A0001 3H Bed Privatization-RFIs 2021.09.01.pdf

Private / Semi-Private Bed Space- 3H

Solicitation no.: 36C25621R0154 A00001 - RFI Responses – September 2, 2021

Drawings:

1. GI006 in the Drawings is the phasing plan for this project for 3H but the floor plan print is for 2H. Are there any issues if the architectural and electrical work in 3H progresses beyond the boundaries of the corresponding 2H phasing schedule while waiting for the plumbing and air work in 2H to catch up?

A: Suggested sequencing within project documents is provided for reference only. GC is responsible for project schedule and means and methods to accomplish the work. GC to coordinate contract schedule with COR.

2. When the 2H grid and ACT is removed it’s plausible that some or all of it will need to be replaced. Will the VA confirm if the 2H ceiling system should be replaced in its entirety or reinstall the old grid and tiles?

A: Refence AC112, note 16 – Existing ACT grid system to remain; replace all acoustical ceiling tile.

3. Is the ceiling in 2H ACT and/or is any of it hard gyp board ceiling?

A.: Reference AC112 for ceiling finish of each space. Contractor shall also confirm finishes of existing space.

4. If the ceiling in 2H is ACT, what type of grid and ceiling tile is it?

A: See response above.

5. Pg. SF 101, Is the VA aware of any post tension cables in the floor slab?

A: The A/E has determined through existing conditions surveying that the project area contains cast in place pan joist concrete floor assembles only. Contractor to field verify.

6. For the roof penetrations noted on SF102, is the existing roof under warranty?

A: Roof is not under warranty. Product currently in place is durolast.

7. If so, who holds the warranty?

A: see above

8. What is the existing roof system comprised of?

A: TPO system. Contractor to field verify. Durolast.

9. The demo key notes, key note 5, states to remove old doors and hardware. Does the VA want to salvage and store any/either of them?

A: Bid as shown. Contractor to verify with COR before discarding.

10. AE405 equipment schedule states that the M0512 tv is VA provided VA installed. This is similar to another contract out for bid at JLM and this requirement was a misprint. The equipment schedule on that project stated that the GC should buy and install. Will the VA please clarify this intent on this project, and if it’s on the GC to purchase, will the VA please provide a BOD and POC for purchasing.

A: Per the published contract documents MO512 should be VA furnished, VA installed, pending final confirmation from project COR. Drawings do not provide specific BOD for

TV; contractor to submit a TV for A/E as part of submittal requirements for construction phase services.

11. If the VA decides to make the TVs CC, then will that apply to the mounting brackets as well?

12. AE 405 states that the 30” range is CC. Please provide a BOD or spec for the range.

A: Per the published contract documents cooking range to be contractor furnished, contractor installed, pending final confirmation from project COR. Drawings do not provide specific BOD for range; contractor to submit a domestic cooking range for A/E as part of submittal requirements for construction phase services.

13. AE407, F3065. Usually white boards are CC. Is it the intent of the VA to purchase and install?

A: Per the published contract documents F3065 should be VA furnished, VA installed .

14. If white board is CC, will the VA please provide a BOD spec and size?

15. AE601 door schedule. During the walkthrough the COR was asked about integrated doors and he mentioned that there were not any in the project. The door schedule reflects “integral” for 22 different doors. The legend displays that an Integrated door assembly is marked as ID. Does the integral in the remark’s column indicate that it’s an integrated door assembly?

A: Bid as shown.

16. Integrated doors are extremely expensive and may not be necessary in this area. Will the

VA please confirm that if the integrated notation is to be an integrated door, then does the VA want all 22 of these doors to be IDs?

17. IN 101, wall protection note 2. Is the blocking to be wood or metal stud?

A: Contractor to provide blocking as required to meet support for wall protection system.

18. QH403 equipment schedule, X3940 marked CC. Will the VA please provide a BOD, POC, and product data for this item if they intend to have the contractor purchase and install it. If this product is covered under a GSA schedule contract, then please provide that information as well.

A: Reference Sheet AE406 detail E4. BOD is Wolf Xray Trimline Series.

19. QH403, equipment schedule, UO796 dining table marked CC. Will the VA please clarify the specs or provide a BOD and purchasing POC for their preferred table?

A: Equipment U0796 should be (VV).

20. PD101, demo note 5. The existing medgas zone valve box in the nurse station wall does not have a gauge upstream of the valve and is therefore not code compliant. PL104 states to certify the medgas system in the med gas notes. To certify it, the box needs to be upgraded. Does the VA want this box upgraded to include a zone valve with gauge?

A: Yes, Contractor to upgrade as necessary for a compliant operational system.

21. Does the VA know if this floor has a medgas zone valve upstream to isolate this area, and if not, does the VA want to contractor to install one during the course of construction?

A: The existing plans do not clearly indicate a zone valve. If one is not present VA does want the contractor to install one. If one is not present 2 week shutdown notice needs to be given and coordinated with COR.

22. PL103 all details. Is the corresponding ICRA level for the ground, first, and second floors accurate in the GC pages?

A: Yes.

23. MD101 demo note 1. If the portion of the exhaust duct is demoed, what happens to the remainder that is not demoed?

A: Refer to MH103, existing duct is reconnected and routed to new riser locations.

24. How does the VA want the remainder to be capped and sealed?

A: Refer to MH103, existing duct is reconnected and routed to new riser locations

25. Is Trane or Siemens the preferred controls contractor at Ft Roots?

A: Trane and Siemens are both approved controls contractors for the project. If Siemens controls are utilized provide a new BACnet ECC, communications network, and controllers. Provide a programmable internetworking gateway allowing for real-time communication between the existing direct-digital control system and the new BACnet control system.

26. MH104 gen note 2. Should these access panels (if required) be stainless steel or painted to match the ceiling color?

A: Painted to match ceiling color.

27. What size should the panels be?

A: As required for equipment and control access for maintenance and replacement.

Minimum size shall be 20x20.

28. ET501 Gen Note 1 states BOD is West-Call. Is West-Call’s Novus system in the rest of the hospital? If so, what is the name of the company and a POC that holds their service contract?

A: WestCom Novus Connect is installed throughout the facility. Triple S holds the current warranty on all equipment.

29. Can a substitute nurse call system be used?

A: NO.

30. Sheet ET501 Electrical Legend – “TV Outlet, Provide with 1 Data Outlet and 1 HDMI

Outlet” Please clarify where HDMI will homerun to from TV drop locations.

A: Com Closet notated in the plans.

31. Regarding the question above, will a female insert in the faceplate be required or will the

VA prefer a passthrough?

A: Female insert in the faceplate

32. Sheet ET501 General Note 7 – “Re-install existing cameras that were removed under demolition phase.” Compare to Key Note 5 on the same page states to install Hanwha….

Will labor to Mount/Focus existing cameras from the demolition be necessary for this project or will all new locations require new Hanwha XNV-6012M cameras as stated in the Key Notes?

A: Will labor to Mount/Focus existing cameras from the demolition be necessary for this project: YES

A. Will all new locations require new Hanwha XNV-6012M cameras as stated in the Key

Notes?: YES

33. Regarding the question above, please verify if additional 1D Cat6 Camera cables will be required for new cameras if other than what’s on the documents provided for existing Camera Locations.

A: Existing cameras will reuse existing cable. New cameras will use new CAT6 cable and the M12 to RJ45 adapter according to manufacturer’s specification.

SOW:

34. Will the VA please confirm if all as-builts have to be turned in as CAD and PDF files and

1 hard copy or just PDF?

A: CAD and PDF files and 1 hard copy

35. Are there any backbone cabling associated with this project, such as copper or fiber?

A: No.

36. During the onsite walk through the VA reps stated that the existing fire suppression pipe was to remain and to be re-used for the remodel on the fire protection for the area. The specs and plans provided state to demo existing and add a brand-new system. Which will be the correct construction plan and path for this project?

A: Bid as shown in plans and specifications.

37. Will the job be a normal work schedule M-F 7A.M. – 3:30 P.M. or will there have to be off hours or weekend work to accommodate sequencing and patient activity?

A: After hours work may be required depending area/type of construction.

38. Will the 2nd floor be occupied where the plumbing needs to go during the 2nd floor phasing operations?

A: 2nd floor will be vacated in 3 phases.

39. How many weeks does the VA anticipate taking to turn over one phase from the other in

2H?

A: 2-4 weeks

40. If the fire suppression system within the project limits is decommissioned for replacement can the contractor leave active fire alarms in place overnight in lieu of providing an onsite fire watch?

A: NO

41. Can the contractor request from the VA to utilize onsite VA security to sit fire watch in lieu of budgeting for a fire watch during the duration of suppression system replacement?

A: NO

42. Will the VA request J&D architects to substitute the current resinous flooring spec to the following spec?

1. Primer Coat, Tinted Epoxy, 100% solids

2. Base Coat #1, Tinted Epoxy, 100% solids, Broadcast 1 layer of HYBRID

Flake

3. Base Coat #2, Clear Epoxy, 100% solids, Broadcast 1 layer of HYBRID

Flake

4. Grout Coat, Clear Epoxy, 100% solids, 1 layer

5. Top Coat, Clear UV and Chemically Resistant Polyurethane, 1 layer

A: Reference revised specification.

Specification:

43. Specification’s page 01 00 00-1 para 1.3 Statement of Bid Items calls for two alternates plus three CLIN items. The solicitation CLIN schedule has one base bid. Is the contractor to ignore the specs and follow the pricing instruction in the solicitation packet?

A: No alternates required.

44. 01 00 00, 1.22.D.1, Page 40 - The Contractor shall meter and pay for electricity required for electric cranes and hoisting devices, electrical welding devices and any electrical heating devices providing temporary heat. Electricity for all other uses is available at no cost to the Contractor. Will the VA please confirm if the contractor is to meter their own electricity at any point in this project and if so, what is the process for that?

A: Contractor does not have to meter their own electricity at any point

45. 01 00 00, 1.31.B.14, Page 47 - In event a greater or lesser number of images than specified above are required by the COR , adjustment in contract price will be made in accordance with clause entitled "CHANGES" (FAR 52.243-4 and VAAR 852.236-88).

To what degree will the VA track this?

A: After award the COR will discuss expectations with awardee.

46. 01 33 23, 1.9, Page 66 - SRE may require specific test after work has been installed or completed which could require contractor to repair test area at no additional cost to contract. Will the VA please describe the extent of the contractor’s involvement and scope of requirement in more detail?

A: If testing of installed components or elements are required and they fail, the contractor is required to make corrections which may include remove and reinstall components, including any repairs necessary to damage caused by such removal and reinstallation.

47. 01 35 26, 1.7.C, Page 80 – SSHO – Has to be separate from GC super and QC manager “ 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”. Will the

VA allow the Site Superintendent to function as the SSHO?

A: Site Superintendent can also be the SSHO

48. 01 35 26, 1.12.B,4.a.7, Page 86 - All personnel entering work site are required to wear shoe covers. Shoe covers must be changed each time the worker exits the work area.

Once the worker is onsite is he/she allowed to remove shoe covers?

A: Please ignore the above statement

49. 01 45 00, 1.4B, Page 112 – Can the CQC wear a hat as SSHO or Site Superintendent?

A: The CQC cannot bear any additional job functionalities.

50. 01 45 00, 1.4.C, Page 113 - CQC Personnel: In addition to CQC personnel specified elsewhere in the contract, provide as part of the CQC organization specialized personnel to assist in the CQC System Manager for the following areas, as applicable: electrical, mechanical, civil, structural, environmental, architectural, materials technician submittals clerk, Commissioning Agent/LEED specialist, and low voltage systems. These individuals or specified technical companies are directly employed by the General

Contractor and cannot be employed by a supplier or subcontractor on this project; be responsible to the CQC System Manager; be physically present at the construction site during work on the specialized personnel’s areas of responsibility; have the necessary education or experience in accordance with the Experience Matrix listed herein. Does the

VA want the GC to have each of these system QC managers on payroll or can they be employed by the subcontractors?

A: These personnel can be employed by the subcontractors however the CQC System

Manager must confirm all inspections.

51. 01 45 00, 1.4.D, Page 114 – states that the CQC System Manager and Alternate CQC

System Manager are required to have completed the Construction Quality Management

(CQM) for Construction course. Will this be a requirement for this project?

A: If course has not been completed the contractor must provide personnel’s qualifications. At a minimum 5 years’ experience as a CQC.

52. 01 81 13, 1.5.F Page 137 – Sustainable Construction Progress Reports – The VA in the past has never required the contractor to submit this type of report with a pay application.

Is this expected on this project?

A: Not required.

53. 01 91 00, Page 148 – General Commissioning Requirements – Will the VA provided

Commissioning Agent be involved with this project during construction to inspect commissioning related items? If the answer is yes, then we and all our subs need to have pricing for commissioning support.

54. 02 41 00, 1.3.C, Page 194 – Demo - Provide enclosed dust chutes with control gates from each floor to carry debris to truck beds and govern flow of material into truck. Provide overhead bridges of tight board or prefabricated metal construction at dust chutes to protect persons and property from falling debris. Is a trash chute required or can we transport through the hospital via the freight elevator?

A: Freight elevator is acceptable. Cart must be covered. If the contractor creates debris outside of construction area by this method of transportation, then a trash chute may be required.

55. 02 82 13.19 Page 198 – There is an Asbestos abatement spec for floor tile mastic but no mention of asbestos abatement in the plans or any Hazardous Abatement plan pages. Is there asbestos in this project? If so, please provide the appropriate HA plan pages for bidding.

A: Strike specification from the scope. No ACM was found in project scope area.

56. 02 82 13.19, 1.9.3 and 1.9.4 Pages 220 and 221 - If Asbestos abatement is part of this project, will the temp water and power and need for a shower room and lockers be required for this project?

57. 02 82 13.19, 3.2.3, Page 235 - If Asbestos abatement is part of this project, Will we have to lockout/tagout all permanent electrical in the area and provide temp power to the area?

58. 07 84 00, 1.5 B and C, Page 301 – Firestopping – B, Installer Qualifications: A firm that has been approved by FM Global according to FM Global 4991 or been evaluated by UL and found to comply with UL’s “Qualified Firestop Contractor Program Requirements.”

Submit qualification data. C. Inspector Qualifications: Contractor to engage a qualified inspector to perform inspections and final reports. The inspector to meet the criteria contained in ASTM E699 for agencies involved in quality assurance and to have a minimum of two years’ experience in construction field inspections of firestopping systems, products, and assemblies. The inspector to be completely independent of, and divested from, the Contractor, the installer, the manufacturer, and the supplier of material or item being inspected. Submit inspector qualifications. Does the VA want the GC or related subcontractor to hire this third-party fire stopping inspector or can the COR handle this requirement?

59. 09 05 16: Section 1.3.C.1-4 submittals - Each of these methods is a different application based on the moisture content of the slab. IAW para 1.1, the contractor won’t know which one to apply until the existing floor is removed and the concrete is tested. If the moisture content of the slab warrants one of the three optional moisture barriers, will this be treated as a differing site condition and will a contract modification be issued?

A: This would be a differing site condition that may warrant modification to the contract.

60. Regarding the above, if a contract modification will not be issued based on differing site conditions then which of the three moisture mediation steps should the contractor bid the project with? Each comes with a higher price tag then the other.

A: see above

61. 13 05 41, 1.3.A, Page 634 – Seismic Restraints - Have seismic-force-restraint shop drawings and calculations prepared by a professional structural engineer experienced in the area of seismic force restraints. The professional structural engineer shall be registered in the state where the project is located. Submit design tables and information used for the design-force levels, stamped and signed by a professional structural engineer registered in the State where project is located. This appears to be a new requirement.

Does the VA want the GC to create engineered shop drawings for seismic restraint?

62. In the Specifications, 01 00 00, 1.24.A, Page 41 - As per specification section 23 05 93 the contractor shall provide a written testing and commissioning plan complete with component level, equipment level, sub-system level and system level breakdowns. The plan will provide a schedule and a written sequence of what will be tested, how and what the expected outcome will be. This document will be submitted for approval prior to commencing work. The contractor shall document the results of the approved plan and submit for approval with the as built documentation. Normally, the Commissioning

Agent retained by the owner under separate contract, provides the commissioning plan and the Contractor must support this plan and assist with its completion. Please provide further guidance on this requirement. Does the government have a Commissioning

Agent retained for this project?

63. 01 00 00, 1.31, Page 45 – Photographic Documentation using commercial photographer with a minimum experience of three (3) years in operation providing documentation and advanced indexing/navigation systems including a representative portfolio of construction projects of similar type, size, duration and complexity as the Project. The

VA normally does not require the contractor to retain the services of a professional photographer for construction projects. Will this be required for this project?

A:NO

64. 01 32 16.15, 1.5.A, Page 50 – Project Schedule Submittal - Within 45 calendar days after receipt of Notice to Proceed, the Contractor shall submit for the Contracting Officer's review: three blue line copies of the interim schedule on sheets of paper 765 x 1070 mm

(30 x 42 inches) and an electronic file in the previously approved CPM schedule program. Normally, the VA only required electronic submissions of projects schedules.

Will the contractor be allowed to submit projects schedules and updates in electronic form only?

A: Yes

65. 01 45 00, 1.4.C, Page 113 - CQC Personnel: In addition to CQC personnel specified elsewhere in the contract, provide as part of the CQC organization specialized personnel to assist in the CQC System Manager for the following areas, as applicable: electrical, mechanical, civil, structural, environmental, architectural, materials technician submittals clerk, Commissioning Agent/LEED specialist, and low voltage systems. These individuals or specified technical companies are directly employed by the General

Contractor and cannot be employed by a supplier or subcontractor on this project.

Typically, the CQC personnel for specific trades are provided by the subcontractor performing the trade. Will the GC be able to utilize the expertise of its subcontractor companies to perform quality control for their specific trades?

A: See RFI 50

66. 01 45 00, 1.4.D, Page 114 - the CQC System Manager and Alternate CQC System

Manager are required to have completed the Construction Quality Management (CQM) for Construction course. Will this be a requirement for this project?

A: See RFI 51

67. 01 81 13, Page 134 – Sustainable Construction Requirements – Is this a LEED Project?

A: No.

68. 01 91 00, Page 148 – General Commissioning Requirements – Will the VA provided

Commissioning Agent be involved with this project during construction to inspect commissioning related items?

69. 02 41 00, 1.3.C, Page 194 – Demo - Provide enclosed dust chutes with control gates from each floor to carry debris to truck beds and govern flow of material into truck. Provide overhead bridges of tight board or prefabricated metal construction at dust chutes to protect persons and property from falling debris. Is a trash chute required or can we transport through the hospital via the freight elevator?

A: See RFI 54

70. 02 82 13.19 Page 198 – There is an Asbestos abatement spec for floor tile mastic but no mention of asbestos abatement in the plans or any Hazardous Abatement plan pages. Is there asbestos in this project? If so, please provide the appropriate HA plan pages for bidding.

71. 02 82 13.19, 1.9.3 and 1.9.4 Pages 220 and 221 - If Asbestos abatement is part of this project, will the temp water and power and need for a shower room and lockers be required for this project?

72. 02 82 13.19, 3.2.3, Page 235 - If Asbestos abatement is part of this project, Will we have to lockout/tagout all permanent electrical in the area and provide temp power to the area?

73. 07 84 00, 1.5 B and C, Page 301 – Firestopping – B. Installer Qualifications: A firm that has been approved by FM Global according to FM Global 4991 or been evaluated by UL and found to comply with UL’s “Qualified Firestop Contractor Program Requirements.”

Submit qualification data. C. Inspector Qualifications: Contractor to engage a qualified inspector to perform inspections and final reports. The inspector to meet the criteria contained in ASTM E699 for agencies involved in quality assurance and to have a minimum of two years’ experience in construction field inspections of firestopping systems, products, and assemblies. The inspector to be completely independent of, and divested from, the Contractor, the installer, the manufacturer, and the supplier of material or item being inspected. Submit inspector qualifications. Does the VA want the GC to hire a private inspector or will the COR assume this responsibility?

A: Bid as shown

74. Regarding question above, each trade does their own firestopping for penetrations. For firestopping penetrations, will this spec section apply?

75. 14. 07 92 00, 1.3.A, Page 306 – Joint Sealants - Installer Qualifications: An experienced installer with a minimum of three (3) years’ experience and who has specialized in installing joint sealants similar in material, design, and extent to those indicated for this

Project and whose work has resulted in joint-sealant installations with a record of successful in-service performance. Submit qualification. Typically, each trade does their own joint sealants, is it necessary to provide a record of previous installations for caulking or sealing joints?

76. 09 05 16, 1.3.D, Page 495 - Moisture test and pH results performed by a qualified independent testing agency or warranty holding manufacturer’s technical representative….. Typically, the VA doesn’t require this from the GC nor the epoxy flooring contractor. Can the contractor perform their own test in the presence of the COR in lieu of this private third-party inspector?

77. Specifications Sheet 26 27 26 -4 – “Wall plates for switches and receptacles shall be type

302 stainless steel” Please verify that all faceplate locations (Including Data/Voice & TV) will be stainless steel?

A: Yes, all faceplates of all kinds must be stainless steel, for instance electrical receptacles, wall light switches, voice/data outlets, and TV outlets.

78. Specifications 13 05 41 the specs say to provide seismic restraints for mechanical including fire protection, while in 21 13 13 Part 1.3-6 calls for no seismic protection is required. Which will be the correct design and requirement for this project?

79. Spec section 09 60 00 says HM and wood doors to match campus standard – will the VA please clarify what campus standard is?

A: Bid as shown. Contractor to confirm with COR.

80. Are wood doors to be prefinished or do they need to be painted or stained?

A: Prefinished

Solicitation:

81. 1b, Page 10 – Super needs 10 years’ experience and PM needs 5 for similar size and scope in the past 5 years. Will the VA waive the ten-year requirement and reduce it to 5 for the site super?

A: No

82. 4.16.d Page 53, Omissions from the drawings or specifications or the misdescription of details of work that are manifestly necessary to carry out the intent of the drawings and specifications, or that are customarily performed, shall not relieve the Contractor from performing such omitted or misdescribed details of the work. The Contractor shall perform such details as if fully and correctly set forth and described in the drawings and specifications.

A: There is no question here

83. The bids are currently due the Tuesday after Labor Day. Our subs and vendors have expressed difficulty with this because their suppliers don’t work from Friday – Monday.

They are all asking if the bid due date can be pushed to the next day, Wednesday 9/8/21 at 2:00 PM. Is this possible?

A: Amendment 01 in addition to providing RFI responses will extend the Closing date to

9/9/2021 at 1pm.

84. A note went out from the Secretary of the VA mandating all employees and contractors to be vaccinated within 8 weeks of Friday August 13 th. What are the current and future

COVID vaccination expectations of the contractors performing onsite and will this mandate effect the personnel on this project?

A: This mandate will be in effect for all personnel on this project.

85. Are all onsite personnel required to be OSHA 10 and TB tested?

86. Can a Reflective/ Low E Glass be used for the Insulated Glass makeup in lieu of adding the Suntek Window Film to the #1 Surface of Clear Glass? Experience with window film systems identified that the installation of any film to an insulated unit, either inside or outside will VOID the manufacturer unit Warranty. Will the VA please clarify?

A: Yes. Low E Glass is to be used. Previous projects have utilized Solarban 60. Window film will not be used on this project.

87. Page 10 of 58 para 1c. calls for a QC plan. Most QC plans are greater than 25 pages. The entire 1C page limit is 25 pages. It’s not possible to include a QC plan in the tech narrative and still capture the tech narrative itself all within 25 pages. Will the VA please clarify their intent for the insertion of the QC plan into the proposal docs?

A: Contractor needs to provide a general overview of their QC plan also provide project specific QC narrative and details. The goal is for the contractor to demonstrate an understanding of QC plans and how it will pertain to this project.