confined space questions CH.docx

1. What is the project Period of performance?

Period of Performance shall be from the date of award, not to exceed 90 days.

2. Does the VA have an estimated number of sewer or manholes the contractor will have to access? 420

3. Does the VA have an estimated number of vessels or tanks that require inspection? Does the VA have an estimated number of crawl spaces or interior building areas that require inspection?

Approximate numbers are as follows:

Vessels and/or tanks – 10-15 Crawl spaces – 4 spaces Interior building areas – 17-20 identifed areas but all air handlers will need to be reviewed and other spaces as well. We have two main buildings Building 1 with floors and building 22 with 3 floors with rooms containing air handling units on each floor.

4. How many VA staff will undergo confined space awareness training? Approximately 35-40

5. How many training events will the VA require? Or is it to be a one time training event? We would like two separate training sessions but can be the same day.

6. How many participants will be expected in each training event? Approximately 35-40

7. Regarding the confined space training, 1910 (general industry) and 1926 (construction) are required. Does the VA want two separate classes or a combined curriculum? Combine class

8. Does the VA want permanent signage posted on each entry point of permit & non-permit required confined space? If so, can the VA provide an estimated number of potential entry points? Yes, we would want the spaces labeled so that individuals know whether a permit is required.

9. Will any additional permanent hazard signage be requested? i.e. Asbestos, High Voltage, Engulfment, Moving Equipment, Fans, etc. No additional signage requested

10. If so, how large are signs required to be? Size and type will be dependent on the location and size of space.

11. Does being a SDVOSB offer any advantage to this contract? This is a small business set aside

12. On page 6 of 49 of the solicitation, Section C(B)(i) the VA states “Each individual space will need to be surveyed, hazards identified, and assessed.” Will the VA define which hazards are included in this scope/statement? The assessment needs to include if the space is a confined space and/or permit required space. Also identify the hazard making it a permit-required space.

13. Does the VA want a physical recon of each space, or will a camera review be acceptable? Camera would be acceptable.

14. Does the VA want asbestos and lead sampling with new reports and/or updates to current report inside these areas if suspect materials are identified? Asbestos and lead sampling not required.

15. Will standard air quality monitoring devices for O2, CO, CO2, Temp, Humidity, be appropriate testing parameters? Yes

16. Does the VA want GPS location of each area, with photos of all access points as well as interior photos? Contractor shall include visual documentation, an electronic map, and excel database with GPS location information for all identified spaces. This database will note the type of space, and hazards within each space.

The data can be placed on the drawings for the building which will be provided at award.

17. What is the total number of qualified confined spaces to inspect included within this scope of work? The facility does not have an exact number as the SOW is to conduct a review of the site for all confined spaces and permit required confined spaces.

18. Can the VA provide a copy of the existing confined space written program and related protocols prior to the due date of this bid? A copy of the latest draft with most current assessments of identified spaces will be provided.

19. Of the currently identified confined spaces included within the SOW, how many require permits? The facility does not have an exact number as the SOW is to conduct a review of the site for all confined spaces and permit required confined spaces.

20. If awarded, what will the VA response time be for each access permit request to newly identified permit required areas? Entries into spaces and the time lines will be dependent on the space and the need to enter.

21. If an extremely hazardous environment, required remedial event, or other unforeseen reason deeming an area inaccessible, will the VA accept notation and documentation as a suitable response from the contractor in lieu of access and inspection? If delays are caused by any of the aforementioned scenarios, will the VA grant additional time or change orders for funding for any incurred expanded scope to the period of performance? VA will work with the vendor for unforeseen issues.

22. Will the VA consider extending the due date to allow time for the RFI responses to be completed by the VA, and likewise factored into consideration by all bidders? Deadline extended til Tuesday Jan 24 5 pm