RFIs response clarifications.pdf

RFI response Clarifications

01-20-21 Reno Bldg. 34 - RFI 1-16 Valiant Responsed:

- RFI 2 says to use bid schedule from specs, but bid schedule from specs has bid item #1 – gen trades, bid item #2 – electrical and bid item #3 mechanical.

o Is this indeed the bid schedule to use? If so, we will need a revised bid schedule since the bid schedule reflects a different list of bid items.

o Does bid item #3 mechanical include all plumbing and HVAC or just HVAC?

o How will the proposal amounts be evaluated, bid item #1, the sum of bid item #1, #2 and

#3, or a combination of all bid items #1-3 and the deduct alternates 1-7?

- Response: Bid items 1-3 are the base bid and incorporate bidding the drawings and specs. Bid

Deducts 1-7 are bid successively.

- RFI 3 requested a revised bid schedule to match the bid items listed in the specs but no revised bid schedule has been provided.

- Response: A revised bid schedule is not necessary. Bid as indicated above.

01-20-21 Reno Bldg. 34 - RFI 17-25 Valiant_Responsed:

- NONE

01-20-21 Reno Bldg. 34 - RFI 26-34 Valiant_Responsed:

- RFI 27 the response to the question of Alt #1 AHU and unit heaters made the issue more confusing. Further clarification is required. Please state clearly and concisely which air handlers and which unit heaters are included and which are deleted in the base bid and alternates. For example:

o Base bid: includes only air handlers in attic and unit heaters in attic.

o Response: Base bid includes unit heaters in mechanical mezzanine. Base bid includes air handlers and associated systems that serve the first floor.

o Alternate #1: includes delete air handlers in attic and add unhit heaters in first floor.

Response: Deduct Alternate #1 includes removal of the air handlers and associated systems that serve the first floor. Unit heaters in base bid serving mechanical mezzanine are to remain. Additional unit heaters in the first floor are to be added to temper the space.

- RFI 33 the response is unclear. What does it mean that “VA to inform GC that deconstruction will occur by VA before final bids are required.” There is no way to bid replacement of damaged roof deck without visual inspection of clear direction by the owner/AE?

- Response: Removal and reinstallation/replacement of insulation is required in base bid to allow

GC to allow inspection of decking conditions that are not able to be reviewed during site inspection. Contractor shall compile a report of existing conditions based on this inspection to be submitted to the Govn’t. Any work noted in the construction documents shall be included in addition to the decking inspection. Hidden decking conditions will not be included in base bid.

01-20-21 Reno Bldg. 34 - RFI 35-43 Valiant_Responsed:

01-20-21 Reno Bldg. 34 - RFI 44-51 Valiant_Responsed (1) :

- RFI 45 says there should be an attached “site image” in lieu of the referenced civil utility plan as referenced on 34-PL-111. However, I do not see the “site image” Please provide the “site image”.

Response: Disregard reference to site image. Site plans have been updated on sheets 34-A-105 &

34-AD-105

- RFI 45 refers to a roof survey performed by the GC and furnished to the VA of existing damage not addressed in the bidding documents for work to be handled on another contract. This applies to the 2nd floor attic titled Mechanical Mezzanine 201 above the existing Museum space, however, there is no reference to the attic areas over all of Area B of the building such as the 2nd floor rooms 202-209. Do we need to also remove all attic insulation, inspect the roof structure, and reinstall the attic insulation in this large attic space as we are to do in the 2nd Floor

Mechanical Mezzanine 201?

- Response: No

- RFI 47 answers a question about whether the flaking paint on the plaster ceiling in the Foyer is lead with the statement “Reference specification section 028333.13.” That spec for lead paint does not provide info as to areas which are lead paint. Therefore, this response does not address the question. Please answer the question.

- Response: See lead paint report provided by VA. Specifically there is lead paint on the ceiling in the foyer.

- RFI 49 and 50 says to remove and replace the skylight and air intake. However, the revised plan included with this Amendment 0003 sheet 34-A-102 says the are at the skylight is removed and covered, see note #13 “REDECK ROOF WITH (2) LAYERS OF 3/4" PLYWOOD OVER 2x6

BLOCKING TO COVER EXISTING OPENING. PATCH AND REPAIR TPO MEMBRANE

(1) FOOT BEYOND ROOF DECK INFILL.”

- Response: Skylight will be removed and replaced with note #13. No new skylight will be added.

- RFI 58 calls for the repaired plaster ceilings to be painted only where repaired/patched. Are we to interpret this to mean none of the other existing ceilings, walls, etc are to be painted?

- Response: This is correct. See general note about scope of work.

- RFI 58 If the repaired plaster ceilings are to be painted, do the new drywall partitions get painted or are they to remain unpainted for the second phase? New gyp bd partitions are to be painted.

01-20-21 Reno Bldg. 34 - RFI 61-70 Valiant Responsed:

- RFI 62 this response, as do a few others, references a requirement for “deconstructive demolition”. What is meant by this?

- Response: Any work noted in the Construction documents shall be included in addition to the decking inspection. Hidden decking conditions will not be included in base bid. To clarify, we will remove the existing ceilings to expose the plaster ceilings. The condition of the plaster ceiling will be noted in the existing conditions report, but patch and repair of the unseen plaster ceiling is not included in the base bid.

- RFI 62 appears to include plaster repair above the ACT ceiling in the carpenter’s shop. In the

Museum area the plaster is exposed so we can visually see the extent of damage and the repairs needed. How can we bid this work without visual inspection or any knowledge of the existing condition? It could require no work, or it could require 100% replacement. Plaster replacement is a specialty trade, which costs as much as $30/sf (variables depending, especially when 20’ high), it is not like patching gypsum board. This could be a significant cost item if not properly addressed. This should not be included in the scope unless an assumed quantity is provided for all bidders to use so there is an even playing field.

- Response: Any work noted in the Construction documents shall be included in addition to the decking inspection. Hidden decking conditions will not be included in base bid. To clarify, we will remove the existing ceilings to expose the plaster ceilings. The condition of the plaster ceiling will be noted in the existing conditions report, but patch and repair of the unseen plaster ceiling is not included in the base bid.

- RFI 69 questions asks if the paint on the existing sprinkler pipes have been tested for lead. The responses says to refer to lead paint abatement spec 02 83 33.13, however, this spec does not appear to address the painted pipe. Please clarify specifically, if the paint on the several thousands of linear feet of sprinkler pipe is confirmed or assumed to be lead paint, and if it requires precautions to be taken while cutting and removing this pipe.

- Response: See lead paint report provided by VA.

- RFI 70, make sure demo sub includes removal of plaster ceilings with lead paint before the plaster sub can repair.

- Response: See lead paint report provided by VA.

01-20-21 Reno Bldg. 34 - RFI 71-75 Valiant_Responsed:

- RFI 74 asks about the brick tuck-pointing. The responses says tuckpoint brick is “only intended for areas of building penetration being repaired.” Please clarify the meaning of this statement.

Where on the exterior brick wall is the brick actually intended to be tuck-pointed? Please be very specific so there is no ambiguity or confusion.

- Response: GC to review drawings for penetration locations for example, new steam lines on sheet 34-MP401. No tuck pointing required beyond penetrations noted in construction documents.

01-29-21 Reno Bldg. 34 - RFI 79-87_Responded:

- RFI 86 requires the same clarification as RFI74 from Valiants RFI’s 71-75. Furthermore, please clarify if these areas of penetration actually get tuckpointed or if the just be repaired.

- RFI 86. At these areas of penetrations, regarding existing penetrations, please specify the repair type/method for each condition listed below:

o Patch/repair Pipe/conduit penetrations @ interior masonry walls: Do the holes get covered with a stainless steel plate, do the masonry unit get removed and replaced entirely, etc? Interior penetrations may remain unfinished. See general note about scope of work o Patch/repair Pipe/conduit penetrations @ exterior masonry walls: Do the holes get covered with a stainless steel plate, do the masonry unit get removed and replaced entirely, etc? Tuck point around core drilled opening and seal new conduit penetration.

See general note about scope of work o Patch/repair Duct/vent/louver penetrations @ interior masonry walls: How to patch repair existing penetrations at Duct/vent/louver or other MEP components to be removed. Do the holes get covered with a stainless steel plate, do the masonry unit get removed and replaced entirely, etc? Interior penetrations may remain unfinished. See general note about scope of work o Patch/repair Duct/vent/louver penetrations @ exterior masonry walls: How to patch repair existing penetrations at Duct/vent/louver or other MEP components to be removed.

Do the holes get covered with a stainless steel plate, do the masonry unit get removed and replaced entirely, etc? Tuck point around core drilled or vent opening and seal new conduit or vent penetration. See general note about scope of work o Cut/create New Pipe/conduit penetrations @ interior masonry walls: Do these new penetrations simply get core drilled, or do the masonry units need to be cut out and infilled around the New Pipe/conduit? Interior penetrations may remain unfinished. See general note about scope of work o Cut/create New Pipe/conduit penetrations @ exterior masonry walls: Do these new penetrations simply get core drilled, or do the masonry units need to be cut out and infilled around the New Pipe/conduit? Tuck point around core drilled opening and seal new conduit penetration. See general note about scope of work o Cut/create New Duct/vent/louver penetrations @ interior masonry walls: Can these new penetrations simply be saw cut with the masonry removed or will a new lintel be required? If a lintel is required, provide a lintel schedule for the various sized penetrations. Interior penetrations may remain unfinished. See general note about scope of work o Cut/create New Duct/vent/louver penetrations @ exterior masonry walls: Can these new penetrations simply be saw cut with the masonry removed or will a new lintel be required? If a lintel is required, provide a lintel schedule for the various sized penetrations. This will be needed for the brick and CMU wythes. Tuck point around core drilled or vent opening and seal new conduit or vent penetration. See general note about scope of work.

- RFI 87 asks what pay rate to use for asbestos and lead abatement workers since there is no rate for that labor category on the DBA determination TN20210111 01/01/2021. Infact, the RFP does not appear to be a DBA wage determination listed for use anywhere.

o Firstly, please provide a Davis Bacon Wage determination (TN20210111 01/01/2021 or some other) so all trades can ensure they are estimating with the correct hourly wage rates.

o Secondly, since the DBA wage determinations for Johnson City does not include a rate for the labor category of asbestos or lead worker, please provide the category for use by the abatement contractors. Without the asbestos rate, typically, we would use the common labor. However, since the rate for common laborer on the TN20210111

01/01/2021 is only $10.63 combined rate, and the asbestos workers are usually around

$40/hr combined rate, it is imperative that we are provided clear direction to use the common laborer rate or some other so that all bidders are using the same rate and the playing field is level.

o Thirdly, asbestos/lead abatement and demo is one of the largest scopes of work on this project, from a dollar value. So, to wait until after the bid date to establish the pay rate for this trade is irresponsible and will result in some bidders using the laborer rate of

$10.63/hr and others using the rate of $40 /hr, thereby resulting in enormous cost variations from the different abatement contractors. Please establish the pay rate for asbestos and lead abatement works now, pre-bid, so all bidders are comparing apples-to-apples.

Response: Use the following DBA wage determination for bidding purpose:

ASBESTOS WORKER/HEAT & FROST

INSULATOR........................$ 24.77 13.28

Contracting office will submit a wage conformance request to rectify the rates for Mt. Home and the appropriate contracting action will follow as required.

01-29-21 Reno Bldg. 34 - RFI 88-91_Responded:

Advon RFIs response:

- RFI 7 asks if there are ANY BIM modelling per 01 91 00 1.1.F to be provided by the Contractor?

The response says NO but asks that the question be clarified. Including the language in spec 01

91 00 1.1.F as well as any other language in any other spec, is the Contractor required to provide any BIM modelling of the existing building or with the new construction?

- Response: Remove reference to all BIM and Thermography by GC

- RFI 7 if BIM modelling is required, what type of BIM modelling is required, what components need to be reflected in the BIM modelling, what is the magnitude of the BIM modelling, etc.?

Please be specific.

- Response: Remove reference to all BIM and Thermography by GC

- RFI 8 asks if there are ANY Thermography testing per 01 91 00 1.1.LLL to be provided by the

Contractor? The response says NO but asks that the question be clarified. Including the language in spec 01 91 00 1.1.LLL as well as any other language in any other spec, is the Contractor required to provide any Thermography testing of the existing building or with the new construction?

- Response: Remove reference to all BIM and Thermography by GC

- RFI 8 if Thermography testing is required, what type of Thermography testing is required, what components need to be reflected in the Thermography testing, what is the magnitude of the

Thermography testing, etc.? Please be specific.

- Response: Remove reference to all BIM and Thermography by GC

- RFI 11 asks who maintains access control system and the CCTV. The response says the VA police services the PACS and Avigilon services the CCTV. I believe Avigilon is the manufacturer of the camera and or components, but they are not the security camera/security service provider.

Please provide the security camera/security service provider.

- Response: VA Police Services maintains the Access Control Systems and CCTV

RFI 003 - 210129_RespondedRFI:

- RFI 002 a response from a previous RFI 1 asked by BIC stated that all voice/data/CATV/security devices, etc. are furnished and installed by the owner and only rough-in is by the Contractor.

Does this apply to fire alarm as well? Should the Contractor only rough-in and the Owner to furnish and install wire and devices?

- Response: No, fire alarm is to be in base bid.

- RFI 003 a response from a previous RFI 1 asked by BIC stated that all voice/data/CATV/security devices, etc. are furnished and installed by the owner and only rough-in is by the Contractor.

Does this apply to access control as well? Should the Contractor only rough-in and the Owner to furnish and install wire and devices? Compatible with VA system Add div 28 spec. Add pacts shown on door schedule

- Response: Disreguard previous RFI 1 response to BIC. Access control is by GC. Add spec section 281300 as attached. Confirm compatibility with current VA system. (PACS are by HERSH)

- RFI 005 response says all piping to be demoed shall be capped and abandoned in place behind existing ceiling and walls to remain. Does this also apply to piping and conduit under the concrete slab (SOG) in the basement, or will the concrete slab need to be demoed and poured back?

- Response: Yes

- RFI 010 Please clarify, it sounds as though the responses is instructing contractors to assume all cmu walls which are painted have ACM block filler. Is this correct?

Response: correct

- RFI 013 asks about the attic space above the Area B Second Floor. The Response says to refer to

MD221 and MD121. However MD221 shows the main attic over the Museum (Area) and MD

121 shows duct demo on the second floor of Area B. What we need is information regarding the attic space above the second floor of Area B (not the attic over the museum). This attic space is only accessible from a small door which is located halfway up the ladder in the Corridor 202 on the second floor. It does not appear this attic space is shown on the plans yet it includes hundreds of feet of sprinkler pipe, and what appears to be HVAC equipment. Again, NOT the main attic above the Museum with the primary AHU.

- All sprinkler and mechanical to be removed in this area.