36C24825R0060 0001.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 2

0001 04-07-2025

548-CSI-144

36C248

Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 8 (NCO 8)

8875 Hidden River Pkwy Suite 525 Tampa FL 33637

36C248

Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 8 (NCO 8)

8875 Hidden River Pkwy Tampa FL 33637

To all Offerors/Bidders

36C24825R0060

X

X X

X 1

This amendment provides the Phase 1 Site Visit Sign-In Sheet and the Phase 1 RFI responses.

Stacy Figlinski Contracting Officer

See attached document: Site Visit.

See attached document: Fisher House Phase 1 RFIs - VA Responses.

West Palm Beach VAMC: 548-CSI-144 Fisher House Site Prep Solicitation Phase RFIs (VA Responses in Blue)

1. Please confirm that construction will be completed during normal hours of operation.

a. Ref. SOW 4.1.5. “Phasing, second-shift, third shift, off-hour, and weekend work required by the Contractor to hold schedule dates for project completion at no additional costs to the Government. Contractor must staff the project appropriately with labor contractors, supervision, project managers, safety officers and cleaning crews to meet schedule timeframes.”

2. If needed, can night work and weekends be made available to expedite the project's completion?

a. Ref. SOW 4.1.5. “Phasing, second-shift, third shift, off-hour, and weekend work required by the Contractor to hold schedule dates for project completion at no additional costs to the Government. Contractor must staff the project appropriately with labor contractors, supervision, project managers, safety officers and cleaning crews to meet schedule timeframes.”

b. Should the Contractor propose altered work hours outside of normal working hours, they must submit a formal request to the VA for review and approval. Should an altered work schedule be approved, the Contractor must reflect this work schedule in their progress schedules and phasing plans as required per Section 4 of the SOW.

3. Confirm if Procore is acceptable to be used as the project’s management tool for submittals, record keeping, and project organization of the project’s data.

a. Confirmed for record keeping and data storing purposes only.

b. VA reserves the right to request hard copies, or electronic submissions via email or similar. The

Contractor will be responsible for any fees, licensing, etc. associated with Procore, or other construction file sharing platforms, used for this project.

4. Are there any hazardous material report(s) for the areas where Site Prep work is to be performed?

a. Ref. SOW Appendix D - Hazardous Material. Note, the VA does not guarantee that the information provided is accurate or complete. The successful firm is responsible to collect data, generate reports indicating any areas deemed “hazardous”, and field verify existing conditions as required to complete the work under this project.

5. If any additional hazardous material is found/discovered in the performance of the project, would this be considered an unforeseen condition?

a. Ref. SOW Appendix D - Hazardous Material. The VA does not guarantee that the information provided is accurate, current, or complete. The successful firm is responsible to collect data, generate reports indicating any areas deemed “hazardous”, and field verify existing conditions as required to complete the work under this project.

b. Ref. SOW 7.4.2, “The Contractor must submit an Activity Hazard Analysis and an Accident Prevention Plan as per FAR 52.236-13 prior to commencement of site activities.” Any activities associated with hazardous materials must be captured by the Contractor in their AHAs and APPs.

6. Please confirm if any state, local, and/or Federal permits will be required on this project?

a. Ref. SOW Section 1, “This Scope of Work document is intended to facilitate a Guaranteed Maximum Price contract to provide Design and Construction services (DB) for the site preparation of approximately 1 acres of land, for the future construction of a Fisher House on the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center (WPB VAMC) campus located at 7305 N. Military Trail West Palm Beach, FL 33410. The design and construction for the site development includes, but is not limited to, permits…”

b. Ref. SOW Appendix C - Basis for Design, the Design Build Team must “Identify by a narrative description each of the permits needed to operate the proposed design.”

c. Ref. SOW Section 3, “The Contractor must provide all labor, materials, permits, tools, associated equipment, and design build services necessary for the design and construction or service of the areas of work of this project…”

d. Contractor is responsible to apply, obtain, and maintain permits as required to satisfy this SOW.

7. Provide any pertinent as-built drawings, MEP drawings, etc.

a. The VA will distribute all available drawings, or related construction documents, to the successful firm. The VA does not guarantee that the information provided is accurate, current, or complete.

b. Upon award, the successful firm must submit to the VA a detailed list of requested drawing/ document types. “Etc.” will not be accepted.

8. Can you please confirm the noise hours to accommodate the demolition phase accordingly to minimize the impact on the patient care.

a. The successful firm must submit project schedules and phasing plans, including such information for VA review and approval as stated under Section 4 of the SOW. Contractor to state their proposed work hours, extent of noise, duration of noise, and related impacts in their phasing plans. VA reserves the right to reschedule work directly impacting patient care, or hospital operations at no additional costs or schedule impacts (Ref. SOW 4.1.5).

b. Ref. SOW 3.1.2, “3.1.2 The Contractor must take whatever measures are necessary to minimize soil erosion and siltation, water, air, and noise pollution caused by their operations.”

9. Can you please confirm where the proposed stage down area would be (This will be used for material/office storage and dumpster lay down).

a. The successful firm must submit their staging/ lay down plan for VA review and approval prior to mobilization. Hospital grounds must not be used for such purposes without prior approval from the VA. Approval of this plan does not imply or guarantee this space will be available to the Contractor for the entire duration of this project.

b. VA reserves the right to request that Contractor items be relocated at no additional costs or schedule impacts to the project should they conflict with other construction projects, hospital operations or this project.

10. Can you confirm the means of entrance & egress for the project's debris and materials, what the contractor needs to do to secure a safe work area for the material, debris and/or equipment.

a. Entrance/ Egress: Successful firm to submit a proposed entrance/ egress plan for VA review and approval prior to construction related use. Hospital operations, such as general traffic, must not be impacted due to the construction. Should hospital operations be impacted due to the construction under this project, the Contractor must perform this work during off, or extended hours, at no additional costs or schedule impacts to the Government. Any work impacting hospital operations must be coordinated with the project COR. Ref. SOW 4.5 for any work requiring closures, or disruptions, to hospital operations. All means of egress to project area must be in full compliance with OSHA, NFPA, ICC, and VA requirements.

b. Secure a safe work area: Contractor to reference Master VA Specifications 010000 - General Requirements, 013526 - Safety Requirements, 015719 - Temporary Environmental Controls, 017419 - Construction Waste Management and related FAR requirements. Site safety and security will be the responsibility of the Contractor.

11. Will electrical power be available to the work area(s)?

a. See SOW 3.2.1 “The Contractor must verify temporary 120V power is available to the construction zone and provide temporary power for site preparation purposes” and SOW Section 1 “The design and construction for the site development includes, but is not limited to… temporary and permanent utilities design and connections (e.g., power, potable water, wastewater, stormwater, and IT, among others) …”

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

a. The Prime Contractor to staff their team with these roles as stated in VA Master Specifications

010000 - General Requirements, 013526 - Safety Requirements and 014500 - Quality Control. Any deviation from these specifications, are to be submitted to the VA for formal review and response.

13. If no to the question above, will the SSHO need to be dedicated full-time to this project?

14. Please clarify if a superintendent can be a dual hat to cover the requirements of QA/QC?

15. If no to the question above, will the QA/QC need to be dedicated full time to this project?

16 Can a superintendent be a triple hat to cover the requirements of SSHO and QA/QC?

17. Will the onsite superintendent be required to be employed by the Prime Contractor or can that person be provided by the subcontractor.

a. The Project Superintendent is to be supplied by the Prime Contractor. Ref. FAR 52.236-6, SOW

Section 7. The Prime Contractor, and any of their tiered parties, or Subcontractors, must staff their project teams appropriately to successfully complete the work under this project within the allotted timeframes.

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

19. The area of work on adjacent areas going to be active with VA Staff, can you confirm the best path for ingress and egress for this area during the duration of the project?

a. Successful firm to submit a proposed entrance/ egress plan for VA review and approval prior to construction related use. Hospital operations, such as general traffic, must not be impacted due to the construction. Should hospital operations be impacted due to the construction under this project, the Contractor must perform this work during off, or extended hours, at no additional costs or schedule impacts to the Government. Any work impacting hospital operations must be coordinated with the project COR. Ref. SOW 4.5 for any work requiring closures, or disruptions, to hospital operations. All means of egress to project area must be in full compliance with OSHA, NFPA, ICC, and VA requirements.

20. Is there going to be any other construction project on adjacent areas going to be active? Is this going to affect this project's coordination? Anything the GC should foresee.

a. The West Palm Beach VA Medical Center consistently has ongoing construction throughout the campus. As of April 2025, there is an ongoing “EHRM” project adjacent to the future “Fisher House Site Prep” construction site. The “EHRM” project is currently targeting Fall 2026 for the overall completion date. Keep in mind, this project’s footprint spans over the entire Medical Center. VA Engineering is actively working with the “EHRH” project team to coordinate this space for collaboration with the upcoming “Fisher House Site Prep” project.

b. Note, VA reserves the right to conduct work anywhere on campus in response to an emergency or critical items which impact hospital operations and patient care. Crews may include Service Leaders, FMS Staff, Biomed Staff, EMS Staff, and other stakeholders. Related, the project team for the “Fisher House Site Prep” project will be required to coordinate with other projects to ensure the continuity of hospital operations and patient care, including other construction projects.

c. The successful firm must submit their mobilization/ layout/ space needs plan for the VA for review and approval. This plan will assist with coordination efforts, material storage, site security, traffic control, general awareness to the West Palm Beach VAMC, etc.

21. As of the walkthrough day, there were active projects using the areas as parking, and staging area, would this area be cleared when we are going into construction? Or we should account for this area to be "in used" until a certain time?

a. The West Palm Beach VA Medical Center consistently has ongoing construction throughout the campus. As of April 2025, there is an ongoing “EHRM” project adjacent to the future “Fisher House Site Prep” construction site. The “EHRM” project is currently targeting Fall 2026 for the overall completion date. Keep in mind, this project’s footprint spans over the entire Medical Center. VA Engineering is actively working with the “EHRH” project team to coordinate this space for collaboration with the upcoming “Fisher House Site Prep” project.

b. Note, VA reserves the right to conduct work anywhere on campus in response to an emergency or critical items which impact hospital operations and patient care. Crews may include Service Leaders, FMS Staff, Biomed Staff, EMS Staff, and other stakeholders. Related, the project team for the “Fisher House Site Prep” project will be required to coordinate with other projects to ensure the continuity of hospital operations and patient care, including other construction projects.

c. The successful firm must submit their mobilization/ layout/ space needs plan for the VA for review and approval. This plan will assist with coordination efforts, material storage, site security, traffic

22. Will the VA provide VA badging to subcontractors or as long as they have a chaperone with a VA badge will be okay?

a. Bidder to clarify their question – Is this directed to during pre-bid, pre-award, design, construction, or other project phases?

b. Design Build Team will be responsible to manage, oversee, and supervise their direct, and subcontracted employees.

23. Are there any ongoing or planned projects that the general contractor will need to coordinate with?

(For example, active projects)

a. The West Palm Beach VA Medical Center consistently has ongoing construction throughout the campus. As of April 2025, there is an ongoing “EHRM” project adjacent to the future “Fisher House Site Prep” construction site. The “EHRM” project is currently targeting Fall 2026 for the overall completion date. Keep in mind, this project’s footprint spans over the entire Medical Center. VA Engineering is actively working with the “EHRH” project team to coordinate this space for collaboration with the upcoming “Fisher House Site Prep” project.

b. Note, VA reserves the right to conduct work anywhere on campus in response to an emergency or critical items which impact hospital operations and patient care. Crews may include Service Leaders, FMS Staff, Biomed Staff, EMS Staff, and other stakeholders. Related, the project team for the “Fisher House Site Prep” project will be required to coordinate with other projects to ensure the continuity of hospital operations and patient care, including other construction projects.

c. The successful firm must submit their mobilization/ layout/ space needs plan for the VA for review and approval. This plan will assist with coordination efforts, material storage, site security, traffic

24. Will the VA allow deviations to Buy American Act if the noted products are not available?

a. Any deviation from the contract documents, or associated VA requirements, must be formally submitted to the VA for review and response. Deviation request(s) must be submitted with supporting information such as justification, cost analyses, lead times, product data, product comparison, manufacturer information, etc.

25. Will pay applications for materials secured on site or in a bonded warehouse be approved for payment?

a. Materials secured on the physical jobsite may be captured on payment requests. VA reserves the right to request proof of delivery/ delivery tickets for verification purposes. Materials invoiced, but not on the jobsite at the time of the request will be rejected and returned for revision.

b. Payment request must be in accordance with Section 4 of the SOW.

26. Please confirm the order of precedence for the contract documents. Does SOW prevail over the specifications and construction drawings?

a. Typically, order of precedence follows as contract, specifications, and construction drawings or as otherwise stated by the Contracting Officer. The Design Build Team is fully responsible to review and understand the information within their contract documents.

27. Will the VA accept contract modification if the as-built drawings demonstrate conditions that exclude design considerations or impart differing site conditions?

a. The Design Build Team is fully responsible to survey, investigate, and provide related design(s) as required per the contract terms. As built and similar documents are only supplemental and are only to be used as a tool aiding in design and construction efforts. Information within the VA supplied documents do not modify the contract in any way, shape, or form, or relieve the Design Build Team from any contractual requirements.

b. Any deviations discovered during the work under this project must be immediately brought to the VA’s attention.

28. Please confirm the current SOW (Design intent) documents meet current VA TIL guidelines.

a. The Design Build Team to immediately alert the VA project team of any discrepancies between the design intent and current VA TIL guidelines should any exist.

29. Can you please confirm that we are to provide a Transformer or we should account for the one been provided under EHRM Project? Or should we put an alternate price including this, please advise how to proceed.

a. See SOW 3.2.1 “The Contractor is responsible for the purchase, delivery installation, and activation of the transformer. Should FPL provide the transformer, a deduct must occur to VA.”

30. Can you confirm that the Design & Construction schedules are as follows:

4.3.1 Design: Design schedules must be submitted to the VA as a Microsoft Projects file, or a similar editable file, at the beginning of the Notice of Award, with each invoice for payment and must never be more than 4 weeks old. Time frames below are calendar days. Any requested adjustment to timeline must be submitted to Contracting in writing:

• NOA to NTP: Notice to Proceed (NTP): +21 days.

• Schematic Design (SD) 35%: NOA + 51 days

• SD Review Meeting: NOA +35 days

• Design Development (DD) 65%: NOA + 56 days.

• DD Review Meeting: NOA + 70 days

• Construction Documents (CD1) 95%: NOA + 84 days

• CD Review Meeting: NOA + 91 days

• Construction Documents (CD2) 100%: NOA + 100 days

4.3.2 The Design-Build Team A/E will schedule a Pre-Construction Meeting with all pertinent VA personnel for final drawing approval before construction start, within 14 calendar days of receiving Government acceptance of 100% drawings.

4.4 Construction Schedule: Contractor to determine event for milestone completion.

• Construction Milestone 1: NOA + 150 days

• Construction Milestone 2: NOA + 170 days

• Construction Milestone 3: NOA + 200 days

• Construction Milestone 4: NOA + 230 days

• Construction Milestone 5 & Construction 100% Completion: NOA + 270 days"

a. Confirmed. Project performance periods stated in the SOW must be held. Should there be a delay, or any adjustment, to these periods, the Design Build Team must request approval, with full justification, from the VA.

31. Please advise on how we are to address the existing site lighting circuits and solar powered lighting that is in the site prep area for the new Fisher House.

a. Existing site lighting circuits and solar powered lighting to be relocated under this SOW. The specific location(s) will be identified during the design by the Design Build Team.

32. Please provide a copy of the current storm water storm calculations for the property.

a. The VA will distribute all available drawings, or related construction documents, to the successful firm. The VA does not guarantee that the information provided is accurate, current, or complete.

33. Please provide a copy of the current storm water management plan.

a. The VA will distribute all available drawings, or related construction documents, to the successful firm. The VA does not guarantee that the information provided is accurate, current, or complete.

b. Upon award, the successful firm must submit to the VA a requested detailed list of drawing/

34. Please advise on the minimum floor elevation for the building pad for the new Fisher House?

a. Ref. SOW 3.1, “The DESIGN BUILD TEAM must use a Land Surveyor to perform a topographic survey of the site. The surveyor must be a licensed and qualified professional with extensive experience in their field. The function of the Surveyor is to locate the boundaries of the structures to be built and denote with physical markers the actual elevation and the required cut or fill necessary to obtain the design elevation. It will also include the improvements and temporary construction items places to construct the improvements. A complete and accurate set of topographic drawings and underground utility locations must be submitted during the schematic submission (in metric and US measurements).”

b. Once surveys, investigations and analyses are completed by the Design Build Team, the specific minimum floor elevation will be identified during the design phase by the Design Build Team.

35. Please advise if the previous arsenic contamination has been resolved and FDEP has issued a no further actions required for the previous clean-up and monitoring and reporting requirements. We need to understand the current situation with FDEP so that we can submit a dewatering permit for the retaining wall along Lake 3.

a. VA to provide all available FDEP material to the successful firm. The VA does not guarantee that the information provided is accurate, current, or complete. Successful firm needs to collect data and field verify existing conditions to apply for appropriate permits.

b. Most recent ground water testing report attached for reference (LP M&O 110724).

36. Please provide a copy of the existing easement from Military Trail to the Circle Drive and from Woodbine to the main entrance road.

a. Ref. SOW 3.1.1, “The DESIGN BUILD TEAM must use a Land Surveyor to perform a topographic survey of the site. The surveyor must be a licensed and qualified professional with extensive experience in their field. The function of the Surveyor is to locate the boundaries of the structures to be built and denote with physical markers the actual elevation and the required cut or fill necessary to obtain the design elevation. It will also include the improvements and temporary construction items places to construct the improvements.”

37. Please provide a drawing and calculations for the existing sewer main serving Buildings 13, 14, and 22.

a. The VA will distribute all available drawings, or related construction documents, to the successful firm. The VA does not guarantee that the information provided is accurate, current, or complete.

38. Please advise on the point of connection for the new sewer which will serve the new Fisher House.

a. Point of connection to be identified by the Design Build Team. See SOW references below.

b. Ref. SOW 3.2.1, “The Contractor must provide utilities connections within 5’ of the marked site.

Utility connections include, but are not limited to, electrical, sewer, water, waste, communications, and permanent power transformer.”

c. Ref. SOW 3.2.8, “The Contractor must provide sanitary and/ or sewer line connections from the existing to the new Fisher House site. The Design Build Team must design and install sanitary and sewer systems.”

39. Please confirm that the VA will handle any easement requirements for FP&L for installation of the new service.

a. The Design Build Team must develop, design, and submit to the VA for review and approval as part of the design submissions described under SOW Section 4.3.1. The VA will act as the approver in this process, not “handle” the process.

40. Please advise on the FP&L service representative for the VA property.

a. FPL contact will be shared with the successful firm. Any communication regarding this project must be routed through the VA Contracting Officer.

41. Is the VA aware of any specific water drainage issues in or adjacent to the construction zone for the project? If so, can the VA provide descriptions or reports?

a. Ref. SOW 3.1.6, “Stormwater Drainage: The Contractor may be required to assess, design, and build with little unknown knowledge.” Should any information or issues be documented regarding drainage be discovered at the new Fisher House location, this information will be distributed to the Design Build Team.

42. Section 3.1.8. makes reference to Contractor obtaining “all state and federal environmental permits necessary to perform construction activities”. Can the VA identify any specific permits required for this project that the VA is aware of currently (for example, SWPPP, City Encroachment Permit, etc.)?

a. Ref. SOW Section 1, “This Scope of Work document is intended to facilitate a Guaranteed Maximum Price contract to provide Design and Construction services (DB) for the site preparation of approximately 1 acres of land, for the future construction of a Fisher House on the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center (WPB VAMC) campus located at 7305 N. Military Trail West Palm Beach, FL 33410. The design and construction for the site development includes, but is not limited to, permits…”

b. Ref. SOW Appendix C - Basis for Design, the Design Build Team must “Identify by a narrative description each of the permits needed to operate the proposed design.”

c. Ref. SOW Section 3, “The Contractor must provide all labor, materials, permits, tools, associated equipment, and design build services necessary for the design and construction or service of the areas of work of this project…”

d. Contractor is responsible to apply, obtain, and maintain permits as required to satisfy this SOW.

43. Section 3.1.14. directs Contractor to provide a “sanitary line connection from existing to the FH site”.

Please confirm the location of “existing”. Bldg. 23, for example?

a. Existing utilities must be located and marked by the Design Build Team. The Design Build Team may utilize drawings, or other utility related documents provided by the VA such as the concept plan under Appendix A of the SOW to assist them. The VA does not guarantee that the information provided is accurate, current, or complete. Requirements related to work surrounding utilities can be found within the SOW (Ex. 3.1.3, 3.2, 3.4).

b. The Design Build Team must submit to the VA a site plan showing layout and utility connections per Appendix C - Section 5 of the SOW.

44. Section 3.1.18. directs Contractor to “provide temporary utilities during the construction of the Fisher House…”. Please provide Contractor with expected length of time these “temporary utilities” shall be provided to another GC during their construction period for the future Fisher House.

a. Temporary utilities provided by the Contractor under this project must be supplied over the period of performance which is detailed under 4.3.1/4.3.2 of the SOW.

45. On the specifications it describes the design of the pedestrian bridge. Please confirm that the bridge design shall meet the VA’s Barrier Free design requirements in relation to slopes (1:20, for example).

a. The Design Build Team must design and install the new pedestrian bridge in a manner that meets the VA’s Barrier Free design, and other related design requirements. Should there be conflicting design requirements, the Design Build Team must submit the conflicting information to the VA for clarification.

46. The SOW outlines a basic description for a Pedestrian Bridge that will span across Lake 3 and that it needs to meet ADA requirements and allow manual and electronic wheelchairs to cross the bridge. SOW

6.7.2 “review of the TIL Specifications and Design Guidelines associated with the Project Scope of Work Please provide the following information on the Pedestrian Bridge :

a. Minimum Width (need to know if we have to provide two way traffic for motorized wheel chairs).

a. Design Build Team responsible to research, investigate and provide a design to the VA for acceptance.

b. Maximum loading for the bridge.

a. Design Build Team responsible to research, investigate and provide a design to the VA for acceptance.

c. Material, i.e., wood, steel, aluminum, concrete, precast, etc.

a. Design Build Team responsible to research, investigate and provide a design to the VA for acceptance.

d. Minimum height. Note: The existing berm around Lake 3 is approximately 14'. 8"" ASL at the location of the bridge abutments.

a. Design Build Team responsible to research, investigate and provide a design to the VA for acceptance.

b. Vendor to clarify their question – Is this directed to the heights of handrails or the bridge.

e. Is fall protection required along the bridge?"

a. Vendor to clarify their question – Is this directed to the construction process or post-construction during use?

47. Please provide a copy of the latest fire hydrant test for one of the fire hydrants which is located the closest to the Fisher House Site. We understand that the project will require a fire pump based on the

SOW.

a. Copy of the latest fire hydrant test to be distributed to the successful firm.

48. The SOW notes a requirement for "reserve water levels". Please clarify the requirements for "reserve water levels"?

a. The Design Build Team must inspect the site for the water limit around lake and associated existing conditions.

49. Who is responsible for contracting the commissioning agent?

a. Ref. Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Master Specifications 019100 - General Commissioning Requirements listed under Section 1 of the SOW (pg.76 of the solicitation package). All systems installed, modified, renovated, or repaired under this project are to be commissioned by the group under contract to satisfy the SOW. Commissioning reports must be submitted to the VA for documentation, final approval, and turnover purposes.

50. For planning the preliminary project schedule, please provide an anticipated NTP date. This will assist the VA in comparing the schedules provided by all bidders.

a. Anticipated award lands late Spring/ Summer 2025.

51. Will the VA please provide as-builts for the site in autocad or revit file formats?

a. Available CAD or REVIT files will be shared with the successful firm. The VA does not guarantee that the information provided is accurate, current, or complete. VA cannot guarantee one file type due to these files being prepared by varying firms.

52. Please provide the required sizes for sewer and domestic water lines the contractor is to provide.

a. Ref. SOW 3.2.8, “Sewer - The Design Build Team must design and install sanitary and sewer systems.” The Design Build Team must size and design the sewer and domestic water lines to be in accordance with VA design manuals and ensure they are fully capable of performing under the new Fisher House’s operations.

53. Is the contractor required to include chilled or heating hot water lines from a central energy plant to the site, or will heating/ cooling needs be stand-alone in the future fisher house?

a. Design Build Team to provide a standalone system under this project.

54. Are as-built drawings, including details of underground utilities, available?

a. The VA will distribute all available drawings, or related construction documents, to the successful firm. The VA does not guarantee that the information provided is accurate, current, or complete.

55. Based on our experience with numerous VA design-build projects, completing the full 35% design alone will likely require approximately 180 days. Can you confirm if this timeline aligns with your expectations?

a. 180 days to prepare the 35% package is unacceptable. Project performance periods stated in the

SOW must be held. Should there be a delay, or any adjustment, to these periods, the Design Build Team must request approval, with full justification, from the VA.

56. Will the Fisher House design/build team be integrated with the Government project management team to assist with coordination efforts?

a. Supporting the Design Build Team from the VA will be the Contracting Officer (CO) and the

Contracting Officer's Representative (COR). All project correspondence must include the VA CO and COR. Roles and responsibilities will be discussed during the post-award kick off meeting with the VA.

It is the responsibility of the Design Build Team to staff, schedule, manage, inspect, QC, design, install, furnish goods, document, etc., for the design and construction under this project. The VA’s involvement is general in nature and for verification purposes in relation to contractual requirements.

57. Is the VA aware of any specific water drainage issues in or adjacent to the construction zone for the project? If so, can the VA provide either any descriptions or reports to bidders?

a. Ref. SOW 3.1.6, “Stormwater Drainage: The Contractor may be required to assess, design, and build with little unknown knowledge.” Should any information or issues be documented regarding drainage be discovered at the new Fisher House location, this information will be distributed to the Design Build Team.

58. Scope of Work, Section 3.1.13. makes reference to Contractor obtaining "all state and federal environmental permits necessary to perform construction activities". Can the VA identify any specific permits required for this project that the VA is aware of currently (for example, SWPPP, City Encroachment Permit, etc.)?

a. Ref. SOW Section 1, “This Scope of Work document is intended to facilitate a Guaranteed Maximum Price contract to provide Design and Construction services (DB) for the site preparation of approximately 1 acres of land, for the future construction of a Fisher House on the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center (WPB VAMC) campus located at 7305 N. Military Trail West Palm Beach, FL 33410. The design and construction for the site development includes, but is not limited to, permits…”

b. Ref. SOW Appendix C - Basis for Design, the Design Build Team must “Identify by a narrative description each of the permits needed to operate the proposed design.”

c. Ref. SOW Section 3, “The Contractor must provide all labor, materials, permits, tools, associated equipment, and design build services necessary for the design and construction or service of the areas of work of this project…”

d. Contractor is responsible to apply, obtain, and maintain permits as required to satisfy this SOW.

59. Solicitation document is a total of 176 pages with several drawings incorporated within the document. Please provide separate PDF attachments of specific drawings provided to bidders so drawings maintain their original format and file size from PDF.

a. Bidders to specifically request drawing(s) from the solicitation package should there be any errors with the file itself. Requests for copies of files to be submitted to the Contracting Officer.

60. Please identify specifically on Site Plan Layout, Sheet L-1, where the VA would prefer the location of the pedestrian bridge.

a. Ref. SOW 3.2.12-3.2.17 – Pedestrian Bridge (below):

“3.2.12 The Design Build Team must design and build a pedestrian bridge spanning approximately

150’. Note, the approximate footage is subject to change due to field conditions or constructions conflicts, however, the Contractor must supply a complete bridge to the VA under this project. The bridge must be specified with corrosion inhibitor paint/ coating. The bridge must be designed to meet all state and federal regulations as well as ADA guidelines. Passive protection must be provided to deter small maintenance equipment but allow manual and electronic wheelchairs access.

3.2.13 Handrails are to be made of galvanized iron and decking must be made of composite decking. The width of the bridge must be 8’. Trusses and beams are also to be galvanized and painted. The Design Build Team must present options to the VA in writing for final approval prior to installations. The landings for both sides of the bridge must be concrete and transitioning to the closest walkway. Should the Design Build Team propose a deviation to the requirements under this SOW, they must do so in writing with full justification and supporting information to the VA for approval prior to design finalizations and installations.

3.2.14 Lighting must be present at both sides of the bridge and along the bridge.

3.2.15 Two, 6-person benches are to be placed at either ends of the bridge and made of composite or recycled plastic or quality of brands equal or greater to Uline H2888 in Cedar color.

3.2.16 Landings of the bridge is approximated at 15x12ft concrete pads. This is only an approximation. The Design Build Team is responsible to analyze and design the landings and related concrete pads.

3.2.17 It is not the intent that the bridge will be a high elevation above site level of which requiring suicide safety devices in regard to suicides, nor above head chain-link cage(s) at approximately 150’ bridge span. The Structural Engineer and A/E to design and meet design intent. The Design Build Team to verify if the existing provides sufficient lighting which supplies ample lighting to cross the bridge at low light hours. The Design Build Team to design and install supplemental lighting should they discover the existing lighting to be insufficient.”

b. Per the SOW, the VA estimates the total span of the bridge to be approximately 150’ based on the preliminary location shown on L-1 (pg.146/176) of the solicitation package, however, this is subject to change depending on the final location of the bridge. The Design Build Team must propose a location of the bridge as part of their design submission for VA approval. Bridge design, including location, must consider VA design requirements, safety requirements, distance from the new Fisher House and bridge accessibility.

61. Please confirm that the current Scope of Work for bidders does NOT include a retaining wall adjacent to the pond nor in any location within Contractor's scope. Similarly, please confirm that the VA does not anticipate nor is aware of any soil erosion issues or existing conditions within the Contractor's scope and construction site that would require the construction of a retaining wall or similar remediation.

a. Retaining Wall: Assessment of the need for a retaining wall at pond(s) surrounding the new Fisher

House shall be completed the Design Build Team during their site visits and design document preparations.

b. Soil Erosion: Per SOW 6.1.2, the Design Build team must consider requirements such as environmental and erosion control regulations. Also, reference SOW Appendix C - 13, “Dust and erosion control, where deemed necessary, will be considered an integral part of all design and construction projects. Such controls will be generally limited to areas scarred or denuded in the process of constructing a project. Dust and erosion control will not be confused with landscaping.

The 35% submittal will contain the necessary design data, outline specifications, and costs for dust and erosion control measures where applicable. The Basis of Design will include a statement regarding the type of treatment selected, affecting areas, and reasons for selection of type and determination of areas.”

62. Scope of Work, Section 3.1.8 states that Lot 18/19 "is expected to be repaired and re-asphalted as necessary…". Please specific what repairs are necessary beyond the new gutters. Please specify the exact boundaries of Lot 18/19 on the VA Site Plan drawings that are within the scope of Contractor's repair and re-asphalting.

a. Work associated with the parking lots is identified in the SOW (Ref. SOW 3.1.8, 3.1.9, 3.1.11, Appendix C-Section 12, etc.). The intent is that the Design Build Team address any deficiencies in the parking lot once all prerequisite work is completed, such as the sidewalk(s). Parking lot work to include, but is not limited to, level asphalt grounds, repairs of any holes/ divots, new asphalt, etc.

b. Design Build team responsible to examine existing conditions, and post-construction activities to provide a design which will result in a deficiency free parking lot.

c. Boundaries of Lot 18/19 can be defined as the physical, existing boundaries of these lots and any adjacent areas impacted by the lot specific work under this SOW.

63. Scope of Work, Section 3.1.11 states that "…Median will be at a minimum 6' wide and should be 6' tall planted and at full height 20'". Please specify what is "6' tall planted and at full height 20'.

a. Median is 6’ wide where trees are planted. Plant trees from nurseries that are 6’ tall. Preliminary research shows they may come in 7-10 gal spaced at 6’ apart and full min growth of 20’ tall (Example: Foxtail Palms).

64. Scope of Work, Section 3.2.6, Phone Line, Subsection 3.2.6.1.1 states that Contractor must provide service call(s) during warranty periods to fully pull and install communication line after the FISHER HOUSE FOUNDATION (FHF) is complete with terminal ends, labeled, and terminal connectors. Please confirm when the government expects FHF to complete terminal ends, labeling, and terminal connectors. Please confirm warranty period.

a. Work completed by the FHF is contingent upon the completion of the work under this SOW. Dates to be revisited by the project team at a later date.

b. Warranty period from the Contractor under this project will be defined in the contract clauses.

Warranty periods to commence upon the VA’s final acceptance of the Contractor’s work, or as defined by the Contracting Officer.

65. In item 3.2.3 "Transformer", it states that the EHRM project could see the transformer installed between buildings 13 & 23. In looking at the EHRM project site drawings, this appears to be the case.

a. With that said, what size transformer was installed during this project?

- See attachment titled “EHRM - 108.01 - 262200 - RAR Transformers - Gov_Signed”, for the 262200

Transformer submittal from the EHRM project. These documents are only supplemental and are only to be used as a tool aiding in design and construction efforts. Information within the VA supplied documents do not modify the contract in any way, shape, or form, or relieve the Design Build Team from any contractual requirements.

b. Will the EHRM and the Fisher house require separate utility meters? If so please provide details how that will be achieved (C/Ts at secondary or C/T Cabinet at each building).

- Separate meters required. Fisher House utilities to be completely separate from the EHRM project.

The Design Build Team is fully responsible to survey, investigate, and provide related design(s) as required per the contract terms.

- Reference Master VA Specification 251010 – Advanced Utility Metering System and other related

VHA Design Manuals.

c. Confirm the number of sets of secondary conductors the transformer can accept.

- N/A. Fisher House Site Prep and EHRM transformers are to be completely separate.

d. Will the EHRM be energized prior to the fisher house being constructed or when temporary power is needed to construct the Fisher House?

- N/A. Fisher House Site Prep and EHRM transformers are to be completely separate.

e. Depending on the construction schedule between EHRM and Fisher house, it is possible that the Transformer will need to be de-energized and removed to install new secondary conductors to the fisher house. Is this an acceptable approach as the building could be de-energized for a 1 to 2 week period.

- N/A. Fisher House Site Prep and EHRM transformers are to be completely separate.

- Reference Section 4.5.3 of the SOW for direction on utility outages. The VA reserves the right to break out/ sequence outage activities to mitigate/ minimize impacts.

66. Within Scope of Work, Section 3.2.3 notes that if a new transformer is bought and installed it should be located at the common place under this project. Where is this "common place"?

a. Ref. the below in orange for the preliminary location of the new Fisher House transformer. Design

Build Team fully responsible to review and propose an alternate location should there be any conflicts with the preliminary location.

67. If a new pad mounted transformer is provided specifically for the fisher house a utility easement for primary FPL conductors would be required. It is likely that the new transformer would need to be fed from the utility poles located between the VA and Woodbine. Does the VA have any issues with creating a new Easement for FPL primary conductors to allow power to be brough to the new Fisher House?

a. Design Build Team to submit their proposed easement plan to the VA for approval. Plan must include supporting information such as path(s), locations, impacts, adjacent utilities, 811/ utility markup plan, GPR reports, associated schedules for the work, etc.

68. The 220 KVA 208V 3-phase transformer, what was this sized to serve? Was this intended to serve other nearby buildings, like building #13 or #14?

a. No. Transformer to be dedicated to the new Fisher House under this SOW. 220 KVA 208V 3-phase transformer will output at a minimum 600 amps to the new Fisher House.

b. The Design Build Team must study power requirements for the future Fisher House which is described as “Fisher Houses may have up to 16 suites, with private bedrooms and baths. Families share a common kitchen, laundry facilities, a dining room, and a living room” under Section 1 of the

SOW.

69. For the temporary power, what equipment needs to be served from this power service?

a. Design Build Team responsible to assess their power and related equipment needs as required to complete the work under this SOW. See below for references from the SOW. This list may not be all encompassing. Temporary, or backup, power must also be available for the continuity of operations should any systems be tied to other hospital functions to minimize impacts to the campus.

b. Ref. SOW 3.2.9, “Irrigation - … The system must be utilizing water from the adjacent lake and out to the temporary sod once complete. The Design Build Team must properly size the pump on a temporary pad and utilize power service from the Temporary Power.”

c. Ref. SOW 3.2.1, “Site Location - … The Contractor must verify temporary 120V power is available to the construction zone and provide temporary power for site preparation purposes. The Contractor is responsible for the purchase, delivery installation, and activation of the transformer. Should FPL provide the transformer, a deduct must occur to VA. A junction box must be placed at the common area of the Fisher House Site Connection and into a temporary panel at the northeast corner of house.”

70. For the fiber, within Scope of Work, Section 3.2.5 stated running from nearby building #13's telecom room. Where in building #13 is this telecom room located, is it on an exterior wall? The EHRM project shows buried fiber and hand holes. Are there any spare conduits run from this project that we could use?

a. Design Build Team not to anticipate the use of spare/ existing conduits for…