A0003_Attch A_RFIs and Government Responses_36C25625R0095.pdf

RFIs 36C25625R0095

598-22-127 Mixing Valves for Anti-Scald-NLR/LR

1. Will we be provided with a phasing plan for the sections on each floor, as well as a time frame for completion of those sections? No phasing plan will be provided. The contractor shall coordinate with the COR to establish the completion timeframe for each area.

2. Will we be provided with ICRA classification for each section of the project? Refer to Sheet G-002 for ICRA wall type, typical ICRA details, ICRA Notes, and sheet notes. Contractor to utilize the ICRA Matrix to determine the classification for each section throughout the set.

3. Will we be provided with drawings or guidelines for the temporary ICRA barriers in each building, floors, and sections during each phase of this project? See response to Q2 above.

4. Does the Superintendent need to be directly employed by the Prime Contractor? Must they be on site at all times? Please refer to FAR Clause 52.236-6 Superintendence By The Contractor.

5. Does the SSHO (Site Safety Health Officer) need to be directly employed by the Prime Contractor?

Must they be on site at all times? No, but does have to be on site at all times.

6. Can the Superintendent & SSHO be a dual-hatted individual assuming that the individual is qualified for both roles? Yes, if the individual is qualified for both roles.

7. Are there any other mandatory on-site roles required in this contract? Yes, the Contractor Quality Control (CQC) Systems Manager as indicated in the specifications.

8. Is Procore an acceptable Project Management software to handle submittals, RFIs, etc. once the project is in motion? Yes

9. Does the VA have a specific area in the hospital for laydown and equipment/material storage? If so, where is it located? Will the Site Superintendent/SSHO be allowed to set up a temporary workstation in this location or is a separate job trailer required? North Little Rock does not have office space but has a lot in the Northwest corner of the campus that is dedicated to contractors for staging and storing materials. They can stage a site office trailer in that area as well if needed. The staging and storage area for Little Rock (JLM) is at the Grounds Building but there is not enough room for a site office trailer.

10. Drawing is not clear where ICRA containments are needed or what class the ICRA containments should be. Please revise/advise. See response to Q2 above.

11. No mentions of Ante rooms requirements. Please advise. Ante rooms are required for Level IV.

12. Can the VA provide a specific phasing plan for the project? How many spaces can be taken out of service at a given time? This information would help with manpower allocation and ICRA phases and is crucial to the estimate/budget. See response to Q1 above.

13. When does the VA expect to make an award for this project? The VA anticipates to award by 9/30/25.

14. When does the VA expect the project to start following the award? Within 30 days of award and issuance of the Notice to Proceed

15. Are there any concerns about Asbestos Containing Material or Lead in the areas being worked? See Report for Asbestos at JLM / No Reports for EJT / No information on lead paint.

16. Can an additional site visit be provided? If an additional site visit is needed, please send an email to Contract Specialist, Julius.Jones@va.gov by 08/20/2025 at 2PM CDT and a site visit will be coordinated.

17. Can the VA provide the site visit sign in sheet from the previous site visit? Sign in sheet was published with Amendment 0002.

18. Does the Cabinetry removal and replacement mean re-installation of existing cabinets or replacement with new cabinets? Re-Installation of Existing

19. Can the VA denote which locations on the drawings will require cabinetry removal/reinstallation? For bidding purposes, can the VA provide an estimated quantity & sizes of cabinets to be removed and replaced? The drawings call these out as Lavatory with Anti-Ligature Faucet. This is identified in the schedules on the drawings. Estimated at 144. It will be reinstalled immediately and only the front panel.

20. The drawings' demo notes state to sawcut concrete floors as required, however, the drawings do not provide any specific locations or quantities where saw cutting is required. The bid docs also do not state nor provide any direction for concrete restorations. Please provide more directions as to what is required of this note. For bidding purposes, can the VA provide an estimated quantity of locations & estimated total square footage to be cut and restored? Contractor will not be required to sawcut concrete floors. Demo note is hereby deleted.

21. Subcontractors and suppliers alike are generally unable to hold their prices for 90 days due to current economic instability associated with material cost increases related to tariffs on raw materials. Will the government change the current hold period for this solicitation from 90 days to 60 days? Yes

22. Page 8 of the Solicitation, paragraph f, states that “One (1) PDF copy of the bid bond shall be emailed”. Does the VA want the email of the bid bond in advance of receiving the proposal? Or will the bid bond submitted within the proposal be sufficient to meet this requirement? Submit with the proposal in Volume II as described on page 08 of the solicitation.

23. Page 12 of the solicitation, paragraph 2 indicates that Recent Successful Past Performance must be >90% complete. To maximize competition among offerors, will the VA change this requirement from >90% complete to >75% complete? No

24. What is the anticipated phasing plan that the VA will require for this project? No phasing plan will be provided. See response to Q1 above.

25. Will the VA allow the work to occur within both hospitals at the same time? Yes

a. If so, would this require two separate superintendents to supervise the work at both locations simultaneously? Yes mailto:Julius.Jones@va.gov

26. Will the VA permit construction activities to be performed outside of regular business hours, including evenings and weekends? Refer to Sheet Notes on Sheet G-002.

27. Will the government issue a sales tax exemption certificate for this job to Prime

Contractors, subcontractors, or suppliers? No. Contractors are deemed the end consumer on all materials purchased under a government contract for the state of Arkansas. The tax exemption only applies to direct sales to the federal government that are paid with federal funds. The exemption doesn’t flow through to contractors.

28. Will the VA extend the bid due date by two weeks after all RFI responses are provided, allowing time to review RFI answers and provide the best price possible? Yes, and the extended date will be provided in the amendment associated with these responses.

29. Has the VA completed a VHA Pre-Construction Risk Assessment (PCRA)? If so, will the VA provide it? No, it will be completed before construction.

30. Will the VA clarify if there is any lead-based paint and/or asbestos in the area proposed to be under construction? See response to Q15 above.

31. When was the most recent asbestos survey completed? See Report for JLM / No Report for

EJT

32. Will the VA provide the most recent asbestos abatement survey for the affected areas? Yes / See Report

33. Will the VA provide the piping as-builts for the areas where the work will be complete. No, see project drawings attached to the original solicitation posting.

34. Page P-501, Detail 5: “Hand Sink Detail – With Foot Pedals,” shows a two pedal foot control unit with two outgoing water lines. Chicago Faucets has indicated that this configuration is not commercially manufactured. To ensure proper installation and compliance, will the VA provide updated details clarifying the precise location for the installation of anti-scald valves on hand sinks utilizing foot pedal controls? Foot pedal controls are out of scope. Just follow the details to install the mixing valve.

35. What manufacturer is the basis of design for page P-501, Detail 5: “Hand Sink Detail – With

Foot Pedals,” that shows a two pedal foot control unit with two outgoing water lines? Details shown below. The project scope is limited to replacing the mixing valves only. The existing hand sinks, including their foot pedal controls, are to remain as is - no sink replacement is planned.

36. There is no detail for a single foot pedal control unit with a single outgoing water line. Will the VA provide the details for this configuration? See below for reference. The foot pedal control showing in the detail for reference only, the contractor shall follow the detail to install the mixing valve

37. There is no detail for a two pedal foot control unit with a single outgoing water line. Will the VA provide the details for this configuration? See below for reference. Following detail 5 on P- 501 to install the mixing valves, mixing valves may be under the sink or in the ceiling.

38. Below is a picture from the JLM site visit that shows a two pedal foot controller with one outgoing water line that makes a 90 degree turn into the tile, comes back out from behind the tile, and ends at the faucet.

a. Where does the VA want the anti-scald valve to be installed in this application?

b. If an anti-scald valve cannot be installed in this application, how does the VA want to proceed?

Install the anti-scald valve either under the sink or in the ceiling, depending on site conditions.

39. Will the VA confirm the total count of hand sinks with foot pedal units with one foot pedal, and confirm the room location of these units? See Drawing and Schedules

40. Will the VA confirm the total count of hand sinks with foot pedal units with two-foot pedals, and confirm the room location of these units? See Drawing and Schedules

41. There are many fixtures in the hospital that were not looked at during both site visits. Contractors could not verify that all fixtures were operational. Has the VA verified that all fixtures to be replaced are operational?

a. If it is found that any fixture is partially operational or no longer operational, will the VA cover the cost of the new fixture?

The project scope is limited to installing the mixing valves only. The existing fixtures are to remain as is - no fixtures replacement is planned.

42. If it is the contractor’s responsibility to verify that all fixtures are operational and for confirming the quantity and type of anti-scald valves required for each fixture, will the VA permit multiple site visits to accurately confirm these counts? The COR and Contractor will conduct a post-award walkthrough to verify existing conditions.

43. Specification 22 11 00, Section 2.3A states to use full iron pipe size chrome plated brass piping for exposed water piping connecting fixtures, casework, cabinets, equipment, and reagent racks. Will the use of flex hose connections, where applicable, be accepted as a substitute for iron pipe? Flex hose connections are not acceptable.

44. Will the VA please confirm that the provided drawings, “Attch+B_Drawings+598-22- 127+Mixing+Valve+Anti+Scald+100+BD”, reflect the current existing plumbing conditions from the recent construction projects that have occurred at both the JLM and EJT VAMC’s? These projects include, but are not limited to: JLM SPS Renovations, JLM Ground Floor Renovations, JLM Front Entrance Renovations, JLM Pods 4B4C Renovations, JLM AHU Replacements, JLM Fisher House Site Utilities Prep, EJT Unit 3H Renovations, EJT Dialysis Clinic Renovations, EJT AHU & Chiller Replacements, EJT Physical Medicine Renovations.

a. If the current existing conditions of the plumbing systems from the recent projects at either campus are not reflected on the provided drawings, will the VA please provide as-built drawings for those and any other relevant projects to all bidders, reflecting existing plumbing conditions? Bid Per Plans

45. Will the VA confirm how many rooms have epoxy lined showers/tubs? Bid Per

46. Will the VA confirm how many rooms have tile-lined showers/tubs? Bid Per

47. Will the VA confirm how many rooms have fixtures that are mounted on epoxy walls? Bid Per Plans

48. Will the VA confirm how many rooms have fixtures that are mounted on tile walls?

Bid Per Plans

49. When replacing shower/tub valves with the new thermostatic and pressure balance valves in an epoxy- lined shower/tub, if rear access is not possible and the contractor must cut into the existing epoxy for access, what are the contractor’s responsibilities for refinishing the epoxy? Yes

a. Will an epoxy patch be acceptable? Yes

b. Will a corner to corner refinish be required? No

c. Does the VA have records of the existing epoxy type and color for the areas that require new valves? If so, will the VA provide this information?

No

50. When replacing shower/tub valves with the new thermostatic and pressure balance valves in a tile- lined shower/tub, if rear access is not possible and the contractor must cut into the existing tile for access, what are the contractor’s responsibilities for refinishing the tile? Yes

a. Does VA have records of the existing tile type and color for the areas that require new valves? If so, will the VA provide this information? No

51. During the site visit, it was observed that a bathroom water line access panel had been painted shut, and its door could not be opened. The contractor will need to repair the access panel in order to install the appropriate valves.

a. To provide an accurate price for this project, will the VA confirm the total number and locations of access doors that require repair? Bid Per Plans

b. If an access panel cannot be repaired by the contractor and requires removal and replacement, will the VA cover the cost of the new access door? Bid Per Plans

c. Does the VA have records of the existing wall paint colors for rooms that may require access panel removal and replacement? If so, will the VA provide this information? The contractor is expected to match the paint.

52. Will under-sink piping covers be required for all fixtures? For reference, the picture below is from JLM Room 1E-166, the CT waiting area bathroom.

Under-sink piping covers will be required for all fixtures. See Drawings and Schedules

53. If under-sink piping covers are required, can the VA confirm the total count?

Under-sink piping covers will be required for all fixtures. See Drawings and Schedules

54. Please confirm that and all Basis of Design items and materials that the VA has satisfied all Buy American Waivers, if applicable, and sole source requirements as needed.

Please provide us any Buy American Act Waivers that would be provided under this contract. This is not currently in the plans, documents, or specifications. Please refer to FAR Clause 52.225-9 Buy American-Construction Materials (OCT 2022).

55. Will the VA pay for the engineering and design submittals, as well as all applicable deposits required by various manufacturers to put equipment into design and/or production? Awardee will be required to submit a schedule of values for approval after award. Advanced payments are not permitted.

56. Is the new VA memorandum on bolts for steam and hot water systems applicable to this project? To our understanding A307 bolts are no longer allowed. Yes

57. Tax Exemption: Is this project sales tax-exempt? If so, can the government provide a tax exemption certificate for materials purchased? See RFI Response #27.

58. Notice to Proceed (NTP): How soon after a contract award is the NTP expected to be issued? Anticipate NTP to be issued within 30 days after award. Actual date of issuance of NTP will be determined during the preconstruction kick-off meeting.

59. Submittal Platform: Will the VA accept the use of Procore software or equivalent as the primary submittal platform? Yes

60. Payment for Stored Materials: Will payment applications for materials stored on-site or in a bonded warehouse be approved? Yes. A list of requirements will be provided after award that the contractor shall meet in order for the VA to pay for materials not installed.

61. Bid Hold Period: Will the government consider reducing the bid hold period to 90 days due to current inflation risks? Yes, reduced to 60 days.

62. Economic Price Adjustment Clause: Will the government include an Economic Price Adjustment Clause in the contract to address price fluctuations in materials? No.

63. SSHO and Superintendent Roles: Can the SSHO, QCM and superintendent positions be fulfilled by the same individual, provided qualifications are met? No If not, can the superintendent double as the SSHO? See responses to Q4, 5, and 6 above regarding SSHO and Superintendent roles.

64. Scheduling Consultant: Is an external scheduling consultant required, or can scheduling duties be handled in-house by a qualified team member? Qualified Team Member is acceptable.

65. Temporary Facilities: Are contractors required to provide a temporary site office or trailer, or will space be allocated within the existing facility? Temporary Site Office Trailer at EJT if Needed / Grounds Building at JLM / No Available Office Space at

JLM

66. Parking and Staging: Will there be designated parking and staging area for contractor personnel? Please provide this for each campus. Northwest Lot at EJT / Grounds Building at JLM / No Room for Staging Area at JLM

67. How many parking spaces will be provided if there is on-site parking? Please provide this for each campus. No Guaranteed Spots

68. Site Access and Badging: Will the government provide a detailed badging and access protocol for contractor personnel? Yes, during the post award construction kickoff meeting.

69. Environmental Protection Plan: Are there specific templates or guidelines required for the Environmental Protection Plan, or is a contractor-developed plan sufficient?

Contractor Developed plan is sufficient.

70. Infection Control: Please confirm modular walls (such as STARC) are allowed for ICRA for major dust producing activities. These activities are not anticipated on this project, but we need to know in case they do happen. See response to Q2 above.

71. As-Built Drawings: Are as-built drawings available for existing conditions, or will the contractor need to verify all dimensions on-site? No, see drawings

72. SOW Construction Package, 1.10, A. Confirm that the contractor’s employees will not be subject to daily healthcare screening for COVID? Confirmed.

73. SOW Construction Package, 1.10, A. Confirm that the contractor’s employees will not be required to wear face masks? Confirmed.

74. Some fixtures are noted in the Plumbing TMV Schedule to have mixing valves already.

Can you please confirm that no work will be required at these fixtures? Install all new TMV as noted on the construction document.

75. During the site walkthrough, many foot pedal sinks were found. This may require getting into the wall to install the mixing valve. Please provide a scope and quantity of foot pedal sinks for this project. Bid per plans

76. At the mixing valves under the lavatories and sinks will flexible braided supply lines be allowed. No

77. Details call to insulate all piping exposed below fixtures for Handicapped installations.

ADA fixtures are not designated on the plans. How many locations will this be required?

Bid per plans

78. Regarding the under-sink insulation in the above question. Please confirm that we are only required to install the new supply tubes that we install. Nothing is specified about how to cover these supply lines. No pre-manufactured kit is available for this type of installation. Please provide your preferred method of accomplishing this. Yes, insulate the new supply pipes that the contractor installs insulation following spec. section 22 07 11

79. In the SOW Construction Package and P-001, note 7 it is noted to provide water hammer arrestors. No WHAs are noted anywhere in the plans to be installed. Where are new WHAs required to be installed? Please provide quantity and size information for all new WHAs. Water hammer arrestors are not required for this project.

80. In the SOW Construction Package, it mentions anti-ligature faucet retrofits (1.04, F).

Confirm that the only new faucets required are the shower valves that are noted on the plans. No other type of faucet to shown on the plans to be replaced. If any new faucets are required, other than shower faucets shown, please provide a quantity, type and location. Follow the instructions on the plumbing drawings for the anti-ligature faucets. Refer to drawings 1.P-101D, 1.P-101H, 170.P-103k, and P-501.

81. Group mixing valves are noted. Are there any locations where this would need to be made? Please provide the location, size and type of mixing valve required. The group mixing valves' location, size, and type are provided on drawings and specs.

82. Please confirm that no branch shut-off valves are to be replaced. None are shown to be replaced but there is a detail on P-502. If any new branch valves are required, please provide the quantity, size and type. The project scope is limited to installing the mixing valves only. No shut-off valves replacement is planned.

83. For the stop valve replacements, the VA will have to shut down the various area’s multiple times. Typically, on projects such as this, the existing stop valves are left in place and a quantity of replacement valves for bidding purposes is provided.

Replacement of all the stop valves will have a massive impact on the facility that we are deeply concerned about. Can the existing stop valves be left in place and a quantity of 50 or some other number be figured for replacement? Will the work for these valves need to happen after hours? Please advise as to the time frame this work can be conducted. The existing stop valves cannot be left in place, need to be replaced.

Coordinate with the COR to determine the time frame for stop valve replacement.

After-hours work between 7:00 PM and 5:00 AM may be acceptable.

84. For the ICRA, please confirm that this work will be considered a class 2 ICRA with just a plastic door and sticky mats as there are not really any dust producing activities that are part of the mixing valve work. See response to Q2 above.

85. What are the parameters for requesting an outage for domestic hot or cold water?

What forms are required, and a copy of these forms is requested? What days of the week will outages be allowed? How long will outages be allowed to last? What is the number of days notification that the facility needs for outages? Will the contractor be compensated if the facility cancels an outage or does not allow the outage to happen once give proper notification and required forms? Outage Request Required / 7 Days a Week / No More than 4 Hours / 21-30 Day Notice / No Compensation

86. Has a NESHAP survey been completed of the work areas? Please provide a copy of this survey. No

87. 238220 appears to be the appropriate NAICS code for this project as it is 95% plumbing work. Can the NAICS code be changed to 238220? No, given at least 3 other trades to complete the project, NAICS code 236220 is deemed appropriate.

88. Can press fittings be utilized on the domestic water piping? No

89. Can press fittings be utilized for the new stop valves? No