ATTACH 1 0003 - RFIs 565-26-110 Replace AHU 34_21August2026.pdf

SOLICITATION 36C24626Q0827

565-26-110 Replace Air Handling Unit #34 RFIs

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

1. Can we have access to the auditorium drawings for calculating loads ? See enclosed 2023 Electrical Study

2. Can we have access to the mechanical room drawings and the original installation drawings ?

Not found.

3. Do the controls need to be Bacnet ? Yes

4. Will there be any special requirements for crane work. This is an active building and there is limited access to this area as we all saw.

Whomever the General Contractor will be must develop their own means and methods and provide their execution plan to the VA for review and subsequent approval.

5. Are we to carry the engineering and design or will you ? General Contractor

6. Will you provide all required rigging and crane work or will you ? No. General Contractor

7. Current lead time on semi custom air handlers is 16-18 weeks. Is this going to work with the 180 days window for completion ?

Determine the best option in both cost and time.

8. If Crane work needs to be completed on Saturday can the site support ? Yes

9. Will any temporary cooling be required ? Yes

10. Does customer have original equipment submittal readily available ? No.

11. How often will the space be utilized for Sterile Processing and Storage ? Continuous until the main SPSPD project is completed. At least through October 2027.

12. What is the maximum occupancy for the Auditorium served by AHU 34 ? Chaired Seating: 330 PAX; Cubical Seating: 64 PAX ; SPSPD: 10 PAX

13. What is the breaker size in the main panel? See elclosed drawings found

14. Where is the main panel? See enclosed electrical study

15. Are we to replace or can we reuse connections? Replace as needed.

16. If replace, how far back? As needed. General Contractor to conduct an assessment and consult with the VA HVAC team.

17. Will any plans be issued and/or more specs on the AHU? Trane remarks: Based on what I read, this is not enough to provide a quote.

What additional specification do you require?

18. Who currently serves BAS and control systems used at the VA Hospital? BAS is open source. The current system is Niagra Tridium N4

19. TAB requirements. What are the flow requirements for water and air balancing? Are there independent boxes needing to be balanced along with the new AHU?

See specifictions

20. New equipment specs were not provided for electrical requirements. MOCP or MCA ?

Specifications were provided to Contracting.

21. How will we provide accurate electrical pricing for any upgrades? Will electrical upgrades be required?

Please read all electrical specifications provided to Contracting.

22. Is there a contingency plan if modular air handler won’t fit through fresh air louver? Can the wall with fresh air be opened further if necessary?

What is your proposed plan?

23. Can the crane be stationary? Or will it need to be broken down daily? Are there any special crane requirements?

What is your proposed plan? Also see response to RFI #58 below.

24. Stainless sloped drain pan. What are the requirements? Specific height? How far do you want it to extend past all sides of new AHU?

Drain does not need to slope. 3" around unit and 3" deep.

25. Scope of work mentions motors. Will any pumps be replaced? Will we use a like for like pumps? Will this need to be sized with new unit? Do you have the model numbers for the new pumps for any pumps needing to be replaced ?

No pumps known. AHU and Return Fan Motors.

26. Duration of down time if allowed? (assuming no temporary units are used) None. Temporary units must be used to maintain temp and humidity in the area.

27. Do we need to provide temporary HVAC equipment for the duration of the project? What is the space temperature and humidity requirements for the temporary equipment? Yes

28. Have any safety concerns been identified? Are there asbestos or lead paint in the area?

Has it been tested?

If the VA can locate any reports they will be provided.

29. All piping accessories to match existing. Are there any additional ancillaries items requested by the VA that is not currently being used at the AHU?

No

30. Several of the Mechanical Subs at the Pre-Bid Site Visit mentioned the current government budget for this project of $250,000 to $500,000 is severely less that the cost to do this project. Can more money be allotted to this project by the government?

This topic is for VA internal discussions.

31. What are the requirements for QC / SSHO / Site Supervisor, and can one person wear all three hats on this project ?

Must all be separate. No dual or triple hatting allowed.

32. If there is any special testing will that be paid for by the government ? No. General Contractor

33. If there are any special inspections will that be paid for by the government ? No. General Contractor

34. Will there be a lay down area and area for the crane to operate safely on site ? This facility has very limitted available space. What is the General Contractor's proposal for a laydown area? What do you

"need"? Can and will be determined by the VA pending what the General Contractor's requirement is.

35. What (if any) ICRA requirements are there for this project ? ICRA is required. The building is an occupied building. An ICRA Permit Request can be provided for review and determination of requirements.

36. Can we have access to the auditorium drawings for calculating loads ? Whatever drawing were found are enclosed.

37. Can we have access to the mechanical room drawings and the original installation drawings ?

Projects question

38. Do the controls need to be BACnet ? Yes

39. Will there be any special requirements for crane work. This is an active building and there is limited access to this area as we all saw.

See response to RFI #58 below.

40. Are we to carry the engineering and design, or will you ? General Contractor

41. Current lead time on semi-custom air handlers is 16-18 weeks. Is this going to work with the 180-days window for completion ?

Determine your plan. Adjustments if needed can be discussed with and through the contracting office.

42. If Crane work needs to be completed on Saturday can the site support ? What is your proposed plan?

43. Will any temporary cooling be required ? Yes

44. Does customer have original equipment submittal readily available ? No

45. How often will the space be utilized for Sterile Processing and Storage ? Continuous until the main SPSPD project is completed. At least through October 2027.

46. What is the maximum occupancy for the Auditorium served by AHU 34 ? Please see response to RFI #12 above.

47. Please provide Auditorium drawings for load calculation. Whatever drawing were found are enclosed.

48. Please provide original equipment schedule. Not found.

49. Will temporary conditioning be required? Yes.

50. What is the maximum occupancy served by AHU 34? Please see response to RFI #12 above.

51. How often will the space be used for Sterile Processing & Storage? Continuous until the main SPSPD project is completed. At least through October 2027.

52. Will this be a phased project? General Contractor to develop and provide the VA with their prososal.

53. A crane will need to be used to lift the unit. Can you provide a lay down map for potential crane locations?

What is the General Contractor's proposed location? If you were on the Site visit you were able to see the area.

54. What other systems are connected to this unit? See response to RFI #18 above.

55. Will plans be provided for this project? No.

56. Can we have access to the mechanical room drawings and the original installation drawings ?

Not found.

57. Do the controls need to be Bacnet ? Yes

Given that the AHU is located at the top of a three-story building within a VA Medical Center, and the area is within a complete concrete and cinder block enclosure, several special requirements and considerations for crane work are likely to apply:

1. Access and Site Logistics:

Crane access routes must be reviewed and approved by facility engineering staff.

The staging area for the crane may be limited due to building proximity and active operations; site surveys must confirm the feasibility.

Protect existing infrastructure, landscaping, sidewalks, and roads as needed.

2. Building Protection:

The area surrounding the AHU and crane setup needs protection from debris, vibration, and potential equipment damage.

Any necessary penetrations or temporary roof openings must be coordinated and protected against weather.

3. Safety & Infection Control:

Follow VA Medical Center infection control risk assessment (ICRA) procedures, including dust control and isolation barriers. Crane operations must be scheduled to minimize disruption to patient care and facility operations.

4. Permitting and Notification:

Obtain all necessary permits (internal/external), and coordinate with the Safety and Engineering departments.

Notify VA facility management and Security for approval before bringing crane equipment onsite.

5. Structural Considerations:

Evaluate roof capacity or any supporting surfaces if crane loads or temporary rigging will impact the structure.

Ensure that the enclosure openings are sufficient for AHU removal/installation—modify as directed by the VA if necessary.

6. Traffic and Security:

Submit a traffic management plan for review, including any road closures or detours.

Coordinate with VA Security for escort and oversight during equipment movement and lifting operations.

Ensure all workers are badged and comply with VA access requirements.

7. Scheduling:

Work may need to be performed during off-hours or weekends to minimize impact; coordinate with VA facility operations for approval.

8. Emergency Preparedness:

Submit a contingency plan for emergency events during crane operation.

9. Additional Requirements:

Comply with all VA, OSHA, and local jurisdiction regulations for crane work.

Provide lift plans, certifications, and operator credentials to VA Engineering for approval before mobilizing.

59. Are we to carry the engineering and design or will you ? General Contractor

60. Will you provide all required rigging and crane work or will you ? General Contractor to determine shotest duration and most cost effective methods to accomplish the project

61. Current lead time on semi custom air handlers is 16-18 weeks. Is this going to work with the 180 days window for completion ?

General Contractor should develop their proposal and present it to the VA for review.

62. If Crane work needs to be completed on Saturday can the site support ? Yes. Also see response to RFI #58 above.

58. Will there be any special requirements for crane work. This is an active building and there is limited access to this area as we all saw.

63. What is the current BAS system used at the VA Hospital? BAS is open source. The current system is Niagra Tridium N4

64. Who currently serves BAS and control systems? BAS is open source. The current system is Niagra Tridium N4

65. TAB requirements. What are the flow requirements for water and air balancing? Please read specification 23 05 93 - Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing for HVAC

66. Are there independent boxes needing to be balanced along with the new AHU? No

67. New equipment specs were not provided for electrical requirements. MOCP or MCA Will electrical upgrades be required?

Unknown

68. Can the wall with fresh air be opened further if necessary if modular air handler won’t fit through fresh air louver?

What is the General Contractor's plan? Means & Methods.

69. Can the crane be stationary or will it need to be broken down daily? Please see response to RFI #58 above.

70. Are there any special crane requirements? Please see response to RFI #58 above.

71. What are the requirements for the stainless sloped drain pan? Specific height? How far do you want it to extend past all sides of new AHU?

Please see response top RFI #24.

72. Scope of work mentions motors. Will any pumps be replaced? Will we use a like for like pumps? Will this need to be sized with new unit?

Please see response to RFI #25.

73. Do you have the model numbers for the new pumps for any pumps needing to be replaced?

No

74. Duration of down time if allowed? (assuming no temporary units are used) Temporary HVAC is required.

75. Do we need to provide temporary HVAC equipment for the duration of the project?

Yes

76. What is the space temperature and humidity requirements for the temporary equipment?

Temperature and Humidty readings are identified in the specifications.

77. Have any safety concerns been identified? What is the General Contractor's Safety determinations? Please read the Safety Specification. 01 35 26

78. Are there asbestos or lead paint in the area? Has it been tested? Report found for BLDG 3 is enclosed.

79. All piping accessories to match existing. Are there any additional ancillaries items requested by the VA that is not currently being used at the AHU?

No.

80. Site staffing: Will the VA permit one qualified individual to serve in a dual role as both the on-site Superintendent and the Site Safety and Health Officer (SSHO)?

No.

81. Space served and criticality: The requirements (6 ACH, positive pressure, HEPA, humidity control) indicate a critical clinical space. Please identify the area AHU #34 serves, its criticality, and whether the space must remain conditioned during construction, including any temporary conditioning requirement or acceptable full-shutdown windows.

Tempotary Service - Sterile Procesing Service. SPSPD. Permanent Service - Auditorium

82. Work hours and outages: The scope states work hours of 0800 to 1630, Monday through Friday, and 14-day advance coordination of shutdowns and tie-ins. Will after-hours, night, or weekend work be permitted or required for outages and tie-ins to limit impact to the occupied space? Please confirm whether premium-time work is anticipated.

After hours and weekend work can be anticipated.

83. Hazardous materials: Demolition includes removing existing piping insulation and components. Please confirm whether an asbestos and lead survey of AHU #34 and associated insulation exists, and whether any required abatement is within this contract's scope or performed by the VA or others.

Do not expect any historical reports.

84. Steam service: The unit includes a 40 inch by 20 inch single-row steam coil. Please confirm that steam is existing and available at the unit, the operating steam pressure, and whether new steam pressure-reducing valve, traps, and freeze protection are in scope.

Yes.

85. BAS manufacturer: Please identify the existing Building Automation System manufacturer and product line so that controls integration, sequences, and graphics can be priced to match the existing system.

BAS is open source. The current system is Niagra Tridium N4

86. Commissioning agent: The scope requires the contractor to provide commissioning agent access and support. Please clarify whether the commissioning agent is VA-furnished or contractor-furnished, and the expected level of contractor support and deliverables.

General Contractor

87. Available drawings: The solicitation is performance-based and references no design drawings. Please confirm whether mechanical, electrical, and floor-plan drawings of the existing installation are available to offerors.

Whatever has been found are enclosed.

88. HEPA filtration: Please confirm the required final filter efficiency (true HEPA versus a MERV rating) and whether filtration is at the AHU or at terminal locations, as this affects fan static pressure and unit configuration.

Review VA Safety specifications and Infection Control Permit Requirements.

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