36C25719B0019-0003001.pdf

Consolidated RFIs with Responses

1. In document 36C25719B0019-004, page 175, section 1.1.A, it lists “Refer to Appendix Item

A “Lerch Bates Elevator Assessment Survey” for intended scope, however there was no Appendix A provided. Can we get a copy of that document, so we know the intended scope of work?

A: Lerch Bates Elevator Assessment Survey document attached as: ‘Amarillo VA assessment and report.pdf’. sallen@sanjac.org

2. Where would the VA designate storage areas to be located to store equipment and materials?

A: Elevator Machine Room at Roof of Building 28, and any other location would need to be discussed at the time of the Pre-Con.

3. Is it required that the contractor furnish the medical center a monthly record of the

Contractors usage of electricity?

A: No.

4. Who currently services elevator fire control system?

A: Thyssen Krupp performs the full services of the elevator including the fire control system, except for the annual testing which is performed by the VA and Vitel.

5. What is the most recent date elevator shunt trip were tested?

A: They are tested every month.

6. When elevators switch to emergency power are all elevators powered?

A: Yes.

7. What was the last test date for elevators switching to emergency power?

A: April 3rd, 2019. Every first Wednesday of the month.

8. Does the VA want to maintain current emergency power supply and associated equipment?

A: Yes, unless the contract states otherwise.

9. Work shall be completed within 90 days? Is that per elevator? Can we request the project be extended to either 540 or 720 days due to the fact that it may take up to 6 months to engineer and fabricate elevator components once awarded?

A: No, the 90 days is not per elevator. Yes, the project may be extended, but no more than 180 Days. SF1442, Page 1, Block #11 is hereby changed to read 180 Calendar Days.

10. Request HVAC monitoring post install of driver-controller and any HVAC modification to be based on actual temperature and humidity readings in the space since regenerative systems eliminate traditional capacitor banks responsible for approximately 90% of the heat generated by the elevator, and the corresponding reduction in HVAC demand is part of the overall savings that results from a regenerative drive system.

mailto:sallen@sanjac.org

A: HVAC monitoring installation would not be able to quantify a “load” from the elevator equipment, as there is other heat dissipating electrical gear located in this space. This monitoring will not be installed.

11. Is there any patient or employee access control systems, like Stanley Wander Guard, the

Hospital locally integrated into the existing elevators that needs to function with the modernized elevators?

12. Can the VA identify the PTS route from the Backup Generator ATS to the Elevator

Mechanical Space?

A: No… Unfortunately, the VA is unable to identify the location for the PTS.

13. Is the Contractor or the VA responsible for the cost of reprogramming the ATS to support a PTS output signal to the Elevators?

A: The Contractor.

14. Travel: The specifications state existing travel is 54’5”; the drawings show 40’0” travel can you please confirm.

A: The elevators only have 4 landings that are 10’ each. It is believed that the building is 54.5’. Distance from Level 1 to Level 4 is 40’ of Travel. This does not include overrun or pit.

Contractor to field verify.

15. Elevator #2, confirm the number of openings. The specifications state 8, the drawings show

7. Per the drawings this elevator does not open at the upper landing.

A: Elevator #2 has 7 openings as it does not open into the OR.

16. Type of opening: the specifications state center-openings; the drawings show 2-spd side opening.

A: Follow specifications.

17. 2.17 states to provide a geared or gearless machine. Does the VA have a preference?

A: Match existing type.

18. 2.18.B refers to idler sheaves. Are the elevators roped 2:1 or 1:1?

A: Match existing type.

19. 2.23 states to provide counterweight safeties. Do the existing elevators have counterweight safeties? If not, are they required?

A: Provide type B safeties on the elevator and counterweights per specifications.

20. 2.26, are the counterweights being replaced?

A: Yes, these shall be included.

21. 2.35 specifications state to provide an auxiliary car station in the front return panel. Refer to questions #15, if these are side opening doors as the drawings show, where will the auxiliary car station be mounted?

A: Question 16 refers to door openings and the response is to follow specs which allow for center opening doors.

22. Please advise how many hall call risers there are for the existing elevators.

A: The question is somewhat unclear, there are 11 Hall Calls in total, assuming Hall Call Risers is being interpreted as Hall Calls. Elevator East Side (Lobby B) has 2 per floor for Elevators two and three, except 4th floor has only 1 for Elevator three in Room 4276 of the OR. Elevator West Side (Lobby A) has 1 per floor shared by Elevators one and two.

23. 2.40 specifications state to provide alpha-numeric position indicators. Please verify this is correct and not digital?

A: Needs to be Digital. 2.40 part B states “Install alpha-numeric digital position indicator…” Digital is correct type of position indicators. Alpha-numeric refers to letter/number indicators (not analog).

24. 2.5 C - Traveler RG6 cable is a coax cable not Ethernet. Ethernet is not available in traveling cables. Is coax acceptable?

A: No, provide traveling cables as specified.

25. 2.6 C – how much future travel needs to be provisioned into controls?

A: No future travel is expected.

26. 2.9 A – Can we sub laptop for desktop station, in regard to remote monitoring?

A: No, this is to be tied into the building automation at the Boiler Plant.

27. 2.12 B MEDICAL EMERGENCY SERVICE Does the VA want key switch or card reader, it calls for either or?

A: Key Switch.

28. 2.12 G – “Medical Emergency” lantern in car on rear wall is there on car w/o rear opening, on other car is it needed in side wall or only need in the one that has it existing?

A: All cabs need medical emergency lantern. Where front and rear openings are present, relocate lantern to side wall.

29. 2.41 A – calls to mount access in wall adjacent to jam, currently in door jamb, if we retain entrances what do they want to do with hole or retain current location?

A: Patch and Repair, Match Existing.

30. 2.48 E – Calls for momentary pressure door open button and constant pressure door close buttons in hall stations that function when car is at floor. Why? What’s the purpose?

A: Refer to 14 21 00 2.47-E. Open and close functions should operate as described in each station where installed. Part 2.48-E refers to Freight Elevators (not included in project) where as 2.47-E is for passenger elevators

31. 3.5 F2 – Is galvanized steel option for fascia and toe guards in lieu of called out baked enamel coating.

A: No. Follow Specifications.

32. Elevator Car Travel: the specs state existing travel is 54’5”; the drawings show 40’0” travel.

A: Refer to RFI#14.

33. Elevator #2, please confirm the number of openings. The specs state 8, the drawings show 7.

Per the drawings this elevator does not open at the upper landing.

A: Refer to RFI#15.

34. Type of opening: the specs state center-openings; the drawings show 2-speed side opening.

A: Refer to RFI#16.

35. Is there a “Buy American Clause”?

A: Yes, the clause is in the solicitation, see 52.225-10 on Page 11.

36. 2.17 states to provide a geared or gear-less machine, please state which one is preferred/required?

A: Refer to RFI #17.

37. 2.18.B refers to idler sheaves. Are the elevators roped 2:1 or 1:1?

A: Refer to RFI#18.

38. 2.23 states to provide counterweight safeties. Do the existing elevators have counterweight

A: Refer to RFI#19.

39. 2.26, are the counterweights being replaced?

A: Refer to RFI#20.

40. 2.35 says to provide an auxiliary car station in the front return panel. Refer to question #3, if these are side opening doors as the drawings show, where will the auxiliary car station be mounted?

A: Refer to RFI#21.

41. Please advise how many hall call risers there are for the existing elevators.

A: Refer to RFI#22.

42. 0 41.0 2.40 says to provide alpha-numeric position indicators. Please verify this is correct and not digital.

A: Refer to RFI#23.

43. 2.5 C - Traveler RG6 cable is a coax cable not ethernet. Ethernet is not available in traveling cables. Is coax acceptable?

A: Refer to RFI#24.

44. 2.6 C – How much future travel needs to be provisioned into controls?

A: Refer to RFI#25.

45. 2.9 A – Can we sub laptop for desktop station, in regard to remote monitoring?

A: Refer to RFI#26.

46. 2.12 B – We need to know do they want key switch or card reader, it calls for either or? Will the government tie in the card reader with the existing system or do we need too?

A: Refer to RFI#27. Card Readers are installed and tied in by the contractor but programmed by the VA / Government.

47. 2.12 G – “Medical Emergency” lantern in car on rear wall is there on car w/o rear opening, on other car is it needed in side wall or only need in the one that has it existing?

A: Refer to RFI#28.

48. 2.41 A – calls to mount access in wall adjacent to jam, currently in door jamb, if we retain entrances what do they want to do with hole or retain current location?

A: Refer to RFI#29.

49. 2.48 E – Calls for momentary pressure door open button and constant pressure door close

A: Refer to RFI#30.

50. 3.5 F2 – Is galvanized steel option for facia and toe guards in lieu of called out baked enamel coating?

A: Refer to RFI#31.

51. 1.1C the Spec states reuse or match existing, the prints do not state reuse existing, is it ok to reuse existing per the specs?

A: The question is somewhat unclear, if referring to specification section 14 21 00 the phrase “reuse or match existing” only appears on the Entrance type & size line item. In this case, reuse would be acceptable if no bid alternates are accepted. If bid alternates are taken then a new finish as called for in the design documents is desired.

52. 2.3A Can we use existing conduit and raceways as long as the new wiring fits in the existing conduit?

A: No, VA prefers new conduit and new raceways.

53. 2.25A Can existing buffers be reused?

A: Replace existing Buffers.

54. 2.39F Will the existing duplex cars stay in duplex operation while the simplex car stays in simplex operation if so, simplex car has its own riser while duplex cars have their own riser, please confirm.

A: During construction, two elevators are to remain operable in all instances. After construction, existing duplex cars are to remain in duplex operation and simplex car is to remain in simplex operation.

55. 2.42B If frames and sills are to be removed, are aluminum or nickel/silver sills required?

A: Neither, Division 14, Section 14 21 00 2.42B states Stainless Steel Sills.

56. Is there a lay down area to store material or place a dumpster?

A: VA will specify a location at time of Pre-Con due to lack of space. This also determines on when the contract is issues award and what projects are also ongoing.

57. When working on elevator that accesses the operating room floor, do you want a temporary wall around entrance to seal off area from the operating room floor while work is being performed?

A: Yes, this will entail Class IV Infectious Control Measures.

58. Assuming there is a location where we can set a crane to lift elevator materials to the roof, please confirm.

A: If the Awarded contractor wants to bring in a crane, a crane plan will need to be presented at time of the Pre-Con and the COR will make arrangements on location and traffic with the facility.

59. The roof has been recently redone so we are assuming there is a warranty on the roof, the new HVAC exhaust fan will require flashing A: Yes, the roof for that area is under a 20 year warranty starting from August 2018 with Carlisle’s Roofing System.

60. Is this project sales tax exempt? If the project is sales tax exempt can the government provide a sales tax exemption certificate?

A: All government contracts are Tax Exempt, the form can be provided to the awardee upon request after execution of award.

61. Will the Government provide comprehensive written badging requirements for the project badging is required?

A: The VA requires all contractors to check in with police and receive a temporary badge daily. When the contractor is going to be on site for a length of time, they will need to fill out paperwork to receive a 90-day badge. All badges must be worn at all times and visible.

All contractors must have a valid U.S. I.D. on them when receiving either type of badge.

More detail will be available at the Pre-Con.

62. Where will the designated parking area be for workers accessing the construction site?

A: Parking will be discussed during the Pre-Con with the awarded contractor.

63. Can the contractor park an office trailer on site? If so where?

A: Yes, but dependent on availability at time of Pre-Con.

64. Can the contractor store a dumpster on site? If so where?

A: Yes, but dependent on availability at time of Pre-Con.

65. Has the work area been checked for asbestos?

A: Yes, there is no asbestos.

66. What is the Governments’ policy if asbestos products are encountered during construction?

A: Policy is for the contractor to report the asbestos immediately to the COR. The project is typically brought to a stop by contracting while the VA has the Asbestos Remediated. Refer to RFI#64.

67. Are there extra divisions mentioned on the specs that are not included in this project? (i.e. 25 10 00 - Advanced Utility Metering System)

68. Are there any divisions of work required on this project that are not listed in the specifications?

69. What is the level of infectious disease control rating for this site?

A: Each floor will have its own ICRA at different requirements. The highest rated floor is the 4th floor where the OR is located and will be a Class IV.

70. Can you provide a detailed description any and all tasks that may be required for this project as it relates to infectious control?

A: Not at this time, as each floor will have a different requirement, Refer to RFI#69.

71. Can the on-site superintendent also act as the QC manager and SSO?

A: Yes, but the superintendent must be on site and present during construction tasks and cannot be assigned to another project during the duration of the Replace Elevator Controls Building 28 project.

72. The hospitals roof has recently been replaced/installed. Does the VA require the previous roofing contractor to perform this work due to warranty concerns? If so, can you provide a POC for the roofing contractor?

A: No, that is up to the contractor. But the contractor that was on it and the POC is – C. R.

Nationwide, Project Manager Kyle Trumble (903) 278-0975. The contractor shall meet the expectations of the current Carlisle warranty and will need to warranty their own work. Refer to RFI#59.

73. There are new curb rails required for the new fan, and the duct will route through the existing opening, which will require new flashing. However, no notes have been included on these issues in the drawings. Can you provide some clarity on this issue?

A: Flash as required, match existing materials and do not void roof manufacturer’s warranty or guidelines. Refer to RFI#59.

74. The existing travel is stated to be 54’5”. However, the drawings show the travel to be 40’0”.

Can you please clarify this discrepancy?

A: Refer to RFI#14.

75. For elevator #2, the specs state 8 openings, but the drawings show only 7 since the elevator does not open at the upper landing. Can you please confirm the number of openings for all elevators?

A: Refer to RFI#15.

76. Can you please confirm the type of openings for all elevators? The specs state center-openings; the drawings show 2-spd side opening.

A: Refer to RFI#16.

77. 2.17 states to provide a geared or gearless machine. Do you have a preference?

A: Refer to RFI#17.

78. 2.18.B refers to idler sheaves. Are the elevators roped 2:1 or 1:1?

A: Refer to RFI#18.

79. 2.23 states to provide counterweight safeties. Do the existing elevators have counterweight

A: Refer to RFI#19.

80. 2.26, are the counterweights being replaced?

A: Refer to RFI#20.

81. 2.35 says to provide an auxiliary car station in the front return panel. If these are side opening doors as the drawings show, where will the auxiliary car station be mounted? (see Question #13 for additional reference) A: Refer to RFI#21.

82. How many hall call risers are there for the existing elevators?

A: Refer to RFI#22.

83. 2.40 says to provide alpha-numeric position indicators. Should this item be this item be digital?

A: Refer to RFI#23.

84. 2.5 C - Traveler RG6 cable is a coax cable not ethernet. Considering that ethernet is not available in traveling cables, is coax acceptable?

A: Refer to RFI#24.

85. 2.6 C – how much future travel needs to be provisioned into controls?

A: Refer to RFI#25.

86. 2.9 A – Can we sub laptop for desktop station, in regard to remote monitoring?

A: Refer to RFI#26.

87. 2.12 B – Does the VA want key switch or card reader? Specs call for either or.

A: Refer to RFI#27 & 46.

88. 2.12 G – Specifications call for “Medical Emergency” display will be in the car on rear wall.

Is this item to be installed new into all cars? Also, this placement is not possible in cars with a rear opening. Can we place this on the side wall in these cars?

A: Refer to RFI#28.

89. 2.41 A – calls to mount access in wall adjacent to jam. If we retain entrances what does the VA want to do with hole? Would the VA prefer to retain current the existing location if we retain the entrances?

A: Refer to RFI #29 for part A. Suggestion to retain current location is acceptable for part B.

90. 2.48 E – Calls for momentary pressure door open button and constant pressure door close

A: Refer to RFI#30.

91. 3.5 F2 – Calls for baked enamel coating for facia and toe guards. Is galvanized steel finish an acceptable option instead?

A: Refer to RFI#31.