552-26-502 Bldg 330 Expanded Parking Lot RFI Tracker 20260212.docx

Updated as of: 02/12/2026 @ 3:15PM Solicitation: 36C25026B0015

Project: 552-26-502 – Bldg. 330 Expanded Parking Lot - Dayton VAMC

Request for Information (RFI) Tracker with VA Responses

KEY: Submitted RFI = Black; VA RFI Response = Blue

RFIs

1. Do you know where I can find a list of general contractors or plan holders for this project? We're looking to bid out, but I'd like to know which GCs we could bid under. If you don't have this information, could you direct me to somebody who might have it?

VA Response – At the bottom of the official Solicitation Page on SAM.gov there should be an interested parties list. Additionally, please see the Site-Visit Sign-In Sheet attached to Amendment 0001.

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

VA Response – Published with Amendment 0001.

3. Please confirm this is not a sales tax-exempt project.

VA Response – This project is sales tax-exempt.

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

VA Response – A tax-exempt certificate will be issued.

4. Can both the bid and bid bond be emailed?

VA Response – No.

5. If the bid is due on a Monday / gets rescheduled to be due on a Monday, will the VA please consider rescheduling it to any other day during the week.

6. If a Prime Contractor is awarded multiple projects at the same VA Medical Center location: Can the Superintendent be shared across multiple projects at the same site/location, or should they only be dedicated full-time to this project only?

VA Response – Dedicated full-time to this project only.

7. Can one person serve as the Superintendent, Quality Control Manager, & the SSHO?

VA Response – Yes. 01 45 00 Quality Control has been amended for this contract.

8. Is a Quality Control Manager a requirement for this project?

VA Response – Yes. Please reference #7 above.

A. Please confirm that per 01 45 00 3.4 B, the Superintendent can also fulfill the Quality Control Manager (QCM) role.

VA Response – Yes. Please reference #7 above.

B. If the Super can’t be the QCM, the average ADDITIONAL cost for a dedicated QCM is approximately $36,000 per month (salary, labor burden, per diem, housing, company vehicle, monthly return trips home, company phone, etc.). We expect the onsite construction portion of this project to be 3 months long, and the bid is expected to increase by $108,000. Please confirm a dedicated QCM is still required.

VA Response – Yes. Please reference #7 above.

C. If the Super can’t be the QCM, is the QCM required to be onsite full-time, or can they make site visits as required for inspections?

VA Response – Yes. Please reference #7 above.

D. If the Super can’t be the QCM and the QCM is required to be onsite full-time, should they be assigned to this project only, or can they be assigned to another project as well on the same property?

VA Response – Yes. Please reference #7 above.

E. If the Super can’t be the QCM, can a subcontractor (e.g., Terracon or a similar testing firm) fulfill the QCM role?

VA Response – Please reference #7 above.

9. Is a Site Safety & Health Officer (SSHO) a requirement for this project?

VA Response – Yes. Please reference #7 above.

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

Specification 01 35 26, 1.9 D in its reference to FAR 52.236-6, can be interpreted to mean that the SSHO can also be the Superintendent. Please confirm that the Superintendent can fulfill the Site Safety & Health Officer (SSHO) role.

VA Response – Yes. Please reference #7 above.

B. If the Super can’t be the SSHO, the average ADDITIONAL cost for a dedicated SSHO is approximately $36,000 per month (salary, labor burden, per diem, housing, company vehicle, monthly return trips home, company phone, etc.). We expect this project to be 3 months long, and the bid is expected to increase by $108,000. Please confirm a dedicated SSHO is still required.

VA Response – Yes. Please reference #7 above.

C. If the Super can’t be the SSHO and the SSHO is required to be onsite full-time, should they be assigned to this project only, or can they be assigned to another project as well on the same property?

VA Response – Please reference #7 above. Contractor to follow requirements within the specification.

D. If the Super can’t be the SSHO, can a subcontractor fulfill the SSHO role or does the SSHO need to be directly employed by the General Contractor?

VA Response – Please reference #7 above. Contractor to follow requirements within the specification.

10. Is badging required for the project?

VA Response – Yes

11. Will background checks and fingerprinting be required for any scope of work related to this project?

VA Response – Yes, per badging requirements

A. If required, which scope of work and workers will it be required for?

VA Response – All.

B. If required, how long is the turnaround time for background check results?

VA Response – It varies depending on workload, but accurate information to the VA will assist with the process.

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

VA Response – Depends on varying factors. Safety training should be provided through the contractor’s safety program.

13. Please confirm if tuberculosis testing is required before contractors can commence work onsite.

VA Response – Yes. As per section 01 35 26 - Safety Requirements 1.13 TUBERCULOSIS SCREENING

14. Please confirm if influenza vaccines are required for all contractors and subcontractors’ employees who work on the site or if masks will be required.

VA Response – No

15. The period of performance (POP) for this project is stated as 90 days. We estimate that preconstruction activities (submittals, procurement, mobilization, etc.) will require approximately 90 days prior to the start of construction. If the VA plans to issue NTP before preconstruction begins, we request that the POP be extended by 90 days to account for these preconstruction activities.

VA Response – The Notice to Proceed (NTP) will not be issued prior to the preconstruction conference. The VA will coordinate the NTP start date with the contractor. The Period of Performance is revised from 90 calendar days to 120 calendar days. The first 30 days will be dedicated exclusively to administrative activities, followed by 90 calendar days allocated for construction activities.

16. Once awarded, will the VA provide an Administrative NTP to allow time for subcontracts to be executed, GC & Subs to work together to develop a project schedule, provide SF1413s, and prepare other Division 1 submittals?

VA Response – Please reference #15 above.

17. Once awarded, if the VA will not provide an Administrative NTP, will the VA allow up to 90 days between the kickoff meeting and the NTP?

VA Response – Please reference #15 above.

18. Please provide call-in details and instructions for the bid opening to ensure transparency for all bidders.

VA Response – No call in information will be made available for the bid opening. The Bid Opening is public, and the Bid Abstract will be posted to SAM.gov.

19. Is any scope of work for this project required to be performed outside of regular work hours?

A. If so, what trades or scopes will be required to be performed outside of regular work hours?

VA Response – Please reference #19 above.

B. If so, what will the work hours and days be for scopes required to be performed outside of regular work hours?

VA Response – N/A

20. Are water connections available near the construction area?

VA Response – The VA will allow the contractor to connect to a hydrant for water; however, the contractor will need to provide the connection adaptor(s) needed.

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

VA Response – Please reference #20 above.

22. Please confirm available contractor laydown/staging areas and whether they must be inside the temporary fence.

VA Response –The Laydown/staging area is not limited to the project construction site. The VA can provide a laydown area if necessary, that is near to the construction site and will be established post award. All laydown areas will need to be coordinated with the COR and restored to original condition after the construction is completed.

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

VA Response – The VA will not provide office space within its facilities. The decision to include costs for a mobile office in a contractor’s bid is a business determination solely at the contractor’s discretion. The VA will not provide guidance or influence this decision.

A. Where can the mobile office be located?

VA Response – If a contractor elects to utilize a mobile office, it may be placed in the area(s) identified in the response to RFI #22.

B. Is space available for an 8’ x 40’ temporary ground-level office?

VA Response – Space is available to accommodate an 8-foot by 40-foot temporary ground-level office. The contractor shall be responsible for all necessary site preparation to ensure the ground is suitable for installation. All work performed, including site preparation and installation, shall comply with all applicable safety standards and Veterans Affairs (VA) regulations.

C. Are contractors required to set a pole and meter for electric usage in the mobile office?

VA Response – Power for mobile office will not be available. If contractor needs to set up a mobile office, the contractor will need to provide their own generator.

D. Where is the electrical connection for power to the mobile office?

VA Response – Please refer to #23C above.

E. What is the distance between the electrical connection and the proposed location of the mobile office?

VA Response – Please refer to #23C above.

F. Is a 208V, 125A breaker available for connection to the mobile office?

VA Response – No. Please refer to #23C above.

G. If a breaker isn't available, is a spare available?

VA Response – No. Please refer to #23C above.

H. Would contractors be expected to supply the needed breaker?

VA Response – Please refer to #23C above.

I. Will the feeder between the electrical connection and the mobile office need to be underground?

VA Response – Please refer to #23C above.

J. Will this feeder need to run across any asphalt or concrete roads or parking lots?

VA Response – Please refer to #23C above.

24. Where are the designated contractors' and subcontractors' parking area?

VA Response – Contractor parking will be coordinated with the COR.

25. Is parking available for 2-3 vehicles for the prime contractor and each subcontractor for a total of 6-9 vehicles?

VA Response – Please reference #24 above.

A. Where shall these people park if the VA cannot make 2-3 spaces available for the prime contractor and each of the subs for a total of 6-9 vehicles?

VA Response – Please reference #24 above.

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

VA Response – Yes. Please reference #22 above.

27. Where shall contractor dumpsters be located?

VA Response – Yes. Please reference #22 above.

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

VA Response – The question lacks clarity; therefore, the VA is unable to provide a response.

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

30. If required, can Porta Johns be placed within a 100’ radius of the job site / work area?

VA Response – Yes

31. Please confirm that the current design documents meet current VA TIL guidelines.

VA Response – Confirmed

32. Is there any work not included in the drawings or contract documents that will need to be performed under the contract?

33. Temporary Fence: should contractors assume the yellow line on the drawings to be the “perimeter of the construction site”. Please confirm the exact limits of the temporary fence.

VA Response – Refer to revised drawing, ”Revised - Proposed B-330 Expanded Parking Lot Curbs”

34. Section 3.1 in the SOW states “fencing… shall have proper temporary signage installed”. Please specify required signage on temporary fencing, as well as quantities.

VA Response –

· Danger or Warning: Indicating that the area is a construction zone and that unauthorized personnel should keep out.

· Safety Equipment Required: Listing the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, hard hats, high-visibility vests, and steel-toed boots.

· Project Information: Displaying the name of the project, the general contractor, and the contact information for the project manager.

· Permits: Posting copies of the necessary building permits and inspection certificates.

· Emergency Contact Information: Listing emergency contact numbers, including local emergency services, site manager, and safety officer.

35. Please confirm the required type of temporary fence (e.g., chain-link, panel fence, orange safety fence, etc.) for the 4' construction fence.

VA Response – Hi-Vis plastic temporary fence will be acceptable.

36. Please confirm the required fence material specs (mesh type, gauge, finish, etc.), if any.

VA Response – Please reference #35 above.

37. Is the temporary fence to be post-driven, or are free-standing fence panels with bases acceptable?

VA Response – Post-driven will be acceptable for this project.

38. Please confirm which curbs are to be removed per SOW Section 3.1. Please identify on drawings or include quantities.

VA Response – Refer to revised drawing, ”Revised - Proposed B-330 Expanded Parking Lot Curbs”

39. Please identify storm drainage systems intended for protection from soil or debris, per SOW Section 3.1. Please identify on drawings or include quantities.

VA Response – All storm drain inlets within the construction area, and any storm drain inlets impacted by potential runoff must be protected from soil(s) and debris. Please refer to drawing, “Sewer line plan – 2023”. Contractor to follow requirements within the specification.

40. Please confirm the required method of protecting existing storm drainage systems.

VA Response – Contractor to follow requirements within the specification.

41. Please confirm the required height and profile of the concrete parking blocks.

VA Response – Refer to revised drawing, ”Revised - Typical Parking Spot Dimensions”.

42. What is the required anchorage method to the pavement (number, diameter, and length of pins/anchors, and material)?

VA Response – For clarification purposes, concrete parking blocks will not be anchored into any pavement. For anchoring the concrete parking blocks into the gravel, a #3 or #4 rebar with a minimum depth of 12” imbedded into the gravel is required.

43. Drawings do not show proposed finish grades for the new parking area. Please provide design grades/slopes.

VA Response – The temporary parking lot surface is to have positive drainage towards adjacent parking lot and the existing storm inlets. To establish grade/slope, please reference drawing, “Dayton VA-Slope-Grade Plan” for grading points of reference.

44. If no new grading design is intended, please confirm the contractor is to match existing grades and drainage patterns. Absent further clarification, we will assume we are to match existing grades and drainage patterns.

VA Response – Please reference #43 above.

45. Section 3.2 in the SOW states “Perform necessary grading to ensure proper drainage and create a level surface. Install any required drainage systems, such as ditches, swales, or culverts, to prevent water accumulation” however, the drawings do not indicate any new ditches, swales, culverts, or other drainage systems; nor do they show locations or quantities. If new drainage systems are required, please revise the drawings to show all required locations, lengths/quantities, and details so the we can be properly bid.

VA Response – No new ditches, swales, culverts, or other drainage systems are anticipated for this project. Please refer to the revised scope of work.

A. If the drawings are not revised, please confirm that no new drainage systems are required and that grading is limited to achieving the design grades (or existing grades) shown on the plans. Absent further clarification, we will assume no additional drainage systems are required beyond what is shown on the drawings and will bid accordingly.

VA Response – Please reference #43 and #45 above.

B. If any new drainage systems are required such as drainage piping / culverts, please provide the associated Division 33 specifications and drawings.

VA Response – Please reference #45 above.

46. Is there a grading plan with elevations and dimensions?

VA Response – Please refer to #43 above.

47. Please confirm if the topsoil is to remain on site or be disposed of offsite?

VA Response – Excess soils are required to be hauled offsite. Only reusable soils necessary for the completion of the project will be permitted to remain on site. The contractor shall coordinate temporary placement of soils with the COR.

48. Is the parking lot to be sheet drained, if so to what direction and/or where is the storm water inlet?

VA Response – No. Refer to revised drawing, “Revised - Pavement Detail.”

49. Regarding the 4-foot construction fence, is this to be a hi-vis plastic temporary fence or something else? Please specify.

VA Response – Please reference #35 above.

50. Is there a preferred truck route in and out of the jobsite? If so, please specify.

VA Response – Yes. Contractor shall utilize the North Liscum gate entrance and are permitted to travel on Michigan Ave., Minnesota Ave., and the parking lot adjacent to the construction site. All roadways and construction site accesses must be kept free from any parked or standing construction vehicles and construction debris.

51. Are there any restrictions or requirement on adjacent streets as to construction traffic?

VA Response – Please reference #50 above.

52. Are there erosion/sediment control devices or structures (silt fence) required?

53. Are there any geotechnical reports available?

54. Please indicate if there are any testing requirements for the project.

VA Response – Aside from proof Rolling, the only other requirements is for offsite soils brought in for use as backfill. Please refer to Specification section 31 20 11 EARTH MOVING paragraph (F). No other testing is required for this project.

55. Please indicate if poor or unstable subgrade soils are encountered this will be handled as a modification to the contract, as there is no way to quantify this pre-bid?

56. Can the site superintendent triple hat the project as one person fulfilling the duties of the SSHO, QCM and Superintendent?

57. Please confirm that an NPDES permit is required, if required please indicate who is the responsible party for obtaining an NPDES permit?

VA Response – Confirmed. The contractor is responsible for obtaining the permit.

58. If an NPDES permit is required, please clarify what permit is required to be applied for. i.e. General Permit, Ohio EPA Permit No.: OHC000006.

VA Response – Ohio EPA Permit is required for this project.

59. If an NPDES permit is required, please indicate if the VA facility is an existing permittee.

VA Response – The VA facility is not an existing permittee. Please reference #57 above.

60. Please confirm there is no asphalt paving for this project, and spec section 32 12 16 is added for subgrade and base courses.

VA Response – There are no new asphalt requirements for this project. However, Contractor is required to make repairs to any asphalt they damage on the Dayton VAMC Campus. The Asphalt Paving Specification Section 32 12 16 has been added for any asphalt paving repairs needed.

61. Will the sign-in sheet from site visit be available in addendum?

VA Response – Please refer to #1 above.

62. Please clarify if a superintendent can be a dual hat to cover the requirements of SSHO?

63. If no to the question above, will the SSHO need to be full-time for this project?

64. Please clarify if a superintendent can be a dual hat to cover the requirements of QA/QC?

65. If no to the question above, will the QA/QC need to be full time for this project?

66. Can a superintendent be a triple hat to cover the requirements of SSHO and QA/QC?

67. Please confirm if tax should be included in our proposal?

VA Response – No. This project is sales tax-exempt.

68. Please confirm the latest wage determination for this project’s county.

VA Response – Wage Rates published with the Original Solicitation remain unchanged.

69. After backfilling, topsoil and seed have been applied who is responsible for watering? If the contractor is responsible will water be provided by the facility?

VA Response – The contractor will be responsible for watering. Water will be provided by the facility.

70. Please confirm if all excess fill materials, including broken concrete and asphalt will be allowed to stay on property or shall be hauled offsite?

VA Response – Excess fill materials, including broken concrete and asphalt shall be hauled offsite.

71. Please confirm if the contractor is responsible for any rock removal that is encountered. If so, what is the assumed elevations and quantity of rock material?

VA Response – Please refer revised Spec Section 31 20 11 Paragraph 1.6(B). The elevations and quantity of rock material is unknown.

72. Please confirm if a unit price can be established for rock removal as opposed to carrying in bid?

VA Response – No. This project will be awarded as a Firm-Fixed-Price Contract.

73. Please confirm if there is a separate staging area onsite for fill material to be stockpiled for re-use?

VA Response – The contractor will coordinate the onsite staging area for fill material to be stockpiled for re-use with the COR. All excess spoils shall be removed from the site. Any staging area used for materials shall be returned to the original or better conditions upon completion. Contractor to follow requirements within the specification.

74. If all reusable fill material can stay on property, is it expected that the area will need erosion controls and to be topsoil, raked, and seeded at end of project?

VA Response –Yes. The construction area and any disturbed areas caused by the contractor will need erosion controls, to be topsoiled, raked, and seeded prior to project completion. Please reference #73 above.

75. Please confirm if an onsite arborist is required for any tree removal or tree protection?

VA Response – An Arborist will not be required to remove trees within the construction site.

76. Please advise if the site contains any contaminated soil that needs to be removed.

VA Response – It is assumed that the soils on this site are free from contamination.

77. Please confirm if we will be allowed to keep a locked storage container or Conex box within the grounds.

VA Response – If a contractor elects to utilize a locked storage container or Conex, it may be placed in the area(s) identified in the response to RFI #22.

78. Is new site lighting part of this new parking lot?

79. Is new underground storm drainage structures and piping required as part of this project?

VA Response – Please reference #45 above.

80. Please confirm specifications. Table of contents does not match the sections provided in the documentation.

VA Response – Please refer to the revised specifications.

81. Will the government be providing a site plan showing intended grading elevations, intended number and locations or ditches, swales, culverts, outflow?

VA Response – Yes. Please reference #43 and #45 above.

82. To allow sufficient time to review responses and prepare our bid we kindly request that you please extend the bid date.

VA Response – See revised Bid Opening date.

83. Do we have any elevations available to us for estimating the quantities? I realize we have to complete the survey, but any additional information you could lend would be helpful. This would enable everyone to give a tighter proposal.

VA Response – Please reference #43 above.

84. 8' x 12" concrete blocks are generally not used for normal passenger cars and are significantly more expensive. Typically, 6' long x 5" tall x 8" wide are standard for passenger vehicles and are almost a 4th of the cost compared to the specked 8' x 12 " blocks. Please confirm the VA wants 8'x12".

VA Response: Refer to revised drawing, ”Revised - Typical Parking Spot Dimensions”.

85. Could the VA specify what type of Geotextile is to be used?

VA Response: Please see revised Specification 31 20 11 Paragraph 3.5(B).

86. Could you also confirm if bids are to be mailed/hand delivered or if email would suffice?

VA Response: The bids can be mailed or hand delivered. Please refer to the solicitation for details. E-mailed bids will not be accepted.

87. Can the Superintendent & SSHO be a dual-hatted individual assuming that individual is qualified for both roles?

VA Response: Please reference #7 above.

88. Are there any other mandatory on-site roles required in this contract?

VA Response: Contractor to follow specification requirements.

89. When does the VA expect the project to start following the award?

VA Response: Start Date is unknown. Please reference #15 above.

90. Are there any ICRA requirements for this project?

VA Response: No.

91. Is this contract Tax Exempt?

VA Response: Please reference #3 above.

92. Should the contractor provide in their bid private utility locating for the entire work area or just where the power lines run through?

VA Response: The contractor shall provide private utility locating for the entire work area.

93. How deep is the existing power line buried?

VA Response: The depth is undetermined. Please reference #92 above.

94. We are reviewing the requirements for the aggregate section of the parking lot and would appreciate clarification regarding the required subgrade preparation. Could you please confirm whether the scope requires removal of 1 foot of existing soil, including the top 6 inches, prior to placing the 1-foot aggregate section, or if only the upper 6 inches of soil are to be removed before placing the aggregate?

VA Response: Please reference #43 above.

95. Will you be posting the attendance sheet and any pertinent RFIs?

VA Response: Please reference #2 above.

96. There is no information on the geot4extile required. We would need guidance as to the spec on the fabric.

VA Response: Please reference #85 above.

97. Is the topsoil or dirt to be hauled off site?

VA Response: Please reference #47 above.

98. Can we raise or lower the elevations as we hit stable dirt?

99. Are there proposed elevations for the lot?

100. For the vegetative layer and soil removal, will there be any onsite area to put these, or will all materials removed from the site need to be taken offsite?

VA Response – Please reference #47 above.

101. If the materials need to be removed from site, has there been any environmental impact on the soil or will testing be required to remove from site?

VA Response – It is assumed there have been no environmental impacts on the soil. If contamination is found Contractor shall report their findings to the COR and CO immediately.

102. How much soil is to be removed prior to the placement of the geotextile?

VA Response – Please reference #43 and #47 above.

103. Do you want the #2 stone on top of the #411 gravel?

VA Response – No. Please refer to revised drawing “Revised - Pavement Detail”

104. Typical parking curb are 6" in width by 6' or 8' in length. Can you confirm the 12" width of these curbs?

VA Response – No. Please refer to revised drawing “Revised - Typical Parking Spot Dimensions”

105. Spec Section 31 20 11 – Paragraph (3.3)(B) Section B – Proof Rolling Existing Subgrade. The last sentence indicates “Rutting or pumping of material shall be undercut as directed by the Resident Engineer to a depth of 6 inches and replaced with base material. Our question is, is the Gov’t paying for this if this occurs. Since there is no way to tell until a proof roll occurs how much or how often this may occur, there is no way to put money in our estimate for this operation.

VA Response – Please refer to FAR 52.236-2 Differing Site Conditions.

106. Aside from proof Rolling, there are several mentions that other testing is to occur which we do not believe is relevant to this project. Can you please confirm that the only testing required is proof rolling as noted in 31 20 11.

VA Response – Please refer to #54

107. There is no mention of striping in the specifications. Is there to be striping for parking lot spaces?

VA Response – No striping is required for this gravel parking lot project.

108. There is going to be an epic amount of soil excavated. Are either of the Course of Actions below acceptable?

A. Keep a majority of the good soil on site. Build decorative landscaping berms/mounds along the West and/or West and Northside of the parking lot. The mounds would be sloped per industry standards to allow for safe maintenance and mowing. In addition to required drainage and swells.

VA Response – The construction of decorative landscaping berms or mounds is prohibited. Please reference #47 above for additional details.

B. Keep soil on site and/or move to alternate federal grounds/location for storage (recycle, reuse) at a later date vs wasting/hauling dirt to a dump site.

VA Response – Keeping soil onsite or moving the soil to an alternate federal location for storage is prohibited. Please reference #47 above for additional details.