Correct Tunnel Discrepancies RFIs.docx

RFI #:01 Correct Tunnel Discrepancies

1. Specification requirements in Section 05 12 00 & 05 50 00 in the VA CFM.VA.Gov/til/Spec.asp-08 require all steel to be fabricated and welded by an ASCHE Certified Fabricator and Welders. Will these requirements apply to this Project?

WELDS AND WELDERS SHALL CONFORM TO AWS. REFER TO SPECIFCIATION.

1. Project Specifications provided by the Structural Engineer require a Contractor furnished Special Inspector. Can the limits of this requirement be provided by the VA?

WELDING INSPECTION IS REQUIRED PER DESIGNERS INSTRUCTIONS.

1. Will Radiographic Testing be required? If so can the VA identify the areas and limits?

Structurally radiographic testing will not be required.

1. SOW require the use of Secondary Barriers and Walkways placed along the working areas. Many steam line areas are not insulated or jacketed. The specified materials used in these Barriers cannot come in contact with the steam piping without melting. Will the Barriers be required in this project?

It is understood that this project is within a utility tunnel with steam pipework, where environmental conditions may not be conducive to safe placement of plastic barriers and walkways, given the presence of heat generating infrastructure. Where specific safety concerns, such as those outlined in this question, preclude the use of secondary construction barriers and walkways from being installed, the AOR shall allow this project requirement to be waived. These secondary barriers and walkways are typically required within work zones in order to safeguard life and avoid injuries during construction, however, in cases where it is unfeasible to install such barriers due to specific safety concerns which would be exasperated by their placement, the requirement shall be waived. At no time should a prescribed safety precaution cause more hazardous conditions due to its inclusion. The General Contractor remains wholly responsible for construction means and methods, including the safety of the work zone and workers within that zone; waiving requirements for barriers and walkways (by the AOR) does not lessen the Contractor’s responsibilities for job site safety. CONTRACTOR SHALL SUBMIT FOR AOR REVIEW ALL SAFETY PROTOCOLS TO BE FOLLOWED WITHIN THE WORK AREA, AND IN LIEU OF SECONDARY BARRIERS AND WALKWAYS WHERE UNFEASIBLE, TO DEMONSTATE THAT THE CONTRACTOR IS NONETHELESS SAFEGAURDING LIFE AND AVOIDING INJURY AS BEST AS ABLE GIVEN THE UNIQUE INTERIOR ENVIORNMENT.

1. Specifications require the Structural Steel to be painted and also touched up with galvanized repair compound. The products that are specified for these areas are volatile and create a safety hazard inside a Confined Space. Can other products be used such as materials compounded with 100% Solids?

Submit other products for review and approval.

1. In lieu of welding clips and anchors inside the Tunnel, can the brackets and steel beams be slot bolted?

This is acceptable with galvanized brackets, beams, nuts, bolts, and washers.

1. Will Engineered Structural Steel Shop Drawings be required for this project?

Yes

1. Will the VA allow a single individual to act as the Quality Control Manager (QCM), Site Safety & Health Officer (SSHO), and on-site Superintendent (Super) for the prime contractor on this project?

Yes, unless at any time during the performance period the contractor’s appointed individual fails to fulfill the role of each of the position requirements.

1. Will the government accept the use of Procore Project Management software as the primary submittal and data tracking tool for this project? The software is compatible with the VA’s networks and is currently in use at many VA locations.

Yes, Procore is acceptable.

1. The CO for this project, Kaitlyn West has two different email addresses in the instructions. Are we to use the addresses listed under each section or is this an error? If so, please provide the correct address.

Kaitlyn West email is Kaitlyn.West1@va.gov.