S05 pre-bid RFI Correct Radiology HVAC combine.pdf

Correct Radiology HVAC

Project #517-21-002

Pre-Bid RFIs

Specification Section 01-00-00-1.6-D states: D. Working space and space available for storing materials shall be as determined by the COR.

Question: For bidding purposes, where will the staging area be for this project?

Response: Contractor shall confirm staging area with COR during pre-construction walkthrough.

Question: For bidding purposes, where will the dumpster area be for this project?

Response: Contractor shall confirm dumpster location with COR during pre-construction walkthrough.

Specification 01-00-00-1.5.D.7 states all electronic information shall be stored in specified location following VA standards and procedures using an Engineering Document Management Software

(EDMS) and continues on in subsection “a” to state:

Security, access and maintenance of all project drawings, both scanned and electronic shall be performed and tracked through the EDMS system.

Question: Does the VAMC provide access to the EDMS or would a platform like ProCore be sufficient?

Response: ProCore is acceptable.

Specification 01-00-00-1.9.D states A National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit is required for this project. The Contractor is considered an "operator" under the permit and has extensive responsibility for compliance with permit requirements. VA will make the permit application available at the (appropriate medical center) office. The apparent low bidder, contractor and affected subcontractors shall furnish all information and certifications that are required to comply with the permit process and permit requirements. Many of the permit requirements will be satisfied by completing construction as shown and specified. Some requirements involve the Contractor's method of operations and operations planning and the Contractor is responsible for employing best management practices.

Question: Is the NPDES permit required for this project as it appears all work is on the interior of the building?

Response: NPDES permit not required.

Question: For bidding purposes, what is the anticipated cost of NPDES permit if it is required?

Response: NA

Question: Will any documents be provided by the VAMC to obtain a NPDES if this is required on this project?

Response: NA

Specification Section 01-33-23-1.6.E. states: 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: Would a platform like ProCore be sufficient for this requirement?

Response: ProCore is acceptable.

Spec section 01 35 26 Safety Requirements 1.9 Inspections B. states “A certified safety professional

(CSP) with specialized knowledge in construction safety or a certified construction safety and health technician (CSHT) shall randomly conduct a monthly site safety inspection. The CSP or CSHT can be a corporate safety professional or independently contracted”

Question: Is the contractor responsible for hiring a safety professional and conducting random monthly inspections or can this be completed by the project superintendent or project manager?

Response: No, the specification requires this to be by the contractor.

Drawing GI005B Phasing Requirement Phase 2 Note 3 (Room 2A-117) area states that this work shall be scheduled during workweek (M-F 8:00 and 5:00pm). At the site visit it was discussed that this area requires an escort while work is being performed in this area.

Question: Can it be confirmed that an escort is provided the entire time that work is being performed in this area?

Response: Room 2A-117 has limited access. Work in this area will need to be coordinated with VA personnel to obtain access and monitoring during construction.

Question: Are there any other areas of work that requires an escort while performing work?

Response: No other areas have been identified requiring an escort.

Spec page 133, Attachment A 1 & 2 state “[The QC manager] shall have no job-related responsibilities other than QC unless specifically permitted in the specification. He/she shall be on the site at all times during progress of the work.”

Question: Is the project superintendent permitted to act as the QC manager or is the GC required to have a separate superintendent and QC manager, both on-site at all times?

Response: Generally, this would be allowed on a project of this type.

Drawing GI002 General note C states “Contractor must obtain required building and occupancy permits.”

Question: What building, and occupancy permits are required for this project? Is there any anticipated cost to the contractor in obtaining these permits?

Response: There will be associated permitting costs, which usually amount to a percentage of the overall construction cost. They are set by the jurisdiction in charge of issuing the building permit.

Permits will be required for various trades. Once the project is complete, a Certificate of Occupancy will be issued – this should not be an additional cost (for the certificate, there may be associated costs to obtain the CO if requirements are not met to the inspector’s satisfaction. The selected contractor should be aware of this and factor it into their bid. Per FAR 52.236-7 The Contractor shall, without additional expense to the Government, 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. The Contractor shall also be responsible for all damages to persons or property that occur as a result of the Contractor’s fault or negligence. The Contractor shall also be responsible for all materials delivered and work performed until completion and acceptance of the entire work, except for any completed unit of work which may have been accepted under the contract.

Drawing AE121 keynote #5 states to replace vinyl tile to match existing or provide from “attic stock” if available. At the site visit it was determined that Room 2A-117 had welded sheet vinyl flooring not vinyl tile. With the existing flooring being welded sheet vinyl, and the seam running in the opposite direction of the demolition again it will be very difficult to match existing.

Question: Can you please verify the only area of flooring to be replaced in this room is where the fume hood is to be removed?

Response: The area cited on the plan is approximately 40 square feet.

Question: If this is the only area of flooring to be removed from this room, can you please advise on how to proceed with matching existing?

Response: There are a few options. In order of impact both financially and to the project.

1. Patch with existing attic stock. This would be material used from any leftover or additional stock from the initial installation.

Pros: no additional material costs, material will be the closest match to the original, welds can be very fine and depending on pattern can be virtually impossible to see a seam.

Cons: attic stock may have not faded or yellowed at the same rate as the installed product and may not match, depending on pattern of flooring, could be a distinctly different looking finish.

2. Replace with same product, if still available, purchased new.

Pros: same product

Cons: different dye lot may show a drastically different color, depending on age and pattern of existing flooring, may be difficult to match.

3. Replace flooring in entire space. Hot Lab 2A-117 is approximately 200 square feet total and

Storage area 2A-143 is approximately 125 square feet total. Depending on the age of existing flooring this may ultimately be the best option.

Pros: fully new, completely matching, contractor is solely responsible for the outcome of the flooring installation, product would be fully warranted, cost would be minimal considering full square footage (small area).

Cons: cost, potentially taking room(s) out of commission for a longer period of time.

Drawing AD112 Room 2A-143 shows a note 3 (Demo Fume hood). At the site visit it was determined this room did not have a fume hood.

Question: Is this a typo, is there another room (other than 2A-117) that is supposed to get a fume hood removed?

Response: The fume hood was there at the time of design. This fume hood has since been removed, therefore this work should be omitted.

Spec section 01-35-26 states ICRA is to be Class III / IV (outside of mechanical rooms). It appears according to the phasing drawing that most work will occur at night or on the weekend.

Question: Are plastic barriers acceptable for this as it appears the work areas will be occupied during the daytime?

Response: The preferred method is a rigid barrier, e.g. sheetrock or plywood. However, due to the phasing and the potential for areas to be occupied during normal work hours, plastic barriers maybe considered on a case-by-case basis. All ICRA barriers shall be coordinated with COR prior to installation.

Drawing AE133 shows roof work being performed. At the site visit access was not available to see this roof area. It appeared that 4A-102 was the suspected access to view the roof. It was stated if an

RFI was submitted requesting pictures, they could be provided.

Question: Can pictures of this roof area and access to roof area be provided?

Response: Pictures of this roof section are not currently available.

Question: What type of roof is in this area?

Response: Modified Bitumen

Question: Is there an existing roof warranty that needs to be maintained?

Response: Yes

Drawing AE163 note 2 calls out a non-penetrating roof edge protection system (guardrail). And it says to refer to specs.

Question: What is the basis of design for this guardrail?

Response: Although a basis of design is not noted, any industry standard that meets OSHA requirements and meets the “Buy American Act” (https://www.gao.gov/products/105519) is acceptable, for example BlueWater by Tactel (https://www.tractel.com/bluewater).

The SOW for this project has numerous references to design work.

Question: Can you please confirm there is no design work involved.

Response: No design work

At the site visit it was noticed that there is an ongoing project with work being performed in room

3A-111A (mechanical room). This work does not appear to be identified in this project’s (571-21-

002) drawings.

Question: How does that project’s work impact this project’s work and vice versa?

Response: Work being performed in room 3A-111A is from another project, therefore this work will not appear on design drawings. Work in room 3A-111A to be coordinated with the COR.

Question: Is this a tax-exempt project?

Response: Per 52.229-3 that is included in the solicitation, The contract price includes all applicable

Federal, State, and local taxes and duties.

Question: If tax-exempt, will the government provide the prime contractor with a tax-exempt certificate for use by subcontractors and vendors?

Response: Per 52.229-3 that is included in the solicitation, The contract price includes all applicable

Federal, State, and local taxes and duties.

Question: Can the Superintendent be shared across multiple projects, or should they only be dedicated full-time to this project and this project only?

Response: Superintendent cannot share duties across multiple projects. Superintendent is required on site during construction activities and is applicable throughout the duration of construction.

Question: Can the Superintendent fulfill the Quality Control Manager role?

https://www.gao.gov/products/105519 https://www.tractel.com/bluewater

Response: The Superintendent cannot perform Quality Control Manager role. The Quality Control

Manager role must be performed separate from the Prime Contractor Superintendent.

Question: Can the Superintendent fulfill the SSHO role?

Response: The Superintendent cannot perform SSHO role. The SSHO role must be performed separate from the Prime Contractor Superintendent.

Question: Does the VA require any scope of work in this project to be performed outside of regular work hours?

Response: Architectural work in non-mechanical spaces. Div 22 work likely requires weekend work.

Div 23 work outside mechanical or utility spaces would require weekend work or night work if work can be completed in the area overnight. Changeover of mechanical equipment to temporary equipment will require off hours work.

Question: For work scopes that must be performed off hours, what trades or scopes will be required to perform off-hour work?

Response: Those who will perform: Architectural work in non-mechanical spaces. Div 22 work likely requires weekend work. Div 23 work outside mechanical or utility spaces would require weekend work or night work if work can be completed in the area overnight. Changeover of mechanical equipment to temporary equipment will require off hours work.

Question: What will the work hours and days be for scopes that require off-hours work?

Response: Off-hours work to be coordinated with VA personnel upon bid award.

Question: Please provide a copy of the Site Visit Attendance Sheet.

Response: The solicitation and any amendments are available electronically on the SAMS Website

(http:/www.sam.gov). Bidders are cautioned that it is their responsibility to access the website for any solicitation documents and amendments that may be issued under this solicitation.

Question: In the event of a schedule slip, will overtime work be allowed?

Response: If the progress schedule deviates fifteen (15) calendar days or more, or if the phasing changes significantly, the contractor shall submit a revised progress schedule for review and approval.

Overtime requirements. No Contractor or subcontractor employing laborers or mechanics shall require or permit them to work over 40 hours in any workweek unless they are paid at least 1 and 1/2 times the basic rate of pay for each hour worked over 40 hours. The period of performance is mandatory for this requirement, and it is the contractors responsibility to complete all work within this time. Please refer to the solicitation.

Question: In the event of contract modifications, should contractors apply bond premiums to the individual modification or wait until the end of the job, at which time the VA will issue a final modification to reimburse contractors for bond overruns?

Response: At the end and after the Contractor has furnished evidence of full payment to the surety.

Question: Where is the designated contractors' and subcontractors' parking area?

Response: Contractors and subcontractors shall utilize the parking structure.

Question: Will the VA allow 2-3 spaces for the prime contractor and each subcontractor?

Response: Parking spaces are not designated, it is a first come first serve basis.

Question: Where shall these people park if the VA cannot make 2-3 spaces available for the prime contractor and each of the subs?

Response: Contractors and subcontractors shall utilize the parking structure.

Question: How many hours should the prime contractor and subcontractors budget for onsite badging, safety training, orientation, etc?

Response: Badging shall be the responsibility of the contractor and shall be coordinated with the COR and PIV office.

Question: Is TB Testing required before contractors can commence work onsite?

Response: TB testing is required before work commences.

Question: Will the VA provide the point of contact information for the BMS integration contractor?

Response: VA will provide POC information for BMS integration.

Question: Will the VA provide the point of contact information for the Fire Alarm integration contractor?

Response: VA will provide POC information for Fire Alarm.

Question: Will the VA allow contractors to use water from VA sources?

Response: Refer to 01 00 00, Paragraph 1.22.F:

1. Obtain water by connecting to the Medical Center water distribution system. Provide reduced pressure backflow preventer at each connection as per code. Water is available at no cost to the Contractor.

2. Maintain connections, pipe, fittings and fixtures and conserve water-use so none is wasted.

Failure to stop leakage or other wastes will be cause for revocation (at COR discretion) of use of water from Medical Center's system.

Question: Is temp power available for contractors to connect to?

Response: Temp Power can be made available as needed. Coordinate power needs with COR.

Question: What are the locations for temp power?

Response: Contractor shall confirm temp power locations with COR during pre-construction

Question: Are contractors required to set a pole and meter electric usage?

Response: Refer to 01 00 00 1.22.E - Obtain electricity by connecting to the Medical Center electrical distribution system. The Contractor shall meter and pay for electricity required for electric cranes and hoisting devices, electrical welding devices and any electrical heating devices providing temporary heat. Electricity for all other uses is available at no cost to the Contractor.

Question: Is space available for a 10’ x 40’ temporary ground-level office near the temporary power source?

Response: Contractor shall confirm temporary office trailer location with COR during pre-construction

Question: Will the VA provide space for a 20-yard dumpster?

Response: Contractor shall confirm dumpster location with COR during pre-construction walkthrough.

Question: Where shall contractor dumpsters be located?

Question: Can the VA accommodate a dumpster near the job site?

Question: Will the VA allow contractors to use VA indoor restrooms?

Response: No, Contractor is to supply their own Porta Potty and hand wash.

Question: Can Porta Johns be placed within a 100’ radius of the job site if required?

Response: Yes, location to be confirmed with COR, prior to installation.

Question: Will the VA consider waiving the AISC (American Institute of Steel Construction) requirement for structural steel fabrication and erection for this project? This requirement makes steel procurement on the project exponentially more difficult and costly.

Response: No

Question: Are any AISC substitute certifications acceptable instead of AISC certification?

Response: No

Question: Can contractors perform crane lifts during regular hours?

Response: Yes, provided an approved lift plan is in place prior to planned lift.

Question: Can utility tie-ins be performed during regular hours?

Response: No, unless specifically approved by COR.

Question: Can system commissioning activities be performed during regular hours?

Response: Yes

Question: Will the VA allow for stored material so that we can procure and lay down long lead items and/or critical path material/equipment?

Response: Contractor shall confirm staging area with COR during pre-construction walkthrough.

Question: Will the VA fully pay for this material/equipment if stored onsite?

Response: The Contractor must furnish satisfactory evidence that it has acquired title to such material and that the material will be used to perform this contract. Material must be properly stored and free from defects or damage. Contractor must provide an inventory list of stored material and be subject to inspection by the COR. Contracting Officer reserves the right of retainage if satisfactory progress has not been made.