Attachment 0005A_RFI Clarifications.docx

RFP 36C24725R0020 | Attachment 0005A

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?

· Original VA Response: 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.

· Offeror Follow up: “use shape memory alloy couplings approved for medical gas applications.” …this is a patented product only available by SmartTap. There is no other product available on the market to satisfy this requirement. If SmartTap is not allowed on this project, please provide alternate methods in updated plans and documents. RFI #95 and RFI #114 specifies the same joining methods allowed by NFPA. Confirm these methods will be acceptable in lieu of the shape memory alloy couplings.

· VA Clarification: Per 22.62.00-8 2.2.E/G “Memory metal couplings shall have temperature and pressure ratings not less than that of a brazed joint,” and “Special fittings: the following special fittings shall be permitted to be used in lieu of brazed joints: memory-metal couplings having temperature and pressure ratings joints not less than that of a brazed joint; listed or approved metallic gas tube fittings, that when made up, provide a permanent joint having the mechanical, thermal, and sealing integrity 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.”

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?

· Original VA Response: 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 valve 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…”

· Offeror Follow up: Because the location and quantity of existing piping that must be upsized to ¾” is unknown at this time, can the VA provide an estimate of footage of piping to utilize for bidding purposes?

· VA Clarification: This applies only to OR-9, and the piping estimate is 25 linear feet.

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.

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

· Offeror Follow up: This does not seem to answer the question. Power must be adjusted, please advise.

· VA Clarification: The existing facility electrical requirements are 208V, 3-phase power at the location of new units.

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

· Original VA Response: Confirmed, as this is an error on the drawing.

· Offeror Follow up: Please provide updated drawings.

· VA Clarification: This sensor is physically located at the oxygen pad, and the PG-51 drawing verbiage “Oxygen Primary Liquid Level Low” included in the Basement Level square should be moved to the Oxygen Pad square. An updated drawing is not required.

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.

· Original VA Response: 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.

· Offeror Follow up: We agree- that is why it should be changed to 238220…

· VA Clarification: The most appropriate NAICS code has been established at the project beginning and prior to solicitation. 236220 is for general construction and is all encompassing of the project scope. Therefore, it will not be modified.

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

· Original VA Response: 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.

· Offeror Follow up: …it was intended to ask if the VA will provide medical grade gases TO ITS PATIENTS during construction. The response appears to say that the VA intends for the construction contractor to provide medical and laboratory gases TO PATIENTS. This is not possible for many reasons. Medical and laboratory gases are pharmaceuticals strictly governed by the FDA and state agencies and are only available to be provided by a licensed pharmaceutical provider when prescribed by a physician. According to the VA’s own requirements (https://www.va.gov/opal/nac/ncs/ppv.asp), pharmaceuticals may only be procured through the Pharmaceutical Prime Vendor Program. The VA’s medical director or medical team would have to determine the needs of the hospital and procure temporary medical and laboratory gases based on those identified needs. The construction contractor cannot legally or actually provide those needs to the VA for patient care. The contract COULD provide medical gases as needed exclusively to purge the lines, which is customary when working on medical gas systems. Please clarify that the VA will provide temporary medical and laboratory gases for patient and hospital use separate from this contract as needed during construction.

· VA Clarification: To answer the intent, the VA medical staff will assess, procure, and provide certain temporary medical gases and vacuum for patients as allowed by hospital procedures. The medical gas subcontractor will utilize the appropriate VA-provided gas cylinders for backfeeding, if required, for continued operation of applicable hospital areas. The contractor will reimburse the VA for the procurement of these cylinders only. The contractor will provide all necessary purging gas for normal brazing operations.

87. How long can an OR room remain closed?

· Original VA Response: 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.

· Offeror Follow up: Understanding the VA’s needs related to shut down durations for the OR is integral to planning the job and properly estimating its costs. For example, if an OR room cannot be shut down for longer than 5 hours, or if it can be shut down for a week makes a significant difference in planning and estimating. What is the longest amount of time that a single OR room can be shut down for construction?

· VA Clarification: Per SOW, New Work Scope, Phasing “There will need to be a phasing plan for all work to include the operating rooms and all patient care areas. Therefore, any interruption in service must be scheduled and coordinated with the COR and approved by the Executive Leadership Team to ensure that no lapses in operations occur. It is the CONTRACTOR’S responsibility to develop a work plan and schedule detailing at a minimum the procedures to be employed, the equipment and materials to be used, the interim life safety measures to be used during work, and a schedule defining the duration of work with milestone subtasks. Arrange such phasing dates to ensure accomplishment of this work in successive phases mutually agreeable to the medical center director, COR, and contractor.”

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

· Original VA Response: Photos attached of both above and below an OR suite ceiling, as an example.

· Offeror Follow up Question: Are the silver panels shown in the pictures access panels? Can we access the above ceiling piping route through any panels or other access without removing the hard ceiling?

· VA Clarification: No, the silver panels are HVAC diffusers. The access panels are the same color as the ceiling and are either a square or rectangular shape. Utilizing an outage for isolation, access can be obtained through the existing light panels. This, however, is means and methods developed by the contractor.

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

· Original VA Response: 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.

· Offeror Follow up: The documents call for an OR to be shut down only between 8pm and 5am. How will we remove the hard ceiling, install the WAG piping, get it inspected, and reinstall the ceiling, including any painting within 9 hours?

· VA Clarification: A single operating suite can be shut down for an extended period of time in order to complete all required tasks in the ensuing subphase.

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?

· Original VA Response: Insulation shall be applied to all laboratory piping, both air and vacuum.

· Offeror Follow up: Does all air and vacuum piping include the existing piping throughout the entire hospital or only the new piping in this project? Is it allowed by code to cover medical gas piping?

· VA Clarification: To clarify, only the laboratory air and vacuum piping that is directly worked on via the project scope shall be properly insulated.

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

· Original VA Response: 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.

· Offeror Follow up: I understand the spacing requirements as per the specs. But we need to know how many of the existing hangers need to be replaced. It is very hard to competitively price anything without a quantity.

· VA Clarification: Per PG-18 Note 5 “The copper pipe is routed from the 2604 mechanical room to the 2610 laboratory.”

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.

· Original VA Response: 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.”

· Offeror Follow up: In order to competitively price this project, we need to quantify the items required by the scope of work. Pricing something like this becomes nothing but a guess. How much pipe will require labels? How many labels? If you could provide an approximation or an allowance so that all the bidders were looking at the same scope of work, it would make for cheaper overall pricing for the project.

· VA Clarification: The Birmingham VA is a functioning full-service hospital encompassing an entire city block, including all departments such as emergency medicine, surgery, inpatient care, sleep labs, blind rehabilitation, etc. The 2024 annual medical gas inspection report is attached as an example for estimating the system piping.

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.

· Original VA Response: No waivers or sole source requirements are included.

· Offeror Follow up: …Did the VA confirm that ALL basis of design items and materials satisfy Buy American regulations?

· VA Clarification: The manufacturers, providers and materials listed are examples based on site inspections and equipment assessments. Other materials that adhere to the specifications and the Buy American Act can be utilized. Before bidding, contractors shall submit any waiver requests to the VA for review and approval.

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

· Original VA Response: 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…”

· Offeror Follow up: This work will require significant shutdowns since no medical gas systems are worked on live. For the purposes of planning the work and estimating the job, the bidders must understand how and when shutdowns could occur. So, if the contractor gave proper notice of the need for shutdowns as described in the answer, can the VA accommodate shutdowns for every working day during the period of performance?

· VA Clarification: Per GI-02, Phasing Notes 2 “Portions of facility included within work scope are in use 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. Temporary outages and disruptive construction demolition shall be scheduled with the COR. The contractor is to make all requests at least 14 days before the proposed work is to begin. When possible, outages and disruptions will be noted on the project schedule.”. The contractor will also provide the required 3-week look aheads.

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

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

· Offeror Follow up: Drawing A-06, Note N22 calls for new suspended ceiling throughout the entire corridor. The existing ceiling will need to be removed in the corridors. Will those areas require the sprinkler heads to be turned up for fire suppression coverage during the time the ceiling is out?

· VA Clarification: No. Sprinkler heads are not required to be turned-up during construction, although it is a requirement to protect the system at all times during the project, per 01.35.26-29 1.14.L “Existing fire protection: Do not impair automatic sprinklers, smoke and heat detection, and fire alarm systems, except for portions immediately under construction, and temporarily for connections. Provide fire watch for impairments more than 4 hours in a 24-hour period. All existing or temporary fire protection systems (fire alarms, sprinklers) located in construction areas shall be tested as coordinated with the medical center,” and per SOW “Contractor shall maintain in operating condition existing fire protection and alarm equipment.”