A0006_Attachment A_RFIs and Responses to RFP 36C25624R0005.pdf

RFIs and Responses to RFP 36C25624R0005

598-21-101 Renovate Ground Floor-JLM

1. The questions due on Friday, January 12, 2024, by 2:00 PM CDT. The bid date is Monday, January 22, 2024, by 2:00 PM CST. There is not much time between receive the answer, distribute the answers to appropriated parties, and properly pricing. Can the bid date be pushed couple weeks later? Proposal due date has been extended to 02/14/2024 by 12PM CDT.

2. SOW, 1.04.A.1. VA need 15 to 30 days between phases … Is “day” calendar day or workday?

These will be working days of the Federal Schedule.

3. SOW, 1.04.A.1. VA need 15 to 30 days between phases. The project has 10 phases, and the construction performance duration is 365 calendar days. After remove days that needed by VA between phases, there is not much of time left for the actual construction. Request that more days be added to the 365-calendar days. Please advise. Phases 3, 8, 9 and 10 are weekend only phases. Make sure to consider those as shorter periods some phases if reviewed and approved by the COR can be concurrent depending on the impact for the Facility.

4. SOW, 1.04.A.1. Phases and subphases.

a. Can Phase 1 and 1A be performed together at the same time since they are at 2 separate locations? Or Phase 1 must be complete before starting 1A? Yes, can be same time. Just broken down further to help facilitate congestion.

b. Can Phase 3, 3A, and 3B be performed together at the same time since 3A and 3B are corridor being work only on weekend? Or Phase 3 must be complete before starting 3A?

3A must be complete before starting 3B? 3A and 3B must be completed during weekends only due to access and providing emergency egress. But phase 3 offices can be under-construction during the week and weekend. Again, phases can be done concurrent of each as long as the departments have enough space to move to in the interim and approved by COR.

c. Can Phase 4 and 4A be performed together at the same time since 4A is a corridor being works on weekend only? Same question will apply for Phase 5 and 5A. Yes while 4 and 5 are under construction it is planned that the 4A and 5A would be completed during the weekends of the primary phase.

d. Can Phase 7A, 7B, and 7C be performed together at the same time? Or 7A must complete before starting 7B? 7B must complete before starting 7C? Same question will apply for Phase 8 and 8A, and Phase 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, and 10E. Phases 7, 8, and 10 are corridors. 7A, 7B, and 7C need to be separate due to access and egress required of the space. Same for 8/8A and 10A through E. Now if the contractor can do 10C-10E and phase 9 in one weekend and approved by COR then yes can be combined. But note that the space has to be ready for open by 6am on Monday mornings.

5. SOW, 1.04.A.14. Safety Training provided by Central Arkansas Veterans Hospital. How long will the training be? Is there a fee to have the training? If yes, what will be for per person? Or the fee is for per company regardless of the number of attendees? Will the training be good for the construction duration? Or will it be good for the calendar year? Or fiscal year? Provided by the VA safety team, no fee. Prime will be responsible for providing the appropriate training to subcontractors. Duration of the construction project is how long the training is sufficient for.

6. SOW, 1.04.A.15. OSHA Safety Training. “All employees working on site must have OSHA 10.” Is it included people be onsite one day, one week, or a very short timeframe? Please advise. Yes, all employees need OSHA 10 hrs.

7. SOW, 1.06.B.1. Security Procedures: Badge. Do General Contractor’s employees include the General Contractor’s subcontractor employees? Or will General Contractor escort the subcontractor employees daily? Prime Contractor will be required to have a badge due to location and ability to get in and out of the main hospital and access to the laydown space.

Prime will escort the subcontractor employees in and out of facility. The prime will be provided a number of P&D laminated badges that will be tracked for assignment to each subcontractor to move around the hospital and complete work, a badge must be worn at all times. But to get in and out via secured doors then the contractor’s PIV badge will be the one with access.

8. SOW, 1.27.A. Will the third-party commissioning be required? Yes

9. SOW, 1.28. Will hard copies of maintenance and operating manual be required? If yes, will one

(1) copy be acceptable? Or must be four (4) copies? Minimum of 1 hard copy for each item and electronic copy of all files.

10. Spec Section 00 01 10. Table Of Contents called for Section 22 11 23 Domestic Water Pumps, but the spec section is not in the Project Specification, nor see domestic water pumps in the drawings. Will domestic water pumps be required for this project? Please advise. There is a sump pump, small float system type activated pump in the dumbwaiter of the Pharmacy area/ New EMS area for the dumbwaiter shaft basin.

11. Is there a crawlspace or basement below the ground level? No, the ground floor is the slab of the building and start of building foundation.

12. Spec Section 22 05 11, 1.4.I.1. This spec section is calling for coordination drawings for the plumbing systems. Will these be required for this project? Yes, we will require as-builts at the end of the project to provide exact locations of all new plumbing. Coordination prior to work starting is required.

13. Spec Section 22 40 00, 2.10. Will the new lavatories require wall carriers? It is unclear as spec section 22 40 00, 2.10 does not call them out, nor does the Schedule on Drawing P-601. They are, however, calling out lavatory carriers in spec section 22 40 00, 2.6.B. If the existing carriers do not accept the new toiletry, then yes new wall carriers will be needed.

14. Spec Section 23 05 11, 1.4.H.1. This spec section is calling for coordination drawings for the HVAC systems. With only VAVs and duct being replaced, will these be required for this project?

Yes, similar to questions 12. We will need exact locations and as-builts of the work completed.

15. SOW, 1.27.B. Will a pre-test be required for this project? If so, will it be required for each phase of construction? There are air terminal units scheduled to be replaced in seven different phases of the project. It would be more cost-effective to, if required, allow the test and balance crew into all areas to test the entire system prior to any work beginning. Please advise. No, a pre-test has been completed during design phase, complete results will be given to awarded contractor.

TAB will be required at the end of the project for the whole system. At completion of each phase the HVAC in that area affected will require cleaning and replacement of filters prior to turning over to VA to occupy.

16. Will the Jobsite Superintendent be able to function as the Safety Officer and Quality Control Officer in addition to his normal superintendent duties throughout the duration of this project?

Please advise. Safety is a large component of keep the site maintained daily, due to the multiple phases and various ICRAs involved, VA projects need a Safety Officer separate from Superintendent.

17. Spec Section 01 00 00, 1.23.E. Access Request and Payment. Will the information for the procedures to access request and payment be provided since the site is “This Site Can’t Be Reached”? Information will be provided in the final contract documents for payment account.

18. Drawing Sheet GC101, the area east of Corridor CG34 (Phase 10) shows Office GE113C is Phase 1A but not the Office 948 and the Clean Receiving 340. Drawing Sheet GC102 shows the Office 948, and the Clean Receiving 340 are in Phase 1A. Drawing Sheet GL101 shows all three (3) rooms belong in The Area Of Work? Please verify and confirm the works at the Office 948 and the Clean Receiving 340 are in the scope of this project and in Phase 1A. Clean Receiving 340, Office 948 and GE 113C Office are all part of Phase 1/1A.

19. Drawing Sheet G002 and Spec Section 01 00 00, 1.2. G, H, & I mentioned alternate 1, 2. and 3 but not see in the Bid Form (Solicitation). Are there alternates #1, 2, & 3? If yes, where they supposed to be listed in the bid form? Alternates are Locker Room Remodel (deduct from scope), Room GC195 Supply Closet, and Bed Lift system deduct.

20. Spec Section 01 00 00, 1.21 and 1.22 mentioned a commercial photographer and professional photographer. Will a professional photographer be required? Photography will be needed before and after the project, not professional grade but quality clear enough to track the project progress.

21. The Spec Section 09 06 00 – Schedule For Finishes mentioned the solid surface windowsill under

2.3 Division 12 – Furnishings, B. Section 12 36 00, Countertop. The Section 12 36 00 only talking about the countertops also do not find any solid surface windowsills on drawings. Are there solid surface windowsills in the project? There is a solid surface counter in the EMS training area for workstations room 464 on plans.

22. Is the existing roof under warranty? If yes, please provide the warranty information. Not under warranty.

23. Spec Section 01 81 13, 3.1.A.4 refers to the building flush-out. Will building flush-out be required? If yes, will the flush-out area be the Area Of Work only? Will the flush-out be required to perform per phase, per sub-phase, or only do the building flush-out one-time after the completion of all ten (10) phases? There are ten (10) phases and some phases having sub-phases. Just flush-out of the work area only. Complete at end of each phase.

24. Will the proposal date be extended from January 29, 2024? Yes, see response to question 1.

25. Specification Section 23 09 23:

Page 1 of this section - Description: The specifications note that Trane is the existing direct digital control (DDC) system. Trane controls are on the campus, however Trane system is not the DDC system for this area of hospital. The Siemens Building Automation system is the existing control system and devices for this area of the hospital. We request the specifications be adjusted to name Siemens Building Automation system as the existing DDC system, with DESIGO CC as the software platform. If the desire for multiple manufacturers Trane could be listed as acceptable manufacturer.

It is understood that the specifications call for a new Standalone system with no interoperability being required, however there should be a discussion about visibility and control of all the exiting HVAC systems in this area (Existing Siemens System). In the event a non-Siemens system is installed without integration you would have two systems operating in the same area with equipment that should be integrated for optimal control and stability. Not all the systems are Siemens, there is a mix since there are 3 AHUs that provide flow to this area. VA Prefers to move forward with Trane system since BAS Server was upgraded recently for new projects. The Desigo CC is not being used in this area as existing, the software is not on the market and limited capabilities at the moment. The contractors can provide an equivalent option to Trane as long as the design requirements are met, and the system is programmed as designed. See Attachment C_Appendix I-MechCalcs.

26. Page 41 of this section – Section B – Validation: This section discussed the generation of a validation test plan. Based on the limited scope of DDC controls for this project we are not sure a validation plan would be required other than the normal Test and Balance for the system, that is already part of the project. Can you please clarify the need for a validation plan beyond the scope of Test and Balance of the new VAV controls. Validation is required to show that all controls have been tested and operating as designed with response to input temperature for hot water valves and air dampers. A report confirming functionality is needed. See Attachment C_Appendix I-MechCalcs.

27. The period of performance appears to be inadequate based on the number of phases that are required in this project coupled with the amount of time that the VA has to move personnel out of spaces. Is it the government’s intent that the phases begin as soon as the abatement is completed in the phase prior? Or is it the government’s intention that each phase be completed before the next phase begins? Adjustments can be discussed. Hallway phases can be done in conjunction with main phases. The VA intends to be within 15-day periods and prepared for moved for contractor. Only phase with major move is Biomed and Logistics move back into their new offices.

28. Will the government be providing Substantial Complete on Letters after the completion of each phase and in accordance with FAR 52.246-21 (warranty of construction-Mar 1994), so that each phase’s warranty can begin once each phase is turned back over to the VA and they have taken possession of that portion of the work? Or will all phases be turned over to the VA upon completion of the final phase? Yes, each phase will have a final punch/final clean and once items are addressed a substantial complete acceptance for that phase will be published.

29. Page G-002 indicates “Alternate Notes” for Locker Room Remodel, Room GC195 EMS Supply Closet, and Bed Lift. The Schedule of Offer Items only indicates one CLIN to price. Does the government want these alternates priced? If yes, will the government provide a revised Schedule of Offer Items reflecting these alternates? Yes, this will be corrected in the amendment to provide line items for alternate deducts. See Attachment E_Revised Schedule of Offer Items.

30. In the statement of work page 3, section 1.04, line A 1, it states that the project is subdivided into 10 separate phases and that between 15 to 30 days shall be allowed between each of these phases. At these numbers on the short end that would be 150 days and at the long period it would be 300 days all to come from the 365 days show as the period of performance. This does not account for 104 days of weekend work or 12 Federal holidays that will also have to come out of the 365 calendar days POP. Actually there are 7 Plan phasing’s and 12 Corridor phasing’s according to drawing sheet GC101 which would take up even more of the POP days. A 365 day Period of Performance is unrealistic for the amount of required phasing in this project. Will the VA please clarify and provide a Period of Performance that is realistic to accomplish the amount of work and phasing required in this project? Hallway phases can be done during major phases of the project. This will help the POP timeline. I.e., Phase 9 hallway can be done during phase 2 work. Phases 8 and 7 can be done while phase 3 is underway or phase 6 is underway. Phase 1 is already vacant and ready for construction. Phase 2 is in progress already for moves and planning. Once phase 2 is complete the contractor will move to phase 3, while in phase three the phases 4 and 5 will be cleared and ready for construction. Phase 6 will be vacant once contractor reaches point of phase 6. Hallway phase 10 can be done during phase 6 as the contractor is completing work for the whole project.

31. In the statement of work page 3, section 1.04, line A 3, it states the GC to be responsible for removing, temporarily storing, and reinstalling existing furnishings and equipment. Is this to mean personal effects in work spaces such as pictures, computers, books, etc. are included it that statement? Under other projects located at JLM NO computers could be moved by GC and are required to be moved and reinstalled by the VA IT department. Will the VA please clarify?

All desking will be moved by VA personnel as will desktop workstations. Contractor to only assist on removing equipment being trashed or moved within the space larger than VA capability. I.e., a large chain rolling storage system in Biomed.

32. In the statement of work page 5, section 1.06, line B 3, states no photography is allowed without written permission by the CO. If the GC is to remove furnishings and reinstall furnishings, then pictures will need to be made of said items to show their condition before and after. Will the VA please clarify? Pictures can be taken of spaces as long as people are not in photos. This is typical language for clinic space to protect Veteran information. Otherwise, project can take photos, blur out barcodes and personal information for before and after. Contractor has limited equipment being installed by the contractor for the major spaces.

33. The finish schedule shows for epoxy flooring to be RES 1 and RES 3, however the specifications 09 06 00-2.2 Division 9 Finishes show only one type/color of epoxy flooring and specify it as RES

2. Please clarify that only 1 color (Stontec Portobello Road, small flakes) is to be used in all areas specifying epoxy flooring. Has a J&A been done for this product and any other name brand products? Contractor will provide submittals to select final color with VA prior to install. If contractor wants to use an alternative product, then equivalency memo request will be needed prior to submittal process. VA has other products such as Tnemac that are acceptable but must be approved for each project use.

34. Specification 09 67 23.20-8 section D states ½” cove base radius while 09 67 23.20-13 states a 1” cove base radius. Please clarify the correct radius for the cove base. Detail 6 on sheet I-501 shows a 4” high base but does not call out radius. Use 1” cove base radius at all locations.

35. Will there be an epoxy cove base on the locker fronts? Lockers will be installed after floor completion.

36. Epoxy does not bond well to metal on vertical applications. If the cove is required on locker fronts, the application method would be to apply a backer (duct tape or equivalent) to the metal surface and then trowel the cove to the backer to allow the metal to contract at a different rate than the concrete substrate. Please confirm if this method would be accepted. Lockers to be installed after floor completion.

37. In using negative air machines on the ground floor can the tubing be discharged into the hallways, or will it have to be discharged into the ceiling? The air coming out of the tube is cleaner than the air in the hallways because it has gone through the Hepa filter system of the negative air machine. Being on the ground level there are very few doors or windows to be able to run tubing to. Please advise. The ICRA plan shows locations for the negative air exhaust for each phase. Most are to exhaust in existing hoods or single way exhaust systems.

38. Plan sheet GC103 shows pin code access for key note 9, if you look at the plan it has 2 arrows coming from #9. Does that mean 2 readers for that one door? Clarification that is 2 arrows for two sticky mats the single door to have pin access. Just one from the exterior side.

39. Sound and Vibration Testing is required per spec section 23 05 41. Per Paragraph 1.1 the listed equipment is not provided part of this project. Does the Spec Section 23 05 41 apply to this project? Yes, any HVAC modifications that have sound and vibration effects will need to be reviewed and adjusted for the project.

40. Duct Leakage Testing is required per spec section 23 31 00. Per Paragraph 3.2 B the Test needs to be performed on the entire air distribution system. The existing ductwork will be reused per the RFP; does this section apply to this project? Reused however various phases are changing out duct and replacing VAVs. All portions of the AHU to be reviewed post construction to verify function and no altered affects to surrounding areas on the same AHU.

41. System Readiness Report Paragraph 3.5 A “The TAB Contractor shall measure existing air and water flow rates associated with existing systems utilized to serve renovated areas as indicated on drawings. Submit report of findings to COR.” Does this need to be completed prior to the demolition as a pre demo survey? Yes

42. Will the government confirm whether the contractor is responsible for commissioning the project? Yes, Commissioning is required.

43. Please clarify who is responsible for taking down the existing central systems in the ceiling throughout the ground floor remodel area. Are they to remain in place and functional? VA HVAC Controls shop will assist with AHU shutdowns. All areas will require vent covers and dust protection during construction. Some AHU may require staying on for air flow which will be coordinated in the field and vent covers will be significant.

44. Some of the existing data outlet locations will need a raceway in room GE113. Are we to provide a communication raceway for data outlets that have the note ETR existing to remain in the room? All data being installed has a raceway for use back to TR closest. Some outlets are being removed in entirety back to the TR closet. See amendments for TR closet information and additional to the drawings.

45. Please clarify the ERT location: are we to use the existing Cat5e data jack and face plate or update them with the new Ivory colored faceplate with new jacks and labels to match the new outlet location and paint? All data not CAT6 or 6A to be updated to be CAT6A. With Ivory Faceplate and TR Closet label touchdown ID.

46. Please clarify that the new communications cabling and Jacks is to be Cat6A plenum Green and

Blue. CAT6A confirmed follow VA TIL For color cable based on connection purposes.

47. Provide information if all the existing data cabling, including access control cabling, fire alarm, and any other associate low voltage cabling that is to remain be supported with new J-hooks if not properly attached to a supporting device already. It has been observed that some of the existing cabling is attached to existing fire sprinkler piping. ALL IT items that are modified in the project to be corrected if no raceway exist and raceway is not possible then use of J-hooks. Any IT equipment that is supported in a non-compliance manner will be brought to the attention of the project COR and then addressed to raceway or J-hooks depending on the situation.

48. Plans Sheet T-001 General Notes states that the VA will conduct a heat map (Wireless Access

Point Survey) of the ground floor for the contractor to install cabling. Will we have this Heat prior to sending in a proposal? The New Technology Plan doesn’t identify adding any new Access Point locations since all existing ones are to remain. Disregard note, existing Wi-Fi AP points to remain in place.

49. Please provide information on whether the Existing IT Data Racks will have room for additional

Cat6A data cabling being proposed in this project. We were not able to view it during the initial site walkthrough. Review IT amendment from IT site visit. Since project is updating and very few add-ons the IT closets have sufficient space for the needs of the project.

50. Please Clarify if the contractor is to provide Cat6A Patch Cords for the new install Cat6a data drop locations. Yes

51. Please confirm if the Biomedical Area Phase 2 requires a separate renovation for the corridor area. Yes, the corridor CG36 can only be done on weekends as blocking those rooms off would prevent Engineering technicians from working out of their spaces. So, if the project phase 2 started on a Monday that follow Friday the contractor could work on phase 9 corridor and reopen for use the following Monday. Then complete the corridor the following weekend.

52. Will the VA consider the Granitex High Build system from APF Polymer Surfaces as an alternative substitute to the specified Stontec Portobello Road system in spec section 096723.20 (Resinous (Epoxy Base) with Vinyl Chip Broadcast RES-2)? Please see the attached product data sheet for a full Granitex High Build system description. Please confirm. If the Granitex meets the specification requirements for flooring and the contractor provides an equivalency request for material the VA can review for concurrence to use alternative product.

53. During the site visit, it was observed that the Environmental Services area (GE100C) and EMS

Offices (GE100A and GE100B) have wall coverings installed. The demolition plan indicates demolishing walls in this area. However, the finish schedule does not outline any work for these rooms. Please clarify whether the contractors need to repair/replace the existing wall coverings or if any specific finishes are required for these designated rooms. The rooms will have paint finish only since the use is altering the operations of the EMS area.

54. Will the VA please provide sheet G-005 mentioned in the sheet notes of the H-101 drawing? The notes indicate an "ACM survey was created for CAVHS in 2014 to identify the type and location of hazardous materials." However, the reference sheet was not included in the solicitation. ACM survey is not in electronic format, all floors, glue to HVAC Ducts, Lab countertops and insulation on piping in ceiling area indicated to have asbestos. Awarded contractor may request to see documents in person to review and verify locations.

55. Has an asbestos survey been completed in the construction area for this project? If so, will the

VA provide the asbestos survey? Yes, but from 2014, no recent surveys of area. Due to experience all flooring will require abatement.

56. Please specify the partition type that needs to be installed for rooms 456, 457, 458,459, 460, 466, GE100D, and GA109A. Regular Gyp 1 hour rated partition type.

57. Please specify if the electronic access control door hardware shall integrate with a specific door control system. Must be compatible with VA System. VA Field staff will assist with PACS touch down during project to verify full operations of install with contractor.

58. Please refer to drawing page H-101. Note 6 in rooms GC157 and GC159 states, "Provide floor sealer after concrete floor abatement." Will the VA provide the specifications of the concrete sealing required for these rooms? Use a general concrete sealer that is used for every day typical use.

59. Will the VA require the Contractor to incorporate “quiet hours” into the work day? If so, please identify the day and hours of any required “quiet hours” so that the offeror can bid and price accordingly? Since not in patient care areas specifically not quiet hours necessary. However, if noise or vibration affects care to clinics directly above the space then General rule of thumb is to do work in evenings from 3pm through night until 7am.

60. Will the VA please provide information on the current thickness of the concrete slab where the plumbing installation trenching will occur? VA as-builts are not clear most of the slab is between 10-15” thick in this area. Awarded contractor can confirm via review of existing documents in NLR Building 1.

61. Will the government extend the bid due date by 2 weeks after all of the RFI’s are answered to allow offerors sufficient time to review the information thoroughly and disseminate that information to trade subcontractors and suppliers in order to provide the most competitive pricing to the government? See response to question 1.

62. Will the VA consider allowing the awarded contractor some space inside the work site or in the immediate area surrounding the site to setup a desk for the onsite superintendent? This will allow him/her to have constant presence inside the facility and the work site. Within each phase the contractor can have space to utilize, after specific phases are done it can be discussed at the time if the contractor can use space for remaining construction work. One room allowed for duration of project is GC159.

63. Trane is experiencing substantial delays in equipment manufacturing and delivery timeframes on a global level. In an effort to reduce major schedule impacts, will the government permit an administrative Notice to Proceed so that submitals can be reviewed, approved and material ordered prior to mobilization? Government may consider a limited NTP if warranted.

64. Will the VA provide specifications for 03 30 00 Cast-In-Place Concrete described in specification

09 6723.20, article 1.2.A Related Work? This information is required for the epoxy subcontractor to determine the appropriate concrete substrate for installing the epoxy floor. Concrete prep is dependent on the epoxy manufacturer requirements. See Attachment B_033000 Cast in Place Concrete for reference.

65. Plan sheet AD101 Keynote 20 states, "Remove Dumbwaiter Car and Attached Bi-Partition Doors," but there is no Section 14 for the Dumbwaiter included in the specifications. Will the VA provide the specifications for the Dumbwaiter? The dumbwaiter is existing to be removed in complete. Specs not available via VA TIL for removal. Dumbwaiter manufacturer information will be provided to awarded contractor.

66. On detail 2 of the plan sheet AE401, the enlarged plan of the bed lift, there is a note indicating, "Basis of Design: Bed Lift SVI Hospital Bed Service Lift SVI International, Inc." Attachment D additionally includes the cut sheet of HBL-1000. However, it does not specify the model that the VA intends to use. Will the VA please provide the specification Section 11 for the Bed Lift Equipment? The VA provided a model that is what is preferred. It will be part of the submittal process to select the model that fits best for the space within the room, with VA review prior to install. Manufacturer’s may have newer models or updated models which is why the selected model was not determined. See Attachment D_Appendix H Cutsheets attached to original solicitation, which has been attached to this amendment.

67. Will the VA clarify the lavatory type to be installed on fixture P-418? Note 3 on page sheet P- 601, the keynote mentions to "install new wall-mounted lavatory," but the fixture schedule does not provide any information on the lavatory type. Although details on the faucet have been provided, it would be helpful to have information on the lavatory type as well. Intent is to use similar to existing sinks in place. American Standard Lucerne Wall-Hung Sink, Single Hole Faucet is recommended.