Attach VII - RFI Valiant.docx

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

36C25026B0006

PROJECT LOCATION:

VA Northern Indiana Healthcare System 2121 Lake Ave Fort Wayne IN 46805-5100

TO: Brian Rosciszewski, Contract Specialist Department of Veterans Affairs Network 10 Contracting Office Brian.Rosciszewski@VA.gov

INFORMATION NEEDED: Write each in the form of a question. Use one document for all questions. Specify any referenced specs/drawings. Submit all questions on one document only to Brian.Rosciszewski@VA.gov. Subject of the email must be: “RFI – {Solicitation #} – Firm Name”

1. The specification for commissioning was not edited to be project specific at the time of review. Will any equipment beyond the scheduled items be included in the commissioning scope?

A: All work built under this contract is subject to commissioning, specific test and startup requirements for various components are listed in the spec sections for those components and will be enforced under this contract. The draft commissioning plan gives the framework that will be followed in executing the commissioning activities. Apogee

2. The specification for commissioning was not edited to be project specific at the time of review. Is this full-scope commissioning? If not, which commissioning tasks will be included in the commissioning scope?

A: All work built under this contract is subject to commissioning, specific test and startup requirements for various components are listed in the spec sections for those components and will be enforced under this contract. The draft commissioning plan gives the framework that will be followed in executing the commissioning activities. Apogee

3. The bid documents make reference to factory witness tests for the electrical switchgear. How many factory tests are expected?

A1. The statement made in the first sentence is correct, the VA does have the option to witness factory testing. The contractor is required to notify the COR 30 days in advance of factory testing so they can decide if they want to witness it. The second sentence, first question response is “factory tests are required per the specifications”. These are two different topics. MG, HEAPY.

A2. Factory witness testing of switchgear is anticipated to be a singular event where the switchgear is assembled and powered on the factory floor so that all designed actions can be simulated. Only if the initial test fails to meet the contractual requirements would multiple be required. Apogee

4. What is the existing camera VMS (software) manufacturer?

A: Exacq-Vision. VA

5. What is the existing camera manufacturer?

A: T601 camera schedule reflects the AXIS IP camera(s). JCM Heapy

6. Who is the current vendor that the VA uses for the camera system (service and installation)?

A: Williams Electronics. VA

7. What is the existing card access manufacturer?

A: T601 references the system as Lenel. JCM Heapy.

8. Who is the current vendor that the VA uses for the card access system (service and installation)?

A: Convergint. The GC must supply the licensing agreement when supplying the card readers. The card readers work from Lenel. VA

9. What is the existing PA and Mass Notification manufacturer?

A: C2G drop in ceiling speaker 2x2-70V-plenum rated speakers by CDW were used as the basis of design. See Ft Wayne PA information attachment, posted to amendment #2 to the solicitation. VA

10. Who is the current vendor that the VA uses for the PA and Mass Notification (service and installation)? JCI is currently in place but will be switched over to Edwards in July 2026 timeframe.

A: Williams Electronics assists the VA with managing the PA system. The PA system is not tied into the fire alarm system. VA

11. Is there a specific manufacturer for Backbone Cable/ Fiber and Horizontal CAT6A Cable and connectivity jacks and patch panels?

A: Refer to EHRM specifications contained in the IT Standards attachment posted to amendment number two of the solicitation. VA.

12. Is there a specific manufacturer for racks, cabinets, PDUs and cable management?

A: See IT standards ver 3.0 21aug20 attachment and 3W data closet example attachment, posted to amendment #2. VA

13. Can I get a transformer Schedule?

A: No. Transformer kVAs and voltages are shown on the single line diagram. MG, HEAPY.

14. Are all the Panelboards/Switchboards in the Schedule to be new?

A: Refer to the single line diagram for existing, demo and new panels and switchgear. This information is available on the drawings. MG, HEAPY.

15. Is Panelboard EQP to be relocated or Replaced?

A: Refer to Note 3 on EP101D. MG, HEAPY.

16. Is the Generator Room C1D2 classification? If so what is the extent?

A: Unclear question. MG, HEAPY.

17. How are we to handle Existing ATS’ to remain if they are incapable of integration into the ECMS system?

A: ATS must be retrofit with CT’s, voltage taps and relays as required for hardwired connectivity to the EMCS per the drawings and specifications. MG, HEAPY.

18. Do we have the specs/Manufacturers on the existing ATS equipment, Generator Equipment?

A1: It is shown on the single line diagram. MG, HEAPY.

A2: See Ft Wayne generator information and Ft Wayne ATS information, posted to amendment #2. Caterpillar generators and Asco ATSs were used as basis of design. VA

19. Can we get a copy of the required Joint Commission Report we’re expected to produce for the ECMS?

A: No. VA

20. Can we get a schedule of the new transformers?

A: No. Transformer kVAs and voltages are shown on the single line diagram. This is a duplicate of item 13. MG, HEAPY.

21. On Drawing M300, can we flange exhaust pipe that goes up the side of the building?

A: Refer to Item 1 of RFI 002. It is the same item.

22. On Drawing SE507, Detail #2 shows the support bracket. Is the intent for us to weld our exhaust pipe to these?

A: Refer to Item 2 of RFI 002. It is the same item.

23. M100 keynote 8 mentions pipe supports, wall guides, and bellow joints and refers to specificatin section 26 32 12. There is no spec 26 32 12, but specification section 26 32 13 does not mention anything about joints. In the past, the muffler as well as the expansion joint were supplied by the generator manufacturer, but installed by the HVAC sub. Is this correct?

A: 26 32 13 is the correct numbering for the Engine Generator specification. The intent of keynote 8 is to call extra attention to the requirement for the contractor to submit calculations for supports, expansion joints, and wall guides. Regarding who provides the muffler and expansion joint, refer to Item 2 of RFI 003. It is the same item.

24. Please provide the support detail for pipe stacks below the L10x10x3/4 stack support structure (SE507 detail 1 shows 9 instances where this condition occurs).

A: The (9) low guides shall be fastened to the masonry infill wall that exists behind the architectural façade. See 3/SE507 SIM (use ½” diameter threaded rods, epoxied 4” into existing masonry). NM, FFE

25. Civils CD101 keynote 2 shows the demolition of the existing fire service feeding the existing fire pump in Mechanical room 038. CU101 keynote 15 shows the new fire service to enter the proposed building addition on the South side of the addition. Fire Protection drawing FX101 shows the new service to go overhead through the addition. Considering that the new fire service has to be installed shortly after the demolition of existing fire service in order to maintain the fire protection to the existing hospital, would it be possible to relocate the new fire service to be outside of the proposed building addition? If proposed fire service can be rerouted, please provide a sketch depicting alternative routing.

A: There is a possibility that the new fire service line could be routed through Mechanical Room 036A (red lines on attached sketch), but this possibility was not investigated in the field during the design phase. It is unknown what obstacles exist in Mechanical Room 036A and site investigation would be required. GP, FFE.

26. Drawings indicate disconnect of fire sprinkler service with no temporary means of supply. Is temp service required, or is fire watch expected for the duration of service interruption? If temp service is required, details need to be provided on the expected routing.

A1: A fire watch is expected during the service interruption. GP, FFE.

A2: The contractor is responsible for fire watch during working hours. The VA Police will make roving inspections during off hours. VA

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

A: Yes. The GC will run and control Procore. VA

28. Will the owner accept the “Primavera P6” for schedule submission and monthly updates?

A: Yes, it is acceptable.

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

A: Indiana allows for tax exemption. Paperwork will be provided to the awardee upon request. CS

30. 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 Owner on this project?

A: Anyone who tests positive for COVID must be reported to Employee Health. VA

31. Many Owner campuses are beginning to address tuberculosis protocols on the Owner campus projects, including the 90-day screening before assignment to the worksite. This requirement will limit the amount 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 a requirement to follow the 90-day screening before beginning work on the project?

A: All contractors shall have a valid TB test on file with their perspective company prior to beginning any work at the VA. VA

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

A: This will be discussed with the engineering department and awardee. A pre-construction orientation will be conducted shortly after award at which time the NTP date will be discussed and agreed to. CS.

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

A: Government plans to issue award approximately 30 days after bid opening. CS.

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

A: Specifications call for 10 business days for the VA to respond to RFIs – Chelsey Gallion

35. How many calendar days should be included in the critical-path method schedule for owner and A/E submittal review?

A: Specifications call for 15 business days for the VA to respond to Submittals – Chelsey Gallion

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

A: Yes, upon contractor signing a waiver of liability release. MG, HEAPY.

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

A: Majority of work is during normal duty hours. Some off-shit work will be required (e.g. cut overs). VA

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

A: An A/E representative will not regularly be present on site. MG, HEAPY.

39. Can you confirm that the owner 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?

A: Confirmed VA has hired a third party. GC to have staff designated as the GC’s responsibility and be prepared to follow the framework outlined in the commissioning specifications and draft plan. Apogee

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

A: No assigned parking will be designated. The superintendent along with all sub-contractors will park in lot F (up on the hill) or in the construction area (determined at time of NTP). VA

41. Where will the designated laydown area be for the GC?

A1: Civil has staging area on AE201.

A2: Yes. Area will be determined after award. VA

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

A: This is not relevant to bidding the drawings and specifications. MG, HEAPY.

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

A: No space is available inside the VA for the contractor. A temporary office trailer may be set on the VA property. Contractor must supply own conexes for storage and fence for construction area and office. -VA

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

A: Contractor should plan on procuring temporary restroom facilities.

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

A: Generally yes for all routine interior work. For exterior usage, COR will determine availability (e.g. setting up an office trailer or workshop).

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

A: The VA Police will provide fire watch when no work is being conducted. Example at night, over weekends, and over holidays. VA.

47. 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.

A: Loud noise producing events must be coordinated with the VA COR. Each case will be handled individually. VA

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

A: Shortly after the NTP is issued.

49. Can the QA/QC dual hat as the Superintendent?

A: No. VA

50. Can the SSHO dual hat as a Superintendent?

A: Yes. VA

51. Will the Government consider candidates with extensive relevant experience and CQM-C certification as meeting the qualification requirements in lieu of a formal degree, consistent with FAR and VA guidelines that allow for equivalent experience for technical roles?

A: Yes, we will consider. VA

52. Please clarify whether QC Manager candidates with directly relevant QC experience on comparable Federal construction projects may be considered acceptable if their formal education differs from the degree described in the solicitation/specification/01 45 00, provided their qualifications are documented in the proposal/QC Plan submittal.

A: Yes, we will consider. VA

53. Please confirm if the Government will consider 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.

A: Awardees will provide their own internal QA/QC. VA

54. May 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?

A: Yes. VA

55. Will there be ICRA requirements?

A1: Yes. Refer to Safety Requirements for requirements. NM, FFE.

A2: See design bid documents. Any ICRA must be a hard barrier. VA

56. Has the owner entered into an agreement with the owner-furnished equipment vendor?

A: No. VA.

57. Can the owner confirm that the General Contractor is to not include any Asbestos or Lead Removal?

A: ACM and lead are to be removed. See answer to question 59. VA

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

A: See design bid documents and answer to question 59. VA

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

A: If such an incident occurs, the government would negotiate a modification or issue a change order. CS

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

A: Service elevator may be used. Hospital staff take priority if the elevator is full. Contractor is required to keep elevator clean along with any floor that the contractor exits to. VA

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

A: The VA or Geotechnical engineer are the entities authorized to make this classification change. The structural engineer cannot make this determination. ~ AES Group

62. Will the Government consider adding a price realism clause to Solicitation [insert number] 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.

A: No, this will be a firm-fixed price contract. CS

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

A: Not answered. Question is unclear. Stamped bid/design documents have been posted with initial solicitation. Contract solicitation and amendments will be incorporated to the award contract. VA/CS

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

A1: The wage determination was updated on 1/30/2026 and posted to amendment #2 to this solicitation. Wage Determinations are available at: https://sam.gov/search/?page=1&pageSize=25&sort=-modifiedDate&index=wd&sfm%5Bstatus%5D%5Bis_active%5D=true. Select Indiana, Allen County and Building.

A2: Important note: Awardees are responsible for complying with the wage determination as of the bid opening date, should it be amended before the bid opening. Government recommends checking the wage rate five days prior to bid opening so bids can be adjust prices accordingly. -CS

Government Response: Posted to Amendment No. 3 of the solicitation.

REPLY FROM:

NCO 10 – Posted to Amendment No. 3 of Solicitation

DATE: 2/6/26

ATTACHMENTS:

COPY TO:

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