RFI Question and Answers.docx

36C24525Q0343 Requests for Information (RFI) – Questions and Answers, March 17, 2025

1. Question: Can you please provide copies of the current ICPs for all three of the facilities?

Answer: Yes

1. Question: Can you please provide information on how the “DRAFT” versions of the reports (.doc), tables (.xls), drawings (??) and also the training (PowerPoint) will be provided during the contract.

Answer: Depending on the type of document, DRAFT versions will be provided via MS Word (.doc) or Excel (.xls) and training via power point and drawings via PDF.

1. Question: It appeared that many ASTs have a concrete pad and one had a roof, can you clarify if the concrete pads are being removed in this contract or if they are remaining?

Answer: Yes, concrete pads are being removed in this contract. Would you please provide a quote that includes concrete pads being removed and a quote that does not include concrete pads being removed? Regarding the roof, that will remain and will not need to be removed with this contract. Please see updated SOW.

1. Question: Can you confirm if any of the ASTs to be removed contain underground piping?

Answer: No. The 2,000 gallon AST at Loch Raven with underground piping and two sub-surface sumps has been removed from the scope of this contract. Please see updated SOW.

1. Question: You have indicated that there should be 8 days allotted for seeing the BSCs at Perry Point – is there a reason that this may take so long, are there access issues or other circumstances?

Answer: No access issues. Wanted to ensure enough time to review all of the applicable items at the Perry Point VA Medical Center Campus. There are 37 ASTs; 49 wet transformers; 23 hydraulic fluid reservoirs, all that contain more than 55 gallons of oil/fuel. There are also drum storage areas for used oil and cooking grease. Since we are a hazardous waste large quantity generator, there is one hazardous waste central accumulation point; one universal waste central accumulation point and over 35 satellite accumulation points.

1. Question: Can you please explain the “training” hours outlined in the RFQ, “two-hour, facility-specific, initial training”…total of 8 hours…?

Answer: Please see updated SOW Section 2.0 CLIN 2.0 Training.

1. Question: Since the majority of the CLINs described in this RFQ (CLINs 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0) do not meet the definition of NAICS Code 562910 (Remediation Services), can the NAICS Code for this RFQ be changed to 541620 (Environmental Consulting Services)?

Answer: No due to ongoing federal government budget cuts and contract cuts we are going to use 562910 NAICS code for this requirement

1. Question: The RFQ requires Prime or Sub-Contractor personnel who will be performing work on this contract to show recent (past three years) past performance. Can this requirement be revised to “past five years” to mirror the requirement for past performance projects required?

Answer: Section 6.0, Past Performance requires past three years.

1. Question: Please confirm full ICP Updates will be required for all three facilities in the Base Year for this contract. Answer: Yes

1. Question: Please confirm if Price Item Number 4001 (final option year) should include an additional full update of ICPs for each facility.

Answer: Yes

1. Question: Can the VA provide additional details regarding ICP Updates “each year due to technical changes from construction contracts?” Are changes anticipated each year at each facility included in this contract?

Answer: Yes, yearly changes will occur primarily at Perry Point VAMC and a few at Loch Raven VAMC.

1. Question: Please confirm whether the selected contractor will be responsible for providing a two-hour training session for each facility each option year of this contract.

Answer: Please see updated SOW.

Questions specific to CLIN 4.0:

1. Question: Will concrete pads, foundations, and any roofing of tanks be included as part of the tank removals? Answer: Please include pads and foundations as part of tank removals. The roofing will remain and does not need to be removed. However, would you also provide a quote that excludes pads and foundations as well? Please also see answer to #3 above. Please refer to updated SOW.

1. Question: What post-activity conditions should be assumed for the area of tank removals (i.e., backfilled, compacted, grade, seeded)? Answer: Backfilled, Compacted, Top soil, fine finished graded, seeded, strawed. However, would you also provide a quote that excludes post-activity conditions? Please refer to updated SOW.

1. Question: Will tanks be emptied prior to removal? Answer: The 150,000 gallon tank will be emptied prior to removal. Question: If not, should removal and disposal of contents be included in costing? Answer: Yes for all tanks except for the 150,000 gallon tank.

1. Question: For the 2,000-gal AST at Loch Raven, should we include removing the catwalk above the tank in the scope of work? Also, the concrete pad under the tank will not be demolished because the generator is sitting on the same pad. Answer: This tank will be removed from the scope of this contract so it will not require closure activities. Please refer to the updated SOW.

1. Question: How much product will be left in the tanks for the contractor to remove and dispose of off-site? Answer: With the exception of the 150,000 gallon tank, please plan for the worst case scenario, that each tank would be full:

16. 2 x 15,000 gallons (D-321A and D-321B)

16. 2 x 700 gallons (DT-321A and DT-321B)

16. 1 x 500 gallons (D-315A)

16. 1 x 75 gallons (DT-315A)

16. 1 x 550 gallons (D-344)

16. 1 x 25 gallons (DT-344)

16. The 150,000 gallon tank will be empty Please refer to the updated SOW.

1. Question: For the Big 150,000-gallon AST vertical Tank, is the contractor responsible for removing the concrete base? If so, please provide the As-built drawing to ascertain the thickness of the pad. Answer: Yes, contractor will be responsible for removing the base. As-built drawings will be provided. Please also provide a quote that excludes removing the base. Please refer to the updated SOW.

1. Question: Any specifications (materials and compaction density) for the final grade after removing the tanks. Answer: Please use certified clean fill and compact to 95 percent of the maximum standard proctor density (ASTM D698) and test for density. VA spec for backfilling: TIL SPEC 31 20 11 (Earth Work for Compaction and Backfilling) and TIL SPEC 31 23 19 Dewatering (if depth requires this).

1. Question: Can you provide details for demo of piping associated with the 150,000-gal AST? (i.e., what portions of piping are to be demoed? Answer: Please see answers to question #45; Question: Any closure in place? Answer: Not for piping up to building—see answers to questions #45. Question: does demo include piping inside the building? Answer: No, it will not include demo of piping inside the building. Question: If so, provide details on pipe size, equipment attached [number of boilers, generators, and valves], and elevation of piping.) Answer: N/A. Please also see answer to question #45. Please also refer to updated SOW.

1. Question: We respectfully request an extension to the response due date to allow at least one (1) additional week (following receipt of answers to questions) to incorporate the Government’s responses to the questions. Answer: This will be granted.

1. Question: E.2 Supplemental Instructions to Quoters, 2. Technical Qualifications states respondents “Must have OSHA 10 Hour Training for all employees working on project.” Is OSHA 30 Hour Training for Construction acceptable? Answer: Yes Comment by Dallaire, Jennifer P. (she/her/hers): Bill Pratt: Could not find E.2 Supplemental Information in the SOW? Could you update this information if you have it?

1. Question: E.2 Supplemental Instructions to Quoters, 2. Technical Qualifications states respondents “Must have OSHA 10 Hour Training for all employees working on project.” Is OSHA 40 Hour HAZWOPER Training acceptable to meet this requirement? Answer: OSHA 10 Hour Construction Training is the requirement.

1. Question: SOW CLIN 4.0, Tank Closure Support, 4. The SOW does not specify what laboratory accreditations are required for analyses of tank closure samples. Can we assume that National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP) for Maryland is acceptable? Answer: Yes, that is acceptable as long as they are also accredited to analyze for methods required for analyses per MDE closure regulations (EPA Methods 8260 and EPA Method 8015 at a minimum) as well as any additional analyses that could be required by MDE.

1. Question: SOW CLIN 4.0, Tank Closure Support, 4. The SOW does not specify what type of data package (e.g., I, II, III, IV) is required for laboratory reporting or whether data validation is required. Can you provide the VA’s requirements for data reporting and deliverables for the tank closure assessments? Answer: Please provide a Level IV data package for laboratory reporting with data validation. Please refer to updated SOW.

1. Question: SOW CLIN 1.0, ICP Updates. The SOW states “The contractor shall update the Baltimore; Loch Raven; and Perry Point VAMC ICPs as identified below and as needed each year due to technical changes from construction contracts.” Can we assume the same level of effort for the base year and each option year (including site visits and PE certification)? Answer: Yes. Please assume the same level of effort for the base year and each option year for Perry Point VAMC and Loch Raven VAMC. For Baltimore VAMC, this level will only be required the base year and final year of the contract.

1. Question: SOW CLIN 6.0 Past Performance, 10. The SOW states “Contractor will supply appropriate personnel and monitoring during the confined space entries, when needed per OSHA standards (One vaulted tank at Perry Point VAMC is located within a confined space).” During the site walk on 3/11/25, the VA verified this tank is not slated for closure. Is the VA assuming confined space entry is required for annual updates to the ICP Plan? Answer: If you would like to see the tank to update the ICP then yes, a confined space entry would be required.

1. Question: SOW CLIN 2.0, Training. The SOW states, “Provide Annual Training (Can be virtual via platform such as MS Teams)” and “One electronic copy should be sent to the COR for each VAMHCS facility.” Is Microsoft PowerPoint an acceptable format for the training presentations and electronic deliverables? Answer: Yes, Microsoft PowerPoint is an acceptable format for the training presentations and electronic deliverables for CLIN 2.0.

1. Question: SOW CLIN 4.0, Tank Closure Support, 6. The SOW states “All Closure documentation; Sampling and testing; Removal and disposal of tank and tank contents in accordance with all EPA; MDE; and local laws; submittal to MDE and any related onsite support will be required by the Contractor.” Can we assume all tank contents will be removed by the contractor for disposal or does VA plan to transfer fuel for use in other VA tanks? Answer: Assume all tank contents will be removed by the contractor with the exception of the 150,000 gal #2 fuel oil tank.

1. Questions: SOW CLIN 4.0, Tank Closure Support. When the ASTs are being closed/removed from the site:

29. Question: Will the concrete pads remain or will they be required to be removed after tanks are removed? Or will it be site specific per tank? Answer: Please see answers to questions #3 and #s13-19 above.

29. Question: If pads are removed, what site restoration will be required? Answer: Please see answers to questions #3 and #s13-19 above.

29. Question: If the tank is inside a building, can it be assumed that the concrete foundation will remain intact? Answer: The only tanks inside buildings are DT-344 and DT-315A and those concrete foundations would remain.

Please also refer to the updated SOW.

1. Question: Will current / existing ICP’s, SSPC, Oil Ops Permits be provided to the awarded bidder to build off of for this project? Answer: Yes, they can be provided ahead of bid.

1. Question: For the AST closures are all of the concrete pads being removed? Answer: Please see answers to questions #3; #13-19 above.

31. Question: If so, is there known thickness or drawings on the concrete pads to quantify the amount of concrete to be removed? Answer:

0. Tank D-344: Slab in approximately 6”

0. All others – Assume at least an 8” concrete slab below all generators/tanks if unknown

1. Question: Are the AST’s to be completely empty when given to the awarded contractor for removal? Answer: No, they will each contain fuel that the contractor must dispose of. However, the 150,000 gal tank will be empty.

32. Is there a contingency or assumption amount of fuel, sludge, liquid to be disposed of in the tanks? Answer: See answer to #12 above.

1. Question: For Tank 344 – Is the roof, fence and concrete pad to be removed? Answer: Just the concrete pad. Fence and roof to be removed as part of another construction project. However, fence can be removed by contractor for ease of access to the tank. See updated SOW.

1. Question: How much of the electrical for the sites is to be removed and to what extent? Answer: All of the site electrical to the nearest junction box at the building that is feeding the tank site. See updated SOW.

1. Questions For tank D-315:

35. Question: Is the berm to be removed and the site returned to level grade? Yes If so, can you provide details on what the area should be returned to (ie grass or gravel) Answer: It will be returned to grass

35. Question: Is the piping from the tank to the boiler room to be removed including supports? Answer: Yes

35. Question: Is the remote fill piping to be removed associated with this tank and into the boiler room? Answer: It will be capped and abandoned as part of a separate construction project. See updated SOW.

35. Question: Are there any restrictions to using a crane or cutting the tank up onsite related to a Hot Work Permit? Answer: No restrictions but coordination for crane placement; a lift plan and yes a hot work permit will be required with our Perry Point Fire Dept before work will be started and close with them when work is completed each day. See updated SOW.

1. Question: Are there any permits required for this work with VA other than MDE permits/notifications and the local county for a building permit? Answer: Aside from the lift plan and hot work permit; an internal Pre-construction risk assessment (PCRA) is all that would be required. See updated SOW.

1. Question: Is there any contingency pricing to cover any contaminated soils that may be encountered? Answer: There is not contingency pricing. However, would you please include this cost in your quote? Please refer to updated SOW.

1. Question: For the Loch Raven VA location and the removal of the 2k tank and piping – is all concrete to be removed? How it he road to be repaired? Answer: This tank has been removed from the scope of this contract. Please refer to updated SOW.

1. Question: For the sites with Tank monitoring equipment, electric controls and pumps etc. Are these all to be powered off prior to the awarded contractors arrival or is this equipment being used for the new AST’s? Answer: Yes, it would be powered off but would require coordination with our Perry Point VA Electrical Shop. Please refer to updated SOW.

1. Question: Can you please provide a list of the exact tanks and the year they are being closed? The RFQ references yellow highlighted tanks but the version that was downloaded only shows a table with blue and white. Answer: See below. Please note change in certain tank numbers. These have been updated in Corrected Tank list in Attachment A to these RFI questions and answers. Please also refer to updated SOW.

SITE

Perry Point VAMC

1. Question: Are there adjustments that can be made to the bid in the future due to the 4 yr period of time and fluctuations in costs or should the worst case scenario be expected regarding price increases for materials, labor, and other expenses? Answer: No the costs cannot be adjusted later.

1. Question: 3.1 CLIN 3.0 Milestones, Timelines and Project Submittals - The RFQ indicates that 4 to 6 VAMHCS AST/UST policies; fuel system SOPs and other tank-related documentation will need to be updated. What is the general length (i.e., number of pages) of these documents and will they be provided in an editable electronic format? Answer: The VAMHCS AST/UST Policy is 21 pages ; Fuel Systems SOP is 18 pages; ICPs vary in length: Perry Point ICP is 351 pgs; Loch Raven ICP is 138 pgs; and Baltimore VAMC ICP is 114 pages. Yes, documents will be provided in editable electronic format.

CLIN 4.0 Tank Closure Support:

1. Question: Can the engineering drawings/as-built drawings for the tanks to be removed be provided? Answer: Engineering drawings that are available will be provided.

1. Question: Will the concrete pads beneath the tanks need to be removed? Answer: Please see answers to questions #3; #13-19 above.

1. Question: If the concrete pads are to be removed will the areas need to be graded/re-seeded. Answer: Yes, graded/re-seeded. Please see answers to questions #3; #13-19 above.

1. Question: Will the tanks be empty at the start of AST closure activities or will the contractor be responsible for emptying and disposing of the tanks contents? If so, how much material will be in each tank to be disposed? Answer: Please see answer to Question #12 above.

1. Question: For tank 315A there is a metal fence limiting access, will the contractor need to remove/re-install this fence? Answer: Yes or contractor can use other methods

1. Question: For tank 315 (the 150,000 gallon tank), will the earthen berm need to be removed? Answer: Yes. However, please provide a quote with and without removal of earthen berm. See updated SOW.

1. Question: For tank 315 (the 150,000 gallon tank), How much piping will need to be removed? Answer: All of the aboveground piping up to the building (including the supports). However, please provide a quote with and without piping removal.

1. Question: For tank 315 (the 150,000 gallon tank), Is there any asbestos pipe insulation present? Answer: Per VAMHCS Asbestos Survey, no, there is not asbestos pipe insulation present.

1. Question: For tank D-344 ,Will the contractor need to remove/re-install the chain link fence? Answer: Contractor will remove the chain link fence but does not need to re-install.

1. Question: For tank D-344 ,Will the contractor need to remove/re-install the wooden roof ? Answer: Contractor will not need to remove the wooden roof.

1. Question: For tank D-344 ,If the wooden roof is to be removed, have the roofing materials (shingles, etc.) been tested for asbestos content? Answer: The wooden roof does not need to be removed. However, it does contain ACM. Contractor must sign the asbestos acknowledgment form. This represents contractor understanding of asbestos locations and a chance to review our sampling results. Contractor will be instructed to stop work if they uncover any suspicious material and await further sampling and analysis.

1. Question: RFQ indicates 8 hour days during the AST Closures, is the contractor limited to just 8 hours on-site during the AST closure activities? Answer: Yes. but times can be adjusted for extenuating circumstances only on a case-by-case basis, approved by the CO and COR in advance.

1. Question: What are the times the contractor is allowed to perform the AST closure activities? Preferably 8am-4:30pm but times can be adjusted for extenuating circumstances only on a case-by-case basis, approved by the CO and COR in advance.

1. Question: Are there any specific requirements from VAMHCS for the selection of an analytical laboratory to test the samples from the AST closure activities or can the contractor select any qualified analytical laboratory? Answer: Please see answers to Question #s 24-25 above.

1. Question: CLIN 4.0 Tank Closure Support item 7. (2) refers to placing the AST system out-of-service. Are the ASTs to be physically removed or just placed out-of-service? Answer: Please refer to the MDE-required closure activities per COMAR 26.10.17 and 26.10.18 and the MDE Fact Sheet link provided in the SOW. Question: If physically removed, will the contractor need to place the AST system out-of-service initially and then remove the AST at some later date? Answer: Yes. Please refer to the MDE-required closure activities per COMAR 26.10.17 and 26.10.18 and the MDE Fact Sheet link provided in the SOW.

1. Please verify the contractor’s scope with respect to the AST closures. Is the contractor required to conduct all closure activities and do closure reporting, or only do sampling and closure reporting? Yes, the contractor will be responsible for all MDE-required closure activities. Please refer to the MDE-required closure activities per COMAR 26.10.17 and 26.10.18 and the MDE Fact Sheet link provided in the SOW.

1. Question: Does the VA have approved disposal facilities they would prefer the contractor to use? Answer: No. However, the VA COR will need to review and approve the disposal facilities identified by the contractor prior to disposal. All waste manifests must be signed by an approved VAMHCS employee. See updated SOW.

1. Question: With regard to access to these tanks, the figures only show so much. Could you provide pictures or a description of the access way to each tank? In summary, I would like to know about access to the tank with trucks and heavy equipment. Answer: The site walk-through occurred on March 11, 2025. An additional walk-through will not occur. The tanks are accessible by road. Trucks and Heavy equipment can access all of the tanks except for D315A. However, trucks and heavy equipment will be able to park very close to D315A (within 10’). Please note, there is a corrugated metal wall in front of the area to access this tank. The site Integrated Contingency Plan (ICP) will be available to all bidders.

ATTACHMENT A - Updated Tank List (yellow highlighted tanks are tanks that will be closed):

Table A-1. Aboveground Storage Tank Inventory – Perry Point VAMC

(gallons)

CONTROL FEATURES

Station, Bldg. 311

active measures

liner

36C24525Q0343 - RFI Questions and Answers, March 20, 2025

Page of

Table A-1. Aboveground Storage Tank Inventory – Perry Point VAMC

(gallons)

prevention device

active measures

Bldg. 360G

bucket

active measures

Fuel

Generator (200 kw)

Generator (200 kw)

Generator (100 kw)

(Outside) Mobile Refueler

Repair Garage

Total # of Tanks – Perry Point VAMC

I. BALTIMORE VAMC ABOVEGROUND STORAGE TANKS:

Table A-2. Baltimore VAMC Aboveground Storage Tank Inventory

Total # of Tanks – Baltimore VAMC

II. LOCH RAVEN VAMC ABOVEGROUND STORAGE TANKS:

Table A-3. Loch Raven Aboveground Storage Tank Inventory

(gallons)

Control Features

(exterior)

DT-1

Emergency generator day tank(exterior)

Diesel fuel

No

Double-walled

(exterior)

PLEASE NOTE: THE LOCH RAVEN TANKS WILL NOT BE CLOSING AS PART OF THIS CONTRACT. SEE UPDATED SOW.