Government Answers to Industry Questions.pdf

Pre-Proposal RFI Questions and Answers for Renovate Ward 1B 626A4-19-101

1. My company specializes in Safe Patient Handling – Ceiling Lifts. I see there are 20 specced on this project to Handicare: Alvin C. York VA Medical Center Ward 1B Renovation 36C24923R0114.

The Renovate Ward 1B Project will not be purchasing patient lifts, the contractor will however coordinate with the VA’s equipment installer before placing MEP above ceiling.

2. I have gone through the drawings and cannot find the Demolition Drawings. There is a single drawing AD+01+01. The other three are missing. Can you add the others to SAM.gov?

AD 01 01 is the only Demolition sheet on the drawings. The table is incorrect.

3. After reviewing the specification document’s Table of Contents Section 27 52 23 Nurse Call and Code Blue Systems are mentioned. When we tried to find the specifications for this section in Volume 2 of the Spec document, we are not finding specs for Section 27 52 23. Should Section 27 52 23 be part of the spec document or is Nurse Call not part of this project?

This specification is included with this amendment, as there will be Nurse call work. Nurse call systems are in the Electrical and Telecommunication portions of the drawings.

4. We only received AD 01.01 and are missing AD 01.02, AD 01.03, and AD01.04. Please provide the missing files. . AD 01 01 is the only demolition sheet. There are no additional demo sheets.

5. Please provide a basis of design or specification for head walls along with design showing finish of head wall and removable requirements for future modifications if needed. Basis of Design was Hill-Rom Basis headwall system, Provide finish sample submittal for selection by VA

COR

6. Sheet AE9.01 shows various items. ie., coffee maker, DVD player. can you please provide a list of what is OFCI, CFCI and OFOI items. See sheets AE 12.01A- 12.02B for equipment charts

7. Can the Superintendent also be the site quality control manager? The Superintendent can be the site QA manager if all qualifying criteria are met by the Superintendent (If he/she meets the qualification).

8. Can the Superintendent also be the site safety supervisor? The Superintendent can be the site Safety Manager if all qualifying criteria are met by the Superintendent (If he/she meets the qualification).

9. As is typical for most VA projects can the QC plan be implemented by the onsite superintendent and administrated by the PM without additional staff (other than what is required for commissioning) as call for in 01 45 00.? Yes

10. Is this project Tax Exempt? No

11. Can plastic sheeting over the restroom doorway be acceptable for infection control? As an infection control measure, properly rated plastic does meet that criterion, but does not meet the intent of security. This instance would call for a door with a lock be inside or outside the doorway to meet both infection control and security measures.

12. Will any of this work have to be performed after hours or weekends Yes, some work will be on nights and weekends. It however is not the intention of the facility to demand night work only, as patients will be sleeping below at night, however some shutdowns will need to be coordinated after hours for the benefit of the facility to execute normal patient care.

13. Please provide a contact for who services the current Fire Alarm System Fire Alarm- JCI/ Simplex

14. Please provide a contact for who services the current Nurse Call System Nurse Call- Rauland Responder 5- Southwest communications

15. Please provide the brand (manufacturer) of the existing access control system. The facility standard access controls vendor is TYCO/ Johnson Controls Inc (proprietary).

16. Who will be responsible for programming the access control system? If it is the installing company, will proper credentials be supplied to access all the access control database? Project to be extension of existing access control system. Contractor to provide programming for fully functional access control system. The contractor will not be responsible for uploading personnel information (e.g., ID Cards backgrounds, names, access privileges, access schedules, personnel groupings). Contractor to coordinate with COR and VA Security to gain necessary system access and protocols. See specification 280500.

17. Are there enough available access control licenses on the existing system to cover the doors on this project or do we need to include additional ones? If so, how many licenses are available and how many will be required? Police Service confirmed there are available licenses.

18. Please confirm the room location for the access control panels – possibly Data Room B335.

Panels to be located in Comm B334 as shown on sheet T-TJ-04.

19. Please confirm the acceptable finish hardware manufacturers since section 08 71 00 (Page 20, Section 3.5 Hardware Sets) does not indicate a list of acceptable manufacturers. Please advise if there is a preferred vendor and if so, please advise what hardware manufacturers are existing at the facility. – A preferred vendor is not provided – facility requires Best 7-pin small format compatible and meet specification.

20. The Hardware Set on the plans indicates that Door number B334 (Comm Room B334) is HW- 5 as shown on sheet AE-3.01. That Hardware Set in Specification Section 08-71-00 (Page 25) does not seem to indicate any access control or locking hardware. Should this location follow Hardware Set SH-3D like doors B304,B335, and B336B? Please clarify hardware type. Door B334 shall have set SH-3D as listed in the specs.

21. Who is the manufacturer for the Video Management Software (VMS)? Software House.

22. Who will be responsible for programming the Video Management Software (VMS)? If the installation subcontractor is going to be responsible, will proper credentials be supplied to access all the VMS database? JCI is facility required security contractor and has all required access. Project to be extension of existing access control system. Contractor to provide programming for fully functional video surveillance system. The contractor shall provide recording unit programming per VA guidance and the requirements provided by the Owner.

Contractor to coordinate with COR and VA Security to gain necessary system access and protocols. See specification 280500 and 282300.

23. Are there enough licenses to cover the new cameras or do we need to include additional licenses? If we need to include additional licenses, please advise how many additional ones will be required so that we can include in pricing. Include licenses to cover project.

24. Per Sheet E-EI-01, Note 1 depicts the area(s) for electrical demolition. However, on the right side of the page in Electrical Room- 336 panels 2LC1ZCR and 2N1ZNOR are hashed as if they are to be demolished but do not have the Note 1 next to them. Please clarify if the panels are to be demolished. Please refer to the response to a similar question in item #43 below. The intent is that both of the panels shown in Electrical Room 336 shown on E-EI-01 will be replaced with new panels as shown on sheet E-EI-02.

25. Per Sheet GI 01.10, the General Wall Note #2 states that all wet walls and patient walls are to have 6" studs. Please confirm this requirement should be "Unless Otherwise Noted (UNO), and if so, please make sure the floor plans/wall layouts are coordinated with this note. Provide the walls as shown on the plans.

26. On Sheet GI-01.10, General note #3 (bullet 3) requires impact resistant drywall at all "equipment alcoves, patient rooms, and walls not scheduled to receive wall protection." Will impact drywall be required at these locations if there is wall protection scheduled? - Is impact resistant gypsum required behind Patient Headwalls, and other millwork? Impact resistant drywall is not required behind wall protection.

27. Per Sheet AD-01.10, General Demolition Note #1 under structural states that temporary shoring or support of the existing structure is the responsibility of the contractor. Being that this is not a design build project, and GCs are not qualified in making that determination, as we are not engineers, please advise if this note can be voided. If it cannot be voided, please provide a drawing noting all load bearing walls that are to be demolished. Please also provide existing loads/shears and all related structural calculations to allow for proper engineering to be included in the bid. I am sure this investigation was completed by A/E prior to design in order to verify new structural members and/or requirements for new walls, along verification that load bearing walls weights are transferred elsewhere. If GC uncovers any wall that may be structural in nature that is not listed temporary shoring shall be used.

28. Please confirm all patient beds, FFE, and equipment will be removed by the VA. If not, please provide a drawing and/or index of items and quantities that will be required to be removed. If the items are required to be removed by the GC, please advise on location that all salvaged materials/equipment will be stored. VA will remove all serviceable items and equipment off of the floor.

29. Per Sheet GI-01.10, General Wall Note #9 addresses the potential deflections between structural members and new studs and provides two (2) bullet options for how to address this condition. For this to be considered and included in the bid, existing structural as-builts must be provided for the scoped area in order to determine the quantity and effort needed. Please provide the necessary information or void the note. – There are no structural as-builts.

30. Per Sheet GI-01.10, General Wall Note #9 addresses the potential deflections between structural members and new studs and provides two (2) bullet options for how to address this condition. Please provide detail for each of the bulleted options for how to address this condition so that we can properly provide a bid for this item.- These are to be provided per the manufacturer's instructions.

31. Please advise if existing stairwells (#1 thru #3) can be utilized during construction. Stairwells will be used for emergency. Contractor to provide buck hoist and or scaffolding to gain access to the space for normal operation.

32. Please provide a copy of original hazardous materials report. If not available, please advise how the hazardous material was identified. N/A

33. General hazardous materials note #2 at the end states that all ACM's will need to be visually counted by means or removing ceilings, to be able to count (quantify) the white mastic to be demolished/abated. Since a quantity cannot be provided or assumed per the drawings, should the job be priced as all existing piping and ductwork insulation contains ACM's or should asbestos be excluded and handled as a change order after contract is awarded. If it needs to be handled during the bid process, please provide quantities to ensure equal pricing. If the material cannot be quantified, please provide an allowance to carry since there is potential for each bidder to include different amounts of abatement. Please advise how the VA will evaluate this scope of work portion to ensure fair reviews if the quantity is open for interpretation. ACM’s will not be considered a change order. Contractor is to assume that mastic, insulation, and elbows contain ACMs. The ward was re-floored in the 1990’s and does not appear to have ACM flooring, but contractor can assume flooring also has ACMs as there could be older ACM containing flooring under the new flooring.

34. Per Sheet AE-01.10, please advise if there is any new construction in the attic or if the walls as depicted are existing to remain. There are no new walls on the fourth floor or attic, that is all existing to remain.

35. Please advise if the phase plan applies to the third-floor work only, or if the entire third floor will be available for one mobilization during the construction project.

The entire 3rd floor, or 1B, will be available to the contractor. The phasing limitation of 5 rooms below at one time pertains to vertical construction (such as: sanitary plumbing, HVAC, storm piping for roof drains, etc..). Access below will be limited to 5 patient rooms at a time.

- 36. Per Sheet AE-01.03, General Note #3, please confirm that the fire rated type X glass fiber faced drywall should be used in all mechanical rooms, toilet rooms, janitors’ closets and within 4' of water sources. – Moisture resistant gyp board should be used as noted.

37. In Areas B & C there are floating circular ceilings, noted with a 09.53 hexagon but this hexagon is absent from the keynote schedule. Please clarify – this note if for the Armstrong ceiling cloud C4VES0606CRAL7000 (ACT2).

38. Per detail 3/AE08.06, it shows a cut section through the cloud ceilings. There is no border trim shown. Please advise if axiom border trim is required or confirm exposed edges are the intent. The Armstrong ceiling cloud C4VES0606CRAL7000 (ACT2) has edge trim as part of the system.

39. Per the Door Schedule on Sheet AE-3.01, Door B307 is listed as a "FG" - please confirm it should be "FG1." – This should be FG1 as shown in the elevation.

40. Please confirm that the only windows to receive spandrel glass are types C, D, & F.

Confirmed.

41. Please advise on the deck height of the construction space. – The deck height is approximately 11’-0”.

42. On Sheet M-MH-01, HVAC General Note #2 states that all "DIMENSIONS SHALL BE FIELD-

VERIFIED AND COORDINATED PRIOR TO PROCUREMENT OR FABRICATION. COORDINATE THE

WORK WITH OTHER TRADES INVOLVED. FIELD MODIFICATIONS SUCH AS OFFSETS IN PIPING OR

DUCTWORK (INCLUDING DIVIDED DUCTWORK) NEEDED DUE TO OBSTRUCTIONS OR

INTERFERENCES SHALL BE PROVIDED AT NO ADDITIONAL COST...." Our understanding of this note is that if offsets and/or work arounds of existing conditions are required, then the GC will not get paid for any additional work. Since the ceilings were not entirely open during the site walk and as- builts of the structure and MEP systems were not provided, this note should be voided as there is no way for GCs to include this type of coordination in their pricing without full access to above ceiling spaces and all MEP systems as-builts that are 100% accurate.

Additionally Note #2 states that the drawings may not be inclusive of all services within the space. Please confirm the voiding of Note 32 on Sheet M-MH-01. The intent of the comment is to give rise to the contractor to carry out their due diligence in as reasonable a manner as possible considering the existing conditions to avoid superfluous change orders.

43. Please confirm quantity of existing RETHREM units. There is one retherm unit on this floor.

Originally there were 2 units.

44. Sheets AE12.02 and 12.02B show flip up toilet grab bars and shower grab bars that are to be Contractor provided and Contractor installed (CC) in patient restrooms. The equipment schedule does not reflect these items. Please provide dimensions and specifications for grab bars and reconfirm that these items are Contractor provided, Contractor installed (CC). Provided are cutsheets for toilet grab bars. Shower grab bars will be reviewed and approved through the submittal process. All will be provided and installed by the Contractor.

45. Per Sheets AE12.01A, AE12.01B, and AE12.01C, the grab bars in the staff restrooms do not identify who is responsible for providing and installing these items. Please clarify if the grab bars are Contractor furnished and Contractor installed (CC). If so, please provide dimensions and specifications for these items. The grab bars are noted in spec section 102800 2.7D.

46. Please confirm there is adequate space for material and equipment deliveries to the attic area. If not, please advise if a roof access panel can be cut to allow for deliveries to this space.

There will be adequate space for a laydown yard at the rear of the property for the contractor to place storage containers. There will also be an adequate staging area allowed adjacent to Building 1.

47. The current bid drawings do not show fire/smoke dampers in any walls. They are only indicated between slabs. As this is not a design build project, please identify fire damper locations and/or confirm that there are no fire/smoke dampers on this project. Please note "FD" in the mechanical plans is noted as a fire damper however the floor drains are marked with "FD" in the mechanical plans also.

Existing fire dampers are shown on plans to remain where ducts pass thru main chase walls.

48. Per Sheet M-MH-01, the HVAC Symbol legend shows the same symbol for existing to remain Fire Dampers and new Fire Dampers along with existing Fire/Smoke Dampers and new Fire/Smoke Dampers. Please clarify. Existing to remain will be greyed back on floor plans and any new will be shown darker.

49. On sheet P-PP-02, Plumbing General Note #5 states the drawings are not completely to scale. It appears that the drawing is drawn to scale, please advise on what portion of the drawing is not completely to scale since quantities such as lineal footage need to be accurate for proper estimating and pricing. PIPE ROUTING SHOWN IS SCHEMATIC AND IS NOT INTENDED TO

INDICATE EXACT ROUTING. (REMOVE - PLANS ARE NOT COMPLETELY TO SCALE).

50. Please advise on any phasing requirements for 2nd and 4th Floors plumbing work. Is there a maximum number of rooms or space square footage that can be taken for construction?

PHASING LIMITATION OF 5 ROOMS AT A TIME. What kind of notice will be required to access these rooms; would 72 hours suffice as the drawings call for with shutdowns? MINIMUM 10 DAY

NOTICE.

51. Per Sheet P-PP-03, Plumbing General Note #11 requires electric trap primers for all floor drains but the tramp primers are not shown on the electrical drawings Please clarify circuitry and power availability to feed trap primers. Please refer to the “General Power Plan Notes” on sheets E-EP-01, E-EP-02, and E-EP-03, where the electronic trap primers are addressed.

52. Per Sheet P-PP-05, Note #3 requires plumbers to inspect the existing sanitary and vent piping and replace as needed to assure system is operational. Please confirm that if existing to remain (ETR) piping is found to be unsatisfactory, replacement and/or repairs will be handled on a change order basis. It is not possible to properly quantify the possible existing deficiencies thereby making it impossible to price. Include 500 linear feet of misc. sanitary and vent piping to be removed and/or replaced in your pricing. Also add 500 linear feet of misc. domestic water piping to be removed or replaced, INCLUDE PRICING TO REMOVE EXISTING 500 LINEAR FEET OF PIPE INSULATION. This will include fittings and accessories. Change order basis occurs only if more than 500 linear are required TO BE REMOVED OR REPLACED.

53. Please provide location and circuitry for med gas alarm panel(s). Alarm panel locations are shown on sheets P-PG-01 and P-PG-03. One 20A/1P circuit in existing Life Safety Branch panel “2L1GM” will serve the new med gas alarm panel(s).

54. Per Sheet F-FI-01, General Note #25 requires a fire watch while the fire protection system is down. Please confirm this is only a requirement in active or occupied (by VA or civilians) areas, as the Fire Protection system in the construction zone will be down for an extended period of time. PROVIDE TEMPORARY HEAT DETECTORS, CONNECTED TO THE EXISTING FIRE ALARM

SYSTEM TO NOTIFY THE SYSTEM IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE IN SPACES UNDER CONSTRUCTION.

HEAT DETECTORS SHALL PROVIDE COMPLETE COVERAGE OF THE AREA UNDER CONSTRUCTION.

QUANTITIES AND SPACING SHALL NOT EXCEED MANUFACTURER’S RECOMMENDATIONS FOR

THE DETECTORS USED. PROVIDE A MINIMUM OF ONE (1) HEAT DETECTOR IN EVERY SPACE IN

THE AREA OF CONSTRUCTION FOR EVERY 900 SQUARE FEET (MAXIMUM). HEAT DETECTORS

SHALL REMAIN ACTIVE AND IN PLACE UNTIL REPLACEMENT THE FIRE ALARM SYSTEM IS FULLY

FUNCTIONAL AND COVERAGE IS PROVIDED.

55. Per Sheet F-FD-01, Fire Sprinkler Considerations #1 states that the existing fire protection system cannot be demolished until the new system is connected to the water supply. While note #2 provides an avenue for temporary fire protection, and the drawings show the new system connecting to the existing zone valve. If the existing system cannot be demolished until the new system is active, then there will be no need for temporary measures. Given the congestion and space constraints in the above ceiling, the single connection point downstream of the zone valve called to remain, and the given option for temporary fire protection which complies with NFPA as a temporary means of protection during construction, can the first section requiring construction of the new fire protection system prior to the demolition of the existing system be omitted from the requirements? YES, PROVIDE TEMPORARY HEAT DETECTORS, CONNECTED TO THE EXISTING FIRE ALARM SYSTEM TO NOTIFY THE SYSTEM IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE IN SPACES UNDER CONSTRUCTION. See item 40 response. If not, please confirm that a secondary/new zone valve should be included and tapped into the existing riser to service the new side, and the old zone valve should be demolished. Please advise if new flow switches, or any related work would also be required and provide an updated drawing. REMOVE

OLD ZONE VALVE AND ACCESSORIES. PROVIDE NEW ZONE VALVE AND ACCESSORIES FOR AREA

OF WORK.

56. Please confirm that the only new feeders on this project are numbered per the feeder size schedule since all lines shown are the same weight indicated in the “Phase Legend” so it cannot be determined what is new vs existing. Confirmed.

57. Per Sheet E-EI-01, the One-line demolition plan in Electrical room 336 (right side) panel "2LC1ZCR" outline is dashed noting it is to be demolished. However, on E-EI-02 one line shows this panel as existing. Please clarify. The panel called “2LC1Z” and shown in Electrical Room 336 on sheet E-EI-01 is actually panel “2C1Z”. It is to be removed, but the feeder to it is to be retained. Additionally, the existing panel “2C1Z” is to be replaced with a new 84 pole panel.

58. Per Sheet E-EI-02, please identify which electrical panels, disconnects, feeders, transformers and other equipment are new and to be provided in this project since all line weights/thicknesses are the same. The contractor will need to compare the Riser Diagrams (Demo & New) with respect to field conditions. However, the designer’s intent is that all panels and transformers are existing to remain, EXCEPT for the following panels: 2C1Z, 2C1W, 2N13, 2N1X, 2C1X, 2N1W, 2N1Z. Feeder requirements are clearly shown on the Riser Diagrams (Demo & New).

59. Per Sheet E-ED-01, General Electrical Demolition Note #7 states that temporary SMOKE heads should be provided within the construction space during non-occupied periods.

Additionally, please advise if this is a requirement in addition to the heat detectors mentioned in the Fire Protection drawings during non-occupied times in the construction zone, or if it is an alternate option. Please also advise if the smoke head is a requirement if the existing sprinkler systems cannot be demolished until the new system is up and running per our previous RFI submitted. The requirement for temporary smoke detection in the area stands.

60. Please provide location of head ends for “reese monitoring system", nurse call, and Leaf patient monitoring system. Please advise if these systems should be integrated with the hospital or if it should service just this wing only. This will be extension of existing systems connected via network access. VAMC will provide contractor the locations for the head ends for the Reese Monitoring System and the Leaf Patient Monitoring System for reference. The location of the nurse call cabinet is shown in the Enlarged Comm B1-314 plan on sheet E-EP-01.

61. Please advise what manufacturer’s provides access controls, nurse call, and fire alarm for the building.

o Access Control: TYCO/ Johnson Controls Inc o Nurse Call: Rauland o Fire Alarm: JCI/Simplex

62. Per Sheet F-FI-01, General Note #13 states to provide name tag on FP riser stating the required design criteria, however we are not touching the riser, additionally under "fire protection design criteria, it’s called to be existing. Please clarify note. MOUNT INFORMATION

PLATES ON NEW SPRINKLER SYSTEMS PER VA FIRE PROTECTION GUIDELINES.

63. Please provide circuitry for hydraulic remote fire protection systems/areas. Please clarify what this is referring to, response pending clarification.

64. Per Sheet AE-02.02, Key Note 10.20 states it is for item A5180 - Cubicle Curtain. However on the enlarged typical room detail, the note identifies two similar items with one stating Note

12.15 which is a garment hook. Please clarify if the symbol denotes the garment hook or the cubicle curtain. This note if for the cubicle curtain.

65. Per Sheet AE-01.14, General Dimension Note #1 states "do not scale the drawings." Please advise if this note applies to this sheet only or other additional sheets. If other sheets are impacted, please confirm the sheets in question. Many of the sheets appear to be drawn to scale so in turn the scaled drawings should be able to be used for bidding purposes and take-offs. Please advise. Drawings are to be used as shown.

66. Does notice # 36C24923R0114 require there be union labor or just prevailing wages? In accordance with FAR 52.222-6, Construction Wage Rate Requirements; FAR 52.222-13, Compliance with Construction Wage Rate Requirements and Related Regulations; and 52.222- 55, Minimum Wages for Contractor Workers Under Executive Order 14026 are applicable to this construction contract. The applicable wage rates are contained in General Decision Number TN20230187 06-30-2023 Rutherford County TN (attached to this solicitation amendment).

67. The Performance Relevancy Survey form requests major subcontractors complete a Subcontractor Information and Consent Form. In Reviewing the attachments, I did not see and wonder if this is a specific form or if we are to submit our own version of this agreement. If this can be clarified, it would be greatly appreciated. The Subcontractor Information and Consent Form is attached to this solicitation amendment.

General Requirements:

1. Please clarify if a superintendent can be a dual hat to cover the requirements of SSHO? Yes, if he/ she meets qualifications for both positions.

2. If no to the question above, will the SSHO need to be full-time for this project? N/A

3. Please clarify if a superintendent can be a dual hat to cover the requirements of QA/QC? Yes, if he/ she meets qualifications for both positions.

4. If no to the question above, will the QA/QC need to be full time for this project? N/A

5. Can a superintendent be a triple hat to cover the requirements of SSHO and QA/QC? Yes if all qualifications for each position are possessed by the superintendent.

Plans:

6. Please confirm the issued drawing set is the latest and complete set. The most recent set is dated 06-13-2023.

7. Many sheets of the plans appear to have a photo of the architect’s signature/ seal inserted.

instead of being digitally or wet signed (Example is seen on sheet GI 00.01). Are the plans dated 4/14/23 the final approved version? There are a set of plans that were dated 6/13/2023 that have a digital seal as the final approved set.

8. Please confirm the current design documents meet current VA TIL guidelines. Confirmed.

PPQ’s/ Davis Bacon Wages

9. Past Performance: If we have a PPQ that is less than 12 months old, can we use it within our proposal? Or will a new PPQ need to be requested? Past Performance Questionnaires are not being requested in the solicitation but may be provided. Performance Relevancy Survey form is attached to the solicitation for offerors to provide contract(s), offeror’s wants to have considered for evaluation. As indicated in the solicitation the Government may use other sources to evaluate past performance.

10. Please provide the latest wage determination for this project’s county. The latest General Decision Number TN20230187 06-30-2023 for Rutherford County TN, USA has been uploaded to this solicitation amendment.

Buck hoist/ Ingress/ Egress

11. Will the VA please provide a dimensioned building elevation or full building section showing the elevation of each floor? The contractor must verify heights and dimensions.

12. What will be the ingress/egress for this project if not using a buckhoist? The emergency stairwell will be for emergencies only. None.

13. Can two points of ingress/egress be used by the GC? Depending on where the contractor would like to set up two scaffolds / buck hoists. The VA may only have enough power available for 1 buck hoist.

Demo/ Abatement

14. Will the VA please provide an asbestos abatement report for this project? Not available.

15. Sheet AD 01.01 General note 8 states, “Coordinate with VAMC for the best times of day and best days of the week to conduct demolition activity”. Will demolition be allowed during normal business hours? Demolition will be allowed during daytime hours; however, the contractor will perform demolition around the facility needs (clinics). The best timeframe will include lunchtime, between after clinical hours but before patient sleep hours and weekends, to conduct heavy demolition.

16. Is there ACM above ceiling on the second floor? It is not anticipated, as 2nd floor is new construction.

17. If there is ACM above ceiling on the second floor, will a hazardous materials report be provided?

No.

18. Sheet GI 03.01 indicates air quality testing shall be completed during the construction process.

Please indicate the frequency of testing required? Air quality testing will be required during any abatement of hazardous materials. The initial test is to create a benchmark. This assumes that the current air quality has not created any health issues with the patients ,the periodical testing to make sure air quality is staying with in the quality guidelines lines for safety and the final is to make sure the air quality is per the design/ guidelines for intended use.

Concrete Patching

19. Sheet AD 01.01 General note 9 states, "Grinding and floor leveling is required before any new work begins." Please clarify the approximate square footage of floor leveling that will be required. The intent of the VA and this project is to have the entire floor leveled before framing begins. It is up to the contractor, means and methods, to determine how large of a section to level at a time.

Building Certifications

20. Is the medgas system for the building up to date on its certifications? To my knowledge, yes.

Chris Rife is the Facility’s 3rd party certifying official.

21. Are all existing building systems that will be encountered during this project up to date on their certifications? (example but not limited to: Fire alarm, lightning protection, plumbing, electrical, mechanical) No.

22. Other than the medgas system, are there any other building systems that will need to be recertified as part of this project? Each system will require commissioning.

Second Floor Ceiling

23. Sheet GI 03.01, note 1, states “GC to install new acoustical ceiling tiles that match original ceiling tile.”. Please clarify if this note pertains only to ceiling tiles damaged during removal? Yes, this pertains to damaged tiles and grid.

24. Is the contractor expected to replace all ceiling tiles on the second floor? If damaged, yes.

25. Sheet GI 03.01, note 1, states, "After replacement of all damaged ceiling, grid, and all other existing items installed in existing ceiling such as light fixtures, I.T. devices, fire alarm devices, sprinkler heads, etc." Is the contractor to assume that all items encountered in the second floor ceiling tiles, such as light fixtures, IT devices, fire alarm devices, and sprinkler heads installed in the ceiling tiles are intended to be replaced? No. The contractor is to replace damaged tiles & grid/ appurtenances and reinstall any devices that were removed to access the space above.

26. Will the contractor have access to the entire third floor at once? Yes, that is the intention.

Plan Note Clarification:

27. Sheet AE 01.03 shows the elevators as “Area not in scope”. Please clarify if any work relating to the elevator doors, door jambs, head soffits, or threshold plates will be required as part of this project? There will be no work on the elevators as part of this project including doors and jambs that are part of the 3rd floor.

28. Sheet AE 01.12, the interior wall type legend has two wall types specified using callout “N”. Will the VA please provide an updated interior wall type legend? Type N – 1 ½” Metal studs w/ gypsum board on (1) side shall be Type O and is listed on the plan, an updated wall legend is attached.

29. Sheet AE 01.12, room B353, shows wall type “4B” called out (The wall adjacent to stairwell B345), however 4B is not shown on the interior wall type legend. Will the VA please provide an updated interior wall type legend? This wall shall be noted as type G.

30. Sheet AE 01.11, room B334, shows wall type “O” called out, however “O” is not shown on the interior wall type legend. Will the VA please provide an updated interior wall type legend? See response to question 28 .

31. Sheet AE 01.13, room B317 has wall type “C1” called out, however C1 is not shown on the interior wall type legend. Will the VA please provide an updated interior wall type legend? This wall will be a 6” metal stud with 5/8” gyp bd. On both sides. This has been updated on the wall legend.

Finishes

32. Is the existing 1” topping slab assumed to be properly adhered to the existing slab and free of voids, spalling, and defects? The topping slab was constructed as part of the original facility in 1938. Due to the age of the building and slab it should be assumed that there will be defect within the existing topping slab.

33. Is there a basis of design for wood doors? If so, which manufacturer? Meet specification.

34. What type and color of finish goes on the wood doors? White Birch “A” Grade.

35. What brand is the basis of design for headwalls? Basis of design was Hill-Rom Basis headwall system.

36. Will the VA be providing the switches and UPS’s for the IT racks? Yes

37. Regarding patient lifts, the plans state “…VA Purchased, coordinate with GC”. Is the GC responsible for installing the patient lifts? No

38. Sheet AE 08.06. The patient lift track is recessed into the ACT grid. Who provides the track for the patient lifts? The VA’s Lift contractor.

39. Who is responsible for installing the above ceiling support for the patient lifts? The VA’s Lift contractor.