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PROJECT NUMBER: 673-CSI-132 DESIGN BUILD – 1.5T MRI ICC
| No. |
| Question |
| Reference |
| Contractor |
| 1 |
| Please clarify the requirement for the 3rd party certified fire protection engineer review. Is their role intended to be exclusively a review of the design during construction during the submittal process by a licensed state fire protection engineer, or are they intended to be part of the design team? |
Williams Building Company
| VA Response |
| Part of Design team, as the review must be completed during design per VHA Directive 7712 |
| 2 |
| Please confirm if Haz mat testing and remediation is required for the project area. Please confirm if there is an existing Haz mat report that may be reviewed. |
Williams Building Company
| VA Response |
| An initial NESHAP was completed and is provided here. However if new design includes work in any other areas than what is shown in the report, those areas will require testing. Currently, only the structural work for the rooftop equipment is in an asbestos area that will require abatement. |
| 3 |
| Please confirm the required deliverables and design schedule, and if there is any flexibility in those requirements. By trying to complete 4 deliverables and VA review times in 140 days, the actual design time is quite limited. Is it possible to condense the 100% and Final bid submissions into a single submission, or extend the design phase? |
Williams Building Company
| VA Response |
| See updated schedule in the SOW. The VA requests to maintain the overall 140-day design and 4 deliverables but is willing to reduce the review period of the final submission (we simply need to verify any comments or changes were incorporated prior to final sign/seal) to 7 days. If you want to propose different times between submissions with that 140-day period (duration of VA review must not be reduced), VA will review proposed schedule. |
| 4 |
| For Factor 2 project experience list, can the project examples be from the bidding design firm or do they need to be projects completed by the bidding contractor? |
Williams Building Company
| VA Response |
| Project examples may be from bidding design firm. However, if a firm’s experience is used, they must be used in the contract (cannot switch to a different firm if their qualifications were used) |
| 5 |
| Please confirm the VA is providing the MRI equipment and support personnel from the manufacturer. |
Williams Building Company
| 6 |
| Please confirm if the provided Siemens drawings dated 9/29/2025 are final site-specific drawings, or if any changes should be anticipated. It appears that these may not be the drawings that were used to prepare the 90% progress set. |
Williams Building Company
| VA Response |
| Yes, and should be used starting with the 65% refresh |
| 7 |
| Please clarify what changes are being requested from the provided 90% progress set drawings dated 9/5/2025. What has changed since this set was issued which requires the design to be re-done? Other than the equipment drawings noted above, have any project requirements changed? |
Williams Building Company
| VA Response |
| The 90% progress set was never reviewed or approved and should be used as a rough basis for the 65% submittal. It is being used as a starting point. The 65% refresh should incorporate any changes in direction the firm wants or needs to make to improve the existing design being used as a starting point (ie different location for AHU, etc.). |
| 8. |
| The SOW notes bringing the MRI suite into compliance with current TIL standards. Please confirm if there are any known issues with the design currently. |
Williams Building Company
| VA Response |
| This will be the job of the contractor to determine as they complete the design. |
| 9. |
| Please confirm if the VA or the DB team is responsible for hiring the RF shielding vendor. |
Williams Building Company
| 10. |
| Please confirm that the structural analysis should be included as part of the base bid services. If it is found that the existing structure cannot support the new equipment, please confirm the additional structural design and construction will be considered an additional service |
Williams Building Company
| VA Response |
| Review of structural additions shown in drawings shall be reviewed by DB’s structural engineer. Bid shall include the additions included. DB team will be responsible for any additional structural design if they change loads or locations from what design documents currently show. |
| 11. |
| The scope of work indicates rerouting of medical gases. Please confirm if the required medical gasses are currently in the vicinity of the new MRI room |
Williams Building Company
| 12. |
| Electrical infrastructure: |
1. Please confirm the design includes modifying/extending the existing distribution to support the new equipment requirements, please confirm.
2. New device layouts throughout the renovation area are anticipated, please confirm.
3. Please confirm the project scope does not include infrastructure upgrades at this time (such as generators, ATS’s, distribution boards, new panelboards, isolated power, power conditioners, UPS’s, etc.).
Williams Building Company
| VA Response |
| Design shall include modifying/extending distribution, new device layouts, new bus duct plugs and panels as shown in drawings. Connections to equipment must also be completed. No new ATS or generator needed. |
| 13. |
| The scope document indicates modifications to HVAC systems. Please confirm the extent of the HVAC scope. Should the project only include terminal system modifications (i.e. just ductwork and VAV terminal units) or is there an air handler that needs to be replaced? |
Williams Building Company
| VA Response |
| No, not just that. New AHU, controls, ductwork, VAVs, etc. are needed (see design drawings and specs). |
| 14. |
| Please confirm the intent is for the DB contractor to provide a new quench vent to go with the Siemens MRI system. |
Williams Building Company
| 15. |
| Please confirm if the design review meetings will be virtual or in person meetings |
Williams Building Company
| VA Response |
| In person, per SOW |
| 16. |
| Please clarify if a superintendent can be a dual hat to cover the requirements of SSHO? |
Blue Cord
| VA Response |
| No. Two separate due to size and complexity |
| 17. |
| If not to the question above, will the SSHO need to be full-time for this project? |
Blue Cord
| 18. |
| Please clarify if a superintendent can be a dual hat to cover the requirements of QA/QC? |
Blue Cord
| VA Response |
| No. However, the PM can dual hat as QA/QC if desired. |
| 19. |
| If no to the question above, will the QA/QC need to be full time for this project? |
Blue Cord
| VA Response |
| No, it will not need to be full-time. |
| 20. |
| Can a superintendent be a triple hat to cover the requirements of SSHO and QA/QC? |
Blue Cord
| 21. |
| Please confirm the issued drawing set is the latest and complete set. |
Blue Cord
| VA Response |
| Yes, but this shall only be used as a preliminary starting point for 65% to be reviewed and refreshed by the contractor and design team. |
| 22. |
| Please confirm the current design documents meet current VA TIL guidelines. |
Blue Cord
| VA Response |
| See response to number 8. This is the responsibility of the design team to confirm. |
| 23. |
| Please provide the latest wage determination for this project’s county. |
Blue Cord
| VA Response |
| Attached WD -DATED 01-02-2023 |
| 24. |
| Past Performance: If we have a PPQ, requested for another opportunity, that is less than 12 months old, can we use it within our proposal? Or will a new PPQ need to be requested? |
Blue Cord
| 25. |
| Is the use of temporary plastic wall panels (such as STARC panels) acceptable? |
Blue Cord
| VA Response |
| They can be used for the ante room construction only. All construction barriers must be hard wall to deck (to maintain fire barrier) |
| 26. |
| Who is responsible for the terminal clean of the project area? |
Blue Cord
| VA Response |
| CONTRACTOR, FAR CLAUSE 52.236-12 IS INCLUDE IN THE SOLICITATION. |
| 27. |
| Who is responsible for contracting the commissioning agent? |
Blue Cord
| 28. |
| Please confirm order of precedence for the contract documents. Does SOW prevail over the specifications and construction drawings? |
Blue Cord
| VA Response |
| No. All contract documents shall be followed. Any conflicts shall be brought to the attention of the COR and CO. Project intent is to construct a new MRI suite in the existing radiology space that meets TIL requirements and equipment requirements. Drawings and specs have been started to meet these standards but are not complete. |
| 29. |
| Please confirm if existing CAD or Revit files are available for the existing design drawings. |
Blue Cord
| 30. |
| Since 90% design drawings have been provided, is this project proceeding and being solicited as a new design-build project? |
2H&V
| VA Response |
| Yes – the draft 90% design drawings were never reviewed or approved. They are to be used as a starting point for a 65% and should be reviewed, validated, and refreshed by the new DB team for their first design submission. |
| 31. |
| 2. Will the design portion of this project only complete the remaining +/- 10% of the design? |
a. If so, will the design professionals for the 90% documents provided need to be engaged to complete the design?
Or
b. Will new design professionals need to be engaged to somehow complete the design provided.... with permission or rights given by the VA and or existing professionals?
2H&V
| VA Response |
| No. New design team will evaluate and use this as a starting point for their 65% submission and complete the design from that point on (design team is free to make changes as they see fit). VA is giving permission to design team to use, validate, and continue on with this. There is no VA expectation of the previous design professionals to be involved in this project unless the DB team chooses to use members of that team as part of their team. |
| 32. |
| 3. Are the provided design documents to be used in a reference basis only and all new documents need to be generated by new design professionals? |
a. If so, will the same project location, project limits and floor plan apply?
2H&V
| VA Response |
| Yes – reference basis as they were never completed or signed off by professional engineers or VA. It will be same project locations and limits. Changes to floor plan or other design items can be made if the design team and VA sees fit. |
| 33. |
| Why is this project proceeding and being solicited as a design-build project instead of a design-bid project? |
COACTINT
| VA Response |
| Design contract was unable to be completed but provides a thorough starting product (reducing risk). For best value to the government and time savings, DB was chosen to complete project. |
| 34. |
| Based on the Siemens equipment list shown on the drawings, it appears the proposed MRI system may be capable of supporting biopsies and other interventional procedures. These uses would typically require the room to be classified as a Class 2 Procedure Room. Please confirm whether the intent is for the new MRI room to function as a Class 2 Procedure Room or a Class 1 Exam Room. |
CPS
| 35. |
| The existing floor structure, per the provided plans, consists of approximately 3 inches of concrete on a 1-1/2-inch composite steel deck. This configuration significantly limits the ability to recess the RF shielding floor system without major structural modifications below. As a result, the RF-shielded Zone 4 area will require a sloped or ramped transition at the entry. Please confirm whether this ramp condition is acceptable, or if the VA expects floor structural alterations to be included as part of the project scope. |
CPS
| VA Response |
| Acceptable, any ramps or slopes must meet ABA/ADA requirements. |
| 36. |
| The plans reference a “magnetic shielding plan.” While typical wall section details depicting magnetic shielding are shown, a dedicated magnetic shielding plan could not be located in the provided documents. Please confirm whether Siemens has issued a magnetic shielding plan and, if so, provide the document. |
CPS
| VA Response |
| Shielding plan will be developed by DB team. |
| 37. |
| Please provide information regarding the room use and/or equipment located directly above the proposed MRI exam room. |
CPS
| VA Response |
| See attached. |
| 38. |
| Will the contractor be responsible for the engineering, analysis, and any required shoring associated with the MRI equipment delivery path, should it be required? |
CPS
| 39 |
| Is there an Asbestos report available? |
CPS
| VA Response |
| Yes, see attached. |
| 40. |
| Please provide the most recent Test and Balance report on the mechanical system. |
CPS
| VA Response |
| Not available. However, it is known a new AHU is required as part of this project. If a pretab is needed to complete design, this should be included in the project. |
| 41 |
| RFP page 11, Item G, line 4 states “—contractor must provide all employees with a contractor identification badge (ID), additionally Item G, Line 8 states "All contractor employees must also be required to wear VA issued badges –” Please clarify badging requirements with regards to whether the contractor employees are required to wear (1) only contractor issued badges, (2) only VA issued badges, or (3) both contractors issued and VA issued badges. |
CPS
| VA Response |
| Contractor issued badges for all personnel other than SSHO and superintendent (and PM if requested) who will be given VA-issued badges through PIV process |
| 42 |
| RFP Page 11, Item G, line 8, If contractors are required to wear VA issued badges please provide the VA guidance for the requirement, the issuing process, and the timeline for VA issuance of applications, processing of applications and the timeline for issuance of VA badges. |
CPS
| VA Response |
| Key personnel identified in RFI 41 will be allowed to submit applications for PIV badges upon project kickoff. This requires filling out an application, ID verification, and fingerprints. COR will assist in setting up this process (usually takes around a month but subject to change). |
| 43 |
| RFP Pg 18, Item 15, states “contract performance period: 740 calendar days”, RFP Page 7, Item 1, Line 12, states “—140 days (design) plus 600 days of construction”. On the basis of only the scope of work it does not appear that this project would require 600 calendar days for construction completion. Additionally, the cost of General Conditions for 600 calendar days will be extremely expensive addition to the cost of completion. Please clarify the basis for the VA’s determination that 600 days of construction is the basis for the performance period, i.e. is this a VA controlled phased project with phases interlocked to other events, or is this project linked to other contracts, i.e. a mechanical upgrade project, that would dictate the schedule length? |
Follow-up question: If the 600 days for construction is accurate, please provide a detailed phasing schedule, or schedule of related controlling events, for contractor use in developing the proposed project schedule and in developing contractor costs proposals.
CPS
| VA Response |
| PoP has been reduced to 600 total (140 day design, 460 day construction). This PoP includes equipment delivery, installation, and final tie-ins for construction to be completed. If the DB team believes they can complete it quicker, then their bid can reflect that. The PoP is a maximum, not minimum. |
| 44 |
| RFP Page 18, Item 10; please confirm that funds remain unavailable for this project. |
CPS
| VA Response |
| FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE NOW |
| 45 |
| RFP Page 18, Part II, Item 1 refers to the contractor’s proposal as a “Quote” rather than a proposal. Please clarify the applicable FAR section under which this procurement is being conducted, i.e. is that a FAR Part 12 or FAR Part 15 procurement? |
CPS
| VA Response |
| After 10/01/2025 the FAR overhaul is the new guidance, under these new regulations we are using FAR 12.201-1(a) in combination with FAR 15.103-1. Procurements under 7.5 M. |
| 46 |
| RFP Page 20, Factor 6, Line 1 states the Government will evaluate offers on the “total price”; however, the same section of the RFP requires to detailed proposed cost breakdown. Please clarify whether the breakdown is actually required if the Government is basing the award on the total price. |
CPS
| VA Response |
| The price breakdown is required. |
| 47 |
| Can Superintendent, QC, and SSHO Be covered by the same person? |
CPS
| VA Response |
| NO triple hats. See answers to previous RFIs above |
| 48 |
| For supporting the cable tray, is stainless steel all thread acceptable or does it have to be fiberglass? |
CPS
| VA Response |
| Yes if TIL compliant for its specific use |
| 49 |
| Will non-metallic raceways be acceptable for inside the MRI room itself? |
CPS
| VA Response |
| Yes if TIL compliant for its specific use |
| 50 |
| Has all abatement of the mold and asbestos been completed? Please provide abatement survey report. |
KEE
| VA Response |
| See surveys attached for reference. While main project area is free of haz materials, some structural work for the rooftop equipment will require abatement unless the DB team changes the location of this equipment. Any additional surveying needed if the DB team changes any layouts will be the responsibility of the DB team. |
| 51 |
| Will the VA remove medical equipment within the working areas? Please confirm responsibility. |
KEE
| VA Response |
| Yes VA will remove. |
| 52 |
| Will the working areas be occupied, if so, how would access be granted and/or allowed. Will phasing the work be required? |
KEE
| VA Response |
| The main work area will be vacant. However, surrounding areas will be occupied. Work outside the main site will require coordination. |
| 53 |
| Confirm if siemens will be filling chiller equipment with glycol. |
KEE
| VA Response |
| No, this is the responsibility of the D/B team. |
| 54 |
| Please confirm location of dumpster placement. |
KEE
| VA Response |
| This area will be determined upon award. |
| 55 |
| We utilize the Procore system for RFIs, submittals, transmittals and general construction document reporting; please confirm this is Acceptable/ permissible. |
KEE
| 56 |
| Confirm if it is acceptable to occupy half of the hallway areas for this project's scope of work. |
KEE
| VA Response |
| Proper life safety egress paths for patient flow must be maintained and/or mitigated but DB team and VA will work during design to ensure there is adequate space for egress and for construction. |
| 57 |
| Confirm siemens responsible for the unloading and handling of new MRI machine up to placement within newly constructed area. |
KEE
| 58 |
| Confirm what would be the medical gas requirements within zone 4. |
KEE
| VA Response |
| Requirements as dictated by the TIL |
| 59 |
| What level of sterilizing clean-room garments are required for this project? What level could be worn within working areas. |
KEE
| VA Response |
| This will not be needed inside the work area. Contractor’s ICRA plan shall incorporate dust mitigation to ensure surrounding areas are not compromised. ICRA class for this work will be Class IV (negative air, hard barriers, etc.) |
| 60 |
| Confirm if PIV badges are required for this project. |
KEE
| VA Response |
| PIV badges will be needed for superintendent and SSHO for access control reasons. |
| 61 |
| Please confirm normal working hours and after hour requirements (can after hours work be performed or conducted during utility shutdowns ex.) |
KEE
| VA Response |
| Working hours will be 0700-1530. However, some work may be required during WHEN hours to minimize impact to the facility. |
| 62 |
| Will the VA allow deviations to Buy American Act if the noted products are not available? |
KEE
| 63 |
| Can a qualified construction superintendent perform the Superintendent/QC/SSHO roles simultaneously? |
KEE
| VA Response |
| NO triple hats. |
| 64 |
| If no to the question above, will the SSHO need to be full-time for this project? |
KEE
