S05 - RFI Tracker 556-24-122.xlsx
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- Y1DZ--556-24-122 B132 Pool and HVAC Replacement
- Solicitation number
- 36C25226B0032_01
About this file
This is an RFI (Request for Information) Tracker documenting 79 pre-bid questions and VA responses for a federal construction project. The document addresses clarifications on project specifications, drawings, technical requirements, and procurement procedures related to Project #556-24-122 B132 Pool & HVAC Replacement at a Department of Veterans Affairs facility.
Key technical clarifications include: the January 7, 2026 addendum supersedes previous specification amendments; superintendents may dual-hat as QC Manager but cannot serve as SSHO; QC managers with 20+ years of experience are acceptable substitutes for professional engineers/architects and must be full-time on-site; the new concrete wall shown on drawing SB501 is not required; pool tile setting should follow TCNA and ANSI guidelines with approximately 250 linear feet of pool crack repair; the existing perimeter gutter system is retained with new PVC grating installed at nominal 11¼" width; deck drains are not included in scope; the pool contractor must comply with Specification 131100 requirements rather than IDPH certification; utility locate/field verification is required for the proposed equipment pad with 12-inch minimum clearance below; a non-permitted confined space/tunnel exists around the pool perimeter and beneath the tramway; new underwater lights are not included; exposed ductwork, piping, and conduits require finish paint; and all pool equipment must be bonded per NEC 680. Administrative clarifications include: the RFI deadline is Friday, August 7, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. Central Time; no additional pre-bid site visits will be granted; EMR forms should reflect calendar years 2023–2025; tax should not be included per FAR 52.229-3; prevailing wage determination is provided with solicitation; site-specific SOH orientation training is required at initial hire; temporary plastic barriers must meet NFPA 241 requirements and extend to ceiling; 15-day notification is required for anticipated shutdowns; domestic material requirements and Buy American provisions apply; this is a 100% SDVOSB set-aside per the VA's "Vet's First" program; work hours are 7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Monday–Friday with modifications requiring written COR approval at no additional cost; and the commissioning agent will be contracted by the VA.
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RFI's
Pre-Bid/Proposal RFIs
| NO. | RFIs | VA RESPONSE |
| 1 | Ref Specifications- Sections 01 00 00, 01 32 16, 01 33 23, 01 35 26, 01 40 00, 01 45 00, and 01 45 29 have been amended per addendum dated January 7th. The Specification Book dated June 20th includes “Project Addendum Specifications” on page 1409 which only includes spec sections 01 00 00, 01 32 16, 01 33 23, 01 45 00, and 01 45. It appears sections 01 35 26 and 01 40 00 is not included and the page count on some of the spec sections changed. Does the addendum dated January 7th supersede the addendum documents included at the end of specification book pg. 1409 thru 1557? | Addendum dated January 7, 2026 supersedes spec addendum from pages 1409 to 1557 |
| 2 | Ref addendum dated Jan 7th- Can the superintendent also perform roles of the SSHO and Quality Control Manager? | Triple-hat will not be allowed, Superintendent may dual-hat as QC Manager, but not the SSHO. |
| 3 | Ref addendum dated January 7th- Will a QC manager with 20yrs or more of onsite experience on projects of similar magnitude be acceptable in lieu of the onsite professional engineer or registered Architect? Is the QC manager required to be onsite full time? | QC manager with 20 years or more of onsite experience on projects of similar magnitude will be acceptable in lieu of professional engineer or registered architect. QC manager will be required to be onsite fulltime. |
| 4 | The EMR form to be submitted with this bid shows the year 2026. We won't have that info until 1-2027. Is it ok to change the years to 2023, 2024, and 2025? | Yes. The EMR form is revised to reflect calendar years 2023, 2024, and 2025. The revised form is included as an attachment with this amendment. |
| 5 | Have the pool documents been submitted to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) for review and approval? If not, will approved documents be provided prior to construction? | During the design process, direction was given by the VA to the design team that state permitting is not required for this federal facility, and therefore this project would not be submitted to IDPH for approval. Defer to the VA for final direction on this topic. |
| 6 | SB501 shows a new concrete wall in the pool, but this is not shown on QA100, QA102, or QA200. What are we to follow? | The new concrete wall shown on SB501 is not required. Please follow QA drawing sheets. |
| 7 | Does the pool contractor need to be I.D.P.H. Certified pool constructor? | The pool contractor must meet the requirements in Specification 131100, Paragraph 1.3 - Quality Assurance. Per direction from the VA, this project will not be submitted to the state for permitting. |
| 8 | Drawing QA001 keynote D1 calls for the removal of all pool tile. Is the existing tile “mud set” or “thin set”? If mud set are we to remove all the sand and cement setting bed? | The existing drawings show a 4" thickness for the tile setting bed. Follow the guidelines of TCNA and ANSI (per Specification 131103) regarding the surface preparation and proper substrate. |
| 9 | Drawing QA200 keynote R1 – patch pool cracks. We need a quantity to provide pricing. Is there a quantity of pool cracks, or an allowance we should use for this keynote? | Include repair for an estimated 250 LF of cracking in the pool shell. |
| 10 | Drawing QA403 detail 12 surge tank vent piping does not show the pipe routing. Drawing QA400 pipe P8 does not show the routing. Can you please provide the ducting pipe routing? | 3" Schedule 80 PVC piping for the vent piping to extend from surge tank to outdoors. Routing is at the discretion of the contractor and determined in field. |
| 11 | Drawing PP100 shows installing piping to the pool drains, shouldn’t the drain piping be in the QA drawings not the plumbing drawings? They both show 8” piping but show different routing. Which are we to follow? | Routing shown on QA drawings is to be followed. Piping shown on PP100 sheet will be removed via addendum. |
| 12 | Drawing AD101 note D1.2 calls to “remove existing trench drain surrounding the pool”, but pool structural drawing QA100 and QA102 do not show any new gutter system going in. Is the gutter system being removed and replaced? If so please provide details showing what is needed for the new gutter drain system. | The design intent is to continue use of the existing perimeter gutter system. The swimming pool drawings do not show demo of the existing gutter. (The design does include new PVC grating for the existing gutter.) |
| 13 | The plumbing drawings do not show any deck drains around the pool. Can the pool gutter system be used as a deck drain? Are deck drains needed? If so please provide details showing the location of drains and routing of the drains. | Deck drains do not exist for the pool, and this project scope does not add them. |
| 14 | Ref site survey spec section 02 21 13 Part 3.3- What survey work will be required for this contract? | Utility locate/field verification is required to confirm the location and depth of existing utilities beneath the proposed equipment pad. Utilities shown on the plans are based on VA-provided information and have not been field verified. | |
| 15 | Ref drawing QA300- Is a crawlspace present below the pool deck and around the entire perimeter of pool to allow old piping removal and installation of new piping? If so is it considered confined space? | A tunnel / crawlspace is present around the full perimeter of the pool. It is considered a non-permitted confined space. | |
| 16 | Ref drawing CS101- How are chilled water lines mounted at tramway? Is a tunnel present under the tramway that will house the new chilled water lines? If so is adequate room available for workers and equipment to access the tramway tunnel? If so is it confined space? Or will new piping be suspended from finished ceilings in the tramway? If so what finishes will be required? | Chilled water lines to be run in tunnel beneath tramway. See picture to the right of this response showing the tunnel. Note hangers for conduit/fiber being installed as part of the campus EHRM project. Room is available for personnel to access the tunnel. Piping to be supported per requirements in Specification 23 05 11. | |
| 17 | Ref drawing CS101- Are there any utilities the contractor will need to relocate to install the AHU concrete pad? Drawing CS 101 shows a communication line and storm drain piping. If so, can further details be provided? | Existing utilities are intended to remain in place. Contractor shall field verify location and depth. Maintain a minimum 12 in. clearance below the equipment pad/subbase; if this cannot be achieved, affected utilities shall be relocated. | |
| 18 | Ref drawing CS101- Will a 7’ high chain-link fence be required for exterior work? | Refer to spec 01 00 00 for temporary fencing to secure work areas. | |
| 19 | Ref drawing AE401 detail 1- Based on the site visit there is a segment outside of showers 107 and 108 that appear to be an epoxy flooring sloped to the floor drains which appears to be the same material inside showers 107 & 108. Does the epoxy flooring remain outside shower 107 &108? Or does it require demolition of concrete floors and infill the areas at same elevation as surrounding floors? | The epoxy flooring OUTSIDE showers 107 & 108 is to be demolished and new PT-1 floor installed, sloping to the existing drain outside the shower rooms. | |
| 20 | Ref drawing AE401 detail 1- Keynote D18 requires epoxy floorings to be removed in showers of staff locker rm 111 and 112. With the FF elevation of epoxy being flush to the existing tile, will the concrete floor require removal and repouring the floor in these areas at the same elevation as areas outside the showers? | Remove epoxy flooring outside of showers 107 & 108. Grind down portion of concrete as required at demoed epoxy flooring to install new floor tile. There should be zero transitions between flooring types, but the floor must still slope to existing floor drains. | |
| 21 | Ref drawing AE401 detail 1- Are all walls scheduled for demolition reinforced, grout filled CMU partition walls extending to the deck above? | As-built drawings from project 556-13-125 showing wall types will be provided. | |
| 22 | Ref AI601- It appears corridor 100 requires new welded sheet flooring. Does the corridor have existing flooring that requires removal and if so what type of flooring is present? | Remove existing flooring in corridor and replace with WSF-1. | |
| 23 | Ref drawing AE401- Does wall tile require removal at all walls scheduled to remain or does wall tile remain in place? It appears new tile only extends up 6’ from FF with finished drywall up to the ceiling. If being removed will the upper walls require new finished gypsum board from tile up to the ceiling? | Tile on existing walls to demolished and new tile installed PT-2 and PT-3. Reference finish schedule for more info. | |
| 24 | Ref drawing AE401 detail 2- Is metal furring required on any new or existing walls? Is metal furring existing on walls to remain? | Provide wall types as indicated on plan. Reference wall tags for metal furring requirements. | |
| 25 | Ref drawing MH101- Does exposed ductwork require finish paint? Does exposed piping and conduits require finish paint? | Yes - systems to be painted per Specification 09 91 00. | |
| 26 | Ref drawing MH101- Will roof patching be required for installation of new exhaust fan despite existing curb to remain? | Curb to be resealed to eliminate any leaks through the curb. | |
| 27 | Please provide the attendee sign-in sheet from the organized site visit conducted on July 28, 2026. | 08/05/2026 Amendment 0001. The sign-in sheet has been provided and attached within Amendment 0001. | |
| 28 | Please confirm whether any additional organized site visit or other Government-authorized pre-bid site access will be available before the August 21, 2026 bid submission deadline. | 08/05/2026 Amendment 0001. No additional pre-bid site visits or access to the project site will be granted. This is necessary to maintain the solicitation schedule and avoid disruption to ongoing facility operations and project activities. This information was relayed in Amendment 0001. | |
| 29 | The solicitation identifies the Request for Information deadline as “Wednesday, August 7, 2026.” August 7, 2026 falls on a Friday. Please confirm that the correct deadline is Friday, August 7, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. Central Time. | 08/05/2026 Amendment 0001. This information was confirmed within Amendment 0001. | |
| 30 | Provide pool grounding diagram for additional ground points. Please identify all new addition ground points. | Detail 9/QA403 provides general guidance for pool bonding. All pool equipment, anchors, rebar, etc. must be bonded per NEC 680. Refer to electrical for specific information. | |
| 31 | Provide control wiring diagram indicating conduit and wiring connecting all pool equipment. | Refer to the Pool Systems Schematic on QA500. | |
| 32 | Is temporary power required for panel MDP-132 when it is out of service? Please provide connection plan if temporary power is required. | This is dependent on the length of the outage(s). All panels and systems, including fire alarm and IT, are fed from MDP-132. Temporary power is required if outage(s) cannot be completed during off-hours, over a weekend or impact patient care during the week. | |
| 33 | Provide anticipated routing for feed from 151-ATS-002-01 to PNL 132-MDP. Is underground raceway required? | New feeder and new conduit underground is required. Contractor to verify utility locates. Conduit route to follow existing for service. Routing shown is diagrammatic in nature, final routing is responsibility of the contractor. | ERROR:#VALUE! |
| 34 | Provide anticipated routing for feed from PNL 132-MDP to AHU-1. Is underground raceway required? | Route underground through foundation wall under pool crawlspace along wall to MDP. Routing shown is diagrammatic in nature, final routing is responsibility of the contractor. | ERROR:#VALUE! |
| 35 | Provide circuit breaker manufacturer and model number for 600A breaker in panel 151-PNL-001-01. | Cregier electrical manufacturing co system panel utilize siemens breakers | ERROR:#VALUE! |
| 36 | Provide circuit breaker manufacturer and model number for 600A breaker in panel 151-EPDP-001-01. | Cregier electrical manufacturing co system panel utilize siemens breakers | |
| 37 | Are any new underwater lights to be installed? | Existing underwater lights and niches are to be removed, and the pool shell patched in these locations. No new underwater lights are included. For patching of existing underwater light locations, refer to new detail #5 / QA101. | |
| 38 | Please identify what new breakers in existing panels are required. Provide manufacturer and model numbers. Panel SR is the only panel identified as SQ-D. | Cregier electrical manufacturing co system panel utilize siemens breakers | |
| 39 | Are cable feed extensions acceptable for existing panels fed from PNL 132-MDP that do not reach new breaker locations? Please provide acceptable methodology. | Yes, see spec section 260519-2.2 | |
| 40 | Please provide conduit type to be installed exposed in the Therapeutic Pool area. | Utilize rigid steel or IMC conduits per specification section 260533-3.7 | |
| 41 | Verify that low voltage cabling is to be in full conduit in the Therapeutic Pool area. | Yes low voltage cabling to be in conduit in exposed areas including the pool. See Specification Section 270533-3.1A for cabling system raceway requirements. | |
| 42 | Verify EM circuiting on EL101 and EP700. We see the circuits for the pool area and outside the pool area. No circuits or panel designation are shown for the exit signs. | Exit Lights are to be on the same circuit as EM lighting per Lighting General Notes on Sheet EL101. | |
| 43 | Is there a preferred manufacturer for the Public Address System? Please confirm headend location for PA System. | Provide Public Address system per Specification section 275116. Locate headend of Public Address System in Office 113. | |
| 44 | Please clarify CT 3 wall tile elevation and design in Rooms 107 and 108. | Tile on existing walls in rooms 107 and 108 to demolished and new tile installed PT-3 Platform Surfaces Vision dove. Offset pattern full height of wall. | |
| 45 | Please provide the width of the grating that will need replacement | The specifications require field-verification of the gutter grating width. Nominal dimension is 11 1/4" which must be field-verified for the full perimeter of the pool for installation within the existing gutter / support angles. | |
| 46 | Would the grating be an installed or furnished only price? | New gutter grating must be provided per the drawings and specifications. | |
| 47 | Are their supports for the grating in place in the gutter? | The design intent is to utilize the existing gutter support angles for installation of the gutter grating. | |
| 48 | Do we need to provide cross-member support for our grating to be installed. Please advise | Refer to gutter grating manufacturer for any additional bracing requirements. | |
| 49 | Please provide any details or pictures that would be helpful in pricing the gutter grating. | Refer to example photo of existing gutter grating. Please note that the specifications require grating with openings parallel with the pool wall. Refer to Specification 131100, Paragraph 2.1 for requirements for gutter grating. | ERROR:#VALUE! |
| 50 | If this pool is going to be used for competitive swim meets, and whether a timing system is being specified for this project? | The pool will not be used for competition. A timing system is not specified. | |
| 51 | Please clarify if a superintendent can be a dual hat to cover the requirements of SSHO? | No, see response to question 2 | |
| 52 | If no to the question above, will the SSHO need to be full-time for this project? | Yes | |
| 53 | Please clarify if a superintendent can be a dual hat to cover the requirements of QA/QC? | Yes, see response to question 2 | |
| 54 | If no to the question above, will the QA/QC need to be full time for this project? | N/A | |
| 55 | Can a superintendent be a triple hat to cover the requirements of SSHO and QA/QC? | No, see response to question 2 | |
| 56 | Please confirm if tax should be included in our proposal? | Confirmed. Bidders shall not include applicable sales or use taxes that are exempt under FAR 52.229-3 in their bid price. All other applicable taxes shall be handled in accordance with FAR 52.229-3 and the solicitation requirements. | |
| 57 | Please provide the latest wage determination for this project’s county. | The applicable wage determination is included as an attachment to the solicitation. | |
| 58 | Please confirm if the current prevailing wages will be consistent for the life of the project with no escalation? | The applicable wage determination shall be incorporated in accordance with FAR 52.222-6, the Davis-Bacon Act, and terms of the solicitation and resulting contract. Bidders should base their bids on the wage determination provided with the solicitation. Any applicable wage determination issued prior to award will be addressed in accordance with the applicable FAR requirements. | |
| 59 | Please confirm the current design documents meet current VA TIL guidelines. | Design documents are compliant with the VA TIL requirements at time of construction document issuance. |
| 60 | Who is responsible for contracting the commissioning agent? | CxA will be under VA contract. |
| 61 | Please advise how much time we should carry for initial safety training of employees working on site. Also, is training good for the contract duration or will they need to be retrained annually? | Reference spec 01 35 26, section 1.4.D.2.f. Site-specific SOH orientation training at the time of initial hire or assignment to the project for every employee before |
working on the project site is required. VA does not dictate time required for training. Training is valid for length of contract.
62 Is the use of temporary plastic wall panels (such as STARC panels) acceptable to meet ICRA requirements? Barriers must meet NFPA 241 requirements. Barriers must extend to the ceiling or if ceiling tile is removed, to the deck above.
All (plastic or hard) barrier construction activities must be completed in a manner that prevents dust release. Plastic barriers must be effectively affixed to floor and ceiling (or floor/roof deck above) and secure from movement or damage.
| 63 | Will shutdowns be required to be done during off hours or weekends? | 15 day notification required for any anticipated shutdowns. Impacts and duration will dictate if afterhours or weekends are necessary. Disregard 21 day requirement in 1/7/2026 spec addendum. |
| 64 | Please confirm if there are any domestic material requirements. | Confirmed. Domestic material requirement apply to this project in accordance with FAR 52.225-9, Buy American-Construction Materials, FAR 52.225-10, Notice of Buy American Requirement-Construction Materials, and the applicable requirements of the solicitation. |
| 65 | With regards to the minority participation requirements, please confirm if the value of the sole source products/vendors/contractors can be deducted from the total contract value to determine the final participation goals. | This solicitation includes no sole-source items. Additionally, this solicitation is 100% set-aside for SDVOSBs per the VA’s “Vet’s First” contracting program. As required by statute and procurement policy, this solicitation has included in it all pertinent VA clauses and provisions regarding a 100% SDVOSB set-aside. The awardee will be required to meet all requirements of said clauses and provisions.” |
| 66 | Please provide three recommended resources for vendors or contractors local to the project site. | Interested parties can see review other "interested parties" in Sam.gov. CO offers no other guidance. |
| 67 | Spec. 01 00 00 establishes normal construction hours of 7:00 AM–3:30 PM Monday–Friday, while GC101 requires above-ceiling work and work producing vibration/loud noise to occur 5:00 PM–5:00 AM. Please confirm that this work is to be performed after hours and if there will be access to the site for those hours. | Disregard 5:00 PM–5:00 AM restriction. |
| 68 | The specification prohibits work on Federal holidays and additionally prohibits weekend work when a Federal holiday occurs on Monday or Friday. Please confirm whether VA may authorize exceptions when required for shutdowns, crane operations, or critical-path activities. | See spec 01 00 00, section 1.5.2.A. Any work outside of normal hours can be modified only by written approval of the COR, and at no additional cost to VA. |
| 69 | Please confirm whether the hazardous-material survey covers all areas that may be disturbed, including above-ceiling areas, AHU/platform demolition, wall penetrations, chilled-water entrances, pool mechanical spaces, and equipment-removal routes. If concealed suspect materials are encountered outside surveyed areas, please confirm they will be treated as an unforeseen condition. | Refer to HM series sheets as well as Appendix 1 "Hazardous Materials Report" located in specifications. Additionally, refer to specifications 01 00 00, section 1.9.D.7 and spec 13 11 05, section 1.07. |
| 70 | The specifications require existing utility services to be maintained. Please identify which systems require temporary power, HVAC, water, fire protection, communications, or other temporary service during planned tie-ins and shutdowns. | Outages to areas not in scope of work or which may impact patient care will require temporary utilities. Power to rooms 104A, 105A, and main gym area are primary concern. Steam to ceiling mounted unit heaters in gym will be a seasonal concern. |
| 71 | What are the specified pool deck finishes? The existing finish appears to be ceramic tile. Is the existing ceramic tile to be removed and replaced with new ceramic tile? | Yes, remove existing pool deck tile and provide new. PT-4 Buchtal Chroma White & PT-5 Buchtal Chroma Medium Blue |
| 72 | What type of ceramic tile base is required at the pool deck? | PT-4 Buchtal Chroma White & PT-5 Buchtal Chroma Medium Blue |
| 73 | Detail 2 on Sheet QA201 – Gutter Lip shows approximately 10 inches of sloping mudset extending to the gutter trough. Is this sloping mudset existing, or should bidders include the installation of this work in their pricing? | Bidders should include installation of thickset mortar in their pricing. The existing drawings indicate thickset mortar below the finishes. The project requires removal and replacement of the existing tile finish. Follow the guidelines of TCNA and ANSI (per Specification 131103) regarding the surface preparation and proper substrate. |
| 74 | Which trade is responsible for pouring the concrete for the pool floor, ramp, ramp walls, and stairs as shown in the drawings? | The swimming pool contractor is responsible for swimming pool concrete, rebar, geofoam, etc. for the areas within the swimming pool as shown in the QA drawings. |
| 75 | Which trade is responsible for the wall preparation at the existing walls per Pool Keynote R1? | The swimming pool contractor is responsible for the scope shown in the QC drawings, including Pool Renovation Keynote R1. |
| 76 | For the toilet rooms, what is the required base detail at the lockers? | Match existing base used for lockers. |
| 77 | Ref spec 22 13 00 part 2.1 Can PVC piping be used in the basement mechanical room, or does it need to be cast iron? In one paragraph it says prohibited, and a few later it seems to be allowed if painted? | PVC pipe is permitted where indicated on QA drawings only. Sanitary and vent piping serving locker room fixtures to be cast iron or copper per Specifications. |
| 78 | Ref drawing QA300- the drawings are calling out for “chemtrol” sch 80 PVC piping for the pool drains in the piping legend, but it appears that chemtrol piping is sch 40 CPVC, the sch 80 PVC is for pressure not chemical drainage. Can clarification be provided? | All exposed swimming pool piping must be schedule 80 PVC, as specified. The Piping Legend on QA300 calls out "Chemtrol" as the basis of design manufacturer for PVC piping. Additional piping manufacturers are listed in the specification. Please refer to Specification 131100, Paragraph 2.5. |
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| 80 | Underground utility drawings and as-built drawings from previous renovation are being provided for reference only. Contractor is responsible for locating existing utilities. | |
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