Contractors Inquiry Questions with Answers.pdf

Contractor’s Inquiry RFQ No. 36C24823R0005 1 of 4

548-20-106 Replace Emergency Generators & Paralleling Gear RFI 1 Responses 5/4/2023

No. REFERENCE (PWS, SOW, CLIN Structure, etc.) COMMENT(s)/QUESTION(s) RESPONSES

There were 2-1 MegaWatt Temp Generators onsite during the walkthrough, is the contractor to provide the temporary power as per the plans or is the VA providing the temporary generators?

9 Who is taking possession of the existing generators after demolition?

The VA shall retain ownership of the gemnerators, the contractor will containerize the generators in an approved Fashion and store them in a designated area here on campus.

If the VA is to take possession of the exisiting generators after they are removed? Where are they to be transported to?

11 Please clarify if a superintendent can be a dual hat to cover the requirements of SSHO?

Superintendant can be dual hat providing they meet all VA standards and Criteria. Certifications are required.

12 If no to the question above, will the SSHO need to be full-time for this project?

This is always dependent upon the contractors safety plan and needs to be clearly defined

See Keynote #11 on sheet E-101 for what should be included in bid. Sheet E-101 also indicates the proposed temporary generator sizes.

The VA shall retain ownership of the gemnerators, the contractor will containerize the generators in an approved Fashion and store them in a designated area here on campus.

Will the sign-in sheet from the pre-bid site visit be provided to attendee’s? A site visit sign in sheet will not be provided.

Drawing A-100 demolition keyed note D-4 The temporary chillers will be moved as far as possible based on space by the VA. The contractor will be responsible for breaking down the generators enough to get them out based on this condition.

Drawing A-100 demolition keyed note D-4 “PORTION OF EXISTING CMU WALL, CONCRETE COLUMNS & BEAM

TO BE REMOVED TO ALLOW FOR THE REMOVAL OF THE EXISTING GENERATORS”

There are currently two large temporary chillers located on the exterior of this wall. Will these be removed prior to construction?

Specification section 264200 Specification section 264200 Cathodic Protection. I do not see cathodic protection system shown on the drawings. Where is this required?

Section 264200 specifies cathodic protection systems for underground steel tanks and piping. Since this project scope does not include anything underground, then this spec section should not apply.

Specification section 211313 Specification section 211313 Wet-Pipe Sprinkler System. Who are approved installers? Who is the installer of the current system?

Installers must have certification for installation of these components. 5

Specification section 251010 Specification section 251010 Advanced Utility Metering System. Who are approved vendors and/or control integrators for this system. Who is the current control integrator at VAMC?

All controls technicians and vendors must be certified by Niagara N4, thru any various distributors- Siemens, Trane, Niagara, Honeywell, JCI, Distech etc. Please provide certifications as part of the submittal process and total number of certified technicians. The contractor will be responsible to provide the appropriately certified controls contractor and integrator for this project.

Scope of Work and Drawing A-100 Existing day tanks are to be demo'd and new day tanks and pumps are to be installed. The existing fuel lines should be modified as necessary for the new generators.

Please clarify the scope of work for the GENERATOR FUEL LINES AND FUEL PIPING TRENCH. Architectural Drawing A-100 notes: 1. CLEAN AND PAINT EXISTING TRENCH GRATES AND REINSTALL. 2. TRENCH TO BE PRESSURE WASHED AND PAINTED TO MATCH FLOOR. Electrical Drawing E-401 : 1.MANUFACTURER'S RECOMMENDATION IS FOR DUAL LINE CONNECTION. MODIFY EXISTING FUEL LINES TO ALLOW CONNECTION TO NEW GENERATORS. 3. NEW DAY TANKS AND FUEL PUMPS. MAXIMUM BASE DIMENSION SHALL BE 24 INCHES BY 36 INCHES. ALIGN THE TANK AND ARRANGE THE FUELPUMPS AND CONTROL PANEL SO THAT IT DOES NOT INTERFERE WITH MEANS OF EGRESS. MINIMUM FUEL CAPACITY IS 120 GALLONS. REFER TO GENERATOR MANUFACTURERS FOR NEW PUMP FLOW RATINGS. 17. EXISTING FLOOR GRATING WITH FUEL LINES TO REMAIN IN PLACE. EXISTING FUEL LINES SHALL BE PROTECTED AGAINST DAMAGE AND THE ELEMENTS DURING

ALL PHASES OF THE PROJECT. IF ANY OF THE LINES ARE DAMAGED DURING CONSTRUCTION,

REPAIRS/REPLACEMENT TO THE FUEL SYSTEMS SHALL BE COMPLETELY COVERED BY THE GENERAL

CONTRACTOR AND TO NO COST TO THE VA

Is existing FUEL PIPING SYSTEM to remain and be reconnected to new indoor day tanks, fuel pumps and generators? Please provide schematic drawings and specifications for the existing FUEL PIPING SYSTEM. Are existing fuel lines to remain in the trench while it is pressure washed and painted? Are existing fuel pipes required to be cleaned and/or painted? Where are the existing above ground fuel storage tanks located? Is there any new work associated with them?

REF: Drawing E-401 shows new FIRE ALARM devices. Are these to be added to the existing system? Please provide information for the existing FIRE ALARM SYSTEM: manufacturer, location of existing FIRE ALARM CONTROL PANEL, one-line diagram indicating connection of the new devices to existing, current Fire Alarm System monitoring services contact.

Sheet E-401 indicates new, existing to be relocated, and existing to remain fire alarm devices. These devices will be wired to the existing fire alarm system. Contractor to contact Govt for existing system documentation.

fire

REF: Drawing E-401

Contractor’s Inquiry RFQ No. 36C24823R0005 2 of 4

The plans included in the solicitation are dated June 09, 2022. Are the issued plans the most current and up to date set?

Yes

30 Who is responsible for moving stored equipment on the outside perimeter to access the space?

The temporary chillers will be moved as far as possible based on space by the VA The contractor will be responsible for breaking down the

See Keynote #11 on sheet E-101 for what should be included in bid.

26 Are there existing drawings showing conduit sizes and wiring for generators and all related switch gear?

If there are any as-built or current dwgs, they will be made available but the verification of such documents will be completely in this scope of work. The acuracy of these documents is UNKNOWN

27 Will the VA be making the temp connections to the gear using the temp generators onsite? See Keynote #11 on sheet E-101 for what should be included in bid.

28 Who is responsible for providing the temp generators? See Keynote #11 on sheet E-101 for what should be included in bid.

29 Who is responsible for providing fuel for the temp generators?

24 Are the Carrier units on south side of wall being demolished being moved by VA?

The temporary chillers will be moved as far as possible based on space by the VA. The contractor will be responsible for breaking down the generators enough to get them out based on this condition.

25 Does the VA have specs on existing generators?

The manufacturer and nameplates are on the generators. Contractor can find the info.

Depending on the lead time needed to procure the new generators, the project duration may need to be extended past what was solicited. Does the VA accept this possibility?

We will evaluate project duration based upon lead times.

23 Where will existing generators be stored once removed? Containerized and stored on Campus

Can a previously completed Past Performance Questionnaire, Past and Present Performance Questionnaire, Performance Confidence Survey, Past Performance Survey, ORP Past Performance Questionnaire, CPARS or any other version of a Government posted performance related review form be submitted in lieu of the “Past Performance Reference Questionnaire” form provided in this solicitation, as long as it represents the project being presented for past performance evaluation in this proposal response and also presents the same data requested in the solicitation provided Past Performance Reference Questionnaire form?

No. You will provide the Past Perfromance Reference Questionnaire to your refrences. They will fill it out and submit it to my email that is on the bottom of the form.

Can a previously completed Experience Information Sheet be used in lieu of the Experience Information Sheet provided in this solicitation, as long as it represents the project being presented for past performance evaluation in this proposal and has been edited to not contain any solicitation number other than the solicitation for this proposal response?

No. Please submit a new Experience Information Sheet.

18 What systems will need to be recertified within the scope of this project? See drawings and specifications.

19 Sheet E-101 Keynote 11 states that the bid for temporary generators shall include, “...Fuel and maintenance of the complete unit and temporary connections”. How many gallons of fuel per week should be assumed for bidding purposes?

The VA is providing the temporary generators and the fuel. The contractor is responsible for all temporary hookups and controls for these generators.

16 Factor 3-Past Performance If we have a PPQ that is less than 12 months old, can we use it within our proposal? Or will a new PPQ need to be requested?

No. You will provide the Past Perfromance Reference Questionnaire to your refrences. They will fill it out and submit it to my email that is on the bottom of the form.

17 Sheet E-102 Keynote #1 states that existing systems will need to be recertified. Does this note only pertain to the lightning protection system?

Keynote #1 refers to the lightning protection system.

14 Please confirm the current design documents meet current VA TIL guidelines. The A/E was tasked with meeting the VA TIL guidelines

15 Please provide the latest wage determination for this project’s county.

Please reference the solicitation for this information. The latest and most up to date version at time of award will apply to the contract.

Contractor’s Inquiry RFQ No. 36C24823R0005 3 of 4

33 RFP, Section 3A RFP Section 3A references iii. Employer Identification Number (EIN) and v. Tax ID number. These, in most cases, are the same number. Is the Government looking for a different number (UEI) or for us to list this information twice?

Please include your SAM UEI number as part of the solicitation.

34 RFP, Section 3A RFP Section 3A lists in x. that the Offeror is to complete ATTACHMENT C, ATTACHMENT D, ATTACHMENT E, ATTACHMENT F ATTACHMENT G, and ATTACHMENT H. Attachment C appears to be a template for a submittal register, and Attachment F is the RFI log. Please confirm these do not need to be submitted with the proposal.

These do not need to be submitted with your proposal

35 RFP section B Please consider expanding the definition of recent to allow projects that are at least 50% complete to satisfy the RFP Section B, Evaluation Factors, Factor 1, Specialized Experience and Capability requirements.

No. The technical evaluation criteria will not be changed.

36 RFP section B Please confirm that the Offeror can use the additional information sheets of Attachment H to provide the "electrical equipment schedule identifying the equipment that is replaced for each example completed project" as specified in RFP Section B, Evaluation Factors, a. Factor 1, Specialized Experience and Capability.

Yes.

37 RFP section B

Please consider adjusti.ng the RFP Section B, Evaluation Factors, Factor 2, Contractor Team and Personnel, to only identify subcontractors over $1M, as all subcontractors over $250,000 would include only 5% of the work (at a magnitude of $5-10M) and would be a burdensome list for the Offeror to provide. Significant/key subcontractors generally will make up a higher percentage of the work (25+%).

No. The technical evaluation criteria will not be changed.

38 RFP Section 3A.x.

RFP Section 3A.x. lists that Attachment D is required to be submitted. Please confirm that if the Offeror has CPARs to be used in lieu of PPQs that this attachment is not required.

CPARS and PPQs are two different evaluation tools for past performance.

Please have your past performance references complete the past performance questionaire and submit to the email referenced at the bottom of the questionaire.

39 RFP section B RFP Section B, Evaluation Factors, Factor IV, Schedule, requests a time-scaled bar graph format. Please confirm this is not intended to be a Gantt chart schedule

Gantt chart is acceptable

40 RFP section B

RFP Section B, Evaluation Factors, Factor IV, Schedule, requests a time-scaled bar graph format. If this is to be a P6/Project schedule, it is not able to provide "the percentage of contract completion that will be achieved at the end of each month of the contract." This would require a manual entry into an Excel sheet. Please confirm the intended format is an Excel bar graph format with the specific tasks

Gantt chart is acceptable

41 RFP section B

RFP Section B, Evaluation Factors, Factor IV, Schedule, states that the horizontal axis will be scaled for time with percentage of work completed monthly displayed. Additional requirements state that "The Offeror shall specify how much allowance has been made for bad weather in the schedule, the days of the week and the hours of construction operations during each phase of the work." Please clarify that this can be provided in the schedule narrative as the timeline indicated for the horizontal axis (months) would not allow for daily indication of hours during phases (if separated by task) and allowance for bad weather (unless somehow dictated in words across the task time period).

Clarify this in your schedule narrative.

42 SF 1442

The SF1442 states that an offer guarantee is required, but the technical proposal does not provide a place for this document to be submitted. Please confirm where this item shall fall among the required factors (recommend Factor V, Price)

Please include this information as part of your solicitation response package. Notate where you included it in your table of contents.

43 RFP, Sections A and B The RFP states the Technical Proposal has GENERAL INFORMATION (A) and EVALUATION FACTORS (B). Please confirm that the general information will include i through x details, and that a separate proposal section should be designated as evaluation factors to cover Factors 1 through V.

Confirmed.

44 Reps & Certs The RFP includes Representations and Certifications. Please indicate where in the proposal submission this should be included, if required.

Representations and Certifications are required. Please indicate in your table of contents where it is included in your proposal.

45 RFP section 8 RFP Section 8, Safety Requirements, state that "The Government shall have 21 calendar days to review the AHA and APP." Please confirm the Government review duration for any additional preconstruction submittals

The VA requires 14 days for any additional submittal review

46 N/A Confirm that the Government will allow proposers a minimum of seven (7) business days to respond to the RFP starting from the date that the Government responds to 100% of the RFIs received.

Confirmed.

47 N/A Has the facilities ICRA team assigned classifications to the affected and adjacent spaces to set the level of ICRA measures to be put in place by the general contractor?

The contractor will need to investigate this and create the ICRA proposal.

It will be evaluated and approved by the VA

48 N/A Who does inspection and permitting of Infection Control? Is there an Infection Control Permit fee? The VA evaluates the ICRA proposal. There is no fee

49 N/A Provide sign-in sheets for the pre-bid site walk/meeting. A site visit sign in sheet will not be provided.

Please provide the contact information for the CAT representative responsible for coordination of decommissioning of the existing units.

Contractor is to coordinate the team

30 Who is responsible for moving stored equipment on the outside perimeter to access the space?

the VA. The contractor will be responsible for breaking down the generators enough to get them out based on this condition.

During the site walk temp generators were seen on site and active. Are these generators to remain onsite and active for the duration of the project?

The VA is providing the temporary generators and the fuel. The contractor is responsible for all temporary hookups and controls for these generators.

Contractor’s Inquiry RFQ No. 36C24823R0005 4 of 4

50 N/A Provide the firm and point of contact for the mechanical controls system.

All controls technicians and vendors must be certified by Niagara N4, thru any various distributors- Siemens, Trane, Niagara, Honeywell, JCI, Distech etc. Please provide certifications as part of the submittal process and total number of certified technicians. The contractor will be responsible to provide the appropriately certified controls contractor and integrator for this project.

51 N/A Verify that the Owner will be responsible for removing ALL equipment, unbolted furniture, personal effects, etc., from the affected areas prior to construction.

The contractor is responsible for all items in the construction area.

52 N/A Provide Hazardous Material Report for this project. Contractor will be responsible for identifying any Hazardous Materials.

53 CLIN structure, RFP Evaluation The basis of award is listed as best value. For price comparison purposes, will all base and option CLINs be added together to determine the total price?

The total amount quoted by the offeror under item number 0001 in section 2.1 Price/Cost Schedule of the solicitation will be the amount used for the total price.

54 N/A

We understand that the Government intends to award a lump sum contract for this Task Order. The construction industry continues to experience significant cost volatility in nearly all commodities that cannot be anticipated. Subcontractors are receiving unforeseen increases in material costs from their suppliers, sometimes on a weekly basis, that can be as high as 10% or more. How is the Government going to accommodate the current price escalation being experienced in the marketplace with regards to commodities such as wood steel

This will be a firm fixed price contract. Please take that into consideration when preparing your proposal.

55 N/A

The construction industry continues to experience significant volatility, resulting in material lead time delays, in nearly all commodities that cannot be anticipated. Subcontractors are receiving unforeseen increases in material delivery durations from their suppliers. How is the Government going to accommodate the current extended lead times and material manufacturing and delivery delays that are occurring in the construction industry?

The period of performance already takes this issue into account.

56 N/A Has a Limited Source Justification (FAR 6.302- 1(c), 6.303) been prepared for any materials identified under this solicitation? If so, identify which systems to which they apply and provide all related documentation, including any required Approval (FAR 6.304) or Certification (FAR 6.303(b)(12)).

No. There is not a Limited Source Justification for this action.

57 Specification 01 00 00, para 1.3 Reference Specification 01 00 00, para 1.3 – Is Item I to include the entire cost of the project?

The offeror will complete the line item in the price schedule with the total project cost and will complete the price matrix with a breakdown of the pricing. Contractor will provide a summary sheet clearly defining what his proposal numbers cover.

58 Specification 01 00 00, para 1.3 Reference Specification 01 00 00, para 1.3 – If Item I is NOT to include the entire cost of the project, is it then to be all costs EXCEPT the electrical and mechanical work that is to be priced in Item I and Item II?

The offeror will complete the line item in the price schedule with the total project cost and will complete the price matrix with a breakdown of the pricing. Contractor will provide a summary sheet clearly defining what his proposal numbers cover.

59 Specification 01 00 00, para 1.3 Reference Specification 01 00 00, para 1.3 – Is Item II to be the cost of the electrical work that is included in Item I?

The offeror will complete the line item in the price schedule with the total project cost and will complete the price matrix with a breakdown of the pricing. Contractor will provide a summary sheet clearly defining what his proposal numbers cover.

60 Specification 01 00 00, para 1.3 Reference Specification 01 00 00, para 1.3 – Is Item III to be the cost of the mechanical work that is included in Item I?

The offeror will complete the line item in the price schedule with the total project cost and will complete the price matrix with a breakdown of the pricing. Contractor will provide a summary sheet clearly defining what his proposal numbers cover.

61 N/A Can the Superintendent dual hat as the QC Manager on this project?

Superintendant can be dual hat providing they meet all VA standards and Criteria. Certifications are required.

62 N/A Provide the firm and point of contact for the fire suppression system. This information will be provided to vendor upon award.

63 N/A Provide the firm and point of contact for the fire alarm system This information will be provided to vendor upon award.

64 N/A There are currently two temp gensets onsite that are connected. Can these be made available for Contractor use at no cost?

The VA is providing the temporary generators and the fuel. The contractor is responsible for all temporary hookups and controls for these generators

65 G-003, General Provision #8

Reference G-003, General Provision #8 – The site walk for this project is not mandatory. Therefore, contractors cannot be held responsible for existing conditions that are not indicated within the plans and specifications provided by the Government. We respectfully request that this provision be removed from the plans in all instances where it occurs.

General Provisions #8 and Existing Conditions #1 and #3 are explicit about existing conditions and contractor responsibilities. If a contractor declined to take part in the site walk, the contractor is responsible for all conditions as viewed by those who did.

66 G-003, Construction Policy #1 Reference G-003, Construction Policy #1 – provide referenced construction policy so that it may be reviewed and included in contractor proposals.

Please review the WPB VA TIL

67 Price Matrix Shall the price matrix be completed for each bid item (I, II, and III)? Yes.

68 What is the amount of the bid security? Is it 20%?

The amount of the bid guarantee shall be 20% percent of the bid price or $3,000,000.00, whichever is less

69 Is AIA Document A310 Bid Bond Form accepted for this project? No. We wil accept standard form 24.

70 What are the liquidate damages amount?

The only liquidated damages clause is Liquidated Damages for Data Breach located on page 18 of the solicitation.

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