S05 512-23-901 - Repair Exterior Granite -Pre Bid Full RFI Set.pdf

Pre-Bid RFI Questions for Repair Exterior Granite Façade

1. Please provide Attachment 1 Past Performance Questionnaire as referenced in Factor 4, subfactor

4.2 on pg. 78 of the solicitation.

Past Performance Questionnaire (Attachment 1) is not needed. Contractors may submit past CPARS evaluations or any performance evaluation assessments they have received in private industries.

2. Please advise it is acceptable to submit previously completed PPQs of same or similar format or if clients must resubmit new PPQs on the form provided in the solicitation package (pursuant to Question 1 above).

Past Performance Questionnaire (Attachment 1) is not needed. Contractors may submit past CPARS evaluations or any performance evaluation assessments they have received in private industries.

3. Please clarify the number of PPQ’s and past experience that must be submitted by the prime contractor and potential subcontractor to demonstrate past experience of the prime contractor’s team?

3-5 past experience evaluations/CPARS from the last ten (10) years is sufficient. Evaluations must be from projects of similar size and scope.

4. Does the government have, or can they provide a site plan to designate staging options or limits on staging for this project?

There is no VAMC-owned property available for staging. Contractor may be able to coordinate staging areas with Baltimore City (close portions of sidewalks, etc.) and University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). All such coordination and securing of applicable permits is the responsibility of the Contractor.

5. What are all the limitations on staging, or setup of scaffold and equipment, to perform work for the project?

The VAMC Baltimore hospital building extends to the property line or very near to it on all sides of the building. Most scaffolding will be set up on property owned by Baltimore City. Permits must be obtained accordingly.

6. Who has jurisdiction or control; and who is the permitting authority over the sidewalks surrounding / adjacent to the medical center?

Most of the sidewalk surrounding/adjacent to the medical center is owned by Baltimore City. Some sidewalks on Arch Street may be under purview of UMMC and coordination with UMMC may be required.

7. Please confirm if the contractor will be permitted to erect heavy duty sidewalk overhead protection canopies on all phased sidewalks and entrances as work progresses around the building? Can this be done for the whole building at one time or does scaffolding need to be phased?

Yes, contractor will be required to erect heavy duty sidewalk overhead canopies as required for pedestrian protection. This can be done all at one time, assuming this is acceptable to Baltimore City.

8. Please confirm locations on each elevation where contractors will be permitted to receive deliveries by semi-tractor trailer? Are there limitations on the times of day for deliveries to the project?

All deliveries must occur on weekends or outside of 6:00AM to 6:00PM hours and must be coordinated with VAMC Baltimore.

9. The west elevation alley has narrow and limited space for erection of scaffold along the sidewalk. This will require the temporary closure of one drive/parking lane in the alley way, is this acceptable?

This is acceptable. Temporary closure must be kept to a minimum, must be planned and approved at least three weeks in advance, and will require coordination with UMMC and VAMC Baltimore.

10. Please confirm the correct wage classification for installation of the metal panel system. Is that considered a carpenter's wage, ornamental ironworker, or a sheet metal wage?

Wage Rates are to be determined by the contractor based upon the wage rates attached to this solicitation.

11. Confirm if a scaffold builder is a laborer's wage rate or a carpenter's wage rate? If it is a laborer's wage, which is the correct classification for laborer?

Wage Rates are to be determined by the contractor based upon the wage rates attached to this solicitation.

12. Confirm the correct wage rate and classification of a caulker? There is no pointer-caulker-cleaner wage rate listed.

13. Confirm the correct wage rate for a telehandler forklift operator? Confirm the correct wage rate for a skilled laborer?

14. Warranty requirement for section 079200, paragraph 1.4.B calls for the installer to provide a 5-year warranty for the sealant. Please confirm that this warranty is not subject to the performance and payment bond. If this is requested as a bondable warranty, the surety companies will not write bonds for warranties of this length. Installers can only provide non-bonded warranties on this basis.

A Performance Bond and a Warranty Bond are two different things. A Warranty bond guarantees the repair of a project should there be defective materials or workmanship. A Performance Bond can cover warranty provisions in a contract, but it is not a warranty bond. A performance Bond guarantees that a contractor will complete a project according to the contract requirements.

Construction Warranties are a requirement of this project and need to be provided as specified.

15. Please confirm if all installer warranties for all work on this project greater than 2 years are non-bonded?

A Performance Bond and a Warranty Bond are two different things. A Warranty bond guarantees the repair of a project should there be defective materials or workmanship. A Performance Bond can cover warranty provisions in a contract, but it is not a warranty bond. A performance Bond guarantees that a contractor will complete a project according to the contract requirements.

Construction Warranties are a requirement of this project and need to be provided as specified.

16. Are there as-built drawings of the various granite to window and similar transition conditions available that can be provided to offerors?

The VA does not have this information.

17. Are there as-built drawings available of underground utilities, tunnels, or vaults around the perimeter of the building that can be provided to offerors?

The VA does not have this information. Contractors must contact Miss Utility prior to any digging.

18. Are there structural as-built drawings available for locations where scaffold will bear on primary structure of the medical center that can be provided to offerors?

The VA has some structural as-built drawings that will be provided after award.

19. It was stated in the site visit that the Southside elevation steps shown for removal may remain in place by a forthcoming amendment. Plans page AD-100, item D2 Keynote, D18 Keynote calls for removal of that staircase -- is it still in the scope for removal?

The stair is no longer being demolished. Please see the updated drawing set included in this amendment.

20. The overall project schedule is set at 365 days. Considering the size, magnitude and lead times for products, this duration is not sufficient and will create undue hardship attempting to meet this. Will the government consider extending the period of performance to 730 calendar days?

No.

21. The project will create noise during demo and installation that is noticeable to the tenants on the inside of the building. Please confirm noise requirements and that this project will operate during normal business hours and will not be subject to shutdowns due to noise.

Refer to Specification 010000 for information regarding noise and vibration limitations. The limitations outlined with respect to work inside the building also apply with respect to work on the façade of the building. The area near the MRI machine spaces may require after-hours work.

Work must minimize interruptions to the facility.

22. Are there minimum airflow rates that will need to be maintained or protected at air in-take vents? The demo of granite panels and install of new cladding systems will require filters over the intakes to prevent dust entry; or shutting down of the units during work events.

A/E would need information on Mechanical systems involved to determine this. I.E., are these ducted supply / exhaust vents or are they open air louvers for ventilating a mechanical space. If these openings are connected to an AHU, a higher MERV could be used for the pre-filter and / or a filter material could be placed directly over the opening. Would recommend consulting facility engineers to determine if existing AHUs are involved and what level of filtration these units could handle if there are. This can be submitted as an RFI during construction.

23. Will the existing small HVAC window units in place above the granite demolition areas be operating during work events of new cladding systems? Can they be shut down during work events?

The existing exhaust units cannot be shut down during construction.

24. Please confirm if removal of windows adjacent to granite panels is needed for the removal and replacement of the granite veneer? It appears windows are not installed over granite veneer- Please confirm?

We agree it appears they are not installed over granite, however; documents for infill areas done after original construction were not available for full conformation. Exposure of existing conditions during construction will confirm.

25. Please confirm the standard and maximum thickness of existing granite veneer panels to be removed.

1-1/4”

26. Will the government consider alternate stone brands (or types) to the basis of design Arriscraft Renaissance in "limestone"? Will the government consider alternate natural limestone (Indiana Limestone) to the basis of design Arriscraft Renaissance in "limestone"?

A/E takes no exception with alternate materials as long as design intent at long span openings is maintained. Design intent is cast stone veneer suspension system.

27. General Note A6 calls for louvers to be primed and painted according to spec section 099100. Please confirm the metal type, surface preparation of metal requirements to meet SSPC Standards, and painting of the existing louvers in place?

A/E understanding is that these louvers are aluminum, however; this will need to be confirmed during construction. Louvers were noted as existing to remain and be refinished. It is understood that there will be coordination of systems (intake/exhaust/general ventilation) during this process.

It may require in some instances that the louvers be removed, painted and reinstalled.

28. For protection against fumes and dust during preparation of painting of the louvers, how will the air-intakes be isolated to prevent contamination of the air handling units? Can they be shut down for painting and dust conditions?

A low or no VOC product should be used. Contractor to coordinate with COR if AHUs connected to these louvers can be shut down.

A/E would need information on Mechanical systems involved to determine this. I.E., are these ducted supply / exhaust vents or are they open air louvers for ventilating a mechanical space. If these openings are connected to an AHU, a higher MERV could be used for the pre-filter. Would recommend consulting facility engineers to determine if existing AHUs are involved and what level of filtration these units could handle if there are.

29. The intent and details of Deduct Alt 1 shown on Sheet 540 in the drawings is not clear. There is no Alternates section in the specification. Page 18-19 of the solicitation is the Pricing Sheet. It states that there are no alternates for the project. Item I is listed "the existing mullion covers being removed, shop painted and reinstalled". All this information is not consistent and unpriceable for construction purposes. Please clarify the Alternates, the Deducts and the Pricing Sheet, including what is included in the Base Price.

Drawings A-121-B and A-121-C provide the limits/extents of linear soffit material (Keynote 14).

Please see Specification 01 00 00 – Section 1.3 – Statement of Bid Items for deduct alternates:

• Soffit Repair, Refinish, and Accent

• Exterior Lighting Replacement

• Curtain Wall Mullion Cap Refinishing

This means that the full bid includes all reparation/replacement of the above three items, but if the deduct alternate is selected, then it will be eliminated from scope and pricing.

30. What is the maximum amount of electric power available to the contractor for temporary electricity from existing panels? Is it possible for the contractor to gain access or connection for four (4) separate 200-amp temporary panels, one on each side of the building? Is there three phase electric accessible, and if so, please designate where?

Refer to Division 01 00 00 for temporary electric information.

31. How far back will sidewalks be cut to facilitate granite panel removal where the veneer abuts the sidewalk? Detail F7/A-520 shows new-work detail but lacks detail for removal and waterproofing the space before the new stone base is installed. The point where the sidewalk meets the new Stone Base relies on joint sealant to prevent water intrusion, shouldn’t this area be flashed similar to the flashing at the top of the stone base?

The detail shows a self-adhering sheet applied waterproofing being applied at referenced condition.

32. With the cutting back of concrete sidewalks the GC would need to see basement areas below to document existing damages/if any from water intrusion. Please confirm?

Upon award, contractor will be permitted to survey the existing site as needed. See new/revised Division 01 specifications.

33. Snow removal around the building during construction, the GC would be responsible for the phased area in progress, the Baltimore VAMC would be responsible for all other areas, correct?

Contractor would be responsible for phased areas in progress and any areas inside a construction fence or other barrier.

34. The specifications, sect 02 41 00-3, 3.1 Demolition state the removed stone material shall become property of the contractor. Please confirm it is up to the GC to dispose of all removed granite veneer; are there any stipulations/requirements for its disposal?

See Spec Section 01 74 19 for additional information.

35. Is there a provided Laydown Area/parking lot, at or near the site, for the use of removed materials and new materials to install?

There is no VAMC-owned property available for laydown/parking. Contractor may be able to coordinate staging areas with Baltimore City (close portions of sidewalks, etc.) and University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). All such coordination and securing of applicable permits is the responsibility of the Contractor.

36. Plans Page AD-204, Note A23, All TV security cameras will remain active until needed, then removed for demo work, is it the GC’s responsibility to remove them? If so, where can they be stored in the VAMC bldg. for safekeeping during phased work?

Coordinate with COR. Cameras will be kept in the 2nd Floor Police area.

37. What is the requirement for protection of open wall area behind the veneer stone, when the veneer stone is removed for new work/panels to be installed?

This is ways and means for the contractor. A/E anticipates at a minimum, contractor will verify existing waterproofing system is in place upon granite removal and patch if necessary to maintain weather tightness of building until new system is installed. Also, as practical, A/E would anticipate contractor to remove and replace granite and water proofing system in a progressive manner removing sections that can be replaced in reasonable amount of time to minimize exposing the structure beneath.

38. Plans page AD-204, West Side Bldg., shows the three rows of louvers; not shown is a small HVAC unit at the bottom ledge of the middle louver row (it is set back in a small alcove space). This unit will need to be removed for scaffolding install and Veneer stone removal. Please advise us of any requirements for this removal.

Agree unit will need to be removed. Coordination of shutting down this unit and if temporary services will be needed will need to be coordinated with the COR. Any temporary equipment usage will have to be included in the contractor bid.

39. Trees at the planter boxes South side, will need trimming or removal. The structural drawings are missing, please provide details on Crepe Myrtle trees and what is expected for demo/reinstall/new planter boxes?

A/E recommends trimming Vs removal. Coordinate with COR if removal / replacement is needed.

Structural Drawings have been removed.

Planter boxes are existing to remain with granite veneer to be replaced.

40. Is there any known abatement study to go with the provide plans and specs, any HAZMAT concerns?

An abatement study is available. Please see attached.

41. Are there any missing mechanical plans to go with the structural plans?

The structural sheets are no longer necessary, as the large Baltimore Street stair is no longer being demolished. Please see the updated drawing set.

42. Framing to remain on A-602 for Glazing replacement requirements is unclear, is the white area of C1/A-602 to be replaced in its entirety, or just the doors/glass replaced, and all framing in the detail white area to be retained?

See elevation above plan detail C1/A-602 The framing that supports door system is to have new brake metal enclosures installed to match new door system.

43. The Specs call for two reline drawings to be maintained during construction and phasing, can we change to only one?

Assume Contractor is referring to required “redline” drawings. One set of redline drawings must be maintained.

44. If all the workers are remaining outside the security checkpoints during construction, do they still require VA Hosp Security Badge?

No badging required for contractors working on the outside of the facility. The superintendent must be badged by VAMC Baltimore. All other contractor employees must be badged according to their own company policy and must be escorted while inside the facility.

45. Are outside Porto-Johns approved for use in phased areas, inside fenced areas?

They are approved if the city permits deem them as acceptable.

46. The Specs 01 00 00-21, calling for Professional Photographer to take 29 Max exterior Progression photos monthly and 21 max Site Progressions photos weekly, and 8 Max Regular Interior Progression Photos, among other events, utilizing the indexing and Navigation system with actual AutoCAD Construction Drawings. All photos to be organized by time and date stamp – Please confirm this requirement is still valid for this contract?

This is a requirement for this contract. Contractor shall provide monthly, weekly, regular, and other required photographs as outlined in specification 01 00 00 for the duration of the project.

There is no maximum quantity of photographs. Please see below.

47. The Specs 01 00 00-3 calls for the G.C. to provide unarmed Guards? Will this be needed for this contract and what time requirements should we budget for? Does the GC’s Superintendent suffice as the Daily Guard and will cell phones suffice or should GC budget for 2-way radios to issue to Veterans Admin Police as noted in C.2.?

Guards, 2-way radios, and recording equipment are not required.

48. The Spec 01 00 00-7 calls for abandoned lines to be demo’d back to source, this is only for lines clearly defined in Project Scope. For found unforeseen lines, the G.C. is to make known to the COR/CM on site for direction, correct?

Unforeseen lines not directly related to the project would need to be verified that they are indeed abandoned and not just temporarily not in use. All abandoned lines must be demolished back to the source.

49. Is “immigration certification fill-in” required for bid submission?

Immigration certification fill-in is required for proposal submission.

50. Are Representations and Certifications required to be submitted with proposal?

Representations and Certifications shall be submitted with proposal.

51. Please confirm everything that is required to submit as price proposal

All deduct pricing and pricing related to proposal shall be included.

52. The SF1442 says that a Bid Guarantee is not required. We want to confirm this is accurate for a project of this magnitude Bid guarantee is not required due to solicitation being a Request for Proposal (RFP).

53. What are the working hours for this project?

8:00AM to 5:00PM

54. What are the contractor badging requirements for this project?

No badging required for contractors working on the outside of the facility. The superintendent must be badged by VAMC Baltimore. All other contractor employees must be badged according to their own company policy and must be escorted while inside the facility.

55. What permits are required by Baltimore city as well as MD for this project? Have all the architectural modification permits been obtained. Will public space permits be required for this project? Will individual trade permits be required for this project?

-Architectural Modification permit process is proceeding now that CA phase has begun (this permit will be obtained by the Architect).

-Public Space permits need to be coordinated by the Contractor for specific dates and times required as well as means and methods.

-Construction and Trade permits are acquired by the Owner & Contractor.

56. Will any historical reviews and permits be required to be obtained by the contractor?

-No. Age of building and District location do not require this permit.

57. How many parking spots will be assigned to the contractor?

Two parking spots will be assigned.

58. Will parking garage space be allotted to the contractor?

Two parking spots in the parking garage P3 level will be allotted to the contractor.

59. Is there a location on site for the contractor to have an office trailer? If not is there an interior office space that will be allotted to the contractor for their construction office?

There is no space on site for an office trailer, nor is their interior office space that will be allotted to the contractor for a construction office.

60. Are there shelf angles or embeds supporting the current stone veneer.

Some. There are areas with existing shelf angles but there are no plans to re-use them.

61. Please provide building envelope as builts as well as any structural support drawings as they relate to the current stone cladding.

Some envelope as-builts are available and can be provided upon award. The VA cannot verify the accuracy nor completeness of the available as-built drawings. Structural support drawings related to the current stone cladding are not available.

62. Drawing list. Sheet number S-001 & S-101 are missing from set.

These sheets are no longer necessary, as the large Baltimore Street stair is no longer being demolished. Please see the updated drawing set.

63. Are as-built drawings available.

Some as-builts are available and can be provided upon award. The VA cannot verify the accuracy nor completeness of the available as-built drawings.

64. Will there be a designated area for staging of materials.

No staging area will be available.

65. Please provide the product that is currently applied to the soffits on the building. This will be used in order to attempt to match the product.

This information is not available.

66. AD 201 to AD204 note D2 states to remove weather proofing. Is the intent to completely remove and reapply or patch as needed?

-The current “weatherproofing” system is 15lb felt. The intent is to remove in its entirety and apply new system.

67. What waterproofing product is currently applied to the building?

- The current “weatherproofing” system is 15lb felt.

68. There is a spec section for expansion joints. Where are these to be used? There are masonry control joints but those are elastomeric. Is it for the walking bridge? Please advise.

-Yes, these are for the pedestrian bridge.

69. There is a carpet spec. Where is the carpet to be used. The drawings don’t clearly state where to put it.

-The Carpet is to replace the existing entrance carpet system at lobby revolving door in its entirety.

70. Unit price number 4 concrete replacement needs to be defined better. Please give a quantity.

Unit price number 4 will not be defined further.

71. Please define the exact quantity of masonry required for Unit price 3.

Unit price number 3 will not be defined further.

72. Please define the pounds of closure plates required for unit price 5.

Unit price number 5 will not be defined further.

73. Please define the sq ft of sheathing blocking required for unit price 6.

Unit price number 6 will not be defined further.

74. Is the contractor required to hire overnight security for this project? It mentions this in 01 00 00.

No. Contractor provided security is not required.

75. 01 00 00 1.6 J states construction fence must be installed around construction site. On several sides of the building there is no room for fence. What are the anticipated areas of construction fencing?

-Contractor will need to coordinate areas and time frames with the city and owner as areas exterior to the building are closed for work to be performed. Extensive coordination and potential permitting with the city are anticipated.

76. Will any of the work in any area be required to be performed at night or off hours? Our area of concern is the drive-through section of the building.

Work cannot impact vehicle or pedestrian access to the facility. All work must be coordinated with other work, including exterior work, taking place on the project site.

Phased and night/off-hour work may be required.

77. Will space be allocated for an onsite dumpster.

Yes. One dumpster spot will be available on Arch Street. Dumpster may not interfere with deliveries or bulk oxygen system.

78. Does the revolving door or any door we are replacing have security installed on it? For example, a card reader

-No. However, existing fire alarm pull stations are located at existing swing doors on each side of the doors (on doorframes). These will need to be removed and reinstalled or, if damaged during removal, replaced in like kind with new devices.

79. Is the new revolving door in any way connected to the fire alarm or any other electronic system?

-No

80. 01 00 00 1.21 and 1.22 Are construction photos taken with a modern cellphone acceptable? Will the color prints listed be required?

No- photos must be taken with a professional digital camera. Yes, the color prints listed are required.

81. WE have not received any structural drawings. Are there any shelf angles or lintels or misc. shapes that need to be installed with this façade work?

-No. There are two stone systems. One is dimensional and supported on existing structure and the other (at openings) is a veneer system supported on the stone manufacturers support system. These are detailed in the architectural drawings and specs.

82. Is any roofing work anticipated with this project?

-No.

83. In what format and to whom is the bid to be submitted?

Proposals shall be submitted in PDF form and all proposals should be submitted to Michael.tabor1@va.gov.

84. SF 1442 - page 1 - box 11: Please confirm that a bid bond is NOT required.

Bid bond will not be required due to the solicitation being a Request for Proposal.

85. Please clarify what is needed for Factor 2 – Construction Safety Experience. Is this a separate section with information needed, or does the past experience in Factor 1 need to detail the experience with construction safety and obtaining local permits?

This is a separate section with separate information required. Provide all information requested.

86. Please confirm that the site superintendent is the only key personnel required to be on site full time.

a. If a dedicated and separate Quality Control person is required full time, please provide the required experience.

Please refer to specification section 01 45 00.

87. The RFP says past experience should be 3-5 projects. The Source Selection document says “no more than 6” projects. Please confirm how many projects should be submitted for exterior renovation experience?

3-5 projects are acceptable.

88. Do all prior experience projects need to be of façade renovations, or can other projects be submitted as relevant projects?

Please refer to the source selection plan.

89. Is the immigration Certification required to be submitted with the proposal? If so, in which volume?

Immigration certification shall be filled in and signed provided with proposal. The Immigration certification shall be submitted in volume 1.

90. Please confirm that a schedule is to be provided with the proposal. If required, which volume should it be included in?

See new spec section 01 32 16.15.

91. Page 8 of the RFP states that “a draft CPM schedule to be provided by contractor through a third-party consultant”. Can you confirm that we are required to hire a third-party consultant to produce a draft schedule and are not permitted to provide a draft ourselves?

Contractor is permitted to provide the draft schedule themselves. A third-party is not required to produce a draft schedule.

92. Please confirm that all specification sections have been included.

Some front-end specifications were added to the set. See the table of contents in specification 000110.

93. It is needed a full part number for E6 in order to quote it. A clarification on which options you want needs to be provided. Price changes significantly with different options.

Please refer to Specification Section 26 56 00 – Exterior Lighting for products considered acceptable for this project.