36C25226B0004 0002.docx

5. PROJECT NUMBER (if applicable)

CODE

7. ADMINISTERED BY

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER

CODE

6. ISSUED BY

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NUMBER

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

9B. DATED

PAGE OF PAGES

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED

BPA NO.

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

FACILITY CODE

CODE

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

E. IMPORTANT:

is extended,

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning __________ copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY is not extended.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

(REV. 11/2016)

is required to sign this document and return ___________ copies to the issuing office.

is not, A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

15C. DATE SIGNED

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER

Contractor

16C. DATE SIGNED

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

STANDARD FORM 30

PREVIOUS EDITION NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.243 (Type or print) (Type or print) (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

(Number, street, county, State and ZIP Code) (If other than Item 6) (Specify type of modification and authority) (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.)

(If required)

(SEE ITEM 11)

(SEE ITEM 13)

(X)

CHECK

ONE

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS,

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer) 01-23-2026 550-26-1-6966-0001 550-23-102 Department of Veterans Affairs 36C252 115 South 84th Street, Suite 101 Milwaukee WI 53214-1476 Department of Veterans Affairs 36C252 Great Lakes Acquisition Center - HC 115 South 84th Street, Suite 101 Milwaukee WI 53214-1476 To all Offerors/Bidders

36C25226B0004 12-04-2025

X X X ** HOUR & DATE for Receipt of Offers is EXTENDED to: 02-11-2026 13:00 CST Solicitation: 36C25226B0004 Project 550-23-102 Upgrade Fire Protection - Multiple Buildings - CON

The purpose of this amendment is to incorporate the following:

1. Extend bid due date and time to Wednesday, 02/11/2026 at 1:00pm local time.

2. Change Period of Performance from 210 calendar days to 300 calendar days.

3. Provide responses to RFI questions. RFI's are no longer accepted.

See Continuation pages for details.

Juan C. Gaytan Contracting Officer

SOLICITATION 36C25226B0004

AMENDMENT 0002

01/23/2026

1) Extend Bid due date and time to Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 1:00 PM local time (CST).

Bid opening will be on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 1:00 PM local time (CST).

No email bid submissions will be considered, only in person hard copy and mailed bid submissions will be accepted.

Bid opening is still held in-person at the Great Lakes Acquisition Center (GLAC), Milwaukee, WI. Contractors will check-in at the front desk and escorted to a designated area. It is the responsibility of all contractors to arrive prior to the Bid Opening time, as the Bid Opening will start promptly at the time listed above. GLAC address is as follows:

Great Lakes Acquisition Center (GLAC) 115 S. 84th Street, Suite 101 Milwaukee, WI 53214-1476

2) Period of Performance (POP) Period of Performance for this project changes from 210 calendar days to 300 calendar days.

3) Provide responses to RFI questions submitted before RFI due date of December 23, 2025. RFIS’s are no longer accepted.

Solicitation # 36C25226B0004 550-23-102 Upgrade Fire Protection - Multiple Buildings (CON) RFI Questions and Answers Question #: 01 I was checking to see if your company is looking after the crossover/walkway equipment on this project if required? Also, are there any seismic requirements on this project?

Answer: There are no seismic requirements on this project

Question #: 02 Will exposed conduit or Wiremold be allowed on existing block walls?

Answer: Exposed conduit is allowed on existing block walls. It must be painted to match existing wall. Wire mold is not permitted.

Question #: 03 Will Wiremold drops be allowed on existing plaster/drywalls, or will we need to chase the wall?

Answer: All fire alarm wiring must be installed in raceway separate from all other systems.

For plaster over masonry walls, exposed conduit is allowed. For stud walls, route the raceway between studs, inside the wall.

Question #: 04 Is the Campus fire alarm network cabling and U.G. conduit existing from each building back to building 102, or will we need to run a new underground conduit and fiber optic cable?

Answer: There is existing connection to the station fire alarm network.

Question #: 05 Who is responsible for the fee to tie into the elevator controller?

Answer: The Contractor / Bidder.

Question #: 06 Will we be allowed to install a blank cover over existing openings not used?

Answer: Blank covers are allowed over existing unused openings. This does not apply to ceiling tiles; the tile must be replaced.

Question #: 07 Is there an existing underground conduit to the PIV valves?

Answer: There is existing conduit underground from the mechanical rooms. The condition of the existing raceway has not been verified.

Question #: 08 Will 2-hour rated fire alarm cable be required for the fire alarm loop?

Answer: No.

Question #: 09 What are the normal working hours for this project?

Answer: 0730 to 1630

Question #: 10 Will the owner accept Procore Project Management software as the primary submittal and data tracking tool for this project?

Answer: Submittal Exchange is pre-approved software.

Question #: 11 Will the owner accept the “P6 Primavera” for schedule submission and monthly updates?

Answer: Schedules and updates should be uploaded in the same online software that is used for RFIs and submittals.

Question #: 12 Is this project tax-exempt, and will the CO/COR provide the necessary tax-exempt certificates?

Answer: Yes, this project is tax-exempt. See page 6 of solicitation document.

Question #: 13 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 VA on this project?

Answer: No.

Question #: 14 Many VA campuses are beginning to address tuberculosis protocols on VA 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?

Answer: Local Occupational Health office believes that TB test results are typically received a week after submittal. Since the time between bid opening and mobilization is typically multiple weeks, there will be time to take tests and receive results. Note that the spec does not require a 90-day waiting period; it requires a negative test result that is less than 90 days old.

Contractor must provide a list of names of workers who have had the TB test (with negative results) before they can start work. Email list is acceptable.

Question #: 15 What is the approximate duration between issuing the award and issuing the NTP?

Answer: 14 calendar days

Question #: 16 For planning the preliminary project schedule, please provide an anticipated award date.

Answer: 14 calendar days from Bid due date.

Question #: 17 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?

Answer: See specifications.

Question #: 18 How many calendar days should be included in the critical-path method schedule for owner and A/E submittal review?

Answer: See specifications.

Question #: 19 Will the Government provide the 3-D REVIT Design model in native file format for the creation of coordination drawings and use by contractor?

Answer: No. Autocad drawings will be provided.

Question #: 20 Specifications section 01 35 26 para 1.7.C explains that SSHO has to be a separate qualified individual from the Prime Contractor’s Superintendent. Specifications section 01 45 00 para 3.4.B mandates that CQC System Manager can not have duties as project superintendent. Please confirm that the superintendent cannot dual hat as CQC or SSHO.

Answer: The superintendent can also serve as CQC and SSHO.

Question #: 21 Please confirm that the project scope (including work at the basement and the 1st /2nd-floor interstitials) will be completed during normal working hours, not nights and weekends.

Answer: It is expected that the project can be completed during normal working hours.

Question #: 22 The project scope is widespread across the building and performed in and around numerous existing building systems that will need coordination. How many site visits do owner consultants have for MEP and systems coordination with GC, and will the VA have a designated MEP representative available on site?

Answer: Site visits for coordination will be determined by the VA and AE.

The VA will ask for assistance from O&M as necessary.

Question #: 23 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?

Answer: Contractor / Bidder is responsible for commissioning.

Question #: 24 Knowing that the campus is limited on space and parking, it is critical that the contactor project superintendent have freedom of access and close proximity to the work. Can the VA/Owner provide a designated parking spot for the contractor project superintendent?

Answer: Yes. This parking spot may not be close to all work locations.

Question #: 25 Has the facility Operation & Maintenance team reviewed the Contract Documents for operability to avoid change orders?

Answer: Yes.

Question #: 26 Can the contractor use an existing office inside the building for a temporary construction office during construction instead of setting up a temporary trailer?

Answer: Availability of an office is not assured. The VA will try to provide an office. If provided, the office shall not be used for material storage.

Question #: 27 Can the contractor use the existing restroom facilities in the work area or adjacent ones nearby?

Answer: Yes, if no dirt or debris is left behind in restrooms or hallways.

Question #: 28 Can the contractor use the existing on-site utilities for temporary electrical and water free of charge?

Answer: Yes. Contractor is responsible for making connections. Water will require a backflow prevention device.

Question #: 29 Will the owner provide the fire watch during the period that the fire suppression and/or fire alarm system is not in service?

Answer: No. All firewatch expenses and labor are the contractor/ bidder’s responsibility.

Question #: 30 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.

Answer: Refer to Division 01 Specifications, the Contract General Conditions, or any Project Specific Requirements.

Question #: 31 Who is the security system vendor we need to coordinate with per Note 6 in the drawings?

Answer: See Question 75.

Question #: 32 Will the Owner permit the General Contractor to submit the bid and all required documents electronically via email? Given that the project site and the bid submission locations are different, this presents a logistical challenge for some bidders.

Answer: No, see pages 4 and 5 of solicitation document.

Question #: 33 Is there a preferred vendor for the fire alarm parts?

Answer: No.

Question #: 34 Can you provide a quantity of the drywall patchwork necessary on this project?

Answer: No.

Question #: 35 Is ICRA required on this project? If so, can you provide ICRA drawings?

Answer: Possibly. The processed ICRA form will lead to an ICRA determination at each location. No ICRA drawings are available. The contractor is responsible for filling out the ICRA form.

Question #: 36 What are the locations of all of the duct sensors?

Answer: In-duct detector locations are indicated on contract drawings. Locations are limited to air handler unit shut down.

Question #: 37 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?

Answer: VA will consider but not guarantee acceptance.

Question #: 38 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?

Answer: Yes

Question #: 39 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.

Answer: VA will consider but not guarantee acceptance.

Question #: 40 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.

Answer: Yes.

Question #: 41 Where it is notated to "patch and paint", is the expectation to spot patch and paint or will this be the entirety of the wall?

Answer: The expectation is to spot patch and paint. Contractor must comply with painting spec 09 91 00, para 3.10 “refinishing existing painted surfaces”.

Question #: 42 Please provide a quantity of fireproofing required on this project.

Answer: Firestopping is required for new penetrations of existing smoke barrier walls and fire rated rooms. Fire Proofing is not required.

Question #: 43 Note 4 on the demo drawings states to "replace lay-in ceiling tile where the existing device has been removed". Does the Owner have attic stock of the lay-in ceiling for the GC to utilize to replace this ceiling with?

Answer: No. Replacement tiles are the contractor’s responsibility.

Question #: 44 In Spec 01 45 29, there are several mentions of various tests we are to do (concrete, asphalt, landscaping, etc). These scopes are not within this project. Can you please confirm the scopes listed in 01 45 29 - 3.1 through 3.16 are not required to have testing done.

Answer: The testing scopes listed in Section 01 45 29 (Testing Laboratory Services), paragraphs 3.1 through 3.16, are not required for this project.

Question #: 45 Will be there be new painted fire rated plywood necessary at any new panel locations?

Answer: New panels are to be recessed or semi-recessed in finished walls where shown on drawings.

Question #: 46 Can you provide a quantity of the painting necessary on this project?

Answer: No.

Question #: 47 Where is the anticipated lay down area going to be?

Answer: South of the south water tower.

Question #: 48 Spec Section 283100 2.6.B.8 mentions “Remote microphone shall be provided in the security office in building”. Is this required and are there plans to show the location on the Fire Alarm plans for each building?

Answer: Yes, the remote microphone referenced in Section 28 31 00, 2.6.B.8 (under Speaker Circuit Control Unit) is required as part of the voice communication system for buildings utilizing digitized voice evacuation (e.g., Buildings 14, 102, and 104, per Part 1, 1.1 C.1). The specification uses mandatory language (“shall be provided”) for a remote microphone in a 24-hour manned location, customized here as the security office in building 102, to enable manual “all call” voice messages to individual buildings or all buildings simultaneously. Existing Microphone in Building 102 may be reused.

Question #: 49 Spec Section 283100 2.6.C.1 mentions “Speaker circuits shall be arranged such that there is one speaker circuit per smoke zones”. Building 101 and 103 define these zones. Are there smoke zones we need to be aware of in buildings 14, 102, and 104?

Answer: Yes, smoke zones are defined for Buildings 101 and 103 as “zones of alarm origin” per Part 1.1 C.2. For buildings 14, 102, and 104, there are no zones separate speaker circuits are not required.

Question #: 50 Spec Section 283100 2.7.A.3 mentions “… speakers mounted with white colored baffles in areas with suspended ceilings and wall mounted without ceilings”. What is the color of all other notification devices.

Answer: Speakers on ceiling shall be white. Strobes and speakers on walls: red with letters reading FIRE. specifications section 28 31 00, section 2.

Question #: 51 Fire Alarm Design – Is this system designed as a Fire Alarm / Mass Notification system? If so, are there plans to add additional speakers like in corridors for sound and intelligibility to offices and rooms adjacent?

Answer: No, the system is designed as a fire alarm system with integrated voice communication for evacuation messaging per Part 1.1 A and 1.1 C. locations of speakers is based on VA Fire Protection Design Manual.

Question #: 52 Fire Alarm Plans – Is detection (smoke or heat) required in electrical, mechanical, data rooms, housekeeping soil utility rooms, and small kitchens?

Answer: No.

Question #: 53 Fire Alarm Plans – Is CO detection required anywhere in these building?

Answer: No, See section 7.6 of the VA Fire Protection Design Manual.

Question #: 54 Building 14 – Questioning visual or enough coverage in certain areas. Like basement room B105, 1st floor corridor 102, and 1st floor conference room 101S?

Answer: Provide devices as shown on drawings.

Question #: 55 Building 14 – Basement elevator appears to have another opening on the south side. Is smoke detector required?

Answer: Yes. Provide additional smoke detector for elevator recall on south side of elevator Sheet FA 101.

Question #: 56 Building 14 – 1st floor FACP location and to which wall it is to be mounted on since east wall appears to have heater or something on the bottom portion?

Answer: Provide as shown. Contractors may propose alternate location within the area to meet manufacturer’s guidelines or if insufficient space is available.

Question #: 57 Building 14 – 2nd floor elevator top of shaft as to whether at least a smoke at the top of shaft?

Answer: Smoke detector is not required at top of elevator hoistway.

Question #: 58 Building 101 - Area A restrooms 129C and 130C requiring notification should be added?

Answer: Notification is not required in patient restrooms per VA Fire Protection Design Manual.

Question #: 59 Building 101 – Area A Toilet / Shower room 106C and 107C requiring notification should be added?

Answer: Notification is not required in patient restrooms per VA Fire Protection Design Manual.

Question #: 60 Building 101 – Area B ZONE 5, should it be ZONE 9?

Answer: Correct. Box with leader line to room 139E should read Zone 101-9.

Question #: 61 Building 101 – Area D Toilet / Shower room 159A and 160A requiring notification should be added?

Answer: Notification is not required in patient restrooms per VA Fire Protection Design Manual.

Question #: 62 Building 101 – Area D lounge room 136A requiring notification should be added?

Answer: Notification is not required, per VA Fire Protection Design Manual.

Question #: 63 Building 102 – Area A conference room 111B requiring notification should be added?

Answer: Notification is not required, per VA Fire Protection Design Manual.

Question #: 64 Building 102 – Area B breakroom 109E requiring notification should be added?

Answer: Notification is not required, per VA Fire Protection Design Manual.

Question #: 65 Building 102 – Area B large storage room 113E requiring notification should be added?

Answer: Notification is not required, per VA Fire Protection Design Manual.

Question #: 66 Building 102 – Area C Nursing Telework room 104C requiring notification should be added if it is a multi-person workspace?

Answer: Notification is not required, per VA Fire Protection Design Manual.

Question #: 67 Building 102 – Area C corridor across for room 105D requiring notification should be added on east side of corridor door?

Answer: Yes. Add speaker strobe devices to wall on north end of corridor CD-1.

Question #: 68 Building 103 – Area B Shower room 136D requiring notification should be added?

Answer: Notification is not required in patient restrooms per VA Fire Protection Design Manual.

Question #: 69 Building 103 – Area B breakroom 101D requiring notification should be added?

Answer: Notification is not required per VA Fire Protection Design Manual.

Question #: 70 Building 103 – Area B Toilet room 106D and 107D requiring notification should be added?

Answer: Notification is not required in patient restrooms per VA Fire Protection Design Manual.

Question #: 71 Building 103 – Area C Toilet / Shower room 106B and 107B requiring notification should be added?

Answer: Notification is not required in patient restrooms per VA Fire Protection Design Manual.

Question #: 72 Building 103 – Area C group rooms 102B and 117B requiring notification should be added?

Answer: Notification is not required per VA Fire Protection Design Manual.

Question #: 73 Building 103 – Area D Occupational Therapy room 120E requiring notification should be added?

Answer: Notification is not required per VA Fire Protection Design Manual.

Question #: 74 Building 104 – Area A emergency generator room 100 has a symbol EP in a square. What does this represent and is the fire alarm to monitor or control?

Answer: Electrical panel with emergency Fire alarm panel circuit.

Question #: 75 Please provide the contact information of the existing fire alarm company currently providing the equipment and service at the project site.

Question #: 76 Please provide the contact information of the existing mechanical company currently providing the equipment and service at the project site.

Answer: There is no single mechanical company providing service.

Question #: 77 Please provide the contact information of the existing elevator company currently providing the equipment and service at the project site.

Answer: KONE Americas 704 W Killarney St.

Urbana, IL 61801 Mobile: 217-494-5052 24-hour Service: 877-276-8691 Email: anthony.rauch@kone.com

Question #: 78 Please provide the contact information of the existing kitchen hood company currently providing the equipment and service at the project site.

Answer: VA has no service contract on kitchen hoods.

Question #: 79 Please provide the contact information of the existing security alarm company currently providing the equipment and service at the project site.

Answer: Securitas 800-548-4478

Question #: 80 Plan sheets FA-104 thru FA-107 and FA-112 thru FA-115 show smoke barriers. Those plan sheets do not specifically call out for work to be done in those areas as referenced in spec section 078400 2.2 A - SMOKE STOPPING IN SMOKE PARTITIONS.

Please clarify if existing smoke barrier penetrations require work under this contract.

Answer: The installing contractor is responsible to provide fire stopping in new penetrations of Smoke barrier wall.

Question #: 81 Is the installing contractor responsible for clearing any existing or reoccurring troubles on existing system?

Answer: No. The installing contractor is not responsible for clearing any existing or recurring troubles on the existing fire alarm system except where caused by the contractor in installation of new work.

Question #: 82 Does the VA have a preferred fire alarm manufacturer to be installed?

Answer: No.

Question #: 83 Can the installing contractor operate sprinkler valves for system testing?

Answer: Any sprinkler valve operation must be fully coordinated with VA staff and fire protection companies.

Question #: 84 Are detailed drawings required for all new power supplies to NAC/FACP locations?

Answer: Yes.

Question #: 85 Did the engineer use a particular system for basis of design?

Answer: No.

Question #: 86 Can the superintendent dual hat as the SSHO?

Answer: Yes.

Question #: 87 Is there room onsite for material storage (in building or exterior Connex)?

Answer: There is room for an exterior material conex.

Question #: 88 Is the use of temporary plastic wall panels (such as STARC panels) acceptable to meet ICRA requirements?

Answer: Any brand of barriers that meets ICRA requirements is acceptable.

Question #: 89 Is it acceptable for ICRA HEPA Negative air exhaust to be returned back into the hospital space above ceiling?

Answer: No.

Question #: 90 Will any outside monitoring be required?

Answer: No outside monitoring is required.

Question #: 91 Will there be meeting minutes sent out and/or a sign-in sheet for who did attend the meeting? I'd like to make sure to provide pricing to all of the interested parties.

Answer: Pre-bid site visit Sign in sheet will be published via amendment 001

Question #: 92 Ref: 013526 Safety, 1.9C Please confirm that the SSHO needs to be a separate individual from the prime superintendent/quality control manager.

Answer: Does not need to be a separate individual.

Question #: 93 Ref: 014500 Quality Control, 3.4B Will an onsite QC manager with 20 years supervision experience be acceptable in lieu of a graduate engineer, graduate architect, or graduate of construction management QC Manager?

Answer: VA will consider, but not guarantee acceptance.

Question #: 94 Ref: Bldg 14 – Sheet FA101, Notes 13-19 Who is the current elevator service contractor? Is recertification of the existing elevators required at the completion of work?

Answer: Kone. Elevator must be placed back in service with whatever certifications are required. Elevator downtime must be minimized.

Question #: 95 Ref: Spec 078400, 1.5 Quality Assurance Please confirm the installer’s qualifications for firestopping. Or can an installer with a manufacturer’s certification install firestopping, such as 3M or Hilti?

Please confirm that firestop inspections are required for this contract.

Answer: 078400 (Section 07 84 00 FIRESTOPPING) does not include a 1.5 QUALITY ASSURANCE paragraph or any specific installer qualifications (e.g., years of experience, FM/UL accreditation, or mandatory training). The section only requires:

Submittal of installer qualifications (PART 1 - GENERAL, 1.3 SUBMITTALS, Paragraph C: "Installer qualifications.") Submittal of inspector qualifications (Paragraph D).

Manufacturer's literature and certificates attesting compliance (Paragraphs E-H).

Therefore, yes, an installer with a manufacturer’s certification (e.g., Hilti Accredited Firestop Specialty Contractor or 3M firestop training/certification) is acceptable, as long as it is submitted and approved via submittals. No stricter qualifications (e.g., DHI, NICET, or minimum experience) are mandated in this spec.

Firestop Inspections:

Yes, firestop inspections are required.

Evidence: 078400, PART 1 - GENERAL, 1.3 SUBMITTALS, Paragraph D: "Inspector qualifications." This implies a qualified inspector must perform inspections, common for verifying installed systems match tested assemblies.

No separate inspection section exists, but submittal of inspector quals and typical VA practice requires third-party or manufacturer/special inspection for critical penetrations.

Question #: 96 Reading through the specifications I don’t see where JCI/Simplex is listed as a standalone supplier for the fire alarm. Does this mean this is a performance spec and we just need to use the supplied documents as “basis of design”.

Answer: Yes, this is a performance specification, and no specific manufacturer (including JCI/Simplex) is listed as a standalone or proprietary supplier for the fire alarm system.

Question #: 97 The FACP for Building 14, what is the content behind the wall & will that heater be moved? Refer to page FA 102, entry area.

Answer: Provide as shown. Contractors may propose alternate location within the area to meet manufacturer’s guidelines or if insufficient space is available.

Question #: 98 Can the work of this project be completed during normal working hours, not nights and weekends?

Answer: It is expected that the project can be completed during normal working hours.

Question #: 99 Are there exceptions concerning wall mounted devices that are placed on Concrete Masonry Units (CMU) walls compared to typical Dry walls?

Answer: Routing of conduit does differ, but not the devices.

Question #: 100 Can all wall types (CMU, drywall, etc…) that have devices attached to them be Identified by the VA prior to construction and/or demolition? Will Detailed Drawings (as-builts) be provided concerning existing wall types?

Answer: No. The provided specifications do not require the VA to identify or provide a list of all wall types (CMU, drywall, etc.) for device locations prior to construction or demolition.

Detailed as-built drawings specifically concerning existing wall types are not required to be provided.

Question #: 101 With new devices going into the same locations as the olds devices, how will that be accomplished? Specifically removing old devices, wire and installing new devices and wire. Please provide further directions. Refer to page FA 106, Note #2. This will also interfere with the Commissioning process.

Answer: Refer to Detail 4 FA003. This method has been used on a previous project. If the contractor prefers, new drops can be used and existing drops patched after testing.

Question #: 102 Are there any specific restrictions regarding any of the work areas and/or buildings, including specific rooms/offices, that we need to be aware of?

Answer: This project includes buildings with resident patients, kitchens, dining rooms, and police services. Patient locations may change. Work must be coordinated with multiple groups.

Question #: 103 Will any other projects be active simultaneously during this new Fire Alarm installation? Before and/or during?

Answer: Yes.

Question #: 104 Who will be responsible for contacting the Fire Sprinkler contractor to connect to their system? Contractor or VA?

Answer: The installing contractor (fire alarm contractor) is responsible for contacting and coordinating with the Fire Sprinkler contractor for connections to their system (e.g., waterflow switches, tamper/valve supervisory switches, or pressure switches). The installing contractor is responsible for costs associated with sprinkler connections.

Question #: 105 Where the new FACP are placed, will it be acceptable to have exposed conduit leading into the FACP?

Answer: Yes, exposed conduit leading into the new FACP is acceptable.

Question #: 106 Will Door Holders be part of the New Fire Alarm system or is it a separate system that requires modifications?

Answer: Existing door holders may be reused and connected to the new fire alarm system for operation.

Question #: 107 Who will be responsible for replacing the wood trim along the corridor areas where new devices are placed and old devices removed? If Applicable, how should the wood trim be replaced?

Answer: The contractor. Match existing wood trim.

Question #: 108 Will the owner accept the use of Procore Project Management software as the primary submittal and data tracking tool for this project?

Answer: SubmittalExchange is pre-approved software.

Question #: 109 Considering the scope of work is removing and installing new devices for the fire alarm systems in five (5) separate buildings, the contractor feels that the POP of 210 days does not seem realistic. Has the VA reviewed this POP with the building end users and engineering and determined this scope of work and amount is doable in 7 months’ time frame (210 Days)?

Answer: PoP will be changed to 300 days.

Question #: 110 Is work allowed to be ongoing in multiple buildings? Or are we to build, commission, and demo one (1) building at a time?

Answer: Simultaneous work in multiple buildings is acceptable.

Question #: 111 Can the superintendent also hold the Quality control and SSHO roles on this project?

Answer: YES

Question #: 112 Can the contractor set up a temporary office within one of the buildings in lieu of a construction trailer?

Answer: Availability of an office is not assured. The VA will try to provide an office. If provided, the office shall not be used for material storage.

Question #: 113 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?

Answer: See Question #23.

Question #: 114 Riser drawings note connecting to the existing campus master panel network. What brand and model is the existing master panel?

Answer: Simplex 4100U see drawing FD111

Question #: 115 Due to the nature of the work (i.e. electrical work being performed above ACT ceilings and leap-frogging to install and remove conduit/wire while removing various ceiling tiles) AND the layout and design of the existing buildings, will the use of mobile Hepacarts be allowed and satisfy all necessary ICRA requirements?

Answer: HEPA carts will be allowed if they meet ICRA requirements.

Question #: 116 Must workers have flu shots?

Answer: Yes. Until 31 March, contractors must have received the common flu shot before they can work. Contractor must provide a list of names of workers who have received the common flu shot. Email list is acceptable.

Question #: 117 How should openings in ceiling tiles be treated?

Answer: Openings in ceiling tiles must not be left open overnight. All penetrations of ceiling tiles must be sealed with fire caulk.