36C25621R0066 0002.docx

36C25621R0066 0002

5. PROJECT NUMBER (if applicable)

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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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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.

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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.

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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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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)

03-08-2021

580-18-119

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

36C25621R0066 03-08-2021

X

RE: 580-18-119 Open MRI Site Prep

See clarifications attached. Proposal due date and time remains unchanged.

TABITHA CONTRERAS

CONTRACTING OFFICER

Clarifications for 580-18-119 Open MRI Site Prep:

1. Sheet:

Spec: General Conditions Topic: Management 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: Yes, the superintendent can act as SSHO for this project.

2. Sheet: N/A Spec: 23 09 23 Topic: BAS Question: Per specification 23 09 23 Part 1.1 Paragraph G states “1. The General Contractor of this project shall directly hire the Control System Integrator in a contract separate from the contract procuring the controls contractor administered by this Section of the technical specifications.”. Please confirm the prime contractor should directly hire the integrator separate than the controls contractor.

Answer: These specifications were provided for reference only; you should be able to reuse the existing controls with the unit being replaced and they can be installed by the controls contractor.

3. Sheet: AD-101 Spec: N/A Topic: Weekend Hours Question: AD-101 General Note 4 states – “all removal and installation of equipment shall be on weekends only.” Please confirm “weekends only” is from Friday 5pm until Monday 5am.

Answer: The hours would be from 9:00 pm Friday to 4:00 am Monday. This would apply for the removal and installation of the magnetic only.

4. Sheet: N/A Spec: N/A Topic: BAS Controls Question: Is there a proprietary DIV23 controls contractor at the facility? If so, please provide company and point of contact.

Answer: JCI/Lange Mechanical provides this service for the facility.

5. Sheet:

Spec: 01 00 00 General Requirements Topic: Material Staging Question: Please confirm if contract has material staging location at facility. If so, where is it? Is prime contractor responsible for any costs associated with staging?

Answer: There is not a lot of area available for material staging. You should plan for a small area that we will need to determine at the start of the project. This is also true for the dumpster location. If the staging area is an exterior site, the contractor shall be responsible for fencing.

6. Sheet: N/A Spec: N/A Topic: Document Precedence Question: Please confirm order of precedence for the contract documents.

Answer: Per FAR, specifications then drawings.

7. Sheet: N/A Spec: 01 00 00 General Requirements Topic: Submittal Procedure Question: Please confirm if Submittal Exchange is an acceptable means of Submittal transmission. If so, is Submittal Exchange a requirement? Will prime contractor be responsible for the costs associated?

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

8. Sheet: N/A Spec: N/A Topic: Project Specifications Question: Please provide the table of contents for the project specifications.

Answer: Table of contents included in addendum. See attached.

9. Sheet:AD-101 Spec: N/A Topic: Contractor Support Question: Please clarify what is expected for Sheet AD-101 Keynote 1 “Contractor to provide support”.

Answer: Contractor will need to remove part of the ceiling for access above to disconnect the existing equipment, remove the cabin wall, RF shield and parent wall as noted on the demolition drawings and remove power to the items in the equipment room that will be removed by Siemens. The UPS and battery cabinet will be removed and disposed of by the contractor.

10. Sheet:

Spec:

Topic: Engineer of Record Question: Please confirm the Engineer of record on this project? Will the EoR be answering all RFI’s, submittal reviews, etc. or will this be handled by the facilities Engineering Department?

Answer: Submittals and RFI’s will be answered by the facility and assisted by Siemens if needed for items related to the equipment support items.

11. Sheet: N/A Spec: N/A Topic: Dumpsters Question: Is prime contractor responsible for dumpsters and all costs associated? Or, will the VA be providing a dumpster at the loading dock for contractor use?

Answer: Contractor is responsible for a dumpster and all associated costs. The VA will work with the contractor on a location for the dumpster after award. There is no guarantee the location will be close to the jobsite.

12. Sheet: 15/A-101 Spec: 23 64 00 Topic: Simplex Chiller Question: Please provide product data and specifications for the new chiller provided by Siemens. Also, please provide as-built information for the existing installation.

Answer: Cut sheets for the chiller are attached. Reference Dimplex Chiller Installation Guide.

13. Sheet: 10/E-102 Spec: 13 49 00 Topic: Ferromagnetic Detector Question: Please provide the Ferromagnetic Detector product data that is to be furnished by the Government and installed by GC.

Answer: Additional information and photo are attached. Reference Ferroguard Installation.

14. Sheet: N/A Spec: N/A Topic: Siemens Drawings Question: Are the Siemens drawings provided in the plan set - for reference only? Has the VA confirmed that all items noted as ‘by GC’ or ‘coordinate’ on these Siemens plan pages, also reflected in the VA’s contractual drawings?

Answer: Reference is made on the construction drawings to coordinate with the siemens drawings. The contractor will be responsible for the work noted on the siemens drawings as referenced owner/contractor work. The siemens drawings also indicate items provided by siemens and installed by contractor.

15. Sheet: 1C & 1B /AS-401 Spec: 13 49 00 Topic: Shielding Manufacturers Question: The project specifications section 13 49 00 Part 2.1 Manufacturers list 5 approved manufacturers. Are other shielding vendors approved for use on this project outside of the 5 listed in the project specifications? Please provide the necessary requirements to be met for another shielding vendor to be approved.

Answer: Other shielding companies are acceptable provided they meet the requirements of section 1.5.

16. Sheet: M-501 Spec: N/A Topic: Cryogen Exhaust Question: Please provide elevations of the space to determine the distance for the new cryogen exhaust vent. If existing as-builts are available, please provide.

Answer: See attached sheets 100-S119R and 100-S164R for section through the scan room. This area has interstitial space above.

17. Sheet: N/A Spec: 09 06 00 Topic: Schedule for Finishes Question: Please provide the schedule for finishes as well as project specifications for this project.

Answer: Paint will be Sherwin Williams eggshell finish, no wall covering, flooring will be Shannon flooring specialty with integral base 6”. Ceiling tile will be 2x2 square edge optima plan or equal. Aluminum grid. Wall finish level 4.

18. Sheet: N/A Spec: N/A Topic: Fire Suppression Question: Please provide fire suppression specifications for the project. Also, please indicate the delineation of new fire suppression scope such as tie-in point. Project specifications reference 21 05 11 Common Work Results for Fire Suppression, but this section is not included.

Answer: Specifications section 21 13 13 was included. Sprinkler work will be in the scan room only 1C-386C. The heads will be concealed heads and the piping nonferrous (copper). Connection location is in the control room. 21 05 11 is attached.

19. Sheet: AS-101 Spec: N/A Topic: Door Schedule Question: Please provide the door schedule.

Answer: The only door on the project is part of the RF Shield. This door is a 4’-0” x 7’-0” door, Wilson Art Amber Cherry finish.

20. Sheet: AD-101 Spec: N/A Topic: Control Room Equipment Question: Please clarify if the equipment labeled OT, DCU, OC, ERB VFW and desks are the responsibility of the contractor or others. Is this equipment to be removed and salvaged for reinstallation or is new equipment to be provided?

Answer: The VA will remove the furniture, computers and computer related items. ERB and other items will be the responsibility of the contractor.

21. Sheet: 11/AS-101 Spec: 13 49 00 Topic: Dimensions Question: Please provide RF Window elevations and dimensions.

Answer: Window Dimensions are 4’ X 4’. See ASI 1 RF Window attached.

22. AD-101, Note #1, states, “Existing equipment removed by Siemens. G.C. to remove power and provide support. Contractor to remove electrical PNL.” Please define what support the VA is requiring from offerors.

Answer: Electrical disconnection and chilled water disconnection.

23. Is there a proprietary RF Shielding company that is required to remove all the RF Shielding on in the space or can any demolition firm remove this item? Additionally, is there a proprietary RF Shielding company that is required to install all the RF Shielding in the space.

Answer: In the past, the demolition crew removed the RF Shield. See RFI #15 for RF Shielding installation.

24. Drawing AS-101, note #1 and #7, states, “Equipment provided and installed by Siemens, GC to provide support as needed.” What level of support, besides rough-in requirements shown on the Siemens’ drawings, is the VA expecting?

Answer: Electrical connection, chilled water connection.

25. Drawing AS-101, note #1, states that the GC is responsible for installing and connecting to equipment. Where will Siemens drop the chiller at the VA? Will it be at the loading dock, and therefore, the GC is responsible for transporting and setting it in it’s final location or will Siemens drop it in its final location and the GC is merely responsible for installation and connections?

Answer: The siemens provided chiller will be delivered on a truck and shall be off-loaded and set in by the contractor. It will not be delivered to the loading dock. Contractor shall coordinate with COR and Siemens.

26. If there is a discrepancy between the VA drawings and the Siemens drawings and it’s not identified prior to bid, which set of drawings take precedent?

Answer: The VA drawings are for the general construction and reference the Siemens drawings. The Siemens drawings reflect the work for site prep to support the equipment installation. This was done to eliminate confusion.

27. Drawing E-102, note #7 states, “CU-4 roof top unit, reuse existing power from unit removed during demolition.” However, none of the demolition drawings (architectural or mechanical) show demolishing any condenser units. Please revise the drawings to clarify the full demolition scope, both architecturally, mechanically, and electrically, as required.

Answer: Notes have been added to the demolition drawings. See attached AD-101 Demo Plan-Rev 1.

28. Please confirm that the new Leibert 5 Ton PDX down flow unit is provided and installed by the GC.

Answer: Yes

29. Please confirm that the MRI Ferroguard system, RF Door and RF window are all VA-provided, GC-installed. If not, please clarify which is or isn’t VA-provided/GC-installed.

Answer: The RF door and RF window are part of the shielding system and provided by the contractor. The Ferroguard is provided by the VA and installed by the contractor. See RFI # 13.

30. The drawings do not include a detail of the RF window, RF door or MRI Ferroguard system that the GC is to install. Please provide.

Answer: The RF door and RF Window are part of the shielding provided and installed by the shielding contractor. It would be detailed by the shielding contractor. See RFI #13 for the Ferroguard.

31. What is the sizing (LxWxD) of opening of the curtain wall?

Answer: The curtain wall is 12’-5” wide x 8’-9” high. See photo Ext. Window attached for additional information.

32. During the site visit, the VA could not identify which RTUs (roof-top units) are to be removed. Depending on the units, there might be a cost impact with crane size and positioning, so it’s important to understand which unit is to be removed.

Answer: One unit is near the edge of the roof and the other near the center. See attached MD-101 Mech Demo R1 and M-101 Mech Plan R1.

33. During the site visit, it was mentioned that significant portion of work would need to be performed off-hour (nights, weekends, etc.). Please identify which scope is required to be performed outside normal working hours.

Answer: The hours would be from 9:00 pm Friday to 4:00 am Monday. This would apply for the removal and installation of the magnetic only.

34. Section 01 00 00, page 1, para 1.3, includes three bid items. However, the SF1442 only includes one bid item. Please clarify, and if necessary, modify the Sf 1442 to reflect the total number of bid items.

Answer: This project has one bid item. Revised specifications attached.

35. Who is responsible for removing the VA equipment, furniture, equipment, etc., prior to demolition? If GC, please indicate where the GC is to move this equipment too and whether or not storage (including type of storage) is required.

Answer: The VA will be responsible to move furniture and equipment (computers etc.).

36. During the site visit, no photos were allowed within the MRI space. However, the drawings indicate that there is work within this space. Can the VA please provide detailed photos of the interior cabin wall, RF Shield Door and MRI Ferroguard System, existing Parent Wall, and existing RF window.

Answer: Photos have been provided for the casework inside the room. See RFI #13 for Ferroguard. Wall details for the cabin wall, parent wall and shielding locations are part of the construction drawings already provided. The RF shield door and Window will be part of the shielding and provided and installed by the shielding subcontractor.

37. Section 01 00 00, page 6, para 1.6(I)(1) stated that there are two phases. However, the drawings do not indicate any phasing. Please clarify.

Answer: Project is one phase. Revised specifications are attached.

38. Drawing AD-101, shows an existing chiller to be removed (Note #7), which appears to be located outside of the building, at or just below/south of grid line F.5 and 24. Drawing AS-101 shows a new Siemens’ provided chiller to be set north of F5 and 24. Drawing E-102 shows the chiller in the same spot as AS-101. Drawing M-101, doesn’t show a chiller at all, nor does it show any associated piping runs or locations. Siemens Drawing A-101 shows the chiller where CU-3 and CU-4 are to be located. Please clarify the scope regarding the Siemens’ chiller.

Answer: Reference RFI #27

39. Please provide the sign-in sheet.

Answer: See attached.

40. Section 01 00 00, page 20, paragraph 1.23, calls for professional photographer services. This seems to be an unnecessary cost for this project. Would the VA accept GC-taken photographs in lieu of soliciting a professional photographer?

Answer: Yes.

41. Section 01 35 26, page 12, paragraph 1.7(C), states that a dedicated full-time onsite SSHO is required and that individual has to be separate from the Prime Contractor’s Superintendent and/or Quality Control Manager. In an effort to save costs, would the VA allow the GC’s Superintendent to serve as the assigned SSHO and QC Manager?

Answer: Yes, the superintendent can act as SSHO for this project.

42. Please confirm that Tuberculosis screening is required for everyone maintaining a presence on the jobsite.

Answer: Yes, this is required. See statement of work paragraph 6.2.

43. Section 01 45 00, page 7, paragraph 3.4(C), states that all the QC specialists must be employed by the General Contractor and not subcontractors. However, as a SDVOSB, it is highly unusual to maintain staff that include experience and qualifications required for civil, mechanical, electrical, structural, architectural, environmental, submittals, concrete/pavements/soils, TAB and Design QC years of experience and education (i.e., engineering degrees). These positions are typically provided by subcontractors who specialize in performing these scopes of work. It has been allowed on previous VA projects at this hospital to allow the subcontractors to provide these individuals, and it’s been very successful. Would the VA consider allowing subcontractors to provide these specialized personnel? Otherwise, GCs will incur cost (which will be added to the project) to contract with consults to provide these positions. In that case, significant unnecessary cost would be added to the project.

Answer: Yes, this will be permitted for this project.

44. Section 01 45 00, page 7, paragraph 3.4(C), includes positions that are not applicable to the project, such as the Design QC Manager, Environmental, etc. Please revise this list and clarify which positions are specifically required for this project’s scope of work.

Answer: See response to RFI #43. The specifications also reference the additional as applicable so not all apply.

45. We can not appear to locate a detail of the perimeter wall/curtain wall, that needs to be removed. Please provide a detail showing make-up and measurements so offerors know how to price the temp in-fill as well as the removal/re-installation, etc.

Answer: Reference RFI #31. This provides the opening size and the photo shows existing construction.

46. Are there interstitial spaces above and below this area that allows for easy access to MEP infrastructure removal and installation? If not, please provide as-builts that show the thickness of slabs so offerors know how to price the saw cutting and patch-back.

Answer: Interstitial space above part of the area. No interstitial below, this is slab on grade. See attached sheets 100-S119R and 100-S164R for section through the scan room. This area has interstitial space above.

47. For penetrations through interstitial spaces that require patch-back, please provide a detail that shows how the existing holes are to be patched.

Answer: See detail ASI-2 Deck Infill attached for deck repair.

48. There is work within Corridor C1C-320, shown on Drawing AD-101 through Notes #8, 9, 10 and 12. Is ICRA required for performing this work? For example, are Offerors to price erection of temporary dust partitions, connections of negative air machines, and placements of walk-off mats while performing this work? If so, access through this corridor will be eliminated while this work is being performed.

Answer: Temporary dust barriers will be required for the work in this area for the removal and installation of the magnet. See Drawing GI-002 ICRA attached.

49. We have not been able to locate any ICRA requirements for this project within the drawings or specs. Typically, there are detailed ICRA requirements that identify the type of construction and level of protection. If ICRA is required, please provide the requirements and revise the drawings as necessary to show the locations, wall types, barrier-types, entrance requirements, etc.

Answer: See drawing GI-002 ICRA attached.

50. Section 07 81 00 is included in the specifications, but we can not locate on the drawings where the spray-applied fireproofing is to be provided, nor can we locate any requirements for providing new structural steel. Please indicate which existing structural steel is to receive this spray-applied fireproofing.

Answer: Specification was provided for reference. Fireproofing is located at the interstitial floor slab. If the contractor damages this material during construction, it shall be repaired. It is located on the purlins only.

51. Section 07 84 00 calls for a qualified firestopping inspector. In order to save costs, would the VA allow the GC’s Superintendent to inspect the firestopping? Most qualified superintendents have significant experience inspecting and examining firestopping.

Answer: The VA will perform these inspections.

52. There are no door or door hardware specs provided. Please confirm that all doors, frames and hardware are either provided by the VA or re-installed/re-used, and therefore no action is required other than installation/re-installation.

Answer: The only new door on the project is in the RF Shield and is part of the shielding contractors work provided by the contractor.

53. Section 09 05 16 includes remedial floor coating for concrete floor slabs having unsatisfactory moisture or pH conditions. However, it is very difficult for GCs to price this work without knowing if this will be required. Since this project is a competitive bid, GCs will typically not price this scope as it should be covered as a differing site condition. Please confirm that if moisture and pH tests come back as unsatisfactory, that remedial actions will be dealt with as a differing site condition. If not, please confirm that all GCs are to include provisions for providing remedial actions in their cost.

Answer: This section is included for the process on moisture mitigation in the slab should it be necessary. We will treat this as differing site conditions, if needed.

54. Drawing AD-101 does not indicate action required for the existing RF window. Please clarify the scope with regarding to this item. Is it reused, removed and turned over to the VA? Is a new RF window required through one of the specified manufacturers in 13 49 00?

Answer: RF Window will be removed as part of the shielding demolition. The new RF window will be part of the shielding contractors package provided by the contractor.

55. Drawing AS-101, Note 17, states to reinstall existing medical gasses. Please clarify if recertification is required. And, if so, please confirm that certification will only be limited to the work area and not any portion of lines outside of the MRI work area.

Answer: Yes, certification is required. It will include all areas in the MRI suite covered by the Zone Valve Box.

56. Section 23 05 93 states that TAB must be a third party contracted by the GC. Please confirm.

Answer: Yes, this is correct. Third party shall hired/contracted by the general contractor and not by a subcontractor.

57. Is there a proprietary contractor responsible for the DDCs? If so, please provide contact information.

Answer: Lange Mechanical/JCI currently provides our controls. The system shall be compatible. Contractor may be able to reuse what is being removed from the old unit.

58. Is there a proprietary contractor responsible for the fire alarm? If so, please provide contact information.

Answer: No. Firetron is who the facility uses.

59. Is there a proprietary contractor responsible for the fire sprinkler system? If so, please provide contact information.

Answer: No. Western States and Firetron have both worked on site.

60. Since the chiller is being provided by Siemens, contracted to the VA (outside of GC’s control), that warranty for this scope only includes workmanship and manufacturer warranty for items only provided by the GC. For example, GCs provide no warranty for the any component on the chiller nor the chiller itself.

Answer: Correct.

61. Who is responsible for start-up and testing of the chiller?

Answer: General Contractor.

62. Please confirm that no commissioning is required for this project.

Answer: Correct, no commissioning required.

63. Please confirm that duct cleaning only pertains to new duct and the immediate connection point where new duct ties into existing, and that no other existing ductwork is to be cleaned.

Answer: Correct, contractor shall protect all exposed ductwork.

64. Section 23 40 00, paragraph 3.3 Commissioning, states to provide commissioning documentation in accordance with the requirements of Section 23 08 00 – Commissioning of HVAC System. We can not locate a Section 23 08 00. Please clarify.

Answer: Commissioning is not required.

65. Drawing MD-101, Mechanical Demolition, includes Note #12 which states to provide condensing units on roof (CU-3 and CU-4). However, M-101, only shows on condensing unit and no work going from this condensing unit. Please clarify the scope with regard to the roof-top condensing units.

Answer: Drawing has been updated. See attached MD-101 Mech Demo R1.

66. Drawing M-101 includes note to replace existing Leibert Unit with new 5 ton down flow unit. However, the demolition drawings do not include any existing equipment. Please clarify and revise the demolition drawings to reflect accurate requirements.

Answer: Drawings have been updated. See attached M-101 Mech Plan R1.

67. Are GC to reuse the existing quench vent penetration in the existing MRI space, interstitial space and through the roof for the new quench vent?

Answer: Yes, if possible. Based on the information the VA has this should work.

68. There appears to be several mechanical new construction requirements shown on the mechanical demolition drawings but not shown on the mechanical new construction drawings, and mechanical demolition requirements shown on the mechanical new construction drawing but not on the mechanical demolition drawings. This inconsistency creates challenges for GCs and subcontractors pricing this work, especially when demolition subcontractors are difference from mechanical installation subcontractors. Would the VA consider revising the drawings to ensure GCs have a clear and reasonable understanding of the scope of work? This will eliminate potential conflict and disagreements post-award.

Answer: Mechanical drawings have been updated. See attached MD-101 Mech Demo R1 and M-101 Mech Plan R1.

69. On Drawing MD-101, note 6, please confirm that this work is in the interstitial space and not within the Corridor.

Answer: Mechanical drawings have been updated. See attached MD-101 Mech Demo R1.

70. There are key notes shown on M-101, but there is no Key Note description on that drawing. Please define the key notes.

Answer: Mechanical drawings have been updated. See attached M-101 Mech Plan R1.

71. Drawing E-102, note #7 indicates there is only one condenser unit on the roof that requires power. However, the mechanical demo drawing, MD-101 states to provide condensing units on roof (CU-3 and CU-4). Please clarify the scope as it is important for all subcontractors to have a reasonable understanding of the requirements.

Answer: Mechanical drawings have been updated. See attached MD-101 Mech Demo R1.

72. Please confirm that the Siemen’s provided UPS will require relocation by the electrical subcontractor from the loading dock to the final location, set and connected.

Answer: Correct, Siemens will deliver the equipment to the loading dock. Contractor is responsible to move into its final location in the equipment room.

73. Siemens’ Drawing A-101 states that it is the responsibility of the customer/contractor to provide a means of mounting the PC tower(s) off finished floor for damage protection against tip-over, fluid impact, etc. Additional mounting is not necessary if Siemens container is utilized. Question #1: Is a Siemens container being utilized? Question #2: If not, as a design-bid-build project, please provide clear direction for GCs so we understand how to properly mount the Siemens PC tower(s). Also, please indicate how many of these towers there are.

Answer: VA will provide items for the PC tower.

74. It appears there are requirements to remove existing walls and curtain walls for removal of existing equipment, but also installation of new equipment. If that is correct, is it the VA’s intent to have construction occur (i.e., construction of walls, finishes, etc.) after the new MRI equipment is set by Siemens in the room? If so, this seems highly risky for contractors to be working in and around expensive medical equipment. If this assumption is not correct, how will the new MRI equipment be installed in the room once all new walls and finishes are completed?

Answer: To some degree yes, contractor should be able to complete most of the work prior to the installation of the magnet. The only area left open is the access area for the installation of the magnet and the areas requiring ceiling access.

75. Please confirm that all the equipment listed on Siemens Drawing A-101, Equipment Legend, is provided by Siemens and that only the chiller and UPS are to be moved, set and connected by GC.

Answer: Items noted on the Siemens drawings and Siemens provided/contractor installed will require being moved and installed. There are also some electrical panels and other smaller items.

76. Siemen’s Drawing A-501, note #2, states, “Siemens Healthcare is not an architectural or engineering firm. Drawings supplied by Siemens are not construction drawings. Therefore, these drawings are to be used only for information to complement actual construction drawings available from a customer appointed architectural representative or a customer’s engineering design group. The customer’s architect and general construction shall be ultimately responsible for compliance with all applicable codes and professional design requirements including OSHA/NEC safety clearance requirements in addition to Siemens-required safety service clearances shown.” As a design-bid-build project, general contractors are not responsible for design elements, and are to bid exactly what is shown on the drawings and specifications. Please confirm that general contractors are not responsible for architectural or engineering compliance, to include but not limited to code, professional design requirements, safety compliance (other than construction safety), safety clearances or Siemens-required safety service clearances (other than following what is shown).

Answer: Correct, the VA provided the construction drawings. Contractor will be responsible to identify areas where clearance issues are a concern so they can be addressed as is the case on any construction project.

77. Siemen’s Drawing A-501, note #9, states, “The general contractor/customer shall be responsible for all final paint, touch-up and any cosmetic or trim work which needs to be or is required to be completed after the installation of the Siemens equipment and any associated support apparatus.” It is impossible to accurately price this requirement. Please provide an allowance Offerors are to include in their bid, or confirm this work will be dealt with as a differing site condition, if needed.

Answer: Contractor should include a cost for this work. This is part of creating the pathway for the delivery on the magnet.

78. Please confirm that Siemens is responsible for providing the magnet bases shown on Siemens drawing S-101, and the baseplate for mobile patient table shown on the same drawing, both of which are installed by the GC.

Answer: Yes, provided by Siemens and installed by contractor. This would be installed by the shielding contractor.

79. Please provide a detail showing how the magnet base is installed, similar to the detail showing how the baseplate for mobile patient table is installed.

Answer: See Detail 2 on S-101 already provided in 580-18-119 Project Drawings. This will be installed by the shielding contractor.

80. Siemens drawing S-101, general note #1, states, “The customer/contractor shall furnish and install all structural support members and needed hardware for the installation of the siemens equipment.” We do not locate any structural support members other than the magnet base and baseplate for mobile patient table. Please confirm this is accurate. If not, please provide details of the other structural supports.

Answer: Supports are needed for the cable trays noted on Siemens drawing E-101 and E-102. These trays are provided and installed by the contractor.

81. With quotes typically coming in near the bid time, it is very difficult to get an accurate breakout of costs. Would the VA please consider allowing Offerors to provide the price breakout post-award, within two hours?

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 be the awardee.

82. Please confirm that all signatures throughout the price and technical proposal are required to be “wet” signatures, then scanned in for electronic submission? Or, is just the bond required to have a wet signature?

Answer: Confirmed. Digital signature is not permitted.

83. Please confirm that project write-ups are only required for the Past Performance proposal, and that no CPARS or PPQ evaluations are to be included too.

Answer: Confirmed.

84. Are the Reps and Certs included with the solicitation to be completed and provided behind Tab 3 in the Price Proposal, or can offerors just confirm that all reps and certs are current and updated in Beta.Sam?

Answer: Either is acceptable.

85. Who is the roofing contractor? (so we can keep the warranty) Answer: Tremco was the last contractor to install this roof.

86. Who is the preferred fire alarm contractor?

Answer: Firetron is who the VA uses but there are others that can perform the work.

87. PCRA for the bidding purpose?

Answer: We assume you meant ICRA. ICRA and layout provided as part of addendum. See drawing GI-002 and Open MRI Site Prep-ICRA attached.

88. Note 7 on Drawing Number MD-101 states to contact Phillips on work, should this be Siemens?

Answer: Yes, drawing has been corrected. See attached MD-101 Mech Demo R1.

89. 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: No, we are not aware of any asbestos, lead or other hazardous material. Reference demolition drawings for the disposal of the glycol.

90. What will the ICRA level be for this project?

Answer: See drawing GI-002 attached.

91. Is there a proprietary vendor for Fire Alarm, Fire Sprinkler or Controls?

Answer: No, the system must be compatible with the existing. See response to RFI #86.

92. Is there a standard set of finishes for VA Houston? (Flooring, Paint, Wallcovering, Ect.)

Answer: Paint will be Sherwin Williams eggshell finish, no wall covering, flooring will be Shannon flooring specialty with integral base 6”. Ceiling tile will be 2x2 square edge optima plan or equal. Aluminum grid. Wall finish level 4.

93. Is the GC required to carry the crane to rig the MRI in and out of the building?

Answer: No, this is provided by Siemens for the magnet.

94. How much ceiling is the GC expected to repair surrounding the RF shield room?

Answer: GC will need to remove enough ceiling to remove the parent wall for removal and replacement of the magnet. This would be a 4 ft section along the control room wall.

95. Reference solicitation page 10 of 51, “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.

ATTACHMENTS

See attached document: 100-S119R.

See attached document: 100-S164R.

See attached document: 000110 TOC.

See attached document: 010000 Gen Reqs R1.

See attached document: 220511 common sprinkler.

See attached document: AD-101 DEMO PLAN-REV 1.

See attached document: ASI 1 RF WINDOW.

See attached document: ASI-2 DECK INFILL.

See attached document: CASEWORK.

See attached document: Dimplex MRI Chiller Installation Guide.

See attached document: Ext-Window.

See attached document: Ferroguard Installation.

See attached document: GI-002 ICRA.

See attached document: Open MRI Site Prep-ICRA.

See attached document: M-101 MECH PLAN.

See attached document: MD-101 MECH DEMO R1.

See attached document: Site Visit Sign-In Sheet.