Amend 0002 RFI Responses 626A4-22-211 - Construction AJP Replace Chilled Water Loop.pdf

REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION (RFIs) Request For Proposal (RFP): 36C24924R0074

Project Number: 626A4-22-211 Project Title: AJP-Replace Chilled Water Loop

1. The technical proposal’s requirements state that the contractor must have infrastructure contracts. Should we assume this means piping or mechanical projects of similar size and scope?

Answer 1: Correct. We are referring to any relevant piping or mechanical infrastructure experience.

2. Page 14 of the Solicitation states “The proposal must be submitted in Microsoft Office format.” Does this mean the proposal should be in Microsoft Word? Is a .pdf format acceptable? For the purpose of emailing, the file size can be compressed in .pdf format, while Microsoft Word will be a larger file.

Answer 2: Text documents can be converted to .pdf format. The price schedule must be submitted in .xls format without any password protection or otherwise locked.

3. The websites listed in Spec 01 00 00 Section 1.28 [https:valicensing.oncfi.com/ and gocfi.com] do not exist.

Is it possible to utilize Submittal Exchange in lieu of Tririga CPMS for project management? If Tririga CPMS is required, please provide updated information about obtaining access to it.

Answer 3: Disregard Tririga CMPS. Contractor to use digital project management software for managing construction administration documents. Procore is what the designers use.

4. Even though this is a design/bid/build project, there are many references to the contractor being required to design and/or redesign portions of the project. For example, Spec Section 01 00 00 contains the following:

Please clarify the scope for this project.

Answer 4: This is a summary of work. Construction documents were generated for a design/bid/build method of delivery. The contractor’s scope does not include any design or redesign of the system, with the exception of the various delegated designs throughout the specifications.

5. Spec Sections 01 32 16(1.6)(B) & (1.8)(A) contain conflicting information by referencing both VAAR 852.232-70 (Without NAS-CPM) and VAAR 852.232-71 (Including NAS-CPM). Neither of these clauses are included in the solicitation. Does VAAR 852.232-70 (Without NASCPM), VAAR 852.232-71 (Including NAS- CPM), or neither apply?

Answer 5: Neither apply.

6. Spec Section 01 45 00 requires several design-related submittals, a Design Quality Control Plan, and key personnel (Design Quality Control Manager). This project is design/bid/build and should not require any designing by the Contractor. Please provide clarification regarding the design submittals.

Answer 6: There are various delegated designs throughout the project specifications that is the responsibility of the contractor to accommodate.

7. Drawing C-200 contains a note (12) referring to coordination with another project. Will the VA provide drawings of the other project that interfere with this construction?

Answer 7: Disregard this note.

8. Please provide the traffic rating required for the valve vaults.

Answer 8: VA Specification: 33-10-00 Section 2.11.A:

1. Manhole Frame and Cover: ASTM A48, Class No. 35A minimum tensile strength, 24 inch (610 mm) minimum diameter, unless otherwise indicated.

2. Manhole Frame and Cover: ASTM A536, Grade 60-40-18, ductile iron, 24 inch (610 mm) minimum diameter, unless otherwise indicated.

9. What type of “Valve Box Cover” is required for the valve vaults? Can you provide a specification?

Answer 9: We don’t have a specification for the cover, but here is a representative selection that is recommended (which obviously is only one solution): Aluminum Access Hatches | EJ (ejco.com)

10. Spec Section 33 10 00… Can this requirement be satisfied by a factory trained employee of the installing contractor rather than an employee of the piping manufacturer?

Answer 10: To ensure quality, factory training at the beginning of the project is required. If contractor has certification of training and a depth of experience this will make the factory training a refresher course to ensure a quality installation.

https://www.ejco.com/am/en/resource-center/product-briefs/aluminum-access-hatches

11. The period of performance should be two years. The amount of work as well as phasing will not allow for this.

Answer 11: The period of performance remains as stated in the solicitation.

12. Please extend the period for questions by another week to allow all the contractors and vendors to completely review the drawings and plans.

Answer 12: RFP was posted on 7/10, site visit conducted on 7/15, and RFIs due on 7/22. 12 days for RFIs is considered sufficient.

13. Please provide the geotechnical report showing the bore logs and underground conditions.

Answer 13: See provided Geotech report.

14. Is rock excavation required on this? If so, what is the quantity of rock that will need to be removed?

Answer 14: See provided Geotech report.

15. What is the definition of hospital infrastructure project in the, “Standard for Acceptability” section of the solicitation?

Answer 15: See RFI #1.

16. Can the site superintendent serve as the onsite QC person and onsite site safety officer?

Answer 16: The superintendent may serve as the onsite safety officer, but a separate QC official is required.

17. Will the VA test all shutoff valves that we are tying into before the project starts?

Answer 17: No.

18. I am looking for clarification on the pipe fittings for the AJP Replace Chilled Water Loop.

See below: Spec Section 33 10 00-13 Underground Chilled Water Piping

Part 2 - Products

2.1 Cased Piping System D. Fittings shall be flanged schedule 40 stainless steel with factory applied epoxy coating provided by the Piping manufacturer. Flanges shall match the Piping system they are being installed in.

Fitting pressure and temperature rating shall match or exceed the Piping system they are being installed in.

This spec does not explain what type of fitting this is to be used? There are multiple types of stainless fittings, but it is not explained what type?

•Purchase stainless welded fitting and flanges. Weld stainless flanges to the fitting. Then send the fabricated piece off to have it epoxy coated at a factory which performs this special coating?

•Purchase and use a Mechanical Joint fitting? I have several vendors looking into this, but have had no luck finding a stainless mechanical joint fitting, and with epoxy coating? I have found stainless mechanical joint adapter, but no fittings. These are usually all ductile fittings and collar adapters.

•Stainless lap joint flange. This would still require a mating flange to be tied into the HDPE pipe. How is that to be accomplished? Mechanical joint to flange adapter (Megalug)? HDPE fused flange?

Also, does the VA want flanges to be buried underground with no access? Or will it require a concrete pit at every flanged joint throughout the project (this seems excessive)? I do understand that there will be valve boxes at every underground valve, but need to know the proper application for flanged joints at fittings?

Answer 18: Flanges are to be used when transitioning to the stainless-steel valves and tees. This occurs at junctions in the loop and building connections as shown on MS201. The transition from HDPE to SS is shown detail in 1/M501. The valves, tees, and flanges are to be installed inside the valve box, which is also shown in the detail.