RFI questions and answers 36C25026B0021 - Replace Window Seals B330 - 552-23-512 - 2.pdf

36C25026B0021 – RFI Questions and Answers

Replace Window Seals B330 – 552-23-512 - 2

Original questions in black

Answers in blue directly following the RFI question.

1. The SOW states the operable windows are to be "wet sealed and tooled" with a low-

VOC sealant. Please clarify the specific joints to receive sealant application:

a. The glass-to-sash glazing joint to address deteriorated gaskets and water intrusion;

b. The sash-to-frame operable joint to permanently render the window inoperable in the closed position; or

c. Both.

VA response: The sash-to-frame joint to permanently render the window inoperable in the closed position is what is in the scope of work.

2. Section 07 92 00, Part 2, 1.1.A.3 lists exterior sealant locations including all joints where window frames and subsills adjoin masonry/concrete (item a), metal to metal joints (item b), masonry to masonry (item c), masonry expansion and control joints (item f), shelf angle joints (item h), wall penetration voids (item i), and metal reglets/flashing joints

(item j). The SOW Project Overview states the intent is to seal the operable windows of

Buildings 330 and 310 due to deteriorated gaskets and water leakage.

Please clarify: Does the Government intend for the contractor to remove and replace

100% of all existing exterior sealant at all joint types listed in Section 07 92 00, Part 2, 1.1.A.3 (items a through j) on Buildings 330 and 310, or is the exterior sealant scope limited to window-related joints associated with the operable window units being sealed?

VA response:

a. The metal to metal joints (item b) is the joint pertaining to this contract.

b. The exterior sealant scope is limited to window-related joints associated with the operable window units being sealed.

3. If the exterior sealant scope includes window frame-to-wall perimeter joints (Section 07

92 00, Part 2, 1.1.A.3.a), please clarify:

(a) Whether the existing exterior perimeter sealant at each window is to be fully removed and replaced, or whether new sealant is to be applied over or adjacent to existing sealant;

(b) Whether this applies to 100% of windows on all elevations of both Buildings 330 and

310, or only at locations where deterioration or active water intrusion has been identified.

VA Response: The new sealant is to be applied to the gap between the window sash and window frame on all windows on both B330 and B310. There is where the gaskets are located.

4. The SOW requires testing of six (6) representative sample windows for water tightness per AAMA 501.2-03. Please clarify:

(a) Whether the six (6) sample windows are to be tested before production sealing begins (to validate the sealant application method), after all windows are sealed (as final quality verification), or both;

(b) Whether the Government or the contractor is responsible for providing the water spray apparatus required to conduct AAMA 501.2-03 testing;

(c) Who bears the cost of re-testing in the event a window fails the initial water test after sealing.

VA Response:

a. 6 windows after to determine the windows are sealed.

b. The contractor.

c. The contractor will bear the cost if the testing fails.

5. The SOW requires a minimum 20-year manufacturer's sealant warranty. Section 07 92

00, Part 1, 1.8.B requires a minimum 5-year manufacturer warranty. These requirements are in direct conflict.

Please clarify:

(a) Which warranty term governs — the 20-year requirement in the SOW or the 5-year requirement in Section 07 92 00;

(b) If 20 years is required, please confirm whether a manufacturer's standard product warranty letter is acceptable or whether a project-specific warranty document is required;

(c) Please confirm whether the warranty requirement applies to the sealant product only, or also encompasses labor and application workmanship.

VA response:

a. Due to this application, we will be requiring a 20 year manufacturing’s product warranty.

b. A standard product warranty letter will be acceptable.

c. Applies to the sealant product only.

6. The prior RFI response confirmed that no existing roof anchor points are present on

Buildings 330 or 310 and that a permanent swing stage anchor system is an acceptable means and method, with shop drawing submission required per Section 01 33 23.

Please clarify:

(a) Is the contractor required to engage a licensed structural engineer (PE-stamped) to design the permanent anchor system, or will contractor-prepared shop drawings without a PE stamp be acceptable for VA review?

(b) Will the VA provide existing structural/roof drawings of Buildings 330 and 310 to support anchor system design, or must the contractor perform independent structural investigation?

(c) Upon project completion, does the permanent anchor system remain as a VA asset, or is the contractor required to remove it and restore the roof surface?

(d) Will the VA's shop drawing review under Section 01 33 23 constitute Government approval of the anchor system design, or is independent third-party structural review required?

VA response:

a. For permanent anchors used in a swing stage (or any suspended scaffold), OSHA and industry best practice generally require that the anchor be designed, rated, and documented by a qualified professional.

b. Roof details are in the drawings provided with this solicitation.

c. The permanent anchor system is to remain as a VA asset.

7. The prior RFI response confirmed that the VA will provide window keys to unlock sashes from the interior, and that an Allen key is required to open the outer sash section from the exterior.

Please clarify:

(a) How many window keys will the VA provide to the contractor, and will they be made available prior to or at the time of NTP?

(b) May the contractor retain the window keys for the duration of the project, or must keys be signed in and out daily through VA security or engineering?

(c) What is the required procedure for obtaining and returning Allen keys — are these contractor-supplied, or must they be obtained from the VA?

VA response:

a. The VA will supply window keys as needed for the contractor to complete the requirement. The contractor will coordinate this through the COR.

b. The contractor will sign for and retain the keys throughout the project. When the project is completed the contractor will return them to the COR.

c. The contractor shall supply the Allen key.

8. The prior RFI response confirmed that window cleaning is required on both interior and exterior panes of all windows.

Please clarify:

(a) Is exterior glass cleaning to be performed from the swing stage during the same drop as sealant work, or does the VA anticipate a separate access mobilization dedicated to exterior cleaning?

(b) Is exterior glass cleaning required on all 1,200 windows, or only at the windows receiving sealant work?

(c) What is the Government's standard of cleanliness — is a standard professional cleaning sufficient, or is a specific cleanliness standard (e.g., IWCA or WCRA) required?

VA Response:

a. The exterior glass cleaning can be performed from the swing stage during the same drop as sealant work.

b. Yes

c. A standard professional cleaning is sufficient.

9. The drawings confirm a total of approximately 1,199 operable windows across Buildings

330 and 310 (East: 420; North: 250; South B330: 218; West B310+B330: 286; South

B310: 25).

Please confirm:

(a) Whether all 1,199 operable windows on Buildings 330 and 310 are within the sealant scope, or whether any windows are excluded (e.g., ground floor, non-patient administrative areas, windows recently resealed, or windows with non-deteriorated gaskets);

(b) Whether the window counts shown on the drawings represent only operable windows or include fixed/non-operable units that are not part of the seal scope.

VA response:

a. All windows are in the scope of work.

b. All windows are in the scope of work.