S02 Pre-Bid Questions Solicitation No 36C25522R0079_VA Response.pdf

1. 01 35 26: Please confirm that a dedicated full-time SSHO will be required for this project.

Response: A dedicated full-time Safety Officer is required for this project. One person can fulfill a maximum of two (2) job roles (i.e. Superintendent and Safety Officer duties can be performed by one person).

2. 01 45 00: Will the Government require a dedicated QCM for this project?

Response: A full time QCM is required for this project. As previously noted, one person can fulfill a maximum of two (2) job roles.

3. FACTOR 3: TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE OF PRIME OR SUBCONTRACTOR

RELEVANT TO HIGH PRESSURE BOILERS AND CONTROLS INTEGRATION: We respectfully ask that the Government re-review the requirements for this Factor and let the us know what information is to be specifically submitted. As the Factor is written presently, the submission requirements are not clear.

Response: Refer to solicitation Amendment 003.

4. Subcontractor Team: It was mentioned during the site visit that the Government would like to see information on the offeror's proposed subcontractor team. However, we do not see where in the Non-Price/Technical Proposal we are to provide this information. Please advise.

Response: During the site visit, the Contracting Officer stated that “remarks and explanations at the conference (site visit) shall not qualify the terms of the solicitation” and that the “terms of the solicitation and specifications remain unchanged unless the solicitation is amended in writing.” Bidders are to respond to the requirements of the solicitation.

5. FACTOR 4: TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS OF PROPOSED STAFFING: Factor 4 asks for Key Personnel information for the On-Site Superintendent, Quality Control Manager, and the Safety Manager, but does not ask for information on the Project Manager. Please confirm if the Government would also like to see information on the Project Manager, or if the offeror is to just submit information on the three roles already identified.

Response: Yes. Provide the following information for the Program Manager: “Project Manager – Must have a minimum of 5 years of experience as a project manager. Provide references (that can be contacted) for a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 3 construction projects with similar scope and size to this project (include a brief project description which details the size and scope of the projects). To be considered for evaluation, at least 2 of the 3 construction projects must have been completed within the last five years and valid contact information must be provided.

If references cannot be contacted and project experience cannot be verified based on the contact information provided, then the proposal will be unacceptable for this factor and will receive no further consideration.”

6. FACTOR 5: PAST PERFORMANCE: Factor 5 mentions "If a completed past performance evaluation is available in PPIRS, it shall be submitted with the proposal…" Please confirm if the submission of CPARS is also permissible.

Response: Yes, submission of CPARS is also permissible.

7. FACTOR 7: PRICE PROPOSAL: Factor 7 mentions "...offerors shall include a breakdown of material/equipment costs and labor costs, by specification division for each Contract Line Item Number (CLIN)." Please clarify if the offeror is to complete and submit the "Calculation of Self- Performed/Subcontracted Work" worksheet for EACH CLIN or just BID ITEM 1 (BASE BID). To complete this sheet for each CLIN will be quite cumbersome, especially as pricing tends to come in "last minute".

Response: Yes, the offeror is to complete and submit the “Calculation of Self- Performed/Subcontracted Work” worksheet for each CLIN.

8. Tax Exempt Certificate: Please advise if the Government will provide and sign a sales tax exemption certificate.

Response: A tax exempt certificate will be provided to the awardee.

9. MS 101: Note 5: Please provide the size of the existing Underground Storage Tanks.

Response: There are (2) existing Underground Storage Tanks, each 20,000 gallon for a total of 40,000 gallons.

10. 33 16 15: Subsection 2.5: Subsection 2.5 calls for the tank to be heated but does not reference the tank being insulated. Normally these larger field erected tanks are insulated as well to provide a more efficient Freeze Protection system. Is it the intent for the tank to be insulated?

Response: The tank is to be heated per NFPA 22 chapter 16 and tank shall have standing seam shell and roof insulation panels to be 0.024” stucco embossed aluminum painted silver with polyester paint, per NFPA 22.

11. 33 16 15: Subsection 2.4: Subsection 2.4 speaks to the tank being painted per section 09 91 00.

This is a very generic coating spec and does not specify specifically how the tank is to be painted inside and out. However, subsection 3.7E specifies that the tank is to be Metallized inside and out. The spec is in conflict. Which is correct? Normally the tank is painted inside and out per code AWWA D102. How is the tank to be coated?

Response: Paint tank per AWWA D102 and manufacturers recommendation, if in conflict AWWA D102 take precedence.

12. Asbestos Abatement: Is there any identified Asbestos Abatement in the Steam Tunnel needing to be demo’d?

Response: The tunnel leading to/from Room 001 was inspected. Insulating materials on steam system are non-ACM. Debris on the floor at the end of the tunnel was tested and determined to be trace (<1%) friable asbestos. The visible debris shall be removed as asbestos-containing waste prior to tunnel demolition. Estimated quantity .5 cubic yard.

13. Civil Demolition: Site Notes on C-001 denote abandoning in place piping. Is it the intent to leave abandoned pipe and conduit outside of the New Building footprint in place, or excavated and removed in its entirety?

Response: Existing utilities called out to be removed which are located under or within 5’ of the new building footprint shall be fully excavated and removed. Other utility lines located 5’ outside of the new building and which do not interfere with new construction may be abandoned in place. Refer to ES100 for extent of demolition for abandoned conduits/ductbanks.

14. Division 22/23: MS-101 note (5) mentions removing the fuel, cleaning the tanks (2x) and replacing the fuel. How large are these tanks and what is considered clean?

Response: Refer to Response #9 above for tank size. Cleaning is classified as removing any mill scale, dirt, rust, oil, welding debris, loose coatings and coatings incompatible with fuel stored or protective coating. Cleaning shall be thorough, using solvents, cleaning materials and methods recommended by the manufacturer. Contractor is to fill tanks with new fuel after cleaning.

15. Division 22/23: Are all utilities marked and if not who’s responsibility will that fall under?

Response: It should be assumed that utilities are not all marked. Per Contract Drawing P-001, General Note 2, the Contractor shall verify all dimensions, elevations, inverts, pipe sizes and materials, fluid flow direction(s) and conditions at the site and report any discrepancies to the engineer prior to beginning installation or fabrication work. Similar notations are on other discipline contract drawings.

16. Division 22/23: How long can a scheduled steam outage last?

Response: Anything longer than 30 minutes and the hospital is shut down and has to go on diversion. These outages must be planned and coordinated with the VA.

17. Division 22/23: How long can a scheduled gas outage last?

Response: Anything longer than 30 minutes and the hospital is shut down and has to go on diversion. These outages must be planned and coordinated with the VA.

18. Division 22/23: Who will be responsible for maintaining the temporary water softener system?

Response: The temporary water softener system shall be provided by the contractor as part of this contract. Routine operation will be performed by the VA facility staff. Repairs, replacement, and maintenance of the temporary water softener system shall be the contractor’s responsibility.

19. Division 22/23: Who will be making the final inspection of the boilers and the facility? Who will cover their cost?

Response: Testing, as outlined throughout the Contract Specifications, will be the responsibility of the General Contractor and will be witnessed by the VA and/or its representative. See specification 230811, section 1.1.3 for additional information on final tests. The VA and/or its representatives, will perform a final walk-thru and punchlist of the facility.

20. Division 22/23: Will the steam be back feed during the steam tunnel removal on the north side of the existing building, and are there isolation valves that will allow this?

Response: The VA has confirmed that the hospital can be fed from the South Loop during the period the North Loop is shutdown, thus back feeding the North Loop is not required during the construction of the new building addition. However, work requiring shutdown of the South Loop (Phase 2) must be performed during the summer months, as buildings 5, 5A, 6, 7 and 21 can only be fed from the South Loop and must maintain heating during cooler months.

21. Division 22/23: Will any temporary fuel oil tanks be required for the generators during construction?

Response: The contractor shall provide a temporary fuel oil tank to supply the two temporary generators. Refer to sheet ES100 sheet keynote #18.

All fuel oil required for the operation of the two temporary generators and for the operation of the existing generator during scheduled outages shall be provided by the contractor. Refer to sheet ES100 sheet keynote #18. Refer to sheet ES101 Construction Phasing Note #18.

22. Division 26: Key Note 11 on ES100: Is abandon duct bank only removed where new B13 addition is to be placed, or is it to be removed all the way to existing Manhole #2?

Response: Existing duct bank shall be removed from existing Manhole #2 to new Manhole #2C

23. Division 26: 13-EL101.2, General Note 9: Existing Pump Room B-1 and new Pump Room B-4 are assumed to be wet locations. Is Boiler Room M-18 and Equipment Room M-19 considered wet locations? Please clarify.

Response Rooms M-18 and M-19 are not considered wet locations. However, lighting fixtures are specified as gasketed, and panelboards are specified as NEMA 4X to ensure continuity of services in the event of a sprinkler activation.

24. Division 28 Security: Are 2 door contacts on the doors listed with two required? (Example room 102-3 Phase 2.)

Response: Yes.

25. Division 28 Security: If it does not specify magnetic lock, do we assume electronic strike is acceptable? (Example room 102-3 Phase 2.)

26. Division 28 Security: On doors where Mag lock is specified, but there no card reader, do we scope card reader or leave it without a reader? (Example Building 13 Tunnel Phase 1 door 101.)

Response: Include card reader.

27. Division 28 Security: Door operator installation is being provided and installed by whom exactly? Is it the same party responsible for door hardware or the security contractor?

Response: Delineation of scope for prime and subcontractor work shall be determined by the General Contractor.

28. Division 28 Security: Is it correct that the assumption is to be made that the existing headend has sufficient I/Os, reader ports, and power to encompass the new hardware including the new Mag locks?

Response: Provide new I/O cards, reader ports, and new power circuit for new hardware. Field verify exact requirements.

29. Division 28 Security: Is there a requirement for the PCs that are to be provided under existing desk? Is the goal for them to display live video on the 2 32" wall monitors? (Keynote 5 on Electrical Security Plan Build 1 First Floor.) If so how many cameras per computer will be displayed?

Response: The new PC’s should be modern equivalents to the existing PC’s. They are intended to be for the 32” monitors. Configuration of cameras per monitor shall be coordinated with the Owner when it is configured during commissioning or training.

30. Division 28 Security: Is there a requirement for the 32" monitors? Resolution, brand, model, etc? (Keynote 5 on Electrical Security Plan Build 1 First Floor.)

Response: 3840 x 2160 @ 60 Hz resolution, specification grade, suitable for video surveillance and security applications, 24/7 365-day use.

31. Division 28 Security: In 28 05 00-32 K, it references FIPS 201 compliance. Are we required to put in biometric PIV readers, PIV middleware, etc?

32. Division 28 Security: Are we to provide hardware as called out on 28 13 00 - 2? (Server, workstation, PIV credentials, PIV biometric readers, PIV middleware.)

Response: Yes. Devices shown in legend on Drawing EY001.

33. Division 28 Security: Are we to provide redundant PAC server as outlined on 28 13 00 - 4 section O Response: Provide RAID 5 storage as shown on EY503. Other redundant features mentioned in section are not required.

34. Division 28 Security: Are we to provide Video Management Server as specified or is an existing server already in place?

Response: A video management server is required and is shown on Drawing EY503.

35. Division 28 Security: If we are to provide server, can we exceed spec listed or do we need to match it exactly?

Response: Equipment listed on drawings and specifications must meet or exceed the spec listed.

36. Division 28 Security: Is the hardware specification for workstation and server accurate?

Response: Refer to the question #35 above.

37. On the structural drawings there is a “Fuel Oil Pipe Trench” located on sheet 13-SB114.02 at the top right corner, and there are no details associated with that trench. Would we be able to get a detail depicting what goes into the trench?

Response: Ref section 10/ S-401 for trench information. Verify dept of the trench with mechanical drawings.

38. On the civil drawings there are stationary and removable bollards called out on CS101.01, which direct you to a detail on CS502. Would we be able to get any more information regarding these bollards.

Response: The bollards shown located around the building perimeter are required to be M30 vehicle barrier rated. An assembly with a shallow installation depth is preferred to avoid conflict with underground utilities. Where bollards would restrict access to doors, a removable version of such bollard shall be installed.

39. 12/S-402 shows a SOG. We do not believe this to be correct based on what 13SB114.02 shows.

Can the VA clarify/correct?

Response: The top slab should be the composite slab supported at the top of the concrete wall.

Ref 1/12-SB 114.02 for composite slab information. Provide L3x3x1/4 edge angle with 3/8 dia X 0’-4” HD studs @ 18” O.C. at the interior face of the wall. Connect composite metal deck to this angle per 10/S-502. Provide #4 dowel as shown on 12/S-402.

40. Water Softener Specification – 22-31-11-6 2.2 C1 – There is a discrepancy between the water softener specification and schedule for 13-WS-01. The specification calls for butt-welded steel softener media tanks, whereas the softener skid called out in the schedule 13-WS-01 contains

FRP media fiberglass tanks. Are we approved to provide fiberglass tanks as scheduled, noting that the carbon filters in section 22-67-19.16.7 are also FRP? Coinciding with this question, will fiberglass (FRP) media tanks be allowed for the temporary softener system (Schedule 13-WS0T)?

Response: FRP is acceptable for final and temporary systems.

41. The RO on schedule 13-RO-01 is to contain a Bacnet card for communicating data to the operators. Would the client also want Bacnet cards on the softener and carbon filter skids? If so, could the schedule for 13-WS-01, 13-CF-01 and 13-CF-02 be amended to include the words “Bacnet card”?

Response: Yes, Bacnet cards are desirable for the Water softeners and carbon filters. Schedule will not be amended.

a. Coinciding with this question, would the customer like to have a dry run or error alarm signal (dry contact) sent from the RO distribution pump skid (13-ROP-01, 02) to the control system.

Response: Yes.

b. Alarm light SLM600R will be flashing and a horn will be sounding if the water level in the RO Holding tanks (13-TNK-01- and 02) is lower than the setpoint where the RO should be refilling the tank. Should bidders assume that the signal should be carried forth to the control panel so that the operators will be notified if the alarm is activated and the “emergency soft water bypass” system is engaged?

42. RO Specification Section 22-67-19.16 Part 2 2.1 (A and E) Section A notes that the Packaged RO system is to include “high pressure pump and all required piping”, whereas section E calls out “duplex vertical” multistage pumps. The RO skid called out in 13-RO-01 has one pump. Is the duplex pump requirement meant for the distribution pump skid described in schedule 13-ROP-01, 02?

Response: Per contract documents the RO skid has a single pump for the RO water to get into the tanks after all the pressure drops thru the filters and membranes. RO Pump Skid (ROP) are duplex pumps for distribution to the building after the RO Tanks.

43. RO Specification Section 22-67-19.16 Part 2 .4 A.

The specification is calling out a 2000 gallon tank, whereas the schedule 13-TNK 01 02 calls out

(2) 1000 gallon tanks. Which of these is correct?

Response: The Contractor is to follow the quantity and size of tanks listed on schedule 13-TNK 01 02. The tanks were sized to allow for removal through plant and doorways after construction, if necessary.

44. Maintenance Service for Water softeners Reverse osmosis water equipment: Section 22-31-11-

10 Section 3.5. and Section 22-67-19.16 3.5 What is the desired duration of the maintenance contract in years? Also, in the specification, it reads, “Full maintenance contract by service technician...”. Traditionally, consumables such as prefilters, membranes, salt and chemical are not included, and the service agreement is limited to inspecting equipment, logging performance data (such as water quality and quantity), and changing out filters (provided by client) and fine -tuning the equipment as needed. Normally, any parts not covered by the equipment or installation warranty would be chargeable to the end user. Is this type of service agreement allowable or what do you prefer as an alternate?

Response: No maintenance service contract for water softeners reverse osmosis water equipment is required.

45. What spec they want on the anti-ram fence? On S-508 note 3 in structural it calls out M40 rated (K8). On CS101.01 in Civil note 5 calls out K12 Response: The anti-ram fence shall be K12 rated.

46. Asbestos Abatement Is there any identified Asbestos Abatement in the Steam Tunnel to be Demolition?

Response: Repeat question, see response to question 12 above.

47. Civil Demolition Site Notes on C-001 denote abandoning in place piping. Is it the intent to leave abandoned pipe and conduit outside of the New Building footprint in place, or excavated and removed in its entirety?

Response: Repeat question, see response above

48. Low NOx burners are not required.