Attach 1 RFI 009 - CO comments Amend 0008.pdf

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

36C24624R0045

TO: Contracting Officer Madeline Lucena-Pulst (email: madeline.lucena-pulst@va.gov)

RFI NO.: 009 DATE: REFERENCE:

REPLY NEEDED BY:

INFORMATION NEEDED:

1. On the Portion of BOD document describing the existing steam tunnel conditions it is noted, “that the embedded steel plates appear to have significant rusting which will be reviewed by the structural steel during their upcoming site visit.” We want to know is the tunnel structurally safe to enter and work inside of as we see no confirmation that it is.

2. It is noted that there is an ultrasonic test report that we are to reference in the bid documents to show what needs to be repaired on the fuel tanks. We cannot find any report in the documents.

3. No steam trap schedules or locations are provided. No pressure reducing station schedule or location is provided. Please provide both requested items.

4. Is an AISC certified fabricator required to build the pipe supports in the tunnel as listed in the specifications?

This requirement greatly limits the number of people who can build these and increases costs unnecessarily.

This is typically something that a mechanical contractor would build in house with certified welders.

5. Asbestos abatement is mentioned in several places throughout the contract documents. There is no asbestos abatement specification with quantities to abate. Please provide if there is any asbestos that needs to be removed with locations and quantities.

6. There is a lead paint abatement specification, but no quantities are listed to know how much and where the abatement is to take place. Please provide the specifications with quantities and locations of the lead paint to be abated.

7. Temporary equipment is listed in numerous spots in the drawings. No location, size, quantity, type, or description. This needs to be quantified and designed so that this can be properly bid.

8. A phasing plan needs to be issued by the VA and A/E so that the job can be properly executed. We do not currently see how the project can be executed and keep the systems functional without a massive amount of temporary equipment.

9. Has any mold sampling been conducted in the tunnel as it appears there is mold growth on the walls from the photos provided.

10. How is it possible to install the new supports and pipe while the existing remains functional?

11. Will the VA de-water the tunnel? Will the VA maintain the de-watering of the tunnel during the project?

12. Numerous existing steam leaks were visible in the tunnel during the site visit. Will the tunnel be certified by the

PROJECT NUMBER: 590-20-903 Please ensure that before submitting questions or requests for clarification that you thoroughly read the solicitation, specifications, drawings and other pertinent documents. When submitting questions on this project the

Government requires contractors to specifically identify the specification and/or solicitation section(s) or drawing number(s) in reference to the question or request for clarification submitted. No question or request for clarification will be answered by the Government unless the above requirements are met. Failure to comply may prevent the Government from responding in a timely manner.

PROJECT TITLE: Correct FCA Deficiencies Steam

PROJECT LOCATION: Department of Veterans Affairs

Hampton VA Medical Center

100 Emancipation Drive

Hampton, Va. 23667

SUBMITTED BY: City/State:

PHONE NO.:

R4

VA safety department as free of steam leaks before the notice to proceed on the project?

13. How long can one lane of the road be shut down for work in the tunnels?

14. With the current questions outstanding this job is not able to be priced. Please provide the requested information and extend the bid date to allow for time to put a complete bid package together.

15. Who does the VA currently use for the controls system on the DA tanks and other items in the boiler plant?

16. The substitution process listed on the plans appears to conflict with procurement regulations. Unless the VA wants to sole source equipment on this project this should be removed.

17. Spec Section 051200 Part 1.5 requires steel fabricators and installers to have AISC certification. Due to the small amount of structural steel on this project, it will be difficult to find an AISC certified fabricator/installer to do this work. Can the AISC requirement be waived?

REPLY:

1. AE: The reference to observations of significant rusting of steel plates refers to the small steel plate flanges utilized as connection points for the steam piping steel support stanchions only and are not a structural support of the existing concrete steam tunnel. The

VA is contemplating a separate structural integrity assessment report to confirm that the existing tunnel system is structurally safe to enter. CO: a. The VA contemplated the request, but currently has no knowledge of structural integrity issues with the steam tunnels themselves. Ultimately site safety is the contractor's responsibility, as well as any observations made during the pre-bid site visit. b. Offerors shall provide unit pricing for repair of the steel plate flanges with the bid in the event it is necessary, via Part III of the proposal.

2. Refer to specification appendix 2 provided with this document for tank inspection and testing results.

3. New steam traps associated with new mechanical equipment located in building 110 are required for this project. Refer to details sheet M502 for more information. Specification section 23 22 13 contains information on steam traps. Steam traps within the tunnel should remain and be reconnected to new condensate return piping. Steam traps encountered within the tunnel that are damaged during construction shall be replaced. All existing pressure reducing stations are to remain as-is. No additional work is required.

4. Yes, AISC certified fabricator is required to build the pipe supports.

5. Refer to specification appendix 2 provided with this document for asbestos inspection and testing results.

CO: Correction Appendix 1 in Specification, starting on page 823.

6. Refer to specification appendix 2 provided with this document for lead paint inspection and testing results.

CO: Correction Appendix 1 in Specification, starting on page 823.

7. Contractor shall provide and use temporary equipment in the execution of the work as deemed necessary by the contractor to meet the intent of the drawings and specifications and as approved by the VA. The VA does not anticipate the use of temporary boilers to execute the work - any reference to temporary boilers in contract documents are to be considered not applicable and null and void.

8. The contractor will have access to the entire area of work. The Contract Document, Sheets MD100 and MD401 provide provisions for the phasing of the construction project. In addition, the A/E is currently developing a phasing plan to be provide as Addendum

01, drawing sheet M002 – Mechanical – Phasing Plan. CO: Addressed with Addendum 1, drawing S301, Solic. Amendment 0007 and must be priced accordingly.

9. Refer to specification appendix 2 provided with this document for mold inspection and testing results.

CO: Correction Appendix 1 in Specification, starting on page 823.

10. The Contractor to determine best means and methods for the installation of new steam condensate and return piping and recommend shall leave existing pipe supports in place after removing existing condensate return pipes. Existing steam supply piping shall remain supported by existing pipe supports. New supports shall be installed as per the drawings to support new condensate return piping.

11. Water infiltration within the tunnel system can result after several days of rain in a row. There are pumps that help keep water levels low. If the water level prevents the contractor from working, the VA will consult with the project team and consider an appropriate course of action. Be it a suspension or time extension the

CO will make the determination.

12. The A/E observed no signs of significant leaking or failure of the steam piping during their site visit and are unable to confirm the bidders’ assertions.

The A/E recommends the VA to direct the construction bidders to provide a unit cost to remove and replace a section of existing steam supply piping with new steam supply piping and insulation with contractor’s initial estimate of the total steam supply piping to be replaced as deduct alternate within their bid.

13. One lane on Black Avenue or McClellan Avenue may be closed, but not both roads at the same time. Submit paperwork no sooner than two (2) weeks prior to scheduled lane closure. Also, contractor to provide signage for detour paths, and flagman on each end to divert traffic while construction is taking place. McClellan may not be closed Monday through Friday from 6:45am to 8am and 3:45pm to 5pm. Closing of streets must be coordinated with VAMC Hampton’s Police Department.

14. Responses are provided.

15. The computer in the boiler plant office is running Hays Cleveland software.

16. The substitution process organizes and identifies the “equivalency substitution process” in order to formalize the process, clarify responsibilities, proactively manage the process and minimize costly delays in the execution of the work. It presents no intended restrictions limiting competition on the equivalent substitution of materials, equipment, hardware, finishes, controls, systems and their inclusive parts, detailed assemblies, related design elements and performance characteristics, unless as identified in the bid solicitation itself.

17. Yes, AISC certified fabricator is required to build the pipe supports.

REPLY FROM:

Bancroft Architects + Engineers (RR)

DATE:

5/15/24

ATTACHMENTS:

Specification Appendix 2

COPY TO:

File

CO: Offerers shall provide unit pricing to replace and repair existing steam supply piping with the bid in the event it is necessary, via Part III of the proposal.