36C24626B0029 0003 RFI responses site sign in seismic specs 08212026.pdf

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1 13

0003 08-21-2026 558-22-172

Department of Veterans Affairs

Network Contracting Office 6

100 Emancipation Drive

Hampton VA 23667

Department of Veterans Affairs

Network Contracting Office 6

100 Emancipation Drive

Hampton VA 23667

To all Offerors/Bidders 36C24626B0029

X

X X x 1

The purpose of this modification is to answer RFIs.

See attached for RFIs and responses.

Sign in sheet included.

Revised specification section 13 05 41 issued.

RFI # RFI Comment Comment Response

1 The P&ID indicates the new chillers will tie into the existing facility chilled water loop that also serves AHU- 3, AHU-4, and other building systems. During construction, are the new chillers expected to operate independently during the transition period, or do you anticipate a phased integration where the new system gradually assumes load from the existing system while both operate simultaneously?

Both MD601 and MI602 do not show Chillers 1 & 2 connecting into the main hospital chilled water loop.

The P&IDs so show connection of EX AHU-1 & 2 to CHS and CHR through the air handlers primary CHW coils. The system in this project is connected to auxiliary coils in the same AHUs and have no interconnection, phycially, with the central chilled water system.

2 The new chiller specifications call for 40% propylene glycol, but we need clarity on whether we're replacing the entire glycol makeup and treatment infrastructure or tying into existing glycol loops. What documentation is available on the existing system composition?

A new glycol makeup system is to be provided, refer to drawings and specifications for requirements. Provide required materials and services outlined in Section 23 21 13, Part 3 and Section 23 25 00 for all existing and new piping.

3 Section MI701 references emergency chiller plant operation. Are controls for the switchover between main system and emergency operation part of this scope, or are we integrating into existing control infrastructure?

Integrate new controls for the new chillers into the existing chilled water control infrastructure.

4 There is one missing spec section that is listed on the Table of Contents in the Spec book but not in the actual specs for the project: 13-05-41 - Seismic Restraint Requirements for Non-Structural Components. Page 175/417 is the last page of Specs 09-91-00. Page 176/417 is the first page of Specs 22-05-11. Skipping right past Specs 13-05-41.

Spec Section to be included, refer to attached.

5 After looking over the bid documentation and tentative scope, the VA does not have the funding set aside for this project, nor are they ready to move forward if there is a low bidder. The invitation to bid contains a clause stating they are not guaranteeing an award. Multiple subcontractors have said they won't bid this job until that verbiage is removed. Will that verbiage be removed as part of a future amendment?

No

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

Site supervisor can perform QC as well. SSHO must be a qualified competent person for the role.

7 Please confirm how long the overall time to obtain a badge should take as described in spec section 01 00 00, from the time the initial paperwork is submitted until the time the badge is in the employee's hands. Will separate badges need to be applied for at the three different sites that are part of this solicitation?

DurhamVAMC currently does not enforce badging requirements for construction contractors.

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

All inspections required for the project should be included in the bid price.

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

Please contact COR if such an issue arises. Durham VAMC will move furniture if required or provide an alternate path.

10 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?

Yes

11 The CQC System Manager is required to be a graduate engineer, graduate architect, or a graduate of construction management, with a minimum years of construction experience on construction similar to the scope of this Contract. Can the education requirement be waived based on the number of years of construction experience? If so, how many years?

No

12 Will the Government accept Procore as the Contractor's primary project management, submittal, RFI, document control, and data tracking platform for this project?

Yes

13 Will the owner accept "Primavera P6" for schedule submission and monthly updates?

Yes

14 Please confirm whether this project is sales tax-exempt. If so, will the Contracting Officer provide a sales tax exemption letter prior to procurement activities?

Taxes are addressed in the solicitation.

15 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 Owner on this project?

No

16 Many Owner campuses are beginning to address tuberculosis protocols on the Owner campus projects, including the 90-day screening before assignment to the worksite. This requirement will limit the amount 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 a requirement to follow the 90-day screening before beginning work on the project?

Yes

17 What is the approximate duration between issuing the award and issuing the NTP?

This will be coordinated after award

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

Award is anticipated within 120 days of bid due dates, however, see above referred information regarding funding availability

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

A/E Shall have 5 calendar days to respond to RFIs and VA shall have an additional 5 calendar days to respond

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

A/E shall have 10 calendar days to respond to submittals and VA shall have an additional 5 calendar days to respond.

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

Revit or CAD can be provided to awarded contractor upon award of bid and signed CAD release.

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

The work is expected to perform during normal hours.

Any work that disrupts hospital operations due to excessive noise, vibration or outage will have to be performed during after hours or weekends. Contractor should coordinate and schedule this work with COR during construction.

23 How many site visits do owner consultants have for MEP and systems coordination with GC, and will the Owner have a designated MEP representative available on site?

Contractor should submit an RFI if there is a need for a meeting or onsite discussion with A/E team. COR will coordinate accordingly.

24 Can you confirm that the owner 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?

Construction cotractor is only to include coordination/participation and is not responsible for 3rd party agent.

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

Durham VA will not provide free parking. Contractors can obtain paid parking.

26 Where will the designated laydown area be for the GC? No designated laydown area will be provided.

Contractor can bring trailer to Durham VA campus at their expense to use as laydown/ office

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

The drawings were reviewed by Durham VAMC personnel during design, but design operability is not to be determined by the Durham VAMC O&M team.

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

Contractor can set up temporary office in 10th floor mechanical room during this project. Contractor will have to bring in table/chair to set up temporary office. If not, the contractor can set up contractor trailer within Durham VAMC campus at their expense.

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

Yes

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

Yes

31 Will the owner provide the fire watch during the period that the fire suppression and/or fire alarm system is not in service?

No, if the fire suppression and/or fire alarm service is taken down due to a project need or scheduled outrage, the contractor will be responsible for the fire watch.

32 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.

Refer to specifications 01 57 19-4

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

Submittal registry may be requested from A/E after award, however contractor is responsible for reviewing project and specifications to provide all submittals required and keeping a registry for project.

34 Can the QA/QC dual hat as the Superintendent? Yes

35 Can the SSHO dual hat as a Superintendent? No

36 Will there be ICRA requirements? ICRA does not apply for this project as all construction work will be performed outside the building (rooftop) per VA analysis for completing this work. However, if contractor means and method work requires them to do anything inside than VA anticipated, then ICRA measures may be needed.

37 Since the bid opening is to be electronically submitted, would there be consideration to also have the bid opening done via a phone call or Teams call?

No

38 Can the owner confirm that the General Contractor is to not include any Asbestos or Lead Removal?

While Asbestos Containing Material and/or lead-based and lead-containing materials are not anticipated, removal of such materail is required if found.

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

The Government did not provide any previous data or indication that Asbestos Containing Material and/or lead-based and lead-containing materials are present.

A survey was not performed as part of the design of this project. The A/E is not aware of any existing surveys however they may exist. VA to Respond if preivous surveys were completed and if information is available.

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

Contractor shall identify possible asbestos material and submit RFI.

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

Service elevators can be used by contractors. Their usage should not disrupt hosipital operations. COORD will coordinate.

42 The statement of bid items in the specifications states "Work includes general construction, alterations, roads, walks, grading, drainage, necessary removal of existing structures and construction and certain other items." No drawings or specifications are seen laying out the scope and parameters of any road work, walks, No road work or grading is required as part of the construction documents. Contractor is responsible for any damage to roadways or other areas as required to perform the work should damage occur.

grading, drainage, etc. Can you please provide clarity on these scopes if they are a part of this project?

43 Will the GC be responsible for hiring a registered land surveyor or civil engineer that completes the listed work in spec 01 00 00 - 9 -1.3 - D?

GC is responsible for all work within contract.

44 Will the GC be responsible for providing the field office noted in spec 01 00 00 - 12 & 13 - 1.17?

See response to RFI 28

45 Where will the designated laydown area be that will allow sufficient space for the COR trailer, the GC's trailer, and any construction laydown/staging area?

See response to RFI 26

46 MS111 keynote 2 shows proposed location for crane;

however, keynote 1 shows temp fencing for Building 42 remodel. Building 42 remodel is not a part of this project. Please clarify if keynote 2 accurately shows the location of crane for Replace Chillers for AHU-1 and 2 project at Durham VAMC.

Location shown on MS111 is based on phasing discussions and concepts as well as coordination with the VA during design. Refer to drawings for notes and scope required of the contractor.

47 Please clarify the height from the ground where the crane can be set up to the top of the roof deck where equipment will be installed. S-101 Drawing Notes 1 and 2 reference the roof is 131.09' above datum, but there's no clear description of what is used as the datum.

Top of roof is 131.09' above the ground floor (datum 386.00').

48 Please clarify the hours of operation and any other logistical constraints for operating the crane.

See response to RFI 22

49 Please clarify if it would be acceptable to use airlift equipment to rig new equipment on roof and remove existing equipment in lieu of using a crane, and clarify

Lifting requirements are a suggestion of A/E, GC is responsible for lifting of equipment. This is means and methods and all requirements shall be coordinated with

VA COR.

any specific logistical constraints associated with airlift operation.

50 Please clarify who the required BAS controls contractor is at this VA campus and please provide their contact information.

COR will coordinate communication with construction contractor and BAS controls tech during construction.

See response for RFI62.

51 Please clarify if existing roof has warranty and if any contractors must be used to maintain roof warranty.

Provide their contact information as needed.

No existing warranty.

52 Specification section 05 12 00 para 1.5.A and B require an AISC-certified fabricator and erector for structural steel. Please clarify if the AISC requirement can be omitted for a contractor who meets the minimum timeline requirement for similar installations (of five years).

No, AISC certified fabricator and erector is required for all VA projects per their 05 12 00 Specifications.

53 Please clarify if temporary chillers will be required or if there's an acceptable time when the chiller can be taken offline to install the new chiller.

Temporary chillers are not anticipated based on projects proposed work as well as the back-up nature of the chillers. Chillers shall be removed once crane and construction schedule has been coordinated and approved by the VA

54 Please clarify if pre-demolition certified test and balance of the existing system will be required.

Provide pre-demolition TAB on AHU-1 and 2 water-side only.

55 The facility must remain operational during construction, but the required sequence of work and temporary cooling requirements are not clearly defined.

Please provide the required demolition, installation, and switchover sequence. Confirm whether temporary cooling is required and the maximum allowable chilled-water shutdown duration.

Refer to MS111, Drawing Note 4 specifically. The contractor must prepare a schedule for review by the COR. That schedule must include restrictive elements identified in the Drawing Notes. Accessibiity requirements for the loading dock and crane areas are specifically indicated in Drawing Notes 2 & 3. Consult with the VA COR for any additional restrictions or requirements that may affect the contractors schedule at the time of schedule development.

56 Sheet A-101, Note 3 calls for new guardrails but does not provide sufficient information regarding their design or appearance. Please provide the guardrail design requirements, including material, height, finish, post and rail configuration, attachment details, and any requirements to match the existing guardrails.

New Guardrails shall match existing adjacent guardrails to remain in material, profile, height and finish.

57 Sheet A-101, Note 1 requires the application of an epoxy coating; however, the contract documents do not provide sufficient information regarding the required coating system. Please clarify the specified epoxy coating, including the manufacturer (or approved equal), required surface preparation, coating system, color/finish, minimum dry film thickness, and any applicable specification section or performance requirements governing this work.

Please see specifications 090600 and 099100.

58 Specification 01 35 26, paragraph 1.7.C, requires the SSHO to be a separate qualified individual from the Superintendent and Quality Control Manager, with duties only as the SSHO. For this phased chiller replacement, must a dedicated SSHO be physically present full-time for the entire 270-day period of performance, or may the SSHO's on-site presence be limited to active high-hazard operations (crane and rigging, energized work, work at heights)? Please confirm the minimum required on-site presence.

Yes, a SSHO must be physically present when there is construction activity by prime or sub-contractors in Durham VAMC campus

59 The facility operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and AHU 1 and 2 are served by the chillers being replaced. Does the VA require the contractor to maintain cooling to AHU 1 and 2 during the changeover, for example with temporary or rental chillers, or is a coordinated full shutdown of the affected system acceptable? If temporary cooling is required, please confirm the required capacity and duration.

Primary cooling to AHU-1 and 2 are by the main building chilled water loop, no temporary cooling is anticipated

60 Shutdowns must occur on second shift or during the weekend, with a written request at least 20 days in advance. Please confirm the maximum continuous outage duration the VA will approve, and whether consecutive weekend or multiple second-shift outage windows are available, as this drives the changeover sequence and schedule.

Depedent on what outage is requested and how it will impact the daily hospital operations.

61 The chillers weigh approximately 12,010 pounds each and require a rooftop crane pick with a professional-engineer-reviewed critical lift plan. Please confirm the approved crane setup location and roof access and rigging path, whether any street or parking-lot closures are permitted, and identify an on-site laydown and staging area, given that no material storage is allowed on VA property without approval.

Please refer to drawing MS111. The drawing show a proposed crane set up location. Ultimately this should be determined by the lift planner who creates lift plan and submit to VA for approval. We will work with the contractor and get parking lot closures within the campus.

62 The new chiller plant must integrate with the existing building management system and existing AHU controls. Please identify the existing BMS manufacturer and product line, and confirm whether a specific controls contractor or product line must be used for the DDC integration and graphics to ensure compatibility and preserve existing system warranties.

Please refer to Drawing MI701. The drawing clearly states that the existing BAS system is Siemens Apogee P2 network.

63 The scope includes rooftop structural steel and equipment supports. Please confirm whether the existing roof structure and dunnage are adequate for the new chillers and pumps or require reinforcement per the structural drawings, and identify any roofing-warranty coordination required for the new penetrations and supports.

Based on basis of design chillers, extension of the existing steel dunnage platform is required per S-101.

Extents of reinforcement will need to be coordinated with final chiller equipment selection. There are no proposed new roof penetrations.

64 Please confirm the chiller basis-of-design manufacturer and model and list acceptable or-equal manufacturers.

Please also confirm the maximum weight and dimensional envelope for the rooftop location and the rigging path, so bidders can verify equipment fit.

Refer to mechanical schedules for chiller BOD.

Manufacturers must comply with all drawings, specifications, and requirements by the VA. This project is subject to FAR regulations for procurement.

65 Please confirm the type and percentage of the new glycol charge, and identify responsibility for draining, disposal, and manifesting of the existing glycol charge and system fluids.

Refer to mechanical schedules for glycol type and percentage. Contractor is responsible for any modifications to the existing system.

66 Please confirm that adequate existing electrical capacity and feeders are available for the new chillers and the three variable-frequency-drive pumps, or whether new feeders and panel work are within the contractor's scope, and identify the source panel or panels.

Per electrical metering conducted on 12/16/2025, the maximum demand found on the existing MCC was 380A. Without accounting for load removed as part of this project, the project load added to the existing load is approximately 1060A, which is only 53% of the rating of the MCC.

New breakers and feeders are to be provided as indicated on the electrical one-line diagram. This is the case for all new equipment added; no existing breakers or feeders are reusued as part of this project.

67 While reviewing the bid documents, I found several references to the following mechanical drawings:

MD111 – Mechanical Roof Plan Demolition; MP111

– Mechanical Roof Plan New Work. However, these sheets do not appear to have been included in the drawing package I received. Could you please provide these drawings or direct me to where they can be obtained?

Refer to drawing set dated for 03/26/2026 for referenced drawings.

Please confirm the required insulation type and thickness for the exterior glycol supply (GLS) and glycol return (GLR) piping.

GLS and GLR shall meet the requirements of GC and GCR as listed in the VA Section 23 07 11, Paragraph

3.4. Specifically, for "Exterior Locations only" as listted

in the Table. Insulation inside of the AHU mechanical room may be selected for non-exterior locations.

69 Specifications state that piping exposed to outdoor weather shall receive metal jacketing. Please confirm whether exterior valves, elbows, tees and other fittings are inteded to receive : aluminum fittings covers or PVC fitting covers

Refer to Section 23 07 11, Paragraph 2.8.H. Fittings shall be of the same construction as straight run jackets.

70 Please clarify the intended extent of existing insulation demolition and replacement associated with the glycol piping system.

Refer to Drawing Note 2 on Sheet MD111 and Drawing Note 1 on Sheet MP111.

See attached document: chillers July 30 sign in.

See attached document: 13 05 41 - SEISMIC RESTRAINT REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS.