S05-RFI RESPONSE QUESTIONS - B20 Correct FCA Deficiencies 12-23-2021.pdf

B20 Correct FCA Deficiencies - Solicitation 36C24921B0014 – 621-22-106

RFI’S -A

1. Spec 01 35 26.1.8.B states that monthly inspections are required by a third-party Certified Safety

Professional (CSP). Are these monthly inspections required?

a. RP (AR): Yes, this is a VA requirement and would have to be waived (in writing) by the

C.O.

b. VA: VA concurs.

2. If the monthly inspections are required, can they be performed by our Corporate Safety Officer?

a. RP (AR): Yes, as long as they are certified per the specifications.

b. VA: VA concurs.

3. Apparently, the roof access was not open and not available. Therefore, all work on the roof will be bid based solely on the plans and specs.

a. VA: Yes

4. Some parts of Sheet C-502 is illegible. Please provide a clearer sheet.

a. RP (CV): Sheet C-502 is clear in our drawing set/e-file. Is this a reprographic issue with the drawings as received by the bidder?

b. VA: VA concurs

5. Sheet G-003 includes a deduct alternate to omit replacement of roof. However, the bid schedule in the RFP only shows a Base Bid. Please clearly define if and what the alternates should be.

a. There is NO Deduct for G-003. This was an error.

b. VA: VA concurs

6. RFP page 7 of 63 states the drawings are only 75% complete due to the designer going out of business. Since this is not a design building bid should the plans and specs be bid as is?

a. VA: Bid documents dated March 15, 2021 are considered 100%.

b. VA: VA concurs.

7. G-002 Note 61 states “some excavation may be required for crawl space utilized for duct work”.

Please provide the amount of excavation required.

a. RP (AR): The amount of excavation is unknown. Recommend the CO provide for an allowance.

b. VA: VA concurs

8. Does the door B04 on sheet A601 need to be ballistic rated?

a. RP (AR): Yes.

b. VA: VA concurs.

9. If B04 is a ballistic door, what is the ballistic rating?

a. RP (AR): Level 5

b. VA: VA concurs

10. Sheet AD100 has a note in the crawlspace which says, “Fill in up to conc Fl Above”. What is this note referring to?

a. RP (AR): This note is directing the contractor to fill and pack the existing, partially excavated space to the exposed concrete floor above. In doing this the entire space will no longer be open/available but filled with material up to the floor above.

b. VA: VA concurs.

11. Note #9 on sheet A201 says to replace or repaint the ornamental brackets. They do not appear to be quantified and there is no requirement to determine if bracket gets replaced or repainted.

How many brackets are to be replaced and how many are to be replaced?

a. RP (AR): Refer to the elevations for quantities of existing ornamental brackets. For bidding purposes, they should all be prepped for and repainted.

12. Is it acceptable to use metal studs in lieu of wood studs as shown on B1/A502?

a. RP (AR): Yes, if acceptable to the VA and the CO.

b. VA: Yes

13. Demo plans AD sheets do not identify which walls denoted for removal are masonry. Please identify the masonry walls to be removed.

a. RP (AR): Bid as shown.

b. VA: Concurs

14. Sheet AD103 appears to show an existing masonry wall in the attic to be removed. Does this 15’-

11” section of wall get removed?

a. RP (AR): Yes.

15. If this attic wall is to be removed how tall is it?

a. RP (AR): Reference sheets A201 and A202.

16. If this attic wall is to be removed, does it penetrate the roof or stop at the inside of the roof structure?

a. RP (AR): Reference sheet A104. It does not penetrate the roof.

17. Note #5 on sheet AD104 calls for all broken and damaged slate tile to be replaced. This note appears to be pointing to a small square. Does this note apply to the entire slate roof or just to this square area denoted on the plan?

a. RP (AR): Note #5 states: “Repair existing slate roof. Replace all …” The note is applicable to the entire area of slate roof. See answer to number 18 below.

b. VA: VA concurs.

18. General Note #6 sheet A-104 says all slate tile to be replaced. Keynote #4 on sheet A-104 says to replace up to 300 sf. Which is it, 300 sf or all damaged brick?

a. RP (AR): The requirement is to assess and repair the existing roof as needed, including some replacement slate tiles. At the time of design, the 300-sf amount was provided as a baseline estimation of the collective area/quantity of slates to be replaced, not an aggregate in a single location.

b. VA: VA concurs.

19. IF all damaged slate roofing is to be replaced, this cannot accurately be quantified by the bidders. Please provide an assumed qty of slate to be replaced for apples-to-apples bidding.

a. RP (AR): See answer to number 18 above.

b. VA: See AD104 note 5 and answer to number 18 above.

20. Note #7 on sheet AD104 calls for existing vinyl soffit to be removed and wood soffit to be painted in kind. Is this referring to the existing wood soffit exposed under the existing vinyl?

a. RP (AR): Yes.

b. VA: VA concurs.

21. Note #8 on sheet AD104 calls for decorative woof eaves and brackets to be repaired and refurbished. Please clearly identify the quantity of eave to be repaired/refurbished.

a. RP (AR): All existing ornamental brackets are to be painted and replaced as required.

Eaves above the brackets are to be refurbished, i.e. minimum includes cleaning the brackets to identify areas of repair, then remove any paint (down to the bare wood grain) and seal any cracks (preparing the bracket for the finishes), repaint and coat to encapsulate.

b. VA: VA concurs.

22. Note #8 on sheet AD104 calls for decorative woof eaves and brackets to be repaired and refurbished. Please clearly identify the quantity of decorative brackets to be repaired/refurbished.

a. RP (AR): Refer to the elevations for quantities of existing ornamental brackets. For bidding purposes, they should all be prepped for and repainted.

b. VA: VA concurs.

23. Note #8 on sheet AD104 calls for decorative woof eaves and brackets to be repaired and refurbished. Please clearly define to what level the eaves and brackets are to be repair/refurbished.

a. RP (AR): All existing ornamental brackets are to be painted and replaced as required.

Repairs will vary depending on each bracket’s needs. Minimum includes cleaning the brackets to identify areas of repair, then remove any paint (down to the bare wood grain) and seal any cracks (preparing the bracket for the finishes), repaint and coat to encapsulate. To be verified in the field.

b. VA: VA concurs.

24. The sheets AD110, AD111 and AD112 refer to asbestos and lead abatement but not items or quantities have been identified. Please provide the quantities, items and locations.

a. RP (AR): Quantities, items and locations are available in the hazmat survey report available from the VA/CO.

b. VA: See LBP DOC-Building 20.pdf and Building 20 ACM Report.pdf.

25. Is there a hazardous report available?

a. VA: See LBP DOC-Building 20.pdf and Building 20 ACM Report.pdf.

26. It appears all rooms and corridors have plaster ceilings above the exiting ACT ceilings. Should the plaster ceilings be removed to expose the structure above?

a. RP (AR): No.

b. VA: VA concurs

27. Note #13 on sheet A-100 denotes new grating but the note on the plan appears to be pointing to a card reader. Please clarify.

a. RP (AR): Please disregard the note #13 pointing to the card reader only refer and address the one that points to the new grating to be installed.

b. VA: See A506 for details.

28. IF a wall is not denoted for demo on the AD sheets, will the existing wall finishes remain, or should all existing drywalls be replaced?

a. RP (AR): Limit removal and demolition to that specifically called for in the installation of new work.

b. VA: VA concurs.

29. If wall finishes are to remain, should all walls be skimmed?

a. RP (AR): Only as required to repair damage or new work.

30. The ceiling in the basement on A-130 does not appear to have a ceiling material specified. What is the ceiling type?

a. RP (AR): The ceiling is exposed and is the underside of the floor above, i.e. concrete floor slab.

b. VA: VA concurs.

31. General Note #5 says to selectively remove cracked and spalled brick. The bidders should not be left to count and determine the number of brick to be removed and replaced. Please provide an assumed quantity of brick to be replaced.

a. RP (AR): Exact quantity and locations to be determined in the field. Limit removal and demolition to that specifically called for in the installation of new work or damaged observed. For bidding purposes, assume 20% of masonry brick to be replaced.

b. VA: VA concurs

32. Keynote #10 says to clean tuckpoint all cast stone and mortar joint. Is this referring to repointing all mortar on bricks and cast stone or just on cast stone?

a. RP (AR): Cleaning applies to all cast stone and brick mortar joints.

b. VA: VA concurs

33. Detail F1/A-505 shows brick tuck pointing. What is the linear feet of tuck pointing and the location of tuck pointing on brick?

a. RP (AR): Tuck point as needed to repair/refurbish and for new work required.

b. VA: VA concurs

34. Detail F1/A-505 shows to remove excess mortar on collar joint, parge and float entire surface of exposed back-up. What is this referring to?

a. RP (AR): The back -up masonry when exposed during brick replacement should be skimmed or parged with a minimum of 5/8” of cementitious material to ensure the surface is smooth to receive new work.

b. VA: VA concurs.

35. Detail F1/A-505 shows new SS ties and liquid barrier. What is the square footage and locations of work?

a. RP (AR): See response to #31 above.

b. VA: VA concurs.

36. Where does detail F8/A-505 occur?

a. RP (AR): At areas identified to receive new work at exterior masonry façade.

37. Note #11 on sheetA-101 calls for a metal grate to cover the basement egress on the west side of the basement entrance door. However, the west side of the basement door is not egress. The

East side of the basement door is the only stair/egress. Which side of the basement door should the grate and swing door be located?

a. RP (AR): The grate is on the west side of the light well as shown on F1/A-100 and F1/A-

101.

b. VA: VA concurs.

38. Detail F1/A-510and F3/A-510appears to show new gutter with flashing and ice dam up the roof.

To install this detail, slate tile will need to be removed and replaced around the perimeter of the roof line. Is this the intention?

a. RP (AR): Yes, per the note on the detail.

b. VA: VA concurs.

39. B3/A-510 says to use either copper, aluminum or stainless-steel downspouts and cleats. Is this correct or is copper downspouts to be used?

a. RP (AR): The gutters and associated work are copper, as are the existing historic down conductors. New work should match existing.

b. VA: VA concurs.

40. Detail B1/A-511 and B4 show new batt and blown in attic insulation. The existing roof deck in to remain and the existing wood sheathing ceiling is to remain. How is the insulation to be replaced? Does this note apply to the project?

a. RP (AR): Per B1/A-511 the blown in insulation is existing. The new batt insulation is to be installed on top of the existing blown in insulation. The attic will have to be accessed by an attic access hatch.

b. VA: VA concurs.

41. Does the wood at the stair get repainted or does it get stained?

a. RP (AR): Painted.

b. VA: VA concurs.

42. Does the wood at the stair need to be stripped to bear wood or can it be scraped of all loose debris, cleaned, and repainted?

a. RP (AR): The substrate needs to be clean, stable, smooth and prepared to accept finish without blemishes or telegraphing of older layers beneath.

43. The window at the reception area shows wall finish #2 on sheet IG161, which indicates paint and ceramic tile. Where is the ceramic tile to be used?

a. RP (AR): Refer to C1/IG-201.

b. VA: VA concurs.

44. The restroom doors on sheet IG161 and IG162 show wall finish indicator #4 which denotes epoxy paint and ceramic tile. Which walls are to receive tile, and which receive epoxy?

a. RP (AR/ID): Refer to interior elevations C1, F1/Sheets IG-203 and IG-204.

b. VA: VA concurs

45. Sheet MD104 shows 4 large mechanical units to be removed. Do any of these items leave a penetration in the roof requiring patching of the roof structure in some way?

a. RP (AR/ME): Yes. Refer to F1/AD-104. All Equipment on the roof will have a roof penetration that will require patching prior to the new roof installation.

b. VA: VA concurs.

46. If an existing penetration at the roof structure needs to be patched or infilled, what is the construction type of the infill?

a. RP (AR): Yes. Refer to F1/AD-104.

RFI’S-B

1. A.4 statement of work: "approximately 75% design effort" Are these drawings to be considered complete for biding purposes?

VA: Drawings and specs provided for solicitation are considered 100% for construction.

Is the current HVAC system operational?

RP (ME): They were operational at the time the documents were finalized. VA to advise on current status.

VA: System operation is unverified.

Does this apply to spec. 09 22 16 NON-STRUCTURAL METAL FRAMING or only 05 12 00 STRUCTURAL

STEEL FRAMING?

RP (AR): There appears to be something missing from this question. Cannot answer as provided.

VA: VA concurs.

Are signed and sealed drawings required for the windows (Drawing G-002 note 47 signed and sealed drawings)?

RP (AR): Yes.

VA: VA concurs.

Does the proposal have any bid alternates (Drawing G-003 Deductive alt.)?

RP (AR): No bid alternates.

VA: VA concurs.

Note (located plan North center) "fill in up to concrete floor above". 1) Can the Government please explain note? I.E. is it a statement of existing conditions or a requirement? 2)If it’s a requirement what are the current grades? Fill with what (Drawing AD100)?

RP (AR): This note is directing the contractor to fill and pack the existing, partially excavated space to the exposed concrete floor above. In doing this the entire space will no longer be open/available but filled with material up to the floor above

1)Should we put an allowance in our bids for roof decking replacement of 100 Sq. Ft. of flat and 100 Sq.

Ft. of sloped roof for bidding purposes? 2) Will the VA handle all roof deck replacement as a latent condition with a modification (AD104 note 5 and 9)?

VA: No; CO to address with Differing Site Condition clause.

Can the Government please provide all LBP and ACM surveys and reports for the project (AD110 general notes 1,2,3 & 4 ACM & LBP reports)?

VA: See LBP DOC-Building 20.pdf and Building 20 ACM Report.pdf.

The bldg. has a plaster ceiling that is above the drop ceiling that appears to be in bad shape in numerous locations. Is the plaster ceiling to remain (AD131 and others: plaster high ceiling)?

RP (AR): Plaster ceilings are to remain unless noted for removal.

VA: VA concurs.

Can the Government please provide ceiling types for all rooms on A-130 (Drawing A-130 ceiling types)?

RP (AR): The Basement ceiling is the exposed floor above, i.e. concrete floor slab.

VA: VA concurs.

Can metal framing be substituted for wood (Drawing A-131 (note bottom center)?

RP (AR): Yes, if acceptable to and approved by the VA/CO.

VA: VA concurs.

Determining the number of bricks that need to be replaced because of spalls even with the 1" by 1/4" requirement is very subjective. Would the government accept an allowance of 100 brick included for bidding purposes (A-201 general note 5 replacing spalded /cracked brick)?

VA: Yes

1) Can the Government please provide a BOD for the stairs and ramp? 2) Can the Government please provide details for any required concrete footings for stairs and ramp? A-403 stairs and ramp.

RP (AR): Basis of design is shown on A-403.

VA: VA concurs.

Is the insulation shown in detail B1 to be typical for the entire attic area (A-511detail B1 attic roof section /insulation)?

RP (AR): Yes.

VA: VA concurs.

The plaster high ceiling is not shown to demo. Where partitions are shown to bottom of slab can we stop at plaster ceiling or is removal of the plaster and lath required (A-501 partition to deck)?

RP (AR): New partitions are indicated to extend to bottom of structure/slab above. If this necessitates removal of portions of the existing plaster ceilings to facilitate installation, then they must be removed.

VA: VA concurs.

1) Which drawing references detail F8? 2) Can the Government please provide spec. (Drawing A-502 detail F8 smoke curtain)?

RP (AR): F1/A-101.

VA: VA concurs.

Which drawing references detail F8 where does it apply (Drawing A-505 detail F8 expansion joint stabilizer)?

RP (AR): Refer to A-509 CONCRETE DETAILS, specifically the new exterior stairs and new concrete pavement slab. This detail will be installed at new installation transitions.

VA: VA concurs.

Can the Government please provide the locations of existing terrazzo floors (Drawing IG-160 note 6 existing terrazzo floors)?

RP (AR): Please disregard note 6: No existing terrazzo floors are present.

VA: VA concurs.

RFI’S-C

RFI # Description: Spec / Plan

Section:

Will the owner accept the use of the industry leading Procore Project

Management software as the primary submittal and data tracking tool for this project?

VA: Yes

Procore

2 Can the QAQC and Primary super be a single individual?

VA: Need to be separate individuals.

QAQC

The detail regarding the downspouts and gutters state to match existing material/type - there are some copper and some metal gutters. Which material is required?

RP (AR): The gutters and associated work are copper, as are the existing historic down conductors. New work should match existing.

Gutters/Downspouts

4 Is the hard copy bid bond required prior to the bid opening?

VA: Yes

Bid Bond

5 Please provide the existing roof warranty, manufactures data, and POC.

VA: Roof is out of warranty.

Roof Details

6 Is this project tax exempt, and will the CO/COR provide the necessary tax-exempt certificates?

VA: No.

Tax Exempt

Is AISC (American Iron and Steel Certification) required for the structural steel fabrication and/or erection for this project?

RP (AR): Yes, unless the CO chooses to waive the requirement.

VA: VA Concurs

AISC

8 For planning the preliminary project schedule, can you please provide an anticipated award date?

VA: Anticipate awarding the project within 30 days of bid.

Scheduling

9 Please provide seismic bracing details for pipe and systems support.

RP (AR/ST): Seismic bracing as determined necessary for the work is detailed on the drawings.

Seismic Bracing

Please confirm that the owner will provide fire watch during the period of time that the fire suppression system is not in service.

Fire Watch

VA: Not during normal working hours (7a-5p); coordination for after-hours is required.

11 Will temporary construction fencing around the site be required?

VA: Yes.

Fencing

Please confirm that the owner will be contracting directly with a third- party commissioning agent for commissioning the project and that the Contractor is only to include participation/coordination with the Commissioning Agent.

VA: We provide oversight and management and commissioning. Contractor participate and coordinate and provide materials and labor to perform tasks.

Commissioning

13 Please provide an asbestos/abatement report.

VA: See Building 20 ACM Report.pdf.

Asbestos

14 Who is the owners’ service provider for the fire alarm system? Can you please provide contract information?

VA: The installation uses Simplex Fire Alarm network, and Johnson Controls Inc provides the Simplex Fire Alarm panels.

Fire Alarm

15 Are there any restriction or requirements pertaining to working hours?

VA: No.

Work Hours

16 Will owner require GC’s to develop and submit coordination drawings in Revit?

VA: Contractor may develop as-builts using PDF, CAD, or Revit software.

Revit

Can the owner please provide a single drawing that clearly states floor to ceilings heights for the construction area? This is used to ensure that the above ceiling utilities will fit in the above ceiling space.

VA: See B1/A503.

General

18 Where will the designated parking & laydown area be for workers accessing the construction site?

VA: Parking area immediately surrounding Building 20; grass area surrounding

Building 20 approximately to fence and sidewalks if applicable; coordinate with

COR.

Parking/Laydown

Will the contractor be authorized to build a temporary office inside the space in lieu of renting an office trailer for the duration of the project?

VA: Yes, so long as the existing building’s historic elements are not damaged

(i.e. wood floor, wood trim) and anticipated equipment does not exceed reasonable floor loading limitations.

Temp Office

Is it possible that the wood subfloor underneath the carpets and VCT may not be salvageable? Is any allowance to be included for the installation of new wood sub floors outside of the areas specifically called out?

RP (AR): Defer to the VA.

VA: Refer to CO. Differing site condition clause.

Sub Floor

21 Please provide clarification on demolition above drip ceilings (ie - subfloor of floor above - repair or replace?)

RP (AR): (“drop” ceilings maybe) The Bidder may be inquiring about the existing plaster ceilings above the existing suspended ceilings. These are not called out to be replaced but may be repaired as necessary in coordination with new work.

Sub Floor

22 Is it expected that any of the exterior soffit or angles will need to be replaced following the stripping of existing paint?

RP (AR): The basis of design is to strip, prep and paint. If any are deemed nonrepairable in the field, the contractor and VA will determine replacement.

Fire Sprinkler

Please confirm the scope of the stair is to refurbish the existing treads and reinstall the existing trim/handrails at appropriate heights.

RP (AR/ID): Refer to sheet A-401 for SOW as pertains to the stairs.

Stairwell