Attachment XI Response to RFIs.pdf

36C24625B0009 Upgrade Replace Fire and Storage Room Doors Bldg. 47 and 62 RFIs

1. Spec 02 82 11 1.1 B. 1. The quantity and location of the ACM abatement is not listed. Can the

Government please provide location and quantities of ACM abatement?

Reference ‘Asbestos Reinspection Report for Charles George Veterans Affairs Medical Center’ dated June 20, 2022. Reference asbestos notes on overall floor plans.

2. Reference question 1. Is testing for ACM at every location or any locations for ACM within the scope of this project?

Reference specification section 02 82 11 ‘Traditional Asbestos Abatement’ for scope of work.

3. Do any doors on this project contain asbestos?

Reference ‘Asbestos Re-inspection Report for Charles George Veterans Affairs Medical Center’ dated June 20, 2022.

4. Reference previous question. If yes can the government, please identify which doors have asbestos?

Reference ‘Asbestos Re-inspection Report for Charles George Veterans Affairs Medical

Center’, dated June 20, 2022.

5. Which locations will require after hours work?

Plan along the main corridor on the First Floor. Also plan doors in Building 47: 121S, 122S, 126S, 115S, 121F, 229H, 206F, 212H, 205F, 225H, 302S, 108S, 109S, 114S, 111S, 112S, 106BS.

6. In the surgery will the government provide dress out garments? If no what will be required?

Reference 01 35 26 ‘Safety Requirements, 1.11 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)’ for scope of work. VA will provide coveralls, shoe coverings and hair coverings.

7. Drawings multiple pages. I.E. 00-AE601 note 14 call for in part “Demo existing double doors and replace with double-egress cross-corridor doors” are we to assume the current double doors both swing in the same direction and demo door means we need demo door and frame and replace with new frame and doors?

Correct, see correct frame type in door schedule.

8. Is this a tax-exempt project?

Refer to 52.229-3 with guidance of your organization’s CPA

9. If tax-exempt, will the government provide the prime contractor with a tax-exempt certificate for use by subcontractors and vendors?

Refer to 52.229-3 with guidance of your organization’s CPA

10. Can the Superintendent be shared across multiple projects, or should they only be dedicated full-time to this project?

Full time for this project. See spec 01 45 00 3.1.A.

11. Can the Superintendent fulfill the Quality Control Manager (QCM) role?

Yes. See spec 01 45 00 3.1.A.

12. If the Super cannot fulfill this role, the average ADDITIONAL cost for a dedicated QCM is approximately $26,500 per month (salary, labor burden, per diem, housing, company vehicle, monthly return trips home, company phone, etc). We expect this project to be 5 months long, and the bid is expected to increase by $132,500. Please confirm if a dedicated QCM is still required.

The Super may be the QCM.

13. Is the QCM required to be onsite full-time, or can they make site visits as required for inspections?

See spec 01 45 00 3.4.A “The Contractor’s CQC staff maintains a presence at the site at all times during progress of the work and have complete authority and responsibility to take any action necessary to ensure Contract compliance”.

See spec 01 45 00 3.4.B “This CQC System Manager is on the site at all times during construction and is employed by the General Contractor.”

14. If the QCM is required to be onsite, should they be assigned to this project only, or can they be assigned to another project as well?

construction and is employed by the General Contractor.” VA interprets as construction site/project.

15. Can a subcontractor (e.g., Terracon or a similar testing firm) fulfill the QCM role?

construction and is employed by the General Contractor.”

16. Can the Superintendent fulfill the Site Safety & Health Officer (SSHO) role?

Yes, specs do not prohibit the super from being the SSHO.

17. If the Super cannot fulfill this role, the average ADDITIONAL cost for a dedicated SSHO is approximately $26,500 per month (salary, labor burden, per diem, housing, company vehicle, monthly return trips home, company phone, etc). We expect this project to be 5 months long, and the bid is expected to increase by $132,500. Please confirm a dedicated SSHO is still required.

The Super can fill the role of SSHO See Q16.

18. Our interpretation of 01 35 26, 1.7D in its reference to FAR 52.236-6 is that the prime contractor would be in compliance with this section if we have a Superintendent on-site during construction, as FAR 52.236-6 does not require (or mention for that matter) an SSHO and explicitly covers the prime contractor's Superintendent only. In short, an onsite SSHO is not a requirement per FAR 52.236-6. Please confirm.

A SSHO is required per contract. If the super fulfills the qualifications, they may be the SSHO.

19. If the SSHO is required to be onsite, should they be assigned to this project only, or can they be assigned to another project as well?

The SSHO should be assigned to this project only.

20. Can a subcontractor fulfill the SSHO role with periodic visits?

SSHO must always maintain a presence on site during construction. See spec 01 35 26 1.7.D

21. Does the VA require any scope of work in this project to be performed outside of regular work hours?

Yes. See question 5.

22. What trades or scopes will be required to perform off-hours work for work scopes that must be performed?

23. What will the work hours and days be for scopes that require off-hours work?

Evenings after 5:00pm and Weekends

24. In the event of contract modifications, should contractors apply bond premiums to the individual modification or wait until the end of the job where the VA issues a final modification to reimburse contractors for bond overruns for all mods.

After inspection and acceptance of the bond, the contractor may submit for payment.

25. Where is the designated contractors' and subcontractors' parking area?

There is not one.

26. Will the VA allow 2-3 spaces for the prime contractor and each subcontractor?

No

27. Is badging required for the project?

No, however proper identification is required. Label with Name and Company, found near employee entrance.

28. Are background checks and fingerprinting required?

Only to get a badge.

29. How long is the turnaround time for background check results?

Possibly up to 2 months.

30. How many hours should the prime contractor and subcontractors’ budget for on-site badging, safety training, orientation, etc.?

2 hours.

31. Are influenza vaccines required for all contractors and subcontractors’ employees who work on the site?

The Influenza Vaccine Requirement under VHA Directive 1192.01 will remain in place at the Contract level. However, the availability of waivers are not the responsibility of the

Government and remain at the level of between Employer and its subsequent Employees, as this is not a Personal Services Contract. However, the requirements for personnel whom employers grant a waiver will be required to wear face masks while in the Medical Center during the flu season (01 Dec 2024 - 31 Mar 2025).

32. Will the government provide call-in details and instructions for the bid opening to ensure transparency for all bidders?

No. Bid opening will be help in person for those who wish to attend.

33. What are the approved materials for temporary partitions?

Reference ‘Construction Safety Notes’ on 00-GS001 & specification section 01 35 26 ‘Safety

Requirements, 1.14 Fire Safety, D. Temporary Construction Partitions’. Construction areas must be separated from the surrounding occupied areas by 1-hour construction barriers (non-rated barriers can be used if the sprinklers remain active in the construction area, which requires installation of upright sprinklers if ceilings are removed). If rated construction barriers are utilized verify that the existing walls which form the rest of the construction barrier run to the deck above and have all penetrations fire stopped. The choice between utilizing rated construction barriers and maintaining sprinkler protection in the construction areas are a ‘means and methods’ choice of the contractor. 1 hour Starc wall or equivalent is acceptable.

34. Will the VA allow a Temp Wall System (i.e., Starc Wall, Edge Guard, etc) instead of a rigid wall ICRA system? This usually provides substantial cost savings to the VA.

Yes

35. Are fire-rated materials required for temporary partitions?

Reference ‘Construction Safety Notes’ on 00-GS001.

36. If fire-rated walls are required, can we use one-hour-rated temp walls, which are ASTM-certified?

Yes

37. Will the VA provide the point of contact information for the BMS integration contractor?

David DeBusk, ddebusk@asiinc.us

38. Will the VA provide the point of contact information for the Fire Alarm integration contractor?

Jeff.kilpatrick@JCI.com mailto:ddebusk@asiinc.us mailto:Jeff.kilpatrick@JCI.com

39. Will the VA allow contractors to use water from VA sources?

40. Is temp power available for contractors to connect to?

41. If no temp power is available, a generator will be required, which usually adds significant cost to rent and fuel. Please confirm this is necessary if no temp power is available.

Temp power is available.

42. Where are the locations for temp power?

Throughout the hospital and located at the green dot on the provided map.

43. Are contractors required to set a pole and meter electric usage?

No. See spec section 01 00 00 1.15

44. Will the VA provide space for the Prime Contractor’s Superintendent to set up, or should we add costs to our bid for a mobile office?

Add cost for mobile office.

45. Is space available for a 10’ x 40’ temporary ground-level office near the temporary power source?

Yes

46. Will the VA provide space for a 20-yard dumpster?

Yes

47. Where shall contractor dumpsters be located?

See map with temp power source.

48. Can the VA accommodate a dumpster near the job site?

No. See map.

49. Will the VA allow contractors to use VA indoor restrooms?

Yes. Reference specification section 01 00 00 ‘General Requirements, 1.14 Sanitary Facilities’.

50. Can Porta Johns be placed within a 100’ radius of the job site if required?

No. VA restroom available.

51. Will the VA allow for stored material so that we can procure and lay down long lead items and/or critical path material/equipment?

Reference specifications section 01 00 00 ‘General Requirements, 1.6 Operations and

Storage Areas’. Materials may be stored in a conex/storage provided by the GC on VA property. VA does not have space to store materials in our current facilities.

52. Will the VA fully pay for this material/equipment if stored onsite?

If the material is stored on site, inspected, and accepted VA will pay for it, with an approved submittal.

53. Is there any work not included in the drawings or contract documents that will need to be performed under the contract? No

54. Since the originally posted Sam.gov bid due date was 12 February 2025, and not updated on

Sam.gov until 5 February 2025, to reflect the actual due date of 3 March 2025, can the government schedule another site visit and RFI due date for those who missed the site walk due to the error on Sam.gov? 2nd site visit occurred February 13, 2025 and attendance sheet posted as 2nd Site Visit Sign In Sheet.

55. Please provide a word searchable PDF of the specifications. It seems the file provided is corrupted.

Added

56. Please provide sheet GC001. It is referenced in the Partition legend as containing requirements for penetrations and doors in rate partitions.

Please see Attachment IX GC109 in place of GC001

57. Are there signage requirements for the rerouted/blocked means of egress?

These requirements will be handled by the VA via an ILSM. Government must be informed of blocking egress etc.

58. Are there signage requirements in any other areas of work?

Yes, General signage on ICRA barriers, showing contractor name and contact, ICRA permit, and other documents as required by specs.

59. Are temporary egress routes required to be marked, lit, etc. during construction?

Routes will be marked by VA. We must be notified what areas the contractor will be working in advance. See 01 00 00 1.6.I

60. What should be done with the existing doors after demolition (Store, dispose of, etc.)?

If the existing doors are demoed, they are to be disposed of unless marked to be saved. Spec

01 00 00 1.7.A

61. Please confirm whether work is to be conducted sequentially by Phase, or by Floor.

By phase, Reference ‘Sequencing Notes’ on 00-GS001 & specification section 01 00 00

‘General Requirements, 1.6 Operations and Storage Areas, I. Phasing’.

62. Please confirm if there is a specific manufacturer or preferred vendor for the door hardware to be used.

Best or equal too.

63. The Sequencing / ICRA Legend references ICRA Class V, however the specifications don’t include a ICRA Class V, please provide specifications for ICRA Class V.

ICRA class V referenced on the drawings are equal to ICRA class IV found in spec section

01 35 26 1.12.B.4

64. Per the Sequencing / ICRA Legend please confirm that though the door symbol for PHASE 7

– ICRA CLASS IV, an anteroom and ICRA requirements per the specifications would not be required for that symbol on the drawings unless it was accompanied by one of the symbols that indicate “WORK AREAS REQUIRING TEMPORARY PARTITIONS”.

Work on all doors belonging to ICRA Class of Precautions IV is defined by specifications section 01 35 26 ‘Safety Requirements, 4. Class IV requirements’, and as such would require an anteroom.

65. Please confirm if Door 47-110S will require work after hours or weekends. (See below)

Door 47-110S, includes work included in ‘Type B’ Activity type, and is in a ‘High Risk’ patient group area, giving it a Class III Precaution Class. VA spec section 01 35 26 Safety Requirements,

1.12 Infection Control dictates the infection control precautions for a Class III Precaution Class including constructing any temporary construction barriers outside of normal work hours. Please refer to notes on Sheet 00-GS001 on coordinating contractor’s schedules with the COR.

66. Please confirm if Door 47-110S will require Temporary Partitions. See note above.

67. Can work on door 47-110S be performed at the same time as door 47-111S? Yes.

68. Please confirm the Phase of Door 62-108F. (See below) Phase 1 – ICRA Class II (Type

B/Low Risk)

69. Do Phases need to be completed sequentially? No, A/E-provided phasing provides work from least-to-most invasive to current facility operations as part of the preparation for cost estimates. Per Sheet 00-GS001, “The sequencing has been organized by building with the assumption that the work in the following categories may be completed in parallel and are presented in numerical order and not in order of need.”

70. Can multiple Phases be worked on simultaneously? Yes, with approval. Refer to question 69.

71. Please provide the point of contact information for the Fire Alarm Integration Contractor.

Jeff.kilpatrick@JCI.com

72. Regarding Remediation Legend note 2, please list any existing door openings with anticipated changes in door width. Reference door schedule for frame types.

73. Regarding Remediation Legend note 14, please list any existing door openings with anticipated changes in door width. Reference door schedule for frame types.

74. Please provide more information (or an example) of Remediation Note 11: “Remove door obstruction.” Clinical personnel place obstructions violating the code-required safety features of fire & smoke doors. Obstructions may include door stops, trash cans, door latches, closers, etc.

75. Should asbestos abatement be included in the bid submission? Yes. See notes on Overall

Floor Plans for asbestos abatement notes.

76. If asbestos abatement needs to be included in the bid submission, please provide an asbestos report. See Attachment VIII Asbestos Report.

77. If asbestos abatement needs to be included in the bid submission, please provide drawings showing where asbestos abatement needs to be performed. See notes on Overall Floor Plans for asbestos abatement notes. Expect all frames to be removed on first floor and on third floor to require abatement, remediation legend 2 and 14.

mailto:Jeff.kilpatrick@JCI.com

78. Should asbestos abatement costs be dealt with later during contract modifications?

Preferred abatement be added in original bid. Expect all frames to be removed on first floor and on third floor to require abatement, remediation legend 2 and 14.

79. Per the remediation legend 1H151/1H152/1H157/ require a new door frame. The frames that we looked at appeared to be in excellent condition. Would it be acceptable to make an initial attempt to have these frames field labeled, and only tear them out and replace them if they were to fail the field evaluation for some reason? Doors are located in a smoke barrier (see attached image) and have terminated stops in the frames which are prohibited by IBC

716.2.2.1.1 Smoke and draft control for door frames in a smoke barrier.