S05_Answers_Request for Information 36C24821R0199_Round 1.docx

Answers_Request for Information Response

Solicitation: 36C24821R0199 Project #: 516-19-104 Project name: Renovate Station Restrooms BB Questions & Answers: Round 1 Amendment: 0002

Below are the questions and answers for solicitation # 36C24821R0199:

Question 1:

The fire alarm contractor (JCI) is aware of an existing issue with Building 13. Currently nothing syncs in this building. We would need to rework the notification circuits for the building to achieve sync. Should this be addressed in the solicitation or to be handled as a contract modification?

Answer: Please clarify why this would need to be done. To my knowledge there are no devices in the bathrooms.

Question 2:

Reference Question (1):

These two statements appear contradictory, please clarify the following.

(1) Is it only one bathroom per building that can be closed or is it one bathroom per building must be free of construction?

Answer: The closures would vary by building, but as a rule of thumb in most buildings one would remain open and free of construction.

Question 3:

Reference Question (1):

(2) When you state one bathroom, does it mean one set (men’s and women’s) or one bathroom (men’s or women’s)?

Answer: It would mean one bathroom (men’s or women’s)

Question 4:

Per the solicitation “4.6 52.211-12 LIQUIDATED DAMAGES—CONSTRUCTION (SEPT 2000) (a) If the Contractor fails to complete the work within the time specified in the contract, the Contractor shall pay liquidated damages to the Government in the amount of $2,528.71 for each calendar day of delay until the work is completed or accepted.” With all the issues of material and labor shortages and delays caused by COVID, we request this section be removed from the solicitation or extend the Period of Performance.

Answer: We agree to extend the POP to 365 days and it is up to the CO to assess if Liquidated damages are warranted.

Question 5:

The solicitation is requiring a contract Period of Performance of 210 calendar days. With the recent issues (experiences) of material fabrication time, raw material shortages and labor shortages caused by COVID, this POP is not feasible. We request it be extended to 365 days.

Answer: We agree to extend the PoP to 365 days. Please make all proposal submissions to this PoP.

Question 6:

We cannot find in the solicitation what the work hours are to be. Please provide this information prior to bid.

Answer: Work hours would be in the range of 630am to 5pm. The actual times would depend on your individual preferences on hourly shifts (I.E., 8-, 9-, or 10-hour shifts)

Question 7:

If the 210-day schedule is critical, will the VA provide the staffing for working two 8hr shifts/day?

Answer: We agree to extend the POP to 365 days. Please make all proposal submissions to this PoP.

Question 8:

As this project will require working in multiple builds concurrently, will the Government require a separate superintendent at each while work is going on? Or can one superintendent be responsible for all work no matter how many building are under renovation?

Answer: Yes, one superintendent can be responsible for all work no matter how many building are under renovation

Question 9:

As with all renovation projects, un-foreseen conditions occur. Will the Government add an allowance (10%) or a specific value to each contractor’s contract as a CLIN line item? This would eliminate the problems with waiting on a contract modification prior to proceeding.

Answer: No

Question 10:

Long lead issues - Suppliers stating long lead items due to supply chain and shipping. Is the POP going to be extended?

Answer: We agree to extend the PoP to 365 days. Please make all proposal submissions to this PoP.

Question 11:

FAR clause 52.223-99 (COVID - 19 Safety Protocols) - As stated in the FAR, proof of vaccination is to be shown or be subject to daily screening. This will extend the work day. Is the POP going to be extended?

Answer: Screening is done upon entrance to the facility. It will not impact the workday with any significance. We agree to extend the PoP to 365 days. Please make all proposal submissions to this PoP.

Question 12:

Past Performance projects should be no older than how many years?

Answer: We agree to extend the PoP to 365 days. Please make all proposal submissions to this PoP.

Question 13:

Key subcontractor personnel specialized experience should be in what area?

Answer:

Complete renovation of healthcare or restroom facilities, including any specialized experience in associated HVAC, MEP (coordination of complex electrical and plumbing systems), finishes, demolition, and support equipment.

Question 14:

Currently, the construction industry is facing challenges with fluctuations in material lead times that are not common. These could potentially impact the ability to complete this project within the current project duration. If it is determined that the project duration is not obtainable, are we allowed to provide an alternate project duration or will the proposal be considered non-complainant if it does not meet the current project duration of 210 calendar days from NTP.

Answer: We agree to extend the PoP to 365 days. Please make all proposal submissions to this PoP.

Question 15:

Please provide locations of dedicated Contractor laydown areas for the project and at each building.

Answer: This will be done upon NTP. There are numerous construction projects going on around the facility. These lay down areas will need to be worked out then. As to each individual bldg., again it will be determined prior to mobilization to those buildings.

Question 16:

Is the Superintendent required to be dedicated to this project full time?

Answer: Yes

Question 17:

In light of current challenges surrounding material availability and cost variables, would it be acceptable to extend the solicitation due date to allow for more due diligence in preparing cost and schedule estimates?

Answer: We agree to extend the PoP to 365 days. Please make all proposal submissions to this PoP.

Question 18:

The specification document contains Section 00 01 15 "List of Drawing Sheets" and states that the "drawings listed below accompanying this specification form part of the contract." There were no drawings provided with the solicitation. Can the VA please provide the drawings referenced in the Government-provided specifications?

Answer:

Attachments are provided in a zip file and can be downloaded from Max Drive.gov due to size limitations at:

https://drive.max.gov/share/cd814be827b71b88