36C25619R0026-0002000.docx

36C25619R00026 0002

580-14-101 UPGRADE VIVARIUM LAB HVAC IN B109

5. PROJECT NUMBER (if applicable)

CODE

7. ADMINISTERED BY

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER

CODE

6. ISSUED BY

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NUMBER

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

9B. DATED

PAGE OF PAGES

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED

BPA NO.

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

FACILITY CODE

CODE

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

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

E. IMPORTANT:

is extended,

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

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

(REV. 11/2016)

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

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

15C. DATE SIGNED

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

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

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

D. OTHER

Contractor

16C. DATE SIGNED

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

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

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

STANDARD FORM 30

PREVIOUS EDITION NOT USABLE

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

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

(If required)

(SEE ITEM 11)

(SEE ITEM 13)

(X)

CHECK

ONE

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

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

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer) 02-22-2019 580-14-101 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 16 Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center 2002 Holcombe BLVD Houston

TX

77030 4298 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 16 Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center 2002 Holcombe BLVD Houston

TX

77030 4298 To all Offerors/Bidders

36C25619R0026 02-22-2019

X X X

X

580-14-101 UPGRADE VIVARIUM LAB HVAC IN B109

Clarifications are attached along with control sequence drawing. Proposal due date remains unchanged.

TABITHA CONTRERAS

CONTRACTING OFFICER

The following clarifications are provided:

1. Please provide an equipment schedule for the Air Handler Unit.

Answer: See RFP Amendment #0001 posted to FBO on 2/14/19.

2. Will the contractor be able to use Elevators no. 1 & 2 in building 109 to transport materials or will an external type hoist be required?

Answer: Yes, Contractor will have access to one elevator during each phase of the project.

3. Can the contractor perform photographic documentation for this project as long as they meet the requirements of the specification, or will a commercial photographer be required?

Answer: Contractor photographic documentation is allowed per the specs.

4. Can the Superintendent also fulfill the roles of SSHO and CSHT if they meet the requirements of each?

Answer: Yes.

5. Specification section 01 45 29 - Testing Laboratory Services states that, "Materials testing activities and inspection services required during project construction to be provided by a Testing Laboratory retained by the General Contractor Department of Veterans Affairs." Please clarify who will be responsible for carrying the cost of laboratory testing.

Answer: The Contractor is responsible. This specification only applies to masonry work.

6. Please confirm that any warranty referenced in the specifications, even if it modifies FAR clause 52.246-21, beyond one year is intended to be a manufacturer's warranty for the product as referenced in the specification section.

Answer: Yes, it refers to the manufacturer’s warranty.

7. Please provide more information on the Phasing requirements?

Answer: Contractor shall follow phasing schedule shown in PHASING PLAN document included in the solicitation. Contractor shall finish 100% of each phase before moving to next phase. There will be a 1-week transition period between phases to allow users to relocate.

8. In the statement of work it states to use low vibration tools during project phases. Will the use of power drills and power saws be permitted during construction?

Answer: Yes, contractor shall follow https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/buyquiet/default.html NIOSH Buy Quiet, for choosing power tools with reduce amount of noise and vibration.

9. Note 8G in the statement of work states to cover existing equipment and watering systems. Please specify to what level of protection will be required. For example, plastic, tarps, padded blankets, etc.?

Answer: Plastic or tarps will be sufficient, but contractor shall ensure not to damage the system. Contractor shall be liable of any damage to the system.

10. Note 8G in the statement of work also states that all rooms will need to be cleaned after completion of work. Will this include the equipment, cages, electronics, etc? Also does the cleaning crew need any specific certifications or qualifications for a laboratory environment?

Answer: Contractor shall perform deep cleaning of all rooms after each phase. Users will remove most of the electric equipment, cages, computers, etc. No specific certification or qualifications are needed.

11. Note 8H and 9D in the statement of work states that an access door will be installed in each room ceiling by each terminal and exhaust damper. Will these locations be provided at the time of construction? During the walk through there were a few locations that may not have room for the access door. Can an exact number of access panels be provided for clarity?

Answer: We will need an access door to all TU boxes. Access doors shall be placed in a location where maintenance personnel can access the TU boxes. Same requirement applies for the exhaust dampers.

12. Please provide additional information regarding the 24"x36" and 24"x24" access panels. Will they need locking mechanisms, will they need to be rekeyed, is there a specific manufacturer preferred by the VA, do they need to be fire rated? (The cost difference could impact the overall project cost)?

Answer: Contractor shall provide www.wbdoors.com WB ADWT airtight/watertight doors, on SS304 with SS allen head screws, or equal.

13. Note 8I in the statement of work states to paint all ceilings, color to match existing. Will a paint sprayer be permitted for application or will the ceilings need to be rolled and brushed?

Answer: Ceiling paint needs to be rolled and brushed.

14. During the walk through, it was observed that a fire sprinkler system is installed in the building. There are no notes or mention of this system in the Statement of work or the drawings. However, the fire sprinkler system is referenced in the specs. The Specs State; No utility service such as water, gas, steam, sewers or electricity, or fire protection systems and communications systems may be interrupted without prior approval of COR. Will the contractor be required to include cost for protection or isolation of the fire sprinkler system, or will the VA have the sprinkler system protected by their own vendor?

Answer: Contractor shall protect fire sprinkler system during construction to avoid any sprinkler head rupture. VA will disable fire alarm system for the construction area during construction. Contractor shall be aware that some temporary removal or relocation of sprinklers heads might need to be removed and hauled into new TU boxes. This work shall be contractor’s responsibility. VA will close water feed lines during any sprinkler work.

15. Who will be required to provide Fire Watch in the event of a fire suppression system outage to facilitate construction in this solicitation?

Answer: Contractor shall provide fire watch.

16. Please specify the type and size of the gypsum ceilings. Is the gypsum mold resistant, type "X", impact resistant, 5/8", ¾", ½" etc?

Answer: Existing ceiling is plaster, contractor will be allowed to install drywall ceiling to any modified portion of the ceiling. Drywall shall be 5/8”, type X.

17. Will an apron, shoe covers, masks and hair nets be required during construction?

Answer: No, it will only be required while building construction barriers for each phase. After barriers are in place there will be require using appropriated PPE.

18. The drawings show infection control walls in front of the corridor walk doors. Will these walls need to be solid from floor to ceiling or will these locations need to have a walk door in the infection control wall for life safety?

Answer: They will need to have a walk door.

19. Will sticky matts be required for infection control?

Answer: Yes.

20. It was stated during the site walk that negative air pressure machines were to be used in each phase. Will each room where work is being performed need a negative air pressure machine, or will units located in the main corridors be sufficient?

Answer: Contractor shall place machines in main hallways and in any room that dust producing work is being done.

21. Will infection control require HEPA Carts?

Answer: No, regular negative air machines are sufficient with HEPA filter.

22. Will the storage of gypsum and finishing materials be permitted within each phase of the project, or will these items need to be stored off site?

Answer: Contractor can store material within the area of the phase they are working.

23. Should contractor account for down time at the beginning of each work day for permits, safety meetings, security checks, etc or will work be permitted to commence immediately upon arrival?

Answer: Contractor’s superintendent will meet security personnel and users to obtain a temporary access card. After this, they will be allowed to commence work immediately on each shift.

24. During the walk through it was stated that the equipment in the rooms was going to be removed with the exception of a few rooms that had cages in them. Please clarify which rooms will have equipment in them and what equipment will need to be protected.

Answer: Rooms B23, B25 and B26 have permanent cages that will need to be protected and cleaned after construction. Also, room B40, B4, B8 and B5 will have equipment that shall be covered and protected.

25. The ceiling demolition in some areas will affect the existing 2x4 lights. These lights will need to be lowered and tied back out of the way until HVAC work is complete in that room. Will any additional inspections be required regarding the 2x4 lights once they are reinstalled prior to installing the new gypsum?

Answer: No, but contractor shall arrange the installation of access doors to new TU boxes.

26. Will there be any infection control required while work on the roof or the equipment deck is being performed? If so, please provide additional details.

Answer: No.

27. Will the contractor be able to receive deliveries during normal operating hours, or will all deliveries need to be scheduled after hours?

Answer: Delivery can be received during normal facility operating hours.

28. Will temporary power and water be supplied during construction?

Answer: Yes.

29. Phase 2 does not appear to have elevator access to the construction area. Will all materials for phase 2 need to be brought in from the access stairs or will the service elevator in phase 1 or the personnel elevator in phase 3 be permittable for use?

Answer: Phase 2 overlap phase 3 on the north-east hallway allowing access to elevator 1.

30. Will an ILSM policy be required for all subcontractors?

Answer: Yes.

31. Is there any insulation above the gypsum ceilings? If so, please provide additional information.

Answer: There is no insulation above ceiling.

32. Is the building free of asbestos?

Answer: No, latest report will be available for review after contract award, but none of the work for this project involves asbestos abatement.

33. Has any material being removed/demoed been exposed to hazardous chemicals that would require specialized disposal?

Answer: See SOW item 15.a and 15.b.

34. The infection control walls are to be installed from floor to ceiling. Please provide the measurement from floor to ceiling.

Answer: Approximately 9 feet tall.

35. Will a hot work permit be required for the use of power tools?

Answer: No. A hot work permit is required for soldering or welding.

36. When performing the final clean, are there any cleaning agents or solvents that should not be used?

Answer: No, common industrial cleaning agents will be sufficient.

37. Demolished materials will need to be removed from the building using dump carts. Will the dumpster be able to be located close enough to the construction area for the crews to efficiently unload the demolished material or will the contractor need to transport the demolished material to an offsite/remote location?

Answer: Contractor shall use dump cart to remove material from each phase using the elevator. Contractor shall properly dispose materials as per VA spec 01 00 00 – 9 section 1.8.

38. Is TB Screening a requirement of this solicitation?

Answer: Yes, contractor shall TB test all workers on the job. Prime contractor shall provide a letter to the CO stating that all employees of the prime and sub-contractors had been TB tested.

39. Is an alternate AHU manufacturer that meets the same specifications as the JCI/York specified unit acceptable?

Answer: Yes, as long it complies with VA spec on the AHU and all controls are compatible with existing METASYS BAS.

40. Can you provide a control sequence for the specified EMS construction?

Answer: See attached Control Sequence.

41. Will a laydown area be provided at Building 109 or in a remote area of the campus? If not at Building 109 please provide the location of the laydown area.

Answer: Contractor will have access to a small laydown area adjacent to B109, but contractor shall use available space within each phase to store materials, tools and equipment, as needed.

42. What are the expected working hours for this project? Do any work time/day restrictions exist for this project? Are any phases or components of this project expected to be completed during non-standard working hours?

Answer: Contractor shall work normal working hours 7:30 am thru 5:00 pm. Contractor will be required to rig new AHU during off hours or weekend to allow continuous operation of the hospital. Upon request of the contractor and per COR approval contractor may work during off hours or weekends if desire by contractor at no additional cost to the VA.

43. What is the duration for each phase of this project?

Answer: Contractor shall develop a phasing timeline within the contract performance period.

44. Who will the noise limitation base line for this project? What is the anticipated noise db that will be allowed for this project?

Answer: 80db.

45. What if any special concerns or precautions must be taken for any biohazards that are present or expect to be encountered for this project?

Answer: See answer to question 33.

46. Will the contractor be responsible to have an industrial hygienist clear the work areas prior to commencing work? Who will be responsible for retaining and paying for this service if required?

Answer: No.

47. Please provide the communication protocol that the VA employs for people working on the existing exhaust fans during normal lab working hours. Is this protocol what the contractors for this solicitation would be expected to follow, or something different, please describe in detail.

Answer: During each phase the exhaust fan will be turned off for construction to proceed. There is not a specific protocol for work during normal working hours.

48. Is there a specific schedule, time of day or restriction in place for the replacement of the exhaust fans?

Answer: There are no restrictions except that the exhaust fan replaced shall serve the phase area being worked. Contractor shall not replace any exhaust fans serving a different construction phase since laboratory will be operational.

49. Are the elevators available to construction traffic and materials for this project? Do any restrictions for use exist?

Answer: One elevator will be available for each construction phase. Contractor shall protect the elevator from any damage during construction activities.

50. Is the existing ceiling in the basement plaster and metal lath?

Answer: Yes.

51. Is it the intent to put back drywall on the ceilings or do you intend for it to be put back as plaster?

Answer: Drywall shall be installed to any modified ceiling area.

52. Will controls conduit and electrical conduit be allowed to be exposed on the wall or will it have to run above ceiling in the basement area?

Answer: It will be allowed to be exposed on the wall. Contractor may reuse existing conduit in good condition. Contractor shall provide new wires.

53. Will all crane work be required to be conducted on off hours/ weekends?

Answer: Yes.

54. Are other AHU vendors such as Daikin, Trane, and Carrier acceptable as long as they meet the performance requirements for the AHU specified?

Answer: See answer of question 39.

55. Is one VFD per fan required or will one VFD with a motor control panel be acceptable?

Answer: VFD with control panel is acceptable.

56. Can fiberglass insulation of equal R-Value be utilized on the chilled water, steam and hot water lines?

Answer: Yes

57. Are coated coils required for this AHU?

Answer: Yes, as per VA specifications.

58. Who is the existing fire alarm vendor to coordinate with for the smoke detector?

Answer: Firetron

59. If existing shutoff valves hold can the new shut off valves be placed after the existing valves?

Answer: No.

60. On item J of the SOW where new electrical connections to all new fans are required: What is the extent that the electrical needs to be replaced? Can the existing wire be re-used?

Answer: Item J refer for the contractor to provide new electrical connection to all new fans and AHU, this includes but not limited to the installation of new appropriated sized breakers, wires, conduits, disconnects and VFD’s. Contractor will be allowed to reuse existing conduit in good conditions if is appropriately sized for the unit. Contractor shall provide new wires to all new equipment to be installed.

61. How do you want the fans set on the roof? IE a curb, platform or other system?

Answer: Contractor shall provide new fan curbs.

62. Is the current roof structure capable of supporting the new fans as they are heavier than the existing?

Answer: Yes.

63. Is the existing flexible hot deck and cold deck duct to the TU boxes required to be replaced?

Answer: Yes.

64. Is it acceptable to connect the TU boxes to the existing hard duct?

Answer: No.

See attached document: Control Sequence.