Attachment 0004A_Consolidated RFI Answers.pdf

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Attached to
521-23-121 | Renovate SPS Phase 2 Federal contract opportunity
Solicitation number
36C24726R0011
Issued by
Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration Veterans Integrated Service Network 7

About this file

This document is a Questions and Answers (RFI Responses) file for a Construction Solicitation for the VA's Sterile Processing Services (SPS) Phase II renovation project. The project involves comprehensive renovation of the SPS area including demolition, new HVAC systems, plumbing, electrical, fire protection, flooring, resinous floor coatings, equipment installation (dumbwaiters/cartlifts, sterilizers, RO/DI systems), and various building system upgrades. The project is valued between $5-10 million. Key staffing requirements mandate three separate full-time on-site personnel: a Superintendent, Quality Control Manager, and Site Safety and Health Officer—these positions cannot be combined. A Commissioning Manager must also be separate from the Superintendent due to project complexity. The contractor must budget no more than 6 hours for on-site badging, safety training, and orientation. Work hours are Monday-Friday, 7am-4pm, with flexibility to work Monday-Thursday or pursue alternate schedules post-award. After-hours and weekend work may be required for activities affecting facility operations (excessive noise, utility outages, patient areas). All federal holidays are non-working days.

The VA will provide materials listed in Attachment 0004B for potential project use; unused materials become the contractor's responsibility to dispose. The space will be fully cleared except for these designated materials. The contractor must provide and fund its own mobile office with no VA support for space or electricity. The SPS area, mechanical room, and dumbwaiter shafts will be turned over completely; electrical, mechanical, and telecom rooms outside these areas remain operational. No Administrative NTP will be provided—the NTP date begins the Period of Performance, with a gap period between award and NTP for a kickoff meeting. Corrective measures for slab moisture remediation are part of the base bid, determined through ASTM F1869, F2170, and pH testing. Multiple technical clarifications address HVAC controls (JCI), security/access control integration (LENEL system serviced by Convergint), fire alarm systems (Edwards EST3 transitioning to Siemens), and compliance with VA Design Alerts. The project does not require contractor permits, and the contractor is not responsible for moving existing furniture or equipment beyond Attachment 0004B materials.

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Construction Solicitation RFIs – Answers in Red

1. The date line is left blank on SF1442 block 13. SAM.gov indicates Jan 28, 2026, 1pm EST. Please clarify when responses are due.

The due date is extended. See new due date in the amendment form.

2. Resinous floor coating specs call for a quartz broadcast in the primer coat. Would a double-broadcast of flake be acceptable instead? When looking to increase durability by adding thickness, the recommendation is a double broadcast of flake. Quartz is costlier and will be unnoticeable in the primer layer after the floor is finished.

A double broadcast of flake is a commonly used approach and would be consistent with the VA specification, provided the system meets the performance requirements in the specifications. A double broadcast of flake does increase the overall system thickness and durability.

3. Please provide a detailed inventory list of material that is currently on site that may be used in this project.

See Attachments to this amendment.

4. Will all workers need to be badged, or just the GC's Superintendent?

Only the GC’s Superintendent will need to be badged.

5. Specifications state that the project is between 5 and 10 million. Please confirm project valuation.

Correct. The current, approved VA estimate places the project magnitude between $5-10 million.

6. Will all the demo be complete prior to the start of work? Does this include (1) the preparation for re-roofing, (2) subsurface preparation for floor finishes, (3) asbestos abatement?

The current site conditions observed during the site visit will be passed to the contractor as is outside of the materials that may be used for the project.

7. During the site visit, it was noted that materials and equipment are stored within the SPS space and may be available for use on this project. Please provide a list of all existing materials and equipment currently onsite that the VA intends to furnish for use on this project, including quantities, and confirm that these materials and equipment meet all applicable requirements of the contract drawings and specifications.

See Attachments to this amendment.

8. Please advise if the Project Superintendent can serve as a "dual hat" as the Quality Control Manager (QCM) on this project.

No.

9. Please advise if the Project Superintendent can serve as a "dual hat" as the Site Safety and Health Officer (SSHO) on this project.

No.

10. Will the VA provide space for the Prime Contractor’s Superintendent to set up, or should we add costs to our bid for a mobile office?

a. Where can the mobile office be located?

b. Is space available for a 8’ x 40’ temporary ground-level office?

c. Are contractors required to set a pole and meter for electric usage in the mobile office?

d. Where is the electrical connection for power to the mobile office?

e. What is the distance between the electrical connection and the proposed location of the mobile office?

f. Is a 208V, 125A breaker available for connection to the mobile office?

g. If a breaker isn't available, is a spare available?

h. Would contractors be expected to supply the needed breaker?

i. Will the feeder between the electrical connection and the mobile office need to be underground?

j. Will this feeder need to run across any asphalt or concrete roads or parking lots?

The VA does not provide space or electricity for a mobile office for the contractor. The contractor must foot the cost, as well as scout the location if mobile office is needed.

11. Once awarded, will the VA provide an Administrative NTP to allow time for subcontracts to be executed, GC & Subs to work together to develop a project schedule, provide SF1413s, and prepare other Division 1 submittals?

There will be no Administrative NTP. The NTP date will start the Period of Performance.

There will, however, be a gap period between the contract award date and the agreed-upon NTP date. The kickoff meeting will take place in this gap, and the NTP date will be discussed and/or decided at this kickoff meeting. This gap period may allow the awardee time to complete some of the duties mentioned in this question.

12. How many hours should the prime contractor and subcontractors’ budget for on-site badging, safety training, orientation, etc.?

On site badging, safety training, and orientation should not be more than 6 hours.

13. What is the CORE working hours that the contractor should follow? Please include the time, days of the week and if weekends and established federal holidays are exempt from the core working hours.

Work hours for the COR are Mon-Fri from 7-4. Contractors have the option to work Monday -Friday or Monday-Thursday, this can be communicated after bid is accepted. Any work that affects the facility outside of the areas given to the contractor will have to be coordinated with the COR. This may result in after-hour or weekend work. The impact to the facility will determine whether or not work can be done during business hours. Work that may have to be performed after hours or during the weekend may include but is not limited to: work that causes excessive noise/vibrations, utility outages, work within crowded or patient areas, etc. VA is closed for all federal holidays as listed below.

Thursday, January 01 New Year’s Day

Monday, January 19 Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Monday, February 16 * Washington’s Birthday

Monday, May 25 Memorial Day

Friday, June 19 Juneteenth National Independence Day

Friday, July 03 ** Independence Day

Monday, September 07 Labor Day

Monday, October 12 Columbus Day

Wednesday, November 11 Veterans Day

Thursday, November 26 Thanksgiving Day

Friday, December 25 Christmas Day

14. Will all work associate with this project able to be performed during regular working hours?

Any work that affects the facility outside of the areas given to the contractor will have to be coordinated with the COR. This may result in after-hour or weekend work. The impact on the facility will determine whether work can be done during business hours. Work that may have to be performed after hours or during the weekend may include but is not limited to work that causes excessive noise/vibrations, utility outages, work within crowded or patient areas, etc.

15. Is any commissioning required for this project?

Yes, see specification 01 9100.

16. Is there any reason the Superintendent cannot be the Prime Contractor’s Commissioning Manager during commissioning?

No, the Superintendent must be a separated individual due to the complexity of the project and commissioning.

17. Who is the manufacturer of the current Fire Alarm system?

Current system is an Edwards EST3 system. This system is mid-replacement, and a new Siemens system is expected to take over by December of this year.

18. Please provide contact for those who service the current Fire Alarm System.

EST panels can be serviced by 2 different companies, both go by CSI: Central Station Inc is the longest supporter of this system, 205.836.3884.

Control Systems Inc is the other option who currently provide annual testing, 888.780.6465.

19. Who is the manufacturer of the current Security and Access Control system?

LENEL

20. Please provide a contact for who services the current Security and Access Control System.

The current system is serviced by Convergint. Offerors are to ensure that the security and access control system integrates with the existing infrastructure and meets the required technical specifications for compatibility with our current system. The offeror must verify that the proposed solution provides full functionality and seamless integration with the existing system. Any required licenses or certifications should meet the equivalent standards of the current system.

21. Who is the manufacturer of the current HVAC Controls?

JCI

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

JCI

23. Will the VA have the space entirely cleared out of furniture and miscellaneous items before the contractor begins construction?

Yes, all items outside of the items that can be used for the project will be cleared from the area.

24. Is there any reason to believe the slab has moisture in it and moisture remediation will be needed?

The contractor is to verify existing condition of slab; there is remediation of mold as part of this project.

25. Please identify the approved routes for transporting demolition debris out of the project site and for delivering new materials into the designated work area.

The SPS area is next to the fire lane, and all debris can be taken directly outside. Any debris that is taken through the hallway of the hospital must be covered and taken out to the fire lane.

26. Will the contractor be permitted to temporarily block or close parking/access areas near the designated material ingress/egress points of the project to facilitate material loading and unloading?

The contractor will be permitted to temporarily load/unload material in the fire line.

27. Is any commissioning required on this project?

Yes, please see specification 01 9100.

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

No, the manager must be a separate individual due to the complexity of the project and commissioning.

29. Is a full-time on-site quality control manager required for this project?

Yes

30. Can the Superintendent also be the quality control manager?

No

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

Yes

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

33. Can the Superintendent be Triple hatted as the SSHO and QC Manager?

34. Confirm if the contractor is to provide 3 separate full-time personnel onsite – SSHO, QCM, Superintendent?

Yes, there needs to be 3 separate people as SSHO, QCM, and Superintendent.

35. 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.?

No, The QCM and Superintendent shall be separate.

36. This project is a rebid that went over the proposed IGE budget last time it was bid.

Given that prices have not dropped since that time why is the project still only being solicited as a $5MM to $10MM?

See answer #5 above related to the magnitude of the project.

37. If the project bids are over $10MM will the VA still award the project?

An offeror’s price must be determined reasonable in order for the VA to make an award. See evaluation criteria in the RFP.

38. Is full funding for this project available to the NCO station?

Funding is available.

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

Work should be performed during the week, during the day, unless for some reason work is not able to be performed during the day. Any work that affects the facility outside of the areas given to the contractor will have to be coordinated with the COR.

This may result in after-hour or weekend work. The impact on the facility will determine whether or not work can be done during business hours. Work that may have to be performed after hours or during the weekend may include but is not limited to work that causes excessive noise/vibrations, utility outages, work within crowded or patient areas, etc.

40. Will this project be done in phases?

This project does not have to be done in phases as all staff are out of the area. The entire SPS area, the SPS mechanical room, and each dumbwaiter shaft/ machine room will be turned over to the contractor. Electrical, mechanical, and telecom rooms outside of these rooms will remain operational at all times. Any access into these spaces must be coordinated with the COR.

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

Phases can be completed simultaneously. The entire SPS area, the SPS mechanical room, and each dumbwaiter shaft/ machine room will be turned over to the contractor. Electrical, mechanical, and telecom rooms outside of these rooms will remain operational at all times. Any access into these spaces must be coordinated with the COR.

42. How many areas will we be given at a time?

You will have full access to the area. The entire SPS area, the SPS mechanical room, and each dumbwaiter shaft/ machine room will be turned over to the contractor.

Electrical, mechanical, and telecom rooms outside of these rooms will remain operational at all times. Any access into these spaces must be coordinated with the

COR.

43. Will we have to remove a window in each area to vent the negative air outside or is there another means of venting air from the space to achieve the negative pressure required by ICRA?

Existing exhaust ducts cannot be utilized. The space is connected to the exterior via 2 doors that exit to the fire lane and several louvers in the mechanical room that discharge into the mechanical yard. These can be utilized for negative air.

44. What openings can we use to vent our negative air to meet the ICRA requirements?

Existing exhaust ducts cannot be utilized. The space is connected to the exterior via 2 doors that exit to the fire lane and several louvers in the mechanical room that discharge into the mechanical yard. These can be utilized for negative air.

45. In ICRA areas that require Category B Level 1 or 2, can we use zip-walls or plastic sheeting as containment?

The ICRA rating for this project is Category D with a level 4 total rating. This rating was based on the SPS area being renovated. Any work outside of this space can be evaluated and coordinated with the COR. Assume a level 4 rating.

46. In any ICRA areas that require above Category B containment, can plastic wall panels be used for the ICRA walls, such as STARC Panels or Temporary Wall System’s panels?

Interim life safety measures will be required by the VA Fire Protection Manual. The VAFPM or any other VA Manual can be downloaded from the following website:

https://www.cfm.va.gov/til/dManual.asp

47. Will temporary sprinklers be required during demolition?

Fire protection to be provided during construction, upturn sprinklers during construction. Interim life safety measures will be required by the VA Fire Protection

Manual. The VAFPM or any other VA Manual can be downloaded from the following website: https://www.cfm.va.gov/til/dManual.asp.

48. Will the contractor be required to turn the existing sprinkler heads up during construction once the ceiling is removed?

Yes. VA - Interim life safety measures will be required by the VA Fire Protection Manual. The VAFPM or any other VA Manual can be downloaded from the following website: https://www.cfm.va.gov/til/dManual.asp

49. Will we have to test and balance the HVAC system after the work is complete?

Yes, see specification 23 05 93 and specifically section 1.5.B.1.

50. Please provide contact name and phone number for who services the current Nurse Call System

Historically that has been Convergint, but we are currently between vendors and servicing in-house.

51. Who is the manufacturer of the current Fire Alarm system.

Current system is an Edwards EST3 system. This system is mid-replacement, and a new Siemens system is expected to take over by December of this year.

52. Please provide contact name and phone number for who services the current Fire Alarm System.

EST panels can be serviced by 2 different companies, both go by CSI:

a. Central Station Inc is the longest supporter of this system, 205.836.3884.

b. Control Systems Inc is the other option who currently provide annual testing, 888.780.6465.

53. Who is the manufacturer of the current Security and Access Control system?

54. Please provide contact name and phone number for who services the current Security and Access Control System?

The current system is serviced by Convergint. Offerors are to ensure that the security and access control system integrates with the existing infrastructure and meets the required technical specifications for compatibility with our current system. The offeror must verify that the proposed solution provides full functionality and seamless integration with the existing system. Any required licenses or certifications should meet the equivalent standards of the current system.

55. Is the contractor only swapping out the card readers or will new cable have to be pulled as well?

New cable is required back to Police Room G404. VA - All Readers and cable replaced. You will also need to purchase reader licenses from LENEL which Convergint has been authorized to do on our behalf. See note 5 sheet ET-101.

56. Will new licenses be required to be purchased?

Yes.

57. If so, how many new licenses?

Each camera in use will need to be licensed.

58. Who is the manufacturer of the current CCTV system?

59. Please provide contact name and phone number for who services the current CCTV System?

The Milestone camera system servicing company is as follows:

Sam Dharia

GMC TEK, LLC

TITLE : VP Of Sales E-MAIL: sam@gmctek.com mailto:sam@gmctek.com

URL: www.gmctek.com COMPANY: 8569 Sudley Road, Unit C, Manassas, VA 20110 MAILING: 41833 Cordgrass Circle, Aldie, VA 20105 PHONE Cell: (703)-362-1235 | Main: (703)-687-9721

FAX: (703)-454-0620

60. Please confirm whether the CCTV work in this project is to be CFCI, OFCI, or OFOI?

CFCI

61. Who is the manufacturer of the current Telecommunications system?

The VA is unsure exactly what is being asked for in this question. The VA utilizes a Core Digital Cisco server system. The IT system is currently being upgraded by the EHRM (Electronics Health Records Modernization) construction project. This project will update the entire building’s IT system. These changes have already been incorporated into the SPS renovation design.

62. Please provide contact name and phone number for who services the current Telecommunications System?

The VA Office of Information Technology (OIT) service maintains the internet, server, Wi-Fi, and similar systems.

63. Who is the manufacturer of the current HVAC Controls?

JCI

64. Please provide contact name and phone number for who services the current HVAC Controls?

JCI

65. Who is the manufacturer of the current Building Automation System?

JCI- Metasys

66. Please provide contact name and phone number for who services the current Building Automation System?

Steven Houghton, stephen.houghton@jci.com, 205.484.3837.

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Furldefense.proofpoint.com%2Fv2%2Furl%3Fu%3Dhttp-3A__www.gmctek.com_%26d%3DDwMFAg%26c%3DeuGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM%26r%3DhQoX7XYYphKwuWZcRrIPig%26m%3DC1ttTRohVvEoRRDs4BexzmV6W89S82s0HesJvj_XueIqqbBR7o47rRuvIEm3dmdz%26s%3DKToo_x366PXhFMoNhGiXK_LuFG-ZXfe2c44rg81Z9m0%26e%3D&data=05%7C02%7C%7Cbc89493cbadc48a517e908de62937e6f%7Ce95f1b23abaf45ee821db7ab251ab3bf%7C0%7C0%7C639056582773759357%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=QsftgREoJCRie7jMjhPTbWYbE00oo9c6tq%2F6%2FQMme0Y%3D&reserved=0

67. Is there any chance of uncovering hazardous materials?

Yes, see sheet AD101, Key Notes 9, and 10. See also Key Note 9 and General Note 8 on sheet AD101.

68. Is there mold remediation that is part of this project?

Yes, see sheet AD101, Key Notes 9, and 10.

69. Who is the existing signage contractor for this VA?

The VA does not have an existing contract with a contractor for signage.

70. Will the contractor be responsible for any permits?

No, the contractor will not be responsible for any permits.

71. Are doors to be factory finished or field finished?

Factory Finished Doors.

72. How far is the Data Closet G516B from G035 and G307?

It is approximately 180 feet from the farthest corners of the SPS space. However, the contractor will be expected to take measurements and provide data drop lengths necessary to reach the data closet.

73. Can the VA provide installation manuals or cut sheets for the Owner Furnished Contractor Installed items?

The pass thru box listed on sheet A603 will be furnished by the VA and installed by the contractor. The initial basis of design can be found on the following website:

https://cleanroomworld.com/cleanroom-equipment/cleanroom-pass-throughs/cleanroom-pass-throughs-stainless-steel-multiple-sizes-mechanical-interlocks-mounting-trim-kit-cap

74. What is the height from finished floor to bottom of deck above in the SPS Area?

https://cleanroomworld.com/cleanroom-equipment/cleanroom-pass-throughs/cleanroom-pass-throughs-stainless-steel-multiple-sizes-mechanical-interlocks-mounting-trim-kit-cap https://cleanroomworld.com/cleanroom-equipment/cleanroom-pass-throughs/cleanroom-pass-throughs-stainless-steel-multiple-sizes-mechanical-interlocks-mounting-trim-kit-cap https://cleanroomworld.com/cleanroom-equipment/cleanroom-pass-throughs/cleanroom-pass-throughs-stainless-steel-multiple-sizes-mechanical-interlocks-mounting-trim-kit-cap

Deck to Deck height based on Matterport scans was 14’.

The height from finished floor to bottom of deck structure is 12’ 7” (The finished floor to bottom of the deck, which is supported by the structure, is 13’ 6”) See photo below looking plan west. There are two structural members that have a finish floor to bottom of beam height of 10’4” (see below).

(Location of the large structural beams)

(Ceiling structure with two large beams)

(Ceiling structure, finished floor to deck structure is 12’7”)

75. Is there a floor or crawl space below the SPS area or is it the bottom floor with slab on grade?

There is a crawl space below the SPS area.

76. When touch-up painting in the corridors, can we go doorway to doorway, or do we have to go corner to corner?

Corner to corner.

77. Will the VA have the space entirely cleared out before the contractor begins construction?

Other than the materials listed on Attachment 0004B, the space will be cleared out.

If the materials are not needed by the contractor, then the contractor is responsible for disposing of the Attachment 0004B materials.

78. Will the contractor be required to move any of the existing furniture or equipment?

No. Other than the materials listed on Attachment 0004B, the space will be cleared out. If the materials are not needed by the contractor, then the contractor is responsible for disposing of the Attachment 0004B materials.

79. If the contractor is responsible for moving the existing furniture, will storage be available from the VA for the furniture, equipment, or casework?

Other than materials on Attachment 0004B, the space will be cleared out before the construction begins. The VA does not offer storage.

80. Is there any reason to believe the slab has moisture in it and moisture remediation will be needed?

Slab is above a crawl space. Mold remediation is a part of this project, so it is assumed that the slab may have moisture in it.

81. Have other areas on this floor needed moisture remediation on the concrete slab in past projects? Per spec 09 05 16 Section 3.3.A specifies the use of a moisture remediation coating only when the results of ASTM F2170 relative humidity testing exceed the requirements of the flooring manufacturer. Similarly, pH and moisture testing are outlined in Section 3.2.G–H. Can you confirm that moisture remediation coatings, pH neutralization treatments, or other corrective measures included in this specification are only required if slab test results are unsatisfactory?

Corrective measures are included in this project.

82. Specification Section 09 05 16 includes detailed descriptions and product requirements for both moisture remediation systems (Section 2.1) and underlayments (Section 2.2), yet it is unclear whether these items are part of the base bid or only applicable if testing shows deficiencies. Please clarify is the intent that all floor slab testing is to be included in the base bid, and any required remedial treatment (e.g., moisture remediation coating or underlayment) would be added by change order/modification if needed, based on test results?

Corrective measures are part of the base bid of this project.

83. The specification 09 05 16 calls out multiple tests ASTM F1869, F2170, and pH testing. Which of these test are required in our base bid price?

These tests are required to determine extent of corrective measures.

84. Without knowing the actual moisture or pH conditions of the concrete prior to bid, there is significant risk in trying to price products like moisture remediation coatings (epoxy vapor barriers, etc.), cementitious self-leveling underlayment, or trowel-applied patches. Including these without confirmation could lead to either inflated pricing or post-award cost disputes. Thus, under FAR principles of clarity in solicitation documents and equitable risk distribution please provide clear direction on what is to be included in our base bid for subsurface preparation?

a. Would the Government clarify an allowance price for all bidding contractors to carry in order for fair bid leveling?

No allowance price can be provided. Offerors are to provide their best price. Offerors are reminded that: (1) Past Performance is significantly more important in this Tradeoff evaluation solicitation, and (2) differing site conditions are a possibility in many construction projects.

85. Spec section 090600 calls for Stonehard Stonetec resinous flooring. Will the VA accept an equal product from a different manufacturer?

There is no brand name product in the VA Design guide or manual. Reference does not require brand name products.

86. Please provide a basis of design for the Stainless Steel countertops? Is this a

Kuwanee or other laboratory casework product?

There is no brand name product in the VA Design guide or manual. Reference does not require particular brand name products, they just must meet the project requirements.

87. For Specification 14 21 11 (Traction Cartlift), who is the existing company / manufacturer?

The existing dumbwaiters were designed by Courion. There is no preferred Basis of Design or manufacturer.

88. Will the T-3 Cartlift Elevator shaft continue to only go to the 4th floor or are we to extend it to the floors above in this project?

It will only extend to the 4th Floor.

89. Please provide the dimensions of the existing T-1, T-2, and T-3 shafts

Dumbwaiters shafts are 66” wide by 78” deep. Contractor to field verify.

90. Is a mobile SPS being used by the VA currently?

Yes, the VA is using a mobile SPS

91. Will a Mobile SPS be part of this project

No, a temporary SPS is already being used.

92. General Demo note #4 on Mechanical Demo Sheets MD101 & MD102 states that Temporary Cooling is to be provided during Demo and New Construction Phase.

Please confirm this is not required for this project.

Temporary cooling is not required for this project. This space will be unoccupied during the demolition and new work phases.

93. If temporary cooling is required for this project, the VA needs to provide direct details as to what will be required?

See above response for 92.

94. With this project being in a sterile environment, is all piping required to be stainless steel? General Note 2 on the Mechanical drawings seems to indicate this.

Note 2 is to ensure that steam supply and steam condensate return piping comply with VA Design Alert VHA 003C2B-DA-151.

95. Please clarify what piping will be required to be stainless steel?

Steam supply and steam condensate return piping.

96. What is GE-1 through GE-6 shown on HVAC exhaust plan? Are they exhaust valves?

Do they required automation controls?

GE-1 through GE-6 are exhaust valves. They will require automation controls.

97. Please clarify which new Mechanical and Plumbing equipment will require new housekeeping concrete pads?

Hydronic pumps, Air handling units, Steam generators, and Air compressors.

98. For the RO/DI Equipment What is the pre-filter type (cartridge, bag, etc..) and size?

Cartridge type filter, size 4”x20”. (See DriSteem catalog)

a. What is the Carbon filter size? (tank and/or media volume) Media Volume 3 ft3, Dimensions 14” x 65”.

b. Do the RO units operate together?

RO units are in alternating operation, serving redundancy.

c. What is the RO Buffer Tank Size?

300 gallon buffer tank.

d. Are the transfer pumps skid mounted?

RO circulation pumps are in parallel (alternating operation, serving redundancy) inline wall mounted

e. What are the transfer pumps discharge flow rate and pressure? (The UV Sterilizer size is based on the transfer pump discharge flow rate).

The discharge (circulation) inline pump flow rate basis of design is 43 GPM at 24.7 ft W.C.

99. Why is the new exhaust hood to be field fabricated and not a basis of design product?

The hoods are field fabricated to ensure fitment and steam capture.

100. The specifications for the electrical disconnects for the AMSCO Equipment refer you to the drawings for the NEMA rating. The drawings do not provide a NEMA rating for the disconnects. A NEMA 3R is for a waterproof rating and a NEMA 4X is for Stainless Steel. There is a big price difference between the 2. Please clarify what the NEMA rating is for the electrical disconnects for the AMSCO equipment?

Specifications 26 29 21 2.1 9 b and 26 29 21 2.6 B calls for enclosure to be to ambient environment, NEMA 3R is weatherproof, so Stainless Steel NEMA 4X will be required.

101. Please clarify which electrical equipment will be required to NEMA 4X Stainless steel?

Specifications 26 29 21 2.1 9 b and 26 29 21 2.6 B calls for enclosure to be to ambient environment. All disconnects located in SPS work area to be Stainless Steel NEMA 4X, Mechanical room to be NEMA 1 and Exterior would be NEMA 3R.

102. There is Fume Hood shown on P-001, however I cannot find any information about the fume hood on the drawings or specs. Can you please clarify if there is a Fume Hood in the Project?

Disregard Fume Hood detail on sheet P-001, Fume hood is not part of this project.

103. Confirm any water treatment or water treatment equipment will be owner provided and installed through the VA’s Water Treatment Maintenance Contract, most likely with PhiGenics?

The water treatment maintenance is provided by Triple Point.

104. Section 2.1 Price Offer Schedule – 1. The Description of the price only talks about replacing the cartlifts. Will the VA please revise to include the other work required in the SPS area?

On the Price Offer Schedule, the first sentence in the Description gives a summary of the project stating, “Provide all labor, materials, equipment and supervision to construct Birmingham SPS Phase II as indicated on the contract drawings and specifications…” The offeror is to consider all aspects of the Solicitation in their offer (i.e., Specifications, Drawings, SOW, attachments, etc.). The Description need not be changed.

105. For TAB A #4 Currently the SBA does not have a readable way to print this information, can the contractor use the screenshot function and submit a screen shot of where it shows their company being certified?

Yes. This is suitable so long as the VA can see certification.

106. For TAB A #6 – Does the electronic bid bond need to be included in the proposal and also emailed separately to the point of contacts listed on Page 1, Block 8?

Bid bonds are to be included with the proposal, which is to be sent to the same contacts on Page 1, Block 8. Therefore, no separate email is required.

107. For TAB A #7 – Does the contractor need to include past OSHA logs?

Attachment 1 (EMR form) states, “Please attach copies of the following documents:

OSHA 300 and 300a Forms.” See also the instructions on page 17, “N. Safety or Environmental Violations and Experience Modification Rate (EMR).”

108. Can the bid date for the project be extended to provide more time for contractors?

For this requirement, the VA plans to allow at least 7 calendar days between posting of RFI answers on SAM.gov and the proposal due date depending on complexity of the answers. Offerors are to advise ASAP if more time is needed. The VA intends to take these requests into consideration, but they may not be accommodated.

109. Can a second round of RFIs be submitted once the initial RFI answers are provided as usually these answers call for more clarifications in most cases?

Only if necessary. Note that the VA may not be able to accommodate additional time extensions.

110. What sizes are the fire extinguishers?

The fire extinguishers should be 10lbs ABC.

111. There is existing HVAC equipment and ductwork (that appears to be partially installed in the last phase). Can you send cut sheets on this equipment?

There was no HVAC equipment or ductwork partially installed.

112. AD101 and the specs refer to asbestos floor tile and mastic abatement (keynote

10), however the Asbestos Report by AEI do not show any ACM present. Please clarify.

Previous testing reports identified ACM in the tile and mastic, although sampling could not confirm previous testing, the floor tile and mastic should be treated as asbestos containing material.

113. I couldn't find any Mold Remediation Specs. Will the report by AEI govern?

Yes, remediation outlined in AEI report for mold remediation.

114. Spec section 25, calls for metering for several systems. The plans do not show this, can you clarify if the metering is required, and if so can you give us the scope of what needs to be monitored?

Specifications Section 25 10 10 is deleted from project requirements. This section was initially added to provide framework for metering if needed. Offerors are to ignore this section.

115. Sheet ET-101, note 6 is not shown on the plan. Can you please clarify the extent of this system?

Disregard keyed note #6 on drawing that refers to BMS system.

116. Spec section 28 05 00 calls for a Police two-way radio control consoles / units, security room equipment. I don’t see a security room called out in this area. Can you please clarify the extent of the BMS system

Line Item 2.2 A. 5. l. in Specification 28 05 00 is deleted from project requirements.

The line item is removed from specifications and not required for the offeror to complete or include in their offer. BMS is by controls contractor on mechanical drawings.

File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .