36C25621R0056 0002.docx

36C25621R0056 0002

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)

03-25-2021

580-21-1-5925-0007

580-18-122

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

36C25621R0056 03-25-2021

X

580-36X0162-5925-854200-3220 23NR8PC08

RE: 580-18-122 Renovate CLC Unit 1C

See clarifications attached. Proposal due date remains unchanged.

Tabitha Contreras Contracting Officer

Request for Information (RFI) Project: Renovate CLC Unit #1C Solicitation #: 36C25621R0056

1. Question: Is this project tax exempt? If so, will the government provide a tax exempt form to the awarded contractor so that they may provide it to their subcontractors?

Answer: The government’s tax exemption does not pass down to contractors per FAR 29.303. However, contractors can follow their state codes and may receive tax exemption per FAR 29.305.

2. Question: Because bids typically are received from subcontractor just before bid time, will the VA allow Offerors to submit the price breakdown form and submit within two hours of bid submission? It is challenging to finalize the bid at the last minute, then have to fill out the form and submit before the deadline.

Answer: No. GC shall provide the breakdown with their electronic proposal submission prior to the solicitation closing time. This breakdown is to be used to determine price reasonableness and for negotiations, if necessary. The GC will not be required to use this breakdown as their SOV should they become the awardee.

3. Question: Will the wall sconce fixtures (Fixture type is W1 BESA Lighting 704107-LED-SN) replace the original fixtures without relocating the outlet box? It doesn’t appear that existing conditions have existing wall sconces.

Answer: No, there are no existing wall sconces (W1). This will be a new installation. Reference sheet EL 101.

4. Question: The drawings do not clearly state whether existing ceilings in the patient rooms are to be demolished or not. Please clarify this scope. If the existing ceiling system in the patient rooms is to be demolished, is new ceiling grid and tiles required back or is the same ceiling system required? Please state what the existing ceiling system is.

Answer: Sheet AD 200 keynote #2, these are radiant ceiling panels (2x2) that are removed completely. They are also noted on MPD 101 for the mechanical items. Reference sheet AE 200 for new ceiling.

5. Question: If any of the alternate deducts are awarded, what finishes or fixtures are to be priced in their place? For example, if the premanufactured electric fireplace and mantel is omitted, what is the finish in it’s place? If the decorative wall sconces at patient entry is omitted, what fixtures, if any, are provided? This question goes for all the line items for all the alternates. We can not locate on the drawings direction for the finished product if these alternates/deducts/omits are awarded.

Answer: If the deduct alternate is taken then the item would not be installed, and the wall finishes would match the existing wall where the item was located.

6. Question: Typically, with Houston VA projects, the drawings includes the ICRA Report (Construction Type and Classification), along with barrier requirements, negative air requirements, etc. However, we can not locate this drawing. Please confirm that there are no ICRA requirements for this project. If there are ICRA requirements, please provide the report indicating the type and classification, and barrier-type/requirements, etc.

Answer: Reference drawing GI 103. General noted indicate a 1-hr rated fire barrier is required around the construction site. It also provides the information for Negative air and the ICRA is required and included with this addendum.

7. Question: There is existing slab on grade that requires saw cutting and demolishing for the plumbing scope. What is the thickness of the slab-on-grade to be saw cut? Also, there doesn’t appear to include a detail showing the proper pipe placement in the trench (e.g., bedding material, compaction requirements, etc.), nor does it appear to show any details for concrete pour-back (e.g., vapor barrier, reinforcement, concrete psi, dowel requirements, etc.). Please indicate these requirements so Offerors have a reasonable understanding of the work required.

Answer: 6” concrete slab with a 3” topping slab. Concrete to be 3000 psi. Reinf. w/#3 at 12” OCEW. Reference PL100 and 100 S32R Foundation drawings attached. Use bedding material as required for work under a concrete slab on grade for the depth of the plumbing.

8. Question: Please provide more information on the temporary storage required for the equipment that Offerors are responsible for removing and retaining during renovation. Is this storage to be onsite? Conditioned? Bonded/insured?

Answer: The VA can work with you to find storage. A Conex would also be an option at the GC’s expense, but it’s not guaranteed space will be available close to B100.

9. Question: Do the interior walls required to be demolished extend above the ceiling to the deck? What height do those walls extend too?

Answer: Yes, Height is 10’-6”

10. Question: Is the below slab piping in Room 1C-136 located in the interstitial space or tunnel space, or is it below a slab-on-grade in earthen material?

Answer: Reference updated PL100 with grid lines attached to reference the different conditions. Saw cutting will be in the areas shown on the drawings. Other areas indicate tunnel below. This drawing is provided for reference only

11. Question: Drawing PL-100 shows the existing slab-on-grade and existing tunnel, but does not include any grid lines. Without grid lines, it is difficult to know exact where the slab-on-grade starts/ends and the tunnel starts and ends. Please provide information showing exact what line is to be demolished from under a slab-on-grade that requires saw cutting, and what line is easily accessible from the interstitial space/tunnel space.

Answer: Reference updated PL100 with grid lines to reference the different conditions. Saw cutting will be in the areas shown on the drawings.

12. Question: Will any of phase II be occupied while Offerors are completing Phase I?

Answer: Yes.

13. Question: Spec Section 11 73 00, Ceiling Mounted Patient Lift System is provided in the spec book, but we can not locate where this requirement is shown on the drawings. Please indicate the requirement for any ceiling mounted patient lift system work.

Answer: This project does not require new lifts to be installed. The ceiling patient lifts are wall mounted and floor supported. They are mounted in each patient room. See included photo’s for typical layout. Specifications are provided for the reference of testing and certification. The lift locations are noted on the demolition drawings. On past projects we have loosened the bolts and placed a shim behind the leg to allow flooring and base to be replaced. This would also work for painting. The work can be completed without removal, but that is the contractor’s call. If the lifts are removed the person removing and reinstalling would need to be certified by the manufacturer, Guldmann.

14. Question: Please provide the cutsheet or rough-in requirements for the undercounter refrigerator that the VA is providing and Offerors are installing. We want to ensure we have the rough-in requirements complete.

Answer: The unit will fit under the counter and be coordinated during the shop drawing for casework.

15. Question: On the equipment list we notice that the premanufactured fireplace mantel is Contractor-provided, Contractor-installed. However, we can not locate whether the electric fire place itself is Contractor-provided, Contractor-installed. Please clarify.

Answer: The fireplace mantel and fireplace will be contractor provided and contractor installed. Please find the basis of design cut sheet attached for the fireplace mantel and insert.

16. Question: We can not appear to locate the specifications nor the location of fold-down laundry table indicated as Contractor-provided, Contractor-installed. Please indicate the size, type, manufacture, color, etc., as well as the location and quantity so Offerors have a reasonable understanding of the requirement.

Answer: Reference AE-102; Room 107; Note 52. Contractor may opt to provide premanufactured fold-down table, or construct with bracket and laminated countertop surface. Weight requirements – 200lb min; Size requirements – 2’-0” x 3’-0” Please reference attached for Basis of Design Cutsheet for laundry table bracket.

17. Question: We can not appear to locate the specifications nor the location of the metal lockers indicated as Contractor-provided, Contractor-installed. Please indicate the size, type, manufacture, color, etc., as well as the location and quantity so Offerors have a reasonable understanding of the requirement. We have reviewed the alternate deduct that states, “6 instances of 3-tier locker unit”, but no other information.

Answer: The lockers are located in the Staff Lounge 126. Reference 30. And 3.1 on AE300. See attached metal lockers specifications.

18. Question: In the description of the alternate deducts, the work “instances” is used. Is this word used to define the “quantity” or number of units required? For example, for the decorative sconces, it states, “omit decorative wall sconces at patient entry [16 instances]” Does this mean there are 16 decorative wall sconces that Offerors should omit?

Answer: Correct

19. Question: For the alternate omissions covered in the deducts, should Offerors omit all work associated with that activity, or just the item itself? For example, if we omit the decorative wall sconces, we are to omit the rough-in wiring/conduit/j-boxes, etc., as well or just the wall sconce fixtures themselves?

Answer: Correct, omit all work associated with the installation of the wall sconces.

20. Question: During our site visit we noticed the patient rooms included ceiling mounted patient lift system. However, the drawings do not indicate any work associated with that system. Is the VA responsible for removing and re-installing? If not, please revise the drawings so Offerors have a reasonable understanding of the requirement.

Answer: Reference question #13. These are existing that would be removed and reinstalled and certified.

21. Question: AE-200, Detail D, shows a detail that we can not locate on the drawings. Please indicate what this requirement is, what part of it is existing or new, and if the bracing is to go both ways or only one way.

Answer: This detail is referenced on AE-200 in room 112 – Den. This is the detail for the ceiling at the modular wall partition. It may be subject to modification per manufacturer standards based on final selection of modular partition system.

22. Question: Note 5 on GI104 states to omit the solid surface casework and substitute with a premanufactured option in the FF&E package. We can not locate this FF&E package. Per the FF&E drawing, it lists details that refer to the base bid solid surface casework. Please advise.

Answer: This project does not have an FF&E package. The contractor would price a system furniture unit meeting the intent of the drawings. Herman Miller or equal.

23. Question: Drawing GI105 lists six (6) types of wall construction, with multiple sub-types within those six categories. However, we have only located wall type 6A, 3A, 3B, 2A and 1A on the drawings. Please confirm that these five (5) wall types are the only applicable wall types on this project. If not, please indicate where the other wall types are located (6B, 5A, 5B, 5C, 4A, 4B, 4C, 3C, 3D, 2B and 1B).

Answer: Reference General Note 1 on sheet GI105. All walls go to deck above including gyp. Bd.

24. Question: Drawing AE100 show wall type 2A at the waiting area desk area. However, Drawing AE301, details 2 show this area to be solid surface with PL-3 and RP. Please confirm that wall type 2A is a mistake.

Answer: The wall type is for construction and this is the correct wall construction. The plastic laminate and resin panels should be applied in addition to the gypsum wall board. Any future renovation may remove this finish and the gypsum wall board would still be necessary.

25. Question: Please confirm that the RP (resin panel) is only required at the nurse workstation (Room 117) and waiting area desk (Room 116).

Answer: Resin Panel required in (3) locations, in Waiting 100, Waiting 116, and Nurse Workstation 117. Reference sheet AE301 and AE401.

26. Question: Please confirm that the decorative glass panels that are to be reused and reinstalled go only in the south wall of the Den, Room 112.

Answer: Correct.

27. Question: Drawing AE301, Detail 3.2, shows a cut referring to D/AE200. However, this detail on D/AE200 appears to show a furr-down. Please confirm this is a mistake and instead should reference 8/AE-401.

Answer: Correct, detail should read 8/AE401.

28. Question: Please confirm that the casework shown on AE401, Details 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, and D does not show any cabinetry, only countertop and shelving. Please confirm the casework does not require any upper or lower cabinets or draws.

Answer: Instances of upper cabinets are indicated with section cut 7/AE401.

Instances of lower cabinets are indicated by 1/AE401, 2/AE401, and 14/AE401. Coordinate with sheets AE300, AE301, AE301 also.

29. Question: Drawing AE401 includes 14 details. However, we have only been able to locate those referenced details for #1, 2, 7, 8 and 9. We can not locate 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13 or 14. Please indicate where these details are located on the floor plan, or if even applicable to this project.

Answer: Reference sheets AE300, AE301 and AE302 for detail locations. See question #28

30. Question: Please identity the handle requirements for the casework/cabinetry so subcontractors understand what to price. Drawing AE401 states, “Hardware to be selected by owner”.

Answer: Satin Nickle wire pull, ADA compliant.

31. Question: Drawing AE402 includes 12 details, plus Detail A. However, we have only been able to locate those referenced details for #11 and 12. We can not locate 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10, nor Detail A. Please indicate where these details are located on the floor plan, or if even applicable to this project.

Answer: These are all typical section details that are relevant and referenced throughout.

8 is for all instances of corner guards; 7 is for all instances of unfinished tile edge.

6, 9, 10 are shown in both typical corridor elevations 3.0 & 4.0 on AE302 (typical wall protection cap, handrail, bumper guard sections). Plan details refer to typical construction of millwork shown in 2.0 & 3.0 on AE301.

32. Question: For the medical gas/air/vacuum scope, please confirm that certification is only required for the new work and only within the project boundaries, and that no certification of any other medical gas/air/vacuum that is existing or outside the project boundaries will be required.

Answer: Correct, only the areas impacted by the construction project that are connect to the ZVB and alarm panel. The med gas system is isolated to each nursing unit.

33. Question: PL-102, First Floor Interstitial Plumbing Plan, show new plumbing work within the project boundaries. Please confirm that all of the work shown on the drawing is performed above or below within an existing interstitial space, as the name of the drawing indicates, and that no slab-on-grade saw cutting is required. If this is not an accurate understanding, please indicate where and for which lines the saw cutting will be required.

Answer: PL-102 is in the interstitial floors between first and second floor. No saw cutting will be needed but some core drilling will be required.

34. Question: Please confirm that the only slab-on-grade saw cutting that is required is as shown on PLD-101 (Phase 1 and 2 for new plumbing only) and as similarly shown on PL-100, for new sanitary sewer plumbing only.

Answer: Reference updated PL100 with grid lines to reference the different conditions. Saw cutting will be required in the areas shown on the drawings.

35. Question: The architectural drawings refer to plumbing fixtures as “PF-X”, but the plumbing drawings indicate a difference identification. For example, PF7 is shown for the plumbing fixture in the Staff Lounge, Room 126. However, the plumbing drawings call out the fixture as P-524. Please confirm that the plumbing drawings are to be followed for plumbing fixture identification.

Answer: Correct, use the plumbing schedule and specifications for plumbing fixtures.

36. Question: The mechanical drawings indicate relocating existing TU-15-6 and -5 for temporary heating/cooling to the patient rooms during renovation, then demolished in Phase II. The notes #4 and 5 on Drawing MHT-101, states to rebalance the terminal units to achieve 800CFM (Note #4) and 200FM (Note #5). Does this rebalance require a formal TAB report submitted to the VA? Or is this a self-certified rebalance with no report submitted to the VA?

Answer: Self-certified rebalance is acceptable.

37. Question: Please confirm that all HVAC piping is located in an accessible interstitial space or tunnel and that no slab-on-grade saw cutting will be required to demolish or install any of the HVAC scope.

Answer: Correct, all HVAC piping is located in the interstitial space above.

38. Question: Drawing T-101 includes codes B, BC and DS, but those are not defined. Please define what B, BC and DS stand for on this drawing.

Answer: Reference T-000 Technology Legend B = Code Blue Push Button Station BC = Patient Station with Bed Connector DS = Duty Station

39. Question: Section 01 00 00, page 2, paragraph 1.3 includes statement of bid items that do no correlate to the CLIN schedule within SF1442. Please clarify the CLIN Schedule.

Answer: Offerors shall use the SF1442 CLINS for price proposals.

40. Question: Will there be any scope of work that the VA will require contractors to perform off-hours? Either at night or on the weekend? If so, please indicate what scope and for what duration that scope should be performed off-hours.

Answer: The CLC operates 24/7. There could be an isolated instance of needing to perform some tasks during a weekend but that would be determined by the contractor’s schedule and required utility outage. Example is water tie-in.

41. Question: The phasing drawing indicates that Room 1C-144 is within Phase I, but the barrier between Phase I and II is east of the entrance into Room 1C-144. Please advise how Offeror will access Room 1C-144 within Phase I.

Answer: This barrier is placed in order to maintain access to Bathing area for occupied facility. Barrier location must not interfere with corridor access to the bathing area. The VA will work with the contractor to maintain all required access and clearances.

42. Question: Please confirm that the VA will not require emergency or non-emergency egress through Corridors 123 or 125 during Phase I. Nor will the VA require emergency or non-emergency egress through Corridor 116 and Room 111 during Phase II. If emergency or non-emergency egress is required, please advise how ICRA will be maintained with VA personnel coming and going, in addition to maintaining safety during construction.

Answer: Refer to notes on GI103, stating that egress access must be maintained for the occupied facility at all times. Emergency access would be required for some areas. The VA and safety will work with the contractor to address specific areas without impact to the barrier or construction work

43. Question: Section 01 35 26, page 13, paragraph 1.7(C) states, “However, the SSHO has be a separate qualified individual from the Prime Contractor’s Superintendent and/or Quality Control Manager with duties only as the SSHO.” Section 01 45 00, page 6, paragraph 3.4(B) allows the QC Manager to serve as the Superintendent. In order to reduce cost, and as is usual with VA projects at this hospital, will the VA allow the SSHO to also serve as the Superintendent/QC Manager as long as that one individual meets the qualifications of all three positions?

Answer: The superintendent can act as the SSHO and QC provided they meet all the requirements and it does not impact the project schedule. This will need to be addressed for times when the superintendent is not on site; i.e. vacation, sick leave, etc.

44. Question: Section 01 45 00, page 7, paragraph 3.4(C) states that the CQC Personnel (Specialist) must be employed by the Prime and can not be employed by a subcontractor or supplier. However, the CQC Specialist required on this project include civil, mechanical, electrical, structural, architectural, environmental, submittals, concrete/pavement/soils, TAB, and Design QC Manager. Since this project is a SDVOSB, it is highly unusual for a small business general contractor to employ all these highly-qualified specialist. Furthermore, having a GC hire these individuals just for this position adds significant cost to the project, when most of these positions are not even applicable to the project’s scope. Would the VA please consider allowing specialized subcontractors to provide these CQC specialists, and would the VA please revise this section to list only those applicable to the project’s scope?

Answer: This specification is in reference to quality control. The prime contractor is responsible to maintain QC throughout the project and provide a submittal stating how that will be completed. This project will not require a specialist in this position or the contractor to hire special staff.

45. Question: Please clearly identify where access doors and frames are required. We can not locate on the drawings where access doors and frames will be required.

Answer: Provide access panels where required for maintenance access or access to balancing dampers or valves. The majority of work performed on HVAC systems will be in interstitial space and will not require access panels.

46. Question: Drawing TY-101 shows symbol EL (electrified locks) for doors going into Room 102 and 113. However, the door schedule doesn’t indicate this requirement and Section 08 71 00, page 21, Hardware Group 201 (for doors D02 (Room 102) & D65 (Room 113)) doesn’t indicate any electrified locks either. Please clarify the scope of work as it pertains to hardware and access control as there are potential significant cost impacts with this scope.

Answer: Electrified locks are required at these instances.

Please reference attached revised door hardware specifications. This project also has electric cores in 7 pin large format. DAC is the current service provider.

47. Question: In review of Section 08 71 00, Door Hardware, there doesn’t appear to include any operator/opener or power requirements for any hardware set. Please confirm this is accurate and correct. If not, please revise Section 08 71 00 to reflect the correct scope of work.

Answer: See revised door hardware specification.

48. Question: Section 09 05 16, paragraph 1.1, states that this section specifies, “…remedial floor coating for concrete floor slabs having unsatisfactory moisture or pH conditions…” Since this scope is impossible to price before taking the moisture and pH tests, please confirm that if remedial action is required, the VA will handle this as a differing site condition and appropriate cost and time will be provided.

Answer: Contractor is required to perform moisture testing and pH testing. If remedial action is required beyond the adhesive, it will be addressed as a differing site condition.

49. Question: We can not seem to locate the plastic laminate bed header specifications (manufacturer, type, etc.). Would the VA please provide direction as to where to review this information? Or, if not included, would the VA please provide a detail or specifications for this scope?

Answer: This is not a pre-manufactured headwall. Reference Elevation on 2.1/AE102. Section cut provided at 11/AE402. Pattern will use two colors as indicated.

50. Question: Please confirm that there is no fire sprinkler work required for this project.

Answer: There will be fire sprinkler work required for this project. Performance based design by contractor. The existing patient rooms should remain as is and only the newly constructed areas would be impacted. The existing system should be modified. See specifications attached for wet pipe sprinkler system.

51. Question: Please confirm that the TAB agency has to be a subcontractor to the prime, and can not be under the mechanical subcontractor’s contract.

Answer: Correct, the prime contractor is responsible to hire the TAB contractor directly.

52. Question: Spec section 23 08 00 is included in the spec book and it references 01 91 00 General Commissioning. However, Section 01 91 00 is not included in the spec book, as it usually is if Commissioning if required. And, as is typical with projects at this Houston VA hospital, Commissioning is typically provided by the VA, with the Contractor providing assistance. Please confirm that commissioning is not required from the Contractor and that if needed, the VA will conduct commissioning with Contractor assistance.

Answer: Commissioning is not required. Functional testing will be required on the new HVAC equipment

53. Question: Is there a proprietary contractor at the VA hospital that is required to perform all the Fire Alarm installation and programming? If so, please provide that contractor’s contact information.

Answer: No, Firetron performs most of this for the facility

54. Question: Is there a proprietary contractor at the VA hospital that is required to perform all the DDC installation and programming? If so, please provide that contractor’s contact information.

Answer: No, JCI performs most of this work. The system needs to be compatible with Metasys.

55. Question: Is there a proprietary contractor at the VA hospital that is required to perform all the PA and Mass Notification System (MNS) installation and programming? If so, please provide that contractor’s contact information.

Answer: No.

56. Question: Is there a proprietary contractor at the VA hospital that is required to perform all the Nurse Call & Code Blue System installation and programming? If so, please provide that contractor’s contact information.

Answer: No, a new system is currently being installed throughout the facility, Responder Enterprise.

57. Question: Is there a proprietary contractor at the VA hospital that is required to perform all the physical access control system installation and programming? If so, please provide that contractor’s contact information.

Answer: No, DAC currently performs that work for the facility

58. Question: Is there a proprietary contractor at the VA hospital that is required to perform all the video surveillance installation and programming? If so, please provide that contractor’s contact information.

Answer: No, DAC currently performs that work at the facility.

59. Question: Section 28 08 00, Commissioning of Electronic Safety and Security Systems is included in the spec book. However, it references 01 91 00 General Commissioning, and Section 01 91 00 is not included in the spec book, as it usually is if Commissioning if required. And, as is typical with projects at this Houston VA hospital, Commissioning is typically provided by the VA, with the Contractor providing assistance. Please confirm that commissioning is not required from the Contractor and that if needed, the VA will conduct commissioning with Contractor assistance.

Answer: Commissioning is not required but functional testing and operational is.

60. Question: Will the VA require any access into the courtyard through Contractor’s Phase I space during Phase I renovation? Same question regarding Phase II renovation.

Answer: No, we will close this area off from use.

61. Question: There is significant VA staff equipment, furniture, chairs, file cabinets, art work, printers, etc., within the space. Please confirm that the VA will be responsible for removing these items prior to construction commencing.

Answer: The VA will remove the equipment (printers, copiers, computers), chairs, files and other personal items. Contractor to include removal of the system furniture as noted on the demolition drawing AD100.

62. Question: From our investigation during the site visit, a majority, if not all, of the existing desks, cabinets, drawers, etc., appear to be modular furniture. Please confirm that this project does not include any requirements for removing, providing or installing modular furniture nor does it include any requirements for removing, providing or installing demountable partitions.

Answer: See answer to question #61

63. Question: The specifications call for an electrical wall with the presto package manufacturer Modernfold. But the floor plans support an electrical wall it supports a single panel manual wall. Can you please let me know what type of wall that is preferred for this project?

Answer: Reference GI104, notes 6 and 11. Electrical/Automatic is base bid. Manual would be a deduct, and omission of the system entirely would be a deduct. Coordinate the deducts with the CLIN in the SF1442.

64. Question: The master spec and the details of the wall are not picked out entirely. There is notations to “select one” throughout the specification. Please advise.

Answer: Wall types are indicated on the drawings. Also reference notes on GI105.

65. Question: I am looking at this project and see that there will be operable walls but I am not 100% sure of their placement. Can you verify that the circled sections are indeed the pockets for the operable walls? Also, Modernfold is listed as the BOD. Will substitutions be allowed?

Answer: There is one modular partition instance in this project, and it is indicated by Keynote 55 on AE102 in Den 112. Please also reference GI104 for deduct alternates pertaining to this (notes 6 &11). Substitutions may be permitted for VA review/approval.

66. Question: Specification 11 73 00 has been provided, however new patient lift locations cannot be found on the plans other than a slight reference on sheet AE200 detail 2.0. and a note on sheet AD200 calling for the removal and reinstallation. Please provide a plan that shows the patient lift types and locations to be reinstalled.

Answer: See question # 13

67. Question: If existing patient lifts are to be reused and reinstalled, please provide the exact make and model of each patient lift.

Answer: It varies per room. Guldmann is the manufacturer.

68. Question: Is there a warranty for the existing patient lifts that are to be removed and reinstalled? Will the manufacturers approved installer be required to perform the removal and reinstallation to maintain the warranty?

Answer: Yes, these are new patient lifts and a warranty exists.

69. Question: Please confirm that the existing patient lifts are 100% functional.

Answer: Yes, see question # 68.

70. Question: Please specify the Vendor that installed the existing patient lifts.

Answer: Guldmann.

71. Question: Will the VA provide storage for the patient lifts?

Answer: See question #8 and #13.

72. Question: Please provide specification section for the 2 way intercom system listed on sheet T-101 note 5.

Answer: Contractor to provide race way; VA will provide the system.

73. Question: “Volume I – Past Performance”: In the first paragraph, it defines what comprises a major contractor. Then, at paragraph 8 at the bottom of the page, we are told to provide information on “subcontractors.” We believe you’re looking for “major subcontractors” as defined in the first paragraph. Can you confirm this?

Answer: No, paragraph 8 is asking for all subcontractors’ information used on the project.

74. Question: Who is the manufacturer of the existing mechanical controls (DDC) systems?

Answer: Johnson Controls Inc (JCI).

75. Question: Who is the manufacturer of the existing fire alarm system?

Answer: Notifier System.

76. Question: Who is the manufacturer of the existing access control/ cctv system?

Answer: Access control and CCT is open architecture. DAC is the service provider.

77. Question: Who is the manufacturer of the existing nurse call system?

Answer: Rauland.

78. Question: What company services the existing HVAC Controls system?

Answer: JCI/Lang mechanical.

79. Question: What company services the existing fire alarm system?

Answer: Firetron.

80. Question: What company services the existing Nurse Call system?

Answer: Lone Star Communication.

81. Question: What company services the existing access control/ CCTV system?

Answer: This is internal to the VA. The system is existing, and the GC would connect to that. Elite Data currently performs the cable work for the VA.

82. Question: Will the facility be vacated during construction or will we have to start and complete Phase I first before we move to Phase II?

Answer: GC shall complete the 1st phase 100% and turn it over to the VA before starting the 2nd phase. GC shall allow 30 calendar days for the VA to move patients from each phase.

83. Question: Please provide a general layout showing the type IV infectious control barrier that is to be installed per spec section 01 3 526, para 1.12.

Answer: Reference ICRA attached for wall construction. Reference GI103 for phasing information and limits of construction phasing for barrier location coordination.

84. Question: What is the transition time that the government will need to relocate personnel between each phase of construction?

Answer: See RFI #82.

85. Question: Where can the contractor locate our temporary construction trailer and laydown yard? Please provide the locations of existing U/G utilities for connection purposes for the temporary construction trailer.

Answer: The VA will work with the contractor to find a location after award. We have very limited space close to the main building, so there is no guarantee the laydown area will be close to B100. Space will be limited.

86. Question: Please confirm that the onsite superintendent may also fulfill the duties as the onsite SSHO per spec section 01 35 26, para. 1.7 (c).

Answer: See question # 43

87. Question: Will the contractor be able to work during normal working hours or will we have to work during non-peak or after hours?

Answer: Yes, see question # 40 for special cases.

88. Question: Are pre demo TAB readings required?

Answer: No, pre-demo TAB readings are not required.

89. Question: Can the site supervisor also serve as the QC and the SSHO?

Answer: See question #43

90. Question: What will the work hours and work days on this project be?

Answer: Monday through Friday 7:00 am to 4:30 pm.

91. Question: Are we to dispose/abate of any asbestos, lead, mold or other hazardous material as part of this project? If so, provide appropriate hazardous material site survey report.

Answer: We are not aware of any asbestos, lead or mold in this building. It is not part of the project.

92. Question: What will the ICRA level be for this project?

Answer: ICRA provided, see question #6

93. Question: Is there a proprietary vendor for Fire Alarm, Fire Sprinkler or Controls?

Answer: No, the system needs to be compatible with the existing.

94. Question: On the Demo plan it states “Disconnect and remove all public address speakers and associated cabling and raceways”. Are we to bid on this, or will that fall on others?

Answer: This is part of the demolition and referenced in specification 02.41.00.Reference technology drawings for new installation.

95. Question: Are we bidding on installing new paging speakers on the first floor that tie into an existing system?

Answer: Tie into existing system. The contractor must be certified by the manufacturer. VA currently uses Philstyn Audio. POC Bruce Tappe 713-747-7000.

96. Question: Assuming the above is true, what is manufacturer and model number of the existing paging/mass-notification system in the other part of the building?

Answer: See answer to question #95.

97. Question: Please verify that we are not providing any other AV, such as displays.

Answer: AV Equipment is existing and will be relocated by the GC as indicated on the drawings

98. Sheet: N/A Spec: 01 35 26 Topic: Management Staff Requirements Question: Please confirm personnel requirements for this project. Can (1) superintendent fulfill SSHO requirements? Or does (1) superintendent and (1) SSHO need to be on site full-time?

Answer: See question #43.

99. Sheet: N/A Spec: 23 09 23 Topic: Low Voltage Controls Contracting Question: Does the prime contractor need to directly hire 23 09 23 controls contractor? Or can the Controls contractor be a 2nd tier subcontractor?

Answer: Yes, the prime contractor is responsible to hire this person.

100. Sheet: N/A Spec: 01 00 00 Topic: Work Hours Question: Please confirm work hours for this project. Are there any specific tasks or trade division that must be on overtime? Are there any areas of work that must be considered on overtime/off-hour (Hallways, Occupied Areas, Etc.)?

Answer: See question #40.

101. Sheet: N/A Spec: 01 00 00 Topic: Material Staging Question: Will additional material staging/storage space be provided under this contract to the General Contractor. Please advise on the location and proximity to the project space if so.

Answer: See question #85.

102. Sheet: N/A Spec: 01 33 23 Topic: Submittal Exchange Question: Submittal Exchange is a browser-based FTP site accessible by the VA network at other facilities. Please confirm if this system is acceptable for use and all costs are the responsibility of the general contractor.

Answer: Submittal Exchange is acceptable, but it is not a requirement. If used, it shall be at the contractor’s expense.

103. Sheet: N/A Spec: N/A Topic: CLIN Breakdown Question: In the solicitation Under Continuation of SF1442 Block #17 Continued – there is a breakdown of labor / material / equipment per each trade division. Is prime contractor to include this per CLIN ITEM, or just per the base bid lump sum and list the remaining lump sum prices in the CLIN breakdown only?

Answer: The price breakdown is only required for the base bid line item.

104. Sheet: N/A Spec: N/A Topic: PPQs’ / CPARs Question: Is Prime contractor required to submit PPQ’s and CPAR’s ratings for each of the (5) projects required for the ‘Past Performance’ portion of the solicitation?

Answer: No.

105. Sheet: N/A Spec: N/A Topic: Past Performance - Projects Question: Please clarify if the Prime contractor required to submit (5) past projects minimum, or is it a maximum amount of (5) being reviewed with no minimum requirement?

Answer: Maximum is (5).

106. Sheet: N/A Spec: N/A Topic: Missing Specs Question: Please provide DIV-06 Rough Carpentry / DIV-10 metal Lockers / DIV – 25 Integration. There are no specification sections provided for this work, and there are requirements on the drawings for these systems.

Answer: See question #17. Metering is not required. Rough Carpentry specifications are attached.

107. Sheet: AE103 Spec: 12 24 00 Topic: Window Shades Question: Is there a basis of design for the facility that prime contractor is to match for the window shades required on the project? Drawing AE103 identifies “NEW WINDOW TREATMENT” but lacks information on a BOD and is not shown in the Material Finish Legend. This pertains to the windows along the courtyard.

Answer: Specifications are attached.

108. Sheet: AE200 Spec: 11 73 00 Topic: Ceiling Mounted Patient Lift System Question: New ceiling heights within rooms are to be 9’-0” per AE200 also a note “GC TO VERIFY THAT NEW CEILINGS ARE FLUSH WITH EXISTING (hard lid soffits not being removed/renovated) FOR PATIENT LIFT MOTER TRANSFERS”. There will be an issue in that the new ACT finished elevation will still be above the hard lid soffit and require Patient Lift tracks to be reconfigured. Please clarify if track modifications will be necessary and provide the basis of design to match for the lift system.

Answer: The new ceiling will be at the same height as the existing. This height should be 9’-0”.

109. Sheet: GI103 Spec: 01 00 00 Topic: Phasing Question: Plan Page GI103 shows (2) phases for the work to be accomplished. Please confirm the downtime that the prime contractor should account for to move equipment / patients / etc. into the next phase prior to starting Phase 2 after completing Phase 1.

Answer: See response to question # 84.

110. Sheet: AE103 Spec: 09 05 16 Topic: Floor Prep Requirements Question: Specification Section 09 05 16 details extensive floor prep requirements. Please confirm prime contractor to include in base bid, all costs for the following: 1) Moisture / PH Testing 2) Moisture Coating 3) Underlayment Layer - if so, to what tolerance.

Answer: Moisture/PH testing is required. Coating or underlayment would be treated as a differing site condition.

111. Sheet: AD100 Spec:

Topic: Existing Systems Furniture Question: Please confirm prime contractor is responsible for relocating systems furniture – keynote 7 on AD100. Is prime contractor to assume disassembling, or just relocating of the furniture? What temporary location will this be moved to? Is there a cut sheet prime contractor can use for bid purposes of how this system is put together if disassembling, stacking, and reassembling is required?

Answer: The keynote reads to remove and retain and turn over to the VA. This would require disassembly and move to a location provided by the VA.

112. Sheet: AD100 Spec: N/A Topic: Existing Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment Question: Please clarify Keynote 10/AD100 – what is considered ‘equipment’ for contractor to remove and retain? Please provide a list or an equipment drawing for bidding purposes. What temporary location will this be moved to?

Answer: See questions #8 and #13.

113. Sheet: 2.0,2.1/AE302 Spec: N/A Topic: Pre-Manufactured Fireplace Question: Please provide specification for ‘Pre-Manufactured Fireplace’ noted on the drawing AE302 Detail 2.0 & 2.1.

Answer: See question #15.

114. Sheet: MHD101 & AE100 Spec:

Topic: Openings Created from Ductwork Removal Question: There are existing to remain partitions for the resident rooms that are not identified on AE100 with a partition type. What existing wall type are these partitions? Prime contractor needs to understand if openings created during ductwork demolition will need to be infilled.

Answer: No duct work runs through the walls. All duct work is overhead from the interstitial space.

115. Spec: 27 52 23 Topic: Nurse Call Question: Please confirm who the point of contact is the at the facility for the Nurse Call System – is this system proprietary? If so, please detail the direct point of contact.

Answer: The POC for the project is the COR.

116. Sheet: N/A Spec: 28 13 00 Topic: Physical Access Control System Question: Please confirm who the point of contact is at the facility for the Physical Access Control System – is this system proprietary? If so, please detail the direct point of contact.

Answer: POC for the project will be the COR.

117. Sheet: N/A Spec: 21 13 13 Topic: Fire Sprinklers Question: The table of contents in the specifications lists Spec Section 21 13 13 Wet-pipe Sprinklers, however this spec section does not exist in the specifications. Is there wet-pipe sprinkler work on this project or was the inclusion of this section in the table of contents an error?

Answer: Yes, Sprinkler contractor to provide performance-based design. See Specifications

118. Sheet: N/A Spec: 25 00 00 Topic: Controls Integration Question: Does the prime contractor have to hire directly the DIV 25 integration contractors? Per specification section 23 09 23, the General Contract shall directly hire the control system integrator. However, no project specifications are provided for this scope.

Answer: Yes, Reference section 23 for controls integration. Section 25 only references advanced metering.

119. Sheet: N/A Spec: 23 05 93 Topic: TAB Contractor Question: Does the prime contractor have to directly hire the TAB contractor? Per specification section 23 05 23, the General Contract shall directly hire the TAB agency.

Answer: Yes.

120. Question: Will the CO consider projects that are on-going, but have a significant amount of work completed that would demonstrate successful performance?

ANSWER: Submitted projects for past performance evaluations shall be substantially complete.

ATTACHMENTS

See attached document: 061000 RghCarpentry.

See attached document: 100-S34R2 foundation.

See attached document: 105100 metal lockers.

See attached document: 211313 WetPipeSprinklerSyst.

See attached document: 122400-Window Shades.

See attached document: BOD Cutsheet - Laundry Table Bracket.

See attached document: BOD Cutsheet - Fireplace Mantel and Insert.

See attached document: For Reference - PL-100 with Gridlines.

See attached document: CLC Renovation 580-18-122 ICRA.

See attached document: Patient Lift-plan-photos.

See attached document: Revised - 087100 Door Hardware.

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