S05 RFI responses Replace Bldg 16 HVAC 658-24-106.pdf

RFI’s Replace Building 16 HVAC Project Number 658-24-106

Solicitation # 36C24625B0029

1. Please confirm the existing Ducts cannot be reused and will require removing and replace with new Ducts.

a. Yes, all HVAC ductwork is to be removed and replaced.

2. The existing PTAC’s that need removal appear to penetrate through the entire wall. Please confirm the work requires exterior masonry.

a. AE101-Key Note 1 – Infill Wall, patch, and repair to match existing where PTAC was demolished.

b. Infill shall consist of a wall assembly to match the adjacent existing construction.

Contractor shall infill the full PTAC opening with metal studs, insulation to match existing wall thermal performance. If the vapor barrier was disturbed. Provide a continuous air/vapor barrier consistent with the existing exterior wall system.

Existing exterior brick/louver is to remain, only interior infill is needed.

3. The SOW states that the ACT may need to be at a new height. Confirm if a new height is required that it will be lower, and no finish work is required.

a. DWG AC 101 shows GYP 9’ – 7 ½” AFF

4. The plans do not show removing and replacing ACT except in 3 rooms. Confirm ALL ACT will need to be removed and replaced.

a. Replace entire grid with new tile and grid o Ceiling Grid (Suspension System):

o Product: Armstrong PRELUDE XL 15/16" Exposed Tee System o Material: Galvanized steel (with options for aluminum caps) o Face Dimension: 15/16" or 24 mm o Applications: Compatible with Armstrong 24x24 and 24x48 ceiling panels.

o Ceiling Tiles: Armstrong DUNE Lay In Type Tile (NOT Tegular Tile which protrudes below the grid, this needs to lay flat).

o Color: Plain White Drop Ceiling Tile o Size: 24" x 24" and 24” x 48” o Thickness: 0.63" o Grid Size: 15/16" o Color: White

5. How many different people are required to fill the roles of Superintendent, QCM and SSHO?

a. One person can fill the three roles.

6. Will Submittal Exchange be required for this project?

a. Submittal Exchange is required for this project

7. General Specifications Section: 21 13 13_

8. Does the current fire suppression system work? Does the alarm work currently & correctly?

a. At the time of AE site walk it was reported that the fire suppression system was operational, and the fire alarm system was working. No observed troubles or alarms were noted for the fire alarm system.

9. According to site meeting/walk through & documents only 3 areas (18, 19,20) consist of sprinkler rework due to ceiling being lowered. Is this correct or will all sprinkler heads be inverted?

a. Sprinkler head inversion will be required in any location where ceiling is demolition and above ceiling areas are left unexposed for fire protection purposes.

10. Is there a valve to close off the sprinkler system on just the floor being modified?

a. VA did not note one during site investigation.

11. Drawing DEMOLISH ALL EXISTING DUCTWORK AND REPLACE WITH NEW SUPPLY AND

RETURN DUCTWORK SERVING WITH NEW SUPPLY AND NEW RTU_

a. AE confirms, removes and replaces all ductwork.

12. During site visit there was mention of reusing existing ductwork. Will contractor install new as specified on drawing and demolish existing?

a. Contractor to remove and install new ductwork as specified on the drawings.

13. During site visit new ceiling tile & grid was suggested/mentioned by VA personnel. Will the contractor reinstall old or furnish all new? Area 18, 19,20 New. Other areas?

a. Replace entire grid with new tile and grid as per VA request (12/18-Email from

Wayne).

i. Ceiling Grid (Suspension System):

ii. Product: Armstrong PRELUDE XL 15/16" Exposed Tee System

iii. Material: Galvanized steel (with options for aluminum caps)

iv. Face Dimension: 15/16" or 24 mm

v. Applications: Compatible with Armstrong 24x24 and 24x48 ceiling panels.

vi. Ceiling Tiles: Armstrong DUNE Lay In Type Tile (NOT Tegular Tile which protrudes below the grid, this needs to lay flat).

vii. Color: Plain White Drop Ceiling Tile

viii. Size: 24" x 24" and 24” x 48”

ix. Thickness: 0.63"

x. Grid Size: 15/16"

xi. Color: White

Solicitation # 36C24625B0029

14. Will the Architect/Engineer services be available to the contractor prior to NTP to discuss the roof reinforcement designs and field process implementation to ensure design intent is achieved?

a. Contractor is required to follow the design drawings and will be required to submit shop drawings showing structural installation prior to installation. Consultation with the AE is not necessary. Use the RFI process for any questions.

15. What are the existing steam radiator coils and piping conditions of re-used components?

Are all existing steam traps and steam specialties to be assumed as operational?

a. At the time of the AE site survey, they were in operational condition. Contractor to confirm during construction if not operational and will be treated as a differing site condition.

16. Are the roof vents staying? Is that just part of an old system that should be removed during construction?

a. Roof vents to remain. Contractor to ensure that any roof vent connection that serves the basement remains and is protected from damage.

17. Are there any specific seismic requirements for the ductwork or new RTU? Specs list in 13 05 41 part 1.2 is only concrete, metal, and acoustic ceiling.

a. Seismic design requirements for non-structural components follow ASCE 7-22 and H-18-8. Specifically, the RFU seismic anchorage is designed per the design values shown in the structural general notes. The structural drawings have anchorage details. Section 13 05 41 contains information for the design of seismic bracing for HVAC distribution lines and in-line equipment, as well as equipment seismic certification.

18. The hallway under the new unit will be full. Anything else in that area that needs to be moved? Will all duct fit below the concrete beams at corridor walls?

a. Ducts should fit below concrete beams at the corridor walls. However, see

General Notes 4, 25, and 26 on M-001 and Sheet Note 1 on MD-101, MH-101, and

MH-102.

19. Will the government be responsible for relocating any computers or furniture to allow access during construction?

a. The computers and furniture in the space will be removed by the Government prior to the commencement of construction.

20. Should both CAV 10C and CAV corridors have electric heat for the two non-heated spaces?

a. No. CAV-10C and CAV-C are to be installed as shown on the mechanical plans without electric re-heat.

21. Drawing AD102 does not indicate the ceilings are to be removed throughout the space.

a. Ceilings are to be removed and replaced as part of the project

22. Drawing AC101 does not indicate new ceilings are to be provided throughout the space.

a. Replace entire grid with new tile and grid as per VA request (12/18-Email from Wayne).

i. Ceiling Grid (Suspension System):

ii. Product: Armstrong PRELUDE XL 15/16" Exposed Tee System

iii. Material: Galvanized steel (with options for aluminum caps)

iv. Face Dimension: 15/16" or 24 mm

v. Applications: Compatible with Armstrong 24x24 and 24x48 ceiling panels.

vi. Ceiling Tiles: Armstrong DUNE Lay In Type Tile (NOT Tegular Tile which

vii. Color: Plain White Drop Ceiling Tile

viii. Size: 24" x 24" and 24” x 48”

ix. Thickness: 0.63"

23. The Scope of Work notes and the walk through both seemed to discuss that, due to the nature of the removal of the ductwork system and the new replacement ductwork system, all ceilings will need to be removed and replaced throughout the space.

a. That is correct

24. Please clarify if all ceilings need to be removed and replaced.

a. Remove and replace ceilings

25. Please provide Basis of Design materials for new acoustic ceiling grid & tile.

a. Replace entire grid with new tile and grid as per VA request

i. Ceiling Grid (Suspension System):

ii. Product: Armstrong PRELUDE XL 15/16" Exposed Tee System

iii. Material: Galvanized steel (with options for aluminum caps)

iv. Face Dimension: 15/16" or 24 mm

v. Applications: Compatible with Armstrong 24x24 and 24x48 ceiling panels.

vi. Ceiling Tiles: Armstrong DUNE Lay In Type Tile (NOT Tegular Tile which

vii. Color: Plain White Drop Ceiling Tile

viii. Size: 24" x 24" and 24” x 48”

ix. Thickness: 0.63"

26. If replacing ceiling throughout does Detail 3/A501 apply to all exterior windows throughout the space?

a. Detail applies to exterior windows when ceiling elevation is in conflict.

27. Please provide wall infill section/detail at removed PTAC Units?

a. Infill shall consist of a wall assembly to match the adjacent existing construction.

Contractor shall infill the full PTAC opening with metal studs, insulation to match existing wall thermal performance. If the vapor barrier was disturbed. Provide a

Existing exterior brick/louver is to remain; only interior infill is needed.

28. Please further define the fire alarm system scope of work.

a. A new smoke detector is to be provided for the RTU on the supply duct per detail 14 on M-501 and is to be integrated into the existing fire alarm system. All other elements of the fire alarm system remain in place. Contractor to confirm during construction if any portion is not operational and will be treated as a differing site condition.

29. Please provide hazardous material report for the project area.

a. Project area does not contain hazardous material.

30. Will the government consider extending the submission date by at least a week to January 13th?

a. Bid due date is 1/19/2026 at 5 PM. BID opening is 1/20/2026 at 2PM.

31. What ICRA level will be required for this project?

a. ICRA Level II is required for the project

32. The SDVOSB is required to perform a minimum of 25% of the construction work on the project with its own labor force.15% was dictated during walk through by CO. Will 15% be the final/correct requirement?

a. The solicitation documents have answered this question.

33. Solicitation Site Visit

a. A site visit was conducted on 12/2/25 and 12/11/2025.

34. It was suggested that all ceiling tiles & grid be replaced during the walk through. Will the Drawing be changed to reflect this statement or shall we follow current drawing?

a. Replace entire grid with new tile and grid as per VA request

Solicitation # 36C24625B0029

i. Ceiling Grid (Suspension System):

ii. Product: Armstrong PRELUDE XL 15/16" Exposed Tee System

iii. Material: Galvanized steel (with options for aluminum caps)

iv. Face Dimension: 15/16" or 24 mm

v. Applications: Compatible with Armstrong 24x24 and 24x48 ceiling panels.

vi. Ceiling Tiles: Armstrong DUNE Lay In Type Tile (NOT Tegular Tile which protrudes below the grid, this needs to lay flat).

vii. Color: Plain White Drop Ceiling Tile

viii. Size: 24" x 24" and 24” x 48”

ix. Thickness: 0.63"

35. Where will the VA provide storage for items removed during project?

a. The VA will not provide storage for items removed during the project. The contractor will provide a mobilization area with limited storage available for materials and equipment, and for an office trailer. The mobilization area will not be adjacent to the project site but is on the Salem VAMC campus.

36. The contractor shall provide the guards & VA police with communication devices as directed

Will this be required on this short project that is confined to one floor/one building? If so, equipment specifications are needed.

a. Disregard this requirement. No communication devices are required to be provided by the contractor.

37. The Contractor stall install equipment for recording guard rounds to ensure systematic checking of premises. Required? Specifications?

a. Disregard this requirement. No guard rounds recording equipment is required.

38. Annual influenza…etc Is this shot mandatory since the building will be vacated?

a. Contractors are required to follow federal and state law regarding vaccinations.

This compliance will not be reviewed by the Government COR on this project.

39. General Notes: 4. ensure that all required backing. etc Can drywall & studs be used for patching?

a. Yes, patching can be with studs and drywall.

40. On SHEET E-601 it calls for us to use the existing breaker in the SWBD and to install a new

175A rated OCP plug. Would it be better just to install a new 175A breaker?

Solicitation # 36C24625B0029

a. Contractors option to replace entire breaker in lieu of the OCP plug if contractor does use this option complete breaker submittal to be provided.

41. Can you tell us what information you have on the existing gear since we are having to add breakers and modify breakers? We need the information for SWBD 16, Panel 1st Floor 19.

a. Panel located in Office 19 is a Siemens ITE panelboard

42. Can you tell us what information you have on the existing gear since we are having to add breakers and modify breakers? We need the information for SWBD 16, Panel 1st Floor Office 10A.

a. Panel located in Office 10A is a Kenney Electrical Manufacturing panelboard.

43. We are formally requesting an extension to RFIs as we were at the 2nd site visit due to the inclement weather and need more time.

a. Extension to RFI submission deadline was provided on amendment # 2. RFIs were due in 12/18/2025 @ 10AM EST

44. We are formally requesting an extension to the bid date, with the holidays, we fore see delays with subcontractor quotes.

a. Extension of the bid due date was provided. New Bid due date is 1/19/2025 at 5PM

45. Please clarify the existing controls contractor that is servicing the site and or this equipment at the present time.

a. The Government is responsible for maintenance of existing controls and on some occasions uses Johnson Controls Inc to assist.

46. Please clarify, in Pec Section From the spec: 23 09 23 it reads;

a. The General Contractor of this project shall directly hire the Control System

Integrator in a contract separate from the contract procuring the controls contractor administered by this Section of the technical specifications.

i. Contractor is required to high a third-party integrator through a separate contract than the vendor providing the controls if the contractor controls is different than the facility main control system. This is to ensure by VA requirements that the controls are properly integrated into the main campus system.

47. The facility have a separate Controls System Integrator and a Controls Contractor or are they one in the same?

a. See responses to Questions 46.

48. I received your information from an estimator with FWC and am reaching out in relation to the VAMC ITB Bldg 16 HVAC project in Salem, VA. Can you confirm whether a

Solicitation # 36C24625B0029 commissioning firm has been contracted to provide Cx services for this project? If not, we would be happy to provide a proposal for your consideration.

a. No response required.

49. Please clarify the project work hours.

a. Spec Section 01 00 00 specifies required work hours.

50. Who is responsible for moving the temporary AHU that is serving the building currently and if it is our responsibility where does it get moved to?

a. The Government will remove the temporary AHU prior to the start of construction.

51. Can the superintendent, QC and SSHO be one individual?

a. All three responsibilities may be assigned to one individual. See question # 5

52. Please confirm that and all Basis of Design items and materials that the VA has satisfied all Buy American Waivers, if applicable, and sole source requirements as needed. Please provide us any Buy American Act Waivers that would be provided under this contract. This is not currently in the plans, documents, or specifications.

a. Buy American and Waiver status:

i. Electrical and plumbing - not an issue.

ii. Mechanical

1. Titus (terminal units) and Greenheck (exhaust fans) have confirmed they are compliant.

2. Trane (AHU) stated they are compliant, but they go through a process as part of ordering to make sure the right components are used to be compliant with the act.

3. Belimo (steam radiator control valves) state they are compliant

53. Will the VA pay for the engineering and design submittals, as well as all applicable deposits required by various manufacturers to put equipment into design and/or production?

a. It is contractor responsibility to provide all labor, equipment, materials, and tools to meet the requirements of the drawings and specifications. Shop drawings as required are the responsibility of the contractor to prepare and submit.

54. Is the new VA memorandum on bolts for steam and hot water systems applicable to this project? To our understanding A307 bolts are no longer allowed.

a. Yes, it is applicable.

55. Tax Exemption: Is this project sales tax-exempt? If so, can the government provide a tax exemption certificate for materials purchased?

a. This project is not tax exempt.

56. Notice to Proceed (NTP): How soon after a contract award is the NTP expected to be issued?

a. The Government will issue Notice to Proceed shortly after award of the contract.

57. Submittal Platform: Will the VA accept the use of Procore software or equivalent as the primary submittal platform?

a. Substitution of other systems for the required use of Submittal Exchange will not be accepted.

58. Payment for Stored Materials: Will payment applications for materials stored on-site or in a bonded warehouse be approved?

a. This is governed by the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and is supplemented by the Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulations (VAAR). Upon award the contract for relevant and applicable clauses governing stored materials and payment. The FAR and VAAR clauses to be incorporated in the contract are provided in the solicitation.

59. Bid Hold Period: Will the government consider reducing the bid hold period to 90 days due to current inflation risks?

a. No - Government.will.try.to.make.an.award.within.❺6.days·.however?.short.staffing.

could.make.this.award.longer.to.process¡

60. Economic Price Adjustment Clause: Will the government include an Economic Price Adjustment Clause in the contract to address price fluctuations in materials?

a. This is a Firm-Fix Price contract without economic adjustment.

61. Scheduling Consultant: Is an external scheduling consultant required, or can scheduling duties be handled in-house by a qualified team member?

a. A qualified scheduling consultant is required to be used by the contractor.

62. Temporary Facilities: Are contractors required to provide a temporary site office or trailer, or will space be allocated within the existing facility?

a. Contractors will not be required to provide office space for the Government, COR or other uses. Disregard the requirement for the Contractor to provide office space for use by the Government.

63. Parking and Staging: Will there be designated parking and staging area for contractor personnel?

a. Contractor personnel will be permitted to use certain designated parking areas.

Transportation from designated parking to the job site will be the responsibility of the Contractor and / or the individual contractor personnel.

b. Contractor mobilization area will be provided for contractor materials, equipment, and storage and office space. The mobilization area is not adjacent to the project site but is on the Salem VAMC campus, and transportation to and from the job site is contractor responsibility.

64. How many parking spaces will be provided if there is on-site parking?

a. A specific number of parking spaces will not be provided. Sufficient parking will be made available but will not be adjacent to the project site.

65. Site Access and Badging: Will the government provide a detailed badging and access protocol for contractor personnel?

a. Detailed badging procedures are required and will be made available to the contractor. Contractor is to provide significant information, administrative time and effort to follow the required badging process. Contractor is to allow a minimum of 90 days for badging of contractor personnel.

66. Fire Watch: If impairments to fire alarm systems exceed four hours, will the VA provide support for fire watch personnel, or is the contractor solely responsible?

a. Contractor is solely responsible for fire watch.

67. Environmental Protection Plan: Are there specific templates or guidelines required for the

Environmental Protection Plan, or is a contractor-developed plan sufficient?

a. Contractor is to use its resources to produce an acceptable Environmental

Protection Plan.

68. Infection Control: Please confirm modular walls (such as STARC) are allowed for ICRA.

a. ICRA Level II is required for this project.

69. As-Built Drawings: Are as-built drawings available for existing conditions, or will the contractor need to verify all dimensions on-site?

a. Contractor has been provided the drawings of the existing site. Contractors are required to verify all existing conditions.

70. What KW heat will each VAV box need?

a. Provide with 208V, 3 phase electric re-heat coil per Single Duct Terminal Unit

Schedule on M-402. Individual box kW as follows:

i. VAV-18 – 3.12 kW

ii. VAV-19 – 2.70 kW

iii. VAV-20 – 3.27 kW

71. What is the controls sequence of operation for the VAV boxes with points list and detail. Dwg

M-503 & M-504

a. See details 10 and 11 on sheet M-501. Contractor to submit points list that will satisfy the sequence of operations listed there.

72. What is the control sequence of operation for the steam radiators? Please provide a detail and points list for this.

Solicitation # 36C24625B0029

a. See details 10 and 11 on sheet M-501. Contractor to submit points list that will satisfy the sequence of operations listed there.

73. Page AD101 Note 1 states to remove the existing PTAC Units. There are no notes or plans that state what the “infill” is to be for the area of demolition. Can the VA provide what infill requirements are needed?

a. AE101-Key Note 1 – Infill Wall, patch, and repair to match existing where PTAC was demolished.

b. Infill shall consist of a wall assembly to match the adjacent existing construction.

Contractor shall infill the full PTAC opening with metal studs, insulation to match existing wall thermal performance. If the vapor barrier was disturbed. Provide a

Existing exterior brick/louver is to remain, only interior infill is needed.

74. Page AD102 Note 1 states to “Remove Existing Ceiling”. This note is only shown in the 3 rooms on the right labeled “18, 19, and 20”. After looking at the Mechanical demolition drawings and the New Mechanical Drawings, the ACT for all rooms will need to be removed.

With the removal of all grids and ACT, it will result in most tiles and grid being damaged.

Trying to replace many tiles will result in having old and new tiles together and will not be aesthetic. So that all KTR’s quoting the project are on the same terms, can the VA either state a certain Square Footage of ACT that will need total replacement or change the note to require “All” ACT in all rooms to be demolished and replaced?

a. Replace entire grid with new tile and grid as per VA request

i. Ceiling Grid (Suspension System):

ii. Product: Armstrong PRELUDE XL 15/16" Exposed Tee System

iii. Material: Galvanized steel (with options for aluminum caps)

iv. Face Dimension: 15/16" or 24 mm

v. Applications: Compatible with Armstrong 24x24 and 24x48 ceiling panels.

vi. Ceiling Tiles: Armstrong DUNE Lay In Type Tile (NOT Tegular Tile which protrudes below the grid, this needs to lay flat).

vii. Color: Plain White Drop Ceiling Tile

viii. Size: 24" x 24" and 24” x 48”

ix. Thickness: 0.63"

x. Grid Size: 15/16"

xi. Color: White

75. Page AD101 Note 1 states to remove the existing PTAC Units. There are no notes or plans that state what the “infill” is to be for the area of demolition. Can the VA provide what infill requirements are needed?

a. AE101-Keynote 1 – Infill Wall, patch, and repair to match existing where PTAC was demolished.

Solicitation # 36C24625B0029

b. Infill shall consist of a wall assembly to match the adjacent existing construction. Contractor shall infill the full PTAC opening with metal studs, insulation to match existing wall thermal performance. If the vapor barrier was disturbed. Provide a continuous air/vapor barrier consistent with the existing exterior wall system. Existing exterior brick/louver is to remain, only interior infill is needed.

76. Page AD102 Note 1 states to “Remove Existing Ceiling”. This note is only shown in the 3 rooms on the right labeled “18, 19, and 20”. After looking at the Mechanical demolition drawings and the New Mechanical Drawings, the ACT for all rooms will need to be removed.

With the removal of all grids and ACT, it will result in most tiles and grid being damaged.

Trying to replace many tiles will result in having old and new tiles together and will not be aesthetic. So that all KTR’s quoting the project are on the same terms, can the VA either state a certain Square Footage of ACT that will need total replacement or change the note to require “All” ACT in all rooms to be demolished and replaced?

a. Replace entire grid with new tile and grid as per VA request

i. Ceiling Grid (Suspension System):

ii. Product: Armstrong PRELUDE XL 15/16" Exposed Tee System

iii. Material: Galvanized steel (with options for aluminum caps)

iv. Face Dimension: 15/16" or 24 mm

v. Applications: Compatible with Armstrong 24x24 and 24x48 ceiling panels.

vi. Ceiling Tiles: Armstrong DUNE Lay In Type Tile (NOT Tegular Tile which protrudes below the grid, this needs to lay flat).

vii. Color: Plain White Drop Ceiling Tile

viii. Size: 24" x 24" and 24” x 48”

ix. Thickness: 0.63"

x. Grid Size: 15/16"

xi. Color: White

77. Will the project site be available for the entire 270-day contract duration

a. No, the project site will be cleared and empty for only 120 calendar days of the 270-day duration. Time before and after is for submittals, mobilization, and close out activities.

Only 120 days is available to complete all the work shown on the drawings and specs.