Government Official Respose.pdf

1. Question: We are seeking clarification regarding the roof core data. I have attached the documents provided by the VA for your review. Upon inspection, it appears that the two pages are duplicates, which has resulted in some roof areas being omitted.

If we are unable to obtain clarification on the missing roof areas, we request written confirmation that the VA will assume all liability and cost responsibility for any unknown information. Additionally, should the existing roof differ from what was initially assumed, change orders will be issued accordingly.

Government Response: The VA will not assume all liability and cost responsibility for any unknown information. Proposals should be based upon the solicitation documents provided.

2. Question: Is it the intention of the project documents to reroof all of the copper barrel vault roofs with complete new copper roof panel system to match existing or just replace the copper flashing that interacts with the new slate roofing?

Government Response: Replace all coper barrel roofs.

3. Question: Metals spec mentioned ladders, catwalks and more metal fabrication and that's not found in drawings. Mechanical HVAC, Mentioned in drawings that all the equipment needs to be operational while construction is running, but scope mentioned to replace all the equipment. Question is do we need to replace equipment or should it be operated ? If new equipment needs to be set We need a schedule.

Government Response: Equipment needs to be protected for reinstall under new work. HVAC has to be operational or any accommodation provided for no interruption of utilities. Any mechanical equipment removed for new work to be performed shall be reinstalled in proper working order.

4. Multiple Ctr Question:

1. Section 01 00 00 1.2A mentions the following: Furnish labor and materials and perform work to install dual parallel piping for domestic and fire protection for buildings 2, 4, 4A as well as installation of backflow preventers, as required by drawings and specifications. Is there dual parallel piping and/or any fire protection to be included in this project? The plans and specifications are unclear what is to be included for each of these items. Please advise.

Government Response: Dual parallel piping is not part of the scope of work.

2. A101 contradicts itself. One note calls for: The existing roof system to be torn-off entirely down to the existing vapor barrier, which shall remain”.

Another note on A101 calls for: “Demolish existing thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) roof down to existing substrate”. Are we to demo down to the decking or down to the vapor barrier and leave existing vapor barrier? Our assumption is that we are to tear off to the deck therefore we can inspect the existing decking conditions and make repairs where needed. Please advise.

Government Response: “Demolish existing thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) roof down to existing substrate” “The project will replace slate and thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) roof systems, fall protection, lightning protection, dormers, antenna systems, and the drainage system”.

3. Are we to include a new vapor barrier over the concrete decking in the new roofing system?

Government Response: See spec 072200 for vapor retarder requirements.

4. Is the existing concrete decking structurally sloped or are we to include a fully tapered insulation system?

Government Response: We do not provide means and methods.

5. Due to unknown tariffs and escalation on materials, will the awarded contractor be reimbursed for any difference in material costs from time of bid submission to time of material ship since we will not know the confirmed pricing of materials until they are shipped? This has become a common approach to escalation issues on other projects.

Government Response: No tariffs should apply as FAR 52.225-9 Buy American—Construction materials apply to this solicitation. A firm fixed price contract will be awarded as a result of this solicitation.

6. Are we to remove all existing sheathing at atop and on inside of walls and replace with new exterior grade ¾” plywood? Or are we to only replace what is damaged or non-existent? If only to replace what is damaged or non-existent should the contractor leave this out of their bid and provide a unit cost for this work with the sf being unknown until roofing is removed?

Please advise.

Government Response: The Contractor is solely responsible to determine means and methods. Contractor shall provide a working product. Contractor shall follow specifications for requirements and adhere to manufacturer’s recommendations.

7. There is mention of interior protection for this project. If the contractor is going to access the roof with scaffolding, is interior protection required? If so, please confirm what exactly is needed with a scaffolding roof access plan.

Government Response: A100 Drawing sheet notes #2. Any/all interior protection shall be required as per specifications. Additionally; contractor shall provide phasing plans that will determine any interior routing.

8. There is mention of HEPA filters and scrubbers for this project. If the contractor is going to access the roof with scaffolding, are HEPA filters and scrubbers required? If so, please confirm what exactly is needed with a scaffolding roof access plan.

Government Response: See specifications 01 35 26 and 0282 11 for scaffolding requirements.

9. Is the contractor required to provide charcoal filters for the mechanical units throughout the project? Related to Questions 11 and 29 that were answered via Amendment 6.

Government Response: See specifications 23 05 11.

10. Is the 60mil TPO membrane to be a standard 60mil TPO or 60mil

Fleeceback?

Government Response: Contractor shall provide a proposal based on the construction documents as they are. If after award contractor wants to present value deductive alternates to the government; A/E can review the proposed option through an RFI.

11. Is the existing coping to be removed, stored, and reinstalled in its existing locations?

Government Response: Coping is new.

12. Are the existing gutters and downspouts to be removed, stored, and reinstalled in their existing locations (excluding the downspouts specified in the plans to be replaced)?

Government Response: See general and demolition notes as well as demolition specifications.

13. Are the existing conductor heads to be removed, stored, and reinstalled in existing locations?

Government Response: Protect and reinstall conductor heads on downspouts to remain. Also see general notes in design documents stating that contractor shall repair/restore any areas damaged by construction back to original conditions prior to project completion.

14. Are all copper dormer roofs to be removed and replaced with new copper roofs?

Government Response: Yes

15. Can you please provide a count of existing wood curbs that will need to be replaced with metal curbs and the locations of these curbs. It is unknown what the existing curb is made of until the roofing material is removed, making it impossible to provide an accurate quote.

Government Response: Existing curbs to be replace can be measured from plans.

16. There is mention of lead based interior paint. Where is this required if it is required on this project?

Government Response: See hazmat report.

17. What is the scope of work regarding firestopping on this project, or are we not to include firestopping on this project?

Government Response: Provide firestopping in all fire rated assemblies.

See specification 07 84 00.

18. What is the scope of work regarding dual parapet piping on this project, or are we not to include dual parapet piping on this project?

Government Response: Dual parallel piping is not in the scope of work.

19. To confirm, all bidders are to include 12,780sf of decking repairs for areas identified as areas with high moisture content in their bids. Correct?

Please confirm or advise.

Government Response: Contractor is to replace all roofs shown in the construction documents’ scope of work.

20. Can you please expand on the mechanical and electrical scope of work to be included.

Government Response: See mechanical drawings MH001-MH501 and electrical drawings E001-EP101 for mechanical and electrical scope of work. Also review all mechanical and electrical specifications.

21. There is mention of an abatement contractor to always be on site. Is this solely during the abatement areas provided in the bid documents or is there to be an abatement contractor that sits on site every day for the duration of the project? The project could take over a year + and we are assuming the VAMC does not want to pay for a contractor to sit on site each day for the entire duration of the project.

Government Response: Related to Question 30 and 37 were answered via Amendment 6.

22. Are trash chutes required for any roof areas or are we approved to use a crane/lift with a hopper for each roof area.

Government Response: Contractor shall provide a disposal plan for each phase for VA approval. Responsibility of the GC and approval of the COR.

(response provided previously)

23. Is netting to be installed at all specified locations during the entire project or only when working in that area(s)?

Government Response: All areas where active work is performed that impact any/all parts of the campus and occupants. Phasing Plan shall be provided by contractor. Only one roof shall be under construction at any given time. Dwg. GI002, phasing plan note 4.

24. If trash chutes are used, are trash chutes to be installed at all specified locations during the entire project or only when working in that area(s)?

Government Response: See response to 23. Phasing plan shall be provided by contractor.

25. Is egress shedding to be installed at all specified locations during the entire project or only when working in that area(s)?

Government Response: See response to 23. Phasing plan shall be provided by contractor.

26. Is scaffolding to be installed at all specified locations during the entire project or only when working in that area(s)?

Government Response: See response to 23.

27. We wanted to confirm that the quantity of solar panels does not have to match the existing quantity, and that if the new solar panel’s total wattage meets the project documents requirements that it would be approved.

Government Response: Solar Panels have been removed from this project. Please see Amendment 09 & 10 for specific details.

28. There was mention of the crews where disposable jump suits. Is this a requirement if the crew is not entering the building and using scaffolding for roof access?

Government Response: VA response. Not required for exterior work.

Required for specific interior areas dictated by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) at VA.

29. What are the permits required for this project that the awarded contractor will be required to carry?

Government Response: The contractor’s competency for roof replacement work shall include the availability to research and acquire all relevant permits for the type of works required.

30. There is mention that the project will require commissioning. If commissioning is required, how frequently are we to have on site meetings. How frequently are we to provide project progress reports? Or is commissioning not required for this project?

Government Response: Commissioning is not required for this project.

31. There is mention of storing for reuse of undamaged ballast, pavers, insulation, and drains board. Where is the contractor required to move these items to for stored? Does the owner want to store insulation for reuse if it’s been used, because it will not be able to be reused for roofing projects?

Government Response: The VA expects all unused items mentioned above to be disposed of.