36C25526R0125 0001.docx

Wichita VAMC Construct Central Emergency Power System Bidder RFIs – Design Team Response

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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

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(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.

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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.

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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.

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AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

08-21-2026

589A7-21-132 36C255 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office (NCO) 15 3450 S 4th Street Trafficway

Leavenworth KS 66048

36C255 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office (NCO) 15 3450 S 4th Street Trafficway

Leavenworth KS 66048 To all Offerors/Bidders

36C25526R0125 06-15-2026

X

X X

** HOUR & DATE for Receipt of Offers is EXTENDED to: 09-09-2026 2:00PM CDT

Construct Centralized Emergency Power System, Project Number 589A7-21-132 The purpose of this amendment is to provide answers to questions received and revised documents:

The closing date has been extended to September 9, 2026. The following documents are included in this amendment:

a. Pre-bid sign in roster

b. Revised General Requirements Specification 01 00 00 c.Geo-technical Report d.CS101 Detailed Site Plan 1

e. G100 Standby Generator Drawing

f. Specification 01 33 23

g. All other terms and conditions remain unchanged

CONTINUATION PAGE

1. For bonding purposes over such an extensive duration, is it possible to split the award/contract durations between two contracts as is expected for the NTP?

There will be one bond for the project.

2. An alternative to the question regarding split awards/contracts (provided this is not an option), is it possible to carry a procurement bond (after initial award), with a subsequent project bond at secondary NTP?

There will be one bond for the project.

3. On the first notice to proceed to secure long-lead submittals and Procurement of equipment, is it possible to secure other materials to help control the inflation for the project? Items such as doors, frames, glass and glazing, fencing, etc. are items that might be related to this question.

Yes, under the following terms and conditions: (1) The materials or equipment are in accordance with the contract requirements and/or approved samples and shop drawings;

(2) The materials and/or equipment are approved through the submittal process;

(3) If you are wanting payment before installation materials/equipment The materials and/or equipment must be stored in a secured bonded warehouse. The Contractor shall submit to the COR a list of the materials/equipment to be inventoried by the COR. A copy of the insurance policy for the warehouse must be provided to the CO and COR. The insurance must be adequate for the equipment/materials being stored off site there with there value and quantity. The COR will complete inventory and date and sign inventory list. A copy of that signed inventory must be included in invoice.

(4) The materials and/or equipment shall be protected against weather, theft and other hazards and are not subjected to deterioration; and

(5) The Contractor obtains the concurrence of its surety for off-site storage.

4. Our understanding of the existing site is that there are extensive/massive footings under the site paving along with the paving being far thicker in depth than standard paving. Can drawings for the previous ‘trailer mounted generators’ at this site be issued as an addendum for site demolition clarification?

Drawing set labelled "Standby Generator Drawings" is included for reference in addendum.

5. Please provide the geotechnical soils report for this project.

Geotech report is included for reference in addendum.

6. Is it possible to reverse the side of the overhead door indicating the motor so access could potentially be made from the platform? Would the platform need to be modified to service the overhead doors?

Yes, the Door operator can be reversed. Platform modifications TBD.

7. Where is the laydown area for construction for the building?

Laydown area is limited to the immediate space of the new generator building and only once construction NTP is awarded. Medical center is extremely limited on available space due to other construction projects, VA activities, and general parking constraints, all of which are subject to change between issuance and construction of this project. Contractor is responsible for storing materials & equipment offsite that can’t be stored in the limited laydown space on sight.

8. Outlined areas of construction (shown on the plans) for paving demolition, excavation, utility placement, replacement of soils, and traffic will likely require site access, materials/equipment storage beyond shown grid areas. Will sections of road be closed during this process or adjacent areas of laydown be allowed?

Laydown area is limited to the immediate space of the new generator building and only once construction NTP is awarded. Medical center is extremely limited on available space due to other construction projects, VA activities, and general parking constraints, all of which are subject to change between issuance and construction of this project. Contractor is responsible for storing materials & equipment offsite that can’t be stored in the limited laydown space on site. Sections of roads or adjacent areas will only be closed to the extent necessary to perform the work at said sections or areas. Sections or areas will not be closed for extended periods to serve as additional laydown space.

9. Are the Davis Bacon wages issued at solicitation expected to be used throughout the completion of this project?

The Davis Bacon wage determination at the time of award will be used and will continue for the duration of the project.

10. Has arrangements or discussions been made with the City of Wichita regarding the closing of city sidewalks or partial streets during the construction of the project?

IMEG assumes this is in reference to the blast wall construction. No contact has been made yet. Once exact extents are known and provided by contractor, IMEG civil can facilitate discussions.

11. Sheet CK101 identifies duct bank and hand hole details. What is the type and size of innerduct to be installed for the ATS low voltage conduit?

PVC

12. Is the Fire Alarm system in the generator building to be a voice activated evacuation system or horn activated as is in current use at the facility?

This will be a new voice activated system.

13. How is the fire alarm system in the generator building to be integrated into the VA campus network, through another building and what are the integration/connection requirements?

The connection will need to meet Class X requirements, most likely fiber. Will need to request network information from the VA to confirm connection point and matching existing connection infrastructure.

14. What size are the required size/dimensions of hand holes shown for install on Sheet

CK101?

Provide a minimum 32" long handhole for a straight pull pull point for 4" conduit. Contractor shall provide handhole width and depth capable of installing indicated quantity of conduits.

15. At existing generator buildings, will the transformer types be ‘dry-type’ or ‘oil-filled’ transformers with oil containment pans?

Response: Dry type transformers are an acceptable substitution, provided that they meet the requirements of specification 261219.

16. Please provide ‘complete’ secondary voltages for the pad-mounted transformers.

Response: See Drawing E-603.

17. Sheet E-603 / XFMR-26 states a 500-KVA and for XFMR-34 it states a 1000-KVA.

Sheet ES-102 / XFMR-26 states a 225-KVA and for XFMR-34 it states a 750-KVA.

Please clarify which KVA transformer is intended to be installed for each location.

Response: The KVA rating shown on E-603 is correct. XFMR-26: 500-KVA and XFMR-34: 1000-KVA.

18. Can the two 40,000 gal tanks be included on the equipment schedule page? Also providing the basis of design, general size.

The basis of design for the 40,000-gallon fiberglass tanks are XERXES.

Overall length is 54’-4” x 11’-11” O.D. RIBS

19. How much ground cover above the 40,000 gal tanks is desired or will this information be specified by the manufacture of the tank?

Bottom of the tanks will be 18 ft below grade.

20. When providing the basis of design for the 40,000 gal tanks, will the specific size of the ballast be included? Who will calculate the amount of ballast with backfill?

Contractor to work with their tank vendor to size the tank ballasts.

21. MP-601 note 1 (all fuel piping not located inside a pipe trench must be double-wall with leak monitoring) then basis of design. Should note 1 read all “underground” piping not located within a trench be double wall?

The VA has requested ALL fuel oil piping to have secondary containment.

22. Currently all underground piping appears to be in a trench, inside the building and outside. Please identify where MP-601 note 1 would apply.

The VA has requested ALL fuel oil piping to have secondary containment.

23. 23-10-00 2.5 and 2.6 call for leak detection in the piping system but do not indicate sensor location or how many per pipe. Please identify sensor locations and what part of the system.

Sensors shall be located in low points. Refer to specifications 23 10 00-2.6 LEAK DETECTION SYSTEMS and section 3.3.

24. Is there a specific Veeder Root model that is basis of design? Will this information be included on the tank schedule?

Veeder Root model TLS4 series.

25. Details for the steam piping tunnel (MS-103) show pipe guides and roller hangers but MS-101 does not show locations of expansion joints (bellows) or anchor points. Can MS-101 include these items and their locations?

For bidding purposes the contractor shall assume (2) pipe anchors and (4) pipe guides for each anchor. All other supports shall be rollers. Spacing of supports shall be per the table in Detail 1 on drawing MP501.

26. A few sumps are located on the drawings but no mention of an actual pump. Will a pump be required for all sump locations and if so, could they be included on the equipment schedule page?

The VA has elected to not include actual pumps in the design. Sumps to have sensors to detect fluid and shall send alarm to the boiler plant control room.

27. Looking over the controls sequence for the dampers at the generator radiator, it mentions power close, spring open. Will this timing of the generator starting and the dampers opening be a concern?

No, when the generators are commanded to start, power to the CLOSED dampers will be cut and the springs will snap the dampers open.

28. Will the generator mufflers and flex connectors be supplied by the generator supplier?

This is covered on Detail #4 on drawing MP502

29. Who is responsible for the cost of the initial filling of underground fuel tanks and what grade of fuel?

Contractor is responsible for cost of initial filling of underground fuel tanks with #2 diesel with winterizing treatment.

30. With detail 4 on page MP-502 showing a thimble and page M-302 showing the enclosure structure around the exhaust stack. Will the roof structure hold the weight of the 20” stack if supported by the roofing system? 20” thin wall weight is roughly 53 lb. per ft = minimum 1060 lb. at the bottom of each stack.

Response: Additional framing was shown to transfer the 20-inch exhaust stack load and support the bracing structure. Refer to S-112 and Detail 1/S-513.

31. The detail for the exhaust stack structure says not to attach to it, was the intent of this structure to “cover” the exhaust stack only?

No. to limit the lateral movement of the stack under wind loading, while still allowing the stack to thermal expand vertically. The framing is intended to provide lateral support for the stack while permitting vertical movement resulting from thermal expansion.

32. Would it be better to point the generator exhaust to the south away from the housing area?

No.

33. Can the engineering team provide the insertion loss per frequency band for the Sound Attenuator Schedule (37-SA-1,2,3)? Want to be able to confirm attenuation performance.

Information is listed on the SOUND ATTENUATOR SCHEDULE on drawing M-702.

34. Absorption panel schedule?

Absorption panels are not part of this scope – sound attenuators are per the drawings.

35. Can the panel schedule be included for the sound attenuator?

Information is listed on the SOUND ATTENUATOR SCHEDULE on drawing M-702.

36. What rating does the "high hurricane rated roof curb" listed on the Fan Schedule need to meet? Details not found within specs.

Refer to specification 01 45 35 for design wind speeds.

37. Who is providing the "complete and coordinated set of bracing and signed and sealed anchorage drawings and calculations for all non-structural elements requiring seismic restraint"? (Spec Section 13 05 41). The contractor is to hire a 3rd party engineering firm. Refer to specification 13 05 41-1.4.

The seismic anchorage and bracing is required for larger, heavier, suspended and life-safety-related equipment in a building in a Risk Cat IV and Seismic Design Category C. The requirements come from ASCE7 Chapter 13. The mechanical and electrical specifications should have all the design requirements. It is a delegated design from another engineer to provide specific to the equipment.

38. Can engineering confirm components expected to be braced/calculations performed on?

The contractor is to hire a 3rd party engineering firm. Refer to specification 13 05 41-1.4.

Mechanical Equipment Typically Requiring Seismic Anchorage The following are generally required to be seismically anchored:

· Air handling units (AHUs)

· Rooftop HVAC units

· Chillers

· Cooling towers

· Boilers

· Pumps

· Heat exchangers

· Compressors

· Emergency generators and associated equipment

· Large water heaters

· Mechanical equipment mounted on housekeeping pads, frames, or vibration isolators

· Medical gas equipment and other essential facility mechanical systems

· Fuel oil system equipment associated with emergency power systems These are all considered permanently attached mechanical components covered by ASCE 7 Chapter 13 Mechanical Distribution Systems Requiring Bracing In addition to equipment anchorage, seismic bracing is commonly required for:

· HVAC ductwork above size/code thresholds

· Hydronic piping

· Chilled water piping

· Condenser water piping

· Steam and condensate piping

· Fuel oil piping

· Fire protection piping (covered by NFPA 13 requirements)

· Refrigerant piping The specific bracing requirements depend on pipe size, weight, support spacing, and exemptions in ASCE 7 Chapter 13 For a Risk Category IV, SDC C project the following require seismic review unless specifically exempted by the mechanical engineer or code analysis:

· HVAC equipment > 400 lb

· Pumps and mechanical equipment on inertia bases

· Boilers, chillers, cooling towers

· Emergency power equipment and fuel systems

· Suspended ductwork requiring lateral restraint

· Pipe systems requiring seismic bracing

· Equipment mounted on vibration isolators (special restraint details required)

39. Are integrated hanger supports for piping required in the pre-cast or cast in place concrete steam and fuel piping trenches?

For cast-in place: No, anchors for the supports may be cored and installed after the concrete is installed. For precast: Contractor must confirm spacing with the precast vendor.

40. Previous experience with blast rated overhead doors required welded reinforcing bar to the frames, additionally welded to the CMU reinforcing. Will this be a requirement for the proposed overhead door frames?

Response: The masonry jamb has been designed for the door reaction. The door supplier should specify the anchors and embedment required.

41. With Limited on site storage available, off site material storage is anticipated. What requirements are expected for project materials stored off site? Billing for stored materials? Warehouse Insurance/Bonding?

See responses to questions 3, 7 and 8 above. Contractor is responsible for making determinations for off-site material or equipment storage. All costs associated with off-site storage are to be factored into the contractor’s proposal.

42. Does the VA have any desire to retain any existing electrical equipment removed from service as part of this project? MV Switchgear/Transformers Generators VA will assess and make determinations on what equipment is to be kept and excessed after award. This is a longer process that involves managing equipment inventory with logistics to determine how they are to be handled and will be done prior to construction.

43. Several of the new MV transformers being installed to replace existing generators are shown to be Installed inside buildings.

Response: Dry type transformers are an acceptable substitution, provided that they meet the requirements of specification 261219.

44. Is there any concern with installing oil filled transformers indoors? Specific insulating oil type desired? Spill containment needed?

Response: Dry type transformers are an acceptable substitution, provided that they meet the requirements of specification 261219.

45. Should dry type transformers be installed in Lew of oil filled?

Response: Dry type transformers are an acceptable substitution, provided that they meet the requirements of specification 261219.

46. Heat Buildup in these interior rooms may become an issue with prolonged use, is there need for additional ventilation in these spaces?

No.

47. There seems to be some conflicting information on the general need for or specific areas requiring concrete encasement of new underground duct banks.

Response: All new duct bank to be concrete encased.

48. Is concrete encasement required on all new underground duct banks or only in areas where subject to unscreened vehicle traffic if installed less than 5 feed below finished grade?

Response: ALL underground conduits in ductbanks shall be concrete encased.

49. The extents of the new secure entry areas are not clearly defined, please provide detail on extent of new secure entry area.

Refer to attached Drawing CS-101, Addendum 1, dated 2026-08-12.

50. Plans seem to indicate a 12,470V tap box being installed for connecting of a portable generator. They also indicate utilizing cam lock connections for this tap box, standard cam lock connections are only rated for 600V. Is the design intent to provide a 12,470V to 480V transformer in line with this tap box to allow for connection of standard 480V portable generators?

Response: The intent for the tap box was to lug feeders to a temporary generator. There will not be a stepdown transformer. The tap box can be utilized to pass the feeders from the temporary 12,470V generator into the new building to lug onto the switchgear, or load break elbows can be utilized.

51. If MV connections are the design intent would industry standard 200A load break elbows and bushings be a more suitable connection type?

Response: This is acceptable.

52. Please note based on discussion with local Generator suppliers the availability of a portable MV generator in this area would be very difficult if not impossible to accommodate.

Portable generators to service buildings during construction would not be MV, but 480V due to existing transformers in place. As noted in sheet keynotes on ED602, temporary generator connections will vary from bldg. to bldg. and shall be evaluated independently at each site by the electrical contractor. Costs associated with meeting this requirement shall be appropriately accounted for up front in the proposal.

53. The location of the new secure entry gate does not appear to be clearly defined in the drawings. Please provide additional detail on location and layout.

Refer to attached Drawing CS-101, Addendum 1, dated 2026-08-12.

54. Some existing underground duct banks are indicated to be reused for new cabling installation. Plans advise verifying integrity of these ducts prior to new cable installation. If the existing underground ducts are found to be unsuitable for reuse how will their repair/replacement be handled? Allowances in the bid or Change Orders to the project on an as needed basis?

Response: Allowances in the bid is preferable. Fix is dependent on condition. If spot repair is feasible, that would be the best option given space constraints.

55. Is there any possible mechanism to account for the unknown wage escalation over the next 4 years? Possibly providing bids at current labor rates including man hours per classification with the option to escalate based on yearly prevailing wage increases?

Wage escalation is not included in this contract.

56. Temp generator connection-Confirming the application of Camlock to support 15kv cable Asked Above Response: See response to Pre-Bid RFI 50 & 51.

57. Load sharing during testing - Confirm process to allow enough load to test multiple gens under load and tune the voltage regulator and governor reaction to load changes. Can the feeder in section 6 be utilized to land temporary 15kv cable? Ther are not sufficient connection points for the required load bank commissioning tests. Are additional breakers or taps needed?

Response: Load bank shown cannot be used for the commissioning testing as it is not sized for 100% of the generator. Contractor shall supply load bank to test generators. Tap box feeder in Section 5 or the feeder back to existing switchgear in Section 6 can be used for testing.

58. What trade is supplying the main and day tanks for the generator?

Response: General contractor is responsible for all tanks. Main fuel tanks are specified under 231000. Day tanks are specified under 26 32 13.

59. What trade is supplying the muffler?

Response: General Contractor.

60. What trade is responsible for setting the generator and radiator into the building? Is there a schedule to allow delivery from above, or only from roll up door on the side of the building? The radiator and engine will ship separately, and need to be aligned once it is in position by our tech.

Response: General Contractor.

61. Please advise if the designated SSHO and Competent Person role can be fulfilled by the site superintendent? Or, will the SSHO be a full time separate person?

VA requirements call for three separate, qualified roles to be filled. At minimum, two people may be assigned, with one carrying dual duties. Acceptable pairings are typically Safety/Quality with a separate Superintendent, or Superintendent/Safety with a separate Quality Officer. The Superintendent should not serve as the Quality Officer.

62. Please verify if this project is tax-exempt and if so, will the government provide the appropriate tax exempt documentations This project is tax exempt. A tax exempt certificate will be issued at the precon.

63. Please provide the Geotechnical report.

This is attached to this amendment.

64. Please indicate staging area or laydown for material storage.

See responses to questions 3, 7, 8 and 41.

65. In several locations the Specifications call out LEED. Is this a LEED project?

No.

66. Sheet CS102 detail site plan 2, east of building 61 note called out for new HMA asphalt 258 sy, however, hatching appears it is calling out PCC concrete paving. Is this concrete or asphalt in this area?

Concrete

67. Sheet CS103 detail site plan 3, east of building 26A note called out for new HMA asphalt 129 , however, hatching appears it is calling out PCC concrete paving. Is this concrete or asphalt in this area?

Concrete

68. Period of performance. Section 01 00 00, paragraph 1.3, states that the period of performance shall be 730 calendar days from award. The solicitation contemplates a longer overall duration executed through two sequential notices to proceed. Please confirm which duration governs, confirm the number of notices to proceed and the scope authorized under each, and confirm whether contract completion, liquidated damages, and general conditions are measured against the aggregate duration or against the construction notice to proceed only.

The Period of performance is 1460 calendar days, this has been corrected in the specs.

69. Fuel for testing and commissioning. Section 26 32 13, paragraph 3.2.C, requires the contractor to furnish fuel oil for testing of the engine generators. Section 01 00 00, paragraph 1.19.G, the only clause addressing Government furnished fuel, covers natural gas, LP gas, and burner fuel oil for boiler cleaning, boiler burner setup, and boiler tests. There is no boiler on this project. Please confirm whether diesel fuel consumed during startup, the six hour acceptance test, parallel operation testing, automatic operation testing, and commissioning functional performance testing is furnished by the contractor or by the Government, and confirm the disposition of fuel remaining in the tanks at final acceptance.

All fuel to be furnished by contractor. See also responses to questions 29 and 82.

70. Initial fill of the new underground storage tanks. No specification section addresses the initial fill of the new tanks to operating capacity for turnover. Please confirm whether an initial fill is required, state the required fill level at turnover in gallons or as a percentage of nominal capacity, confirm which party bears the cost of the commodity, and confirm the required fuel grade and additive package.

See response to question #29.

71. Fuel storage capacity. The Mechanical Design Narrative states 80,000 gallons in two 40,000 gallon double wall fiberglass tanks and states that the VA shall confirm whether the 96 hour run time with the NFPA 110 factor of 133 percent applies to this project. The Electrical Design Narrative states approximately 70,000 gallons. Please confirm the governing storage capacity, the number and size of tanks, and whether the 96 hour and 133 percent sizing basis applies.

2 new double-wall 40,000 gallon fiberglass fuel tanks are to be installed. NFPA 96 hour 133% sizing applies.

72. Temporary generators during changeover. The Electrical Design Narrative states that a temporary generator shall be utilized while existing building generators are removed one by one and replaced with pad mounted transformers. No temporary power specification section, sizing, quantity, duration, connection method, or fuel provision appears anywhere in the contract documents.

Please confirm whether temporary generators are contractor furnished. If so, for each of the nine changeover locations please provide the required capacity, voltage, quantity, maximum allowable changeover duration, required transfer method, and responsibility for fuel and attendance. If the Government intends the new centralized system to carry these loads during changeover, please confirm that intent expressly.

Response: The narratives were issued as a reference only. See Sheet Keynotes on ED602 for further information.

73. Load bank capacity. Section 26 32 13, paragraph 3.2.F.5, requires a resistive test load rated not less than 100 percent of the specified kW rating of the generator, and paragraph 3.2.K.1 requires multiple load banks for parallel operation testing of all combinations. The narrative describes a permanent 1 MW load bank serving three generators rated 3 MW each. Please confirm the maximum simultaneous test load capacity, in kW, that the contractor must furnish, and confirm whether testing at the full paralleled output of all three units simultaneously is required.

Response: See response to Pre-Bid RFI #57. Contractor shall provide a 3MW load bank for a 100% load test on each individual generator and 50% load tests between 2 paralleled generators. All 3 generators will never run paralleled. The paralleled test can be done with all combinations of the 3 generators.

74. Geotechnical report. Section 01 00 00, paragraph 1.11, states that the soil report will be made available for inspection upon request and shall be considered part of the contract documents. The structural drawings show drilled piers 60 inches, 48 inches, and 36 inches in diameter to minimum bearing elevations of negative 28 feet and negative 20 feet, and multiple details direct the contractor to prepare subbase per the geotechnical report. Please issue the complete geotechnical report, including all boring logs, laboratory results, and groundwater observations, by amendment to all offerors.

See Report Attached.

75. Existing underground storage tank closure. The Electrical Design Narrative requires removal in their entirety of the underground tanks serving Generators 31 and 31A, Generator 26, and Generator 34. No specification section governs regulated tank closure. Please confirm the quantity, capacity, age, and contents of each tank, confirm the responsible party of record and which party submits the closure documents to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, confirm the required closure method and sampling protocol, and confirm responsibility and the payment method for disposal of contaminated soil, residual product, and sludge if encountered.

Response: Contractor is responsible for the proper removal of the underground tanks indicated.

76. Duct bank protective measures. The narratives state that concrete encasement or increased depth of cover is required only where the run falls within 8 feet 6 inches of unscreened traffic or directly underneath, and cite 30 inches, 2.5 feet, and 5 feet of cover in different passages. Please confirm, by station range on the civil plan and profile sheets, which duct bank segments require concrete encasement and which require increased cover, confirm the screened and unscreened traffic boundary, and confirm the minimum cover for each condition. Please also issue the referenced Physical Security Risk Mitigation Design Guidance report, or confirm that nothing in it affects the contractor scope, means, methods, or sequencing.

The narratives were issued as a reference only. Where narrative and drawings or specifications conflict, contract drawings and specifications should be followed.

77. Working hours and campus outages. The Electrical Design Narrative states that work in manholes MH2 and MH3 necessitates a complete utility power outage to the campus. Please confirm the permitted normal working hours and days, the anticipated number of campus outages required for the manhole work and for the switchgear tie ins at the Pawnee and Eastborough lineups, the maximum allowable duration and permitted windows for each, which party operates and fuels the existing building generators during those outages, and whether Government directed work outside normal working hours entitles the contractor to an equitable adjustment for premium time.

Response: The narratives were issued as a reference only. The VA operates the building level generators. Contractors shall notify the VA at least 2 weeks prior to this work being done. Downtime shall be minimized to greatest extent possible. Pending VA approval, a weekend shutdown could be approved to minimize the impact to the facility.

78. Equipment escalation and stored materials. Given the procurement duration for medium voltage generators, paralleling switchgear, and medium voltage switchgear, please confirm whether the contract will include an economic price adjustment clause and identify the applicable index, confirm whether progress payments will be made for equipment fabricated and stored at the manufacturer facility and the documentation required, and confirm whether delivery delay attributable to manufacturer lead time is an excusable delay.

Yes if manufacturer lead time exceeds the 730 calendar days allowed for submittals and delivery being completed this would allow for an excusable delay. This does not mean a contractor waits for the 730th day to complete a submittal and order items. Proof of long lead time and delays would be required from the manufacturer.

(1) The materials or equipment are in accordance with the contract requirements and/or approved samples and shop drawings;

(2) The materials and/or equipment are approved through the submittal process;

(3) If you are wanting payment before installation of the materials/equipment. The materials and/or equipment must be stored in a secured bonded warehouse. The Contractor shall submit to the COR a list of the materials/equipment to be inventoried by the COR. A copy of the insurance policy for the warehouse must be provided to the CO and COR. The insurance must be adequate for the equipment/materials being stored off site there with their value and quantity. The COR will complete inventory and date and sign inventory list. A copy of that signed inventory must be included in invoice.

(4) The materials and/or equipment shall be protected against weather, theft and other hazards and are not subjected to deterioration; and

(5) The Contractor obtains the concurrence of its surety for off-site storage.

79. Site Safety and Health Officer dual role. Section 01 35 26, paragraph 1.9.A, requires one full time Site Safety and Health Officer at each site, for each shift, with no other duties. Section 01 45 00, paragraph 3.4.A, requires the Safety and Health Manager to report to a senior official independent from the CQC System Manager, while paragraph 3.4.B permits the CQC System Manager to hold duties as project superintendent. Please confirm that the Site Safety and Health Officer may not serve as project superintendent, confirm that the same individual may not serve as CQC System Manager, and confirm whether the Safety and Health Manager and the Site Safety and Health Officer are the same position or two separately staffed positions.

VA requirements call for three separate, qualified roles to be filled. At minimum, two people may be assigned, with one carrying dual duties. Acceptable pairings are typically Safety/Quality with a separate Superintendent, or Superintendent/Safety with a separate Quality Officer. The Superintendent should not serve as the Quality Officer.

80. Site Safety and Health Officer qualifications. Paragraph 1.9.A requires a professional safety certification held as current with at least 3 years of dedicated construction safety experience. Paragraph 1.10.B permits an alternative of the OSHA 30 hour course with 7 years of experience and no certification, and paragraph 1.10.C allows certification to be obtained within 90 days of award. Please confirm the governing qualification standard, and clarify subparagraph 1.10.B.3, which reads five (3) years.

1.10.B does not permit an alternative of the OSHA 30 hour course. It requires the course AND one of 3 options in the subparagraphs below. 1.10.B.3 should read five (5) years.

81. Permanent load bank and tap box. Section 26 23 15 references a load bank and portable generator section of the paralleling switchgear, a load bank breaker, a load bank mode, and a load bank controller interface. The narrative describes a 1 MW exterior load bank and a generator tap box. No specification section governs either item. Please issue the governing specifications, including rating, voltage, control interface, and enclosure rating, and confirm the foundation, feeder, and control wiring scope for both.

Response: The narratives were issued as a reference only. Ratings and equipment information is found on drawings (ES102, EP111, E-601)

82. Beneficial use before final acceptance. The phasing sequence requires the new system to be operational before the existing building generators are demolished. Please confirm the date warranty periods commence if the system is placed in service before final acceptance, confirm responsibility for fuel, consumables, and maintenance during that interval, confirm responsibility if a genuine power event occurs during that interval, and confirm whether accrued run hours count against warranty.

Warranty periods commence once new system is fully operational and placed in service. Responsibility for genuine power events as well as all associated maintenance, fuel, consumables, etc. fall on VA medical center maintenance staff only after new generator system is fully commissioned and operational and beneficial use begins. Yes, accrued generator run hours count against warranty.

83 Drilled pier installation conditions. Please confirm the groundwater elevation at the generator building footprint, whether temporary or permanent casing or slurry displacement is anticipated, whether the piers must bear in a specific identified stratum or achieve a rock socket, and the required concrete placement method.

Response: Reference geotechnical report for all information.

84. Rock excavation payment. Section 31 20 11, paragraph 1.5, places all excavation and borrow in the lump sum, while paragraph 1.6 establishes a measurement procedure for rock excavation and paragraph 1.7.B requires a certified rock excavation report. No bid schedule line item exists to receive that measurement. Please confirm whether rock excavation is included in the lump sum without adjustment, or establish a line item, unit price, and estimated quantity.

Intent is for it to be included in the lump sum.

85. Testing laboratory. Section 01 00 00, paragraph 1.2.D, refers to a testing laboratory retained by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Section 01 45 29, paragraph 1.1.A, states that testing is provided by a laboratory retained by the General Contractor. Please confirm which party retains and pays for materials testing and inspection services.

General contractor is responsible for retaining and testing materials & inspection services.

86. Existing conduits and manholes. The Civil Design Narrative states that existing conduits and vaults are assumed to be unusable and that additional local repairs and conduit replacement may be necessary during construction and will be developed with the COR.

Please confirm whether any repair or replacement of existing conduits, manholes, or vaults is in the base scope. If such work is anticipated, please establish an allowance or unit prices, as the quantity cannot be determined from the documents. Please also confirm whether a subsurface utility engineering survey was performed and the date of the as built utility information relied upon.

The narratives were issued as a reference only. Where narratives conflict with specifications and drawings the specifications and drawings must be followed. If there is a conflict between specifications and drawing, specifications override drawings

87. Fire pump. The Architectural Design Narrative and Section 05 31 00, paragraph 2.1.A.2, both reference a fire pump room requiring a 2 hour rated roof assembly. The fire protection design describes a dry pipe system on available supply of 69 psi static, 63 psi residual, and 920 gpm, with no fire pump specified, scheduled, or shown. Please confirm that no fire pump is required and that the references are intended to mean the fire riser room, or issue the fire pump specification, schedule, and drawings.

A fire pump is not required. Yes the intention is a fire riser room.

88. Fire alarm campus integration. Section 28 31 00 requires signals to report to the existing Simplex 4100ES Node 38 panel. Please confirm that the new panel must be a Simplex product network compatible with the existing campus network, confirm whether the Government requires the existing campus service provider of record to perform the network programming and existing panel modifications, identify that provider and confirm whether that work is contractor furnished, confirm that existing programming software and site passwords will be made available, and confirm the required scope of campus reacceptance testing.

It will need to be compatible with the existing campus network and all new equipment need to be compatible with 4100ES panel. See Specification 283100 Section 3 Execution for requirements related to programming and testing for new equipment. Confirm with VA that the existing campus service provider needs to perform any modifications to existing panels.

89. Staffing during a procurement period. Please confirm that the full time Site Safety and Health Officer, the CQC System Manager, and the CQC specialized personnel onsite presence requirements apply only during periods of active field construction, and confirm the level of contractor staffing expected during any procurement period.

The full time staffing requirements only apply during the active field construction.

90. Independent safety inspection. Section 01 35 26, paragraph 1.11.B, requires a monthly site inspection by a Certified Safety Professional or certified Construction Safety and Health Technician who is not part of the immediate site project team. Please confirm this is required only in months during which field construction occurs, and confirm that a corporate safety professional employed by the prime who is not assigned to the project team satisfies the independence requirement.

Inspections are only required in months when field construction occurs. A corporate safety professional can be employed by prime so long as they are not assigned to the project team.

91. Quality control organization. Please confirm that specialized CQC personnel may be employees of subcontractors and may hold concurrent production duties for their own trade, confirm whether the alternate CQC System Manager must be a separate individual from the superintendent and the primary CQC System Manager, and confirm whether a three phase control system with preparatory, initial, and follow up phase meetings is required for each definable feature of work.

Yes/confirmed to all 3 questions.

92. Government furnished property. Section 01 00 00, paragraph 1.22, states that the Government shall deliver the Government furnished property shown on the drawings. No such property is identified on the drawings. Please confirm that there is no Government furnished property or equipment on this project.

There is no Government furnished property or equipment.

93. Commissioning support. Please confirm the anticipated number of functional performance test days the contractor must support with trade labor and manufacturer representatives, confirm whether the contractor must furnish fuel and rental load bank capacity for commissioning testing in addition to the acceptance testing required by Section 26 32 13, and confirm whether any integrated systems test beyond Section 26 32 13, paragraph 3.2, is required and its duration and load profile.

VA cannot confirm anticipated duration at this time, or whether additional integrated systems testing will be required or the details thereof. Contractor must furnish fuel and rental of load bank capacity for commissioning testing in addition to acceptance testing.

94. On sheet CK101, it shows the duct bank details and hand hole details. What is the type and size of innerduct to be installed for the ATS low voltage conduit? Also on that sheet, what are the dimensions of the hand holes that need to be installed.

Duplicate question. See response to question 11.

95. In the buildings where the generator is located indoors, should the transformers be dry-type or should oil containment pans be specified if oil-filled transformers are required?

Response: Dry type transformers are an acceptable substitution, provided that they meet the requirements of specification 261219.

96. What are the complete secondary voltages of the pad-mounted transformers?

Response: See Drawing E-603.

97. Since this job is broken up into two notice to proceeds, one for the procurement of the materials and one for the construction, will the wage determination sheet be re-evaluated on the second notice to proceed?

The wage determination at time of award will be used throughout the project.

98. On sheet E-603 for XFMR-26 it states a 500-KVA and for XFMR-34 it states a 1000-KVA. On sheet ES-102, for XFMR-26 it states a 225- KVA and for VFMR-34 it states a 750-KVA. Please clarify which KVA transformer is intended to be installed for each location.

Response: The KVA rating shown on E-603 is correct. XFMR-26: 500-KVA and XFMR-34: 1000-KVA.

99 Can the two 40,000 gal tanks be included on the equipment schedule page? Also providing the basis of design, general size.

Duplicate question. See response to question 18.

100. How much ground cover above the 40,000 gal tanks are desired or will this information be specified by the manufacture of the tank?

Duplicate question. See response to question 19.

101 When providing the basis of design for the 40,000 gal tanks, will the specific size of the ballast be included? Who will calculate the amount of ballast with backfill?

Duplicate question. See response to question 20.

102. MP-601 note 1 (all fuel piping not located inside a pipe trench must be double-wall with leak monitoring) then basis of design. Should note 1 read all “underground” piping not located within a trench be double-wall?

Duplicate question. See response to question 21.

103. Currently all underground piping appears to be in a trench, inside the building and outside. Please identify where MP-601 note 1 would apply.

Duplicate question. See response to question 22.

104. 23-10-00 2.5 and 2.6 call for leak detection in the piping system but do not indicate sensor location or how many per pipe. Please identify sensor locations and on what part of the system.

Duplicate question. See response to question 23.

105. Is there a specific Veeder Root model that is basis of design? Will this information be included on the tank schedule?

Duplicate question. See response to question 24.

106. Details for the steam piping tunnel (MS-103) show pipe guides and roller hangers but MS-101 does not show locations of expansion joints (bellows) or anchor points. Can MS-101 include these items and their locations?

Duplicate question. See response to question 25.

107. A few sumps are located on the drawings but no mention of an actual pump. Will a pump be required for all sump locations and if so, could they be included on the equipment schedule page?

Duplicate question. See response to question 26.

108. Looking over the controls sequence for the dampers at the generator radiator, it mentions power close, spring open. Will this timing of the generator starting and the dampers opening be a concern?

Duplicate question. See response to question 27.

109. Will the generator mufflers and flex connectors be supplied by the generator supplier?

Duplicate question. See response to question 28.

110. Who is responsible for the cost of the initial filling of underground fuel tanks and what grade of fuel?

Duplicate question. See response to question 29.

111. With detail 4 on page MP-502 showing a thimble and page M-302 showing the enclosure structure around the exhaust stack. Will the roof structure hold the weight of the 20” stack if supported by the roofing system? 20” thin wall weight is roughly 53 lb per ft = minimum 1060 lb at the bottom of each stack.

Duplicate question. See response to question 30.

112. The detail for the exhaust stack structure says not to attach to it, was the intent of this structure to “cover” the exhaust stack only?

Duplicate question. See response to question 31.

113. Would it be better to point the generator exhaust to the south away from the housing area?

Duplicate question. See response to question 32.

114. Can the engineering team provide the insertion loss per frequency band for the Sound Attenuator Schedule (37-SA-1,2,3)? Want to be able to confirm attenuation performance.

Duplicate question. See response to question 33.

115. Absorption panel schedule?

Duplicate question. See response to question 34.

116. Can…