RFIs 557-22-901 Bldg. 5 Generators_.docx

RFIs 557-22-901 Bldg.5 Generator Dublin, GA.

1. Will the VA release the site visit sign-in sheet early so vendors that were present can be contacted?

The site visit sign-in sheet has been attached to this amendment.

2. We are interested in bidding on the project mentioned above, we would like to know if we can bid on this project with the Florida state license certification or if is it required to have a Georgia state license certification to bid on this project.

The VAAR and FAR do not specifically require a company to be licensed in the state they are working in, only that the company must comply with all applicable state and local laws and regulations, which may include licensing requirements.

3. Is the owner interested in a buy-back credit for the existing generator that is being demoed? If not, when the existing engine is demolished, will the facility want this generator delivered to a certain location or is it up to the contractor to find a place for the generator to go once removed? Existing generator will belong to the contractor when demolished.

4. The existing generator unit has a remote circuit breaker that feeds the associated switchboard. We are writing this RFI to confirm that the new generator will have a breaker on board the unit itself or if a remote circuit breaker will be required.

Specification section 23 32 13 Engine Generators paragraph 2.11 requires a output circuit breaker. The layout is based on an generator mounted breaker.

5. Per note 31 on ED101, it is noted to relocate the generator fuel tank for the demo and installation of the new generator. Per the rigging company that was on-site with us during the job walk, this can be done by sliding the tank over about 2 feet within the same fence. Can we confirm if that is acceptable? If the tank can be moved and allow for room to remove and install the new generator while leaving the fuel tank inside the fence this will be acceptable.

6. Note 60 on E101 shows the 2 existing VFDs being relocated to accommodate the new wall shift. Can we confirm if it is acceptable to install these VFDs on the new wall that is shifted once the wall is in place in lieu of the current proposed location?

The reason for the proposed location of the relocated VFD’s is to allow a minimum downtime for the existing equipment. The project shall be bid with the VFD’s in the proposed location as shown on the drawings.

7. Upon Site Visit inspection and confirming dimensions of the new generator, the new generator would easily fit within the existing room space. Can the VA explain the rationale behind relocating the existing 8” block wall between the generator room and the mechanical room? Similarly, can the VA confirm that there is no need to relocate the existing block wall? The wall is relocated to allow proper working clearance for all new electrical equipment with the installation of the new generator and its associated exhaust plenum with dampers. The project shall be bid with the wall relocated as shown on the drawings.

8. Does the existing block wall have any load-bearing headers or beams?

No

9. Can the VA confirm the ICRA-level environment of the generator room and mechanical room, if any? Based on current Infection Control Risk Assessment Activity Category is C, Overall Patient Risk Category is LOW, and Level of Infection Prevention and Control Precautions is II.

10. Note 45 on sheet E101 says to core drill through concrete for the new fence posts. What is the thickness of the concrete to be core drilled? 4”

11. Note 45 on sheet E101 says to core drill through concrete for the new fence posts. What is the post footing size? Spec Section 32 31 13 3.2B2

2. Framework:

a. Posts: Set plumb in concrete footings with 600 mm (24 inches) minimum depth.

1) Minimum Footing Diameter: Four times largest cross section of post, up to 100 mm (4 inches) O.D. and three times largest cross section of post greater than 100 mm (4 inches). O.D.

2) Provide larger footings for gate posts. Top of post concrete footing, at grade crowned to shed water away from the post.

3) Space line posts not exceeding 3 m (10 ft.) on center.

12. Will the fuel lines for the relocated diesel tank need to be underground or can the be temporarily installed on the ground? The relocated tank will not be used to fuel the temp. generator. Once new generator is installed and tank relocated back to its original position replace fuel line as they were before removal.

13. Are there any underground utilities that need to be avoided in the area under the concrete for the new fence section? No, however coordinate with COR prior to drilling to ensure no new utilities have been installed.

14. Are there any new concrete pads for new/relocated pumps, ATS, etc., which are not specifically called out in the plan notes? No

15. Note 54 sheet E101, shows the existing sidewalk and says to avoid handicapped ramp with new fence. The plan does not clearly show the sidewalk ramp, nor does it show where the sidewalk ends and existing grass and shrubbery begin. Please clarify so the prime contractor may provide an accurate estimate.

16. Will the existing section of the fence be removed where the new sections are to be added? Yes

17. Will a temporary concrete pad be required for the relocated diesel tank? No tank can be supported by stable blocking.

18. Spec 01 35 26.1.9.B states that monthly inspections are required by a third-party Certified Safety Professional (CSP). Are these monthly inspections required? Yes and a copy of the inspection is to be given to the COR for record.

19. If the monthly inspections are required, can they be performed by our Corporate Safety Officer? Yes as long as person is qualified to perform the test and take accurate readings.

20. 01 35 26 1.7.D calls for SSHO to be onsite at all times. Can this onsite position be filled by the superintendent? Yes as long as all qualification and requirements for that or those position are fulfilled.

21. Spec section 01 45 00 3.4.B which identifies the qualifications required for the CQC Manager. According to this spec section, “The CQC system Manager is required to be a graduate engineer, graduate architect, or a graduate construction manager, with a minimum of 5 years construction experience on construction similar to the scope of this Contract”. This statement would require an on-site person with a 4-year degree in either architecture, engineering, or construction management to be employed full-time, onsite, and for the duration of the project. This is typical of a US Army Corps of Engineer spec reserved for projects with much higher complexity and magnitude than this SDVOSB solicitation for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Enforcement of this spec would require creating an additional high-paying position within the onsite staff, thereby increasing monthly overhead project cost to the Government on every project. Meeting this requirement in an industry that already has a significant shortage of labor resources will be both difficult to fill and costly to the project. Based on the size and complexity of this project, we respectfully request that this spec requirement be revised to add the statement “or a construction professional with a minimum of 7 years related work experience” at the end of the sentence quoted above.

Spec Section 01 45 00 3.4 B states:

CQC System Manager: Identify as CQC System Manager an individual within the onsite work organization that is responsible for overall management of CQC and has the authority to act in all CQC matters for the Contractor. The CQC system Manager is required to be a construction person with a minimum of 10 years in related work. This CQC System manager is on the site at all times during construction and is employed by the General Contractor. The CQC System Manger is assigned as CQC System Manager but has duties as project superintendent in addition to quality control. Identify in the plan an alternate to serve in the event of the CDQC System Manager’s absence. The requirements for the alternate are the same as the CQC System Manager.

Spec Section 01 45 00 3.4B

22. Economic Price Adjustment for Labor and Material Due to the fact that this solicitation requires us to “hold” our pricing for 180 calendar days for acceptance and given the recent uncertainty in materials and labor costs; would the government consider including the FAR Clause 52.216-4, Economic Price Adjustment for Labor and Material in this solicitation?

No, The Government contemplates the award of a Firm-Fixed-Price contract resulting from this solicitation. Offers providing less than 120 calendar days for Government acceptance after the date offers are due will not be considered and will be rejected.

23. Please clarify if a superintendent can be a dual hat to cover the requirements of SSHO? Yes as long as all qualification and requirements for that or those position are fulfilled.

24. If no to the question above, will the SSHO need to be full-time for this project?

25. Please clarify if a superintendent can be a dual hat to cover the requirements of QA/QC? Yes as long as all qualification and requirements for that or those position are fulfilled.

26. If no to the question above, will the QA/QC need to be full-time for this project?

27. Can a superintendent be a triple hat to cover the requirements of SSHO and QA/QC? Yes as long as all qualification and requirements for that or those position are fulfilled.

28. Please confirm the issued drawing set is the latest and complete set. Updated drawings have been included with these RFI’s.

29. Please confirm the current design documents meet current VA TIL guidelines.

The design meets the VA TIL guidelines required at the time of the design award.

30. Will commissioning be required? Who is responsible for contracting the commissioning agent? No, verification of generator connection, operation, switching, power to appropriate circuits and shutdown will be demonstrated to Electrical Engineer of Record, VA Electrical supervisor and VA COR.

31. VAAR 852.219-75 VA NOTICE OF LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING—CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE FOR SERVICES AND CONSTRUCTION (JAN 2023) (DEVIATION) was provided as an attachment to the solicitation and as a page within the solicitation. Does the VA require that both be filled out and returned or is either one of them acceptable?

Either one of them is acceptable.

32. In which Volume and which Factor would you like the provided Contractor Experience Form submitted?

Volume 1, Factor 1- Technical Volume under Element 1- Prior Experience.

33. Will the Contractor Experience Form count towards the page limit of the Volume you would like it submitted in?

No

34. Is the contractor responsible for evacuating the 2000 gallons of fuel in the existing tank prior to relocation? Spec Section 26 32 13 2.5A The existing 2000 gallon above ground diesel tank will be relocated then re-installed to be reused. The VA will remove all fuel in the existing tank before the tank is relocated. The contractor will be responsible for fuel for testing and leaving the tank full at the completion of the project.

35. Note 48 on sheet E101 indicates that the contractor will provide a temporary tank with 24 hours of diesel. Based on consumption please indicate the amount of diesel anticipated for this function.

See Note 61, sheet ED101 on the revised drawings dated 12/11/2023.

Fuel consumption based on a load of 250kvA.

36. The price proposal volume is limited to ten (10) pages. The SF1442 is two (2) pages, the Price Schedule is one (1) page, the Division Pricing of Line items is one (1) page, and the SF 24 Bid Bond is now seven (7) pages for a minimum of eleven (11) pages. Please acknowledge the page limitation to eleven (11) pages.

Extra page for SF 24 Bid Bond is acceptable.

37. The solicitation refers to Microsoft Project for scheduling software. Please confirm that an alternative is acceptable for the proposal package, such as Primavera or similar. Similar is acceptable.

38. Please confirm that the superintendent can also fulfill the roles of SSHO and QCM if they have the necessary qualifications.

As long as the superintendent meets all qualifications for SSHO and QCM manager there is no issue.

39. Specification section 01 45 00 references the need to have a manager with engineering or architectural design experience to implement the CQC plan. Please confirm that it is not necessary for the contractor to hire someone with an architectural or engineering degree for any part of this project.

Spec Section 01 45 00 3.4 B states:

CQC System Manager: Identify as CQC System Manager an individual within the onsite work organization that is responsible for overall management of CQC and has the authority to act in all CQC matters for the Contractor. The CQC system Manager is required to be a construction person with a minimum of 10 years in related work. This CQC System manager is on the site at all times during construction and is employed by the General Contractor. The CQC System Manger is assigned as CQC System Manager but has duties as project superintendent in addition to quality control. Identify in the plan an alternate to serve in the event of the CDQC System Manager’s absence. The requirements for the alternate are the same as the CQC System Manager.

40. With limited space on site for the temporary generator in the fenced-in area, will the government oppose us setting up the temporary generator outside of the fenced area?

Temporary location is identified on Drawing E001

41. Please confirm that the government will drain the fuel tank prior to work involved with the relocation. Spec Section 26 32 13 2.5A The existing 2000 gallon above ground diesel tank will be relocated then re-installed to be reused. The VA will remove all fuel in the existing tank before the tank is relocated. The contractor will be responsible for fuel for testing and leaving the tank full at the completion of the project.

image1.jpeg