36C25023Q0023_QA3.docx

Amendment to a Previous Combined Solicitation

Amendment to a Previous Combined Solicitation

GENERAL INFORMATION

CONTRACTING OFFICE ADDRESS

Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office - NCO 10 3140 Governor’s Place Blvd. Suite 210 Kettering OH 45409-1337

POINT OF CONTACT*

Contract Specialist Josh Kovar Joshua.Kovar@VA.gov

All Questions shall be emailed to POC above

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

Chalmers P. Wylie VA Ambulatory Care Center

EMS Department

420 North James Rd

Columbus OH

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

AGENCY’S URL

URL DESCRIPTION

AGENCY CONTACT’S EMAIL ADDRESS

EMAIL DESCRIPTION

DESCRIPTION

The purpose of this solicitation amendment is to provide answers to questions posed by industry.

Answers from the Government are shown in Red.

1. In the solicitation, it mentions utilizing a chemical to remove the stains, however this is under the subject of cleaning. Industry standard for cleaning will be one price, while restoration will be far different. Does the government understand the difference between a cleaning and a restoration? – We understand the different between a cleaning and a restoration. We are asking the vendor to use a mild chemical (such as soap) with a soft brush to remove the existing stains as much as possible.

2. It seems that the government want to pay for cleaning yet receive restoration level final services. Is this solicitation for a restoration, or for a cleaning? – This solicitation is for cleaning.

3. Please understand, there is no safe way to utilize acids on glass and they are not considered mild, it creates an imperfect surface which lends itself to re-staining at a significantly faster rate. Are you open to a non-chemical alternative that will leave the glass in like new condition? GANA makes no mention of restoration, only general and post construction maintenance. Is contractor to stick to the GANA guidelines, as per the contract, or providing an additional solution that meets the specifics listed under “cleaning service”? – Yes, we are open to a non-chemical alternative. Acid is not permitted.

4. The solicitation sounds as if the contractor is responsible for picking the cleaning agents and chemicals versus an engineer / COR specifying what is to be used, is there an approval process for the cleaning agents/ chemicals given? – No, there isn’t an approved process. We are asking that the contractor to use a mild chemical that will not harm the limestone, aluminum siding, or glass. The contractor can select a product and submit for review and approval.

5. Relative to limestone, is VA Maintenance Section looking for a cleaning or restoration? - This is a cleaning using a mild chemical (such as soap) with a soft brush.

6. Is the exterior limestone, Oolite or Dolomite? – We are not sure, but please attend the final site visit on Friday, Oct 14th at 2:00pm to determine.

7.Are the mortar joints and caulking joints being addressed prior to the cleaning? – No.

8. Will government be requiring mockups? It is our preference, given the scope is involving processes that can affect adjacent materials and provide different quality of results? – Mockups would be preferred, but not required. Again, this is a cleaning not a restoration.

9. If the contractor provided an anchor testing company to perform the certification of anchors, would that change the preferred method of cleaning? – Please use a lift.

10.Several spots on the building are not reachable via lift, would you be reviewing the work plans to make sure companies performing the work are within compliance of OSHA 1910.26 subpart D? - Yes

11. Is government clear on what final results can and will look like when the exterior is only cleaned vs restored? How can contractor be ensured there is an apples-to-apples comparison vs apples -to-oranges? – Yes, we understand the stains on limestones may be difficult to remove and if a restoration is needed, it will be a separate service contract.

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Amendment to a Previous Combined Solicitation