RFQ 36C24726Q0546 0001 Amendment.pdf

5. PROJECT NUMBER (if applicable)

CODE 7. ADMINISTERED BY

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER

CODE

6. ISSUED BY

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NUMBER 3. EFFECTIVE DATE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

9B. DATED

PAGE OF PAGES

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED

BPA NO. 1. CONTRACT ID CODE

FACILITY CODE CODE

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

E. IMPORTANT:

is extended,

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning __________ copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR

ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY is not extended.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

(REV. 11/2016)

is required to sign this document and return ___________ copies to the issuing office. is not, A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

15C. DATE SIGNED

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES

SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER

Contractor

16C. DATE SIGNED

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

STANDARD FORM 30 PREVIOUS EDITION NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

(Type or print) (Type or print)

(Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

(Number, street, county, State and ZIP Code)

(If other than Item 6)

(Specify type of modification and authority)

(such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.)

(If required)

(SEE ITEM 11)

(SEE ITEM 13)

(X)

CHECK

ONE

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS,

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

1 14

0001 06-05-2026

544-26-3-5089-0975

Department of Veterans Affairs

VISN 7 Network Contracting Office

LaVista Business Park - Bldg A

2008 Weems Road

Tucker GA 30084

Department of Veterans Affairs

VISN 7 Network Contracting Office

LaVista Business Park - Bldg A

2008 Weems Road

Tucker GA 30084

To all Offerors/Bidders

36C24726Q0546

X

X X

** HOUR & DATE for Receipt of Offers is EXTENDED to: 06-12-2026 12:00pm EDT

See CONTINUATION Page

X 01

Subject: FLAGPOLE REPLACEMENTS SERVICE

The purpose of this amendment is to extend the Offer Due Date RFQ# 36C24726Q0546 to June 12, 2026, at 12:00pm EST, revised SOW and provide RFQ Question and Service Line responses.

See Continuation Page for revised SOW and for the RFQ Question and Service Line responses.

No other questions will be accepted at this time.

Michael Tempero

Contracting Officer

FLAGPOLE REPLACEMENTS SERVICE

CONTINUATION PAGE

STATEMENT OF WORK

Flagpoles Replacement

1. REQUIREMENT:

This requirement is for a one-time, firm-fixed-price service for the supply and installation of 72 commercial flagpoles on behalf of the Columbia VA Health Care System (VAHCS), WJB Dorn VA Medical Center (VAMC), located in Columbia, South Carolina.

2. BACKGROUND:

The WJB Dorn VA Medical Center (VAMC) is a 216-bed facility, encompassing acute medical, surgical, psychiatric, and long-term care. The hospital is located in Columbia, South Carolina and provides primary, secondary, and some tertiary care.

3. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

The period of performance shall be completed within 180 days from the date of award.

All work shall be performed during normal business hours, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding all federally observed holidays. No overtime is authorized for this requirement.

Federal Holidays New Year’s Day January 1st Martin Luther King’s Birthday 3rd Monday in January President’s Day 3rd Monday in February Memorial Day Last Monday in May Juneteenth June 19th Independence Day July 4th Labor Day 1st Monday in September Columbus Day 2nd Monday in October Veteran’s Day November 11th Thanksgiving Day 4th Thursday in November Christmas Day December 25

4. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:

WJB Dorn VA Medical Center 6439 Garners Ferry Road Columbia, SC 29209

5. PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS:

A Contracting Officer Representative (COR) and/or Alternate Contracting Officer Representative (ACOR) shall be assigned to this procurement. Written notification of the assigned COR/ACOR will be provided to the Contractor after award. All scheduling of work shall be coordinated through and approved by the designated COR/ACOR or alternate designee, prior to commencement of any work with a qualified project Superintendent (either through the Prime vendor or their Sub-contractor).

• One contract worker may serve in multiple roles as long as they are qualified to do the work per industry standards.

• Laborers may be used with supervision of the project Superintendent or Lead for most associated tasks.

• Scheduling of work performance shall be arranged through the designated COR/ACOR assigned.

o Contractor will review area with the COR or designee to come up with a combined pedestrian access plan, parking and laydown areas to ensure minimal Veteran impact for parking and access to the main entrance if necessary.

• The Contractor shall furnish all labor, materials, equipment, transportation, and supervision necessary to remove the existing flagpoles and footings, install new ground sleeves, and set new commercial-grade flagpoles along the facility's "Avenue of Flags" as described herein.

o The Contractor shall complete the following as a single, integrated scope of work:

▪ Remove and dispose of 72 existing flagpoles, same size, and their concrete footings.

▪ Install 72 new PVC ground sleeves at the existing pole locations

• 66 around the perimeter sidewalk and 6 in the center. Excluding the 3 larger poles.

• Flags are not required to be supplied by the Contractor.

• No lighting system/protection is required.

▪ Repour concrete around each ground sleeve, flush with the existing sidewalk surface.

▪ Furnish and install 72 commercial-grade aluminum flagpoles per specifications below

▪ Install all associated hardware including flash collars, rope cleats, and toppers.

▪ All containers will be stored either in Parking Lot 2A or West of Building

10. See attachment “A”; areas annotated with a red circle.

▪ The laydown area will be just outside of the circle of flags, in the Northeast corner, grassy/dirt area. Due to space, only a minimal number of flagpoles and equipment will be able to occupy this area, such as a days’ worth of equipment/supply; however, it must be secured at all times.

The COR and Contractor will collaborate during start up discussions after contract award.

▪ Spec for mounting of poles is to be based on industry standards.

▪ Water spigot is available within the work site.

The Contractor shall:

• Remove all 72 existing flagpoles from their current locations along the Avenue of Flags and the center, same size, 6 poles.

o There are no restrictions regarding the disposal or recycling of the existing flag poles and footings. No parts are to be salvaged or returned to the government.

No waste disposal plan is required.

• Remove all existing concrete footings in their entirety. No footing remnants shall be left in place.

o Exact material used for current installation is unknown. The government can only assume it is some type of sleeve, sand in the annular space, and concrete around the sleeve; however, this is not guaranteed.

• Haul away and legally dispose of all removed poles, footings, hardware, and debris off VA property. No material shall be stockpiled or abandoned on site.

• Take extreme care during removal operations to protect surrounding landscaping, shrubs, trees, sidewalks, custom memorial bricks, benches, and any other items in or adjacent to the work area.

• Any damage to the site caused by demolition activities shall be repaired by the Contractor at no additional cost to the Government (see Protection of Property section within this SOW).

The Contractor shall install new PVC ground sleeves at the same locations as the existing poles. Ground sleeves shall be installed in strict accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions and the following requirements:

Foundation Excavation:

• Excavate each hole to the dimensions required for a 20-foot flagpole per the manufacturer's specification table:

• The hole diameter shall be increased (beyond the minimum) when installing in soft, sandy, or disturbed soil to ensure a stable foundation.

• Drainage:

o Place approximately 6 inches of clean crushed rock or coarse gravel at the bottom of each hole to facilitate drainage before setting the sleeve.

• Ground Sleeve Specifications:

o Material: PVC o Size: 24-inch sleeve for 20-foot pole height (per manufacturer dimension table) o The sleeve shall be centered in the hole and held plumb (using a level on two sides, 90 degrees to each other) while concrete is poured.

• Concrete Placement:

o Mixed-on-site (site-batched) Portland cement or equal, shall be used. This is mandatory, Ready-mix/transit-mix concrete is not acceptable for this application.

▪ Water is available on-site

▪ Restrooms are available near work area, in the Main hospital through the main entrance, directly across from the work site.

▪ Mixing location is to be in the vicinity of the flag location as to not disrupt vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

▪ Testing will be performed through a combination of tests per industry standard, to ensure the resulting concrete meets strength, durability, and workability requirements. Testing will ensure that the mix is workable, strong, durable, and safe for the intended application.

o Pour concrete around the sleeve, taking care to prevent any concrete from entering the interior of the sleeve.

Pole Height (ft) Ground Sleeve Size (in) Min. Hole Diameter (in) Min. Hole Depth (in)

20 24 20 30 o Continue filling until the concrete surface is flush with the existing sidewalk grade, or within 1 inch of the top of the sleeve, whichever is applicable to the flash collar detail.

o Maintain the sleeve in the plumb position throughout the pour.

o Allow concrete to cure for a minimum of 24 hours before inserting the flagpole.

Do not disturb the sleeve during curing.

• Flash Collar:

o Furnish and install a flash collar over each sleeve to provide a finished, weathertight appearance at the base of each pole.

o The flash collar shall cover the top of the sleeve and the concrete-to-sleeve interface. It shall be dropped into place after the pole is plumbed and shimmed.

• Flagpole Furnishing and Installation:

o The Contractor shall furnish and install 72 commercial-grade aluminum flagpoles meeting the following specifications:

Specification Required Value

Quantity 72 flagpoles (total)

Pole Height 20 feet (overall length)

Wall Thickness 0.125" aluminum

Pole Sections One (1) - single piece, no splices

Base Diameter 3.0"

Top Diameter 1.875" - 2"

Pole Finish Brushed Satin (mill finish aluminum)

Truck and Pulley Style Revolving truck with external pulley

Halyard (Rope) Standard rope and cleat system

Unflagged Windspeed Rating 108 mph minimum

Flagged Windspeed Rating 83 mph minimum

Topper / Finial 3" gold anodized, spun aluminum ball; 1/2" - 13 NC spindle threading

Cleat Aluminum rope cleat, surface-mounted with stainless steel hardware

The government will accept equivalent commercial flagpole systems that meet or exceed the requirements described.

• Installation Procedure:

o The Contractor shall raise and set each pole in accordance with manufacturer instructions and the following requirements:

▪ Pole setting should be performed and completed with direct supervision of the project Superintendent by Maintenance Workers skilled in setting of commercial 20’ flag poles.

▪ Slide the flash collar onto the pole from the bottom (or top, if the bottom is too tight) prior to insertion.

▪ Raise the pole with sufficient personnel – a minimum of one to two persons is required for a 20-foot pole.

▪ Gently lower the pole into the ground sleeve. Do not drop or force the pole.

▪ Rotate the pole within the sleeve until the cleat faces the desired direction (generally toward the sidewalk for ease of access).

▪ Plumb the pole by using cedar shingles or shims at the base to achieve true vertical. Use a level to verify plumb on at least two sides, 90 degrees apart. Leave shims in place.

▪ Once plumb is confirmed, fill the annular space between the pole and the sleeve with dry, fine sandbox-grade sand, packed firmly to the top of the sleeve. The sand secures the pole and allows for removal if future replacement is needed.

▪ Trim or break shims flush with the top of the sleeve.

▪ Drop the flash collar down to cover the sleeve base area and the pole-to-sleeve interface.

▪ Attach the finial (topper) to the rotating truck and tighten the lock nut securely to prevent loosening.

▪ Attach the contractor provided nylon rope cleat to the pole using the two contractor provided machine screws driven into the stainless-steel inserts on the pole face.

▪ Secure the halyard (rope) to the cleat.

• Each installed flagpole shall be:

o Perfectly plumb – no leaning in any direction o Free of movement, wobbling, or play at the base o Assurances should be taken to ensure that all 50 flagpoles are at a consistent height o Fully functional with all hardware properly installed and operational prior to acceptance.

• Concrete Restoration:

o Where concrete has been removed, disturbed, or damaged as part of this project, the Contractor shall restore the affected area as follows:

▪ All concrete repairs and repours shall use site-batched Portland cement or equal. Ready-mix/transit-mix concrete is not acceptable.

▪ Finished concrete surfaces shall be flush with the adjacent sidewalk grade.

▪ Repoured and repaired concrete shall match the surrounding concrete in color, texture, and finish to the greatest extent possible.

• Expectation of finished concrete is brush or light broom finish.

▪ Concrete shall be properly consolidated, finished, and cured. No cracking, voids, or settlement will be accepted.

▪ The Contractor is responsible for protecting fresh concrete from foot traffic, vehicles, weather, and other hazards until adequate strength is achieved.

• Warranties:

Item Warranty Requirement

Flagpole Shaft Lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship

Hardware (truck, cleat, rope, finial, collar)

Minimum 1-year warranty against defects

Installation Workmanship Minimum 1-year warranty: any pole that shifts, leans, or exhibits movement will be corrected at no cost to the Government o The Contractor shall provide copies of all manufacturer warranty documents to the COR at the time of final acceptance.

• Site Control and Traffic Management:

o The Contractor shall establish and maintain adequate site controls throughout the duration of work:

▪ The work area shall be clearly delineated with construction fencing, barricades, or equivalent barriers prior to the commencement of any work.

▪ Barriers shall prevent unauthorized access by both pedestrians and vehicles to the active work zone at all times.

▪ The Contractor shall coordinate with the COR to maintain pedestrian access to Building 100 and the main hospital entrance at all times, with a safe, clearly marked alternate path provided if necessary.

▪ No tools, equipment, or materials shall be left in unsecured open areas during breaks, lunch periods, or at the end of each workday.

▪ All debris, excess material, and waste shall be removed from the campus at the close of each workday.

• Protection of Property:

o The Avenue of Flags contains custom memorial bricks, benches, mature landscaping, and other commemorative features of significant importance to the VA and the Veterans it serves. The Contractor shall exercise the highest degree of care in the vicinity of these items.

▪ Landscaping and Vegetation:

• The Contractor shall take all practicable measures to protect existing shrubs, trees, groundcovers, and turf within and adjacent to the work zone.

• Any vegetation damaged or destroyed as a result of Contractor operations shall be replaced in kind at the Contractor's expense.

Replacement vegetation shall match the original in species, variety, size, and growth classification.

• Hydroseed will be sufficient for the area around the base of the pole, if grass gets damaged and needs repaired.

▪ Hardscape and Structures:

• Any damage to sidewalks, curbs, memorial bricks, benches, or other hardscape caused by the Contractor shall be repaired or replaced by the Contractor at no cost to the Government.

• All concrete repairs shall match the surrounding surfaces in material, color, and finish quality.

• Ready-mix/transit-mix concrete is not acceptable for any repairs.

▪ Damage Notification and Repair Timeline:

• The COR will formally notify the Contractor in writing of any identified damage prior to contract close-out.

• All repairs required by COR notification shall be completed within thirty (30) calendar days of the notification date.

Site Visit - A site visit will be offered during the solicitation phase and attendance is highly recommended. The site visit shall be coordinated between the Contracting Officer (CO) and the COR. No questions will be answered during the site visit. All questions will be emailed directly to the CO. Subsequently all questions and answers will be posted as an amendment in the solicitation to allow all potential offerors to view.

Past Performance – Included in vendor proposals will be a past performance report that includes at least three (3) previously completed similar jobs, showing satisfactory performance under the same scope of work included in section 5, Performance Requirements included in this Statement of Work.

CHECK-IN REQUIREMENTS:

The Contractor and all Contractor personnel shall check in with Engineering Service, Building 100 inside the Engineering Control Center (ECC), prior to commencing work each day. Upon completion of work each day, the Contractor shall check out with Engineering Service. This requirement is in place to ensure personnel accountability and emergency contact capability.

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS:

The Contractor shall comply with all applicable OSHA standards and VA safety requirements throughout performance. At minimum:

• All personnel shall wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for their assigned tasks at all times in the work zone.

• All tools and equipment shall be secured when not in use and removed from open areas during breaks, lunches, and at the end of each workday.

• The Contractor shall immediately report any unsafe conditions or incidents to the COR.

• WJB Dorn VA Medical Center is a 100% smoke-free campus. Smoking is strictly prohibited in all areas of the facility and on the grounds.

Final Inspection and Acceptance:

Upon completion of all work, the Contractor shall notify the COR to schedule a formal final inspection. Acceptance will be withheld until:

• All 72 flagpoles are installed, plumb, secure, and fully operational

• All hardware (halyards, cleats, toppers, flash collars) is installed and functional on every pole

• All concrete work is complete, flush, and matching surrounding surfaces

• All removed materials and debris have been disposed of off VA property

• All property damage has been repaired and accepted by the COR

• All warranty documentation has been submitted to the COR.

6. TERMINATION FOR CONVENIENCE:

In accordance with FAR 52.212-4 (l) The Government reserves the right to terminate this contract, or any part hereof, for its sole convenience. In the event of such termination, the Contractor shall be entitled to compensation only as provided in FAR 52.212-4(l).

7. RECORDS MANAGEMENT AND CONTRACT SECURITY

A. Contractor shall comply with VA Handbook 6300.1 Records Management Procedures and VA Handbook 6500.6 Contract Security. Both can be found at:

https://www.va.gov/vapubs/search_action.cfm?dType=2

**Note: This link is the complete list of VA Handbooks and are in sequential order.

**Instructions for accessing VA Handbooks at link listed above:

• Click on link above and once it is opened, please scroll down on the left side until you get to VA Handbook 6300.1.

• Once there, go to the PDF Format Column and click on PDF.

• VA Handbook 6300.1 will then ask you to open or save the document.

B. Please follow the same instructions listed above for accessing VA Handbook 6500.6.

• All contractor employees working on this requirement are required to complete mandatory annual training entitled, “VA Privacy and Information Security Awareness” and “HIPPA Training” prior to providing service for each year of the contract with copies sent to the COR for each and available for audit as requested. The course numbers are VA10203 and VA 10176. You must select that you are a contractor. Contractor employees are to self-enroll into TMS via the link:

https://www.tms.va.gov/learning/user/SelfRegistrationUserSelection.do

• A VA employee will escort the contractor when contractor is required to enter/work in sensitive areas.

IDENTIFICATION, SMOKING AND VA REGULATIONS

The Contractor's FSE shall wear visible identification always while on the premises of the Columbia VAMA. Contractor shall contact the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) upon contract award, to receive instructions on how to obtain a VA Identification Badge during the performance of this contract. Columbia VAMA is a smoke-free campus which includes both tobacco and e-cigarettes; tickets can be issued by Police Services. Possession of weapons is prohibited. Enclosed containers, including tool kits, shall be subject to search. Violations of VA regulations may result in citation answerable in the United States (Federal) District Court, not a local district, state, or municipal court. Photography or Video on medical center premises is strictly prohibited. Additionally, pursuant to 38 CFR 1.218(b) (23) Use of recording devices of any kind to record patients or employees is strictly prohibited.

“VA Notice of Limitations on Subcontracting - Certificate of Compliance: To be eligible for evaluation and consideration for award, offerors must return the entire Limitations on Subcontracting Certificate of Compliance clause containing a fully completed certification at the time offers are due or the offer will be rejected and not forwarded for evaluation. In addition to completing the offeror ‘fill-in’ requirements for this clause, offerors must insert the offeror’s name in the brackets containing the following verbiage “[Insert Name of Offeror]” to have a fully completed certification.”

Attachment “A”

RFQ 36C24726Q0546 Question and Service Line responses for Flagpole

• Are we able to use a dumpster, which I highly suggest for ease or disposal? Can we drop the dumpster close enough to the jobsite or possibly in the back of the parking lot, close-ish proximity to the jobsite? All containers will be stored either in Parking Lot 2A or West of Building 10. See attached map; areas annotated with a red circle.

• Where can we store 50 flagpoles on site? I can try to get a quote for an 18-wheeler to leave the truck cargo container(s) onsite to hold the flagpoles and components but will need to take up a parking spaces near the back of the parking lot. No one thinks about how much space and how heavy 50 20’ flagpoles are. All containers will be stored either in Parking Lot 2A or West of Building 10. See attached map; areas annotated with a red circle.

Total flags to replace is 72.

After reading the statement of work, I have the following observations/questions. There will likely be more questions, but I feel like the following information is imperative to have prior to the site visit.

Please refer to the attached cut sheet for the 20 foot flag pole. This pole is from Concord American Flagpole, the industry leader in Flagpole manufacturing. This is the only pole that can be purchased with a 3” but diameter. (the solicitation refers to this as a base diameter).

• RFI #1: What flagpole manufacturer was used as the basis of design for this solicitation. None. Existing flagpoles were used during the planning/estimate stage

• RFI#2 Will a top diameter of the flagpole of 2” suffice? The Specification on page 7 calls for 1.875”. Yes

• RFI#3 The solicitation calls for a revolving truck with an internal pulley. A pole with a 3” base diameter is a relatively light duty pole. The specification describes the flagpole assembly as including a “revolving truck with internal pulley” along with a “standard rope and cleat system.” We respectfully request clarification regarding the intended halyard configuration. External pulley with standard rope and cleat system.

As written, the specification appears to combine terminology associated with both:

An external halyard system (standard rope and cleat), and An internal halyard system (internal pulley terminology). External halyard system (standard rope and cleat).

Typically, a standard rope and cleat system utilizes an external halyard arrangement with a revolving truck assembly mounted at the top of the pole, where the pulley mechanism is enclosed within the truck housing but the rope remains external to the pole.

• Please confirm whether the Government’s intent is:

A standard external halyard system utilizing a revolving truck with enclosed pulley and external rope/cleat arrangement.

A true internal halyard flagpole system with concealed rope assembly inside the pole shaft, as this would be a special order pole at a minimum, and I am not certain it can be done with a 3” pole. I have sent an inquiry to the manufacturer, and am waiting a response.

This clarification is requested to ensure all bidders are pricing and proposing the same flagpole configuration and wind rating criteria.

• During the site visit, a total of 66 flagpoles were counted around the perimeter of the walkway with another 6 in the center of the area. Will the VA clarify which 50 are specifically called out for replacement as per the SoW? Total poles to replace will be 72.

• On Page 5 of the SoW, it calls for galvanized steel ground sleeves and on page 6 it calls for PVC ground sleeves. Will the VA clarify which type of ground sleeve is desired for this application? PVC

• Does the VA desire to have lightning kits installed along with the new flagpoles? No

• Can you please confirm which ground sleeves need to be used? Bid calls for both steel ground sleeves and PVC ground sleeves. PVC is an industry standard for 3” poles. PVC

• Can you please confirm the number of flag poles to be removed and installed? Bid calls for both steel ground sleeves and PVC ground sleeves. PVC is an industry standard for 3” poles. Solicitation calls for 50

Flag poles but at the site visit there were found to be more than 50 poles there. Total poles to replace will be 72

• Can you please confirm where pole storage will be and lay down yard location will be? The poles will need to be stored on site somewhere when they come in before they can be installed. Pole storage -All containers will be stored either in Parking Lot 2A or west of Building 10. See attached map; areas annotated with a red circle.

• The laydown area will be just outside of the circle of flags, in the Northeast corner, grassy/dirt area. Due to space, only a minimal number of flagpoles and equipment will be able to occupy this area, such as a days’ worth of equipment/supply; however, it must be secured at all times. The COR and Contractor will collaborate during start up discussions after contract award.

• Is a bid bond required to be submitted with this RFQ? No

1. The scope of work says 50 flagpoles need to be replaced. There are 66 total flagpoles, 33 on each side of the surrounding sidewalk area and 6 additional of the same size in front of the 3 large flagpoles. Which 50 need to be replaced? Will all 66 be replaced? Will all 72 be replaced?

72 will be replaced.

2. Where can a dumpster and mixing station for concrete be placed for collecting the old, removed materials? (photo attached for proposed space). The laydown area will be just outside of the circle of flags, in the Northeast corner, grassy/dirt area. Due to space, only a minimal number of flagpoles and equipment will be able to occupy this area, such as a days’ worth of equipment/supply; however, it must be secured at all times. The COR and Contractor will collaborate during start up discussions after contract award.

3. Is a porta-john required? No. Facilities are available nearby through the main hospital entrance. If yes, where will it be placed? n/a

4. Will a spec be referenced in the mounting of the poles? Use of industry standards would be the spec.

Sleeve materials will either be galvanized or PVC, which one? PVC

5. Are ropes required to be supplied with the new poles? Yes

6. Are flags required to be supplied with the new poles? No

7. Does the pole require an internal pulley? No

8. Will hydroseeding be sufficient for the area around the base of the pole that the grass gets damaged? Yes, if the contractor wishes to hydroseed, that would be sufficient.

9. Will the VA provide water access? If so, where is the connection point? Water is available at a spigot inside the work area.

10.What is the expectation of the finished concrete? Brush or light broom finish.

11. Will there be a laydown area for material? The laydown area will be just outside of the circle of flags, in the Northeast corner, grassy/dirt area. Due to space, only a minimal number of flagpoles and equipment will be able to occupy this area, such as a days’ worth of equipment/supply; however, it must be secured at all times. The COR and Contractor will collaborate during start up discussions after contract award.

12. Can the lay down area be in the circle area where the poles are located? The laydown area will be just outside of the circle of flags, in the Northeast corner, grassy/dirt area. Due to space, only a minimal number of flagpoles and equipment will be able to occupy this area, such as a days’ worth of equipment/supply; however, it must be secured at all times. The COR and Contractor will collaborate during start up discussions after contract award.

While reviewing the statement of work, I noticed it states there are 50 poles, yet during our site review we counted 66 perimeter poles as well as 6 smaller middle poles. This brings the total to 72 poles, not including the 3 larger middle flag poles. Could you please clarify the total number of poles that are to be replaced for this project? 72 Additionally, I would like some clarification regarding the ground sleeve requirements. The statement of work references both PVC (on page 9) and galvanized (on page 8) sleeves.

Industry standard for 3" poles is typically PVC. Could you please confirm which material should be used? PVC I also wanted to ask about lightning protection—are these required for each pole as part of the replacement scope? No. We have installed flagpoles previously at another VA facility and a ground strap and ground rod were required on that job, however, that was a much larger/taller pole.