Attachment 0005 A- Pre-Bid RFIs_Responses.pdf
PDF 138 KB Posted
- Attached to
- 679-22-106 Replace HVAC Various Buildings Federal contract opportunity
- Solicitation number
- 36C24725R0031
About this file
This document is a Request for Information (RFI) with 68 questions and responses for a VA HVAC replacement project at Buildings 2 and 46 in Tuscaloosa. The RFI covers critical project details including contractor requirements, technical specifications, and clarifications on project scope. Key points include confirmation that contractors must submit a contract-specific QA/QC Plan and Site Specific Safety Plan, the project is not tax exempt, and the contract completion time is 365 calendar days.
The RFI addresses multiple technical aspects such as control systems, existing equipment modifications, building conditions, and installation requirements. Important details include: Johnson Controls Inc. is the existing controls vendor, mold remediation may be needed in Building 46, the crawl space is classified as a confined space, and contractors are responsible for ensuring Buy American Act compliance for materials and equipment. The project involves replacing HVAC systems, potentially running new piping and ductwork, and making various modifications to mechanical rooms and building spaces in Buildings 2 and 46.
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RFIs 36C24725R0031 HVAC Tuscaloosa 679-22-106
1. In executing this project, can one superintendent fulfill the supervision, safety, and QAQC roles?
a. VA Response: Yes
2. Are contractors required to issue a contract specific QA/QC Plan?
a. VA Response: Yes, contractors are required to submit a QA/QC Plan.
3. Are contractors required to issue a contract specific Safety Plan?
a. VA Response: Yes, contractors are required to submit a Site Specific Safety Plan.
4. Is this project tax exempt?
a. VA Response: No
5. Can the existing controls accommodate new units?
a. A/E Response: Each building had additional equipment on the Building
Automation System. Additional control sequences, graphics, and panels should be expected.
6. Please provide contact information for fire and controls.
a. VA Response: Johnson Controls Inc.
7. Can the existing chilled/heating water systems accommodate the addition of the new units?
a. VA Response: Yes.
8. Where will the lay down area be for both locations?
a. VA Response: In the designated contractor laydown area at the back of the campus. See attached pdf document for location.
9. Will temporary facilities be provided for both locations?
a. VA Response: The contractor is responsible for temporary facilities.
10. Is the basis of design products listed in the contract documents compliant with the
Buy American Act specified in the solicitation documents?
a. VA Response: It is the contractor’s responsibility to ensure all materials, equipment, and product purchased abides by the Buy American Act.
11. 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?
a. VA Response: No, the contractor is responsible for including this in their bid.
12. 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.
a. A/E Response: Yes.
13. Can you please correct the NAICS code to 238220 (mechanical). It is currently under a roofing NAICS code.
a. VA Response: The NAICS code for this project is not a roofing code.
14. 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.
a. VA Response: CPARS may be used in conjunction PPQs. 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 on page 10 of the solicitation. This will allow our office to contract 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.
15. The Wage Determination in Attachment 5 is for highway projects, not construction.
Please provide correct Davis Bacon Wage Determination for Building Construction in Macon County.
a. VA Response: Document retrieved. Will upload with amendment for Tuscaloosa
County.
16. Section 2.2 SAFETY requires Tuberculosis testing; however, Specification 01 35 26
(1.13) says Tuberculosis screening is not required. Please confirm that tuberculosis testing is not required.
a. VA Response: Tuberculosis testing is a requirement.
17. Please confirm the current existing Metasys System/Contractor.
a. VA Response: Johnson Controls Inc.
18. What Company manages and services the fire alarm system?
a. VA Response: See response for question 6.
19. Asbestos Abatement and Lead Paint Removal is listed in the Specifications. There are no reports provided or asbestos shown on the drawings. Please provide a NESHAP survey.
a. VA Response: See attached report provided.
20. Please confirm that Note 4 on A-101 is for the entire ceiling in the Nave and Chancel?
a. A/E Response: Yes, between existing wood arches.
21. Please confirm that the Deduct Alternate #2 will remove all the wood ceiling work associated with Note 3 and Note 4 on A-101.
a. A/E Response: Bid Item II (Deduct Alternate 1) in specification section 01 00 00 does note to “delete the Building 46 ceiling and roof insulation addition in the Nave.”
22. Will the entire new tongue and groove wood plank ceiling get painted as per Note 4 on A-101.
a. A/E Response: Yes
23. Spec Section 02 21 13. Will a site survey by a licensed land surveyor be required for this project? Per this spec section a survey including the topo contours and location of all site utilities and structures is required.
a. VA Response: No, it is not required.
24. Should there be a spec section on insulation? There are some thicknesses provided on the plans but no spec section is in the spec book.
a. A/E Response: Mechanical insulation requirements are noted on the drawings and in specification 23 07 11. See Specifications Section 07 21 19 provided in Project Manual
25. Confirm that Building 46 is to be vacated as noted in section 01 00 00-7.
a. VA Response: Yes, Building 46 will be vacant at the time of construction.
26. Can you please provide more information on the existing steam piping that we will tie-in to for 46-AHU-1? Including the size and location, including elevation, of the existing steam and condensate return piping. What is the pressure on the existing steam line that we will tie-in to? Provide the proper information showing size, type, and quantity of any new steam traps required. Is there any new work on the existing hot water to steam heat exchanger required? There is information in the spec book, but no work shown on the plans.
a. VA Response: See amended drawing sheets.
27. What type of ceiling is present on the Ground Floor, Building 2, in Credit Union 16, Credit Union 13, Credit Union 13A, and Storage 8C?
a. VA Response: All drop ceilings are located in these areas.
28. What are the conditions of the crawl space in Building 2? Is it possible to get pictures? Is the crawl space classified as Confined Space?
a. VA Response: The crawl space is classified as a Confined space.
29. What type of ceiling is present on the1st Floor, Building 46 in TLT 12, TLT 5A, Office 11, Corridor 5, Office 9, Office 8, Office 7 and Multipurpose Room 6?
a. VA Response: All drop ceilings are located in these areas except for the main
Chapel area.
30. Please confirm that all specified basis of design products, equipment, and materials meet all applicable Buy American Compliance regulations, and that the VA has obtained all necessary paperwork.
a. VA Response: It is the contractor’s responsibility to ensure all materials, equipment, and product purchased abides by the Buy American Act.
31. Please provide all missing number of days in parenthesis on page 7 of the specifications.
a. VA Response: Contract completion time is 365 calendar days.
32. Please confirm that the Submittal Exchange is acceptable equal for this project. The Submittal Exchange is widely used by VA facilities nationwide.
a. VA Response: Submittal Exchange is acceptable, but Procore is preferred.
33. Please confirm that the requirements for the CQC System Manager qualifications are 7 years of similar construction experience and the US Corps of Engineers Quality Control Certification.
a. VA Response: The CQC System Manager is required to have a minimum of 7 years construction experience on construction similar to the scope of this contract.
34. The solicitation and the specifications are conflicting with the TB skin testing requirements. Please clarify what the TB skin testing requirements are.
a. VA Response: TB Skin testing is a requirement per the solicitation.
35. Please provide Hazmat Survey & Abatement Plan identifying locations of ACM and Lead base paint materials to be removed as referenced in the specifications.
a. VA Response: See response for question 19.
36. Please confirm there is an Elevator available in Building 2 to deliver materials to the second floor.
a. A/E Response: Yes. There is a passenger elevator in Building #2 that leads to the 2nd floor.
37. Please confirm if any phasing is required between Buildings 2 and 46.
a. A/E Response: Building 46 will be unoccupied. Building 2 will require coordination with the occupants. Contractor to minimize the downtime required to install equipment.
38. Please provide specifications for the New Storefronts and Sliding doors as per Sheet A-101 Keynote 7 & 8 in Building 46.
a. A/E Response: See Specifications Section 08 41 13 and 08 42 29.23 provided in
Project Manual
39. Please provide a Door and Hardware Schedule to confirm existing and new doors as per sheet A-101 in Building 46.
a. VA Response: Existing doors to remain. See amended sheets for additional information on new doors.
40. Please provide details for the new window infill system noted on Sheet A-101
Keynote 9 in Building 46.
a. VA Response: Contractor is responsible for coordinating details with the manufacturer.
41. Please provide details for the New ½” Painted Panel for the HVAC Soffit noted on sheet A-101 Keynote 6 in Building 46.
a. A/E Response: Painted plywood panels to be attached to re-used, existing HVAC support system brackets as noted on A-101 Detail 4.
42. Please provide details and specifications for the new 1” x 6” Tongue and Groove
Wood plank ceiling in Building 46. Also, please provide the material species and grade for the 1” x 6” Tongue and Groove.
a. A/E Response: See specification section 06 20 00. Wood ceiling to be attached to
Z channels between existing wood arches.
43. Please provide As-Built Documents for Building 2 to confirm Wall details to coordinate the new piping scope of work in this area.
a. A/E Response: Wall cavity is 9” deep.
44. VA to confirm if mold remediation is anticipated or required.
a. VA Response: Mold remediation may be needed in Building 46.
45. Please confirm the flooring in Building 46 is to remain as existing.
a. VA Response: After removal of any existing equipment located on the floor, patch, repair, and replace flooring as needed. New flooring to match existing finishes.
46. Please confirm in Building 2 if Room# 113B and Room# 212B will be unoccupied for the duration of the Demolition and Construction within those spaces.
a. VA Response: Spaces will not be unoccupied for the entire duration of the project. Contractor to coordinate and schedule occupation of spaces with COR.
47. In Building 46, please confirm locations of the temporary construction barriers.
a. A/E Response: Building 46 to be vacant. If temporary construction barriers are required by the VA COR, barrier to be installed in Connecting Corridor to Building 1 near Vestibule of Building 46.
48. In Building 46, please provide existing finishes and conditions where patching, resealing and refinishing are to take place after equipment removal.
a. VA Response: Coordinate with COR.
49. Per Note D5 on Sheet A-101 on Building 46, please provide which existing lights are to be removed and reused. In addition, Sheet EL-101 indicates the lights are all noted as existing. Please clarify intent.
a. A/E Response: Contractor shall remove and reinstall light fixtures as determined necessary by Contractor to facilitate new construction.
50. During the Site visit, we noticed there are some existing metal speakers in the ceiling of Building 2. Please advise if these are in the scope of work and if so, please provide scope of work for the speakers.
a. VA Response: There are no speakers in the ceiling of Building 2 but there are speakers in the ceiling of Building 46. Disconnect, remove, and reinstall speakers on the ceiling.
51. Please advise if the Superintendent can be a dual hat to cover the requirements of
SSHO.
a. VA Response: Yes
52. If no to the question above, will the SSHO need to be full-time for this project?
a. VA Response: See response for question 51.
53. Please advise if the Superintendent can be a dual hat to cover the requirements of
QA/QC.
a. VA Response: See response for question 51.
54. If no to the question above, will the QA/QC need to be full-time for this project?
a. VA Response: See response for question 51.
55. Please advise if the Superintendent can be a triple hat to cover both the requirements of SSHO and QA/QC.
a. VA Response: See response for question 51.
56. Please confirm if the SSHO and Quality Manager Position can be fulfilled by the qualified superintendent.
a. VA Response: See response for question 51.
57. The VFDs for the AHU and pumps in Building 46 are not located on the project documents. Please confirm the location for such.
a. VA Response: VFDs are located on the left-hand side when entering the mechanical room.
58. Please confirm if the hours of Operation noted on the Index Sheet for Buildings 2 &
46, G-001, are accurate.
a. VA Response: Yes
59. The plans show for IT Room 13A in Building 2 to receive a new Mini Split HVAC System over the door. However, this is a storefront door with a transom in its place.
Please confirm the location of the new unit. In addition, the existing FCU unit is mounted under the window. If we are to remove this existing FCU Unit, please confirm details and specifications for the existing conditions for us to seal the opening.
a. A/E Response: The old fan coil unit shall be removed completely from the space, refer to sheet MD100. Contractor shall in-fill the existing opening with similar, adjacent materials. Paint the entire wall, floor to ceiling, corner to corner. Color match adjacent walls. The new mini-split system shall not be installed on the floor in the location of the removed FCU. The new mini-split system shall be installed on an adjacent wall.
60. Please confirm the existing control system vendor in Building 2 and 46.
a. VA Response: See response for question 6.
61. Please confirm if a new VFD is required for Units AHU-1 and AHU-2 in Building 2.
a. VA Response: No, a new VFD is not required.
62. Please confirm if Pump 46-P-1 in Building 46 requires a VFD for operation.
a. A/E Response: VFD is required for pump.
63. In Building 2, in the existing mechanical room on the ground floor, disconnects for AHU 16B are to be replaced and drainage designated into the crawl space below. VA to confirm if the configurations from AHU equipment are to be pneumatic or stacked lines.
a. A/E Response: Drainage shall utilize existing drain to crawlspace. Disconnect switches are being replaced.
64. Please provide manufacturer of the existing fire alarm system.
a. VA Response: See response for question 6.
65. We are planning on coming for the walkthrough on Thursday, do we need to register beforehand to be able to participate?
a. VA Response: No.
66. Our HVAC team was unclear on whether or not we would be running new piping and ductwork or if we are just replacing the mechanical equipment and using the existing pipe and ductwork that's already on site?
a. A/E Response: Construction documents indicate the location of new equipment, ductwork and piping.
67. Please provide details on the storefront doors. Please provide drawings and more information on the storefront doors and hardware.
a. VA Response: See response to question 39.
68. Please provide the asbestos survey.
a. VA Response: Will be provided as amendment attachment.
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