A0001_Attachment B_RFIs and Government Responses.pdf

RFIs and Government Responses

598-23-505 Mobile PET-CT Trailer Pad Prep- JLM

36C25624R0090

1. AR Admin Rules 006.05.08-004-GR-47 (Ark. Code Ann. § 26-52-401(5)) states in part: “The gross receipts or gross proceeds derived from sales to the United States Government are exempt from the tax. Contractors purchasing tangible personal property or taxable services pursuant to a contract with the United States Government are the consumers of such property or services and must pay the tax when they purchase the property or services.”

(emphasis added). Please confirm that the CAVHS’ tax-exempt status as a federal entity does not flow down to contractors for this project?

Response: Correct: Per GR-47 and GR-47.1 – Unless purchases are direct billed and paid for by the Federal Government, sales tax applies.

2. Per Statement of Work (SOW) Section 01 00 00 General Requirements Part 1.04.C, it states "Contractor to verify electrical, telecom, water, drainage, and sewer hook ups are compatible with the PET-CT scan Mobile Trailer,” However, the solicitation documents do not specify the model and manufacturer of the PET-CT scan Mobile Trailer intended to be used by the VA. Will the government provide more information about the specific PET- CT scan mobile trailer that the VA intends to use, including the technical data, model, and manufacturer, so that the contractor can verify whether the existing utilities will work or if modifications are needed?

Response: Contractor to install individual services and service terminations as described in the SOW. No mobile info is available at this time.

3. During the site visit, we tried to verify all the existing utilities around the pad but could not inspect the electrical or telecom installations because the electrical box was locked. Please refer to the attached picture. Will the government provide photos showing what is inside the electrical box, ensuring that any labels on the electrical panel or installations are legible? This will help the contractor understand the current conditions accurately.

Response: See pictures below

4. Page 14 of the Solicitation indicates to submit 3 to 5 Exhibit E Past and Present Performance questionnaires for Factor 2 of proposals. It is challenging to get contracting personnel on past projects to respond to these questionnaires, particularly during the end of the fiscal year. Will the government accept CPARS in-lieu of Exhibit E Past and Present Performance Questionnaires?

Response: The government will review CPARS, in addition to contractor efforts to provide Exhibit E Questionnaire.

5. Will the government clarify if there is any specific software requirement for submittals?

Response: Electronic submittals are required. Software to be provided by contractor. Software to be accessible and approved by VA.

6. Will the government clarify where the laydown area is located?

Response: The only laydown is inside the construction fence for this project as detailed on Appendix A-Drawings of Work of the solicitation.

7. Per SOW Section 01 00 00 General Requirements Part 1.04.C.1, the current plan states that the contractor needs to install a new sanitary connection from the trailer pad to an existing sanitary line located 15-20 feet deep, including the addition of a manhole for easy maintenance. Has the government considered the challenges and safety concerns of excavating a 20-foot-deep hole to install the new sewer line connection in the proposed location?

Response: Yes.

8. Will the government consider an alternative plan that will be easier to install and does not represent safety concerns? For example, during the site visit, we discovered an existing manhole that was not indicated on the plans. This manhole is located between the end of the parking lot and Manhole MH 7H821 and is approximately 6 feet deep. Please refer to the marked plan below. As an alternative plan, would the government consider connecting the new sewer line to this existing manhole?

Response: No.

9. If this option is accepted, the contractor would need to remove part of the existing concrete sidewalk, possibly remove the pole light and reinstall it, but it will be easier than digging a 20-foot-deep hole as proposed in the SOW.

Response: See responses to questions 7 and 8.

10. How long is the covered walkway connecting the mobile trailer to the Emergency Department entrance door expected to be in use?

Response: Contractor to assume permanently.

11. Per SOW Section 01 00 00 General Requirements Part 1.02, states, "Contractor shall completely prepare the site for building operations, including demolition, removal of existing structures, furnish labor and materials, and perform the work to Mobile Trailer Pad Prep for PET-CT, 598-23-505 at CAVHS Little Rock, Arkansas as required by specifications."

Will the VA please clarify what existing structures the SOW is referring to?

Response: Existing structure has been previously removed by the VA.