200630 RFI responses.1.pdf

11. What will be the turnaround time for both LBP and ACM clearances?

RFI answer: The qualif ied laboratories will be requested to provide sample results to the VPIH within 24 hours of their receipt. The laboratories will not be scheduled to provide Weekend or Holiday analysis. Following a successful visual inspection, the sample collection duration will be approximately 2 1/2 hours with collection completed between the hours of 9:30 am and 5:00 pm on scheduled days of work. As an example, results for samples collected by 5:00pm on Friday will be available by 8:00am the following Tuesday where days are not interrupted by scheduled Holidays.

Q. Follow up question: Since lead wipe clearances will be performed, will the background samples and allotted down time waiting for results be taken into account? 1 to 2 days added to each containment for VPIH services will extend the performance period substantially.

A. Follow up answer:

1) It should be noted that not all approved abatement options developed for this project require lead and/or asbestos clearances between individual window locations, as a variety of performance options were incorporated into these construction documents to af ford bidders the opportunity to select the best abatement solution for a number of observed existing field conditions. Some options (see section 1.8.5 of asbestos specification 02.82.11 for details) provide advantages with respect to access limitations, while others provide advantages with respect to required containment preparation and clearance requirements. Selection of the most applicable available abatement options should be taken into consideration when bidders prepare pricing and schedules.

2) More specifically, it is the intent of these construction documents to allow the contractor numerous mobile containment system abatement options, including Option No. 2, Option 5 and Option 6, which do not require performance of clearance sampling (air or wipe) in between distinct window locations, but rather require that the integrity of the regulated area is maintained in between active abatement locations. For example, under Section 1.8.5 of asbestos specification 02.82.11, the specifications for “Option 2:

Mobile HEPA Cart Within Rooms/Hallways” (it is the intent of these contract documents that the same containment docking/undocking procedures also apply to Option 5 and Option 6), the contractor is allowed to undock from a given completed window abatement location once the following clearance inspection procedure has been achieved and documented:

a) Contractor performs cleanup of the regulated area to remove all dust/debris

b) VPIH performs visual inspection of regulated area to confirm that all targeted building materials have been removed and that all visible signs of dust/debris have been cleaned (achieved through either a viewing window or through a battery of photographic evidence)

c) Contractor applies tinted encapsulant to regulated area (including all exposed mobile containment system and window opening surfaces)

d) Contractor moves “cleared” mobile containment system, while still under negative pressure, to the next window position and repeats the same process through project completion

e) If , at any time, the mobile containment system needs to be cleared for tear down, or otherwise de-regulated for general occupancy, then all final clearance testing protocols otherwise specified within the contract documents would apply (i.e. clearance air and/or wipe sampling for asbestos and/or lead).

3) It is the intent of these contract documents that the following lead dust wipe sampling protocols shall be enforced during execution of this project:

a) Background lead wipes shall be collected by the VPIH from exposed existing interior f loor spaces (i.e. from finished floors within target rooms) to be impacted by this project to document existing surface lead dust conditions prior to abatement.

b) Post abatement lead wipes shall be collected by the VPIH from exposed existing interior floor spaces (i.e. from finished floors within target rooms) to be impacted by this project to document remaining surface lead dust conditions and conf irm that background levels have been exceeded.

c) Clearance lead wipe samples shall also be collected by the VPIH from the covered floors of the mini-containment systems to verify that post final clean surface lead dust levels do not exceed 40 micrograms of lead per square foot of f loor space prior to the area being open for general occupancy and/or f inal tear down of mini-containment system (clearances not required when mobile mini-containment systems are being repositioned to new window locations).

16. Will a “1 hour rated slab to slab barrier” required in all locations? General ICRA Note 1

GI002?

RFI answer: Yes, unless room is already bound by existing slab to slab barriers which comply with ICRA requirements.

Note: ICRA requirements need to be maintained from prior to demolition thru end of interior f inishes. Abatement critical barrier can be used for entire construction process, dependent on option selected (not all abatement options have interior containment areas). See abatement general comments “containment to be used by others” for more information.

Q. Follow up question: As stated on drawing GI 102, all areas of this project are considered to be ICRA Class III or Class IV. The answer to the above question may/will required approx. 20,000 linear feet of existing non-fire rated walls to have drywall extended from above ceiling to slab above. The walls will also need to be fire taped and firestopped around all penetrations. The doors and frames in these existing walls will need have a fire rating as well. Please verify that this application is the intent of this project. If so, can these extended walls remain in place after construction or will they need to be removed?

A. Abatement critical barrier can be used for entire construction process, dependent on option selected (not all abatement options have interior containment areas). On options that don’t have an interior critical barrier ICRA will allow 1 hour rated plastic construction barriers (walls and ceiling) to be placed around working area (does not have to be the entire room) and sealed to existing exterior wall. These barriers can be reused just as long as they are not contaminated by the abatement process.

(SEE ATTACHED FURTHER CLARIFICATION)

20. Window openings and fall protection: Can we provide adequate fall protection per OSHA regulations?

RFI answer: No, VA contract documents will be followed. Please reference, at a minimum, drawing sheet HA-G (Sheet 4 of 42), under section titled Window Opening Fall Protection, Covers, and Falling Objects for project specific guidance.

Q. Follow up question: As stated on drawing HA-G, “At all completed window assembly locations, provide and install a general fall protection cover at window pocket opening immediately after clearance, maintain weather tight seal and of strength equivalent to a solid wood door.” Can the construction barrier wood/metal door provide the necessary “solid wood door” protection? If so, can OSHA regulations inside the construction area be acceptable?

A. If they’re in compliance with OSHA and they’re complying with the abatement specific requirements, then the risk is off the VA; no need to exceed OSHA requirements. See section. 1.8.5 for further guidance on fall protection pertaining to abatement work scope.

However, to be clear, the window opening must be secured at all times as stated within construction documents.

22. How many floors can be under construction at the same time?

RFI answer: The Contractor will be allowed to work on FOUR (4) f loors maximum at any one time. Once work begins on a window, the Contractor must continue to work on that window, no Lag Time allowed, until ALL window requirements are completed for that window.

Q. Since the maximum amount of floors that can be constructed is reduced from NINE (9) to FOUR (4)---(2 offices per floor), will the performance period be extended by the same percentage (from 2 years to 4.5 years)?

A. The VA only has enough swing space for 20 occupants (max) The VA is willing to allow the contractor to be working on multiple floors at once just as long as no more than 20 people are displaced at one time and these people are not displaced for more than 5 consecutive days (must finish their windows in a timely manner). The VA would like the contractor to still follow the order described in the building elevations (starting on wall A and working thru the letter in order) however we will allow the contractor to move to the next letter prior to completing all windows to be able to reach that 20 occupant (max).

This will require coordination with the VA and weekly updates to the schedule to keep the occupants of the building notified of the progress.

- The contractor is to proceed per the Wall Phasing plan: Agreed

- Displacement of a room occupant can only be for 5 days, to say differently, once a window begins to be removed the contractor must stay on that window and complete all work needed for that window i.e. abatement, removal, install and finish.

- No time gaps allowed on a window. Agreed

- Overlap of two sequential walls is allowed at nearing completion of a wall in order to keep the 20 person swing space fully occupied. Agreed

Also, in reference to “no Lag Time allowed”. Will we be required to work “around the clock” or will normal shifts be allowed?

A. Normal shifts will be allowed, the reference to “no Lag time” just means once you start on a window work needs to be completed on that window without wait (don’t pull out the window unless all materials are ready to put it back in place)

CQ.22 Clarification Question:

1. Please confirm the number of floors can be competed at the same time.

See Answer above

2. Please confirm the performance period for this project.

No extension to performance period. We’ve opened it back up for the contractor to work on as many floors as he wants with the only stipulation being can’t displace more that 20 people at one time.

2. Will any progress photographic documentation by a third party such as Multivista be required if the super can document it?

RFI answer: Yes, all progress photography is per the specifications, third party documentation is required.

Q. Follow up question: Please provide specifications for Photo Documentation.

A. VA answer

CQ.2 Clarification Question: Please provide the specifications for Photo

Documentation.

A. VA answer

1. We have been in touch with a couple of more manufacturers that would be able to perform on this project if we had approval from the VA on an alternative window system. We can get the EFCO Series 325X windows W/ Vitro SB60 Gray insulated/ Laminated glass prices out that can be installed from the inside and outside per your documents described. And an add alternate for laminated glass. Is there any specific data sheet, tests, specification cut sheets, that the VA needs to get from other manufacturers before they can approve other window units, and if the price makes sense, submit the revision with that other approved manufacturer?

A. The Boyd window system was used in the specifications as a basis of design. Other window manufacturers are allowed, the contractor needs to prove they meet the same requirements and options as the Boyd system. Data sheets and cut sheets will need to be submitted for approval. Also window manufacturer needs to verify flashing details and provide updates if something needs changed based on their specific window system.

2. We would want to confirm that a standalone designated SSHO will not be required to be onsite apart f rom the qualified superintendent. The RFI released on Amd #1 regarding this said that the only other applicable requirement was to have a CPIH onsite at all times while the Spec 01 35 26 Section 1.6 C States that the SSHO and Superintendent must be separate persons… Please conf irm if there is a need for both a Super and SSHO from the GC team along with the CPIH to be onsite at all times?

A. VA to Answer (as long as super Intendant has an OSHA 30 hr card both are not needed)

3. Have other windows been approved by the VA… if there are others bidding with others manufacturers? how, when or where is the VA approving and confirming that those alternate brands can match performance and installation options?

A. VA to answer (Only cut sheet I’ve received from Tim is the EFCO 325 X/G, and I approved it)

4. Does the VA have a list of Approved manufacturers other than the basis of design f rom the specifications?

A. Submit cut sheets proving their product is equal to the specified system and I will let you know if it’s an approved manufacturer. See answer to #1 in this section

5. The qualif ied supervision mentioned on RFI #9 f rom and #1, is that intended for a GC supervisor which would result in additional cost if each crew replacing each window have a designated “GC supervisor” A. VA to answer

6. Please conf irm if walls to be modified in bathrooms have tile wainscot that the GC will have to replace as existing? If so, what is the tile description?

A. Yes, there are walls throughout the building that currently have tile wainscot, the ti le will vary and will need to be repaired/replaced to match existing. In the case that existing match can’t be found an accent ban can be used around lower edge of window. Color to be coordinate and approved by VA prior to install.

7. Please provide the asbestos inspection report with analytical lab results.

A. Provided as PDF.