RFIs and Responses for Remodel Fort Wayne Chapel.docx

RFIs and Responses for Remodel Fort Wayne Chapel, Project 610A4-22-203

1. Please provide a submittal register for the project. The embedded link was not functioning.

Response: {FFE} A Submittal Register will be provided after Award.

2. If available please provide the hazardous material report/survey.

Response: {FFE} Asbestos and Lead Reports will be included in this Addendum.

3. Please confirm if the Superintendent can also be the onsite QC Manager and SSHO, one person filling all three roles.

Response: {FFE} See specifications.

4. Please confirm the electricity will be provided for the project at no charge, and a meter does not need to be installed.

Response: Electricity is provided at no charge and a meter does not need to be installed.

5. Please confirm that only existing painted areas disturbed by demolition will need removal of lead paint per the specifications.

Response: {FFE} Removal of lead-containing paint is not a requirement of this project. Contractors shall be familiar with OSHA compliance for handling lead-containing paint. All paint within the project is to be presumed to be lead-containing unless determined otherwise by the Contractor (See General Note H on demolition plans). The requirements for handling and disposing of lead-containing paint is based on the means and methods selected by the Contractor for handling the lead-containing paint. If removal of lead-containing paint is how the Contractor plans to handle lead-containing paint, the specifications and OSHA provide guidance.

6. Please confirm that lead paint can be painted over if not disturbed.

Response: {FFE} Painting over lead-containing paint is acceptable to the VA. Compliance with OSHA is the responsibility of the Contractor.

7. Please confirm if the project requires total lead paint removal of all painted areas identified on the drawings (ceiling, walls door frames).

Response: {FFE} The project does not require total lead paint removal. Compliance with OSHA is the responsibility of the Contractor.

8. Please confirm the location of the electrical lighting panel.

Response: {FFE} Drawing notes indicate to utilize preserved existing circuits. All new fixtures are a reduced load from existing.

9. Please confirm what is above the hard lid ceiling of the chapel, and if there is open access.

Response: {FFE} Space above the existing chapel ceiling is unknown. See Part 1.10 Restoration of the 01 00 00 General Requirements specification for requirements to patch and repair existing work as necessary to install new work.

10. There is a discrepancy in the drawing door and hardware schedule (HW Set #1 and #2) and the listed specifications hardware scheduled (HW-12F). Please confirm the hardware sets that are applicable for the doors being replaced.

Response: {FFE} See revised door schedule and hardware specifications within addendum.

11. Will the existing pews be removed by the VA? If not are they to be salvaged?

Response: {FFE} Pews will be removed by the Contractor. They will not be reinstalled.

12. Drawing AD101 – plan note E states that utilities that remain within demo’d walls to be relocated. Will this work be handled as a MOD to the contract due to the utilities not being shown?

Response: {FFE} There are not any demo’d walls within this project. Note E has been removed in the addendum.

13. Drawing AD101 – plan note H states all paint presumed to be lead base paint unless otherwise noted, all ceilings, walls and hollow metal door frames are painted. Is there a square foot of the area available, or is it the intent to demo all walls and ceilings?

Response: {FFE} Removal of lead-containing paint is not a requirement of this project. Contractors shall be familiar with OSHA compliance for handling lead-containing paint. The requirements for handling and disposing of lead-containing paint is based on the means and methods selected by the Contractor for handling the lead-containing paint. If removal of lead-containing paint is how the Contractor plans to handle lead-containing paint, the specifications and OSHA provide guidance.

14. Drawing AD401 – Calls for the demo of the lineal diffusers, drawing AE-401 shows the installation of “Decorative” lineal diffusers. Is this reinstallation of the demo’d lineal diffusers?

Response: {FFE} This is not a reinstallation of the old diffusers. New decorative diffusers are required.

15. Drawing A 101. Will the VA install all the furniture they are providing?

Response: Yes, VA will install the furniture that they provide.

16. Can the location of a dumpster be provided?

Response: Location is TBD. Coordinate with VA during construction.

17. Is the VA expecting a rebalance on air flow readings of the HVAC System.

Response: No. Clarification for decorative diffusers is in drawing addendum.

18. Decorative Linear Diffuser - No grille or diffuser schedule found. On drawing AE401 it is calling out for Decorative Linear Diffusers. The existing hydronic piping was valved off and capped. Is there something new on the piping or a reason for the new diffuser?

Response: {FFE} The replaced diffusers are for aesthetic updates and should maintain a similar percent open to existing diffusers to maintain a similar airflow. Selection should primarily be based on the aesthetic profile.

19. What are the conditions for ICRA on this project? The only thing called out on the drawings is:

TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION BARRIER AND ZIPPER DOOR - OPAQUE 10 MIL FIRE RETARDANT POLYETHYLENE SHEET PLASTIC PER SPECIFICATION 01 35 26. on drawing AD101.

Response: {FFE} Infection Control, discussed in detail in Part 1.12 of section 01 35 26 Safety Requirements, has been modified for consistency. Drawing GI004 “ICRA Plan and Notes” has been added in alignment with current VA ICRA documentation. VA will include further ICRA information in solicitation.

20. Will there be a spot for us to put a storage trailer somewhere on the job site, for materials, tools, etc.? What about a dumpster? What about all of the existing pews and furniture, are those to be disposed of or stored for the VA?

Response: {FFE} VA to confirm dumpster location and storage on-site. Per drawings, pews are not to be salvaged.

21. Does this job require a construction software-built program like Procore or Sage?

Response: See Drawings.

22. How are we to get a Negative air flow in this particular space?

Response: ICRA will be posted in an addendum. (Appendix A in ICRA. Interior exhaust procedure).

23. Is there a manufacturer that the VA would prefer for the Cabinetry?

Response: The VA cannot direct a sole source.

24. Does the current circuitry and switching match up with new drawing circuitry?

Response: {FFE} Yes, maintain circuits per notes on Drawings.

25. Is MC Cable allowed on the project?

Response: {FFE} HCFMC is allowed on the project.

26. Is there a cable tray in the hall from the OIT closet to the chapel?

Response: {FFE} There are either J-hooks or cable trays running in all corridors surrounding the Chapel to the Data Room.

27. On sheet EL101 detail #2 for the electrical floor plan, in the bottom, right hand of the print, it shows a telephone. There's no note for it and there was nothing about a demo. I'm not sure where that comes from. Are we supposed to run a new data cable and provide a phone?

Response: {FFE} Existing data cable and phone to remain. Relocate around new work.

28. After talking with Pinnacle for the cove, lighting, they have stated that their cove fixture does not have the extruded aluminum as shown in your detail, for mounting. What's the concept/idea for this mounting bracket? Did you have a part number in mind for this bracket?

Response: {FFE} Construction details will vary based on selected manufacturer. Design intent has been provided. Submit installation details with construction phase submittal process for approval by the VA.

29. Is this a tax-exempt project?

Response: Yes

30. If tax-exempt, will the government provide the prime contractor with a tax-exempt certificate for use by subcontractors and vendors?

Response: VA will provide Tax Exemption Certificate to awardee

31. Can the Superintendent be shared across multiple projects, or should they only be dedicated full-time to this project?

Response: Site Superintendent must be dedicated to this project.

32a. Can the Superintendent fulfill the Quality Control Manager (QCM) role?

Response: Yes. See specifications.

32b. If the Super cannot fulfill this role, the average ADDITIONAL cost for a dedicated QCM is approximately $26,500 per month (salary, labor burden, per diem, housing, company vehicle, monthly return trips home, company phone, etc). We expect this project to be 6 months long, and the bid is expected to increase by $159,000. Please confirm a dedicated QCM is still required.

Response: N/A. The QC Manager does not need to be a dedicated person.

33. Is the QCM required to be onsite full-time, or can they make site visits as required for inspections?

Response: See specifications.

34. If the QCM is required to be onsite, should they be assigned to this project only, or can they be assigned to another project as well?

Response: See specifications.

35. Can a subcontractor (e.g., Terracon or a similar testing firm) fulfill the QCM role?

Response: Requirements are in the specifications.

36a. Can the Superintendent fulfill the Site Safety & Health Officer (SSHO) role?

Response: Yes, see addendum update for 01 35 26 specification.

36b. If the Super cannot fulfill this role, the average ADDITIONAL cost for a dedicated SSHO is approximately $26,500 per month (salary, labor burden, per diem, housing, company vehicle, monthly return trips home, company phone, etc). We expect this project to be 6 months long, and the bid is expected to increase by $159,000. Please confirm a dedicated SSHO is still required.

Response: A dedicated SSHO is not a requirement. All training and qualifications specified need to be met.

37. Our interpretation of 01 35 26, 1.7 in its reference to FAR 52.236-6 is that the prime contractor would be in compliance with this section if we have a Superintendent on-site during construction, as FAR 52.236-6 does not require (or mention for that matter) an SSHO and explicitly covers the prime contractor's Superintendent only. In short, an onsite SSHO is not a requirement per FAR 52.236-6. Please confirm.

Response: {FFE} If the SSHO is not the Superintendent, the SSHO will need to maintain a presence on the job site for the duration of the project and conduct daily inspections per specifications.

38. Is the SSHO required to be on-site full-time, or can they be a home office employee (e.g., Safety Director) on the prime contractor's staff?

Response: {FFE} If the SSHO is not the Superintendent, the SSHO will need to maintain a presence on the job site for the duration of the project and conduct daily inspections per specifications.

39. If the SSHO is required to be onsite, should they be assigned to this project only, or can they be assigned to another project as well?

Response: Site Superintendent must be dedicated to this project.

40. Can a subcontractor fulfill the SSHO role with periodic visits?

Response: See addendum update for 01 35 26 specification.

41. Does the VA require any scope of work in this project to be performed outside of regular work hours?

Response: See specifications.

42. What trades or scopes will be required to perform off-hours work for work scopes that must be performed?

Response: See Drawings and Specs.

43. What will the work hours and days be for scopes that require off-hours work?

Response: After hours work will need to occur after 5pm and before 7am.

44. Please provide a copy of the Site Visit Attendance Sheet.

Response: Will be provided via amendment to SAM.gov.

45. In the event of contract modifications, should contractors apply bond premiums to the individual modification or wait until the end of the job where the VA issues a final modification to reimburse contractors for bond overruns for all mods.

Response: This will be left up to the awardee. Please note that any bond increases SHALL only be approved by submission of the bonding company’s invoice matching the amounts of the increase(s).

46. Where is the designated contractors' and subcontractors' parking area?

Response: {FFE} Spec 01 00 00 Part 1.5.E discusses this. “Coordinate with VA COR”.

47. If Lot F is the Contractor Laydown Area per the Campus Map on Drawing GI001, is the Contractor allowed to fence off and use the entire Lot F?

Response: No, the lot may not be fenced off.

48. Will the VA allow 2-3 spaces for the prime contractor and each subcontractor?

Response: Parking is on a first come/first serve basis.

49. Where shall these people park if the VA cannot make 2-3 spaces available for the prime contractor and each of the subs? Are background checks and fingerprinting required?

Response: Parking is on a first come/first serve basis. Background checks and fingerprinting ARE required per the solicitation and Northern IN VA Healthcare System policy.

50. How long is the turnaround time for background check results?

Response: This depends on how quickly the contractor employees get in for their appointments and whether or not all required documentation is submitted. The VA cannot tell ahead of time how long this process will take.

51. How many hours should the prime contractor and subcontractors budget for on-site badging, safety training, orientation, etc.?

Response: VA does not have safety training and orientation for contractors. Timing of on-site badging cannot be estimated by the VA.

52. Is tuberculosis testing required before contractors can commence work onsite?

Response: {FFE} Tuberculosis testing has been added to the 01 35 26 Safety Requirements specification, Part 1.13 as a part of the Addendum.

53. Are influenza vaccines required for all contractor and subcontractor employees who work on the site?

Response: See Contract solicitation documents VHA Directive 1192.

54. The period of performance (POP) on this project is given to be 183 days. However, Contractors never know when the government will issue an NTP; sometimes, it's immediately after the award; sometimes, we receive an admin NTP to begin submittals, etc. We estimate the time to construct this job is longer than the stated POP, including preconstruction activities. We request that the POP be extended by 180 days, assuming NTP is issued before preconstruction activities.

Response: The construction period of performance will remain 183; however, an administrative NTP for 60 days will be issued at Award.

55. Will the VA provide the point of contact information for the BMS integration contractor?

Response: Yes.

56. Will the VA provide the point of contact information for the Fire Alarm integration contractor?

Response: Yes.

57. Will the VA allow contractors to use water from VA sources?

Response: Yes.

58. Is temp power available for contractors to connect to?

Response: Yes.

59. If no temp power is available, a generator will be required, which usually adds significant cost to rent and fuel. Please confirm this is necessary if no temp power is available.

Response: Temporary power is available.

60. What are the locations for temp power?

Response: Locations are TBD after Award. Coordinate with COR.

61. Are contractors required to set a pole and meter electric usage?

Response: {FFE} No.

62. Will the VA provide a space for the Prime Contractor’s Superintendent to set up, or should we add costs to our bid for a mobile office?

Response: Unless Contractor uses space within the existing renovated Chapel space, a Mobile Office is required.

63. Is space available for a 10’ x 40’ temporary ground-level office near the temporary power source?

Response: Coordinate with VA COR during construction.

64. Will the VA provide space for a 20-yard dumpster?

Response: Yes.

65. Where shall contractor dumpsters be located?

Response: Location is TBD after Award. Coordinate with COR.

66. Can the VA accommodate a dumpster near the job site?

Response: Yes, coordinate location with COR.

67. Will the VA allow contractors to use VA indoor restrooms?

Response: Yes, per specifications.

68. Can Porta Johns be placed within a 100’ radius of the job site if required?

Response: Yes.

69. Can utility tie-ins be performed during regular hours?

Response: {FFE} If electrical tie-ins are necessary, after 5pm will be required.

70. Can system commissioning activities be performed during regular hours?

Response: {FFE} Commissioning is not a part of this project.

71. How much space is available for stored material so that we can procure and lay down long lead items and/or critical path material/equipment?

Response: Contractor can use the entire chapel during the construction phase.

72. Will the VA fully pay for this material/equipment if stored onsite?

Response: Yes.

73. What are the Bid Bond limits?

Response: See solicitation documents.

74. Is an anteroom required?

Response: {FFE} See specification 01 35 26 Safety Requirements, Part 1.12, and new drawing sheet GI004 within addendum.

75. If an anteroom is required, what should its dimension be? What will the minimum clearance be in the hallway to the anteroom?

Response: {FFE} See specification 01 35 26 Safety Requirements, Part 1.12, and new drawing sheet GI004 within addendum.

76. What should be done with the existing doors after demolition? (Reuse, refinish/restore, replace, store, dispose of, etc.)?

Response: {FFE} See Drawings and Specifications.

77. Will the existing Diffusers be stored or disposed of?

Response: {FFE} Disposed of, per Drawings.

78. Please provide a schedule for the new Diffusers.

Response: A schedule is not necessary for this work. Contractor is to replace the noted diffusers with decorative diffusers.

79. Please provide mechanical / HVAC drawings and specifications.

Response: Beyond replacement of diffusers, there will not be mechanical scope.

80. Please provide specifications for demolition.

Response: {FFE} See division 2 specifications. A demolition specification can be provided in the Addendum.

81. Where can negative air be exhausted?

Response: ICRA will be posted in an addendum. (See Appendix A in ICRA. Interior exhaust procedure).