Questions and Answers.pdf

Question #: 01

Sheet: N/A

Spec: Solicitation

Topic: Factor 1a – Relevant Experience // Factor 1b – Key Personnel

Question: Is it acceptable to consider ‘renovation’ in addition to the type projects for a standard for acceptability for Sub-Factor 1A – Relevant Experience and Sub-Factor 1B – Key Personnel.

ANSWER – Renovation will not be accepted as relevant experience for Key Personnel when being reviewed for this contract.

Question #: 02

Sheet: N/A

Spec: Solicitation

Topic: Factor 3 Past Performance

Question: Is it acceptable to consider ‘renovation’ projects in addition to the ‘new construction or new addition of hospital / healthcare facility, medical clinics’ as a standard for acceptability in Factor 3 Past

Performance.

ANSWER – Renovation will not be accepted.

Question #: 03

Sheet: N/A

Spec: Solicitation

Topic: Factor 3 Past Performance

Question: Will a Past Performance Questionnaire Template be provided?

ANSWER – YES, Amendment 1 included the past performance questionnaire.

1. Solicitation Page 10 of 50 states: "FAR 52.209-7 Information regarding responsibility Matters (b) shall be marked. If not marked, the proposal is technically unacceptable and cannot be considered for award." Please advise if the Offeror is to complete just this section of the Solicitation Reps & Certs (Pages 26 - 27), or the entire Solicitation Reps & Certs (Pages 20 - 29).

Please also advise if this will count against the 25 page limit of the Price Proposal.

ANSWER – You are correct. You need to just mark that clause otherwise the proposal will be technically unacceptable.

2. Solicitation Page 10 of 50 states: "The Offeror’s Price Proposal shall be no more than 25 pages inclusive of the bid bonds required. The Offeror is hereby advised that the attached “Pricing Schedule” worksheet shall be considered as 20 pages, regardless of the overall total." It appears the Pricing Schedule may only be 4 pages. As this is the case, please advise if the offeror is able to count the schedule as 4 pages against the 25 page limit, or if the offeror is to count the schedule as 20 pages against the page limit. If the latter, this leaves the offeror with only 5 pages left. With the inclusion of a bid bond, and possible Solicitation Reps & Certs, the "25 page" limit may end up being exceeded.

ANSWER – Documentation must be submitted no more than 25 pages.

3. Solicitation Page 12 of 50: Subfactor 2a - Project & Construction Quality Control: Please advise if the Gantt chart (project schedule) can be provided on 11 x 17 inch paper. If so, please advise if the 11 x 17 inch paper counts as (1) page or (2) pages towards the page limitations.

ANSWER – No, All pages containing text shall be consecutively numbered, type-written on 8- 1/2x11 inch paper with margins of at least once inch and created using a Times New Roman 12-point font.

4. Solicitation Page 12 of 50: Factor 3 - Past Performance states: "Offeror shall list three (3) only prior clients for completed projects of new construction or new addition of hospital/healthcare facility, medical clinics where the projects dollar magnitude equal to or greater than $3,000,000.00 within the last five (5) years on the VA Past Performance questionnaire and ask the client to forward directly to the Contracting Officer via email at Robert.pritchard2@va.gov no later than June 29, 2021 4:00PM CST." However, only (2) projects were requested under Subfactor 1a - Relevant Experience. Please advise if the offeror is to have PPQs submitted for (2) or (3) projects. If (3), please advise if (3) projects should be submitted under Subfactor 1a - Relevant Experience.

ANSWER – two (2) will be acceptable.

5. Solicitation Page 12 of 50: Factor 3 - Past Performance: It appears that a Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) form was not provided with the solicitation package. As this is the case, we do not have a form to send to our clients to complete. Please provide the PPQ form.

ANSWER – A past performance questionnaire has been included with this amendment.

6. We respectfully request that the government allow for the submission of CPARS in lieu of PPQs.

Completed CPARS offer the government a verified view of the offeror's performance from individuals actively involved in the project. With the provided timeline for projects, we find that, in some cases, the representatives who were actively involved in the project are no longer able to provide completed PPQs to the government because they have either moved on to other agencies, or have retired. In other cases, the representatives will not complete PPQs if a CPARS evaluation already exists.

mailto:Robert.pritchard2@va.gov

ANSWER – CPARS is not allowed the PPQ must come from your customer to me via email at Robert.pritchard2@va.gov.

1. Please confirm the Contractor shall provide assigned security personnel 24/7 and security cameras per 01 00 00 1.5-C

ANSWER – General Contractor is not required to provide security personnel or cameras for the project. General Contractor is responsible for physical security of the workspace, including but not limited to construction fence, construction area locks, and following badge protocol.

2. Is it the Contractor or Government’s responsibility to fill the generators with fuel? If so, please provide gallons of fuel that should be figured in bid. Please provide gallons of fuel required for testing.

ANSWER – See AE RFI response.

3. Please confirm the Government will handle any costs/coordination associated with coordination with the electric utility company.

ANSWER – The Government is only responsible for connection fees for new service connections.

This contract does not have any new service connections to local utility, so any cost, coordination, or similar effort referenced in this question will be the responsibility of the General Contractor.

4. 01 00 00 1.31 Photographic Documentation is extensive and will be expensive – please confirm required for this Contract.

ANSWER – Photographic Documentation may be removed from contract requirements.

5. Please confirm the General Contractor shall hire the Testing Laboratory Services direct; there is conflicting information between the 01 00 00 specification and the 01 45 29 specification.

ANSWER - General Contractor is completely responsible for hiring Testing Laboratory Services.

6. Please provide a specification for the screenwall.

ANSWER - See AE Response as well as additional spec section.

7. Provide a specification for the gate and chain link fencing.

ANSWER - See AE Response as well as additional spec section.

8. Div. 23 specifications not included, however mechanical drawings included in drawing set.

Please advise.

mailto:Robert.pritchard2@va.gov

ANSWER - See AE Response as well as additional spec sections.

9. Please advise if generator enclosures shall be anchored and grouted. No detail provided.

ANSWER - The base of the generator package, for both generators, shall be fastened to the equipment pad per manufacturer’s recommendations. Manufacturer shall be consulted regarding seismic requirements for this anchorage, given location of Shelby County, TN.

Manufacturer of generator package shall be consulted regarding all aspects of generator base to concrete pad interface.

10. Please advise if 3rd party medium voltage testing is required on this contract.

ANSWER - This contract does not include anything qualifying as medium voltage.

11. Is there a finish schedule for the screen wall (div. 09)?

ANSWER - See AE comments and additional spec section.

12. Who currently holds the 30Y roofing warranty on the existing roof?

ANSWER - The new roof for this contract will not interface with the existing roof.

1. Sub-Factor 2a requires the contractor to discuss “…role in commissioning..” however SECTION 01 91 00 was not included with the solicitation. Is commissioning required on this contract, and who is responsible for hiring the commissioning agent if commissioning is required? Please include said spec.

ANSWER - See AE response.

2. SECTION 230923 was not included in the solicitation specifications, however on drawing EE101 there is a note regarding BAS. Note states: “Contractor shall modify the building automated system chiller control program so no more than 3 chillers operate if transfer switches are in emergency position. Contractor shall provide all wiring, relays, interfaces, programming, graphic changes as required to provide specified functionality as part of this project.” We would recommend BAS notes be on the mechanical drawings so they are not missed. Please advise who the proprietary BAS contractor is, and their POC.

ANSWER - See AE response

Question #: 01

Spec: Solicitation Topic: Factor 1a – Relevant Experience // Factor 1b – Key Personnel Question: Is it acceptable to consider ‘renovation’ in addition to the type of projects for a standard for acceptability for Sub-Factor 1A – Relevant Experience and Sub-Factor 1B – Key Personnel?

ANSWER – Renovation is not acceptable.

Question #: 02 Sheet: N/A Spec: Solicitation Topic: Factor 3 Past Performance Question: Is it acceptable to consider ‘renovation’ projects in addition to the ‘new construction or new addition of hospital / healthcare facility, medical clinics’ as a standard for acceptability in Factor 3 Past Performance?

ANSWER - Renovation is not acceptable.

Question #: 03 Sheet: N/A Spec: General Conditions Topic: Management Question: Please confirm personnel requirements for this project. Can (1) superintendent fulfill SSHO requirements? Or does (1) superintendent and (1) SSHO need to be on site full-time?

ANSWER - This will be reviewed during the preconstruction submittals process, post award.

Question #: 04 Sheet: N/A Spec: N/A Topic: Work Hours Question: Please confirm work hours for this project. Are there any specific tasks or trade division that must be on overtime (01 Infection Control, 02 Demolition, 02 Abatement)? Confirm all interior work is after hours.

ANSWER - Interior work should be assumed as off-hours in the office areas.

Question #: 05 Sheet: N/A Spec: 07 – Roofing Topic: As-Builts Question: Please provide as-built documentation of existing utilities.

ANSWER - Please reference drawing V101 in bid documents.

Question #: 06

Spec: General Conditions Topic: Material Staging Question: Please confirm if prime contractor has material staging location at facility. If so, where is it? Is prime contractor responsible for any costs associated with staging?

ANSWER - It is anticipated by VA that General Contractor will have small laydown areas within construction fences. For larger staging needs that cannot be met within the construction fence established with the VA COR, General Contractor will be completely responsible for offsite staging.

Question #: 07 Sheet: N/A Spec: Missing Specs Topic: Fence & HVAC Specs Question: Please provide chain link fencing specification for the new chain link around the cooling tower. Please provide epoxy specification for the finish in the ATS room. Please provide HVAC specifications for the unit scheduled to be located in the ATS.

ANSWER - See AE comments.

Question #: 08 Sheet: N/A Spec: N/A Topic: Submittal Exchange Question: Please confirm if prime contractor is responsible for Submittal Exchange and all costs associated with this software.

ANSWER - Submittal Exchange is normally the responsibility of the AE.

Question #: 09 Sheet: N/A Spec: CLIN SCHEDULE Topic: CLIN SCHEDULE Question: The Attachment 4 – Price schedule shows divisions unrelated to the solicitation and does not include specification sections for the scope of work. Please provide an updated CLIN schedule so we can input the correct specification sections.

ANSWER – A NEW PRICING SCHEDULE HAS BEEN ATTACHED WITH THIS AMENDMENT. Please you this pricing schedule.

Question #: 10 Sheet: ED100 Spec: Sprinklers Topic: Lawn Sprinkler Contractor Question: Is there a service agreement with a sprinkler contractor / landscaper for the work at the facility? There is minor sprinkler cap work that we want to ensure we include the correct contractor for.

ANSWER - The only sprinklers for this project are fire suppression.

Question #: 11 Sheet: SS001 Spec: Note 4.1 Topic: Geotechnical Report Question: Please provide Geotechnical Report by S&ME for soils purposes. Who owns Geotech engineer?

ANSWER - See AE Attachment

Question #: 12 Sheet: N/A Spec: N/A Topic: CCDD Soils Question: Are prime contractors to assume CCDD soils, or are we to cut, stockpile and re-install the earthwork at the generator locations?

ANSWER - See AE Comments

Question #: 13 Sheet: AD-001 Spec: N/A Topic: Bollards - Detail Question: Please confirm what the assumed depth of concrete is as you enter the new ATS room. Note #3 states to demolish and re-install bollards.

ANSWER - See AE Comments

Question #: 14 Sheet: EE-501 Spec: N/A Topic: Cabling – Duct Bank Question: Detail F5, on EE-501 shows that these concrete duct banks are new. Please confirm that is a NEW duct bank to the cooling tower generator pad. This does not coordinate with ES-101 electrical site plan which indicates existing.

Question #: 15 Sheet: AS-102 Spec: N/A Topic: Concrete Pad Question: Keynote 10 – states to install new concrete pad. What material and thickness is required underneath the concrete pad?

ANSWER - See AE Comments

Question #: 16 Sheet: AD-001 Spec: N/A Topic: Concrete Pad in ATS Question: What is the thickness of the existing concrete in the ATS room to be demoed?

ANSWER - See AE Comments

Question #: 17 Sheet: AS-401 Spec: N/A Topic: Soil Conditions Question: Plan page AS-401 detail F/6. Please confirm if prime contractor is to bid soil conditions to at least 3 feet depth under the pavers?

ANSWER - See AE Comments

Question #: 18 Sheet: AE-201 Spec: N/A Topic: Connection Detail Question: There is a CMU side block profile shown as detail C1, however there is no connection detail to the existing back wall against the current building (ATS room). Please provide flashing and roofing detail to the backwall on the south end.

Question #: 19 Sheet: AD-001 Spec: N/A Topic: Hospital Generator Site Plan Question: AD-001 Hospital Generator Site plan does not illustrate what we believe to be a drain leader on the south facing current switchgear wall. This drain will be built within the new ATS room. Is this the intent? Or please describe how to relocate or cap. There is a keynote 10 shown on AE-101, however it is conflicting. There is no coordination between AE-101 and AD-001 for this plumbing item.

Question #: 20

Spec: N/A Topic: Jersey Barriers Question: The plastic jersey barriers are in the construction zone. Will the VA remove and re-install these or is this by general contractor?

ANSWER - General Contractor should anticipate moving these barriers out of construction space to a location agreed upon with the VA COR, then put back in place after project closeout.

Question #: 21 Sheet: AE-102 Spec: N/A Topic: Interior Finishes Question: AE-102 keynote 1 states to remove gypsum board on office side of wall to enable electrical work. It currently has a temporary drywall with plastic wall protection. Do you want prime contractor to solely remove the plastic wall protection, or remove the drywall entirely and patch back?

ANSWER - Plan to demo and restore drywall. Any panels that are in place will probably already be occupied by conduit.

Question #: 22 Sheet: FP-001 Spec: N/A Topic: Fire Suppression System Question: Please provide connection and extent of piping to new ATS room. Are there as-builts of existing system? What type of sprinkler system is to be installed in this location?

ANSWER - See AE comments

Question #: 23 Sheet: MH-101 Spec: N/A Topic: Mechanical Question: Please confirm the mounting detail and location of the split system indoor AHU unit SSAH-1.

ANSWER - See AE comments

Question #: 24 Sheet: AD002 Spec: N/A Topic: Drainage Question: AD-002 shows the cooling tower generator plan. For the contoured ground nearest the chain link fence of the existing cooling towers, is the excavator supposed to level that to grade? We would be concerned about groundwater going straight into existing generator area. It is shown to be flatter on the design documents than existing conditions.

ANSWER - See AE comments

Question #: 25 Sheet: ES-101 Spec: N/A Topic: Duct bank Connection Question: ES-101, please confirm closest connection point of utility duct bank to the cooling tower area.

ANSWER - See AE comments

Question #: 26 Sheet: SS001 4.10 Spec: N/A Topic: Soil Settling Question: How long should contractor expect to delay for underlying soils to settle?

ANSWER - See AE comments

Question #: 27 Sheet: AE101 Spec: 08 11 13 Topic: Doors / Frames / Hardware Question: Please provide door and frame type and associated hardware information for new door to ATS room.

ANSWER - See AE comments

Question #: 28 Sheet: N/A Spec: N/A Topic: Fire Alarm Question: Please confirm Fire Alarm tie-in information. Is GC expected to tie into existing Notifier system or is a new system anticipated?

ANSWER - See AE comments

Question #: 29 Sheet: N/A Spec: 01 00 00 – 13 1.9 D Topic: NPDES Permit Question: Please confirm if prime contractor is responsible for the NPDES permit?

ANSWER - General contractor is responsible for NPDES, however, most of the requirements in practical terms will be covered by following the construction drawings and specs. There are examples given in the bid spec for reference.

Question #: 30

Spec: 01 00 00 1.28 Topic: VA Storage Space Question: Is the prime contractor responsible for the VA storage space denoted in this specification? If so, please provide some basis for design, location, etc.

ANSWER - It is anticipated by VA that General Contractor will have small laydown areas within construction fences. For larger staging needs that cannot be met within the construction fence established with the VA COR, General Contractor will be completely responsible for offsite staging.

Question #: 31

Spec: 01 35 26 Topic: Infection Control Question: Please clarify Infection Control requirements in areas outside and not specified other than in the ATS room.

ANSWER – This will be addressed during preconstruction submittals process with VA COR.

1. It is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain Past Performance Questionnaires from Contracting Officers on a project-by-project basis, especially when they have already filled out a CPARS evaluation for us. In light of this, will the VA consider accepting completed CPARS evaluation forms in lieu of the provided PPQ?

ANSWER – the PPQ was sent out with amendment 0001. NO CPARS will not be utilized in leu of the provided PPQ.

1. Reference SF1442, Section 10, Paragraph 3 - The commodities market is highly volatile in today's economic climate for items such as metals and plastics. How does the VA intend to handle pricing escalation?

ANSWER – Offers providing less than 120 calendar days for Government acceptance after the date offers are due will not be considered and will be rejected.

2. Reference SF1442, Section 11 - The generators required for this solicitation are not stocked items and are not manufactured until the shop drawings have been approved. In current market conditions, lead times have become unpredictable. Will the VA consider revising the project overall schedule once the shop drawings have been completed, approved, and a delivery schedule has been submitted by the manufacturer?

ANSWER - VA will consider revision of schedule based on manufacturer’s actual lead time at time of order, when reviewed in combination with the overall project schedule.

3. Instructions, Conditions and Other Statements to Bidders/Offerors, Page 10 of 50 states "Offerors shall submit two (2) copies of complete proposal (a. Technical &

b. Price) to the email address shown below." How would you like these copies distinguished via a single email: Original and Copy?

ANSWER - Proposals are to be submitted via email to the Contracting Officer, Robert Pritchard. Offerors shall submit one (1) copies of complete proposal (a.

Technical & b. Price) to the email address shown below.

4. Instructions, Conditions and Other Statements to Bidders/Offerors, Page 10 of 50 states " Offeror shall separately bind each section." Would the VA please confirm that "separately bind" in this case, as an electronic copy, refers to electronic tabs?

ANSWER -Yes, Electronic Copy is acceptable.

5. 2.9 VAAR 852.223-70 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—SUSTAINABLE

ACQUISITION PLAN (SEP 2019), Page 18 of 50 indicates that "Offerors shall include a Sustainable Acquisition Plan in their technical proposals." Would the VA please confirm where in the subject technical proposal this plan should go and confirm that this is not included as part of the 50-page limit indicated for the technical proposal?

ANSWER – Sustainable Acquisition Plan does not need to be included in the 50 page limit. Plan can be submitted in parallel to technical proposal.

6. Instructions, Conditions and Other Statements to Bidders/Offerors, Page 10 of 50 states, "The submitted package should contain two (2) sections, separately bind:

a.) Technical Proposal b.) Price Proposal." The lower portions of this section indicate factors but do not state that the technical proposal covers Factors 1-3 and that the Price section (theoretically Factor 4) is the other proposal, b.). Would the VA please provide clarification or confirmation of these sections?

ANSWER – Do not understand question

FACTOR 1 – Hospital/Healthcare Construction Management The offeror shall provide a narrative that describes the Offeror’s overall organization, organizational chart, as well as number of personnel and the duties of proposed technical staff to determine if offeror can manage multi-discipline projects without significant difficulty. The proposal narrative must adequately address functions, responsibilities, and authorities for performing such duties as overall project management, site superintendence, quality control, safety, administration, and in-house trade capabilities.

Sub-Factor 1a – Relevant Experience: The Prime Contractor shall provide demonstrated experience in new construction or the addition of a hospital/medical center and/or health care facility for two (2) completed projects within the past five (5) years with a contract value equal to or greater than $3,000,000.00. The subject project must have consisted of multiple trades to demonstrate the management and coordination of trades by the Prime Contractor.

Standard for Acceptability: This factor will be considered acceptable if the information provided reflects adequate experience in new construction or the addition of a hospital/medical center and/or health care facility meeting the criteria as stated above and demonstrates successful management and coordination of multiple trades by the Prime Contractor.

Sub-Factor 1b - Key Personnel: Provide the names of the Prime Contractor’s project manager and on-site superintendent, including name with title, years with prime contractor, and total work experience as it relates to the new construction or the addition of a hospital/medical center and/or health care facility. Both Project Manager and Site Superintendent must demonstrate (by way of professional resume) experience in managing and providing oversight with new hospital construction or construction additions with a project magnitude equal to or greater than $3,000,000.00 or more over the past five (5) years.

Standard for Acceptability: Project manager and the on-site superintendent must have a minimum of five (5) or more years of experience managing new hospital construction and/or construction additions in a hospital or medical center environment.

FACTOR 2 - Technical Management Approach: The offeror shall provide a narrative that outlines the proposed technical approach for this project, including assumptions and rationale for choosing the preferred approach.

Sub-Factor 2a-Project & Construction Quality Control: Include a discussion of how the duration of project time was achieved; provide a Gantt chart of contract times broken into schedule of values by trade discipline and by General Wage Decision (formerly Davis-Bacon Act). Offeror must include identification of proposed personnel for project management, site superintendence, and quality control, including role in commissioning, safety during construction, and in-house trade capabilities.

Standard for Acceptability: Gantt chart achieving successful project completion in 270 calendar days, with all requirements met for contract. Technical narrative always demonstrates sound logic with minimal disruption to medical center operations.

Sub-Factor 2b-Change Order Management: Explain methods for identifying changes along with company procedures for managing changes, regardless if unforeseen site conditions or owner-initiated changes. Methods and procedures for handling changes are to be based on your experience in hospital construction of a project of this magnitude and scope, involving multiple trades and the coordination of trades. Discuss any potential changes or unforeseen conditions that could result from this project along with how those would be handled both internally as a company and with the VA.

Standard for Acceptability: This factor will be considered acceptable if the information provided demonstrates adequate procedures for identifying and handling changes as stated above.

FACTOR 3 - Past Performance: Offeror shall list three (3) only prior clients for completed projects of new construction or new addition of hospital/healthcare facility, medical clinics where the projects dollar magnitude equal to or greater than $3,000,000.00 within the last five (5) years on the VA Past Performance questionnaire and ask the client to forward directly to the Contracting Officer via email at Robert.pritchard2@va.gov no later than June 29, 2021 4:00PM CST.

FACTOR 4 - PRICE

7. Instructions, Conditions and Other Statements to Bidders/Offerors, Price, Page 12 of 50 states "The price proposal must include the S02-Attachment 4 - Price Schedule Worksheet, the signed SF 1442, with acknowledgment of any amendments, plus the Offeror’s Bid Guarantee documents." Section titled REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS on page 20 of 50 are not included in that list. Should this be included in the Price Proposal, and if so, are these excluded from the page count?

ANSWER - A new pricing schedule has been provided with this amendment.

8. Statement of Bid Items Page 4 and 5 of 50 indicate a 270-day period of performance for the base and a deductive alternate no. 1 with a 240-day period of performance. The overall period of performance is indicated for 270-day period of performance. Does this mean that the Government intends to award the deductive alternate upon award to ensure completion of all scope within this timeline?

ANSWER - Do not understand question

9. Reference D1/D4/F4/SS101 - There are multiple foundations to be poured as part of this project however only a civil survey plan (sheet V101) has been provided. Will the VA be issuing additional civil drawings that provide details for the grading work that is necessary to prepare the earth for the foundations?

ANSWER - The VA does not plan to issue any more drawings regarding civil improvements for this contract. If there is additional detail or design development which the General Contractor finds unclear, these items should be brought forward during submittals process.

10. Reference F3/AS401 - No spec section provided for aluminum screen wall. Will the VA provide a specification section for aluminum screen wall and define the finish for the aluminum (i.e. anodized, kynar painted, unfinished)?