Answers to RFIs - 506-21-105.pdf

36C25024B0028 – 506-21-105 – Facility Interior Signage Replacement – VAMC Ann Arbor, MI

Q1: Can you confirm on the “Signage Plans” (Sheets 1W-AW100 thru 29-AW104) that the only signs included in the project scope of work (SOW) are those located in the “white” area of work sections, and all signs located in the “Grey hatch” areas are not included in the project SOW?

A1: Refer to Amendment No. 1 Attachments for clarification on signs in scope and out of scope.

Q2: Can you provide the “Signage Schedule” listing all signs included in the project SOW as indicated in white on “Signage Plans” (Sheets 1W-AW100 thru 29-AW104)?

A2: Refer to Amendment No. 1 Attachments for signage schedule.

Q3: Electrical plan sheets were not included in this solicitation. Can you confirm if the scope in the

Electrical set E001 thru 28-EP400 is included in this contract?

A3: Electrical plan sheets E001, EE100, 1E-ED403, 1E-ED404, 1E-ED405 will be included in this contract.

Refer to Amendment No. 1 Attachments.

Q4: Reference Specification Section 01 35 26, page 18: There is not an Infection Control Class given. Do we follow the drawings only for what is shown for the required partitions for Infection Control? There is a group of drawings that only show partitions.

A4: Refer to Specification Section 01 35 26 Page 16 Section 1.12 Paragraph B. "The primary scope area for this project is: Class III...". Drawings and specs must be followed.

Q5: The following Specifications Sections are listed in the index but do not exist in the Specifications: 01 32 16.15, 01 33 23, 02 82 13.19, 02 08 33.13, and only one in Division 26 that is in the Specifications is 26 51 00. There is another Section in Division 26 that is in the Specifications, but not in the index that is in Section 26 27 26 (Wiring Devices).

A5: The Specifications Sections will be as an Attachment in Amendment No. 1.

Q6: There is a Specification Section 02 82 11 – Traditional Asbestos Abatement but there is not a survey and nothing to indicate what is to be abated. It appears as if floor tile is not being removed, or other material that might have asbestos in it, but a survey is required for any demo or removal work.

A6: All flooring has been removed from the scope. See Lead Reports and Asbestos Survey.

Q7: It appears that there is some new wall paneling to be installed, but nothing indicates this in Room Finish Schedule shown on A1600. Should this be marked as PL1 in the schedule?

A7: Wall paneling at elevators to receive PL-1 finish. See Attachments in Amendment No. 1 for clarification on drawings.

Q8: Is there an asbestos or abatement report/study available?

A8: See Lead Reports and Asbestos Survey. Documents are for the entire hospital; therefore, many areas will not apply.

Q9: On drawing AW200 it references a VA signage guide not included with the bid docs. Can we get the latest copy?

A9: Refer to: https://www.cfm.va.gov/til/dManual.asp under "Signage and Wayfinding".

Q10: On drawing 1E-AW100 thru 1E-AW107 has left side Corridor lighting and wall vinyl left out of highlighted in white scope. Are we still moving forward with these objects in the corridor?

A10: The scope will be clarified in Amendment No. 1. The objects highlighted are in scope.

Q11: On drawing 28-AW101 top of the corridor circle lighting is not in highlighted in the scope of work.

Are we still moving forward with these objects in this corridor?

A11: See Attachments in Amendment No. 1.

Q12: On drawing AW401 thru AW404 Supergrahic walls – Some of the wall numbers do not match signage plan documents, some are off by a number. Just want to confirm that the layouts are the latest version of these supergraphics. (Use Drawing 28-AW102 for example of supergraphic by elevator and compare to drawing AW404 – Supergraphic level ID Location 18.20-2-2 should be 18.20-2-4 as the floor drawing on 28-AW102 suggests.).

A12: The floor plans show the correct signage ID number.

Q13: Is it possible to revise the SOW and specifications to fit this project specifically?

A13: The Specification has been corrected in Amendment No. 1.

Q14: Is this project sales tax exempt? If the project is sales tax exempt can the government provide a sales tax exemption certificate?

A14: It is not. See FAR 52.229-3 paragraph (b)(1). Your bid/offer is to include all applicable taxes you may be subject to.

Q15: Will the Government provide comprehensive written badging requirements for the project if badging is required?

A15: Badging requirements are handled by the medical center via their requirements and the process is discussed at the pre-construction conference.

Q16: Will the Owner or GC be responsible for hiring the commissioning agent?

A16: See the solicitation specifications for any commissioning requirements that may be required by the construction contractor.

Q17: Can the required SSHO position be fulfilled by the qualified superintendent?

A17: Yes, if qualified.

Q18: Will the Owner or GC be responsible for purchasing testing and lab services?

A18: See the solicitation specifications for all testing or laboratory services required to be performed by the construction contractor.

Q19: Where will the designated parking area be for workers accessing the construction site?

A19: There will be. It will be addressed at the pre-construction conference.

Q20: Will the Owner accept the use of the industry leading Procore Project Management software as the primary submittal and data tracking tool for this project?

A20: Unless specifically required by the solicitation specifications, you may use whichever project management suite you choose as long as all required parties have access to it.

Q21: How soon after award is NTP expected to be issued?

A21: As soon as practicable.

Q22: Due to current potentially significant tariffs being placed on the importation of building materials such as wood or steel by the current Presidential Executive Branch, if a tariff is placed after bid time and before award will the government consider a price escalation on a contract value for products such as steel or wood should the executive branch levee tariffs effecting such materials? Most of these materials would still have been Buy American compliant as the tariffs would increase pricing on all steel or wood materials, regardless of origin.

A22: No. A firm-fixed priced contract will be awarded to the responsive and responsible offeror at the offered price submitted at the time of bid opening.

Q23: Is AISC (American Iron and Steel Certification) required for the structural steel fabrication and/or erection for this project?

A23: See the solicitation specifications for any and all material certifications required.

Q24: Will pay applications for materials secured on site or in a bonded warehouse be approved for payment?

A24: On-site yes, off-site no.

Q25: Will the government consider the inclusion of an Economic Price Adjustment Clause in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Subpart 16.203 "Fixed-price contracts with economic price adjustment" and the related contract clause language in FAR 52.216-2, 3, 4? We believe such a clause is appropriate for the following reasons:

• The economic variables for labor and materials are too unstable to permit a reasonable division of risk between the Government and the contractor, without this type of clause."

A25: No.

Q26: Does this project comply with the NEW Biden Administration Executive Order 14005 concerning the

Buy American Act? This executive order limits the purchase of materials from previously approved countries to include Canada and Mexico. Can you please confirm whether materials or equipment manufactured in these previously approved Buy American Act countries outside the United States can or cannot be used on this project?

A26: See the solicitation’s Buy American Act provisions and clauses that are applicable to this acquisition.