A0002_Attachment C_RFIs 36C25623R0120.pdf

36C25623R0120, Repair and Paint Red Atrium-JLM

Request for Information (RFI)

1. The Statement of Work indicates that the work requested is due to “water leaks from the sky lights above and miss matched paint.” Will the sky lights be repaired or replaced prior to this work commencing?

a. Leaks have been repaired.

2. Are the sky lights schedule to be repaired or replaced at any time before or during the anticipated timeframe when this work could be performed (Prior to end of 2023 depending on time of award)?

a. Please see Q1 response.

3. Attachment 1, Statement of Work, paragraph 3.a.i reads “Contractor shall perform wall repairs and old water leaks…” Will the VA clarify if this statement is intended to mean that the Contractor shall perform wall repairs from old water leaks and not repair the actual water leaks?

a. Repair and paint drywall caused by old water leaks. Not repair leaks.

4. Attachment 1, Statement of Work, paragraph 3.a.i reads “Contractor shall perform wall repairs and old water leaks…” Does the VA intend for the Contractor to repair the actual water leaks from the sky lights as part of this scope of work?

a. Please see Q3 response.

5. Attachment 1, Statement of Work, paragraph 3.a.v reads “The contractor will be responsible for putting up barriers (hard and vapor) where VHA employees have identified.” However, the solicitation documents do not indicate nor did any VHA employees indicate at the site visit the location where barriers are to be put up. Will the VA identify the locations where barriers are to be put up?

a. Yes, I have a document (Attachment D_Red Atrium Barriers.pdf) with marks on them for hard barriers. Vapor barriers are to be used at doorways and windows (highlighted in green) and the hard barriers are to be used to deter foot traffic (highlighted in blue). The coffee shop ceiling (where it’s open) should be covered to prevent paint to fall into the coffee shop. All HVAC openings will be covered by the contractor. Everything outside of the main part of the red atrium (extended walls/hallways) will need to be blocked off at the doorways leading to and from when these areas are completed (weekends).

6. On the first two times this project was bid (last time in May 2023) there were two prices for the painting. One was all of the beams and walls down to the lights that are approximately 10’ above finish floor and the second was all that plus all below the lights to the floor. Is this second option the one you want us to bid on now?

a. This one is to paint floor to ceiling to include the defined hallways and the ceiling and beams under the skylights.

7. The period of performance shows to be 30 days and that is not enough time to complete the scope of work requested in addition to the set up and take down of ICRA, and the submission, review and approval of product submittals. Specification 01 33 23 para 1.10.D provides for a 15 business day timeframe for the VA to review submittals which is essentially 3 calendar weeks and a 10 business day review period for post award RFIs which is 2 calendar weeks. Will the VA extend the period of performance in this project to 45 to 60 days?

a. Because this is a hot item, we could extend it to 45 days, but I don’t want to push it to 60 days.

8. You have the pricing due the day after Labor Day holiday. Can this date be moved in order to get more subcontractor participation and better pricing and the bid put together?

a. Proposal due date will be extended to September 11, 2023, by 12:00PM.

9. In order to get the boom lift in the building the sets of automatic doors will have to come down to drive it in the building. They will have to remain down until the boom is in the building then they can be reinstalled. At the competition of the job this will have to be done again in order to get the boom out. EMS will have to move all furniture in the red atrium and store it until the project is complete, then set it back up. A portion of the green atrium furniture will also have to be moved so that the boom lift can be driven to the red atrium and then back again at the completion of the project. Is this again acceptable to the VA?

a. This is acceptable but will need to be performed after hours (after 6:00 PM).

10. Will the VA will be responsible for the removal and reinstallation of any signage and plaques that are on the walls that are to be painted?

a. Yes.

11. Will the VA be responsible for removal and storage of the furniture, paintings, pictures that are currently in the construction area?

a. Yes.

12. In the latest drawing of the area to be painted it shows that the entrance to audiology, the hallway going to specialty clinics and the hallway to the women’s clinic are now all impacted and will have to be closed while the work is being performed. Has the VA thought of how to reroute patients to these areas to minimize impact to patient care?

Alternatively, does the VA wish for the contractor to provide a proposed rerouting solution in their proposal?

a. The VA has a plan for rerouting while the main area of the Red Atrium is getting painted. The plan would be to paint everything outside of the main area outside of standard work hours (weekends).

13. Will the coffee shop owner be responsible for/VA be responsible for removing and storing all removable food service equipment (coffee machines, espresso machines, toaster, etc), items, disposables (cups, plates, spoons), etc. prior to turning over the space to the contractor?

a. The VA has a plan for that. The contractor will place a barrier should be placed over the opening to protect the inside of the coffee shop.

14. Even though the coffee shop roof will be sealed off prior to work commencing, will the contractor be responsible for a final clean in the coffee shop area?

a. No; The barriers should protect all of the inside of the coffee shop. Failure to protect will result in contractor being responsible for cleaning.

15. Will the coffee shop owner cover up any equipment that will remain inside while work is being done?

a. The current plan is to relocate equipment. If anything is left behind, the coffee shop will cover their equipment.

16. The horizontal and vertical metal bands that run all around the atrium still should not be painted is that still the VA’s direction for us?

a. The SOW states that PPG Clairvoyant MTL 104 will be used for the trim/band (3.a.iii.).

17. Since negative air cannot be achieved or maintained is it still the VA’s direction for negative air machines (2) be provided to act as air scrubbers for this area?

a. Any sanding needed should use the wet sanding method. Painting should be done with rollers (NO SPRAYING).

b. Use the negative air machines as air scrubbers.

18. Will the VA be providing at ICRA plan for this?

a. Yes.

19. Block 2 of the SF 1442 indicates that this Solicitation is a Negotiated (RFP) and the updated Solicitation description in Amendment in states “The proposals will be evaluated, and an award made utilizing Best Value, Trade-Off method per FAR Part 15.”

However, the Solicitation does not identify and define the Evaluation Factors upon which contractors will be evaluated and award will be based. Is this intended to be an RFP with evaluation factors of past performance and price?

a. Please refer to A0002_Attachment B_Basis for Award Evaluation Factors in this solicitation amendment.

20. Can the Site Superintendent have a collateral duty as CQC in this project?

a. No

21. Will the government provide an extension of the bid due date until at least 7 days after posting of the amendment with RFI answers, allowing ample time to review RFI answers to provide the best price possible?

a. Please see Q8 response.

22. Will VA provide rendering of space (Red Atrium) to be painted?

a. No

23. Will VA provide Colors and scheme to be painted?

a. The SOW states “Contractor will use

Sherwin Williams SW7042 Shoji White for the walls and PPG Clairvoyant MTL 104 for the trim/band. Both in satin finish.”

(3.a.iii.).

24. What preparation and or finish has been selected for the large areas that are finished with wood?

a. The wood will not be finished/painted. The contractor will protect the existing wood from any paint by covering it with necessary materials.

25. Or shall we anticipate blocking off wood areas and leave for VA to Clean and

Refurbish?

a. Please see Q24 response.

26. What are the ICRA Requirements for this space? Class, Air Machines Etc.

a. Hard poly walls/doors will be used at main openings. Poly material wall will be used at locations that do not require door openings. Class 3 ICRA required and scrubber machines to clean the air since negative air is not possible in the space. All HVAC vents will be covered and poly barriers at all openings.

27. Will GC be allowed to build a tunnel across the atrium which will allow patrons to access clinics during operational hours while work is being performed?

a. This shouldn’t be necessary. The plan is to block off the big “square” of the red atrium with hard barriers. Then paint the extended hallways/walls after hours or on the weekends.

28. Will VA allow GC to prepare and work weekends or off hours in areas where tunnel is placed once removed to finish the project?

a. Yes.

29. Will GC be required to set up during off hours or weekends?

a. If set up and breakdown does impact patient care, then the contractor will be required to set up during off hours or weekends. The ICRA barrier will be required to be set up before scaffolding or lift is set up.

30. What will be the standard work hours for this project?

a. Standard work hours will be 8:00 AM –

4:00 PM.

31. Given the Sky Lights are actively leaking during rain events. Will VA accept a proposal without warranty for this reason?

a. The leaks have been repaired.

32. What shall GC take into consideration at LOD limits of disturbance where SOW will end?

Interior hallways where we stop etc.

a. LOD should extend to ICRA barrier limits. When ICRA is removed and if causes damages to the walls or paint touch up will be required of the contractor to address. There are hard door delineations that determine the LOD extent.

33. Will VA remove and store furniture that currently occupies the space?

a. Yes.