Consolidated RFI Responses 03.03.21.pdf

REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION

PROJECT: 537‐18‐141 DATE: 03/03/2021

SOLICITATION: 36C252‐21‐B‐0006

RESPONSES TO REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION (RFI) MATRIX

RFI # RFI REFERENCE Response

Grill/Diffuser register schedule calls out for steel, should it be aluminum and or stainless steel in the hospital/patient area?

If so, please provide a revised schedule.

Grilles and Diffusers shall be steel as indicated in the schedules.

Is the roof under warranty? If so, please provide a vendor to maintain the warranty.

Roof where chiller is placed is not under warranty

We were unable to remove ceiling tiles to assess the conditions. Can you provide photos of the ceiling area for pricing purposes?

VA COR to provide existing photographs.

Drawing S0001 refers to drawing T‐/Steel ele. Please provide that drawing.

The drawing reference to plan refers to sheet B01B SX106.

For the work in phase 2‐3 where the work is to be confined in the individual rooms, what is the VA's expectations for Phase 3 infection control? The tie ins are shown to be in the hallway.

Spec section 01 35 26 Safety Requirements lists Class 3 construction barrier information that is acceptable for the project. Hallway tie‐ins shall be performed within approved barriers. VA COR to confirm any additional detail regarding this item.

The RFP states bids are to be sent via Certified Mail (USPS).

Will the government accept bids delivered from carriers such as FedEx?

The VA will accept the bid from any mail carrier or hand delivered BEFORE the due date and time. Due to COVID‐19 we want to ensure the bids are delivered, time stamped, and tracked accordingly.

Drawing M501 – Detail #4 (Fan Coil Unit – Horizontal Concealed) This detail shows additional overflow drain piping that is to be routed to a sink, lavatory, or floor drain. The piping drawing MP105 does not show these additional overflow lines except for the existing main condensate line. What is the actual design intent?

Drawing M501 – Detail #4 (Fan Coil Unit – Horizontal

Concealed)

Provide overflow piping per the note on Detail #4, Sheet M501. Pipe these overflow tell‐tale drains to above nearest sink as noted in detail.

It shall be acceptable to combine piping from multiple condensate pans into one common drainpipe.

Drawing M502 – Detail #2 (Terminal Unit Water Coils‐Piping Connections) The detail does not show a circuit setter. Please confirm if there should be one.

Drawing M502 – Detail #2 (Terminal Unit Water Coils‐

Piping Connections)

A circuit setter is not required for Terminal Unit Water Coils per the detail.

SOLICITATION: 36C252‐21‐B‐0006

RFI # RFI REFERENCE Response

Drawing M502 – Detail #5 (Heat Exchanger – Steam to Hot Water) This detail shows 4 additional Motorized Valves on the water side of the two heat exchangers. The note says that these valves are only required in the case where the second heat exchanger IS NOT a 100% redundant back up unit. When it comes to this particular project, is the second HX redundant or not?

Drawing M502 – Detail #5 (Heat

Exchanger – Steam to Hot Water)

The second steam to hot water heat exchanger is redundant.

Drawing M502 – Detail #5 (Heat Exchanger – Steam to Hot Water) If the second HX is infact REDUNDANT, is it the intent of the design to use manual valves to isolate the redundant unit?

Manual valves will be used to isolate the redundant unit.

Drawing M502 – Detail #5 (Heat Exchanger – Steam to Hot Water) If the second HX is in fact NOT REDUNDANT, what is the reason for installing automatic isolation valves on both the HWS and HWR sides? For practical and safety reasons shouldn’t there be only one valve on either the supply or return line so that in case of an unintentional steam valve opening up, the hot water has somewhere to expand?

The second HX is redundant per Note #9 response.

Drawing M502 – Detail #8 (Water Flow Measuring Station with BTU meter) What is the system should this Flow Meter be installed?

Drawing M502 – Detail #8 (Water Flow Measuring Station with BTU meter)

Metering station shall be installed in mechanical room 6525

SOLICITATION: 36C252‐21‐B‐0006

RFI # RFI REFERENCE Response

Drawing M503 – Detail #1 (Steam Humidifier – Piping Connections) This detail shows a direct steam injection style humidifier, but the equipment schedule on Drawing M601 lists an in‐ direct style humidifier with its own heat exchanger and control cabinet (Pure Humidifier SX‐3R). Furthermore, the control diagram for AHU‐1 and sequence (on pages M506 &M507) does not match the in‐direct style humidifier approach. Please clarify.

Drawing M503 – Detail #1 (Steam

Humidifier – Piping Connections)

The Pure SX‐3R humidifier takes boiler steam and uses it to create clean steam via tap‐water. This is the intent of the plans, to utilize facility steam, via the Pure SX‐3R as indicated in the plans and specs.

Drawing M506 – Diagram #7 (Air Cooled Chiller Control Diagram) This diagram shows a control valve V‐1, but this valve is not listed in the points list nor the sequence of operations on drawing M507. Is this valve actually part of the scope of work, and if it is, what is its function?

Drawing M506 – Diagram #7 (Air Cooled Chiller

Control Diagram)

V‐1 shall be utilized to prevent back‐flow through the chiller when the chiller is not operational. Its function is to remain closed whenever WCH‐1 is de‐energized, and to open when the chiller is enabled.

Drawing M506 – Diagram #7 (Air Cooled Chiller Control Diagram) This diagram shows two 3‐way valves, V‐2 & V‐3, which are to interlock the Endoscopy chilled water system with the facilities CHW loop. Where are these valves to be installed since the piping drawings do not show this interlock location?

Tie‐In shall be in mechanical room 6525.

Temperature Controls Scope – How many Room Pressurization Monitors required for this project?

Temperature Controls Scope

Please see drawings as the pressure monitors are called out on sheets.

17 Temperature Controls Scope – What is controlling the new AFCVs?

Temperature Controls Scope

Please see sequence of operations on Sheet M507 for control methods of AFCVs.

18 Heat Exchanger Pumps ‐ Are the Heat Exchanger pumps constant speed or variable speed?

Heat Exchanger Pumps

The HX pumps are constant speed per detail 5 on M506.

Temperature Controls Conduit EMT Requirements ‐ Are all the low voltage power 24v and communication trunk cabling required to be run in ¾” Conduit EMT for this project?

Temperature Controls Conduit

Yes, all temperature controls cabling shall be in conduit.

20 Exhaust Fans – Which Exhaust Fans are constant speed? Exhaust Fans See detail 6 and detail 4 on Sheet M506

21 Exhaust Fans – Which Exhaust Fans are variable speed? Exhaust Fans See detail 6 and detail 4 on Sheet M506

SOLICITATION: 36C252‐21‐B‐0006

RFI # RFI REFERENCE Response

22 Are the Exhaust Fan dampers modulating or just open/close? The dampers are two position (open/close)

Will there be isolation / failover motorized valves to switch from dedicated chiller to house ESG chiller plant in event of failure of chiller?

The three‐way valves are to open/close based on water temperature.

If the plant chiller were to fail, the water temperatures would rise, and the three‐way valves would open automatically per their sequence.

Please confirm personnel requirements for this project. Can

(1) superintendent fulfill SSHO requirements? Or does (1) superintendent and (1) SSHO need to be on site full‐time?

1 superintendent can fulfill SSHO requirements.

Topic: BAS Does prime contractor need to hire 23 09 23 controls? Does prime contractor have hire third‐party DIV 25 integration contractors?

Spec: 23 09 23

Prime contractor to hire controls contractor. Design intent was for the controls contractor to be the system integrator and not separate contract should be required. It is not our intent to issue a Division 25 specification.

Please confirm work hours for this project. Are there any specific tasks or trade division that must be on overtime (01 Infection Control, 02 Demolition, 02 Abatement)? Are there any areas of work that must be on overtime (Hallways, Occupied Areas, Etc.)? Once the chiller, air handler, and heat exchangers are removed, the space will not have any ventilation so it cannot be occupied by patients or medical staff, please confirm if normal work hours are acceptable during this vacancy.

Please see part 6 of the SOW. The AHU and chiller change itself must be done over a weekend.

Topic: Asbestos Report Please provide abatement report referenced in asbestos abatement for mastic specification section.

A 2019 report was available during design phase.

Topic: Roofing Warranty Please confirm who has roofing warranty and provide point of contact for the facility.

Spec: 07 ‐ Roofing Roof where chiller is placed is not under warranty

Topic: BAS Controls Is there a proprietary DIV23 controls contractor at the facility? If so, please provide company and point of contact.

No

SOLICITATION: 36C252‐21‐B‐0006

RFI # RFI REFERENCE Response

Topic: Fire Alarm Contractor Is there a proprietary DIV28 Fire Alarm contractor at the facility? If so, please provide company and point of contact.

Please see section 9 of the SOW.

Topic: Material Staging Please confirm if contract has material staging location at facility. If so, where is it? Is prime contractor responsible for any costs associated with staging?

Spec: General Conditions

Please see section 6 of the SOW

Please confirm order of precedence for the contract documents. Does SOW prevail over all documents?

SOW

This question can be discussed thoroughly with the awardee. As there are several documents provided and if there is a discrepancy it would need to be brought to the attention or the Contracting Officer Representative and the Contracting Officer.

Please provide doors, frames, hardware specifications for the new material locations. Is there a schedule?

Please see sheet B01A A501 for door, frame, & hardware information.

There is a single door & frame being replaced.

Topic: Phasing Are there any phasing constraints? Does work have to start and end in one phase prior to moving on to the other?

GC001

Phasing to follow design per design. Work to be completed in each phase before a new phase is started.

Task 4 – is to start 56 days after NTP. This does not leave enough time for procurement of AHU and Chiller once NTP starts. These pieces of equipment have 12‐16 weeks minimum following shop drawings. Please extend PoP or advise on how to proceed with the work in a realistic timeframe.

SOW ‐ POP

POP shows mobilization and performance of work to start 91 (13 weeks) days after NTP.

SOW states Class IV requirements, however, drawings state Class III. Please confirm which we are to follow?

Spec: Infection Control

Please see specification 01 35 26 Safety Requirements: Class III. VA to confirm this.

Topic: Loading Dock Use Please confirm hours that contractor has access at loading dock for crane rental / equipment. Is there any specific hours or requirements needed?

Please see section 6 of the SOW

SOLICITATION: 36C252‐21‐B‐0006

RFI # RFI REFERENCE Response

F38

Topic: Demolition General Notes Note 3 ‐ Demolition General notes on plan page B01A ‐ AD105 states that “by the act of submitting a bid, the contractor will be deemed to have compiled with the foregoing to have accepted such conditions and to have made allowances therefore in preparing his bid.” Prime contractor cannot be responsible for accepting all existing conditions and demolition items if not noted on a design‐bid‐ build contract.

If existing conditions substantially exceed the scope presented, then this must be brought to the attention of the COR and Designer of Record. Existing unknowns must be accounted for. It is expected that the bidders experience with similar types of renovation projects should provide a basis for anticipating conditions.

Topic: Final Clean Will EMS provide final cleaning of areas once contractor does construction clean?

Please see section 7i of the SOW. Contractor to leave area in hospital sanitized condition.

Topic: Add‐ Alternate Keynote 6 – Plan page Ad105 states ‘provide an add‐alternate for removing, replacing and finishing rooms with gypboard ceilings or soffits.’ The CLIN schedule shows (1) lump sum.

Are we to provide this in base bid, or will a new price schedule be re‐issued?

Base Bid

Topic: Shoring There is a general note in the demolition plans for ‘shoring or temporary bracing’. Please confirm prime contractor is responsible for shoring at any exterior removal locations as required.

Yes, GC is responsible.

Topic: Allowance Detail B on plan page AE105 states to ‘provide an allowance for patching, repair and finishing the new opening and surrounding walls.’ Are we to provide this as a line item on the CLIN breakdown? Will this be separate to the base bid?

Base Bid

Topic: Ceiling Types Is prime contractor to assume all ACT in areas for each phase? We were not allowed access into all spaces.

Please see sheet B01A AE 105 for ceiling types and locations.

SOLICITATION: 36C252‐21‐B‐0006

RFI # RFI REFERENCE Response

AE105 keynote 5 states ‘inspect all wall penetrations at all existing ductwork, piping and EC to remain. Patch and repair both sides of all damaged penetrations to ensure procedure rooms are airtight per VA standards.’ There is no way to quantify this pre bid. VA needs to provide quantities and sizes of all areas that require this work, so it is even amongst bidders.

Sheet: AE105 For purposes of bidding, assume 15 penetrations per room for base bid and provide unit cost for any additional penetrations beyond that.

Topic: Wall Types Please provide existing wall types of all areas that have penetrations through them. Are they 1 hour rated? 2 hours rated? What type of material? Plaster, or gyp board? What does the prime contractor need to assume where there are patch back locations between spaces?

Rated walls are indicated on the plans. Most existing partitions in the area of work are gypsum board & metal stud.

Topic: Above Ceiling MEPFP work Please provide as‐builts of existing Mechanical, Medical Gas, Electrical systems. There is no way to quantify locations where conflicts arise, and re‐working MEP systems to accommodate the ductwork without any prior knowledge of what is existing. Will this be handled in a change order following award, if there are conflicts of existing equipment that arise on site?

COR to send as builts. Please see question 38.

Topic: Commissioning Agent Please confirm if the GC is responsible for hiring a CxA. If so, are the responsible for all associated costs?

VA will hire the Cx agent.

Topic: AHU Housekeeping Pad Detail 3 states to extend the existing concrete housing pad to accommodate for the new AHU, but Keynote 8 states “new” housekeeping pad. Please confirm if the contractor is to extend the existing pad or to remove the existing and install a new pad.

Sheet: MH‐105 Extend existing house‐keeping pad to accommodate new AHU.

SOLICITATION: 36C252‐21‐B‐0006

RFI # RFI REFERENCE Response

Topic: ACT Type Please clarify the specification for “Matching Existing” Ceiling Tile and grid per Tag AT‐01 on B01A AE105. What is the manufacturer and model of the existing Ceiling Tile and grid to be matched?

Sheet: AE‐105 Basis of Design: Ceiling Tile: Armstrong ‘Ultima” Tegular edge 2x2, Grid: Armstrong ‘Prelude” 15/16”

Topic: ACT Type Please clarify the exact ceiling grid and ceiling tile specification for Tag AT‐02 on B01A AE105. What is the manufacturer and model of ceiling tile and grid to be matched?

Sheet: AE‐105 Basis of Design: Ceiling Tile: Armstrong ‘Cleanroom VL – unperforated 2x2, grid: Armstrong Clean Room grid 15/16” (aluminum, gasketed, hold down clips)

Detail 4: This detail shows additional overflow drain piping that is to be routed to a sink, lavatory, or floor drain. The piping drawing MP105 does not show these additional overflow lines except for the existing main condensate line.

What is the actual design intent?

Sheet: M501 See #7 response above.

Detail 2: The detail does not show a circuit setter; please confirm if there should be one.

Sheet: M502 See #8 response above.

Detail 5: This detail shows 4 additional Motorized Valves on the water side of the two heat exchangers. The note says that these valves are only required in the case where the second heat exchanger IS NOT a 100% redundant back up unit. When it comes to this particular project, is the second HX redundant or not?

If the second HX is infact REDUNDANT, is it the intent of the design to use manual valves to isolate the redundant unit?

If the second HX is infact NOT REDUNDANT, what is the reason for installing automatic isolation valves on both the HWS and HWR sides? For practical and safety reasons shouldn’t there be only one valve on

Sheet: M502 See #9, #10, #11 response above

Detail 8: What is the system should this Flow Meter be installed?

Sheet: M502 See #12 response above

SOLICITATION: 36C252‐21‐B‐0006

RFI # RFI REFERENCE Response

Detail 1: This detail shows a direct steam injection style humidifier, but the equipment schedule on Drawing M601 lists an in‐direct style humidifier with its own heat exchanger and control cabinet (Pure Humidifier SX‐3R). Furthermore, the control diagram for AHU‐1 and sequence (on pages M506 &M507) does not match the in‐direct style humidifier approach. Please clarify.

Sheet: M503 See #13 response above

Detail 7: This diagram shows a control valve V‐1, but this valve is not listed in the points list nor the sequence of operations on drawing M507. Is this valve actually part of the scope of work, and if it is, what is its function?

This diagram shows two 3‐way valves, V‐2 & V‐3, which are to interlock the Endoscopy chilled water system with the facilities CHW loop. Where are these valves to be installed since the piping drawings do not show this interlock location?

Spec: M506 See #14 response above

Is it acceptable to close off access to the area under the existing blue canopy in order to gain roof access in lieu of erecting a construction canopy?

No. Construction canopy required

Please confirm elevator access for construction personnel and equipment. Please also confirm the use of power.

Please see section 6 of the SOW. Use of the freight elevators is mandatory.

Are there outlets nearby in the roof chiller mechanical room that can provide this required power or an electrical panel nearby that we can tap into?

Confirmed, there is an electrical panel nearby the roof chiller in the mechanical room, and likely also receptables in the mechanical room nearby.

We noticed that there have been past exterior brick rebuilds on the building. Does ownership/management have an already selected exterior face brick to use? Or do we have to propose a new brick for approval? Please note that without knowing the exact brick to use, lead times are unknow and may vary.

Match existing brick size & color.

SOLICITATION: 36C252‐21‐B‐0006

RFI # RFI REFERENCE Response

There are general notes under ‘coordination plan notes’ for all plumbing, electrical, and med gas which cannot be quantified without further knowledge. For example, page B01A EJ105 – keynote 1 states ‘contractor shall provide pricing for any electrical raceways and associated branch circuit power and lighting wiring which are needed to be intercepted, spliced and re‐routed as required for installation of new ductwork. Coordinate with mechanical contractor.”

How Can prime contractor quantify what is existing pre‐bid without any as‐builts or documentation? This is a design‐bid‐ build contract, yet these statements but the responsibility on the contractor to quantify.

Provide an lump sum allowance for the estimated electrical relocation work required based on scope of work shown on design documents for each trade, and contractors review of site conditions, with written documentation breakdown of the assumed quantity of branch circuits/wiring/conduits and low voltage cabling included in the allowance.

62 Please advise if the CEC can also serve as the Superintendent. No. Independent superintendent required onsite at all times.

G002 indicates that during Phase 2 and Phase 3 the work is to be contained in the rooms shown, however per the work plans, there is work taking place in the corridor outside these rooms. Please advise on the requirements and extent of barriers. Please advise if the elevator is still going to be used to get people/patient to the phase 1 area as it crosses through the phase 2 and phase 3 work area.

VA COR to confirm this item. We assume that the passenger elevators will be used for patients and staff to access Phase 1 area after completion of that phase. There is a freight elevator in the same bank that should be possible to use for construction activities, but should be coordinated with specification requirements and COR.

B01A AD105 note 6 ask for an alternate for removing, replacing, and refinishing rooms with gyp. Board ceilings. The bid form does not appear to have a place for alternates.

Please advise.

Rooms with Keynote 6 are to have gypsum board ceilings. No alternates.

B01A EJ105 notes 1‐5 indicate to provide pricing for various electrical items that may need to be relocated due to the new ductwork, but now work is shown on the page. Please advise how this should be priced so all bidders are pricing the same work.

See response to #61 above

SOLICITATION: 36C252‐21‐B‐0006

RFI # RFI REFERENCE Response

B01A PP105 note 1 indicates to provide pricing for med gas piping that may need to be relocated due to the new ductwork, but now work is shown on the page. Please advise how this should be priced so all bidders are pricing the same work.

The scope of work is few small rooms and contractor shall base bid on estimated square feet of contract for rework. VA COR to provide existing building as‐built drawings for bidders to note existing piping locations.

B01A FX105 note 1 indicates to provide pricing for sprinkler piping that may need to be relocated due to the new ductwork, but now work is shown on the page. Please advise how this should be priced so all bidders are pricing the same work.

existing building as‐built drawings for bidders to note existing piping locations.

B01A FX105 note 6 indicates that CPVC piping if encountered needs to be replaced back to the main with steel. Please advise how this should be priced so all bidders are pricing the same work.

existing building as‐built drawings for bidders to note existing piping locations.

Topic: Controls Integration Pre the specification, “The General Contractor of this project shall directly hire the Control System Integrator in a contract separate from the contract procuring the controls contractor,” please confirm that the controls must be contracted separately from the integration contract. Please provide Division 25 specifications for this project.

Sheet: 23 09 23 Design intent was for the controls contractor to be the system integrator and not separate contract should be required. It is not our intent to issue a Division 25 specification.

Topic: Bolted vs Welded Connection The drawings indicate the Chiller beams are to be welded however the specifications indicate that a bolted connection is acceptable with the approval of a registered engineer.

Please confirm this is an acceptable method to use.

Sheet: S001 Confirmed.

Topic: Phasing Please confirm the phasing plan for this project as well as the temporary cooling and ventilation requirements. Will a temporary Air Handler Unit be required or is there a nearby Air Handler Unit that we will have the ability to tie into to provide the proper ventilation?

Intent is for the area served by AHU‐1 to be shut down during the work. There is not a temporary AHU nearby nor is it the design intent to

SOLICITATION: 36C252‐21‐B‐0006

RFI # RFI REFERENCE Response

Topic: As Built Drawings Please provide as built drawings of the existing mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire suppression systems in the area of work.

VA COR to provide existing building as‐built drawings