Attachment 0003A_RFI Answers_36C24725R0020.docx

Medical Gas Project Construction RFIs for RFP 36C24725R0020 (VA answers in red)

1. According to the specs, the VA will be in charge of hiring the Commissioning Agent. Could you please confirm that this is correct and who the Cx firm will be, if known?

· Confirmed, and firm is currently unknown. The VA is responsible for the commissioning and will engage/hire the commissioning agent.

2. Spec section 01 35 26.1.7 states the SSHO cannot be superintendent. Can the superintendent also be QC?

· No, per 01.45.00-2 3.2.B.1 “Include a CQC Manager that reports to the project superintendent.”.

3. Specification section 01 91 00.1.8.C states VA will engage commissioning agent. Plans GI-02 note 17 states contractor will perform commissioning. Please confirm VA will hire commissioning agent.

· Confirmed. The VA is responsible for the commissioning and will engage/hire the commissioning agent.

4. Regarding Past Performance Requirements – Is it possible to used previously completed PPQs, with email proof of delivery from the refence, in lieu of having to request those same PPQs again to those references?

· Yes, so long as the CO can determine that the PPQ came from the client and the review meets the other requirements in TAB B: Past Performance. See also question #5 below.

5. Regarding Past Performance Requirements – Also, if you have a CPARS to provide for a project, is it necessary to send the PPQ for that project?

· Offerors for whom we do not receive completed PPQs will not be excluded. However, offerors with past performance are expected to complete and submit page 1 of attachment 3 as instructed by the solicitation. This will allow our office to contact the POC via phone or e-mail. It is the contractor’s responsibility to ensure the correct contact information is listed on page 1 of attachment 3. If offerors opt to provide CPARS in place of PPQ’s, they are at risk of a lower rating due to the items on the PPQ not being addressed, unless the CPARS provides equal information. Where there is no record of past performance, the proposal will be evaluated neither favorably nor unfavorably. Superior performance ratings on relevant projects may be considered more favorably in the evaluation.

6. Drawing GI-03 states the plumbing contractor will coordinate with Smart Tap Inc for Live Taps. I spoke with Smart Tap today and was informed they no longer serve the VA facilities. Is there another contractor we should be looking to coordinate with for this project?

· No. Live taps are not allowed on this project. Per drawing # PG-00 Quality Assurance/Execution Note F “For piping connections to the existing medical gas system, the contractor shall use shape memory alloy couplings approved for medical gas applications.”, and all associated applications require COR approval.

7. Please clarify if a superintendent can be a dual hat to cover the requirements of SSHO?

· No, per 01.35.26-13 1.7.A “This position (SSHO) CANNOT have collateral duties as the contractor’s superintendent.”.

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

· Yes, per 01.35.26-13 1.7.D “The SSHO or an equally qualified Designated Representative / alternate will maintain a presence on the site during construction operations in accordance with the contract.”.

9. Please clarify if a superintendent can be a dual hat to cover the requirements of QA/QC?

· No, per 01.45.00-2 3.2.B.1 “Include a CQC Manager that reports to the project superintendent.”.

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

· Yes, per 01.45.00-5 3.4.A “The Contractor’s CQC staff maintains a presence at the site at all times during progress of the work and have complete authority and responsibility to take any action necessary to ensure Contract compliance.”

11. Can a superintendent be a triple hat to cover the requirements of SSHO and QA/QC?

· No, per 01.45.00-2 3.2.B.1 “Include a CQC Manager that reports to the project superintendent.” and 01.35.26-13 1.7.A “This position (SSHO) CANNOT have collateral duties as the contractor’s superintendent.”

12. Please confirm the issued drawing set is the latest and complete set.

· Confirmed.

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

· Confirmed, per the SOW New Work Scope “All work will be done according to VA specifications, design guides, infection control guidelines and all applicable codes. All work shall meet the most current editions of both NFPA99 and 101 and comply with all applicable building codes.”.

14. Please provide the latest wage determination for this project’s county.

· This was provided with the Solicitation on SAM.gov.

15. Past Performance: If we have a PPQ, requested for another opportunity, that is less than 12 months old, can we use it within our proposal?

· Yes, so long as the CO can determine that the PPQ came from the client and the review meets the other requirements in TAB B: Past Performance.

16. Is the use of temporary plastic wall panels (such as STARC panels) acceptable?

· Substitutes and “or equal” product requests will only be addressed after award and through the submittal process.

17. Who is responsible for the terminal clean of the project area?

· The VA Environmental Services only in Class III and IV areas, per 01.35.26-20/21 1.12.B.31.b.1 “Do not remove barriers from work area until completed project is inspected by the Project Manager Contracting Officer Representative or Government Designated Authority and thoroughly cleaned by the VA Environmental Services Department,” and 01.35.26-22 1.12.B.4.b.1, “Do not remove barriers from work area until completed project is inspected by the Project Manager and Facility Safety Officer or Contracting Officer Representative or Government Designated Authority with thorough cleaning by the VA Environmental Services Department.”

18. Who is responsible for contracting the commissioning agent?

· The VA is responsible for the commissioning and will engage/hire the commissioning agent.

19. Please confirm order of precedence for the contract documents. Does SOW prevail over the specifications and construction drawings?

· Per 01.35.26-5 1.3.A “Where the requirements of this specification, applicable laws, criteria, ordinances, regulations, and referenced documents vary, the most stringent requirements govern except with specific approval and acceptance by the COR or Government Designated Authority,” and this applies to all conflicts.

20. For planning the preliminary project schedule, please provide the anticipated NTP date. This will assist the VA in comparing the schedules provided by all bidders.

· Barring unforeseen delays, the NTP will be issued around the end of May 2025.

21. Please provide a detailed list of all office furniture scheduled for removal.

· There is no office furniture scheduled for removal in this project, but the contractor is required to temporarily relocate existing furnishings as necessary for work completion.

22. Indicate where the removed furniture is to be stored or how it should be disposed of.

· There is no office furniture scheduled for removal in this project, but the contractor is required to temporarily relocate existing furnishings as necessary for work completion.

23. How many subphases will be issued to the contractor at one time?

· The amount of multiple subphases issues concurrently will be determined by the contractor and based upon their schedule, in order to provide a completed project within the overall period of performance. The contractor will submit a proper phasing plan to be approved by the COR, and available work areas may be given based on the successful completion of work performed with minimal impacts to the facility.

24. If subphases are not released concurrently, should the contractor anticipate downtime between phases? How should the contractor account for any such downtime in the schedule?

· The contractor will provide a 3-week look ahead based on the successful turnover of phases. Prior coordination to phase releasing will be required based on work areas being both completed and certified.

25. Can any of the phases run concurrently? If so, please provide guidance on scheduling and coordination.

· Yes, as long as the correct sequencing is strictly followed in relation to prerequisite requirements, and per 22.05.11-16 1.8.C “Phasing of Work: Comply with all requirements shown on contract documents.”. The contractor will submit a proper phasing plan to be approved by the COR.

26. The life safety plans denote project phasing. Please confirm whether this phasing applies to the entire project or if there are additional phasing requirements.

· Confirmed, and surgery requires an individual phasing plan integrated into the master phasing plan, per drawing # A-06.

27. Where sub phasing is not provided, should the general contractor assume that the entire space will be made available at once?

· No. The contractor should not assume anything and should consult with the COR in each specific case. Per drawing # GI-02 Notes 9 & 10 “Before the start of each phase, the contractor shall meet with the COR and announce each work area’s progress and follow-up by providing a progress report to the COR each week. The contractor and COR are to work out a timetable for when this update will be provided by the contractor to the COR. For each phase, include the following: 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4.”.

28. Please clarify where the details referenced on page A-14 are applicable throughout the project.

· Both details are required, per drawing # A-06 in Storage Room 4419.

29. Is there an architectural equipment schedule available for reference?

· No, as this information was not included in the design documents.

30. Please confirm the VA’s preferred method of site access for personnel and material.

· The preferred method of site access for personnel is the 7th Avenue fire lane and loading dock, although the VA shuttle buses transport from the University Boulevard entrance.

31. Will Building Information Modeling (BIM) be required for this project? If so, please provide any specific standards or requirements.

· Yes, per 01.00.00-28 1.19.G “Permanent Record shall have BIM interface capabilities.” and 01.91.00-27 1.13.I.2 “The Commissioning Agent may request further documentation as is necessary for the commissioning process or to support other VA data collection requirements, including COBIE, BIM, etc.”

32. Does the VA want all Tabs submitted in one proposal volume or should the Pricing information be submitted as a separate file.

· As long as RFP guidance is followed and all required information is present, it does not matter if it is one file or separate files.

33. Tax Exemption: Is this project sales tax-exempt? If so, can the government provide a tax exemption certificate for materials purchased?

· No, it is not tax exempt.

34. Notice to Proceed (NTP): How soon after contract award is the NTP expected to be issued?

· Within approximately two to three weeks.

35. Submittal Platform: Will the VA accept the use of Procore Project Management software or equivalent as the primary submittal platform?

· Yes, ProCore is the basis of design software for this project.

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

· No. The project materials must be completely installed in order for payment approval.

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

· No.

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

· No.

39. SSHO and Superintendent Roles: Can the SSHO, QCM and superintendent positions be fulfilled by the same individual, provided qualifications are met? If not, can the superintendent double as the SSHO?

· No, per 01.45.00-2 3.2.B.1 “Include a CQC Manager that reports to the project superintendent.” and 01.35.26-13 1.7.A “This position (SSHO) CANNOT have collateral duties as the contractor’s superintendent.” Therefore, three separate individuals are required for these positions.

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

· Per 01.32.16.15-1 1.2.C “The Contractor’s representative shall have the option of developing the project schedule within their organization or to engage the services of an outside consultant.”

41. Temporary Facilities: Are contractors required to provide a temporary site office or trailer, or will space be allocated within the existing facility?

· Contractors must make their own offsite arrangements for office/trailer space, since no VA medical center space will be allocated for their usage.

42. Parking and Staging: Will there be designated parking and staging area for contractor personnel?

· Per drawing GI-02 Note #5 “Personal and company vehicle parking is permitted in the BVAMC parking garage located at 2415 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, 35233. This parking has height restrictions, and only passenger and light trucks are permitted. Garage parking is limited to areas away from the main elevators. The contractor will prepare and submit for approval a map and parking guidelines for all employees.”

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

· No. The preferred method of site access for personnel is the 7th Avenue fire lane and loading dock, although the VA shuttle buses transport from the University Boulevard entrance. Badging is per the SOW D.2 “An access badge is required at minimum for the contractor’s superintendent for use within the VA complex.”

44. 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?

· No, and the fire watch requirement timeframes for system impairments are sprinkler > 10 and fire alarm > 8 hours. The contractor is solely responsible for coordination and support personnel for the fire watch.

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

· Yes. References are available, and the requirements will be covered during contractor orientation.

46. Testing and Commissioning: Please confirm the VA will be hiring the commissioning agent.

· Confirmed. The VA is responsible for the commissioning and will engage/hire the commissioning agent.

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

· Substitutes and “or equal” product requests will only be considered after award and through the submittal process.

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

· Per the SOW C “Contractor shall verify and provide a set of hand-marked, red-lined, as-built drawings as the first phase of this project.”

49. PG-00 – It is required to redline all piping, pipe size, hangers, pipe joining method, mainline valves, riser valves, service valves, zone valves, outlets/inlets, alarm panels, source equipment and pre-label all piping prior to demo or new work. Pipe labeling on the drawing is required every 10’, but NFPA 99 requirement is every 20’. Confirm what is required as part of this project.

· Pipe labeling interval requirements are 10 ft above the ceilings, and 20 ft in open areas like mechanical rooms.

50. PG-00 – The above work “shall be accomplished outside of normal operating hours”. Is there any reason this work cannot be conducted during normal operating hours, from a mobile containment cart, with the exception of procedural areas?

· This project is after hours only as based on the work scope.

51. PG-02 – New work (3): “Install new twisted shielded pair wiring for area alarm panels communication to master alarm panels”. Area alarms read a digital display of pressure monitoring a zone, master alarms read dry contracts for pressure switches or local source functions. Area alarms are not designed/intended to communicate with masters. Confirm intent of intent of the scope.

· The verbiage “area alarm panels” should read “local alarm panels on source equipment packages.”

52. PG-02 – New work (7). “Route new 5” MV and 3” MA emergency piping to daylight”. Is the intent to have these mounted next to the new EOSC location and protected the new bollard?

· Yes, per drawing #s A-00, A-01, PG-04 and PG-09.

53. PG-02 – New work (7). For the emergency MV and MA connections, what type of connection should it be at the POC? Male with a threaded cap or female with a threaded plug?

· Per 22.63.00-23 2.16.B “The inlet consists of… NPTF connection.”

54. PG-04 – New work (13). Fully integrate new MAP with BMS. Who does the facility use currently for the BMS programming?

· The facility utilizes a Johnson Controls Metasys BMS, with JCI factory-trained technicians.

55. PG-29 – New work (7). Provide and install new Nitrogen manifold. Confirming we are only installing Nitrogen and NOT Nitrous Oxide as well?

· Confirmed. The existing nitrogen manifold is being replaced, as the existing nitrous oxide manifold remains.

56. PG-29 – New work (11) “the contractor shall verify WAGD pipe sizes to both medical gas outlets located along the wall as shown. If the pipe sizes are less than ¾”, the contractor shall notify the COR”. 2024 NFPA 99 5.10.11.1.3(3): Mains and branches supplying WAGD or support gases to more than a single terminal shall not be smaller than DN15 (NPS ½”) (⅝” in O.D.) size. If the WAGD is found to be less than ¾”, are we going to be required to upsize to ¾” per the drawing?

· Yes. Per drawing # PG-29 Key Note 1 “Within the indicated operating room, the existing WAGD connections shall be separated from the existing medical vacuum piping and be piped independently to the new zone vale box. The new WAGD piping shall connect from the existing equipment to a single 3/4” main pipe routed to the new zone valve box…”

57. PG-29 – New work (12) “provide wired connections from the main line pressure switches to the area and master alarm panels”. Main line pressure switches to not communicate with area alarm panels. Confirm this is only being ran to the 3 MAPs. The new work does not show new pressure switches, are we installing new switches for both the Nitrogen and Nitrous Oxide systems?

· Confirmed. The wired connections are only being routed to the three MAPs, and per the SOW New Work Scope “provide wired connections from the existing to remain main line pressure switches the in nitrous oxide system,” and “provide and replace the existing main line pressure switches and wired connections in the nitrogen system”.

58. PG-45 – (1) Master Alarm Panel C) All low volt cable to be purple in color jacketed and labeled every 24”. VA spec says all wire must be in conduit. Confirm if you are requiring all Med Gas LV conduit to be purple?

· Confirmed. All medical gas LV conduit to be purple in color.

59. PG-49 – Master alarm panel schedule only shows MAP-1 and MAP-2. What about MAP-3?

· The MAP-3 information is as follows: see drawing # PG-13, Room 1435, medical gases are O2-MA-MV-NO-N2, etc.

60. PG-50 – Oral Evac/Dental Vac is spec’d Tech West. These systems are typically run with a 3-wire remote on/off switch that is located in the Dental area. This is installed to allow the staff to turn the system on at the beginning of the day and off at the end of the day/weekend to avoid the system running 24/7. Are we required to run LV wire from the dental equipment to the dental area for a remote on/off switch?

· Yes. Per drawing # PG-50 Oral Evacuation System Schedule Note 1 “The complete package includes… and one remote control panel,” and this system shall be installed per the manufacturer’s recommendations and requirements unless otherwise instructed by the COR.

61. PG-50 – Oral Evac/Dental Vac is spec’d Tech West Eco Dry-Vac VPD10D2. Schedule shows 208/3Phase. ALL Tech West Vacuum systems are 230V/Single Phase. Power will have to be adjusted. Confirm.

· Not confirmed. The contractor must provide a system that utilizes the existing facility utilities, e.g. electrical requirements.

62. PG-51 – Oxygen Primary Liquid Level Low should be shown from the Oxygen pad, not the basement level. Confirm.

· Confirmed, as this is an error on the drawing.

63. E-01/E-06 – New work (6) for Oxygen, Medical Air, and Medical Vacuum emergency LV wire, can you identify what signals will be terminated? Ex: O2 primary liquid level low, MA Lag in Use, etc.

· Per drawing # PG-51 the required signal terminations are oxygen primary liquid level low, medical air high dewpoint, m/a lag compressor in use, m/a compressor high temperature shutdown, m/a carbon monoxide level high, m/a local alarm and medical vacuum pumps maintenance required. The required signals to include are equivalent to the source equipment alarms being displaced by the interim equipment.

64. This project is nearly completely mechanical, could you please change the NAICS code to reflect a mechanical project as 238220? This also will require a change in the limitations on subcontracting.

· 238220 is for “Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors.” 236220 is for “Commercial and Institutional Building Construction,” which better captures the scope of the project. This project is nearly completely plumbing, and not mechanical.

65. 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?

· No. The engineering and design submittals and all associated manufacturer’s costs for installation, certification, startup, etc. will be incurred by the contractor.

66. 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.

· No. The memo applies only to hot water and steam systems where heat is involved, and not to medical gas systems.

67. Drawing E-10 states that medical gas services must be maintained through construction period, but to safely work on medical gas, it must be shut down for periods during construction for proper purging.

· The COR shall be notified and will approve required outages of medical gas systems that are needed for the contractor’s work, and this notification shall occur at least four weeks prior to the outage. Medical gas systems are never worked on live!

68. Contractors cannot prescribe medicine, and medical grade oxygen is considered a prescription. Will temporary gases be provided by the VA?

· No. All temporary medical and laboratory gases and vacuum equipment and services required for this project including but not limited to certified backfeeding will be provided and coordinated by the contractor.

69. Please provide an asbestos report for the facility as well as the quantity of abatement needed for this project.

· Report attached. Per 01.35.26-9 1.4.B.4.i “Based on a risk assessment of contracted activities and on mandatory OSHA compliance programs, the Contractor shall address all applicable occupational, patient, and public safety risks in site-specific compliance and accident prevention plans. These Plans shall include but are not limited to procedures for addressing the risks associated with the following: 16) Asbestos abatement,” and Section 1.6 WORK ACTIVITY/EVENT COST DATA D “The Contractor shall cost load work activities/events for all BID ITEMS including ASBESTOS ABATEMENT. The sum of each BID ITEM work shall equal the value of the bid item in the Contractor’s bid.”

70. Is there any asbestos or lead paint in areas that will be disturbed during the course of this project? If so, please provide further information.

· Yes, as there is always the possibility of disturbing hazardous materials in certain areas during the course of this project, since the hospital was originally constructed in the 1940s. Per 01.35.26-9 1.4.B.4.i “Based on a risk assessment of contracted activities and on mandatory OSHA compliance programs, the Contractor shall address all applicable occupational, patient, and public safety risks in site-specific compliance and accident prevention plans. These Plans shall include but are not limited to procedures for addressing the risks associated with the following: 16) Asbestos abatement, 17) Lead abatement.”

71. Can CPARS be used in lieu of PPQs? Many COs that fill out CPARS opt to not fill out PPQs. The Contractor would have no control over this.

· Offerors for who we do not receive completed PPQs will not be excluded. However, offerors with past performance are expected to complete and submit page 1 of attachment 3 as instructed by the solicitation. This will allow our office to contact the POC via phone or e-mail. It is the contractor’s responsibility to ensure the correct contact information is listed on page 1 of attachment 3. If offerors opt to provide CPARS in place of PPQ’s, they are at risk of a lower rating due to the items on the PPQ not being addressed, unless the CPARS provides equal information. Where there is no record of past performance, the proposal will be evaluated neither favorably nor unfavorably. Superior performance ratings on relevant projects may be considered more favorably in the evaluation.

72. Work hours on the Drawings are 7:30pm to 4:30am. Work hours in the Specifications are 4pm to 12:30am. What are the hours Contractor is able to work? Please list out all areas where off hours work is required.

· The after-hours shift must start no earlier than 6:00 pm on weekdays, in the sensitive areas, and requires coordination by the COR. BVAMC is a functioning full-service hospital including all departments such as emergency medicine, surgery, inpatient care, sleep labs, blind rehabilitation, etc.

73. Drawing GI-02, note 17 references spec section 08 51 13. Please provide that spec section.

· This specification section is an error on the drawing and should read 01.91.00.

74. Drawing GI-02, note 18 states that the phases shall be performed under timeframe MM/DD/YYYY to MM/DD/YYYY, please provide dates.

· The period of performance is (500) calendar days. Assuming a Notice to Proceed (NTP) date of around 07/01/2025, this would put the timeframe at approximately 07/01/2025 through 11/13/2026 for the entire construction project including all phases.

75. Where will the contractor be able to put an office on site?

· Contractors must make their own offsite arrangements for office/trailer space, since no VA medical center space will be allocated for their usage.

76. Where will the contractor be able to put a dumpster on site?

· Per drawing GI-02 Note #4 “Dumpster locations on-site are not permitted. The city may provide permission to use the street for dumpster parking, if any space is available. The contractor is to get city approval and pay for all expenses related to using city property. The contractor will submit the dumpster location to the COR for approval.”

77. Where will the contractor be able to put three 40-foot connex boxes on site?

· Per drawing GI-02 Note #4 “Dumpster locations on-site are not permitted. The city may provide permission to use the street for dumpster parking, if any space is available. The contractor is to get city approval and pay for all expenses related to using city property. The contractor will submit the dumpster location to the COR for approval.”. This note also applies to conex boxes.

78. Provide information on “Pipe Sleeve” noted on GI drawings. Notes reference Detail 10 on PG-45. No detail 10 exists on PG-45.

· It appears the Detail 10 number is incorrect and should be Detail 7, which is titled “Split Sleeve Fire Stop”.

79. Drawing GI-05. The cut-out section showing floor cleaning and wall painting at the Research Bridge. The scale of this section is not shown. It is not the same scale as the overall plan (1/16”). What size are the rooms that require painting and floor cleaning?

· The left side is a stairwell room that has an exterior door opening to the sidewalk, and the right side is a mechanical room with approximate size of 20 ft square.

80. GI-05, Research Bridge. Confirm we are to only clean the floor in the two rooms? What type of floor requires cleaning?

· Confirmed. The mechanical room floor is concrete slab, and the stairwell floor is polymer covering.

81. GI-05, Research Bridge. Are we to paint the walls of the two rooms on the ground floor only up to 12’ high? How much ladder requires painting? What size is the ladder?

· The walls are to be painted to the highest elevation of either 12 ft or the metal floor above, whichever is greater. The entire ladder up to the first landing requires painting, which is approximately up to the same elevation as the walls, and the size is a standard mechanical room ladder.

82. The Wage Determination in Attachment 5 is for highway projects, not construction. The correct wage determination for this type of project has the plumbing wages listed incorrectly as the Local Union Identifier was left blank. The wages for plumbing should match the pipefitting wages, as the Union covers both of these trades. We believe that using the incorrect plumbing wages could be a violation of the National Labor Relations Act.

· The Davis-Bacon Act (DBA) Wage Determination, AL20250087, on Attachment 5 is correct for construction projects such as this one. Highway wage rates are on determination No. AL20250157 (not included in this solicitation). Additionally, the VA does not control the issuance of DBA wage determinations. All concerns with the accuracy of individual wage rates and union coverage should be forwarded to the issuing entity, the Department of Labor.

83. Drawing A-01. Room G415. Note N26. Does the entire floor get painted with epoxy?

· No. The drawings show the paint line start and stop, and this designation should be followed.

84. Drawing A-01. Room G415. Do all the walls get painted? Note N26 stated (Dashed Area). I can find no dashed lines in this room. Clarify the walls area in this room that gets painted.

· No. The drawings show the paint line start and stop, and this designation should be followed.

85. Drawing A-05. Note E2 states the ceiling is to remain. Note D18 states the room gets a new acoustical ceiling. What is the scope of work associated with the ceiling in this room?

· Note D18 should read: “Remove existing wooden wall rail system. Prepare all walls and frames for new finishes. Refer to Detail 1/A-14.”.

86. Confirm that we can only take down one OR room at a time per note A, A-06?

· The phasing plan details only one operating suite closed at a time. All deviations must be approved by the COR before construction commences.

87. How long can an OR room remain closed?

· The contractor will provide to the COR for approval a proper plan to include phasing and the critical path method that fits within the overall period of performance.

88. Can you provide photos of the OR ceiling and above ceilings?

· Photos attached of both above and below an OR suite ceiling, as an example. See Attachment 0003C.

89. Regarding the separation between the Med Vac and WAG piping. Can you provide a drawing showing the routing of the existing MV and WAG piping in the ORs and a drawing showing the proposed routing?

· No, per the SOW the initial project phase is to verify this existing piping in surgery.

90. Refer to Note 1 on PG-29. Where is the new WAG to be separated from the existing medical vacuum?

· This New Work Key Note details the existing WAGD connections shall be separated “within the indicated operating room.” and is most likely above the hard-ceiling, although the contractor to verify in the initial as-built phase.

91. Is there already a separate WAG piping running thru the OR to the existing equipment?

· To clarify the piping layout in a suite, the existing WAGD branches from the medical vacuum inside each room, and is most likely above the hard-ceiling, closer to the equipment, although the contractor to verify in the initial as-built phase.

92. Is the connection to the separate WAG piping at the equipment or near the wall at the zone valve box?

· To clarify the piping layout in a suite, the existing WAGD branches from the medical vacuum inside each room, and is most likely above the hard-ceiling, closer to the equipment, although the contractor to verify in the initial as-built phase.

93. Will the ceiling need to be removed in order to run new WAG piping across the OR to the existing equipment?

· The contractor must determine any ceiling work required in order to route the new WAGD piping. Photos will be provided of an OR suite ceiling, but not above the ceiling.

94. Can you provide information on the connection point for the new WAG vacuum line to the existing equipment?

· The existing connections are brazed copper pipe/fittings, and the connection points for the new WAGD lines will be similar.

95. Drawing PG-00, Note F. Are Shape Memory Alloy Couplings required for every connection to existing med gas piping? Is there no exception to that?

· Per NFPA 99-2024 5.1.10.3.1* “acceptable joining methods: (1) brazing, as described in 5.1.10.4, (2) welding, as described in 5.1.10.5, (3) memory metal fittings, as described in 5.1.10.6, (4) axially swaged fittings, as described in 5.1.10.7,” and the use of axially swaged fittings requires prior VA approval.

96. Are Medlok NFPA 99 compliant, Braze-free couplings allowed for connection to the existing med gas piping?

· Per 22.62.00-9 2.2.G.4 “Axially swaged, elastic strain preload fittings providing metal to metal seal having pressure and temperature ratings not less than that of a brazed joint and when complete are permanent and non-separable” are only allowed with prior COR approval.

97. Are Lockring NFPA 99 compliant, Braze-free couplings allowed for connection to the existing med gas piping?

· Per 22.62.00-9 2.2.G.4 “Axially swaged, elastic strain preload fittings providing metal to metal seal having pressure and temperature ratings not less than that of a brazed joint and when complete are permanent and non-separable” are only allowed with prior COR approval.

98. Spec section 22 07 11 - 12 calls for insulation on Lab Air and Vac Piping. Does that pertain to all the Air and Vac Piping or is this insulation to be included only where noted specifically noted such as Note 6 on PG-02?

· Insulation shall be applied to all laboratory piping, both air and vacuum.

99. PG-10 Note 5. Please provide information on the ceiling mounted outlet to be re-installed.

· Reinstall using a typical ceiling mount. See Detail 8/PG-45.

100. PG-18 Note 5. How many ½” pipe hangers need to be added to accomplish this work?

· Per NFPA 99-2024 Table 5.1.10.11.4.6 “Maximum Pipe Support Spacing: 1/2” OD Hanger Spacing is 6 ft,” with rubber or nylon inserts so the copper doesn’t come in contact with the structure or hanger.

101. Confirm that new Med Gas Labels need to be added to the existing piping? Approximately how many labels would need to be added to the existing piping.

· Confirmed, per drawing GI-02 Note #7 “The labeling of the medical gas system building wide is required before any alteration to the medical gas piping can start. This work will require the contractor to produce and submit redline drawings to the COR for review and approval. These redline drawings will provide all valve locations and valve types, as well as rooms serviced. The contractor will use this information in preparing the Activity Hazard Analysis (AHA) and detailed phasing plans, which will be submitted to the COR for approval.”

102. Are braze-free NFPA 99 compliant fittings acceptable for use on med gas?

· Per 22.62.00-9 2.2.G.1 and 4 “Memory-metal couplings having temperature and pressure rated joints not less than that of a brazed joint,” and “Axially swaged, elastic strain preload fittings providing metal to metal seal having pressure and temperature ratings not less than that of a brazed joint and when complete are permanent and non-separable” are only allowed with prior COR approval.

103. Where is the solid surface material referred to in Detail 2, Drawing A-13 located? Notes D22 and N28 refer to solid surface work but we cannot find those tags on the floor plans.

· This detail refers to existing wall coverings inside all operating suites, as applicable when construction activities disturb the solid surface materials and require them to be repaired in this manner.

104. What is the notification period for the VA to approve shutdowns of the medical gas system?

· Per 22.63.00-27 3.3.C “The time for shutdown of the existing laboratory and healthcare gas and vacuum systems shall be coordinated at least ten business days (two weeks) prior to shutdown with the COR and VA medical center.” and the contractor will provide an ongoing 3-week look ahead for coordination with COR approval.

105. Why is the contractor required to map out the existing medical gas system? This should be provided by the designer of record as this is not a design project. Please remove this requirement as this falls under the design of the project.

· The designer has provided a detailed plan from their survey and the VA provided drawings. The contractor shall confirm and map out all piping while the labels are being applied as part of the process of the as-built drawings. This project includes labeling 100% of the medical gas system.

106. Please confirm that and all Basis of Design items and materials, such as Smart Tap, that the VA has satisfied any and all Buy American Waivers, if applicable, and sole source requirements as needed. Please provide us any Buy American Act Waivers that would be provided under this contract. This is not currently in the plans, documents, or specifications.

· No waivers or sole source requirements are included.

107. Can the QC Manager share collateral duties with the site safety?

· No. Due to the magnitude, complexity and criticality of the work scope, these positions must utilize separate individuals.

108. Can the QC Manager share collateral duties with the site superintendent?

· No, per 01.45.00-2 3.2.B.1 “Include a CQC Manager that reports to the project superintendent.”

109. Can the site safety, QC Manager, and Site Superintendent share collateral duties?

· No. Due to the magnitude, complexity and criticality of the work scope, these positions must utilize three separate individuals.

110. Can the site safety share collateral duties with the site superintendent?

· No, per 01.35.26-13 1.7.A “This position (SSHO) CANNOT have collateral duties as the contractor’s superintendent.”

111. Please provide a sole source justification for Smart Tap.

· Not applicable, since SmartTap is prohibited on this project.

112. Will the VA be able to support shutdowns every working day for the duration of the project?

· Per 01.00.00-8 1.6.K.2.2 “The contractor shall indicate planned interruptions on the project schedule and submit a request to interrupt any such services to the COR in writing, fifteen business days before the proposed interruption…”

113. Will the VA provide multiple master keys to the contractor?

· No. No master keys will be provided to the contractor, since an official master key can only be checked-out by VA personnel.

114. Since Smart Tap appears to be sole sourced in this project, please confirm that the VA will change its payment terms to allow the contractor to comply with these payment terms. Since the VA has produced a design with Smart Tap and they are the only contractor with this proprietary product, please confirm that the VA will comply. If the VA will not comply with these special payment terms as related to Smart Tap, please provide a new design that does not require the use of Smart Tap.

· Not applicable, since SmartTap is prohibited on this project. Any reference to it on contractual documents shall be disregarded. Per NFPA 99-2024 5.1.10.3.1* “acceptable joining methods: (1) brazing, as described in 5.1.10.4, (2) welding, as described in 5.1.10.5, (3) memory metal fittings, as described in 5.1.10.6, (4) axially swaged fittings, as described in 5.1.10.7.” The use of axially swaged fittings requires prior VA approval.

115. Can the Superintendent also be the Prime Contractor’s Commissioning Manager during commissioning?

· No, per 01.91.00-18 1.10.A “The Contractor shall assign a Commissioning Manager to manage commissioning activities of the Contractor, and subcontractors,” which implies separate individuals for these positions. The VA requires separate individuals.

116. Is any commissioning required on this project?

· Yes. Per 01.91.00-14 1.7.B “Plumbing systems to be commissioned are medical air, medical vacuum, medical nitrogen, dental evacuation and vacuum,” and certifications will be done by an independent third-party. The VA is responsible for the commissioning agent.

117. Is a full-time onsite quality control manager required for this project?

· Yes, per 01.45.00-6 3.4.B “This CQC System Manager is on the site at all times during construction and is employed by the General Contractor.”

118. Can the Project Manager also be the quality control manager?

· No, per 01 45 00-9 3.6.A.1.l “The Government needs to be notified at least (48) hours or two business days in advance of beginning the Preparatory control phase. Include a meeting conducted by the CQC System Manager and attended by the superintendent, other CQC personnel…” as this refers to separate individuals for these positions.

119. Is a full-time onsite Safety and Health Officer required for this project?

· Yes, per 01.35.26-13 1.7.D “The SSHO or an equally qualified Designated Representative / alternate will maintain a presence on the site during construction operations in accordance with the contract.”

120. Can the Superintendent also be the site safety and Health Officer?

· No, per 01.35.26-13 1.7.A “This position (SSHO) CANNOT have collateral duties as the contractor’s superintendent.”

121. As is typical for most VA projects can the QC plan be implemented by the onsite superintendent and administrated by the PM without additional staff (other than what is required for commissioning) as call for in 01 45 00.?

· No, since the CQC System Manager and superintendent are separate individuals. Per 01 45 00-2 3.2.B.1 “Content of the CQC Plan: Include, as a minimum, the following… A description of the QC organization, including a chart showing lines of authority and acknowledgement that the CQC staff will implement the three-phase control system of all aspects of the work specified. Include a CQC System Manager that reports to the project superintendent.”

122. Will any of this work have to be performed after hours or weekends?

· Yes. After-hours and weekend work is required for this project, based on scope ramifications.

123. Will this project be done in phases?

· Yes, per the SOW New Work Scope “Phasing: There will need to be a phasing plan for all work to include the operation rooms and all patient care areas,” and see this entire paragraph, as well as the numerous references to phasing throughout the project documents.

124. Will each phase have to be fully completed before moving to the next or can some phases be completed simultaneously?

· Per 22.05.11-16 1.8.C “Phasing of Work: Comply with all requirements shown on contract documents,” and the contractor will submit a proper phasing plan to be approved by the COR prior to onsite mobilization.

125. How many areas will we be given at a time?

· The number of areas issued concurrently will be determined by the COR approved phasing plan and based upon their ability to successfully complete the work in order to provide a finished project within the overall period of performance.

126. Does every ICRA containment have to be negative air pressurized?

· No, per the current VHA ICRA policy, both Levels III and IV require negative air pressurization.

127. Will we have to remove a window in each room to vent air outside or is there another means of venting air from the space to achieve the negative pressure required by ICRA?

· Per ASHE ICRA 2.0 “Remove or isolate return air diffusers to avoid dust from entering the HVAC system. Remove or isolate the supply air diffusers to avoid positive pressurization of the space” or “Maintain negative pressurization of the entire workspace by use of HEPA exhaust air systems directed outdoors. Exhaust discharged directly to the outdoors that is 25 feet or greater from entrances, air intakes and windows does not require HEPA-filtered air. If exhaust is directed indoors, then the system must be HEPA filtered. Prior to start of work, HEPA filtration must be verified by particulate measurement as no less than 99.97% efficiency and must not alter or change airflow/pressure relationships in other areas. Exhaust into shared or recirculating HVAC systems, or other shared exhaust systems (e.g., bathroom exhaust) is not acceptable.” Also, see the VHA ICRA policy.

128. For rooms that do not have a window, how should the contractor vent the negative air machines?

· Per ASHE ICRA 2.0 “Remove or isolate return air diffusers to avoid dust from entering the HVAC system. Remove or isolate the supply air diffusers to avoid positive pressurization of the space” or “Maintain negative pressurization of the entire workspace by use of HEPA exhaust air systems directed outdoors. Exhaust discharged directly to the outdoors that is 25 feet or greater from entrances, air intakes and windows does not require HEPA-filtered air. If exhaust is directed indoors, then the system must be HEPA filtered. Prior to start of work, HEPA filtration must be verified by particulate measurement as no less than 99.97% efficiency and must not alter or change airflow/pressure relationships in other areas. Exhaust into shared or recirculating HVAC systems, or other shared exhaust systems (e.g., bathroom exhaust) is not acceptable.” Also see the VHA ICRA policy.

129. Are we allowed to use ZipWall systems for the ICRA?

· Yes, but only in the designated locations. Per drawing A-12 Detail 2 “Type II – ICRA Soft Wall, Infection Prevention Construction (IPC) Permit Required Class 3.”

130. Can plastic wall panels be used for the ICRA walls, such as STARC Panels or Temporary Wall System?

· Substitutes and “or equal” product requests will only be addressed after award and through the submittal process.

131. Will temporary sprinklers be required?

· No, but all applicable fire safety requirements shall be addressed in each specific project work location.

132. Will the contractor be required to turn the existing sprinkler heads up during construction if the ceiling is removed?

· The project scope does not involve any work areas requiring an entire ceiling removal.

133. Will we have to test and balance the HVAC system after the work is complete?

· There are no HVAC TAB activities included in this project.

134. Who is the manufacturer of the current Med Gas Alarm system?

· There is no overall manufacturer of the existing medical gas alarm system, but it does include a variety of alarm panels, e.g., Amico, Chemetron, Powerex, etc.

135. Please provide a contact for who services the current Med Gas Alarm System.

· The main medical gas service contractor for the facility is Ott Medical Gas Services from Lafayette, Alabama.

136. Who is the manufacturer of the current Fire Alarm system?

· The existing fire alarm system manufacturer is Edwards but is currently being upgraded to Siemens.

137. Please provide a contact for who services the current Fire Alarm System.

· The fire alarm system service company is currently CSI but will be transitioning to Siemens.

138. Who is the manufacturer of the current Security and Access Control system?

· The security/access control system manufacturer is Lenel and HID pivCLASS.

139. Please provide a contact for who services the current Security and Access Control System?

· The security/access control system service company is in transition but was last Convergint.

140. Who is the manufacturer of the current HVAC Controls?

· The facility utilizes a Johnson Controls Metasys BMS, with JCI factory-trained technicians.

141. Please provide a contact for who services the current HVAC Controls?

· The facility utilizes a Johnson Controls Metasys BMS, with JCI factory-trained technicians.

142. Is there any chance of uncovering hazardous materials?

· There is always the possibility of disturbing hazardous materials in certain areas during the course of this project, since the hospital was originally constructed in the 1940s. Per 01.35.26-9 1.4.B.4.i “Based on a risk assessment of contracted activities and on mandatory OSHA compliance programs, the Contractor shall address all applicable occupational, patient, and public safety risks in site-specific compliance and accident prevention plans. These Plans shall include but are not limited to procedures for addressing the risks associated with the following: 16) Asbestos abatement, 17) Lead abatement.”

143. Who is the existing signage vendor for this VA?

· The current signage vendor utilized is Amerson Engraving & Signage in Birmingham, AL, 35244.

144. Will the contractor be responsible for any permits?

· Yes, the contractor is responsible for all permits, licenses, etc. in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local rules and regulations.

145. Will the VA have the spaces cleared out before the contractor begins construction so there is no interference?

· The contractor will be required to temporarily relocate existing furnishings as necessary for work completion, but existing hospital specific equipment will be handled by the VA.

146. Will the contractor be required to move any of the existing furniture or equipment out of spaces?

· The contractor will be required to temporarily relocate existing furnishings as necessary for work completion, but existing hospital specific equipment will be handled by the VA.

147. What fire rating does the plastic above the ceiling need to be for the ICRA Hard and Soft Walls

· This fire rating will be location specific, since each…