S05 VA RFI Replacement Window Responses 1-30-23.pdf

36C24623B0006 0002

Replace Windows Various Bldgs.

Hampton VAMC

Government Responses to Industry Questions

Question RFI Response

1. The A3. Price/Cost Schedule on page 6 in the Solicitation only has one lump sum price, and no line items for alternates, deducts, or unit pricing.

Can you provide the correct bid form to submit with our proposal?

Subcontractor quotes are required.

See Specs section 1.3 STATEMENT OF BID ITEM(S)

2. Page 7 of the solicitation states that all subcontractor quotes must be submitted with the bid. This is a very impractical requirement.

Subcontractors do not send their pricing until last minute and we are often handwriting in final pricing on the 1442 minutes before bid time. It would be nearly impossible to submit a timely bid that includes subcontractor quotes. Can this requirement be removed as a pre-bid submission and be requested by the contracting officer after the bid due time?

Extension has been granted as the Bid Due date is 2-15-2023 @ 2 PM EST. The bid opening is 2-16-

2023 @ 10 AM EST.

3. Bids are due at 7:00am. This is a very difficult time to meet. Subcontractors will not be sending prices in that early and it leaves no time for proper pricing analysis and bid leveling. Can the due time be moved to 3:00pm? This is a more practical time that subcontractors and vendors are used to sending in pricing for.

The Bid Due date is 2PM EST 2-15-2022 as the Amendment states posted 2-1-2023.

4. Spec section 01 45 states that the superintendent can also serve as the quality control manager and vice versa. Spec section 10 35 alludes to the superintendent also holding the SSHO role. Can the prime contractor’s on-site superintendent serve as both the QCM and SSHO, or must the prime contractor employ 2 full time employees to remain on site 100% of the time during construction, as separate individuals for the SSHO and the QCM?

Can be the same person, if qualified and qualifications are current

5. Spec Section 01 45 35, 2.1(B) states that the steel fabricator must have an AISC certified plant. This requirement seems excessive for this nature of repair work and will add additional and unnecessary costs to the steel scope of work. Can the AISC certified fabrication plant be waived due to the non-complex nature of this work?

01 45 35 2.1 A States: Special Inspections of fabricator's work performed in the fabricator's shop is required to be inspected in accordance with the Statement of Special Inspections and the Schedule of Special Inspections unless the fabricator is certified by the approved agency to perform such work without Special Inspections.

6. Spec Section 05 12 00, 1.5(B) states that the steel erector must be AISC certified. This requirement seems excessive for this nature of repair work and will add additional and unnecessary costs to the steel scope of work. Can the AISC certified erector be waived due to the non-complex nature of this work?

Work should comply with VA Specifications.

7. The phasing plan in the drawings basically shows the order to be by wing and by floor. However, this would be an impractical approach, and a complete wing, from ground to top floor, would be a more practical phasing plan. Can phasing be up to the contractor to coordinate with the COR after award? Running this project from phase B1 to phase 105, in numerical order would result in extensive costs and inability to complete the project on time.

a. Change of phasing should be addressed by the A/E. With review and acceptance by

COR

b. The phasing plan is only a suggestion. It can be coordinated and modified with approval from the COR.

8. It appears that scaffolding will need to be built on several roof tops, to gain access to higher levels.

Can you provide structural as built so that we can determine allowable loading and obtain engineering design costs for scaffolding those areas?

a. Building drawings can be provided, but contractor will need to confirm accuracy and capacity of rooftop.

b. The A/E can review at the time of submittal of scaffolding submittals. The VA has existing drawings for the various buildings and respond as to the availability of the drawings

9. The back side of Bldg. 110 is very crowded with vehicles and pedestrians. Will the HVAMC allow us to shut down access and cordon off parking spots to gain access to these areas? If not, we will have to hand carry and crane load scaffolding material from a very far distance, which is going to get exponential expensive in that area

Restricted access areas can be established.

Adequate notice will need to be given to the COR.

10. The abatement work notes on drawing sheet G003 state that the quantities are for bidding purposes only and it is up to the contractor to determine actual quantities. The notes on the same page say to provide unit costs but there is no bid form to submit this on. Please provide an updated bid form with abatement unit costs.

It can be added on the original bid.

11. In the additional notes for the abatement work on G003, it states to construct plywood barriers and lockable doors to secure and contain areas requiring abatement. The assumption is that all caulking in Bldg. 110 and 137A and drywall compound in 110A are ACM. If this is the assumption, every single window to be removed will need an ICRAA and ACM containment barrier that is secured. YES However, no ICRAA barrier details are included in the drawings, which is typically included in most HVAMC projects that are bid. Please provide ICRAA wall and door details. THE DESCRIPTION IS ADEQUATE, AND NO DETAILS REQUIRED. Also, please confirm that the intent is to build a temporary wall and door for every window in Bldg. 110, 110A, and 137A due to the presence of ACM? YES

The description is adequate, and no details required.

12. General work note F on G002 states to skim coat all damaged surfaces requiring paint. However, there is no way for all bidders to price this fair and reasonably without wall details and the amount of gypsum wall board that could be damaged during removal and installation of windows. Some walls are CMU, some are exposed framing, some walls have a gypsum return, some are flush. Can the contracting officer provide an allowance and unit pricing for drywall, paint, and ceilings to be repaired?

All areas damaged by work must be repaired to match exist. Any allowance should be considered in your bid price.

13. General work note H on G002 states that the contractor shall move all loose furniture. There are approximately 730 openings. Are we to assume that we are responsible for moving furniture in 730 rooms? That is an astronomical cost to assume. Can the HVAMC provide a furniture plan for each room so that we can determine labor costs and types of furniture to be moved.

Furniture impacting work area should be moved as required by the contractor. Any electronics needing to be moved the contractor should contact the COR to coordinate. Due to differing room layouts no room plans are available.

14. Will the HVAMC consider moving all furniture within rooms themselves?

No, only furniture impacting the work area should be moved. Any electronics needing to be moved should be coordinated with the COR.

15. General note J on G002 states to provide weather protection for BG08, B438, and B501. Is reinforced poly, taped in place, acceptable? Or does the HVAMC want us to build wood framing and sheathing to protect openings?

Identified rooms are data closets, reinforced poly would not be adequate. All efforts must be made to protect the equipment in these rooms from inclement and severe weather. Contractor should coordinate with COR for data closets so coordinatization with IT can be done.

16. Note 10 on AS100 states that covered walkways must be completely enclosed facing the construction area. The construction area is vertical, and already contains overhead protection. Does this requirement apply? Is the intent to basically enclose the entire walkway areas in sheathed walls or would only mid-rails be acceptable as a pedestrian barrier?

Enclosed side is to prevent personnel from coming out of overhead protection before reaching a safe distance from work site.

17. Drawing sheet A100 has areas denoted in yellow as 24/7 occupied rooms. How are we to treat construction in these areas? Will the COR coordinate moving personnel out of these areas?

How is work intended to occur if the rooms are continuously occupied?

Additional information on drawing A100 denotes yellow area as being used 6 days a week 0600 to 1700. Drawing A102 has areas that may be in use 7 days a week. Work will need to be coordinated with COR and possibly scheduled around restricted hours. COR will work with affected departments to ensure areas are not or have limited occupancy during work.

18. Will after hours and night/weekend shifts be required to complete a majority of this work? If so, can you denote which phases require work that is “other than normal working hours”?

After hours and weekend work will likely be required and will need to be approved by the Director of Engineering. Coordination will need to be made with the COR for these requests. Areas possibly requiring alternate work hours are highlighted in yellow on drawing set.

19. A100, note 3 talks about the owner’s AC unit in aluminum trim out. Will it be the responsibility of the contractor to install, connect, and run the new units? If so, please provide details so we can understand the costs required for installation of the HVAC units.

Aluminum trim out will not be necessary since the design shifted to double-hung windows. Removal will be done by the VA and coordinated with the COR. The closure will be provided by the AC unit.

VA will install, connect, and run the new units.

20. Drawing A402, section detail 11 shows roofing work to be done but no roofing specifications are provided for this work. Can those be provided?

No. Cut and patch existing. Roof repair on necessary if work results in damage.

21. A402, detail 7 says to remove convectors in Bldg.

137. Please provide a cut sheet or a detail on this, so that we know the extent of electrical and mechanical demolition required.

These are not operational per information supplied by VA. Remove and cap all connections if any remain so as not to interfere with the work.

Coordinate with COR upon finding any convectors that may be impacted during this project.

22. Does demolition of the convectors in Bldg. 137 also require demolition and patching of flooring and walls? If so, please provide the quantity and types of penetrations that need to be cut, capped, and patched.

Some may be required as detailed. Flooring is considered to be ACM and any areas damaged during construction will need to be repaired.

23. During the site walk, it was noticed that a couple of rigid EMT conduit boxes penetrated precast panels housed in storefront framing. There is no electrical noted or detailed in these drawings. Can the HVAMC provide locations and quantities of electrical conduit and junction boxes that are impacted by the construction work and what the intent is to cut/cap or leave in place and fasten to the new construction.

Temporarily remove and put back in place.

Coordinate with COR when found.

24. Drawings sheet A108 denotes a new automatic door bottom. Is that just a weather seal or is there a more complex hardware requirement?

Please confirm that there is no electrical required with this hardware change.

Only hardware (hinges, threshold plate) and reseal door.

25. Bldg. 110/110A has several PTAC units in rooms connected to exterior louvers. There are no work notes related to disconnecting and reinstalling these. Has the HVAMC confirmed that these units will not be in conflict with demo and new construction work?

These are not in the scope of work and should be protected from damage during any work.

26. Bldg. 114 has door hardware to be changed out but there is no door hardware specification. Can you provide that?

Hardware supplier can submit to match existing.

27. Window film is required on several windows but no specifications are provided. Can you please provide window film specs?

All exterior windows on Building 114 are to have window protection film applied to the interior and is called out on Sheet A502. Install as directed by manufacturer.

28. Bldg. 137 interior construction seems fairly extensive. However we do not have any ICRAA details provided. Where should ICRAA walls be built? Please provide ICRAA wall and door details for construction. Please provide floor plan details of the existing rooms so we can plan for ICRAA layout.

Coordination will need to be coordinated between VA Safety Office and COR.

29. Please clarify which statements are correct: (1) the superintendent can be the SSHO? (2) the superintendent can be the QCM? (3) the QCM can be the SSHO?

Individual will need to have required and current qualifications. One individual can be the SSHO on more than project on site. Superintendent can be

QCM.

30. Spec section 09 30 13 Ceramic/Porcelain Tiling does not appear to be in any of the drawing work notes. Please clarify this scope of work or identify a drawing sheet and work note.

This is to be referenced as necessary. Repair work to be done as necessary to correct damage.

31. Spec section 09 51 00 Acoustical Ceilings does not appear to be in any of the drawing work notes.

Please clarify this scope of work or identify a drawing sheet and work note.

This is to be referenced as needed. Remove acoustical ceiling tiles and frame as necessary, protect and reinstall..

32. Spec section 12 24 00 Window Shades does not appear to be in any of the drawing work notes.

Please clarify this scope of work or identify a drawing sheet and work note or finish schedule.

The scope of work is provided in the first paragraph of the specification, on A501 Building 110 Window Type 1 and Building 137A Window Types, and on A502 Glazing Schedule Notes.

33. General Note #21 on sheet AS100 states windows will need to be stored off site. Storage of nearly 800 windows offsite is not feasible as it increases risk of damages for daily delivery, additional fuel, and time. Requesting the HVAMC please confirm contractor use of the designated overflow laydown yard for onsite storage. If not, coordinating shipping splits and/or off-site storage would impact the designated performance period and require at least another 100-days be added to the performance period.

Note says “To be approved by COR”. Windows can be stored in designated laydown areas and other spaces designated for this contract. Materials stored off station may require additional insurance and other requirements may be needed for invoicing of materials stored off site.

34. There is a significant amount of miscellaneous interior finishes included under the scope of work. Is there a finish schedule available to identify Bldg. & Room locations requiring replacement window stools, floor and ceiling finishes, painting, roller shades, new ceilings, GWB vs. Gypsum plastering, etc.? Pricing these scopes requires participation from several DIV 09 trades and information in the drawings are not quantifiable for these scopes based solely on the dimensions under the Window Schedule.

No finish schedule is available. QCM should make efforts to protect interior finishes

35. We have not found a sole source manufacturer to produce all types of various windows. For example, manufacturers can meet the fixed window spec, yet not the single hung / double hung window spec. Another manufacturer can meet the single hung / double hung spec, yet they do not meet impact specification. Can you please confirm whether the government will allow multiple manufacturers to be utilized to fully meet the specified products?

The drawings use several brands for the basis of design. Efforts should be made to use same manufacturer for same type of windows.

36. Page 1 of the RFP (SF 1442) states the project performance period shall be completed within 60 calendar days following the NTP. Page 10 and 68 of the RFP states 730 Calendar Days. Can you please confirm the correct performance period?

Period of Performance is 730 calendar days including submittal on Letter (d) of the SOW.

37. ICRAA requirements are not clearly defined, per usual Hampton VAMC RFPs. It appears to leave a lot up to the contractor’s interpretation.

However, usually the architect and VA safety office define where and what type of ICRAA protections are required, and provide details on drawings to delineate where and how ICRAA walls and doors should be constructed. With the number of openings being worked on, interpretations can vary widely and cause price unreasonableness and imbalance among contractors who decide not to carry the appropriate ICRAA construction and decide to chase change orders with the HVAMC due to the drawing omissions. Please define in which rooms ICRAA walls must be built, types of doors, fire ratings, negative air, poly barriers, zip up doors, walk off mats, etc.

ICRAA walls must be built as required. Coordinate with COR and safety office.

38. How many full-time personnel, on site 100% of the time construction is occurring, must the General Contractor provide: one, two, or three?

Minimum of one primary contractor on site during construction per project.

39. Is the requirement for an AISC Certified Fabricator is necessary? The scope of this work will not require large amounts of material to be shop fabricated. There will be a series of clips and brackets, small parts, that will be produced in a shop, but the majority of the work will be field fabricated in order to deal with changed field conditions and the necessary to measure in the field to match existing conditions. If an AISC Certified fabrication facility is required, it will add considerable time delays to the project and result in massive change orders when concealed conditions in walls don’t match the drawings provided by the architect.

a. Requirement of an AISC certified shop is a typical VA requirement.

01 45 35 2.1 A States: Special Inspections of fabricator's work performed in the fabricator's shop is required to be inspected in accordance with the Statement of Special Inspections and the Schedule of Special Inspections unless the fabricator is certified by the approved agency to perform such work without Special Inspections.

b. Contractor should bid accordingly for various types of clips, brackets and other parts

40. Spec section 08 80 00: Can you provide detailed specs for existing glass to match? No product types are given to match existing. Drawing sheet A502 calls our values and Viracon as basis of design, yet no products or coatings are listed.

Specs of existing glass unavailable. For products and coatings, a manufacturer will need to provide that information from a field evaluation prior to submittal.

41. Drawing A401, detail 4: The curtain wall framing cannot anchor to the wall as shown, it must attach to the building structure. The glass dead load is hanging several inches over the existing wall and cannot be supported sufficiently. Has existing wall construction been assessed to support the construction as detailed or will additional wall reinforcement be required?

It is the existing attachment anchors to the structure illustrated. Actual connections to the existing structure should be provided as part of the curtain wall framing submittal.

42. Drawing A401, detail 4: Due to the curtain wall framing overhanging the wall, the primary weather seal cannot be installed per the manufacturer’s instructions and watertightness cannot be ensured. The wall needs to be modified to support this thickness of framing. Please provide additional wall construction details or revise curtain wall anchoring details.

This can be discussed and modified during the submittal process. The current connections are what has been used previously.

43. It appears that hurricane impact glass is too thick for the window construction denoted in the drawings. Can this requirement be waived in lieu of a thinner pane of glass and 3M film, to achieve impact ratings?

Waiving this requirement is unlikely due to geographic location of Hampton VA Medical Center. VA does not want to use protection film on new construction.

44. Can integral blinds be removed from window glass 30, 31, and 32 and have the interior panel as other windows are scheduled?

Integral blinds are always used behind the interior panel as detailed, scheduled and specified

45. Page 8 of the IFB states no technical bid is required however attachment “basis for award” states we need past performance. Please clarify

We will need past performance of jobs you have done that are similar.

46. Attachment a in the documents states if you are unvaccinated you will need to take a test every 3 days. Please advise if Covid 19 protocols are still in place for this project

Covid 19 protocols are still in place for this project

47. Please confirm proposal is due January 11th at

7am

Bid due date is February 6, 2023, at 12pm EST

48. Can the Superintendent also serve as the SSHO?

Can be the same person, if qualified and qualifications are current. Please see Question and answer #4.

49. With the submission of RFI’s being on January 4th and as of now, the bid submission time is January

11th at 7am, this will not allow for sufficient time for the subcontractors to review the RFI answers and have suppliers provide material quotes by

7am on Jan 11. Can the Bid Submission Day and time be extended to 10 Calendar days after the answering of the RFI’s and at a time later than

7am since most offices do not even open until

8am? The Bid opening is scheduled for 7 days later on the 18th, if possible, can this also be the date for Submission if at least 7 days after the answering of the RFI’s?

Bid due date is February 15, 2023, at 2pm EST. Bid opening call is February 16. 2023 @ 10 am EST per amendment posted on February 1, 2023.

50. What level of ATFP is required on this project?

See Addendum 1 to the Specifications under 2.5 Blast Resistant Glazing Assembly – 08 80 00 Glazing.

51. The basis of design window AA-4325 when provided with an interior access panel with blinds can only accommodate up to 1” thick glass units.

The 1.3125” thick units in the glazing schedule will not work along with the access panel. Are 1” thick glass units acceptable? (we have done many minimal ATFP projects using 1” units)

The interior access panel is added to the specified frame and will allow the 1.3125” thick unit to work.

52. What are the rules/restrictions for moving materials from the staging area to each building

(certain times?/will there need to be a specific route to each building?/will a person need to be designated to flag traffic?)

Contractor should use established roadways and follow normal traffic laws. There should be no need for time restrictions. If traffic controls or deviations are needed coordinate with COR and VA Police Department.

53. Sheet A301 states to provide GMS and Plywood to inboard side of walls during window replacement and “touch up all existing finish products like new”. To touch up the paint around the window would be visible since a new paint will not blend in with existing paint. Should the contractors figure on repainting an entire wall, entire room, or simply just touch up areas that have been damaged or replaced?

Yes, from corner to corner if the patch is necessary and visible.

54. With needing to do interior work for temporary closures, touch up and new work, will any existing furniture or fixtures be moved by the

Government and if not, how is that to be addressed?

See Note H on G002. Furniture impacting work area should be moved as required by the contractor. Any electronics needing to be moved the contractor should contact the COR to coordinate.

55. Is all interior surfaces GWB with paint or are there other wall coverings?

Interior surface may vary depending on room usage.

56. Can we get a better detail how the brick will be removed and reinstalled at the windows. Is the brick butted against the window frame, or is there a window flange in front of the brick? Please

Advise

Contractor should bid accordingly to the quantity of brick that may need to be removed and reinstalled.

From A/E: Identify where is brick to be removed and reinstalled?

57. Will there be electric and water at the staging area for an office trailer? Please confirm

Contractor will need to provide electric and water for staging area and trailer

58. Are we to assume mortar will be mixed at the staging area and to be transported to the building where window replacement is being conducted?

Please confirm

Contractor can mix/prepare mortar in areas controlled by the contractor. Transportation will be Type text decided by the contractor. Mixing and transportation should not interfere with regular VA operations.

Excess must be disposed of properly.

59. Is there a hazmat survey available for each building?

Asbestos and lead paint surveys can be made available to the contractor.

Contractor should confirm accuracy.

From A/E: Yes. A limited asbestos, lead-based paint and mold/moisture survey report for the areas of the building expected to be impacted by the renovations (prepared by ECS Mid- Atlantic, LLC, dated November 20, 2020) was provided in the bid documents, as well as associated project specification sections 02 82 11, 02 83 33.13, and 02 85 00.

60. It is mentioned on drawing G003, the cementitious window panels are potentially concealed. Can the window panels be uncovered without disturbing asbestos, or should the demolition be performed by the abatement contractor in case the asbestos is disturbed?

Please Advise

Abatement should be done where required, bid accordingly.

From A/E: Any exploratory demolition to uncover potentially concealed suspected asbestos containing materials should be performed by a licensed asbestos abatement contractor.

61. On drawing G003 asbestos window caulking quantities are provided in linear feet. Are these quantities for both interior and exterior caulking?

Please provide the number of windows and locations that have asbestos caulking.

Contractor should bid accordingly to construction drawings.

From A/E: The project documents indicate all windows have asbestos-containing window frame caulking on Buildings 110 and 137- A.

The quantities of the caulking provided in the bid documents are approximate.

All caulking associated with all windows on Buildings 110 and 137-A to be impacted by the project, interior and exterior, should be removed as asbestos containing. The window locations are indicated in the project drawings.

62. On drawing G003 assumes there's mold throughout. Please provide affected surfaces, areas, and quantities

Contractor should bid accordingly to construction drawings in impacted areas. Type text here

From A/E: For general locations and approximate quantities of the mold/moisture impacted materials to be remediated during the project refer to the project specification section 02

85 0.

63. Please provide locations and quantities of block filler paint that may be affected during this project.

Contractor should bid accordingly to construction drawings in impacted areas.

From A/E: For general locations of the CMU block filler paint containing trace amounts of asbestos refer to the project specification section 02 85 00 (1.1 B. 3.). The removal/disturbance of this material is incidental to the proposed window replacement and other tasks performed during the project. Quantities of this material expected to be impacted during the project were not provided in the bid documents due to the expected variability of the quantities to be abated/disturbed associated with the means and methods used by the contractors for the window replacement and other tasks. In all project areas where these materials are to be impacted, they should be removed and properly disposed in accordance with the project documents pertaining to asbestos.

64. On drawing G003, it is mentioned that even though there is only trace amounts of asbestos

(<1% asbestos) in the block filler. Please confirm this material shall only be disturbed by the abatement contractor under containment.

Contractor should follow necessary abatement requirements

From A/E: Yes, any disturbance of the CMU block filler containing trace amounts of asbestos should be performed by the abatement contractor.

Refer to the project specification section 02 85 00 (1.1 B. 3.).

65. Please identify the locations and the quantities of asbestos drywall compound that may be impacted.

Contractor should bid accordingly to construction drawings in impacted areas.

From A/E: For general locations of the asbestos-containing joint compound associated with drywall refer to the project specification section 02 85 00 (1.1 B. 6.). The removal/disturbance of this material is incidental to the proposed window replacement and other tasks performed during the project. Quantities of this material expected to be impacted during the project were not provided in the bid documents due to the expected variability of the quantities to be abated/disturbed associated with the means and methods used by the contractors for the window replacement and other tasks. In all project areas where these materials are to be impacted, they should be removed and properly disposed in accordance with the project documents pertaining to asbestos.

66. Please identify the locations and the quantities of asbestos wall mastic puck that may be impacted.

Specific quantities are not available. Bid accordingly

From A/E: For general locations of the asbestos-containing wall mastic pucks refer to the project specification section 02 85 00 (1.1 B. 6.).

The removal/disturbance of this material is incidental to the proposed window replacement and other tasks performed during the project. Quantities of this material expected to be impacted during the project were not provided in the bid documents due to the expected variability of the quantities to be abated/disturbed associated with the means and methods used by the contractors for the window replacement and other tasks. In all project areas where these materials are to be impacted, they should be removed and properly disposed in accordance with the project documents pertaining to asbestos.

67. Please identify the locations and the quantities of

9"x9" and 12"x12" asbestos floor tile and mastic that may be impacted.

Floor tile unlikely to be impacted. Coordinate with COR if disturbance of asbestos floor tile necessary.

From A/E: For general locations of the asbestos-containing floor tiles and mastic refer to the project specification section 02 85 00 (1.1 B. 5.).

The removal/disturbance of this material is incidental to the proposed window replacement and other tasks performed during the project. Quantities of this material expected to be impacted during the project was not provided in the bid documents due to the expected variability of the quantities to be abated/disturbed associated with the means and methods used by the contractors for the window replacement and other tasks. In all project areas were these materials are to be impacted, they should be removed and properly disposed in accordance with the project documents pertaining to asbestos.

68. Can scaffold be used as overhead protection in lieu of wood framing address on Drawing AS100?

Yes, scaffolding can be used for overhead protection and should follow any other safety requirements. Shall comply with Construction Safety Officer Approval.

From A/E: Yes, as long as it is acceptable to the VA.

ATTACHMENTS: NONE