Solicitation Questions and Answers_Final.pdf

Questions & Answers Solicitation # 36C24924R0004 TVHS Construction MATOC

Seed Project 626A4-24-501 - Renovate Bld-8 Laundry/Shower for Compliance

Question 1 There does not appear to be a scale on any of the drawings. Could the VA please provide a scale for all drawings to ensure an accurate takeoff?

Answer: Drawings are not drawn perfectly to scale. Room dimensions were added to drawing on page 7 to assist with takeoffs.

Question 2 It is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain Past Performance Questionnaires from Federal Contracting Officers on a project-by-project basis when they have already completed a CPARS evaluation for us. Considering this, will Government consider allowing us to submit completed CPARS evaluation forms with our proposals in lieu of having our references send the provided PPQ? Several Contracting Officers declining to fill these out have sited From FAR 42.1501 General: (b) Agencies shall monitor their compliance with the past performance evaluation requirements (see 42.1502) and use the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) metric tools to measure the quality and timely reporting of past performance information. CPARS is the official source for past performance information on federal projects.

Answer: Completed CPARS evaluations can be submitted in lieu of Past Performance Questionnaires if they cannot be obtained.

Question 3 Subfactor 1 – Experience. Does the VA require 3 total jobs made up of a mixture of “General” and “Medical” or 3 jobs that are “General” and 3 jobs that are “Medical” for a total of 6 jobs?

Answer: Offeror to identify three (3) projects total or general and medical health care facility construction projects. Which projects are chosen is up to the offeror.

Question 4 Can the offeror submit more than 3 past performance projects without being disqualified?

Answer: As stated in the solicitation “Each offeror shall provide a maximum of no more than three contract references from previous contract customers.”

Question 5 Do the past performance projects need to be 100% complete or can they be still ongoing if over 50% complete?

Answer: Submitted projects don’t have to be complete, they may be on-going.

Question 6 On page 12 of the solicitation, section General Instructions paragraph 1.5 states that the contractor must identify the proposed office(s) location. Exactly what information about the office location is required? And where does this information need to be at in the proposal?

Answer: General location information to be provided in Volume I Technical Proposal such as Tab A.

Question 7 On Page 21 of the Solicitation, Technical Approach Factor 2 – Subfactor 3 Scheduling Methodology, it states for the contractor to provide a schedule for the Seed Project. Can the Government please provide us with a hypothetical Notice to Proceed date in which to begin our schedule from? Or a Project Completion date to which the project must be completed by?

Answer: It is anticipated that NTP will be issued within 30 days of award. The Period of Performance has been changed to 180 calendar days.

Question 8 With the growing climate crisis, will the Government back up it’s words with action and change this submission to E-mail only? A hand delivery submission is going to cause lots of extra emissions from travel; in fact many contractors will have to fly to Kentucky or drive extreme distances to hand deliver this submission.

Answer: Submission requirements will remain as stated in the solicitation. The solicitation has been extended to give adequate time for hard copy proposals to be submitted to the appropriate address.

Question 9 If the government refuses to change this submission to E-mail only, will the government at least change the electronic portion from CD-ROM to a USB Flash Drive? Most computers today no longer have CD-ROM ports to burn CDs anymore. Furthermore, if the contractor is having to get their final proposal printed in Kentucky at a Fed-ex or Kinkos like store, it is unlikely that they still burn CDs anymore as well.

Answer: Submission requirements will remain as stated in the solicitation. Though flash drives would be nice, they are locked out on most government computers so a CD-ROM is the only option.

Question 10 Is there a page limit for the Factor 3 Price?

Answer: All required page limits are already stated within the solicitation. Follow as stated.

Question 11 Volume II Factor 3 Tab A number (2) states a Pricing schedule excel spreadsheet, can the contractor use the price breakdown reports from their estimating software in lieu of an actual Excel spreadsheet?

Answer: Offerors are to submit pricing using the Pricing Schedule ATTACHMENT that is attached in solicitation amendment 0004. Offerors can submit in additional format as long as the Pricing Schedule is submitted as well along with being within the page limitations.

Question 12 Please clarify that Attachment A Past performance relevancy surveys, Attachment B PPQs, and Attachment C Subcontractor Consent will not count towards the 6 page limit for Past Performance?

Answer: All required page limits are already stated within the solicitation. Follow as stated.

Question 13 Can the Superintendent also be the Prime Contractor’s Commissioning Manager during commissioning?

Answer: Yes.

Question 14 Can the Superintendent also be the site quality control manager?

Question 15 Can the Superintendent also be the site safety supervisor?

Question 16 Will any of this work have to be performed after hours or weekends?

Answer: The plumbing work for 8A that will be performed above ceiling on 8G will have to be performed on weekends during normal hours (7:00am to 4:30pm). All other work will be on the weekdays during normal hours.

Question 17 Please provide a contact for who services the current Nurse Call System

Answer: SWC: Joe Smith (615.330.0283)

Question 18 Please provide a contact for who services the current Fire Alarm System

Answer: Johnson Controls: Darron Ewing (615.372.4453 Hugh.ewing@jci.com)

Question 19 Note 7 on drawing page 6 says to remove floor drains back to tie in. are the floor drains in a concrete slab or are they accessible through the ceiling on the floor below?

Answer: Accessible through ceiling on floor below.

Question 20 If they are in a concrete slab, can you provide a detail of how we need to patch the plumbing trenches with concrete?

Answer: Not applicable

Question 21 Note 9 on drawing page 6 says to cut a hole in the wall for a new door. Please provide details as to what type of wall this is, the thickness of this wall, and is this wall fire rated?

Answer: Drywall with 3-5/8” studs. The wall is not rated.

Question 22 Note 3 on drawing page 7 says to construct a wall using 2x4 metal studs, does this mean a 3-5/8” metal stud since 4” metals studs is not a stock item?

Answer: Correct.

Question 23 On drawing page 9 the Finish notes on the right side of the page do not match the arrows and note numbers on the actual sketch. I believe note 5 is supposed to be note 6 and note 4 is supposed to be note 5. Can you please confirm?

Answer: Correct. Arrow 4 is referring to note 5. Arrow 5 is referring to note 6. Drawings edited to reflect.

Question 24 Will there be any kind of shower curb? Please provide a detail of how the Epoxy floor is to transition from the bathroom floor to the shower/shower curb

Answer: No shower curb. Floor to have a seamless transition into shower with slopes to floor drains accordingly.

Question 25 Can the VA provide some dimensions on the drawings since there is no scale?

Answer: Drawings are not drawn perfectly to scale. Room dimensions were added to drawing on page 7 to assist with takeoffs.

Question 26 Will the VA have all the existing furniture out of the space

Question 27 On Drawing page 7, note 7, states to provide a passive exhaust vent into the ceiling. Can you please provide some kind of detail or basis of design? There are lots of “passive vent” designs on the market.

Answer: Disregard vent note. See updated drawings.

Question 28 Passively venting hot humid air into the ceiling seems like a mistake that could cause moisture and eventual mold growth above the ceiling. Please provide a detail of how this will be installed and where it will vent?

Answer: Disregard vent note. See updated drawings.

Question 29 What is the deck height in each room? What is the new ceiling height in each room?

Answer: The deck heights are in the range of 12’-14’. The new ceiling is to be 8’ high.

Question 30 In the instructions to offersors it says "Offeror shall submit a completed preconstruction risk assessment located in General Requirements Section 01 00 00 of the Seed Project specifications." However, there is no reference to this in the Specs. Is this preconstruction risk assessment required?

Answer: The PCRA will be completed by the VA. However, there will be a preconstruction conference to discuss these issues.

Question 31 Will the owner accept the use of Procore Project Management software as the primary submittal and data tracking tool for this project?

Answer: Yes

Question 32 Is this project tax exempt, and will the CO/COR provide the necessary tax exempt certificates?

Answer: N/A

Question 33 As a result of the effect of COVID-19 throughout the U.S., and the resulting Federal, State and local governments’ responses / requirements are there any new work requirements or mandates that will be required by VA on this project?

Answer: Any requirements are in the specs. Contractors will be required to wear masks in the corridors of the ward.

Question 34 What is the approximate duration between issuing the award and issuing the NTP?

Answer: Anticipate issuing NTP within 30 days of Task Order award.

Question 35 For planning the preliminary project schedule, can you please provide an anticipated award date?

Answer: On of before 9/30/2024.

Question 36 How many calendar days should be included in the critical-path method schedule for owner and A/E review and respond to RFIs?

Answer: See spec 01 33 23 – 1.10

Question 37 How many calendar days should be included in the critical-path method schedule for owner and A/E submittal review?

Answer: See spec 01 33 23 – 1.10

Question 38 Will the Government provide the 3-D REVIT Design model in native file format, for the creation of coordination drawings, and use by contractor?

Answer: No.

Question 39 01 35 26 1.7 indicates superintendent or CQC manager can dual role as SSHO. 01 45 00 3.4B indicates the CQC manager can have the duties of superintendent and CQC. Will this project be required to have two persons on the project at all times, such as a Superintendent and a CQC Manager with either person performing the role of SSHO? Are these staff members dedicated to this project while not sharing duties of other prime contracts on the campus?

Answer: Dual hatting is acceptable. Superintendent must be dedicated to this project.

Question 40 Will the owner accept the software “Out-Build Scheduling Software” for schedule submission and monthly updates?

Question 41 Are there any as-built drawings for this building to use for pricing and understanding of existing conditions? We understand there is a good amount of old plaster walls behind existing regular drywall or other materials.

Answer: There are no as built drawings. It is not expected that there are any plaster walls.

Question 42 Since this campus is limited in space, where will the designated laydown area be for storage and staging?

Answer: A small laydown area near the building will be coordinated at the time of construction. Any large storage or conex boxes will be stored in a designated area in a back lot away from the main buildings.

Question 43 Since this campus has limited space and parking, where will the contractor and contractor employees park? Can space be provided on site or in the parking garages for contractor employees?

Answer: A large parking lot with open parking is near the building.

Question 44 Can the VA/Owner provide a designated parking spot for the contractor project superintendent?

Knowing that the campus is limited on space and parking, It is critical that the contactor project superintendent have freedom of access and close proximity to the work.

Answer: A large parking lot with open parking is near the building. A designated spot will not be provided.

Question 45 Will the contractor be authorized to build a temporary office inside the space in lieu of renting an office trailer for the duration of the project?

Answer: Yes, as long as it is within the limits of construction and does not impede the functions of the hospital.

Question 46 Please confirm that the project is to be completed during normal working hours, not nights and weekends.

Question 47 How many site visits do owner consultants have for MEP and systems coordination with GC?

The scope is widespread across the building and performed in and around numerous existing building systems that will need coordination. Will the VA have a designate MEP representative available on site?

Answer: Project was designed in-house. Coordination will be assisted by VA staff.

Question 48 Will the owner provide the fire watch during the period that the fire suppression and/or fire alarm system is not in service?

Answer: The contractor shall provide staff for fire watch.

Question 49 Can you confirm that the owner will be contracting directly with a third-party commissioning agent for commissioning the project and that the Contractor is only to include participation/coordination with the Commissioning Agent?

Answer: There is no third-party commissioning.

Question 50 Many VA campuses are beginning to address tuberculosis protocols on VA campus projects.

Will this project be required to follow 01 35 26 1.13 for TB required protocols? Will this be a requirement to follow the 90-day screening prior to and before work on the project? That will limit the amount of personnel who can immediately perform work right after the award.

Answer: This is not required.

Question 51 Volume I – Factor 1-Past Performance:

RFP instructions state: “The VA Performance Relevancy Survey (Attachment A) will be used for evaluation purposes. Recency shall be defined as successful performance under contracts similar in scope to the subject requirement completed within the last five (5) years through proposal due date.”

Attachment A instructions state: “Projects may be on-going and cannot have been completed any later than 5 years prior to the proposal due date.”

Please clarify whether submitted projects must be completed or may be ongoing

Answer: Submitted projects don’t have to be complete, they may be on-going.

Question 52 Volume I – Factor 1-Past Performance:

RFP instructions state: “The VA Past Performance Questionnaire (Attachment B) will be used for evaluation purposes.”

May we submit completed PPQ-0 forms or CPARS in lieu of requesting clients to complete and submit Attachment B forms?

Question 53 Volume I – Factor 2, Subfactor 1-Experience:

RFP instructions state: “Offerors shall identify three (3) total general and medical health care facility construction projects completed within the past five (5) years through the proposal due date.” Is this referring to the same three projects as in Factor 1-Past Performance or are we to provide three different projects for this subfactor?

Answer: These can be the same projects or can be different, it’s up to the offeror.

Question 54 Volume I – Factor Subfactor 2-Organization and Key Personnel The RFP instructions only mention the “… on-site Contractor Representative(s) responsible for management of the contract,” but the SOW lists key Personnel as Project Manager, Project Superintendent, Contract Manager. It also states, “Please clarify the specific roles that are required.

Answer: The evaluation factors specify what is required in the proposal submission. The SOW is specific to the seed project. Follow the directions and details in the solicitation.

Question 55 Volume II – Factor 3-Cost/Price RFP instructions refer to a “Seed Project Task Order Price (Itemized Pricing Schedule Excel Spreadsheet).” This file was not included with the files issued on SAM.gov.

Answer: See attached file named “Pricing Schedule” that is attached to solicitation amendment 0004.

Question 56 Volume II – Factor 3-Cost/Price RFP instructions list “(4) Solicitation” as one of the items in this section. What does this refer to?

Answer: The base solicitation and all amendments must be acknowledged in the proposal submission.

Question 57 In accordance with 13 CFR 125.8(e), please confirm that if the JV is an SBA Approved Mentor Protégé, the past performance of the mentor firm will demonstrate past performance of the Offeror.

Answer: All laws and regulations in relation to SBA programs will be followed.

Question 58 Volume II Price Proposal Required Submittals #4 says we are to include the solicitation. Are we to include the entire solicitation in this part of the RFP?

Answer: No, just acknowldgement of the solicitation.

Question 59 Volume I- Factor 1- Past Performance: Included for this was attachment A Perfomance Relevency Survey. May we provide this information on our own project sheet?

Answer: Use the survey attached in the solicitation.

Question 60 Can we submit our proposals via electronic submission?

Answer: Submission requirements will remain as stated in the solicitation.

Question 61 For the Seed project. Is the current fire safety contractor covering fire-safety portion of the seed project since it is all integrated. For ex nurse call and Fire alarm (fire alarm contractor)?

Also it shows on the prints in the shower note (1) to have a GFCI outlet with the nurse call, is this correct?

Answer: Nurse call and fire alarm service contractors provided in previous question. The nurse call is in the shower and the GFCI is next to the sink.

Question 62 The seed project eng estimate is between 500k and 1,000,000 . Do the quotes usually come in between the engineers estimates range?

Answer: Not always (would be nice) BUT per the VA’s estimate of the project, that’s the anticipate cost. The specific ranges are established by the VAAR.

Question 63 Volume II – Factor 3 – Tab A - #4 States to include the Solicitation; does this mean that we are to include all 133 pages of the solicitation in our Volume II, Factor 3?

Question 64 Volume II – Factor 3 – Tab B – States to include an original Bid Bond with wet signatures, will the Original proposal and all 3 Copies require an original Bid Bond with wet signatures in each one?

Answer: Only one (1) original is required. The rest can be copies.

Question 65 Volume II – Factor 3 – Tab B – VetCert confirmation, our latest certification letter is from 2021 but it is accompanied by the statement on SAM.gov from the SBA that states Firms previously verified by the VA Center for Verification and Evaluation (CVE) as of January 1, 2023, were automatically granted certification by SBA for the remainder of the firm’s eligibility period, along with a one-time, one-year extension. And New applicants certified by SBA after January 1, 2023, will receive the standard three-year certification period. Because of this the SBA will not issue us a new letter until our 1-year extension is coming to an end. Will this be acceptable?

Answer: If a company is not shown in VetCert, the VA would the mentioned letters to SBA seek advice directly from SBA .

Question 66 Volume II – Factor 3 – Tab B – Bonding Capacity Surety Form, The form is laid out and written as if the Surety company is supposed to send that form directly to the Contracting Office. Is this form supposed to be mailed by the surety company to the contracting office or is this form supposed to be part of our Volume II proposal?

Answer: To be completed by the Surety and submitted to the Contracting Office.

Question 67 Proposal RFI #5 – Volume II – Factor 3 – Tab A - #5 States to include Amendments; does this mean that we are to include all pages of all Amendments or just acknowledge the amendments in block #19 on the 1442 form and only include that one page form for #5 in our proposal?

Answer: Just the acknowledgement of amendments.

Question 68 For all work in the ceilings in the floor below the work areas, what is running in those ceilings spaces now?

Answer: Plumbing and conduit.

Question 69 For the work in the ceilings in the floor below the work areas, what is those room spaces now?

Will we have easy access to do our work?

Answer: The bathroom in 8A is directly beneath the bathroom of 8B. There is office space directly beneath 8A on 8G. Work on 8G will have to be on weekends.

Question 70 Will test and balance be required?

Question 71 Will commissioning be required?

Question 72 Where do we vent air to the outside of the building for ICRA?

Answer: Through the window.

Question 73 Are we to remove a window in each room or is there another means of venting the air from the space to the exterior for ICRA?

Answer: The windows will need to be removed to vent the space. Those windows will need to be stored and reinstalled at the end of the project.

Question 74 Will the contractor be required to turn the existing sprinkler heads up during construction once the ceiling is removed?

Answer: Yes. Temporary heat detectors are also acceptable.

Question 75 Hours of operation? Will this work be performed during normal hours of operation or will this be night work?

Answer: See previous question.

Question 76 What are the requirements for our workers: OSHA, Background checks, Drug testing, ETC.? Are all workers required to have the above, or just the foreman?

Answer: See spec 01 35 26 – 1.8 for information about OSHA and other training. All employees must be badged which will include providing personal information and a background check run by the VA.

Question 77 Means of egress for materials for the project?

Answer: Contractor may use elevators and stairs for egress for materials. All materials must be covered to prevent dust outside of the limits of construction.

Question 78 Will dumpster be supplied and provided by Povolny Group?

Answer: Interesting question but too early to tell.

Question 79 Will the use of moisture resistant board be necessary, or will typical one-hour fire resistant board suffice?

Answer: Moisture resistant board will be necessary on the walls of the shower and any external walls.

Question 80 4” track is called out for the bump-out behind the toilet. 4” track is not typical, therefore in this case we would use 3-5/8” track. Is this acceptable?

Question 81 For fire caulking, is the use of Safety Seal permissible?

Answer: See spec 07 84 00.

Question 82 Please confirm that proposals (original + 3 copies + CD Rom) may be mailed to Matthew R.

Whisman, Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office 9, 2250 Leestown Rd, Lexington, KY 40511, to be received by August 5, 2024, 2 p.m. CST.

Answer: Proposals can be mailed to the address shown in the solicitation prior to the closing date and time.

Question 83 Are there any special instructions for mailing proposal packages?

Answer: No special instructions. Follow details stated within the solicitation.

Question 84 Is this a tax-exempt project?

Question 85 If tax-exempt, will the government provide the prime contractor with a tax-exempt certificate for use by subcontractors and vendors?

Answer: N/A

Question 86 Can the Superintendent be shared across multiple projects, or should they only be dedicated full-time to this project?

Answer: Superintendent should be dedicated to this project.

Question 87 Can the Superintendent fulfill the Quality Control Manager (QCM) role?

Question 88 If the Super cannot fulfill this role, the average ADDITIONAL cost for a dedicated QCM is approximately $26,500 per month (salary, labor burden, per diem, housing, company vehicle, monthly return trips home, company phone, etc). We expect this project to be 4 months long, and the bid is expected to increase by $106,000.00 for a separate QCM.

Please confirm a dedicated QCM separate from the Superintendent is still required.

Answer: Dual hatting is acceptable.

Question 89 Is the QCM required to be onsite full-time, or can they make site visits as required for inspections?

Answer: They can come as necessary.

Question 90 If the QCM is required to be onsite, should they be assigned to this project only, or can they be assigned to another project as well?

Answer: QCM can be shared with other projects.

Question 91 Can a subcontractor (e.g., Terracon or a similar testing firm) fulfill the QCM role?

Question 92 Can the Superintendent fulfill the Site Safety & Health (SSHO) role?

If the Super cannot fulfill this role, the average ADDITIONAL cost for a dedicated SSHO is approximately $26,500 per month (salary, labor burden, per diem, housing, company vehicle, monthly return trips home, company phone, etc). We expect this project to be 4 months long, and the bid is expected to increase by $106,000.00 for a separate SSHO.

Please confirm a dedicated SSHO separate from the Superintendent is still required.

Answer: Dual hatting is acceptable.

Question 93 Is the SSHO required to be on-site full-time, or can they be a home office employee (e.g., Safety Director) on the prime contractor's staff?

Answer: Can come as necessary but needs to maintain a regular presence on site.

Question 94 If the SSHO is required to be onsite, should they be assigned to this project only, or can they be assigned to another project as well?

Answer: SSHO can be shared with other projects.

Question 95 Can a subcontractor fulfill the SSHO role with periodic visits?

Question 96 Does the VA require any scope of work in this project to be performed outside of regular work hours?

Question 97 What trades or scopes will be required to perform off-hours work for work scopes that must be performed?

Question 98 What will the work hours and days be for scopes that require off-hours work?

Question 99 Please provide a copy of the Site Visit Attendance Sheet.

Answer: This was published in solicitation amendment 0002.

Question 100 In the event of contract modifications, should contractors apply bond premiums to the individual modification or wait until the end of the job where the VA issues a final modification to reimburse contractors for bond overruns for all mods.

Answer: It is the responsibility of the GC to include all appropriate costs to individual mods.

Question 101 Where is the designated contractors' and subcontractors' parking area?

Question 102 Will the VA allow 2-3 spaces for the prime contractor and each subcontractor?

Question 103 Where shall these people park if the VA cannot make 2-3 spaces available for the prime contractor and each of the subs?

Question 104 How many hours should the prime contractor and subcontractors budget for on-site badging, safety training, orientation, etc.?

Answer: There will be an hour-long preconstruction meeting with the prime. All employees must be badged which will take about 30 minutes.

Question 105 Is TB Testing required before contractors can commence work onsite?

Question 106 The period of performance (POP) on this project is given to be 120 days. However, we estimate the project will take 120 days to construct. Contractors never know when the government will issue an NTP; sometimes, it's immediately after the award; sometimes, we receive an admin NTP to begin submittals, etc. We estimate the time to construct this job is 120 days, excluding preconstruction activities. We request that the POP be extended by 120 days, assuming NTP is issued before preconstruction activities, which we estimate will take 120 days for this project.

Answer: POP will be increased to 180 days.

Question 107 Will the government provide call-in details and instructions for the bid opening to ensure transparency for all bidders?

Answer: No, this is not an IFB procurement so there will be no call. All offerors will be notified of awards by official letter.

Question 108 Will the VA allow a Temp Wall System (i.e., Starc Wall, Edge Guard, etc) instead of a rigid wall IRCA system? This usually provides substantial cost savings to the VA.

Answer: Yes, as long as wall is fully sealed.

Question 109 Are fire-rated temporary walls required for ICRA Level IV Barriers?

Question 110 If fire-rated walls are required, can we use one-hour-rated temp walls, which are ASTMcertified?

Answer: Not applicable.

Question 111 Will the VA provide the point of contact information for the Nurse Call System contractor?

Answer: See previous answer to same question.

Question 112 Will the VA provide the point of contact information for the BMS integration contractor?

Answer: Thermatec: Brad Laster (brad.lasater@hbtech.com) Siemens: Wiley Vaughan (Wiley.vaughan@siemens.com)

Question 113 Will the VA provide the point of contact information for the Fire Alarm integration contractor?

Answer: See previous answer to same question.

Question 114 Will the VA allow contractors to use water from VA sources?

Question 115 Is temp power available for contractors to connect to?

Answer: Contractors may use any power within the limits of construction. If additional power is needed, contractor may use temporary power from the electrical closets referenced on the drawings.

mailto:brad.lasater@hbtech.com mailto:Wiley.vaughan@siemens.com

Question 116 If no temp power is available, a generator will be required, which usually adds significant cost to rent and fuel. Please confirm this is necessary if no temp power is available.

Question 117 What are the locations for temp power?

Question 118 Are contractors required to set a pole and meter electric usage?

Question 119 Will the VA provide a space for the Prime Contractor’s Superintendent to set up, or should we add costs to our bid for a mobile office?

Answer: Space will not be provided.

Question 120 Is space available for a 10’ x 40’ temporary ground-level office near the temporary power source?

Answer: Space is available away from the main buildings for a mobile office, but temporary power is not guaranteed.

Question 121 Will the VA allow contractors to use VA indoor restrooms?

Question 122 Can Porta Johns be placed within a 100’ radius of the job site if required?

Answer: Yes. A laydown area near the building will be provided.

Question 123 Can utility tie-ins be performed during regular hours?

Question 124 Can system commissioning activities be performed during regular hours?

Question 125 Will the VA allow for stored material so that we can procure and lay down long lead items and/or critical path material/equipment?

Answer: A small laydown area near the building will be coordinated at the time of construction. Any large storage or conex boxes will be stored in a designated area in a back lot away from the main buildings.

Question 126 Will the VA fully pay for this material/equipment if stored onsite?

Answer: The VA can choose to pay for stored equipment as long as all documentation including invoices and insurance is provided.

Question 127 Additional Project Specific Questions:

Please specify the countertop material to be used in the new laundry rooms.

Answer: See plumbing fixture schedule.

Question 128 Please confirm that only the showers will have Tile Pattern 1, and that the other locations in the shower room and laundry that show tile will be Tile Pattern 2.

Question 129 The ICRA Locations & Requirements drawings do not show how the hard barrier should be placed once the new wall and new door is in place for the shower room. Please provide drawings on how to construct the hard barrier once the new wall and new door are installed for the shower room.

Answer: Means and methods.

Question 130 The hard barrier anteroom will be in the way of the flooring. Please advise on how to construct the anteroom or if one is need during the flooring stage of construction.

Answer: Hard barrier configuration shown on drawings is a suggestion. Actual layout is up to the contractor as long as 4ft egress in the corridor is maintained and an anteroom is provided.

Question 131 Will we be allowed to work in the anteroom to demolish the wall for the new shower room door, remove the existing door, and install new doors and paint in the anteroom?

Answer: Anteroom should be sealed off from all work.

Question 132 If the anteroom is to be in the work area of the new laundry room where the ceiling is to be demolished, how should the anteroom be constructed? Would it be best to build the anteroom completely outside of the work area?

Answer: Hard barrier configuration shown on drawings is a suggestion. Actual layout is up to the contractor as long as 4ft egress in the corridor is maintained and an anteroom is provided.

Question 133 How should negative air machines be vented?

Answer: Through the window.

Question 134 Are both existing windows in each existing shower laundry room (Total 4 Windows) operable and able to open enough for negative air machine venting?

Question 135 If venting out the windows is not an option for the negative air machine venting, can we connect to the VA HEPA filtered connection close to the room.

Question 136 Will the VA provide an asbestos survey?

Answer: See Asbestos survey for building 8. No asbestos is shown in the limits of construction.

Question 137 Page 6 of the drawings sheet note 1 states “100 sqft of abatement” for potential mold. Is that per bathroom or a combined total for both bathrooms?

Answer: This is per floor.

Question 138 Page 43 of the solicitation 30.4 states “Asbestos or lead paint contaminated areas shall be defined on project drawings.” However, no asbestos or lead paint contaminated areas are specified in the drawings. Does the VA anticipate any abatement of asbestos or lead?

Answer: No abatement of asbestos or lead expected.

Question 139 How many locations does the VA anticipate abatement for asbestos or lead?

Answer: None.

Question 140 How many square feet of abatement for asbestos or lead does the VA anticipate?

Answer: Zero.

Question 141 Is the existing nurse call system Rauland Borg Responder 5 or Rauland Borg Responder 4?

And what version is it?

Section 27 52 23 Part 2.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS states:

“A. Furnish and install a complete and fully functional and operable Nurse Call and Code Blue System for each location shown on the contract drawings and TCOs. Basis of Design:

Rauland Borg Responder 5 with Enterprise platform software and hardware.

B. The New Nurse Call System and Code Blue shall be a replacement of the existing Rauland Borg Responder 4, Hill-Rom, Ektacom, Cornell, and other nurse call systems that are no longer supported. All new components and operation system provided shall be 100% compatible with the existing Nurse call system as shown on the drawings and specified herein and shall be 100% compatible with existing wireless phones and newphones the facility may procure as part of this project as well as expand to support other devices in the future. The new nurse call system shall be an Upgrade to Rauland Borg Responder 5 with Enterprise platform software and hardware.”

However page 14 of the drawings Sheet Note #2 states “Tie nurse call stations into existing system. Nurse call cabinet location shown on page 16.”

Please confirm if the entire existing system is being upgraded or if only new nurse call stations are to tie into the existing system per the drawings. And if entire existing system is being upgrade, please provide drawings showing demolition of existing and installation of new system locations.

Answer: Rauland Borg Responder 4. New nurse call stations are to tie into existing system.

Question 142 For the new shower location, no shower drain is depicted on the drawings. Please advise

Answer: Install shower drain in center of shower as shown on drawings.

Question 143 There is a 36”x72” stainless steel table with sink called out on the drawings. Is this item VA provided, contractor installed or contractor provided, contractor installed?

Answer: Contractor provided and installed.

Question 144 Are the washer and dryer owner furnished items?

Answer: Contractor to provide new washer and dryer.

Question 145 Is the proposed lay down and dumpster area confirmed?

Answer: This will be coordinated with the VA. It will be near the building.

Question 146 Per note 1 on plan page 6---100 SF of mold abatement. Is that per floor or 100 SF of mold abatement total between the two floors?

Answer: Total per floor.

Question 147 Does VA have a preferred Fire Suppression Wet Pipe Sprinkler contractor that currently maintains the existing system? If so, please provide a contact for that company.

Answer: JCI: maria.genevieve.hoffpauir@jci.com

Question 148 Will Core drilling require after hours scheduling?

Answer: Most core drilling will be done during normal hours. Core drilling through the floor of 8A down to 8G will need to be done on weekends.

Question 149 Will submittal review and material lead times count towards the total project duration or is the duration only going to consider “time on site”? The duration is going to be very tight if precon submittals and material submittal reviews are going to count against completion period.

Answer: The period of performance begins at the NTP. POP will be increased to 180 days.

Question 150 Do hard ICRA barriers need to be finished and painted or will taping the joints be satisfactory?

Answer: Taping joints is satisfactory.

Question 151 Please provide required fire rating for new doors and hardware.

Answer: No fire rating required.

Question 152 Reference the SEED project, who is the current fire alarm vendor for the facility?

Answer: See previous answered question.

Question 153 Reference the SEED project, who is the current low voltage vendor for the facility?

Answer: See previously answered question about nurse call.

mailto:maria.genevieve.hoffpauir@jci.com

Question 154 Reference the SEED project, who is responsible for the Nurse’s Call and Code Blue Systems?

Answer: The contractor is responsible for meeting the requirements of the contract documents for these systems.

Question 155 Reference the SEED project, since the work in Bldg. 8 is a secured area, will there be any procedures to follow?

Answer: There are no specific procedures to follow. Ensure doors are closed behind and coordinate with the floor staff when entering and exiting.

Question 156 Reference the SEED project, what are the procedures for entering and exiting the work area with equipment and/or waste?

Answer: All materials and waste are to be covered to prevent dust from spreading.

Coordinate with nursing staff when entering and exiting the floor with materials and waste.

Question 157 Reference the SEED project, what are the time frame constraints for jack hammering and/or demolition practices that will generate loud noises?

Answer: Noise will be constrained to normal working hours. There are not any other specific requirements.

Question 158 Reference the SEED project, the plans state the hard ceiling is to be removed. It appears the ceiling is drywall attached to framing. Is there plaster above the drywall? And if so, is it to be removed as well?

Answer: It is not expected that there is plaster above the drywall.

Question 159 Reference the SEED project, what type of ceiling is under Room 8A, and will it need to be demolished? Will a 3rd anteroom be needed if the ceiling is demolished? To replace the ceiling in Room 8A, we will require a ceiling layout with supply, exhaust, lighting, sprinkler heads, smoke detectors, and any other unknowns. How should we proceed with obtaining this?

Answer: Underneath 8A on 8G is a grid ceiling. It will not need to be demolished; thus an anteroom is not necessary on 8G.

Question 160 Will the Government consider extending the due date to allow for Q&A to be incorporated into the proposal?

Answer: Proposal due date has been extended.

Question 161 Will the Government consider accepting emailed proposal submissions to allow for more time to assemble the proposal?

Answer: Submission requirements will not changed.

Question 162 Would it be possible to submit CPARS (Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System) instead of the PPQs.

Question 163 What rooms are below restroom 8A?

Answer: Office space.

Question 164 What rooms are above restroom 8B?

Answer: The attic.

Question 165 Will ICRA be needed for work above or below restrooms 8A and 8B?

Answer: ICRA will not be needed for working above 8B, but ICRA level II will be needed for working below 8A.

Question 166 Plan 8 of 20 shows ACT ceilings in shower rooms. Should ACT be installed over the shower stall as well?

Answer: Install per drawings.

Question 167 Sheet 11 of 20 shows a core drilled hole through the exterior wall. What is this wall construction type at the interior and exterior side?

Answer: The interior is drywall, the exterior is brick.

Question 168 Drawing 9 of 20 shows epoxy flooring in the shower but the plumbing schedule on sheet 10 of 20 calls for shower pans. Please clarify what type of shower pan and/or finished flooring is needed in the shower stall.

Answer: Epoxy flooring in the shower.

Question 169 Sheet 16 of 20 shows tile walls in the shower, however, the plumbing schedule on sheet 10 of 20 calls for a shower stall with grab bars. Please confirm which is correct.

Answer: Walls of shower to have tile and grab bars.

Question 170 The spec 09 67 23.60 res-6 is in the specifications which is an epoxy mortar with finish coats, but stated on the drawings is a flake finish, which is 09 67 23.20 Res-2 on the master specification. Which system is required?

Answer: Flake finish system is required. Specs corrected to Res-2 system.

Question 171 Will construction take place during nights and weekends?

Answer: See previously answered question.

Question 172 Will the contractor remove, store, and reinstall washer and drier?

Question 173 If the contractor must store the washer and drier, will the Gov provide a location on campus to store the equipment?

Question 174 Spec 01 35 26.1.8.B states that monthly inspections are required by a third-party Certified Safety Professional (CSP). Are these monthly inspections required?

Answer: These monthly inspections will not be required.

Question 175 If the monthly inspections are required, can they be performed by our Corporate Safety Officer?

Question 176 The finish schedule on the drawings call out an Epoxy Flake Flooring System, However the specification provided is for an Epoxy Mortar System. There is no specification provided for the Flake system.

Please advise to which system is required.

Question 177 Page 9 of 20 on the drawings shows the top view of the epoxy flooring. No epoxy flooring is shown under the Regency stainless steel work table. This table is on legs and would assume that epoxy flooring is required under this table.

Please advise.

Answer: Yes. The epoxy flooring should be used for the entire square footage.

Question 178 Hours of operation? Will this work be performed during normal hours of operation, or will this be night work? What are the requirements for our workers: OSHA, Background checks, Drug testing, ETC.? Are all workers required to have the above, or just the foreman?

Answer: See previously answered questions.

Question 179 What is the means of egress for materials for the project?

Question 180 Will a location for dumpsters be provided?

Answer: See page 4 of drawings.

Question 181 Will the use of moisture resistant board be necessary, or will typical one-hour fire resistant board suffice?

4” track is called out for the bump-out behind the toilet. 4” track is not typical, therefore in this case we would use 3-5/8” track. Is this acceptable?

Answer: See previous question about moisture resistant board. This track is acceptable.

Question 182 What is below room 8A? Is this a hard lid ceiling or ACT?

Question 183 The plans do not provide dimensions or locations for the shower or drain. Please advise the drain location and the dimensions of the shower.

Answer: Shower dimensions on drawings, drain at center of shower.

Question 184 Who is responsible for providing the dryer and washing machines?

Question 185 Will a commissioning agent be required verify the duct CFM or will this be covered by the

TAB?

Answer: TAB will be verified by the COR.

Question 186 Will a location be provided for a Connex/storage container onsite?

Question 187 Does the VA want ceramic or porcelain tile? Porcelain is called out in the plans and ceramic is called out in the specs.

Answer: Porcelain.

Question 188 Does the faucet for the laundry room faucet require a laminar flow device?

Answer: Yes. Non-aerator versions of all sinks.

Question 189 What model or size of the stainless-steel counter and sink does the VA want?

Answer: See plumbing fixture schedule.

Question 190 Will wet venting be allowed? If not, do the new drain vents need to penetrate the roof?

Answer: Yes, wet venting is allowed.

Question 191 Will the partition wall separating the laundry room and the bathroom run to the bottom of the next floor?

Answer: Yes, the wall will be run to the deck.

Question 192 What size door does the VA want for the bathroom?

Answer: 7’x3’-8”

Question 193 Please clarify if a superintendent can be a dual hat to cover the requirements of SSHO?

Question 194 If no to the question above, will the SSHO need to be full-time for this project?

Question 195 Please clarify if a superintendent can be a dual hat to cover the requirements of QA/QC?

Question 196 If no to the question above, will the QA/QC need to be full time for this project?

Question 197 Can a superintendent be a triple hat to cover the requirements of SSHO and QA/QC?

Question 198 Please confirm the issued drawing set is the latest and complete set.

Answer: See addendum drawings.

Question 199 Please confirm the current design documents meet current VA TIL guidelines.

Answer: Design documents are per TIL guidelines.

Question 200 Please provide the latest wage determination for this project’s county.

Answer: Wage Determination is provided in the solicitation.

Question 201 Past Performance: If we have a PPQ, requested for another opportunity, that is less than 12 months old, can we use it within our proposal? Or will a new PPQ need to be requested?

Answer: The submitted PPQ’s are to be those within the solicitation.

Question 202 Is the use of temporary plastic wall panels (such as STARC panels) acceptable?

Question 203 Who is responsible for the terminal clean of the project area?

Answer: Contractor must clean the jobsite when construction is complete, but terminal clean will be performed by the VA.

Question 204 Who is responsible for contracting the commissioning agent?

Answer: No commissioning required.

Question 205 Please confirm order of precedence for the contract documents. Does SOW prevail over the specifications and construction drawings?

Answer: Specs precede drawings; drawings precede SOW.

Question 206 Per the Volume II Price Proposal Required Submittals on page 24 of the solicitation documents, can the VA clarify if item 4 is a request for the full 133-pg solicitation document to be included in offeror's Price Proposals?

Answer: Full solicitation document doesn’t have to be included in the proposal submission.

Question 207 Does the Bonding Capacity Surety Form need to be submitted directly from the Surety to the contact listed on the form, or can it be returned to offerors to be included in our printed proposal volumes?

Question 208 The drawings don’t indicate a scale. Will the VA provide a scale for each page of the drawings?

END OF QUESTION AND ANSWERS