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RFIs Site Prep for Upgrade Spinal Cord Injury Patient Bathrooms Memphis VA Medical Center, Memphis, TN
590 Means St NW, Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 214-9774
April 10, 2018
BID PHASE - REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
RE: MEMPHIS VETERANS ADMINISTRATION MEDICAL CENTER, MEMPHIS, TN
UPGRADE SPINAL CORD INJURY PATIENT BATHROOMS
Project No.: VA - 614-15-109; TMM – 1606
From: David Novak; David Sewell - TMM. Ken Dykes – CN.
REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
| ITEM NO. |
| RFI FROM |
| DATE RECEIVED BY AE |
| QUESTION |
| RESPONSE BY |
| RESPONSE |
| 1 |
| Harbor Services Inc. |
| 04/04/2018 |
| 1. |
| This project call for Basis of Design: Stanley SHU Auto Door Operators. In order to achieve a 36 inch clear opening, the Header length needs to be 7’0” in length versus 6’10” |
| TMM |
| Response: 7’-0” header is acceptable. |
| 2 |
| Harbor Services Inc. |
| 04/04/2018 |
| 2. |
| Will these openings require a power fail open feature, if so, this also requires a 7’0” header? |
| TMM |
| Response: Yes, power fail open is required. 7’-0” header is acceptable. |
| 3 |
| Harbor Services Inc. |
| 04/04/2018 |
| 3. |
| Will these doors require a breakout option safety feature? |
| 4 |
| Harbor Services Inc. |
| 04/04/2018 |
| 4. |
| Spec Section 09675 (Resinous & Epoxy Flooring) calls for the usage of both quartz and vinyl broadcast. This needs to be one system or the other. |
| TMM |
| Response: Vinyl broadcast is the intention. Disregard reference to quartz. |
| 5 |
| Harbor Services Inc. |
| 04/04/2018 |
| 5A |
| Page 6, Proposal Submission states you want one (1) emailed copy of each and then says again that you want one (1) emailed copy of both with original bid bond. I’m assuming this should have read one (1) hard copy since you’re asking for the bond. Please advise. Also, if I am correct, what is the deadline to get that hard copy to you? |
| VA |
| Response: One copy by the response due date. |
| 6 |
| Harbor Services Inc. |
| 04/04/2018 |
| 5B |
| The information requested in this package can far exceed 75 pages. Would you consider expanding the page limit? |
| VA |
| Response: No |
| 7 |
| State Systems Inc. |
| 04/04/2018 |
| 1. |
| I was contacted by AB Haynes Jr. with Pyramid Electric company on some renovations to a Spinal Cord Area in your facility. The Rauland Responder 4 system is now obsolete and the equipment is not available. The drawings we looked at for this project indicated that we were to furnish new devices. This looks to be just an up-date to the bathing areas with no additional rooms being added. If this is the case, it would be best if the old pull cord stations were re-used, due to fact that they are not obtainable from Rauland. |
The only other option is to change the complete system out to the new Rauland Responder 5.
| TMM/CN |
| Response: The intent was to furnish new devices as a cosmetic upgrade only. The Rauland representative has confirmed that as of approximately one year ago the Responder IV system was discontinued and parts are no longer available. The contractor should protect/remove the existing pull station and faceplates during remodeling efforts, then clean, re-install and test all existing pull stations near the completion of work. |
| 8 |
| He |
| 04/04/2018 |
| 1. |
| General note #4 states: Contractors will visit the site before bidding. |
Does this mean if you were not at the site visit you cannot bid?
Are the sub-contractors required to have visited the site as well?
| VA |
| Response: General Note #4 on drawing G002 does not preclude a contractor/subcontractor from bidding. It’s not mandatory to have attended the site visit. |
| 9 |
| AVCOR Construction & Consulting |
| 04/04/2018 |
| 2. |
| Will it be possible to get a tax-exempt certificate for this project? |
| 10 |
| AVCOR Construction & Consulting |
| 04/04/2018 |
| 3. |
| Would the VA prefer the use of temp modular wall instead of zipper wall or building of gypsum wall for dust control? (see link) http://www.edge-guard.com/home.html |
| VA |
| Response: Section 01 35 26 Safety Requirements, 1.12 Infection Control describes the measures required to contain dust and debris using fire retardant and fire rated construction materials. Note the requirements under 1.14 Fire Safety for temporary construction partitions. |
| 11 |
| AVCOR Construction & Consulting |
| 04/04/2018 |
| 4. |
| Will room be provided for the placement of a dumpster and storage on site? |
| VA |
| Response: Space on site will be coordinated with the COR for the placement of dumpster and storage unit. Typical placement of such for work in Building 7 has been along the service drive north of the building. |
| 12 |
| AVCOR Construction & Consulting |
| 04/04/2018 |
| 5. |
| Will tools/equipment be allowed to be stored in the phased work area over night during construction in that phase? |
| VA |
| Response: Tools and equipment can be stored within the construction area that has been turned over to the contractor and is under the contractor’s control. |
| 13 |
| AVCOR Construction & Consulting |
| 04/04/2018 |
| 6. |
| On drawing AD100 There is a Note 7 Remove existing patient lift track and support structure. There is no Note 7 on that page of drawings, should there be or is it not required? |
| TMM |
| Response: Note 7 should be shown on AD100. It is shown on AD101A and AD102A - RCP Keynote #1. |
| 14 |
| AVCOR Construction & Consulting |
| 04/04/2018 |
| 7. |
| What type of ceiling grid system is currently installed and what is the tile type/brand? |
| VA/TMM |
| Response: Corridors have USG Donn DX heavy duty and USG 2110 Radar. |
| 15 |
| AVCOR Construction & Consulting |
| 04/04/2018 |
| 8. |
| Will the current access panel need to be reused or replaced with new? |
| TMM |
| Response: Replace existing access panels with new ones. |
| 16 |
| AVCOR Construction & Consulting |
| 04/04/2018 |
| 9. |
| Drawing AD102 Note 6 says: Remove existing door and frame. Disconnect all electrical components. Repair and prepare opening and door to receive new door and frame. Is this a typo or trying to say something different? |
| TMM |
| Response: The last sentence should read, “…Repair and prepare opening to receive new door and frame.” The existing door is to be removed and discarded. |
| 17 |
| AVCOR Construction & Consulting |
| 04/04/2018 |
| 10. |
| Will we be able to shut down the whole hallway in the specific phase for dust control or will access need to be allowed for certain rooms in each hallway? This will affect dust control as we remove the asbestos and work the ducting in the hall ways. |
| VA/TMM |
| Response: Access needs to be maintained through the hallways and to the rooms not identified for as the patient room or bath. Refer to asbestos abatement addressed elsewhere in the addendum. |
| 18 |
| AVCOR Construction & Consulting |
| 04/04/2018 |
| 11. |
| SEE Specs: 01 35 26 p25 install temporary construction partitions as shown on drawings to maintain integrity of existing exit stair enclosures, exit passageways, fire-rated enclosures of hazardous areas, horizontal exits, smoke barriers, vertical shafts and openings enclosures. |
The Drawings do not show temp enclosures. What are the work site limits for each phase?
| VA/TMM |
| Response: Refer to response to question on Item No. 17. |
| 19 |
| AVCOR Construction & Consulting |
| 04/04/2018 |
| 12. |
| Does the VA have a preferred electrical contractor that has performed well in the past? |
| VA |
| Response: VA does not endorse any contractor or subcontractor. |
| 20 |
| AVCOR Construction & Consulting |
| 04/04/2018 |
| 13. |
| Does the VA have a preferred HVAC contractor that has performed well in the past? |
| VA |
| Response: VA does not endorse any contractor or subcontractor. |
| 21 |
| AVCOR Construction & Consulting |
| 04/04/2018 |
| 14. |
| Does the VA have a preferred drywall contractor that has performed well in the past? |
| VA |
| Response: VA does not endorse any contractor or subcontractor. |
| 22 |
| AVCOR Construction & Consulting |
| 04/04/2018 |
| 15. |
| Does the VA have a preferred plumbing contractor that has performed well in the past? |
| VA |
| Response: VA does not endorse any contractor or subcontractor. |
| 23 |
| AVCOR Construction & Consulting |
| 04/04/2018 |
| 16. |
| 01 35 26-12 p12. In addition to the OSHA 30 Hour Construction Safety Course, all CPs with high hazard work operations such as operations involving asbestos, electrical, cranes, demolition, work at heights/fall protection, fire safety/life safety, ladder, rigging, scaffolds, and trenches/excavations shall have a specialized formal course in the hazard recognition & control associated with those high hazard work operations. Documented “repeat” deficiencies in the execution of safety requirements will require retaking the requisite formal course. |
Can the Subcontractor CP be the one with additional training in their specific areas or does the prime’s CP have to be trained in all?
| VA |
| Response: Prime contractor’s CP does not have to be trained in all. |
| 24 |
| AVCOR Construction & Consulting |
| 04/04/2018 |
| 17. |
| Will all removable equipment i.e. beds, trash cans, vital sign machines… be removed by the VA? |
| VA |
| Response: Refer to Section 01 00 00 General Requirements, 1.8 Disposal and Retention. |
| 25 |
| AVCOR Construction & Consulting |
| 04/04/2018 |
| 18. |
| Will the contractor be provided a room for the CP to work from and maintain the As-built drawings and other specified documents on site? |
| VA |
| Response: A separate space will not be provided. |
| 26 |
| AVCOR Construction & Consulting |
| 04/04/2018 |
| 19. |
| Will the COR work access to the Lab area in the basement? Will the GC be provided access cards or will COR be available at all times access is necessary to the basement area? |
| VA |
| Response: Access to the basement Lab areas are restricted and must be coordinated through the COR for the Lab to have sufficient measures in place for escorting/monitoring contractor activities. |
| 27 |
| AVCOR Construction & Consulting |
| 04/04/2018 |
| 20. |
| Are there specific times that materials can be moved from the loading docks to the work area? |
| VA |
| Response: Activities that can disrupt the normal operations of the medical center are to be coordinated with the COR. Most materials are anticipated to be transported to the work area during normal business hours. |
| 28 |
| AVCOR Construction & Consulting |
| 04/04/2018 |
| 21. |
| Spec 01 00 00-14 1.18 Contractor will not be allowed the use of existing elevators. Outside type hoist, if necessary, shall be used by Contractor for transporting materials and equipment. We will not be able to use an outside hoist to get equipment to the basement. |
Will there be a specific entrance to the basement we will be required to use?
| VA |
| Response: Refer to use of existing elevators addressed elsewhere in the addendum. |
| 29 |
| AVCOR Construction & Consulting |
| 04/04/2018 |
| 22. |
| Can the GC submit all required items and pick up badges ahead of Subs arrival on work site? |
| VA |
| Response: No. Under most cases, contractor and subcontractor employees can pick up and return badges at the Engineering Office each day during normal business hours. Work outside of these hours will require that badges be obtained each day from VA Police. Appropriate government issued photo ID must be turned over before issuing by VA Police. Photo ID is returned when the badge is returned at the end of the work period. |
| 30 |
| AVCOR Construction & Consulting |
| 04/04/2018 |
| 23. |
| Will the Abatement be performed on all the areas identified on drawing AB101/102 or in the areas identified in drawing AD101A/102A where it says to remove the ceiling grid? |
| TMM |
| Response: Yes, to both questions. |
| 31 |
| AVCOR Construction & Consulting |
| 04/04/2018 |
| 24. |
| What limitations will there be with sealing off hall ways near the nurse’s stations during stages that impact those 2 areas? |
| VA/TMM |
| Response: Corridor access must be maintained for VA staff. |
| 32 |
| AVCOR Construction & Consulting |
| 04/04/2018 |
| 25. |
| On drawing ED101 note D says Fire alarm shall remain fully active. |
Will we be allowed to turn of certain sensors during high dust times of construction to eliminate potential false alarms or will bagging of the sensors be required?
| TMM/CN |
| Response: Bagging of Sensors is required. |
| 33 |
| AVCOR Construction & Consulting |
| 04/04/2018 |
| 26. |
| On drawing A101 there is a door marked with note 3 to be replaced in rm. 1B110A, this is not on the door schedule does this need to be replaced? If so, is it the same door as the rest? |
| TMM |
| Response: Door 1B110A should be on the Door Schedule on sheet A601. It is the same door as the rest. |
| 34 |
| AVCOR Construction & Consulting |
| 04/04/2018 |
| 27. |
| Will you be posting a copy of the sign in sheet from the site visit? |
| VA |
| Response: Posted by addendum. |
| 35 |
| Jett’s Specialty Contracting |
| 04/04/2018 |
| 1. |
| Can the experience of predecessor companies be utilized for the Sub-Factor 1A experience factor if the key people involved in the specific project are owners of the current company? |
| VA |
| Response: Yes |
| 36 |
| Jett’s Specialty Contracting |
| 04/04/2018 |
| 2. |
| Can a large non-healthcare HVAC and plumbing project be utilized for one of the past performance experience projects and as the Sub-Factor 1A experience item? |
| VA |
| Response: Yes |
| 37 |
| Jett’s Specialty Contracting |
| 04/04/2018 |
| 3. |
| If an bidder doesn't have the required experience listed in Sub-Factor 1A then are they rated as unknown as in the past performance experience? |
| VA |
| Response: Given a Neutral Rating. |
| 38 |
| MSK Construction |
| 04/04/2018 |
| 1. |
| Do you have the asbestos survey for this project? |
The Spec Section 02 82 11 was posted as part of the Solicitation.
But no Asbestos Survey was released.
| VA/TMM |
| Response: Posted by addendum. |
THE FOLLOWING WERE RECEIVED AND RESPONDED DIRECTLY BY VA
| 39 |
| Hernandez Consulting & Construction |
| 03/29/2018 |
| 1. |
| Is this project sales tax exempt? |
If the project is sales tax exempt can the government provide a sales tax exemption certificate?
| VA |
| Response: Refer to Item No. 9. |
| 40 |
| Hernandez Consulting & Construction |
| 03/29/2018 |
| 2. |
| Will the Government provide comprehensive written badging requirements for the project if badging is required? |
| VA |
| Response: Refer to Item No. 29. |
| 41 |
| Hernandez Consulting & Construction |
| 03/29/2018 |
| 3. |
| Where will the designated parking area be for workers accessing the construction site? |
| VA |
| Response: Refer to Section 01 00 00 General Requirements, 1.5 Construction Security Requirements, E. Motor Vehicle Restrictions. |
| 42 |
| Hernandez Consulting & Construction |
| 03/29/2018 |
| 4. |
| Will the government accept the use of the industry leading Procore Project Management software as the primary submittal and data tracking tool for this project? |
The software is compatible with the VA’s networks and is currently in use at many VA locations.
| VA |
| Response: This and other VA compatible programs have been used and are acceptable. |
| 43 |
| Hernandez Consulting & Construction |
| 03/29/2018 |
| 5. |
| During construction in an area where the ceilings or fire suppression system will be disrupted, will NFPA 241 apply? |
Will the government require additional security measures beyond NFPA code such as fire watch, temporary fire alarms, adjustments to sprinkler heads, etc.
| VA |
| Response: Refer to Section 01 35 26 Safety Requirements, 1.14 Fire Safety, L. Existing Fire Protection. |
| 44 |
| Hernandez Consulting & Construction |
| 03/29/2018 |
| 6. |
| Does the Government have a fire alarm servicer that they currently work with? |
What is the name and contact information of the person or persons that will need to be coordinated with for security and fire alarm and suppression systems work and/or disruptions?
| VA |
| Response: Work affecting the fire alarm system or fire suppression system will be coordinated with the VA Fire Safety Officer. Contact information will be made available after contract award. |
| 45 |
| Hernandez Consulting & Construction |
| 03/29/2018 |
| 7. |
| Does the Government currently have a 3rd party testing service for those items requiring testing or is the contractor free to locate and hire applicable testing firms? |
| VA |
| Response: The contractor is responsible for hiring testing firms. |
| 46 |
| Hernandez Consulting & Construction |
| 03/29/2018 |
| 8. |
| Who is responsible for the utility locations? |
| VA |
| Response: The contractor is responsible for utility locations. |
| 47 |
| Hernandez Consulting & Construction |
| 03/29/2018 |
| 9. |
| Due to current potentially significant tariffs being placed on the importation of building materials such as wood or steel by the current Presidential Executive Branch, if a tariff is placed after bid time and before award will the government consider a price escalation on a contract value for products such as steel or wood should the executive branch levee tariffs effecting such materials? Most of these materials would still have been Buy American compliant as the tariffs would increase pricing on all steel or wood materials, regardless of origin. |
| VA |
| Response: No |
| 48 |
| Hernandez Consulting & Construction |
| 03/29/2018 |
| 10. |
| Describe any and all tasks that may be required for this project as it relates to infectious control? |
| VA |
| Response: Refer to Section 01 35 26 Safety Requirements. |
| 49 |
| Hernandez Consulting & Construction |
| 03/29/2018 |
| 11. |
| What is the level of infectious disease control rating for this site? |
| VA |
| Response: Class III |
| 50 |
| Hernandez Consulting & Construction |
| 03/29/2018 |
| 12. |
| Is this project to be during normal business hours? |
| VA |
| Response: Work is to be performed during normal business hours, except as otherwise indicated in Section 01 00 00 General Requirements, 1.6 Operations and Storage Areas, K. Utilities Services. |
| 51 |
| Hernandez Consulting & Construction |
| 03/29/2018 |
| 13. |
| How are we to coordinate demolition and abatement of the seam sealer on metal ducts. That is not listed in any of the phases. Is this to take place after hours? |
| VA |
| Response: Refer to the response on Item No. 52 for abatement. To minimize the impact to medical center operations, abatement in areas that will remain occupied by VA will need to be performed after normal work hours. The demolition and replacement of duct work that impacts areas that will remain occupied by VA will need to be coordinated with the COR. |
| 52 |
| Valiant Construction LLC |
| 03/29/2018 |
| 1. |
| There was only a Phasing plan provided for the Bathroom work, however, according to the drawings there is extensive abatement work which will likely require additional ceiling and duct work in the corridors. Please provide a phasing plan for the corridor work. |
| VA |
| Response: Abatement is not required for all duct work. The abatement work on duct work is limited to the duct work that must be removed due to resizing and as needed for new duct tie-in. |
| 53 |
| Valiant Construction LLC |
| 03/29/2018 |
| 2. |
| Can you please provide a copy of the site visit sign in sheet? |
| VA |
| Response: Posted by Addendum. |
| 54 |
| Valiant Construction LLC |
| 03/29/2018 |
| 3. |
| Where is the contractor laydown area located? |
| VA |
| Response: Space within the construction area that has been turned over to the contractor and is under the contractor’s control. |
| 55 |
| Valiant Construction LLC |
| 03/29/2018 |
| 4. |
| Is there power available to laydown/contractor trailer area? |
| VA |
| Response: Refer to response to Item No. 54. Existing power is available in these areas. Refer to response to Item No. 11. Provisions must be made to provide temporary power to trailer. |
| 56 |
| Valiant Construction LLC |
| 03/29/2018 |
| 5. |
| What is the anticipated date of award? |
| VA |
| Response: 3rd Qtr. Apr/May/Jun FY 18 |
| 57 |
| Valiant Construction LLC |
| 03/29/2018 |
| 6. |
| Will the contractor be able to invoice for materials stored offsite? |
| VA |
| Response: No |
| 58 |
| Valiant Construction LLC |
| 03/29/2018 |
| 7. |
| Can you please indicate on the drawings the passenger elevator that can be used by the contract during construction? |
a. Are their restrictions on times it can be used?
b. What are the dimensions of the elevator that the contractor can use?
| VA |
| Response: There are no restrictions for contractor personnel on the use of the five (5) elevators shown on the drawings for the SCI Building 7. Note that the 1st and 2nd floors have grade access. The basement has grade access through the adjacent Administration Building 1 at the loading dock. Building 7 passenger elevators and Building 1 service elevators are hospital elevators sized to accommodate straight-in the transport of beds and stretchers. |
| 59 |
| Valiant Construction LLC |
| 03/29/2018 |
| 8. |
| Are all rated walls identified on the drawings? |
a. Are said rated walls required to be fire stopped at all penetrations?
b. Will the contractor be required to bring rated walls into compliance, i.e. correct existing deficiencies?
| VA |
| Response: The drawings do not identify any of the rated walls. Penetration of rated walls are to be properly fire stopped to maintain rating. Any existing condition must be brought to the attention of the COR prior to being disturbed, if there is any question on whether or not the existing is deficient. |
| 60 |
| Valiant Construction LLC |
| 03/29/2018 |
| 9. |
| Does system require pre-balancing to confirm airflows listed through existing duct system are possible? Or at least traverse duct off of HVAC units to confirm new units are producing the same amount of airflow? |
| VA |
| Response: Retro-commissioning of the systems is currently underway. The test and balance will be accomplished as a part of that work. |
| 61 |
| Valiant Construction LLC |
| 03/29/2018 |
| 10. |
| Do temporary HVAC units have to utilize a CHW coil or are packaged units with DX cooling acceptable? |
| VA |
| Response: Power and heat rejection had to be considered for temporary unit placement on exterior patio and inside mechanical equipment room. No DX. |
| 62 |
| Valiant Construction LLC |
| 03/29/2018 |
| 11. |
| Are branch zone and branch valves present and in good working order for areas of demolition or are additional shutdowns to drain and cut-in prior to phased demolition sequencing? |
| VA |
| Response: Existing valves are problematic. Gate valves are not likely to hold. |
| 63 |
| Valiant Construction LLC |
| 03/29/2018 |
| 12. |
| Is the brown sealer on the ductwork able to be removed without removing/replacing the ductwork? |
a. Is there any fear that the sealer is on the inside of the ductwork?
b. Is using oil-based duct sealer to encapsulate and seal the brown ACM containing sealer an option if areas outside of phasing plans can’t be closed off long enough for proper abatement? This would still require some access to these areas.
| VA |
| Response: Refer to response to Item No. 52. The intent is not to remove and replace all the ductwork. Refer to the mechanical drawings for the extent of the work on the ducts. The sealer would have had the consistency to current products and would have been applied prior to the system start-up. The answer is no to sealer inside the ductwork. Refer to response to Item No. 52 on limit of abatement work. No encapsulation of the ACM sealer that is not abated. |
| 64 |
| Valiant Construction LLC |
| 03/29/2018 |
| 13. |
| How is abatement of ACM’s to be accomplished on ductwork that is not specifically in areas of work per the phasing plans? |
a. Will we be able to seal off corridors and rooms as required to get to the ductwork?
| VA |
| Response: Refer to response to Item No. 52. |
| 65 |
| Valiant Construction LLC |
| 03/29/2018 |
| 14. |
| Are coordination drawings a requirement since this is an existing space and mainly swapping like for like duct/pipe/equipment? |
| VA |
| Response: Coordination drawings are not required. |
| 66 |
| Johnson Danforth & Associates |
| 04/11/2018 |
| 1. |
| After speaking with my subs I have been informed that the existing Nurse Call System manufacturer, Rauland, does not make Pull Cord stations any longer and would not be able to provide any new stations, what would the government deem an appropriate alternative? |
| VA |
| Response: Refer to Item No. 7. |
| 67 |
| The Povolny Group, Inc. |
| 04/16/2018 |
| 1. |
| Spec section 11 73 00 deals with a ceiling mounted patient lift system. |
There is no manufacturer specified in the specs.
This is normally something that you would want from a specific manufacturer.
Also, there is no mention such a system in the drawings.
Can you please clarify?
| VA |
| Response: The patient lift system shall match the existing ArjoHuntleigh Maxi Sky 600, typical. Match existing Maxi Sky 1000 for bariatric at two (2) room locations. |
| 68 |
| Submitted directly to FBO |
| 1. |
| Sealed barrier - Does the contractor have to provide a temporary barrier outside of each bathroom under construction, sealing it off from the non-construction areas of work? |
If so, what kind of rating would this have to be?
| VA |
| Response: The separation by barriers is of the areas turned over to the contractor for construction from the areas that remain occupied by VA. |
| 69 |
| Submitted directly to FBO |
| 1. |
| Patient Room Occupancy - Please confirm that there will not be patients occupying the rooms while we are working on their bathroom. |
| VA |
| Response: The bathroom along with the patient bedroom will be turned over to the contractor for construction. The bedroom will not be occupied. |
END OF DOCUMENT
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