36C24924R0083 0002.pdf

5. PROJECT NUMBER (if applicable)

CODE 7. ADMINISTERED BY

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER

CODE

6. ISSUED BY

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NUMBER 3. EFFECTIVE DATE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

9B. DATED

PAGE OF PAGES

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED

BPA NO. 1. CONTRACT ID CODE

FACILITY CODE CODE

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

E. IMPORTANT:

is extended,

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning __________ copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY is not extended.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

(REV. 11/2016)

is required to sign this document and return ___________ copies to the issuing office. is not, A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

15C. DATE SIGNED

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER

Contractor

16C. DATE SIGNED

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

STANDARD FORM 30 PREVIOUS EDITION NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

(Type or print) (Type or print)

(Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

(Number, street, county, State and ZIP Code)

(If other than Item 6)

(Specify type of modification and authority)

(such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.)

(If required)

(SEE ITEM 11)

(SEE ITEM 13)

(X)

CHECK

ONE

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS,

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

1 20

621-25-1-5609-0001

621-22-107

Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 9 (90C)

NCO 9

1639 Medical Center Parkway, Suite 204 Murfreesboro TN 37129

90C

Network Contracting Office 9 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office (90C) 1639 Medical Center Parkway Suite 204 Murfreesboro TN 37129

To all Offerors/Bidders

36C24924R0083

12-16-2024

X

X X

** HOUR & DATE for Receipt of Offers is EXTENDED to: 01-27-2025 14:00 CST

621-3650162-5609-854200-3220 23NR2JA23

x 1

The purpose of this amendment is to answer the RFI submitted for this project, correct specifications, and Wage Determination. Please see attached for all information.

The due date on proposals will be extended to January 27, 2025 at 2:00 PM CT to diana.grube@va.gov.

Dean J. Regazzi Contracting Officer

36C24924R0083 Modernize Bldg 108 Boiler Plant and System

Question 1 - Spec 02 41 00 MD101, MD102, MD104, MD108, MP101 and MP105 – We are requesting that a list of existing equipment that is to be demolished and the termination points for demolition as well as new equipment required by the work scope be provided.

Answer: Refer to specifications and drawings for equipment and scope of demolition.

Question 2 - Subfactor 3 Quality Control Manager RFP states Must have a minimum of 5 years of experience as a project manager. Provide references for a minimum of 2 and maximum of 3 construction projects with similar scope and size to this project (include brief project description). Should this instead read "quality control manager"?

Answer: Yes, this should read “quality control manager”.

Question 3 - Pricing More than one pricing schedule was provided with the RFP: one as an attached spreadsheet and one was included in the RFP. Please clarify how we are to submit pricing with our proposal.

Answer: There is a price schedule attachment which has details of your pricing. You should also complete page 6 of the solicitation with the base offer and alternate deducts 1 and 2.

Question 4 - Subfactor 2 Staffing Criteria listed under this subfactor is specific to a site superintendent.

Is this subfactor meant to be titled "Subfactor 2 Site Superintendent"?

Answer: No, Subfactor 2 name is correct. It is a requirement for a superintendent which is staffing on the project.

Question 5 - RFP states: Drawings: Drawings shall be submitted as an electronic copy.

Where do these need to be included and why?

Answer: No drawings are required to be submitted as part of the proposal.

Question 6 - Sustainable Acquisition Plan RFP states: Offerors shall include a Sustainable Acquisition Plan in their technical proposals. The plan must describe the approach and quality assurance mechanisms for applying FAR subpart 23.1, Sustainable Acquisition Policy and other Federal laws, regulations and Executive Orders governing sustainable acquisition. The plan shall clearly identify those products and services included in the proposal. Where should this information need to be included?

Answer: This should be included after your solicitation with all documents required. Your technical evaluations are what is listed in the evaluation.

Question 7 - EMR form - An EMR form provided with RFP as an attachment. Where should this form be placed?

Answer: This should be part of your proposal information. Put all attachments required together with your proposal.

Question 8 - RFP states to include a copy of Vetcert. Where is tie VetCert printout to be placed?

Answer: This should be part of your proposal information. Put all attachments required together with your proposal.

Question 9 - Please confirm whether a 3D Navisworks model is available for contractor use. If available, kindly provide instructions for accessing the model or specify any additional requirements for obtaining

it. If not available, please advise on any alternative resources or models that may assist in ensuring accurate and efficient project execution.

Answer: Autodesk Revit model can be provided by the A/E once a drawing release waiver is signed.

Question 10 - The solicitation states: "The offeror must provide a detailed price breakdown on the “S02- Solicitation Attachment-Price Schedule” worksheet provided with the solicitation." Is the Offeror permitted to use their own Cost Breakdown template if it still features cost breakout of materials/equipment and labor by division? The one provided in the solicitation appears to require breakout down to the individual Specification Section level. It will be difficult obtaining breakout from subs and suppliers down to this level of detail during the bidding phase of the project.

Answer: The price breakdown in the solicitation is a sample of what we would like to have submitted. If your price breakdown has all the required information and we can justify your pricing as fair and reasonable, then it would be accepted.

Question 11 - During the site visit on Friday 20 December 2024 for this solicitation, the COR informed us that the sign in sheet (there were several based on the number of people present) would be posted. It would be beneficial to the VA and the bidders if the sign in sheet (s) were posted in advance of the last due for questions on Thursday, 2 January 2025 to allow potential bidder, subcontractors, and vendors to begin communications on this project as soon as possible.

Answer: The site visit attendance was posted in Amendment 0001.

Question 12 – We request an extension to the current 15 January 2025 bid until at least 29 January 2025.

As you are aware and listed in the reference site visit for this solicitation occurred on Friday 20 December whiles questions are due on Thursday Jan 2, 2025. The holiday period for Christmas and New Year’s creates a 12-day calendar day gap in this procurement as well as 13 calendar days between the deadline for questions and the bid date. A two-week minimum extension to the bid date will all ow responses to questions to be provided, communication with vendor and quality bids to this project.

Answer: All proposals are due on January 27, 2025 at 2:00 PM CT. Please make sure they are sent via email to diana.grube@va.gov. ONLY PROPOSALS shall be accepted via email. Please make sure you put the RFP number and title of this project in the Subject line of the email.

Question 13 - SCADA System: # of Computers The drawing shows two computers. This could either be done with server/client, or two desktop computers. The two computers shown in the drawing conflicts with 23 09 11, paragraph 2.5, which only has the specifications for ONE desktop computer. 2. Integration of Any Third-Party Equipment outside of the below: The SCADA system drawing does not show integration of any third-party equipment, and most of the equipment supplied in the drawing would be CB equipment. There are a lot of flow meters shown in the drawing, in addition to 6 e-stops and the building main NG emergency shutoff valve and building propane gas emergency shutoff valve.

Answer: A second desktop is required, identical to the operator workstation in the control room, per the SCADA system drawing. The e-stop circuit requirements are shown on MP802 and connection requirements for the flow meters and other instrumentation are defined in the control points list included with the specifications.

Question 14 – Subfactor 4 Pricing More than one pricing schedule was provided with the RFP. One as an attached spreadsheet and the one was included in the RFP. Please clarify how we are to submit pricing with our proposal.

Answer: There is a price schedule attachment which has details of your pricing. You should also complete page 6 of the solicitation with the base offer and alternate deducts 1 and 2.

Question 15 – Self Performed Worksheet – A self-performed worksheet was included as an attachment with the RFP but there are no instructions as to where to include this. Please clarify where this needs to be included.

Answer: This should be part of your proposal information. Put all attachments required together with your proposal.

Question 16 – Due to the holidays will you please consider extending the RFI cutoff?

Answer: No, RFIs were due 1/2/2025.

Question 17 - Due to the holiday and Government employees being off would you consider accepting CPARS instead of PPQs in case we cannot get them returned in time?

Answer: No, PPQs should be submitted no later than 1/27/2025 at 2:00 PM to diana.grube@va.gov.

Question 18 - The price proposal states that it is limited to 25 pages excluding the bid bond. It is not clear what other documents should be included in factor 4 Price besides the bond and pricing breakdown. Can you please clarify?

Answer: This should be part of your proposal information. Put all attachments required together with your proposal.

Question 19 - There are page limitations in both volumes of this RFP. However, it is mentioned that we are to include the Solicitation in its entirety.

Are you asking for just the parts of the solicitation that need filled and signed or the actual entire 80 pages?

Answer: No, the entire solicitation shall be submitted with signatures. This is not included in the page limitation of the proposal and technical evaluations.

Question 20 - Does the past performance have to be the same projects that are included in subfactor 1 Technical Qualifications and Experience?

Answer: You should be using projects with similar sizes and scope as this project.

Question 21 - It is mentioned that the drawing shall be submitted as an electronic copy. Can you please clarify why we would be including drawings?

Answer: No drawings are required to be submitted as part of the proposal.

Question 22 - Under the proposal submission instructions, it mentions that each section shall be submitted separately. Does this just mean that the technical proposal and the price proposal should be separate? Or are you wanting all the factors broken out and sent separately?

Answer: Yes, the price proposal should be separate from your technical proposal.

Question 23 - The solicitation states: "The Offeror's technical proposal shall be no more than 50 pages total, which is not inclusive of the solicitation and any amendments issued thereof." The SF 1442 (solicitation) and Amendments are typically included in the Price Proposal. Is the Offeror to include these items in the Technical Proposal or the Price Proposal? If in the Price Proposal, will they count against the 25-page limit?

Answer: The price proposal is separate from the solicitation. The solicitation and amendments do not count in the page limit. You should have all signatures on the solicitation and amendments as required.

Question 24 - The solicitation states: "The Offeror's technical proposal shall be no more than 50 pages total, which is not inclusive of the solicitation and any amendments issued thereof." / "The Offeror's price proposal shall be no more than 25 pages inclusive of bid bonds required." Do the page limits include cover pages, table of contents, and tab pages?

Answer: The technical proposal is everything that it entails including the cover page, table of contents and tab pages.

Question 25 - The solicitation states: "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 multidiscipline projects without significant difficulty."

Is this requested information in addition to the other requested information listed under Subfactors 1, 2, 3, and 4? If so, where should the Offeror place the requested information/items? (Under a Factor 1 heading?)

Answer: Yes, this is a requirement of the technical evaluations; therefore, it should be included in technical.

Question 26 - The solicitation states: "To be considered for evaluation, at least 2 of the 3 construction projects must have been performed within the last five years…" We request clarification on the use of the word "performed". Do the projects have to be completed within the last five years, or can they be ongoing?

Answer: These projects should be completed in the last 5 years. Project(s) should have a minimum value of $10,000,000.00 and be 100% complete within the past five (5) years from the date of issuance of this RFP to be considered.

Question 27 - The solicitation states: "Must have a minimum of 5 years of experience as a project manager." Should this read Quality Control Manager and not Project Manager?

Answer: Yes, this should read “quality control manager”.

Question 28 - The solicitation states: "The offeror shall provide a narrative that describes the Offeror’s schedule and safety plan for this project." Is this requested information in addition to the other requested information listed under Subfactors 1 and 2, or a summary of what is required in Subfactors 1 and 2? If in addition, where should the Offeror place the requested information/items? (Under a Factor 2 heading, or included under the appropriate Subfactors?)

Answer: Yes, Factor 2 – Project Schedule/Safety Plan The offeror shall provide a narrative that describes the Offeror’s schedule and safety plan for this project.

Subfactor 1 –Prepare and submit a practicable construction schedule showing all necessary work elements to complete the project identified under this solicitation within the time frame specified on the SF1442. The schedule must be in the form of a progress chart of suitable scale to indicate appropriately the percentage of work scheduled for completion by any given date during the performance period. The submitted schedule must be developed using Microsoft Project.

Subfactor 2: Prime Contractor Safety Plan - The contractor's Safety Plan shall be evaluated for their compliance with local/State/Federal rules and regulations and the company's consideration of safety of its employees and the general public. The contractor's Safety Plan at the minimum shall address their safety policy, commitment to safety, detailed disciplinary action to be taken with respect to employees violating safety requirements, personnel safety responsibilities, personnel safety training, personal protective equipment, accident / incident reporting procedure and investigations, and emergency procedures guidelines. The contractor’s Safety Plan shall address their plan for completing all contract work on and around an active hospital without impacting patient care and completing all work in accordance with all construction documents and all local/State/Federal regulations. This should be in your technical evaluation.

Question 29 - The solicitation did not provide any instructions for this Factor; only ratings were provided. However, we do see that a PPQ form was provided with instructions for the PPQ to be submitted directly to the Contracting Officer, Diana Grube, and not be included in the Offeror's proposal submission. With that said, we respectfully request that the Government allow for the submission of CPARS in lieu of PPQs if a CPARS evaluation exists for a project. The reason being is that some of our project POCs (with knowledge of our actual performance on projects) have either moved on to other agencies or retired. Additionally, we have been told from some of our other project POCs that they will not complete PPQs if a CPARS evaluation exists. Is the Offeror permitted to submit CPARS in lieu of PPQs?

Answer: PPQs should be submitted no later than 1/27/2025 at 2:00 PM to diana.grube@va.gov.

Question 30 - The solicitation states: "Offerors shall include a Sustainable Acquisition Plan in their technical proposals." Is the Offeror to submit an SAP? If so, will it count against the 50-page limit?

Answer: This should be included after your solicitation with all documents required. Your technical evaluations are what is listed in the evaluation.

Question 31 - The "EMR" PDF file was included as an attachment in the solicitation package, however, no instructions exist for this document. Is the Offeror to complete and submit this document? If so, where/how is it to be submitted, and will it and any related materials count against any page limits?

Answer: This should be part of your proposal information. Put all attachments required together with your proposal.

Question 32 - The "Self-performed Work" PDF file was included as an attachment in the solicitation package; however, no instructions exist for this document. Is the Offeror to complete and submit this document? If so, where/how is it to be submitted, and will it and any related materials count against any page limits?

Answer: This should be part of your proposal information. Put all attachments required together with your proposal.

Question 33 - If the Offeror is to complete the "Self-performed Work" PDF file, we respectfully request that only the bottom half of the document need be completed (that the Offeror can omit the top half). The top half of this document involves divisional cost breakdown, which is a redundant request as the Offeror is already required to complete the provided "Copy of Attachment xx - Price Schedule - Sample Template" excel document for the Price Proposal.

Answer: Please complete the entire form.

Question 34 - The "General Conditions" PDF file was included as an attachment in the solicitation;

however, no instructions exist for this document. What is the purpose of this document? And is the Offeror to complete and submit this document? If so, where/how is it to be submitted, and will it and any related materials count against any page limits?

Answer: This should be part of your proposal information. Put all attachments required together with your proposal. The General Conditions should be a breakdown of what is listed on that form.

Question 35 - Can the requirement for the minimum project experience be changed to (1) project over a minimum value of $10,000,000.00 that is 100% complete within the last five years? Can a second site visit be scheduled? Can the bid date and RFI date be extended by two week each due to the holidays?

Answer: No, the requirement cannot be changed to 1 project over $10M and 100% complete within the last 5 years. No, a second site visit will not be schedules. The proposal date has been extended to 1/27/25 at 2:00 PM CT.

Question 36 - Could the subfactors project dollar value threshold be lowered to $8,000,000 for past performance to account for the higher cost of construction due to inflation in the last 5 years? As we are aware, post-COVID prices do not properly reflect similar project prices from 5 years ago.

Answer: No, the threshold cannot be lowered due to the magnitude of this project.

Question 37: Will this project be tax exempt? If yes, will the Government issue a tax exemption certificate?

Answer: No, this project is not tax exempt. Please make sure your prices include federal, state, and local taxes per FAR 52. 229-4 Federal, State, and Local Taxes.

Question 38: Who are the proprietary controls (BAS) contractor that services the Medical Center? What is their contact information?

Answer: Computrols is the BAS manufacturer. 504-529-1413.

Ameresco is a contractor that is used for Computrols. (800) 518-5576

Question 39: Will the existing Natural Gas Regulation Station be able to support the Temporary Boilers (at full load during Cx while keeping the existing boiler plant online)?

Answer: The existing natural gas system can support the temporary boilers during commissioning while the existing boilers are still serving the campus.

Question 40: Will a new Natural Gas Regulation Station be required for the new boiler plant? If yes, please provide contact information from the local Natural Gas Utility.

Answer: The existing natural gas regulation station is owned by the natural gas utility and will remain.

All piping downstream of the regulator station is to be replaced.

Question 41: Please confirm the Government requires a full-time SSHO and this induvial cannot fulfill any other duties, as per specification 01 35 26.

Answer: Correct, the government requires a full-time SSHO that cannot fulfill any other role.

Question 42: Please confirm the Government requires a full-time CQC Manager and this induvial cannot fulfill any other duties, as per specification 01 45 00.

Answer: Correct, the government requires a full-time CQC manager.

Question 43: Please confirm the Government will provide the services of a Commissioning Agent (CxA), as per 01 91 00. Please also confirm that the CxA will be onboard during the submittal phase to review submittals, as per 1.11-C.

Answer: A commissioning agent is already contracted to the VA for this project.

Question 44: On a very recent project (for the VA), Powerhouse no longer had the RH-1000 in its inventory. Temporary boilers in this Horsepower range are typically not readily available. Due to footprint constraints, please have the DOR select a combination of rental boiler platforms that meet the requirements.

Answer: 800 HP boilers can be used to meet the requirements of this contract.

Question 45: Please confirm the contractor is responsible for acquiring all required air-permitting for the rental boilers, new boilers, and generator, with support from the COR and local station as required.

Answer: The contractor is required to obtain all air permitting for new permanent and temporary emissions sources.

Question 46: Rental boilers (regardless of supplier) are not equipped or set up to maintain the stringent requirements of the VA Safety Device Testing Manual. This will require a very costly retrofit of the boiler safety controls as well as system modifications to each rental unit (of which some rental firms will not allow these modifications). Please confirm the Government will still require these modifications to the rental boiler systems.

Answer: The government requires all safety devices listed in the Safety Device Testing Manual to be installed on temporary boiler systems. If this requirement cannot be met, all deviations from the requirements in the testing manual must be identified, and an Interim Safety Measure for each deviation must be approved by the government prior to the temporary boilers being placed into service.

Question 47: We respectfully request the DOR please provide a sketch of the tie-in point for the city water system.

Answer: All city water system tie-in points required for this project are identified on the drawings.

Question 48: To ensure expectations are met with the temporary boiler controls, we respectfully request the DOR provide a Temporary Controls Architecture to include what will be required as far as points and graphics on the Temporary Operator’s Workstation (MP206, Note 9). 23 05 10 2.8 is not clear on the temporary control points. The drawing package (MP510) references “Controls Systems and Panels” – this will allow all bidders the ability to supply the scope as requested by the Government.

Answer: The temporary boilers must each include a burner management and combustion control system meeting all requirements of NFPA 85. In addition, the boiler system must include a remote operator workstation networked to the individual boiler control systems for monitoring. Specific network architecture may vary between vendors. At a minimum, the remote operator station needs to indicate the following data points for each boiler:

- Boiler status and firing rate

- Furnace pressure

- Steam pressure

- Steam flow rate (instantaneous and totalized)

- FW tank level and temperature

- Alarm history

Question 49: Please confirm the temporary boilers will not be mobilized towards the last activities of Phase 1.

Answer: Phase 1 is intended to be preparation for installing the temporary boilers. Phase 1 ends with reliable steam generated by the temporary boilers. There is no requirement to bring them on site until ready for them to be installed and integrated into the steam distribution system. Reference GI004 for general phasing.

Question 50: Please confirm that the contractor will be required to inspect (per specification) the rental boilers every six months. Please also confirm the Government is aware that during the internal inspections, depending on the time of year, that the Medical Center may not have N+1 redundancy during these inspection activities.

Answer: The government requires the semi-annual inspection. Timing of this inspection will be weather dependent. Spring/Fall inspections would be ideal to avoid peak heating season.

Question 51: Please confirm the Government will provide all consumables for the rental boilers to include chemicals, natural gas, and fuel oil.

Answer: The government will supply all utilities, i.e. natural gas, fuel oil, power, but it is the contractor’s responsibility to supply the water treatment chemicals. The VA operators will maintain chemical concentrations per the contractor’s water treatment plan. This is stated in specification 230510 section 2.8 Temporary Boiler Plant Installation.

Question 52: The specification states that provisions shall be made to allow for ‘line of sight’ of the boilers. We respectfully request that this section be removed from the specification as this will be impossible based on how temporary boilers are placed in trailers.

Answer: The operators control room must be adjacent to the temporary boilers and within line of sight of the temporary boiler trailers, but with the boilers being housed within their own trailers, the boilers themselves cannot be within line of site of the operators within the control room. The requirement for the actual boilers to be within line of sight is not required.

Question 53: Will UPS be required for all boiler control systems?

Answer: UPS’s are required per spec 230911 on the boiler control panels. UPSs are required for the SCADA computers/servers and any workstations.

Question 54: Please confirm the contractor is responsible for the repairs and maintenance, to include 4 hours response as well as repairs and inspections.

Answer: The contractor is responsible for maintenance and repairs for all temporary boilers and ancillary equipment. Minor repairs can be completed by VA personnel with materials supplied by the contractor.

Major repairs are the contractor’s responsibility, and any failure of a boiler must be addressed within 4 hours of notification of the failure.

Question 55: Please confirm seismic bracing is required for all temporary external piping systems. Is the contractor to assume that the temporary drain line for the rental boilers will not require seismic bracing (C100, detail 9/10)

Answer: Seismic bracing is required for all but the drain line.

Question 56: Are Boiler Stack Opacity Monitors required? The specification states 'if provided.'

Answer: Stack opacity monitors are not required.

Question 57: Given the release of this Request for Proposal just before the holidays (when most personnel take some form of leave), we respectfully request that the deadline for RFIs and the proposal due date be extended to allow Offerors an appropriate amount of time to assess the project, estimate, and generate and submit compliant proposals. Will the Government consider extending the proposal due date?

Answer: The deadline for RFIs will not be extended. The proposal due date has been extended to 1/27/25 at 2:00 PM CT.

Question 58: Based on the proposed Phasing Plan, the 730-calendar day duration (as per the SF 1442) is not enough time to complete the project when factoring in the Phase 1 electrical requirements. It takes approximately 8 – 10 weeks after NTP for the supplier to put together the required permanent and temporary electrical submittals (plus time for Contractor/Government review/comment) followed by an estimated additional 8 - 12 months for the electrical switchgear and generator. This does not account for the electrical coordination study that must be performed, which can’t be fully completed until all HVAC equipment submittals are in. By the time Phase 1 is complete, the contractor will not have a sufficient amount of time to execute Phases 2 and 3. Given this information, will the Government please consider extending the period of performance for this project?

Answer: A suspension of the project can be approved to allow the equipment in phase 1 to be delivered and installed without extending the period of performance.

Question 59: Will the Government provide estimated weights of the Existing Dual Fuel Generator (MG-

1) and Existing Boilers (B-1-2-3)?

Answer: The dry weight of each boiler is approximately 53,000 lb. MG-1 is approximately 85,000 lb.

Question 60: Please confirm the Government will be operating the rental boiler plant, to include chemical maintenance.

Answer: The VA will operate the temporary boilers and perform daily testing of chemical concentrations to make adjustments, per the contractor’s water treatment program. The contractor is required to supply all chemicals.

Question 61: Are opacity monitors required for the temporary boilers?

Answer: Opacity monitors are not required.

Question 62: Please clarify the number and types of CQC personnel required for this contract.

Answer: Specification 014500 establishes the requirements for the CQC personnel. Specialized CQC personnel will be required for all the major systems, i.e. mechanical, electrical. The commissioning agent is already contracted to the VA for this project.

Question 63: Will heat trace be required for the temporary boilers?

Answer: Provide heat tracing for city water line with appropriately sized ground fault electrical source.

Question 64: Please clarify if a superintendent can be a dual hat to cover the requirements of SSHO?

Answer: The superintendent cannot be the SSHO

Question 65: Will the SSHO need to be full-time for this project?

Answer: Yes

Question 66: Please clarify if a superintendent can be a dual hat to cover the requirements of QA/QC?

Answer: The superintendent cannot perform any other role than as the superintendent. The QA/QC will be required to be someone dedicated to QA/QC.

Question 67: Will the QA/QC need to be full time for this project?

Answer: Yes

Question 68: Can a superintendent be a triple hat to cover the requirements of SSHO and QA/QC?

Answer: No, the superintendent must only perform the duties of the superintendent and no other role.

Question 69: Please confirm the drawing set issued on 05/20/2024 latest and complete set.

Answer: The drawing set that was attached to the solicitation is the latest and complete set of drawings.

Question 70: Please confirm the current design documents meet current VA TIL guidelines.

Answer: The design documents attached to the solicitation have been designed per the VA TIL guidelines at the time of design.

Question 71: 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: PPQs should be submitted by someone other than the prime contractor; therefore, please have them fill out a new request and email it to diana.grube@va.gov

Question 72: Is the use of temporary plastic wall panels (such as STARC panels) acceptable?

Answer: Temporary plastic walls are not acceptable.

Question 73: Please confirm the VA is responsible for terminal cleaning of the project area?

Answer: This facility is not within a healthcare environment so a terminal clean is not necessary per healthcare environment standards. The contractor will be required to thoroughly clean the facility upon completion of the project with no waste or debris present.

Question 74: Who is responsible for contracting the commissioning agent? (Contractor, VA or A/E?)

Answer: The commissioning agent is already under contract with the VA.

Question 75: Please confirm order of precedence for the contract documents. Does SOW prevail over the specifications and construction drawings?

Answer: Specifications and construction drawings prevail over the SOW.

Question 76: Will the VA please consider extending the due date for this solicitation to at least February 1st, 2025? Several vendors have voiced concerns with the tight bidding timeframe of this pursuit. Given the equipment-heavy nature of this project, additional time is needed for vendors to provide competitive quotes.

Answer: The proposal due date has been changed to 1/27/25 at 2:00 PM CT.

Question 77: Sheet E0001 states that work in building 208 shall occur during winter months only. Please confirm that work other than critical shutdowns in building 208 can be ongoing during winter months.

Answer: Only critical shutdowns that affect the entire facility are to be planned during winter months when the load on the chillers is minimal and will not affect the chilled water distribution. All other work can be completed at any time during the year.

Question 78: Sheet E0001 states that outages in building 108 can only occur during summer months.

Please confirm that work other than critical shutdowns in building 108 can be ongoing during summer months.

Answer: Only critical shutdowns are to be planned for the summer months when the steam load is minimal, and a shutdown has minimal impact on hospital operations. All other work within 108 can be completed at any time during the year.

Question 79: Will the VA provide the network switches for the new TR room, or will it be the responsibility of the contractor to supply them?

Answer: All IT network switches will be supplied by the VA.

Question 80: Are there any current or planned projects on site which will overlap with the work area of this project?

Answer: There are no other planned projects that would overlap the work area of this project.

Question 81: Does the VA intend to salvage any of the existing equipment? If so, what are the decommissioning requirements of that equipment?

Answer: The VA does not plan to salvage any equipment designated to be demolished on this project.

Question 82: Will the contractor retain the salvage rights to all existing equipment that is demolished during this project?

Answer: The contractor will retain the salvage rights to all existing equipment that is demolished in this project.

Question 83: Will the contractor retain the salvage rights for all additional materials, such as piping and wiring, removed during this project?

Answer: The contractor will retain the salvage rights for all additional materials, such as piping and wiring, that is designated to be demolished during this project.

Question 84: Will additional contractor parking be provided outside of the specified laydown area? If so, where can contractors park?

Answer: The contractor will be required to park within the specified laydown area.

Question 85: Is the contractor responsible for maintenance of traffic (Signage, barricades, etc.) while a portion of 4th street is closed due to the laydown area?

Answer: Yes. Contractor is responsible for signage, barricades, and other associated items for maintenance of traffic – including pedestrian pathways impacted by construction activities. A MOT plan is to be submitted and coordinated between the VA Facility, contractor, and DOR.

Question 86: Is the contractor required to submit an MOT plan regarding the partial closure of 4th street due to the laydown area?

Answer: Yes. Contractor is responsible for signage, barricades, and other associated items for maintenance of traffic – including pedestrian pathways impacted by construction activities. A MOT plan is to be submitted and coordinated between the VA Facility, contractor, and DOR.

Question 87: What reporting is required with respect to materials that are recycled or salvaged during this project?

Answer: Specification 017419 states the documentation requirements for recycled or salvaged materials.

Question 88: What warranty period is required for the new roofing?

Answer: Specification 075113 Section 1.10 states the warranty period.

Question 89: Is a pre-Test & Balance required?

Answer: No pre-test and balance are required.

Question 90: Is the contractor responsible for the abatement of any hazardous materials, such as lead paint or asbestos? If so, will the VA please provide quantities or specific areas to be abated?

Answer: The contractor is responsible for lead and asbestos abatement. The specifications have the report of lead and asbestos testing with identified locations.

Question 91: Will the VA please provide a hazardous materials report for the work area?

Answer: The only report the VA will supply is the lead and asbestos report which is already in the specifications.

Question 92: Does the existing electrical system have adequate capacity to support the additional load of this project?

Answer: Yes

Question 93: Does the existing steam piping system have adequate capacity to support the additional load of the project?

Answer: The boiler plant equipment is sized for anticipated future loads. This project is not responsible for modifications to the steam distribution system.

Question 94: Does the installation of any permanent rooftop fall protection anchors, or swing stage anchors, required?

Answer: Permanent fall protection anchors or swing stage anchors are not a part of this project.

Question 95: Is there an existing service contract in place with respect to roofing on building 108? In other words, is there a specific roofing contractor who must be used for this project to satisfy the requirements of an existing service contract?

Answer: No existing roofing contract for 108.

Question 96: Will the VA please provide a copy of the site visit sign in sheet with the RFI responses?

Answer: The sign in sheet was posted on Amendment 0001.

Question 97: Please specify the badging and access requirements for individuals who will enter the jobsite.

Answer: Any contractor that will be on site for a minimum of a month will be required to obtain VA issued badges. Subcontractors that are only on site for a short duration, i.e. a week or less, can be issued temporary badges while working on site. Temporary badges will be provided by the VA.

Question 98: Will any equipment require factory witness testing?

Answer: No.

Question 99: If yes to the question above regarding factory witness testing, which individuals will be required to attend?

Answer: Factory witness testing will not be required.

Question 100: Which pieces of equipment will require factory witness testing?

Answer: None.

Question 101: What brand and model number of door hardware key-core is the campus standard?

Answer:

Dormakaba/Best

Door Types:

Offices: 45H7-A-3H-626 Bathroom: 45H0-L-3H-626-VIN Stores: 45H7-D-3H-626 Passage: 45H0-N-3H-626

Class/Meeting: 45H7-R-3H-626

Panic door hardware is Von Duprin and Precision

Door closers are Best and Stanley D4550/D4551

Question 102: Please specify the brand of fire alarm system onsite.

Answer: JCI/Simplex.

Question 103: Please specify the brand of access control system onsite.

Answer: Identiv Hirsch, using model 8 controllers only.

Question 104: Please specify the brand of building controls onsite.

Answer: Computrols is the onsite building automation system.

Question 105: Please specify the brand of HVAC controls onsite.

Answer: Computrols is the onsite building automation system.

Question 106: Please specify the brand of cameras required.

Answer: Avigilon.

Question 107: Are there any brand name justification & approvals for this project.

Answer: Please comply with the specifications which give you options to use for this project.

Question 108: If there are any brand name justification & approvals, will the VA please provide the brand name justification & approvals sheet?

Answer: Please comply with the specifications which give you options to use for this project.

Question 109: Is the break room refrigerator being provided by the VA or the contractor?

Answer: The breakroom refrigerator will be provided by the VA.

Question 110: Will the VA please provide specs / brand information for the rooftop guardrail system?

Answer: The specification for the guardrail system is provided in section 11 24 29.01 Facility Fall Protection.

Question 111: The plans state that the rooftop guardrails will be a permanent weighted system. These types of systems are usually used in temporary applications. Will the VA please confirm their intent to use a weighted guardrail system, as opposed to a mechanically fastened guardrail system?

Answer: Surface weighted guardrail systems can be used as a permanent solution. The intent is to minimize penetration points through the roof.

Question 112: Is any of the steam generated by the equipment in this project required to be clean steam?

Answer: No.

Question 113: Is the new generator required to be Caterpillar?

Answer: No.

Question 114: Is the basis of design products listed in the contract documents compliant with the Buy American Act specified in the solicitation documents? Will the VA pay for the engineering and design submittals, as well as all applicable deposits required by various manufacturers to put equipment into design and/or production? Is the new VA memorandum on bolts for steam and hot water systems applicable to this project? To our understanding A307 bolts are no longer allowed.

Answer: The boiler plant piping specification already requires A193 bolts to be used in steam and feedwater service. Any other steam piping will also require A193 bolts and A307 bolts will not be approved. All materials must meet the Buy American Act. Any applicable deposits for this project will be reviewed and approved/disapproved on a case-by-case basis.

Question 115: Because 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 the VA on this project?

Answer: No new work requirements or mandates.

Question 116: Is this project tax-exempt, and will the CO/COR provide the necessary tax-exempt certificates?

Answer: No, this project is not tax exempt. Please make sure your prices include federal, state, and local taxes per FAR 52. 229-4 Federal, State, and Local Taxes.

Question 117: Will you confirm contractors need to follow the TB policy stated in spec 01 35 26 1.16?

Answer: There is no tuberculosis requirement for this contract.

Question 118: For planning the preliminary project schedule, please provide an anticipated award date.

The tentative start date for this project is March 1, 2025.

Answer: The tentative start date for this project is March 1, 2025.

Question 119: How many calendar days should be included in the critical-path method schedule for the owner and A/E to review and respond to RFIs?

Answer: The critical path and how many calendar days to include is the contractor’s project management responsibility to determine and to be approved by the VA.

Question 120: How many calendar days should be included in the critical-path method schedule for owner and A/E submittal review?

Answer: The critical path and how many calendar days to include is the contractor’s project management responsibility to determine and to be approved by the VA.

Question 121: 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: Autodesk Revit model can be provided by the A/E once a drawing release waiver is signed.

Question 122: Please confirm that the superintendent cannot dual hat as CQC or SSHO.

Answer: Correct, the superintendent cannot wear dual hats on this project.

Question 123: Please confirm that the project scope will be completed during normal working hours, not nights and weekends.

Answer: Critical outages, such as steam or electrical outages, will be required to be scheduled on the weekends if it interferes with hospital operations. All other work can be completed during normal working hours.

Question 124: 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. Can the VA/Owner provide a designated parking spot for the contractor project superintendent?

Answer: The contractor will be required to park within the specified laydown area.

Question 125: Can the contractor use the existing on-site utilities for temporary electrical and water free of charge?

Answer: The government will supply all utilities, i.e. natural gas, fuel oil, power.

Question 126: Can the contractor use the existing restroom facilities in the work area or adjacent ones nearby?

Answer: The contractor can use the restroom facilities within the existing boiler plant and chiller plant, but no other adjacent facilities.

Question 127: Can the contractor use an existing office inside the building for a temporary construction office during construction instead of setting up a temporary trailer?

Answer: Once the VA has handed the site over to the contractor and vacated the building, the contractor can use the existing offices inside the boiler plant as construction offices.

Question 128: Has the facility Operation & Maintenance team reviewed the Contract Documents for operability to avoid change orders?

Answer: The design of this project was reviewed and approved.

Question 129: 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: Yes, there is a commissioning agent for this project.

Question 130: 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 will be required to provide the fire watch.

Question 131: Plan Note 1 mentions "Removal of co-generation generators by others." Please confirm who is responsible for this.

Answer: The 3.2MW generator and heat recovery steam generator are the responsibility of the contractor to remove.

Question 132: Based on the notes on plan T100, please confirm that the extent of the fiber optic cabling scope is the following:

(1) 24-strand OS2 fiber between buildings 77 and 108.

(1)12-strand OM1 fiber between buildings 108 and 208.

Is fiber installation required for fire alarm? If so, please indicate between which building?

Answer: The fiber types and locations are correct. There is an existing campus wide fire alarm loop that the new fire alarm system must be connected to. Any fiber required would be to extend the existing fiber to the new fire alarm system.

Question 133: Are there Davis-Bacon or other prevailing wages associated with this project?

Answer: Yes, Davis Bacon wages prevail. The Wage Determination for this project is WD TN 20250191 1-3-2025.

Question 134: Please identify which intersections along the fiber route indicated on plan T100 are manholes vs. shallow pull boxes.

Answer: The contractor is required to verify existing site conditions.

Question 135: Please provide detailed guidance for noise and vibration operations, including acceptable levels/duration, hours of operations for acceptable levels, and acceptable noise levels after hours.

Answer: The required noise levels are in specification 015719 Temporary Environmental Conditions.

Question 136: Will the owner accept Procore Project Management software as the primary…