621-22-108 - Replace Site Underground Chilled Water Piping _ RFI Responses.pdf

36C24926R0013 Replace Site Underground Chilled Water Piping – RFIs

1. Are the Contractor EMR Certification documents to be included in one of the proposal sections, or as a separate item? Please clarify. If they are to be included in one of the proposal sections, do they count toward the page limit?

Response: To be included and count toward page limit

2. Are the copies of active SAM and DSBS listings to be included in one of the proposal sections, or as a separate item? Please clarify. If they are to be included in one of the proposal sections, do they count toward the page limit?

Response: No, they are not and included separately

3. Are the entire solicitation and any amendments to be submitted as part of the Technical

Proposal?

Response: Yes

4. If the Pricing Schedule counts as 20 pages and the Price Proposal must also include the signed SF1442 (2 pages), there are only 3 pages left for the Bid Guarantee documents.

Can the page limit for the Price Proposal be increased to 30 pages to accommodate all required bid bond documents?

Response: No

5. Please confirm that proposals are NOT to include any cover sheet, cover letter, table of contents, or covers for the different sections of content. Or, if they are to be included, will these items count toward the page limit?

Response: if they are to be included, they will count toward the page limit

6. Are Attachments 4 and 5 to be included in one of the proposal sections, or as separate items? Please clarify. If they are to be included in one of the proposal sections, do they count toward the page limit?

Response: They need to be included in the price proposal, and they do count toward the page limit.

7. Can CPARS be used in place of past performance questionnaires? This has been acceptable on past projects.

Response: Yes, CPARS can be used.

8. 2. If CPARS cannot be used, can past performance questionnaires previously completed for other opportunities be used in order to avoid unnecessarily burdening our past clients once again?

Response: Yes, CPARS can be used

9. Would the government allow projects that are either 90% complete or substantially complete to be acceptable for Factor 3? This has been acceptable on past projects.

Response: Yes

10. Given this project generally does not include work in active medical patient areas, we believe the Standard for Acceptability for these factors should require past experience in similar underground site utility work, as stated in the Sub-Factor requirements, instead of experience in new hospital construction, renovation and/or construction additions in a hospital or medical center environment. Underground site utility work of this magnitude for hospitals or medical centers is rare, especially for SDVOSB firms. We request that underground site utility work for other federal government facility types also be considered relevant. Please advise.

Response: The scope of this project does not take place within the medical facility and equivalent underground utility installations are applicable.

11. Will the new chilled water system need to be installed parallel to the existing, fully tested and ready to switch over prior to taking down the existing systems?

Response: Yes

12. Will shutdowns be restricted to after normal business hours or will shutdowns be allowed during business hours with adequate notice?

Response: Yes, they will be restricted to after hours or weekends depending on the length and complexity of the outage.

13. How long can each system be shutdown during switch over?

Response: No more than 6 hours, unless otherwise approved by the COR.

14. Please provide the sign-in sheet from the site visit.

Response: Already provided by contracting

15. Can spoils be disposed of onsite or will they require removal and disposal offsite?

Response: They are required to be disposed of offsite

16. Will demo debris such as asphalt and concrete need to be removed from the site or is there a fill site on campus?

Response: Required to be disposed of offsite.

17. Regarding traffic control, can the road be shut down during construction assuming there is an alternate path to all buildings?

Response: Roads can be blocked as long as there is a detour route around the blocked road to allows access to all buildings affected by the road blockage. An MOT plan will need to be submitted.

18. In the absence of a proper geotechnical report rock removal cannot be determined. Since a geotechnical report is not provided, will rock encountered be handled by change orders?

Response: No geotechnical survey was completed for this project. Rock removal will have to be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

19. In the absence of a proper geotechnical report de-watering cannot be determined. Since a geotechnical report is not provided, will de-watering encountered be handled by change orders?

Response: No geotechnical survey was completed for this project. Dewatering will have to be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

20. Specification Section 02 21 13, 3.4 – Survey Drawing Requirements – These requirement

A-T appear to be a complete survey of the existing site and UG utilities. Since the SOW is for installing new and modifying existing chilled water systems can the survey be conducted only on new chilled water systems and the portions of existing chilled water systems which are directly affected (i.e. tie-ins)?

Response: The site survey should consist of the areas that will be disturbed during the installation of the new chilled water lines or any other underground installations as part of the project scope.

21. Will an SWPPP be required for this project?

Response: No, the area of excavation at any one time during the project does not exceed the 1 acre required for a SWPPP.

22. Extensive trenching is required across active medical campus areas. Please confirm whether engineered shoring systems are required adjacent to buildings and identify minimum offsets triggering engineered design.

Response: Engineered shored systems would only be required adjacent to existing structures if the trench adversely affected the stability of the structure it was adjacent to. The contractor will be required to provide an OSHA approved competent person to make that determination.

23. Tree protection procedures are defined in general notes. Please clarify allowable excavation methods within tree protection zones and whether directional boring is required in root protection areas.

Response: There is no required excavation method. What is required is that the root system of the trees cannot be damaged during excavation. Maintaining the proper distance of excavation outside the critical root system of the trees is preferred.

24. Will work in manholes require confined space requirements such as third-party standby rescue services.

Response: Yes work within manholes will require confined space entry permits and will require all parties required under OSHA confine space entry procedures to be present. The individuals do not have to be a third party.

25. Are seismic restraints needed for all chilled water lines inside the buildings?

26. Can a detail be provided for any penetrations in the new and existing concrete vault?

Response: On drawing S501 there is a note to a penetration in the vault stating the requirements of the penetration and to follow ASTM C923 for connectors. This note also states for all pipe penetrations, which includes those in the vault outside building 2. Follow industry standard practices and standards.

27. 07 84 00 Requires all penetrations to be installed by a licensed firm and inspected by a qualified third party. Is this required for this project?

28. There is a specification section for 09 96 59 Resinous Specialty Glazed Coating Systems.

There does not appear to be any mention of these coatings in the drawings. Please clearly identify all locations of Resinous Specialty Glazed Coatings on the plans?

Response: Only locations that have been identified in the drawings will require resinous glazed coatings. If not identified in the drawings, then the coatings are not required.

29. There are three separate specs for waterproofing; 07 13 52 MODIFIED BITUMINOUS

SHEET WATERPROOFING, 07 17 50 SHEET MEMBRANE WATERPROOFING

(EXTERIOR UTILITIES), 07 27 28 FLUID-APPLIED WATERPROOFING. Please identify on the plans where each of these products is used.

Response: Each specification states where it is applicable. It is the contractor’s responsibility to understand where the materials are to be used based on the type of construction defined within the construction documents.

30. Evaluation Sub-Factor 1a requires the Prime Contractor to demonstrate three completed projects meeting the stated criteria. Given that this procurement is a 100% SDVOSB set-aside, will the Government allow relevant experience of key subcontractors performing major portions of underground utility work to be considered in evaluating Relevant Experience, particularly where the subcontractor will perform the majority of the underground utility scope?

Response: NO, the government only accepts experience from the prime as there is no guarantee that a sb contractor will be hired for the project by the prime

31. Evaluation Sub-Factor 1a and Factor 3 require prior experience involving new construction, renovation, or addition of a hospital/medical center and/or healthcare facility. Given that the majority of work will occur outside of occupied medical facilities and is not anticipated to involve significant interior renovation or Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) procedure, will the Government consider projects involving underground utility infrastructure at other federal facilities (e.g., other comparable federal institutional campus infrastructure projects.) where the technical complexity and magnitude are comparable?

Response: Yes, where the technical complexity and magnitude are comparable

32. The Solicitation requires submission of three (3) Past Performance Questionnaires to be completed by prior clients and forwarded directly to the Contract Specialist in order to satisfy Factor 3 – Past Performance.

Many federal construction projects of similar magnitude are already documented in the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS), which provides detailed evaluations prepared and issued by Government Contracting Officers in accordance with FAR 42.15.

In order to streamline the evaluation process and ensure the use of official Government performance records, will the Government permit offerors to submit copies of relevant CPARS evaluations when available for qualifying projects in lieu of the separate Past Performance Questionnaire form required under Factor 3?

33. Sheet 4_119-M100 shows a condition which we do not believe exists. This drawing shows new CHW piping penetrating into a tunnel under the ramp of Bldg. 4 and tying into the existing piping within this tunnel. However, it was discovered at the site visit the tunnel only extends about 20-30 feet under the ramp and does not extend the full length as shown on sheet 4_119-M100 (see markup on snapshot provided below). Therefore, the new piping cannot run under the existing Bldg. 4 ramp as shown. Please provide clear directions as to how and where to tie-in the new CHW piping to Bldg. 4

Response: Revised drawings will be submitted.

34. The solicitation does not currently include an economic price adjustment clause such as FAR 52.216-4. In today’s market, significant volatility in both labor rates and material costs presents a challenge for bidders to estimate pricing accurately without including broad contingency allowances. This may result in higher bids and reduced competitiveness.

The inclusion of an EPA clause would allow for fair price adjustments tied to actual cost changes, improving pricing accuracy for the government.

a. Question: Will the Contracting Officer consider including FAR 52.216-4 Economic

Price Adjustment – Labor and Material in the contract to mitigate risk related to market fluctuations and reduce the need for contingency-based pricing?

Response: No, it will not be included

35. Spec section 01 45 00 which identifies the qualifications required for the CQC Manager. According to this spec section “The CQC system Manager is required to be a graduate engineer, graduate architect, or a graduate construction manager, with a minimum of 5 years construction experience on construction similar to the scope of this Contract”. This statement would require an on-site person with a 4-year degree in either architecture, engineering, or construction management to be employed full-time, onsite, and for the duration of the project. This is typical of a US Army Corps of Engineer spec reserved for projects with much higher complexity and magnitude than this SDVOSB solicitation for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Enforcement of this spec would require creating an additional high paying position within the onsite staff, thereby increasing monthly overhead project cost to the Government on every project.

Meeting this requirement in an industry that already has a significant shortage of labor resources will be both difficult to fill and costly to the project. Based on the size and complexity of this project, we respectfully request that this spec requirement be revised to add the statement “or a construction professional with a minimum of 7 years related work experience” at the end of the sentence quoted above.

Response: These qualifications for a CQC Manager are industry standard and will remain.

36. Can hydraulic and pneumatic rock braking equipment be used for rock encountered during trench operations?

37. Will access for water for testing be available at the site

38. Is this project tax exempt and if so will a certificate be issued?

39. FAR 52.232-5(b)(2) states that the Contracting Officer may authorize payment for materials not yet incorporated into the work. VAAR 852.232-70(d) similarly notes that the Contracting Officer will consider such payments as part of monthly progress payments. However, we have encountered Contracting Officers who interpret this language to mean payment is optional and choose not to approve payment for uninstalled or stored materials. Can the VA confirm whether payment for uninstalled or stored materials will be authorized on this project? If not, it’s critical that contractors are made aware during bidding so they can account for storage, insurance, and carrying costs in their proposals.

Response: VA will only pay for stored materials that have been received and accepted by the VA.

40. Quality Control Manager required to be onsite full time with no other duties?

Response: Refer to specification 01 45 00 for the QC manager requirements.

41. CQCS - The individual Quality Control Specialists that are required for each trade and for Structural, Civil, and Environmental, etc., are to work directly for the Prime Contractor. Can they be part-time employees?

Response: The quality control specialists are only required to be on site during the work on their specialized areas of responsibility.

42. SSHO – Is the Site Safety and Health Officer required to be onsite full time with no other duties?

Response: Yes, the SSHO is required full time and on site with no other duties.

43. Sustainable Construction Requirements – This is very comprehensive and costly. Will the government consider scaling this back to fit the scope of the project?

Response: Only the requirements of the specification that are applicable to the scope of the project are required. It is the contractor’s responsibility to adhere to the specifications as they pertain to work required by the contract.

44. Are there any major demolition work elements required that are not listed/depicted in the demolition drawings that need to occur in order for new finishes to be installed. If so, will they by identified on the demolition drawings?

Response: All demolition work is shown in the construction documents.

45. Is there any clearly defined scope of work that falls under delegated design, requiring the contractor to handle the design and engineering? Delegated design can be challenging for general contractors, as it requires completing design and engineering before bidding to accurately estimate costs. If any items are considered delegated design, please either include them in the construction design package or provide a detailed list here.

Response: Any delegated design will be specified in the specifications.

46. Are there any badging requirements for construction workers? If so, what are they?

Will every worker need to be badged or just team leaders/escorts? If the VA takes an unreasonable amount of time to process badges, can temporary daily or weekly badges be used until permanent badges are processed?

Response: Any contractor that will be working on site for more than 30 days will require a VA issued badge. Subcontractors that are on site for less than a month can be issued temporary badges. Temporary badges can be issued for those waiting on VA badges to be issued.

47. Is the contractor responsible for supplying a Submittal Exchange type website?

Response: Yes, and Procore is preferred.

48. Will the Schedule of Values and Pay Applications need to be cost loaded to match the project schedule?

Response: Yes a cost loaded schedule will be required with an SOV/Pay Application to match the cost loaded schedule.

49. 01 35 26, 1.9 Inspections states: A Certified Safety Professional (CSP) with specialized knowledge in construction safety or a certified Construction Safety and Health Technician (CSHT) shall randomly conduct a monthly site safety inspection. In lieu of a CSP or CSHT certification will an individual with a 30-hour OSHA certification and experience as an SSHO on construction projects be acceptable?

Response: A CSP or CSHT are required.

50. Per FAR, will the VA accept Teaming Agreements with key subcontractors demonstrating Past Experience.

Response: Yes, with proper disclosure and documentation.

51. Please verify the period of performance.

Response: The period of performance is stated in the SOW as 548 calendar days for the base bid.

52. We respectfully request to add 90 calendar days to the 548 calendar days period of performance.

Response: If the CO approves, then it is acceptable to increase the POP from 548 calendar days to 638 calendar days.

53. Please confirm how many calendar days the Sub-Factor 2a Gantt chart should show for project completion.

Response: The Gantt chart should encompass the entire period of performance of 548 days.

54. 01 00 00 states that a Geotechnical Investigation was performed. Please provide a copy of the soils report.

Response: A geotechnical investigation was not performed for this project.

55. Please confirm that if rock is encountered during excavation, it will be handled as a change order. If not, can the VA please advise how much rock contractors can expect to encounter?

Response: Rock encountered during excavation will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

56. Is there a place on site or adjacent to the job site to dispose of any silty trench water without adding additional cost for disposal for when dewatering is necessary?

Response: The dewatering from excavation is required to be disposed of according to any permits from local jurisdictions.

57. We request that the Attachment 3 Pricing Schedule worksheet be omitted with the bid proposal and submitted after award. Please accept our request. In our experience, it is unusual to provide such detailed pricing breakout for a firm fixed price contract, and subcontractors are reluctant to provide.

Response: Unfortunately, it is a requirement if to be considered

58. Bid Extension Request - We believe it would be in the best interest of the VA to postpone the project bid date by two weeks. This extra time would simply allow A/E to respond to RFI’s and allow more subcontractors to produce competitive bid proposals for your project, resulting in a more competitively bid project overall.

Response: Will be extended to March 10, 2026, 2 PM ET.

59. Plan 2 on 208-AE401 indicates removal and replacement of the metal grate and installation of new structural supports on mezzanine. There is a note that refers to the structural drawings. There does not appear to be a structural drawing that includes this metal. May a structural drawing be provided?

Response: The structural drawing being referred to is the structural detail drawing S501.

60. Plan 1 on 208-AE401 indicates removal and replacement of the metal grating on the mezzanine. There is a note that states to refer to General Notes M001 for additional details. There does not appear to be Sheet M001 to view this note. May this sheet be provided?

Response: The general notes are on drawing M000, not M001.

61. Can the new vault shown on sheet S501 be precast.

Response: The use of a pre-cast concrete vault would require a delegated design by the GC to certify the precast concrete vault at a minimum meets the concrete strength and reinforcement of the required cast-in-place concrete.

62. Can the test water for new chilled water lines be pumped into the nearest storm drainage system?

Response: Refer to specification 33 60 10 for the flushing and disposal requirements.

63. If the test water for new chilled water lines cannot be pumped into the nearest storm drainage system provide method of disposal.

Response: Refer to specification 33 60 10 for the flushing and disposal requirements.

64. Is cathodic protection required for new piping?

Response: The new underground piping is HDPE and does not require cathodic protection.

65. If cathodic protection is required, does it tie into existing cathodic, if so, where?

Response: No cathodic protection.

66. Please provide a manhole schedule showing the diameter of each new manhole required for this project.

Response: The only new manholes are in the vault which already has a detail.

67. Note 19 in the Chilled Water Plan Keynotes shown on Plan Sheet C315 states “Install insertion valve to isolate building 2 from existing system. Contractor to Field Verify existing pipe size & material prior to ordering materials.” However, the detail shown on the same sheet, Service Lines Building 2 Station 170+00 – shows two each highlighted new valves along with a tag listing note 15 “Support existing utility during construction, typ.” Is this note incorrect and does note 19 refer to these two valves?

Response: Yes, the Key Note on the valves shown in drawing detail “Service Lines Building 2 Station 170+00” is supposed to be Key Note 19, not Key Note 15.

68. Page C312 “Deduct Alternate A Notes” states “all work associated with the construction of the vault including the material transitions, sump pump discharge sewer connection, anchors, and valves are to be dropped from the construction scope if alternate A is selected for removal” and “if alternate A is selected for removal, the CHW lines shall be continuous HDPE and the contractor shall provide and install the appropriate HDPE bends”. However, the solicitation para A.5 Price/Cost Schedule line item 0002AA states that the alternate A is “BASE BID except eliminate the vault on dogwood avenue and cap distribution branches for future connection to building 204.” First of all, there is no future connection to building 204 shown on plans.

Instead, the plans show CHW to continue to building 201. Second of all, the plans describe that CHW to continue to building 201 even if alternate A is selected for removal, whereas, CLIN 0002AA states to cap distribution branches. Please clarify the scope of Alternate A (CLIN 0002AA).

Response: Refer to drawing M600, note 3 stating 10” chilled water branch with shutoff valves to cap the branch for future. That is the future the deduct alternate is referring to.

69. Specifications section 01 00 00 para. 1.11.C states “a copy of the soil report will be made available for inspection by bidders upon request to the Engineering Officer at the VA Medical Center, and shall be considered part of the contract documents.”

Please provide a copy of the soils report.

Response: No soil report is available for this project.

70. Specifications section 31 20 00 para 1.4.B.4 requires the general contractor to use

Geotechnical Engineering Report to evaluate the extent and competency of the rock and to determine both quantity estimations and removal equipment and efforts. Please provide Geotechnical Engineering Report.

Response: Not geotechnical report is available for this project.

71. Specifications section 01 00 00 para 1.11.A.1 states that the indications of physical conditions on the drawings and in the specifications are the result of site investigation by Terracon Consultants (Geotechnical Investigation). Please provide a copy of the geotechnical investigation by Terracon.

Response: No geotechnical report is available for this project.

72. If there is no Geotechnical Engineering Report available for this project, please confirm for GCs to exclude rock excavation or quantify the amount of rock to be excavated and the equipment to be used to ensure all GCs will bid the same scope despite incomplete solicitation documents.

Response: Any rock excavation encountered will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

73. Page C100 detail 1 Typical Construction Fence shows 8’ high FE-5 construction fencing. Specifications section 01 00 00 para 1.6.J states construction fence will be 2.1m (7’). However, during our on-site visit, we’ve observed numerous locations on campus that use temporary fencing panels with t-stands. Please confirm if 6’ high temporary fencing panels with t-stands with privacy screen will be acceptable during the construction of this project.

Response: 6’ fencing with panel stands is acceptable, but the panel stands need to be weighted down so the fencing cannot be blown over by high winds with the fencing fabric installed.

74. Specifications section 31 23 19 para 3.2.A states “prior to any excavation below the ground water table…”. Please clarify the depth of the ground water table.

Response: Ground water tables can vary depending on location on site and seasons. Previous reports have indicated ground water tables at or below 20 ft in depth.

75. Specifications section 31 23 19 Dewatering para 1.3.G states that the contractor shall comply with and obtain the required State and County permits where the work is performed. Please clarify which permits will be needed by State and County for dewatering operation.

Response: The contractor is required to verify with local jurisdiction the permits required for dewatering.

76. Please clarify if the GC or the government will pay for permit fees that will be required by State and County as part of the Dewatering operations outlined in specifications section 31 23 19 para 1.3.G.

Response: The GC will be required to pay for all permits required for this project.

77. Specifications section 01 00 00 para 1.9.D states the NPDES permit is required on this project, but the contractor is listed as the operator and the VA will make the permit application. Please clarify who will pay for the permit fee for NPDES permit.

Response: All permit fees required for this project are to be paid for by the contractor.

78. Please clarify if SWPPP (Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan) and subsequent periodic and rain-event inspections will be required on this project.

Response: The amount of excavation at any one time should not require a SWPPP which is required if 1 acre or more is being excavated.

79. Numerous specification sections mention asbestos abatement. For example, section 02 41 00 DEMOLITION para 1.2.E Related work, 22 05 11 COMMON WORK RESULTS FOR PLUMBING para 1.2.E Related work and para 3.6.E Asbestos Insulation Removal. Please clarify if there’s any known asbestos that will need to be abated as part of this project and provide the necessary asbestos report and asbestos abatement specifications, if applicable.

Response: There is no known asbestos present within the materials or areas of construction of the scope of this project.

80. Can you please clarify if the solicitation submission documentation EMR information is part of the price proposal or technical proposal?

Response: Technical proposal

81. Are we required to fill out attachment 5 General Conditions breakdown? If so, where should this go in the RFP?

82. Are we required to fill out attachment 4 Self-performed worksheet? If so, where should this go in the RFP?

83. We have been unsuccessful getting questionnaires filled out due to the recent changes in federal agencies and staffing. May we use previously submitted PPQs or would you except CPARS?

Response: CPARS are acceptable.

84. The solicitation Standard Form 1442 block 11 states POP as 548 calendar days;

however, page 15 of 60 para 2 (Standard for Acceptability) requires “Gantt chart achieving successful project completion in 365 calendar days. Please clarify the period of performance number of calendar days.

Response: The period of performance is 548 days.

85. Page 7 of the Solicitation para “Bid Guarantee” states “a bid guarantee is required in the amount not less than 20 percent of the bid price but shall not exceed $5,000,000.”

However, page 18 of the solicitation para 2.3. (c) states “the amount of the bid guarantee shall be 20% percent of the bid price or $3 Million, whichever is less.”

Please clarify bid bond requirements.

Response: 2.3 52.228-1 BID GUARANTEE (SEP 1996) - the amount of the bid guarantee shall be 20% percent of the bid price or $3 Million

86. Will the Government accept Procore Project Management software as the primary submittal and data tracking tool for this project?

Response: Procore is the preferred project management software.

87. Will the Government accept the “Primavera P6” for schedule submission and monthly updates?

Response: Project schedules must be submitted in Microsoft Project.

88. Is this project tax-exempt, and will the CO/COR provide the necessary tax-exempt certificates?

89. 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 Government on this project?

Response: No new work requirements or mandates are required for this project.

90. Many Government campuses are beginning to address tuberculosis protocols on the

Government campus projects, including the 90-day screening before assignment to the worksite. This requirement will limit the number of personnel who can immediately perform work right after the award. Will this project be required to follow 01 35 26 1.13 for TB-required protocols, and will it be required to follow the 90-day screening before beginning work on the project?

Response: TBD

91. What is the approximate duration between issuing the award and issuing the NTP?

92. For planning the preliminary project schedule, please provide an anticipated award date.

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

Response: Specification 01 33 23 states the VA review period is 10 business days for RFIs.

94. How many calendar days should be included in the critical-path method schedule for

Government and A/E submittal review?

Response: Specification 01 33 23 states the VA review period is 15 business days for RFIs.

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

Response: REVIT model will be requested from AE upon contract award.

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

Response: The majority of the work can be completed during normal working hours. Outages will be required to be after hours or weekends depending on the duration and complexity of the outage.

97. How many site visits do Government consultants have for MEP and systems coordination with GC, and will the Government have a designated MEP representative available on site?

Response: There will not be a designated MEP representative for this project.

98. Can you confirm that the Government 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?

Response: There is no third-party commissioning agent for this project.

99. Knowing that the campus is limited on space and parking, it is critical that the contractor's project superintendent have freedom of access and close proximity to the work. Can the Government provide a designated parking spot for the contractor project superintendent?

Response: The only area designated for the contractor is the lay down area.

100. Has the facility Operation & Maintenance team reviewed the Contract Documents for operability to avoid change orders?

Response: The contract documents were reviewed as part of the design approval.

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

Response: Temporary trailers in the designated laydown area will be required for this project.

102. Can the contractor use the existing restroom facilities in the work area or the adjacent ones nearby?

Response: The contractor will be required to provide their own restroom facilities within their laydown area.

103. Can the contractor use the existing on-site utilities for temporary electrical and water free of charge?

Response: Temporary electrical is required to be run to the laydown area for the construction trailers. Water utilities for the construction trailer will be the responsibility of the contractor to provide.

104. Will the Government provide the fire watch during the period that the fire suppression and/or fire alarm system is not in service?

Response: Any Firewatch required for this project is the responsibility of the contractor.

105. 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.

Response: Noise and vibration requirements are stated in specification 01 57 19 Temporary Environmental Controls.

106. How long after the award will the Government provide the submittal register?

Response: Within 10 days from NTP.

107. Can the QA/QC dual-hat as the Superintendent?

Response: Specification 01 45 00 Quality Control establishes the requirements for the QC Manager.

108. Can the SSHO dual-hat as a Superintendent?

Response: No, SSHO must be dedicated to the SSHO role.

109. Will there be ICRA requirements?

Response: There will be ICRA requirements for work within the buildings. The ICRA requirements will not exceed Class III requirement per ASHE Infection Control Risk Assessment.

110. Can the Government confirm that the General Contractor is not to include any

Asbestos or Lead Removal?

Response: There is no known asbestos or lead in any of the materials that will be encountered as part of the scope of this project.

111. Has the work area been checked for asbestos, lead-based materials, and/or other hazardous materials? Is there a report available?

Response: There is no known asbestos or lead in any of the materials that will be encountered as part of the scope of this project.

112. What is the Government's policy if asbestos products are encountered during construction that are not quantified in the construction documents?

Response: All work must stop and the materials encountered reported to the COR for further guidance.

113. Can the existing service and/or public elevators be used for construction activities? Are there any restrictions or time constraints?

Response: Service elevators can be used but public elevators cannot be used for construction activities.

114. In light of the ambiguity of the excavation scope, can the classification of the excavation be changed from unclassified excavation to classified excavation?

Response: No, the classification will remain as unclassified excavation.

115. Will the Government consider adding a price realism clause to Solicitation

36C24926R0013 to ensure proposed prices reflect a clear understanding of the scope and reduce performance risk? Including such a provision would help safeguard against unrealistically low offers that could jeopardize successful completion.

116. How soon after NTP issuance will the Government and/or designer of record provide and confirm the COMPLETE set of contract documents, including all amendments?

Response: Within 45 days from NTP.

117. Please confirm that the most up-to-date prevailing wage determination has been provided.

Response: Refer to solicitation attachments

118. Please confirm if the Government will accept a QA/QC organization in which the named QC Manager provides overall program management and decision-making authority, while on-site inspections and documentation are carried out by project-dedicated QC personnel reporting to that individual.

Response: The QC manager is required to be part of the onsite QC organization for the project.

119. Can CQM discipline-specific staff (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, low voltage, civil, etc.) be provided by trade subcontractors performing the work, rather than directly by the CM, provided they meet the minimum experience requirements and they will be responsible to the CM's QCM.

Response: The QC specialists can work for the subcontractor, but they must report to the QC manager for all quality control responsibilities.

120. C700 Indicates a new laydown yard for this project. This location appears to be an existing stone parking lot. Is the existing stone parking lot reused as the new laydown yard or should all existing stone be removed and replaced per Detail 2/C100?

Response: Follow the construction documents. The existing gravel that is there may not be sufficient for a construction laydown yard with heavy equipment and large storage containers.

121. Please confirm Detail 1/C100 is referring only to fencing for contractor laydown yard.

Response: Answered question 73

122. General Note for Sidewalk Diversion 5 indicates the construction barrier fence may be

32” orange snow fence. Is this referring to ALL site fencing shown on MOT drawings?

Response: If referring to Division 5, that is not the division for sidewalks.