Attachment 0004 - 521-25-101 RFI Responses.docx

RFI List for PN 521-25-101 RFI List #1

1. Can the VA provide architectural drawings for this project to ensure accurate and complete product takeoffs? – Some drawings can be provided but dimensions/measurements should be verified for accuracy.

1. Who will be responsible for removing the electrical items such as cameras, sensors, etc. from the acoustic ceiling tiles that will need to be replaced? - Contractor to remove and reinstall all existing devices unless otherwise directed by COR.

1. Will any portion of the ceiling grid need to be replaced or is it just the ceiling tiles? – The ceiling grid remains. If contractor identifies areas of damaged grid, notify the COR for VA repair/replacement.

RFI List #2

1. Does the VA have specs (measurements) for the attached #8? - – Alternate drawings can be provided but dimensions/measurements should be verified for accuracy.

1. Does the VA have a clearer copy to provide to attachment #8? – Alternate drawings can be provided but dimensions/measurements should be verified for accuracy.

1. When replacing the ceiling tiles, what is the preferred ceiling tile the VA requires for replacement? – See included finish legend.

1. Wall protection: how many handrails, corner guards, and crash rails? Are there any crash rails? – All corridors included in the project drawings are to be fully lined and protected with handrails, corner guards, and crash rails.

1. Are there any other specifications and drawings with measurements available?

1. What paint and paint color for the walls? – Paint: Sherwin Williams. Color: SW7010 White Duck Satin Finish.

RFI List #3

1. What is the basis of design of the wall protection, corner guards and Handrail systems? – See included finish legend.

1. Will the new wall protection system be installed on every wall, or just where it is currently in place? –On every wall

1. Would you please clarify whether the painted hollow metal doors and frames are included in the scope of work? - Hollow metal doors and their associated frames are not included in this scope of work.

RFI List #4

1. Is any commissioning required on this project? – No commissioning is required.

2. Can the Superintendent also be the Prime Contractor’s Commissioning Manager during commissioning? – Commissioning is not required on this project.

3. Is a full-time on-site quality control manager required for this project? – Yes, a full time on-site quality control manager is required for this project.

4. Can the Superintendent also be the quality control manager? – No, the superintendent cannot be dual hatted as the quality control manager.

5. Is a full-time on-site Safety and Health Officer required for this project? – Yes, a full time on site safety and health officer required for this project.

6. Can the Superintendent also be the site safety and Health Officer? – No, the superintendent cannot be dual hatted as the site safety and health officer.

7. Can the Superintendent be Triple hatted as the SSHO and QC Manager? – No, the superintendent cannot be tripled hatted as the SSHO & QC Manager.

8. 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 QC plan will need to be implemented by the onsite quality control individual.

9. Has the request for funding been approved and full funding for this project available to the NCO station? - Yes.

10. Please confirm all work will be Night work and weekends? – All work will be night work and weekend as stated.

11. Will any work be allowed during normal business hours? – No, no work will be allowed during business hours.

12. Will this project be done in phases? – Yes, this project will need to be completed in phases as the affected space will be utilized during the day.

13. Will each phase have to be fully completed before moving to the next or can some phases be completed simultaneously? – Each phase/section will need to be completed before moving on to the next phase. The affected space will be utilized during the daytime operating hours.

14. How many areas will we be given at a time? – Phasing plan to be submitted by contractor based upon staffing in order to maintain the operational status of the affected areas during normal business hours.

15. Is it the VA’s intent for the contractor to install a temp barrier in the middle of the corridor and only work one side of the corridor at a time in order to not block usage of the space for VA personnel? – Yes, the intent is to have temporary infection control barriers established to protect VA personnel and patients while working.

16. Will we have to remove a window in order to vent the negative air outside or cand the contractor vent negative air from into the corridor to achieve the negative pressure required by ICRA? – This will first be determined by the infection control risk assessment. Then by the availability of proper exhausting of the negative pressure machine.

17. What other openings can we use to vent our negative air to meet the ICRA requirements? – This will first be determined by the infection control risk assessment. Then by the availability of proper exhausting of the negative pressure machine.

18. In ICRA areas that require Category B Level 1 or 2, can we use zip-walls or plastic sheeting as containment? – Containment requirements will be determined based upon the Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA).

19. 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? – Yes, STARC Panels or Temporary Wall System’s may be utilized.

20. Will temporary sprinklers be required during demolition? – No, temporary sprinklers will not be required during demolition. Space must be operational by end of shift.

21. Will the contractor be required to turn the existing sprinkler heads up during construction once the ceiling is removed? – If space is left without ceiling in place, then yes. Sprinklers must be turned up into the heat zone. Space must be operational at the end of each shift.

22. Confirm the contractor will not have to test and balance the HVAC system after the work is complete? – No, the contractor will not have to test and balance the HVAC system after work is complete.

23. Please provide what the VA’s intent is for the contractor to get their new materials to the 3rd, 6th, and 8th floor? – The intent is for the contractor to utilized the service elevator (elevator 5) to get their new materials to the appropriate floors.

24. Please provide what the VA’s intent is for the contractor to get the demolished materials from the 3rd, 6th, and 8th floor to the dumpster? – The intent is for the contractor to utilize the service elevator (elevator 5) to get the demolished materials from their respective floors.

25. Can the contractor use an elevator to transport demo’ed materials and new materials? – Yes, Service Elevator (elevator 5) may be utilized to transport demo’ed materials and new materials.

26. Is there an elevator can accommodate materials that are 10ft long? – Service elevator can accommodate 10ft sections of pipe at an angle however other materials in 10ft sections are unknown.

27. Where can the contractor stage a dumpster for the demolition disposal? – Dumpster staging shall be coordinated with the city of Birmingham and VA. Dumpster location is dependent on space around VA. Contractor to pull permits directly with the city of Birmingham.

28. Is there any chance of uncovering hazardous materials? – Yes, there is a chance.

a. If so please provide the latest hazardous materials survey report for the area of construction? – Latest hazardous material survey is included.

b. Will Abatement reporting be required? – If hazardous materials are discovered, contractor is to stop and immediately notify VA COR/Safety Office.

29. Will the contractor be required to remove and reinstall any wall mounted electrical/low voltage items such as card reader, fire alarm devices, cameras, security devices, HVAC controls devices, etc… - Contractor to remove and reinstall all existing devices unless otherwise directed by COR.

a. If so, please confirm the VA will be responsible for any retesting or certification of these devices once reinstalled? – Contractor will be responsible for any retesting or certiifation of these devices once reinstalled.

30. Who is the existing signage contractor for this VA? – Creative Signage

31. Can the contractor re-use any existing signage that is removed? – Yes, contractor can reuse existing signage.

32. Are there any new doors or frames required in this scope of work? – No, new doors or frames are not required.

33. Can the VA provide installation manuals or cut sheets for any Owner Furnished Contractor Installed items? – VA is not furnishing any materials.

34. What is the height from finished floor to bottom of deck above in the Corridor Areas? – Contractor to verify height.

35. Will there need to be insulation above the new ceilings? – No, there will not need to be insulation above the new ceilings.

36. 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.

37. Will the VA have the space entirely cleared out before the contractor begins construction? – Affected spaces will be vacated and cleared out as necessary per the construction schedule and shall be returned to operational use during business hours daily.

38. Will the contractor be required to move any of the existing furniture or equipment? – No, contractor will not be required to move any of the existing furniture.

39. If the contractor is responsible for moving the existing furniture, will storage be available from the VA for the furniture, equipment, or casework? – Contractor will not be required to move furniture.

40. Is there any reason to believe the slab has moisture in it and moisture remediation will be needed? – No, there is not any reason to believe the slab has moisture in it and will need remediation. Slab has been existing since the 1940’s.

41. Have other areas on this floor needed moisture remediation on the concrete slab in past projects? – No, no other areas on the floors have needed moisture remediation in past projects.

42. 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? – Yes, confirmed.

43. 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? – Contractor is responsible for all testing required by selected flooring manufacturer to comply with manufacturer suggested installation protocol to ensure flooring warranty remains in effect.

44. 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? – Contractor is responsible for all testing required by selected flooring manufacturer to comply with manufacturer suggested installation protocol to ensure flooring warranty remains in effect.

45. 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? – No, there is not any reason to believe the slab has moisture in it and will need remediation. Slab has been existing since the 1940’s.

a. Would the Government clarify an allowance price for all bidding contractors to carry in order for fair bid leveling? – No, this is a Firm-Fixed price contract.

46. Specification 09 06 00 Schedule for finishes does not include a finish schedule at all, it stops after section 1.2. Will the VA please provide the schedule for the finishes, including product information? – See included finish legend.

47. Spec section 09 94 19 Multicolor Interior Finishes section 2.1, A. Basis of Design: Section 09 06 00 Schedule for finishes – This spec section does not include any schedule of the finishes. The basis of design for this product is still unknow, will the VA please clarify what this product is? – See included finish legend.

48. Will the VA please clarify where the product for 09 94 19 Multicolor Interior Finishes is required in the job, as it is not stated in the spec or on the plans where it is required? – See included finish legend.

49. The scope of work requires replacement of all ceiling tiles, please confirm the ceiling grid remains? – The ceiling grid remains. If contractor identifies areas of damaged grid, notify the COR for VA repair/replacement.

50. The drawings that were provided do not describe the scope of work very well. Is there any work to be done in the corridors that are colored Light Blue? – No, the light blue corridors are not within scope of this project.

51. Does all of the Green corridors receive the Nora Rubber Flooring? – Yes, the green corridors receive the Nora Rubber Flooring.

52. Does all of the Light Blue corridors receive the Nora Rubber Flooring? – No, the light blue corridors are not within scope of this project.

53. What is the Cove Base Size? – Cove Base is 6 inches.

54. Please confirm a total quantity of floor leveling to be assumed by the contractors in order to keep bidding fair across the board? (i.e. all contractors to assume 2,000 sf of floor leveling compound in bid) – Floor leveling to be determined by contractor to obtain acceptable industry standard level of flatness for finished floor.

55. Is it the VA’s intent for the contractor to only remove what can be replaced in one night or weekend so that the next day the work area can be used by the VA? – Yes, that is the VA’s intent.

56. Has the VA confirmed that the Rubber flooring that will be installed can be walked on only hours after being installed? – This is subject to the manufacturer’s installation instruction.

57. What Manufacturer and type of Ceiling Tile is required? – See included finish legend.

58. Does all of the Green corridors receive the New Ceiling Tiles?- Yes, all the green corridors receive the new ceiling tiles.

59. Does all of the Light Blue corridors receive the New Ceiling Tiles? – No, the blue corridors are not within scope of the project.

60. What color paint is required? – Paint: Sherwin Williams. Color: SW7010 White Duck Satin Finish.

61. How many coats of paint are required? – Coats of paint is to be determined by proper coverage and finish.

62. Does all of the Green corridors receive New paint? – Yes, all of the green corridors receive new paint.

63. Does all of the Light Blue corridors receive New paint? – No, the light blue corridor are not within scope of this project.

64. Is the contractor removing the existing wall protection including corner guards, handrails, crash rails and wall covering and then reinstalling them? - No, contractor will remove existing wall protection. New wall protection shall be provided and installed by contractor.

a. If so, provide a detail showing how the wall protection was installed so the contractor can see how they will need to remove it without damaging the product? – Contractor to dispose of existing wall protection.

65. Is the contractor going to be required to provide and install any new wall protection? – Yes, contractor will be required to provide and install new wall protection.

a. If so, provide a detail showing how the wall protection will be installed? – Wall protection shall be installed per manufacturer’s recommendations.

b. If so, what wall protection is required and how much (provide quantities). – All corridors included in this project shall have wall protection installed.

66. Does all of the Green corridors receive New Handrails? – Yes, all of the green corridors receive new handrails.

67. Does all of the Light Blue corridors receive New Handrails? – No, the light blue corridors are not within scope of this project.

68. Does all of the Green corridors receive New Bumper/Crash rails? – yes, the green corridors received new bumper/crash rails.

69. Does all of the Light Blue corridors receive New Bumper/Crash rails? – No, light blue corridors are not within scope of this project.

70. The specification 10 26 00 is not specific on the material required for the wall protection, it states using stainless steel, aluminum and rigid acrylic for corner guards, wall guards and handrails, and wall coverings, please revise Spec 09 06 00 to clarify what material is to be used where? – Corner guards to be stainless steel. Handrails and crash rails to be aluminum framed with plastic outer covering.

71. Do any of the walls in the Green and Light Blue corridors receive new Hard Wall Coverings? – Green corridors are within scope of this project. Light blue corridors are not within scope. Green corridors will receive new material per the scope of work.

72. Will any new in-wall blocking be required? If so, where? – No, no new in wall blocking will be required.

73. Will the contractor be required to paint any doors or door frames? –Paint corridor side of door frame to match wall

a. If so, how many?

74. Is Relevant and Recent Past Performance TAB B or is it Factor 1? - For the proposal submission, Relevant and Recent Past Performance is TAB B. The factors are what we will be using to evaluate proposals.

75. Is the Price Proposal TAB C or is it Factor 2? - For the proposal submission, Price Proposal is TAB C. The factors are what we will be using to evaluate proposals.

76. Can the bid date for the project be extended to provide more time for contractors? -Yes, the bid date for this project can be extended. The VA intends to allow at least 1 week between posting of RFIs and the proposal due date.

77. 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? - Yes, but only if required. The VA may not be able to accommodate additional RFIs.