S05 RFI Questions-Answers from COR 09-11-2024.docx

RFI Questions & Answers

1. Safe access to the roof over the stair towers will need to be provided. Is the VA able to provide or do we need to include this cost in our proposal? Will we need a lift, or will a ladder suffice?

Then stairs case is built within the parking garage, so a lift will not be needed. A ladder will suffice for other areas underneath the roof.

1. Would the VA like repair quantities along with the recommendations? What about an Engineer’s Opinion of Probable Cost?

The VA would like for initial repairs and Preventative Maintenance Plan to be provided. Yes, please provide additional Engineer’s opinion of probable cost.

1. In the SOW, several references are made to “Contractor”. We assume this language is referring to the Engineering Consultant – is this a correct assumption?

Yes, that is correct.

1. The SOW states “Proper personnel protective equipment (PPE) and OSHA training certification is required to perform work as specified within this scope (30hr for Supervisor & 10hr for Technicians).” This language is geared more towards a contractor led project not a design project. Will the OSHA training requirement be waived for engineering consultants?

No, you are not required OSHA training for Engineering Consulting. This would be required if it was linked to a construction project on site

1. Section 12 of the SOW states several items that need to be included as part of the deliverable. Many of them appear to be construction related and not design. Since this appears to be an engineering led assessment without the need for a contractor, is it safe to assume the only items required for the deliverable based on the scope are a schedule and the parking garage assessment report?

Yes, that is correct. You will only be required to deliver a schedule and parking garage assessment report.

1. In Section 13, how would the consultant go about documenting the change in levelness of the expansion joints? Will a baseline measurement be provided by the VA, or would we be asked to return to the site to take additional measurements following the initial report issue date?

Structural drawings have been provided in the packet for a baseline.

1. For the drawings requested in Section 13, it is our understanding that the only item to be shown on the drawings are the expansion joint measurements. Is this correct?

6. Or are drawings required for the identification of areas needing repairs?

Drawings were included for all areas of both parking garages. As per the scope assess all areas listed. prepare a Condition Assessment Report - Based on the condition assessment, site observations, analysis, and estimated quantities for repairs and maintenance. The report will summarize our observations, findings, and conclusions, and provide recommendations for the repairs and maintenance. The report will also provide recommendations for preventive measures or enhancement options if applicable to extend the service life of the garages.

1. Does the VA have a full set of original design and/or as-built structural drawings for both garages?

We have a full set of original design drawings.

1. Do you require a professional structural engineer to stamp the report and findings? The SOW does not explicitly say that a structural engineer is needed. However, a structural engineer is the most qualified professional to make the determinations required to fulfill the project's requirements.

Yes, a Professional Structural Engineer is needed to stamp the report and findings.

1. Do you prefer manual techniques only? Or are ground-penetrating radar (GPR), ultrasonic testing, or impact-echo testing required or expected? The SOW is not explicit, but it can be assumed that manual inspections are only required with this project, and further testing will be recommended. However, if automated techniques are expected, how about intrusive methods such as core analyses?

Please refer to section 3 of the SOW. During the inspection if further testing is required, please note, such as core analyses.

1. If manual techniques are only expected, the level of shop drawings will be based on the manual inspections and as-built drawings provided. It is assumed that complete drawings, such as as-built drawings and shop drawings in CAD format (DWG, RVT, etc.) from the original constructions, will be provided to the Contractor.

Yes, we have shop drawings in CAD available.

1. Are weekends open for the Contractor to perform the fieldwork? There is a significant difference between performing the work while vehicles are egressing in and out of the parking garages and during off-hours or at night. If the work is done at night, is the contractor expected to provide its own power? I'm expecting that the Contractor is expected to provide its own lighting.

After normal working hours, nights, and weekends is an option. Please be advised the parking garages never open; however, there will be minimal staffing during those times. We have lighting in the parking garages, but if additional lighting is needed you will have to provide your own.