A New Telephone Equipment states “The contractor shall coordinate with the work of installation of telephone equipment by others. This work shall be completed before the building is turned over to VA.”

Question: What telephone equipment by others will be on this project?

Analog phones will be required at 20 locations on this project; cable and phone installation will be by VA, but the contractor must coordinate with the VA and provide 2x4 box and conduit stubbed above finished ceiling. Contractor must provide access during construction for VA to do their portion of installation (wire and phone).

37. Spec section 01-00-00-1.26.C states “Storage space for equipment will be provided by the

Government and the Contractor shall be prepared to unload and store such equipment therein upon its receipt at the Medical Center.”

Question: What equipment is anticipated to be unloaded and stored by the contractor for this project?

See project schedules/specification for lists and details of equipment. Government will provide a laydown area for contractor to use for storage.

38. Spec section 01-00-00-1.26.E states “Equipment furnished by the Government will be delivered in a partially assembled (knock down) condition in accordance with existing standard commercial practices, complete with all fittings, fastenings, and appliances necessary for connections to respective services installed under contract. All fittings and appliances (i.e., couplings, ells, tees, nipples, piping, conduits, cables, and the like) necessary to make the connection between the Government furnished equipment item and the utility stub-up shall be furnished and installed by the contractor at no additional cost to the Government.”

Question: What equipment is anticipated to be delivered in a partially assembled condition?

Please see all Drawing sets and specifications (for example, but not limited to, AS-801 FF&E Plan).

39. Spec section 01-00-00-1.29 states “Provide a Construction Sign where directed by COR.”

Question: Is a con sign required for this project?

Yes, a construction sign is required.

40. Spec section 01-00-00-1.30 states “Provide a Safety Sign where directed by COR.”

Question: Is a safety sign required for this project?

Yes, a safety sign is required.

41. Spec section 01-33-23-1.6.D & E states “ D. Submit E-mail electronic submittal documents smaller than 5MB in size to e-mail addresses as directed by the Contracting Officer.

E. Provide electronic documents over 5MB through an electronic FTP file sharing system. Confirm that the electronic FTP file sharing system can be accessed from the VA computer network. The Contractor is responsible for setting up, providing, and maintaining the electronic FTP file sharing system for the construction contract period of performance.”

Question: Is ProCore an acceptable platform for submittals?

ProCore is acceptable.

42. Drawing AS-402 Detail #B4 shows a TV for the patient room footwall, however it does not state whether this is VA provided or contractor provided.

Question: Are these T.V.’s to be provided and installed by the GC or provided and installed by the

VA?

TV’s and brackets by GC per section 11 05 13.

Question: What is VV, VC, & CC on Dwg. AS-801.

VV = VA Furnished/VA Installed, VC = VA Furnished/Contractor Installed, CC = Contractor Furnished/Contractor Installed

43. Drawing #AS-801 lists item #14 as a PPE dispenser and shows its location as PT Room and being contractor provided / contractor installed. This item appears on the drawing 19 times both in the corridors, PT rooms, Med Room, and the ANTE- Room. However, there is only one picture on Detail E8 for the corridor PPE dispenser. There is no detail calling out the PT Room PPE Dispensers (Note#14).

Question: Are the item #14 in the corridor contractor provided and contractor installed?

Question: Are the item #14 in the Med-Room contractor provided and contractor installed?

Question: Are the item #14 in the ANTE-Room contractor provided and contractor installed?

Question: What is the basis of design for the PPE Dispenser Detail E8 Typical Corridor Recessed Dispenser?

Question: If the patient room dispenser is different from the corridor dispenser, can a detail be provided along with the basis of design?

Question: If the Med room and / or ANTE-Room dispenser is different from the corridor dispenser or PT Room dispenser, can a detail be provided along with the basis of design?

PPE storage units specified in Section 10 28 00.

44. Drawing AS-801 shows item #34 as an existing ice and water maker to be contractor installed.

However, the plumbing drawing (PL-132) shows the ice machine location in the opposite location away from the note #10 cold water drop. There is also a 2” FD-M in the same area of the cold-water drop. The equipment schedule shows it requires water, power, and a drain.

Question: Can you please confirm the location of the existing ice maker (is the plumbing drawing correct or are the architectural and electrical drawings correct)?

Ice maker to be located as shown on sheet AS-801.

Question: What does the FD-M stand for as the abbreviations only show FD which stands for floor drain?

Refer to spec section 22 13 00 Facility Sanitary and Venting Piping, Page 8-2.5 Floor Drawings paragraph C type M.

45. Drawing AS-801 shows item #36 as an existing coffee / hot water machine that requires water and power. The plumbing drawings do not show a water connection for this item.

Question: How is water to be supplied to this item?

Existing coffee/hot water machine to be located as shown on sheet AS-801.

Run new water line from connection of existing coffee/hot water machine up above ceiling space and connect to new ½” DCW pipe in ceiling space of Staff 3A-121 prior to drop.

46. Drawing AS-603 shows a new room #3AB-127A as a storage room that gets new flooring, base, paint, and a 4’ wall protection. Drawing AD-101 identifies this space to have an existing door that is to remain. The phasing drawing GC-100 does not include this area within a phase (see screen shot below). As you can see in the attached picture, there is no existing door in this area, only a “cubby hole” and the door pictured directly to the right is currently identified as 3AB-127A (which is shown as a bathroom on the demo AD-101) not 3AB-127 as drawings indicate.

Question: What is the intent for this space?

Question: What is this space currently being used for and if this area is to be turned into usable space (i.e., storage room), what are the construction requirements and / or obstacles to make this happen (i.e., unforeseen ductwork, plumbing, electrical)?

Question: Where in the phasing would this space be identified to be completed?

Question: How, if any is this space impacted by the deduct alternate #1?

The drawings and schedule should be revised to eliminate the existing door and room shown as “Storage” (3AB-127) based on true existing conditions.

47. Drawing AS-603 Finish schedule shows room 3AB-109 IT Closet getting new finishes.

Drawing EP131 shows work in this room.

Drawing MP133 shows work in this room.

Drawing GC100 identifies this area is not in the contract.

Drawing AD-101 identifies this area is not in contract.

Drawing AS-101 identifies this area is not in contract.

Question: Is this room in the contract or not?

There is no architectural scope in this space (I.E. flooring and ceilings), however there will be some MEP work in this area. Refer to sheet MP133. Contractor to patch and paint any damage associated with mounting equipment.

Question: If this area is in the contract, how does it fit within the phasing?

The intent is to perform this work during the Lobby Construction phase, but during weekends and off-hours.

Question: What is this area’s relation, if any, to deduct alternate #1?

This would eliminate the requirement for ventilation air being served by air terminal unit 1-TUS-MS-

31. Telephone Closet wall-mounted units will still be required.

48. Drawing MP133 shows 2 new wall mount HVAC units (1-HCU-1A and 1-HCU-1B) installed to service IT closet 3AB-109. This includes new line sets and roof top units (1-HP-1A and 1-HP-1B) located on the 3rd floor rooftop above the executive suite area. MP-133 also depicts an ICRA barrier being installed in the executive suite area.

Question: How does this work fit into the ICRA plan as this area is identified as NOT IN CONTRACT on drawing GC-101?

There is no architectural scope in this space (I.E. finishes), however there will be some MEP work.

Refer to sheet MP133. Contractor to patch and paint any damage associated with mounting equipment.

Although some areas are shown as “NOT IN CONTRACT” they must still remain protected from adjacent work areas and therefore may require the installation of ICRA barriers on the “NOT IN CONSTRUCTION” side. See Spec section 01 35 26 paragraph 1.12 Infection Control for more information.

Question: How does this work fit into the phasing plan as this area is identified as NOT IN CONTRACT on drawing GC-100?

There is no architectural scope in this space (I.E. finishes), however there will be some MEP work.

Refer to sheet MP133. Contractor to patch and paint any damage associated with mounting equipment. The intent is to perform this work during the Lobby Construction phase, but during weekends and off-hours.

Question: How, if any, is this work associated with deduct alternate #1 as this area is identified as NOT IN CONTRACT on drawing GC-100?

This would eliminate the requirement for ventilation air being served by air terminal unit 1-TUS-MS-

31. Telephone Closet wall-mounted units will still be required.

Question: Has the space above the main entry doors into the executive suite been identified as having adequate clearance for the new line set penetrations along with the above ceiling area in the executive suite space that is identified as NOT IN CONTRACT? (As you can see by the picture the ceiling tile sit on top of the door frame, indicating a possible crowded space above the ceiling.

There is approximately 10” of free space between the bottom of the existing concrete beam and the top of the door frame.

49. Spec section 09-05-16-1.1.A states “This section specifies subsurface preparation requirements for areas to receive the installation of applied flooring including repair/infill of cove base cutouts at exterior building walls. This section includes testing concrete topping for moisture and pH levels and any necessary remedial floor coating for concrete floor substrates having unsatisfactory moisture or pH conditions.”

Question: If the testing confirms the need for moisture remediation is this to be included in the base bid or will it be addressed as a change order?

We don’t expect it will be needed, so if it is found that there is a need for moisture remediation it would need to be a change order.

50. Drawing PL132 shows a plumbing fixture P812 in room 3A-106, however there is no description of what plumbing fixture P812 should be either in the specs or plumbing fixture schedule.

Question: Can a description of fixture P812 be provided?

Refer to spec section 22 24 00 Plumbing Fixtures, Pate 10-2.12 Hydrant, Hose Bibb and miscellaneous devises paragraph A (P-812).

51. Question: Where will the staging area be for this project (i.e., dumpsters, storage, etc.)?

Dumpster will be located in the vicinity of Building 7.

Storage area will be located in the vicinity of Building 14/15.

This will be agreed upon by GC and COR prior to start of work.

52. Question: What is the designated route to dispose of waste to the dumpster?

Elevator 4, listed on the phasing plans, will be used to reach the basement. Contractor will exit through the double doors, located next to the elevator, and proceed to dumpster location (see RFI Question #51).

The VA will be available to provide alternate means of travel if needed, but this will need to be agreed upon by GC and COR prior to start of work or change in work.

53. Question: Do all materials being demo’ed need to be separated and approved of disposal methods (excluding hazardous material such as ACM)?

See Spec section 01 81 13 Sustainable Construction Requirements and Spec section 02 41 00 Demolition for additional information.

54. Drawing AS-603 finish shows items in the 800 sections to be provided with a basis of design being Koroseal. After reaching out to Koroseal, we were informed that they no longer handle any product other than the sheet good wall protections.

Question: Can another basis of design be provided for corner guards and handrails?

Provide Inpro wall guard: EnviroGT G2-1300 color to match wall protection P-701.

55. Drawings MD-131, MD-132, and MD-133 show demo and capping the convectors in the window areas. It also states to “Cap steam supply and steam condensate in 2nd floor ceiling.”

Question: Is there a riser diagram that depicts which convectors can be demolished and capped at the same time?

Riser diagrams are included as an attachment to this RFI response.

Question: What all does this work impact in other areas of the hospital?

If work is being performed during the heating season, the radiators on the exterior pipe risers will be active. Each riser in the Basement is equipped with an isolation valve. This will limit the impact.

Work being done in the 2nd Floor ceiling will have an impact.

Question: Will this work require outages to be performed?

Not necessarily. If work is being performed during the heating season, then the radiators on the exterior pipe risers will be active. Each riser in the Basement is equipped with an isolation valve.

This will limit the impact.

Question: Is there a certain outside temperature that this work needs to be performed at?

Contractor to schedule with VA prior to service shutdown, typically 50 deg or more and rising.

Question: Is there a certain time frame that this work needs to be performed?

Coordinate with the Facility. The duration of demolition and initial new construction should allow for warmer days, prior to the new walls being finished.

Question: Are there any areas on the 2nd floor that have special requirements to access the space to perform the demolition and capping?

Yes, contractor to coordinate scheduling in advance with COR.

56. The door schedule on Drawing AS-601 shows doors for the bathrooms in rooms 133 & 135 as 133A and 135A. They are listed as the same on Drawing AS-101. The hardware schedule in spec section 08-71-00 lists these doors as A133B and A135B.

Question: Can you please confirm if this is a typo on the specs (08-71-00)?

Yes, HW Set #20 applies to doors 133A and 135A.

57. At the site visit, Room 3AB-103 staff toilet had a large structure protruding from the ceiling (see attached picture). This area appeared to be constructed of some type of wire enforced mortar.

Inside the area was a metal duct of some type that ran horizontally above the adjacent bathroom and into the corridor. This structure and duct are not identified on the drawings.

Question: What is required for this structure and associated duct as it is located within the space of the new ceiling requirements and elevation for this space?

Per the RFI, this soffit is said to be located in the toilet room and will not fall beneath the ramp. It is recommended to leave the soffit in place and provide a new GWB ceiling at 8’-0” AFF as indicated on sheet AS-502 everywhere else.

Chiller pipe to remain intact within soffit.

Contractor to keep all existing services serving the bathrooms on the floor above active during demolition. Upon completion of demolition, the contractor will identify existing services that will need to be relocated due to above ceiling coordination drawings.

58. At the site visit, Room #3A-142 had a large piece of equipment in the wall that appeared to have something to do with chemotherapy waste (see attached picture).

Question: Are there any special requirements for the removal and handling of this equipment?

No

Question: Does this equipment connected in any way to another floor other than the 3rd floor and room 3A-142? 14 Yes, is connected to drains, hot & cold water, steam lines. Connections appear to be branches, so all connections are to be capped at the header. See photos below.

The mains that the equipment branches connect to serve other floors. Contractor to coordinate with the VA COR to isolate these mains such that the branch pipe serving this equipment can be removed back to the main and capped.

Question: Will the Government confirm that the Pullcord and Pushbutton Shower Station devices must be Waterproof (IP68) as described in the TIL 27 52 23?

Yes, they need to be waterproof.

Question: Will the Government confirm that the Nurse Call Manufacturer must provide certification that they have all hardware equipment that this bid is requesting be readily available to ship within 30-days of an order being approved by the VA for installation?

Contractor is required to provide nurse call hardware equipment; this is up to the contractor.

Question: Will the Government confirm that all new mental health dome lights must be flush mount to the walls using steal plate anti-ligature, vandal‐proof and flush mount nurse call dome light devices?

There are no mental health rooms in this project.

Question: Is the nurse call system required to have the capability to provide a Bi‐Directional transfer of information interface for VistA CPRS or Cerner for ADT information, Patient Status, Positioning, Rounding, Wound Care, Pain Assessment, and Patient Data?

No, but it must be tied into existing nurse call server, which does have this capability. These must have bidirectional voice communication

Question: Does the Nurse Call need to integrate with the VA's Active Directory? All other VA facilities have this as a requirement for nurse call given the implications and need.

The nurse call system is its own network, no need to integrate with the VA's Active Directory

Question: Network Connection: Can the government confirm that the new nurse call must be networked together and connected for all buildings? If so, must all these areas connect back to one central nurse call server?

Yes, they must be tied into the existing nurse call server.

Question: Will the Government confirm that ADT Integration, Pocket Paging, Messaging, RN to Bed Staff

Assignment, EIS Logging, Reporting, and LAN Bridge software licensing and services for all of these must be included in the base bid as described in the TIL 27 52 23 and the drawings?

No, the server does this integration, and we already have this capability.

There is a specification section 27-52-23 Nurse Call and Code Blue Systems.

Question: What is the basis of design of the Nurse Call and Code Blue Systems that would be utilized on this project?

Nurse call system basis of design is Ascom-Telligence to match the existing hospital system. This information is found on the Nurse Call Riser Diagram on E-502.

Basis is that we are currently running ASCOM Telligence. The nurse call replacement should be of same make/model. For Code Blue, the hospital uses the phone system (#911), which is not part of the nurse call system

Question: is D271500 page 8. Category 6A is referenced with an acceptable 24AWG conductor. Due to resistance conditions with power, a 23AWG (Minimum AWG) is recommended. I am not aware of a single, quality Category 6A cable manufactured in the USA, that uses a 24AWG in the Category 6A

Horizontal cable products. Patch cord can be 24-28 AWG.

For data wire, all must be 6A.

Table 27: Unshielded Twisted Pair Standards

ID Primary Attribute Secondary Attribute Specification

Performance Category

• Cat 6A (10 GbE)

• Cat 6 (exempted and authorized variance only)

Performance Characteristics (Horizontal and First Level Backbone)

Performance Specifications

Meets or exceeds TIA-EIA-568-C.2-10 and

TSB-155

Conductor Size 22 AWG to 24 AWG

Limited Power (LP) Certification

UL Listed as x-LP (0.5 A)

Jacket Color Blue (to match 606C HC patching field designation)

Termination Method

• Pre-terminated, 8P8C with TIA 568B termination method preferred OR

• Field-terminated with TIA 568B termination method to WAOs only where distances cannot be precisely calculated

Media Connector Pre-terminated with split 8P8C preferred

Bundling Multiple cable harness

Evaluation Factors

· Performance category tuned to match all channel components

· Performance characteristics

· Conductor size

· Termination (factory or field)

· PoE

· Compatibility with specified patch panels

· Combustion rating Implementation Guidance Horizontal cabling, including fiber and UTP, shall be installed in a structured topology with patch panels serving as at all vertical and horizontal transition points including Equipment Distributors (ED), Horizontal Distributors (HD), and throughout the MDA for all backbone levels. The patch panels at the HC and MDA shall be located adjacent to switching components to minimize patch cord length and cable management requirements.

There should be two simultaneous A/B redundant, diverse distribution paths.

Horizontal channel distance for UTP is limited to 295 ft with 32 ft reserved for patch cords.

Category 6A UTP is required for all new installations for clinical spaces to meet ANSI/TIA- 1179 and 10 GbE performance objective.

Question: Can VA provide missing drawing? On the Cover Page for the Drawings, there is a drawing referenced as Drawing A-1, “ROOF PLAN – SCHEMATIC PONDING”. This drawing does not appear in the drawings package. Could the VA please provide?

M-R cannot find the reference to this drawing and we do not have it in our files.

Question: What is to be done with the raised concrete in room 3A-103A, 3A-117, & 3A-108?

This raised concrete is to be removed, it was used for raised cabinetry, etc., previously.