Government Responses to Industry Questions.pdf

36C2421R0001 P00001 Construct New Outpatient Bldg. 17

Durham VAMC Government Responses to Industry Questions

Question RFI Response

1. Because the facility is owned by the Government, and is utilized as an Outpatient Care Building, we understand that Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) 3-520- 01 and UFC Guide Specifications Section 26 05 19.10.10 shall apply for purposes of competitive bidding and project execution.

Please confirm that bidders are permitted to utilize the types of materials described in UFC 3-520-01 and UFGS 26 05 19.10.10 applicable to their scope of work despite any potentially contradictory provisions in the design plans and specifications?

The VA Specifications and Design Guidelines in the VA Technical Information Library (TIL) take precedence for all material performance criteria. Also, all materials are to be compliant with the Buy American Act and the FAR.

2. 01 00 00 1.07D - The facility has asbestos containing materials (ACM). Please provide a hazardous material report that identifies if, quantities, and locations of ACM.

See Attachment A.

3. 01 00 00 1.07E - There are areas in the medical center where lead paint has been used. Please provide a hazardous material report that identifies if, quantities, and locations of ACM.

See Attachment A.

4. 01 32 16.15 1.09A - Contractor and their CPM consultant (if applicable) shall attend all monthly schedule update meetings. Can the consultant attend these meetings via WebEx or Zoom in lieu of in person

As a standard, these meetings are to occur in person. However, consideration can be given to holding these meetings virtually and will be determined by the VA on a case by case basis. Microsoft Teams will be utilized for this meeting.

Requests for a virtual meeting have to be made in writing no earlier than 2 weeks prior to the regularly scheduled meeting and the VA has 2 work days to make a determination if the request is approved or not.

Additional Information 01 32 16.15 1.01B The only scheduling software to be utilized for the cost loaded schedule is Microsoft Office Project Professional 2016.

5. 01 33 23 1-9A - Contractors shall use

Submittal Exchange for all submittals required by specifications. Is this software provided by the government or the general contractor?

This software is provided, utilized, and maintained by the general contractor. The contractor is responsible for setting up the structure of the submittal exchange project file and modules per VA direction. The VA shall share full rights for management of the Submittal Exchange project file.

6. 01 33 23 1-9A - Contractors shall use Submittal Exchange for all submittals required by specifications. If provided by the contractor, can Viewpoint TEAMS be used in lieu of Submittal Exchange?

The only software utilized and acknowledged by the VA for all document management of the project is Submittal Exchange.

7. 01 35 26 1.12B - An AHA associated with infection control will be performed by VA personnel in accordance with FGI Guidelines (i.e. Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA)). Can this AHA be provided during bid time so that any specific requirements may be identified?

Can the VA define the Risk Classification?

An Infection Control Specialist with the VA will evaluate the project at different stages of construction to determine the level of precautions required at that stage. As a general reference, the attached (Attachment B) “Infection Control Risk Assessment Matrix of Precautions for Construction & Renovation” is used as a guideline.

Any item can be revised as the specialist deems necessary.

On a recent ground up project, the asbestos abatement phase of the project was determined to be CLASS II with all abatement regulations being followed. During general construction activities, the designation was CLASS III.

8. 01 45 29 1.01A - This section specifies materials testing activities and inspection services required during project construction to be provided by a Testing Laboratory retained by Department of Veterans. Please confirm the testing lab and all costs associated with testing is provided by the VA.

All material testing referenced in the contract is to be provided by the General Contractor, not the VA.

9. 01 91 00 1.09A - Appoint an individual, company or firm to act as the Commissioning Agent. Please confirm the VA is providing the Commissioning Agent.

Confirmed. This paragraph is under the title “VA’s COMMISSIONING RESPONSIBILITIES”. Note: The Commissioning Agent is different than the Contractor’s Commissioning Manager and Representatives which is the Contractor’s responsibility as specified in paragraph 1.08.B.

10. There is no mention of federal and state taxes. As this is a federal project will it be tax exempt?

Yes, this project is tax exempt as it is a Government acquisition.

11. Below the alternates on the cover sheet there is a reference to a 5-story building design. Is this for a different project?

There are future projects planned for the additional stories of the building once this project is completed.

12. 05 12 00 - On AS121B, there is a note that says steel supports associated with patient lift equipment, NIC. The legend on the same sheet indicates to provide additional structure for the lifts as required. Which is correct?

The patient lift system, including the supplemental steel to support the system beyond what is specifically detailed in the structural drawings is

NIC.

Scheduling for the installation of this system to be coordinated with the

COR.

13. 12. 05 12 00 - Sheet AS121B, also indicates to provide additional structure as required for the dental operating lights. If this is required, is a detail available for this reinforcing?

The dental operating lights and supplemental support steel for it, beyond what is specifically detailed in the structural drawings, is NIC.

Scheduling for the installation of this system to be coordinated with the

COR.

14. 09 05 16 - Is a subsurface preparation for floor finishes specification available or is there a basis of design for floor preparation/moisture mitigation?

Follow manufacturer’s installation instruction for all products.

15. 09 06 00 - Please provide a finish plan for the basement.

See sheet AE604 Finish Schedule and Legend.

16. 09 06 00 - Please provide the required finishes for the elevator.

Finish details are shown on the elevator elevation on sheet AS403.

The flooring shall be LVT-1.

17. 10 28 00 - Toilet accessory schedule on sheet AE703 says all accessories are furnished by the VA except for grab bars and mirrors. Please confirm this is correct.

Accessories that are specifically noted as “Not In Contract (NIC)” or Government Furnished (GF) are not included in the contract.

18. 11 73 00 - The legend on the reflected ceiling plans (AS121A) indicates that patient lifts and dental operating lights are furnished by the VA and installed by the contractor. The equipment schedule on AS140 indicates that these items are furnished and installed by the VA. Please advise which is correct.

See RFI #12.

19. 23 09 23 - Please provide contact information of the preferred/maintenance temperature control contractor.

Siemens is the only company authorized to make connection to the VA’s BAS. The contractor is to contact this company and incur the costs associated with this project’s system integration. The contractor is to contact this company and incur the costs associated with this project’s system integration with the VA system.

20. 27 15 00 - Please provide contact information of the preferred/maintenance communications contractor.

The VA has no preferred contractor.

21. 27 15 00 - Please provide contact information of the preferred/maintenance security contractor.

Sonitrol is the only company authorized to make connection to the VA’s access control system. The contractor is to contact this company and incur the costs associated with this project’s system integration with the VA’s system.

22. 28 31 00 - Please provide contact information of the preferred/maintenance fire alarm contractor.

Johnson Controls is the only company authorized to access the VA’s Fire Alarm control panel. The contractor is to contact this company and incur the costs associated with this project’s system integration with the VA System.

23. 27 51 16 - Please provide contact information of the preferred/maintenance nurse call contractor.

System’s Electronics, Inc. is the only company authorized to access the VA’s Nurse Call System. The contractor is to contact this company and incur the costs associated with this project’s system integration with the VA system.

24. 27 51 16 - Please provide contact information of the preferred/maintenance av contractor.

There is no VA preferred contractor.

25. 31 20 00 - At the pre-bid site visit, it appeared as though the parking lot, curbs, and some of the sidewalk on the south side of the property have already been removed and a construction entrance is in place. Can a revised site demolition plan be issued to show the extent of work already completed?

See Attachment C for the Scope of Work for the Demolition of Building #3 contract. This work has been completed.

The limits shown on Attachment D illustrates where demolition has already been completed within the project limits.

There is an existing fire alarm cable that transverses across the property approximately in the location show on Attachment D.

Contractor is to verify all site conditions prior to construction.

26. 31 20 00 - Is a soil report available? See Attachment E.

27. The structural specification requires fabrication to be done in an AISC Certified fabrication shop. We are requesting that in lieu of the AISC certification requirement, a third-party monitoring agency performs inspection of the fabrication plant during the steel fabrication process to ensure fabrication is being performed to AISC standards. Confirm this is an acceptable alternative.

Fabrication to be performed in an AISC Certified fabrication shop as specified.

28. Provide as-builts for the existing buildings 3 & 8 as well as the surrounding site (utilities).

What is shown on the demolition plan is the site as-builts.

See response to RFI #25 for additional information.

29. For this campus, is there a stipulated mechanical (HVAC) control system?

Provide the firm and point of contact for the mechanical controls system.

Siemens 215 Southport Drive, Suite 900 Morrisville, NC 27560 Office: (919) 469-5095

30. Reference AD101 - General Note 4 states "reference HAZMAT". General Note 4 does not appear on this page. Do the existing buildings 3 or 8 contain hazardous materials? Provide Hazardous Material Report for this project.

All hazardous material surveys performed for building #8 have been added to this solicitation.

31. Provide sign-in sheets for the pre-bid site walk/meeting.

See attached Sign In sheet.

32. Reference Specification 02 41 00 1.03.G -this section states that "The contractor shall take necessary precautions to avoid damages to existing items to remain in place, to be reused, or to remain the property of the Medical Center Cemetery Property; any damaged items shall be repaired or replaced as approved by the Contracting Officer Representative".

Confirm that there is no scope on Medical Center Cemetery Property.

There is no known cemetery on the Durham VA Medical Center campus.

33. Reference Sheet CE101 - A trailer and concrete wash station is indicated on the plans. Are these government items that need to be relocated during construction by the contractor?

General note 4 refers to a wash station. This is a water quality and erosion control measure required to be installed and maintained by the contractor during the course of construction.

34. Reference Sheet CG502 - Will coordination with the City of Durham be required for this project?

The water meter is the property of the City of Durham. Coordination with the City for the removal of the existing and installation of the new meter is required by the contractor.

35. Reference Sheet CG502 - Will there be any permitting required through the City of Durham for this project?

Permitting requirements can change. Contact the City of Durham to determine current permitting requirements.

36. Reference Sheet AE604 - Interior Finish Note 9 states "Provide special faced acoustical tile units (AT/SP) for noted rooms". Provide details regarding the special faced acoustical tile units.

See material performance criteria in Specification Section 09 51 00 Acoustical Ceilings, paragraph 2.06.A.

Refer to specification section 09 51 00 in the VA Technical Information Library (TIL) for specific types of units per room type.

37. Alternate 02 is to delete the second floor in its entirety. There is a statement to delete the stairs serving the second floor. Clarify if Alternate 02 is to leave a cold or warm shell space for the second floor OR if the entire floor is to be removed and the building will be a 1-story building with a roof.

Alternate 02 is to delete the second floor in its entirety, making the building a 1-story building.

38. To allow Offerors to fully assess the RFP, consult with subcontractors, and internally plan the project, would the Government consider extending the RFI deadline for two weeks?

No, there is no plan to extend the deadline for questions passed the established date.

39. RFP Page 13 of 63 states “PROPOSAL RESPONSES: Due Monday, May 3, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. EST, at the Newark Contracting Office 6, 201 Hay Street, Suite 305, ATTN:

Guy K. Brooks, Fayetteville, NC 28301.”

However, RFP page 11 of 63 states “Offers shall be submitted via email to the Contracting Officer, Guy K. Brooks, at guy.brooks@va.gov , prior to the due date and time identified in the Solicitation.”

Confirm the proposal shall be submitted via email per Page 11 of 63.

Per Block 13.a., Page 1 of solicitation; Original and 1 CD copies are due by 3:00 PM EDT on 5/3/21 to address:

Network Contracting Office 6 C/O Guy K. Brooks, Contracting Officer 201 Hay Street, Suite 305 Fayetteville, NC 28301

Also, provide an email copy to guy.brooks@va.gov.

40. RFP Paragraph 7.2.1 “Criteria and Submission Requirements: The prime contractor shall be a 1) a licensed General Contractor operating from within the United States, or otherwise demonstrate meeting licensure requirements according to U.S. State regulation where the firm is headquartered (“principal place of business”), relevant to the work being performed”. Confirm this license can come from any state so long as it is a Contractor’s License and from the state the Offeror’s headquarters is in.

Correct; the Prime Contractor can be licensed in any U.S. state as long as they are headquartered there.

41. Has a Limited Source Justification (FAR 6.302-1(c), 6.303) been prepared for any materials identified under this solicitation?

If so, identify which systems to which they apply and provide all related documentation, including any required Approval (FAR 6.304) or Certification (FAR 6.303(b)(12)).

No Limited Source Justifications has been prepared or approved for this project.

42. Confirm that the Government will allow proposers a minimum of seven (7) days to respond to the RFP starting from the date that the Government responds to 100% of the RFIs received.

The Government will allow ample time for contractors to finalize RFP based on publishing of Amendment for Questions.

mailto:guy.brooks@va.gov

43. Are window shades required for this project? There is a specification for them (12 24 00) but they do not appear on the drawings. If they are required, at which windows?

Delete specification section 12 24

00. Window shades are not included in the contract.

44. The DOD minimum antiterrorism standards for Buildings UFC4-010-01 requirements were briefly mentioned spec section 08 80

00. If the project requires these standards be met, we need to know the actual standoff distance, the charge weight, and the blast level required. Please clarify.

The bullet resistance glass or plastic assemblies must adhere to requirements in UFC 4-010-01 and applicable codes referenced in addition to the specification therein 08 80 00. The standoff distance charge weight and blast level is not needed to meet this requirement as it covers detailed requirements for plastic and glass material required.

45. The finish schedule of the basement on AE604 calls for no ceiling except Lobby 17-

003. However, the AS120A and AS120B conflict with the finish schedule and depicts ACT-1 & ACT-2. Please clarify which one is correct.

The ceiling shall be as shown on the reflected ceiling plan sheets and various cut sections in the plans.

46. Ceiling type ACT-2 shows in the crawlspace on AS120A & AS102B. Section F1/AS301 & F1/AS302 indicates insulation blanket above the ACT-2 ceiling. Please provide the specifics of the insulation requirement above ACT-2.

Loading Dock and Crawl Space ceiling to be Exterior Gypsum Wall Board with R-39 batt insulation per

C6/AE503.

ADD to Scope of Work – COMPLETED

PREVIOUSLY

All shop drawings shall be stamped by a licensed engineer.

ADD Delete “PL103A Roof Plan – Deduct Alternate” in the Drawing Index on sheet GI000 COVER SHEET.

ADD Delete VCT from the project and replace with RTF. Final color to be selected.

ATTACHMENTS:

A – Hazardous Material Reports B – ICRA Matrix C – 558-18-228 Bldg. #3 Demo – SOW D – Existing Site Conditions Add’l Information E – GEO Tech Report