Attachment V Response to RFIs.pdf

36C24626B0028 – Pre-Bid RFIs – Replace AHUs Building 42

RFI 01 — Cooling-Coil Schedule Data for AHU-1 and AHU-3 Reference: AHU Cooling Coil Schedule, 42-CC-1 and 42-CC-3.

The scheduled total cooling capacities and chilled-water flow rates for cooling coils 42-CC-1 and 42-CC-3 do not appear to reconcile. In addition, 42-CC-3 is scheduled with essentially the same sensible and total cooling capacity as 42-CC-1 despite the substantially different scheduled airflow.

Please confirm or revise the following for 42-CC-1 and 42-CC-3:

1. Required sensible cooling capacity.

2. Required total cooling capacity.

3. Chilled-water flow rate.

4. Entering and leaving water temperatures.

5. Coil water-pressure drop.

6. Scheduled entering and leaving air conditions.

Please issue corrected schedule data for use in obtaining AHU and coil pricing

Revise the following values for 42-CC-3

EAT (DB): 83.4

EAT (WB) 67.5

Sens MBH: 149

Total MBH: 203

Revise following values for 42-CC-1

GPM: 113

Upon re-review of AHU schedules, scheduled outside air CFMs also need updated as follows:

42-SAD-4 should be scheduled for 24,900 CFM

RFI 02 — Seasonal Definitions and Required Phasing Sequence Reference: Drawing GC111, Phasing Plans.

Drawing GC111 requires central steam and heating-water work during peak cooling season, chilled-water pump replacement during peak heating season, and AHU-6 and AHU-7 replacement during shoulder season. The same drawing states that the phasing shown is based on a potential sequence and that the final order will be discussed after award.

Please clarify:

1. The calendar dates that define peak cooling season, peak heating season, and shoulder season.

For initial planning purposes, Peak cooling season: June-August; Peak heating season: December-January;

shoulder season: March-April and October-November. Coordinate actual shutdown plans with facility and weather forecasts.

2. Whether the sequence shown on GC111 is mandatory for bidding.

Alternate sequence may be submitted for approval if meeting the intent for minimized operational disruptions

3. Whether the contractor may propose an alternate sequence that maintains continuous service and satisfies the stated seasonal restrictions.

Yes

4. Whether VA-directed changes to the accepted sequence after award will be evaluated for associated schedule and cost impacts.

Refer to general note B on GC111

RFI 03 — Controlling Shutdown Requirements Reference: Drawing GC111 and Section 23 05 11, Paragraph 1.8.

Drawing GC111 requires outages to be coordinated 15 working days in advance and limits individual outages to four hours. Section 23 05 11 separately states that steam and condensate interruptions are limited to 8:00 p.m.– 5:00 a.m. during the appropriate off-season, require at least 10 working days’ notice, and require equipment and materials to be verified onsite 15 calendar days before the shutdown.

Please confirm the controlling notice period, permitted work window, and maximum duration for:

1. Chilled-water outages.

2. Glycol heating-water outages.

3. Steam and condensate outages.

4. AHU airside cutovers.

5. Electrical outages.

6. BAS and fire-alarm interruptions.

7. Domestic water (if required)

8. Will weekend or nighttime shutdowns be mandatory?

Spec 01 00 00 1.6.M.3-4, PDF pp.11-12 (no utility interruption without COR approval; written request 15 calendar days in advance for major interruptions; interruption time may be scheduled outside the Contractor's normal working hours at no additional cost to the Government) and 1.6.H.1 (Medical Center operates 24 hours per day).

Specific allowable shutdown windows per system are not identified.

15 business days notice, maximum four hours shutdown duration. As a live-in facility, permitted work window may prefer daytime during normal business hours. However, AHU-3 and 4 serve clinical and admin spaces. Shutdowns for those specific units shall be on weekends and/or at night as arranged with VA.

Please also confirm whether the four-hour limitation applies to every individual shutdown or only to temporary and final AHU tie-ins.

All required shutdowns are subject to this limitation unless approved otherwise by the VA in advance.

RFI 04 — Requirements for Completion and Acceptance of Each Phase Reference: Drawing GC111; Sections 01 32 16.15 and 01 91 00.

Drawing GC111 prohibits beginning the next phase until the preceding phase is complete and accepted in writing and requires altered systems to be tested and commissioned before advancing. The project schedule specification also requires a minimum five-workday VA inspection and acceptance activity at the end of each phase.

Please clarify the minimum requirements for written phase acceptance. Specifically, must the following be complete before the next phase begins:

1. Equipment startup. Yes

2. Preliminary TAB. Yes

3. Final TAB. Yes

4. Controls checkout and trending. Yes

5. Pre-functional testing. Yes

6. Systems Functional Performance Testing. Yes

7. Correction of all commissioning deficiencies. Yes. Noncritical deficiencies may be corrected concurrently with the next phase but shall be completed in no more than 30 days after identified.

8. Seasonal testing. No Please confirm that seasonal testing that cannot be performed due to outdoor conditions may be deferred to the warranty phase without preventing advancement to the next construction phase. The commissioning specification recognizes deferred and seasonal testing during the warranty phase. Confirmed

RFI 05 — Temporary AHU Operation and Maintenance Responsibility Reference: Solicitation Scope, Section 23 05 11, and Section 23 09 23.

The solicitation states that the temporary AHUs will be connected to the campus BAS and turned over to the VA for monitoring and upkeep. Section 23 05 11 states that Government personnel continuously operate temporary facilities serving the VAMC. However, Section 23 09 23 states that the controls subcontractor is responsible for temporary operation and maintenance of the controls system until final commissioning and acceptance.

Please clarify the division of responsibilities during temporary operation for:

1. Starting, stopping, and monitoring AHU-6 and AHU-7.

Contractor is responsible

2. BAS alarm response.

Contractor is responsible

3. Filter replacement.

4. Belt, bearing, motor, and fan maintenance.

5. Coil cleaning and freeze protection.

6. Condensate-system maintenance.

7. Temporary booster-fan maintenance.

8. Emergency repairs and replacement parts.

9. Utility consumption and consumable materials.

Utility consumption from VA utilities. Consumable materials contractor is responsible

10. After-hours service calls.

Please identify the point at which operational control transfers to the VA and the work that remains the contractor’s maintenance responsibility after that transfer.

Once AHU-6 and AHU-7 are installed in their final locations, started up, commissioned, etc, they become VA responsibility same as other AHUs in project.

RFI 06 — AHU-6 and AHU-7 Warranty Following Temporary Service Reference: Drawing MD131 and Section 01 00 00.

AHU-6 and AHU-7 will first be used as temporary rooftop equipment and later relocated to their permanent locations. Before permanent installation, the drawings require interior and exterior cleaning and inspection and preventive maintenance by the original manufacturer.

Please confirm:

1. The full equipment warranty for AHU-6 and AHU-7 is to begin when the units are initially placed into temporary service.

Warranty begins when turned over to the VA

3. Temporary operating hours will reduce the required permanent-installation warranty period.

Warranty begins when turned over to the VA

3. Whether components showing normal wear from temporary operation must be replaced before permanent acceptance.

Yes

4. Whether the manufacturer’s inspection and preventive-maintenance report must identify and correct all deficiencies before the units are permanently installed.

Yes

RFI 07 — Existing-Roof Structural Analysis and Temporary Platform Design Reference: Solicitation Scope; Drawings MD131 and structural drawings.

The solicitation states that structural analysis has confirmed the roof can support the temporary AHUs when they are properly located over beams and girders. Drawing MD131 requires a non-penetrating equipment platform.

Please provide the existing structural analysis supporting temporary placement of AHU-6, AHU-7, booster fans, ductwork, piping, platforms, and maintenance loads. Calculations for the AHU’s on the existing roof have been provided to the VA.

Please also confirm:

1. The approved platform locations and maximum allowable reactions. Platform locations are as shown in the construction documents.

2. Whether the contractor’s delegated design is limited to the temporary platforms, connections, and load distribution. See response to #6 below.

3. Whether the contractor is required to independently reanalyze the existing roof framing. No.

4. The required design wind, snow, seismic, operating, maintenance, and equipment-vibration loads.

a. Wind:

a. Vult (Risk Category IV) = 122 mph, Exp B.

b. Roof Snow: pf = 22 psf

c. Seismic:

a. S1 = 0.24

b. Ss = 0.081

c. Risk Category IV

d. Operating and Maintenance: As shown on SF131.

e. Vibration: MEP to provide.

5. Whether ballast is permitted and, if so, the maximum permitted concentrated and distributed loads. Ballast equal to 8 psf below the AHU footprint is permitted. No other ballast is permitted.

6. Whether the Government’s analysis accounts for temporary piping, ductwork, stairs, VFDs, controls panels, and maintenance access in addition to the AHUs. For gravity loading, yes.

The structural specification requires delegated-design calculations and drawings to be signed and sealed by a North Carolina-licensed professional engineer, but the limits of that delegated design should be confirmed.

Delegated design is limited to the design of the platform shown on S-001. The platform pedestals shall be centered above the roof beams, and the platform shall be designed to span between pedestals.

RFI 08 — Schneider BAS and Proprietary-System Vendors Reference: Solicitation Scope and Section 23 09 23.

All new permanent and temporary HVAC equipment must be integrated with the existing Schneider Electric DDC system. The controls specification also assigns interfaces among the controls, electrical, mechanical, VFD, fire alarm, and damper trades. PDF p.426: the existing DDC system is Schneider Electric for existing VAV boxes and Siemens for existing AHUs, with BACnet top-end communications, and the Contractor 'shall determine the capabilities, communication network, services, and spare capacity of the existing control system and its ECC prior to bid.' Software and software licenses are Contractor-furnished per 1.1.C. Note the conflict with SOW 6.15, which states all new HVAC equipment will be tied into Schneider Electric's DDC system; please confirm which basis governs. Specific software version and license counts are not stated.

Please clarify:

1. Whether a specific VA-authorized Schneider Electric integrator is required.

Integrator shall be authorized by the systems they are integrating

2. Whether bidders must obtain pricing from the incumbent integrator.

Integrator is only required if a different system is selected and shall be authorized by the systems they are integrating

3. Whether the VA will provide the integrator’s contact information.

Integrator is only required if a different system is selected and shall be authorized by the systems they are integrating

4. Who is responsible for BAS network access, passwords, point licensing, server modifications, graphics, trends, alarm routing, and final database integration.

Ultimately the general contractor.

4. Whether the VA will provide available network ports and confirm existing system capacity.

Contractor to determine

6. Whether a particular fire-alarm vendor is required for programming, AHU shutdown interfaces, smoke control functions, and final acceptance.

Fire alarm must tie into existing system and installer must be authorized by that system. Existing building 42 fire alarm is Notifier.

7. Whether proprietary software, licensing, and programming charges are included in the contractor’s scope.

Software, licensing, programming, and other elements necessary to achieve the controls functionality of the plans and specs are in the contractor’s scope.

RFI 09 — Existing Roofing Warranty and Hazardous-Material Status Reference: Section 07 01 50.19.

The roofing specification requires the roofing installer to be approved by the existing warrantor and requires certification that the existing warranty remains in effect. It also states that roof moisture surveys, test cores, and other roof information are available for contractor reference.

The same section includes language stating both that hazardous materials are not expected and that hazardous materials are known to exist, including a reference to asbestos roofing abatement and an available hazardous material report.

Please clarify:

1. The existing roof manufacturer, warrantor, installer, warranty number, and warranty expiration date.

The existing roof was replaced and the Tremco warranty started on 12/15/2010. A copy of this warranty is not available. Contractor shall verify existing conditions and coordinate roofing work with the COR.

2. Whether the contractor must use a specific warrantor-approved roofing firm.

If warranted, roofing work must be performed by warrantor-approved roofing firm.

3. Whether the existing roof moisture survey and test-core information will be provided.

This information is not available. Contractor remains responsible for verifying existing conditions.

4. Whether asbestos-containing or other regulated roofing materials are present.

Not to A/E knowledge. Bldg 42 is certified asbestos-free.

5. Whether Section 02 82 13.21 asbestos roofing abatement applies to this project.

Bldg 42 is certified asbestos-free.

6. Whether hazardous-material abatement is included in the Base Bid.

Bldg 42 is certified asbestos-free.

7. If known hazardous materials are present (lead paint, mold, PCB-containing equipment asbestos), please provide the applicable survey and defined abatement limits. Reference: No hazardous materials survey report is included in the attachments. Spec 02 41 00, Part 1

Related Work, references Section 02 82 11 Traditional Asbestos Abatement, which is not included in Attachment I.

Spec 01 32 16.15 1.6.D requires a cost-loaded schedule activity for asbestos abatement, and the solicitation, PDF p.32, requires general liability coverage without asbestos exclusions - implying abatement is anticipated. Survey results, quantities, and locations should be furnished.

Bldg 42 is certified asbestos-free.

RFI 10 — Temporary-System Redundancy and Emergency Response Reference: Solicitation Scope and Section 23 05 11.

The temporary design uses AHU-6 and AHU-7, together with temporary booster fans and revised rooftop ductwork, to maintain service while AHU-1 through AHU-5 are replaced. The specifications require authorized HVAC service providers capable of responding onsite within four hours for an emergency shutdown.

Please clarify:

1. Whether temporary AHU or booster-fan standby capacity is required.

No additional standby capacity explicitly required.

2. Whether the temporary system must provide N+1 fan or equipment redundancy.

No additional standby capacity explicitly required.

3. Whether the contractor must furnish spare motors, VFDs, fan assemblies, controls components, or temporary rental equipment onsite.

Contingencies for temporary equipment issues are contractor’s means and methods.

3. The maximum permitted interruption of temporary HVAC service resulting from equipment failure.

8 hours

4. Whether the four-hour service-response requirement is considered sufficient without standby equipment.

See #3

6. Whether the contractor must provide 24-hour monitoring and emergency response or whether VA personnel will provide initial monitoring and notification.

Contractor shall monitor and maintain temporary equipment. See previous RFI

7. Whether a written temporary-HVAC failure and recovery plan is required before temporary-system turnover.

Contractor shall monitor and maintain temporary equipment. See previous RFI

RFI 11 - Please confirm how long the overall time to obtain a badge should take as described in spec section 01 00

00 form the time the initial paperwork is submitted until the time the badge is in the employees hands. And will separate badges need to be applied for at the three different sites that are part of this solicitation?

Badge processing time varies based on required security processing and cannot be guaranteed. Separate badges will not be required for the three different sites.

RFI 12 - Please confirm that any Testing Laboratory Services will be covered by the VA and not the awarded contractor.

Contractor shall perform special inspections for work requiring them per IBC

RFI 13 - The CQC system Manager is required to be a graduate engineer, graduate architect, or a graduate of construction management, with a minimum of years construction experience on construction similar to the scope of this Contract. Construction person with a minimum of PM or SRE to determine qualifications based on project complexity at construction review years in related work. Can the education requirement be waved based on the number of years of construction experience? If so, how many years?

The CQC System Manager shall meet the qualifications specified in the Contract Documents. Any proposed substitution of experience for the education requirement requires Contracting Officer approval.

RFI 14 - Will any obstructions / furniture be removed prior to start of work on the interior of the buildings that might be in the way of the work?

VA will coordinate relocation of VA-owned movable furniture/equipment as necessary. Contractor shall identify required access and clearance needs in advance with the COR.

RFI 15 - How many people do we need wearing the hats of QC/ SSHO / Site Supervisor?

The Site Supervisor may also dual hat as the SSHO. The QC may not dual hat.

RFI 16- There are currently no plans that show anywhere for laydown yard or dumpsters or parking for contractor and subcontractors working on this job. Are the plans being added via amendment? If not, is off-site storage acceptable? Reference: Spec 01 00 00 1.6.A, B, and D: all operations including storage of materials are confined to areas authorized by the Contracting Officer/COR; 'Working space and space available for storing materials shall be as shown on the drawings and as approved by the COR'; temporary buildings and trailers are permitted with COR approval at the Contractor's expense. Spec 01 00 00 1.28, Storage Space for VA Equipment, is marked NOT USED.

No laydown or staging area is shown on the drawings.

Contractor shall coordinate laydown, dumpsters, staging, and parking with the COR. Off-site storage is not encouraged and will only be permitted via contract amendment.

RFI 17 - Please confirm any Special Inspections will be covered by the VA and not the awarded contractor.

Contractor shall perform special inspections for work requiring them per IBC

RFI 18 - Does the Va have the funding set aside for this project? Refer to solicitation SF1442

RFI 19 - Has the VA completed laser scanning or field verification of the mechanical rooms? Will existing BIM/Revit models be provided? Reference: No laser scan, point-cloud, or existing-conditions model is included in the solicitation. Spec 01 00 00 1.7.A requires a joint pre-work survey with the COR to record discrepancies between the drawings and existing conditions. Spec 02 21 13, PDF pp.195-199, places surveying on the Contractor, including

GPR where required, with electronic deliverables in native AutoCAD/Revit format per the VA BIM Standard (PG-18-

15).

No laser scan is available. BIM model may be provided to awarded contractor for background use but should not be relied upon for existing conditions.

RFI 20 - Please identify approved crane setup locations.

Will the VA provide exclusive access to parking areas during crane operations? Reference: Spec 01 35 26 1.22

Cranes, PDF p.84, addresses operator licensing and requires a detailed lift plan submitted to the Resident

Engineer/COR 14 days in advance, but does not designate setup locations. Spec 01 00 00 1.5.E limits parking permits and 1.6.A confines all operations and storage to areas approved by the Contracting Officer/COR. No crane pads, closure limits, or designated staging areas are shown on the drawings.

Contractor shall propose crane setup locations and submit the required lift plan for COR approval. VA will coordinate necessary parking/access restrictions for approved crane operations; exclusive parking access is not guaranteed.

RFI 21 - Please identify areas where ceiling systems will require complete replacement versus selective replacement.

Reference: Spec 01 00 00 1.10 Restoration requires patching, repairing, or replacing disturbed finishes to match existing, and 1.6.L addresses sprinkler coverage and hourly-logged fire watch where ceilings are removed. Extent of ceiling removal is indicated on the architectural demolition and reflected ceiling plans; no separate schedule distinguishing complete versus selective ceiling replacement is provided.

Intent is for selective replacement where existing ceilings are damaged in the course of the scope.

RFI 22 - Please identify hospital departments requiring the following.

• Restricted work hours

• Quiet work periods

• Patient protection measures

Solicitation status: Partially answered

Reference: Spec 01 00 00 1.6.F prohibits equipment and tools transmitting vibration and noise through the building structure in areas occupied by patients or medical personnel except as permitted by the COR. Spec 01 57

19, PDF pp.117-118, sets maximum construction equipment noise levels at 50 feet and requires sound-level monitoring every five working days above 55 dB(A). Spec 23 05 41 governs permanent equipment noise and vibration, with sound testing per Spec 23 05 93, PDF p.390. Specific departments requiring restrictions are not enumerated.

Bldg 42 houses long term care inpatients as well as a sleep lab. Special attention must be paid to noise and vibration mitigation. Contractor shall coordinate noise, vibration, dust, utility interruptions, and other impacts with the COR.

RFI 23 - Please identify all owner-approved manufacturers for the following. AHUs, Pumps, Coils, Control valves, BAS controllers, VFDs

Can approved equals be submitted after award?

Reference: No approved-manufacturer or acceptable-manufacturer lists were located in the Division 23 product sections. Substitutions are governed by Spec 01 33 23 1.10-1.11, PDF pp.47-49 (no substitution after a sample is approved; resubmittal for substitution requires written justification), and Spec 01 81 13 1.1, PDF p.127 (product substitutions require Contracting Officer approval and must meet or exceed specified materials). Please provide the acceptable-manufacturer lists and confirm the 'or equal' procedure for long-lead equipment.

Mechanical schedules indicate basis of design manufacturer. Approved equals may be submitted if meeting the requirements of contract documents, including buy America act.

RFI 24 - Who is responsible for the following? Fire alarm shutdowns, Fire watch, Final acceptance testing, and

Device reprogramming. Reference: SOW 3.1-3.3 requires fire-wall penetrations to be resealed, global fire alarm signals to be incorporated into the new AHU controls for HVAC shutdown, duct smoke detection where supply exceeds 2,000 CFM and return exceeds 15,000 CFM, and smoke dampers where systems serve floors beyond the mechanical room. Spec 01 35 26, Existing Fire Protection, PDF p.77, requires a fire watch for impairments exceeding 4 hours in a 24-hour period, and Spec 01 00 00 1.6.L requires an hourly-logged fire watch where sprinkler coverage is not extended. Spec 28 31 00 governs fire alarm work. The split of responsibility for fire alarm panel programming, device installation, and acceptance testing is not stated.

General contractor is responsible for meeting requirements of the contract documents.

RFI 25 - Will the VA provide verified utility locations for the following? Steam, Chilled water, Heating water, Electrical feeders, Communications ,Medical gas (if applicable)

Solicitation status: Partially answered

Reference: Spec 02 21 13, PDF pp.195-199, assigns the utility survey to the Contractor, including locating piped utilities and structures, identifying service type, material, size, depth, and pressure, and using ground-penetrating radar where depth is critical and manholes are unavailable, with survey accuracy of +/-0.1 feet. SOW 7.1 identifies electrical source panels (MCC GS, GWH, GWL, 1NH, 2NH, 2SH, and temporary roof panel from MCC MSP 2C). VA-verified as-located utility information is not provided.

Underground site utilities are not anticipated to be impacted

RFI 26 - Per note 3 on MD131, the AHUs are on a non-penetrating platform. I would assume that with all the changes on the roof there are items penetrating the roof. But I cannot figure that out. Can you advise me on this? Note 3 on Sheet Keynotes on MD-131 says "Provide Non-Penetrating Equipment Platform, Basis of Design

PHP. REF 23 05 11" In the specs 23 05 11 there is no reference to any design for this Equipment Platform. We need to know the basis of design and a diagram showing how this platform connects to the roof. Also, are there any roof penetrations?

The PHP Systems/Design Platform is the basis of design as shown on sheet S-001. This is a delegated design in which the contractor will be required to work with the manufacturer to prepare platform plans of size sufficient to support the rooftop units. The platforms will sit on the roof without any mechanical anchorage (gravity held). The intent is to reuse existing duct openings for the new ducts so as to not create new roof penetrations.

RFI 27 Are there any roof penetrations

The intent is to reuse existing duct openings for the new ducts so as to not create new roof penetrations.

RFI 28 Will the Government accept Procore Project Management software as the primary submittal and data tracking tool for this project?

The VA will provide Kahua as the primary submittal and data tracking tool.

RFI 29 Will the Government accept the “Primavera P6” for schedule submission and monthly updates?

The VA does not have access to and cannot use Primavera P6. If the contractor wishes to use Primavera P6, they must export the file in both Excel and PDF format for the government to use.

RFI 30 Is this project tax-exempt (local, state, & federal), and will the CO/COR provide the necessary tax-exempt certificates?

No

RFI 31 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?

See Specification section 01 35 26 1.16

RFI 32 What is the approximate duration between issuing the award and issuing the NTP?

Approximately 20 days

RFI 33 For planning the preliminary project schedule, please provide an anticipated award date.

Before October 22, 2026

RFI 34 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?

See Specification section 01 33 23, subsection 1.10.

RFI 35 How many calendar days should be included in the critical-path method schedule for Government and A/E submittal review?

See Specification section 01 33 23, subsection 1.10.

RFI 36 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?

The VA will provide limited REVIT drawings. The contractor must field verify all dimensions.

RFI 37 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 A/E firm will be onsite for specific milestones and as directed by the CO/COR per the A/E’s contract with the

VA.

RFI 38 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?

See Specification section 01 91 00 for commissioning coordination and participation requirements.

RFI 39 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?

No. The site superintendent and all subcontractors will be required to park in either lot 7 or 42, decision still to be determined.

RFI 40 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, there are no empty office spaces to use. The contractor can stage their temporary trailer in either lot 7 or 42 and all storage connex boxes in lot 6. Coordinate with the COR on location.

RFI 41 Can the contractor use the existing restroom facilities in the work area or the adjacent ones nearby?

The contractor must provide either porta johns, access to the jobsite trailer, or both.

RFI 42 Can the contractor use the existing on-site utilities for temporary electrical and water free of charge?

See Specification section 01 00 00, subsection 1.22.

RFI 43 Will the Government provide the fire watch during the period that the fire suppression and/or fire alarm system is not in service?

Contractor is required to provide fire watch per Specification section 01 35 26. subsection 1.7M

RFI 44 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.

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

See Specification section 01 35 26, subsection 1.4. Reminder, this building houses full time residents and a sleep lab. The submittal register will be provided within two weeks of award.

RFI 45 Can the QA/QC dual-hat as the Superintendent?

Can the SSHO dual-hat as a Superintendent?

Can the SSHO dual-hat as the QA/QC?

See Specification section 01 45 00, subsection 3.4B

RFI 46 Can the Government confirm that the General Contractor is not to include any Asbestos or Lead Removal?

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

Abatement is not anticipated to be part of this scope of work. Bldg 42 is certified as asbestos free. If potential hazardous materials are encountered, the GC is to notify the COR immediately in order to determine the next steps.

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

The contractor will be restricted to the use of service elevator #23.

RFI 48 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?

Before award

RFI 49 Please confirm that the most up-to-date prevailing wage determination has been provided.

Yes

RFI 50 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?

See Specification section 01 45 00, Experience Matrix. The VA may consider relevant experience in lieu of formal education, however this will be at the discretion of the CO

RFI 51 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.

See Specification section 01 45 00, Experience Matrix and subsection 3.4D. The VA may consider relevant experience in lieu of formal education, however this will be at the discretion of the CO

RFI 52 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.

See Specification section 01 45 00, subsection 3.4

RFI 53 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?

No, per Specification section 01 45 00, subsection 3.4C.

RFI 54 Please clarify if a pre-demolition (pre-alteration) test and balance of HVAC system will be required on this project.

Yes

RFI 54 Please confirm the Government determined per FAR 1.602-1(b) that all materials, equipment, and supplies identified by the Government in any drawing or specification as the basis of design satisfy FAR 52.225-11 Buy American Act – Construction Materials (DEVIATION) (NOV 2025), or a waiver has already been obtained.

No waivers have been attained.

RFI 55 Please identify all materials, equipment, and supplies identified by the Government in any drawing or specification as the basis of design in any drawing or specification that require a Buy American Act waiver.

Basis of design does not relieve the requirement for Buy America Act compliance of the final installed equipment.

RFI 56 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?

This is to be included in your bid proposal.

RFI 57 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.

Yes, the new VA memorandum is applicable to this project.

RFI 58 Submittal Platform: Will the VA accept the use of Procore software or equivalent as the primary submittal platform?

See answer to RFI 28.

RFI 59 Payment for Stored Materials: Will payment applications for materials stored on-site or in a bonded warehouse be approved?

Off-site storage is not encouraged and will only be permitted via contract amendment. Payment for stored materials is at the discretion of the CO.

RFI 60 Bid Hold Period: Will the government consider reducing the bid hold period to 90 days due to current inflation risks?

No

RFI 61 Economic Price Adjustment Clause: Will the government include an Economic Price Adjustment Clause in the contract to address price fluctuations in materials?

Within Solicitation

RFI 62 Scheduling Consultant: Is an external scheduling consultant required, or can scheduling duties be handled in-house by a qualified team member?

See Specification section 01 32 16.15, subsection 1.2C

RFI 63 Site Access and Badging: Will the government provide a detailed badging and access protocol for contractor personnel?

Once the contractor’s site super and QCM have been identified and approved by the CO, the COR will provide them with a station specific badge that must be worn at all times. The contractor will be responsible for badging all subcontractors using a procedure that must be approved by the COR prior to starting work. Access will be given to the site super and QCM by checking out contractor keys on a daily basis.

RFI 64 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?

Contractor is required to provide fire watch per Specification section 01 35 26. subsection 1.7M

RFI 65 Environmental Protection Plan: Are there specific templates or guidelines required for the Environmental Protection Plan, or is a contractor-developed plan sufficient?

See Specification section 01 57 19, subsection 1.4 for protection plan minimum requirements.

RFI 66 Infection Control: Please confirm modular walls (such as STARC) are allowed for ICRA.

Yes, modular walls such STARC walls may be used upon review and approval of a submittal. Otherwise, follow Specifical section 01 35 26, subsection 1.17.

RFI 67 As-Built Drawings: Are as-built drawings available for existing conditions, or will the contractor need to verify all dimensions on-site?

There are some as-builts and will be made available upon award. The contractor is ultimately responsible for field verifying existing conditions and notifying of discrepancies prior to start of work.

RFI 68 Please confirm that AHU-6 and 7 are rooftop units. The schedule has their location as the roof, but the detail drawings and isometrics make them look like indoor units with top connections. The files that the basis of design AHU vendor developed on this projects has both indoor and outdoor versions of AHU-6 and 7, with the outdoor versions looking more recent. Please advise as the what type of unit construction is required.

AHU-6 and 7 must meet outdoor AHU specifications. Refer to schedule remark 3.

RFI 69 Are we required to use the PHP System/Design Platform Support or can we use our own design as long as the units don’t sit on the roof surface.

The PHP Systems/Design is the basis of design. The GC may elect to use another system that meets or exceeds the BOD’s performance and warranty criteria

RFI 70 Liquidated damages: the solicitation sets a 700-day performance period but includes no liquidated damages clause. Please confirm whether liquidated damages apply and, if so, the daily amount.

Current factory loading may result in AHU lead times exceeding one year from approved submittals.

Liquidated damages does not apply

RFI 71 Phasing: please confirm the binding phase sequence and any per-phase or milestone durations, whether the drawings' seasonal constraints (peak cooling / heating / shoulder) are contractual, and whether the 4-hour maximum outage applies to all tie-ins. Note that a 4 hour limitation is not possible in many situations from our experience at this facility.

Refer to previous RFI responses on this topic.

RFI 72 Section 07 01 50.19 contains conflicting requirements regarding asbestos roofing. Please confirm whether asbestos roofing abatement is included in this contract and provide the applicable survey/report, abatement specification and limits of work.

Refer to previous RFI responses on this topic.

RFI 73 Please confirm whether asbestos-containing pipe or duct insulation is present at the mechanical demolition/tie-in locations and provide the applicable survey, locations and abatement limits.

Abatement is not a part of this scope of work.

RFI 74 Confirm the temporary-power scope and duration, and that installation and removal of the temporary roof panel, feeders, and breaker are included in the base bid.

Provide temporary power for the temporary AHUs per manufacturer requirements duration from when the temporary AHUs are needed to treat the space until when they are no longer needed. Then remove.

RFI 75 Which VFD configuration governs - the Division 23 dual-redundant, no-bypass package or the Division 26 single drive with contactor bypass? For which AHUs are dual-redundant drives required, and are the VFDs furnished under Division 23 or Division 26?

For AHUs, redundant drives with no bypass are required. For pumps, single drive with bypass is acceptable.

RFI 76 For the outdoor units (AHU-6, AHU-7), confirm the governing casing gauges (18-ga/20-ga per Paragraph 2.1.C.2 or 22-ga per Table 2.1.C.4) and confirm the inner skin is solid.

Solid inner skin. Thicknesses per 2.1.C.2.

RFI 77 Please identify any rated wall/door openings requiring modification for AHU passage beyond those specifically indicated on the drawings, and confirm the required rated reconstruction/firestopping These are the openings requiring major modifications for the basis of design AHUs. Existing wall ratings to be restored per existing facility statement of conditions are indicated on life safety sheets.

RFI 78 Provide the project Seismic Design Category, Ss/S1, and Ip for Building 42, and confirm whether the AHUs and restraints require ASCE 7 Section 13.2.2 Special Seismic Certification or may be treated as inherently rugged per VA H-18-8.

See below from ASCE 7-22 Hazard tool. CLCs are listed as critical facilities in current H-18-8, requiring Ip=1.5.

RFI 79 Please identify any mandatory campus BAS/System Integrator required for connection to the existing control system, or confirm that any qualified contractor meeting Section 23 09 23 may perform the work.

Contractor must be certified to install the system being installed. All HVAC in building 42 must be under one system at completion of project.

RFI 80 Define the permitted shutdown windows, maximum duration, and advance notice for chilled-water and hot-water tie-ins, and confirm whether temporary bypasses or temporary heating/cooling are required to maintain service.

Refer to contract documents. Maintained service is required.

RFI 81 Please confirm whether flushing, chemical cleaning and re-treatment after hydronic tie-ins is limited to new/isolated piping or is required for the entire affected existing CHW and glycol-HW systems. If the existing glycol-HW system must be drained/refilled, please provide the system volume.

Limit to new piping (and any existing on isolated side of new systems). HW system approximately 2500 gallons.

RFI 82 Please clarify the limits of sprinkler relocation/modification associated with the AHU and ductwork replacement and confirm whether the required existing-system flow test is by the Contractor or will be provided by the VA.

Flow test is by contractor. Refer to keynote 4 on fire protection sheets.

RFI 83 Please identify the anticipated limits of lightning-protection removal/repair associated with the rooftop work, and confirm the required bonding and UL recertification requirements for the permanent AHUs.

Refer to sheet EP141.

RFI 84 Confirm whether any new structural floor opening is required at AHU-2/3 (SF121, Detail F7).

Per the note on SF121, the as-builts show an existing opening. If it is discovered that none exists, then a new opening will be required.

RFI 85 Confirm the governing operating weight for AHU-5 - the structural plan (SF101, 17,118 lb) and the mechanical schedule (21,900 lb) disagree - and confirm the level(s) on which it is supported.

The unit is located on the ground floor. Basis of design for AHU-5 has the rigging weight of 21,900 lbs.

RFI 86 Identify the existing roof membrane manufacturer, current warrantor, remaining warranty term, and the approved/certified applicator the contractor must use for roof penetrations and patching to keep the warranty in force.

The intent is to reuse existing duct openings for the new ducts so as to not create new roof penetrations.

RFI 87 Confirm which components require warranties longer than the 1-year construction warranty, and their durations (e.g., compressors, motors, coils), so extended-warranty carry-costs can be priced.

AHU-6 and 7 shall have 1-year warranty from date of final permanent installation and acceptance.

RFI 88 Please identify, by phase, which segments of temporary ductwork (40x40 SA, 40x40 RA, 40x40 OAI, 70x40 SA, 24x48 REA, and associated fittings) are intended to remain in place for the ensuing phase and which are to be removed and reinstalled. A matrix or an overlay sheet keyed to MD131–MD134 would resolve this.

Ductwork from the previous phase may be reused for the next phase if in good condition. Below is a colored overlay of MD131-134 for reference only.

RFI 89 Please confirm the temporary rooftop ductwork shown on MD131–MD134 is to receive the same insulation and exterior weather protection required for permanent exterior ductwork, or identify any differing temporary-duct requirements.

Temporary ductwork may be single wall externally insulated to R-8 with weatherproof self-healing adhesive aluminum jacket.

RFI 90 MP101 notes that not all required steam drip stations and associated returns are shown. Please identify the approximate required steam drip station locations/quantities and associated condensate return connection points.

Specification 23 22 13 lists the required locations for steam drip stations to be applied to final field piping layout.

Discharge to nearest like-pressure return line or condensate pump receiver.

RFI 91 MQ601 requires local PRVs for humidifiers to reduce building steam pressure from 60 psig to 30 psig. The local PRVs shown on the piping drawings do not appear to be scheduled or sized, and PRV locations are not clearly indicated for all humidifiers. Additionally, the Steam Trap Schedule on MQ602 does not identify the traps serving HU-1 through HU-7. Please provide the required PRV sizes/capacities and locations for each humidifier, confirm the associated steam and condensate pipe sizes, and provide the required humidifier trap sizes/types.

See below/next page revised humidifier connection detail showing local PRV and trap. Replaces detail D5/MK502.

Size PRVs to humidifier capacity.

RFI 92 Please confirm Section 02 21 13 Site Surveys is not applicable to this project, as no survey limits, civil/site work, property boundary work, grading work, or new exterior underground utilities are indicated.

Specification section 02 21 13 is not applicable.

RFI 93 Please confirm that the bag-in/bag-out housing requirements of Section 23 40 00 are not applicable to 42-HEPA-1, 2, 4 and 5, and that the housing type and basis of design scheduled on MQ601 govern. If bag-in/bag-out housings are required, please identify which HEPA units require them and revise the equipment schedule/details accordingly.

46. Confirm the required design airflow and pressure drop for 42-SAD-4 and revise the schedule if 14,900 CFM is a typo.

Basis of design for 42-HEPA-1,2,4 and 5 are Built-up Bank HEPA Holding Frames. The Bag-in/Bag-out housings subsection is Not Applicable. 42-SAD-4 should read 24,900 CFM. The original number is a typo.