RFI Questions - RESPONSES 04082026.docx

1. M-101 shows 3 alternate deducts, but the solicitation para A.3 Price/Cost Schedule does not mention anything about any alternates. Please confirm that no alternates will need to be provided as part of this bid.

Refer to Specification 01 00 00 Section 1.3 STATEMENT OF BID ITEM(S) for the bid alternates.

2. Specification section 31 20 00 – 3 para. 1.4.C outlines the requirements for Rock Excavation and para. 1.4.C.5 refers to the Geotechnical Engineering Report for quantity of excavations and removal equipment. Please provide the Geotechnical Engineering report.

There is no Geotechnical Engineering report for this project.

3. In the absence of the Geotechnical Engineering Report outlined in 31 20 00 and considering the ambiguous scope associated with the rock excavation, please confirm that rock excavation will be approached as a change order or quantify the quantity of rock to be excavated and the equipment to be used.

Per Section 31 20 00, excavation is unclassified and rock is defined by equipment refusal criteria outlined in the spec (Spec Sec. 31 20 00, Para. 1.4). In the absence of a project geotechnical report, the Contractor shall use the rock definition and equipment ratings specified therein to evaluate methods and quantities. Rock removal is included within the base contract scope and is not automatically a change order. Should differing site conditions be encountered (as defined in FAR 52.236-2), the Contractor shall immediately notify the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) in writing before proceeding, and adjustments can be made per the General Conditions.

4. M-101 Phase I description mentions ultrasonic testing and refers to “see specification 0123056 for testing requirements”. This spec does not appear to exist. Please provide ultrasonic testing requirements.

See specification 01 45 29 and 33 63 00 for ultrasonic testing requirements.

5. Please clarify if Testing & Balancing of existing systems will be required and, if yes, please provide the appropriate specification section.

Testing and Balancing will not be required for this project.

6. If test and balancing will be required, please clarify if pre-demolition test & balance will be required as well.

Testing and Balancing will not be required for this project.

7. Please clarify if directional boring can be used in lieu of open trenching.

Open-cut trenching is the base installation method as shown on the civil utility plans (Dwgs. C-8.01 through C-8.07). Directional boring may be considered as an approved means-and-methods substitution at specific locations where it does not conflict with design intent, grades, or utility separations, and only with prior written approval from the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR). Any substitution shall be submitted at no additional cost to the Government. See also RFI 58 for roadway crossing clarification.

8. Please clarify if onsite soils can be used to backfill trenches Onsite soils may be used for trench backfill above the initial backfill zone provided they meet the satisfactory soil criteria of Spec Sec. 31 20 00, Para. 2.1 (ASTM D2487 Groups GW, GP, GM, SW, SP, SM, SC, or ML; PI ≤15; LL ≤40; max 3-inch particle; free of organics and debris). Bedding material and initial backfill from the trench bottom to a minimum of 12 inches above the top of pipe shall be clean granular material meeting the specified gradation. Onsite soils that fail to meet satisfactory soil criteria shall be removed and replaced with approved borrow at no additional cost to the Government.

9. Please clarify bedding and shading materials for trenches. C-9 detail P-2 shows Aggregate No 67 for bedding and “clean backfill” for backfill, whereas detail P-5 shows ABC stone or excavatable flowable fill.

Both details are contractually applicable depending on location. Detail C-9/P-2 (AASHTO No. 67 aggregate bedding with clean backfill) applies at standard open-cut trench locations in non-paved areas. Detail C-9/P-5 (ABC stone or excavatable flowable fill) applies at roadway crossings, paved areas, and locations specifically noted on the drawings. Where both details could apply at the same location, detail P-5 governs. Contractor shall verify applicable detail for each trench segment against the civil utility plans prior to procurement of materials.

10. Numerous plan notes refer to abandoning existing piping. Are there any particular procedures that must be followed to abandon existing piping in place (capping, filling, etc.)?

No particular procedures will be required for abandoning the existing piping. Standard practice should be utilized.

11. Multiple MD and MP pages have a hazardous materials warning note that mentions “a report detailing tested suspect materials”. Please provide a copy of this asbestos report as it does not appear to be a part of the specification section 02 82 13.13.

This report can be provided after award, if possible. Contractor to proceed with necessary caution to determine appropriate action when working in these areas.

12. Please clarify the location of the contractor’s laydown yard.

The contractor’s laydown yard will be located behind the main parking lot at Building 6 (north of the Building 6 main entrance). With permission from the COR, a separate location may be allowed for delivery and staging of materials. This can be discussed after award.

13. Please clarify if there’s temporary power and water in close proximity to the proposed contractor’s laydown area.

There is likely no temporary power or water in close proximity to the proposed contractor’s laydown area.

14. Please confirm that GC can temporarily store onsite soils and demolition debris from demolition and trenching operations and dispose of it in a timely manner, but not immediately.

This will be acceptable, but the site will need to remain tidy and organized.

15. Please clarify if any work inside the buildings will be required.

Yes, work is required in Buildings 16 and 17 as per the drawings.

16. Please clarify if any work inside the buildings will require ICRA protection, and if yes, please specify ICRA level.

Yes, ICRA protection will be required inside the buildings. ICRA Class II would be worst case.

17. Please clarify if coordination drawings will be required on this project and, if yes, what information they should convey.

Yes, coordination drawings will be required. Refer to the specifications.

18. Will the Government accept Procore Project Management software as the primary submittal and data tracking tool for this project?

A submittal exchange system such as procore, primavera, or Kahua or equal to, can be acceptable. However, if there is a government provided software system, then that system will be the only approve system for transmission of information between the government, contractor, and government’s consultant.

19. Will the Government accept the “Primavera P6” for schedule submission and monthly updates?

Yes, however, it will need to be provided in a format that can be viewed by individuals that do not have Primavera software.

20. Is this project tax-exempt, and will the CO/COR provide the necessary tax-exempt certificates?

This project is not tax-exempt.

21. Because of COVID-19 throughout the U.S. and the resulting Federal, State, and local Governments’ responses/requirements, are there any new work requirements or mandates that will be required by the Government on this project?

No new mandates at this time.

22. Many Government campuses are beginning to address tuberculosis protocols on the Government campus projects, including the 90-day screening before assignment to the worksite. This requirement will limit the number of personnel who can immediately perform work right after the award. Will this project be required to follow 01 35 26 1.13 for TB-required protocols, and will it be required to follow the 90-day screening before beginning work on the project?

Yes.

23. What is the approximate duration between issuing the award and issuing the NTP?

Between 14 – 30 days.

24. For planning the preliminary project schedule, please provide an anticipated award date.

June 15th is the anticipated award date for this project.

25. How many calendar days should be included in the critical-path method schedule for the Government and A/E to review and respond to RFIs?

Refer to revised Specifications 01 32 16.15 and 01 33 23.

26. How many calendar days should be included in the critical-path method schedule for Government and A/E submittal review?

Refer to revised Specification 01 32 16.15.

27. Will the Government provide the 3-D REVIT Design model in native file format for the creation of coordination drawings and use by the contractor?

This can be provided by the A/E upon receipt of CAD release form.

28. Please confirm that the project scope will be completed during normal working hours, not nights and weekends.

The Contractor shall execute work in such a manner as to interfere as little as possible with VAMC Salisbury Hospital & Commentary operations. Normal work hours are from 0700 to 1700. Work that has major impact on day to day operations may occur outside of normal work hours.

29. How many site visits do Government consultants have for MEP and systems coordination with GC, and will the Government have a designated MEP representative available on site?

The design team has numerous construction period services site visits that can be utilized for systems coordination with the GC and can be conducted upon request with appropriate notice and approval from the COR.

30. Can you confirm that the Government will be contracting directly with a third-party commissioning agent for commissioning the project and that the Contractor is only to include participation/coordination with the Commissioning Agent?

Specification 01 91 00 identifies the roles and responsibilities of the Contractor.

31. Knowing that the campus is limited on space and parking, it is critical that the contractor's project superintendent have freedom of access and close proximity to the work. Can the Government provide a designated parking spot for the contractor project superintendent?

A designated parking spot will not be provided to the superintendent, however the superintendent will be able to park on the construction site as space allows.

32. Has the facility Operation & Maintenance team reviewed the Contract Documents for operability to avoid change orders?

This project has been properly coordinated with the necessary entities as usual. It is the Contractor’s responsibility to also coordinate with their subcontractors, the VA, and the VA’s partners to ensure operability to avoid putting themselves at risk.

33. Can the contractor use an existing office inside the building for a temporary construction office during construction instead of setting up a temporary trailer?

No.

34. Can the contractor use the existing restroom facilities in the work area or the adjacent ones nearby?

No.

35. Can the contractor use the existing on-site utilities for temporary electrical and water free of charge?

Yes.

36. Will the Government provide the fire watch during the period that the fire suppression and/or fire alarm system is not in service?

No. And there is no FAFP in the scope of this project.

37. Please provide detailed guidance for noise and vibration operations, including acceptable levels/duration, hours of operations for acceptable levels, and acceptable noise levels after hours.

The Contractor shall execute work in such a manner as to interfere as little as possible with VAMC Salisbury Hospital & Commentary operations. Refer to Specification 01 57 19/1.5/E.

38. How long after the award will the Government provide the submittal register?

The submittal register can be provided at issuance of the Notice to Proceed.

39. Can the QA/QC dual-hat as the Superintendent?

No.

40. Can the SSHO dual-hat as a Superintendent?

No.

41. Can the superintendent triple-hat as QA/QC and SSHO?

No.

42. Will there be ICRA requirements?

Yes. Refer to the specified ICRA level. Also, the Contractor needs to provide a Dust control plan to comply with SCAQMD Rule 403 (refer specification 01 81 13/3.1).

43. Has the Government entered into an agreement with the Government-furnished equipment vendor?

No.

44. Can the Government confirm that the General Contractor is not to include any Asbestos or Lead Removal?

Abatement should be included in this project. Refer to the project’s drawings and specifications.

45. Has the work area been checked for asbestos, lead-based materials, and/or other hazardous materials? Is there a report available?

Yes.

46. What is the Government's policy if asbestos products are encountered during construction that are not quantified in the construction documents?

Do not touch. Contact the COR so that the proper staff can assess.

47. Can the existing service and/or public elevators be used for construction activities? Are there any restrictions or time constraints?

No, the existing service and/or public elevators will not be used for construction activities on this project.

48. In light of the ambiguity of the excavation scope, can the classification of the excavation be changed from unclassified excavation to classified excavation?

The classification of the excavation will remain as currently defined.

49. Will the Government consider adding a price realism clause to Solicitation 36C24626B0016 to ensure proposed prices reflect a clear understanding of the scope and reduce performance risk? Including such a provision would help safeguard against unrealistically low offers that could jeopardize successful completion.

No additional clauses will be added to this solicitation. A bid verification will be performed before award is made final.

50. How soon after NTP issuance will the Government and/or designer of record provide and confirm the COMPLETE set of contract documents, including all amendments?

Contract document will be provided alongside other preconstruction documents at the kick-off meeting.

51. Please confirm that the most up-to-date prevailing wage determination has been provided.

Wage determination being used is General Decision Number: NC20260070 01/02/2026.

52. Will the Government accept candidates with extensive relevant experience and CQM-C certification as meeting the qualification requirements in lieu of a formal degree, consistent with FAR and VA guidelines that allow for equivalent experience for technical roles?

This is possible, but their resume needs to be submitted for review as it will be considered as a variation submittal to the contract.

53. Please clarify whether QC Manager candidates with directly relevant QC experience on comparable Federal construction projects will be acceptable if their formal education differs from the degree described in the solicitation/specification/01 45 00, provided their qualifications are documented in the proposal/QC Plan submittal.

This is possible, but their resume needs to be submitted for review as it will be considered as a variation submittal to the contract.

54. Please confirm if the Government will accept a QA/QC organization in which the named QC Manager provides overall program management and decision-making authority, while on-site inspections and documentation are carried out by project-dedicated QC personnel reporting to that individual.

QC Manager must be on site when work is underway, as per Specification 01 45 00.

55. May CQM discipline-specific staff (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, low voltage, civil, etc.) be provided by trade subcontractors performing the work, rather than directly by the CM, provided they meet the minimum experience requirements?

Yes, as long as the QCM has direct authority to remove any unsatisfactory work and/or correct any deficiencies in timely manner.

56. The solicitation Statement of Work (page 55 para 2) states “acceptance of bid items 1 and 2”. There’s only 1 bid item. Please confirm to ignore any reference to bid item #2.

There is base bid and 2 alternates. Refer to Specification 01 00 00 Section 1.3 STATEMENT OF BID ITEM(S).

57. The solicitation Statement of Work (page 55 para 4) states “any good in-situ soil shall be kept to reduce the amount of off-site fill required to fill in the trench”. Please confirm to assume to reuse existing onsite soils for trench backfill.

Refer to the response to question 8.

58. The solicitation Statement of Work (page 55 para 4) states “when encountering roadways, the path will be bored through and a 24-inch jacket (with supports for the stream line) will be installed so that the stream line can be brought through and connected to the other side”. This appears to be in conflict with plans that show open trenching for the entire run of the new steam line. Please clarify if we are to use directional boring at new steam lines’ intersection of existing roadways on-site or open trenching.

Roadway crossings shall be installed by jack-and-bore (or approved trenchless method) with a minimum 24-inch steel casing as referenced in the SOW. At secondary drive aisles and interior parking areas where civil plans show open-cut trenching and no casing is called out, open-cut is acceptable provided traffic control, pavement restoration, and phasing requirements per Spec Sec. 01 00 00 and the Traffic Control Plans (Dwgs. C-10.1 through C-10.3) are fully implemented and approved by the COR in advance. All roadway bore/open-cut locations shall be submitted for COR approval prior to construction in that area. Furthermore, there is existing water main as depicted in the contract documents along with other utilities and roadways as noted. The Contractor shall adhere to standard industry practice and contract requirements to maintain separation and protection for existing utilities, and roadways/sidewalks/curbs, during installation of new steam lines. Please note, drawings are general intent, please see specification for coordination drawings requirements as it relates to steam lines. New works may require support, protection, and/or temporary works as needed.

59. Please clarify any phasing or working hours considerations when trenching across existing roadways on campus.

The Contractor shall execute work in such a manner as to interfere as little as possible with VAMC Salisbury Hospital & Commentary operations. Normal work hours are from 0700 to 1700.

60. Please clarify if this project will require a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan with periodic and rain-event inspections.

Yes. Per Spec Sec. 01 00 00, an NPDES Construction General Permit is required for this project and the Contractor is identified as an operator responsible for full permit compliance. The Contractor shall prepare and implement a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) prior to commencement of land-disturbing activities. The SWPPP shall include erosion and sediment control measures, Best Management Practices (BMPs), and provisions for both routine inspections and rain-event inspections per the applicable permit requirements. All permits shall be obtained and maintained by the Contractor at no additional cost to the Government.

61. Please clarify which permit fees will GC have to pay for.

GC is responsible for any and all permit fees.

62. Specification section 01 00 00 para 1.9.D mentions that NPDES permit is required, the GC is the operator, and the VA will provide the permit. Please confirm the VA will pay any necessary permit fees for NPDES permit, if any fees are required.

Refer to responses to questions 60 and 61.

63. Will the hospital be providing a designated laydown location for construction storage, and staging? Will this be 2 separate areas or 1 location, and how far from the projected work site will this be?

Refer to the response to question 12.

64. What are the pre-work site conditions test to entail regarding existing compaction, soil samples (meaning pH, asbestos bleed, and soil content), as well as existing grade/ site survey requirements?

Pre-work soil testing requirements per Spec Sec. 31 20 00 include: (1) ASTM D2487 soil classification and ASTM D1557 modified Proctor for each onsite or borrow material proposed for fill/backfill; (2) pre-excavation site photographs and videotape of existing conditions per Para. 1.5.B.2.d. Routine chemical testing (pH, asbestos, bleed soil) of undisturbed in-place soils is not explicitly required by the specifications unless hazardous or contaminated conditions are suspected or identified by the Resident Engineer, in which case testing and disposal per the contaminated soils provisions of Sec. 31 20 00 applies. Pre-construction survey and existing grade verification shall be performed by a registered land surveyor or civil engineer as required by Spec Sec. 01 00 00, Para. 5 and 6.

65. Does the hospital have existing information to support the pre-construction tests before we conduct ours?

No.

66. Is the contractor to assume that the existing underground piping is insulated in asbestos?

Yes.

67. How will the excavated dirt need to be stored while excavation is underway?

Best practice are to be utilized while also adhering to OSHA requirements.

68. If the dirt from around the existing piping is contaminated, will all new dirt need to be accounted for by the contractor, as well as being disposed of off-site?

Yes.

69. During the portion of the project where the contractor will be switching over the existing steam and condensate to the newly installed system, will the VA staff be available to answer questions and assist with ensuring building operation is running as designed?

Yes. This will need to be coordinated with the COR.

70. Will the contractor be responsible for the buildings for the entirety of the project, or just the time during the transition to the newly installed, when the outages end for connection?

The contractor will be responsible for the buildings for the entirety of the project.

71. On the grass portions of the dig site, is it preferred to be seeded and straw coverings, or will it need to be sodded?

Disturbed turf areas shall be restored with topsoil, seeding, and straw mulch (or approved erosion control blanket) per Spec Sec. 32 90 00 (Planting) unless the drawings specifically require sod at a given location. Sodding may be required at high-visibility or high-traffic areas immediately adjacent to building entrances, sidewalks, and patient-access zones if so noted on the landscape/civil plans. Where not specifically noted otherwise, seeding with straw mulch cover is the acceptable standard restoration method. The Contractor shall identify any areas proposed for sod and submit for COR approval prior to final restoration.

72. Will there be “rain days” allotted for each portion of the project? If so, how many are being anticipated for in the job completion timeline?

Based on NOAA DATA (https://www.weather.gov/gsp/), The Contractor can establish a baseline number of anticipated adverse weather days per month. If an abnormal amount of rain occurs, this can be discussed as the situation arises.

73. Does the boiler plant have documented lbs per hour and condensate return as well as water make-up percentages and gallons, to see the difference after the project is complete?

Some of this information is available.

74. The specifications section 33 63 00 paragraph 2.1 Steel Pipe indicates the pipe to Be 2.1 STEEL PIPES AND FITTINGS A. Steel Pipe: ASTM A53/A53M, Type E, Grade A, black with plain ends. Which indicates welded steel pipe, however Paragraph 2.3 indicates seamless steel pipe which type is required ERW or Seamless?

For the steam carrier pipe and condensate return lines, seamless steel pipe (ASTM A106 Grade B or equivalent) is required for all pressure-bearing applications. ERW pipe (ASTM A53 Type E Grade A) may be used for non-pressure-bearing applications such as outer casing, sleeves, or structural components where the drawings and mechanical specifications permit. The mechanical designer of record shall confirm the final pipe material designation for each service during shop drawing review and submittal approval. The Contractor shall not proceed with pipe procurement until material confirmation is received in writing.

75. 2.The specification section 33 63 00 2.2 indicates a DDT system consisting of a ¼”wall steel casing, Foamglass insulation and cathodic protection, the design of this system for the steam would require a cross section of the following 10” ASTM A53 sch 40 steam x 5” foam glass inside a 24” .250 wall steel conduit, 6” ASTM A53 sch 80 condensate x 3” foam glass 16” .250 wall steel conduit.

The DDT (Direct Differential Temperature) direct-buried system cross-section shall conform to the standard VA steam distribution assembly as shown on the steam line profiles and applicable details in the contract drawings. The assembly consists of: (1) steel carrier pipe per the pipe schedule; (2) Foamglas block insulation; (3) 1/4-inch wall A53 steel outer casing; and (4) cathodic protection as specified. Overall casing outside diameter, insulation thickness, and minimum soil cover shall be as dimensioned on the VA standard steam distribution details. The Contractor shall submit manufacturer shop drawings from the pre-insulated piping system supplier for COR review, confirming compliance with all dimensional and materials requirements prior to fabrication.

76. Assuming this requirement falls within the VA Directive 1810 for Steam Systems 15psi and higher where ductile cast malleable iron valves/fittings/components are not allowed and only cast or forged steel is required on all components?

Yes.

77. Will the hospital be providing a designated laydown location for construction storage, and staging? Will this be 2 separate areas or 1 location, and how far from the projected work site will this be?

Duplicate question. Refer to previous response to this question.

78. What are the pre-work site conditions test to entail regarding; existing compaction, soil samples (meaning pH, asbestos bleed, and soil content) , as well as existing grade/ site survey requirements.

Duplicate question. Refer to previous response to this question.

79. Does the hospital have existing information to support the pre-construction tests before we conduct ours?

Duplicate question. Refer to previous response to this question.

80. Is the contractor to assume that the existing underground piping is insulated in asbestos?

Duplicate question. Refer to previous response to this question.

81. How will the excavated dirt need to be stored while excavation is underway?

Duplicate question. Refer to previous response to this question.

82. If the dirt from around the existing piping is contaminated, will all new dirt need to be accounted for by the contractor as well as being disposed of offsite?

Duplicate question. Refer to previous response to this question.

83. During the portion of the project where the contractor will be switching over the existing steam and condensate to the new installed, will the Va staff be available to answer questions and assist with ensuring building operation is running as designed.

Duplicate question. Refer to previous response to this question.

84. Will the contractor be responsible for the buildings for the entirety of the project, or just the time during the transition to the newly installed, when the outages end for connection.

Duplicate question. Refer to previous response to this question.

85. On the grass portions of the dig site, is it preferred to be seeded and straw coverings, or will it need to be sodded?

Duplicate question. Refer to previous response to this question.

86. Will there be “rain days” allotted for each portion of the project? If so how many are being anticipated for in the job completion timeline?

Duplicate question. Refer to previous response to this question.

87. Does the boiler plant, have documented lbs. per hour and condensate return as well as water make-up percentages and gallons, to see the difference after the project is compete ?

Duplicate question. Refer to previous response to this question.

88. Note, in areas that the water line runs through the same space as the steam / condensate lines, it will be acceptable for the two lines to be appropriately separated by vaulting off the sections within the space. A detail will be provided for usage showing this separation, so to prevent heat issues, pipe degradation, etc..

89. Note, all reference of “by others” refers to the GC or the GC’s subcontractors.

90. Note, sidewalk specifications to be provided in the event that sidewalks need to be removed and replaced.