Solicitation Questions _ Answers - 36C24921R0050.pdf

Solicitation Questions

Solicitation # 36C24921R0050

Project # 596A4-20-101

Repair Roofing Bldg. 1 and 1A

1. Can the Site Superintendent, Site Safety and Health Officer, and Site Quality Control Manager functions all be performed by the same (one) individual?

Answer: Yes, unless otherwise stated in the project specifications.

2. Are there limits to work hours or areas due to odors or noise?

Answer: Work is not to take place at night. Bio-based and ultra-low VOC adhesives are specified to limit odors.

3. Please confirm limits to hours / durations for interior work.

Answer: During normal business hours. Contractor to coordinate with COR.

4. Please confirm allowable location(s) for crane set up.

Answer: Locations will be coordinated with the VA COR after Award.

5. Are permits required for this project?

Answer: Per specifications.

6. Please provide Terracon Consultant's Asbestos Survey Report.

Answer: The asbestos survey will be provided in the solicitation amendment these answers are provided in, Amendment 0003.

7. What COVID -19 precautions are required for this project?

Answer: Comply with all facility rules. Masks are required to be worn properly, try to keep 6ft distance between all personnel. Currently only one (1) entrance on campus, follow the signs.

8. Will there be any onsite parking available?

Answer: Per specification 010000 General Requirements, part 1.5.E.

9. What is the age of the existing roof?

Answer: The age varies. Most of the areas of this roof are approximately 17 years.

10. Will contractors be able to use the VA's restroom facilities?

Answer: Per specification 010000 General Requirements, Part 1.15 Temporary Toilets.

11. What infection control classification is this project?

Answer: Per specification section 013526 Safety Requirements, Part 1.12.

12. Please provide roof moisture survey, test core analysis.

Answer: The thermography report will not be provided. Test core profiles will be provided in the solicitation amendment these answers are provided in, Amendment 0003.

13. How many weather days does the VA have accounted for in the project duration?

Answer: There will be no specific “weather days” provided. It is up to the awardee to plan and schedule work within the stated number of days allowed for this project.

If the schedule is impacted by weather, a no-cost extension may be provided if there are actual weather delays.

14. Please confirm if the CPIH is to be under the contractor or if the VA will be providing the CPIH for this project.

Answer: CPIH shall be under the contractor.

15. Please confirm the extent of the roofing inspection/testing requirements for the contractor.

Answer: Per specification 070150.74 Rehabilitation of Modified Bituminous Roofing, Parts 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, and 3.7.

16. If required, what certifications does the roofing inspector need to have?

Answer: Per specifications. The Contractor is responsible for reviewing the Contract Documents for this information.

17. Please confirm office trailer and laydown location for this project.

18. Please provide the existing roof warranty.

Answer: To our knowledge, the existing warranty is no longer in effect.

19. Factor 3 – Past Performance – Would the Contracting Officer allow for CPARS to be emailed directly to the Contracting Officer by March 11, 2021 at 4PM, or to be included as an addendum that does not count against the page requirement in the final proposal, instead of the PPQs to be completed by the project Point of Contact? It is often difficult to obtain PPQs due to the busy nature of Contracting Officers, particularly for projects where they have issued a CPARS report.

Answer: If PPQ’s can’t be obtained, CPARS will be acceptable. They are to be submitted with your proposal submission. If PPQ’s are emailed to the Contracting Officer without your knowledge, I will accept them and they won’t count against any page limitations. Page limitations will apply to the proposals the offerors submit.

20. Page 6 of the RFP states that “Proposals are to be submitted via email AND hard copy to the Contracting Officer, Matthew Whisman. Offers shall submit three (3) hard copies of completed proposal (a. Technical & b. Price) to the address shown below as well as a complete proposal emailed to the email address shown below.” Is it acceptable to change this submission requirement to allow only emailed proposals submitted on the bid deadline? If the hard copies are absolutely necessary, other solicitations have allowed the hard copies to be shipped within a few business days after the bid date.

Answer: The solicitation requirements for hard copies will not change. All offerors are to comply with the submission requirements of the solicitation.

21. If the email submission is not acceptable, please answer the following:

a. Page 6 of the RFP says to email and submit 3 hard copies, section 13a on SF1442 says sealed offers in original with 1 email copy. How many hard copies are required?

Answer: Offers are to submit three (3) hard copies of completed proposal as well as a complete proposal emailed to the Contracting Officer.

22. Given winter weather conditions and COVID, the ability to prepare and provide hard copy proposal documents is more difficult. Are electronic only proposals acceptable?

23. Is a specific letter from our insurance carrier verifying our EMR required?

Answer: No specific letter or format required.

24. How many days should be allowed for RFI review by owner?

Answer: Per specification 013323 Shop Drawings, Product Data, and Samples, part 1.10.E.

25. Is the project Tax exempt?

Answer: No, this project is not tax exempt.

26. Was a Thermal Survey performed? If yes, may we receive a copy?

Answer: A thermography survey was conducted. The findings of the report have already been incorporated into the Contract Documents

27. Please provide roof moisture survey and test core analysis as noted in spec section 07 01

50.19 section 1.7.B.1

Answer: A thermography survey was conducted. The findings of the report have been incorporated into the Contract Documents. This portion of the specification will be stricken.

28. Please provide asbestos abatement report.

29. Please provide roof plan indicating all mechanical roof curbs that are to be infilled per detail 14/AE501.

Answer: See sheet AE112, note #16. We are calling out the removal of 12 unused roof curbs that are capped on the 7th floor roof.

30. Please provide roof walk pad connection/hold down details.

Answer: Connection will vary by manufacturer. Per manufacturers instructions.

Walkway pads are not to penetrate the roof surface; they are self-weighted.

31. Please indicate existing roof hatch locations on the roof plan.

Answer: Roof hatches and access points are located on AE101 identified by a solid triangle. See legend.

32. Please provide Roof Deck & Roof Insulation specification sections for review.

Answer: Roof insulation is in 070150.74. New roof decking is not a part of this project.

33. Please provide specification section 07 60 00 Sheet Metal Flashing & Trim, for review.

Answer: Sheet metal flashing and trim are shown in section 077100 Roof Specialties.

34. Please indicated existing location of all roof vents on plan.

Answer: Replace roof vents at one new vent per 1,000 SF of roof replacement.

Provide one-way continuous 0.063 gauge aluminum-flanged vents in accordance with roof manufacturer’s requirements.

35. Please indicate locations of Air Traffic Lighting on roof plans.

Answer: As shown and noted on roof plans.

36. Please provide plumbing drawing indicating new proposed route of roof drain leader piping within the building to understand the extent of the plumbing work.

Answer: It is expected that the new roof drains tie into the nearest existing roof drain leaders. It is possible that closer leaders may exist and can be determined by the contractor during construction.

37. Please provide architectural reflected ceiling plan for areas where new roof drains are to be installed to understand the ceiling demolition and replacement scope associated with the new roof drain installation. |

Answer: Reflected Ceiling Plan will not be provided at this time. Contractor shall assume removal and reinstallation of existing ACT ceilings to provide space for installation of new pipes.

38. Note 4 on sheet AE112 states: Extend downspout to discharge as shown - secure to existing wall and seal all anchor penetrations - provide stone splashblock at discharge. This note is pointing to what appears to be roof drain piping from a new roof drain. Please clarify design intent / scope of work for this note and associated roof drain.

Answer: The splashblock at this location is not required. Offerors are to ignore the splashblock at that location.

39. Can CPARS be submitted to demonstrate Factor 3 - Past Performance (in lieu of the Past Performance Questionnaire)?

Answer: If PPQ’s can’t be obtained, CPARS will be acceptable.

40. Can the contractor submit their own pricing sheet in lieu of the provided pricing schedule?

Answer: Pricing to be submitted on the provided template within the solicitation.

41. 01 35 26 1.9.B says the contractor must employee a Certified Safety Professional. Can this requirement be substituted for practical qualifications such as a full-time employee with OSHA 30, and 5 years hospital construction experience, as is the same as the

SSHO?

Answer: Provide CSP per specifications.

42. 01 45 00 3.4.B says that the CQCM can have dual role as superintendent. With the limited scope of this project we would request the SSHO role also be filled by the superintendent.

Answer: See Question/Answer #1.

43. 07 01 50.19 1.7.B.b says there is a test core analysis available for the existing roof. Can these results and locations of the core samples be provided?

Answer: Core profiles and locations will be provided in the solicitation amendment these answers are provided in, Amendment 0003.

44. 26 41 00 – Part 2 says existing system to remain, however, the instructions in Part 3 seem to reference installation of a new system. Please clarify, we are only to remove the existing system as work progresses to each area, reinstall the existing system as it was after the new roofing work is complete, and recertify the lightning protection.

Answer: Remove existing system as work progresses at each area, reinstall the existing system as it was after the new roofing work is complete, and recertify the lightning protection system at the conclusion of the Work per part 3.2.

45. Is it required to pretest the lightning protection system to identify the performance specs of the existing system prior to removal and reinstallation?

Answer: Yes, per Part 3.2.A of the specification.

46. Specs 26 41 00 3.1.C & D references installing new down conductors. Are new down conductors needed?

Answer: No. Existing down conductors should be adequate for reuse.

47. Specs 26 41 00 3.1.G references installing new ground rods and plates. Are new ground rods and plates needed?

Answer: No. Provide a letter of finding at the completion of reinstallation of lightning protection system.

48. Specs 26 41 00 3.1.N & O references installing new air terminals. Are new air terminals needed only where existing are damaged or are all a air terminals to be replaced?

Answer: New air terminals are needed only where damaged.

49. Specs 26 41 00 3.1.R references installing new counterpoise or ground ring. Are new counterpoise or ground ring needed?

Answer: No. This reference will be stricken from the specification.

50. Does the existing Lightning Protection meet UL standards for ground resistance to earth of a max 5 Ohms or less?

Answer: Lightning Protection System is to be tested by the contractor per part 3.2 of the specification.

51. 26 41 00 Lightning Protection It was noticed at the site visit that many of the lightning protection clamps which hold the cabling to the roof membrane are broken and missing.

Should these missing and broken clamps be included in the scope of work.

Answer: Yes. Contractor is to reinstall to be a complete and secure system and certified per part 3.2.B.

52. Note 4 on sheet AE112 calls for new “stone” splash block to be used at the bottom of all new downspout. Is the intention for these to be stone or cast concrete?

Answer: Cast concrete.

53. Several notes on the plans and details pages call for new insulation to maintain a minimum 3” thick. Is it known that the existing insulation thickness is a minimum 3” thick? If not, it will not be possible to increase the thickness of insulation from the existing without greatly affecting the slope and drainage of storm water. Without replacing all insulation around the areas denoted for replacement, the only way to obtain proper drainage is to match the existing roof insulation thicknesses. Is this acceptable?

Answer: Based on our investigation, the existing is a 3” minimum. Note #17 on AE112 shows to align with existing roof. For bidding purposes, the contractor shall presume 3” minimum, align with existing adjacent, and maintain 1/8” per foot slope per drawings. If during construction it is determined to be a different thickness, guidance will be provided at that time.

54. Note #3 on sheet AE111 and Note #5 on sheet AE112 refer to new roof drains. Are these existing drains to be replaced or are these new drains requiring new penetration in the existing roof slab?

Answer: These are referring to new drains requiring new penetrations in the existing roof slab.

55. If the roof drains are new, where do the new drainpipes tie into the existing drainage system?

Answer: Contractor shall assume it will extend to a location at the nearest leader.

Investigation during construction may determine a closer location is available. See detail.

56. What are the areas under the new roof drain locations and tie in? Will ICRA barriers, negative air, etc. be required inside the hospital at the locations?

Answer: ICRA Level 3 per specifications.

57. Note #16 on sheet AE112 calls for unused roof curb on the 7th floor to be removed and covered with steel plates. The note calls for 12 total, however, there appears to be several more than 12 unused roof curb. What is the total number of roof curb at this 7th floor roof).

Answer: The Contractor is to price 12 unused roof curbs per Drawings.

58. Spec 02 82 13.21 1.1.2.B states there is 75 sf total of ACM abatement of black/silver roof coating at roof section “Y” platforms for apparent previous duct penetrations. It says there is an ACM report by Terracon showing the exact locations of the abatement, however, there does not appear to be an ACM report included in the bidding documents.

Without the report it is not possible to determine the quantity of locations requiring abatement, please provide the ACM report.

59. General Note H on sheet AE111 says the contractor shall verify unused roof curb and remove. How is the contractor to determine an unused curb. This is subjective determination that will obtain differing quantities of roof curb to remain and to remove from each bidder. To remain fair and accurate, the AE or the GOV should be the party to determine the quantity of and exactly which, roof curbs shall remain and those which shall be removed. Otherwise, we can only bid the 12 curbs to be removed specifically called out on the curbs.

Answer: The Contractor is to price 12 unused roof curbs per Drawings.

60. A crane will be required to load and unload materials onto the different levels of roof. A single crane location will not allow the materials to be lifted to the various multi-leveled roof areas. Is it acceptable to setup a crane a various location around the hospital, as needed, to deliver materials to the different areas of the roof?

Answer: Yes, multiple locations are anticipated. Locations will be coordinated with the VA COR after Award.

61. Can a plan overview be provided showing any areas that a crane cannot be setup to lift materials, then the crane locations can be coordinated around those areas.

62. Is each roof accessible for personnel by door or hatch from inside the hospital? Are there any roof areas which will require ladders setup on one roof level to get to another?

Answer: There are roof areas that are not accessible by door or hatch. See AE101 for locations of hatch, door, or ladder.

63. How many vehicles will the Contractor be allowed to park onsite?

Answer: See 010000 General Requirements Part 1.5.E for Motor Vehicle Requirements. VA COR to determine designated parking areas.

64. Will there be only certain days and/or times the trucks can be unloaded or the cranes can be setup and operated?

Answer: Presume normal working hours, coordinate with COR 48 hours in advance of Work.

65. Is it acceptable to dismantle the existing safety railing as needed to accommodate the new work, as long as the railing is reassembled to existing condition?

Answer: Yes. Comply with OSHA 1926.502 during construction activity.

66. Does a back elevator or a service elevator exist which can be utilized by the Contractor?

Answer: Elevator use per 010000 General Requirements, Part 1.14.

67. Does a back entrance exist which can be used daily by the Contractor?

Answer: Due to COVID restrictions, there is only one (1) entrance into the facility at this time.

68. Sub-factor 1a Relevant Experience states to submit (2) completed project. Factor 3 past performance states to list (3) prior clients for completed project. Can you please confirm if 3 past performance questionnaires are to be submitted or if only 2 are required?

Answer: Simply provide what each Factor/Sub-Factor asks for. DO NO assume that because you are providing a document for one Factor, it will automatically be considered when evaluating a different Factor.

69. Will the VA consider changing the requirement for hard copy and CD submission of proposals to allow for email submissions? Or perhaps allow for a timely email submission on the bid date and receipt of the hard copy and CD within 48 hours of the bid date?

70. Will the VA consider allowing offerors to submit CPARS evaluation forms instead of Past Performance Questionnaire’s for Factor 3 – Past Performance?

Answer: If PPQ’s can’t be obtained, CPARS will be acceptable.

71. Is the Project Tax Exempt. If yes, will a tax-exempt certificate be issued?

Answer: No, this project is not tax exempt.

72. What is the on-site personnel requirement for the project? Can the SSHO, QCM, and Superintendent be the same individual, provided has the qualification to perform the duties for all posts.

Answer: See Question/Answer #1.

73. Please provide Asbestos survey report for all the buildings included in the project.

74. In the pre-bid, it appeared that the asbestos may be on mechanical curbs. The project abatement specifications referred to Terracon’s asbestos survey (Roof section “Y” at platforms for former apparent duct penetrations) (<1% Chrysotile) (Approx. 75 SF) but it was not provided. There appeared to be significantly more than 75 total square feet. First question – Can the VA confirm asbestos roofing is <1% Chrysotile, 75 square feet & provide picture(s)?

75. Qualifications of the CPIH. Page 15 of the Abatement Spec states: “The Contractor Professional Industrial Hygienist/CIH (CPIH/CIH) shall have five (5) years of monitoring experience and supervision of asbestos abatement projects; has participated as senior IH on five (5) abatement projects, three (3) of which are similar in size and complexity as this project; has developed at least one complete standard operating procedure for asbestos a batement; has trained abatement personnel for three (3) years; has specialized EPA AHERA/OSHA training in asbestos abatement management, respiratory protection, waste disposal and asbestos inspection; has completed the NIOSH 582 Course or equivalent, Contractor/Supervisor course; and has appropriate medical/respiratory prote ction records/documentation”. Can AHERA Abatement Project Designer be a satisfactory substitute for Contractor/Supervisor course?

Answer: No, one of the purposes of the CPIH is to manage the contractor’s personal air sampling exposure to asbestos. Under the OSHA asbestos regulation 29 CFR 1926.1101, the contractor/supervisor is considered the competent person who can manage/collect or to supervise a technician to collect the personal air sampling to asbestos under this regulation.

76. There is no need for the IH Technician to be an AHERA Contractor/Supervisor or Abatement Worker. Under the AHERA regulations, air sampling must be performed by a qualified individual who is completely independent of the abatement contractor.

Although the AHERA rule does not impose specific requirements, it is suggested that the person should be professionally licensed and/or have received relevant training. Third Question – Will an IH Technician with NIOSH 582 Course or equivalent and AHERA Asbestos Building Inspector be satisfactory to conduct air monitoring?

Answer: No per the specification, the technician must have the contractor/supervisor training and building inspector in addition to the NIOSH 582 course.

77. It appears that most of the specification content in the 3.2 Regulated Area section is not applicable. Besides OSHA Danger Signs, Asbestos Boundary Tape, Hand Wash Station and following procedures in 3.4 Removal of Roofing, are there any other expected containment requirements?

Answer: No “containment” for the regulated areas, but any openings in the regulated area such as vents/intakes (any equipment must be locked out/tagged out if applicable) and windows / door openings covered with 2 individual 6-mil layers of poly sheeting and secured with tape.

78. Section 3.6.2 Regulated Area Clearance (page 30) states: “Air testing and other requirements which must be met before release of the Contractor and re-occupancy of the regulated area space are specified in Final Testing Procedures”. Section 3.7.3 Air Clearance Testing and Section 3.7.4 Final Air Clearance Testing both state: “After passing a successful visual inspection, air clearance shall not be required for outdoor work.” Since the work is outdoors, is any air clearance testing required?

Answer: No, only a final visual inspection by the CPIH first, followed by the VPIH as the final acceptable visual clearance.

79. Please, provide/confirm availability for location of GC trailer, parking for crews and crane laydown area. where can the GC plan on being provided a staging area? will there be staging / laydown areas at all buildings? Provide sizes and locations.

80. Define locations of all ICRA barriers for all buildings and their respective levels of coverage. Including the route to access the roofs of each building.

Answer: ICRA will not be required on the roofs. ICRA Level III is required for above ceiling spaces to install roof drain leaders.

81. Confirm electrical availability to project trailer. Is temp power available?

Answer: See specification 010000 General Requirements, Part 1.16.

82. Are cranes to have safety fencing surrounds?

Answer: Per specification 013526 Safety Requirements, Part 1.17, Contractor must comply with 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC, which discusses Work Area Control in part 1424. Also, see note R on G000.

83. If needed, are crane area capable for proposed to load to be imposed?

**Answer: This question could not be understood so it isn’t being answered.

84. Can crane work be performed on any day of the week? Are there specific lift hours and requirements?

Answer: Work hours are per specifications. Night work will not be allowed.

85. Will it be required to have fencing around the full perimeter of building site?

Answer: No. Fencing will be required per specification 024100 Demolition, part 1.3 Protection and section 010000 General Requirements, part 1.6.H Construction Fence, and General Notes on G000.

86. Please provide required rating, basis of design for scaffolding and guard rails. Provide overall building heights from grade for scaffolding.

Answer: Scaffolding design is by Contractor.

87. Is there any notable abandoned equipment in any of the roofs to be removed?

Answer: Yes, see drawings.

88. Is there any notable equipment in any of the roofs to be temporarily removed for roofing work to be reinstalled later?

Answer: Per drawings. Lightning protection system. Adjust condensers, air traffic lights, and possible other items as discovered by the Contractor and approved by COR prior to adjustment.

89. What are the acceptable manufacturers for the required roof membrane?

Answer: A basis of design will not be provided. See drawings and specifications for performance criteria.

END OF QUESTIONS