Official Government Response_619-23-101_36C24725R0030.pdf

GOVERNMENTS OFFICIAL RESPONSE | PROJECT #619-23-101 – REPLACE ROOF

SYSTEMS FOR MAIN HOSPITAL BLDG. 1 | 36C24725R0030

1. Scaffolding Contractor - Can the use of covered sidewalk shedding be used in lieu of horizontal debris netting? There are concerns with fastening in the netting to the building.

Yes. However, the General Contractor will be 100 percent responsible for the safety of the public and for the protection of the existing facility. All safety parameters, life safety codes, goals and design intent shall be met regardless of the method provided by the contractor.

2. What is the existing roof system composition/thickness? If unknown, are we allowed to revisit site and cut roof samples throughout to ascertain this information? We cannot provide a price without this information.

Core data will be provided, also See “Asbestos Containing Materials Survey” and “Infrared Thermographic Roof Moisture Survey”

3. Will asbestos report be made available?

Yes

4. Can we substitute fixed safety railing shown on plans with non-penetrating safety railing? We recommend the use of non-penetrating safety railing in order to eliminate flashing penetrations through roof, thus decreasing chances of leaks.

No

5. Detail 19 on sheet A503 is not a typical coping cap detail for single ply roof systems.

All design documents provide information necessary to support the successful execution of a complete and workable construction project. The Contractor is solely responsible to determine means and methods. Provide coping cap that complies with VA specifications.

6. Please provide a detail for edge termination where stone cornice exists.

We do not provide means and methods. Provide termination that complies with VA specifications and manufacturers recommendations.

7. Are prime contractors allowed to use the subcontractors past performance to meet the past performance requirements of the solicitation. During the site visit, there was mention that past performance could come from the either prime or the subcontractor but to review the project documents to confirm, however, after reviewing the solicitation it is not explicitly clear if it is acceptable. Please Advise.

Per FAR 15.305(a)(2)(iii) – Maybe considered.

8. The specification for TPO roof calls for a fabric backed membrane to be mechanically attached.

This is not a typical application method for structural concrete decks. Please consider an adhered application with bare back 60mil TPO membrane as follows:

-Flat and tapered polyiso insulation adhered to concrete deck with low rise foam adhesive.

-1/2” Gypsum cover board adhered with low rise foam adhesive.

-60mil reinforced TPO adhered with standard bonding adhesive.

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.

9. Please confirm the required manufacturer warranty term for the new TPO roof system.

VA response. See specifications (10 years)

10. Where on site can the rooftop solar racking and modules be stored during re-roof activities while they are awaiting reinstallation?

VA response - The Contractor will not be provided storage inside the building. The Contractor will coordinate with the COR regarding a laydown area.

11. Are there any limitations to areas in which cranes, hoists, or other equipment may be utilized around the included roof areas?

Yes. VA response - The Contractor will coordinate with the COR regarding equipment utilized during construction. The Contractor is solely responsible to prepare a Phasing Plan, which will be submitted to the VA after contract award for review and approval. Plan should include all the elements described in the contract documents.

12. Project Specifications, 22 14 00, 2.1.D, call for piping insulation on roof drain piping in areas that are subject to freezing.

a) It is assumed the below deck areas called out are not subject to freezing based on their type and the area; however, can it be confirmed if there are any known areas subject to freezing conditions for accurate bidding in regard to this requirement?

Only gutters and downspouts, and in this case, insulation requirements do not apply.

For any other possible areas covered by the scope of work; verify areas on the roof, that may be in shade, for extended periods of time are subject to freezing. Any areas subject to freezing are to be insulated.

13. Specifications 22 14 00, 2.1 call for interior storm piping above grade (in buildings over a single story) to be cast iron storm piping and fittings. Can schedule 40 PVC be approved for roof drain piping in lieu of cast-iron pipe and fittings?

No. Not above the first floor

14. Does the Government have core reports for the existing roof areas being replaced in this project?

If so, please provide this for accurate bidding on demolition/removal/disposal of required roof areas.

Core data will be provided

b) If core reports are not available, please confirm the thickness of existing insulation and material assemblies that should be assumed for bidding purposes.

The information is not available

15. Can the Government please confirm requirements for worker and material access to rooftops?

c) Will access be provided through the interior of buildings through elevators or stairwells?

The contractor is to make use of a crane to lift or remove materials from the roof.

The hospital’s corridors are not to be used to transfer debris.

16. Reinstall Existing PV System

Confirm that Contractor is to reinstall the existing PV System, not a “new” replacement PV System.

Note: per my email yesterday, Dwg. ED101 provides that the existing PV System is to be reinstalled, but nonetheless I think it is best to confirm.

The entire roof top solar array system shall be replaced. This includes all wiring, connections, inverters, rail supports, cement blocks, and any other devices or components required for a safe and fully functional solar array system. The contractor shall ensure that both the roof top and canopy top solar arrays are connected in a manner consistent with its original state.

17. Mounting System Manufacturer/Make/Model

What is the PV Mounting System manufacturer/make/model?

SOLARWORLD SUNMODULE PLUS 285W

18. On-Site Storage

2.a) Will Contractor be allowed to store the PV System components onsite (e.g., in the parking lot or an adjacent area) while uninstalling the PV System?

There is limited shared storage space on the east side of building 8. The contractor is free to place a storage unit if space will allow.

2.b) Will Contractor be allowed to store the PV System components onsite during the time between uninstalling the PV System and reinstalling the PV System?

A new solar array system is required

19. Repairs and Replacements

Is Contractor responsible for any costs associated with repairing the PV System and/or replacing damaged or defective components, or will such work, if any, be subject to change order? Note: it is impossible to determine whether certain components need repair/replacing until the uninstallation work has been commenced or completed. For example:

We plan under the premise of avoiding change orders so as to eliminate delays or cost overruns. The roof top new solar array mitigates your concerns.

It is highly likely that some of the concrete ballast blocks have deteriorated and need to be replaced.

Yes, that is a fair assessment so plan to do so.

There is a chance that some of the Solar Panels are no longer functioning properly.

Yes, that is a reasonable assumption and that is why a new solar array system eliminate that concern.

There is a chance that one or more of the Inverters are no longer functioning properly.

The new solar array system shall include new inverters.

20. PV System Modifications Due to Current AHJ Requirements

Is Contractor responsible for any costs associated with modifying the design of the PV System and/or obtaining new AHJ approvals (e.g., Building Permits and utility approvals) to the extent necessary due to current AHJ requirements? For example:

Yes.

Code Compliance:

The As-Built PV System Drawings you provided state that the PV System was designed and installed pursuant to NEC 2014 and IBC 2012, and there have been significant changes to the requirements for PV Systems since those Code versions.

The contractor is responsible to build out the new roof top solar array within the requirements of present statutes, regulations, and codes.

Alabama Power Co. (APCo) Requirements

It is likely that APCo will require a new Interconnection Application, or at least a new approval of the PV System, and APCo’s interconnection requirements have substantially changed since 2016.

Further, APCo requires that the PV Contractor certify that the PV System has been designed and installed in accordance with the most recent version of the NEC (2023).

Thus, to the extent we will need a new approval from APCo, which is likely, we will need to make modifications to the PV System design and reinstallation to comply with current Code requirements.

The entire roof top solar array system shall be replaced. This includes all wiring, connections, inverters, rail supports, cement blocks, and any other devices or components required for a safe and fully functional solar array system. The contractor shall ensure that both the roof top and canopy top solar arrays are connected in a manner consistent with its original state. The contractor shall coordinate all work and permits that involves system connection with Alabama Power Company and the solar system commissioning agent.

21. Please provide a detail for the flashing at the intersection of roof U and K see attachment.

U and K are not at the same elevation

22. Please clarify acceptable manufacturers for TPO roof membrane and synthetic slate shingles.

The use of Faux Slate that matches the existing roofs has been approved by the State Historical Preservation Society. Pla to use EcoStar Majestic Niagara Slate.

23. Please clarify if R-value of roof insulation. The plan page A102 New Work Note 1 states the R-value shall be R-30, but specification section 07 22 00 2.1 states "overall average R-value 33, minimum".

R-value shall be R-30 minimum

24. Please clarify specification section 07 22 00 2.1 - is R-value to be an average or a minimum?

See above

25. Specification section 07 54 23 1.1 states the TPO membrane is to be mechanically attached.

Please clarify the intent is to mechanically fasten. It is our assumption that there is a concrete roof deck which would require a fully adhered system from the deck up.

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.

26. Please provide a detail for the flashing at the intersection of roof U and K see attachment.

27. Please provide a detail for the edge detail at the perimeter of Roof areas U & V.

28. Please provide a specification section and plan detail for the gutter sealing.

We do not provide means and methods. See specifications

29. Please confirm there is no work to be done to existing downspouts.

Copper gutter and downspouts will be replaced on roof M and H. Refer to dwg. PL102 and

PL103.

30. For lighted sidewalk shedding, where will the power source be for each temporary protection structure?

Power source shall be confirmed with COR upon submission of phasing and shedding plans.

Source will change based on the location of the bridging.

31. Can an allowance and unit price replacement be added to this project for unforeseen conditions?

Recommended allowances: TPO Roofing allowance, Slate shingle deck replacement allowance and unit price, plumbing/hvac ductwork allowance for potential rework of ductwork due to installation of new secondary drains.

This is a fixed price contract and cost allowances are not permitted.

32. Please provide missing specification section 09 06 00 SCHEDULE FOR FINISHES

Finish colors and aesthetic definitions such as texture are to match existing. See 099100, 073126, and 075423 for requirements

33. Confirm if flashing/coping at TPO roof can be stainless steel or does it have to be copper.

Where copper is existing, the new installation must be copper.

34. Confirm copper dormer roofs are not in scope.

Copper dormers are included in the scope of work.

35. How many sections/phasing will be done at a single time? LPS contractor wants to remove the LP in sections to provide consistent protection throughout the process.

Only one roof shall be under construction at any given time. Dwg. GI002, phasing plan note 4.

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

No, it would be prudent to have different individuals functioning in those capacities to avoid any potential conflict of interest or judgement.

37. Is any commissioning required on this project?

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

Yes, but they will not be double compensated.

39. Is a full-time on-site Safety and Health Officer required for this project?

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

Yes, but they will not be double compensated.

41. 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.?

Yes, per section 01 45 00, 3.1.

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

Only if construction disrupts daily operation during normal operating hours and as approved by VA. And then, disruptions shall be kept to a minimum. Dwg. GI002, phasing plan note 4.

43. Will this project be done in phases?

Yes. Refer to dwg. GI002.

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

COR or AHJ shall approve phasing prior to any work.

45. How many areas/roofs will we be given at a time?

Only one roof shall be under construction at any given time. Dwg. GI002, phasing plan note 4; However COR or AHJ shall approve phasing and any deviations from it.

46. Will there be any interior work that requires ICRA containment?

Yes. Refer to contract documents.

47. Will we have to test and balance any of the HVAC systems after the work is complete?

Any mechanical equipment removed for new work to be performed shall be reinstalled in proper working order

48. Are any of the existing roofs still under warranty?

Yes, the TPO is in its 12th year of a 20-year limited manufacturer’s warranty.

49. Please provide the name of what subcontractor installed the existing roofs.

Unknown

50. Please provide the name of the mechanical subcontractor that installed the existing roof top units?

51. Please provide the name of what electrical subcontractor installed the existing lightning protection system?

52. Please provide the name of what electrical subcontractor installed the existing Solar Panel system? VA to respond.

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

Jonson Control’s.

54. Is there any chance of uncovering hazardous materials?

See hazardous material report and refer to dwg. GI002.

55. Will the contractor be responsible for any permits?

Yes, if required

56. What is the height of the roof from the ground?

See contract documents. Roof B - 5 stories, roof H - 7 stories, roof F - 8 stories, roof I – 6 stories, roof M – 5 stories, roof U – 3 stories, roof V – 1 story.

57. When painting equipment, louvers and vents on the roof, what type of paint will be required?

See contract documents including specifications.

58. Referenced on Sheet GI002 it says to see report prepared by Kamau McAbee Environmental Health Consultants Hazardous Materials Survey Report. Was this included in the bidding documents provided? If not, can you please provide this document?

VA will provide

59. How many past performance questionnaires are we required to send out?

Three

60. Are we to include the 1st page of the past performance questionnaires in our proposal to show proof that they were sent out?

61. Is the Bridging and Netting plan shown on GI003 a complete plan or will there be other bridging and netting required that is not shown in these details?

Contractor shall provide all phasing plans that include bridging plans (shop drawings)

62. Please provide a drawing of where the trash chutes can be placed around the building?

Responsibility of the GC and approval of the COR

63. Will Roofs Q and S be replaced or will they remain?

Roof shall be replaced

64. Note 2 on sheet A101 states to inspect the existing substrate for rot and replace as necessary, it is impossible to know how much of the substrate will need to be replace, should the contractor assume all of it will have to be replaced for bidding purposes?

See Infrared Thermographic Moisture Survey

65. If all of it doesn’t have to be replaced then please provide a square foot quantity for the bidders to assume has to be replaced for all bids to be equal? RFI List – PARAMOUNT CONSTRUCTION

GROUP

See Infrared Thermographic Moisture Survey for areas in question

66. General Demolition Note 5 on Sheet A101 states that all penetrations, roof drains, VTR, curbs, etc… are to be removed and infilled. Please provide a quantity for bidding purposes for the infill?

Note to VA. There was no ‘site walk’ for the GC’s existing conditions? Refer to complete set of construction documents. Roof drains, VTR, etc,, are provided.

67. Please provide a detail showing how these penetrations need to be infilled?

The Contractor is solely responsibility to determine means and methods. Contractor shall follow specifications for requirements and adhere to manufacturer’s recommendations.

(infill to match existing construction/conditions)

68. New Work Note 2 on sheet A102 states to repair damaged areas of existing deck as necessary, it is impossible to know how much of the deck will need to be repaired, please provide a square foot quantity for the bidders to assume has to be repaired for all bids to be equal?

Refer to “Infrared Thermographic Roof Moisture Survey” (note to VA: provided in narrative)

69. New Work Note 5 states to provide a synthetic slate roof with a 50 year labor and material warranty. NO roofing contractor offers a 50 year warranty on their labor, this will disqualify all roofing contractors from bidding on this project. Please change this requirement.

From the narrative, page 6: A manufacturer’s 20 year NDL (no dollar limit) warranty has been specified for the roof system. Various lesser warranties are available and can be considered as deduct alternates should the Montgomery VAMC elect to do so.

70. For the new roof drains that will be installed below the existing deck, please provide reflected ceiling plan for the rooms on the floor below the roof so the contractor will know if ceiling replacement will be required?

(VA to provide as-builts or site visit for verification)

71. General Work Note #20 states to inspect all existing roof hatches and replace as necessary, it is impossible to know how many hatches will need to be replaced, please provide a quantity of hatches for the bidders to assume have to be replaced for all bids to be equal?

There are 5

72. Can the VA provide a basis of design product for the new Guardrails shown on Sheet A104 Detail

See metal Fabrications Specification. Permanent guard rail system – Diversified fall protection.

73. How old is the existing TPO roof?

Approximately 12 years.

74. Mechanical Key Note #4 on sheet MH101 states to sand and paint the equipment shown in pictures B & C. Is there only 1 of each that need to be restored or is there multiple of these, please provide an exact quantity?

There is only 1 air intake and 1 Penn ventilator shown on drawing MH101 that will need to be sanded and painted. Both are on roof U.

75. Will the VA provide an area where we can store the Solar Panels?

See response below.

76. If so, where is this area on the campus? 44. If not, what are the requirements for storing the Solar Panels?

There is limited shared storage space on the east side of building 8. The contractor is free to place a storage unit if space will allow.

77. Who is responsible for paying/performing the lightning protection system inspection, the contractor or the VA

Contractor is responsible.

78. Request to extend the RFI deadline and proposal due date past the 1/20 and 1/31 respectively due to the scale and complexity of the project.

1. Section 07 01 50 .19 of the specification document states that there is deck replacement in section B. 05 31 00, however there is no mention on the drawings showing such. Could you please provide the area of which this deck replacement needs to occur.

No steel deck replacement.

79. Will the copper copings related to roofs B and M remain, or will our scope of work include removing and replacing?

Scope includes copper replacement

80. In the specification document section 23 07 00 page #9, it suggests the vapor barrier must be self-adhered also that the roof must be removed down to the deck, however, on the drawings page A102 in the (new works section) states remove roof down to the deck. Please verify if we will keep or replace the vapor barrier on the existing decks?

No spec 230700. See spec 072200 for vapor retarder requirements.

81. Could you confirm if all the roof listed are to be quoted for this project (Roofs B, F,I,H,M,U,V,P,R,W).

All roofs shall be replaced in this project. See contract documents.

82. The specification document was not clear on which attachment the VA Medical wishes to use.

1. Mechanically fastening the coverboard, ISO to deck and Adhering the TPO.

2. Mechanically fastening the entire roofing system.

3. Fully adhering the new roofing system.

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

83. Please clarify acceptable manufacturers for TPO roof membrane and synthetic slate shingles.

VA

84. Please clarify if R-value of roof insulation. The plan page A102 New Work Note 1 states the R-value shall be R-30, but specification section 07 22 00 2.1 states "overall average R-value 33, minimum".

R-value shall be R-30 minimum

85. Please clarify specification section 07 22 00 2.1 - is R-value to be an average or a minimum?

R-value shall be R-30 minimum

86. Specification section 07 54 23 1.1 states the TPO membrane is to be mechanically attached.

Please clarify the intent is to mechanically fasten. It is our assumption that there is a concrete roof deck which would require a fully adhered system from the deck up.

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

87. Please provide a detail for the flashing at the intersection of roof U and K see attachment.

These roofs are at different elevations

88. Please provide a detail for the edge detail at the perimeter of Roof areas U & V.

Means and methods

89. Please provide a specification section and plan detail for the gutter sealing.

Means and methods. Minimum requirements include: meets ASTM C-920 Class 25 specifications, 30-minute tack-free time, 24-hour full cure. Exposure to rain or water possible in as little as 30 minutes with bead size max 3/16", temperature min 65°F and humidity min 50%. Sealant should not be exposed to water for 8 hours, 100% weatherproof and watertight seal. Proven wet and damp surface application, Extreme temperature use:

0°F to 140°F; Shrink and crack proof. Strong, multi-surface adhesion, especially to non-porous substrates. Easy gunning, smooth tooling. Apply when surface temperature is between 20°F and 120°F

90. Please confirm there is no work to be done to existing downspouts.

Copper gutter and downspouts will be replaced on roof M and H. Refer to dwg. PL102 and

PL103.

91. How many sections/phasing will be done at a single time? LPS contractor wants to remove the LP in sections to provide consistent protection throughout the process.

Only one roof shall be under construction at any given time. Dwg. GI002, phasing plan note

4. Deviations of phasing can be presented for VA approval. Contractor is responsible to provide phasing plans.

92. Request to extend the RFI deadline and proposal due date past the 1/20 and 1/31 respectively due to the scale and complexity of the project.

It appears Contracting has extended the RFI period.

93. Please confirm that existing solar system is to be removed and disposed.

The entire roof top solar array system shall be replaced. This includes all wiring, connections, inverters, rail supports, cement blocks, and any other devices or components required for a safe and fully functional solar array system. The contractor shall ensure that both the roof top and canopy top solar arrays are connected in a manner consistent with its original state.

94. Please confirm targeted size of new solar system is 396.3 kW?

The roof top solar system will be replaced only. So, the contractor must determine the best method for replacing that side of the existing solar array system.

95. If 396.3 kW is the desired size of the new solar system, will we be able to expand the footprint to the lower flat roof? The existing footprint doesn't appear to be large enough to support that targeted size.

The contractor will do a complete replacement of the rooftop solar array system.

96. Please confirm Battery storage isn't required, in place of backup generators.

No battery system is required.

97. Please provide the current electrical configuration / photos where the solar system connects to the hospital and or utility grid after the homerun / manual disconnect. Refer to the

Refer to the 396.2 kW Turnkey Solar Photovoltaic System; particularly the pages that reference the roof top solar array system.