Clarifications dated 8-17-2021.docx

PRE-Bid RFIs PROJECT 580-18-113 Install New 12kV Underground Distribution Feeder Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center (MEDVAMC

1. Is there a specific manufacturer requirement for fiber optic cables?

Answer: No

1. Is there a specific manufacturer requirement for fiber optic patch panels?

Answer: No

1. T-001 #19 General technology notes say that all fiber in ceiling will be plenum rated. Please confirm if this requirement is correct even if installed in conduit.

Answer: Plenum rated is not required if the cable is run in continuous conduit.

1. The notes on T-502 thru T-505 say the fibers will be Indoor/outdoor rated. We are assuming there are no splice points once the fiber enters the building so would the fiber need to be an INDOOR/OUTDOOR PLENUM rated fiber?

Answer: NO splicing is allowed. Yes, this cable is to be indoor/outdoor plenum rated. Also see RFI # 3.

1. Will the VA confirm the requirement of a 400 pair indoor/outdoor rated Cat3 plenum rated cable? Our understanding is that this wire is not available in this configuration.

Answer: Yes, as an example “General Cable” has 400 pair cable. There are at least three manufacturers that can provide this product to meet this specification.

1. What type of wire is required per note 2 on sheet T-403? The note only lists 400 pr telephone cable.

Answer: 400 PR indoor/outdoor CAT 3 telephone cable. Please refer to sheet T-503 and the riser diagram notes. Reference RFI #5 for additional information.

1. T-501 detail #1 shows a rack elevation. There are 48 port (2) CatX VOICE patch panels shown in these racks. What are these for? If there is no horizontal structured cabling on this project. Is this for a “ TIE” to the 400 pair copper on the wall?

Answer: To terminate the 400PR telephone cable.

1. Is all fiber and copper backbone Armored?

Answer: ONLY the fiber optic cable.

1. Can all work be performed during regular working hours?

Answer: Most of the work can be completed during normal business hours. All shutdowns will be required on weekends and last 4 to 6 hours maximum. Advanced notice will be required for all shutdowns. Coordinate work hours with COR.

1. Phasing and sequencing plan, phase 4 note 1a on sheet E-601 says that the electrical contractor shall reimburse the VA facilities for the cost of fuel and other incidentals related to operating the backup generator during outages for B109. Please advise if the VA will pass these costs on to the contractor?

Answer: No, the VA will not pass this cost to the contractor.

1. If the VA will pass the costs on the contractor for the backup generator costs at B109 during outages, please provide the expected cost per hour to run the generators.

Answer: No, the VA will not pass this cost to the contractor.

1. Note 1 on sheet TS103 says to provide 18/6 UTP to gate from parking garage in 1” conduit. It is not mentioned if the raceway is existing or new, or what the routing and distance will be. Please provide the location that the cable must be routed to in the parking garage, as well as connection details. Insufficient details have been given for this scope of work.

Answer: The new 18/6 UTP cable for the gate controller shall be run in a new 1-inch conduit and terminate in the parking garage IT room, see detail 3 on T402 for parking garage IT room, coordinate with COR for exact location.

1. If new is required, what type of 1” conduit is required for note 1 on sheet TS103?

Answer: Conduit can be PVC and transition to Rigid inside the building.

1. Sheet TS103 note 5 and 6 say to demo existing conduit. Will it be allowable to remove the ends from the Manholes and abandon the rest of the duct in place? Is this existing duct concrete encased?

Answer: The contractor shall remove all existing duct banks and cap opening in the manhole. This existing duct bank is not encased in concrete.

1. Sheet TS104 note 6 says to demo existing conduit completely. Is this existing duct concrete encased?

Answer: The existing duct bank is not in encased in concrete.

1. Note 9 on sheet TS104 says to provide 18/6 UTP in 1” conduit to gate from to Admin building 125 thru new MH116. Please provide the location that the cable must be routed within Admin building 125 as well as connection details. Insufficient details have been given for this scope of work.

Answer: The new 18/6 UTP cable for the gate controller shall be run in a new 1-inch conduit and terminate in the Admin Building IT room 122, refer to detail 1 on T403. Add the following to Note #1: Provide 1-inch conduit from the gate thru MH116 to the Admin Building IT room 112 for the gate controller, see detail 1 on T403. Coordinate with COR.

1. The 1” conduit and 18/6 UTP listed per note 9 on sheet TS104 as routing through the new MH116 are not shown on detail 1 on sheet T-505 Manhole arrangement. Please clarify.

Answer: The new 18/6 UTP cable for the gate controller shall be run in a new 1-inch conduit and terminate in the Admin Building IT room 122, refer to detail 1on T403. Add the following to Note #1: Provide 1-inch conduit from the gate thru MH116 to the Admin Building IT room 112 for the gate controller, see detail 1 on T403. Coordinate with COR.

1. Sheet TS104 shows a conduit being intercepted (note 13) just outside of the new com vault 4, however detail 2 for this vault on sheet shows two new 4” conduits from vault 4 to existing vault 3. Please confirm what is being intercepted, and if the contractor is to provide two new 4” conduits from new MH4 to existing MH3.

Answer: Provide new 2–4-inch conduit as described from new COMM Vault 4 to Existing Vault 3 for Fisher House 3 with new cabling as shown on detail 3 on T505. Remove existing conduit and cabling after new conduit and cabling is pulled and terminated.

1. Note 13 on sheet TS104 is also called out between existing vault 2 and Fisher House 2. The note says to intercept and reroute to new vault 4, however what is drawn does not match the note description. Please clarify.

Answer: Change notation between EX Vault 2 and Fisher House 2 IT room from 13 to 15. Add note 15 to read: Provide cabling from EX Vault 2 and Fisher House 2 IT room per detail 6 on T-504.

1. Note 3 on sheet TS104 mentions vault 3 as new, however this appears to be a typo. Vault 3 appears to be existing. Please verify.

Answer: The note should read: new COM Vault 4.

1. Underground boring is mentioned for some new telecom ducts on sheet TS104; however it is not mentioned for note 2. Please confirm if this raceway is to be horizontally bored.

Answer: Boring is allowed.

1. Detail 1 on sheet C301 shows the patching detail to remove one foot each side of the trench line edge of concrete/asphalt, meaning the patch would be a maximum of 4 ft. wide. The Civil drawings sheets C100 - C102 & C200 – C202 scales off to remove and replace 15 to 20ft of concrete/ asphalt. Is the intent to only replace the 4ft. as in the detail or the 15 top 20 ft per the plan?

Answer: Refer to Detail 1/C301 for dowel specifications and tying into existing pavement. However, please note pavement replacement limits shall not be quantified based on Detail 1/C301. Refer to the C100 and C200 series sheets for limits of pavement removal/replacement. Please note pavement removal/replacement limits are based on +/- 5’ depth of trench (assuming 2 X 2 conduits) from detail 5/E-501 and based on OSHA slope layback requirements. Please note the pavement removal/replacement limits expand further at new manhole locations where the trench excavation depth is +/-9’ based on detail 2/E-502.

1. There is not a detail for the grounding counterpoise for the new switches on the prints and the specifications do not state. Could you provide directions for the grounding for the new switches?

Answer: Provide 10’ ¾” copper clad ground rod driven at each new switch location. Bond switch frame and all termination grounding kits to ground rod using 6 awg minimum solid copper conductor.

1. On sheet C200, Site Note #2. States all Construction related permits during the construction phase are the responsibility of the Contractor. Are there any outside permits required other than the usual VA in-house permits?

Answer: Contractor is responsible for the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan in accordance with TCEQ General Permit TXR150000. The remaining permits for confined space, trenching and others will be issued by the VA. Coordinate with the COR

1. Can the site Superintendent also have the duty of the SSHO, and QC?

Answer: Yes, this is acceptable provided the superintendent has the training and experience for the QC position.

1. Note 14 on sheet C101 states to demolish the two existing gazebo and foundations. Note 10 on sheet C201 states to replace the gazebos/picnic table. There are no drawings or specs on the gazebos replacement. Please provide requirements and drawings.

Answer: Clarification, please include to demolish and dispose offsite the existing gazebos, do not replace the gazebos. The existing picnic table shall be temporarily relocated and reset after feeder work is completed.

1. Spec: General Conditions / 01 45 00 / 01 33 23 Topic: Management Question: Please confirm personnel requirements for this project. It appears that a SSHO and Superintendent are required for the project. It also appears that the SSHO for the project needs to be independent of the Quality Control Manager, which is a college degreed engineer or construction management, for the project per 3.4 QC Organization.

Answer: Yes, see response to RFI 25.

1. Spec: 01 – General Conditions 01 33 23 – 2 Topic: Submittal Exchange Question: Is prime contractor responsible for providing submittal exchange and all associated costs as our data exchange platform or is this a manually operated submittal register with submittals as emails to the COR?

Answer: This Newforma - Project Information Management access will be provided at no cost to the contractor. Per Specification 01 33 23, the contractor shall use the A/E provided electronic File Transfer Protocol (FTP) file-sharing system Newforma - Project Information Management. The Contractor is responsible for requesting access to and submit RFI, submittals in the electronic FTP file sharing system for the construction contract period of performance.

1. Sheet: C100 – C102 / E-001 Spec: 01 00 00 - 5 Topic: Parking Closures and Phasing Constraints Question: For all work in parking lots, will these areas be closed to pedestrian and vehicular traffic, or will we be expected to have an occupied and fully functional area throughout construction as trench lines will move through several parking lots? Is contractor allowed to work at multiple building locations simultaneously or is there a constraint to complete the project as a loop? E-001 omits a phasing and sequencing plan that 01 00 00 – 5 refers to.

Answer: A phasing plan will be required. Parking and pedestrian access will need to be maintained as much as possible. This project will need to be worked in phases to minimize the impacts on the facility. Working in multiple location will be on a case by case basis depending on the overall impacts. The contractor will need to provide construction fencing and safety fencing for all work areas.

1. Sheet: C301 Topic: Concrete Thickness Question: Plan page C301, detail 1 shows a concrete detail to which prime contractors are to match existing. The detail notes 6” -14” varying in thickness.

Answer: Contractor shall match existing pavement thickness per plans. Contractor can assume 8” thickness for bidding purposes, however, contractor shall match existing thickness should field conditions exceed 8” thickness.

1. For bidding purposes, what are prime contractors to assume as concrete depth for existing areas to be sawcut and removed?

Answer: Contractor shall match existing pavement thickness per plans. Contractor can assume 8” thickness for bidding purposes, however, contractor shall match existing thickness should field conditions exceed 8” thickness.

1. Also, what thickness are we to bid in not understanding where it varies throughout campus?

Answer: Contractor shall match existing pavement thickness per plans. Contractor can assume 8” thickness for bidding purposes, however, contractor shall match existing thickness should field conditions exceed 8” thickness.

1. Sheet: C102, C103 Topic: Gazebo Question: on plan page C102 shows a gazebo to be removed and reinstalled on C1-3. Please provide details and specification section for the gazebo stated to be removed and replaced. Is there as-builts of an existing one we can reference? The gazebos seem older and not of high quality and we are concerned with attempting to rebuild what is currently in place.

Answer: Clarification, please include to demolish the existing gazebos and dispose offsite. Do not replace the gazebos.

1. Sheet: C103 Topic: Concrete Pad Detail Question: C201 keynote 12 states to provide 3” concrete pad for the transformers. There is no detail showing the concrete pad. Please provide so we understand the pad conditions below grade.

Answer: Please refer to detail 6 on E-501 for pad details. Please note the Keynote 12 refers to pad clearance and does not refer to pad thickness.

1. Sheet: 1442 Topic: Calendar Days Question: After walking the site, there appears to be 12-14 months of construction for this project. VA preconstruction is typically NTP +60-90 days, and VA Closeout is typically Substantial completion + 30-60 days for testing, start-up, and commissioning activities. Would the VA consider a 470-570 POP? Additionally, there have been COVID procurement issues tied to several long-lead electrical items on this project.

Answer: 365 calendar days will remain as the period of performance for this project. Commissioning will not be required for this project.

1. Spec: 01 00 00 - 6 Topic: Temporary Fencing Question: Please clarify the intent for temporary construction fencing for this project on both hardscape (asphalt, concrete drives, and sidewalks) and softscape (stone or grass areas). Will a temporary snow fence or silt-fence cover the requirement when operating with the proper vehicular and pedestrian barricades and signage? The current requirement is labor intensive.

Answer: Per sheet notes C100 -C202, the contractor shall sequence the work and provide temporary measures as necessary to maintain access to the site through all entrances at all times during construction. Temporary provisions may include but are not limited to: barricades, flashing lights, flagman, temporary pavement, and directional signage as necessary to accomplish the work. Also, per sheet notes C100 - C202, all buffers and save areas shall be clearly identified by flagging and/or fencing prior to commencement of any land disturbance. Safety fencing will be required at any open trench location. Some areas might require chain-link construction fencing and will be coordinated with the COR. Snow fence or silt fence will not meet the safety requirements.

1. Spec: 32 90 00 Topic: Landscape Question: Please confirm if the facility prefers sod or seed at this VA location per 2.3 and 2.4. Please confirm the two-year warranty on the sod or seed growth and maintenance for this project.

Answer: Include replacement sod in all areas that previously had sod. Please note warranty period is two years.

1. Sheet: C100 Spec: 01 00 00 – 11 NPDES Topic: Soil and Erosion Plans Question: We do not see an E&S plan tied to the drawings. Please confirm that contractor is at risk for the soil and erosion control techniques/means & methods for this project to include sit fence, hay, bio-swales, and the like.

Answer: Contractor is responsible for the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan in accordance with TCEQ General Permit TXR150000. All Erosion and Sediment control measures are the responsibility of the Contractor. Permit is required through city of Houston.

1. Topic: Dewatering and Pumps Question: With the rainfall during this project would the VA like the contractor to carry the risk for storm events that flood trenching? Would the VA consider possibly requiring a lump sum / fixed cost line item for dewatering operations? Depending on the year’s storms the number can be excessively high in the Houston area and transparency about this cost might save ‘contingency costs’ by the contractor in the bid phase.

Answer: Yes, the contractor is responsible, and this cost is expected to be included in your lump sum proposal. Dewatering services requirements are highly likely and may be required for (and not limited to) trench work and manhole line placement, splicing, and new vault install.

1. Spec: 01 45 29 Topic: testing Question: Please confirm testing lab engineers, 3rd part to the contractor, required at the site for full-time observation of fill placement and compaction and field density testing. Sheet 01 45 29 shows no aggregate base testing. Please confirm field 1 x density testing per 100 LF of trench each 12” of lift. This would be several tests per 100’ Answer: Full-time third-party testing is required as stated within the standard specifications. Trenching section states 1 test per 100 LF interval per 4 FT vertical lift.

1. Topic: Soil testing Question: Does station have a soils testing report/Geotech report for the areas included on this project? For bid purposes, is contractor to assume no environmentally contaminated soils/CCDD?

Answer: The facility is not aware of any contaminated soil on the facility. The soils report we have been in limited areas that were for new building construction only.

1. Spec: 01 45 29 - 13 Topic: Technical Personnel Question: Testing spec shows ‘technical personnel (man-days) 120. Is this a VA required number for the bid for 3rd party testing engineers that the contractor should carry for bid purposes? Please confirm intent of this number.

Answer: Yes, the contractor shall include 120-man days for testing or provide schedule for justification to modify the amount of man days.

1. All sections of special construction is check as applicable for this project. Please confirm if wood construction, cold formed metal decking and other were accidently placed as there are several QA/QC requirements for this project if applicable.

Answer: Wood construction and cold-formed metal decking verification (in compliance SDI QA/QC-2011) as part of this scope. The following QA/ QC sections are applicable:

L. STRUCTURAL - CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION SECTION

Q. GEOTECHNICAL - SOILS INSPECTION SECTION

W. FIRE PROTECTION – FIRE RESISTANT PENETRATIONS AND JOINTS SECTION

1. Spec: 01 91 00 - 18 Topic: CxA Question: Spec reads as Commissioning Agent (CxA) will be hired under separate contract directly with the VA. Please confirm if the CxA will provide the ‘Commissioning Plan’ for the project to coordinate with Contractor CxM/CxR, per the contract requirements. Does the VA have constraints on the number of trips the CxA will come to site for this project? This influences the closeout phase of the project.

Answer: Commissioning services will not be required for this project.

1. Topic: CLIN Sheet / Price Schedule Question: It appears the CLIN sheet is double subtracting Line Items NO 2 and NO 3. Please confirm if the intent of the Alternate #1 is to perform all work from Line Item NO. 1 (Base Bid) minus the ‘required omitted telecom work’ described in Line Item NO. 2 (Alternate 1). Please confirm as we believe this is meant to be a ‘waterfall’ showing all of the base bid work, then minus just the omitted scope in Alternate 1. Then Alternate 2, NO. 3 is the base bid work, minus the omitted alternate #1, minus the omitted alternate #2 work. G-001 Bid Deduct Alternates appear to be written as described below but not page 5 of 54 of the solicitation. The (Base – Alternate 1) portion seems to be shown wrong.

Answer: The formulas are correct. Each deduct is a waterfall to provide the lump sum of all deducts prior to it. So Line Item #3 is the base bid minus deduct 1 & 2.

1. Spec: C100 Topic: Demolition Question: Does station have utility as-builts for this drawing set, or we to assume the lightweight lines shown on a few of the drawing sets?

Answer: Contractor shall use the survey sheets included in the bid documents.

1. Sheet: C100 and others Topic: Potholing Question: There are excessive notes, i.e. C100 sheet key note 4, describing potholing line and report elevation to the civil engineer prior to duct bank installation. (a.) Is the contractor reporting this line to the A/E (DOR/AOR) civil engineer or to the duct bank contractor civil engineer? (b.) Is this as-built reporting and benchmarking that the contractor is expected to provide to the VA? (c.) Potholing is called for in several areas as opposed to traditional ground penetrating surveying; do we assume only potholing in the sheet key notes specified?

Answer: Pothole notes are shown at planned crossings. Contractor is responsible to pothole the utility in question at all crossings as noted per plan and report the elevations to COR and Civil Engineer if they present a conflict to the planned improvement. All information should be noted on the as-built drawings.

1. Sheet: C100 Topic: Signage Question: Please confirm note 14, if this is a true remove and replace meaning ‘new signage’ or if this is a salvage and replace / reutilize existing. Please confirm the signage elevation detail or should we assume 36” of concrete poured in place with metal post?

Answer: Clarification, there are (6) surface mounted flexible delineators and (1) surface mounted exit sign. Please include temporary relocating and remounting of the delineators and sign after replacement pavement is installed.

1. Topic: Street sweep Question: Please confirm the street sweeping/watering responsibilities of the contractor at substantial completion if required.

Answer: Please refer to specification 31 20 00 – 3.7 CLEAN UP Upon completion of earthwork operations, clean areas within contract limits, remove tools, and equipment. Provide site clear, clean, free of debris, and suitable for subsequent construction operations. Remove all debris, rubbish, and excess material from Medical Center Property. This will include street sweeping/watering as needed and directed by COR.

1. Sheet: C101 Spec: Fencing Topic: Fencing Question: Please confirm the scope of the fencing. Is it only the two panels of fence adjacent to gates at both the south and east entrance of building 121?

Answer: Two sections of fencing between Building 121 and perimeter fence at north and south ends of Building 121. Please note fencing is specified on plans to be removed and replaced with new fence. Contractor shall match fence type, material, and height to existing.

1. Topic: Irrigation control valves Question: Is there a preference to maintenance for the control values that are utilized on campus?

Answer: Specification 32 84 00 2.3 MATERIALS defines Remote Control Valve type.

1. Sheet: C101 Topic: Field run survey Question: Several sheet key notes touch upon a limit of field run survey. Is the intent for this survey for contractor to provide an exhaustive survey to report benchmarks and elevations on existing utilities and proposed duct bank locations because existing as-builts are not relied on? Trying to gain understanding as an existing survey of the entire dotted limit line and the work within can be exhaustive/expensive for the project. Please confirm. There is a note that COR will not take responsibility for utilities not shown on drawings so without as-builts it appears that an exhaustive up-front survey is the intent?

Answer: The delineation line shown on the plans refers to the limits of field run topo survey. Information outside of the delineation line is considered approximate. Contractor is responsible to field locate and verify existing improvements outside of the delineation line where work is proposed. Contractor shall report discrepancies to COR and Civil Engineer prior to proceeding with installation.

Contractor shall refer to Note #3 on C100 series. Contractor is responsible for completing updated utility locates within the project limits of construction prior to construction and shall notify COR and Civil Engineer of any discrepancies from the plans that affect the proposed improvements.

Utility locates with approximate depth elevations were included within the survey bid documents. Contractor is responsible for field verifying utility elevations at all planned crossings as specified on plans. Contractor shall notify COR and Civil Engineer of discrepancies that present a conflict to the planned improvement prior to proceeding with the installation.

1. The past performance volume is only allowing recent past performance from SDVOSB primes on projects that demonstrate similar installation of underground 12kV feeders for hospital or similar campus as MEDVAMC. Because the scope of installing medium voltage underground 12kV is unique and requires specialized subcontractors not commonly required on typical SDVOSB and/or VA-type projects, in an effort to maximize competition, would the VA allow SDVOSB Prime Contractors/Offerors to submit key subcontractor’s past performance to qualify for the past performance volume? We believe by allowing this the VA will maximize competition with otherwise qualified SDVOSB firms.

Answer: Yes. The past performance proposal shall include where the prime has successfully performed other projects with the particular subcontractor as a team. Provide, at a minimum, the information requested for Volume I, items #1-#5.