RFI _ Bid Questions and Design Responses 2025 03 26 with highlighted change.docx

VA # 509-23-101 Augusta VA Renovate Public Restrooms Bidding RFIs and Design Responses March 26, 2025

1. We’re unable to locate all of the “A2D-“scheduled openings (except for #A2D-183 & 184 which are shown on AE102). Can you please confirm that scheduled openings #A2D-885 thru A2D-1137 required new Wood Doors and if so, where are they located?

Answer:

A2D-885 THRU A2D-1137 are existing door assemblies and will remain in place. Hardware schedule to be amended and issued.

2. Please confirm those openings are to have existing frames (suggested by the ‘dashes’ on the Door Schedule, even though Type 1 HM Frames are noted).

Answer:

A2D-885 THRU A2D-1137 are existing door assemblies and will remain in place. Door panels, hardware and frames are not required for existing doors. Hardware schedule to be amended and issued.

3. Please advise if any new material is required at scheduled Opening #A2D-1008. There’s no information indicated on the Door Schedule for that opening other than the size.

Answer:

A2D-1008 is an existing door assembly and will remain in place. Hardware schedule to be amended and issued.

4. Page 81 of 94 of the solicitation indicates that some type of badging is required. Please provide the instructions and procedures for badging that will be followed along with the estimated timeframe that it will take to get a badge once paperwork is submitted. This timeframe will have a direct effect on determining if the VA's project duration is feasible.

Answer: Coordinate badging for all members of construction workforce with Contracting Officers Representative (COR).

5. Page 81 of 94 indicates Microsoft project or equivalent software is to be used for Scheduling software. Please confirm Suretrak or Phoenix scheduling software is acceptable as Microsoft Project is not as well suited for multi-phased projects or projects that require various items as per VA specs.

Answer: Yes, Phoenix scheduling software is a project management tool that offers scheduling capabilities and is compatible with Microsoft Project. However, SureTrak Project Manager is a retired product that is no longer supported by Oracle Primavera."

6. Please confirm if the VA will consider stored materials for progress billings as indicated in the FAR and VAAR.

Answer: Any stored or procured materials needing to be considered for progress payments shall be addressed at the pre-con meeting.

7. Project duration is 280 Calendar Days from NTP, to include material lead time. Considering the non-work days due to VA Holiday, the onsite work hours being limited to weekdays from 7 to 3, the time required to issue contracts, generate submittals, time that must be allotted for VA approval of Submittals and lead time of materials, the actual start date for when construction can realistically begin will significantly cut into the 280 day duration. Also, with the project being 3 phases at a minimum with each phase requiring work on multiple floors simultaneously and the VA requirements for punch list, closeout, acceptance and turnover from the time one phase is complete and the time another phase can begin - the 280 day duration does not seem realistic and we suggest the VA consider extending the time or at a minimum working with the GC on issuing the NTP at a time period after the Contract is awarded to allow submittals to be completed before the clock starts on the project. This will help mitigate unnecessary delays. We could provide a more detailed schedule with the RFP that accounts for all the items noted above, but showing an alternate schedule beyond the 280 days may disqualify our bid so this is not a realistic option.

Answer: The period of Performance will remain 280 days Work hours are weekdays 7:30 to 4:00, The 280-day Period of Performance will commence once the Notice to Proceed is issued. Before the NTP is issued, the contractor must meet the pre-construction requirements and attend a pre-construction meeting.

8. Please confirm that this project will require a full time SSHO onsite separate from the Superintendent as clearly stated in spec 01 35 26.

Answer:

Specification 01 35 26, 17.C requires the SSHO to be a qualified individual separate from the prime contractor’s superintendent and/or Quality Control Manager.

9. Please confirm if the Project Superintendent can also serve as the CQC System Manager.

Spec 01 45 00 indicates the QC Manager is required to be a "PM or SRE to determine qualifications based on project complexity at construction review/5 years construction experience on construction similar to the scope of this contract" What is meant by SRE? What are the actual qualifications of the QC manager other than 5 years’ experience. This needs to be clearly defined prior to bid as it will affect price.

Answer:

The superintendent can serve as QCM.

10. Please confirm if the Abatement Contractor is to include an industrial hygienist identified as CPIH/CIH in spec 02 82 13.19 to perform air monitoring and sampling in addition to monitoring completed by the VA's industrial hygienist as described in this spec.

Answer:

Abatement Contractor is to engage services of CPIH/CIH.

Refer to Section 02 82 13.19, 1.4.A and 2.3.C.

CPIH/CIH tasks include air monitoring and sampling separate from VPIH/CIH.

Section 02 82 13.19:

· 2.3.A.2: The VPIH/CIH consultant is retained by the VA.

· 2.3.A.3: VPIH/CIH to review and approve sampling and analysis by Contractor’s CPIH/CIH

· 2.3.B VPIH/CIH provides specific services separate from the Contractor’s CPIH/CIH.

· 2.3.C Contractor’s CPIH/CIH performs monitoring, inspection and testing.

11. Please confirm that temporary wall systems shall be used for ICRA barriers (basis of design: Starc Systems) as indicated on sheet GI003 and temporary plastic barriers will not be acceptable.

Answer:

Section 01 35 26 identifies the assigned risk classification and critical barriers. Class III/IV has been assigned for this project. Critical barriers constructed of gypsum board, plywood and plastic are listed. Refer to 1.12.B and 1.12.B.3 and 4.

Where the only hazard is dust control and an agreement is reached with the RE (COR) and medical center, airtight plastic barriers can be used.

Barriers and doors identified on Sheet GI003 as Basis of Design is a preferred rated construction barrier system in lieu of gypsum board on steel studs.

Confirm barrier type with COR.

12. Please identify where the Contractor will be able to store materials in conex and where existing materials that are to be saved for "reuse" can be stored onsite. The location needs to be identified prior to bid as this will affect price.

Answer:

01 00 00, 1.6.: Materials storage areas are to be approved by the Contracting Officer. Coordinate with the COR to identify area.

01 74 19, 1.3.F: Contractor to assign specific area for material separation for reuse, salvage, recycling, and return. Coordinate with the COR to identify area.

13. The Door schedule on AE601 lists several doors with no hardware specified, no jamb detail, no sill or header detail. Are these doors new or existing? IF new, please provide hardware and details.

Answer:

Doors are existing assemblies and will remain in place.

14. The Door schedule on AE601, please identify the door No's shown on the schedule on the floor plans so locations can be determined.

Answer:

Doors A2D-183 and A2D-184 are to be provided as scheduled for new restrooms to be constructed in the north half of the existing Staff Lounge 2D-179. Enlarged Plan7 is shown on Sheet AE401. Refer to response to Items 35 and 44.

Door 1B-188 will be provided at Men’s Bath 1B-188 on Sheet AE101. The door will be solid core wood at 1-3/4” x 3’-0” x 7’-0” with Hardware Set HW-2.

A2D-885 THRU A2D-1137 are existing door assemblies and will remain in place.

Hardware schedule to be amended and issued.

15. Is this project tax exempt? If yes, will a certificate be issued?

Answer: No

16. Can our Superintendent duel hat as the SSHO?

Answer:

Yes.

17. Can our Superintendent duel hat as the QC?

Answer:

Yes.

18. Can our Superintendent triple has as SSHO and QC?

Answer:

Yes.

19. Is there an anticipated phasing plan or a maximum number of restrooms that can be shut down?

Answer:

The current phasing plan is broken down into 3 phases.

· Phase 1: 10 restrooms

· Phase 2: 8 restrooms

· Phase 3: 8 restrooms Refer to the Phasing Schedule on the demolition sheets. Work is to be completed per phase before proceeding on to the next phase.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

20. On Page 10 in the solicitation, it mentions the first 3 pages of Volume 1 are included and excluded from the 15-page limit. We do not think they should count toward the page limit. Which do you prefer? b.1. - “The offer, including the title page, detailed table of contents, and preface, for Volume I Technical shall not exceed a total of FIFTEEN (15) pages (title page, table of contents, and preface are excluded from the page limits)”

Answer: The language in the solicitation states that the title page, detailed table of contents, and preface are excluded from the 15-page limit for Volume I. Therefore, we agree that these pages should not count toward the page limit.

21. Would you like a Cover page and Table of Contents for Volume II and III to organize documents like you ask for in Volume I? If so, will it count against the 10-page limit for Volume II? I did not see a page limit for Volume III. We would like all volumes to have a cover and table of contents to stay organized.

Answer: Yes, we would like a cover page and table of contents for Volumes II and III to maintain organization, similar to Volume I. The cover page and table of contents for Volume II will not count against the 10-page limit. There is no specified page limit for Volume III, so including a cover page and table of contents there will not affect any limits.

22. Also, in 2.8.C.b. Proposal Requirements, it mentions if proposal revisions are sent back to the offeror for discussions, the corrections should include a table of contents. To clarify where in the original proposals the revisions were made. Does that mean there is a required table of contents in the 3 original volume proposals?

Answer: Yes, the requirement for a table of contents in the proposal revisions refers to the original proposals. Each of the three original volume proposals should include a table of contents to clarify where revisions have been made.

23. What happens if the documentation required for the proposal causes the file size to exceed the 5MB limit for each Volume email submission? Typically, I have seen emails have no issues up to 25 MB go through fine. Can there be an increase in the file size on each email submission if needed?

Answer: Please submit Volume 1, 2, and 3 separately if needed. If the documentation required for the proposal causes the file size to exceed the 5MB limit for each volume email submission, please reach out to us for guidance.

24. How many restrooms are we going to be able to do at one time in each phase?

Answer:

· Phase 1: 10 restrooms

· Phase 2: 8 restrooms

· Phase 3: 8 restrooms Refer to the Phasing Schedule on the demolition sheets. Work is to be completed per phase before proceeding on to the next phase.

25. Can you confirm the quoted format below means 1” top and bottom margins with ¾” side margins? This can create constraints towards the page limitations proposed. Is there any flexibility with margins to bring the page limit down if needed? Will it disqualify you if the margins are slightly smaller?

“A page is defined as each face of an 8.5 X 11-inch sheet of paper containing information. Note, submission of the draft project schedule only, can be submitted by utilizing larger paper (11 X 17 inch). All information (except for document numbers, page numbers, etc.) shall be provided in an image area of 7 X 9 inches. Note, that this does not apply to the submission of the draft project schedule.”

Answer: Yes, the quoted format specifies 1” top and bottom margins with ¾” side margins. (The standard margins for a Microsoft Word document are 1 inch on the left and right sides of each page and 1 inch on the top and bottom of each page). We understand that this may create constraints regarding the page limitations. While we prefer adherence to these margin specifications, slight deviations may be acceptable as long as they do not significantly impact the readability of the submission.

26. Can an employee hold multiple required roles for this project? For example, can one person be Project Manager and Quality Control Manager?

Answer:

Yes, the Superintendent and QCM can be the same individual.

Electrical Questions

27. I don't see where the drawings tell me what panel I am supposed to demo back to and then add new conduit wire from.

Answer:

Lighting and receptacles shall be removed in spaces and replaced with devices as indicated. Circuits shall be removed back to junction box feeding restroom. Ensure circuits continuity for all circuits outside of project scope.

28. There’s no mention what panel we are coming out of to get power for the receptacles that also feed the Flush valves.

Answer:

Flush valves and sink sensors are to be connected to receptacle circuit serving the space as indicated.

29. The demo plan has us taking out lights but not receptacles. I'm guessing there isn't any right now. Main concern is where it is coming from and does the panel have space to add these items to.

Answer:

Lighting and receptacles shall be removed in spaces and replaced with devices as indicated. Circuits shall be removed back to junction box feeding restroom. Ensure circuit continuity for all circuits outside of project scope.

30. On drawing ED102 (2) there is no demo shown. This is an existing break room are there any outlets or IT to be removed during demo?

Answer:

All existing receptacles and data outlets shall be removed in existing breakroom area where new restroom is being constructed. Circuits shall be removed back to junction box feeding restroom. Ensure circuit continuity for all circuits outside of project scope.

31. On new electrical ceiling drawings, it shows only one ceiling mounted occupancy sensor in the bathrooms with multiple stalls. Will these require more?

Answer:

Time shall be adjusted on sensors in restrooms with multiple stalls. Occupancy sensor coverage shall be coordinated with manufacturer data.

32. Drawing EP103 shows new electrical work in 2D-183-184. There is no mention of the new exhaust fan on drawing M102 note. Will a new circuit need to be run?

Answer:

Yes. New circuit shall be run from electrical closet 2D-178, panel 2NLDB2, circuit 34. Provide new, updated, typed panel directory.

33. On demo drawing AD102 (5) shows demo a 4'-4" opening to assess new 2D 183-183 restrooms. Looking at notes from the walk through there appears to be electrical at that location. Can you provide info on refeeding any other outlets that this feeds?

Answer:

Electrical devices shall be provided as indicated on the drawings. All existing receptacles and data outlets shall be removed in existing breakroom area where new restroom is being constructed. Circuits shall be removed back to junction box feeding restroom. Ensure circuit continuity for all circuits outside of project scope.

Architectural Questions

34. Are the areas with ceramic tile on mud beds. If so how thick? And will there have to be demo after hours?

Answer:

Men’s Bath 1B-188 has a shower with ceramic tile floor and floor drain. Anticipate the shower floor tile to be set over a mortar bed.

35. Please confirm existing staff lounge 2D-179 shown on AD-102 (4) becomes 2D 183/184?

Answer:

Women’s Restroom A2D-183 and Men’s Restroom A2D-184 are located the north half of existing Staff Lounge 2D-179.

36. Section 02.82.13.18 Abatement page 1&2 has 2A157 listed as part of 250 S.F. quantity . We cannot find this room on the drawings.

Answer:

Room 2A-157 is not in the scope. Section 02 82 13.18 will be amended

37. On drawings AE401, AE402 & AE451 shows A5090 sanitary napkin disposals in all the men's restrooms. Is this a typo?

Answer:

A5090 will be provided in Women’s and Unisex restrooms only. Reference to A5090 will be deleted from all Men’s restrooms.

38. On AE102 drawing (5) shows the location of the new 2D 183/184 in the existing 2D 179 space. We don’t see a wall type for the new wall.

Answer:

Wall type separating the restrooms and the staff lounge will be a GC4 wall type, as indicated on sheet AE501.

39. Demo note (1) states remove substrates. I apereas most of the walls are plaster will these have to be demoed after hours?

Answer:

Refer to Response 46. Plan to remove wall tile and gypsum board or cement board substrate with studs remaining where walls are shown to remain. Plan to install gypsum board and backer board were required on existing steel studs.

40. Keynote (2) on A demo drawings states leaving grid in place. AE RCP keynote states new suspended system.

Answer:

Demolition Keynote (2) applies to rooms with no wall demolition work that will impact existing grids. Information will be provided to clarify rooms where ceiling grid to remain and were ceiling system replacement is required.

41. AD101 shows wall demo in MEC 1B 164. Is there any electrical in this wall?

Answer:

To be confirmed.

42. The equipment schedule has double tier lockers A1030 listed as contractor furnish. We don’t see a spec for these.

Answer:

Lockers are designated “V V - Government Furnished and Installed” in published VA equipment schedules. Equipment schedule will be revised to designate lockers furnished and installed by the Government.

43. The Hardware schedule has 3 types HW-2B, HW-2G & HW-4B. We only see one type on Door & Frame schedule (HW-4B).

Answer:

Delete HW-2B and HW-2G. Add HW-2 for Door 1B-188. Set to include:

HW-4B for Doors A2D183 and A2D184 as scheduled.

44. Door & Frame schedule has a total of (15). We can only find A2D-183 & A2D-184 on the drawings.

Answer:

New Doors:

Doors A2D-183 and A2D-184 are located at the new restrooms in the north half of existing Staff Lounge 2D-179.

Door 1B-188 (1-3/4” x 3’-0” x 7’-0”) separates Men’s Bath 1B-188 from Men’s Locker 1B-187.

The remaining doors on the door schedule are existing doors to remain.

Existing Doors Salvaged and Reinstalled:

Doors serving Women’s Bath 7C-103 and Men’s Bath 7C-106 are to be removed, salvaged and reinstalled. The existing Women’s door will be relocated to the Men’s room. The existing Men’s door will be relocated to the Women’s room. Door hardware, panels and frames are to be salvaged and relocated.

45. Will the new opening cut in at 2D-179 be drywall or metal frame?

Answer: From 1977 record drawings, walls are shown constructed with steel studs. Plan for gypsum board on steel studs.

46. Can you provide info on the wall types where new openings are cut in wall at 2D179 (paint, tile & flooring).

Answer:

Existing Conditions 2D179 Staff Lounge - Based on 1977 record drawings:

· Gypsum board on steel studs

· Rubber cove base

· Vinyl Composition Tile

47. What type flooring is to be installed in the new vestibule created in 2D183/184?

Answer:

Floor type match exists in adjacent corridor. Plan for LVT.

Final flooring to be confirmed.

48. Drawing AD107, Detail 2, 7C - 103/106 shows doors to be demoed. We do not see these doors listed on the door and frame schedule.

Answer:

Existing Doors Salvaged and Reinstalled:

Doors serving Women’s Bath 7C-103 and Men’s Bath 7C-106 are to be removed, salvaged and reinstalled. The existing Women’s door will be relocated to the Men’s room. The existing Men’s door will be relocated to the Women’s room. Door hardware, panels and frames are to be salvaged and relocated.

Existing Conditions at Doors 7C-103, 7C-106 - Based on 1977 record drawings:

· 48” high ceramic tile wainscot in restrooms

· Gypsum board on steel studs

· Ceramic floor tile and base